The Senate Armed Services Committee markup of the 2008 defense authorization bill like the House version would keep an alternate engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Unlike their House counterparts, Senate authorizers did not reduce the JSF research and development account; instead they added $480 million to pay for the competitive engine program. On strategic airlift, the Senate committee’s markup does not follow the House version, which favors adding C-17s and retiring older C-5s. Senate authorizers did not provide funds for additional new C-17s and, apparently, want to keep the restriction preventing the Air Force from retiring C-5As. The markup summary notes support for “critical efforts to efficiently and effectively modernize the force, including C-5 Galaxy strategic airlift aircraft Reliability Enhancement Re-engining Program.” And, members of the Senate Armed Services Committee want to limit retirements of C-130E/H and KC-135E aircraft. Get ready for the conference round.
Airman 1st Class Marcus White-Allen concocted a story to cover up that he fired his M18 9mm pistol into Airman Braden Lovan’s chest, killing him on July 20, two Airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., testified during separate courts martial proceedings on Oct. 30-31.
