The Air Force on Friday hosted a meeting with officials from the combatant commands and DOD to discuss USAF’s controversial proposal to become the executive agent for higher flying unmanned aerial vehicles. (USAF had invited other service representatives, but a spokesman confirmed on April 19 that none showed.) Col. Charlie Bartlett, USAF deputy director for intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance capabilities, called the session “very productive,” saying attendees had been forthcoming about their concerns. The Army, in particular, has criticized the Air Force proposal, prompting USAF officials to try to dispel any notion of some kind of power play. Lt. Gen. David Deptula, ISR point man on the Air Staff, told attendees that the Air Force plan would “ensure the most efficient use of DOD resources” and maximize standardization and integration of UAV systems, providing seamless capability to the warfighter.
Members of the Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing helped save 11 airplane crash survivors off the coast of Florida on May 12. The Reserve Airmen were flying an HC-130J Combat King II and an HH-60W Jolly Green II on a routine training flight when a Coast Guard call diverted…