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.
Planning an Air Show Is Hard. At Andrews, It’s Even Harder
Sept. 17, 2025
Joint Base Andrews opened its flightline this month to thousands of civilians, exposing a normally restricted airbase that regularly hosts the president and foreign dignitaries to a curious public eager to see current and historic military aircraft up close and in action.
