New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) said Monday that DOD has formed a team to explore the likelihood of bringing a new mission to Cannon Air Force Base to replace the F-16s it lost in the 2005 BRAC decisions. Richardson told the Clovis News-Journal that the team, which includes Michael Wynne, the Administration’s nominee for Air Force Secretary, will report its findings to the Pentagon within 180 days. (Wynne’s nomination hearing is Thursday.)
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.