The Ai
r Force’s C-130 Hercules fleet flew more than 23,500 hours above—yes, above—the tactical airlifter’s programmed flying hours. And, that, Gen. Michael Moseley told lawmakers Monday, is why “we are wearing them out.” The Air Force Chief of Staff also noted that over the past five months (September 2006 through January 2007), USAF C-130 and C-17s flew “100 percent of the Marine’s road-transportable missions,” which means about 9,000 troops per month didn’t need to run convoys.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…