The fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force—retired CMSAF Robert Gaylor—now has his name on the NCO academy at Lackland AFB, Tex. Gaylor is no stranger to the facility, having spoken to more than 27,000 airmen who have attended more than 161 classes at the Lackland academy. He has also donated memorabilia to adorn the academy halls.
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.