As for USAF asking to manage its own fleet of aircraft—including retirement when deemed necessary—Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, told defense reporters Tuesday morning that he thinks the issue will be addressed this year. “Stay tuned,” he said, adding, “It’s a tug-of-war, politically.” He acknowledged that Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley has spoken to him about it a couple of times and Skelton says he is sympathetic to the Air Force’s plight.
The U.S. began extensive air and artillery strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria on Dec. 19 in retaliation for the killing of three Americans on Dec. 13 by a gunman affiliated with ISIS, U.S. officials said.
