US Transportation Command chief Gen. Norton Schwartz feels that a force of 205 C-17s and 111 C-5s is the best strategic airlift mix for the nation. He has quoted these numbers to the Senate Armed Services Committee. Schwartz told a Capitol Hill symposium Thursday that those numbers take into account anticipated increases in the size of the Army and Marine Corps. And, given uncertainties in the C-5 upgrade and re-engining, Schwartz reiterated that in his “best military judgment,” he couldn’t recommend shutting down the C-17 line until the C-5’s development issues are resolved. There are signs that Congress may include at least 10 additional C-17s in the 2008 defense war supplemental. That would bring the number to 200.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
