Sioux Falls, S.D. residents are worried that the F-16s flown by the South Dakota Air National Guard’s 114th Fighter Wing could go away despite the fact they were spared under BRAC 2005. The new concern is that the Air Force’s long-term plan to phase out F-16s in favor of the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter could leave Sioux Falls without a fighter mission. Some residents are taking pre-emptive action, just in case USAF cuts its buy of F-35s or doesn’t decide to place them with the 114th FW, by forming a task force, reports Associated Press news service.
Work Has Begun to Adapt Qatari 747 to Fly as Air Force One
Sept. 15, 2025
The Air Force has started modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for "executive airlift," a spokesperson said Sept. 15. President Donald Trump has said he wants to fly the jet as “Air Force One” since new presidential transports, held up by delays, won't be ready until after his term…