Lt. Gen. Walter E. Buchanan III, commander of US Central Command Air Forces, praised the work of coalition forces at Bagram AB, Afghanistan, during a last trip through his area of responsibility. “Bagram has continued to evolve and has become more and more effective as an airlift center and producer of close air support,” said Buchanan. He noted that the Afghanis are beginning “to get on with the business of life,” adding that there is still “a long way to go,” but he believes the coalition “will be victorious.” Buchanan is scheduled to retire this spring.
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.