Expressing cautious optimism that Congress will finally acquiesce to USAF retiring the B-52s it wants to let go of, Air Force Secretary Wynne said Monday at the AFA conference in Washington, “Even the most ardent supporters of the B-52 agree that the real answer” to a healthy long-range strike requirement “is a system beyond” the current fleet. He said “support in Congress is gaining” for retiring a good portion of the B-52 fleet.
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

