Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne says that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s “acumen led the Air Force to become lean, lethal, and agile, expanding [the service’s] mission areas for a stronger joint team.” Wynne’s comment follows Wednesday’s announcement that Rumsfeld would resign the top DOD post. Wynne went on to say that Rumsfeld “has strengthened the entire Department of Defense and our nation,” and added that he looks forward to working with the new SECDEF designee, Robert Gates, who “will undoubtedly bring ideas fused with years of experience from various national security roles.”
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
