Brig. Gen. Mark Atkinson, commander of a major unit at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia, told the Macon Telegraph that a low rating on a recent two-week logistics evaluation did not represent an “across the board” failure. He told the Telegraph’s Gene Rector, that the inspection “did highlight some areas where we need to put more attention.” An Air Force Materiel Command 60-person team scrutinized 83 units and work areas at WRALC. The center received an overall marginal rating, just above unsatisfactory. Atkinson said there were “a few individuals who failed to fulfill their responsibilities.” Tom Scott, president of the American Federation of Government Employees union representing a majority of employees at WRALC told Rector that new employees and “overly zealous” inspectors account for most of the problems.
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.