Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld paid a surprise visit to troops in Iraq this past weekend, thanking them for their service as he prepares to leave office. Hundreds of US forces lined up to take pictures with Rumsfeld, who told them, “For the past six years, I have had the opportunity and, I would say the privilege, to serve with the greatest military on the face of the Earth.” He continued, “For your service, your sacrifice, and for the professionalism and the dedication you demonstrate every day, you have my profound admiration and my deep and everlasting respect.”
Aircraft readiness will suffer if Congress does not approve some $1.5 billion worth of spare parts the Air Force requested in its annual Unfunded Priorities List, sent to Capitol Hill last week, Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin said.