The Air Force’s two top leaders are “grateful” that Congress wants to add 10 more C-17s to its fleet, but they want to ensure lawmakers understand that getting the tanker replacement program going is a priority also. Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne told reporters Monday at AFA’s conference that the C-17 addition indicates that Capitol Hill appreciates and wants to address fleet modernization. Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley noted that USAF had asked for seven C-17s at “the top” of its wish list of unfunded priorities for 2007. Moseley said the service would have no trouble absorbing the aircraft as “attrition reserve” replacements for C-17s that are being flown well beyond their programmed hours supporting the wars in Southwest Asia.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.