The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia runs an around-the-clock operation to generate combat sorties for the war on terror, reports SrA. Erik Hofmeyer. Whether the work is building bombs or loading cargo aircraft, or maintaining the much-in-demand RC-135 Rivet Joint, the airmen deployed from various bases to this forward location are employed in shifts 24-hours per day in an unending cycle.
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.