Adm. Timothy Keating, commander of US Northern Command, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that NORTCOM has learned some lessons from Hurricane Katrina. For one thing, Keating told the panel this week, it needs to spruce up its command of rescue operations. He said NORTHCOM’s Air Force component is currently working with the US Coast Guard and the National Guard Bureau to develop a joint search-and-rescue center for large-scale operations after disaster strikes. Airmen carried out thousands of rescues during the September disaster.
The Air Force expects to start modifying its first B-52H Stratofortress bomber with new engines and other upgrades later this year, following the successful review of the Commercial Engine Replacement Program’s design.