Air Education and Training Command’s 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB, N.M., has deactivated its 551st Special Operations Squadron. The squadron had trained MH-53 Pave Low helicopter aircrews for special operations since 1989. The Air Force plans to retire the Pave Lows. A base release notes that many squadron personnel will transition to the new CV-22 tiltrotor aircraft, while others, like the Pave Low gunners, will move to the HH-60 Pave Hawk. Kirtland plans to place an MH-53 on static display.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…