The Air Force Gunsmith Shop has a new name and new parent unit, after 48 years under the umbrella of the Air Education and Training Command and its predecessor organizations. It will still reside in its secure bunker facilities at Lackland AFB, Tex., but it is now part of Air Force Materiel Command. AETC officials call it a good match since the small unit of 11 personnel—now comprising the Air Force Gunsmith Integrated Product Team—has had AFMC as its approval authority for 30 years. Organizationally, the team now falls under the 542nd Armament Sustainment Group at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins AFB, Ga.
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.