The US Transportation Command decision to dramatically scale back the Patriot Express military-chartered air service by 2008 is on track, say Air Mobility Command officials. They say low “duty” ridership demands the cutbacks. And, although TRANSCOM approved a one-year continuation of service from Seattle to Kadena AB, Japan, at the request of US Pacific Command, AMC officials say if the numbers remain low like the counts so far, the route definitely will be cut in September 2006. That would leave Patriot Express with only those routes that are not covered by commercial airlines.
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
