The US Air Force is settling in to its temporary home at Manas AB, Kyrgyzistan, and the proof is in the continued enhancements USAF is making to the facility. Recently, in-house and contract construction projects have delivered four new fuel bladders, security grates for storm culverts, relocating guard towers to the outer perimeter fence, force protection fencing projects, and a new base support facility, among other projects. Civil engineers with Air and Space Expeditionary Force 7/8 have overseen eight contract projects and are working another 31.
The Senate passed Republicans’ sweeping tax-and-spending package July 1 in a 51-50 vote, the culmination of a 27-hour marathon legislative session. The package—often called the reconciliation bill—includes a $150 billion package of defense funds that accounts for a significant portion of the money the Air Force and Space Force want…