The Pentagon has challenged the US District Court ruling that would save the Air National Guard’s 111th Fighter Wing at NAS Willow Grove, Pa. (DR, 09/02/05) And, the governor is prepared to challenge that challenge. Despite the prospect of returning to court to do battle, Gov. Ed Rendell’s office tells the Philadelphia Inquirer the state and the Pentagon are still in “discussions.” There is wiggle room in the BRAC commission recommendations. The panel said OK to stripping the 111th’s of its present A-10s, but it suggested the Air Force should try to replace some of them with other A-10s.
As the Air Force readied for its June 21-22 strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the service was also putting its Agile Combat Employment strategy into action, dispersing combat aircraft and Airmen from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in preparation for a possible Iranian retaliatory attack. Some defense experts say…