Air Force Secretary Wynne sees aircraft technology improvements—both in increased reliability and reduced maintenance—as pivotal to the new thinking that USAF can focus its recapitalization efforts in other areas. These new factors are driving “a re-evaluation of how [the Air Force does] operations,” said Wynne. He added that continuing innovation “will change the Air Force character.”
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…