The 2007 budget proposal contains final funding—$2.9 billion—for the C-17 airlifter, providing for delivery of the 180th aircraft in 2008 and production shutdown and tooling storage. USAF plans to upgrade 112 C-5 airlifters. For tactical mobility, the Air Force has requested $867 million to buy nine C-130Js and to cover support and training for various J model aircraft.
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…