Too many civilian employees have opted to apply for the proffered early retirement and cash buyout programs at Hill AFB, Utah, at least by official reckoning of the number the base can afford to let go. On the first day, there were more than 700 applications. The Washington Post reports that the number is up to 1,100, and there’s still a week to go. Base officials told the Post that they likely would only accept 350 applications—that is what they think will be the base’s fair share of the coming service-wide personnel cuts.
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…