A new report details how the proposed $136 million California Space Center at Vandenberg Air Force Base would give San Luis Obispo County a substantial economic boost between tourism, the creation of new jobs, and the results of 10 years of construction, operations, and visitor spending, reports the SLO Tribune News. The majority of the revenue would stay in Santa Barbara County, but San Luis Obispo County should reap on average about $8.7 million per year. The Santa Maria-based Space Authority is negotiating with Vandenberg officials to lease a 66-acre bluff outside Vandenberg’s main gate, which offers visitors a direct view of satellite and rocket launches.
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…