The commander of the 81st Training Wing at Keesler AFB, Miss., Brig. Gen. Bill Lord, said Saturday that repairing the damage done by Hurricane Katrina to the base would take at least $500 million, according to the Associated Press service. The medical center, which normally sees some 1,200 patients per day, is closed, with extensive damage.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.