The CBO does say that by adding another 21 C-17s to the currently planned 180-aircraft fleet, the Air Force could deliver an additional 1,400 tons within the first six days—the point at which a prepositioned ship might arrive. And, the additional C-17s would continue to increase deliveries to a war theater by some 350 tons per day during surge operations. However, CBO sees the airfield infrastructure needs of C-17s as potentially problematic, whereas it says an airship would need no infrastructure. Hmmmmm.
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…