New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) said Monday that DOD has formed a team to explore the likelihood of bringing a new mission to Cannon Air Force Base to replace the F-16s it lost in the 2005 BRAC decisions. Richardson told the Clovis News-Journal that the team, which includes Michael Wynne, the Administration’s nominee for Air Force Secretary, will report its findings to the Pentagon within 180 days. (Wynne’s nomination hearing is Thursday.)
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…