Air Force Reserve Command officials have decided to move up by one year the shift of resources from its unit in New Orleans. Under BRAC 2005 AFRC had until 2007 to move the A-10 attack aircraft and personnel from the 926th Fighter Wing at NAS JRB New Orleans to other facilities. The devastation of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina has made it impossible for the 926th to maintain its wartime readiness, said officials. The first moves take place next month, when AFRC will shift A-10s to Whiteman AFB, Mo., and Barksdale AFB, La. Other aircraft and personnel are slated to move to Buckley AFB, Colo., and Nellis AFB, Nev., later this year.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.