Rumors have been flying that the Air Force plans to cut, trim, or realign more headquarters elements—particularly major commands and numbered air forces—as it seeks ways to eliminate around 50,000 personnel by 2011. Speculation has run high on a potential downgrade for Air Force Space Command, since the Air Force has not yet nominated a replacement for Gen. Lance Lord, who relinquished command March 3. Stepping in to undercut such a move is Sen. Wayne Allard (R-Colo.), who earlier this month declared he would “oppose any Air Force proposal that will result in a downgrade of Air Force Space Command.” Allard sent a letter to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who chaired the Space Commission that recommended strengthening military space, asking him to declare whether he supports “those in the Air Force who wish to reduce the importance of space.” He also mentioned discussions within the Air Force that would return the Space and Missile Systems Center from AFSPC to Air Force Materiel Command.
The U.S. thwarted a drone attack on U.S. forces at Al Asad air base in western Iraq on April 22, marking the first time that American troops have been targeted since February, U.S. officials said. “We can confirm it was an attack on Al Asad,” a defense official told Air & Space…