On a routine visit to Andersen AFB, Guam, Pacific Air Forces commander, Gen. Paul Hester, told reporters that the base is not ready to host some 7,000 Marines that the Pentagon envisions shifting from Okinawa. (DR 11/01/05) Hester wasn’t saying the move won’t work, just that Andersen need more information and some time to plan. According to KUAM-TV, Hester speculated that the southern part of the base—with renovation—might serve as a home for the Marines.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III rebuffed criticism that the F-35 program has proved too costly and unreliable to serve as the viable backbone of America’s and allies' future fighter fleet on April 30. “I would not categorize the F-35 as a paperweight,” Austin said in response to questioning…