About 23,000 California National Guard airmen and soldiers are on alert as the Oroville Dam threatens to fail, prompting 200,000 people to evacuate the area. Water levels at the dam started to fall Monday stopping spillage, but the dam is still at a risk to fail and release uncontrolled floodwaters, according to ABC News. All of the available California National Guard was placed on alert to be able to respond with aviation support, airborne imagery, water rescue, shelter, and mass casualty care, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said Monday. The Pentagon is also ready to respond with any Title 10 support if requested, Davis said. Beale AFB, Calif., on Monday opened its gates to the community to support hundreds of evacuees, the base posted on Facebook. Some 400 evacuees have already sought shelter at the base, which is coordinating its efforts to assist with the transition to long-term and specialized care through the California Office of Emergency Services, according to the post.
Lawmakers are growing impatient for an overdue fighter recapitalization study from the Air Force, and members say they'll demand more detailed justifications for future aircraft retirements.