Asked for a comment from Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates on the new investigation into the Air Force’s Thunderbirds Airshow Production Services affair by the DOD Inspector General’s office, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said May 7 that the confidence Gates has in the Air Force leadership “remains unchanged.” Morrell then added, “However, he is waiting to hear the results of a couple of outstanding investigations involving them.” Morrell did not elaborate on the other investigations.
The Air Force has finished modifying and testing the new VC-25B Bridge aircraft that will serve as a temporary Air Force One, the service announced May 1. All that’s left now is to finish painting the jet before it starts flying this summer.