Dive, Dive

The Air Force has just launched a three-year “deep dive” to better understand and control its logistics costs, said Lt. Gen. Judith Fedder, deputy chief of staff for logistics, installations, and mission support, Thursday. Fedder told the audience attending her...

Two if by Air

Both the continuing resupply of US forces in Afghanistan and the “retrograde”—or return of equipment from that theater—will depend on the Air Force for the foreseeable future, said Lt. Gen. Judith Fedder, the Air Staff’s top logistics official, May 17....

House Appropriators Approve Fiscal 2013 Defense Spending Bill

The House Appropriations Committee approved their version of the Fiscal 2013 defense appropriations bill on May 17. It provides $519.2 billion in base funding—$3.1 billion more than the Pentagon's request—and $88.5 billion for sustaining overseas operations like the war in Afghanistan, matching the Defense Department's proposal, according to a committee release. HAC Chairman Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) said the bill "shores up critical national security needs and provides the necessary resources to continue the nation's military efforts abroad, while finding efficiencies to trim unnecessary spending wherever possible." Of note, the bill prohibits the Air Force from reducing "any Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve units" until Congress passes additional legislation authorizing such acts. "The committee does not concur with the Air Force's proposed force structure plan," states the report (caution, large-sized file) accompanying the bill. Accordingly, the committee prohibits "the use of funds for the retirement, divestiture, realignment, or transfer of any aircraft and associated missions." This means, for example, no elimination of C-27J or Global Hawk Block 30 aircraft next fiscal year. Noting Air Force concerns about having to sustain excess assets and personnel over its proposed force levels, the committee said it added funds to preserve USAF's existing force structure next fiscal year. (See also HAC-D release)

Deadlines Approaching for Voluntary-Separation Programs

June 1 is the deadline for officers to apply for several of the Air Force’s voluntary-separation initiatives, Air Force Personnel Center officials reminded airmen in May 17 releases. “The Air Force is above congressionally mandated manning levels, so we are...

Helping Shoulder the Medical Load

Air Force officials at JB Andrews, Md., recently expanded the base’s medical clinic with an ambulatory surgery center that will help ease the strain on the Defense Department’s Walter Reed Medical Center in close-by Bethesda, Md. Investing $500,000 in new...

Flying Leatherneck Centennial

The Marine Corps celebrated 100 years of marine aviation with a sunset aerial pass-in-review over the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va. “From one generation to the next, marine pilots pass down their legendary fighting spirit,” said Defense Secretary...

Back on Star Status

Corrosion control specialists in early May stripped, repaired, and repainted a T-33 Shooting Star trainer on display at Laughlin AFB, Tex., honoring the base’s flight training heritage. “The aircraft on display represent the history and pride of what we have...