F-22s Likely to Leave Tyndall For Good; Base Would Host New F-35 Squadrons

The Air Force is proposing that three squadrons of new F-35s replace F-22s at hurricane-damaged Tyndall AFB, Fla. The F-22s would be distributed among the other three main F-22 operating locations, one of which would also be designated as the type’s new training schoolhouse, to improve the Raptor’s readiness and efficiency. The recommendation flows from USAF’s desire to use supplemental funding for Tyndall’s restoration to accommodate the F-35’s unique construction needs. Congress would need to approve the move, and the F-35s would only be deployed at Tyndall after bedding down at other previously announced locations nationwide. Meanwhile, the other missions at Tyndall knocked out by the storm—an air operations center, a weapon test operation, and the Air Force Civil Engineer Center—would all be restored at the base. Only the fighter mission would be affected by the proposal. Read the full story by John A. Tirpak.

Trump Taps Milley to be Next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs

President Trump announced via tweet on Saturday that he planned to nominate Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. If confirmed, Milley, who has served as the top uniformed officer of the Army since August 2015, would replace Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford. Dunford has held the top military position since September 2015, and plans to step down in September 2019, according to a Defense Department release. “I am thankful to both these incredible men for their service to our country,” Trump tweeted. According to various media reports citing anonymous sources, Trump considered two people for the job: Milley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein, both of whom have extensive combat experience. Milley, who wears both the Army Ranger and Special Forces tab, has deployed “a number of times to the Sinai Peninsula, Panama for Operation Just Cause, Somalia, Colombia, Iraq, and Afghanistan,” states the DOD release. Vice Chief of Staff USAF Gen. Paul Selva is expected to retire this summer, but his replacement has not yet been named. —Amy McCullough

ACC Considers Revamping Red Flag to More Accurately Reflect Modern Threats

The Air Force needs to overhaul its premier combat training event because the current model and airspace is far too limited to adequately train for a high-end fight, the head of Air Combat Command’s planning and requirements said Friday. Fifth generation aircraft and modern anti-aircraft systems operate beyond line of sight in ranges that expand beyond fourth generation capabilities, so future exercises should move beyond the Nevada range to prepare for future threats. Read the full story by Brian Everstine.

Air Force Must Overhaul Pilot Training to Address Shortage, Future Threats

As the Air Force grapples with a potentially crippling pilot shortage, it needs to overhaul the way it trains pilots so it can push more pilots through the system and make sure they are better prepared to take on future threats, the service’s head of pilot training said Thursday. As USAF eagerly awaits the arrival of the next generation T-X, 19th Air Force is increasing its use of simulators and other technology to provide more qualified pilots faster. Read the full story by Brian Everstine.

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RADAR SWEEP

Air Force Pararescue and Special Operations Join Search and Rescue for 5 Marines Still Missing Off Japanese Coast

A massive search and rescue operation is still underway for five Marines missing off the Japanese coast, which now includes Air Force special operations assets and elite pararescuemen. Air Force Times

New Satellite Images Reveal Activity at Unidentified North Korean Missile Base

New satellite images obtained exclusively by CNN reveal North Korea has significantly expanded a key long-range missile base located in the mountainous interior of the country, offering yet another reminder that diplomatic talks with the US have done little to prevent Kim Jong Un from pursuing his promise to mass produce and deploy the existing types of nuclear warheads in his arsenal. CNN

Air Force Investigating Bizarre Gate-Crashing Incident at Nellis in Nevada

At least two civilians recently drove unchallenged through the main gate at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., the first act in a bizarre unfolding of kidnapping and sexual-assault allegations made and then retracted, according to multiple news reports. Stars and Stripes

The Air Force May Scale Back the Responsibilities of its International Affairs Office

The duties of the Air Force’s international affairs shop may be changing soon, but its outgoing head believes that may not be a bad thing. Defense News

Spain is Joining France and Germany to Build a Next Generation Fighter That Could Outclass the F-35

Germany and France will welcome Spain as a full partner in their program to develop a next-generation air combat system. Business Insider

Russia Must Scrap or Alter Missiles US Says Violate Arms Treaty

Russia must scrap its 9M729 nuclear-capable cruise missiles and launchers or modify the weapons’ range to return to compliance with a key Cold War-era arms control treaty and avert a U.S. pullout from the pact, a senior U.S. official said Thursday. Reuters

One More Thing:

The Kraken is Not Released. Air Force Squadron’s Bid for Mascot Costume Comes Up Empty

The 628th Force Support Squadron won’t be releasing a Kraken after all. Air Force Times