Lt. Gen. Bud Wyatt, Air National Guard director, last week called for careful deliberation when the Air Force considers stripping Air Guard units of flying missions, since those flying units also possess dual-use equipment, such as firefighting vehicles, that are crucial for helping local communities deal with disasters. In written testimony prepared for the House Armed Services Committee’s military personnel panel, Wyatt stated that an F-16 wing, for example, “contains not only F-16 fighter aircraft, but fire trucks, forklifts, portable light carts, emergency medical equipment—including ambulances—air traffic control equipment, explosives ordinance equipment, etc., as well as well trained experts.” These assets are “all extremely valuable in response to civil emergencies,” he noted. If an F-16 wing converts to a non-flying mission, or even a remotely piloted aircraft mission, “much of this dual-use equipment may leave” with the F-16s, stated Wyatt. Accordingly, “we need to ensure our citizens are not left without essential disaster response capabilities” as the Air Force proceeds with its recapitalization and modernization plans, he wrote for the July 27 hearing. (Wyatt’s prepared testimony)
Work Has Begun to Adapt Qatari 747 to Fly as Air Force One
Sept. 15, 2025
The Air Force has started modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for "executive airlift," a spokesperson said Sept. 15. President Donald Trump has said he wants to fly the jet as “Air Force One” since new presidential transports, held up by delays, won't be ready until after his term…
