The 62nd Airlift Wing at McChord AFB, Wash., shone in the newly completed no-notice limited nuclear surety inspection carried out by Air Mobility Command, receiving a “satisfactory” rating, the highest grade possible for this type of demanding going-over. Despite the no notice, the wing was “completely ready” to perform its nuclear mission “at a high level of expertise,” said Col. Jerry Martinez, AMC inspector general. This is even though the wing’s commander and all of its group commanders are new and weren’t even present at the unit’s last NSI in January. (It received a satisfactory rating then, too.) The wing, which operates C-17s, is the nation’s primary nuclear airlift force, with responsibility for transporting nuclear weapons, when called upon. This is in addition to its daily cargo and personnel hauling duties. (Scott report by TSgt. Scott T. Sturkol)
Air Force Asking for $1.5B to Fund E-7 in 2027
May 20, 2026
The Air Force’s planned budget amendment to restore funding for the E-7A Wedgetail in fiscal 2027 will be about $1.5 billion, Air Force Sec. Troy Meink told lawmakers May 20. The Air Force also plans to keep funding the E-7 in 2028 and beyond, Meink told the House Armed Services…