Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Combat Command will continue to work “very closely” on bomber-related issues even after the former assumes responsibility next month from ACC for the B-2A and B-52H bomber fleets, says Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, AFGSC commander. Klotz told the House Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee on Jan. 21 that there will continue to be much “cross-flow” of information between the B-2 and B-52 communities and ACC’s conventional-only B-1B bomber force since they all operate multi-engine, large platforms with skill sets that are applicable across them. Further, ACC will continue to be the lead USAF organization for tasks like developing combat tactics and planning exercises in which the B-2s and B-52s will participate, he said. Also, B-1s will be invited to take part in AFGSC-sponsored bomber competitions that are being revived, said Klotz. (See T Minus Six)
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.