Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) said in a statement this week that Air Force Reserve Command’s 931st Air Refueling Group at McConnell AFB, Kan., would gain 40 full-time positions to offset a maintenance manning shortfall that has plagued the unit for several years. He said: “I have been working with Air Force leadership and the 931st for over four years to address the personnel shortfall at McConnell. I am excited and pleased to see this much needed project unfold and the additional jobs become a reality.” According to the statement, the maintenance shortfall at the 931st ARG, which serves as an associate unit to the active duty 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell, has negatively affected operational readiness for both units.
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
