Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) asked Gen. Norton Schwartz at Tuesday’s confirmation hearing with the Senate Armed Services Committee (see above) what he thought of news reports that indicated Russia might base nuclear capable bombers in Cuba if the US persists in installing a missile defense system in Eastern Europe. Schwartz said, “I would offer best military advice that we should engage the Russians not to pursue that approach.” He continued, “And if they did, I think we should stand strong and indicate that that is something that crosses a threshold, crosses a red line for the United States of America.”
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.