The 
last two decades of war and continuous operations have taken a significant toll on airmen, their families, and equipment, Secretary Michael Donley said in his speech on the state of the Air Force at AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Fla. “We have a responsibility to rebuild to the full spectrum of readiness and training if the force is going to be prepared for the future, including any unexpected contingencies that may arise,” said Donley in his Feb. 22 address. However, “the modernization we need so badly would likely be delayed even further” under sequestration, he said.
When Airmen eject, the mission is clear: America leaves no warrior behind. Airmen are trained to survive, evade, resist, and escape the enemy, and everyone from ground crew to rescue personnel and commanders are committed to doing everything necessary—and possible—to bring downed Airmen home.