KC-135 flight operations are shifting en masse from Fairchild AFB, Wash., to Spokane International Airport and Grant County International Airport, both also in Washington, during a year-long, $42.8 million renovation of Fairchild’s runway. That runway has 50-year-old pavement that has exceeded its useful life. Eight KC-135s will begin operations from Spokane, while the remaining aircraft (up to 28) will temporarily call GCIA home. GCIA, the former Larson Air Force Base, is the “ideal location for the mission to continue,” with personnel rotating on a weekly basis from Fairchild, roughly 110 miles away, said Lt. Col. James O’Connell, deputy commander of Fairchild’s 92nd Operations Group. In addition to ample facilities and space for aircraft, personnel “will be staying in dormitories [and] there are dining facilities and a fitness center, all within walking distance,” noted O’Connell. (Fairchild report by Scott King)
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…