During a ceremony at Cannon AFB, N.M., Air Force Special Operations Command retires the MC-130E Combat Talon I aircraft (tail No. 64-0523) that led the Son Tay Raid to free U.S. prisoners of war from North Vietnam in August 1970. The aircraft, which had served in recent years with Air Force Reserve Command’s 919th Special Operations Wing at Duke Field, Fla., was to undergo several months of demilitarization before being placed on permanent display at Cannon’s airpark
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…