When asked how the Air Force has started to shift its focus to the Asia-Pacific region as called for in the new national defense strategy, Air Mobility Command boss Gen. Paul Selva turned the question around and asked when the Air Force ever left that area. “As we look at the future in the Pacific, we shouldn’t be bashful about looking in the rear view mirror,” said Selva during a panel discussion at AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 21.”We shouldn’t forget we didn’t abandon the Pacific, we just changed the state of play.”
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.