First Super Galaxy Delivered

First Super Galaxy Delivered: Lockheed Martin said it delivered the first fully modernized C-5M transport to the Air Force yesterday at Robins AFB, Ga. “The C-5 fleet is now beginning to realize its full operational potential,” Lorraine Martin, Lockheed’s C-5 program vice president, said in the company’s release. Lockheed has modified three C-5s to the M-model configuration to date. The other two are scheduled for delivery to the Air Force at Dover AFB, Del., in February. The C-5M, known as the Super Galaxy, feature new avionics, installed under the avionics modernization program, and new, higher performance engines and additional components added as part of the reliability enhancement and re-engining program. These three C-5Ms completed developmental testing in August; the Air Force anticipates beginning operational tests with them in the second half of 2009. The Air Force plans to upgrade 52 of its 111 C-5s to the M-model configuration. The remaining 59 C-5s will get only the new avionics. One of the issues facing the incoming Administration is the composition of the Air Force’s strategic airlift fleet. The Government Accountability Office last month warned against prematurely shutting down Boeing’s production line for the C-17 transport while questions still remain over the costs of the C-5 upgrades. (For more on the strategic airlift issue, read the Mobility Metric Quandary.)

12/10/2008

Verbatim

Appreciative Host
"I know you're here during a difficult time. You're here through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. I promise you, we will find turkeys."
—Republic of Lithuania Chief of Defence Maj. Gen. Arvydas Pocius, expressing his thanks to airmen of the 493rd Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath, Britain, who on Sept. 1, 2010, began a four-month stint with their F-15s in Lithuania to protect the airspace of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania under NATO's Baltic air policing mission.

Verbatim

Family Momentum
"In many ways, this was what the Year of the Air Force Family was all about—connecting airmen and their families with the resources they need. I have confidence the Air Force will capitalize on this strong momentum in the years ahead by continuing to improve our family support programs and ensuring people know what resources are available."
—Suzie Schwartz, wife of USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, commenting on the accomplishments of the Year of the Air Force Family initiative that concluded in July, in a statement provided to the Daily Report, Aug. 22, 2010.