Temporary Step Back From Dual Buy

Temporary Step Back From Dual Buy: Key House defense appropriator Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) has decided he cannot force language into the Fiscal 2009 war supplemental to direct the Pentagon to work a dual buy for USAF's KC-X tanker program, but he does plan to pursue the hot topic in the Fiscal 2010 defense legislation, according to a May 1 report by the Press-Register. Murtha, other lawmakers, and many defense analysts support a dual-buy approach, despite continued Pentagon resistance, as the only sure-fire means to quickly field the new aerial refueling aircraft so vital to the US military. A spokesman for Murtha said the Congressman "remains committed to working out a plan that gets tankers in the air faster." Pentagon boss Robert Gates has said a deal that would buy two tankers—a Boeing version and a Northrop Grumman version—would be too expensive. However, supporters of a dual-buy approach question his numbers and some question the Pentagon's grasp of the potential catastrophe should the elderly KC-135s fail.

5/4/2009

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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.

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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.