Airpower Concerns

Airpower Concerns: As we reported Friday, the Senate on Oct. 22 approved the conference report for the Fiscal 2010 defense authorization bill, and, since the House had passed the legislation on Oct. 8, the policy bill now goes to President Obama for signature. Lawmakers expressed their concern on several airpower issues, including the fighter gaps facing the Air National Guard and the Navy. The bill would slow the Air Force plan to retire some 250 legacy fighters in 2010, requiring no action until 30 days after the service provides a detailed report on how it expects to address shortages in ANG's air sovereignty alert mission. It also authorizes the Navy to enter a new multiyear agreement to purchase additional F/A-18 fighters to address current and forecasted shortfalls in strike fighters. (Conference report summary and full report, large file)

10/26/2009

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.