April 15, 2014, WASHINGTON (AFNS) - The debate over force structure reductions outlined in the Air Force’s fiscal year 2015 budget should be about capabilities and missions, not aircraft, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III told the Senate here April 10. Testifying alongside Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James at a hearing of the Senate Armed … [Read more...]

April 15, 2014 - Perhaps one of the most familiar series' of airplanes in aviation history, the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and her predecessors have played diverse roles in the success of military, humanitarian, and special operations. Additionally, the versatile aircraft has seen service in firefighting efforts as well as search and rescue missions, and the … [Read more...]

April 14, 2014, WASHINGTON (AFNS) - Air Force nuclear deterrence operations serve a central role in providing deterrence and maintaining stability in today’s increasingly complex national security environment. Maj. Gen. Garrett Harencak, the assistant chief of staff, strategic deterrence and nuclear integration, testified recently before the House Armed Services … [Read more...]

April 11, 2014, HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. (AFNS) - An important milestone was recently reached on a significant upgrade improving capabilities for the Airborne Warning and Control System, better known as AWACS. The 40/45 block upgrade is the largest modification on the U.S. AWACS fleet. It provides a complete replacement of mission computer systems - some of which were … [Read more...]

April 11, 2014, WASHINGTON (AFNS) - Air Force readiness is critical, especially as the time or place of the next crisis is never certain and is rarely what was expected, the Air Force vice chief of staff told a House panel April 10. The range, speed and agility of the Air Force enables it to respond in hours, not days, when called upon, Gen. Larry O. Spencer told members of … [Read more...]