VADM Suggests Incentive Pay, Bonuses to Keep Pilots
VADM Robert P. Burke believes the Navy may need to offer aviation incentive pay and aviation bonuses to help retain pilots. “We continue to face challenges within some historically retention-challenged communities, particularly among aviators in specific model/type/series platforms,” Burke told Congress.
Is Cybersecurity the National Guard’s Job?
Facing testimony of ongoing Russian tampering, including via use of social media and other online propaganda methods, including states’ electoral integrity in the upcoming midterm elections, a Senate Arms Services subcommittee discussed moving the US’s cybersecurity responsibilities to the National Guard.
BRAC Is Out of DoD’s FY19 Budget Request
The Pentagon’s FY19 budget request abandons its years-long effort to win congressional approval for a BRAC touted to save $2 billion annually.
Organizational Changes Likely in Pacific Fleet
The US Navy is pressing toward a major organizational change that could strip US Pacific Fleet of some or all of its functions and consolidate that power under US Fleet Forces Command on the East Coast.
RADM Gordon Peters New Boss at NAVAIR
RADM Gordon Peters will be the new boss of Naval Air Systems Command. He replaces VADM Paul Grosklags as the top officer at NAVAIR. Also at NAVAIR, RADM Brian Corey will replace RADM Mark Darrah as the program executive officer for unmanned aviation and strike weapons.
Navy Admonished to Fix Pilot Hypoxia Issues
The House Armed Services Committee tells the Navy to “fix” physiological issues facing fighter jet pilots and student pilots. Hypoxia incidents have been increasing in Navy aircraft over the past decade.
Problems Aside, DoD Plans for More F-35s
Pentagon seeks to spend $10.7 billion more on F-35s in FY19, despite persistent problems. DoD plans to put 77 more joint strike fighters their FY19 budget plan, which is due out next week.
Japan’s Air Force Deploys First F-35
The Japanese air force has deployed its first operational F-35 at Misawa Air Base.
Pax Welcomes 1st Italian-Built F-35B
The first F-35B assembled outside of the US landed at NAS Patuxent River last week after completing a transatlantic flight from Cameri Air Base in Italy.
POTUS: Fund Military & Hone Government
In his first State of the Union address, President Trump calls on Congress to “fully fund” military budgets and expand the VA’s expedited firing power to all federal agencies.
