Free Republic

Aging Aircraft Redux: Seapower on US Navy & USMC Fleets Posted 21-Nov-2006 This site has discussed the issue of the USA's aging aircraft fleets, and the consequences as the average age of those fleets continues to grow: rising operating costs, uncertainty re: fleet availability, retention issues, electronics issues, effects on procurement budgets, et. al. An article about the B-52 Avionics Midlife Improvement Program discussed the consequences for the USAF's bomber fleet. In "Aircraft Geriatrics," Seapower Magazine takes a closer look at the consequences on the front lines for the US Navy and Marines' aircraft fleets. The services already have the...

Peacetime Budgets in Wartime: The Coming Decline of the U.S. Military By William R. Hawkins Friday, March 14, 2003 At the February 26 House Armed Services Committee hearing on the FY 2004 Defense budget, chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) questioned the wisdom of further reducing America's military strength as forces mass for war in Iraq.  He noted that the proposed integration of Navy and Marine tactical aircraft squadrons would mean a cut of 497 fighter aircraft, ten percent of the force, and the disbanding of five squadrons. The planes taken out of service will be the oldest, but production of  F/A-18E/F Super Hornets,...