Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz answers a question on the Air Force's fiscal 2012 budget proposal during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing March 17, 2011, in Washington, D.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley answers a question on the Air Force's fiscal 2012 budget proposal during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing March 17, 2011, in Washington, D.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
The Senate Armed Services Committee hears testimony from Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz on March 17, 2011, in Washington, D.C. The service leaders provided details on the Air Force's fiscal 2012 national defense authorization budget request. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
by Master Sgt. Amaani Lyle
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
3/18/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz discussed the Air Force fiscal-2012 budget request and recent developments in Japan and Libya during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing here March 17.
The Air Force's baseline budget request of $150 billion and $16 billion in overseas contingency operations supplemental appropriations represents a careful balance of resources among Air Force core functions necessary to implement the president's national security strategy, Secretary Donley said.
"This budget request, fully appreciating the nation's extraordinary fiscal condition, supports our Airmen in their continuing efforts to structure the force for maximum versatility across the spectrum of operations for today's requirements and for future challenges," General Schwartz added.
During the session, the Air Force's top leaders said investment priorities will continue to minimize risk and maximize efficiency across the full spectrum of potential conflict.
"Proceeding with development and production of the KC-46 tanker aircraft; implementing the joint strike fighter restructuring; meeting the combatant commanders' need for more intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; investing in the long-range strike family of systems, including a new penetrating bomber; and enhancing space control and situational awareness all remain critical capabilities for both today's and tomorrow's Air Force," Secretary Donley said.
In addition to these investments, Air Force officials will continue to address challenges in readiness -- in particular, the slow but persistent decline in materiel readiness most notable in the service's non-deployed forces and the personnel challenges across 28 stressed officer and enlisted career fields, both of which are the result of today's high operational tempo, he added.
"And of course, we'll continue to support our active, Guard, Reserve and civilian Airmen, and their families, with quality housing, health care, schools and community support," Secretary Donley said.
The secretary and general also noted the effect of the continuing resolution on the Air Force and its mission, as the operations tempo around the globe continues to intensify.
"Without a 2011 appropriations bill, we will have to further reduce flying hours, cancel training and exercise opportunities, delay or cancel weapon system sustainment and depot maintenance activities, and disrupt a multitude of other day-to-day operations," General Schwartz said.
In the wake of Japan's earthquake and its effect on that country's nuclear reactors, Secretary Donley and General Schwartz said the service is bringing to bear all possible capabilities to support ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief there.
"We are using C-17 (Globemaster IIIs) and other assets to help move search-and-rescue capabilities from the United States to Japan," the secretary said. "We've used our helicopter and fixed-wing airlift capabilities to move food and water, equipment and key personnel around the main island in support of the local requirements, as defined by Japanese officials."
Secretary Donley also stated that the Air Force will continue to work closely with U.S. Pacific Command to support the Department of State-authorized voluntary departure of family members and dependents of U.S. officials who wish to leave northeast Japan.
"To date, Airmen and their families are not at risk on our bases," Secretary Donley said, adding that the service will continue to monitor potential health hazards to the 30,000 Air Force members and dependents in Japan.
The Senate panel also asked the service leaders about the current situation in Libya and the U.S. military's ability to establish a no-fly zone over the country.
"It is clear that we could establish a no-fly zone if that was the mission that was assigned," General Schwartz said, adding that the mission would undoubtedly require both United States- and Europe-based resources.
Prudent planning by the U.S. military is ongoing, Secretary Donley said.
"We are working to provide the civilian leadership with options, and ultimately, the president will decide what he wants us to do," the secretary said.
Comments
3/28/2011 6:12:10 PM ET The best way to cut into the DoD budget would be to limit POTUS VPOTUS and FLOTUS movements and limit their aircraft exercising. The costs involved for all the fuel manpower and hotels would surprise everyone.
LDA, D.C
3/28/2011 6:08:18 PM ET Does anyone know if there is talk about early retirements? Former CMSAF McCoy talked about it being on the table during a speech last year. Early retirements were being offered in the mid 90s to save money.
DKA, White House Communications Agency
3/22/2011 8:21:36 PM ET Why keep the F-15 going? One just cost us a lot of money in Libya. Not to mention all the ammunition being spent that adds up. I thought we were trying to save money.
KC, Osan AB
3/20/2011 11:29:01 AM ET It amazes me that they talk about saving money yet they sent an entire team from another base here to ensure we were using our CAC cards correctly...Unbelievable waste of money on a ridiculous TDY.
TSI, SAFB
3/19/2011 5:34:12 PM ET The F-22 buy is stopped at 187 out of 720 in the original request. Keep the production line open with new build F-15 Silent Eagle with the latest modifications to include AESA JHMCs and PW119-100. Buy to fill in the difference between 187 and 720. This would allow the retirement of the legacy F-15C and Ds as well as upgrade ANG and AFRES units with up to date F-15s. Unit costs can be driven down by allow FMS to Japan Israel Saudi Arabia and any other countries that want an updated F-15.
Mark, Florida
3/18/2011 5:31:50 PM ET I am a Cadet in the AFJROTC in Nogales AZ and we get to learn about what makes aircraft go. Money manpower and a pilot it what most aircraft need but the USAF F-15 and F-16 are getting old the P-51 Mustang was and still is a pretty good aircraft but its too old you need to keep updating to keep up with the rest of the world. Like computers you cannot have the same system for more than 3 or 4 years because than it becomes obsolete and system compatibly is gone. 150 Billions of dollars is what it takes to run the best dam Air Force of the world give them the money. The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is a good way to save money and still be able to kick some butt out there it is expensive and future aircraft are going to be more expensive that todays aircraft but I think that our National Security is worth it. I think that its money well spent.C2nd Lt Martin SantosSafety Officer-Nogales
Martin Santos, Nogales AZ
3/18/2011 1:55:45 PM ET Mike the F-15 went into operation in 1976 which makes this aircraft 25 years old. The design is still effective but may not be so in future conflicts. Not sure about the advanced penetrating bomber as I thought this was the mission the B-1 and B-2 were developed for. We need to keep at the forefront of weapons systems. While the current inventory meets today's needs it may leave us in second place in later conflicts. The B-52 used extensively in Iraq and Afganistan was produced in the mid to late 1950s while effective today and good as a stand off weapon for air launched cruise missiles the plane is older than many of hte crews flying them
Mike San Antonio Tx, Randolph AFB Tx
3/18/2011 1:29:24 PM ET Mike - If one F-22 or F-35 has the same air-to-air capability as a squadron of F-16s why would you choose to buy more F-16s?
PB, US
3/18/2011 12:26:34 PM ET If the USAF and the military are so hot on saving money and stretching the budget, why are they not ordering more F-15 and F-16 aircraft, keeping the production line open which will extend the life of the fleet out, just adding the ATF as a special-purpose aircraft like the F-117 was used, as this would be a less costly idea and save loads of budget money for the tanker program etc?
