April 2015/$10
AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium
War and Budgets p . 22 & 28 Bolstering Europe p . 38 Mobility Creativity p . 36 AFSOC Renaissance p . 33
Also Bud Wassom George Kenney SAC’s Bombers
April 2015, Vol. 98, No. 4
FEATURES 4 Editorial: Forgotten, But Not Gone By Adam J. Hebert It is time to prioritize the nuclear deter- rent.
22 The Air Force at War By Marc V. Schanz USAF must prepare for high-end con- fl ict while already engaged worldwide.
28 The $10 Billion Gamble By John A. Tirpak USAF can’t execute the national military strategy with sequester-level budgets.
33 AFSOC Renaissance By Aaron M. U. Church The command is working hard to mod- ernize, recapitalize, and stay out front.
36 Mobility Creativity By Michael C. Sirak AMC’s commander stresses innovation in future tankers and the next Air Force One. 22 38 Bolstering Europe By Amy McCullough USAF is moving to counter Russian aggression and uncertainty.
40 Nuclear Force Improvement By Amy McCullough The Force Improvement Program promises grassroots fi xes for USAF’s nuclear forces.
46 An Airman in a Storm By Autumn A. Arnett MSgt. Bud Wassom gave his life protecting his daughter from a deadly tornado.
50 SAC’s Heyday Photos from the collection of Warren Thompson Strategic Air Command’s airborne arsenal is showcased in these rare color photos.
About the cover: An E-3 Sentry returns to 58 Watershed Air War Nellis AFB, Nev., after a training mission By Daniel L. Haulman at the Nevada Test and Training Range. Enemy air forces haven’t challenged See “The $10 Billion Gamble,” p. 28. USAF the US since Operation Allied Force in photo by SrA. Brett Clashman. 1999. 33
AIR FORCE Magazine / April 2015 1 64 George Kenney’s Fighting Spirit By John T. Correll Kenney had numerous strengths but the critical one was that he got along with Douglas MacArthur.
70 The Raiders at Eglin By Robert B. Kane In March 1942, the Doolittle Raiders trained in the Florida Panhandle for their historic mission.
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www.airforcemag.com DEPARTMENTS 6 Letters Publisher: Mark A. Barrett 9 Aperture: CAS confab; PACAF’s Editor in Chief: Adam J. Hebert new boss; The missions are the message .... Managing Editor: Juliette Kelsey Chagnon Special Content Director: Michael C. Sirak 11 Action in Congress Editorial Director: John A. Tirpak 12 Air Force World News Editor: Amy McCullough Senior Editor: Marc V. Schanz 18 Index to Advertisers Senior Designer: Heather Lewis 18 Senior Staff Changes Special Projects Manager: Gideon Grudo 19 Flashback: Close-Up Designer: Kristina Parrill Assistant Managing Editor: Frances McKenney 20 Verbatim Associate Editors: Aaron M. U. Church, June L. Kim 21 Books Special: CSAF Reading List Production Manager: Eric Chang Lee 2015 Photo Editor: Zaur Eylanbekov Media Research Editor: Chequita Wood 75 AFA National Report 78 Reunions Contributors: Walter J. Boyne, John T. Correll, Robert S. Dudney, Daniel L. Haulman, Robert B. Kane, Warren Thompson 80 Airpower Classics: MiG-21 Fishbed
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AIR FORCE Magazine (ISSN 0730-6784) April 2015 (Vol. 98, No. 4) is published monthly by the Air Force Association, 1501 Lee Highway, Arling- ton, VA 22209-1198. Phone (703) 247-5800. Perodical postage paid at Arlington, Va., and additional mailing offi ces. Membership Rate: $45 per year; $30 e-Membership; $110 for three-year membership. Life Membership (nonrefundable): $600 single payment, $630 extended payments. Subscription Rate: $45 per year; $29 per year additional for postage to foreign addresses (except Canada and Mexico, which are $10 per year additional). Regular issues $10 each. USAF Almanac issue $20 each. Change of address requires four weeks’ notice. Please include mailing label. POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to Air Force Association, 1501 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22209-1198. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Trademark registered by Air Force Association. Copyright 2015 by Air Force Association.
2 AIR FORCE Magazine / April 2015 CORPORATE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT The AFA Corporate Membership Program recognizes companies that support the Air Force Association’s mission, people, and events. These businesses play a vital role in making AFA the most powerful advocate for every member of the Air Force family. This month we highlight selected corporate tier members. For more information on the Corporate Membership Program, please visit www.afa.org/CM.
Engility FLIR Systems, Inc. Engility is a pure-play government services contractor providing FLIR’s full line of High Definition ISR&T solutions delivers the highly skilled personnel wherever, whenever they are needed in a combat-proven performance needed for the time-sensitive and cost-effective manner. The company provides specialized technical critical missions of today’s Air Force. With cutting-edge, com- consulting, program/business support services, engineering and mercially developed, military qualified solutions like the Star SA- technology lifecycle support, information technology moderniza- FIRE 380-HDc, FLIR provides proven reliability and a 30-year tion and sustainment, supply chain services and logistics manage- tradition of delivering powerful imaging to today’s operators. ment, and training and education for the US Government. www.FLIR.com | Wilsonville, Ore. www.engilitycorp.com | Chantilly, Va.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. General Dynamics Mission Systems General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), is a lead- General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) connects and ing manufacturer of remotely piloted aircraft systems, radars, and protects critical communication networks across land, sea, air, electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator/ space, and cyber domains. Grounded in a “with you all the way” Gray Eagle aircraft series, and Lynx Multimode Radar. GA-ASI culture, GDMS delivers the highest level of support, keeping its provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with the inte- customers steps ahead of threats with the intelligence and infor- grated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent mation they need for mission success. situational awareness and rapid strike capabilities. www.gdmissionsystems.com | Fairfax, Va. www.ga-asi.com | San Diego
L-3 MacAulay-Brown, Inc. Headquartered in New York City, L-3 employs approximately MacAulay-Brown, Inc. (MacB), has been solving some of the na- 48,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in aerospace tion’s most complex national security challenges for decades. De- systems and national security solutions. L-3 is also a leading pro- fense, IC, Homeland Security, and other federal agencies rely on vider of a broad range of communication and electronic systems our innovative and proven engineering and technical solutions to and products used on military and commercial platforms. The meet the challenges of an ever-changing world. We are dedicated company reported 2013 sales of $12.6 billion. to developing mission-focused and results-oriented solutions. www.l-3com.com | New York www.macb.com | Dayton, Ohio, and Vienna, Va. Meggitt SES Government Solutions Headquartered in the UK, Meggitt is a global engineering group With a fleet of over 50 satellites offering comprehensive glob- specializing in extreme-environment components and smart al coverage, 99.99-percent availability, and three-four hosted sub-systems.Meggitt designs and manufactures environmental payload opportunities every year, SES Government Solutions control and thermal management systems, ammunition han- is an industry leader in supporting US Government SATCOM dling systems, scoring systems and services, airborne pods and missions. countermeasures, air data systems, flight deck displays, and life www.ses-gs.com | Reston, Va. support systems for aircraft and helicopters. www.meggitt.com | United Kingdom
Triumph Group, Inc. Triumph Group, Inc. designs, engineers, tests, manufactures, repairs, and overhauls an extensive portfolio of aerostructures, engine, and aircraft control components, accessories, interior YOUR COMPANY COULD BE FEATURED HERE. components, and subassemblies. Our customers include original equipment manufacturers of commercial, regional, business and Contact Elizabeth Moloney at military aircraft, rotorcraft and aircraft components, as well as [email protected] commercial and regional airlines and air cargo carriers. to join AFA as a Corporate Member. www.triumphgroup.com | Berwyn, Pa. Editorial By Adam J. Hebert, Editor in Chief Forgotten, But Not Gone
ix years ago this month, Barack guarantee that defense to our allies … is reminiscent of what Harold Brown, SObama, the then-new US President, but we will begin the work of reducing Defense Secretary under President journeyed to Prague to declare his de- our arsenal.” Carter, once said of the Soviet Union’s sire for a nuclear weapons-free world. In reality, there was very little new arsenal. To paraphrase: When we build, The strategic deterrent had already been there. Eliminating nuclear weapons has they build. When we stop, they build. an afterthought for 20 years, struggling been US policy under every president Many of these nations—such as Iran, to maintain funding or support from any- since Reagan, and inventories have North Korea, and Russia—are belliger- one not directly supporting the mission. been steadily and dramatically declining ent and threatening to their neighbors. The deterrent may as well be invis- since the 1980s. Others (India, Pakistan, Israel) have ible to many in the military, members of Officials in nuclear leadership posi- long-standing border disputes. For- Congress, and the American public. In tions pointed to Obama’s Prague pledge tunately, although other nations want early 2015, the Iranian nuclear program to maintain nuclear safety, security, and these weapons for many of the same has gotten more attention in the US than effectiveness—but this passage was reasons the US does, there is a clear the nation’s own strategic deterrent. clearly a digression from the President’s worldwide taboo against using them. A deterrent only works if it is known to An effective US deterrent can bring be effective and ready for use, but the a measure of stability even to unstable American nuclear enterprise has long It is time to prioritize the states. Nations such as North Korea been underfunded and under-prioritized. nuclear deterrent. and Iran must be made to understand A catch-up program is desperately that using nuclear weapons would needed. If enemies come to disregard mean an instant end to their leaders the US deterrent, something critically main point, which could be summarized and regimes. important will be lost. as: We need to get rid of these things. The United States should absolutely Nuclear weapons provide essential This cast a tone of obsolescence reduce its nuclear inventory to the mini- insurance for the US, its interests and and irrelevance over the US nuclear mum level necessary to meet national troops overseas, and even to its allies. enterprise. Ingrained habits will now security requirements. The requirement Until 1945, massive and deadly state- take time to overcome. itself can be reduced through verifiable on-state conflicts were the norm. Six- Case in point: At a March 17 House and enforceable arms control treaties, teen million people died in World War I. Armed Services Committee hearing so the US should pursue beneficial Just two decades later, 60 million died with the seven military service Chiefs agreements with nations such as Rus- in World War II. and Secretaries, the word “nuclear” was sia, China, North Korea, and Iran. You Then, suddenly, this type of war uttered exactly nine times in a 31,000- don’t have to like a nation to benefit ended. Nuclear weapons were the prime word posture hearing. It usually came from a treaty with it. reason for this change in human behav- up in conjunction with other capabilities, The US should also defend the Non- ior: Their enormous destructive power such as cyber. proliferation Treaty, making it harder for compels nations to tread very carefully. This is somewhat expected with the new nations to acquire nuclear weap- But the President’s 2009 Prague speech nation still involved in shooting wars, but ons. Work should continue on reducing reinforced an ambivalence seen since the nuclear mission can no longer be ig- and securing materials, to keep them the Cold War ended. nored—or even left on the back burner. out of terrorist hands. The US must also “I state clearly and with conviction The Air Force is taking positive steps, reassure the nations under its nuclear America’s commitment to seek the by pushing for a next generation bomb- umbrella, so that countries such as peace and security of a world without er, cruise missile, and ICBM. It is elevat- Japan, South Korea, Germany, and nuclear weapons. I’m not naïve,” Obama ing the commander of Air Force Global Estonia are not inspired to develop their said. “This goal will not be reached Strike Command from a three-star to a own weapons. quickly—perhaps not in my lifetime. It four-star position and is pumping $160 At the same time, these weapons will will take patience and persistence. But million into nuclear force equipment. serve a valuable purpose for the fore- now we, too, must ignore the voices who Now it must follow through with these seeable future, and the Administration tell us that the world cannot change. We plans, for years. shouldn’t be afraid to publicly support have to insist, ‘Yes, we can.’” Abolitionists bemoan nuclear weap- the mission. The US must modernize to The US “will take concrete steps ons’ very existence and claim that US keep the deterrent credible, and should towards a world without nuclear weap- modernization programs inspire other press on with plans to develop next gen- ons,” he continued. “To put an end to nations to pursue the weapons and ex- eration systems. Strategic deterrence Cold War thinking, we will reduce the pand their arsenals. This is nonsense. must return to a place of prominence role of nuclear weapons in our national The security and influence that nukes in military decision-making. security strategy, and urge others to do offer is clear for all to see. It will soon be 70 years since nuclear the same. Make no mistake: As long as Other nuclear states and nuclear aspi- weapons were used in war. May this these weapons exist, the United States rants have zealously moved forward with be just the beginning. An effective US will maintain a safe, secure, and effec- developing and modernizing arsenals deterrent will help keep the world safer tive arsenal to deter any adversary and while America paused. The situation for the next 70 years, too. %
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It’s Not All About the Cash Money Trophy section: A C-130 crew awarded Events...... [email protected] I read with interest your take on mili- the trophy for 1992 was omitted. This Field Services ...... fi [email protected] tary pay and benefits [“Editorial: Pay crew was intercepted over international Government Relations ...... [email protected] and Benefits and National Security,” airspace by Peruvian aircraft, strafed March, p. 4]. three times, and managed to find an Industry Relations ...... [email protected] The reason most people choose to airfield to land. Unfortunately, one Insurance...... [email protected] stay in the service varies. Pay is just member perished, and six others were one. I think our military is paid well wounded in the incident. Member Benefi ts...... [email protected] today. But I thought I was being paid As a member of that crew, please Membership ...... [email protected] well from 1976 to 1995 when I took add us to the list, as we remember the Communications (news media)...... early retirement at the rank of E-7 at C-130 as a wonderful workhorse, able ...... [email protected] 19 years, one month, and 25 days. I do to withstand great amounts of damage not know where the concept of military and still fly under austere conditions. CyberPatriot...... [email protected] pay having to be equal to civilian pay MSgt. Raymond A. Fisher, Air Force Memorial Foundation...... [email protected] came from. We were always told that USAF (Ret.) the reason for the lower pay was we Papillion, Neb. Magazine had free medical, BAS, and BAQ not Advertising ...... [email protected] taxed, and we did not have to pay The C-130 Hercules is indeed an anything for retirement benefits. “Airpower Classic” and has participated AFA National Report...... [email protected] I looked at the Military Compensa- in numerous roles, as the article stated. Editorial Offi ces ...... [email protected] tion and Retirement Modernization The article listed the AC, EC, KC, and Committee’s report on retirement value MC, but in my humble opinion, failed Letters to Editor Column...... [email protected] for an E-7 under the current system: to mention its very valuable role as a $201,000 and blended $248,649. I have DC-130. During the Vietnam War, the Change of Address been retired for 20 years and have DC-130 flew hundreds of missions, collected $306,925 as of December launching and monitoring drones that Requires four weeks’ notice. Please mail your 2014. So I do not know what hat they would fly over North Vietnam, provid- magazine label and fi rst and last name to the Membership Department at 1501 Lee High- pulled the numbers from. But it is not ing valuable photographic intelligence way, Arlington, VA 22209-1198. You may also based on the real world, and I know used to plan targets and to determine update this information under the Members an E-7 retiring today will be getting a the results of the strike missions. They Only area of our website at www.afa.org, by much bigger monthly check than I do— also provided locations of various types calling our Membership Department at 1-800- about $270 more per month. $529,680 of defensive systems used by the North 727-3337, or emailing [email protected]. in 20 years, not even figuring COLA Vietnamese. Drones launched by DC- increases. Maybe now is the time to AFA’s Mission require retirement contributions and Our mission is to promote a dominant United limited COLA increases for the first 20 Do you have a comment about a years. Once you look at the numbers, I States Air Force and a strong national defense current article in the magazine? and to honor airmen and our Air Force heri- have always thought that there should Write to “Letters,” Air Force Mag- tage. To accomplish this, we: be something for the people who serve a zine, 1501 Lee Highway, Ar- at least 10 years. lington, VA 22209-1198. (Email: Educate the public on the critical need for MSgt. Jeff L. Surratt, [email protected].) Letters should unmatched aerospace power and a techni- cally superior workforce to ensure US national USAF (Ret.) be concise and timely. We cannot security. Great Falls, Mont. acknowledge receipt of letters. We reserve the right to condense Advocate for aerospace power and STEM Missing Mackay letters. Letters without name and education. In reading the article on the C-130 in city/base and state are not accept- Support the Total Air Force family and promote the February 2015 magazine [“Airpower able. Photographs can not be used aerospace education. Classics: C-130 Hercules,” p. 92], I or returned.—THE EDITORS noticed an omission under the Mackay
6 AIR FORCE Magazine / April 2015 1 0 r l r p ri It is true the MC-12s would have g F A i r r i i i been operated by AFSOC airmen. A Air r r li i p l i l r r pr r The fact that the aircraft would have l r r ll ppr i r i A i lli i r been transferred, more accurately, via r i l r r 2015 p 2 1 0 r pr r USSOCOM, is pertinent because the lpi r r p i r l i p r ri r command planned to shuffle and redis- [“Airman’s Best Friend”]. r p r i i A tribute two fleets. Of the 51 MC-12Ws r r l r in service—41 Project Liberty aircraft rri r i i r i / r p A belong to Air Combat Command, and r r r ll ll 10 Javaman aircraft are assigned to ili r i pp r SOCOM. SOCOM planned to split r i i r i i i l R Ra ACC’s aircraft between AFSOC and the i l i ri ri r i r i l Army and pass its Javamen—currently r i r ir ri i Army operated—to AFSOC. In the end, i r pri r ir r i Congress froze and finally barred the i l l r i pl i r transferring all but 13 of the aircraft, r which will go to the Air National Guard A l r Al A 11 l i r r to stand up a special operations mis- 1 i i i i r r r sion in Oklahoma.—the editors 2 1 ppr i i r [“With the Raptors Over Syria,” February, p. 26]. ri ir r p i i i li l l l i r r l l p r r r r p l li i li GAME CHANGER r ri i i li pr l Maximum Clearance, Twice the Range i r i r illi r i lli r i ll r i i i ill i r 22 p i r i pi i r i p i ili r i p i l i i l l i r i r r li ir r ll l ll i p r r r r r ll r i i r A l A i