Tucker Fagan
Wyoming Tribune-Eagle -- January 11, 2008

On November 2, 2007 an Air Force F-15 fighter jet came apart in the air over Missouri. The plane was built in 1980. Right after the crash the Air Force ceased all F-15 flights in order to analyze the cause of the crash. Subsequent analysis has revealed there was a serious structural problem caused by years of flying.

How did we get to this point? Why is the United States Air Force flying planes that are 30, 40 or even 50 years old?

Here are some thoughts. First, people in the Air Force are dedicated professionals, who will work with what they have to make this country safe. For them, mission comes first. They work tirelessly to maintain existing air frames. Second, over the last many years with constrained budgets and increased flying requirements protecting the United States and combat missions in the Middle East, less money has been allocated to buying replacement aircraft. Worse, there have been Congressional mandates to keep older aircraft in the inventory even though many studies show that newer more capable and available planes should replace the older models.

Recently Barry McCaffrey, a retired and highly respected US Army General reported the following, “The US Air Force is badly under-funded, its manpower is being drastically cut and diverted to support of counter-insurgency operations, its modernization program of paradigm shifting technology is anemic--- and its aging strike, lift, and tanker fleets are being ground down by non-stop global operations with an inadequate air fleet and maintenance capabilities.” He concludes, “We have under-resourced this proud and crucial fighting force. We lack the equipment, Airmen, and money to adequately defend America in the coming 15 years. We are placing our national security at enormous risk if we do not soon act to correct these crucial shortfalls."

General McCaffrey’s clarion call is underscored by the recent problems with the F-15 force. The warning signs are here, the Air Force’s purchasing power is declining due to larger fuel bills, war operations and health care. Thankfully Senator Mike Enzi gets the picture correct. In his role as a founding member of the Senate Air Force Caucus he has made these points clear to decision-makers in the Executive Branch.

It is great to see members of the Wyoming National Guard return to their families during this Christmas season. They were in harm’s way but now many are safe at home. Don’t forget all those still in the fight. Also know as the troops on the ground know – when they hear an engine in the sky they know it is a “friendly”. The Unites States Air Force and its coalition partners have gained and maintained “air superiority” in every conflict since the 1950s. That’s right since the 1950s. We owe it to those young people “on the ground” to have the most capable Air Force protecting them with firepower, on-scene tactical and strategic intelligence and redundant communication links.

The ravages of war in the Middle East and flight operations protecting the US are grinding down both manpower and machines. Allocating resources to correct this situation needs to be addressed by leadership in the Executive and Legislative branches of government.

Tucker Fagan, Colonel, USAF, retired