19% Of Marine Aircraft Down For Repairs; Paying For Mistakes Of 1970s

19% Of Marine Aircraft Down For Repairs; Paying For Mistakes Of 1970s
19% Of Marine Aircraft Down For Repairs; Paying For Mistakes Of 1970s

CAPITOL HILL: Marines pride themselves on being ready for anything. But as of today, 19 percent of their air fleet is out of action “long-term” awaiting repairs and spares, the deputy commandant for aviation said today. “It’s 158 — actually, today, 159 aircraft — that the taxpayer paid $8.4 billion dollars for,” said Lt. Gen.…

‘Fundamental Change In Direction’ For F-35; Kendall Floats Plan To Buy 450 Planes

‘Fundamental Change In Direction’ For F-35; Kendall Floats Plan To Buy 450 Planes
‘Fundamental Change In Direction’ For F-35; Kendall Floats Plan To Buy 450 Planes

WASHINGTON: As I watched the seemingly endless string of F-35Bs take off from the deck of the USS Wasp earlier this week, I was struck by how routine it all seemed. During eight days of flying, the F-35Bs flew 108 sorties, racking up 85.5 hours, deputy Marine Commandant for aviation, Lt. Gen. Jon Davis, told us on…

Gen. Davis Hopes To Keep F-35B Out Of War Zones Right After IOC

Gen. Davis Hopes To Keep F-35B Out Of War Zones Right After IOC
Gen. Davis Hopes To Keep F-35B Out Of War Zones Right After IOC

WASHINGTON: As the Marines started doing operational testing of the F-35B aboard the USS Wasp, the head of Marine Aviation is visibly and demonstrably confident the aircraft will meet the date for the plane’s Initial Operational Capabiility. “To me the F-35 program is right on track where it should be,” Lt. Gen. Jon Davis, the head…