The Navy received its first delivery of F-35C Lightning II carrier-variant aircraft June 22. The planes have been assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101, based at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. They will augment aircraft carrier wings’ inventory of F/A 17E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, E-2D Hawkeye battle management and control aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, MH-60R/S helicopters, and carrier onboard delivery (COD) aircraft.
Fanning Becomes Acting SecAF
Eric Fanning assumed the position of acting secretary of the Air Force June 21, succeeding the departed Michael Donley. Fanning, who was approved as undersecretary of the Air Force in April, will continue to serve in both positions. He serves as the civilian leader of the service’s 334,000 active-duty members, 176,000 Air National Guard and reserve members, 170,000 civilians, and their families – as well as an annual budget in excess of $110 billion.
YTD Recruiting, Retention, Largely Hold Firm All active and reserve-component branches of the armed services met or exceeded their recruiting goals through April for fiscal year 2013, which began last Oct. 1. The active Navy (20,825 accessions) active Marine Corps (15,073 accessions), active Air Force (16,537 accessions), Navy Reserve (3,151 accessions) and Air National Guard (5,842 accessions) all met their goals. The active Army (39,707 accessions), Army National Guard (30,442 accessions), Navy Reserve (3,151 accessions), Marine Corps Reserve (5,133 accessions) and Air Force Reserve (4,251 accessions) exceeded their goals. The Army Reserve (15,734 accessions) fell short of its goal of 17,200 accessions.
