Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Defense Daily
June 20, 2008 By Marina Malenic
Heavy lift capability remains at the top of the requirements list for the nascent U.S. Africa Command, its top official said yesterday.
"Predictable, reliable inter- and intra-continental lift...is so important for us today, as we then are postured and in a stance that will enable us to lead activity that helps to assure stability, as opposed to just reacting to a crisis," said AFRICOM Commander Army Gen. William Ward. "We have that opportunity today, in spite of the challenges of the continent."
Ward said discussions on the number of aircraft needed by the command, which reached initial operating capability last fall, is ongoing.
"I like C-17s; I like C-130s. They can do a lot and make a difference in a hurry," Ward said at an Air Force strategy breakfast on Capitol Hill.
Asked how many such cargo aircraft might be needed, Ward declined to speculate.
"But we are going to continue to look at that and be in dialogue with the Air Force and others to have the capability at hand," he told the audience.
Vice Adm. Robert Moeller, the command's deputy commander for military operations, said last month that the Pentagon is closely examining air logistics-support needs for AFRICOM (Defense Daily, May 28).
During congressional budget hearings in recent months Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley told lawmakers AFRICOM's emergence has increased demand for Boeing [BA]-built C-17 Globemasters, and is one of the reasons more of the airlifters are desired now than previously (Defense Daily, March 10).
Unlike other unified commands, AFRICOM won't have designated forces. It will largely focus on building partnership capacity.
Ward said the Air Force will, in addition to lift, be asked to play a role in air space security and management. He said African countries are in dire need of a transportation infrastructure that is "secure, safe and reliable."
He added that the idea of an air expeditionary force (AEF) organized to support operations in Africa is still being discussed in the Pentagon.
"It could include medical, engineers, security, logistics, legal or any number of specialties our Air Force has to offer," Ward explained.
AFRICOM is expected to be formally established as a unified command in October.
June 20, 2008 By Marina Malenic
Heavy lift capability remains at the top of the requirements list for the nascent U.S. Africa Command, its top official said yesterday.
"Predictable, reliable inter- and intra-continental lift...is so important for us today, as we then are postured and in a stance that will enable us to lead activity that helps to assure stability, as opposed to just reacting to a crisis," said AFRICOM Commander Army Gen. William Ward. "We have that opportunity today, in spite of the challenges of the continent."
Ward said discussions on the number of aircraft needed by the command, which reached initial operating capability last fall, is ongoing.
"I like C-17s; I like C-130s. They can do a lot and make a difference in a hurry," Ward said at an Air Force strategy breakfast on Capitol Hill.
Asked how many such cargo aircraft might be needed, Ward declined to speculate.
"But we are going to continue to look at that and be in dialogue with the Air Force and others to have the capability at hand," he told the audience.
Vice Adm. Robert Moeller, the command's deputy commander for military operations, said last month that the Pentagon is closely examining air logistics-support needs for AFRICOM (Defense Daily, May 28).
During congressional budget hearings in recent months Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley told lawmakers AFRICOM's emergence has increased demand for Boeing [BA]-built C-17 Globemasters, and is one of the reasons more of the airlifters are desired now than previously (Defense Daily, March 10).
Unlike other unified commands, AFRICOM won't have designated forces. It will largely focus on building partnership capacity.
Ward said the Air Force will, in addition to lift, be asked to play a role in air space security and management. He said African countries are in dire need of a transportation infrastructure that is "secure, safe and reliable."
He added that the idea of an air expeditionary force (AEF) organized to support operations in Africa is still being discussed in the Pentagon.
"It could include medical, engineers, security, logistics, legal or any number of specialties our Air Force has to offer," Ward explained.
AFRICOM is expected to be formally established as a unified command in October.