Re-Shaping PACAF Logistics Support

02/25/2014
02/25/2014: In an interview conducted at Hickam AFB in Hawaii with Col. Mickey Addison, Director of Installations and Mission Support or the PACAF command engineer (A7), the Colonel discusses the places versus places approach to logistics for PACAF.  He emphasized the important role of exercises in shaping ways to support…

Special Report on Italy and the F-35

12/03/2013
2013-12-03 We have just published a Special Report drawing together a number of key interviews and analyses of the Italian approach to the F-35. In the report, we look at the Italian engagement with the F-35 and the thinking of Italian airpower leaders about the impact of the F-35 on…

The USS George Washington in the Philippines

11/20/2013
11/20/2013: The USS George Washington is delivering capabilities being used in the relief effort.  It is also part of the hub and spoke system set up to support air operations as well. [slidepress gallery='the-uss-george-washington-in-the-philippines']  Credit: Navy Media Content Services:11/18/13 In the first, photo taken by Major A. “Papi” Guzman of…

Lessons Learned at Cameri: Their Implications for Asia

11/04/2013
2013-11-04 By Robbin Laird The Italians were significant innovators at the beginning of the era of airpower. They continued throughout the history of airpower to innovate and with the launch of the F-35, they are proving to be innovators once again. Their facilities at Cameri provide support not only for…

Another Aspect of F-35 Culture Change: Building Out the Cameri Facility

11/03/2013
2013-11-03 By Robbin Laird During my visit to Cameri in October 2013, I had a chance to visit the Cameri facility with Fred Napurano, the Italian Program In-Country Operations Lead for Lockheed Martin. Napurano is the key person interacting with Alenia Aermacchi (AAeM) to assist in the standup of the facility. The…

The Italian Way of Procuring the F-35: Shaping a European Base for the Global Fleet

11/01/2013
2013-11-01 By Robbin Laird During my trip to Italy in October 2013, I was able to spend two days at the Cameri F-35 facilities and to then discuss my visit with two senior Italian Air Force officials, intimately familiar with the program and the Cameri effort. I sat down with Lt.…