Implementation next month of Air Force civilian furloughs will free funding to allow the service to bring seven fighter squadrons now operating at very minimal levels back to combat mission readiness, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh said this morning. The service has stood down 33 squadrons since April 1 to reduce flying-hour costs, Welsh said today at an Air Force Association breakfast. In addition to the stand-downs, seven squadrons have been flying at basic mission-capable rates. Funds...
