The Air Force announced plans to eliminate some 250 fighter jets – including some from Eglin and Tyndall air force bases in Florida - from its inventory to free up money for next-generation aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, according to a news release. The move would save $355 million in fiscal 2010 and $3.5 billion over the next five years. The service would retire 112 F-15s, 134 F-16s and three A-10s. Five additional fighter aircraft already had been designated to go out of service in the next fiscal year. Under the proposal, Tyndall Air Force Base would lose 48 F-15s but retain 28 F-22s. Eglin Air Force Base, which is scheduled to become the home of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Training Center, would lose two F-15s and retain five. (Source: Stars & Stripes, European edition, 05/20/09. AF press release)
