Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Military Readiness topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mountain Home AFB commander warns of rising peer threat, outlines water, training and equipment plans
Summary
Colonel Michael Alfaro told the Senate State Affairs Committee that China represents the greatest future power threat and described Mountain Home Air Force Base projects including portable solar power cells, an alternate water supply due to Snake River aquifer depletion, FAA approval sought for lower-elevation flight practice (down to 100 feet), and planned engine divestiture after 2027.
Colonel Michael Alfaro, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, told the Senate State Affairs Committee on Jan. 22 that the U.S. faces a rising peer threat and described local projects intended to sustain readiness.
Alfaro said China is the greatest future power threat and suggested a potential collision between 2027 and 2035, adding that "the U.S. no longer had the technological overmatch enjoyed in prior years." He said that, among other concerns, the United States now lags some adversaries in rapid aircraft production, the number of satellites and missile range, though it retains advantages in alliances and the professionalism of its personnel.
On local priorities, Alfaro highlighted the 366th's development of portable solar power cells as an alternative to large generators so small command centers can relocate quickly. He said award monies were invested in improvements to airmen living accommodations and that the wing was recognized as the Air Force's best installation for 2024. He also described three projects under way: constructing an alternate water supply for Mountain Home AFB because the Snake River aquifer that supplies the base is being depleted; pursuing Federal Aviation Administration approval to permit flight practice at lower elevations in designated areas, down to 100 feet from the current 10,000-foot practice ceiling; and planning divestiture of the engine used in half of the base's F-15E aircraft after 2027.
In a brief question-and-answer period, Vice Chairman Bernt asked what would happen to older aircraft. Alfaro replied that while some F-15E airframes look the same externally, their avionics differ and units with older engines would be evaluated; aircraft not retained would be sent to the aerospace 'boneyard.' Senator Ruchti asked Alfaro to clarify the term 'overmatch'; Alfaro said it referred to relative capacity in production and space- and missile-based assets rather than individual aircrew quality.
Alfaro also summarized "Five and Thrive," a quality-of-life initiative focused on airmen and their families; he cited investments in the nearby elementary school and a program to help students cope with frequent relocations during K–12.
Next steps noted in the minutes: FAA approval for lower-elevation flight practice remains pending, and construction of an alternate water supply is ongoing. The minutes do not record community concerns, environmental reviews or timelines for FAA action.
