you're watching this week >>> better' back with general norton schwartz. sir, the biggest change in u.s. strategy is the refocus and the pacific. the united states -- as itself united states works to reengage with allies, particularly in that region, what does that mean for the u.s. air force? what are you doing to deepen the coordination, training with the folks out in that region but also fundamentally change your equipment mix? >> i think clearly the rebalance to asia for us has meant the absence of reduction. in other words, as we get smaller as an air force, others should note that we have not taken reductions in the standing force in the pacific area, in the pacific commander area of responsibility. that is the reflection of the priority we are assigning to that undertaking. clearly we have a number of long-term allies. obviously the republic of career, our japanese air self- defense force counterparts, the australians and so on. these are very close relationships, very important. and others, thailand, developing activities with indonesia and others.

wgbh access.wgbh.org >>> next on "this week in defense news," air force chief of staff general norton schwartz sequesio

air force chief of staff general norton schwartz said it best when he stated -- quote -- "the kc-46a tanker is a critical force multiplier and essential to the way this nation fights its wars and provides humanitarian support around the globe." i agree. i recently had the opportunity to speak with air force secretary michael donnelly while at the farnborough air show and i emphasized to him personally the need to base the kc-46a tankers at mcconnell air force base in order to meet the needs of global mobility. it is often said that the military difference between success and failure is logistics, and mcconnell air force base offers the instrumental, logistical muscle that is vital to successful strategic air power. kansans have a long history of supporting air power and air mobility and i know that mcconnell air force base is the best choice for our nation's new tanker fleet. i'm hopeful that kansas airmen ask women will continue to have -- and women will continue to have the opportunity of their tradition of serving and defending our nation with the first round of the kc-46a's. mr.