Air Force spending $4 million a day for Libya war

[The Northerner]

WASHINGTON – The Air Force secretary says the service has been spending about $4 million a day to keep 50 fighter jets and nearly 40 support aircraft in the Libya conflict, including the cost of munitions.

Secretary Michael Donley tells reporters that the Air Force has spent $75 million as of Tuesday morning on the war. He says the U.S. decision to end its combat strike role in the conflict will cut costs, but he could not say by how much.

He says the Air Force has spent close to $50 million on the relief effort for the Japan earthquake, including $40 million to evacuate between 5,000-6,000 U.S. personnel.

The total U.S. costs for the Libya air campaign as of March 28 were $550 million, not counting normal deployment spending.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110405/ap_on_re_us/us_libya_air_force

[theaocp]

1. but, but, but...

we're broke! :shrug:

[The Northerner]

2. No, that's irrelevant

because there's always money when it comes to spreading "freedom" and "democracy". :sarcasm:

America, f*** yeah!!!

[bhikkhu]

3. That's a lot, but a pittance compared to Afghanistan

...which I see little reason or hope for. Costs there are supposed to be about $340 million a day.

If it stays that low and does some good it will be money well spent, at least in a "buying friends" sense, and compared to other ways we spend the military budget (it is "off the table" anyway!)

[enlightenment]

4. My dad (retired AF) sent me an email

detailing the flight of a B2 bomber (so much for 'fighter' aircraft) that flew a 25-hour mission from Whiteman AFB, Missouri to Libya and back. Sole purpose of journey was to drop 45 laser guided bombs on some heavily fortified 'targets' in Libya.

I can only imagine what that little journey cost.

He didn't provide a link to the article (it was forwarded from one of his buddies), so I can't repost; it has the feel of an "AF Officer" magazine article, though.

[bvar22]

5. I believe that is the "low ball" estimate.

If you're not FOR this New WAR,
You're with The Communists AlQaeda The Terrorists Saddam Qaddafi!!!