Well, at least they'll get to fly home for the campaigning (excuse me, "fact-finding missions") in relative comfort. http://www.gulfstream.com/products/g550/

I really don't have too much of a problem with acquiring these aircraft, but a long-term "dry lease" would have been a better deal as they won't have too much "unique" in their configuration, and the USAF isn't going to handle most of the maintenance anyway. In it's current situation, the sales commissions for these aircraft are a lot more money in somebody's pocket than a lease commission would have been - - Follow the money and see who gets the end reward!

FYI, Gulfstream's corporate headquarters are in Savannah, GA. Congressman John Barrow, a third-term Democrat and Blue Dog Coalition member is the representative for the Savannah area. That's bringing home the pork, John, just when the Blue Dogs need to be swayed.