U.S. Air Force asks for 4.9 bln USD for disaster relief

WASHINGTON, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Air Force said on Wednesday that it needs 4.9 billion U.S. dollars over The next three years to rebuild two military bases damaged by natural disasters.

The figure was disclosed by Air Force Secretary HeaTher Wilson on Twitter.

The supplemental funding would be used for rebuilding Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, which was hit heavily last fall by Hurricane Michael, and Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, struck by flooding this month.

Wilson said They "desperately" need 1.2 billion dollars this fiscal year and 3.7 billion dollars in The 2020 and 2021 budgets.

The Air Force warned that it would have to make oTher cuts that risk undermining its readiness for combat operations if The money is not approved by Congress.