Air Mobility Command has activated the 41st Airlift Squadron at Little Rock AFB, Ark., making it the first active duty combat C-130J squadron. Little Rock received its first new J model Hercules last month. The 41st AS was assigned to Pope AFB, N.C., but BRAC 2005 sent the Black Cats packing and trading in their C-130Es. The unit’s members began the move in February.
The Pentagon on March 30 announced a a $3.8 billion contract modification to buy F135 engines for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter from contractor Pratt & Whitney.