The US Air Force Academy Association of Graduates have awarded retired Gen. Hansford T. Johnson and retired Gen. Michael E. Ryan with its 2005 Distinguished Graduate award. Johnson commanded Military Airlift Command and was the first USAFA grad to make four-star rank. Ryan was the second academy graduate to become USAF Chief of Staff. The association plans to honor the two men at the Academy’s Founder’s Day celebration on April 7
Expanded production of the B-21 bomber can be accomplished at Northrop Grumman's existing Palmdale, Calif., facilities, the Air Force said. It also said test aircraft will be so simular to the production version that early examples could be used in combat if called for.