A vehicle operations supervisor with the 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Minot AFB, N.D., TSgt. Bradley A. Williams is one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2011. Serving with an Army medium truck detachment on deployment, Williams participated in 200 missions, encountering 300 insurgent attacks. He led 17 convoys, providing critical supplies to 23 forward operating bases. He protected six convoys by rerouting them and coordinating with a quick-reaction force after identifying vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices. He thwarted a small-arms attack. He conducted in-theater training, leading 25 pre-mission convoy briefs and reinforcing combat skills for dozens of airmen and soldiers. He was among first responders on a major accident and coordinated life-saving medical evacuation. His feedback at the career field manager deployment after-action conference prompted the Air Force to change its convoy training standards. He received a Bronze Star Medal for his efforts while deployed. At Minot, as acting first sergeant, he personally counseled airmen on numerous financial and family problems. Williams’ home of record is Elkhart, Ind. He represents Air Force Global Strike Command among this year’s outstanding airmen. The Daily Report is shining the spotlight on each OAY. Also featured to date: SSgt. Jordan S. Bishopp, SSgt. John C. Norris, SrA. Nora L. Limjoco, SrA. Daniel T. Skidmore, SrA. Ulla B. Stromberg, and SrA. Raven S. Taylor.
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.