The Air Force’s Global Positioning System program received the International Astronautical Federation’s special 60th Anniversary Award for outstanding achievement in space applications. IAF recognized the “uniqueness of the GPS program and the exemplary role it has played in building international collaboration for the benefit of humanity.” Gen. William Shelton, head of Air Force Space Command, accepted the award Tuesday on behalf of the Air Force at the International Astronautical Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. “This is a tremendous honor for the Air Force, Air Force Space Command, and everyone on our GPS team,” said Air Force Undersecretary Erin Conaton. “We are proud to have developed and invested in this remarkable system that our airmen continue to operate, sustain, and modernize for the benefit of billions of people.” (Arlington report by SSgt. Richard A. Williams Jr.) (See also Lockheed Martin release.)
Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, held meetings with defense leaders from the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea during a trip to the Indo-Pacific this week.