Bearing 
a five-foot broadsword, the enlisted corps of the US Air Force Academy nominated Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, academy superintendent, for induction into the Order of the Sword. “This morning, we’re going to do what enlisted people do best, and that’s take care of our leaders,” said CMSgt. Todd Salzman, academy command chief, in announcing the nomination in a surprise ceremony on Tuesday. Gould “has a passion for the enlisted corps and has for a long, long time,” added Salzman. Gould thanked the enlisted force gathered for the occasion. “Speechless is not even the word. You impress me so much, all of you. I don’t know what to tell you other than thank you,” he said. Gould’s induction ceremony is scheduled for March 19. The order is the highest honor that USAF’s enlisted force may bestow upon an individual. (Colorado Springs report by Don Branum)
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.