Airmen at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, celebrated the 60-year partnership between the base and host nation. More than 300,000 military members have lived and worked at Spangdahlem since the base officially began operations on May 10, 1953, according to a base release. “Today’s ceremony is meant to honor our two nations and is symbolic for the unity that can be seen on a daily basis,” said Col. David Julazadeh, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, in the May 10 release. He added, “Thanks to the efforts of many through the years, our friendship has grown and strengthened, enabling us to reach this momentous milestone for both of our communities.” The base commemorated the anniversary for its German guests through a variety of exhibits, including a military working dog demonstration, an emergency medical capability test, and A-10 and F-16 static displays, states the release. (Spangdahlem report by SSgt. Daryl Knee)
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.