Radar Sweep
Snapshot: DOD and COVID-19
Here's a look at how the Defense Department is being impacted by and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Spangdahlem, U.S. F-16s Are Flying as Airmen Adjust Exercises Around the Coronavirus
The 52nd Fighter Wing has been taking advantage of a late-March string of crystal-clear, sunny days in southwestern Germany and launching F-16 sorties as part of a base readiness exercise—modified, of course, because of the coronavirus.
Space and Missile Systems Center Taking Action to Help Contractors During Pandemic
The U.S. Space Force’s main procurement arm, the Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles, Calif., shifted into telework mode more than a week ago, as did many of its contractors. But as the state of California moved to shut down non-essential businesses during the coronavirus outbreak, SMC worked with state and local authorities to make sure facilities that manufacture satellites, launch vehicles, and other critical equipment stayed open.
Military Families Overseas Say They Can’t Order from Amazon Anymore
Military families were surprised March 25 when Amazon refused delivery for certain items, including diapers, electronics, and clothes, to their international APO, FPO, and DPO addresses. "This item requires special handling and cannot be shipped to your selected location," appeared in red on Amazon's order page for items such as children's games, shampoo, and dog food when the military installation shipping address was to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Italy; or Bahrain.
Army & Air Force Exchange Services Scale Back Cash Purchases to Halt Spread of COVID-19
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is moving to cut back on cash purchases to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Instead, exchanges are requesting customers complete purchases with credit or debit cards, gift cards, or a MILITARY STAR card, according to AAFES.
Raytheon Strikes Strategic Sourcing Deal with Aerojet Rocketdyne
Raytheon said its missile systems business has agreed to a $1 billion, five-year deal to buy propulsion systems from Aerojet Rocketdyne for Standard Missile products.
U.S. Air Force Sets April Deadline for 3DELRR Replacement
U.S. Air Force officials want defense companies to submit prototype proposals for the revamped Three-Dimensional Expeditionary Long-Range Radar (3DELRR) system by April, as part of the service’s effort to get the beleaguered program back on track.
Faster Acquisition
The Air Force is leveraging emerging technologies and new legislation to accelerate acquisition decisions and streamline sustainment. Read more here.
When Secret Mystery Planes Landed at the Air Bases Where I Was Stationed
“It may sound like fiction, but on rare occasions, ordinary air bases have extraordinary mystery visitors,” writes Stephen Walker, a USAF veteran, airline transport pilot, and commercial helicopter pilot. “It happened to me, twice.”