The Senate on May 19 also confirmed Maj. Gen. Craig McKinley for a third star and to lead the Air National Guard. McKinley currently serves as assistant deputy chief of staff for plans and programs on the Air Staff. He will succeed Lt. Gen. Daniel James III, who has just retired.
Expanded production of the B-21 bomber can be accomplished at Northrop Grumman's existing Palmdale, Calif., facilities, the Air Force said. It also said test aircraft will be so simular to the production version that early examples could be used in combat if called for.