Air Combat Command has dispatched some 250 airmen and four B-2 bombers from Whiteman AFB, Mo., to join the F-22 fighters currently deployed from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, to Andersen AFB, Guam. This marks the first time that the two stealth aircraft have operated out of Guam at the same time. The B-2s replaced the B-52s that just completed their Pacific region strategic presence rotation and returned to Minot AFB, N.D. Lt. Col. Jason Armagost, commander of Whiteman’s 13th Bomb Squadron, called the dual stealth deployment an “unparalleled opportunity.” He added, “The next couple of months will really highlight and clarify the capabilities that stealth aircraft bring to the table.” (Andersen report by SrA. Ryan Whitney)
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.