Three airmen assigned to US Air Forces in Europe headquarters at Ramstein AB, Germany, last week received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in Southwest Asia. Lt. Col. Antonio Castillo was recognized for his work in standing up NATO’s Regional Support Team-Capital in Kabul, Afghanistan, as its commander from Sept. 5, 2009, to March 3, 2010. He also participated in more than 100 combat missions and 30 dismounted patrols. Lt. Col. David Sumera earned his medal for leading the 380th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, the second largest communications unit in Southwest Asia, from July 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010. He ensured continuous communications were available throughout the AOR. Maj. Robert Firman was honored for heading NATO’s Regional Support Command-Capital in Kabul from Feb. 28, 2010, to Aug. 28, 2010. Among his accomplishments, he helped plan and execute the growth of Afghan National Security Forces. (Air Force photo caption by TSgt. Sarayuth Pinthong)
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.