The Pentagon has signed an agreement with the Air Transport Association of America to promote commercially viable and environmentally friendly aviation fuels and, in the process, diminish US reliance on foreign sources of energy, defense officials announced Tuesday. The association represents the major US airlines. “This is a significant step forward … in our mutual goal of promoting energy security and safeguarding the health of our environment,” said Navy Rear Adm. Kurt Kunkel, commander of the Defense Energy Support Center. The agreement, signed on March 19, directs the formation of three teams promote the understanding of these fuels (see Another Alternative Fuel First above) and market opportunities for them. James May, ATA president and CEO, said this agreement builds upon the long-standing collaboration between the US airlines and military in order to reap long-lasting benefits for the entire nation. (Ft. Belvoir report by Kelly Widener)
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said he'd be “comfortable’ with the service taking over the air base defense mission from the Army, provided it was given the resources and manpower to do so. The Army has been slow to devote the resources and attention needed to matching the Air Force’s…