During his visit last week to Minot AFB, N.D., Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter thanked airmen at the Air Force Global Strike Command installation for their vigilance in keeping the nation safe as part of the US nuclear deterrent force. “What you do here, particularly the nuclear mission, is the bedrock of our security,” said Carter to more than 200 assembled Minot airmen during his Nov. 2 visit, according to a base release. He added, “It is the foundation for everything we do.” Carter received briefings from base leadership and toured the facilities of the 5th Bomb Wing that operates nuclear-capable B-52 bombers and of the 91st Missile Wing that is responsible for 150 of the nation’s Minuteman III ICBMs. “I’ve spent the day learning what you do, appreciating what you do, and being amazed at what you do here. The first thing I want to say is, ‘Thank you,'” said Carter. (Minot report by TSgt. Thomas L. Dow)
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.