Gen. 
William Fraser took charge of US Transportation Command in a ceremony at Scott AFB, Ill., over which Defense Secretary Leon Panetta presided. Fraser became TRANSCOM’s 10th commander, replacing Gen. Duncan McNabb, who led TRANSCOM since September 2008. “Under General McNabb, this command has faced one of the most demanding periods in history,” said Panetta during the Oct. 14 change of command. “And it has excelled.” Fraser comes to TRANSCOM from Air Combat Command, which he led at JB Langley-Eustis, Va., since September 2009. “TRANSCOM has earned a tremendous reputation of getting the job done, and I expect nothing short of your continued excellence,” said Fraser to command personnel upon assuming his new post. “I count myself among the very fortunate to serve with you.” McNabb is retiring, effective Nov. 30, after a 37-year Air Force career. “You are indeed the lifeline of the force,” said McNabb in his farewell comments. “We’ve rewritten strategic transportation history.” (Scott report by Bob Fehringer)
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.