We asked Army Gen. David Petraeus, commander of US Central Command, whether he had, as we had been told, apologized to Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz for the “joke” Petraeus made about a USAF officer with his pony-tail swinging. He replied: “I did apologize to the CSAF. … Right after it was clear that what was intended in jest was seen by some, understandably, as disparaging. I’ve spent more than six of the last eight years in joint operations with all services, and I think most folks who have worked around me will regard me as a serious team builder. If you look at my remarks at the recent [Air Forces Central Change of Command], you’ll find my true regard for our Air Force.” (Petraeus’ AFCENT remarks)
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.