Erin Conaton was sworn in Monday as undersecretary of the Air Force, filling a post vacant since August 2007. “This is a great day for the Air Force,” said Secretary Michael Donley. He added, “Erin will be a tremendous asset. Her extensive congressional background, coupled with her experience on national security matters, will enable her to be an outstanding champion for our airmen.” Conaton comes to the Air Force from the House Armed Services Committee where she served since 2007 as staff director. President Obama nominated her back in November 2009. The Senate confirmed her nomination on March 4. “I am extremely honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve with the tremendous men and women of the Air Force,” said Conaton. She added that she resolves to be “a leader who reflects the core values of this great institution.” (SAF/PA report by MSgt. Russell Petcoff)
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.