The 49th Fighter Wing at Holloman AFB, N.M., on June 25 became the 49th Wing during a redesignation ceremony at the desert base. “Because this wing now supports multiple missions, today we will officially change your designation from a fighter wing to a wing—one with a wide-range of important and global missions,” said Lt. Gen. Glenn Spears, head of 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern), who presided over the ceremony. In addition to operating F-22s, the base is now home to a remotely piloted aircraft schoolhouse, and more than 20 associate units performing in engineering, medical, test, and other training roles. At some point, Holloman might host F-35 strike fighters for training. Also on June 25, there was a change-of-command ceremony for the wing. (Holloman report by A1C Sondra Escutia) (For history of the 49th FW, see Holloman report by Arlan Ponder.)
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.