Volunteers with the 647th Security Forces Squadron at JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, tested their physical and mental stamina during a grueling two-day trial to see if they have what it takes to attend a two-week air assault course later this year sponsored by the Army’s 25th Infantry Division and 25th Combat Aviation Brigade. The 16 airmen selected for the May course will join 464 others, mostly soldiers, as they conduct four- to 12-mile road marches, rappel off Blackhawk helicopters, learn combat assault operations, and undergo rigorous written evaluations and hands-on practicals, said SSgt. Brett Lafreniere, 647th SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of the training. At the end of the two weeks, those who pass the course will earn the Army Air Assault badge. “They’ll hate me for these two days, but they’ll say it’s the most rewarding two days of their careers because they . . . succeeded,” Lafreniere said. (Hickam release by SSgt. Carolyn Viss)
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.