Keesler AFB, Miss., is one of five US military installations to receive the 2013 Commander in Chief’s Installation Excellence Award, announced Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. “The award recognizes the outstanding and innovative efforts of the people who operate and maintain US military installations,” states the Pentagon’s May 20 release. It reflects the “excellent working, housing, and recreational conditions” at these installations that allow for “better mission performance and quality of life for its personnel and family members,” states the release. Keesler, like the other winners, will receive a commemorative trophy and flag as well as a congratulatory letter from President Obama. The other winners are: Army Garrison Fort Rucker, Ala.; Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif.; Naval Support Activity Panama City, Fla.; and Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime in Ohio. Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., was the Air Force’s winning installation in 2012.
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.