The first two F-15Cs of the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Fla., have departed for their new home in New Orleans with the Louisiana Air National Guard’s 159th Fighter Wing, which is picking up some newer model Eagles from the active force. The 33rd FW at Eglin is getting ready to take on its new role, serving as the international training center for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. Along with that new mission, the unit will move from Air Combat Command to Air Education and Training Command. Col. Todd Harmer, commander of the 33rd FW, said, “The 33rd Fighter Wing has played an integral part providing air dominance for America and that role will continue as we transition to the F-35.” (Includes Eglin report by SSgt. Bryan Franks)
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.