Airmen with the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, last week hosted representatives of the Kyrgyz defense ministry, exchanging information and putting on demonstrations for their guests to foster the bilateral partnership. “This event gave us a chance to share ideas, explain concepts, and walk through scenarios relative to receiving and repackaging cargo and building a cargo pallet,” said Maj. Travis Hatley, 376th ELRS aerial port flight commander, in Manas’ Oct. 26 release. He added, “It is important that we continue to develop our partnership with our host country and enhance mission effectiveness.” The exchange took place on Oct. 22. “We enjoy coming to the Transit Center and all of the exchanges. We hope to continue to build on this solid relationship,” said Kyrgyz Maj. Momunaliev Sadyr, Frunze 1 Army Aviation base deputy chief of staff. Manas is a US hub for cargo and passenger transport to and from Afghanistan. (Manas report by SSgt. Matt Benedetti)
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.