Mica Endsley became the Air Force’s chief scientist, replacing Mark Maybury, who had held the post since October 2010. She assumed her new responsibilities on June 3, according to a service release. “I deeply respect the challenges and sacrifices that all of our airmen, at every level, make daily in service to our nation,” said Endsley, who is the Air Force’s first female chief scientist. “To be asked to join them and do what I can to support them was simply an opportunity I could not pass up,” she said. Endsley has been president of SA Technologies in Marietta, Ga., which specializes in cognitive engineering and situation awareness innovation. She’s also served on the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, according to the release. “I’m confident she’ll continue a proud legacy of chief scientists who use innovation and strong leadership to keep our Air Force the world’s finest,” said Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh of Endsley. (Washington, D.C., report by SrA. Carlin Leslie)
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.