Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel named Robert Cardillo to head the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, succeeding Letitia Long, who is retiring, announced the Pentagon on Monday. Cardillo, who is presently deputy director for intelligence integration in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, will assume the post in October. “I am honored to be asked to lead NGA and humbled by the opportunity to succeed Tish Long,” said Cardillo, who’s been in his current position since September 2010. NGA’s mission is to provide timely, relevant, and accurate geospatial intelligence, like 3-D maps, in support of national security. Long has led NGA since August 2010. She announced her retirement on June 2 after more than 35 years of government service. “Being entrusted with leading the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime,” she said. “I am very pleased that my successor will be Robert Cardillo,” she added. (See also DNI James Clapper’s statement.)
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.