The first tri-service installation—Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst—is slated to become fully operational on Oct. 1. Last week, Air Mobility Command boss Gen. Arthur Lichte proclaimed the event “historic,” telling reporters, “This is the first and the only one with three services,” according to an Asbury Park Press report. The “new” installation, formed of an Air Force base, Army post, and Navy station by BRAC 2005, still poses “some challenges,” said Lichte. However, he added, “This is the way we should be operating in the future.” One of the still unresolved problems is that Lakehurst civilians are paid more than those at McGuire and Ft. Dix. Officials are working to bring pay parity for the same jobs to the Lakehurst level. The Air Force has the lead at this joint base, forming a new wing in March to manage the installation. (Also read Burlington County Times report)
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.