The 49th Mission Support Squadron and 49th Services Squadron at Holloman AFB, N.M., officially merged into a new “super” unit April 4: the 49th Force Support Squadron. The creation of the new FSS at Holloman, which encompasses quality of life and people-type services, follows similar mergers within Air Combat Command bases. Minot AFB, N.D., was the first to introduce the unified force support squadron about a year ago, followed by Nellis AFB, Nev., and Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. While at first glance, it may seem odd to join the two squadrons since they appear to have different missions, Air Force officials say it makes perfect sense. “We do the same mission,” said CMSgt. Vyanne Roush, superintendent of the 49 FSS. “We take care of people.” The combined squadron now holds more than 150 military and 350 civilian personnel. (Holloman report by A1C Jamal Sutter)
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.