Air Force Special Operations Command’s enlisted corps has nominated Lt. Gen. Donald Wurster, AFSOC boss since November 2007, for induction into the command’s Order of the Sword. This is the highest honor that enlisted airmen may bestow. “There is no greater honor for a commander than the trust and confidence of the force he or she serves. From the bottom of my heart, thanks to you and the entire enlisted force,” Wurster said last week following his nomination. CMSgt. Mike Gilbert, AFSOC command chief, said Wurster has demonstrated a deep affection for the enlisted force. “He’s ensured we have the best equipment, the best training, and the right leadership that is so critical to our success around the world,” said Gilbert. Wurster’s induction ceremony is planned for Nov. 19 in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (Hurlburt report by CMSgt. Ty Foster)
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.