Lt. Gen. Mark Ramsay took command of 18th Air Force at Scott AFB, Ill., accepting the unit colors from outgoing commander Lt. Gen. Robert Allardice. “The flag that we’re passing today is significant,” said Gen. Raymond Johns, Air Mobility Command boss, during last week’s change-of-command ceremony. As AMC’s sole warfighting numbered air force, 18th AF is responsible for the command’s worldwide operations. It is also the Air Force’s largest NAF. “Today we’re delivering hope, fueling the fight, and saving lives. And we’re going to do it tomorrow and the next day and the next day,” said Allardice in his farewell remarks. Ramsay comes to 18th AF after nearly two years as deputy chief of staff for operations and intelligence with NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Casteau, Belgium. Allardice has moved on to become AMC’s vice commander. (Scott report by Michael Meridith)
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.