Officials at Ramstein AB, Germany, are preparing to inactivate the 38th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in September. The small-sized C-130H unit, made up of airmen from the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, has operated with Ramstein’s active duty 86th Airlift Wing since 1994, helping to reduce the strain on the latter in missions in Europe, Southwest Asia, and now Africa. It is commonly known as the “Delta Squadron.” Maj. Gary Dodge, 38th EAS commander, said the relationship has given the reserve airmen “valuable experience flying in Europe and Africa, something they cannot get stateside.” Since 2005, the 38th EAS has logged more than 14,000 flying hours, carrying nearly 13,500 tons of cargo. Airmen from Air Force Reserve Command’s 910th AW at Youngstown ARS, Ohio, currently comprise most of the unit. (Ramstein report by A1C Ciara M. Travis)
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.