Lt. Gen. Robin Rand assumed command of 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) during a ceremony at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. “I’m grateful to be able to command again and serve with our great airmen,” said Rand during the Dec. 1 change-of-command ceremony. He added, “I’m firmly convinced the duties our remarkable airmen perform have never been more important than they are today.” Rand received his third star that same day before taking command. In his new role, he will oversee 10 combat wings and one RED HORSE squadron. He also will lead US Southern Command’s air component, overseeing security cooperation and air, space, and cyberspace operations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Prior to this assignment, Rand was special assistant to the Air Force vice chief of staff. He filled the vacancy at 12th AF created with the retirement of Lt. Gen. Glenn Spears in June. (Davis-Monthan report by A1C Michael Washburn)
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.