The Senate on Tuesday approved Army Gen. Martin Dempsey and Adm. James Winnefeld to be the next Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairmen and vice chairman, respectively. “I am thrilled these two great Americans will soon join me in leading the finest military in the world,” said Defense Secretary Leon Panetta in a statement. Panetta said these two men “bring with them immense intellect, proven leadership, and far reaching strategic vision.” He added, “I know that both the President and I will greatly benefit from their candid advice and counsel as we confront the many security challenges facing our country.” Dempsey will succeed Adm. Mike Mullen, Chairman since October 2007, who is retiring this fall. Winnefeld replaces Marine Corps Gen. James Cartwright, whose farewell ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday at the Pentagon. Cartwright also is retiring. He’s been vice chairman since August 2007.
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.