A combat control journeyman with the 21st Special Tactics Squadronat Pope Field, N.C., SrA. Daniel T. Skidmore is one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2011. Skidmore was among the first airmen in Haiti, deploying just 26 hours after the earthquake struck there on Jan. 12, 2010. He quickly worked to set up airfield operations. He and five other combat controllers ran the international airport out of rucksacks, averaging takeoffs and landings every five minutes for more than 4,100 sorties with no mishaps. Skidmore personally marshaled more than 100 aircraft and worked with Haiti air traffic personnel and Miami Center. He also helped rescue several American citizens. At his home base, he briefed a Senate delegation on ground operations in Haiti. In a recent deployment to Afghanistan, he participated in 60 combat missions and three firefights. In one ambush with his team pinned down, he returned fire while calling in close air support, successfully directing F-15E fighters and Army AH-64 helicopters on precision strikes. He also organized and led CAS training for Army Special Forces. Skidmore’s home of record is Houghton, Mich. He represents Air Force Special Operations Command among this year’s outstanding airmen. The Daily Report is shining the spotlight on each OAY. Also featured to date: SrA. Ulla B. Stromberg and SrA. Raven S. Taylor.
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.