One of the main themes emanating from USAF’s review of its headquarters-level space functions is that the Air Force Secretary currently lacks the authority to effectively manage military space issues across the Department of Defense. This is problematic because the Secretary is still DOD’s executive agent for space. The responsibilities currently assigned “are no longer supported with empowering and matching authorities,” reads the review. In fact, the EA “lacks the authority necessary to address and resolve space issues within DOD,” states the document. It’s ultimately up to the Office of the Secretary of Defense to decide what authorities the EA for space should have. Discussions between Air Force and OSD officials are ongoing “to clarify the specific roles,” according to the review. Air Force officials, including Secretary Michael Donley, have said they would like to see milestone decision authority returned to USAF’s purview. (Space management review) Continue
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.