Air Force Global Strike Command’s annual Global Strike Challenge culminated in the crowning of the service’s top bombardment and ICBM wings during a ceremony last week at Barksdale AFB, La. The 509th Bomb Wing from Whiteman AFB, Mo., took the Fairchild Trophy for best bomb wing, while the 91st Missile Wing from Minot AFB, N.D., claimed the Blanchard Trophy for best ICBM wing, announced command officials on Nov. 7. This year is the second time the 509th BW has won top honors, while the 91st MW captured the ICBM title for the first time, according to the officials. Among the other winners, Whiteman received the Ellis Giant Sword for best bomber maintenance group, Minot’s 91st Security Forces Group won the Charlie Fire Trophy for best security forces group, and Minot’s 54th Helicopter Squadron repeated as the winner of the Bourland Trophy for best helicopter squadron. Airmen from across the command, along with members of Air Combat Command’s B-1 units, competed in the challenge. (Barksdale release with list of winners)
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.