Over the next two months, Air Mobility Command will be conducting a search for its next AMC Icon—a title loosely based on the popular television program, American Idol. During the competition, AMC contestants will compete in a vocal competition at their local bases for cash prizes, according to a June 20 release. Top ranked contestants will have the chance to compete for additional cash prices in a command-level contest. In previous years, base finalists traveled to AMC Headquarters at Scott AFB, Ill., for the final live round, but this year, finalists will submit a video performance and “celebrity judges” will decide on the winners. The top three finalists will receive $1,000, $600, and $400, respectively. This year’s competition also will feature a new category for AMC personnel who are not based at or near any AMC host bases, states the release. Those “participants can enter by forwarding a music video showcasing their talents.” Last year’s AMC Icon was 1st Lt. Nicole White, SSgt. Tiry Crane was the runner-up, and third place went to TSgt. Doug Boren.
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.