In his last Letter to Airmen as Air Force Secretary, Michael Wynne, wrote: “Your dedication, motivation, and commitment are nothing short of remarkable. … You instill a confidence among our allies and joint partners that only American air, space, and cyberspace power can deliver. … Every day, you impress me with your innovative spirit and impetus for action. … My heart is filled with pride in the accomplishments of America’s airmen. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your 21st Secretary of the Air Force.” Wynne participated in a formal retirement ceremony June 20 at the Air Force Memorial (see above “Staunch Advocate.”)
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.