Among its 2009 inductees, the California Museum Hall of Fame has included retired Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager, the Air Force test pilot, who, among numerous feats and an Air Force career that included becoming a fighter ace in World War II and flying combat over Vietnam, was the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound. The induction ceremony takes place Dec. 1. In an Aug. 25 release, Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said that the state’s hall of fame “celebrates our most influential women and men, and honors them for their drive, willingness to take risks, dedication and success in touching the lives of millions of people—not just in this state but around the world.” (Museum’s inductee Web page)
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.