Expect official word today that the 18th Fighter Squadron, Eielson AFB, Alaska, will be converted into the 18th Aggressor Squadron in October 2007. Plans call for the Air Force to make a formal announcement, according to a message sent out by Lt. Gen. Douglas M. Fraser, commander of 11th Air Force. Officials had hinted earlier this year that Pacific Air Forces would get its own aggressor force as part of Red Flag-Alaska, the newly renamed Cope Thunder. The 18th FS will give up its Block 40 F-16s and revert to Block 30 F-16s in its new role. Officials expect the unit to support its first Red Flag-Alaska in spring 2008.
Boeing received a $2.47 billion Air Force contract Nov. 25 for 15 more KC-46s, bringing to 183 the number of Pegasus tankers on contract to all customers, foreign and domestic. The new contract—for Lot 12 of the initially planned KC-46 buy—is to be completed by 2029.
