At last word, the tanker analysis of alternatives is still under review, but the Air Force went ahead and issued a request for information last Friday from companies that might want to participate in a tanker competition. Leading Air Force critic, Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, reacted quickly, sending a letter of complaint to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on Wednesday. The Air Force has withdrawn the RFI, which Air Force spokesman Col. Chris Geisel called “a bit premature,” according to Reuters news service. Read more in “The Tanker Blame Game” in September’s Air Force Magazine.
Wilsbach Confirmed as Air Force Chief
Oct. 30, 2025
President Donald Trump is nominating Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach to be the Air Force’s 24th Chief of Staff, according to a congressional notice. Wilsbach will succeed Gen. David W. Allvin, who unexpectedly announced Aug. 18 he was retiring two years into what is typically a four-year term. Allvin's retirement ceremony is…

