Air Force Names Hobbins to USAFE: 
Long-running speculation came to an end Tuesday when the Senior Leader Management Office issued a statement saying the President had nominated Lt. Gen. William T. Hobbins for a fourth star and to command US Air Forces in Europe. Hobbins, if confirmed, would replace USAFE Commander Gen. Robert Foglesong. There’s been no official announcement from USAF about his retirement, but Foglesong has told West Virginia news media that he plans to retire next year. (DR, 10/10/05) Hobbins currently serves as the acting chief of warfighting integration and chief information officer.
The emphasis on speed in the Pentagon’s newly unveiled slate of acquisition reforms may come with increased near-term cost increases, analysts say. But according to U.S. defense officials, the new weapons-buying construct provides the military with enough flexibility to prevent runaway budget overruns in major programs.
