Denmark now stands as the first nation openly identified as having signed a letter of intent to join a team of NATO nations buying Boeing C-17 transports. Boeing confirmed the letter to Reuters at the Farnborough Air Show near London, England. The company said on July 19 that other NATO nations are close to signing similar agreements, but it would not name them or state the size of the acquisitions. The Air Force late last year opted to cap its purchase at 180. Boeing officials have said that they are still planning to close the C-17 line by the end of 2008 unless it receives a significant number of new orders. Right now, all orders would be completed by the end of 2008, said a spokesman.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.