The 1st Space Control Squadron based at Cheyenne Mountain AFS in Colorado Springs is moving to Vandenberg AFB, Calif., according to the Colorado Springs Gazette. Gen. Kevin Chilton, head of Air Force Space Command, told the Gazette that this is the only planned movement of units or personnel from Colorado Springs, the home to AFSPC headquarters and two of its space wings. Lawmakers became concerned earlier this year as word of a potential downsizing of the command spread. The rumors proved false as the Air Force installed Chilton, a new four-star general, to lead the command. Movement of the 140-man 1st Space Control Squadron, reports the Lompoc (Calif.) Record, is slated to begin in January and continue through July. It will place the squadron near the newly formed Joint Space Operations Center and at the seat of its parent 14th Air Force.
Boeing’s receipt of the 10th lot contract award for the KC-46 Pegasus this week leaves just three lots left to complete the Air Force’s buy of the tanker, although a further buy of 75 additional aircraft as a “bridge” to the Next-Generation Aerial-refueling System (NGAS) seems increasingly likely.