Robert Gates will become the 22nd Secretary of Defense on Dec. 18, replacing Donald Rumsfeld, for whom the Pentagon plans a Dec. 15 farewell. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters that Gates and Rumsfeld will continue their meetings this week to discuss transition issues. Among his early priorities, Gates told lawmakers during his confirmation hearing, that he would review the Fiscal 2008 budget submission. Gates believes the defense budget topline needs help, but it may be too late to influence the 2008 request.
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.
