Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has jumped on the tanker bandwagon, saying—in a Boeing release—that St. Louis-based Boeing “is ready and able to deliver the US Air Force’s next-generation tanker.” Boeing reveals that the state of Illinois would see about $140 million a year in economic activity if Boeing wins the Air Force’s KC-X aerial refueling aircraft replacement program. Alabama elected officials have met with Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne to ensure fair consideration for the Northrop Grumman-EADS North America team, which plans to produce its KC-30 tanker in Alabama should it win the competition.
The last remaining T-1 Jayhawk at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, took its final flight to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., on July 15. The 99th Flying Training Squadron will train pilots using T-6 and simulator until it gets T-7 Red Hawk in fiscal 2026.