The Mississippi Air National Guard’s 172nd Airlift Wing has named one of its C-17s “The Spirit of the Purple Heart,” recognizing the US military’s oldest decoration. The airlifter, which, in 2006, flew the one-millionth hour mission for the C-17 fleet, now has a Purple Heart medal painted on its nose. (Report by TSgt. Mike Smith.)
The F-35 Joint Program Office has officially announced plans to issue multiple sole-source contracts to Pratt & Whitney to upgrade the fighter’s F135 engine—a widely expected move after Pentagon officials indicated they would do so earlier this year instead of developing an entirely new engine.