Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) says the Air Force has recommended Brig. Gen. Kathleen Close to replace outgoing Maj. Gen. Kenneth Sullivan, who has been nominated for a third star and to become the Air Staff logistics chief, as boss of the Ogden Air Logistics Center at Hill AFB, Utah. Hatch, who heads up the Senate Air Force Depot Caucus, has jumped the gun a bit—the Pentagon had not yet sent the nomination for Administration approval. In a statement, Hatch said that he was “very impressed” with Close, who has “a distinguished record” in maintenance operations. He predicted she would “help keep” Hill as a “world-class depot.” If formally nominated and if confirmed by the Senate—Hatch promises to expedite matters—Close would be the first woman to head Hill.
Dozens of fighter jets gathered at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida last week to kick off one of the service’s biggest air combat exercises despite the government shutdown. More than 50 aircraft and 500 personnel are participating in Checkered Flag 26-1.
