The US Air Force Academy Association of Graduates have awarded retired Gen. Hansford T. Johnson and retired Gen. Michael E. Ryan with its 2005 Distinguished Graduate award. Johnson commanded Military Airlift Command and was the first USAFA grad to make four-star rank. Ryan was the second academy graduate to become USAF Chief of Staff. The association plans to honor the two men at the Academy’s Founder’s Day celebration on April 7
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.