Ogden Air Logistics Center at Hill AFB, Utah, has opted to pursue options No. 1 and 3 in the Propulsion System Rocket Engine Life Extension Program, awarding Northrop Grumman nearly $15.1 million on the ICBM Prime Integration contract, which USAF expects to extend Minuteman III readiness through 2020. The work includes refurbishing 96 propulsion system rocket engines and should be completed by October 2008.
Secretary of Defense Austin Lloyd III met with his counterparts from Australia, Japan and the Philippines to discuss bolstering defense ties on May 2. The discussion included plans for joint F-35 exercises with Japan and Australia in the coming years.