The new boss of Air Mobility Command, Gen. Arthur Lichte, took the reins of command on Sept. 7, vowing to “keep raising the bar; we’ll keep going farther and farther in this command.” He does intend to continue with the Air Force’s No. 1 priority, securing a new aerial refueling aircraft to replace the KC-135. Lichte, who was confirmed by the Senate just prior to its summer recess, replaces Gen. Duncan McNabb, who becomes the Air Force vice chief of staff.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
