General Electric-Rolls Royce issued a statement shortly after the hearing refuting Gates’ comments (see: Gates Questions F136 Performance, above). “The Secretary’s comments contradict the detailed assessment from the Department of Defense, which has consistently awarded very good and excellent ratings to the F136,” reads an excerpt. The Pentagon wants to ax the F136 in favor of Pratt & Whitney’s F135 as the sole powerplant for the F-35, but the F136 program continues to enjoy strong support on Capitol Hill. (GE-Rolls Royce statement)
Billy Mitchell: Lessons a Hundred Years Hence
Dec. 16, 2025
Exactly 100 years ago, on Dec. 17, 1925, Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell was convicted by court-martial for violating an order that required approval before he could engage with the media. Mitchell’s provocative thoughts and unorthodox methods sought attention for a cause that he saw as uniquely American.
