TSgt. Sean Barton, a pararescueman assigned to the 320th Special Tactics Squadron, died Oct. 30 from injuries sustained while rappelling during training near Kathmandu, Nepal, according to a Nov. 1 AFSOC release. “Sean was a selfless leader on our team,” said Capt. Michael Erickson, 320th STS combat rescue officer and Barton’s team leader. “He aggressively pursued excellence with a smile on his face and laughter never far behind. His love for his family, loyalty to his team, and relentless determination serve as an example for us all.” Barton, who joined the Air Force in 2003, has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan and is a recipient of multiple Air Medals.
Anduril and General Atomics will develop their Collaborative Combat Aircraft for the Air Force, beating out Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, the service announced on April 24. But any of the non-selected companies can compete to actually manufacture the eventual design, the Air Force said.