As the release date approaches for the final request for proposals in the KC-X tanker competition (see above, KC-X RFP Target is Feb. 23), Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) has partially released the hold he put on White House nominees, now only holding back a few that reportedly have some bearing on the tanker program. According to a Shelby spokesman, the Senator has gotten the attention of the Obama Administration but will retain the remaining holds until after the KC-X RFP goes out. Shelby, who supports Northrop Grumman-EADS in the tanker competition, wants to ensure an open and fair process, said his spokesman. Those nominees still on hold include Erin Conaton for Air Force undersecretary; Terry Yonkers for assistant Air Force secretary, Installations, Environment, and Logistics; and Frank Kendall for principle deputy defense undersecretary for acquisition, technology, and logistics. (Also read CongressDaily report; The New York Times report)
The last remaining T-1 Jayhawk at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, took its final flight to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., on July 15. The 99th Flying Training Squadron will train pilots using T-6 and simulator until it gets T-7 Red Hawk in fiscal 2026.