Gen. Philip Breedlove last week took over as Air Force vice chief of staff. He succeeds Gen. Howie Chandler, who held the position since last August and is retiring, effective March 1. Breedlove received his fourth star just prior to assuming the vice chief’s post on Jan. 14. Breedlove is a command pilot with more than 3,500 flying hours, primarily in the F-16. He served most recently as deputy chief of staff for operations, plans, and requirements, a position he held since August 2009. Among his many assignments, Breedlove served as the 3rd Air Force commander at Ramstein AB, Germany, from July 2008 to August 2009. Last fall, the Senate confirmed his nomination to receive the fourth star for his new assignment. (SAF/PA report by TSgt. Jess Harvey) (Breedlove’s updated biography)
KC-46’s Refueling Boom Damaged While Refueling F-22s
July 8, 2025
A U.S. Air Force KC-46 tanker suffered damage to its boom while refueling F-22 Raptors off the coast of Virginia on July 8, Air & Space Forces Magazine has confirmed, with reported radio communication from the crew indicating the boom “detached.”