US European Command has banned unofficial travel to France for all military personnel, DOD employees, contractors, and command-sponsored dependents and family members. Those who wish to travel on official orders or emergency leave to Paris or anywhere in France must receive approval from the first general or flag officer in their chain of command, according to the command’s blog. The restrictions include excursions from cruise ships, but not to those making airline connections in France who will not leave the secure parts of the airport terminal. Troops assigned to diplomatic posts in France are exempt. The ban is “a precautionary measure to keep our personnel and families safe in light of the recent attacks,” and an effort to cut down on tourist traffic at the borders in France, according to the blog post. Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said the ban applies “until further notice.”
The Pentagon awarded a contract worth over $2 billion for the next batch of F-35 engines to Pratt & Whitney on June 5. The deal for Lot 17 F135 engines, totaling $2.02 billion, is expected to be completed by December 2025.