Pentagon leadership has not yet met with representatives of President-elect Donald Trump’s Administration, but the first conversations are expected this week, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Monday. “We’re ready to welcome them, and help the new team to get started,” Carter said at an event in Washington, D.C., sponsored by The Atlantic magazine. “We’re committed to the transition to the new Commander in Chief.” Carter said he was proud that his administration “adhered to the tradition to stand apart from the political process.” Carter last week sent out a memo to Defense Department staff urging the “orderly transition” to the Trump Administration.
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.