Gen. William Fraser III assumed command of Air Combat Command Thursday during a ceremony at Langley AFB, Va. Fraser, who had been serving as USAF’s vice chief of staff since last October, replaces Gen. John Corley, who formally retires Nov. 1. “There have been changes since I was last here,” said Fraser, who was assigned to Langley from 2005 to 2006 as ACC vice commander. He added, “But one thing has remained constant, and that’s the strength and dedication of our airmen in ACC.” Corley said there is “no better airman” to lead ACC right now, calling Fraser “a man of integrity, an accomplished aviator, and a commander who believes in taking care of his people.” Fraser received Senate confirmation in May for his new post. (Langley report by SSgt. Thomas J. Doscher)
When the Air Force sets a new program baseline for the B-52 re-engining this fall, there will be “some” cost increase, because the project wasn't previously fully funded, and the Air Force has a better handle on actual supplier costs and knowledge from ground testing, program officials said.