The next rotation of US aircraft to the Philippines arrived June 15, as a group of Navy EA-18G Growlers landed at Clark Air Base from NAS Whidbey Island, Wash. The four aircraft and about 120 personnel are part of a US Pacific Command air contingent established in April “to promote interoperability and security cooperation,” according to a Pacific Air Forces release. The first rotation of US aircraft to the country, a group of A-10s and HH-60G Pave Hawks, finished their deployment in late April. Defense Secretary Ash Carter, in announcing the deployment, said US aircraft will participate in patrols of the South China sea in addition to training in the region.
Boeing received a $2.47 billion Air Force contract Nov. 25 for 15 more KC-46s, bringing to 183 the number of Pegasus tankers on contract to all customers, foreign and domestic. The new contract—for Lot 12 of the initially planned KC-46 buy—is to be completed by 2029.
