Sue Payton formally stepped down from her post as the Air Force’s top weapons buyer on April 8 after more than two-and-a-half years in the post. Air Force spokeswoman Karen Platt told the Daily Report yesterday that, at Payton’s request, there was no statement issued on her departure or any other fanfare. David Van Buren, who had been serving since last year as Payton’s principal deputy, is now the acting head of USAF’s acquisition office. We reported last week that Payton’s departure was pending.
The last remaining T-1 Jayhawk at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, took its final flight to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., on July 15. The 99th Flying Training Squadron will train pilots using T-6 and simulator until it gets T-7 Red Hawk in fiscal 2026.