During a ceremony at Shaw AFB, S.C., Maj. Gen. Jake Polumbo took command of 9th Air Force from Maj. Gen. Larry Wells. Polumbo comes to Shaw after serving since May 2012 as deputy commander-air for US Forces-Afghanistan. Wells led 9th AF since October 2011; he is retiring from the Air Force, effective Aug. 1, after 35 years in uniform. “When called upon, 9th Air Force airmen always answer with vigor and unmatched professionalism. I know you and Sandra are the right team to lead these airmen,” said Air Combat Command chief Gen. Mike Hostage to Polumbo and his wife during the May 31 change of command. Ninth Air Force comprises eight Active Duty wings and three direct reporting units with more than 400 aircraft and 29,000 personnel. “There is obviously a lot of uncertainty at our military bases these days,” said Polumbo. “I feel very confident that we’ll overcome these challenges and remain the most powerful military in the world,” he added. “You have a wonderful force you are inheriting,” said Wells to Polumbo. Wells’ retirement ceremony immediately followed the change of command. (Shaw report by SSgt. Amanda Currier)
RTX, parent of Raytheon, Collins and Pratt & Whitney, is getting out of the space prime business and focusing on its "strengths" as a maker of space sensors, buses, and components, company COO Chris Calio said during an earnings call.