Army Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti took over command of US European Command during a ceremony on Tuesday, replacing retiring Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove. Scaparrotti arrives in Brussels after serving as commander of US Forces Korea and as commander of ISAF Joint Command. “Scap knows the practicalities of land and joint combat,” Carter said at the ceremony in Stuttgart, Germany. “He has been a tower of strength and deterrence, continually preparing his troops for evolving threats.” Scaparrotti takes over as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during a time of increased tensions between the US, its allies, and Russia. “Today, our way of life is at a pivotal moment as we are encountering numerous threats and strategic challenges,” Scaparrotti said at the event, according to a Defense Department release.
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.
