President Obama last week appointed Eric Fanning as Air Force undersecretary, clearing the way for his swearing-in later this month, announced service officials. The April 19 appointment came one day after the Senate confirmed his nomination for the post. Fanning has been serving as the Navy’s chief management officer. Also on April 18, the Senate confirmed Gen. Philip Breedlove to become NATO’s supreme allied commander in Europe and head of US European Command. Breedlove has been US Air Forces in Europe commander since July 2012. The Senate on April 18 also approved the nomination of Lt. Gen. John Hesterman to lead Air Forces Central Command, which oversees air operations in Southwest Asia, including Afghanistan. Also confirmed on April 18 for promotion to the rank of lieutenant general for new assignments were: Maj. Gen. James Holmes to be vice commander of Air Education and Training Command at JBSA-Randolph, Tex.; Maj. Gen. Michelle Johnson to be superintendent of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.; Maj. Gen. Robert Otto to be deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; and Maj. Gen. Mark Schissler to be deputy chairman of the NATO Military Committee in Brussels.
Sticker Shock Drags Out USAF’s E-7 Negotiations with Boeing
April 18, 2024
While a deal on the E-7 Wedgetail airborne battle management jet may come soon, negotiations are stuck on the high price Boeing is asking for the development jets, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said recently.