Test Pilot Rondeau Dies

Dec. 4, 2008

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

Retired Air Force Col. Maurice A. Rondeau, 90, died Nov. 12 of complications from open heart surgery, reports the Press Telegram. Rondeau began his career as an aviation cadet in World War II and served in two more wars and as a test pilot. Before his retirement in 1970, he piloted Air Force One for Presidents Johnson and Nixon.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

Trending Stories

How the 2027 Budget Will Change the Air Force Tanker Fleet

SOCOM Cuts Back on Skyraider, Wants 100 Small Drones to Pair with MQ-9s

Space Force Proposes Canceling Polar Missile Warning Program

Commercial Tech Funding Baked in to Space Force Budget, Officials Say

Related

USSF Budget Offers First Glimpse at Plans for ‘Space Data Network’

April 29, 2026
The Space Force plans to expand the scope of its data transport constellation in the next few years, kick-starting a competition to bring on new commercial capabilities and procuring nine launches in fiscal 2027 to support the hybrid satellite communications network.

How the 2027 Budget Will Change the Air Force Tanker Fleet

April 28, 2026
The Air Force is planning to retire more tankers than it buys in its fiscal 2027 budget, but an increase in deliveries of new KC-46s next year will cover the gap to ensure the service satisfies a congressional mandate to build up the overall refueling fleet, an Air Force spokesperson…

Commercial Tech Funding Baked in to Space Force Budget, Officials Say

April 27, 2026
The Space Force’s fiscal 2027 budget request includes about $2.5 billion for commercial services like satellite communications and off-the-shelf capabilities, but officials say commercial components and technology are embedded throughout programs, making the true allocation much higher. 

Netherlands Funds Two CCAs in New Partnership with US Air Force

April 27, 2026
The Netherlands has agreed to fund the purchase of two of the first Collaborative Combat Aircraft being developed for the U.S. Air Force, under a "landmark" international partnership inked before the semi-autonomous drones are even fully developed.

We’ll Bring You Home: USAF’s Unwritten Contract with Every Combat Pilot

April 25, 2026
When Airmen eject, the mission is clear: America leaves no warrior behind. Airmen are trained to survive, evade, resist, and escape the enemy, and everyone from ground crew to rescue personnel and commanders are committed to doing everything necessary—and possible—to bring downed Airmen home.