Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Sept. 10 toured the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pa., on the eve of the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. He laid a wreath in honor of the passengers and crew of Flight 93 who fought back against their hijackers that day to prevent them from using the airliner as a weapon like the aircraft the brought down the World Trade Center towers and damaged the Pentagon. “Their example continues to inspire and to strengthen our nation,” said Panetta in remarks at the site. He called the passengers and crew “heroes” for giving their lives for the families and country they loved. In his weekly address to the nation on Sept. 8, President Obama said the terrorists did not succeed on 9/11 in defeating the American spirit. “No adversary and no act of terrorism can change who we are,” he said. “We are Americans, and we will protect and preserve this country we love. On this solemn anniversary, let’s remember those we lost, let us reaffirm the values they stood for, and let us keep moving forward as one nation and one people.” (AFPS report by Claudette Roulo) (Obama’s remarks)
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.