The 
Air Force announced Friday afternoon that CMSgt. James Roy will be the new top enlisted airman, replacing CMSAF Rodney McKinley, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Schwartz called Roy, who currently serves as the command chief master sergeant for US Pacific Command, a “worthy successor” to McKinley, who Schwartz said has been a “tremendous leader and advocate” for enlisted airmen. Roy entered the Air Force in 1982 and served initially as a heavy equipment operator and subsequently in various supervisory positions in civil engineering units. He has served as command chief at wing, numbered air force, and joint levels. He will become the 16th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force during a June 30 ceremony.
SDA’s Next Phase of Data Transport Satellites on Hold
June 30, 2025
The long-term future of one of the Space Development Agency’s two satellite constellations is on hold as officials study the options for replacing a planned “data transport layer” with one or more commercial solutions. President Trump’s proposed 2026 defense budget...