To demonstrate the capability of the new McDonnell RF-101A Voodoo, four pilots take off from March AFB, Calif., as part of Operation Sun Run. Refueled in flight, two of the pilots land at McGuire AFB, N.J., and two turn around and land back at March. Lt. Gustav Klatt sets an eastbound coast to coast record of three hours, seven minutes, and 43 seconds, while Capt. Robert Sweet sets a westbound coast to coast record (3:36:33) and Los Angeles-New York-Los Angeles record (6:46:36).
In a “State of the Force” address Sept. 30, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced plans for a new four-star command to lead the military-wide push to field autonomous systems, one of several initiatives meant to further his sweeping transformation of the Pentagon.