The leaders of the Senate Tanker Caucus expressed dismay at Northrop Grumman’s threatened pull out from the KC-X tanker competition, but they believe the Air Force should press on. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), co-chairmen of the caucus, said in a statement: “Though competition would likely improve the final product, we have experienced far too many delays in this process already. … We believe the Air Force should proceed with its process, even if one company decides not to submit a proposal.” The latest word from Defense Secretary Robert Gates was that the Pentagon would “make a judgment” about changes after considering all comments on the KC-X draft request for proposals. There are varying views as to whether Northrop’s pull out threat is simply posturing or the real deal.
Planning an Air Show Is Hard. At Andrews, It’s Even Harder
Sept. 17, 2025
Joint Base Andrews opened its flightline this month to thousands of civilians, exposing a normally restricted airbase that regularly hosts the president and foreign dignitaries to a curious public eager to see current and historic military aircraft up close and in action.
