Just in, we have a transcript of the June 12 press teleconference with Pentagon acquisition chief Frank Kendall at the conclusion of the annual F-35 CEO Conference, which brings together the Joint Strike Fighter acquisition and operations leadership from the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Defense Department, and partner countries. Kendall gave an update on the F-35’s progress and what he thinks are its strengths and what issues persist. Also participating were program manager Lt. Gen. Christopher Bogdan, Navy acquisition executive Sean Stackley, Air Force acquisition chief William LaPlante, and others.
Senior Air Force leaders have made a clarion call for improving Total Force readiness to prepare for potential conflict with the nation’s pacing threats. Most notably, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall is emphasizing readiness and mobilization as one...