The Defense Department has designated Richard Wightman to serve as the acting assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs following the appointment of Jessica Wright as the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, according to a July 11 Pentagon release. Wightman, a retired Army general officer, previously served as the principal deputy assistant secretary for reserve affairs. In his new position, he will serve as a “key advisor” to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on issues regarding the reserve components.
Officials at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., said the range is “fully mission capable” to support launches following a major May 28 mishap involving Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket.