Murtha Is Convinced on Tanker Split

Murtha Is Convinced on Tanker Split: On a visit last week to Mobile, Ala., the top House defense appropriator, Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) told business and political leaders that he is certain that the way forward for the KC-X tanker program is to split the buy between Boeing and Northrop Grumman, reports the Mobile Press-Register. Murtha hedged his comments slightly, saying, "I have to convince a lot of other people, but I have convinced myself … that we've got to find an alternative if we're going to get this thing on track." Some defense analysts and others agree with Murtha, but Defense Secretary Robert Gates reaffirmed last week his rejection of a split-buy approach, calling it a "terrible idea." Mobile is the planned site for production of the Northrop tanker contender. Murtha called his visit to the area "very productive." He also plans a visit to Washington state, home to Boeing's production facility, and there may receive a less-than enthusiastic response to his split-buy solution. Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Wash.), for one, opposes such a plan.

2/2/2009

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Appreciative Host
"I know you're here during a difficult time. You're here through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. I promise you, we will find turkeys."
—Republic of Lithuania Chief of Defence Maj. Gen. Arvydas Pocius, expressing his thanks to airmen of the 493rd Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath, Britain, who on Sept. 1, 2010, began a four-month stint with their F-15s in Lithuania to protect the airspace of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania under NATO's Baltic air policing mission.

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Family Momentum
"In many ways, this was what the Year of the Air Force Family was all about—connecting airmen and their families with the resources they need. I have confidence the Air Force will capitalize on this strong momentum in the years ahead by continuing to improve our family support programs and ensuring people know what resources are available."
—Suzie Schwartz, wife of USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, commenting on the accomplishments of the Year of the Air Force Family initiative that concluded in July, in a statement provided to the Daily Report, Aug. 22, 2010.