The new boss of Air Mobility Command, Gen. Arthur Lichte, took the reins of command on Sept. 7, vowing to “keep raising the bar; we’ll keep going farther and farther in this command.” He does intend to continue with the Air Force’s No. 1 priority, securing a new aerial refueling aircraft to replace the KC-135. Lichte, who was confirmed by the Senate just prior to its summer recess, replaces Gen. Duncan McNabb, who becomes the Air Force vice chief of staff.
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.