Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, on Tuesday honored retired Maj. Gen. Johnny Alison, World War II fighter ace, Air Force special operations pioneer, and longtime airpower advocate, who turned 97 on Nov. 21. Alison, said Skelton during a House floor speech, is “a distinguished American, a dedicated public servant, and a true American hero” who “has spent his life fighting for our country.” Skelton continued: “Never wavering in his commitment to freedom and the ideals of our country, he sets a high standard for all Americans. I am proud to call him my friend, and I trust that my fellow members of the House will join me in recognizing this courageous and talented American.” (For more on Alison, one-time Air Force Association Chairman of the Board, read The All-American Airman and The Air Invasion of Burma from Air Force Magazine.)
Boeing has only delivered two KC-46 tankers to the Air Force so far in 2021, despite USAF officials saying they expect that total per month, as the service has slowed the delivery pace of the aircraft. Though there are more aircraft ready at Boeing’s facilities, Air Mobility Command is slowing…