AF likely to get tanker oversight

A Pentagon official said the Air Force is expected to resume control over the aerial tanker competition between Boeing and the Northrop Grumman/EADS team, according to Reuters. The Pentagon chief weapons buyer was given control over the program last summer after auditors faulted the Air Force's handling of the competition. Early this week, Aviation Week reported that the Pentagon had not decided if the Air Force or Pentagon acquisition chief would manage the upcoming competition. (Source: Reuters, 05/21/09) Gulf Coast note: Northrop/EADS plan to assemble the planes in Mobile, Ala., if they win the contract.