WASHINGTON, April 27 (UPI) -- A former U.S. Air Force KC-135 tanker pilot has joined one of the two companies competing for a government contract to replace the fleet, officials said.
Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Arthur Lichte is, as of Friday, on the board of directors at EADS North America, one of the companies competing for a $35 billion contract to replace the aging KC-135 fleet, Defense News reports.
Lichte is a former KC-135 pilot and repeatedly called for a replacement for the KC-135 when he served as the head of the U.S. Air Mobility Command from September 2007 until November 2009.
Ralph Crosby, the chairman of EADS North America, said Lichte's military experience made him a valuable addition to the board of directors.
"General Lichte's leadership experience in command positions at squadron, group and wing levels -- as well as commander of the Air Mobility Command -- will provide valuable perspectives," he said.
Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Tony Richardson, who also served as the commander of the AMC from August 1998 to December 2001, serves as an executive at Boeing Co., which is also competing for the $35 billion contract.
