AFLCMC’s Tanker Directorate gets new program executive officer

Brig. Gen. John Newberry assumed leadership as program executive officer for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Tanker Directorate during a May 31 ceremony presided over by Dr. Will Roper, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.

Newberry replaces Brig. Gen. Donna Shipton, who is leaving to become vice commander of the Space and Missile Systems Center headquartered at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California.

For the past three years Newberry has served as the KC-46 system program manager in the Tanker Directorate, where he led a 346 person team responsible for the planning, execution, development, test, fielding and support of the $52 billion KC-46 Tanker program.

As PEO, Newberry will be responsible for the planning and execution of all life cycle activities for the entire Air Force tanker fleet, including the KC-46, KC-135 and KC-10 aircraft operated by the Air Force and partner nations.

Currently, there are 396 KC-135s, 59 KC-10s and 11 of 179 KC-46s delivered to date in the Air Force fleet.

Every month, Air Force tankers are responsible for refueling approximately 20,000 aircraft and close to 30 million gallons of fuel world-wide.

During the ceremony, Newberry spoke about the impact of the mission and said he was looking forward to working with the Tanker team.

“Tankers will continue to underpin our military strategy and our force multiplier in combat operations,” said Newberry. “The mission would not get done without our team of professionals, who are acquisition warriors and leaders working diligently to support our nation’s tankers.”

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