Artist's depiction of a KC-45A refueling a B-2 stealth bomber. (AP Photo/Northrop Grumman Corp)
by Aamer Madhani
The Government Accountability Office is still pondering Boeing Co.'s appeal on the Air Force's decision to award a $35 billion tanker contract to a European rival of the Chicago-based aerospace giant.
But Air Force leaders are already looking for a nickname for the KC-45A, the controversial aerial refueling tanker which is to replace the service's Eisenhower-era fleet of tankers.
The Air Force announced a contest for Air Force personnel and civilians to come up with a name for the new tanker, which is the oldest plane in the service's fleet. The overhaul of the tanker fleet has been one of the most controversial military projects in recent history.
The Air Force announced on Feb. 29 that it had awarded a $35 billion contract to a partnership of Northrop Grumman and the corporate parent of the European-led planemaker Airbus to begin replacing the tanker fleet, whose aircraft now have an average age of 47.
A contract to lease new tankers was originally awarded to Boeing but was annulled in 2004 after an ethics scandal led to jail time for two Boeing officials. One of the jailed officials had worked as a procurement officer for the Air Force and was specifically involved with the annulled deal before joining Boeing.
Members of Congress with Boeing manufacturing plants in their districts have threatened to undo the deal, and the GAO is scheduled to announce a decision on the Boeing appeal next month.
The Air Force is accepting entries until May 30. The nickname has to be two words or less.
Unfortunately, the service's brass is only considering entrees from Air Force personnel and civilians working for the service, but The Swamp would love to hear your suggestions.
• 
• 
• 
• 
Comments
"The Sellout"
Posted by: BuyAmerican | May 23, 2008 3:32 PM
"The Frenchie"
Posted by: C4Casey | May 23, 2008 3:49 PM
"Mission Accomplished"
Posted by: Toby | May 23, 2008 4:26 PM
"Socialist Conqueror"
Posted by: Ben | May 23, 2008 4:28 PM
Skymart
Posted by: Al in Boca | May 23, 2008 4:34 PM
"The Hindentanic"
Posted by: nowwhat | May 23, 2008 4:48 PM
"Roach Coach"
Posted by: Wolfgang | May 23, 2008 4:51 PM
"THE DUGAN SPEAKS"
I GOT FIRED, YES I DID, I GOT FIRED BY TRICKY DICK.
NAME IT AFTER ME!
"THE DUGAN"
Posted by: Roger Morris | May 23, 2008 5:04 PM
"The Con Job"
or
"The Payoff"
Posted by: Tom O | May 23, 2008 5:32 PM
"Mr. Splashy Pants."
Posted by: Jeff | May 23, 2008 5:48 PM
How about, " Bring 'em on. " or " Mission Accomplished " or how about, " Let's find the WMDs. ". Those would be some good entries for the " Military-Industrial Complex. ", latest gimmick !!
What are you going to give the winner, an M-16 !! Making games out of the machinery of death and destruction !! What a a mixed up country we live in, thanks to the Ridiculous Republicans !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | May 23, 2008 6:31 PM
French Connection
Posted by: Gene | May 23, 2008 7:52 PM
Call it "Insolvent". :)
Posted by: JAW | May 23, 2008 8:13 PM
Northrop should name it "Freedom Flies"
Posted by: DD | May 23, 2008 10:14 PM
I think it's too big to be too useful.
I'd call it "TeleTubby"
Posted by: Chicago Guy | May 24, 2008 3:33 AM
Doesn't that picture make ya proud of the national debt?
Myself, I am willing to give up health care of any kind and Social Security if we can have more of those tankers and B2's.
Posted by: C.Morris | May 24, 2008 8:15 PM
I am willing to give up health care of any kind and Social Security if we can have more of those tankers and B2's."
How dare the AF want to replace tankers that are 40 - 50 years old.
They are stealing my Social Security WAAAAHH.
Posted by: fools shouldn't be allowed to post. | May 25, 2008 12:01 AM
Benedict Arnold
Posted by: An American | May 27, 2008 12:05 PM