In a strategic move to streamline its acquisition processes and expedite defense program deliveries, the U.S. Air Force is set to elevate a seasoned officer to oversee its critical projects. Lt. Gen. Dale White, renowned for his extensive expertise in acquisition, has been nominated for promotion to general, as he prepares to assume a pivotal new role.
Lt. Gen. White, who currently serves as the military deputy for acquisition, technology, and logistics, is poised to become the direct reporting portfolio manager for the Air Force’s major weapons systems. If confirmed, this newly established position would have him reporting directly to Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg. The Air Force stated this role is designed to “ensure centralized oversight and accelerated delivery of major defense programs.”
Among the key programs White will manage is the F-47 family of systems, featuring a sixth-generation fighter developed by Boeing, and a fleet of drone wingmen known as collaborative combat aircraft. Furthermore, White will supervise the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, the LGM-35A Sentinel and Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles, and the VC-25B presidential aircraft, famously recognized as Air Force One.
The introduction of the direct reporting portfolio manager role is part of a broader effort to reform Air Force acquisitions, aiming to “enhance efficiency, reduce redundancy and accelerate capabilities for our warfighters,” as stated by an Air Force spokesperson. This initiative aligns with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s department-wide acquisition reform strategy.
The Air Force aims to rectify challenges faced by programs like the Sentinel and Air Force One, both of which have encountered delays and budget overruns. Boeing’s contract to convert two 747-8 aircraft into new presidential airplanes, valued at $3.9 billion, has experienced multiple setbacks. Originally scheduled for delivery last year, the new Air Force Ones are now expected between 2027 and 2029.
President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the delays, leading to an agreement earlier this year to convert a 747 jet from Qatar into a presidential aircraft, destined for Trump’s presidential library post-presidency. This conversion will also come under White’s purview.
On the Sentinel front, the program faces severe cost projections, with an initial estimate of $77.7 billion ballooning to $160 billion, primarily due to infrastructure demands. The program’s financial issues triggered a critical Nunn-McCurdy breach, prompting a major review to control costs. Additionally, the existing Minuteman III silos, deemed unsuitable for reuse, necessitate new construction.
Lt. Gen. White’s career spans over 28 years in the Air Force, with significant experience in acquisition programs. Notably, he served as the program executive officer for advanced aircraft at the Air Force Lifecycle Management Center in Ohio and contributed to the B-21 Raider program.
His new Pentagon office will comprise a “small, highly specialized staff,” while the current acquisition workforce will maintain their roles. Collaboration with the Pentagon and Michael Duffey, undersecretary of Defense for acquisition and sustainment, will be crucial in establishing White’s office in the forthcoming months.
For further details on the described programs, you can refer to the original articles on Defense News.
