Press Releases

U.S. Representatives Ted Budd (NC-13) and Walter Jones (NC-3) sent a letter to the Secretary of the Air Force sharing the accounts of two former majors in the 6th Special Operations Squadron of a failed 2013 contracting effort for weaponized agricultural aircraft. The majors detail a troubling account of contracting malfeasance at the 645th Aeronautical Systems Group, known as “Big Safari.”  The chain of events described by the majors in the letter mirror a similar pattern seen in the Kenya Foreign Military Sale, which has come under sustained congressional scrutiny.  

“The allegations made here are indicative of a revolving door culture and self-dealing at Big Safari.  They are specific, detailed and credible. It’s clear from the 6th Special Operations Squadron majors’ account that the Yemen contract was not in the best interests of the United States taxpayer or the warfighter.  The Kenya Foreign Military Sale involves the same companies, aircraft, and unit.  Our ally, Kenya, should not have to pay the price for a broken Air Force Contracting system.”    

Read the full letter here.