Pentagon halts tanker lease program until ethics probe completed

Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz has ordered a pause in the execution of the Air Force's acquisition of Boeing 767 airlines for use as tankers to allow the Pentagon's inspector general to "provide an independent assessment" of allegations of unethical conduct. Wolfowitz announced his decision on Monday in a letter to House Armed Services Chairman Duncan Hunter, R-Calif. The move was prompted by last week's dismissal of two Boeing Co. executives, Michael Sears, its chief financial officer, and Darleen Druyun, a vice president and former senior acquisition official at the Air Force. Druyun, who was involved in much of the 767 contract negotiations, and Sears were fired after an internal probe revealed that Sears had discussed hiring Druyun before her obligations as a government contracting official working with Boeing were complete.

Wolfowitz said the inspector general will determine the impact of any improper conduct on the tanker negotiations.

"I believe it is prudent to assess this matter before proceeding," Wolfowitz concluded.

Controversy over the alleged ethics violation led to the resignation on Monday of Philip Condit, chief executive officer and chairman of Boeing.