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U.S. Air Force News

  • Air Force names top fighter squadron

    On Feb. 16, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz announced that Kadena's 67th Fighter Squadron earned the Raytheon Trophy for 2011.The annual award, originally started by the Hughes Aircraft Company in 1953, is now sponsored by Raytheon Systems Corporation and is given to the top air

  • Air Force works to update disability hiring records

    Disability hiring initiatives are ongoing as federal agencies work to meet the president's challenge to hire 100,000 people with disabilities over the next five years.The Air Force has a long history of supporting such initiatives, but official records may not illustrate that, Air Force Personnel

  • Defense Health Board receives Port Mortuary review findings

    The Defense Health Board has received findings and recommendations from an independent review of practices at the Dover Port Mortuary in Delaware.The review was directed in December by Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today."One of the department's most

  • Pentagon: No enemy involvement in U-28 crash in Djibouti

    Four Air Force special operators were killed Feb. 18 when their single-engine U-28 aircraft crashed in Djibouti on the Horn of Africa, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Feb. 21."This is obviously a tragic incident," Little said about the accident, which occurred at the Djibouti-Ambouli

  • EMT 'rodeo' sharpens emergency response skills

    Being deployed overseas can sometimes be challenging for an emergency medical technician, especially since there could be situations that one wouldn't normally see on city streets in the U.S.This is why the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group developed the EMT Rodeo, which creates various challenges

  • Olympian becomes weather officer during World War II

    Archie Williams, 1936 Olympic Gold Medal winner was later Archie Williams, Air Force weather officer and pilot. With a need for thousands of weather officers in the expanding Army Air Forces in World War II, a Meteorology Aviation Cadet program trained more than 5,600 weather officers by the last

  • Air advisors, Honduran Air Force develop ATC curriculum

    The 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron and Honduran Air Force partnered together recently in developing an air traffic control technical curriculum for the Honduran Air Force air traffic controllers. The 571st MSAS air advisors, part of the 615th Contingency Response Wing based out of Travis

  • CSAF honors Lakenheath Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz recognized five 48th Fighter Wing Airmen during a medal ceremony here Feb. 10 for distinguishing themselves through acts of courage.Before family and friends gathered in the Strike Eagle Complex, Schwartz presented Airman's Medals to Senior Master Sgt.

  • DOD seeks leadership program candidates

    Department of Defense officials are seeking active duty Air Force majors and major-selects to apply for the academic year 2012-2013 Executive Leadership Development Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Although civilians are also eligible for the program, the call for nominations

  • Laughlin Airman controls Air Force's busiest airfield

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Like most other young boys, Staff Sgt. John Hammer dreamed of growing up and being a professional football star. Instead, the

  • German defense minister visits Holloman AFB

    Dr. Thomas de Maiziére, Germany's Federal Minister of Defense, visited here Feb. 15 during his trip to the U.S.De Maiziére came to the U.S. to visit the German Air Force Flying Training Center here and tour other German units stationed here in the U.S."It's a pleasure and honor to be here," de

  • Four Hurlburt Field Airmen die in U-28A crash in Djibouti

    Capt Ryan P. Hall from the 319th Special Operations Squadron, Capt Nicholas S. Whitlock and 1st Lt Justin J. Wilkens from the 34th Special Operations Squadron and Senior Airman Julian S. Scholten from the 25th Intelligence Squadron died Feb. 18 when their U-28A was involved in an accident near Camp

  • Texas ANG unit recognized for top family readiness program

    Texas and Wisconsin National Guard units were among several from the reserve components recognized Friday at the 2012 Department of Defense Reserve Family Readiness Awards ceremony here at the Pentagon.The 136th Airlift Wing, a part of the Texas National Guard, represented the Air National Guard.

  • Kyrgyz, American women discuss career, life goals during cultural exchange

    Kyrgyz and American citizens gathered for a Women's Club meeting Feb. 17, at Bayalinov Children's Library in Bishkek.The Women's Club is part of the U.S. Embassy-sponsored American Corner program. Every week, the group meets to discuss various topics including marriage, children, career goals and

  • Daniel James III makes own mark in Air Force history

    The son of the Air Force's first African-American four-star general made a mark in his own right during an Air Force career spanning close to four decades.Lt. Gen. Daniel James III was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on Sept. 7, 1945. He earned his commission as a distinguished graduate of the University

  • Airmen put response skills to the test

    Seven Airmen from the 898th Munitions Squadron witnessed a car crash, recently, on Interstate 40 near Amarillo, Texas, and put their self-aid and buddy care training to the test.They were returning from an assignment at the Pantex Plant near Amarillo when they saw a car lose control and get clipped

  • Tuskegee Airman broke color barriers through civil disobedience

    Not only was Oliver Goodall an accomplished Tuskegee Airman, but the World War II B-25 pilot is said to have helped lead the rally cry during the Freeman Field Mutiny, a 1945 incident considered a first step toward the official desegregation of all U.S. forces worldwide in June 1949.Goodall was

  • CSAF visits JB Elmendorf Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie visited Airmen here during a visit to Alaska Feb. 15 through 18. During the second day of his visit, the general, along with the 11th Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Stephen Hoog and 673rd Air Base Wing Commander Col. Robert Evans, hosted

  • SecDef praises Global Strike Airmen

    The nation's top military advisor visited Barksdale Air Force Base, Feb. 17, getting a first-hand look at the Air Force's strategic deterrence capabilities.With more than 300 people in attendance, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta began his visit with a town-hall meeting, stressing the importance of

  • CSAF helps dedicate Alaska's first Fisher House

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz helped dedicate the new Alaska Fisher House in a ceremony here Feb. 17. The 56th Fisher House to be built, it is the only one of its kind in Alaska, and has already hosted a military family from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, whose newborn is in the

  • Nurse faced hurdles for military acceptance

    Retired Army Maj. Nancy C. Leftenant-Colon, the first black nurse in the Reserve or active-duty Army nurse corps, didn't expect it to be easy.As a Reservist, she knew upon joining the U.S. Army in 1945 that there would be hurdles, but her strength in the face of adversity created avenues for

  • CMSAF testifies before Congress

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy testified at the House Appropriations Committee's Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Quality of Life hearing Feb. 16. He discussed topics that included wounded warrior care and building resiliency in Airmen. "We must ensure our Airmen

  • New IAAFA airfield facility consolidates aviation training

    Senior Air Force and Inter-American Air Forces Academy leaders, along with representatives from six Latin America partner nations, opened the new IAAFA Airfield Training Complex here in a ceremony Feb. 9.The new $19-million training complex combines all IAAFA aviation maintenance courses in one

  • Air Force boxers take 3 medals at Armed Forces Championships

    No more motivation is needed for Air Force boxing heavyweight Kent Brinson when it comes to preparing for the upcoming 2012 USA National Boxing Championships Feb. 27 through March 3 in his backyard of Fort Carson, Colo.Brinson, a senior airman stationed at Fort Carson, won the gold medal in his

  • Basic training campus nears completion

    The first of the new Air Force Basic Military Training housing campus projects are scheduled to be completed this summer, said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials. Daniel Olivas, the resident engineer for the corps, which is the project administrator, said Airman Training Complex No. 1 and

  • President recommends $5.062 billion for AF Reserve in fiscal 2013

    Under the Fiscal 2013 President's Budget Request announced Feb. 13, Air Force Reserve Command is slated to receive an annual operating budget of $5.062 billion starting in October.The fiscal 2013 budget includes $1.885 billion for military personnel, $3.166 billion for operations and maintenance to

  • AF identifies career fields eligible for crossflow

    Support officers in some overmanned career fields may be eligible to volunteer for retraining into an undermanned career field in support of the Air Force 2012 nonrated line officer crossflow program. Applications for the program will be accepted Feb. 17 through March16.Crossflow is one of various

  • Senior enlisted leaders cite troops' top concerns

    The senior enlisted advisors for the four military services met on Capitol Hill Feb. 16 to discuss with lawmakers the top issues on service members' minds.It turns out that for many, it's the same as what's on lawmakers' minds: the budget."I was asked questions, beginning in April, all the way to

  • Deployed maintainers keep F-16s flying

    The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. Highly maneuverable, F-16s have proven to be very effective in both air-to-air and air-to-surface combat. To keep these critical air-power assets mission ready, the technicians of the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance

  • Andersen Airmen recognized for life-saving actions

    A 36th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal apprentice was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal here Feb. 16 for his precise execution of life saving skills under the most unexpected of circumstances. Airman 1st Class Cody Frediani used CPR training to help save the life of a

  • AFCENT band plays first-ever rock concert at Abu Dhabi university

    Emirati college kids love James Brown.Members of the U.S. Air Forces Central Band, Afterburner, discovered this firsthand Feb. 16 as they played at Zayed University here for almost 300 students on campus. The performance marked several firsts: the first rock band to visit the school, the first time

  • Citizen Airman leaves mark as African-American female aviator

    Heritage and horizons are among Air Force hallmarks, and Brig. Gen. Stayce D. Harris, currently the Air Force's highest ranking black female aviator, said she is proud to play a part in both.As a Citizen Airman in the Air Force Reserve, Harris continues to leave her mark in the military and civilian

  • 455th ESFS Reapers push out insurgents, keep Bagram safe

    Most service members deployed to Afghanistan have heard the alarm blare over the giant voice system that signals incoming indirect fire to the base. While most people do their best to stay safe by taking cover and waiting for the "all clear," the Reapers gear up and head outside the wire in search

  • AFAF names winners of video contest

    Air Force Assistance Fund officials named the AFAF 2012 fundraising campaign online video contest winners Feb. 15.The video contest was designed to motivate Airmen and their families to learn more about the annual AFAF campaign and the four AFAF affiliate charities -- Air Force Villages, Air Force

  • Mobile Web app makes personnel accountability easier

    Software developers have created a new mobile Web application that allows total force Airmen the ability to account for themselves and family members from their smartphone during a crisis or natural disaster.During a crisis, the Air Force uses the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • U.S., Canadian forces participate in airborne exercise

    U.S. and Canadian service members conducted Joint Operations Access Exercise 12-01 here Feb. 10-13.Airmen with the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing joined forces with airborne units from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division and Canada's Company M, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Royal Canadian Regiment for the

  • Deployed Airman watches wife's commissioning 8,000+ miles away

    One Air Force couple put modern technology to work to help keep military tradition alive during a ceremony earlier this month.Shortly after being commissioned as a second lieutenant on Feb. 2, Donna Tluczek received her first salute from her husband, Tech. Sgt. Pawel Tluczek.But because he's

  • Airlift squadron celebrates 70 years

    "As a modern-day squadron, we stand on the shoulders of giants; of the people who came before us," said 1st Lt. Brett Polage, 37th Airlift Squadron historian. "They have paved the way for us to be successful, so we now show our respect for them."The 37th Airlift Squadron was activated Feb. 14, 1942

  • Airman earns 'Miss Rodeo USA' title

    Staff Sgt. Trisha Smeenk, 114th Public Affairs, was selected as Miss Rodeo USA for 2012 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Jan. 15, 2012. She received the crown in conjunction with the International Finals Rodeo held there.Sgt. Smeenk is the first South Dakotan, and first National Guard airman, to receive the

  • Enrollment for free culture course ends Feb. 29

    Registration for the spring "Introduction to Culture" course, an online self-paced undergraduate course that helps enlisted Airmen improve their cross-cultural competence, ends Feb. 29. The course explores subjects such as elements of culture, family, gender, religion, belief systems, sports and

  • AF flight surgeon makes mark during historic space flight

    The American public remembers John Glenn for his solo orbit around Earth. They remember Neil Armstrong for his walk on the moon. But few remember how Col. (Dr.) Vance H. Marchbanks Jr., one of the first black flight surgeons in the Army and the first in the Air Force, made it possible for them and

  • Air Force club members win 'super' trip

    Four Air Force club members won a four-day trip to attend Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.Winners were drawn from nearly 12,000 entries received from Air Force Clubs worldwide during the first 16 weeks of the annual Air Force Services Agency Football Frenzy promotion.

  • AFSPC commander addresses maturing cyberspace domain

    The Air Force Space Command commander highlighted space and cyberspace superiority, acquisition strategies and industry partnerships, and the need for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education during a speech Feb. 7 in Colorado Springs, Colo.Gen. William Shelton kicked off the

  • Phishing scams threat to network security

    Phishing scams attempt to fool you into visiting a bogus website to either download malware - viruses and other software intended to compromise your computer - or reveal sensitive personal information.For example, the scamming email might have an alarming subject line, such as "Problem with Your

  • Air Force, Navy officers help develop Afghan hospital project

    A groundbreaking ceremony kicked off the construction of a new hospital near Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan, Jan. 28.Calling it a major step forward for Afghans living near the base, officials said the $5 million commander's emergency response program is estimated to be completed in nine months.Air

  • Officials announce Flemming award nominees

    Air Force officials announced the nominees of the 63rd Annual Arthur S. Flemming Award recently. The Flemming award annually recognizes outstanding federal employees who made significant and extraordinary contributions to the federal government.The following are the Air Force nominees for the

  • CSAF visits RAF Lakenheath

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie helped honor the 48th Fighter Wing's annual award winners and nominees during a ceremony here Feb. 11.Those recognized as the Liberty Wing's 2011 Annual Award winners were:- Maj. Andrew Garcia, Field Grade Officer of the Year- Capt.

  • Air Force advisers, Afghan aircrew drop medical supplies to rural villages

    Advisors from the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group and an Afghan air force helicopter aircrew from Shindand Air Base delivered critical medical supplies Jan. 27 to two remote Afghan villages. The villagers of Sarji and Gaw Hoshtah were struck by a measles epidemic, which claimed the lives of

  • Air Force Medical Service turns to secure messaging

    Patients at Air Force-wide medical treatment facilities will soon be able to communicate securely and privately with their health care teams anywhere and anytime thanks to the expansion of secure messaging.Secure messaging will be available to patients through what is known as the MiCare portal. The

  • Tuskegee Airman one of first 'top guns'

    When most of us think about "Top Gun," we usually associate it with Tom Cruise's character during the '80s movie showcasing the Navy's F-14 Tomcat exploits and over-the-top maneuvers.But in reality, it was a Tuskegee Airmen who took part and won the military's first "Top Gun" style competition. Born

  • Cope North 2012 combines forces, efforts

    Joint operations kicked off between the U.S. Air Force, the Japan Air Self Defense Force and the Royal Australian Air Force as the first day of exercise Cope North 2012 began here Feb. 13. Whether it was the JASDF's F-2s flying alongside the RAAF's F-18s, or RAAF troops joining 36th Contingency

  • Air Force kicks off ESOH Symposium

    The Air Force kicked off its 20th annual Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Symposium at the Colorado Convention Center here Feb. 13.The largest military training event of its kind features 525 course offerings for more than 1,200 attendees and runs through Feb. 17. Air Force senior leaders

  • Mildenhall Airmen honored during CSAF visit

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz helped honor Team Mildenhall's annual award winners during a banquet here Feb. 10.Those recognized as the Team Mildenhall 2011 Annual Award winners were:- Capt. Nathaniel Smith, Company Grade Officer of the Year- Senior Master Sgt. Emilio Hernandez,

  • OSI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service catch cyber criminal

    Criminals work their mischief where there is money to be gained, and in a world that relies heavily on the Internet, identity thieves are working overtime to find new and creative ways to steal.That was the case with Rene Quimby, who was able to get his virtual hands on the identities of more than

  • Star Trek fan becomes first African-American female to fly U-2

    By the time Merryl Tengesdal graduated from the Navy's flight aviation program in 1994, the early women aviation pioneers like Bessie Coleman, Janet Bragg, Willa Brown and Mae Jemison had pretty much broken the barriers for race and gender.But after the Bronx native switched to the Air Force a

  • User-friendly USAF Song recordings ready for use

    New recordings of the U.S. Air Force Song are available for use in official military ceremonies at the Air Force Portal and www.music.af.mil.  The new recordings, one with vocals and one instrumental-only, respect the original character, lyrics and melody of the song, but are designed to promote

  • AF 2013 budget: Cuts while keeping agile, flexible, ready force

    The Air Force released its fiscal 2013 budget Feb. 13 and stressed the need for difficult budgetary cuts to meet the new defense strategy while maintaining the service's agility, flexibility and readiness.The Air Force is requesting $154.3 billion in the president's 2013 budget, a reduction of five

  • 35 Airmen selected for 2012 Tops in Blue tour

    Air Force Services Agency officials here recently announced the names of 35 Airmen selected for the 2012 Tops in Blue tour. In January, more than 80 Airmen competed as singers, dancers, musicians, magicians and technicians for Tops in Blue slots during the annual Air Force Worldwide Talent Search at

  • Tuskegee Airman sees success as first AF four-star general

    One of the original Tuskegee Airmen went on to become the first African-American to attain the rank of four-star general in the U.S. Air Force.Born in Pensacola, Fla., in 1920, the youngest of 17 children in a relatively poor family, Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. had a career that spanned three

  • Troops, families to benefit from landmark settlement

    Service members and their families are among the Americans who will benefit from a "landmark" $25 billion foreclosure settlement between the government and banks, federal and state officials said today.The federal government and 49 state attorneys general reached the agreement with the nation's five

  • Air Force hosts collaborative Software Development Forum

    The Air Force Network Integration Center hosted the first Software Development Forum here Feb. 7.The forum brought together nearly 100 people from industry and the Air Force to discuss future software standards for integration onto the Air Force Network."We need to save time and money by

  • Aeromedical evac team aids freed hostages

    For Staff Sgt. Donald Ennis, a medical technician assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, the day started routinely enough. He walked outside his room to video chat with his wife and two daughters on his computer. During the conversation, he glanced up from the screen

  • Joint Women's Leadership Symposium to be held March 5-6

    Women from all branches of the armed forces will have the opportunity to learn leadership skills and network at the Joint Women's Leadership Symposium here March 5-6.The symposium, themed "United in Service -- Our Global Impact," will offer women the opportunity to focus on their leadership

  • Airman sentenced to life without parole in murder case

    An Airman here was sentenced to life without parole, reduction in rank to airman basic, forfeiture of all military pay and a dishonorable discharge after a two-week long sentencing hearing Feb. 9. On Jan. 30, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Cron pled guilty to premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder,

  • FTI continues to transform food delivery for Airmen

    The Air Force Food Transformation Initiative began at six pilot locations a little over a year ago, and the ground-breaking initiative continues to make progress in redefining how food is delivered to today's Airmen. In its first year, Airmen at the FTI pilot locations experienced revamped menu

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Cope North kicks off at Andersen AB

    More than 1,000 military members from units spanning the Pacific are ready to kick off exercise Cope North 2012, which runs from Feb. 11 through 24. The trilateral, multinational exercise is designed to enhance air operations between the U.S. Air Force, the Japan Air Self Defense Force and the Royal

  • First lady samples Food Transformation Initiative at Little Rock

    Michelle Obama visited the Hercules Dining Facility here Feb. 9 to survey the food transformation initiative program on base. The visit was part of a three-day tour by the first lady, commemorating the second anniversary of her "Let's Move!" program designed to combat childhood obesity.In addition

  • Civic leaders learn about wounded warriors, family issues

    Civic leaders from 32 states and Guam were briefed on wounded warrior care and support to military families during the Air Force Chief of Staff's Civic Leader Program annual conference here recently.The Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program's membership is composed of respected community

  • Air Force leads DOD in green power

    The Air Force is one of the nation's top purchasers of green power, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Top 25 list of Green Power Partners released Jan. 31.The Air Force's use of renewable energy ranks number one in the Department of Defense, number two in the federal

  • AF 'Energy Horizons' paper

    The Air Force's Energy Horizons paper was released Feb. 9 and describes how the Service plans to increase energy supply, reduce demand and change the culture to meet mission requirements.Energy Horizons, which was signed Jan. 25, is the Air Force vision for energy science and technology focusing on

  • Air Force spouse featured on 'Wheel of Fortune'

    The spouse of an NCO stationed here made her national television debut as a "Wheel of Fortune" contestant Feb. 6. Rebecca Sander, wife of Tech. Sgt Jeffery Sander, was on the show as part of its "Military Spouse Week."After seeing an advertisement on Facebook for military spouse auditions for the

  • AF announces February enlisted supplemental promotions

    More than 235 Airmen have been selected for promotion to the next higher rank as part of the January enlisted supplemental promotion process. The enlisted supplemental promotion release announces those Airmen selected for promotion who tested outside of their required cycle due to an extended

  • End of an era for Edwards test flight civilian

    Bearing witness to over a half century of aerospace engineering and innovation is a testament to one's interest in flight test history. However, to actually participate in over 50 years of it is a testament to one's dedication and excellence in the field.After 55 years of work for the Air Force

  • Airfield NCO earns medal for accident response

    The NCO in charge of aircrew flight equipment for the 306th Operations Support Squadron received an Air Force Commendation medal from Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Mike Gould here Feb. 1.Tech. Sgt. Matthew Kurpaski received the medal for his response to a single-car accident in November

  • Airmen provide dental care in Honduras

    Members of the Joint Medical Readiness Training Exercise provided medical services to more than 730 La Bacadia community members here recently, including more than 85 patients seen by the dental team.The Joint MEDRETE's dental members were responsible for dental assessment and tooth extraction

  • Airmen halt nighttime training to aid victims

    Combat-search-and-rescue Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing here halted their nighttime training operations at a remote drop zone in Central Florida to transport accident victims to the hospital.Four people were injured, one seriously, when their airboat flipped on the St. John's River, approximately

  • AF announces test pilot school selections

    Sixty-plus Airmen are primary or alternate Air Force and Navy test pilot school selectees, while one has been selected to attend the Epner Test Pilot School in France, and another will attend the Empire Test Pilot School in England, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Selectees,

  • Tuskegee Airman gives account of 'lucky' day

    Famed Yankees pitcher "Lefty Gomez" once remarked "I'd rather be lucky than good," but for one Tuskegee Airman, luck and good combined to make him one of the most successful combat pilots of World War II.During the summer of 1944, 2nd Lt. Clarence D. "Lucky" Lester was flying the P-51 Mustang over

  • Air Force announces first female four-star general nominee

    President Barack Obama nominated Air Force Lt. Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger for promotion Feb. 6, which, pending Senate approval, would make her the first female four-star general in Air Force history.Wolfenbarger currently serves as the military deputy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air

  • 480th Intel Group wins Air Force language award

    The Air Force Senior Language Authority recently announced the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group at Fort Gordon, Georgia as the Command Language Program of the Year awards recipient for 2011. "This group of Airmen has demonstrated excellence and discipline as language

  • Airmen ensure interoperability with partner nation

    Two Airmen from the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, out of Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, are currently deployed here in support of a month-long Building Partner Capacity mission.Tech. Sgt. Ruben Sigala and Staff Sgt. Heric Llerena, both instructors at the IAAFA, joined forces with Airmen from

  • OSI investigation leads to conviction in contract fraud case

    A recent investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations resulted in a guilty plea by a man suspected of contract fraud.Charles R. Priestley, 48, was sentenced for making a false, fictitious and fraudulent claim to the United States Air Force. The United States District Court in East

  • Joint partnership brings equipment home

    Twenty-six Airmen from the 435th Contingency Response Group traveled to Romania in partnership with the 21st Theater Sustainment Command to re-deploy the 170 th Brigade Combat team's equipment from Afghanistan to their home unit in Baumholder, Germany.The operation took less than a month with the

  • Stripes to bars: Tips on how to get commissioned

    Airmen looking to trade in their stripes for a set of bars can take advantage of five different commissioning programs offered by the Air Force. According to Melanie Mendez, 31st Force Support Squadron education and training specialist, enlisted Airmen have an advantage when applying for

  • Air Force advisers, Afghan aircrew drop medical supplies to rural villages

    Advisors from the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group and Afghan air force helicopter aircrew, from Shindand Air Base, delivered critical medical supplies Jan. 27 to inhabitants of two remote villages struck by a measles epidemic.The epidemic claimed the lives of 12 children in the villages of

  • Tuskegee Airman a success in both military and business

    A former Tuskegee Airman went on to have a career in the Air Force, as well as success in the business world.Lee A. Archer joined the Army in 1941 with high hopes of becoming a pilot, but was initially denied because of his race. When the Army's policy changed about a year later, Archer was accepted

  • Jet engine mechanic wins language award

    Since 2002, the Air Force has awarded outstanding Airmen who possess superior foreign language skills and leveraged their capabilities to increase the Air Forces's mission effectiveness. Senior Airman Michael Abrash was recently selected as the Air Force Language Professional of the Year for

  • New fuels course graduates first class

    A new fuels training course developed by 364th Training Squadron members here officially started Jan. 23 and graduated its first students Feb. 3.The Fuels Operational Readiness Capability Equipment Course is designed to teach fuels specialists about new equipment currently being in deployed

  • CMSAF discusses current Air Force issues

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy discussed top Air Force issues with more than 100 military members at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, Feb. 1.Roy spoke about budget issues, resiliency and future capabilities of the Air Force.The chief said he attempts to visit the advisers

  • CMSAF stresses Airman resilience

    A soft light from Senior Airman Sarah Mattausch's mobile phone glowed in the darkness of her room before dawn on a Saturday, waking her up much earlier than expected. As she read the incoming text, Mattausch realized that her friend, her wingman, was in trouble. Mattausch's actions over the next few

  • First Afghan pilot class completes flight screening course

    A group of seven Afghan officers continued their journey to earn pilot wings by passing their first flight screening course Feb. 2 at Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan.The officers are attending the first undergraduate pilot training held exclusively inside Afghanistan in more than 30 years. The flight

  • Tuskegee Airman goes on to become first Air Force African-American general

    A man who was shunned because of his race during his four years at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., back in the early 1930s would go on to become the first African-American general in the U.S. Air Force.Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. was born in 1912 to Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., an Army officer

  • Guardsmen save man 200 miles off coast of California

    Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing here performed a rescue mission 200 miles off the coast of California on Feb. 4.Responding to a call from the Eleventh District Coast Guard at Alameda, Calif., pararescuemen, two HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and one MC-130P Combat Shadow