Yokota AB Airmen tackle Herculean airlift missions into Sendai

Over the past two weeks, Sendai Airport has served as a critical relay point for relief efforts throughout northeastern Japan, and the Airmen of the 36th Airlift Squadron are working to ensure that the airport stays open for business.Since the incapacitated airport reopened to air traffic, 36th

Photo essay: Guardsmen deploy in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn

Members of the Illinois Air National Guard's 126th Air Refueling Wing here prepare a KC-135 Stratotanker for deployment March 25, in support Operation Odyssey Dawn. The KC-135s will provide air-refueling support to coalition aircraft enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya.View the slideshow.

Total-force team supports Operation Tomodachi

While supporting combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan, a total integrated force of active, Guard and Reserve Airmen are supporting humanitarian relief efforts in Japan following the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that ravaged parts of Japan March 11.Air Force officials are increasingly

Coalition continues to defend Libyan civilians

Coalition forces continue to enforce the no-fly zone over Libya, striking air defense capabilities and regime forces that threaten Libyan civilians, Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney said here March 24.The director of the Joint Staff said during a Pentagon news conference that the coalition

Just another 'dog day afternoon' for Airmen, Sailors

It was a 'dog day afternoon' March 23 for Staff Sgt. Chris Sawhill and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Green as they volunteered their time to help welcome transiting pets from Japan to the Joint Reception Coordination Center here.As family members made their way across the Pacific from various

Yokota AB airlifters deliver fuel to power Sendai Airport

Airmen from the 36th Airlift Squadron here delivered more than 2,300 gallons of diesel fuel to Sendai Airport, Japan, aboard a C-130H Hercules in support of Operation Tomodachi March 24. The Airmen delivered the fuel to Sendai where it will be used to fuel generators and provide power. Until

CE continues work to restore Misawa

Operations appear to be returning to normal around Misawa Air Base. During the past 1.5 weeks, the men and women assigned to the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron have worked to get the base to where it is now, but they still have work ahead of them. When an earthquake struck Northern Japan March 11 and

Photo essay: Establishing a forward area refueling point in Japan

Airmen assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Group offload fuel from an MC-130P Combat Shadow while establishing a forward area refueling point here March 17. A forward area refueling point provides the capability to offload fuel to storage devices or other aircraft, increasing an aircraft's

Yokota AB temporarily grows to accommodate Operation Tomodachi support

Special operations Airmen continue relief efforts at Sendai

Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan, are continuing to provide support to further relief efforts here. After helping re-open the runway March 16, Airmen from the group also assisted Japanese emergency management and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force officials in

Air Force special operations Airman supports Marine units

Airmen from the 353rd Special Operations Group are providing support for relief operations in Japan in a variety of ways. For one communications specialist from the group, that means being one of only three Airman forward deployed with a team of Marines. Senior Airman Adam Colby, a special

AFNORTH EPLOs deploy in support of voluntary evacuation from Japan

Air Forces Northern National Security Emergency Preparedness Directorate recently deployed two emergency preparedness liaison officers in support of the voluntary authorized departure of military dependents from Japan to the U.S., and is poised to support with others if tasked. The military assisted

U.S., Thai airmen donate supplies to school children

Service members presented more than $1,300 in supplies to help students at a community outreach event here March 18, during Cope Tiger, a multilateral joint and combined field training exercise.The school staff welcomed U.S. and Royal Thai Air Force airmen with a donation ceremony to express their

Bioenvironmental techs test for toxins near Tokyo

Among the typical crews for disaster relief in mainland Japan is an atypical crew. Amid concerns for the environment, two Airman from the 18th Aerospace Medicine Squadron's Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight has responded to the disasters there. While other crews from here perform search-and-rescue

Air Force officials launch accountability system for personnel in Japan

Air Force officials have activated the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System, or AFPAAS, to monitor the status and location of all personnel and dependents residing on the island of Honshu, Japan.Officials are asking commanders and their commander representatives, or CORs, to

Crew conducts refueling in support of Operation Tomodachi

An MC-130P Combat Shadow crew from the 17th Special Operations Squadron here successfully refueled four HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters conducting search and rescue operations March 18 off the shores of Northeastern Japan. The crew left Yokota Air Base for Matsushima Airfield, which reopened March 16,

McChord Airmen support first voluntary departure flight from Japan

Members here helped welcome 233 Department of Defense personnel and family members who voluntarily departed Japan after the earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck the island March 11."This is a tremendous team effort from the entire joint base community aimed at easing a difficult time for DOD

First C-17 touches down in Sendai

A C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, landed in Sendai March 20 to part in the relief support mission here. Members of the 517th Airlift Squadron delivered an all-terrain forklift to download supplies, including four pallets of water and six pallets of blankets and

Smooth departure processes at Misawa soothe nerves

Dog handlers from the U.S. Agency for International Development brought their working dogs to the collocated club at Misawa Air Base, Japan, to entertain the children as their parents wait in the voluntary departure processing lines March 19, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Phillip

Mobility Airmen supporting Japan relief effort on multiple fronts

Every day since March 11 when the earthquake and a tsunami struck Japan, mobility Airmen have been on a busy pace.Reports show Airmen flying C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Hercules aircraft moving cargo and personnel to support Operation Tomodachi, the operation designation for the Japan relief

Misawa Airmen coordinate volunteer efforts in local community

It wasn't long after the ground stopped shaking in Japan that people began asking, "What can I do to help?"Hundreds of volunteers, military members, families and civilians, came forward at Misawa Air Base in the days following the March 11, 9.0-magnitude earthquake. It soon became clear that a

Contamination avoidance team ensures health, safety of Yokota aircrews

Tech. Sgt. Michael Welles is checked for radiation exposure March 13, 2011, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, after a flight to northern Japan. A team of bioenvironmental engineers from the 374th Aerospace Medicine Squadron and emergency managers from the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron were checking

Mildenhall tankers refuel aircraft supporting Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn

Maintainers with the 100th Air Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, prepare a KC-135 Stratotanker for a refueling mission March 19, 2011, in support of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn. JTF Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and

B-2 enforces no-fly zone

One of three B-2 Spirit bombers returns to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., from a mission in support of enforcing Operation Odyssey Dawn no-fly zone over Libya March 20, 2011. The no-fly zone was imposed by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 authorizing military action. (U.S. Air

Mullen says no-fly zone 'effectively in place'

Initial operations in Libya have been very effective, with French, British and U.S. air strikes crippling Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi's capabilities, the U.S. military's top-ranking officer said March 20.Speaking on CNN's "State of the Union," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs

New crisis centers assist with relocations

Department of Defense Education Activity officials have established crisis centers to assist parents of its students and employees who are affected by the voluntary relocations from Japan and Bahrain.The centers -- one each in Virginia, Japan and Germany -- are accessible by phone or email 24 hours

Coalition launches 'Operation Odyssey Dawn'

Coalition forces launched "Operation Odyssey Dawn" March 19 to enforce U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973 to protect the Libyan people from the country's ruler.The goal of the military coalition is to prevent further attacks by regime forces on Libyan citizens, officials said, adding that the

TRICARE follows beneficiaries departing Japan

TRICARE Management Activity officials assure TRICARE beneficiaries affected by the situation in Japan that their health care benefits will be maintained and support will continue during this difficult time. Even if relocated, beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Overseas Program Prime, or

Special ops Airmen deploy additional humanitarian support

An additional 15 Airmen from the 353rd Special Operations Group departed here March 14 with support equipment and relief supplies on a MC-130H Combat Talon II to support humanitarian relief operations being staged out of Yokota Air Base, Japan. The Airmen are highly-trained medical, communication

Airmen deliver fuel, sustain relief efforts

C-17 transports Japanese forces to help relief efforts

Maintainers keep C-130s flying to supply Operation Tomodachi

51st LRS Airmen support Operation Tomodachi during ORE

Airmen from the 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron processed 18,000 pounds of cargo here March 14 in support of Operation Tomodachi.The supplies were being transported to the Ronald Reagan Carrier Group to continue humanitarian-aid missions off the east coast of Honshu, Japan. The shipment included

Airmen at Misawa Air Base handle heavy airlift traffic

Since the beginning of Operation Tomodachi, the aircraft ramps here have been a hive of activity, receiving and launching cargo planes full of relief supplies and aid workers.As of March 16, Airmen here have serviced aircraft including Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs, Boeing 767s and Navy C-2

Eagle Vision imagery supporting Japan recovery efforts

The Electronic Systems Center-managed Eagle Vision imagery collection team here rushed into action within hours of the devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Northeast Japan March 11.Shortly after 7 a.m. Eastern Time on March 11, the Eagle Vision team began working to order

'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Airmen respond to the massive earthquake and tsunami that have left much of the east coast of Japan in ruins. Plus, a new Air Force satellite program designed to aid in missile warning and defense takes one step closer to completion. And, in honor of Women's

DOS officials authorize voluntary departure of dependents from Japan

Department of State officials authorized the voluntary departure, including relocation to safe areas within Japan, for family members and dependents of U.S. government officials who wish to leave Northeast Japan.U.S. government officials are also working to facilitate the departure of private

Special-ops Airmen open strategic runways for relief operations

Airmen and aircraft from the 353rd Special Operations Group assisted Japanese officials in opening two key runways to support relief operations in northern Japan March 16.Facilities and airfields at Matsushima Air Base and Sendai Airport were damaged by the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and resulting

Logistics Readiness Squadron continues to move cargo at Misawa

Photo essay: Japan's aftermath

A joint team of Airmen and Marines fly over the Sendai Airport here March 13 to survey the aftermath of the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck the region. The service members are assisting with Japan's earthquake and tsunami recovery effort.View the slideshow.

Air Force officials use Global Hawk to support Japan relief efforts

Pacific Air Forces officials are using an RQ-4 Global Hawk from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to assist Japan responders in disaster relief and recovery efforts, following the March 11 earthquake and the resulting tsunami off the eastern coast of Japan.The Global Hawk, a high-altitude,

Red Cross website links Japan-based troops to home

In the wake of Japan's massive earthquake and tsunami, Red Cross officials are encouraging U.S. service members and families stationed there to register with an online resource intended to keep family and friends back home informed of their welfare.Military members and their families can relay their

Yokota AB Airmen deliver fuels truck to aid Japan's relief efforts

Senior Airman Jason Barbieri guides a fuels truck onto a C-130H Hercules March 15, 2011, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The fuels truck was taken to Yamagota Airport to support Japan's earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. Airman Barbieri is assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron. (U.S. Air Force

Misawa AB members donate to Japanese disaster victims

The residents of Misawa Air Base, Japan, are collecting clothing donations in support of the base's off-base community."When we put out the call for donations, I was truly surprised by the overwhelming support we received from the Base community," said Kelli Wimmer, wife of Col. Van Wimmer, 35th

Misawa Air Base recovering from earthquake

Misawa Air Base was shaken March 11 by the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan but sustained only minor damage with no injuries or loss of life."Our focus is on the recovery of the base and assisting our Japanese allies," said Col. Michael Rothstein, the 35th Fighter Wing commander. "We will

Disaster response symposium focuses on strength, unity

Disaster responders from across the nation converged in Orlando, Fla., for the 2nd Annual National Joint Defense Support of Civil Authorities Symposium, hosted by Air Forces Northern officials, to discuss better ways for federal agencies, specifically the military, to assist during man-made and

Kadena generators installed at Misawa

Staff Sgt. Ryan Miller and Airman First Class Jessica Ball, connect power cables from a generator to the main breaker at Misawa Inn March 14, 2011, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Members of the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron were deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan, to help with base recovery efforts.

Air transportation Airmen support Japan relief operations

On March 11, an 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck Japan and a tsunami followed, creating widespread destruction throughout the country. Within a short time, U.S. service members were gearing up to support a response, and air transportation Airmen, also known as aerial porters, were no exception.Aerial

Pacific Air Forces Airmen deploy to Japan to aid relief efforts

A C-17 Globemaster III carrying a team of Pacific Air Force Airmen departed here March 12 to support ongoing disaster relief efforts in Japan. The team of approximately 25 Airmen from a variety of Air Force specialties, traveled to Yokota Air Base, Japan, where they will provide support to efforts

Airmen deploy to support relief operations

Approximately 100 Airmen and three MC-130P Combat Shadows from the 353rd Special Operations Group deployed to Yokota Air Base March 12 to support humanitarian relief operations after an 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific Ocean off the coast of northeastern Japan March 11. The Airmen are

Mobility Airmen deliver search-and-rescue teams to Japan

Two Air Mobility Command C-17 Globemaster IIIs departed the U.S. March 12 to deliver search and rescue equipment and personnel to Japan in support of humanitarian relief efforts after an earthquake and tsunami struck the island nation March 11. President Barack Obama pledged U.S. support,

Yokota Airmen prepare relief supplies

Members of the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, unload cargo, March 14, 2011, as part of the earthquake and tsunami recovery effort. (U.S. Air Force photo/Osakabe Yasuo)

Relief workers, search and rescue teams arrive at Misawa AB

An Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker arrives at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Mar. 13, 2011, with the first wave of humanitarian relief workers. More than 50 civil engineer members from Kadena AB, Japan, came to assist with recovery actions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Marie Brown)

U-2 reconnaissance aircraft deployed to aid Japan relief efforts

As Japan copes with the aftermath of the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that struck March 11, the United States has sent help in the form of personnel, equipment and a watchful eye in the sky: a U-2 high-altitude, all-weather surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft from the 5th Reconnaissance

Rescue crews arrive at Misawa Air Base

Two urban search and rescue teams, one from Fairfax County, Va., and the other from Los Angeles arrived here Mar.13.The USAR teams consists of approximately 150 rescuers and 12 rescue dogs. Another rescue crew from the United Kingdom, consisting of 60 rescuers and 2 dogs, was also scheduled to

Jazz combo entertains passengers diverted to Yokota Air Base

Staff Sgt. Anthony Schmaus, U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific, performs on stage for passengers diverted from Narita International Airport inside the community center at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 11, 2011. The jazz combo entertained passengers who stayed overnight as a result of the earthquake

Yokota civil engineers lead building renovation for relief forces

Airmen in the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron, aided by Red Cross workers and base community volunteers, prepared lodging facilities here March 12 for inbound disaster relief forces.More than 60 Airmen and base residents worked into the evening on previously unoccupied residential building, cleaning

Okinawa Airmen deploy to support relief on mainland Japan

Airmen here are mobilizing to support disaster relief operations following the earthquake and tsunami March 11 that struck mainland Japan."We are here to stand beside our Japanese allies following this tragic event," said Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, 18th Wing commander. "We are working with U.S. Forces

Kadena AB helps sister base

Civil engineers from Kadena Air Base arrived at Misawa AB, Japan, to help restore commercial power on the base that was taken out by the earthquake March 11. Tech. Sgt. Mike Tateishi was on the scene to report as civil engineers prepared to deploy March 12.

AMC forces poised to support humanitarian operations in Japan

Air Mobility Command forces are poised to support relief operations in Japan after the earthquakes and resulting tsunamis that have struck the nation, according to AMC officials. Numerous AMC aircraft and crews have been placed on alert, according to officials, positioning forces to take-off within

Photo essay: Airline passengers take shelter at Yokota AB after 8.9-magnitude earthquake

Base officials and American Red Cross volunteers here provided food and shelter to passengers of commercial airline flights, after planes were diverted from Narita International Airport in Tokyo March 11, due to an 8.9-magnitude earthquake.View the slideshow.

Gates pledges U.S. help for Japan

The United States is prepared to help Japan deal with the aftermath of the massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that struck today "in any way we possibly can," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in Bahrain. "I've been kept informed all day long about the tsunami in Japan, the earthquake

Air Force responds to earthquake in Japan

Defense Secretary Robert Gates reports U.S. military personnel in Japan are accounted for after the massive 8.9 earthquake and tsunami that struck March 11."As best we can tell, all of our people are okay, our ships and military facilities are all in pretty good shape," Mr. Gates said. Meanwhile,

Yokota Air Base community assists pax of diverted commercial aircraft

Several commercial aircraft have diverted to Yokota Air Base from Narita International Airport in Tokyo after it closed in response to an earthquake that hit mainland Japan at 2:50 p.m. local March 11.Some 11 aircraft have landed at the base and more than 500 passengers have been transported to the

Airmen transport refugees back to Egypt

Two Air Force C-130s will transport Egyptian refugees from Tunisia to Cairo March 9, Defense Department officials said."The aircraft should be on the ground in Djerba now," said Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan, referring to the Tunisian island where crews are picking up the refugees. "The plan is for

Airmen deliver aid to Libyan evacuees

Airmen from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, delivered humanitarian aid March 4 to Libyan evacuees and foreign nationals, who have fled here due to recent political uprising in Libya.The Airmen, assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron, piloted two C-130J Super Hercules and received 2,000 wool blankets, 40

A break from therapy

Airmen and Sailors took time to visit a children's hospital here March 1, as part of a community outreach event during the Avalon 2011 Australia International Airshow and Aerospace and Defence Exposition.Five Airmen from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and eight Sailors

Photo essay: Ice rescue training at Whiteman AFB

Members of the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron participated in ice rescue training here Jan. 31. View the slideshow.

McChord Airmen survive New Zealand earthquake unscathed

About 35 McChord Airmen, 15 of them from the Air Force Reserve Command's 446th Airlift Wing, are in Christchurch, New Zealand, where a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Feb. 22. The remaining McChord Airmen in Christchurch belong to the active-duty 62nd Airlift Wing here.Based in Christchurch with their

New York Air Guardsmen all safe after New Zealand earthquake

All 26 members of the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing, currently deployed to Christchurch, New Zealand, in support of Operation Deep Freeze, are safe and unharmed after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the New Zealand city Feb. 22.The Air Guard wing will remain in

Airmen help transport clothes, shoes to Kyrgyzstan

More than 6,500 pounds of humanitarian goods were loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster III here Feb. 7. The goods are being shipped to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, as part of the Denton Program, which allows private citizens and organizations to use space available on military cargo planes to transport

Fallen Marine's family adopts his best friend

"Whatever is mine is his," Marine Corps Pfc. Colton W. Rusk wrote about Eli, his military working dog, in the final days of their deployment in Afghanistan. On Feb. 3, Private Rusk's family helped prove his words true when they adopted the black Labrador retriever in a retirement and adoption

McConnell firefighter saves couple

Casting personal safety aside, one firefighter here rescued a local couple from a potential disaster Jan. 30.The rescue was performed by Senior Airman Jared Adams, a 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, who was off-duty at the time. While driving past a home in Wichita, Kan., Airman Adams

STOMP brings together parents, educators of special needs children

When Tech. Sgt. Emily Smith and Staff Sgt. Todge Smith were blessed with a baby girl nearly six months ago, they immediately recognized signs of Down syndrome and epilepsy in her. With early intervention and physical therapy, their daughter Renee is now meeting all developmental milestones.Sergeant

Fairchild rescue team saves man with broken hip

Airmen from the 36th Rescue Flight here rescued a 65-year-old man Jan. 22 near Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho.Argyle Mydland was walking back to his house when he slipped on a patch of ice and broke his hip. He was able to use his arms to crawl back inside to call for help. Because of weather restrictions

Ellsworth AFB Airmen give boy 'best day ever'

An 8-year-old boy from Rapid City S.D., who was born with a developmental disability, was given the opportunity of a lifetime here Jan. 13.Aric Lassegard visited here as part of a program called Aircrew for a Day, which allows children with disabilities or illnesses to experience being a B-1B Lancer

Air Force Week in Photos

This week's photo highlights 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.

Daughter of MacDill chaplain makes harrowing journey

Most people pedal a bike for fun and recreation, but it was the very serious business of combating the sex slave trade that motivated the daughter of one of MacDill Air Force Base's own to make a harrowing, cross-country winter bike journey.Janna Buttrick, a college student and daughter of Chaplain

SOUTHCOM chief praises Haiti quake response

A year after his headquarters staff jumped into action to coordinate the military response to a devastating earthquake in Haiti, Gen. Douglas Fraser, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, offered high praise Jan. 12 for the hard work and dedication they demonstrated. General Fraser, during his

2010 Year in Photos

2010's Year in Photos highlights the top moments from Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This yearly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force. View the slideshow.

Airmen donate school supplies to local Iraqi children

Airmen assigned to the Echelon Above Division-Advise and Train team at Tallil Air Base, Iraq, recently handed out school supplies and toys to more than 70 children at Ur Elementary School, located in a small village near the base."The local children are the future leaders of this country," said Lt.

Civil engineers restore electricity to village

For the past three months, inhabitants of Bakir village, Iraq, were without power, but members of the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, contractors and local Iraqi electricians worked together to install new high-voltage cable to restore electricity."This has been a joint effort between

Afghan family treated for burns by Bagram medics

Air Force health professionals train continuously, from medical school to retirement, to provide life-saving treatments to patients. In most cases, they count on providing those treatments to service members, but Airmen assigned to the Craig Joint Theater Hospital here are finding themselves working

'Hero Miles' program supports families of fallen, wounded

A popular program that turns donated frequent-flier miles into free airline tickets for wounded warriors receiving medical care, as well as their families, will expand in 2011, so families of the fallen and combat wounded can participate in two upcoming events.The Fisher House Foundation, which

Reservists load humanitarian aid bound for Nicaragua

A C-17 Globemaster III from the Air Force Reserve Command's 315th Airlift Wing at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., landed here Dec. 30 to load humanitarian aid headed for Managua, Nicaragua.A fire truck along with nearly three and a half tons of medical supplies and firefighting equipment donated by

Air Force rescuers pull female hiker to safety

Senior Master Sgt. Mike Flake, an HH-60G Pave Hawk flight engineer with the 305th Rescue Squadron here, had been flying a training mission Dec. 22 around Tucson, Ariz., where his unit trains regularly. Upon clocking out, he was home by 9:30 p.m., enjoying family time, when he received a call from a

Afghan air force members distribute supplies to nearby town

Members of the Afghan Air Force and NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan visited a village north of Kabul Dec. 22 to distribute school supplies and clothes. Notebooks, pens, pencils, soccer balls, frisbees, volleyballs and winter clothing, gloves, rubber boots and back packs were all distributed to

Operation Christmas Drop a team effort

Airmen stationed in Japan and Guam are experiencing the joy of giving on an epic scale this holiday season. This year marks the 23rd year Airmen from Yokota AFB are participating in Operation Christmas Drop, an annual humanitarian mission hosted in conjunction with volunteers and personnel from

Photo essay: Operation Christmas Drop

Airmen from the 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, come together each year during Operation Christmas Drop to drop thousands of pounds of donated supplies over various Micronesian Islands Dec. 14.View the slideshow.

Teen center raises tilapia for Union Gospel Mission

Teens attending the Fairchild Teen Center here are raising Tilapia -- a freshwater fish -- that will help feed homeless people year-round at the Spokane Union Gospel Mission.The youth program here is very active in supporting various efforts to improve quality of life for people on base and in the

Airman aims to help others during holiday season

It's not unusual for Maj. John Thomas to come home with beat up old bicycles.In the old, discarded bikes he finds in dumpsters, he sees a few more good years that could benefit some other child or adult, said Major Thomas, the 721st Mission Support Group chief of plans and programs. He takes the

Contingency response wing returns from Pakistan relief mission

Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing have completed operations in Pakistan in support of flood relief distribution efforts after torrential rains and flooding affected more than 20 million people and left one-fifth of the agricultural country under water.The last seven members of the 37

U.S. responds to Israeli request for help

Two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, delivered 20 tons of fire retardant to Israel Dec. 4. The mission was part of a joint U.S. European Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe effort to assist the Israeli government deal with what is

USAFE Airmen to assist Israel with wildfires

Aircrews and C-130J Super Hercules from here are standing by to fly 20 tons of fire retardant to to assist with wildfires Dec. 4 in the Carmel Forest of Israel. So far, the fires have killed 42 people and burned more than 7,000 acres of land. At least 15,000 residents have been evacuated.Follow the

Operation Provide Hope supports Ukrainian medical facilities

The humanitarian-assistance program base in Pirmasens, Germany, recently completed an Operation Provide Hope project in Simferopol, Ukraine. A team of 10 civilians, two Soldiers and 12 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen provided medical supplies and training to help increase their medical

Ceremony marks end of Pakistan flood relief operations

U.S. troops supporting the humanitarian relief effort to flood-stricken Pakistan ended their mission Dec. 2.Pakistani officials hosted a ceremony marking the occasion in Islamabad, the country's capital.At the end of operations, 18 U.S. military helicopters and about 350 U.S. servicemembers were

Airmen ship $30 million in aid to Afghanistan

Airmen here recently built 16 pallets of donated goods to ship to Afghanistan."The shipment will allow the refurbishing and rebuilding of 25 hospitals and clinics in the region and will help transition more than 3,000 farmers from the Taliban-directed heroin trade," said Jan Mazotti, the business

Christmas Drop: 58 years of cheer and aid

In this region of the Pacific, Santa Claus doesn't fly with 12 reindeer or climb down the chimney to deliver gifts; he drops them from hundreds of feet in the air from the back of a C-130 Hercules.Airmen plan to deliver 60 pallets of gifts to about 50 islands to help support Guam's neighbors during

Kyrgyz, U.S. servicemembers distribute coats, blankets to Koi Tash students

Koi Tash Noncommissioned Officer Academy soldiers, along with U.S. servicemembers serving in Kyrgyzstan, handed out $3,400 in winter coats and blankets to Chuiskaya Region Boarding School-Gymnasium students Nov. 11.The Transit Center at Manas' Operation Warm and Dry II program reached out to the

Afghan, NATO forces help bring supplies to build Afghan orphanage

Members of the Afghan Air Force with support from NATO Air Training Command - Afghanistan members, delivered more than 1,000 kilograms of aid here during a humanitarian assistance mission Nov. 11.Supplying beds, heaters, toys as well as school supplies, the mission is another step towards the goal