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U.S. Air Force News

  • SecAF, CSAF provide FY12 budget details

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz provided details on the service's fiscal 2012 national defense authorization budget request during a House Armed Services Committee hearing here Feb. 17.Air Force officials are requesting $150 billion in the

  • Air Force secretary honors AETC heroes

    Nearly one thousand Airmen from across the command gathered here Friday to hear Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley during the Air Education and Training Command Ball.The ball, the largest formal event hosted by the command, concluded the AETC Symposium and Exposition. More than 3,500 Airmen,

  • Air Force leaders commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. birthday

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy issued the following message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:This year, on what would have been the 82nd birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., let us pause

  • Gates: Chinese taking strategic dialogue proposal seriously

    The Chinese are taking an American proposal to hold a strategic dialogue between the two countries seriously, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here Jan. 11.Secretary Gates met with President Hu Jintao at the Great Hall of the people and with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Jan. 11. The meetings

  • Air Force secretary lauds F.E. Warren Airmen during holiday visit

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited with Warren Airmen here Dec. 23 to recognize Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen who carry out the nuclear deterrence mission. "We have missile crews and Airmen standing alert over the holidays, and we want them to know their leaders appreciate

  • Air Force secretary visits Minot to thank Airmen

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen here Dec. 23 and 24. "The Airmen here are doing an outstanding job," Secretary Donley said. "Minot carries a heavy load and is always very busy, but I feel the Airmen and leadership team here are very supportive

  • Air Force leaders stress safety during the holidays

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following holiday safety message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:During this holiday season, we extend our sincere appreciation for your

  • NMFA honors military families, names family of the year

    An Air Force family was named the National Military Family Association's 2010 Family of the Year Dec. 7, for selfless service to the nation and the community.The association honored a family from each service before announcing that the Mullin family, of Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, had earned the

  • Officials select potential base for Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 training unit

    Air Force officials announced today that Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, is their preferred alternative to potentially host a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA maintenance and flying training unit in the U.S.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz validated

  • Fisher House, Meditation Pavilion for families of fallen dedicated

    A serene, stone-front home along a private road is now a place of comfort for family members awaiting the dignified transfer of their loved ones.During a pre-Veterans Day ceremony here Nov. 10, family members of the fallen joined military officials and TV personality Montel Williams, himself a

  • Air Force leaders send Veterans Day message

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send the following Veterans Day message:In 1918, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the belligerent parties of World War I ceased

  • Secretary Donley addresses challenges ahead during Kirtland visit

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited Kirtland Air Force Base Oct. 13 and 14 to meet with base leaders, speak with Airmen serving here and address members of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.During his visit, Secretary Donley visited numerous base organizations, including the

  • Leaders send energy awareness message

    The Air Force's top leaders released a joint "Letter to Airmen" to encourage Airmen to continue to be energy efficient at the workplace and at home.  "The Air Force is engaged in a long-term effort to improve our nation's energy security through energy efficiency and conservation," Secretary of the

  • Leaders say happy birthday, Air Force

    The Air Force's top leaders send a message to the total force to celebrate the Air Force's 63rd birthday and to remind them to remember the commitment and sacrifice of all the Airmen deployed around the globe.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • 2010 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference kicks off

    More than 1,000 attendees were on hand for the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition on Sept. 13 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. During the ceremonies, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.

  • Airman to receive Medal of Honor for '68 actions

    An Air Force senior NCO who was killed 42 years ago will receive the Medal of Honor for actions he took after enemy forces overran a clandestine U.S. radar site in Laos.Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. "Dick" Etchberger, 35, died March 11, 1968, after being shot following an overnight battle on Mount

  • Leaders issue joint Labor Day holiday message

    The Air Force's top leaders remind the entire Air Force family to minimize safety risks this weekend and beyond in a Labor Day message. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following

  • SecAF thanks American Legion for care of Airmen, veterans

    The secretary of the Air Force addressed thousands of Legionnaires at the American Legion's 92nd National Convention here Sept. 1 to thank them for their devotion to Airmen and veterans. In his speech to the nation's largest veterans service organization, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said the

  • Air Force family, strategic balance among top SecAF priorities

    At the Air Force Sergeant's Association Professional Airmen's Conference here Aug. 18, the Air Force secretary emphasized his commitment to Airmen and their families, and a focus on strategic balance to best support current and future operations.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed

  • Secretary of the Air Force visits RAF Lakenheath

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited the 48th Fighter Wing here July 22 to meet with wing leadership and speak with Airmen serving in England.Secretary Donley also had lunch with base Airmen."This is my first visit to the 48th Fighter Wing," Secretary Donley said. "With 30 percent of

  • SecAF discusses Minuteman III, space at Vandenberg

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited Vandenberg Air Force Base June 15 to 16 to tour the base and observe the Minuteman III test launch.Secretary Donley visited the 14th Air Force Joint Space Operations Center. Lt. Gen. Larry James, the 14th Air Force commander, briefed Secretary Donley

  • SecAF impressed with Airmen, B-2

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley met with Airmen, and base and community leaders, and received a first-hand look at the B-2 Spirit mission during his visit here June 8."I've been looking forward to this for many years, wanting to see the B-2 at its home here at Whiteman," Secretary Donley

  • Senior leaders issue Memorial Day message

    In a joint Letter to Airmen, the Air Force secretary and chief of staff send their Memorial Day message to Airmen and their families worldwide.  Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz ask Airmen to take this time to honor those who have made the ultimate

  • Air Force leaders send summer safety message

    The Air Force's top leaders have issued a Critical Days of Summer safety message to alert Airmen to exercise good personal judgment to avoid engaging in a reckless manner. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Air Force Chief Master Sgt. of

  • Mullen offers leadership challenges to Academy grads

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff challenged the U.S. Air Force Academy's graduating class to embrace a sense of duty and build on the lessons they learned here as they become tomorrow's leaders.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen praised the character and courage of the Class of 2010's members who chose

  • Leaders issue risk management message

    The Air Force's top leaders have issued a service-wide message discussing  environmental, safety, occupational health, or ESOH, risk management for Airmen to recognize and take action in their workplace."The Air Force ESOH vision is to be a world leader in environmental, safety, occupational health

  • Air Force senior leaders take FY 2011 budget request to Capitol Hill

    The Air Force's top two leaders addressed the service's fiscal year 2011 budget request before the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee May 12 here. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz explained how the request for baseline funds of

  • Air Force senior leaders break ground for special Fisher House at Dover

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, and Ken Fisher, Fisher House Foundation chairman, participated in a special groundbreaking ceremony May 1 for a Fisher House on Dover Air Force Base, Del. Although this is the 53rd Fisher House to be built,

  • Caring for People Forum wraps up

    The 2010 Caring for People Forum concluded here April 21 with the presentation of a list of proposed initiatives from attendees focused on a range of issues affecting Airmen and their families.Approximately 250 active-duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen and civilians gathered for this second annual

  • Doolittle Raiders reunite at Air Force Museum

    Four of the remaining eight Doolittle Raiders, known for their nearly impossible bombing raid on Japan during World War II, reunited for the 68th year at the National Museum of the United States Air Force April 16 through 18.Retired Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole, 94, of Comfort, Texas; Maj. Thomas C.

  • Air Force officials open aviation art gallery in Pentagon

    The World War I Skyfighters of France teamed with modern-day American Airmen in Afghanistan in an art gallery exhibit in the Pentagon dedicated March 18 by Air Force senior leaders. The exhibit showcases the work of the first aviation artist and displays the latest addition to the Air Force Art

  • Air Force leaders issue 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' message

    The three top Air Force leaders have issued a service-wide message explaining how Air Force people will support the Department of Defense working group evaluating "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" legislation.Air Force Secretary Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master

  • Air Force's new undersecretary sworn in

    The Senate confirmed the nomination of Erin C. Conaton to become the next undersecretary of the Air Force March 4 and she began her transition into the office after being sworn in March 15."This is a great day for the Air Force," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley. "Erin will be a

  • WASPs awarded Congressional Gold Medal

    The first female military pilots received the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony in the Capitol March 10. Almost 70 years ago, the Women Airforce Service Pilots were disbanded with little fanfare, but this ceremony was a way to make things right for the trailblazers, said Secretary of the Air

  • Air Force leaders outline plans before Senate committee

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz testified March 4 before the Senate Armed Services Committee to outline specifics about their $119.6 billion budget proposal for fiscal 2011."The last two decades of sustained operations have strained our

  • Tanker solicitation seeks fair competition, best value

    The final request for proposals to solicit bids for a new aerial tanker was designed to promote fair, open competition that provides the best warfighting capability for the best value, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said Feb. 24 here. Meanwhile, the process will serve as a model for

  • Air Force leaders seek to balance current, future needs

    The Air Force's budget request for fiscal 2011 provides the right balance between supporting the war efforts and other current-day commitments while posturing for future challenges, the top Air Force civilian and military leaders told Congress Feb. 23 here. The $119.6 billion request is designed to

  • Secretary Donley addresses steps to strengthen Air Force

    The Air Force secretary discussed the outlook for the Air Force's future during the Air Force Association's Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition Feb. 18 here.In his keynote speech, framed upon the strategic priorities set in the Quadrennial Defense Review, Secretary of the Air Force

  • Air Force, Navy support functions begin merging into Joint Base Charleston

    Jan. 31 marked the beginning of the transitional period of initial operational capability for Joint Base Charleston officials, with the end-goal of full operational capability for the joint base by the end of fiscal 2010.Emphasis during the transitional period will be on executing a "blending" of

  • Air Force secretary to headline symposium at Academy

    The 17th-annual National Character and Leadership Symposium will feature presentations by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and other keynote and concurrent speakers who will gather here Feb. 17 through 19.U.S. Air Force Academy cadets, faculty, Academy alumni, government employees and other

  • Secretary visits Southwest Asia, outlines Air Force priorities

    The secretary of the Air Force visited servicemembers here Jan. 29 as he toured military installations throughout Southwest Asia.Secretary Michael Donley met with members of the Combined Air and Space Operations Center and attended multiple briefings, including mission and warfighter briefings. He

  • SecAF discusses way ahead in Iraq, Afghanistan

    The secretary of the Air Force discussed the importance of Ali Base and the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan during his visit Jan. 31, here.Speaking to more than 500 Airmen, Secretary Michael Donley focused on the role Ali Base Airmen play amid the critically important events occurring in Southwest

  • Air Force secretary: Importance of joint mission can't be stressed enough

    The secretary of the Air Force spent time at Bagram Airfield Feb. 1 and 2 as part of a weeklong tour through the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility."One of the primary reasons for the trip was to monitor our efforts in training the Afghanistan National Army Air Corps," Secretary Michael

  • Secretary Donley announces location of newest Fisher House

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley announced Jan. 27 during a Pentagon ceremony that the next Fisher House will be established on Dover Air Force Base, Del. The house will provide lodging for families coming to the base to witness dignified transfers of their loved ones' remains at the Air

  • SecAF unveils service's game plan in future security environment

    The Air Force's top civilian addressed Air, Space and Cyberspace Power in the 21st Century during his portion of the 38th Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis-Fletcher Conference on National Security Strategy and Policy Jan. 20, here. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley noted the service's challenge

  • Secretary, chief of staff: Airmen integral to overall relief efforts

    Since the startup of relief efforts following the earthquake in Haiti, active-duty, Air Guard and Reserve Airmen have been working around the clock to support aid missions to get people and supplies to the stricken island nation.Both the secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff

  • Air Force secretary visits Lackland, addresses priorities

    The secretary of the Air Force toured Lackland Air Force Base and presided over the latest Basic Military Training graduation here Jan. 8.Secretary Michael Donley toured the Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills and Training complex, talked to base Airmen and discussed some of his top priorities for

  • SECAF outlines future, thanks Airmen during Kadena visit

    Outlining the Air Force's future was the focus of Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley's Airmen's Call during his visit here Dec. 22, part of a six-base Pacific tour in which the secretary is reconnecting with the region and thanking Airmen serving overseas during this holiday season. The

  • Secretary of the Air Force spends Christmas with Airmen in Korea

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited South Korea Dec. 24 and 25, meeting with Airmen at Osan Air Base and Kunsan Air Base for the first time since being appointed to the position. Secretary Donley said the Christmas Day stop at Osan was his first since 1991. "Osan is much more built up

  • Air Force secretary visits Airmen at Hickam

    As part of his six-base tour in Pacific Air Forces, Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley visited here Dec. 18 and spoke to Airmen about several Air Force issues. "I'm delighted to be here with Team Hickam and to reacquaint myself with the mission here," said Secretary Donley to more than 600

  • Leaders send holiday greetings

    The Air Force's top leaders send the Air Force family holiday greetings and remind all to remember those Airmen in harm's way apart from family and friends.  Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy

  • Air Force officials launch satellite to enhance military communications

    Air Force officials successfully launched a new-generation military communications satellite from here at 8:47 p.m. EST Dec. 5 when a Delta IV rocket carried a Wideband Global SATCOM into space. WGS satellites are designed to provide high-capacity communications to U.S. military forces and the

  • Air Force secretary discusses state of force at Global Warfare Symposium

    The Air Force's top civilian leader delivered a key note speech regarding the service's future with special attention to the space mission at the 2009 Air Force Association Global Warfare Symposium here Nov. 20. At the conclusion of the two-day summit, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley outlined

  • Singapore celebrates partnership with Air Force

    U.S. government and Republic of Singapore officials celebrated their partnership during the Peace Carvin V inauguration of the F-15SG fighter detachment Nov. 19 here.The ceremony honored the Peace Carvin V F-15 detachment known as the 428th Fighter Squadron, which will operate up to 12 F-15SG

  • Leaders send holiday safety message

    The Air Force's top leaders send the Air Force family a holiday safety message and remind all to celebrate responsibly.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz issued the following message: "Happy Holidays! Whether you are deployed, stationed

  • Air Force secretary visits Luke

    The secretary of the Air Force visited Luke Air Force Base for the first time Nov. 18 and spoke to base members about the latest Air Force issues."I've been looking forward to visiting Luke for months," said Secretary Michael B. Donley said. "I wanted to personally meet the people that continue to

  • Air Force officials host Sexual Assault Prevention, Response Leader Summit

    To reinforce the service's commitment to protect Airmen and maintain a safe environment, senior leaders gathered for the 2009 Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Leader Summit here Nov. 16.Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley, Assistant Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. William L. Shelton,

  • Air Force leaders reinforce senior adviser hiring guidance

    Air Force senior leaders here recently completed a year-long comprehensive review of the requirements, contracting processes and tasks performed by senior advisers.While the review did not find any ethical or legal concerns, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.

  • Air Force secretary presents small business achievement awards

    The secretary of the Air Force presented the 2008 and 2009 Small Business Programs Special Achievement Awards at the Air Force Office of Small Business Programs Conference Nov. 17 here."Because of their size, these smaller companies have great advantages over their much larger competitors, namely

  • Air Force officials emphasize individual fitness responsibility

    While Air Force commanders have the responsibility to maintain a unit fitness program, the new fitness Air Force instruction will better emphasize each Airman's responsibility to meet and maintain fitness standards, officials here said Nov. 13.Commanders and supervisors will continue to emphasize

  • Air Force leaders issue joint Veterans Day message

    The Air Force's top leaders remind the entire Air Force family that this holiday has a meaning beyond a "day off" from work in a Veterans Day message. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz issued the following message:Bound by common purpose and

  • Air Force leaders send birthday message to Marine Corps

    The secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force salute the Marine Corps on its 234th birthday Nov. 10. Originally founded on Nov. 10, 1775, the Marine Corps was composed mainly of infantrymen serving aboard Navy ships. They were responsible primarily for the security of the ship and

  • Ramstein officials celebrate Air Force Family Week

    Ramstein Air Base officials held numerous events inviting active-duty, Guard and Reserve members as well as spouse and civilian employees to see firsthand some of the services available to them at the base's Airman and Family Readiness Center as part of Air Force Family Week Nov. 4 here. This year

  • Air Force officials unveil new strategic basing process

    Senior Air Force officials have applied a new basing process to more than 200 sites for training and operational basing of the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter aircraft. In fall 2008, Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Norton Schwartz sought to redefine

  • Air Force civilian receives Spirit of Hope Award

    Air Force leaders presented a civilian employee with a Spirit of Hope Award Oct. 27 for enhancing the quality of life of injured service members and their families. The award is named in honor of Bob Hope, the first honorary veteran of the U.S. Army for his 50-plus years of entertaining troops, both

  • UAS career field decisions, ISR organization discussed at summit

    Air Force leaders met at an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance summit here Sept. 29 to discuss ISR organizational plans and further refine a blueprint for unmanned aircraft systems career fields. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and

  • Air Force leaders emphasize AFSO21

    In a joint June 2009 memorandum, the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force pointed out the importance of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, or AFSO21. "AFSO21 represents a fundamental transformation in how Airmen work," Michael Donley and Gen. Norton Schwartz said in their

  • Air Force officials begin search for new aerial tanker

    Senior Department of Defense and Air Force officials announced the rollout of the KC-X Acquisition Program at a Pentagon briefing Sept. 24. Air Force leaders are seeking a replacement for the KC-135 Stratotanker that has been a stalwart of the tanker fleet for more than 53 years. Today, the

  • Donley highlights Guard's contributions, emphasis on 'total force'

    Sept. 11 was appropriate for the opening ceremony of the 131st National Guard Association of the United States conference, since the National Guard is the original defender of the homeland, the secretary of the Air Force said during his opening remarks. "You were the first responders to defend

  • Secretary Donley: Airmen vital to missions in Iraq, Afghanistan

    Airmen remain a vital part of the joint mission, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley observed during his recent visit to installations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The secretary used the opportunity to speak with Airmen and receive mission updates in Iraq and

  • Secretary Donley visits mobility air forces competition

    The secretary of the Air Force received an in-depth look at the mobility world during a visit here July 22 for Air Mobility Rodeo 2009. Secretary Michael B. Donley toured the competition, met with Airmen and international partners, and experienced the sights and sounds of the many Rodeo events. "It

  • Secretary Donley to remain as SECAF

    White House officials announced Feb. 26 that Secretary Michael B. Donley will remain the secretary of the Air Force."I am very honored that the president and the secretary of Defense have asked me to continue in this capacity," Secretary Donley said. "It remains a privilege to serve the men and