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  • CSAF: Legacy of Tuskegee Airmen lives on in today's Airmen

    The red jackets of the Tuskegee Airmen remain as distinctive today as the red tail markings on the aircraft they flew during World War II. And their legacy -- the influence they've had on Air Force operations, past and present -- leaves an even more indelible mark.This was the message from the Air

  • CSAF ends Turkey visit at Incirlik

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz capped a multi-day visit to Turkey by meeting with U.S. and Turkish airmen here July 21. The Air Force's top uniformed officer visited with Airmen around the base and addressed issues affecting the Air Force with more than 500 Airmen during an all call

  • Service chiefs gather to address children's conference

    Service chiefs from each branch came together to lend their support to the cause of helping military children July 23 here.Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Navy Adm. Gary Roughead, Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • CSAF starts Turkey visit with ceremony honoring national leader

    The U.S. Air Force's top uniformed officer started a multi-day trip to Turkey by participating in welcome events here July 19.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz began his visit with a wreath-laying ceremony honoring the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, at

  • Year of the Air Force Family promotes sense of community

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer and his wife welcomed the Air Force's newest Airmen into the service during a visit here July 8 and 9.The Basic Military Training graduation at the "Gateway to the Air Force" was the perfect backdrop for Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife

  • Air Force Facebook presence gets boost from a top spouse

    The Air Force Facebook portfolio now features a page hosted by a top spouse in the Air Force.Mrs. Suzie Schwartz, the wife of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, has just gone live with her own page geared toward communicating with Air Force families.The Air Force already has an official

  • CSAF releases 'Vector'

    The Air Force's senior military leader released his vision for the future in a recent  CSAF Vector 2010 that outlined five priorities and the "way ahead" for Airmen to maintain these priorities. "Our Airmen are responding to the nation's call with agility, innovation and expeditionary presence --

  • Gen. Alston takes reins of 20th Air Force

    Maj. Gen. C. Donald Alston assumed command of the 20th Air Force from Gen. Roger W. Burg July 1 on F. E. Warren's historic Argonne Parade Field in a ceremony which also marked General Burg's retirement from active duty after 32 years of service.Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff; Gen.

  • Air Force, Navy officials partner on unmanned aircraft systems

    In a signed memorandum of agreement, Air Force and Navy officials partnered to maximize commonality, eliminate redundant effort and increase interoperability between the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance unmanned aircraft systems and the RQ-4 Global Hawk system.Signed by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.

  • CSAF: Balad Airmen up to the challenge of Iraq mission

    Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, visited the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here June 24."It's great to be back with the Red Tails (Airmen at Joint Base Balad, Iraq)," he said during an Airmen's Call. "I'm glad visibility finally improved so we would be able to visit you and

  • CSAF stresses importance of Airmen and mission

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer made a visit June 24 to meet with Airmen, talk about his priorities, and listen to the concerns of those living and working here."Let me begin by reminding you that everyone matters," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz. "It's like a team;

  • Social visit helps fight wars

    Sixteen general officers from 16 different countries joined Pacific Air Forces leaders June 17 in their premiere multinational large force employment exercise while building partnerships with senior airpower leaders from the global community.The hosts of this year's Red Flag-Alaska Executive

  • Air Force takes steps against suicides

    The Air Force vice chief of staff testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee June 22 to address steps the service is taking to stem the rising suicide numbers. Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler, in testimony alongside the other service vice chiefs and the assistant commandant of the Marine

  • Air Force chief of staff collaborates with counterparts at CONJEFAMER 2010

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer hosted the 50th annual Conferencia de los Jefes de las Fuerzas Aereas Americanas, or CONJEFAMER, here June 13 through 17.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz served as president of CONJEFAMER 2010, which brought together air chiefs from 17 member

  • Council tackles Air Force retiree concerns, issues

    The Air Force Retiree Council meets annually at the Air Force Personnel Center here to discuss and act upon concerns and issues affecting nearly 790,000 retired Airmen and surviving spouses. This year's council met May 3 through 7 to review topics such as pay and benefits, medical care, and

  • Air Force U-2 pilot receives top safety award

    A pilot who recovered a crippled U-2 during a night training mission received the Air Force's most prestigious flight safety award here June 1.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presented Lt. Col. Joseph Santucci, the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron commander at Beale Air Force Base, Calif.,

  • Air Force chief of staff encourages Airmen to embrace energy efficiency

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer urged the integration of energy efficiency and conservation into all aspects of the service's mission at the close of the U.S. Air Force Energy Forum here May 28.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz addressed more than 500 attendees including wing and

  • 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

  • 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 chief of staff addresses 2010 CAF Airpower Symposium

    Although last minute plane troubles kept the Air Force's top uniformed leader from physically attending the 2010 Combat Air Forces Airpower Symposium at Langley Air Force Base May 19, it didn't keep him from delivering his keynote address to participants.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • Air Force chief of staff visits School of Aerospace Medicine

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer toured the 711th Human Performance Wing's U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks City-Base, Texas, May 13.During his visit, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz reflected on the 92-year history of the school and the unique training and

  • 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 program learns from Airmen

    The Air Force Lessons Learned program gives Airmen the opportunity to share their combat experiences to help future service members, according to the director of Air Force Analyses, Assessments and Lessons Learned (A9). "Every Airman is valued and can initiate change across our Air Force by

  • Chief of staff to senior enlisted leaders: 'Maximize potential of Airmen'

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer told senior enlisted leaders from across the Air Force here May 4 that the case to maximize the potential and performance of every Airman has never been more compelling."Today, more than ever, tactical effects can have strategic consequences," said Air Force

  • Global Strike commander visits Malmstrom

    The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command visited the members of the 341st Missile Wing April 20 through 22. While here, Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz met with first sergeants and chiefs; held a commander's call with officers and senior noncommissioned officers; toured the medical group for a Personal

  • 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,

  • Combat controllers contributions honored in ceremony

    The Air Force chief of staff presented 13 medals to 11 combat controllers during a ceremony here April 29. Gen. Norton Schwartz pinned three Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars with Valor, three Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts on Airmen from the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron for their actions during

  • 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

  • Chief of staff kicks off Caring for People Forum

    As Airmen from throughout the Air Force gathered here April 20 through 22 for the 2010 Caring for People Forum, the chief of staff of the Air Force underscored the importance of their participation.Approximately 250 active-duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen and civilians gathered for the second annual

  • General Schwartz delivers first Super Herc to Dyess

    The Air Force's top military leader flew and delivered a new C-130J Super Hercules here April 16 from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Opening a new era in tactical airlift for Dyess AFB, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz spoke to a crowded hangar of distinguished visitors and

  • Cadet of the year receives honor from Air Force chief of staff

    An Air Force ROTC cadet at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology received the 2009 Air Force Cadet of the Year Award from the Air Force chief of staff during a ceremony at the Pentagon April 5.Sponsored by the Air Squadron of the United Kingdom, the cadet-of-the-year award goes to the

  • Chief of staff: Minot Airmen key to Air Force mission

    The Air Force chief of staff addressed more than 1,500 Airmen gathered here April 1 to discuss teamwork and excellence, key elements in mission accomplishment as well as in maintaining standards in the nuclear business.Gen. Norton Schwartz talked to Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile

  • Hmong-American patriot recognized by Air Force chief of staff

    Presumed dead for decades, a Royal Laotian Air Force fighter pilot received recognition from the Air Force's top uniformed officer here March 31 for his contributions during the Vietnam War.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presented Yia Kha with a certificate of appreciation for his

  • General Schwartz releases 2010 CSAF Reading List

    The Air Force chief of staff announced his latest CSAF reading list April 1. "I am pleased to announce my 2010 reading list, which provides valuable ways for all Airmen to further their professional education and augment their leadership skills,"  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • General Holm remembered in ceremony at Arlington

    The first female two-star general in both the Air Force and Department of Defense was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery March 29. Retired Maj. Gen. Jeanne M. Holm is credited as the single driving force in achieving equality for military women and making them a viable part of the

  • Latest 'Portraits in Courage' released

    The stories of heroism, valor, sacrifice and bravery of 17 Airmen appear in the fourth edition of the Air Force's Portraits in Courage now available.The stories are compelling: Airmen who call in close-air support following an improvised explosive device attack, save the life of an Afghan

  • CSAF: Air Force Global Strike Command mission requires constant vigilance

    The Air Force chief of staff opened the first-ever Air Force Global Strike Command commander's conference Mar. 24 via video teleconference, telling wing commanders, spouses, command chiefs and civic leaders from across the command that they have a critical mission that requires constant

  • Dates, locations announced for 2010 Air Force Weeks

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz has announced the dates and locations for the two Air Force Weeks to be held in 2010. The first Air Force Week will be held in New York City from Aug. 25th through the 29th, culminating with the two-day Coney Island Air Show that will feature the U.S.

  • Former chief of staff laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery

    The 10th chief of staff of the Air Force was laid to rest in a full-honors ceremony March 22 at Arlington National Cemetery, but his legacy lives with today's Airmen through his emphasis on developing camaraderie, pursuing history and recognizing excellence.Gen. Lew Allen Jr. passed away Jan. 4 in

  • 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

  • Reserve Command repeats as top MAJCOM for maintenance excellence

    For the second year in a row, the Air Force Reserve Command was named the Gen. Wilbur L. Creech Maintenance Excellence Award winner.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz hosted the 2009 award ceremony in the Pentagon March 11. Receiving the award was Col. T. Glenn Davis, former director of

  • 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

  • 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

  • Chief of staff highlights importance of space to Air Force mission

    The Air Force's highest ranking uniformed officer spoke on the value of space and the emerging medium of cyberspace during the Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition Feb. 18 in Orlando."Virtually all aspects of military operations are affected in some way by the capabilities provided from

  • Holloman visit by chief of staff highlights contributions of Airmen

    The top military leader of the Air Force visited here Jan. 27 to talk with Airmen about the state of the Air Force and to get a firsthand look at what Airmen here do on a day-to-day basis. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz visited mission and support facilities on the base and met with

  • 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

  • Chief of staff dedicates Center for Families of the Fallen

    The Air Force chief of staff dedicated the new Center for Families of the Fallen at the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center here Jan. 6."For many of us, this dedication is a bittersweet event," said Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Air Force chief of staff. "This center is emblematic of our

  • Gen. Lew Allen dies

    Gen. Lew Allen Jr., the 10th chief of staff of the Air Force, passed away Jan. 4 in Potomac Falls, Va. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made but burial will be in Arlington Cemetery."General Allen was a visionary leader for our Air Force, a devoted husband and father, and a respected

  • Air Force senior leaders pay holiday visit to Global Strike Command Airmen

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer and top enlisted leader each visited Air Force Global Strike Command wings for Christmas, spending the holiday with Airmen charged with the nuclear strategic deterrence mission and global strike operations.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz visited

  • 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

  • Barksdale officials host Charter Chief golden anniversary

    Officials from the 2nd Bomb Wing here hosted a golden anniversary celebration to honor Air Force pioneers Dec. 1.Exactly 50 years ago on Dec. 1, 1959, 625 Airmen were promoted and pinned as the first-ever chief master sergeants. Called the Charter Chiefs, these Airmen secured their place in history

  • Chief of staff visits Manas, celebrates Thanksgiving with Airmen

    The Air Force chief of staff met with deployed members and Airmen during a two-day visit to the Transit Center at Manas Nov. 26 and 27.In his first visit here since becoming the Air Force's top officer, Gen. Norton Schwartz celebrated Thanksgiving with the men and women of the Transit Center during

  • Air Force leaders make Thanksgiving Day visit to Airmen in Afghanistan

    The Air Force's top officer and enlisted member paid a Thanksgiving visit to Airmen who are deployed to the NATO Training Mission - Afghanistan and Combined Air Power Transition Force here.During an Airmen's call, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force

  • 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

  • Dubai Air Show encourages partnership, compatible hardware

    More than 150 servicemembers participated in the 11th Dubai Air Show Nov. 15 through 19 here.The Dubai Air Show is currently the third largest air show in the world and the U.S. has participated every year since the first show. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid, the ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Mohammad Bin

  • Airmen receive Sijan Award in Pentagon ceremony

    The Air Force's chief of staff honored the service's four Capt. Lance P. Sijan Award recipients in a ceremony in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes Nov. 18.The Sijan Award annually recognizes Airmen who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities, and this year's recipients are Maj. James Hughes Jr.

  • 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.

  • Chief of staff: Play your positions credibly

    Air Force officials have invigorated their demands for excellence, and one key leader is especially moved to ensure sustainment of that improvement.Gen. Norton Schwartz, the 19th Air Force chief of staff, visited the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at an air base in Southwest Asia -- the host of more

  • 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

  • Chief of Staff addresses key mobility, Air Force issues at conference

    Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Air Force chief of staff, recently attended the 41st Airlift Tanker Association conference where he addressed a gathering of more than 4,000 active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian Airmen. In his comments, General Schwartz emphasized the importance of every Airman and

  • 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

  • Chief of staff honors fallen Airmen in moving ceremony

    It was May 17, 1962, and NASA Astronaut Scott Carpenter was preparing for the Mercury program's second-ever orbital mission. Half way around the world, 13 Airmen were also preparing, getting situated to provide an emergency recovery site in Africa, only one of several such units positioned around

  • 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

  • Chief of staff calls for harmony between technology, doctrine

    The Air Force chief of staff discussed the complementary roles of technology and doctrine during a major conference here Sept. 30."Our success today relies on both the technology that enables advanced systems and, believe it or not, the doctrine that articulates our institutionally held beliefs on

  • 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

  • Chief of staff visits with Elmendorf Airmen

    The Air Force's top uniformed member spent time with the men and women of Elmendorf Air Force Base July 6. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz received mission briefings from Col. Thomas Bergeson, 3rd Wing commander; visited the 3rd Wing's award-winning hospital; and stopped in at Hangar 1

  • Gen. Schwartz to Airmen: 'We are a family'

    The chief of staff of the Air Force had a message for Airmen during an Airmen's Call here March 11: "We are a family and everyone in this room counts. "This is a big-tent Air Force," Gen. Norton Schwartz said. "In our business, you don't measure your worth by your proximity to the fight," he said.

  • Gen. Schwartz addresses top ROTC cadets

    The top Air Force ROTC cadets from around the country gathered in the nation's capitol and met the top uniformed Air Force officer as guests of the George C. Marshall Foundation while attending a leadership and networking seminar Jan. 30 through Feb. 1. The cadets each were the recipient of the

  • General Schwartz sees full spectrum of fly, fight, win

    Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie visited Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases, Dec. 13, to meet with Airmen and get a first-hand look at operations. This was General Schwartz's first visit to both bases since becoming the 19th chief of staff. He said it was important for him to visit Creech and

  • Gen. Schwartz addresses Air Force future

    The chief of staff of the Air Force addressed Air Force Association Air and Space Technology Convention delegates Sept. 16 here to share his vision for the future of the service. "The work we must accomplish is serious stuff," Gen. Norton A. Schwartz said, "but I know we are up to the task." Part of