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U.S. Air Force News

  • Hercules: A day in the life

    The C-130 Hercules continues to play an integral role transporting troops and cargo throughout Afghanistan. In addition to hauling cargo and passengers to forward operating locations throughout Afghanistan, the aircrews of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing here are often tasked to fly airdrops,

  • New flight restrictions haven't curbed F-22 operations

    Safety measures put in place in May on F-22 Raptor flights have had no impact on operations, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. John Kirby told reporters today.Kirby and Pentagon Press Secretary George Little last month announced restrictions to F-22 flight operations after 12 pilots reported

  • Airmen help preserve historic D-Day aircraft

    Airmen and volunteers from the 19th Air Support Operations Squadron are currently taking a break from their primary mission of providing joint terminal attack controllers in support of deployed brigade combat teams to restore a historically significant plane here. The team is restoring the World War

  • New upgrades revitalize B-1B Lancers

    B-1B Lancers are currently undergoing the most advanced hardware and software upgrades to date as part of the Sustainment-Block 16 program.Sustainment-Block 16 upgrades include a fully integrated data link in the aft station and vertical situation display upgrade in the front station as well as

  • Navy, Air Force develop engine modification that may save billions

    The Navy and Air Force stand to save more than $2 billion after jointly developing an engine modification that will keep critically important aircraft flying for years.The two services and industry worked together to develop and field a modification to CFM International's CFM56-2 (F108) engine,

  • B-1 aircrews make history by employing laser JDAMS

    B-1 Lancer aircrews from here employed laser Joint Direct Attack Munitions against moving targets during a weapon system evaluation program exercise May 14 through 16.Aircrews from the 37th Bomb Squadron and 34th BS employed six GBU-54 laser JDAMs against targets on the Utah Test and Training Range

  • Panetta orders Air Force to take further steps on F-22

    With safety remaining his top concern, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has ordered the Air Force to take additional steps to mitigate risks to F-22 pilots, George Little, acting assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, said May 15 during a Pentagon news conference.Beginning in 2008, a

  • Air Force announces criteria for basing KC-46A

    After extensive internal review, the Air Force released today its basing criteria that will be used to select candidate bases for the KC-46A formal training unit and first two main operating bases. The formal training unit (FTU) and first main operating base (MOB 1) will be led by active duty units.

  • Travis AFB concludes C-5 AMP

    A 1970 C-5A Galaxy was the last C-5A to be converted from a "legacy" C-5 to an Avionics Modernization Program C-5 here May 6. AMP modifications, the first part of the modernization effort for the C-5, replace the old analog avionics with a digital avionics suite and add a digital architecture that

  • Medical official explains F-22 pilot-protection efforts

    Air Force officials have instituted measures designed to protect its pilots, ensure mission completion and assess the possible physiological effects of flying the F-22 Raptor, the command surgeon for Air Combat Command said here May 9."The health and safety of our pilots -- all of our pilots -- is

  • Air Force provides aircraft pilot safety testimony to Congress

    The military deputy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition discussed tactical aviation programs during congressional testimony here May 8.During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Lt. Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger discussed what steps the Air Force has taken in

  • First refueling unit to reach 25,000 missions in single AOR

    Members of the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron here reached a milestone of 25,000 air refueling missions May 4.During the past year, 22nd EARS sortie support has grown 23 percent, allowing them to quickly eclipse the 25,000th mission mark."Like their squadron mascot, the mule, the 22nd

  • ACC confident in F-22

    Gen. Mike Hostage, commander of Air Combat Command, talked with media here April 30 about the national security imperative for the F-22, the status of efforts to identify a root cause for unexplained physiological incidents, and risk mitigation efforts since the Raptor's return to flying operations

  • F-16 crashes at Utah Test and Training Range

    An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing, crashed at the Utah Test and Training Range at approximately 8:35 a.m. May 4.At the time of the accident, there was one person on board. The pilot successfully ejected and is being evaluated by medical personnel.Emergency

  • Air Force accepts final F-22 Raptor

    Senior Air Force officials attended a ceremony here May 2 commemorating the delivery of the final F-22 Raptor to the service.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz was joined by Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia and other industry, Air Force and civilian leaders as they were welcomed to Dobbins

  • Little Rock AFB members say goodbye to last C-130E

    Airmen gathered for a ceremony here May 1 to say goodbye to the first C-130E Hercules ever produced and the last one to be retired.Tail No. 61-2358 will retire to Edwards AFB where it will be used as a static display after more than 50 years of service. Leaders and Airmen from three different wings

  • Space operator, KC-135 crew team for 'science project'

    More and more people are realizing the game-changing force space capabilities provide in today's operations, as was the case more than 60 years ago when the air domain added a new dimension to land and sea operations. The power of that integration was recently seen first-hand by crews of the KC-135

  • TACC leading effort for retrograde cargo from Afghanistan

    For airlift aircraft transiting and moving cargo to and from the Southwest Asia, planners at the 618th Air Operations Center are leading an effort to keep those aircraft full of cargo as they return from the deployed areas to the United States.The initiative, labeled retrograde, helps to efficiently

  • From Vietnam to OEF: Pilot flies last mission of career

    Lt. Col. James Routt, a pilot deployed with the 71st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, flew the last combat air mission of his 33-year military career over the skies of Afghanistan, April 12.During his career, Routt has witnessed several operations -- from Vietnam to Operation Enduring Freedom in

  • F-35 training center begins formal training

    While celebrating each F-35 Lightning II arrival, the integrated joint strike fighter training team also recently opened the doors for the first Air Force certification courses on the logistical support behind the nation's newest weapons platform.The 33rd Fighter Wing has eight basic familiarization

  • Air Force officials release draft EIS for F-35 operational basing

    The Air Force has filed a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed operational basing of the F-35 Lightning II within the continental United States.The current active Air Force and Air National Guard alternatives under consideration are: Burlington Air Guard Station, Vt.; Hill Air Force

  • C-27 program cut explained, budget aligned with strategy

    The Air Force deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs discussed the reasoning behind the C-27J Spartan program cut from the fiscal 2013 budget request during the Air Force Association's monthly breakfast seminar here March 27."It's not because it isn't a good aircraft, and it's not

  • Officials reaffirm Pentagon's commitment to F-35

    Estimated costs for the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter have increased over the life of the program, but the Defense Department is working to contain cost growth and remains committed to the fifth-generation fighter, defense officials said March 29.Frank Kendall III said during confirmation

  • F-35 reaches critical juncture after strong year, official says

    The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program -- the centerpiece of future tactical aviation and a key to implementing new military strategic guidance -- made strong progress in its development last year, a defense official said today.Frank Kendall, the acting undersecretary of defense for

  • Air Force changes name of MC-130J

    Officials announced a popular name change for the MC130J here March 9 that honors the Air Commando legacy and capitalizes on the versatility of the aircraft. "Air Force Special Operation Command MC-130Js will be equipped to fly various missions and will be called Commando II," said Lt. Gen. Eric

  • NATO allies synch communication

    The Turkish and U.S. air forces successfully synched a communication system together during the bilateral training exercise Anatolian Falcon 2012 here March 13.Link 16 is a communication network developed to integrate signal detection into a data transfer shared among all members of the

  • U.S., Turkish air forces complete Anatolian Falcon 2012

    Anatolian Falcon 2012, a bilateral training exercise between the Turkish and U.S. air forces, ended here March 16.The exercise was designed to strengthen military interoperability between the two nations and test the air forces' abilities to conduct a variety of air missions to include interdiction,

  • Air mobility maintainers help Air Force cut down fuel costs

    Air mobility maintainers are helping to secure the future by becoming more fuel efficient, officials said. Maintenance professionals are working to avoid future expenses by lightening loads on KC-135 Stratotankers and C-5 Galaxies; they're also cutting back on use of gas-guzzling aircraft auxiliary

  • Langley tests new fuel delivery system

    Airmen here are testing a new fuel delivery system that officials say could revolutionize flightline operations and save the Air Force millions of dollars.The new Hydrant Mobile Refueler has been in development for roughly a year and a half, and it could be implemented throughout the Air Force in

  • Eglin AFB conducts first F-35 launch

    No matter what uniform they wear, service members of the 33rd Fighter Wing know the launch of the first F-35 Lightning II flight here March 6 is a small step into the next half century of air dominance.Morale was high even though the sortie was abbreviated by the pilot's determination of "in flight

  • VCSAF discusses benefits, uniforms, F-35 while at Luke

    The Air Force's vice chief of staff addressed a packed house during an Airmen's Call here March 2.Gen. Phil Breedlove, who visited Luke AFB for two days, covered a variety of issues during the all-call, to include military benefits, the F-35 Lightning II, and uniform policy.Breedlove began by

  • Fifth generation fighters crucial to air superiority

    The Air Force is the world's most advanced air and space force and, with the integration of fifth generation aircraft, is gaining new tactical advantages that transcend beyond just stealth into areas such as enhanced maneuverability, multi-role capabilities and fused sensor and avionics systems that

  • Ohio Airmen help F-16 go 'green'

    In a joint effort by Airmen from the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and Airmen from the Ohio Air National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing, the F-16 Fight Falcon is currently undergoing a field service evaluation of biofuel.As the largest consumer of energy in the

  • Air Force issues flight release for Eglin AFB F-35A

    Officials at the Aeronautical Systems Center here issued a Military Flight Release today that will allow the F-35A Lightning II fighter to begin initial operations at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.This decision was reached after an airworthiness board conducted an assessment that evaluated potential

  • Singapore air and trade show wraps up

    Approximately 69 Sailors, Airmen and Department of Defense personnel from across the Pacific represented U.S. military forces at the largest air show in Asia here Feb. 14-19.As one of the top three aerospace and defense exhibitions in the world, the biennial Singapore Airshow 2012 drew thousands of

  • Airborne Laser Test Bed bids adieu to Edwards AFB

    The aircraft known for turning science fiction into fact, more accurately recognized as the YAL-1A Airborne Laser Test Bed, took to the skies here for the last time during its final ferry flight to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb. 14.The ALTB, which was a part of the Birk Flight Test

  • Shared love of aviation unites U.S., Russian airmen

    At most airshows in the U.S., it isn't uncommon for aircrew to get the occasional odd request. However, at the 2012 Singapore Airshow here Feb. 15, the Airmen of an E-3 Sentry crew said they were a bit intimidated when, without warning, the commander-in-chief of the Russian Air Force asked to board

  • Air Force leaders say strategy calls for F-22, F-35 capabilities

    Fifth-generation fighter aircraft are key to America maintaining domain dominance in the years ahead, Air Force officials said here Jan. 24.Lt. Gen. Christopher D. Miller, the deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs, and Maj. Gen. Noel T. "Tom" Jones, the service's director for

  • New RPA career field graduates first RQ-4 pilots

    Two members of Beale Air Force Base were recognized as the first RQ-4 Global Hawk pilots in the new 18X career field during a winging ceremony Jan. 13 here.Second Lts. Jacob and Scott began training Oct. 3, 2011, after a decision by Air Staff officials in June 2011 established undergraduate training

  • Lightning II strikes at night

    The first night flight of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Program was completed Jan. 18, 2012, at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The mission consisted of a series of straight-in approaches in twilight and darkness. The pilot also performed an evaluation of the F-35's cockpit lighting. The testing will

  • AF to release draft impact statement on proposed F-35 pilot training center

    The Air Force will file a draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed establishment of an F-35 Lightning II pilot training center within the continental United States Jan 20.The current Air Force and Air National Guard installations under consideration are: Boise Air Terminal Airport Air

  • New F-35B joint strike fighters arrive at Eglin

    A resolution to be even more expeditionary will be met this year, now that Marines here received their first two F-35B Lightning II variants of DoD's fifth generation fighter Jan. 11.At the 33rd Fighter Wing, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 is the home for the new aircraft where its

  • A-10C accident investigation report released

    Dual engine failure during a functional check flight caused the crash of an A-10C Thunderbolt II Sept. 26, 2011, according to the Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released Jan. 11. According to the report, the mishap aircraft's stall warning system malfunctioned at 15,000 feet,

  • Static F-86 display dedicated to Korean War ace

    Pacific Air Forces and 15th Wing leaders dedicated a newly repainted static F-86E Sabre fighter aircraft to a former PACAF vice commander during a ceremony here Dec. 29.Gen. Gary North rededicated the aircraft here to retired Lt. Gen. Winton W. "Bones" Marshall, who was also a combat commander and

  • F-15 sale to Saudi Arabia part of broader effort

    The recently announced $29.4 billion sale of F-15SA fighter aircraft to Saudi Arabia is just one part of a broader U.S.-Saudi military sales and defense cooperation effort that's central to regional security, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.U.S. officials announced an agreement Dec. 29

  • Saudi Arabia to purchase 84 F-15SA, upgrade current F-15 fleet

    Air Force officials announced the next chapter in a partnership with the Royal Saudi Air Force as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently signed a $29.4 billion Foreign Military Sales Letter of Offer and Acceptance solidifying their plans to purchase 84 F-15SA fighter aircraft and upgrade their current

  • KC-10 cargo load training facility opens doors

    The new KC-10 cargo load training facility was officially opened at a ribbon cutting ceremony Dec. 16. The structure is the first of its kind in the Air Force, as a facility for cargo load training on the KC-10 Extender did not exist before today. The building will allow Airmen to train on cargo

  • Panetta defends intelligence operations

    Declining to discuss details about a U.S. RQ-170 drone aircraft that went missing in Iran, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta defended the use of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to protect the U.S.During a joint news conference here today with Afghan President Hamid Karzai,

  • Thunderbirds release 2012 show schedule

    The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds announced their 2012 show schedule Dec. 7. The team is set to perform more than 60 demonstrations in 33 locations, including two shows in Canada.The team, officially known as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, will again kick-off their season by performing

  • Nellis Airmen clean-up F-15 crash site

    Nellis Air Force Base Airmen worked alongside the Army National Guardsmen Aviation unit stationed in Stockton, Calif., to conduct recovery and clean-up efforts for the F-15C Eagle aircraft crash site in the Nevada Test and Training Range recently.The operation was the 820th RED HORSE Squadron

  • U.S., Swedish air forces conduct squadron exchange program

    Swedish Air Force and 48th Fighter Wing airmen participated in a week-long squadron exchange program here, which concluded Nov. 18. Swedish JAS-39 Gripen pilots went up against F-15C Eagle and F-15E Strike Eagle pilots in simulated combat scenarios to train with and learn from each other. The 493rd

  • F-16s to strengthen Iraqi air defense, partnership with U.S.

    During a press conference Nov. 8  the commander of the Iraqi air force said Iraq's purchase of 18 F-16C Fighting Falcons, for their future air defense, will encourage and strengthen the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Iraq. In September, through the Foreign Military Sales program, the

  • PACAF releases report on F-16 mishap at Kunsan AB

    Headquarters Pacific Air Forces today released the results of its investigation into a July 29, 2011, ground collision of two F-16CM aircraft at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. Gen. Gary North, the Pacific Air Forces commander, directed an investigation into the incident. The accident investigation

  • DOD highlights U.S. military aircraft capabilities in 2011 Dubai Airshow

    AFCENT Airmen will lead the Department of Defense effort to showcase a variety of U.S. military aircraft at the 2011 Dubai Airshow from Nov. 13 to 17. The event demonstrates a shared commitment both to regional security and to developing the U.S. military's key relationships throughout Southwest

  • Close air support protects coalition forces, kills 70 insurgents

    F-15E Strike Eagles from the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 121st EFS dropped more than 9,000 pounds of munitions through severe weather on enemy forces trying to overrun a combat outpost in Paktika province, Afghanistan, Nov. 8. According to reports, up to

  • Air Force modernization takes B-2 to North Pole

    A B-2 Spirit flew from here to the North Pole and back Oct. 27 on a mission to test the aircraft's hardware and software upgrades, endurance and its performance at extremely high latitudes. The 18-plus hour mission consisted of developmental and operational test points to prove that the B-2's

  • Ali Base Airmen help U.S. forces transit Iraq

    Aerial porters and Airmen from the 407th Air Expeditionary Group's passenger terminal at Ali Base are preparing for an increase in passengers and cargo during the final months of Operation New Dawn.As the main aerial hub in southern Iraq, the terminal has processed approximately 5,000 passengers and

  • Senior leaders: B-2 has a bright future ahead

    Senior leaders from across the Air Force visited here last week to discuss the future of the B-2 Spirit bomber.The General Officer Steering Group for B-2 Sustainment met here Sept. 8 to discuss challenges and solutions for keeping the B-2 fleet healthy and operational for years to come.Ann Mitchell,

  • Photo Essay: Eglin F-35 number increases to four

    Two F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighters were delivered here Aug. 31. Labeled as AF-10 and AF-11 by Lockheed Martin, the new JSFs bring the total count of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft here to four.View the slideshow.

  • Air Force celebrates JSF arrival, rolls out nation's airpower future

    Air Force officials said the unveiling of the F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighter was a "historic occasion" during a rollout ceremony here Aug. 26.The F-35A, on display during the ceremony, was delivered here in July by Lt. Col. Eric Smith, the Air Force's first F-35 pilot."This is indeed a new

  • 20th EBS Airmen assume continuous bomber presence in Guam

    More than 300 Airmen assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., arrived here recently to replace the 96th EBS in support of U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence.The rotation of bomber aircraft is specifically designed to enhance regional security

  • 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.

  • Former Air Force Two now part of AMC Museum

    The Air Mobility Command Museum here has long been home to many landmarks of American avionic innovation. The retired military and civilian airframes are restored to historically accurate quality by museum volunteers and displayed for the enjoyment of several generations of patrons.If the planes

  • Fairchild's 36th Rescue Flight rescues mountain biker in Idaho

    Airmen from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., rescued a 52-year-old female mountain biker Aug. 17 near Thompson Pass, Idaho, after she flipped over her handlebars and injured her ribs and back.The victim, Paulette Kirby, was on a single-track mountain bike trail participating in the six-day Idaho

  • Photo Essay: U.S. Air Force well represented at Russian air show

    The Moscow International Aviation and Space Salon, known as MAKS, is one of the premier events of its type in the world and Department of Defense participation demonstrates the U.S. commitment to international security, promotes international cooperation and contributes to U.S. foreign policy

  • Cleaner KC-10 engines expected to burn less fuel

    Mobility Airmen may have found a way to conserve Air Force resources and help preserve the environment.Prolonged and repeated KC-10 air refueling operations in desert climates can degrade the aircraft engines. But the Air Force now uses a new KC-10 engine cleaning process, which is projected to save

  • New airframe, squadron on Kandahar Airfield

    Members of the 451st Expeditionary Operations Group welcomed their newest unit, the 702nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, here at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, recently. The 702 EAS is a tactical transport squadron comprising Army and Air Force Guard members flying C-27J Spartans to provide

  • Hurlburt Field preferred for MQ-1 remote split-operation unit

    Air Force officials announced Aug. 4 that Hurlburt Field, Fla., is the preferred alternative for the Air Force Reserve Command MQ-1 remote split-operations squadron. Hurlburt Field will receive a single MQ-1 RSO squadron consisting of 140 personnel and associated equipment. This action does not

  • Morocco receives first F-16s

    Morocco is the latest U.S. partner nation to receive the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a historic event marked by a ceremony here Aug. 4. The new Block 52 aircraft will supplement the Royal Moroccan Air Force's existing fleet of fighter aircraft and will contribute to the upgrade and modernization of the

  • Langley F-15 trucked cross country to enshrinement

    For nearly 40 years, the 1st Fighter Wing here flew the venerable F-15 Eagle, helping to cement its place as one of the most successful fighters in aviation history. On July 22, however, one of the 1st FW's last F-15s began its final journey, leaving Virginia for northern California -- but not in

  • First Air Force F-35 pilot part of aviation history

    With the arrival of the joint strike fighter, the military continues setting the historic milestones for the worldwide aviation industry in preparing the first F-35 Lightning II pilots.Lt. Col. Eric Smith became a part of history himself recently as the first Airman to fly the new stealth fighter

  • Officials say Joint Strike Fighter program is on track

    The Joint Strike Fighter Program Office deputy director expressed confidence in the progress of the JSF program at an Air Force Association breakfast program here July 27.The upgrades and acquisitions, particularly the completion of the new Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., training facility, helps to

  • Officials look to reduce strategic airlift inventory

    Combatant and major command officials provided testimony to members of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower to propose a reduction of strategic airlift aircraft numbers in a session here July 13. Gen. Raymond Johns, the Air Mobility Command commander, and Gen. Duncan McNabb, the U. S.

  • PACAF demonstrates air power in Brunei

    Aircraft from Misawa Air Base, Japan, and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, performed at the Brunei Darussalam International Defense Exhibition 2011 at Rimba Air Base, Brunei, July 2. Capt. Chris Nations, a PACAF Aerial Demonstration Team pilot based at Misawa, performed daily aerial

  • Sensor network detects nuclear blasts worldwide

    At any time of the day or night, on any day of the year, if a nuclear device explodes anywhere on Earth, a Defense Department network established in 1947 will know about it.That was the year Army Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower directed the Army Air Corps to develop such a capability, and the U.S. Atomic

  • Global Hawk postured for success

    With a solid record in combat and humanitarian missions, the RQ-4 Global Hawk program remains a critical component to national security and the Air Force will increase cost-saving efficiencies to ensure the unmanned aerial system's sustainment, officials said here July 12.Rigorous reviews over the

  • Members participate in KC-135 egress exercise

    More than 60 members here volunteered to slide down a large, air-filled slide, or in this case, an emergency exit, June 28, during a KC-135 Stratotanker ground egress test supported by the 126th Air Refueling Wing. The AMC-directed test was used to determine the number of passengers one passenger

  • Air Force EWO graduates from Navy Growler training

    An electronic warfare officer became the first Air Force EWO to graduate from the 10-month-long Navy EA-18G Growler training at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., June 28.Capt. Cole Davenport, who is with the 390th Electronic Combat Squadron, completed his first training sortie Sept. 7, 2010.

  • U.S., Indonesian airmen complete annual air mobility exercise

    The annual week-long combined exercise between Indonesian and U.S. Air Force personnel, known as Exercise Cope West, came to a close here June 24.More than 70 Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, and three C-130 Hercules aircraft with Yokota's 36th Airlift Squadron, as well as one Indonesian Air

  • Northern Edge participants complete successful exercise

    After two weeks of learning to communicate and work in a joint environment, service members from every branch of service packed their bags and headed home at the conclusion of Exercise Northern Edge 2011.The U.S. Pacific Command joint exercise, held June 13-24, hosted active duty, Reserve and

  • AMC officials hold 'Future Aircraft Fuel Efficiency Industry Days'

    Officials in Air Mobility Command's Future Concepts Office and Fuel Efficiency Office are co-hosting the "Future Aircraft Fuel Efficiency Days" conference here from June 27 to 29. The conference is designed to allow AMC experts to work with industry partners to gather information on

  • Continued testing of F-35 JSF sensors a success at Northern Edge 2011

    While participating in Northern Edge for the second time, F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter sensor capabilities were tested in Alaska's premier multi-operational environment June 13-24. Hosted by Alaskan Command, Northern Edge is a biennial U.S. Pacific Command exercise that prepares joint

  • Tanker's first flight over top of the world marks new era in efficiency

    The U.S. Air Force has gone to the ends of the earth to support operations in Afghanistan.A KC-135 Stratotanker flew north until it started flying south June 21 an 22, cutting a new pathway over the Arctic Circle and the North Pole between Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., and the Transit Center at

  • Thousands admire U.S. aircraft at Paris Air Show

    The world's longest-established aerospace event comes to a close June 26 after hundreds of thousands of people viewed the best of what aviation has to offer.The 49th International Paris Air Show, which began more than 100 years ago, opened June 20 with four trade-show days and three public days at

  • C-130s maintain steady ops in Afghanistan

    Every day there are Airmen here supporting combat airlift missions for Operation Enduring Freedom through the use of the C-130 Hercules. The C-130s at Bagram Airfield are deployed with the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, which is part of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing. Its Air Force fact

  • U.S. military, aircraft highlighted at international air show

    U.S. military pride, strength and technology are on display at the 49th International Paris Air Show at the Le Bourget Airport here June 20 through 26. Held every two years, the Paris Air Show provides an opportunity for the U.S. to showcase the best the Department of Defense has to offer in people,

  • Felts Field open house displays AMC lineage

    The Experimental Aviation Association shared a piece of Air Mobility Command history with the local community here recently.One of 12 flight-capable B-17 Flying Fortresses rumbled through the sky and landed for tours for aviation enthusiasts and two World War II B-17 pilots during Felts Field's

  • Thunderbirds announce 2012 officer selections

    The commander of Air Combat Command, Gen. William M. Fraser III, has officially selected the officers who will be joining the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds" for the 2012 demonstration season. Maj. Greg Moseley, a lieutenant colonel-select currently assigned to

  • New 'milk stool' design may save dollars, backs

    A C-130 Hercules ramp support platform designed by four cadets here in May could save not only Air Force dollars but also the backs of the loadmasters who currently drag around 75-pound monstrosities, officials said.The newly designed "milk stool," as the ramp support platform is called, would weigh

  • Grand Forks AFB Airmen welcome Global Hawk

    Airmen celebrated the arrival of the RQ-4 Global Hawk during a ceremony here June 1.The ceremony highlighted the beginning of a new era of remotely piloted aircraft here."It is an honor to be here; what a great day for Grand Forks (Air Force Base) and North Dakota -- this is cutting edge

  • Experts discuss future long-range strike bomber requirements

    More than 30 military and civilian strategic air power experts gathered here May 5 to discuss ideas for a new long-range strike bomber. The Bomber Advisory Group examined past and current global strike success stories and strategic air power's role in the 21st century. The group also brainstormed

  • Thunderbirds to perform first demo with alternative fuel

    The Thunderbirds will use alternative fuel, unprecedented for any Department of Defense aerial team, at the Joint Services Open House here May 20 and 21, officials said May 18. The team will fly with Camelina-based hydrotreated renewable jet fuel as part of the nation's overall strategy to reduce

  • PACAF demo team certified to showcase F-16's aerial maneuvering might

    A crew from the 14th Fighter Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan, was certified as the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team May 16.Lt. Gen. Burton Field, the U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, certified the crew. The crew includes one pilot, two narrators and a

  • Combat Talon ends career as historic monument

    Exactly one year after making its final operational flight, the MC-130E Combat Talon I 64-0567 reached the end of its 47-year journey with a stirring dedication ceremony here May 6.The Talon, or as it came to be know by 919th Special Operations Wing Airmen, "Wild Thing," will now be a historic

  • Tinker AFB Airmen complete first repairs on F117 engine

    Airmen from the 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group and Pratt & Whitney mechanics recently completed repairs on the first F117 engine of the newly-obtained workload. The Pratt & Whitney manufactured engine powers the C-17 Globemaster III."The significance is that this engine was the first ever

  • Air Force officials announce helicopter acquisition strategy

    Air Force officials announced their strategy here April 25 to recapitalize the Air Force's helicopter fleet, which is critical to nuclear weapon security response, continuity of government, and combat search and rescue.The Air Force secretary and chief of staff have directed that the service proceed