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NATO Air Policing operations — U.S. Air Force News

April 20, 2026
919th SOW tests full-spectrum readiness in wing exercise

The exercise focused on the 919th SOW's core Mission Essential Tasks by establishing a FOB and executing complex operations in a simulated austere location. The training was specifically designed to replicate a challenging and restrictive operational environment.
April 20, 2026
CSAF, CMSAF engage with Airmen at Altus AFB

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe, accompanied by their wives, Mrs. Cindy Wilsbach and Dr. Doniel Wolfe, visited Altus Air Force Base April 16, to gain insight and understanding to “Mobility’s Hometown.”
April 17, 2026
Air Force advances secure AI capabilities with IL5 approval for VIA’s eJARVIS

The Department of the Air Force has awarded Via Science, Inc., a leading provider of AI technologies, Impact Level 5 Authority to Operate for its eJARVIS application.
April 17, 2026
Montana National Guard returns World War II Soldier home, honoring nation’s promise

Airmen from the 120th Airlift Wing conducted a solemn C-130H transport mission April 15, bringing the remains of U.S. Army Pvt. Harry David Bordner back to Montana, where he will be laid to rest in his hometown of Butte.
April 17, 2026
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
April 16, 2026
Air Force, Space Force meet recruiting goals 5 months ahead of schedule

The Air Force and Space Force achieved annual recruiting goals five months ahead of schedule, enlisting 32,000 new active-duty Airmen and Guardians needed for the fiscal year.
April 16, 2026
Experimental Operations Unit accelerates Collaborative Combat Aircraft program

The Air Force’s Experimental Operations Unit, under Air Combat Command, concluded a critical exercise with Collaborative Combat Aircraft recently at Edwards Air Force Base, putting principles of the new Warfighting Acquisition System into practice.
April 15, 2026
CMSAF David Wolfe visits MEPS Fort Sam Houston

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe visited MEPS at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston..
April 14, 2026
B-21 Raider accelerates delivery of long-range strike capability

The B-21 Raider program continues to accelerate the delivery of long-range strike capability, with aerial refueling via a KC-135 Stratotanker demonstrating the rapid maturation of the weapon system.
April 14, 2026
USAF GE 26 showcases new AI-enabled WarMatrix wargaming capability

The wargames delivered a rigorous, fast-paced environment designed to test concepts, capabilities and force design considerations critical to future conflict scenarios.
April 14, 2026
CSAF, CMSAF empower next generation leaders to lead with character at WildWestCon 2026

Air Force senior leaders participated in an annual professional development conference in Texas.
April 14, 2026
CSAF, CMSAF visit 908th FTW

The senior leaders met with members from the 908th Maintenance Group and Operations Group to see the progress made in the wing’s transformation to becoming the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter formal training unit.
April 13, 2026
US, Chilean Air Force crews complete historic refueling

U.S. and Chilean Air Force (FACh) crews demonstrated advanced interoperability April 4, 2026, executing the first-ever Chilean KC-135 Stratotanker air-to-air refueling of two U.S. F-35A Lightning II aircraft—marking a significant step forward in bilateral airpower integration.
April 13, 2026
Meink emphasizes technological excellence, acquisition transformation during Ohio immersion

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink concluded a visit to Air Force Materiel Command and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base units April 3, which provided him a comprehensive look at the critical airpower, technology and acquisition missions conducted by units across the installation.
April 10, 2026
SecAF, CSAF host Indian Air Force Chief of the Air Staff

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach hosted Indian Air Force Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh to advance shared priorities in support of the strong and growing U.S.-India defense partnership.
April 10, 2026
DAF takes steps for potential Alaskan AI data centers

The Department of the Air Force is moving forward with actions to potentially build and operate one or more advanced artificial intelligence data centers at three DAF installations in Alaska.
April 10, 2026
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
April 9, 2026
Colonel Tellez to Succeed Brigadier General Marks as Commandant, Reinforcing Warfighter Focus at the Academy

Colonel Brandon J. Tellez has been assigned as the Academy’s 32nd Commandant of Cadets, succeeding Brigadier General Gavin P. Marks.
April 8, 2026
Air Force announces FY26 aviation bonus

Eligible active-duty aviators have from Apr. 1 until May 31 to apply for the fiscal year 2026 aviation bonus, Air Force officials announced April 1, 2026.
April 8, 2026
Buckley SFB, Malmstrom AFB selected for Advanced Nuclear Power for Installations program

This decision is a key step in ensuring the service can execute critical missions without interruption, thereby strengthening national security.
April 7, 2026
SecAF presents Harold Brown Award to NASIC researcher

Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink recognized Richard Borth, National Air and Space Intelligence Center researcher with the 2024 Harold Brown Award for his work developing an artificial intelligence algorithm to detect deployed weapons systems in synthetic aperture radar imagery.
April 6, 2026
US continues strikes into Iran after successful rescue of F-15E Aircrew

On April 4, U.S. forces successfully completed the rescues of two American service members from Iran after their F-15E fighter jet was shot down April 2 during a combat mission.
April 3, 2026
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
April 2, 2026
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, and Tinker Air Force Base is committed to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and fostering a culture of dignity and respect. This month serves as a focused time for the Tinker community to reinforce its commitment to eliminating sexual
April 2, 2026
DAF updates SkillBridge policy balancing operational readiness, transition assistance

The Department of the Air Force updated its Air Force and Space Force SkillBridge programs to balance operational readiness and transition assistance to Airmen and Guardians.
April 1, 2026
USAF implements restructure of Strategy, Design, Requirements directorate

This key milestone in the Air Force's ongoing modernization and requirements reform efforts, streamlines the capability development process.
March 30, 2026
A hero's final flight: 'Bud' Anderson laid to rest at Arlington

Brig. Gen. Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson, the last surviving “triple ace” pilot from World War II, received full military funeral honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
March 30, 2026
USAF, Army integrate air defense capabilities during Freedom Shield 26

The 51st Security Forces Squadron and 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade conducted joint training during exercise Freedom Shield 26 at Osan Air Base.
March 30, 2026
Hill AFB fighter squadron chosen as top in the Air Force

The award recognizes the top fighter squadron in the United States Air Force.
March 30, 2026
F-35A Lightning IIs arrive at Misawa Air Base

The arrival supports the Department of the Air Force’s modernization efforts and demonstrates the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of Japan and sustaining peace through strength in the Indo-Pacific.
March 27, 2026
Sentinel Program advances with silo prototype

The silo prototype will validate a modular, repeatable construction approach designed to accelerate fielding, reduce cost growth and enable learning before full-rate production.
March 27, 2026
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
March 26, 2026
AFMC hosts USecAF during Wright-Patterson AFB immersion

The visit provided an opportunity for Lohmeier to meet with command leaders and subject matter experts, who offered insights on current and future missions, challenges and opportunities.
March 26, 2026
Decision advantages formed by ACC’s Operations Analysis Squadron

ACC’s Operations Analysis Squadron worked with the United States Air Force Weapons School to develop an innovative eGradebook — a unified online platform with automated trend analysis and streamlined data entry.
March 25, 2026
Senior enlisted leaders stress quality of life, readiness

They told lawmakers on the House Committee on Appropriations, that quality of life is critical to maintaining readiness as Airmen and Guardians continue to operate in demanding environments worldwide.
March 24, 2026
Air Force leaders visit Minot AFB to advance Sentinel modernization

The visit focused on ensuring alignment between program development and operational execution as the Air Force prepares to transition from the Minuteman III system to the LGM-35A Sentinel.
March 23, 2026
US, allied forces strengthen Arctic readiness during exercise Cold Response 26

U.S. Air Force forces integrated with allies to execute high-intensity scenarios that tested interoperability and readiness in harsh Arctic conditions.
March 20, 2026
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
March 19, 2026
DAF completes records review for COVID-related separations

The DAF recently conducted a proactive review and upgrade of personnel records, identifying 377 who were involuntarily discharged solely for declining the COVID-19 vaccination, ensuring individuals who met the eligibility requirements receive the full amount of post-service benefits.
March 19, 2026
Distributed operations enable Seventh Air Force to sustain airpower during Freedom Shield 26

During exercise Freedom Shield 26, the Seventh Air Force tested its ability to command and control airpower in the event its primary Air Operations Center is no longer available, forcing personnel and capabilities to operate from multiple dispersed locations.Known as distributed operations, this
March 18, 2026
Architects of the exercise: Bringing the space domain to life for Freedom Shield 26

Freedom Shield 26 is a recurring exercise between South Korea and the United States, in collaboration with the United Nations Command, ensuring continuous preparedness for military forces on the Korean Peninsula.
March 17, 2026
419th Fighter Wing Reservists support first-ever microreactor airlift

The historic mission, known as Operation Windlord, marked the first-ever military airlift of a microreactor and demonstrated the Department of War’s ability to rapidly deploy next-generation power systems by air.
March 14, 2026
DoW identifies Air Force casualties

The Department of War announced the death of six Air Force Airmen who were supporting Operation Epic Fury.
March 13, 2026
DAF announces updates to Military Leave Program

The DAF released an update to DAFI 36-3003, Military Leave Program, which incorporates changes mandated by the Department of War and streamlines leave policies to ensure Airmen and Guardians are fully aware of their entitlements. 
March 13, 2026
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
March 13, 2026
Six Confirmed Deceased in Loss of U.S. KC-135 Over Iraq

At approximately 2 pm ET on March 12, a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq. Six crew members aboard the aircraft have been confirmed deceased.
March 12, 2026
CSAF, CMSAF highlight AETC’s strategic impact on force readiness

The senior leaders visited multiple bases to see how AETC is preparing Airmen for the demands of the operational Air Force.
March 11, 2026
Year of the mentor: Going beyond training

To improve rider safety and skills, the DoW is implementing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Rider Mentor Program, which pairs service members with experienced motorcyclists as an alternative path for completing advanced training.
March 11, 2026
TEC hosts inaugural master fitness leader course

The I.G. Brown Training and Education Center hosted the U. S. Air Force’s inaugural Master Fitness Leader course Feb. 17–27, bringing together Total Force Airmen and civilians for the first offering of the new training program.
March 10, 2026
CMSAF Wolfe visits Joint Base Andrews

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Wolfe, and his wife, Dr. Doniel Wolfe, visited Team Andrews to hold an all-call and emphasize the Air Force's three priorities: readiness, modernization, and Airmen and their families.
March 9, 2026
Air Force, MASS-TF sign MOU to evaluate strategic real estate opportunities

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration to pursue a strategic real estate and mission support partnership.
March 6, 2026
CSAF Letter to the Force

Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach released a letter to Airmen.
March 6, 2026
Where Commanders Turn When Decisions Carry Human Consequence

Not every decision a commander makes is measured in timelines, resources or maneuver. Some are measured in trust. Others carry moral weight. Many affect families, unit cohesion and the long-term health of the force
Feb. 27, 2026
Air Force modernizes Physical Fitness Program to bolster readiness, long-term health

The modernized program is anchored in scientifically grounded health measures and a more rigorous assessment model. The goal is to enhance warfighter readiness by encouraging Airmen to build durable fitness habits that support sustained, career-long performance.
Feb. 27, 2026
CMSAF delivers ‘Gold Medal Airmen’ keynote during AFA 2026

CMSAF Wolfe urged Airmen to multiply their skills and dedication with a winning attitude during a keynote speech at the Air and Space Forces Association's 2026 Warfare Symposium.
Feb. 27, 2026
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Feb. 27, 2026
Spangdahlem Chapel Team wins USAFE award

The Chapel Team’s mission goes beyond weekend services. Staying visible, supporting morale and helping Airmen navigate stressful moments saw led to them earning the 2025 USAFE Outstanding Large Chaplain Corps Team of the Year award. “We’re very proud,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Philip O’Neill, 52nd
Feb. 26, 2026
Air Force leaders discuss priorities for the Air Force’s Future Force Design

Senior Air Force leaders and industry experts discussed the priorities for Air Force’s Future Force Design during a panel at the Air and Space Forces Association’s 2026 Warfare Symposium in Aurora.
Feb. 26, 2026
Healy highlights Reserve advantage during AFA symposium

The Commander of AFRC, Lt. Gen. John Healy, told Airmen and Guardians attending the Air and Space Forces 2026 Warfare Symposium that Reserve Airman are an advantage to the Department of the Air Force.
Feb. 26, 2026
Acquisition leaders detail Warfighting Acquisition Strategy at AFA symposium

Top acquisition leaders for the DAF detailed how the acquisition process is being reshaped to meet the demands of modern warfare, during a panel at the Air and Space Forces Association’s 2026 Warfare Symposium.
Feb. 26, 2026
AMC interim commander emphasizes Airmen, aircraft readiness importance at AFA

Lt. Gen. Rebecca Sonkiss, who took over as Air Mobility Command’s interim commander earlier this month, addressed service members, industry and journalists on the state of mobility readiness at the 2026 Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium.
Feb. 25, 2026
Warfighting acquisition transformation to bolster DAF Battle Network delivery

Leaders doubled down on the importance of acquisition transformation within the DAF Battle Network framework, highlighting the department’s focus on maturing architecture and delivering capability at operational speed.
Feb. 25, 2026
DAF leaders emphasize warfighting readiness at AFA Warfare Symposium

Senior DAF leaders emphasized that warfighting readiness, modernization and investment in Airmen and Guardians remain central to maintaining deterrence and preparing for future conflict during a panel discussion at the 2026 Warfare Symposium.
Feb. 24, 2026
Wilsbach outlines strategy for confronting adversaries, Air Force success

In his first major address since becoming Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Ken Wilsbach highlighted readiness and how the service is responding to a complex and ambiguous strategic environment.
Feb. 24, 2026
SECAF opens 2026 AFA Warfare Symposium with ‘Innovating Faster: Acquisition Transformation’

During his keynote at the 2026 Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium, Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink laid out his vision for the Department of the Air Force’s acquisition transformation effort.
Feb. 23, 2026
Collaborative Combat Aircraft program progresses through deliberate weapons integration testing

The Air Force has entered the next phase of developmental testing for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
Feb. 23, 2026
New Tinker AFB electrical peaking plant enables energy resilience

Tinker Air Force Base and Oklahoma Gas & Electric celebrated the opening of an electrical peaking plant.
Feb. 23, 2026
Air Force issues new guidance to streamline Line of Duty decisions for Reservists, Guardsmen on extended active-duty orders

The Department of the Air Force released updated guidance intended to accelerate Line of Duty determinations for Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members serving on extended active‑duty orders.
Feb. 23, 2026
DAF increases B-21 Raider production capacity to deliver combat capability faster

The Department of the Air Force and Northrop Grumman Corp. have reached an agreement to expand production capacity for the B-21 Raider, accelerating delivery of the Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber fleet.
Feb. 23, 2026
DAF exploring lease opportunities for data centers in Alaska

The DAF is gauging interest for data center construction in Alaska. Interested parties have until March 13 to submit a response.
Feb. 20, 2026
Des Moines ANGB to gain ANG Cyber Operations Squadrons

The DAF has selected a preferred location to convert re-missioned manpower to support Air National Guard cyber operations.
Feb. 20, 2026
Fort Gordon to gain ANG cyber operations squadrons

The Department of the Air Force has selected Fort Gordon, Georgia, as the preferred location for two Air National Guard cyber operations squadrons.
Feb. 20, 2026
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Feb. 19, 2026
AFSOC strategizes on adapting special air warfare for an evolving world

AFSOC opened the 2026 Special Air Warfare Symposium with senior leaders underscoring the command’s enduring focus on people and rapid adaptability to win the future fight in a complex and ever-changing global security environment.
Feb. 19, 2026
FSS Summit strengthens AFMC Force Support enterprise

The summit helps to ensure that Airmen and Guardians remain equipped to meet the evolving needs of the Air Force.
Feb. 18, 2026
F-35 IIFTU graduates international class, reinforcing allied readiness at Luke AFB

The ceremony marks a significant milestone in the F-35 program’s international training mission, providing advanced instruction to intelligence professionals from 11 different partner nations.
Feb. 18, 2026
C3BM launches software developer student pipeline

The DAF C3BM launched its first iteration of a training pipeline meant to prepare Airmen for the rigors of developing software capabilities in support of the DAF BATTLE NETWORK.
Feb. 17, 2026
Delivering deterrence: Sentinel restructure to complete in 2026; initial capability timeline set

The U.S. Air Force rolled out its plan for the LGM-35A Sentinel program, which will deliver the nation’s next-generation, modernized, land-based nuclear deterrent to America’s warfighters.
Feb. 17, 2026
War, Energy Departments team up to advance future of nuclear power, military base energy security

A next-generation nuclear reactor was loaded aboard a C-17 Globemaster III for transport ensuring greater energy security for the United States.
Feb. 13, 2026
CSAF, CSO honor those who honor the fallen

For 77 years, the Arlington Committee has been attending funerals for Air Force veterans, representing the CSAF, his spouse and the entire Air Force Family at Arlington National Cemetery.
Feb. 13, 2026
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Feb. 13, 2026
Al Udeid Air Base hosts Partnership Day

The event showcased interoperability and appreciation for host nation partners, bringing together Qatari military members, families, U.S. Embassy Doha representatives, joint U.S. service members, and coalition forces.
Feb. 13, 2026
Robins AFB laser-focused on aircrew eye protection

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Human Systems Division is pioneering the next generation of protective technology for aircrews.
Feb. 12, 2026
Air Force validates open architecture, expands Collaborative Combat Aircraft ecosystem

The CCA program validates a modular, open-systems approach, allowing the Air Force to rapidly integrate the best technology from any vendor to equip the warfighter faster.
Feb. 12, 2026
Air Force, Space Force senior enlisted advisors emphasize quality of life’s importance in national defense

Air Force and Space Force senior enlisted leaders appeared before the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee to address quality of life's importance in national defense.
Feb. 11, 2026
USecAF visits Kadena AB to conclude Indo-Pacific tour

The visit capped a week of base visits where Lohmeier met with Airmen, Guardians and senior leaders to assess readiness, connect with the force and reaffirm the Department of the Air Force’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Feb. 10, 2026
JBER debuts a PACAF-first Mission Ready Airman program

Thirty-four U.S. Air Force noncommissioned officers participated in a Security Forces-focused, first-of-its-kind program that aims at increasing lethality and readiness across the force.
Feb. 9, 2026
Reserve leaders emphasize standards, strategic ‘Reserve Advantage’ to NATO allies

Senior reserve leaders from across the NATO alliance gathered last week to discuss the growing importance of reserve forces in addressing global security challenges during the NATO Air Reserve Symposium.
Feb. 9, 2026
Training for the mission, the Olympic medal

Staff Sgt. Kelly Curtis returns to represent Team USA on the world’s biggest stage for the second time at the XXV Olympic Winter Games.
Feb. 9, 2026
C3BM takes lead on Joint Fires Network

The DAF Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management stood up an integrated program office to lead the Joint Fires Network.
Feb. 9, 2026
World Class Athlete Program showcases Air Force excellence ahead of Winter Olympics

As the world prepares for the upcoming Winter Olympic Games, the DAF is spotlighting the Air Force WCAP, a unique initiative that develops elite competitors while strengthening military readiness.
Feb. 6, 2026
National Defense Areas expanded, established along Texas border

The Secretary of War directed the expansion of the South Texas NDA to ensure the western endpoint reaches Roma, Texas, as originally intended. This action extends NDA 3 to include approximately 250 miles west of the Gulf of America.
Feb. 6, 2026
DRMC Airmen support certification of instrument landing systems

U.S. Air Forces Central DRMC Airmen supported the commissioning and flight inspection of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing’s airfield instrument landing systems, ensuring they met required standards for safe operations during periods of reduced visibility.
Feb. 6, 2026
Air National Guard base takes stage ahead of Super Bowl LX

Moffett Air National Guard Base is serving as the hub for a joint U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy flyover scheduled to thunder overhead during the national anthem Feb. 8, kicking off the Super Bowl LX matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.
Feb. 6, 2026
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Feb. 5, 2026
Shaping the future of airpower: Air Force requirements transformation industry day

The United States Air Force hosted industry partners Jan. 29 as part of its effort to transform the Requirements Process, bringing together approximately 350 defense industry leaders.
Feb. 3, 2026
USAFA graduate named Cadet of the Year

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach presented 2nd Lt. Renata Russell, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, with the Cadet of the Year award.
Jan. 30, 2026
CSAF, CMSAF join Air University’s PCTT panel

The panel shared key leadership insights on readiness, modernization, fostering warrior culture and quality of life initiatives, while reinforcing current DAF and DoW priorities with future command teams.
Jan. 30, 2026
Air Force advances standoff cruise missile program with live-fire test

The Air Force tested a standoff cruise missile, known as ERAM, less than 16 months from the program's initial contract award proving the service can deliver new tools to the warfighter at the speed of relevance.
Jan. 30, 2026
AF Week in Photos

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