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U.S. Air Force News

  • Air Force officer becomes namesake for prestigious award

    The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy recently named an award after an Air Force officer who commanded the 732nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron and provided leadership for the first Air Force detachments conducting convoy escort missions at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.Established in 2009, the Lt.

  • Airmen leave a footprint in Afghanistan

    Twenty-one Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing here recently returned from a 60-day deployment to Afghanistan where they augmented port operations at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.Lt. Col. Daniel Krall, the commander of the 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron, requested help from

  • Airman earns Male Athlete of the Year title

    Becoming the Air Force Male Athlete of the Year is no easy feat.  It takes a lot of determination and dedication to achieve this status. This year's Air Force male athlete of the year is Capt. Ian Holt, a squadron command post missile combat crew commander for the 319th Missile Squadron.Captain Holt

  • Managed airborne intel system hits field

    The 950th Electronic Systems Group here recently delivered the 500th unit of an airborne intelligence system that enables aircrews to send and receive the most timely situational awareness and threat data.The Combat Track II system, has been in production since 2004. Over time it's become a real

  • Airman killed, another injured Jan. 3 in Afghanistan

    An Airman assigned to the 10th Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Riley, Kan., was killed and another injured while supporting combat operations in southern Afghanistan Jan. 3. Senior Airman Bradley R. Smith, 24, of Troy, Ill., died of wounds sustained from the explosion of an improvised

  • Provincial reconstruction team expands hospital for Afghans

    A cornerstone ceremony for a new, modern wing of the Zabul Provincial Hospital took place Dec. 26, in Qalat, Afghanistan.The International Security Assistance Forces Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul is partnering with local community leaders to complete this project. Contractors have

  • Wounded vets to participate in first warrior games

    Approximately 200 wounded active duty members and military veterans will compete in the inaugural Warrior Games May 10 to 14 in Colorado Springs, Colo., Defense Department officials announced Jan. 7. The U.S. Olympic Committee will host the games, and events will include shooting, swimming, archery,

  • 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.

  • New era begins for Joint Base Langley-Eustis

    Ninth Air Force officials activated the 633rd Air Base Wing during a change-of-command ceremony Jan. 7 here.The 633rd ABW officials assumed host unit duties from the 1st Fighter Wing officials, which served in that capacity since 1975. Maj. Gen. William L. Holland, the 9th Air Force commander,

  • Basketball: Women Falcons rally to 74-66 win over Western State

    Shooting a season-best 54.5 percent from the field, Air Force erased a halftime deficit to rally to a 74-66 win over Western State Jan. 2 at Clune Arena. The win improves the Falcons to 3-10 on the season and drops the Mountaineers to 4-10. The trio of junior guard Raimee Beck, freshman guard Alicia

  • Defense, Veterans Affairs step closer to integrated records

    The Defense Department soon will join a Veterans Affairs Department and Kaiser Permanente partnership designed to improve the way military veterans and the nation receive health care, the VA's top health affairs policy advisor said Jan. 6. For the past month, officials at Kaiser Permanente and

  • American servicemembers bridge gap between Afghan provinces, relationships

    Afghan nationals and coalition forces gathered at the Arghandab District Center prior to an opening ceremony of a symbolic bridge Dec. 26, in the Zabul province.  Village elders from the surrounding area were dressed in their traditional garments and sat with their shoes lining the outer edge of the

  • Transit Center Airmen compete against Kyrgyz in basketball game

    Airmen from the Transit Center at Manas defeated a Kyrgyz Russian Slavic University basketball team 93-51 in a game here Jan. 5. This was the Transit Center's third game and second victory against a local team. The Kyrgyz team started strong and was up one point after the first three minutes, but

  • Photo essay: Kadena Airmen jump over le Shima, Japan

    Pararescuemen participated in high-altitude low-opening jumps over Ie Shima Island, Japan near here Dec. 23, 2009. The jump was part of routine training for the 320th Special Tactics Squadron and the 31st Rescue Squadron. View the slideshow.

  • No need to feel SAD during the winter

    Occasionally feeling depressed is normal. Everyone has days when they feel low, irritable or sad, but these moods usually last a few days and disappear.As the season changes and the days get shorter, some people develop symptoms of depression. Sadness and lack of energy and motivation are not a

  • Strategic, Space command officials improve GPS coverage

    Officials from the U.S. Strategic Command and Air Force Space Command here initiated an effort that will improve global coverage for users of the Global Positioning System constellation. The need to support U.S. and allied military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, where terrain in geographically

  • 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

  • Wings of Blue to jump into college football championship game

    The U.S. Air Force Academy's Wings of Blue parachute demonstration team is scheduled to jump into the Rose Bowl as part of pregame activities during the Citi Bowl Championship Series National Championship football game Jan. 7, in Pasadena, Calif.Wings of Blue members will drop into the stadium with

  • Oregon F-15s scramble to escort Hawaiian Airlines flight

    Two Oregon Air National Guard F-15 Eagles, under the direction of North American Aerospace Defense Command, scrambled Jan. 6 when the pilot of a commercial airliner reported having a disruptive passenger on board. The F-15s, stationed at Portland Air National Guard Base, piloted by Air Guardsmen

  • Barksdale officials report fatality

    One non-Department of Defense civilian died in a natural gas line fire near an unpopulated area of the East Reservation of Barksdale Air Force Base at about 5:20 p.m., Jan. 6.Barksdale AFB emergency responders and Bossier Parish Fire Department officials responded to the scene. The fire is under

  • New facility fulfills needs for families of the fallen

    The staff of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center has been providing dignity, honor and respect for fallen warriors, and care, service and support for their families since the unit was activated on Jan. 6, 2009. So it was only appropriate that a new facility that will carry that family

  • Chief Roy highlights downrange Airmen

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force has released an "Enlisted Perspective" focusing on Airmen working downrange in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.After visiting during the recent holiday season, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy, the Air Force's top enlisted

  • Airmen teach Afghans the art of maintaining

    Airmen of the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group's aircraft maintenance section here, use their new knowledge and Air Force job skills to mentor Afghan National Army Air Corps soldiers.The Airmen took a three-week course to learn how to maintain Russian MI-17 helicopters and incorporate it with

  • California governor boosts support to combat vets

    California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced a new state initiative to better help returning combat veterans land jobs and get whatever assistance they need to secure housing, health care and other veterans' services. The governor unveiled the Operation Welcome Home outreach campaign during

  • Photo essay: It's a dog's life

    Two dog handlers put one of the mlitary working dogs here through the obstacle course Jan. 5.  The dogs, usually German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois, train with their handlers to keep their sharpness, and are selected for duty based on traits such as intelligence and energy. View the slideshow.

  • Nominations open for public service award for federal employees

    Awards and decorations officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here are seeking nominations for the 61st Annual William A. Jump Memorial Award.The annual award recognizes a federal employee for his or her outstanding service in administration and notable contributions to the efficiency and

  • Minot residents weather blizzard, continue mission

    Many Minot Air Force Base members were snowbound indoors due to 25.7 inches of snow, but the mission continued.Because many missile combat crew members and security forces were delayed in the field for about a day, 91st Missile Wing officials adjusted many schedules once the snow stopped falling and

  • Jan. 5 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:Shkin An Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew provided

  • Jan. 4 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:MorghabAn Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew provided

  • Jan. 3 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:Qalat An Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew provided

  • Little Rock Airman has $10,000 idea

    A Little Rock Air Force Base Airman received $10,000 by submitting his idea to save the base more than $230,000 through the Innovation Development through Employee Awareness program.Staff Sgt. William Hoessler, a 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron communication navigation system craftsman,

  • Basketball: Falcons rein in Broncos, 72-65

    Air Force defeated Texas-Pan American 72-65 at Clune Arena Jan. 2 on a career-high 25 points by center Mike McLain.McLain, a native of Portland, Ore., also led Air Force in rebounds with seven. Other high scorers for the Falcons were junior forward Derek Brooks, with 16, and junior guard Evan

  • 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

  • Stop-loss payments continue, but some no longer eligible

    The fiscal 2010 defense budget extends payments to servicemembers involuntarily extended on active duty under the so-called "Stop Loss" program, but those who received a bonus for voluntarily re-enlisting or extending their service no longer qualify for retroactive stop-loss pay. Defense Department

  • Airmen help Afghan National Army Air Corps soldiers take aim

    Airmen of the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group here are training 30 Afghanistan National Army Air Corps soldiers on the M-240B rifle in January here.For some of the ANAAC soldiers it was their first time shooting the gas-powered machine gun while for others it was their second, but the Airmen

  • Travis officials conduct mass launch

    Members of the 60th and 349th Air Mobility wings conducted the base's first mass launch of nine aircraft Dec. 21 at Travis Air Force Base.Base officials said the total force launch effort was an opportunity for operations, maintenance and support personnel to train together on a larger scale than

  • General to receive Order of the Sword

    Retired Gen. John D. W. Corley, the former commander of Air Combat Command, is scheduled to be inducted into ACC's Order of the Sword Jan. 13 during a ceremony in Omaha, Neb. The Order of the Sword is the highest honor the enlisted corps can bestow on an individual and recognizes someone for

  • Photo essay: Airmen prepare for night mission at Bagram

    Airmen with the 455th Expeditionary Operation Support Squadron here maintain the life support equipment to keep the support for Operation Enduring Freedom in the air. They prepare the equipment needed, especially night vision googles and helmets, for the night missions flown by the 79th

  • Obama condemns terrorists, reaffirms U.S. resolve

    President Barack Obama condemned the Dec. 25 terrorist attempt on the United States in his first 2010 weekly radio address Jan. 2, vowing to bring those involved to justice and outlining steps the administration is taking to protect the American people. Speaking from Kailua, Hawaii, the president

  • Air Force officials issue notice of intent for F-35 basing

    Air Force officials here published the notice of intent in the Federal Register Dec. 30 to prepare an environmental impact statement to assess the potential environmental impacts of a proposal to establish operational F-35 Lightning II aircraft at one or more existing Air Force and Air National

  • Mullen underscores importance of academy experience

    On hand for a pair of service academy football bowl games in Texas Jan. 2 , Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, underscored the symbolism of the matchups for troops around the world.But he also emphasized the importance of looking at an academy experience as a potential for

  • Air Force officials activate newest expeditionary unit

    The Air Force's newest expeditionary unit, the 586th Expeditionary Support Squadron, was activated in a special ceremony Jan. 2 at an air base in Southwest Asia.Col. John Williams, 586th Air Expeditionary Group commander, passed command of the newly formed support unit to Maj. Gregory

  • Military academy bowl victories shine light on armed forces

    The Air Force and Naval academy football teams triumphed in their respective bowl games Jan. 2, shining a spotlight on the servicemember-athletes comprising the rosters and the armed forces they represent.Military honors were replete here at the 5th annual Armed Forces Bowl, which pitted the

  • U.S. Forces-Iraq stands up in Baghdad

    A New Year's Day ceremony here marked another evolution of Operation Iraqi Freedom, as several major command groups merged into a single headquarters command, U.S. Forces-Iraq."This ceremony marks another significant transition here in Iraq," said Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S.

  • Airmen train Kyrgyz officials on EOD mission

    A team of Airmen from the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing hosted a team of Kyrgyz officials during a five-day visit to learn about the explosive ordnance disposal operations at the Transit Center at Manas recently.The training, called Theater Security Cooperation, encompassed bringing security forces,

  • Jan. 2 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 02, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:Khanabad Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided

  • Jan. 1 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 01, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:AsmarAn Air Force B-1B Lancer provided armed

  • Dec. 31 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:AsmarAn Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle provided armed

  • Dec. 30 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations Dec. 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:Lashkar GahAn Air Force MQ-1B Predator

  • Dec. 29 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:AsadabadAn Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon provided

  • 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.

  • Falcons snatch 6 interceptions, win 47-20

    Six interceptions powered the Air Force Academy to a 47-20 win over the University of Houston Cougars in the Armed Forces Bowl, Dec. 31 here.This was the third time the Air Force Academy and University of Houston met on the gridiron in two years. The Academy trounced the Cougars 31-28 during the

  • Program helps servicemembers transition to civilian life

    The Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program is working to prepare servicemembers and their families for a successful transition to civilian life. "We are trying to ensure that (servicemembers) transition from active duty back to the civilian community is a smooth and seamless one," Ron

  • Bastion Airmen have small paw print, large mission

    A team of Airmen handles thousands of passengers, pallets and vehicles flying into Camp Bastion, Afghanistan.The 'Port Dawgs,' as they liked to be called, proudly proclaim that they move as much cargo here as their unit does back home.But they have approximately 15 people instead of 200 handling the

  • Raptors to deploy to Guam

    Fifteen F-22 Raptors are scheduled to deploy to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in January 2010 for approximately three months. The fighters and associated personnel will deploy from the 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. The deployment supports U.S. Pacific Command's theater security

  • Lynn says fight against IEDs remains priority

    Defeating the terrorists' weapon of choice is and will remain a priority for the Defense Department, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said here Dec. 30.Mr. Lynn spoke during a Pentagon ceremony where Army Lt. Gen. Thomas Metz stepped down as director of the Joint Improvised Explosive

  • Dec. 28 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 28 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:AsadabadAir Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided

  • Dec. 27 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 27 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:QalatAir Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided armed

  • Ali firefighters prepare Iraqis for future

    Firefighters from the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron are bringing the goal of independent Iraqi operations to reality at Camp Ur, Iraq.In December, Ali Base firefighters assisted their Iraqi counterparts toward self-sufficiency through numerous training sessions and skills tests.With

  • Officials encourage Guard, Reserve to honor employers

    Providing pay and benefits during deployments, sending care packages to deployed employees, allowing time off, and celebrating military service with send-off and homecoming ceremonies are just a few commitments that the Guard and Reserve's top employers are honored for each year. Officials here are

  • Tyndall Airman named Female Athlete of the Year

    When she was just 5 years old, she was already learning to hit softballs in her family's Fort Lauderdale, Fla., backyard. The balls were pitched patiently, one after the other, by an encouraging father who saw something special in his little girl's extraordinary ability to connect a bat with a ball.

  • 737th EAS reaches 10,000th mission milestone

    Considered by some to be an old-timer in a modern-day aircraft fleet, the C-130H Hercules proved its worth once again, successfully completing its 10,000th mission of the year for the 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here Dec. 23.C-130H, tail number was 74-2065, based at Dyess Air Force Base,

  • Iraqi kids, U.S. servicemembers enjoy another day of fun, education

    U.S. servicemembers hosted busloads of Iraqi children for a day of fun, games and culture sharing Dec. 19, 2009, as part of the ongoing base effort to directly engage the local populace here.The event marked the fifth of its kind in the last four months, each one focused on educating and

  • New Iraqi recruits get a leg up

    More than 330 Iraqi air force recruits marched in a parade before beginning their initial basic military course Dec. 28, at Camp Taji, Iraq.Normally recruits attend the 12-week BMT course at the Iraqi Army Regional Training Center prior to reporting to the air force training school on Camp Taji for

  • Air Force medics partner with Iraqi Ministry of Defense hospital

    Members of the Air Force Theater Hospital took the first step in partnering with members of Iraq's Ministry of Defense Hospital Dec. 22, to form the American-Iraqi Air Medical Evacuation and Medical Provider Training Course here. The first installment of training allowed the Iraqis to study burn

  • Dec. 26 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 26 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air operations in Afghanistan:AsmarAir Force MQ-1B Predator aircraft provided armed

  • Dec. 25 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 25 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air operations in Afghanistan:AsmarAir Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft provided

  • Dec. 24 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 24 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:AsadabadAir Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided

  • Dec. 23 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 23 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:Lashkar GahAir Force MQ-9A Reaper aircraft provided

  • Airman sees Christmas spirit in Afghanistan

    Maj. Tobin Griffeth, a legal officer from Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, was featured recently in the San Antonio Express-News for a goodwill mission he helped foster while deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.Major Griffeth, a University of Texas graduate, along with Capt. Katie Illingworth,

  • USAFE Airmen retool to enhance tradition of Building Partnerships

    The Airmen of U.S. Air Forces in Europe are charting new territory in tackling one of the Air Force's newest core functions: Building Partnerships.The lesson that international partnerships are essential to success in war and peace is not new. The Office of the Secretary of Defense directed U.S.

  • Three vaccines now available at Tricare network pharmacies

    Tricare beneficiaries can now receive select vaccines with no out-of-pocket expense at retail pharmacies.For the first time, beneficiaries can visit Tricare retail network pharmacies to receive seasonal flu, H1N1 flu and pneumonia vaccines at no cost. This expanded coverage is available to all

  • Georgia Air Guard teams with Army unit in Afghanistan

    Georgia Air National Guardsmen assigned to the 165th Air Support Operations Squadron have teamed up with 48th Infantry Brigade Soldiers in eastern Afghanistan. The Airmen are assigned to several joint terminal attack controller units that will call in combat-air support for the 48th's fighters, said

  • Photo essay: Airmen prepare A-10s for mission

    Pilots and crew prepare A-10 Thunderbolts II for flight at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 27, 2009. The A-10 is specifically designed to provide close air support for U.S. and coalition ground forces.View slideshow.

  • Sheppard AFB endures winter's blast

    Strong winds cause an umbrella to go "inverted" Dec. 24, 2009, during a snow storm at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. The North Texas region received 10-15 inches of snow and ice in one day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Harry Tonemah)

  • Think about family members if considering suicide

    Thirty years ago today, Dec. 29, my father forever changed my life, as well as the lives of his other family members. He took a shotgun and shot himself in the head. His death certificate reads, "Self-inflicted gunshot wound."I can't tell you how many times I've heard people joke about something

  • Tricare officials expanded benefits and customer service in 2009

    The past year has been a busy one for Tricare officials with the introduction of a new Web-based counseling program and major enhancements to several other Tricare benefits.Introduced Aug. 1, the Tricare Assistance Program uses today's constantly evolving Web-based technologies to bring short-term

  • Dec. 22 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 22 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:KandaharAir Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided

  • 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

  • DOD leaders look at long-term effects of burn pits

    Defense Department leaders have launched a study on the possible long-term effects of the smoke emitted from burn pits used in overseas locations such as Iraq. Armed services medical officials are conducting studies on the health outcomes of individuals that have been deployed to identify any health

  • MC-12 arrives, heralds activation of 4th ERS

    The newest aircraft to the Air Force's inventory arrived Dec. 27, 2009, to Bagram Airfield. The MC-12 aircraft, tail number 090623, was the first of an undisclosed number of aircraft for the new 4th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron here.Following the MC-12's arrival, the 4th Expeditionary

  • Servicemembers brighten spirits of Philippine children

    Twenty members of Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines spent a special holiday evening visiting children at the Social Development Center in Zamboanga City Dec. 23. "It made me feel really good to give my time and spend time with the kids," said Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Cross.

  • 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 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

  • Who's calling?

    Not many people can say they received a phone call from the president of the United States on Christmas Eve. Tech. Sgt. Donald Pedro, an 821st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron fuels advisor, was honored to receive a phone call from his commander in chief, Barack Obama, to wish him a merry

  • 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 slideshow.

  • Basketball: Lumberjacks topple Falcons, 60-52

    Tim Fow scored a career-high 15 points, including nine points from three-point territory, but could not lift the Falcons to victory over the Lumberjacks of Northern Arizona in men's basketball action at Clune Arena here Dec. 19.Other performers were Evan Washington and Todd Fletcher, who had 11

  • World's largest ground test center now on YouTube

    Arnold Engineering Development Center officials have launched a YouTube channel to showcase various systems tested at the center, including the F-35 and F-22 fighter jets and NASA Ares rocket.The AEDC channel can be found at www.youtube.com/user/aedctesttube. Department of Defense officials

  • USO offers respite from traveling frenzy

    As the rest of Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport bustled with holiday travelers Dec. 23, its USO Lounge offered military travelers -- many returning home from overseas deployments -- a welcome sanctuary of solace. The lounge is conveniently positioned near the

  • Ophthalmic surgeons employ cutting-edge technology

    Ophthalmic surgeons here are the first in the Defense Department to employ a state-of-the-art laser that will shorten recovery times for corneal transplantation. Members of the ophthalmology department assigned the 59th Medical Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, now use a femtosecond laser to

  • Air Force honorees to attend AETC Symposium Ball

    The 2010 Air Education and Training Command Symposium will honor five special Airmen at a formal ball Jan. 15 in San Antonio."The remaining five Air Force Medal of Honor recipients who were honored for valor during the Vietnam War will be recognized for their heroic actions and the sacrifices they

  • Photo essay: Santa, friends welcome C-17

    Three 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron leaders became visitors from the North Pole for a day and marshalled a C-17 Globemaster on the flightline here Dec. 22.  The squadron held a fundraiser to chose which person would dress as Santa, a reindeer or an elf. Maj. Aaron Sasson, the operations

  • Dec. 21 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 21 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:SanginNavy F/A-18C Hornets provided armed overwatch