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U.S. Air Force News

  • RPA maintainers accomplish mission despite low retention

    The constant and insatiable demand for remotely piloted aircraft airpower places stressors on nearly every career field within the RPA enterprise. For some Airmen of the 432nd Maintenance Group, the fast-paced deployment rotation, constant shift work, time away from family, limited assignment

  • AF senior leaders host suicide prevention summit

    Subject matter experts of mental and behavioral health, community support and Airmen across ranks and career fields gathered to discuss resiliency and suicide prevention at Joint Base Andrews from Sept. 22-25.

  • Families mark 20 years since tragic loss of AWACS crew

    On Sept. 22, 2015 -- 20 years after Yukla 27's final flight -- more than 150 friends and family members gathered in a frigid Alaska morning, having flown in from all over the world to honor the 24 crew members lost that day.

  • DFAS serves 21st century Airmen

    Maj. Gen. Mark Brown visited the Defense Finance and Accounting Service headquarters here Sept. 16, during the agency’s annual business meeting to speak about 21st century Airmen and how DFAS could help service today’s generation.

  • AF Secretariat releases CY 2016 selection board schedule

    The Air Force Selection Board Secretariat has released the calendar year 2016 selection board schedule. The schedule includes dates for master, senior master and chief master sergeant evaluation boards, senior NCO supplemental evaluation boards, officer selection boards and the command screening

  • Stepping stones: Airman's path to K-9 career

    Face-to-face with an energetic German Sheppard, Senior Airman Alyssa Stamps grabs a ball chucks it across the yard. The dog stampedes after it, but instead of returning, he sits with his back to her in the corner of the yard and refuses to cooperate.Stamps, a military working dog handler with the

  • BLUE: A new horizon

    Pulling a team together to work toward a common goal is one of the things at which the Air Force excels. In this edition of BLUE, members of one team participating in New Horizons work toward building stronger relations with the people of Honduras, and learn some things about themselves along the

  • Small team keeps combat hospital up, running

    A small team of Airmen provide the logistics and facilities management needed to keep Craig Joint Theater Hospital ready to care for patients at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

  • Air traffic controllers bring order to England skies

    Air traffic controllers with the 100th Operations Support Squadron sit high above the flightline at all times, acting as the eyes and ears on the ground for those in the skies above. Those on the night shift don't have the advantage of daylight that others working the day shift may take for granted.

  • Rescuer reunites with ‘Katrina Girl’

    Ten years ago, then-Staff Sgt. Mike Maroney, a helicopter pararescue specialist, was on day seven of a Hurricane Katrina recovery mission when he saw a family on the roof of their home flagging for help. Strapped in and ready to go, he was lowered from his rescue helicopter to the rooftop. What he

  • Global Hawk maintainers deliver ISR capability to warfighters

    The maintainers, assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, are responsible for maintaining and ensuring the RQ-4 Global Hawk is able to deliver round-the-clock intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and communication support to ground forces and aerial platforms

  • From Army Air Corps to US Air Force, 70-plus years later

    In 1944, a year before the end of World War II, a 17-year-old Cambridge, Massachusetts, native and recent high school graduate was hired as a clerk-typist by the government to support the war effort -- only after her father signed a letter of permission. Now 71 years later, Maria Bandouveres, the

  • Special tactics Airmen execute amphibious training

    Airmen from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron conducted an amphibious training operation along the west coast of Okinawa Sept. 22-24 to refresh qualifications and retain proficiency in various special tactics skill sets.

  • 24-hour journey for heroes, father

    He reached his 5th hour of running alone in the still of a dark, cold night lit only by streetlights surrounding the track -- 25 miles down, 75 more to go.

  • 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.

  • Building Afghan air force command, control hub from ground-up

    Imagine an orchestra without a conductor. The tempo would be off, the performers with their instruments would not be on the same sheet of music, and the melody would be unpleasant to the ear. Now imagine an Air Force base without a wing operations center, the command and control center for emergency

  • Defense undersecretary addresses ‘Better Buying Power 3.0’ at SMC

    Frank Kendall, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology, and logistics, spoke to a packed audience of several hundred from the Space and Missile Systems Center during an all call held in the Gordon Conference Center at the Schriever Space Complex Aug. 27

  • Yesterday’s Air Force: Flak-Bait

    During World War II, Martine B-26 Marauders dropped thousands of bombs and one of those aircraft survived more missions and dropped more bombs than any other — the Flak-Bait.

  • Airmen gain knowledge in Indonesian exercise

    U.S. and Indonesian service members recently shared knowledge in a 10-day bilateral exercise in Jakarta, Indonesia, that allowed participants to plan humanitarian assistance in a devastating natural disaster scenario.

  • Cannon hosts 2015 EMT Rodeo

    Twenty-one teams of emergency medical technicians from 22 installations across the Air Force convened at Cannon Air Force Base Sept. 17-18 for the 2015 EMT Rodeo.

  • Barksdale Airmen participate in EUCOM exercise

    A 2nd Bomb Wing B-52 Stratofortress aircrew conducted a long-range bomber mission from the United States to the U.S. European Command area of operations Sept. 17-18, where they participated in exercise Immediate Response 2015.

  • Time with MAJCOM commanders at the four-star forum

    Members of the Air Force, Air Force Association and defense industry were invited to a Q-and-A session with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James M. Cody and several major command commanders during a four-star forum at the AFA Air and Space

  • AF leadership talks total force

    Members of senior leadership from the active-duty Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, as well as the principal deputy to the secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs, convened for a discussion panel regarding the status of the total force at the Air Force

  • AF family: Like mother, like daughter

    When Senior Airman Kara Watts was a college student and searching for inspiration, she said she only had to look as far as her mother's military service.

  • EOD aids remote civil officials in dynamite disposal

    Three explosive ordnance disposal Airmen from the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, were dispatched 78 miles to lend support to a volunteer fire department and Alaska State Troopers Sept. 20.

  • LaPlante receives W. Stuart Symington Award

    The Air Force Association presented Dr. William J. LaPlante the W. Stuart Symington Award at an Air Force anniversary dinner Sept. 16 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Washington D.C.

  • Dover Airman earns spots on AF pistol team alongside brother

    As a child, Tucker Sears grew up in Graham, Texas, with his three older brothers learning how to shoot BB guns and eventually moving up to .22-caliber rifles. This love of guns led to plenty of hunting trips with his brothers and grandfather. Fast forward 10 years and Sears graduated from the U.S.

  • Things to know about voluntary dependent departure from Turkey

    On Sept. 2 Col. John Walker, the 39th Air Base Wing commander, announced the secretary of Defense's decision to authorize voluntary departure for family members of U.S. personnel in Adana, Turkey, to include Incirlik Air Base. Details of the voluntary departure are still evolving. Below is a list of

  • 19th Air Force Marathon kicks off

    Thousands of runners and spectators from across the country and around the world met on the grounds of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, for the 19th annual U.S. Air Force Marathon, Sept. 19.

  • Ceremony recognizes POWs, MIAs

    On the Air Force's 68th anniversary, more than 100 Airmen attended a National POW/MIA Recognition Day event to hear a Soldier's story of sacrifice and endurance.

  • Department of Defense honors heroes with highest recognition

    Secretary of Defense Ash Carter honored Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone, Army Spc. Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler for their heroism during an award ceremony at the Pentagon Sep. 17.The three men made headlines when they subdued a heavily armed gunman on a Paris-bound train Aug. 21.

  • Top 3 releases AF birthday message

    Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody released a tri-signature letter in anticipation of the Air Force’s 68th birthday Sept. 18.

  • Airpower’s role in today’s fight

    Lt. Gen. John W. Hesterman III, the Air Force assistant vice chief of staff and director of the Air Staff, highlighted the Air Force’s role in the fight against ISIL during a discussion at the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 16.

  • 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.

  • F-15s complete Hungarian deployment

    Four F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft and support personnel, assigned to the 123rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, completed a forward deployment to Kecskemet, Hungary, from Campia Turzii, Romania, Sept. 15.

  • AFGSC completes first New START bomber conversion

    Air Force Global Strike Command has begun the conversion of a portion of the B-52H bomber fleet from a nuclear to a conventional only capability aircraft under the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START).

  • AF Wounded Warrior Program helps ease the troubles

    Two wounded warriors and their caregivers talked about how they’ve benefited from the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program and some areas of improvement during the Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 16.

  • Enlisted Airmen: A legacy of professionals

    Professionalism was the common thread when the Air Force’s senior enlisted leader talked about the Airmen of yesterday, today and tomorrow during the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 16 in Washington D.C.

  • Chief chats about volunteerism, promotions, millennial Airmen

    As the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition 2015 in Washington D.C., draws to a close, the Air Force’s top enlisted leader held a candid Q-and-A session to address issues of interest to the enlisted force Sept. 16.

  • More than a hero: An American Airman

    The Airman’s Creed is recited from the very beginning of an Airman’s career. For one Airman, that creed became more than words – it became a part of who he is.

  • Our enlisted heritage: A look back at how teamwork shaped the modern AF

    A wealth of knowledge filled the room when five former chief master sergeants of the Air Force took the stage to share perspectives and stories about how they have inspired and been inspired by the modern Air Force during the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition

  • Air Force’s top Airman honored by enlisted force

    In a historical event, the Air Force’s top enlisted leader honored the service’s top general with an invitation to an Order of the Sword ceremony during the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 16.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody, who is

  • Air Force Materiel Command: Aerospace revolutionaries

    Gen. Ellen M. Pawlikowski, the Air Force Materiel Command commander, showcased AFMC’s revolutionary capabilities in her address at the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15.

  • Carter: DOD must embrace future to remain best force

    Two days before the Air Force’s 68th birthday, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Sept. 16, at the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition 2015, that the military must embrace the future to remain the best force.The defense secretary said the gathering’s theme,

  • AFSPC: Space, cyberspace provide advantages, challenges

    The Air Force Space Command commander explained how space and cyberspace domains are integral components in modern and future operations during a speech at the 2015 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15.

  • ACC commander talks 5th generation warfare, innovation at AFA

    Gen. Hawk Carlisle, the Air Combat Command commander, addressed advances in 5th generation warfare and the importance of delivering cutting-edge technology during the second day of the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition.

  • Meeting global air requirements in a time of austerity

    In a conference room filled with international air forces, three Airmen led a discussion on solutions to meeting global air needs in a time of austerity during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition, Sept. 15.

  • Welsh cites heroes, talks modernization during Air Force Update

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III shared the spotlight with a cross-section of people he called his heroes during an emotional multimedia presentation at the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15 in Washington D.C.

  • Changes coming to TRICARE pharmacy benefit

    Starting Oct. 1, a new law requires all TRICARE beneficiaries, except active duty service members, to get select brand name maintenance drugs through either TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery or from a military pharmacy. Beneficiaries who keep using a retail pharmacy for these drugs will have to pay the

  • Tech Report: Auto GCAS

    While in the air, losing track of the ground could lead to a bad thing. To help prevent a catastrophic incident from happening, the Air Force Research Lab developed the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System.

  • Special operations: getting technical

    As the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference Technology Exposition continued Sept. 15, senior leaders from around the Air Force discussed the topics that mean the most to them.

  • AF releases Future Operating Concept

    Today the Air Force officially released the Air Force Future Operating Concept, which is the latest in a series of strategic documents designed to guide the organizing, training, and equipping of the force over the coming decades.

  • Airmen 2.0: The Air Force’s human capital plan

    A panel of personnel experts talked about the way ahead for equipping, training and growing future Airmen as part of a discussion during the 2015 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15 in Washington D.C.

  • Family programs highlighted at AFA conference

    Programs geared toward assisting caregivers and helping children of military families with resiliency skills were highlighted during the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15 in Washington, D.C.

  • Airman selected for White House Leadership Development Program

    Darbi Dillon, contracting operations division deputy, will represent the Air Force as a member of the first White House Leadership Development Program next month.The year-long program is geared toward idea sharing and cross-utilization of skillsets to work on the government’s 15 cross-agency

  • Imperative innovation in austere times

    Chief Scientist of the Air Force and other senior leaders conducted a panel discussion about the importance of innovation in a time of austerity during the 2015 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 14.

  • Air Force members receive 2014 International Affairs Excellence Award

    Air Force members accepted the 2014 International Affairs Excellence Award during the Air Force Association’s 2015 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 14. This was the first year the award was split into four categories: officer, enlisted, senior civilian and junior civilian.

  • Two fallen special tactics Airmen honored, remembered

    More than 1,000 family members, friends and teammates from around the country gathered here Sept. 14 to honor and remember two special tactics Airmen who were killed in action last month in an insider attack.As the procession of family members departed the memorial, nearly 2,000 Air Commandos lined

  • Building friendships, partnerships in the Pacific

    Gen. Lori Robinson, the Pacific Air Forces commander, emphasized the importance of multinational partnerships throughout the Pacific region as the key to stabilization and continuing progress during a speech she made at the 2015 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology

  • AFRC presents painting to SecAF

    Lt. Gen. James Jackson, the Air Force Reserve Command commander, presented Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James with the painting “That Others May Live” during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2015.

  • AF leaders, spouses talk improvements in family programs, voice concerns

    Air Force senior leaders and their spouses discussed the improvements in family programs and opportunities, their concerns cutting basic allowance for housing for a member of dual-service couples, as well as other topics of interest during the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and

  • SecAF explores history, future of aerospace nation at AFA

    In her remarks at the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 14, the Air Force’s top civilian said the service will need to reduce bureaucracy, enhance innovation and invest in its people to successfully expand, advance and reinvent the aerospace nation.

  • Scott AFB nurses save boy's life

    A 9-year-old boy would not be alive today if not for the quick action and skills of two Scott Air Force Base nurses.Capts. Michelle Trujillo and Linda Clarkson, both with the 375th Medical Group, spent the Labor Day weekend camping at Lost Valley Lake Resort in Owensville, Missouri, when they

  • President reflects on 9/11 at Worldwide Troop Talk

    On the 14th anniversary of 9/11, President Barack Obama, in gratitude for military members who’ve served after the nation’s darkest day, helmed a global, multimedia, Worldwide Troop Talk live from Defense Media Activity studios here.

  • Remembering that day in September

    An expanse of dark blue water rushed beneath the Boeing 767 window. A woman’s voice trembled through the static of the Airfone in her hands.

  • AF honors, remembers 9/11

    Airmen around the world participated in 9/11 remembrance ceremonies to honor of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. This photo series highlights some of those ceremonies.

  • 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.

  • Yesterday's Air Force: The president's pilot

    On Sep 11, 2001, America was under attack and the president was hundreds of miles away. The pilot and crew of Air Force One made sure the commander in chief stayed safe and helped get him where he needed to be to lead the country.

  • CSAF sees cyber, ISR as future major command

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and his wife, Betty, visited the 24th and 25th Air Forces Aug. 25-27 at Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland, Texas, to gain a firsthand look at the mission synergy of cyber, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

  • Pacific Angel 15-2 underway in Timor-Leste

    Members of the U.S. Air Force and Navy, Defence Forces of Timor-Leste, and New Zealand army began humanitarian assistance operations as part of Pacific Angel 15-2 Sept. 7, in Baucau, Timor Leste.

  • Yesterday’s Air Force: The B-36

    After World War II the threat of nuclear weapons was felt by every man, woman and child in the country. America knew it needed a platform to help deter a nuclear strike, and the solution was the B-36 Peacemaker.

  • Suicide Prevention Month: How one person can make a difference

    Thoughts of suicide are not necessarily something people explicitly announce to the world, which means loved ones often have no idea that their friend or family member is contemplating it. But there are signs and risk factors, and while somebody might think they can’t make a difference by

  • The Iron Airman

    In the Air Force, fitness isn't just a stepping stone to success, it’s a requirement. While each Airman has their own idea of how to stay fit to fight, 1st Lt. Roman Tillman has picked a practice that he believes also sharpens his skills as an Airman and a leader.Tillman, a 5th Space Launch Squadron

  • Seymour Johnson awarded 2015 energy, water management award

    The 4th Civil Engineer Squadron was recently awarded the 2015 Federal Energy and Water Management award, which recognizes individuals and organizations for significant contributions to energy and water efficiency within the federal government.

  • Making a dream come true, one mile at a time

    A 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer firetruck operator and truck engineer is doing what he can to live up to the idea behind the Special Olympics athlete oath: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”During his deployment to Southwest Asia, Senior Airman Zach White has

  • Defense secretary visits Nellis

    Defense Secretary Ash Carter visited the Nellis Air Force Base Aug. 26 to observe Red Flag 15-4 operations and speak to Airmen and coalition partners about the future of the force and innovation.

  • Ramstein Airmen help renovate Georgian school

    For the past month, the hallways of Gori Public School No. 4 were alive with the sounds of construction workers sanding, sawing, tearing down, building up and transforming what looked like a century-old building. The transformation continued till just hours before the Aug. 31 culminating ceremony,

  • Aircraft communications maintainers make RPA missions possible

    In a world where cockpits aren't in the plane, these traditional communications Airmen are put in a maintenance environment to link the ground control station, also known as the RPA cockpit, to the aircraft. This capability allows the pilot and sensor operator to control the plane, both locally and