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U.S. Air Force News

  • 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.

  • AFSO21 saves Kadena millions in parts, energy bills

    In the past, Airmen at the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration shop here have had to replace large, outdoor, energy-wasting chiller units for buildings' AC systems on military installations across the island nearly every three years.However, because of the tropical climate of

  • KC-135s get lighting upgrades

    The C/KC-135 Stratotanker is in and out of Southwest Asia, but these days it supports more than just air refueling operations. As the KC-135 performs more aeromedical evacuation missions, officials said they realized the fleet wasn't properly equipped to care for patients due to inadequate

  • Photo essay: Air Force Academy's Class of 2011

    Newly commissioned second lieutenants celebrate at the end of the Air Force Academy's Class of 2011 graduation ceremony here May 25. The Class of 2011 is the Academy's 53rd graduating class. (Ray McCoy and Mike Kaplan contributed to this story.) View the slideshow.

  • Red Cross eases access to emergency communication services

    As part of an ongoing effort to better serve the military community, the American Red Cross will move to a single telephone number for its emergency communication services in June.Beginning June 13, service members and their families can use one toll-free number, 877-272-7337, to send an urgent

  • Explosive ordnance disposal team trains Iraqi agencies to save lives

    Thousands of people have died from roadside bombs in Iraq. But even one death from these attacks is one too many, and an explosive ordnance disposal team from Contingency Operating Site Warrior is trying to prevent that number from getting any bigger.The 321st Expeditionary Operation Support

  • 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

  • Secretary Donley congratulates new officers at Academy commencement

    The secretary of the Air Force spoke at the commencement address for the Air Force Academy's Class of 2011 at Falcon Stadium here May 25.Michael Donley congratulated the 1,021 graduates and challenged them to be lifelong learners, team players and doers after they have received their diplomas and

  • Commissary Agency officials announce Best Commissary Award winners

    Every day at each of the Defense Commissary Agency's 249 stores, employees do their best to deliver an efficient and effective benefit to the millions of customers authorized to receive it, according to DeCA officials. The finest of those endeavors were recognized May 24 as the top commissaries were

  • 'Small but critical' unit moving to F.E. Warren

    The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command has announced plans to relocate the command's 24-person Missile Engineer Squadron from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., to F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. "The unit is small but critical, with unique deeply technical capabilities that can best be

  • Tops in Blue set to kick off 'Rhythm Nation' tour

    Tops in Blue, the Air Force's expeditionary entertainment unit, kicks off their 2011 'Rhythm Nation' tour with a performance at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 25.Tops in Blue is a group of Airmen comprised of 35 vocalists, dancers, musicians and technicians who perform for deployed service

  • Laughlin amputee earns his wings

    Earning the coveted silver pilot wings is a long and difficult journey allowing only a small percentage of officers to earn the right to be called a pilot in the U.S. Air Force.By becoming the first amputee to graduate from pilot training, First Lt. Ryan McGuire earned his spot among the elite group

  • Moody AFB Airman dies during physical training

    An Airman assigned to the 23rd Maintenance Group here collapsed on the base's running trail during squadron physical training May 24. The Airman was transported to South Georgia Medical Center, Valdosta, Ga., where the Airman was later pronounced dead. The name of the deceased Airman is being

  • Medics, aircrew members execute life-saving mission

    In the early hours of the morning on May 22, a group of Airmen here departed with a moment's notice for Pago Pago, American Samoa, to save the life of a critically ill child.Medical personnel from the 13th Air Force surgeon general's office and the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Det. 1, along

  • Photo essay: Refueling the fight

    Airmen from the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron participate in multiple air refueling missions here May 8, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.View the slideshow.

  • myPay goes mobile

    Users of myPay now can check pay statements on the go using a smartphone or other mobile device that has a web browser.This update for myPay, the online pay account management system for service members, military retirees and many federal civilian employees, is based on customer feedback received

  • Gates: Defense cuts must be prioritized, strategic

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he is determined that the department not fall victim to the mistakes of the past, "where the budget targets were met mostly by taking a percentage off the top of everything, the simplest and most politically expedient approach both inside the Pentagon and

  • Operation Joint Endeavor: Employers of guardsmen receive orientation

    Members of the Ohio Air National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing and the Ohio Army National Guard's Camp Perry Joint Training Center hosted a joint employer event May 21, sponsored by the Ohio Adjutant General, welcoming 20 employers of Ohio Air National Guard and Army National Guard service members.The

  • Advisers from 3 bases converge for evacuation training

    Air Force and Army medical advisers from bases throughout Iraq converged here to conduct aeromedical evacuation training with their Iraqi counterparts May 18 to 19.Medical advisers and helicopter pilots with the 171st General Support Aviation Battalion at Camp Taji, medics from Joint Base Balad's

  • Fairchild Airman accepted to doctor of pharmacy program

    Airman 1st Class Bart Hardwell never imagined it could happen, but through hard work, perseverance and support from his peers and leadership, it did.He was one of 249 selected out of 1,200 applicants to attend the fall 2011, doctor of pharmacy program at the University of Southern Nevada College of

  • Warrior games about more than medals

    The 2011 Warrior Games officially came to an end here May 21 following closing ceremonies.The Air Force team, consisting of 23 wounded Airmen, earned 12 medals at the event.But for the athletes, the games were not just about medals. The Warrior Games were an opportunity for the current and former

  • VA announces disaster assistance after tornado outbreaks

    Officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs announced May 17 that special disaster assistance may be available to veterans with VA-guaranteed home loans who have been affected by recent tornados. Veterans living in designated disaster areas may receive mortgage assistance through their loan

  • Program offers free museum visits

    Service members and their families can visit a wide array of museums for free from Memorial Day through Labor Day, courtesy of the second annual Blue Star Museums program.Kathy Roth-Douquet, the Blue Star Families chairman, and Rocco Landesman, the chairman of the National Endowment for the

  • Air Force takes silver in shooting competition

    A member on the Air Force shooting team took second place during the shooting finals at the 2011 Warrior Games May 19 here.Chatriex Goodson secured the silver medal for the Air Force team in air rifle standing SH1 category, meaning shooters are able to support a gun without a stand. Goodson

  • Pentagon, Homeland Security collaborate on cybersecurity

    In line with an agreement between the department secretaries last fall and a recently released White House proposal, the Defense Department is sharing cybersecurity information, capabilities and expertise with the Homeland Security Department, a Pentagon official said May 23.Robert J. Butler, the

  • Medical, physical evaluation board processes improving

    From the moment an Airman is injured or becomes ill, one of his or her biggest questions becomes: Can I stay on active-duty? Thus begins the wait. But, thanks to new processes, officials said, answers are coming much faster.Since Sept. 11, 2001, the number of service members processing through the

  • Air Force doctor to appear on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show'

    Air Force Maj. (Dr.) Van Adamson never imagined he would appear on a national syndicated TV talk show, standing next to Hollywood's biggest celebrities as a result of a college scholarship he received 13 years ago. In her second-to-last episode on Tuesday, May 24, popular day-time talk show host

  • Strong military is key to long-term U.S. success, Gates says

    The ultimate guarantee against success of aggressors, dictators and terrorists in the 21st century is the size, strength and global reach of the United States military, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said May 22."Beyond the current wars, our military credibility, commitment and presence are

  • Officials seek nominations for 2011 GEICO Military Service Awards

    Air Force officials are accepting nominations for the 2011 Government Employees Insurance Company's Military Service Awards.The annual GEICO Military Service Awards recognize enlisted service members from all military service branches, active duty, Guard and Reserve, for their contributions to

  • Hero Miles brings families to healing Warrior Games

    For wounded or injured servicemembers, family support is a vital lifeline during the initial and long-term recovery process that helps them find a new "normal" in their life.The Hero Miles program provides family members the commercial airline flights to the injured service member in the hospital or

  • Law enforcement members honored during Police Week

    Security forces members, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the South Korean air force honored two law enforcement Airmen by ceremonially retiring them and removing them from duty here May 19.The ceremony was part of National Police Week, which ran from May 15 to 21 and honored law

  • First lady lauds 'A force of families'

    The nation's military is built and sustained on the strength of families, First Lady Michelle Obama told the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2011 and their families at a banquet last night in West Point, N.Y., on May 20, the eve of graduation ceremonies. No matter where their careers take them,

  • Today's Air Force special report: Ranger school

    In a special edition of "Today's Air Force," you will get an inside look at Ranger School. It's the Army's premier leadership course, but it's open to all services. Next you'll take a look at the course and then follow an Airmen on his journey towards a Ranger tab. However, before Airmen attend

  • Secretary urges careful thought in spending reductions

    Finding $400 billion in additional defense spending reductions over the next 12 years will require careful thought that considers the risks the reductions create, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here May 19.In a question-and-answer session with students at the U.S. Army Engineer School here,

  • Navy defeats Air Force, takes bronze

    The Air Force wheelchair basketball team fought to the end against the Navy, but it wasn't enough as the Navy edged out the Air Force 13-12 in the bronze-medal game May 20 during the 2011 Warrior Games here.The game started with Air Force possession. After a missed shot by the Air Force, the Navy

  • 'Jersey' Jeanne takes home bronze

    Under a nearly cloudless sky and with a slight chill in the air, retired Staff Sgt. Jeanne Goldy-Sanitate took off down the hill at the U.S. Air Force Academy chasing a medal during the women's cycling race at the 2011 Warrior Games here May 20. Despite flipping her handcycle earlier in the week,

  • C2-Forward concept enhances combat capability

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe is showcasing a new concept designed to enhance a joint force commander's combat capability as part of the Combat Air Forces/Mobility Air Forces conference here May 23 and 24.The concept stemmed from the 2009 Joint Forces Exercise Austere Challenge, when 3rd Air Force was

  • Missing Airmen found near Japan

    Three Airmen and one Air Force dependent previously reported as missing were located May 23. The individuals, who live here, went missing after they departed for an afternoon kayak trip May 22. The individuals were found floating about 10 miles off the eastern coast of Honshu, the main island of

  • Civilian career development webcasts continue May 26, June 21

    Webcasts designed to help civilian Airmen plan and manage their careers will be held May 26 for GS-12 and GS-13 civilians, and June 21 for GS-7 through GS-11 civilians. Hosted by officials of the Air Force Personnel Center civilian force integration directorate, webcast topics will include how to

  • 7th Intel Squadron named best in Air Force

    The 7th Intelligence Squadron was named the Outstanding Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Unit of the Year for 2010 as part of the annual Air Force ISR awards program and the National Military Intelligence Association Maj. Gen. Jack E. Thomas awards program. The 7th IS selection was made

  • Conaton speaks on AF biomass fuel use at open house

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton spoke to media about the milestone of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration team's first use of a biomass fuel blend in two of their jets here during the 2011 Joint Service Open House May 20.The Air Force has a vested interest in the use of

  • Education is key in fight against PTSD

    Stemming the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, requires awareness, education and recognizing its symptoms, a senior military psychiatrist said.Navy Capt. Paul S. Hammer, director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, spoke

  • Air Force Central Ticket Program offers discounts to Airmen, families

    The Air Force Central Ticket Program provides discount tickets to Airmen, their families and authorized Morale, Welfare and Recreation program customers at nationwide attractions and recreational events. Discount tickets are available for purchase at installation force support Information, Tickets

  • Cadets attempt to break world record

    As a way to wind down after the completion of finals week, cadets here attempted to break a Guinness World Record by staging the world's largest dodgeball game.More than 3,500 cadets, divided into two teams, faced off May 18th on the Academy's Terrazzo to beat the record for the largest dodgeball

  • 'Golden hour' initiative pays off in Afghanistan

    Two years ago, Defense Secretary Robert Gates traveled throughout Afghanistan, promising deployed troops he would make sure they had everything they needed to accomplish their mission -- including more forward-deployed medical capabilities in the event they were wounded.The goal, Secretary Gates

  • Marine Corps shoots down Air Force in wheelchair basketball action

    In a defense-heavy match-up, the Marine Corps defeated the Air Force 46-10 in the wheelchair basketball competition May 19 at the 2011 Warrior Games here. This is the third loss for the Air Force wheelchair basketball team.In the first half, both teams put up a strong defensive front allowing just a

  • Army marches through Air Force

    Earning a shot at gold, the Army took down the Air Force in the sitting volleyball semifinals during the final semifinal game at the second annual Warrior Games here May 19. Though the Air Force started the series with the first point, they traded the Army point for point for most of the game. An

  • Air Guard Airmen establish air hub for earthquake-relief exercise

    More than 40 members of a contingency response element from the Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Airlift Wing operated a key patient-movement hub here as part of National Level Exercise 2011.The exercise is designed to test the local, state and national response to a simulated earthquake along

  • Joint Air Operations Center stand-up part of National Level Exercise 2011

    Kentucky Air National Guard officials stood up a joint air operations center here May 16 to serve as the main command node for all of the state's fixed-wing and rotary aircraft that are participating in the largest earthquake-response exercise in U.S. history.The week-long event, called National

  • Air Force makes splash in swim prelims

    Members of the Air Force team qualified in five swimming events during the 2011 Warrior Games preliminary competition here May 18.Matt Pirrello secured two spots in the finals for the Air Force team in the men's 50m long course freestyle single limb amputee and the 100m long course freestyle SLA.

  • Photo essay: RED HORSE on a drop zone mission

    RED HORSE Airmen perform jump missions and operate their own drop zones here May 12. The jumps were part of the 414th Combat Search and Rescue Squadron's training and certification of 3 RED HORSE Airmen as drop zone control officers, enabling the RED HORSE Airmen to perform jump missions and operate

  • Gates shares views on Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan

    During a question-and-answer session here May 19, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates gave U.S. Army Engineer School students his view of the situations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.Though the current agreement between the U.S. and Iraq calls for all U.S. forces to be out of Iraq by the end of

  • 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.

  • Civic leaders take road trip to understanding

    Seventeen representatives from German federal, state and local governments were escorted to the U.S. May 9 through 13, by Lt. Gen. Stephen P. Mueller, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe vice commander, for an insider's look at how Ramstein and Spangdahlem Air Bases fit into the Air Force mission. The

  • Warrior Games welcomes new faces

    For the second year, the Warrior Games has returned here, bringing competition among all branches of the military and Coast Guard, during a week-long series of sporting events. The Air Force Warrior Games team has seen many veterans return, but there are also many new faces joining them.These

  • Air Force Marathon registration nearing capacity

    Time and space are running out for people interested in running the Air Force Marathon here Sept. 17.Event organizers announced May 19 that the marathon is 80 percent full and the remaining slots are selling fast."Just like the Boston Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon and so many other races, we

  • JTACs show off new capability during digital demo

    Joint terminal attack controllers with the 607th Air Support Operations Group here recently showed off new digital capabilities during a demonstration with members of the South Korea air force.The demonstration showcased advanced equipment the controllers use when transmitting digit data to aircraft

  • National Guard supports final Endeavour flight

    Air National Guard members from Illinois, New York and Virginia were on hand for the final launch of NASA's space shuttle Endeavour here May 16. The Guard members provided front-line medical and emergency rescue support in the event of an incident.Col. Joe Maslar, the chief of aerospace medicine for

  • Lynn cites progress in DOD, VA partnership

    The partnership to ensure seamless transitions for wounded warriors from military to Veterans Affairs medical care has made significant progress, but work remains to be done, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said here May 19. In testimony before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee,

  • Air Force officials release E-7 promotion list

    The master sergeant promotion list is now available on the Air Force Personnel Center's website and Air Force personnel services website under "Active Duty: MSgt Promotion Release." Airmen can also access their Weighted Airman Promotion System score notices at the same time on the Virtual Military

  • K-9s honored at memorial ceremony

    Military and civilian law enforcement dogs were honored and remembered during a ceremony May 17 at the Military Working Dog, or MWD, memorial at the Air Armament Museum here.The ceremony, hosted by members of the 96th Security Forces Squadron, was just one of the events taking place during National

  • 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

  • Gates budget review to 'force discussion' of risk analysis

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced May 18 the framework for a comprehensive review of military spending designed to put national security needs ahead of arbitrary budget cuts."We must reject the traditional approach of applying across-the-board cuts -- the simplest and most politically

  • Iraqi air force advance echelon team arrives

    The Iraqi air force is one step closer to taking ownership of Joint Base Balad. A trio of officers and 11 enlisted airmen arrived May 15 to in-process here.The group is part of the advance echelon team of 60 Iraqi airmen projected to arrive. "It's truly a significant day for the Iraqi air force,"

  • DOD makes progress in civilian hiring reform

    Until recently, applying for a civilian job at the Defense Department was an exercise in navigating through a byzantine federal hiring process and amassing thick application packets, with applicants sometimes waiting up to a year for any word on their applications.Pasquale M. Tamburrino Jr., the

  • Arming point key to Afghan airpower dominance

    Officials at the Kandahar Air Wing reached a milestone May 15 when they opened an Afghan Mi-17 weapons arming point here.The officials said it's a key step towards delivering airpower dominance to both the 205th and 215th Afghan National Army Corps."Having the arming point allows the Afghan air

  • Deployed air refuelers surpass 350 million pounds of fuel delivered in 2011

    In the first four months of 2011, air refueling aircraft supporting the air mission on the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility have off-loaded more than 357 million pounds of fuel to more than 26,500 receiver aircraft.The 357 million pounds of fuel figure, which is calculated and tracked by

  • SOCOM spikes Air Force in sitting volleyball

    After a strong first game win, the Air Force was dispatched by the Special Operations Command in the preliminary sitting volleyball competition at the 2011 Warrior Games here May 17. The Air Force team started the three-game series with a battery of successive points, carving out an eight-point lead

  • Army, Navy score early basketball wins against Marines, Air Force

    Both the Army and Navy scored first-round wheelchair basketball wins May 17 during the 2011 Warrior Games here. The Army bested their rival from last year with a 39-24 win over the Marine Corps during the first day of the wheelchair basketball competition. Though both teams played with dramatic

  • Air Force brings home gold on day 1

    Air Force athletes brought home gold during the first day of competition May 17 at the 2011 Warrior Games here. With a grunt and furrowed brow, retired Senior Airman Jennifer Stone bested her Marine, Navy and Army competitors in the women's standing shot put with a distance of 31-feet, 7.25-inches.

  • Air Force earns gold, bronze track and field at Warrior Games

    The Air Force team earned first place in one event and third in two track events during the 2011 Warrior Games track and field competition May 17 here. Vanessa Warren, the Air Force track coach, said their team goal was to earn as many medals as they could, and the team made huge strides toward that

  • CONR officials provide support during shuttle launch

    Officials from the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Air Forces Northern provided airspace control and shuttle support during the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour May 16 at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. CONR officials ensured airspace sovereignty by enforcing the

  • Cadets win Boeing design challenge

    A year of hard work paid off for team of cadets recently, when they won the Boeing CrewSystem 2035 challenge. CrewSystem 2035 was a year-long design competition sponsored by Boeing. Teams from the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy were tasked to design the

  • DeBerry elected to College Football Hall of Fame

    A former U.S. Air Force Academy football coach was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, according to an announcement from the National Football Foundation Board of Directors on May 17. The foundation will honor Fisher DeBerry, along with the other inductees, at the National Football

  • 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

  • Officials launch U.S. International Cyber Strategy

    White House officials yesterday launched a strategy that the administration says unifies U.S. engagement with international partners on a range of cyber issues for the first time.The International Strategy for Cyberspace was presented here by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Attorney

  • Golden Age Games coming this month

    The largest sports and recreation event for military veterans age 55 and older, the 25th National Veterans Golden Age Games are coming here May 26-31.Nine hundred athletes from across the nation are expected compete.The games are co-sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Canteen

  • Red Cross helps service members defy gravity

    American Red Cross volunteers and members of the 374th Medical Group gathered at the physical therapy clinic here May 11 for the dedication of an AlterG zero-gravity treadmill.The treadmill is designed to help patients recover in rehabilitation following injury or surgery of the hip, knee, ankle or

  • Nominations open for Grateful Nation award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2011 Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs Grateful Nation Award.This award recognizes one member from each of the military branches and U.S. Special Operations Command for superior performance and service in the war on terrorism.Nominees

  • Gates stresses U.S. support role in Libya

    The United States has no intention of putting boots on the ground in Libya and should not become militarily involved in unrest shaking Syria, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in portions of an interview that aired May 16 on "The CBS Evening News."CBS anchorwoman Katie Couric spoke with the

  • Airmen begin Warrior Games at Olympic Training Complex

    Twenty-five Airmen joined nearly 200 other wounded warriors for the 2011 Warrior Games opening ceremony May 16 at the Olympic Training Complex here. The competition between all branches of service, including the Coast Guard, is in its second year and is open to service members who were injured while

  • McConnell's 349th ARS named best Air Force air refueling unit

    The 349th Air Refueling Squadron has been named the most outstanding air refueling squadron in the Air Force. This is the second time members of the 349th ARS have received the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Trophy within three years. "I am extremely proud of the 349th ARS," said Col. Jamie Crowhurst, the 22nd

  • Gates: 'Perfect fusion' made bin Laden raid succeed

    The May 1 raid that killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden was "a perfect fusion of intelligence collection, intelligence analysis and military operations," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in an interview aired May 15 on the CBS program "60 Minutes."But the secretary acknowledged some anxious

  • Defense Department officials honor top communicators

    The military's best writers, photographers and videographers were recognized for excellence in a ceremony May 13 at the Defense Information School here.Douglas B. Wilson, assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, recognized the award recipients for their achievements."Many of those being

  • Lynn: Cyberspace strategy to build coalition of nations

    White House officials released an international cyberstrategy here May 16 that will help to build a "coalition of nations (with a) mutual interest in securing cyberspace," Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said.The event to launch the U.S. International Strategy for Cyberspace also

  • 20th FW hands off alert mission to McEntire ANG

    The 20th Fighter Wing here turned over responsibility for the air sovereignty alert mission to the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., recently.The 20th FW controlled the alert mission from Sept. 11, 2001 to Nov. 15, 2003 and again from Aug. 1, 2006 to May 9, 2011. The

  • Alumni to take Academy experiment into space on Endeavour

    An Air Force Academy graduate piloted the space shuttle Endeavour from Cape Canaveral, Fla., for NASA's STS-134 mission May 16. Retired Col. Gregory H. Johnson, a 1984 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, piloted the STS-134 crew while carrying an Air Force Academy physics experiment into

  • Assistive technology gives wounded warrior second chances

    Despite restricted abilities, this year's athletes participating in the 2011 Warrior Games here will boast strength, speed, stamina and a whole lot of will power as they strive to reach higher and celebrate each other the best way they know how, through the power of sport. Because of the world of

  • Air Force wheelchair basketball team preps for competition

    This year's Air Force wheelchair basketball team underwent a workout May 12 at the Air Force Academy Prep School Gym, to not only improve skills needed to play intense basketball from a special sports wheelchair, but to get to know each other also. "The primary objective of this camp is to come

  • PACAF band invited to help with 'recovery through music'

    The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia performed a concert in Nerima City, Japan, May 8 in support of people affected by the March 11 9.0-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami.At the request of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Eastern Army Headquarters, Pacific Trends performed during

  • 50th anniversary of U.S.'s first human spaceflight celebrated

    People gathered here May 4 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first American in space.The event honored Alan B. Shepard Jr., who piloted the 15-minute, 23-second suborbital flight at 303 statute miles in the Freedom 7 spacecraft May 5, 1961.Mercury astronaut Scott Carpenter and members of the