HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Air Force first responders, first on scene to keep missions in motion

    Air Force officials emphasized that first responders -- security forces, fire emergency services and emergency medical services -- make up the essential elements necessary to protect people and assets.Security forces responders train in realistic scenarios involving base organizations ranging from

  • Airdrops break records in Afghanistan

    When your unit is surrounded by an enemy hitting you with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades, and mortar rounds are screaming in and you're running low on food, ammunition and everything else, you can't exactly send someone to Walmart for supplies. That's when you pray for an airdrop.

  • No more C-17s, DOD officials tell Congress

    The military has more than enough large transport planes, and the appropriation of any more in the next budget year will force some into premature retirement, Defense Department officials told a congressional panel July 13. "We have enough C-17s," said Mike McCord, the principal deputy

  • Deepwater Horizon airspace activity now coordinated at 601st AOC

    As the Deepwater Horizon response operation enters week 13 since an oil rig exploded April 20 in the Gulf of Mexico, senior Department of Defense and Homeland Security officials centralized airspace management operations in the 601st Air & Space Operations Center here. Officials said they made the

  • CSAF releases 'Vector'

    The Air Force's senior military leader released his vision for the future in a recent  CSAF Vector 2010 that outlined five priorities and the "way ahead" for Airmen to maintain these priorities. "Our Airmen are responding to the nation's call with agility, innovation and expeditionary presence --

  • Photo essay: Airmen refuel during RIMPAC mission

    A B-52 Stratofortress flies here July 10 after an air refueling mission in support of the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise, or RIMPAC.  RIMPAC includes more than 14 nations, 32 ships, five submarines, more than 170 aircraft and more than 20,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen. View the

  • Space control squadron team marks 5 years of continuous deployment

    Members of the 16th and 380th Space Control Squadrons acheived a milestone recently when their deployed mission, Operation Silent Sentry, surpassed five years of continuous deployed operations. The Airmen employ the Rapid Attack Identification Detection Reporting System Deployable Ground Segment

  • Every drop counts: New technology saves base dollars

    By this time next year, Peterson Air Force Base will have a high tech irrigation system that will sense when it's about to rain.Members of the 21st Space Wing Civil Engineer Squadron are installing an intelligent irrigation system that will shut down when its built-in weather system shows an eighth

  • ESC radar program moves forward

    The Electronic Systems Center's Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program recently reached a significant milestone when the sensor and first software baseline were delivered to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., for the next step -- integration on a Global Hawk aircraft. MP-RTIP increases

  • Survey will permit informed decisions, official says

    Survey responses on the possible repeal of the law that bans gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military will allow leaders to make informed decisions, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said July 10.The survey was designed to be a confidential conversation between a Defense Department

  • Photo essay: F-22 Raptors arrive in Hawaii

    The arrival of the F-22 Raptor here July 9 marks the beginning of a new era for fighter aircraft in the Pacific region. The Hawaii Air National Guard's 199th Fighter Squadron will serve as the only ANG-led joint guard and active-duty squadron in the Pacific. Hawaiian traditions gave the arrival

  • Final MC-12 deployed to USCENTCOM AOR

    The 30th MC-12 Liberty was recently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility completing the initial deployment plan, an Air Force official announced July 9."We mobilized a significant industry base and every resource at our disposal, and delivered the first Federal Aviation

  • VA eases claims process for veterans with PTSD

    The Veterans Affairs Department will publish a final regulation July 13 intended to ease the claims process and improve access to health care for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. The new rule, to be published in the Federal Register, will relax the evidence requirement if the PTSD

  • President Obama announces return of the SAVE award

    President Barack Obama wants federal employees to submit their ideas for eliminating government waste and saving American taxpayers' money as part of the 2010 SAVE, or securing Americans' value and efficiency, award program. President Obama made the announcement in a video on the White House website

  • Hiring authority key in meeting goals, faster hiring

    As the Air Force continues to seek highly qualified employees to compliment its growing civilian work force, officials are promoting active use of the Schedule A hiring authority to fill these positions with qualified people.Schedule A hiring is a special streamlined hiring authority available to

  • NSPS positions assigned GS pay grades

    With only weeks remaining to classify Air Force civilian jobs into the General Schedule personnel system, Air Force classifiers are ensuring National Security Personnel System positions have a current GS title, series and grade before the NSPS conversion out date.With the fiscal 2010 National

  • Air Force commuters reminded to use, but not abuse transportation benefits

    U.S. Department of Transportation officials recently reiterated Mass Transportation Benefit Program requirements and expectations to all DOT managers, supervisors and participants. The DOT statement also reminded users about the serious consequences associated with any violations of those

  • F-22 Raptor rolls out in Hawaii

    Top military and local community leaders gathered here July 9 for a dedication service for the F-22 Raptor.Hundreds of onlookers gathered with members of the 199th Fighter Squadron, 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard and people from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to welcome the F-22, a fifth

  • 48th AMDS team returns from Djibouti

    An optometry team from the 48th Aerospace Medicine Squadron joined peers from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, and Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as part of the first Medical Civic Action Program operation in Tadjoura, Djibouti, recently.Working side by side with Djiboutian doctors, the Medical Civic Action

  • Air Force wounded warrior rides from coast to coast

    A combat controller, who last year was laying in a hospital fighting for his life, is now riding his bicycle across America as part of his rehabilitation and to inspire other wounded warriors.Along with 19 of his teammates, Staff Sgt. Marc Esposito from the 21st Special Tactics Squadron at Pope Air

  • Four Little Rock aircrews take part in largest joint exercise formation

    Four Little Rock Air Force Base aircrews took part in the largest formation ever assembled for a joint forcible entry exercise June 22 and 23 at Pope Air Force Base and Fort Bragg, N.C.The formation of 18 Air Force cargo airplanes, featuring 10 C-130 Hercules aircraft and eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs

  • Airmen shut down 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Det. 3

    The 732nd Security Forces Squadron, Det. 3, was inactivated during a ceremony July 3, at 7:32 a.m. "This ceremony marks the end of the Air Force's first, and longest, active police transition team in history," said Lt. Col. Dustin Sutton, the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron commander.

  • Upgrade allows civilians to update awards online

    Civilian employees can now update their non-monetary awards through the self-service module in the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System using the "Awards and Bonuses" tab in "My Biz." The ability to update non-monetary awards, such as length of service recognition, exemplary civilian service award

  • Cyber Command synchronizes services' efforts

    Leaders of the new U.S. Cyber Command have a long to-do list in creating central oversight for the military's computer networks, including synchronizing what the services already have in place, officials said June 8."We have lots of decisions to make in the cyber domain," said Vice Adm. Carl V.

  • Center diversity group looks to recruit, hire, maintain quality workforce

    Warner Robins Air Logistics Center officials here are taking steps to improve their commitment to diversity. What began as an effort to improve diversity training has led to the creation of a diversity steering group with an even bigger goal. The group's aim is not to implement hiring quotas, but to

  • Information assurance scholarship available to officers, civilians

    Officers and civilians have until Jan. 31 to apply for the Information Assurance Scholarship Program, a special developmental education program available for the 2011 academic year. The program pays the full cost of tuition, select fees and required books for graduate degrees in subjects such as

  • Airman rescues baby from fire

    While off-duty and visiting a friend at a nearby fire department July 2,  an Airman from here responded to a call of a dwelling fire with people trapped inside.With the dwelling fire located around the corner from the fire station, Senior Airman John Muirhead, of the 87th Civil Engineer Squadron

  • PRT project could bring 35,000 new trees to Panjshir province

    Panjshir Governor Keramuddin Keram met with Provincial Reconstruction Team Panjshir officials July 1 to discuss a project that could bring 35,000 new trees to the province by the end of the year.U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey Casada, a Kentucky National Guard Agri-Business Development Team leader, and

  • Air Force's new 'virtual Finance' takes customers out of waiting line

    The Air Force's new "virtual Finance" is giving work time back to Airmen and civilians by providing a host of secure financial services that customers can access with a mouse click.Replacing the "Money - Finance Central" page on the Air Force Portal, the virtual finance page was developed with a

  • Air Guard instructor uses Marine experience

    Tech. Sgt. David Butler is a former Marine who's now serving here as an instructor with the Texas Air National Guard. "I absolutely love my job down here and the guys I work with," Sergeant Butler said about serving with the 204th Security Forces Squadron, which operates the Desert Defender Air

  • New ejection seat added to T-38

    The T-38 Talon is receiving an upgrade that officials said will improve aircrews' safety and comfort.Representatives from Martin-Baker Aircraft Co. Inc. are in the early stages of installing their new escape systems in all T-38Cs at Randolph AFB after completing the same project at Laughlin AFB,

  • Restoration complete for Vietnam War Memorial statue

    The newly refurbished Three Servicemen Statue at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was unveiled July 8 after six weeks of restoration."This is a very noteworthy event," said Jan Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. "It's very noteworthy for the history of the Vietnam

  • 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.

  • Gates, Mullen urge participation in survey

    Noting the importance of getting the opinions of those who would be most affected by a possible repeal of the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law that bans gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, urged servicemembers to provide their input July 8.

  • Upcoming VA forum to help build women veterans communities, networks

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials opened registration on July 8 for a women veterans forum that will address the quality of VA health care, the provision of benefits for women and ways for VA to continue improving access to the care and benefits for women veterans."The VA forum will bring

  • Thunder Lab teaches future Afghan pilots vital skills

    The Afghan air force base in Kabul is home to the Thunder Lab, an English immersion program designed to improve the English, aviation and professional skills of Afghan air force officers awaiting pilot training.The immersion lab was the idea Col. Creig Rice, the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing vice

  • Training prepares civilian employees for deployment

    A training program is equipping Defense Department civilian employees with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully deploy in support of humanitarian, reconstruction and combat-support military missions across the globe.The joint civilian expeditionary work force training, a 10-day

  • Afghan air force delivers on first airdrop

    In the sky over Kalat, Afghanistan, a C-27 Spartan crew member opened the bay door and two men stepped forward. They surveyed the target zone and with a well-practiced motion pushed the cargo out the back of the plane. Two seconds later the chute opened and the cargo descended under control to the

  • July 5 Airpower Summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportQal-E-NawAir Force F-16C Fighting

  • July 4 Airpower Summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportMushanAir Force A-10C Thunderbolt II

  • Medical center officials open state-of-the-art hemodialysis center

    The largest medical facility on the West Coast has seen major improvements in 2010 which have brought state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to the base.During the past few months, David Grant USAF Medical Center was amid a flurry of changes, upgrades and renovations.One of the most visible

  • July 3 Airpower Summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportTarin KowtAir Force A-10C

  • Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force visits Ramstein Airmen, families

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy and his wife, Paula, visited with Airmen here July 7. The chief and Mrs. Roy visited the 603rd Air Operations Center, 435th Contingency Response Group compound, the new Deployment Transition Center and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center."It's an

  • In-theater medical treatment keeps warriors in the fight

    A group of deployed Airmen stands around a table, carefully performing their jobs, as they've trained for years to do. Doctors stand over a patient, meticulously inserting a long, cylindrical laparoscopic tube through, what appears to be, the patient's abdomen. An anesthesiologist monitors his heart

  • Security forces Airmen teach English to Panamanian hosts

    Two bilingual security forces Airmen assigned to New Horizons Panama 2010 are spending their free time in front of a black board teaching English classes to members of the Panamanian Frontier Police (SENAFRONT).Master Sgt. Noland Rivera and Senior Airman Sheryl Job started out teaching a few words

  • 18th Wing, Okinawa City formalize fire department cooperation

    When it comes to saving lives and protecting property, U.S. and Okinawan firefighters speak only one language. That was the underlying message July 2 as Kadena Air Base officials joined with Okinawa City leaders to sign a memorandum of understanding to formalize cooperation between the two fire

  • AMC officials unveil concept to strengthen force resilience

    "Each of us has a flame inside of us that, when made stronger, can help us withstand life's storms," said Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., the commander of Air Mobility Command  June 16 .To strengthen force resilience, including Air Force civilians and family members, AMC officials launched the

  • 'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" features an in-depth look at one woman's struggle with post traumatic stress disorder. Plus, Air Force Academy cadets get a taste of life in the operational Air Force. Finally, a father and son serve together downrange.The 30-minute, weekly news show can be seen

  • Latest issue of Airman magazine available

    The latest issue of Airman magazine, "Special Ops at the tip of the spear," features Airmen flying and maintaining the CV-22 Osprey.The CV-22 can perform missions that normally require both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. This feature gives an inside look at the lives of the Airmen working with this

  • 'Bad guys' add realism to capabilities exercise

    An Army Special Forces team jumped out of an MC-130W Combat Spear and deployed their parachutes to slowly descend to the landing zone. After hitting the hard New Mexico soil, they fanned out and moved toward their objective.This began the scenario of the Cannon Air Force Base capabilities exercise

  • Improved physical fitness uniform coming to a store near you

    After much planning, anticipation and constructive feedback, the Army Air Force Exchange Service and the Air Force Uniform Office officials have partnered to bring an improved physical training uniform to select military clothing sales stores in July.The IPTU, which consists of a running jacket,

  • Recruiting service films Lackland training

    Building on the recent success of its website's basic military training video, Air Force Recruiting Service officials returned to Lackland Air Force Base June 21 through 25 to film several technical school career fields for a new AirForce.com technical training video.The new video is part of the

  • Texas Air Guard prepares security forces Airmen for deployment

    On the desert ranges of Fort Bliss, Texas, there is a lot of open space for Soldiers to train and prepare for combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Army operations are well-known here, but active-duty, guard and Reserve security forces Airmen are on the range too.Texas Air National Guard members trained

  • Gen. Alston takes reins of 20th Air Force

    Maj. Gen. C. Donald Alston assumed command of the 20th Air Force from Gen. Roger W. Burg July 1 on F. E. Warren's historic Argonne Parade Field in a ceremony which also marked General Burg's retirement from active duty after 32 years of service.Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff; Gen.

  • Airmen help clear the battlefield

    As the drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq picks up steam, there is a collection of Airmen, Soldiers and civilians ready to process billions of dollars in equipment for redistribution.The Redistribution Property Accountability Team was developed to process equipment bound for refurbishment in the United

  • July 2 Airpower Summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportLashkar GahAir Force A-10C

  • All military medical training roads now start at METC

    The future of military medical training arrived here June 30 with the opening of the Medical Education and Training Campus.The METC is an integrated campus under a single university-style administration, with more than 100 courses available to students. "Today marks a significant milestone in the

  • Command's first-ever Global Strike Challenge under way

    Intercontinental ballistic missile, B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer units are competing in the first Global Strike Challenge, showcasing the capabilities and expertise of missile, bomber and security forces Airmen. "Global Strike Challenge will help us build pride and a culture of

  • Afghan airmen perform Mi-17 sling load

    Afghan airmen and Combined Air Power Transition Force advisers conducted an operational sling load with an Mi-17 transport helicopter July 1 from Kabul International Airport to Forward Operating Base Orgun-e, Afghanistan in the Paktika province.Flying 12,500 feet above sea-level and carrying a

  • July 1 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportSar BanaderAir Force A-10

  • Officials recognize contributions to diversity

    Air Force officials have selected the winners of the 2010 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award for their contributions to the joint fight and role in enhancing an organizational culture that values diversity. The BIG Meritorious Service Award is awarded to a military member and a

  • Photo essay: Independence Day

    The Air Force celebrates the Fourth of July with fireworks, parades and celebrations worldwide.View slideshow from events in 2009.

  • Mullen: Independence Day 2010

    This Independence Day we celebrate our nation's 234th birthday. As we enjoy parades, picnics and fireworks, I hope we also take a moment to remember the generations of Americans who have safeguarded our independence.Today, there are more than 200,000 uniformed American men and women deployed in

  • Three Airmen celebrate first Independence Day as U.S. citizens

    Three Airmen in the 23rd Mission Support Group here are celebrating their first Fourth of July as U.S. citizens. They are Airmen 1st Class Alexandra Fleig, Rangel Robinson and Christopher Canlas. Airmen Fleig and Robinson, both 23rd Force Support Squadron customer support representatives, and Airman

  • Fifth Airman lost from Afghanistan helicopter incident

    Department of Defense officials have announced the loss of a fifth Airman from an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter which crashed in southeastern Afghanistan June 9.Capt. David Wisniewski, 31, an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter pilot assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron here passed away at the National Naval

  • Air Commando One honored, remembered

    More than 500 friends, family members and servicemembers gathered at here to honor and remember "Air Commando One" during a memorial ceremony July 2.Airmen of all ranks, including Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Medal of Honor recipient retired Col. George "Bud" Day attended the

  • June 30 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportChahar BaghAir Force MQ-9A Reaper

  • June 29 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportAsmarAn Air Force B-1B Lancer

  • Wing-level team helps Airmen, civilians cope with traumatic events

    A variety of events, from a death in the family to battlefield casualties, can take a tremendous psychological toll on servicemen and civilians alike.Air Force officials are taking a proactive role in dealing with such crises, instituting wing-level teams that prepare Airmen and civilians for

  • Aviano AFSO21 aims to commit to improvement

    Committing to improvement has been a continuous battle cry of the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century ever since its conception. Otherwise known as AFSO21, the program aims to strengthen the ability of every Airman to drive improved mission performance. This is in line with the Air

  • Tricare Dental Program newsletter delivers

    The Tricare Dental Program newsletter, published three times a year, provides great information to enrollees about their dental benefits. Topics covered in Issue 2 of the dental newsletter include details about enhancements made to the Tricare Dental Program website, facts on getting dental care

  • Official details foreign language program's progress

    The military's efforts to have more language-qualified servicemembers are beginning to pay off, the Defense Department's senior language authority said this week.Nancy E. Weaver testified June 29 before the House Armed Services Committee's oversight subcommittee.Knowing the language, knowing the

  • Air Force officials award cleanup contract for former Mather Air Force Base

    Air Force Real Property Agency officials announced July 1 the award of a multi-year performance-based contract to URS Group, Inc. to perform environmental restoration activities at the former Mather Air Force Base in Rancho Cordova, Calif. The $8.57 million contract runs through 2015 and saves the

  • Mullens advocate more reserve support

    Military leaders are working hard to create the same kind of support network for the reserve components that exists for active duty servicemembers, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said July 1.Adm. Mike Mullen made the comments as part of his regular podcast to troops. Joined by his wife,

  • Airmen participate in RIMPAC 2010 international maritime exercise

    The 613th Air and Space Operations Center here is serving as the central hub for data and voice communications during the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise June 23 through Aug. 1. The state-of-the-art facility enables a multinational team to provide command and control of air and space assets

  • 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.

  • Medical readiness center opens at Camp Bullis

    A new era in military medical readiness training opened at Camp Bullis June 25, as Air Force officials cut the ribbon on an $18 million Medical Readiness Training Center.Center officials will host all initial, sustainment and future medical readiness training. The center will also allow officials to

  • Three Airmen earn career enlisted aviator award

    Air Force officials announced the selection of three Airmen for the 2009 Staff Sgt. Henry E. "Red" Erwin Outstanding Career Enlisted Aviator of the Year Award July 1.The recipients are:--Senior Master Sgt. Michael A. Morris, of the 54th Air Refueling Squadron at Altus Air Force Base, Okla.,--Tech.

  • Colonel SERB delayed, additional colonels to be considered

    Air Force personnel officials announced June 29 that the selective early retirement board for colonels will be delayed by six weeks. There will be no changes to the lieutenant colonel SERB previously announced.During a recent review in preparation for the July 2010 colonel SERB, Air Force officials

  • New military working dog facility built to highest "green" standard

    In an effort to be environmentally friendly, members of the 56th Security Forces Squadron military working dog section are currently undergoing green construction, which began in January with an estimated completion date at the end of July. While the project did not cost enough to be required to be

  • Tinker reservists to participate in Navy fleet exercise

    More than 180 reservists from the 507th Air Refueling Wing along with four KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft will join forces with the U.S. Navy during July to support a U.S. Pacific Fleet exercise.The exercise, called RIMPAC, for Rim of the Pacific, is a series of multinational maritime exercises

  • Defense officials authorize medal for Chile relief efforts

    Airmen who participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in Chile following a magnitude 8.8 earthquake Feb. 27, 2010, are eligible for the Humanitarian Service Medal.U.S. military members must have provided humanitarian assistance for at least one day between March 6

  • Air Force, Navy officials partner on unmanned aircraft systems

    In a signed memorandum of agreement, Air Force and Navy officials partnered to maximize commonality, eliminate redundant effort and increase interoperability between the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance unmanned aircraft systems and the RQ-4 Global Hawk system.Signed by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.

  • Ramstein Airmen pay St. Baldrick's $6,645 for haircut

    Does a free haircut sound like a good deal? Perhaps it sounds even better when a free haircut raises awareness and money to combat cancer in children. Ninety-eight people volunteered to give up their locks to participate in the first St. Baldrick's event at Donnelly Park here June 26. The

  • AFIT handbook wins engineering book-of-the-year award

    The Military Industrial Engineering Handbook, authored and co-edited by two Air Force Institute of Technology professors, Dr. Adedeji Badiru, head of AFIT's Department of Systems and Engineering Management, and Dr. Marlin Thomas, the dean of the AFIT Graduate School of Engineering and Management,

  • Database provides mission readiness information

    The Defense Department's readiness reporting system, designed to provide a comprehensive overview of a unit's manpower, skill sets, equipment and capabilities as well as mission requirements, is nearing full operational capability, a top official said.Development of the Defense Readiness Reporting

  • Air Force stands up deployment transition center at Ramstein Air Base

    Airmen in selected career fields returning from the area of responsibility now have access to enhanced post-deployment support with the service's stand up of the deployment transition center at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, officials here said June 30.The DTC provides deployment returnees an

  • New Horizons opening ceremony echoes spirit of friendship, cooperation

    New Horizons Panama 2010 officially opened at Santa Librada Elementary School June 29 with a ceremony featuring senior leaders from the Panamanian government as well as the United States.The motto for this year's New Horizons exercise, an annual U.S. Southern Command humanitarian assistance mission,

  • Reflections on the water: Outward Bound veteran expeditions

    Through a joint effort between various foundations, servicemembers who are veterans of operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom can receive a free Outward Bound expedition.Outward Bound offers white water rafting trips, cliff diving and group fitness, hikes and teambuilding exercises. Life on

  • Total Force Service Center hours for Independence Day

    In observance of Independence Day, the Total Force Service Center will be closed from 12:01 a.m. to midnight July 5 and resumes normal operations at 12:01 a.m. July 6. The TFSC is available for all general personnel questions by calling 800-525-0102. Hearing-impaired employees who have access to

  • Hurricane Hunters show Alex strengthen into Category 2 storm before landfall

    Hours before an aircrew from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron left for an after-midnight flight into Hurricane Alex, the storm had just been upgraded from a tropical storm to a hurricane. By the time the crew returned from more than seven hours inside the storm, the data they gathered showed

  • Alaska Air National Guard rescues injured hiker near Chena Hot Springs

    Alaska Air National Guard officials responded to an 11th Rescue Coordination Center request to perform a search and rescue mission of a severely injured hiker June 29 near Chena Hot Springs.The call for National Guard support came in after Alaska State Troopers were unable to safely reach the

  • Labor Department officials award $5 million to aid homeless veterans

    Labor Department officials are awarding more than $5 million in grants to help homeless female veterans and veterans with families find jobs and work toward a "bright future," the secretary of labor announced June 30."Millions of hard-working, responsible families are at risk of losing their homes