USAFE Airmen integral in helping Americans departing Lebanon

Smiles, handshakes and hugs were exchanged as 130 Americans and family members of American citizens transited through Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, today and July 21. The authorized departees from Lebanon disembarked a C-17 Globemaster III for a few hours at each of the

Reservists offered Tricare Reserve Select

Tricare Reserve Select, the premium-based health coverage plan for eligible Selected Reserve and participating Individual Ready Reserve members, has been enhanced by offering three tiers of coverage.Tier 1 certification started June 1 and is primarily for reservists who have served in support of a

Assisting Americans

AETC takes ownership of CV-22 Osprey

It's now official. The CV-22 Osprey, which has been incrementally delivered here since March, is now an Air Education and Training Command asset. The owner has been Air Force Special Operations Command, but after the recently completed operational utility evaluation and final transfer and acceptance

C-17s deliver supplies to aid Americans leaving Lebanon

C-17 Globemaster III crews of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron added another mission to their resume earlier this week -- providing humanitarian civil assistance to the American citizens fleeing Lebanon.The 816th EAS, based in Southwest Asia, is flying humanitarian supplies such as water and

Photos, documentation help in disaster recovery

Taking photos of knick-knacks and furniture may not seem like a fun way to spend a weekend, but it could save Airmen and families thousands of dollars in the event of a major disaster, said an Air Force Legal Operations Agency official here. Whether loss is from fire, theft or natural disaster,

Air Force names SERE specialist award winners

The Air Force announced the 2005 Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Specialists of the year. The 2005 award winners are: SERE Specialist Senior NCO of the Year, Tier 1: Master Sgt. John Mizelle, 607th Combat Operations Squadron, Osan Air Base, South Korea. SERE Specialist Senior NCO of the

Guard, Reserve commission takes to the road for hearings

The Commission on the National Guard and Reserves, charged by Congress to recommend changes in the laws and policies governing its citizen Soldiers, met in San Antonio this week -- the first time the commission has met somewhere other than Washington, D.C.Six high-ranking members of the Guard and

Incirlik assists Americans fleeing Lebanon

The scene inside the processing center at 3:15 a.m. today looked like a deployment processing line. Except these weren't military members waiting to go downrange -- they were the first American citizens who departed Lebanon and were processing into Incirlik Air Base.Twenty-nine tired men, women and

Simulator to help prepare Elmendorf pilots for C-17s

In preparation for Elmendorf's first C-17 Globemaster III arriving in June 2007, members of the Program Integration Office here flew to Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., to pick up the base's newest simulator."The purpose of the simulator is to train Elmendorf pilots and loadmasters to fly the Air

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for July 21.In Afghanistan July 20, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and B-1 Lancers provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with anti-coalition forces near Lashkar Gah and Now Zad. A B-1 also provided close-air

Voting program helps Airmen exercise their rights

Airmen and their families serving around the world have the right to vote and the Air Force Voting Program's mission is to ensure they have the information and tools needed to exercise that privilege. As a part of the program, every Air Force installation has designated voting assistance officers

EPA recognizes Air Force for its 'green power' achievements

The U.S. Air Force is the nation's top purchaser of green power, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Top 25 list of green power purchasers in the partnership. The Air Force is also in the No. 1 slot on the nation's Top 10 Federal Government Green Power Partners. The Air Force is

Shaw hosts Operation Iron Thunder

More than 100 aircraft from the U.S. military and NATO forces participated here this week in Operation Iron Thunder. Hosted by the 77th Fighter Squadron, the exercise offered a chance for players to be exposed to missions nearly identical to those faced in combat. "Operation Iron Thunder is a large

Bagram PRT gives torched school second chance

Soldiers and Airmen from the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team traveled to Nyazi Geranshakh in the Parwan Province of Afghanistan on July 19 to replace eight tents at its local school that were burned down earlier this week by arsonists.Team members were equipped with replacement tents as well

Cooperative Cope Thunder 2006

USAFSIA receives federal accreditation

Officials from the U.S. Air Force Special Investigations Academy in Glynco, Ga., announced July 20 its accreditation by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation Board of Directors. The USAFSIA is the first Department of Defense law enforcement school to receive FLETA accreditation, said

Airmen have front-row seat for Discovery landing

While the 45th Space Wing had an active role in supporting the Space Shuttle Discovery's 5.3 million-mile mission, a select group of its Airmen had the opportunity to watch the shuttle's landing firsthand July 17. "Being asked to witness the landing was exciting," said Senior Airman Melissa Lucas,

Swedish Gripen fighters arrive at Eielson

The Swedish Air Force endured a long journey to participate in the Pacific Air Forces exercise Cooperative Cope Thunder for the first time. In a journey that would span more than five days, seven Gripen fighters left Sweden on July 13 for the multinational exercise. The first leg of their trip took

Cooperative Cope Thunder a massive multilateral air exercise

More than 800 U.S. forces and allies arrived here this week for Cooperative Cope Thunder 06-03, the Air Force's largest multilateral air combat exercise in the Pacific. Filling the role of lead wing is the 35th Fighter Wing from Misawa Air Base, Japan, with Col. Nelson Cabot commanding the 35th Air

Video game prepares Airmen, families for emergencies

True or False? Tornados always have a visible funnel extending to the ground. The answer to that question and more appear in the Air Force's newest training tool designed to prepare civilians, Airmen and their families for emergencies. The difference is this teaching instrument isn't a slideshow

Airmen continue Lebanon transport support

A general medical team from U.S. Air Forces Europe departed Ramstein Air Base, Germany, today to support Lebanon transportation operations. The team, comprised of more than a dozen medical professionals, was sent to fulfill a request by the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus. These Airmen, their

AFSOC commander discusses mission with Congress

"We're helping those who cannot stand on their own against tyranny," Lt. Gen. Michael W. Wooley told a roomful of people Tuesday on Capitol Hill. The general is the commander of Air Force Special Operations Command. He was in Washington to inform members of Congress, staffers, media representatives

Fired up

Isochronical inspection

Flight builds training replicas, saves money

Airmen at the 982nd Maintenance Squadron Trainer Development Flight here are creating replicas that not only meet the hands-on training needs of technical school students but also saves the Air Force money.Members of the flight are creating functional replicas that range in size as big as an

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 20.In Afghanistan July 19, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with anti-coalition forces near Qalat. The B-1 expended guided-bomb-unit 31s and

Cargo movement

Humanitarian mission in Bosnia

Extremists attempt to delay Afghan road progress

Extremists hijacked the driver of a tractor trailer here July 10 destroying $200,000 worth of heavy construction equipment earmarked for reconstruction projects throughout the Panjshir Valley.The driver was forced by several Taliban members to divert the truckload of equipment off the Herat-Kandahar

Vandenberg launches Minuteman III

An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from here today at 3:14 a.m. The launch was part of an operational test to determine the weapon system's reliability and accuracy. This launch also exercised U.S. Strategic Command's Airborne Launch Control System, which flies

Defense weather satellites provide environmental support

Officials from the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center here said they are on track to launch a third satellite in November that will join two others already in orbit essential in tracking global weather conditions and providing data for distribution to Department of Defense and civilian

C-17s aiding with efforts in Lebanon

A deployed C-17 Globemaster III unit here is providing support to the American citizens who have left Lebanon. Today, C-17s from the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron were tasked to transport supplies to Akrotiri, Cyprus, in preparation for the flow of people.Supplies include tents, Meals Ready

Engineers go beyond virtual reality to test systems

Some aircraft parts can be used to fight in air-to-air combat without ever having to take off a runway. By assembling the avionics "guts" of fighter jets into racks and consoles, engineers and technicians can recreate flight and aerial threats in one facility. The Air Force has that inexpensive

Two refuelers, one squadron can handle any situation

The only Air Force squadron that consists of both the KC-10 Extender and the KC-135 Stratotanker is supporting operations throughout Southwest Asia."We have one-third of the air refueling assets as far as the aircraft and the crews go, but we provide almost 50 percent of air refueling in the area of

On a mission

Columbus AFB earns state recycling award

The Mississippi Recycling Coalition has named Columbus Air Force Base as the Federal Government Recycler of the Year for the third consecutive year, acknowledging the base's continued excellence in promoting installation and community awareness for recycling initiatives and programs. "The Columbus

Airmen helping transport people from Lebanon

Three Air Force MH-53 Pave Low helicopters are part of the forces helping transport American citizens from Lebanon to Cyprus.The aircraft, from the 352nd Special Operations Group at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, are operating out of Akrotiri, Cyprus. They have been doing this for several

CENTAF releases air power summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 19. In Afghanistan July 18, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small arms fire near Musah Qal'eh. An A-10 expended guided bomb unit-12s on enemy

New commander takes Air Force Recruiting reins

Air Force Recruiting Service welcomed its new commander during a change of command ceremony here July 17. Brig. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot took command from Brig. Gen. Robertus Remkes, who headed AFRS since February 2004. In her new role, General Vautrinot is the first female to lead Air Force

Combat Airmen keep convoy routes open

Fifty-eight Air Force engineers filling a shortage of Soldiers in Iraq have completed more than a dozen construction projects, often under fire, throughout a 10,000-square-mile zone for the Army's 1st Brigade Combat Team.After six months, the Airmen of the 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer

Pakistani Airmen personalize global thanks for support

Although there were about 300 military and civilian aircraft from around the world on display at the Royal International Air Tattoo held July 15 to 16 at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, none compared with the artful presentation of the Pakistan Air Force C-130. In addition to vivid scenes of

U.S. Airmen teach Iraqi volunteers to battle blazes

Iraqi Air Force maintenance people are putting down their wrenches and picking up fire hoses. They are under the experienced eyes of Kirkuk Air Base's 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters here.For firefighters of the Iraqi Air Force, walking into an inferno on an already warm day

Routine checkup

EC-130 tune-up

Rocket technology testing reaches 100-percent operation

America's only staged combustion liquid booster rocket engine now in development marked an important milestone July 12 at NASA's Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Miss. The engine reached steady-state 100-percent operation, demonstrating mainstage performance for the first time.The engine

Effectiveness of commercial air cargo augmentation under review

U.S. Central Command's Deployment and Distribution Operations Center, or CDDOC, has initiated a test to determine the cost and effectiveness of using commercial air cargo aircraft to augment military aircraft in delivering supplies to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The purpose of this initiative,

Hickam AFB welcomes its final C-17

Hickam welcomed "The Spirit of Kamehameha-Imua" today -- the last of its eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs. The arrival marked the successful transformation of the 15th Airlift Wing from a support unit to an operational strategic airlift wing. Earlier this year the 15th AW had no strategic cargo aircraft

Air Force ready to help with Lebanon evacuations

Airmen are ready on the East Coast to fly in at a moment's notice to help with the movement of Americans fleeing the chaos in Lebanon. A group of Airmen from one of three contingency response groups at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., is ready to deploy where needed -- if needed, a base spokesman said.

OSI agent overcomes IED injuries, back to the job

The morning of Feb. 20 was like any other for Air Force Office of Special Investigations Special Agent Adele Loar, who was assigned to the Strategic Counterintelligence Directorate in Baghdad, Iraq. Her mission, along with the joint team assembled there, was to gather information from Iraqi civilian

45th Space Wing supports successful shuttle mission

The 45th Space Wing provided continued support of the Space Shuttle Discovery from its launch on July 4 to its landing at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on July 17.The Department of Defense Manned Spaceflight Support staff operated an around-the-clock Support Operations Center for STS-121 at Patrick

Aboard the USNS Mercy

Assistant secretary to join bike ride across Iowa

An Air Force official charged with finding alternative fuel sources for the Air Force will demonstrate his commitment to the cause by riding in the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI. The cyclist is William "Bill" Anderson, assistant secretary of the Air Force

Pier sweep

Milwaukee air show

Milwaukee Reserve unit begins move to North Carolina

The timeline for the permanent transfer of the 440th Airlift Wing to Pope Air Force Base, N.C., and the closure of General Mitchell International Airport Air Reserve Station has been released. The 440th AW will be a North Carolina Air Force Reserve unit by May 2007 and the Air Reserve Station will

U.S., Parwan governments build ‘bridge to future'

In the culmination of more than a year's efforts, the Parwan deputy governor cut the ribbon on a bridge July 11 in the northern part of this province connecting Afghans to their country. The new bridge spans a river in the mountains and was built with the future in mind as it accommodates both foot

Airmen stay in spiritual shape in combat zone

When Airmen deploy to combat, they expect a mission-focused environment. Without the daily demands of home life and the distractions of fast-paced America, many use their limited spare time to develop themselves in new ways. "Some people get in shape at the gym," said Chaplain (Capt.) Jose Tate,

Airmen hone combat skills

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 18.In Afghanistan July 17, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, a B-1B Lancer, a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle and Royal Air Force GR-7s provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with anti-coalition

93rd Bomb Squadron is Litening pod combat-capable

The 917th Reserve Wing's 93rd Bomb Squadron here is the first B-52 Stratofortress squadron to complete the training requirements for combat use of the Litening AT targeting pod. "This new mission capability is a first for the B-52 and gives the combatant commander another weapon in his arsenal in

Total force at work in RIMPAC

Seven F-15 Eagle fighter jets assigned to the Hawaii Air National Guard fired AIM-7 Sparrow missiles at drones dropped from a Navy F-18 July 16. Pilots fired the missiles in the Pacific Missile Range Facility off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, as part of the 2006 Rim of the Pacific Exercise, known as

In tow

AFA looking for former Outstanding Airmen of the Year

The Air Force Association is looking for all former recipients of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year award program. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the award, which has been presented to more than 700 Airmen.The AFA will honor all former award winners at the Air Force anniversary dinner

Military Equal Opportunity works to right wrongs

The time was the early 1970s -- just a few years after President Lyndon B. Johnson enacted the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Race relations were affecting society as a whole, so it also affected the military. "The military was going through a large transition at that point with integration of military

Humanitarian efforts

Air Force announces developmental education opportunities

Air Force officers interested in 2007 developmental education opportunities must begin the application process in August. A completed Air Force Form 3849, PME/AFIT/RTFB Officer Worksheet, and senior rater nomination are due by Aug. 18 for officers applying for the Olmsted Scholarship, White House

Accident report released on Predator crash

Pilot error caused an MQ-1L Predator unmanned aerial vehicle to crash March 20 during a reconnaissance mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to an aircraft accident investigation report released today. There were no injuries in the incident and the aircraft crashed in an

Air Force leaders meet in Ohio for Corona

The Air Force's top leaders met for a forum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, on July 12 to 14 to discuss the global war on terror, the state of readiness for Airmen and Air Force modernization. Army Gen. John Abizaid, U.S. Central Command commander, spoke with the leaders about his area of

Service demographics offer snapshot of force

The Air Force Personnel Center here recently published its quarterly demographics report, offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force as of June 30. More information can be found at the center's analysis branch Web site: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/demographics/.

Muster to test deployment capable numbers

The Air Reserve Personnel Center conducts a muster for nearly 150 individual ready reservists July 20 and 27 at the Buckley Annex here to test the readiness of the force.The IRR Muster Program, mandated by U.S. law, exists to enhance readiness and ensure the Air Force can "reach out and touch" the

Line 'em up

Airmen, Soldiers thwart terrorists emplacing IED

The combined efforts of Air Force Airmen and Multi-national Division-Baghdad Soldiers foiled the efforts of terrorists today attempting to put into place an improvised-explosive device south of Baghdad.Airmen from the 11th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron's Joint Terminal Attack

Air Force notifies lieutenants of special board results

The 127 lieutenants in the 2002 and 2003 accession year groups who were reconsidered for retention should be notified by their senior raters today of the special board's results.The special board, which convened June 26 at the Air Force Personnel Center here, selected 22 of the lieutenants for

Eagle Flag

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 17.In Afghanistan July 16, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted precision strikes on Taliban extremist locations near Musah Qal'eh. The B-1B expended guided bomb unit-38s on extremists' buildings, destroying the

Air Force big hit at big show

Capt. Brett Clutter was not exactly sure what to expect as he traveled here in his B-52 Stratofortress from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., to participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo. But as the big event got under way, it seemed like it was for him that the thousands of spectators were

Elmendorf unit saves thousands

Airmen at the 3rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron Nondestructive Inspection Laboratory here have found a way to save the Air Force more than $200,000 annually.The lab is responsible for inspecting all aircraft assigned to the 3rd Wing for internal problems that are hard for the naked eye to see."We

Cameras enhance forecasting of sun-generated storms

Every 100-plus minutes, while orbiting approximately 50 miles above the Earth onboard the Coriolis satellite, the Solar Mass Ejection Imager experiment scans the darkness of space-seeking, sun-generated magnetic clouds of particles intent on striking the planet. Since becoming operational in January

USAFE football reunion to be held at Andrews

Servicemembers who played for the U.S. Air Forces in Europe football team will gather together with their teammates at a reunion here Sept. 1 and 2. The reunion will be a celebration for the men who competed against each other on the football field while serving their country, said Tech. Sgt. Scott

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 16.In Afghanistan July 15, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and Predator unmanned aerial vehicle conducted a precision strike against a Taliban extremist's position near Musah Qal'eh. The B-1B expended guided bomb

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 15. In Afghanistan July 14, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and French Air Force M-2000s provided close-air support for coalition forces taking small arms fire from Taliban extremists near Tarin Kowt. The A-10s

A potential for disaster

The two green lights staring down 1st Lt. Michael Seltzer were a problem. A third light, which remained dark, indicated trouble: the landing gear at the nose of the lieutenant's F-16 Fighting Falcon was not down and locked into place. Low on fuel after a five-hour mission over Iraq, and flying hot

Educators important in military children's lives

It is important that teachers and other school officials understand factors affecting children of military families, a senior Army general said here July 13. A military lifestyle often is characterized by frequent moves and parents who are deployed for long periods of time, Army Gen. David D.

Industry leaders headline Air Force technology conference

The 2006 Air Force Information Technology Conference, themed "Dominating Cyberspace," takes place Aug. 13 to 17 at Auburn University's Montgomery, Ala., campus. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John D.W. Corley will speak on the conference's opening day. Microsoft chief executive officer Steve

Air Force names pararescue award winners

Air Force officials announced today the combat rescue officer and pararescuemen of the year. The 2005 award winners are: Combat Rescue Officer of the Year: Capt. Jose L. Cabrera, 38th Rescue Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Pararescue Senior NCO of the Year: Master Sgt. Douglas Isaacks, 342nd

Air Force names combat controller, special tactics officer award winners

The winners of the Air Force's 2005 annual awards for combat controller and special tactics officer were announced today.The award winners are: Special Tactics Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Michael Martin, 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, N.C. Special Tactics Company Grade

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 14.In Afghanistan July 13, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for coalition forces taking small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from Taliban extremists near Musah

Acrophobia

Into the storm

Oregon-based KC-135 unit begins drawdown

The first KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 939th Air Refueling Wing departs Portland International Airport today, marking the beginning of a change in mission for the Air Force Reserve unit.Under the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process, all eight of the refueling aircraft and 900

IA program provides political-military, cultural experts

Air Force officers can expect to gain international insight, foreign language proficiency and cultural understanding by becoming international affairs specialists, said an Air Force executive here. "Under the old foreign area officer program, international skills were self-obtained," said Bruce

RIMPAC 2006: Perfecting air operations

Airmen and Sailors working in the Pacific Air Operations Center here are getting unique command and control training during the Rim of the Pacific exercise, known as RIMPAC 2006. Seven Pacific Rim nations and the United Kingdom are participating with the United States in the major maritime exercise,

Uniform board to release updates to AFI

An update to Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Air Force Uniform Dress and Appearance, will soon be released, said Air Force officials. A key feature of this updated instruction will be the return of heritage to the enlisted corps -- chevrons on the sleeves and circles around the U.S. insignia. "Over

AFMC leads ICE Breaker

Three Air Force Materiel Command organizations will team up with six other Air Force agencies and three industry partners to participate in an ICE Breaker July 17 to 21. In this case, the ICE Breaker is not a social event. It refers to the Air Force Integrated Collaborative Environment. The Air

Air Force, Army tell industry networks will be similar

Air Force and Army officials say their plans for network modernization are similar to one another. Army Lt. Gen. Steven Boutelle, the Army chief information officer, and Lt. Gen. Michael W. Peterson, Air Force chief of warfighting integration and chief information officer, spoke at a conference for

Pave Hawk testing

Thunderbolts on duty

Air Force cyclists join annual bike ride across Iowa

Several riders representing the Air Force are taking part in the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI, July 23 to 29.The annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state, in its 33rd year, has been attracting Air Force cyclists since 1995. What began as a small group

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 13. In Afghanistan July 12, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle provided close-air support for coalition forces under small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from Taliban