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  • C-130 Hercules crew delivers critical supplies

    A C-130 Hercules crew assigned to the 738th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron provided critical support to an Army operating location in Afghanistan on July 6 by airdropping essential supplies before a potential enemy attack. Aircraft commander Capt. Travis Sjostedt and his crew just completed their

  • Lakenheath tests small-diameter bombs

    Four F-15E Strike Eagles loaded with the electronically simulated version of the Air Force's newest small-diameter bombs flew their first training mission July 10.The 494th Fighter Squadron aircrews tested the capability of the GBU-39 -- guided bomb unit -- and trained with aircraft modifications

  • Second phase of NSPS begins in October

    The Defense Department announced plans July 12 to transfer more than 66,000 additional DOD civilian employees into the new National Security Personnel System beginning in October. The plan, delivered to Congress earlier this week, ushers in the second phase in implementing the new

  • Airmen handle missions big and small in Afghanistan

    Tech. Sgt. William Long likes a challenge, but a couple weeks ago, one challenge seemed insurmountable. Air Force officials notified an Airman deployed to a remote forward operating base that his wife was gravely ill. The Air Force placed him on emergency leave, and then tried to figure a way to get

  • Rules of engagement set for political participation

    Political freedom is something the military has defended since the founding of the United States. But, while free to participate in the political process, there are some rules military members need to know. "Our main job is to follow the orders that come down our chain of command, which has an

  • Program offers chance to work with foreign air force

    Officers from almost any specialty, and some NCOs, can have the opportunity to live and work as a foreign air force member through the Military Personnel Exchange Program, which allows nations to learn how other air forces operate. Maj. P.K. Carlton, currently serving as a Royal Air Force instructor

  • Civilian personnel system integrates under one umbrella

    A symbolic ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Air Force Personnel Center here to mark the Directorate of Civilian Force Integration's initial operating capability. Maj. Gen. Tony Przybyslawski, AFPC commander, praised the civilian Airmen for what they have accomplished and reminded them of

  • KC-135 to celebrate 50 years of flying

    The Air Force will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the KC-135 Stratotanker here Sept. 8-9. The ceremony will honor a tanker aircraft that is still supporting operations for Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft as well as aircraft of allied nations around the world. The KC-135's principal

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 12.In Afghanistan July 11, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, a B-1B Lancer and a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle provided close-air support for coalition forces taking small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire

  • Cooperative Cope Thunder brings international participants

    Forces from the United States, Canada, Japan, Sweden, Mongolia, NATO, South Korea, Germany, Slovak Republic and Australia will arrive in Alaska July 15 to participate in exercise Cooperative Cope Thunder 06-3.This Pacific Air Forces field training exercise for U.S. forces and its allies is the

  • Letter to Airmen recognizes the Total Force

    In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne recognizes the Total Force. “As a leader in the Total Force Integration, the Air Force continues to benefit from one powerful, cohesive team formed by our Active Duty Airmen, Air National Guardsmen, and Air Force Reservists.

  • From Holloman to Hollywood, Transformers make movie magic

    Lights, camera, action! Airmen at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., home to the Air Force's only operational F-117 wing, got to experience a new kind of rush as Hollywood invaded their base. The DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures live-action film "Transformers," set to release in July 2007, will feature

  • ACC releases details on Shaw F-16 crash

    An F-16CJ Fighting Falcon pilot ejected from his aircraft over the Atlantic Ocean April 5 after experiencing a gravity-induced loss of consciousness and awaking to find his aircraft in an unrecoverable dive, according to an Air Combat Command report released today. The pilot suffered serious

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 5. In Afghanistan July 4, 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 in the vicinity of Deh Rawood.

  • Officials encourage purchase of renters insurance

    With hurricane season in full-swing, military officials are encouraging servicemembers who don't own their own homes to purchase renters insurance to protect their personal property."Hurricane season is now upon us. We urge you, particularly if you live in an area prone to nature's fury, to examine

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 11. In Afghanistan July 10, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for coalition troops under fire from enemy forces near Musah Qal‘eh. The A-10 expended guided bomb unit-12s destroying an enemy

  • Airmen are battlefield innovators

    Airmen are adapting to the battle space and an evolving enemy in Iraq and Afghanistan, said the commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces. Lt. Gen. Gary North told Airmen here during a visit July 5, they are always ready to support ground commanders despite an increased operations tempo. "This

  • Air Force officials consolidate network ops

    Air Force officials have formally consolidated the service's network operations and created the Air Force Network Operations, or AFNETOPS, command structure at 8th Air Force here. The AFNETOPS, pronounced "AF Net Ops," Command stood up in a ceremony July 5.The move is part of a larger Air Force

  • Security forces officer shows Iraqis how to defend freedom

    For more than 12 years Maj. Jeffery Prindle has honed his skills as a professional police officer, working both as a military security forces officer and a deputy for the Charleston County Sheriff's Office. In that time, the 315th Airlift Wing reservist developed the tools necessary to assess

  • Iraqi tells Gold Star Mothers their sacrifice not in vain

    More than 40 American Gold Star Mothers and their guests from around the country came together here yesterday to honor the children they've lost in the country's conflicts. The ceremony, held at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial here, included a roll call honoring servicemembers from World

  • KC-135 bringing fuel to fight

    Whether refueling a fighter, bomber or a cargo aircraft, the KC-135 Stratotanker continues to play a vital role in military air operations and the war on terrorism."Everything we do has a direct impact on the war on terror and how the (United States) is viewed elsewhere in the world." said Lt. Col.

  • 13th EBS prepares for busy deployment

    Aircrew and support members from the 13th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed here last week to provide a continuous bomber presence in the region and help maintain stability and provide security for the Asia-Pacific region.The squadron replaces the 393rd EBS, which returned home July 1. The B-2

  • 13th month of recruiting success more than luck

    Defense officials are attributing the 13th consecutive month in which every military service met or exceeded its active-duty recruiting goal to more than just good luck. Bryan Whitman, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, cited the high priority every service has placed on

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary

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

  • C-17 deployment length, efficiency increase

    In a break from the past, C-17 Globemaster IIIs and Airmen supporting the aircraft are deploying to the theaters and operating from one location for an entire air and space expeditionary force rotation. Previously a squadron traveled to an area, flew 14-15 days, then returned home. About one-third

  • Space support key to warfighters

    Supporting warfighters on the ground is the overarching mission of everyone deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Carrying out this earthly mission from thousands of miles above the ground, though, is a responsibility coordinated by the Combined Air Operations Center here.

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 9. In Afghanistan July 8, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a precision strike on a cave complex used by Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Orgun-E. The aircraft expended joint direct attack munitions. Air

  • Reservist saves lives at accident scene

    A head-on collision on Washington's State Route 101 between Sequim and Port Angeles July 3 brought out the heroism in 12 strangers who stopped to help. One of those heroes was Tech. Sgt. Phillip White, a reservist with the 446th Airlift Wing here.Sergeant White was with his family when a Ford

  • Command and control focus of new research project

    The Air Force Office of Scientific Research, in cooperation with Binghamton University in New York, has started funding a research project targeted at improving the strength and availability of command and control networks. The team, led by Dr. N. Eva Wu, professor in the department of electrical

  • Active duty associate squadron a first for Air Guard

    In a ceremony at Cheyenne Municipal Airport today, the 30th Airlift Squadron became the first active-duty associate squadron, marking a groundbreaking partnership between Air Mobility Command and the Wyoming Air National Guard. Under the active-duty associate concept, the 30th AS will be the first

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 8. In Afghanistan July 7, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for coalition forces taking small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Khowst. The aircraft

  • Insurance alternative available for federal employees

    The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program offers federal employees an option when purchasing long-term-care insurance. The insurance policy helps defray the cost of in-home, nursing home or assisted living facility care for people who cannot care for themselves due to chronic health conditions.

  • New wing brings Air Force dominance to cyberspace

    The Air Force consolidated the responsibilities of its network operations security centers under one wing here today, giving it the advantage over America's enemies and achieving tactical dominance on the newest battlefront -- cyberspace.That took place when the 67th Information Operations Wing was

  • Airmen go operational with new small-diameter munition

    Airmen from the 48th Munitions Squadron here have been trained on the handling procedures for the first small-diameter munition to enter the Air Force inventory. The Airmen are the first to handle the weapon in an operational environment. "This is the first time an Air Force fighter has carried the

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 7.In Afghanistan July 6, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition forces taking small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from Taliban extremists near Asadabad.

  • 'Lightning II' moniker given to Joint Strike Fighter

    The Air Force chief of staff announced Lightning II as the F-35 name during a Joint Strike Fighter Inauguration Ceremony today at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. at Fort Worth, Texas. Gen. T. Michael Moseley made the final decision after an extensive nomination and review process, coordinated

  • Iceland radar mission comes to close

    Radar stations operated by Airmen from the 932nd Air Control Squadron at the four corners of Iceland are no longer active following a ceremony bringing the unit's mission to a close. After more than 54 years as Iceland's first line of defense, Air Force and host nation officials determined to

  • Detachment tracks space shuttle Discovery

    The 22nd Space Operations Squadron's Detachment 5 here is playing a pivotal role in the Discovery mission following its launch July 4 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida -- one in which the shuttle does not launch if the detachment is not ready. "When the space shuttle launches and while it's

  • Firefighters respond to blaze

    Sixteen firefighters here responded to, controlled and eventually extinguished a large grass fire that threatened several locations on the Victory Base Complex outside Baghdad on July 3. "A trash burn got out of control and started the surrounding grassy area on fire," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Routh,

  • AFIT linked to past, future of America's space program

    The Air Force Institute of Technology, or AFIT, has long been involved with America's efforts in space. Its association began with the early test flights of the high-altitude research aircraft, the X-15, and has continued to NASA's "Return to Flight" Discovery space shuttle launch July 4.Col. Steve

  • More airborne cargo means fewer convoys

    A new way of moving cargo in theater is allowing Airmen here to process more raw tonnage of cargo than airlift wings in the states, while doing it with a fifth of the manning. The 96 Airmen assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's aerial port flight are the core of the

  • Future Air Force Medical Service specialists train at Wilford Hall

    For many college students, summers consist of packing away textbooks, migrating home and heading to a dull, low-paying job or internship. For several U.S. Air Force Academy and ROTC cadets, a normal day's work could mean observing trauma response in an emergency room, an F-16 Fighting Falcon

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 6.In Iraq July 5, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided close-air support to coalition troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Salman Pak. Additionally, 13 Air Force, Navy, Australian and Royal Air Force

  • Bagram aircrews drop treats to Soldiers on fourth

    Aircrews from the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron airdropped something special on the Fourth of July for Soldiers at some of the most remote forward operating bases throughout Afghanistan. The 230th birthday of the United States proved to be another hot, dusty day here, but thanks to the C-130

  • Five servicemembers show off their arms at Nationals game

    On a sweltering hot day in the nation's capitol, five members of the armed forces were given the chance to take part in a Major League Baseball tradition.Representatives from the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard each threw out a ceremonial "first pitch" before the Washington

  • Airmen train to prepare for 'in-lieu-of' taskings

    More than 800 Airmen are attending Army ground combat skills training, preparing them for operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom deployments. The Airmen require the training because they will be assigned duties outside their normal Air Force specialties. In the near-term, these numbers are

  • AFN to end radio play-by-play sports

    Department of Defense officials announced July 5 that the American Forces Network, or AFN, will end broadcasting play-by-play sports on radio later this summer. The decision to discontinue live play-by-play sports on radio was based upon a series of DOD worldwide audience surveys of servicemembers

  • Air Force Marathon boasts new additions

    Officials announced that there will be a new team in town at the tenth anniversary Air Force Marathon. For the first time, a pace team will run with participants in the half-marathon, assisting participants who want to finish within a specific race time. "We are very excited to add a new pace team

  • 48th Fighter Wing jets receive high-tech overhaul

    When aircraft launch from the British Isles in September to support operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, they will be fitted with the most advanced avionics and carry the most accurate, lethal weapons in the Air Force inventory. The 48th Fighter Wing here has taken the Air Force lead in

  • Air Force stands up first network warfare wing

    Air Force officials will stand up the first network warfare wing here July 7 to better support the mission to "deliver sovereign options for the defense of the United States of America and its global interests -- to fly and fight in Air, Space and Cyberspace." The 67th Network Warfare Wing, formerly

  • 45th Space Wing supports shuttle launch

    The U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing provided Eastern Range support for NASA's launch of the space shuttle Discovery Tuesday. Discovery lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center at 2:38 p.m."Congratulations to the entire NASA, DOD and contractor launch team," said Brig. Gen. Susan Helms, 45th Space

  • Pacific Air Forces receives top safety honor

    Pacific Air Forces is the recipient of the Major General Benjamin D. Foulois Memorial Award in recognition for its flight safety program for the past year.The award was presented to the major command by members of the Order of Daedalians during a ceremony here July 1. To receive the annual flight

  • Air Force provides Army's weather support

    Many people do not realize the U.S. Army receives its weather support from the Air Force as part of an inter-service agreement when the two became separate services.Airmen from the 7th Weather Squadron, with headquarters at Heidelberg, Germany, have been providing that support since 1942.Supporting

  • Kirkuk control tower keeps watch day, night

    Organized chaos. Sounds like a contradiction, doesn't it?But that is exactly what the 506th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron air traffic control tower technicans keep their eyes on -- all day, every day. "It's something different every day," said Senior Airman Adam Guerrero, an air traffic

  • District dedicates hydropower plant, government center

    Governor Haji Bahlol and provincial leaders dedicated a new micro-hydropower station and governance facility at ceremonies in the Shutol District here June 28.The two projects, which have an important link, are provincial reconstruction team initiatives undertaken at the request of the governor. The

  • CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for July 1 to 2.July 2In Afghanistan July 1, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and B-1 Lancers provided close-air support for coalition forces taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Gereshk. A B-1B expended a guided

  • Aversion to needles doesn't stop donor

    A staff sergeant who cannot volunteer at the Air Force Theater Hospital does so in another way. He donates blood platelets. Staff Sgt. Bret Depratu, 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, has donated 10 units of blood platelets since his arrival in May, despite his aversion to needles. "I

  • Basic training grads say 4th of July feels different now

    Last year Airman 1st Class Samantha Riddle spent Independence Day floating down a river and watching fireworks. The day meant nothing more than a chance to hang out with friends and to enjoy a day off from the daily grind of working in the medical field. Now, as a graduate of Air Force basic

  • Airmen at Ali Base hand perimeter defense mission to Army

    After more than three years of protecting Ali Base, the Airmen of the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, known as the "Desert Hunters," turned over the perimeter defense mission to the Army's 528th Quartermaster Company on June 30.The ceremony culminated a month of training by the Desert

  • Joint forces team up for first sergeant training

    Senior NCOs from the U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force received additional-duty first sergeant training to learn important skills required to be a first sergeant. Two instructors traveled from the Air Force First Sergeant Academy at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., to teach the one-week

  • Author, activist speaks with Airmen

    Cloaked behind stories, imitations and comedy, a former Air Force technical sergeant, New York Times bestselling author and activist shared his message of doing what must be done to not only survive, but thrive.Dave Pelzer, author of a number of books, including "A Child Called 'It,'" volunteered

  • Veterans remember canines with care packages

    Staff Sgt. Erick Trusty is tired and dirty. Another day has come and gone that he survived. At least on this day an improvised explosive device -- one of the enemy's deadliest weapons of choice in Iraq -- didn't hit his team. And the raid he and others carried out on a house full of weapons and

  • Airman dies in non-combat related incident

    An Airman assigned to the 886th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at Camp Bucca, Iraq, died today in a non-combat related incident.The name and home unit of the deceased Airman is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.The incident is under investigation.  Additional information will

  • Despite stormy start, 'Katrina baby' thrives

    No, her name is not Katrina. Sage Madison Post's dramatic birth at Keesler Medical Center during a cesarean section by flashlight as Hurricane Katrina stormed ashore was an inspirational story in the tumultuous days after the storm. However, without the family's consent, federal regulations to

  • Course trains medics to save lives in the air

    Sweat runs into the student's eyes, blurring his vision as he strains to read the screen displaying his patient's vital signs. Loud engine noise disorients him and makes it hard to communicate with his two team members. It makes for a tense situation because a wrong move means the end of the line

  • Group mission inactivates at Keflavik, Iceland

    The 85th Group, a tenant unit at Naval Air Station, Keflavik, Iceland, marked 55 years of heritage and cooperation during an inactivation ceremony there June 28. "From fighters to helicopters, AWACS to tankers, NAS Keflavik has seen almost every aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory transitioned

  • Chief McKinley takes over top enlisted position

    The Air Force welcomed new Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley as he was passed the torch by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray in a ceremony here today. Chief Murray retires after 29 years of service with the last four as the chief master sergeant of the Air

  • Wavelet researchers want to ease decision-making process

    An Air Force Research Laboratory team began a new study on wavelets to help information analysts better prioritize workload. Basically, a wavelet represents a snapshot of information at a given point in time. The research team's estimated $200,000, one-year-long project is titled: "A New Paradigm in

  • Kiosk offers one-stop customer service

    The new Joint Services OneStop Kiosk at the Pentagon may look like an ATM, but it offers much more. The kiosk, unveiled June 29 at the Pentagon Metro entrance, is a customer service initiative that provides users with online Web access to such programs as MyPay, the Air Force Portal, and virtual

  • Summer 2006 quarterly issue of Airman available

    Read about how airpower is helping fight the war on terrorism, see how a team of Airmen mentors is making a difference in Afghanistan, follow the daily routine of an Air Force recruiter in the Big Apple, and tag along as Airmen prepare for detainee operations in the area of responsibility. These