Final inspection

Little Rock Airmen provide “beans and bullets” downrange, again

A trip to the desert is nothing new for the 463rd Airlift Group here. On Jan. 20, 24 Airmen and two C-130 Hercules stepped up to deliver "beans and bullets" to the warfighter for more than 120 days. The experienced crew understands that airlift is important for reducing convoy operations in

Reserve command helps BRAC-affected personnel

Air Force Reserve Command has created a new program to help Reservists and civilians navigate Base Realignment and Closure, or BRAC, changes. The programs include a BRAC guide, member-tracking codes, two clearing houses, e-mail boxes and an archive. All are designed to assist those affected by the

AFRL breakthrough furthers space optics

Positioning three delicate, circular mirrors to one one-thousandth of the width of a human hair challenged scientists at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s space vehicles directorate here. But, not anymore. For five years they studied the deployable optical telescope, or DOT. The telescope

'Smart' cable helps protect aircraft

In December 2003 and January 2004, several Air Force aircraft took fire near Baghdad, Iraq, but the missile warning systems failed to indicate the attacks. Air Force officials looked to the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center to fix this problem. An airlift defensive systems “tiger team” was formed

Air Force casualties identified

The Department of Defense today identified the two Airmen killed Jan. 22 supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Airmen were killed when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device while conducting convoy escort duties near Taji, Iraq. They are: Tech. Sgt. Jason L. Norton, 32, of Miami,

Nine Airmen to represent AF at boxing championship

After two weeks of intense training and one tournament, nine Airmen have been selected to represent the Air Force at the Armed Forces Boxing Championship at Ventura Naval Base, Calif., Feb. 6 to 11. The boxers are: -- 1st Lt. Rodney Ellison, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.; -- Senior Airman Celsa

Morning bird

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 32 close-air-support missions Jan. 23 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

Lancer maintenance

EOD working to protect others

It takes a special person to deal with the stress of working with explosives. That pressure motivates the 34 Airmen assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron’s explosive ordnance disposal flight here and at five forward-operating bases. Staff Sgt. Micah Jobe, EOD team leader, is

Raptor completes operational refueling flight first

Airmen from the 18th Air Refueling Squadron here took part in the first operational aerial refueling mission for the F-22A Raptor Jan. 21 in support of Operation Noble Eagle. The F-22A Raptor was declared operational by the Air Force Dec. 15. It is the newest fighter aircraft for the Air Force,

Firefighters do more than name implies

The 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron Fire Prevention Flight does more than fight fires. "In addition to fire and medical calls we respond to hazardous materials, confined space and high angle rescue calls," said Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Raymond, 332nd ECES fire chief. The flight also

Portion size critical to losing weight

The health and wellness center, or HAWC, here has now initiated a new program that emphasizes healthier eating habits and weight control called Portion Off the Pounds. The 10-week program offers weekly weigh-ins, nutrition education and an ongoing support group. "The concept of the class is to show

Force-shaping officers can go into Reserve

"One weekend a month, two weeks a year." This catch phrase has been repeated on television commercials over the years, but for those facing the Air Force's force-shaping initiative, it may soon become a reality. Joining the Reserve is one option open to those lieutenants affected by force shaping.

Airmen survive on island showcased in 'Survivor'

Capt. Kristen Bakotic first learned about Palau while watching the two-hour finale of the reality television show “Survivor.” When she found out the Air Force was looking for enlisted people to volunteer for a six-month tour here, she checked to see if they needed an officer. The Air Force had in

Rocket journeys to edge of solar system

The 45th Space Wing helped successfully launch the NASA Pluto New Horizons spacecraft on an Atlas V rocket here Jan. 19. The wing provided launch base support to Lockheed Martin and International Launch Services, who serve as the commercial spacecraft and booster vehicle provider to the National

CMSAF Murray visits Southern Command units

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray toured units throughout U.S. Southern Command Jan. 16 to 19 to express Air Force leaders’ appreciation for what Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians within the command do every day. Chief Murray visited Airmen in Honduras, Ecuador,

F-22A Raptor flies first operational missions

The F-22A Raptor showed another of its capabilities when it flew its first two operational sorties over the United States in support of Operation Noble Eagle Jan. 21 and 22. The Raptor mission came one week after the 27th Fighter Squadron -- the first unit to fly the jet -- converted to the Air

CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for Jan. 21 to 23. Coalition aircraft flew 32 close-air support missions Jan. 22 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and

Two Airmen killed in IED explosion

Two Airmen from the 586th Expeditionary Mission Support Group were killed, and one Airman was injured, by an improvised explosive device while on convoy escort duties near Taji, Iraq, Jan. 22. The names of the Airmen are being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Tanker sunset

Mountain Home maintainers keep Eagles, Falcons flying

Behind every good jet is a good maintainer –- actually, make that several maintainers. More than 850 Airmen with the 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here serve as the first line of defense for maintenance on 73 jets, ensuring they’re safe, reliable and ready to fly when pilots need them. The

Vehicle management flight keeps Barksdale moving

The responsibility for all government vehicles here falls to the 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron’s vehicle management flight. That accountability includes buying 25 vehicles a year and managing 894 vehicles, with an annual repair budget of $1.6 million. Master Sgt. Michael Boyles, vehicle

A-10 pilots, support personnel head to OEF

More than 400 Airmen with the 355th Fighter Squadron and the 354th Maintenance Group and their A-10 Thunderbolt IIs recently left for a 120-day deployment. “I’m excited to go on this deployment,” said Capt. Darrell Walton, a pilot with the 355th. “With so much training space here in Alaska, I

Taking action

Boxing it out

Decontamination

Security forces squadron leads combat path

In a vast wasteland of Third World countries paved with improvised explosive devices and teenagers armed with rocket-propelled grenades, you’ll find Airmen defending freedom. Airmen with the 366th Fighter Wing here are no strangers to combat operations, but one group shares this load more often. The

ACC chief visits with deployed Airmen

The top Air Combat Command chief master sergeant recently toured units here to ensure Airmen were properly trained and equipped before deploying. Command Chief Master Sgt. David Popp said the No. 1 reason for his visit was ensuring that the Airmen deploying from ACC units are trained, equipped and

Barksdale lends helping hand in filming movie

Barksdale Airmen helped movie crews film “The Guardian” here Jan. 12 and 13. Although originally slated to shoot in New Orleans, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina quickly changed the movie’s plans. “We were planning on making the movie in New Orleans. Obviously, Katrina hit, and we had to move

Total force meets at Fort Dix for conference

More than 20 senior officers from the air mobility total force met to improve practices during a director of mobility forces conference at the Air Mobility Warfare Center here Jan. 18 to 19. The conference was an opportunity for leaders in the mobility world to enhance practices in current

Leasing option increases Air Force land value

Underutilized Air Force land does not need to sit idle any longer. The Air Force Real Property Agency converts underutilized land and infrastructure into real value for the Air Force, installations and communities through the enhanced use leasing option, officials said. "Enhanced use leasing is a

Security forces transformation to affect total force

As the Air Force continues to adapt for the future, changes to the security forces career field will affect the total force. Brig. Gen. Robert Holmes, director of security forces and force protection, calls these transformations a “refocus” on how his people train and fight. “We’re not in the Cold

Team provides free clinic care to Palau islanders

A physician assistant recently arrived here to provide free health care to islanders who cannot afford local hospital fees. Being the only health care provider on the largest Palau island, is a challenge that Capt. Dan Calderon is excited to undertake. “When I first heard about this (three-month

Guam Guard works side-by-side with active-duty counterparts

Maria Ronquillo is known as one of the nicest and most caring teachers on Guam. As a teacher consultant for a high school here, she frequently visits students to make sure they have good grades and make progress in their classes. But you don’t want to see this friendly islander make a “house call”

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces released today's airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 50 close-air support missions Jan. 19 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

Tips offered for tax season

Tax season has once again arrived, and military personnel should know several things to make their returns easier and more beneficial, a military official said here yesterday. One of the most notable changes to the tax code this year is the addition of provisions for victims of hurricanes Katrina,

Former president visits Airmen

Air Force takes delivery of first production Global Hawks

The first of two production Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles began flying missions in support of the global war on terrorism within hours of arriving in theater earlier this month. The aircraft -- managed by the Aeronautical Systems Center's Global Hawk Systems Group here -- are part of the 12th

5+1+1 equals U.S. air superiority

Five + one + one = the ability to direct the command and control of U.S. and coalition air power across the globe. “It also equals seven of course. That's the number of ‘Falconer’ air and space operations centers, and Falconer support centers, how online with common capabilities,” said Lt. Col. Rob

Paint ball or training?

Where there's smoke, there's training

Being caught in a burning building would be terrifying. It’s not an experience most people would welcome. And yet for some, it is. For two brave souls with the 506th Expeditionary Medical Services Squadron, the opportunity to don a full protective suit and go into the smoke simulation burn trainer

Beale squadron welcomes Brown Bag University

The Air Force provides opportunities and financial support for school, both personal and professional. Many bases also offer on-base programs so Airmen don’t have to commute to a local college. For the first time at Beale AFB, a school is now coming right to a squadron. “The concept of Brown Bag

Aircraft control

JSTARS adds blue force tracking capability

The ability to distinguish between friend and foe, a concept known as blue force tracking, is critical to conducting effective network-focused military operations. The Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar Systems Group made its first steps toward that goal by installing a system called Force XXI

Wilford Hall becomes Air Force's cytology center

New technology has made it possible for the Air Force’s seven cytology centers to be consolidated into one. Since Wilford Hall Medical Center’s cytology department is already the busiest center, performing 32 percent of all Air Force pap smears, it was recommended that the consolidation be handled

Airmen train on latest technology

A shadowy silhouette is seen through dust clouds, brush and trees. There’s neither enough sun nor moonlight to distinguish the surroundings. The atmosphere is unfamiliar, uncomfortable, dangerous and unpredictable. You know your enemy is watching your every move. Relief is found in a locked and

Start date for new personnel system pushed back three months

Defense officials have scaled back the initial group of civilian employees to fall under the new National Security Personnel System to 11,000 from a previously scheduled 60,000, officials announced Jan. 17. The implementation date was also changed from Feb. 1 to April 30. Personnel officials have

ROBE upgrade sets KC-135 on forefront of battle communications

A KC-135 Stratotanker here was fitted with upgraded communications equipment recently which will revolutionize battle space and the way the United States and its allies fight wars. After 18 months on the drawing board, the Roll-On Beyond Line-of-Sight Enhancement Spiral 2 program, ROBE, has been

Airman 'slugs' his way through D.C. assignment

Rush-hour traffic in the national capital region can be frustrating. To fend off the bumper-to-bumper blues, several servicemembers and civilians have taken to "slugging" -- the nickname given to instant carpooling here. To use the high occupancy vehicle lanes on many of the highways here, drivers

Airmen teach islanders construction skills

Members of the all-Air Force civic action team working here are not content with just building construction projects -- they want to teach Palauan how to do it. Eleven islanders are employed under the team’s apprenticeship-training program. Each works with a team member for training in the Airman’s

Joint patrol helps keep Kunsan Airmen safe

The 8th Security Forces Squadron Town Patrol, together with elements of the Korean National Police, or KNP, are conducting patrols of Kunsan City areas popular with base members. They actively patrol restricted areas and popular destinations of Kunsan City, said Master Sgt. Aaron Hascher, 8th SFS

Reservists attend first safeguard training exercise

While many Airmen were glued to the tube watching the NFL playoffs, the 939th Air Refueling Wing went to training camp to learn how to better survive and operate in a war, contingency or emergency. The 43 Reservists went to the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center at Camp Douglas, Wis., to

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released its daily airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 50 close-air-support missions Jan. 18 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and

Infrastructure team makes the 'POInT'

A group of Air Force civil engineers huddle in front of a large wall map at the back of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 1st Brigade Combat Team’s headquarters here. The red and green lines that meander from dot to dot across the large white map command their attention. They are the Power

Balad add-on armor shop comes to a close

After the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a need for extra armor on convoy vehicles arose. Insurgents were killing Airmen and Soldiers through roadside improvised explosive devices. Airmen here have been protecting convoys and the people who ride in them since then by installing extra armor to

Predeployment briefings

Winter training

Last WC-130H departs Keesler

The last of a generation of aircraft lifted gently off the runway here Jan. 12. “This is the end of an era. For years the H model performed magnificently meeting the needs of the weather mission; however, it is time to move on,” said Brig. Gen. Rich Moss, commander of the 403rd Wing. “The increased

Air Force announces selections to captain

The Air Force has selected 1,027 first lieutenants for promotion to captain, with a selection rate of 98.28 percent. The list of selectees is posted on the Air Force Personnel Center's officer promotions homepage at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/offprom. The calendar year 05C Captain Selection Process

F-15 painters using new environmentally safer fluids

Aircraft painters can breathe a little easier thanks to the development of a new material used for stripping and painting F-15 Eagles. The Air Force is continuing its path toward environmentally friendly mission execution. A partnership with the University of Missouri-Rolla; Air Force Research Lab,

Air Force to replace combat search and rescue helicopters

Air Force combat search and rescue teams will use a new helicopter -- the now under development CSAR-X -- to help recover downed pilots around 2012. The new helicopter will replace 101 HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters Air Force combat search and rescue teams now use. The Air Force expects to begin

Alaska Airmen operate out of Guam

The 168th Air Refueling Wing was the first Air National Guard tanker unit deployed to Guam after Sept. 11, 2001. Five years later, the Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Airmen are back on the island with their KC-135 Stratotankers as part of a theatre support package for U.S. Pacific Command flying

CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released its daily airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 52 close-air-support missions Jan. 17 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and

Refuel over the Pacific

Global Hawk UAV 'arrives'

Flight showcases future Weapon Data Link Network

Two-way communications with a weapon after it's released from an aircraft is at the forefront of all new weapons technology, and standards for it has become a priority. Such standards were successfully implemented and demonstrated during a recent series of flight demonstrations here for the Weapon

Trainees learn attention to detail through 'warrior' mindset

You won't find today's basic trainees hunched over brown T-shirts, tugging at them with tweezers to make perfect 6-inch squares. Instead, you will soon find Airmen who have mastered the M-16 rifle, can identify its components, field-strip and clean it, and reassemble it without the slightest

Air Force bowls over competition

The Air Force swept the individual and team efforts in the Armed Forces Bowling Championships at the National Bowling Stadium here Jan. 11. Kristen Elmore of Geilenkirchen Air Base, Germany, and Martin Bedford of Hill Air Force Base, Utah, won the women's and men's divisions, respectively. Elmore

Think of safety first

Keeping Airmen here safe is not a task taken lightly by the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing’s ground safety office. "Our job is to prevent the loss of life or damage to government equipment," said Tech. Sgt. Clyde Lathon, 332nd AEW ground safety manager. "We are the Air Force equivalent to the

Guam-based conservation helps save endangered species

Conservation efforts here are protecting endangered species and allowing for the re-introduction of two bird types. Andersen Air Force Base has a national wildlife refuge covered by a limestone forest, a sensitive island ecosystem that supports native fauna and flora, including threatened and

Airmen extend knowledge and manpower to island of Palau

For only the second time since the mid-1970s, the civic action team program in Palau is composed entirely of Airmen from around the world. Thirteen Airmen are living and working on the island made famous a year and a half ago on the reality television series “Survivor.” But the Airmen aren’t here

Command post keeps Balad secure

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- Senior Airman Jeff Mangalin of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing command post, talks to an aircraft preparing to taxi into the base here. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Bryan Franks)

Andersen AFB: growing to meet its mission

The eyes of U.S. military leaders are once again focused here to provide peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. “The strategic importance of Andersen is rejuvenating,” said Col. Michael Boera, the 36th Expeditionary Air Wing commander. “No longer is Andersen the sleepy hollow it’s been

Civil engineers plan for the future

Expansion plans here have civil engineers drawing up blueprints for construction projects for next year, the next five years, even the next decade. “We’re planning for the future so that 50 years from now people will be glad we designed everything right the first time,” said Lt. Col. Marvin Smith,

Kadena pilot in good condition

An F-15 Eagle from the 44th Fighter Squadron here crashed at approximately 10 a.m. today during an air-to-air training mission. The location of the crash site was at an area known as W-173, an over-water training zone about 65 miles (55 nautical miles) northeast of here. The fighter jet was part of

'Air and Space Power Journal' winter edition available

The College for Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education at Air University has published and distributed the Winter 2005 edition of the Air Force's professional journal, "Air and Space Power Journal." Published here, the Air and Space Power Journal serves as an open forum for the presentation and

AMC completes KC-135 accident investigation board

Air Mobility Command has released the results of its investigation into the May 15, 2005, mishap involving a KC-135R Stratotanker assigned to the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Milwaukee, Wis. An accident investigation board, convened by AMC, concluded the cause of the accident was unforeseen,

B-1s at the ready

CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the combined airpower summary report for Jan. 13 to 17. Coalition aircraft flew 50 close-air support missions Jan. 16 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction

Monster recruiter

Remembering MLK

New C-17 Globemaster III honors President Reagan

Former first lady Nancy Reagan today helped dedicate the Air Force’s newest C-17 Globemaster III to honor her late husband, former President Ronald Reagan. The Spirit of Ronald Reagan is assigned to Air Force Reserve Command’s 452nd Air Mobility Wing here. It is the first Reserve unit to fly its own

Rex the Dog finds new home

A 21st Security Forces Squadron Airman is the first military working dog handler allowed to adopt her K-9 partner from active duty. Tech. Sgt. Jamie Dana, a military working dog handler, has been waiting since August for the official word after she requested to adopt her K-9, Rex. The two were

Langley celebrates Raptor's initial operational capability

The 1st Fighter Wing held a ceremony here today to celebrate the F-22A Raptor's initial operational capability. The event comes after the 27th Fighter Squadron was officially declared IOC on Dec. 15 by Gen. Ronald E. Keys, commander of Air Combat Command. The IOC declaration proves the F-22A is

President's physician receives first star

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 Dec. 31. More information can be found at online at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/demographics. Statistics rounded to the nearest tenth.

Preflight inspection

Radar check

Combat tactics

Back home

Training Ravens

Medevac flight keeps warfighters in the fight

Moving the wounded, sick or injured to where they can receive the right level of care is the focus of a group of medical specialists deployed here supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. From coordinating airlift to providing medical care while in flight, Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary

Improved armored vests reflect changing enemy tactics

U.S. military members serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other dangerous areas will soon receive revamped armored vests that provide more side protection, senior officials said here today. The vest changes are designed to prove effective in protecting servicemembers from shrapnel fragments, especially

SERE instructor takes training to a new level

As nightfall approaches, the temperature drops to single digits. The layers of clothing that seemed more than adequate earlier, now offer little protection from the bone-chilling breeze and icy ground. But, that is the least of the survivors’ concerns. “They’re not just surviving,” Tech Sgt. Micheal

F-16 pylons receive upgrade

Wiring for pylons on F-16 Fighting Falcons are being upgraded by the 309th Commodities Maintenance Squadron at Ogden Air Logistics Center here, enabling the jets to handle 21st century smart munitions. The cables that deliver the pilot's commands to the munitions must be more complex as weapon

Airman killed in aircraft crash

An Air Force officer was among four killed Jan. 10 in the crash of a T-39 Sabreliner training aircraft in Walker County, Ga. First Lt. Jason Davis, 28, was a student navigator with Training Squadron 86 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. He entered the Air Force on Nov. 14, 2001. The others killed

B-1B Lancers rotate into Andersen

B-1B Lancers from the 34th Bomb Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D, have deployed here. The rotation was seamless for the 34th BS because they traded the rotation with another Ellsworth squadron, which left its bombers behind for them to use. “The support we’ve received from Andersen has been

Tactical entrance