Athena is one lucky dog

It’s a familiar, yet sad story. A family is getting ready for a permanent change of station but can’t take their pet with them. But instead of trying to find a new home for the pet, they choose to abandon it and leave the animal to fend for itself. Athena was one of those pets left behind. The boxer

Wingman can help combat the ‘holiday blues’

Being stationed overseas often means separation from family members. This, combined with holiday stress, can lead to what is known as the “holiday blues.” “The holiday blues refers to feeling sad when we should be feeling joy, happiness and a sense of peace,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Shon Neyland.

Air Force museum will display Disney military art

From "Donald Duck" to "Jiminy Cricket," a special exhibit that showcases more than 50 of Walt Disney's original World War II insignia designs will open Dec. 13 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The exhibit, entitled "Disney Pins on Wings," will include the original Walt Disney

Fuel cells could save Air Force thousands

Ten new five-kilowatt fuel cells in operation here could save the Air Force thousands of dollars in energy costs. The fuel cells, located at the base ground water treatment plant, have been operating since early October. Base officials unveiled the new alternative fuel source Dec 1. The cells, which

Evaluators put ‘Js’ through the paces

Active duty, Reserve and Guard C-130J Airmen put the aircraft through its wartime paces here during a joint training exercise. Airmen worked with Soldiers at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, La., to test the airplane last month. The exercise tested the aircraft’s ability to

Help desk changes speed up response times

Response times to communications outages are now almost immediate after the 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron here made changes to their help desk operations. The rapid response is the result of fixes that emphasize command-and-control in help desk operations. Most visible is the

Red Horse builds it all at Q-West

The sounds of hammers smashing nails and the buzzing of saws cutting wood, typically resonate through this forward Army outpost -- simply known as Q-West. The 200-plus civil engineering Airmen of the 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron are nowhere near an airfield. And they are nowhere near any

Engineers keep Kandahar airfield in the fight

Since arriving to support Operation Enduring Freedom, Air Force civil engineers here have been vital in keeping air operations on track. From repairing a 200-square-foot crater on the runway -- in less than an hour -- to upgrading the once substandard airfield, the 451st Air Expeditionary Group

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 54 close-air support missions Dec. 4 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They supported coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist

Are you ready for some football?

Nine Airmen from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., will be featured in a national promo for the National Football League’s Monday Night Football on ABC television today. Monday night promos are aired before each game and are watched by more than 20 million people each week. The promos normally feature

Tanker on alert

Americans, Germans ink Ramstein support agreement

German and U.S. Air Forces in Europe leaders signed an agreement that continues the Ramstein support arrangement between the two nations. The agreement covers logistical and administrative support provided to the German support unit at Ramstein, including housing and work space. Lt. Gen. Horst

Mildenhall mourns sergeant’s death

Master Sgt. Bernard Huggins was what people in the Air Force call a “fast burner.” In the military for 14 years, the flightline expeditor with the 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was promoted in July -- fairly early at age 33. Sergeant Huggins, who was from Manning, S.C., was found dead Nov. 18

Health care providers need new national identifier

To improve electronic transactions for health care, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services is now assigning a new provider identifier to standard transactions. The National Provider Identifier will be the single provider identifier, replacing those currently used for different systems and

Admiral Lippert: DLA changes will take team effort

Defense Logistics Agency Director Vice Adm. Keith Lippert said the agency’s transformation will be take a team effort. The admiral spoke of the change and other topics to more than 600 people Nov. 29 at the annual North American Defense Logistics Conference here. “The transformation is not going to

Dynamic Weasel sharpens combat skills

Exercise Operation Dynamic Weasel begins here today to hone the skills Airmen need for combat deployments. The exercise will sharpen tactics, techniques and procedural skills while practicing for combat situations, said Maj. Anthony Roberson, the 20th Operations Support Squadron director of

Airmen ensure deployed troops get their mail

When the truck backs into place and the back doors open, brown and white cardboard boxes are stacked far and wide. These are not ordinary boxes. They may be special links to families and friends back home during the holiday season. Knowing this, the five people at the post office at this base do

’Patriot Express’ reengineering on track

The reengineering process to significantly scale down Patriot Express is on track, said experts in Air Mobility Command’s Air Transportation Division. Patriot Express is an AMC-managed, military-chartered commercial air service for transporting Department of Defense customers to and from overseas

AF names environmental winners

The Air Force civil engineer announced the winners of the Gen. Thomas D. White Environmental Awards for 2005. Nine of the winners are eligible for the Secretary of Defense environmental awards and will go forward as the Air Force's nominees. The 2005 winners are: -- Environmental Quality Award

Thunderbirds release 2006 schedule

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the “Thunderbirds,” has announced its 2006 air show schedule. The team, based here, is scheduled to perform more than 65 public shows in 29 states. The 2006 schedule is as follows: March 25-26 -- Fort Smith, Ark.April 1-2 -- Punta Gorda, Fla. 8 --

Immersion turning out culturally savvy officers

Traveling to a foreign country, speaking the native tongue and understanding the culture are dreams to some people. But thanks to an Air Force program, line officers have the opportunity to turn those dreams into reality. Language and Area Studies Immersion is a program designed to build a force of

Operation Christmas Drop

Keeping Airmen alive

Kadena Airman convicted for possessing child pornography

A military court martial convicted an Airman here today of possessing child pornography.A military judge then sentenced Senior Airman Jason O. Green, of the 353rd Maintenance Squadron, to 20 months confinement, reduction to airman basic and a dishonorable discharge. But as the result of a pretrial

President remembers deployed troops at tree-lighting ceremony

President George W. Bush remembered America's deployed servicemembers he said are "serving the cause of peace" during the Dec. 1 Christmas Pageant of Peace and lighting of the national Christmas tree here. "We ask for God to watch over our men and women in uniform who are serving overseas," the

Teamwork saves miracle baby in San Antonio

Six-week-old Liliana Renovata of Galveston, Texas, looks completely healthy in her mother’s arms. She is feeding well and exhibits normal brain function. So Liliana will go home with her parents this week. Doctors said no baby has ever looked so good after 20 days on heart and lung bypass machines

Osprey flies spec ops forces into future

In addition to riding on the wings of Eagles, Falcons and Hawks, the Air Force will also fly with the Ospreys soon. The CV-22 Osprey, that is. The Air Force will buy 50 of the tilt-rotor aircraft for use by Air Force Special Operations Command. The Osprey will first go through several developmental

CENTAF continues Pakistan relief

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's Pakistan relief summary. The Air Force continued to support Pakistani-led earthquake recovery operations -- airlifting much-needed supplies into the devastated region Nov. 25 to Dec. 2. Three Air Force C-130 Hercules, two C-17 Globemasters

CENTAF releases airpower summary report

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary report. Coalition aircraft flew 52 close-air support missions Dec. 1 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to

Iraqi aircrew flies milestone mission

The first all-Iraqi aircrew to fly a solo mission flew their C-130E Hercules on an airlift mission from Ali Air Base to New Al Muthana. The nine-member crew of the Iraqi Air Force’s 23rd Airlift Squadron flew the historic mission Nov. 28. The crew did an engine running on-load at New Al Muthana

Life-saving inspection

Realistic training

New guide helps maintain 'human weapon system'

It's a theme every Airman can recite -- but many might find themselves at a loss as to how to help a fellow Airman in distress. A guide published by the Air Force Suicide Prevention Program is now available to explain how to be a good “wingman.” The Leader's Guide for Managing Personnel in Distress

New technologies tackle landing challenges

The Air Force Research Laboratory is demonstrating technologies that will allow Air Force transport aircraft to land in a range of environmental conditions -- anytime and anywhere. The lab’s Air Vehicles, Human Effectiveness and Sensors directorates here are working with three technologies that,

Reclamation center tops DOD for continuous process improvements

By reclaiming nearly 42,000 aircraft parts during fiscal 2004 and 2005, a team here saved the government $1.25 billion, while providing direct and often sole-source parts support to American and allied warfighters. As a result, the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center earned the 2005

Peterson teams among 'top dogs' at K-9 trials

Two 21st Security Forces Squadron teams placed near the top in the tactical obedience and top agency areas at a national competition for working dogs. This is the sixth consecutive year squadron’s military working dogs and their handlers from here competed at the Tucson Area Police K-9 Trials in

Airmen offload 250th Pakistan relief aircraft

The Air Force unloaded the 250th aircraft taking part in Operation Lifeline -- the humanitarian relief mission providing aid to the people hit by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake here in early October. The Idaho Air National Guard C-130 Hercules, arrived Nov. 29 at Chaklala Air Base from Afghanistan. It

DOD helps other nations address HIV challenges

As the world commemorates World AIDS Day today, the U. S. military is at work helping 67 militaries worldwide address HIV and AIDS within their ranks.This global outreach program -- now in its fifth year -- is lending U. S. military medical expertise and capabilities to help other militaries

Changes sweeten 're-up' bonuses in two careers

The Air Force changed the reenlistment window and waived obligated service requirements for Airmen in two career fields eligible to receive the enlisted critical skills retention bonus. Airmen who meet requirements may qualify for a retention bonus of up to $150,000. The reenlistment window now

Globemasters on ice

A-10 pilot ‘talks down’ civilian airplane with emergency

“Mayday. Mayday.” The distress call is familiar to most people who watch television and movies. But when it is made for real, it can make a pilot’s mouth go dry and his stomach cramp. That is the feeling pilot Naim Fazlija said he had when he made the distress call to German radar controllers when

Firefighters compete in World Firefighter Combat Challenge

700-plus Airmen face retraining

The ongoing Noncommissioned Officer Retraining Program will involuntarily retrain up to 777 active duty Airmen. The second phase of the program started Nov. 18 and will continues until the Air Force meets retraining targets.Enlisted retraining staff workers at the Air Force Personnel Center here

CENTAF releases its airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary.Coalition aircraft flew 59 close-air support missions Nov. 30 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

DOD 'steps up fight' against HIV/AIDS

Eighty senior military and medical officials from more than 30 countries will gather in San Antonio Dec. 2 to 9 to take part in the fifth annual HIV/AIDS course. This year’s theme is “Step Up the Fight.” Sponsored by the Defense Institute for Medical Operations, the course aims to help senior

DoD announces implementation of traumatic injury protection

The Department of Defense announced today the implementation of traumatic injury protection insurance under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program as enacted by section 1032 of Public Law 109-13. The program, which will be known as TSGLI, is designed to provide financial assistance to

Supplemental deployment health assessment starts in December

Airmen returning from deployment now have two opportunities to let healthcare workers know of their mental and physical health status. Beginning in December, the Air Force will require all Airmen returning from deployments to complete a post-deployment health reassessment. The PDHRA needs to be

Standard federal ID to replace common access cards

A new, standardized identification card is being developed for all federal employees. The new card will replace the common access cards that military personnel, government civilians and contractors now hold, said Mary Dixon, deputy director of the Defense Manpower Data Center. The new cards will

Civil engineers keep Yokota flightline in good shape

Deployed commander hands out hot chocolate to working troops

Remains of missing WWII-era Airman are examined

President Bush visits Airmen, border patrol in Arizona

Maintainers keep Minuteman IIIs ready

Nearly five decades after the Minuteman entered the United States' nuclear arsenal as President John F. Kennedy’s “Ace in the Hole,” technicians here are working to ensure it continues on active duty for the foreseeable future. The missile system watched over the nation as the Cold War ended, ground

Deployed wing transports its 1 millionth passenger

The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing lived up to its motto of “Boots on the Ground” when it recently transported its 1millionth passenger in a little more than two years.The wing reached this historic milestone when they transported 10 Army soldiers to their final destination within the area of

Symposium keys on space support

The theme for this year’s Air Force Association National Symposium was “Space – Enabling the War Fighter.” With this in mind, Space and Missile Systems Center commander Lt. Gen. Michael Hamel and other Air Force leaders, and industry partners met in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Nov. 18 to discuss their

Americans open their hearts to servicemembers

As the traditional gift-giving season gets under way, American people, corporations and service groups are showing their gratitude to American servicemembers, especially those who are deployed, in combat zones or wounded. "The outpouring from the public of goodwill, compassion and recognition for

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 55 close-air support missions Nov. 29 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They supported coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities, and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist

Major convicted for cocaine use, possession

An officer at the Air Force Institute of Technology pleaded guilty to possession and use of cocaine in a general court-martial Nov. 14 and 15. Maj. John R. Foresman was sentenced by a panel of officers to four months confinement, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and a dismissal. The charges

Combat cover

New contingency aeromedical staging facility opens

The “gateway” for patients awaiting transportation to Germany just got a little better when the 386th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility staff opened the doors to their new facility. The state-of-the-art facility, which opened Nov. 23, now offers patients a more comfortable environment to

Trick Pony brings season’s greetings to troops

The country music band Trick Pony is riding with the Air Force Reserve to Germany, Turkey, and a forward operating base in Southwest Asia, with a final stop at Keflavik, Iceland, Dec. 2. “We want to meet as many of the troops as possible and to thank them,” said Trick Pony’s lead singer Heidi

Airmen outside the wire

Air Force security forces are usually associated with base defense, but with the increased needs of the Army, deployed Airmen here are finding themselves outside the wire performing area security and winning hearts and minds. Security Forces Airmen from 17 bases, ranking from airman to lieutenant

New cargo pallet will save U.S. military $1.3 million

A large shipment of merchandise sits near a loading dock behind the U.S. Transportation Command here.  What makes this shipment different is that this shipment appears to be piled on a pallet which is also, on a pallet. Another federal faux pas? No, this pallet sandwich is really a new cost-saving

Air Force gun trucks deliver the goods

As Airmen saddle up for one of the most notorious jobs in Iraq, the mood is not dread, but drive and determination. There's confidence in every move as members of the 732nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron here at Forward Operating Base Speicher prepare to escort truck convoys on some of

Second chance: Active-duty father donates kidney

It’s evening, and the Pitman family is playing Candyland in their living room. Devin, 5, bounces from the sofa to the gameboard and pulls a card. “Ice cream!” the blue-eyed boy shouts, and moves his yellow pawn toward the end of the trail. “My turn,” his father says, leaning over the board to pull a

Ammo warriors keep close-air support of U.S., coalition forces a reality

Keeping a mission-capable supply of bullets coming as A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots respond to close-air support requests is a key role for a group of Airmen taking part in the ongoing global war on terrorism. Deployed here from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., the role of the 455th Air

For all B-52 flyers, all roads lead to the 11th BS

For B-52 Stratofortress aircrew members, all roads lead to Barksdale, more specifically the 11th Bomb Squadron. All "Buff" navigators, pilots or electronic warfare officers goes through their initial and upgrade training in the 11th BS. During 2005, the squadron processed 315 students.“Of the 315

Mechanics turn wrenches to save lives

Mechanics often talk about vehicle maintenance as if it were life and death. For the gun-truck maintainers of the 732nd Logistic Support Squadron, the idea is more than a figure of speech. The trucks they maintain help provide convoy security, traveling some of the most brutal roads in Iraq.

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 42 close-air support missions Nov. 28 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They supported coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities, and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist

Medical Group Airmen return from humanitarian mission

Nine members from the 9th Medical Group recently returned from a medical readiness exercise in Paraguay. While in Paraguay the members worked alongside security, Paraguayan military doctors and liaison officers, as well as physicians from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and Vandenberg AFB, Calif. The

Air transportation career field benefits from mobile learning

Two Airmen with the Air Mobility Warfare Center’s Mobility Operations School are helping fellow air transportation Airmen keep up on their training -- no matter where they are in the world. The effort, called mobile learning or “M-learning,” refers to the use of handheld devices when used to enhance

Feeding the 'Dragon'

ORIs evolve with modern war fighting

Airmen today can face deployment with increased confidence after practicing modified operational readiness inspection scenarios that reflect current wartime conditions. According to Air Combat Command's Inspector General Col. Tom Jones, with the expeditionary nature of today's Air Force, it is

Air Force seeks applicants for IA scholarship program

The Air Force is offering qualified officers, who apply no later than Jan. 3, the opportunity to compete for and earn a master's degree in the Information Assurance Scholarship Program. A board will convene Jan. 19 at the Air Force Personnel Center here to select officers to attend the IASP. The

Performing in Dubai

Restoring the connection

Quick transfer

Drawing up plans

Flooring it

Enduring friendships

Leaders visit Travis for AMC orientation

A group of Air Mobility Command mission support group commanders and an AMC general visited Travis recently as a part of AMC’s Excellent Installation Orientation. The team toured five AMC bases, including Dover Air Force Base, Del.;  Andrews AFB,  Md.; Charleston AFB, S.C.;  McConnell AFB, Kan.; and

Civil engineers build tent city in Southwest Asia

From hammers to bulldozers, from planning to construction along with muscles and sweat, the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron’s tent city project is under way and near completion. The planning for the tent city expansion program began in September. About 28 tents are being constructed to

Young man's dream tour causes 'ripple effect'

When a rock hits the calm surface of a pond, ripples form and travel outward in expanding circles. The story begins with a 14 year old and his dream -- a goal of overcoming his health problems and flying for the Air Force. The boy, Ryan Penne of Chico, Calif., stepped into dreamland last year at

All secure, and then some

Security in Southwest Asia is no joke, but you may still get a smile from security forces Airmen when they check your ID. Ensuring the security of coalition forces and resources is a job the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces team takes very seriously. “We have a dedicated and enthusiastic team

Reserve giving warfighters gifts they can use

Giving and receiving are the hallmarks of the holiday season. If you don't believe it, ask the aerial porters here who receive an average of 600,000 pounds of cargo every day and give the warfighters in Iraq "gifts" they can use. "When airlift operations at Frankfurt (Germany) closed, Incirlik ops

Deployed Airman receives call from president

While most people were waiting to make an important call on Thanksgiving, an Airman here was awaiting a call from an important person. Airman 1st Class Sarah Sullivan, an airfield management operations supervisor, received that call at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 24, when the White House switchboard put the

CENTAF releases airpower summary report

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary.Coalition aircraft flew 46 close-air support missions Nov. 27 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They  supported coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities, and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist

Ramstein Reservist helps injured troops get home

"Home for the holidays" is a familiar goal for many military people, but not Tech. Sgt. Katheryn Bicker. This Reservist from the 944th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB, Ariz., is forgoing her own holidays to help others in what she feels is the true spirit of the season. "I don't think about it being

Air Force fighters destroy terrorist hideout

U.S. Air Force F-16s successfully bombed a booby-trapped house in the vicinity of Al Mahmudiyah Nov. 23 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Anti-Iraqi forces had attacked Iraqi Army Soldiers with an improvised explosive device Nov. 21. Coalition ground forces then secured and searched the area of

Vandenberg Airmen put eyes in sky

Somewhere on Vandenberg, two Airmen wearing berets and rifle slings have their heads in a monitor as they fly a remote control plane. The Airmen are demonstrating a new capability for security, surveillance, reconnaissance, battle damage assessment and more, in the form of a four-pound,

Escort

TIKRIT, Iraq -- Senior Airman James Correll stands atop a 5-ton truck as he prepares to set out on a convoy from forward operating base Speicher. Airmen with the 732nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron here provide armed escort of combat logistics patrols to ensure passengers and cargo

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today’s airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 42 close-air support missions Nov. 24 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They supported coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities, and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist

Balad Airmen have sweeping task

Keeping the busy airfield here free of debris is a lot of work -- and takes a lot of sweeping. But Airmen from the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron airfield management flight and 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron pavements and equipment shop see it as a challenge. "We

The making of a memorial

It was his favorite holiday. He looked at his birthday in October as a count down to Christmas. So Army Sgt. Michael E. Yaschinski loved being with his family at that very special time of the year. “He never missed a Christmas, even when he was stationed in Italy -- except for 2003,” said his

Surviving the unthinkable

Airmen sang Christmas carols as they cruised their armored truck through the thick gray fog of Iraq’s northern desert on that late November morning. It was the 2004 holiday season and the Airmen were in good spirits as they neared the end of their 30-day mission. They had helped guard Army convoys

Mishap investigation training changes course

Figuring out what causes an airplane to crash is no easy task. But many flight surgeons, aerospace physiologists and some psychologists will be part of an aircraft mishap investigation at some point in their careers. So the more they know about what to do, the better. To better prepare students for

McConnell completes first refurbishment project

Several Airmen here joined the 22nd Maintenance Squadron's equipment excellence section in a Refurb Rollout ceremony Nov. 21, which celebrated the end of McConnell’s first complete KC-135 Stratotanker refurbishment. “The result was a 40-year-old aircraft that looked brand new in approximately 30

Festive preparations

Happy Thanksgiving

Checkin' things out