Academy sports recap: Falcons finish third in track and field tourney

Backed by a second-place finish from Nick Wilson and a 10th-place finish from Nicole Graham, the Air Force men’s and women’s cross country team finished third at the Willamette Invitational in Salem, Ore., on Oct. 1. Other top finishers were Mark Walter with an 11th-place finish behind a time of 24

Security escorts eyes, ears for base security

They are “not your average babysitter.” In fact, the 376th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron’s security escorts are referred to as the frontline of defense and the eyes and ears of security forces here. “They provide the base with the ability to support multiple contracts without impacting the

‘Coronet East’ flies home

Officials announce lieutenant colonel selections

Air Force officials selected 1,371 majors for promotion out of 7,439 considered by the lieutenant colonel line, biomedical sciences corps and nurse corps boards. The results and selection statistics are as follows: In-the-promotion zone: -- 1,073 line officers were selected from 1,454 considered for

Loyal partners sniff out trouble in Iraq

After a couple of years apart, Ori and Tyreese are partners again. And the security forces duo is deployed and back on the job sniffing out trouble at an entry control point here. Staff Sgt. Tyreese McAllister was the first handler Ori was assigned to after the German shepherd graduated from the

A strong connection

All in a day's work

Father, son reunite on deployment

A father finding his son in a desert is tough enough, but when the two are from different services it is even tougher. But that is exactly what happened to this Airman and Soldier. Senior Master Sgt. James Sedoris of the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group, was asked to drive a couple of medics to a

U.S. delivering F-15s to South Korea Air Force

The two newest F-15 Eagles off the Boeing production line in St. Louis are on their way to South Korea. South Korea Air Force officials purchased 40 fighters from Boeing for $4.2 billion, and the first two stopped here Oct. 2 on their way to Seoul. “We have been coordinating with Pacific Air Forces

Family support center helps inmates prepare for freedom

Sue O’Neal believes a repentant Airman who has committed a crime and is serving time in a military confinement facility here deserves a second chance. “We all make mistakes in life,” Ms. O’Neal said. “Some people end up paying for those mistakes -- some don’t. But in my view, no one is a throwaway.”

Airmen control, contain, communicate at Ali Base

It is not easy getting on base, and that is the way it should be. Around-the-clock missions supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom are spearheaded here thanks to the multiple layers of protection provided by the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. Visitors to Ali Base arriving by road quickly

407th ECES brings boxes together, expands clinic

The magazine selection has not changed, but everything else about the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron medical clinic here has. Fifteen Airmen from several occupational specialties came together recently to double the clinic’s work space. Patients now have more privacy during screenings and

Bioenvironmental engineers keep people healthy

Staff Sgt. Terrence Jaimungal dips a vial into the Back River and comes back up with water, dirt, grass and other visible objects. But it is the things that cannot be seen by the naked eye that Sergeant Jaimungal is concerned with -- things most Airmen will not notice but can do them harm, such as

Academy takes part in 'joint' study

The U.S. Air Force Academy has joined forces with civilian universities on a $2.8-million study of risk factors for a common knee injury among athletes and servicemembers. The prospective cohort study focuses on human movement risk factors involved in injuries to the knee’s anterior cruciate

USAFE returns African Union troops to Rwanda

Two U.S. Air Forces in Europe C-130 Hercules returned about 80 African Union peacekeepers from the Darfur region of the Sudan on Oct. 2. The AU troops are the first of 200 scheduled to be redeployed by the 86th Air Expeditionary Group from Sudan to Rwanda , following about six months providing

Cutting-edge communications essential in emergency response

Communication is like water, heat or air conditioning -- it is virtually invisible when the system is operating smoothly. No one notices it unless it stops. While most military communications technicians understand that attitude and generally stay out of the spotlight, the Incident Commanders,

Returning crews brave thunderstorms, land safely

It is the stuff movies are made from: A thunderstorm wall as high as 45,000 feet and two aircraft -- one with limited radar coverage -- 100 miles from their intended course. After unloading 70 passengers and their cargo at El-Fashir airstrip in Darfur on Sept. 30 as part of the African Union

Academy family rewarded for ‘extreme’ caring

They lined Highway 24 in rural Peyton, Colo., about 30 miles east of here, straining to get a better glimpse of this real life “Field of Dreams.” A stretched limousine carrying an eager academy family pulled carefully alongside a huge bus so they could not see the miraculous transformation their

Bagram upgrade taken on by Red Horse engineers

Aircraft parking space is getting a boost from the ground up here as a team of Red Horse engineers remove and replace 60,000-square meters of ramp space. Once complete, the $4.4-million airfield construction project will provide U.S. and coalition aircraft supporting Operation Enduring Freedom a

Academy chemistry department leads UAV research

Future Air Force leaders here are working to produce a stealthier unmanned aerial vehicle powered by an alternative energy source. The research project into fuel cells and hydrogen storage materials started about 10 years ago as a collaboration between the academy, Ball Aerospace Corp in Boulder,

Texas National Guard relief efforts move to rural areas

As power is restored to smaller cities, Texas National Guardsmen are moving further into rural areas of Texas to assist Federal Emergency Management Agent officials with distribution of food, water and ice to Hurricane Rita victims. Task Force-Seguin, which comprises 300 Army and Air National

Air Force posthumously awards Bronze Star

An Air Force chaplain’s assistant was posthumously recognized in a Brewer, Maine, ceremony Sept. 27 for his participation in a Korean War airlift that saved nearly 1,000 orphans. Staff Sgt. Merle Y. Strang played a key part in evacuating orphans from war-torn Seoul, South Korea, to the safer

Volunteers give comfort by sewing

Sewing circles are not a thing of the past. On Tuesday nights, in a suburb just outside of Washington, D.C., a half-dozen women -- sometimes more -- gather to talk about their week, share a few laughs and sew. They are not sewing for themselves or their families, however. They are volunteers of the

Colorado State rams Falcons, 41-23

The only pretty thing about the academy playing Colorado State University Sept. 29 that many Falcon fans saw was the scenery lining the 110-mile drive along I-25 from Colorado Springs, Colo., to here. Falcon fans who made the trek north to join the crowd of 26,711 fans at Sonny Lubick Field at

Rhein-Main mission ends, but not its legacy

Bob Keffer is looking for work again. But at age 70, he knows it won’t be easy.But he has no choice. There is no future for him at Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany -- outside Frankfurt -- where he worked for the past 31 years. The base closes this year.Still, he’s optimistic. If he can just find a

Air Force hospital saves lives of Iraqi terrorist attack victims

Shortly after terrorists set off a string of car bombs in the nearby town of Balad on Sept. 29, medical professionals at the Air Force Theater Hospital here prepared for an influx of severely injured patients."When we started unloading the first Army helicopter, I realized that everyone who came in

Chapel 'zips' relief to Katrina workers, victims

Four weeks after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast region, the chapel service here continues to accept donations for aid in the ongoing recovery and relief operations here.The chapel is participating in Operation Zip Lock, where they are collecting donations of basic, travel-size

Marines turn up the heat for Airmen on Okinawa

Firefighters have a common enemy, regardless of the color of their uniforms. And Marines here recently assisted Airmen to maximize training against this dangerous foe.Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Marines with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron here conducted simulated aircraft fire training

Dividends from OEF, OIF pay off for medics in Katrina aftermath

The Air Force Medical Service’s response to Operation Katrina drew from a process that began in Operation Enduring Freedom, broadened in volume in Operation Iraqi Freedom and paid dividends in the huge military medical response to a devastating domestic disaster, the Air Force surgeon general

Environmental cleanup ahead of schedule

The Air Force has given its air logistics centers until the year 2014 to clean up sites contaminated from past industrial operations. And, Robins Air Force Base is ahead of schedule with 13 systems now in place to clean up remaining sites. To date, more than half of the total 79 environmental sites

Seymour Johnson Airman shot to death on post-deployment leave

A security forces Airmen from here was shot to death while on post-deployment leave in Galveston, Texas.The death of Airman 1st Class Phillip Ovalle has been ruled a homicide by the Houston Police Department, and an active-duty Marine has been charged with the murder, according to a base spokesman

Services Airmen ensure people get ‘comforts of home’

Airmen with the 147th Fighter Wing services flight at Ellington Field, Texas, are ensuring everyone supporting Hurricane Rita relief efforts have a hot meal to eat and a comfortable bed to sleep in.While some servicemembers deployed there from various parts of the country are sleeping and working in

Myers retires; Pace takes JCS helm

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld hosted an armed forces farewell tribute and hail ceremony in honor of Gen. Richard B. Myers, the 15th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, 16th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Sept. 30 at Fort Myer, Va. The ceremony

Air Commandos build bonds with African country

A select team of combat aviation advisors from the 6th Special Operations Squadron here recently deployed to the edge of the Sahara desert to train with the fledgling Niger Air Force.Because the 6th SOS has been to Niger numerous times, the air commandos understand how to adapt to living and working

Small Diameter Bomb certified for operational test, evaluation

19! 23! 35! 37! 20!No, that's not a football audible at the line of scrimmage, but the accomplishments of the Small Diameter Bomb Program: the number of months, 19, from the system design and development contract award to the first production contract award; the number of months, 23, from

Airman killed in Iraq

An improvised explosive device killed a female Airman during a convoy mission supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson, 21, was providing convoy security Sept. 28 near Camp Bucca, Iraq, when the vehicle she was riding in was hit by an improvised explosive device. The

Air Force Climate Survey helps shape future force

Airmen will have the power to shape the Air Force of the future through the 2005 Air Force Climate Survey that begins Oct. 1. “This survey will help us ensure we are taking care of our most important asset -- our people,” said Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. T. Michael Moseley. “We have used

Air Force engineers get regional airport up, running

Two Airmen with the 147th Civil Engineer Flight here provided critical support to the Southeast Texas Regional Airport by restoring power to the facility after it was disabled by Hurricane Rita.Senior Master Sgt. Michelle Milliard, the engineer flight noncommissioned officer in charge, along with

Noise research may open thousands more airports in nation

Commercial airlines may soon be able to land at 8,000 more U.S. airports because of research involving Air Force test pilots.If the research is applied, no longer will aircraft be restricted from landing at smaller airports because of the excessive noise aircraft make upon landing, according to

DOD implements image-based teller system at Community Banks overseas

A new image-based teller system being implemented by the Community Bank operated by Bank of America is reducing check-processing time at overseas air bases. The new teller system employs the latest technology and incorporates features of the recent Check 21 Act.The new system, already in place in

Reservists reducing hurricane-born insects

Hurricane Katrina did more than claim lives and destroy property. The deadliest storm in U.S. history flooded acres of land with standing water, providing a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes and filth flies.To counter a mass increase in mosquitoes in the Gulf Coast region, Air Force reservists

Captain one of 10 outstanding young Americans

A captain with the 116th Air Control Wing here is one of the 10 Outstanding Young Americans for 2005 chosen by the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce.Capt. Paul Maykish received the award during the Jaycees’ 67th annual black-tie awards ceremony held at the Boston World Trade Center Sept. 17.The

Stop movement order lifted for Texas Naval Air stations

The Air Force and Navy have reinstated permanent change of station and temporary duty travel for civilian and military personnel to Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas; NAS Kingsville, Texas; and Naval Station Ingleside, Texas.People returning to these locations are reminded to pay close

Negotiation Center of Excellence established

Air Force officials announced the creation of a Negotiation Center of Excellence at the Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. The center will spearhead the development and application of negotiation, collaboration and problem-solving skills throughout the Air Force.“More and more,

Air Force chapel programs donate thousands

In recent weeks, Air Force chapels raised thousands of dollars to provide comfort for those affected by Hurricane Katrina.Chapel communities contributed more than $376,000 for Hurricane Katrina survivors since the storm hit three weeks ago, according to the Air Force Chief of Chaplains Office

Air Force taking applications for overseas study

The Air Force is offering the opportunity for graduate study overseas for two years to at least 10 to 12 line officers through the Olmsted Scholar Program. Those selected will begin study in the 2006-2007 school year.The Olmsted selection board is scheduled to convene in December and will nominate

C-141 approaches historical conclusion as last flight nears

Since its first flight Dec. 17, 1963, the C-141 Starlifter has enjoyed a prestigious history.The last chapter of that history will be written in October when the Air Force's last C-141 unit, the 445th Airlift Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, starts replacing its Starlifters with the

Eglin fighters shine at Bright Star

The 33rd Fighter Wing here was the Air Force’s lone fighter unit in Egypt to participate in the joint-combined training exercise Bright Star 05/06.The exercise, which began Sept. 10 and ends Oct. 3, is U.S. Central Command’s largest coalition exercise. It tests theater engagement activity and boosts

Medics transform ‘Toy Land’ into medical treatment facility

The Texas Air National Guard stood up Task Force Compassion here to provide Hurricane Rita evacuees medical support and to evacuate non-critical patients from overburdened local hospitals.Task force Airmen and Soldiers began setting up a 10-bed medical treatment facility overnight in Ellington’s

C-141 flies last mission from combat zone

For the last time in its long career, a C-141 Starlifter aircraft will fly military patients out of a war zone Sept. 30.The flight from Iraq will end a five-day mission to the Middle East for the airlift plane from the 445th Airlift Wing here. The aircraft first started airlifting the sick and

First Danish female fighter pilot continues training

When Denmark graduated its first female fighter pilot, it was a special moment for the country. Now she is going through the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program here.Although a few other women began the program with her, 2nd Lt. Line Bonde was the only one to make it through Denmark’s

Check the oil please

It’s a long flight over “the pond” from the United States to Africa and Europe. Sometimes that flight is twice as long for those deploying to Southwest Asia.Moron Air Base is bout halfway to those locations -- and the key bases from where the U.S. military runs Operations Iraqi and Enduring

Relief supplies, people continue arriving at Ellington Field

More than 100 tons of relief supplies have left this airfield for hurricane-affected Gulf Coast areas via CH-47 Chinook helicopters since Sept. 24. The airfield, which is the central hub for Texas relief operations, is home to the 147th Fighter Wing and its fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcon jets. Wing

Air Force national museum adds ‘Wild Weasel’ exhibit

An exhibit commemorating the accomplishments of the "Wild Weasels" during the Vietnam War was unveiled recently at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.The exhibit contains an F-105G "Thunderchief" aircraft; an SA-2 surface-to-air missile and launcher; items such as maps, flight gear, helmets,

Rehab center to target rebuilding lives

A former Soldier and his son, now philanthropists, joined wounded warriors and military leaders at Brooke Army Medical Center here Sept. 22 to break ground for two 21-bedroom Fisher Houses and a privately funded rehabilitation center.Arnold Fisher, honorary chairman of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes

Predators fly first four-ship sorties

The latest upgrade to the MQ-1 Predator, known as the Multi-Aircraft Control, or MAC system, entered operational testing with the first two-ship and four-ship Predator sorties being flown over a four-day period.Testers performed two-ship sorties Sept. 12 and 13 and progressed to four-ship sorties

Albanian and Slovakian officers visit Warrior Preparation Center

Nine Albanian and Slovakian officers visited the Warrior Preparation Center here Sept. 20 to 23.The officers viewed hands-on tactics through high-tech training demonstrations at the facility, which is jointly owned by U.S. Army, Europe and U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Although they were there to gain

Rescue teams switch to stand-by mode

Search-and-rescue aircrews here will fly as needed, but are no longer launching on pre-planned missions to find victims of Hurricane Rita, officials said Sept. 26.The changes come as four HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters moved from here to Ellington Field, near Houston. They also will be on stand-by

All-female combat crew takes it in stride

A crew of six Airmen at a forward deployed location climbed aboard a C-130 Hercules together recently for the first time in their careers. But something distinguished this mission from others they had flown --it was the first time an all-female C-130 crew flew a combat mission. Capt. Carol

Air Force successfully launches GPS satellite

The Air Force’s 45th Space Wing, its mission partners and Boeing successfully launched a Global Positioning System satellite into orbit on a Delta II space launch vehicle at 11:37 p.m. Sept. 25. The GPS constellation provides continuous, precise three-dimensional location information -- including

Airmen stand ready in wake of Hurricane Rita

Approximately 800 Air Force people, 91 aircraft and 31 equipment packages with a variety of capabilities have actively supported Hurricane Rita response efforts, or continue to stand ready to do so.Pararescue teams with the Air Force Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., and

Guard unit supports hurricane relief operations at Ellington

Hurricane Katrina relief operations had just slowed down when Airmen with the 136th Tanker Airlift Control Element had to quickly pack their bags to support another hurricane relief operation -- this time in their home state.The 10-person TALCE team and 26 Airmen from the 136th Aerial Port Squadron

U.S. Northern Command continues Hurricane Rita support

U.S. Northern Command continues its support to assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the wake of Hurricane Rita.USNORTHCOM’s joint operations center continues 24-hour operations in Colorado Springs, Colo., to monitor the relief effort. In response to Hurricane Rita, the military has

Rita doesn’t prevent happy homecoming

Senior Airman Leah Saldivar waited with excitement for her father, Master Sgt. Florencio Saldivar, to depart the plane that brought him home from Balad Air Base, Iraq. It had only been a few days since she had last seen him. Airman Saldivar had returned from the same deployment only a few days

Guard Airmen create solution, refuel evacuation efforts

Two Texas Air National Guard Airmen created a custom-made fuel truck nozzle allowing 100 stranded buses to return to evacuation support efforts in Beaumont, Texas, Sept. 23. Master Sgt. Lynn Bailey, 147th Fighter Wing fuels shop superintendent, and Staff Sgt. Vic Taylor, 147th FW refueling mechanic,

President monitors Hurricane Rita operations at Randolph

President George W. Bush concluded an overnight visit here Sept. 25 where he received a briefing about the military’s role in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita.The president also attended chapel services with members of the Randolph congregation before leaving San Antonio for Baton Rouge, La., where

Rescue crews make five saves in Texas, Louisiana

Air Force search-and-rescue crews made five saves and assisted in six others Sept. 24 during post-storm operations over areas of Louisiana and Texas affected by Hurricane Rita.The saves were made by Airmen flying HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and HC-130 Hercules refueling aircraft. The aircrews and

Civil Air Patrol plays key role in hurricane disaster relief

With Hurricane Rita having passed through Texas and Louisiana, Civil Air Patrol units from the two states are working to provide aerial damage assessments, transporting officials and supplies, and conducting search and rescue missions. The CAP has flown approximately 40 missions the past few days,

Air Force continues Hurricane Rita support

In response to Hurricane Rita, the Air Force has flown 82 missions supporting evacuation, relief and recovery operations. Additionally, Air Force search and rescue crews began combing the Gulf Coast Sept. 24, and the Air Force's auxiliary volunteer force continues to assist in aerial damage

McGuire unit returns from Hurricane Rita mission

Twenty members of McGuire Air Force Base’s 621st Contingency Response Wing deployed to Beaumont, Texas, Sept. 22 to assist hurricane evacuation efforts for more than 1,900 people at the Southeast Texas Regional Airport.During the vital few hours the Airmen were on the ground, they helped move about

Ellington Field ramps up for relief operations

Airmen who rode out Hurricane Rita at Ellington Field -- near Galveston -- left shelters there to set up an airlift hub to help storm relief efforts.The 147th Fighter Wing cleaned up storm debris Sept. 24 hours after the storm passed through. And by the time the weather cleared enough for flight

Search and rescue missions underway

A combined search-and-rescue team with helicopters and HC-130 Hercules aircraft flew its first mission Sept. 24, combing the Texas Gulf Coast for Hurricane Rita victims.Active duty and Air Force Reserve aircrews from the 347th Rescue Wing, Moody Air Force Base, Ga., and the 920th Rescue Wing,

Falcon’s fourth-quarter comeback falls short in 38-35 loss

Two touchdown drives engineered by backup quarterback Adam Fitch late in the fourth quarter were not enough in the Falcons’ 38-35 loss to the University of Utah in front of 41,935 spectators here Sept. 22.“We could’a, should’a won, it’s the same thing I said last week,” Falcons head coach Fisher

President Bush monitors 'Rita' from U.S. Northern Command

President George W. Bush arrived here Sept. 23 to keep a personal watch on Hurricane Rita from U.S. Northern Command headquarters where military support for the storm is being coordinated.The president received a series of briefings from NORTHCOM troops concerning the hurricane’s progress.President

ACC commander praises role of Airmen

Endurance will be the key to winning the war on terrorism, and the Air Combat Command commander told Airmen here their long-term commitment is paying off.“This is a long-haul engagement we’re in, and we can’t falter now,” said Gen. Ronald E. Keys. “We’re making some real advances, but we can’t pack

ROVERs aid in search and rescue

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, local recovery authorities needed helping seeing what was happening on the ground. That is when Airmen brought in ROVER, the Air Force’s cutting edge combat technology to the table, to support combined rescue operations. The Remote Operations Video Enhanced Receiver

Air Force issues headphone guidance for PT uniforms

Air Force officials issued guidance for the wear of headphones while wearing the official physical training uniform.Airmen dressed in the PT uniform are authorized to wear headphones while participating in personal fitness and other off-duty activities said officials at the Air Force Personnel

Lessons learned aid preparation for Hurricane Rita

With Airmen still working recovery efforts from Hurricane Katrina, the Air Force prepares for the second major hurricane to hit the Gulf Coast in just over three weeks.Lessons were learned from Hurricane Katrina, and the Air Force wasted no time in implementing them.Airlift aircraft and helicopters

Lackland Airmen among thousands on pre-Rita duty

As Hurricane Rita forces millions to evacuate the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast, Airmen at many bases are ready to join first-response relief operations.The Air Force joins a massive Department of Defense mobilization that will send thousands of troops into areas affected by the hurricane. Defense

Air Force busy before the storm

Waiting for Hurricane Rita is now a national vigil -- but the Air Force has not been idle, waiting for the storm to hit.Instead, it mobilized.Some Airmen moved to locations nearer to where the hurricane will make landfall -- along the Texas-Louisiana border. They need to be close when the order

U-2 provides Hurricane Rita imagery

A U-2 "Dragon Lady" here completed yet another surveillance and reconnaissance mission Sept. 22, but this mission was a first for the aircraft. It was the first time a U-2 aircraft was tasked to collect images of the Gulf Coast before a hurricane, Hurricane Rita, strikes land. The unique mission

Dyess Airmen prepare shelters for evacuees

Airmen here helped local American Red Cross officials prepare three shelters in Abilene, Texas Sept. 23 for Hurricane Rita evacuees.About 100 Airmen put together cots and hauled water in preparation for more than 450 evacuees seeking shelter from the hurricane.Senior Master Sgt. Deb Norris, 7th

Airmen take steps to ensure body armor stays intact

Several unpleasant reactions may have crossed the minds of Airmen when the supply person handed them body armor for a deployment, and "heavy" was undoubtedly the most common reaction.A two-plated vest body armor design, weighing more than some 3-year-olds and a necessity in many deployed locations,

Combat convoy course expands to driving 18-wheelers

The Basic Combat Convoy Course here now includes teaching Airmen to drive tractor-trailer supply trucks and gun trucks as convoy operations in Iraq have evolved into longer, more dangerous missions, course leaders said.All Airmen in the course also are now receiving combat lifesaver training during

Natural disaster registration established for AF personnel

To better assist Air Force members and their families relocated due to recent events, the Air Force Personnel Readiness Center has established a natural disaster registration form.Air Force active duty, Reserve and National Guard military or civilian employees, retirees from any Air Force component,

Power pro creates energy to sustain base operations

One office here works behind the scenes day and night to harvest an under-appreciated necessity everyone needs to do their job -- electricity. Every time a person here flips a light switch, turns on a computer, gets a cold drink out of the refrigerator or relaxes in air conditioning, he or she can

AMC 'chasing the clock' to move Hurricane Rita evacuees

As a second major hurricane bears down on the Gulf Coast region, Air Mobility Command Airmen are helping evacuate hundreds of people from the path of the storm.Hurricane Rita, a Category 3 storm boasting 125-mph winds, is expected to hit the Texas Gulf Coast in the early morning hours of Sept. 24.On

Rebuilding of Hurricane Hunters' home begins

Reservists from the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., continue flying hurricane tracking missions from their temporary working location at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., while dealing with personal loss suffered from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.Although many of their neighborhoods

Ravens provide security for Hurricane Rita evacuations

A four-person security forces Raven team left here Sept. 22 for Travis Air Force Base, Calif., along with four other teams from Air Mobility Command bases to provide security for AMC aircraft traveling to Texas and Louisiana.The Phoenix Raven program, implemented in 1997, consists of teams of

Former POW ends sortie after 40-year detour

Retired Maj. Wesley Schierman finally landed his last sortie with the 67th Fighter Squadron here Sept. 19 after a 40-year detour.Originally, he began his flight as a captain with the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron during the Vietnam War flying an F-105 Thunderchief out of Korat Air Base,

5th U.S. Army establishes JTF-Rita

U.S. Northern Command has ordered 5th U.S. Army to activate Joint Task Force-Rita here to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency as it supports state and local authorities in their preparation for Hurricane Rita.The purpose of JTF-Rita will be to command and control active-duty military

Texas guardsmen provide back-to-back hurricane assistance

Texas Air National Guardsmen returning home from Hurricane Katrina duty had just enough time to catch up on sleep before receiving the order to repack their bags.Now they are preparing to deal with the aftermath of another hurricane, but this time it will hit closer to home. Hurricane Rita is

Air Force programs help families rebuild post-Katrina

Hurricane Katrina is long gone, but civilians and Airmen are still picking up the pieces of their devastated lives.The Air Force helped many civilians in the aftermath of that storm, but it also made sure to take care of its own through Air Force OneSource, family and child development centers and

Keeping the mission going at home, away

It has been nearly six months since the runway here closed for construction and more than 300 base Airmen “deployed” to Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., to continue the wing’s mission.Since then, a great relationship between the two bases, said Lt. Col. Paul Schultz, the 905th Air Refueling Squadron

Historic C-9 heads to Andrews for retirement

The last remaining active-duty Air Force C-9 Nightingale received a red carpet farewell Sept. 20 when it departed for Andrews Air Force Base, Md.The final C-9, Tail 876 assigned to the 76th Airlift Squadron here, was flown to its new and final resting place at the air museum at Andrews.This

Keesler gets $90 million to repair infrastructure

The Air Force has distributed nearly $90 million to speed repair of the storm-ravaged infrastructure at Keesler Air Force Base.Air Force officials estimate Hurricane Katrina caused nearly $1 billion in damage when it swept across the Gulf Coast facility Aug. 29.“Keesler’s recovery team has done a

Lackland assists with Hurricane Rita evacuation

People here once again are busily preparing to receive evacuees from another hurricane along the Gulf Coast -- the second in three weeks.Hurricane Rita, classified as a Category 4 and the third worst hurricane in recorded history, is heading for the Texas Gulf Coast and could bring more than 3,000

Keesler issues stop travel order

All servicemembers who have been recalled to duty here and are still en route to the base are ordered to stop travel and remain in place until Sept. 25.The 81st Training Wing vice commander issued the order because of potential hazards associated with Hurricane Rita.Servicemembers are authorized to

Military paralegal gets 12-year prison sentence

Staff Sgt. Ramona Greiner was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit premeditated murder, solicitation to commit murder and dereliction of duty for failing to maintain a professional relationship.Sergeant Greiner, a paralegal with the 37th Training Wing’s legal

Air Force issues stop movement to Texas Navy bases

Air Force officials have issued a stop movement order for Airmen permanently moving to or transiting to Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, NAS Kingsville and Naval Station Ingleside, all in Texas, based on the probability that Hurricane Rita will affect the area.Stop movement precludes people from