Differing tour lengths affect deployment morale

Tour lengths are the biggest obstacle to U.S. servicemember morale in Iraq, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said during a visit here Oct. 4. Marine Gen. Peter Pace said when he visits combat zones, morale generally is high, but after a bit of digging, he said, he finds the different tour

NATO takes lead for operations throughout Afghanistan

NATO took the lead for international military operations throughout Afghanistan Oct. 5, assuming authority from the coalition for 14 eastern provinces at a ceremony in the Afghan capital of Kabul. Regional Command East is the last of four regional NATO commands in its International Security

Global Hawk, global mission

Letter to Airman focuses on Air Force heritage

In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff of the Air Force T. Michael Moseley commemorate Air Force heritage. "Adaptive and flexible Airmen in uniform have continued to innovate, pushing the limits of imagination and technology to dominate the

Air Force leaders to discuss new 'Cyber Command'

Air Force leaders are gathering in early November to discuss plans for creation of a new command, one chartered with flying and fighting in cyber space. Cyberspace became an official Air Force domain, like air and space, on Dec. 7, 2005, when Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of

Seeds of 56-year marriage planted during Berlin Airlift

Retired Lt. Col. James and Ellie Spatafora possess a unique answer to a common question couples are quizzed about. When asked where they met, they answer that the seeds of their 56-year marriage were planted during the historic Berlin Airlift. The couple was able to catch up on old times with

T-38s at Laughlin mark beginning of transition

Laughlin AFB officials received the first T-38 Talon Oct. 4 from Moody AFB, Ga.  The aircraft's arrival denotes the start of the transition to a new training mission. "This jet marks the beginning of Laughlin's transition to our newly acquired Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals mission," said Col.

AFIT school conducts search, recovery exercise

The Air Force Institute of Technology's Civil Engineer and Services School here took its educational mission beyond classroom walls as students participated in a search and recovery exercise the last week of September. The goal of the exercise was for students in the School's Mortuary Affairs Course

Captain found guilty of cheating on WAPS test

Capt. Rhonda McDaniel of the 45th Space Wing, was found guilty of conspiring with two other Air Force members to cheat on the Weighted Airmen Promotion System test by wrongfully possessing and giving the contents of the controlled test materials to other Air Force members. She was sentenced to

ACC declares small diameter bomb initially operational

The Air Combat Command commander declared initial operational capability for the Guided Bomb Unit-39/B Small Diameter Bomb Oct. 2 and the weapon made its combat debut just three days later. Gen. Ronald E. Keys made the IOC announcement six months ahead of schedule, only weeks after it was initially

C-5 Programmed Depot Maintenance earns accolades

The C-5 Programmed Depot Maintenance team at Robins AFB earned the 2006 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award in a ceremony in Washington, D.C.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley presented the award to the C-5 PDM Process Improvement Team in late September.  "The increased tempo of

Pilots thrilled by CV-22 capabilities

When he talks about his new aircraft, the CV-22 Osprey, the lieutenant colonel's face lights up like a kid opening presents on his birthday. After 10 years of flying the MC-130H Combat Talon II, CV-22 instructor pilot Lt. Col. Darryl Sheets, from the 8th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 6

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 6.In Afghanistan Oct. 5, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists

U.S. prepares for operation to aid Pakistan

A joint team of Airmen and Soldiers is in Pakistan preparing for Operation Promise Keeping, a follow-up mission to aid the people in remote northern parts of the country devastated by an earthquake last year. A magnitude 7.6 earthquake centered roughly 60 miles northeast from here struck Oct. 8,

Big Brothers, Sisters visit Eielson fighter squadron

Eighteen children from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Fairbanks, Alaska, met Airmen from the 355th Fighter Squadron and received an up close and personal look at an A-10 Thunderbolt II when they visited here Sept. 30. "The 355th FS not only wanted to help (Big Brothers Big Sisters) in that

Third motions hearing adjourns in Airman Hill court martial

The third motions hearing in the court martial of Airman Calvin Hill, charged with the premeditated murder of a fellow Airman and other offenses, adjourned here Oct. 4.Airman Hill is charged in the death of Airman 1st Class Ashley Turner in August 2005 while the two were stationed at Naval Air

Rumsfeld: North Korean test threat serious

North Korea is a known weapon proliferator, and there is a danger that the rogue state may sell nuclear technology to non-state entities, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Oct. 5.Secretary Rumsfeld spoke during an impromptu Pentagon news conference following meetings with Croatian Defense

At the end of a long day

Technology office tests synthetic fuel in ground vehicles

The Air Force Advanced Power Technology Office here is now conducting research on synthetic fuel for use in a ground environment. The use of synthetic fuel is vital if the Air Force is to have the means of operating without relying on foreign oil supplies. The Sept. 19 test flight by a B-52H

First laser test conducted using recycled fuel

The world's first firing of a laser using recycled fuel was conducted at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate recently by an Air Force and Boeing Company team. During the test, conducted at the directorate's Davis Advanced Laser Facility, a chemical laser was supplied with

Operation Enduring Freedom marks five years

Five years ago, America, still stinging from the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, began striking back in the war on terrorism.President Bush appeared on national television to inform the American people he had unleashed U.S. military might against the enemy. Land-based bombers and Navy strike aircraft from

'Top Flight' to rock forward bases

A 10-member Air Force band plans to boost morale throughout Southwest Asia, entertaining coalition forces at several forward operating locations as well as main operating bases typically visited by other bands and civilian artists. Top Flight, the rock band component of the Band of the West at

Father passes flag to daughter in Iraq

Traditions run deep in the military, and for this father and daughter, traditions are what brought them together in Iraq. Col. Steven Dreyer, 4th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group commander, at Camp Victory, Iraq, reunited with his youngest daughter, 1st Lt. Kathrine Dreyer, 777th

13th AF welcomes new commander, transforms operations

A one-year transformation of command and control of air, space and information operations in the Pacific ended here as 13th Air Force officially began operations as a component numbered air force headquarters and welcomed a new commander. Former Pacific Air Forces Deputy Commander, Lt. Gen. Loyd S.

Seasoned PJ trains next generation

Along the halls of the Pararescue and Combat Rescue Officer School here, reminders of heroes past adorn the walls with honor. There have been 13 Air Force Crosses and one Medal of Honor awarded to former students. They serve as testimony to the valor demonstrated by a fresh crop of

Air Force falls to Colorado College 2-1

A disallowed goal as the buzzer went off secured a 2-1 victory for Colorado College over Air Force in the season opener for both teams Oct. 6 at the academy's Cadet Ice Arena. An over-capacity crowd of 2,995, the third-largest official attendance in school history, watched a game that literally came

Army Air Corps weatherman honored for D-Day contributions

A former member of the Army Air Corps was honored here Oct. 6 by members of the Air Force weather community for his contributions to the World War II D-Day invasion. Dr. Eugene Levine was 18 years old when he was drafted into the Army. During his time with the Army, Dr. Levine served as a combat

Air Force rallies to tie San Diego State in conference opener

A pair of late goals sparked the Air Force women's soccer team to a 2-2 tie with San Diego State University Oct. 6 in Mountain West Conference action at the SDSU Sports Deck here. The tie brings the Falcons' record to 3-7-3, and 0-0-1 in conference play. The Aztecs are at 4-7-1, 0-0-1. The tie

Falcons lose in straight sets to Rams

The Air Force volleyball team dropped straight sets to Colorado State in Mountain West Conference action here Oct. 6.Freshman Katie Batchelder led the Falcons with eight kills, but the academy dropped consecutive 30-14, 30-20, 30-16 sets to the visiting Rams. Freshman Jocelyn Booker had seven kills.

Practicing to stay safe

Sergeant soars to greater heights

Standing a towering 6 feet 11 inches tall, the sergeant is closer to the clouds than the average person, but today he soars to even greater heights. Staff Sgt. Bill Manus an electronic warfare journeyman with the New Mexico Air National Guard's 150th Fighter Wing, pilots his hot-air balloon today

Display highlights Globemaster III strategic value

The eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs stationed at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii in February are fast becoming a fixture at the base, but they are certainly not the first heavy transports to grace the skies over the island paradise. The 15th Airlift Wing's historian spoke to Airmen attending an unveiling

AF prepares to dedicate memorial

Fifteen years after conception of the Air Force Memorial, construction is nearing completion this week in preparation for its dedication ceremony by officials Oct. 14 in Arlington, Va. The memorial, located on a promontory overlooking Arlington Cemetery, features stainless steel spires that

Reconstruction team prepares to make history

The Air Force-led Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team will make history when it completes two bridges in the Salang Valley early next month. The reconstruction team finished the final quality assessment of the bridges Oct. 5. When the bridges are complete, it will be the first time in Afghan

Air Force stumbles at Wyoming, 3-1

Tamika Wilson's two goals boosted Wyoming to a 3-1 win over Air Force in Mountain West Conference women's soccer action this morning at the UW Soccer Stadium. The loss drops the Falcons to 3-8-3, 0-1-1. The Cowgirls improved to 6-5-1, 1-0-1. Wyoming took the lead in the game just three minutes in,

Navy sinks Air Force's return to dominance, 24-17

The Air Force football team learned a painful lesson Oct. 7 from service academy rival Navy: the Falcons' preseason team motto, "Return to Dominance," will be easier said than done. In the process, the coveted Commander-In-Chief's Trophy, symbolic of interservice football supremacy, will belong to

Falcons skate past Alabama-Huntsville, 4-3

Eric Ehn scored two goals as Air Force skated past Alabama-Huntsville, 4-3, in a non-conference college hockey game today at the Cadet Ice Arena. Air Force improved to 1-1 overall this season. UAH fell to 0-2. The victory is the 100th Division I win for head coach Frank Serratore, the most of any

CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Oct. 7 and 8

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 7 and 8 Oct. 7 In Afghanistan Oct. 6, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers conducted strikes against enemy forces near Now Zad. The GR-7s expended a general-purpose 500-pound bomb on an enemy position. An Air Force B-1B

U.S. prepares for operation to aid Pakistan

A joint team of Airmen and Soldiers are in Pakistan preparing for Operation Promise Keeping, a follow-up mission to aid the people in remote northern parts of the country, which was devastated by an earthquake last year. On Oct. 8, 2005, the disaster, which measured a 7.6 on the Richter Scale and

Joint system training enhance situational awareness

Airmen operating the global command and control system here are providing combatant commanders a visual map of servicemembers on the battlefield via satellite."Basically, you can view everything in the (area of responsibility)," said Staff Sgt. Michael Harvell, an instructor for the system. "You

Deployment presents challenge for firefighters

The sandy desert terrain and base infrastructures in Southwest Asia pose new challenges to Airman 1st Class Eric Theer, a firefighter deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif. "I'm used to fighting grass fires back home," said the 20-year-old Airman assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Civil

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 9

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 9. In Afghanistan Oct. 8, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Madagal Sufla. French M-2000

President Bush condemns North Korean nuclear test claim

North Korea's claim that it conducted its first-ever nuclear test today constitutes a threat to international peace and security, President Bush said this morning at the White House. "The United States condemns this provocative act," he said. Bush said the U.S. is still working to confirm the North

Missing World War II Airman identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is 1st Lt. Shannon Estill, U.S. Army Air Forces, of Cedar

Ehn named Atlantic Hockey Association offensive player of the week

Air Force junior center Eric Ehn is the Atlantic Hockey Association offensive player of the week for his performance in two games, Oct. 6-8. Ehn, the team's leading scorer last season from Dexter, Mich., had three goals and one assist as the Falcons split a pair of home games to open the season. Ehn

Land mobile radio team doubles the distance

"Ground-to-air communication is critical to the success of any flying mission," said Master Sgt. Francis A. Scott, NCO in charge of the 379th Expeditionary Communications Squadron land mobile radio team. "When we found out the Singaporean Air Force wasn't communicating directly with its aircrew

Deployed B-52 maintainers achieve perfect record

Since deploying here, B-52 Stratofortress maintainers with the 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron have achieved a 100-percent mission effectiveness-rate and 100-percent weapons-release rate for every sortie flown during September. The percentages reflect almost 50 sorties, accumulating

Cleanup program on fast track

When Andrews Air Force Base, Md., was placed on the Environmental Protection Agency's National Priorities List of contaminated sites in 1999, environmental restoration program managers estimated it would take until 2014 and millions of dollars to remedy the sites.With 23 sites and 10 areas of

'Spirit of McChord' gives Canadians a lift

Normally they move people, humanitarian supplies, troop rations and equipment, but Airmen with the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron's Detachment 1 here were tasked Oct. 7 to move different equipment -- several 30-foot, 100,000 pound Canadian tanks.The C-17 Globemaster III "Spirit of McChord" and

Airmen facing drug charges at Lakenheath, Mildenhall

Ten Airmen at Royal Air Force Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall are under investigation for suspected use of and sale of cocaine, marijuana and ecstasy, according to an Air Force spokesperson. Nine of the Airmen are from Lakenheath's 48th Maintenance Group and 48th Medical Group, and the other is from

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 10

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 10.In Afghanistan Oct. 9, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Garmsir. The B-1B expended guided

Gallery highlights Cold War, development of space

The Air Force's key role in Soviet containment and strategic deterrence during the Cold War, along with its historical role in the development of space, is now highlighted in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force's Missile and Space Gallery here. Resembling a missile silo in its award-winning

Coined by the general

Outstanding enlisted aircrew members announced for 2005

The recipients of the 2005 Staff Sgt. Henry E. "Red" Erwin Award for the outstanding enlisted aircrew members of the year have been announced. The awards recognize career enlisted aviators for outstanding job accomplishments, demonstration of leadership and sustained self-improvements in support of

DeBerry in contention for coach of the year award

Air Force Academy head football coach Fisher DeBerry is in contention for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award, given annually to the college football coach who best exemplifies responsibility and excellence on and off the field. Coach DeBerry is in his 23rd season at the academy, and is the

MUTES trains deployed electronic warfare officers

Deployed Guardsmen from the 266th Range Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, are helping B-52 Stratofortress electronic warfare officers quickly identify potential aircraft threats at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of the Air Force's continuous bomber presence in the Pacific. The

Academy cadet named MWC runner of the week

Air Force Academy sophomore Scott Balcao was named the Mountain West Conference men's cross country athlete of the week, league officials announced Oct. 10. Balcao, from Stockton, Calif., was the first Falcon to cross the finish line at the Fort Hays State Tiger Invitational Oct. 7, leading Air

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 11

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 11.In Afghanistan Oct. 10, Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The F/A-18s expended guided

Weld done

North Korean proliferation at heart of nuke test issue

North Korea's record as a proliferator of weapons underscores the need for nations to band together and for the United States to have a robust missile defense program, a Defense Department spokesman said here Oct. 10.North Korea reportedly conducted an underground nuclear explosion over the weekend,

4 Lakenheath Airmen injured in car crash

Four NCOs are in serious or critical condition after their car slammed into a tree in a village near Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. Injured in the Oct. 7 crash were:Tech. Sgt. Michael Schoenly of the 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron,Tech. Sgt. Will Stimpson of the 56th Rescue Squadron, Tech.

New Tricare Standard handbook released

Tricare officials are making a handbook available to all beneficiaries covered under Tricare Standard. This new manual goes into much greater detail than the old booklet, making it as useful as the Tricare Prime and Prime Remote handbooks. "We are publishing the standard handbook to help

Nighthawk achieves 100 percent mission capable

The F-117 Nighthawk recently hit its 25th anniversary and is still achieving great accomplishments. From Sept. 28 to Oct. 1, the entire F-117 fleet at Holloman AFB was 100 percent mission capable. "It is unusual for a fleet of any size to go to 100 percent mission capable," said Col. Gary Bryson,

Guard has banner year for recruiting, retention

The National Guard recruited 19,000 more citizen-Soldiers and Airmen in 2006 than it did during the previous year and exceeded its retention goals by record numbers, Guard officials reported in early October. Concerted efforts to recruit new people into the Army and Air National Guard during the war

NORAD fighters on alert over U.S. and Canada

Within minutes of a small aircraft crashing into a New York apartment building, military fighter aircraft were flying over cities in the United States and Canada. However, "every indication is that this was an accident," North American Aerospace Defense Command officials stated in an official

Significance behind memorial's three spires

The most visibly prominent section of the soon-to-be dedicated Air Force Memorial is its three stainless steel spires.Their combined weight is roughly 2,300 tons, and the tallest of the three reaches 270 feet into the sky. They rest upon a 40-foot thick concrete foundation and have a three-quarter

Air Force members earn Department of Energy awards

Saving energy and money while helping the environment earned the Air Force several Federal Energy and Water Management Awards.The awards, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program, are given annually to recognize outstanding contributions toward increased energy

Gas and go

Thunderbirds visit Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

Dozens of men, women and children filled the main gallery of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum here Oct. 11 to meet members of the Air Force demonstration team. The Thunderbirds are in town to participate in the opening and dedication of the Air Force Memorial Oct. 14, starting off the

RED HORSE breaks ground on new training field

Airmen broke ground on the Northwest Field Expeditionary Training Campus here Oct. 11. The 554th Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operations Repair Squadron Engineers will accomplish $20 million in construction over the next five years. "Right now we are only 74 strong, but we'll have our full

NATO air forces remain strong, look to future excellence

NATO air forces' partnership is strong and poised to grow even stronger over the long haul, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley before a congregation of air force commanders from 25 NATO nations. General Moseley said NATO air forces face similar circumstances, including increasing

Airman contracts mission success

Like a great magician, if Capt. Jonathan Czarney has done his job right, most people won't see how it was done. While on their mission here to bring relief supplies to Pakistanis affected by an earthquake last year, as if by magic, Soldiers will have a bed in which to sleep, food to eat, clothes

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 12 and monthly airpower overview

In Afghanistan Oct. 11, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Lwara Dasta. The F/A-18s expended a guided bomb unit-12 on an enemy position. Navy F/A-18s and Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt

Keeping it cool

Fall 2006 quarterly issue of Airman available

Read about how basic military training is evolving to create Airmen warriors, celebrate 50 years of operational success with the KC-135 Stratotanker and the Airmen who keep it flying, discover the meaning behind the Air Force Memorial's design, and tag along with provincial reconstruction teams as

San Antonio hospitals team for military PTSD study

A proposed pilot investigation linking three of San Antonio's military research hubs is slated to treat and study servicemembers with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The Prolonged Exposure for Combat-Related Stress Disorders study links Wilford Hall Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical

NORTHCOM officials reacted immediately to NYC aircraft Incident

When Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating first heard that a plane had hit a high-rise building in New York Oct. 11, his first thought was: "Let us get busy as quickly as we know how to make sure it's not another 9/11." Admiral Keating, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. 

Maintaining the Hercules

Bases awarded federal money to combat underage drinking

To combat underage drinking, five Air Force bases have been selected to receive a total of more than $1 million from the Department of Justice. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Luke AFB in Arizona, Malmstrom AFB, Mont., Hickam AFB, Hawaii, and Beale AFB, Calif., were selected to receive the grants

Medical centers integrate surgery missions

With the most recent base realignment and closure changes looming, Brooke Army Medical Center and Wilford Hall Medical Center here have begun integrating their vascular surgical missions. Lt. Col. (Dr.) Todd Rasmussen, chief of the vascular surgery service at WHMC, stated that the combining of the

Air Force focused on three priorities

Amidst fighting the war on terrorism, the Air Force remains focused on its top three priorities. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said the Air Force is concerned primarily with fighting and winning the long war against global terrorism and militant extremism, taking care of our

Thunderbirds practice over Air Force Memorial

The Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team practiced its flight routine Oct. 12 in preparation for the opening of the Air Force Memorial. The Thunderbirds will perform during the memorial's dedication activities Oct. 14, but used Oct. 12 to practice in normally restricted airspace over the

Memorial dedication to launch AF's 60th Anniversary observance

The nation's youngest military service kicks off its 60th anniversary observance this weekend with the official dedication of the Air Force Memorial at Arlington, Va. The memorial, composed of three bold and graceful spires soaring skyward to a height of 270 feet, will be dedicated and given to the

DOD identifies remains of pilot

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced Oct. 12 that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will soon be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is 1st Lt. James L. Hull, U.S. Air Force, of

Tanker hits top of the charts for recapitalization priority

The Air Force's new No. 1 procurement priority is the KC-X tanker, replacing the F-22 Raptor. "Our priorities for procurement are the following," said Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley.  "The KC-X, the new tanker, is No. 1. CSAR-X, the new combat rescue helicopter, is No. 2.

Navy officer leads AF squadron; celebrates Navy birthday

Oct. 13, 1775, holds a special meaning for the nation; it was the date the Continental Congress authorized the procurement, fitting out, manning and dispatch of two armed vessels to cruise in search of munitions ships supplying the British Army in America. This Oct. 13, the Navy's birthday will be

Chief of staff of the Air Force reading list announced

Officials announced the new chief of staff of the Air Force reading list here Oct. 13. "Our reading list is a link from our heritage to the horizon before us," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. "It's essential that we fully understand the heritage upon which we're building our

Red Flag kicks off at Nellis

Nearly 60 aircraft and nine units, supported by 1,000 Airmen from across the United States and Belgium are taking part in the first Red Flag exercise of fiscal 2007, which began Oct. 10 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The exercise that runs until Oct. 20 tests aircrews' warfighting skills in

CV-22 Osprey flyover at Air Force Memorial

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 13

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 13. In Afghanistan Oct. 12, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in

AF Memorial: Opportunity name of the game

When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity came around the corner, Staff Sgt. Ashanta Gamble jumped to do her part for the Air Force. Coordinating the Pentagon and Federal Aviation Administration approvals for the aircraft flying during the Air Force Memorial Dedication ceremony and Air Force Open House

Air Force meets recruiting goal for seventh straight year

The Air Force met its recruiting goal for the seventh year in a row, but still faces challenges, said officials Oct. 12.In fiscal 2006, the Air Force brought in 30,889 individuals, exceeding its target by 130 Airmen, said Brig. Gen. Suzanne M. Vautrinot, commander of Air Force Recruiting Service.

New era in flight training begins Oct. 13

Air Education and Training Command officials formally usher in a new era in flying training when Initial Flight Screening operations begin at Pueblo Memorial Airport Oct. 13 as the first students report for the class. The Initial Flight Screening program evaluates candidates hoping to enter Air

Reservist gets 'fit to fight'

An Air Force reservist at Tinker AFB is taking the charge to be "Fit to Fight" seriously. Master Sgt. Matt Thomas, a jet engine mechanic for the 513th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, has used the program to get himself not only fit, but also into outstanding health as well. In 14 months, Sergeant

AF Memorial: Airman a 'model' honor guard member

Forever standing guard over the Air Force Memorial, a color team bears the American and Air Force flags, flanked on each side by rifle guards. Depicted in these 8-foot statues are representations of Air Force Honor Guard members, past and present, who have each done a service to their country by

ACC assists maintainers with AFSO 21

Moody AFB officials recently welcomed a delegation of Air Combat Command facilitators for a five-day Rapid Improvement Event to assist the base with its Air Force Smart Operations 21 initiatives. The visit was designed to assist maintenance leadership on procedures that can save the Air Force time

AF Memorial: Warming up for the big show

14th FTW welcomes new trainer aircraft

The 14th Flying Training Wing commander formally welcomed the T-6 Texan II to the Columbus AFB fleet during an official ceremony here Oct. 12. Col. Dave Gerber received the first new airframe assigned here since the T-1 Jayhawk was added to the inventory in January 1996 and will eventually replace

AF Memorial: Leadership always at head of the bus

To lead by example is a critical component of leadership and especially important to 1st Lt. Shaenan Jett who joined the Air Force three years ago for the leadership opportunities. The vehicle operations assistant flight commander with the 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron on Andrews Air Force

America Soars on Air Force Wings

The United States of America depends on its Air Force to defend the population, deliver global effects and jointly accomplish national objectives to an extent unseen in the history of mankind. In my 35 years of service, many things have changed. Yet, what has remained constant is the extraordinary