Getting the Hawk ready to soar

Nine career fields open to Air Force prior service members

Veterans interested in joining the Air Force or becoming an active-duty Airman once again may be eligible if they have served in one of nine career fields. During fiscal 2007, the Air Force Prior Service Enlistment Program is available to 40 veterans who have served in the following careers: --

Newest 'Chief's View' deals with enlisted development plan

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley addresses the newest page on the Air Force Portal Web site, "My EDP," in his latest Chief's View video.Also known as "My Enlisted Development Plan," the Web site is ideal "if you want to play a bigger role in developing the future of your

Centralized repair facility saves time, money

Maintainers measure an aircraft tire's usability by inspecting for wear and visible cords. "A good tire will last up to 120 landings," said Master Sgt. Charles Miller, a shop chief assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron. "After that, it's time to get it replaced, or the tire treads

8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron thinks lean, saves money

When Lt. Col. Anthony Krawietz, the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron commander, charged incoming troops to think smarter and leaner, a group of aerial porters took it to heart. "One of the first things we looked at was how C-17 (Globemaster III) tires were palletized," said Staff Sgt. Michael

Academy iceman named Atlantic Hockey offensive player of week

Air Force sophomore winger Mike Phillipich was named the Atlantic Hockey Association Offensive Player of the Week for his six-point series against Bentley, Oct. 21-22, at the Cadet Ice Arena. Phillipch had a career-best two goals and four points in the Falcons' 5-1 win on Friday. He scored AFA's

Walk raises awareness of breast cancer

More than 200 Airmen and family members here put their best foot forward to help raise awareness of breast cancer during an Aviano Community Enlisted Spouses Club-sponsored walk Oct. 21.The ACES club arranged the walk as a way to encourage Combined Federal Campaign donations to those charities

Airmen of Note perform at Air Force Memorial

Atlantic Strike provides joint training for interdependent warfighters

Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Sailors started joint training for air and ground operations as part of Atlantic Strike IV at Avon Park Air Force Range, Fla., Oct. 23. The U.S. Central Command Air Forces semiannual training event takes place on the 106,000-acre bomb range in south central Florida to

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 24

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 23. In Afghanistan Oct 23, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

Medical-dental promotion candidates urged to check records

With a medical corps-dental corps selection board convening in November and several other health professions boards scheduled in the next six months, officers should ensure their board certifications are current and in their selection records. Officers can fax a copy of the certificate to their

Maxwell NCO selected as top junior enlisted aide

The Air University commander's aide here was presented the 2006 Air Force Junior Enlisted Aide of the Year award during a ceremony Oct. 12 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley and Gen. William R. Looney III, Air Education and Training Command commander,

Flying high

'Fast-roping' at Emerald Warrior

Overseas quarterly assignment listing available

The Enlisted Quarterly Assignment Listing for overseas requirements for the July to  September 2007 cycle will be available Nov. 3. Airmen need to work through their military personnel flights, commander's support staff or vMPF to update their preferences by Nov. 17. Deployed Airmen must work with

ISAF teams up with reconstruction team to open new mosque

The Air Force-led Gardez Provincial Reconstruction Team and the International Security Assistance Force opened a new mosque in the village of Sayeed Karum, part of the Paktia province, Oct. 19. The mosque project, which lay dormant for a number of months, had seen a flurry of activity by the PRT and

Dueling horns

Officials announce updated fiscal 2007 CJR quotas

The Air Force announced the fiscal 2007 quotas for the career job reservation program adding 40 Air Force Specialty Codes to the constrained list, while releasing 10 others. The 10 career fields removed from the list are: -- 2A0X1C, Avionics Sensor Systems, All; -- 2A0X1D, Electronic Warfare

Afghan students get fresh water

More than 1,900 Afghan students at the Rohka District K-12 School now have fresh, clean water available at their school, thanks to the efforts of provincial officials and their partnership with coalition forces here. Panjshir Director of Education Riza Rizai, Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team

AIA names 'Best of the Best' during Sensor Olympics

The Air Intelligence Agency's 27th annual Sensor Olympics was held at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Oct. 19. During the banquet, the top three enlisted technicians from each of the 23 career fields within AIA were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals. "Each year, we come together as an

Air Force wins 12th straight Service Academy Golf Classic

With two of its players occupying the top two spots, the Air Force Academy golf team captured the win at the 14th-annual Service Academy Golf Classic, being held at the par-72 Trophy Club Golf Course here.The Falcons, who now have won the Reemtsma Trophy for 12 consecutive years, finished the

Family reunion caps boating rescue for rescuers

Floating alone in the open water of the Atlantic Ocean for more than 24 hours with nothing more than an orange life vest left Clinton Daughtry nothing but time to think about his life, a life which the 27-year-old now credits to the 920th Rescue Wing. Crews from the Air Force Reserve Command

Minot event supports breast cancer research

About 200 Airmen and family members gathered here to raise awareness of breast cancer during an event in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Oct. 24. The event, titled "Voices of Breast Cancer: Inspiring Hope, Supporting a Cure," included a health fair, lunch, the touching testimony of

Air Force maintainers give Australians peek into their future

Maintainers from the Amberly Royal Australian Air Force Base's 36th Squadron are working alongside Air Force counterparts learning the ins and outs of the C-17 Globemaster III. Currently Australia doesn't have a heavy airlift capability and must rely on outside sources for services. This assistance

NFL team welcomes home warfighters

Homecomings are times of celebrations to honor those coming back from a time away from those who care for them. The NFL Carolina Panthers organization and players gave returning servicemembers the ultimate fan experience with Operation Welcome Home Oct. 24 at Bank of America Stadium here. Two

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 25

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 25.In Afghanistan Oct. 24, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Sardaran and Garmsir. In total, 31

Stand perfectly still...

Randolph NCO selected as senior enlisted aide of year

The Air Education and Training commander's aide here was selected as the top senior enlisted aide during a ceremony Oct. 12 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C.Master Sgt. Roy Bowser is the winner of the 2006 Enlisted Aide of the Year Award for the Senior-Aide Category. Sergeant Bowser is an enlisted

Errors doom Falcons in volleyball loss to Northern Colorado

Errors doomed the Air Force volleyball team in its final non-conference match of the season. Committing more errors than kills, the Air Force dropped straight sets 30-21, 30-15, 30-10 to the visiting Northern Colorado Bears Oct. 24 at the academy. Freshman Katie Batchelder led the Falcons with nine

Officials announce C-130J contract conversion

Air Force officials announced today the multi-year procurement contract Oct. 25 for the C-130J Hercules has been converted from a Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 12 to a FAR Part 15 contract. In order to comply with the fiscal 2006 National Defense Authorization Act, the C-130J contract has been

Bush says U.S. security depends on victory in Iraq

Winning the war on terrorism in Iraq is critical to American defense, President Bush said today in a White House news conference. Bush spoke about coalition strategy and tactics changes in Iraq. "Our security at home depends on ensuring Iraq is an ally in the war on terror and does not become a

Emerald Warrior kicks off at Hurlburt Field

Emerald Warrior '07, Air Force Special Operations Command's first joint coalition exercise focused on training Air Force, Army and allied units in missions directly related to the war on terrorism, kicked off here Oct. 24. Emerald Warrior '07, the first exercise completely planned by AFSOC, is also

Misawa units strengthened by Total Force

Air National Guard and Reserve Airmen support various missions throughout the Air Force, and it is no exception here.In units like the 35th Security Forces Squadron, the active duty strength is complemented by Air Guard or Reserve support. "The Guard and Reserve members currently attached to

AFA chairman gauges issues visiting Aviano Airmen

When the Air Force Association chairman visited here today, he didn't stay long.   And that's not a bad thing. A brief stay meant Bob Largent could quickly report back what Airmen's concerns are to Air Force leaders, members of Congress, and the public. "(I am here) to learn the issues first hand

Air chiefs recognized at Air Force Memorial ceremony

Under the soaring spires of the newly dedicated Air Force Memorial, several foreign dignitaries were honored at an arrival ceremony Oct. 25. The arrival ceremony, hosted by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, welcomed nine Pacific air chiefs from Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Japan,

Industry Days emphasize Air Force need for new tanker

Nearly 100 people from industry and the government attended the Oct. 24 kick off of Tanker Industry Days in nearby Dayton, Ohio. Sponsored by Aeronautical Systems Center's 653rd Aeronautical Systems Squadron at Wright-Patterson AFB, Industry Days enhanced competition through communication with

Charleston Aerial Port Squadron 'Leans' forward

Members of the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here have leaned forward to streamline processes to save money while getting vital equipment to the warfighter faster. Using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century, 437th APS officials re-evaluated several of their workflow processes and developed

Duty brings out best in Balad hospital volunteers

A patient being rolled into Balad Air Base's Air Force Theatre Hospital should not be surprised if the Airman holding the IV bag is an F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief.And, if the patient is a little uneasy about that, there likely is an air traffic controller or an administrative specialist standing

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 26

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 26. In Afghanistan Oct. 25, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Khakeran. The A-10s

Sergeant takes Anti-drug battle personally

Armed with his weapon, Staff Sgt. Terry Grace faces down the menace that destroyed his cousin's life. Sergeant Grace is the bass player for Reserve Generation, the Air Force Reserve Command Band from Robins Air Force Base, Ga., which entertained more than 500 local elementary school students at the

Green Lightning exercise strengthens U.S., Australian ties

Two B-52 Stratofortress bombers of the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron completed a long-range training sortie from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to Australia's Delamere Air Weapons Range in the Northern Territory Oct. 24. This "Green Lightning" sortie is only the second of its kind, continuing a

Air Guard unit shows off its 'Steel City Pride'

Virtual weapons give realistic training at Emerald Warrior

The first integration of live and virtual net-centric weapons in special operations forces occurred as part of Emerald Warrior 07 on Oct. 25. Airmen participating in the exercise benefit from the simulation technology, which lets them experience near-realistic combat training. In the last few years,

Crews sharpen skills at Atlantic Strike

Rumsfeld: Terrorists use media to manipulate American people

The "center of gravity" in the Iraq war is in America with the American people, not on the battlefield, and the media is a powerful tool that influences the people's will, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Oct. 24. "This is the first war that's been conducted in the 21st century with all the

Airman missing in action from Vietnam War is identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced Oct. 26 that the remains of an Airman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is Maj. Charles L. Bifolchi of Quincy, Mass. He will be buried on

Nellis rescue team saves hiker

A combat search and rescue team stationed here rescued a hiker missing in Zion National Park, Utah, Monday. The team consisted of Airmen from the 58th and 66th Rescue Squadrons. The pararescuemen on the mission were Tech. Sgt. Dana Vaughan and Staff Sgts. Jeremy Diola, Ted Rajala and Eric Kelly, all

Notre Dame president leads cadets on change of pace

As wind swirled and snow accumulated outside on a frigid northern Indiana morning, ordinary students slept warmly inside.  On the contrary, the university president and vice president here paced through the wintery elements early Tuesday in leading extraordinary ROTC cadets and midshipmen on the

California Air Guardsmen save life in Mexico

Air Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing here conducted a successful medical evacuation of a U.S. citizen in La Paz, Mexico, Oct. 24 while Tropical Storm Paul brewed off the southern coast of the Baja Peninsula. Responding to the call from the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center based out of

Three plead guilty to BAH fraud in separate cases

Three Airmen were found guilty of defrauding the government through false claims for basic allowance for housing during separate court martials here last week. All three faced a military judge alone and pleaded guilty to the charges. Senior Airman Wayne Williams signed an official document stating

Fairchild unit saves woman in Idaho

A woman missing in the Harvard, Idaho, area since the afternoon of Oct. 24 was found Oct. 25 by the 36th Rescue Flight here. The Latah County Sheriff's Office requested the Air Force's help early on Oct. 25, said Capt. Kevin Burns, a pilot with the 36th RQF. A UH-1N Huey helicopter took off from

Combat Comm readies Airmen for deployments

Driving convoys, building defense fighting positions and throwing elbows in hand-to-hand combat were all incorporated into the combat readiness course here Oct. 20 to 27. The 1st Combat Communications Squadron trained 33 newcomers at the mandatory course, which prepares the Airmen for hostile

Boom uses steady hand to keep aircraft fighting

"It's more like trying to knock a melon off a post by pushing a 20-foot pole through a chain-link fence on a windy day." Senior Airman Jered Danielson compared operating the boom at nearly 5 miles above Iraq to a video game, but there's more to it than just playing a game.Airman Danielson, a 340th

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 27

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 27.In Afghanistan Oct. 26, an Air Force B1-B Lancer and A-10 Tunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

Cheyenne Mountain exercises 'button-up'

The people of Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colo., exercised their "button-up" procedures as part of the 21st Space Wing's recent Operational Readiness Inspection. "Button-up" is the process followed to shut the mountain's blast doors -- an action usually executed in response to a strategic

Deployed group tightens bonds as deployed squadron

The Airmen of the 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadron have an advantage when it comes to treating casualties -- they are all from the same home team. Deployed here from the 48th Medical Group at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. the doctors, nurses and technicians who have spent the last six

Air Force major works 'down under' in support of mission

While the air show here ended Oct. 22 and the C-17 Globemaster III crew from Hawaii headed back to their home at Hickam Air Force Base, one U.S. Airman remained -- not because he missed the flight home, but because he's already home.Maj. James Hearn, commander of Detachment 1 of the 735th Air

Firefighters 'sweep' up at exercise

During a recent Misawa readiness exercise, firefighters there didn't have to go too far to stay busy. There was always something to do, even if it was just outside their door at Fire Station 2.A standard evolution of an exercise is a post attack reconnaissance, or PAR, sweep. When a PAR sweep is

Air Force recognizes outstanding real estate professionals

At the annual Air Force Real Estate Awards ceremony held during the Air Force Real Estate Workshop on Oct. 19, two Air Force real estate professionals and one real estate office were recognized for their accomplishments. Karen Pate, a real property accountable officer from Cannon Air Force Base, N.

Air Force leader visits to observe base's energy conservation methods

The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics visited Edwards Oct. 25 as part of a multi-base visit to the service's top energy saving bases. William C. Anderson made Edwards a stopping point in his trip for what he said were "several reasons." First, he said

Couple honored with Fisher award

A husband and wife have been honored for their support of the military in Bangor, Maine. Harry and Sharon Rideout are the 2005 recipients of the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award. The two were honored during a ceremony at the Pentagon Oct. 26. Together, the

LADSC Waiver Program begins Oct. 30

Beginning noon CST Oct. 30, master and technical sergeants in specific overage Air Force specialty codes may apply to have certain active duty service commitments waived allowing them to retire if eligible. The Limited Active Duty Service Commitment Waiver Program forgives the following ADSCs for

It's the Ehn show on Ice

Eric Ehn had six points and Andrew Ramsey scored the game-winner with 1:27 remaining as Air Force beat Alabama-Huntsville, 7-5, in the first game of the Lightning College Hockey Classic here at St. Pete Times Forum. The Falcons will face the winner of the Notre Dame-Army game on Saturday, Oct. 28,

Delta II STEREO launches from Cape Canaveral

Two NASA observatories called "STEREO" blasted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Oct. 25 starting a two-year mission to study solar flares. A Delta II booster carried these spacecraft from Space Launch Complex 17B, lighting up Space Coast skies and the spirits of launch team members

DoD selects Air Force civilian for disabled employee award

The beginning of the award reads, "outstanding DoD employee," defining a career marked by a strong work ethic and many achievements before mentioning the life-threatening injury that changed his world 11 years ago. Paul Gabriel, an electronics engineer at Aeronautical Systems Center's Engineering

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 28

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 28. In Afghanistan Oct. 27, a U.S. Air Force B-1B provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Gangikhel. The B-1B dropped Guided

F-117: A long, storied history that is about to end

After 25 years of storied service, the F-117 Nighthawk, the Air Force's first stealth fighter, is about to retire. The technology that once made it a unique weapon system has now caught up to it and newer fighter aircraft are now joining the fleet. Still, the Nighthawk was the first of its kind, a

Reserve, active duty seamlessly maintain aircraft

At first glance, one cannot tell a difference between the two. A more in-depth analysis finds the two dress alike, have the same training and work side by side, capable of doing any task just as well as the other.It is only with a keen eye that one can find a variation in the two -- the patches on

President Bush visits Charleston, rallies military

President George W. Bush met and spoke to a crowd of more than 4,000 servicemembers and families as he praised the military for their efforts fighting the war on terrorism Oct. 28 at a rally on the Charleston AFB flightline. The president's visit follows an Oct. 27 stopover by Vice President Dick

Cougars maul Falcons

Brigham Young University topped Air Force 33-14 in a battle for first place in the Mountain West Conference in front of 35,521 fans at Falcon Stadium Oct. 28. The result dropped Air Force to 3-4 on the season and 3-2 in the conference. BYU improved to 6-2 on the season and 4-0 in Mountain West

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 29

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 29. In Afghanistan Oct. 28, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Payendi. The A-10s dropped

Cadet acquitted in court-martial

A U.S. Air Force Academy cadet was found not guilty of violating Article 120 (rape) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice Oct. 27.The alleged assault by Cadet 2nd Class John Aguilar occurred in October 2003 while both the accused and victim were cadet candidates at the U.S. Air Force Academy

Airmen work to provide security for incoming vessels

Before a U.S. naval vessel is secured to a pier in Djibouti City's port, a joint team has already been at work preparing a safe berthing. The planning begins with the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa's Anti-terrorism/ Force Protection Office coordinating with the U.S. Embassy, the Djiboutian

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 30

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 30. In Afghanistan Oct. 29, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kajah Ulva. The A-10s

Air Force officials announce OTS selection results

Some 162 men and women have been selected for Officer Training School, officials at Air Force Recruiting Service here announced Oct. 30. OTS Selection Board 06OT05 considered 267 applications and selected 162 for a 61percent selection rate. Of those, 34 are enlisted members who have earned the

Hickam AFB, community combat underage drinking

Hickam Air Force Base has been selected to receive a grant from the Department of Justice which will allow the base and the state to share $950 thousand over the next three years to reduce drinking by underage Airmen. Lt. Gov. James R. Aiona Jr.; Dr. Chiyome L. Fukino, director of the Hawaii State

Servicemembers' right to vote comes with rules

As the 2006 elections fast approach to decide House of Representative and Senate seats, as well as local and state elections, there are some rules military members need to know about the political process.These rules are not in place to restrict a military member's political freedoms, said Maj.

Ellsworth to accept membership into EPA Track Performance Program

During a ceremony Oct. 31, Ellsworth Air Force Base will become the first Air Force installation to accept membership into the Environmental Protection Agency's Performance Track Program. Performance Track is a voluntary partnership program that recognizes and rewards facilities that consistently

Maintenance unit moves fuel on time

Delivering fuel to the warfighters in Afghanistan takes on a personal meaning for the 376th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's KC-135 Aircraft Maintenance Unit Airmen. "We know how important fuel is to the fight," said Tech. Sgt. John Lipkea, KC-135 AMU specialist expeditor. "You can't

Joint Forces experiment points to way of the future

The Urban Resolve 2015 experiment, which ended Oct. 26, focused on how military operations can bring about stability in cities without destroying them. Dave Ozolek, executive director of the Joint Futures Lab at U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Va., said Urban Resolve was the most "complex and

Airman selected as Miss Arkansas USA

An Airman assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base was selected as Miss Arkansas USA Oct. 28 at the pageant held in the Donald W. Reynolds Auditorium on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas. Second Lieutenant Kelly George, a resident of Sherwood, Ark., is the deputy chief of Public Affairs

Fallen Moody AFB Airman honored at memorial service

Members from various groups and squadrons here gathered Oct. 19 to honor the life and sacrifices of Airman 1st Class Lee Bernard Chavis at the base chapel here. Airman Chavis, a member of the 824th Security Forces Squadron, was killed Oct. 14 in the line of duty while performing duties as a turret

Air Force garners 17 Presidential Rank Awards

Winners of the 2006 Presidential Rank Awards were announced by the White House Oct. 30. The seventeen Air Force recipients of the Presidential Rank Award will be honored at a ceremony next April. Winners of the awards are strong leaders, professionals and scientists who achieve results and

Manas medics provide training to Bishkek hospital employees

Three local hospitals in Bishkek are getting more than $10 million in medical supplies and equipment from the U.S., and members of the 376th Expeditionary Medical Group here are assisting in the effort by training hospital personnel to use some of the new equipment. Col. Howard Hayes, 376 EMDG

Medical commanders, planners discuss customer service

Representatives from the U.S. military medical community in Japan met here Oct. 26 to 27 to discuss ways to improve customer service. The purpose of the conference was to "knock down the obstacles" to customer satisfaction, said Col. Mark Presson, command surgeon for U.S. Forces Japan, 5th Air Force

Flight fends off diseases in desert

Attention Garfield, Felix, Heathcliff, Sylvester and Tom: Cancel your spot on the USO tour coming to Southwest Asia. Fast. Your agent should have told you: You don't want to be mistaken for a feline of mass destruction. For the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's entomology flight, work is

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 31

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 31.In Afghanistan Oct. 30, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The A-10s expended

Rendering military honors for a veteran

Air Force Clubs to test 'U Choose' program in AETC

Air Force Services Agency officials have announced a new program they plan to test starting Jan. 1 that will allow new and current club members to choose between the Private Label or the MasterCard club membership card. The "U Choose" program will be tested in the Air Education and Training Command

This A-10's getting ready to roll

Reserve to expand associate role with Shaw F-16 unit

As part of the Air Force Total Force Integration initiatives, Air Force Reserve Command is teaming up with Air Combat Command to expand its associate presence with additional F-16 pilots at the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., in fiscal 2008. Air Combat Command's 20th FW flies three

DOD task force considers safety crackdown for drivers

Servicemembers could expect stricter consequences for engaging in unsafe behavior behind the wheel if changes suggested by a Defense Department safety task force are implemented. The Private Motor Vehicle Accident Reduction Task Force is looking at changing how the services handle driving

Hickam testing new deployable hydrogen refueling station

As the Air Force continues to look for ways to reduce energy consumption in its facilities, vehicles and aircraft operations the 15th Airlift Wing will be doing its part by serving as a test bed for a new modular deployable hydrogen refueling station. Awarded the contract two years ago, HydraFLX

19-year-old Airman earns CCAF degree in 9 months

At 19 years old, Senior Airman Sharon Hawley is the youngest of more than 9,100 graduates earning their degrees in October at the Community College of the Air Force here. The integrated avionics mechanic, assigned to 412th Maintenance Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., completed the

Dover AFB bird radar to test airplane strikes

In an effort to prevent aircraft bird strikes, the Air Force Safety Center's, Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard, or BASH, chose Dover Air Force Base as one of the test sites for a radar that will help prevent bird strikes. The radar is expected to be operational this month, and the concept of

Children of fallen servicemembers have chance for free Disneyland trip

Children of servicemembers killed since Sept. 11 have until Nov. 15 to try to get on board the Snowball Express -- destination Disneyland, with a couple of fun stops along the way. The M. Scott Kerr Foundation is sponsoring the Snowball Express in conjunction with Rotary Clubs of Costa Mesa, Calif.,

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 1

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 1. In Afghanistan Oct. 31, an Air Force Predator conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The Predator expended a Hellfire missile on enemy targets. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided

2006 election message from secretary of defense

The following is an election message from Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld:On Nov. 7, Americans will elect 33 U.S. senators, the entire U.S. House of Representatives, 37 state governors and thousands of state and local officials. All eligible citizens can participate. You don't have to be

Military Families Appreciation Month highlights service, sacrifice

Nov. 1 kicks off Military Families Appreciation Month, an annual tribute to the family members who, President Bush and other U.S. and military leaders frequently recognize, serve the country alongside their loved ones in uniform. The month-long observance, with events planned at Air Force, Army,

Tricare information now housed under one Internet roof

Tricare beneficiaries will get a pleasant surprise the next time they visit Tricare Online. The Web site has a new name, a new look and a new home. It is now part of Tricare.mil, the official Web site for all Tricare information. "We reorganized the Web site with our beneficiaries in mind," said