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  • B-1B sniper pod aims to hit summer target

    Air Force officials say the B-1B Lancer sniper pod could be operational as early as this summer after accelerated testing cut the length of the sniper pod program from nine to three months. Air Force Materiel Command's Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base, along with Air

  • Airman shows tenacity, extends twice to meet goals in Iraq

    An Air Force major will return to the U.S. from Iraq -- more than a year after he expected to be home.Maj. Jiro McCoy, the 770th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron Mi-17 (multi-role helicopter) commander of advisers, who voluntarily extended for more than 18 months on what was supposed to be a

  • AFPC officials provide service virtually

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here opened the virtual communication lines when monthly Internet based information sessions launched late last year for military and civilian personnelists around the Air Force. The intent of the monthly Internet conferences, known as Webcasts, is to provide

  • Servicemembers take humanitarian mission to Peru

    Air Force, Army, Marine and Navy servicemembers arrived here June 1 to kick off New Horizons Peru 2008, a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored humanitarian event that will benefit thousands of Peruvians in the Ayacucho area. One hundred and thirty-nine members traveled to Ayacucho, an Andean region

  • Enlisted members give highest honor to AETC commander

    The commander of Air Education and Training Command received the highest honor the Air Force enlisted corps can bestow at a formal ceremony May 30 in San Antonio. Gen. William R. Looney III was formally presented the Order of the Sword on behalf of the men and women of AETC by the Air Force's top

  • Manas fire department switches to contract services

    Officials of the 376th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron turned over fire protection and prevention responsibilities to civilian contract firefighters in a small ceremony June 2 at Manas Air Base. The 36 military firefighter positions seen over the past six years have now switched to about 28

  • Captain leads Airmen up highest peak in North America

    When HH-60G Pave Hawk pilot Capt. Mark Uberuaga hits the fitness center's treadmill, he wears five-pound weights around his ankles and a 50-pound expedition pack on his back. His training is intense, but so is the task that lies ahead of him, to complete the  "Seven Summits Challenge," which is

  • Maintainers go 'green' with electric vehicles

    The 23rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron here recently began testing electric vehicles in an effort to help the Air Force go "green." Moody Air Force Base became a test-site for the program after a request was made by Air Force Materiel Command officials for the base to evaluate the positive and

  • Remote maintenance saves Air Force millions of dollars

    Air Force Materiel Command members are using remote maintenance technology to repair air traffic control and landing systems, or ATCALS, and perform remote flight inspections, saving the Air Force millions of dollars. The upgrade to acquire and implement the new ATCALS navigation equipment that

  • Air Force officials look at hydrogen as potential fuel source

    Few car owners would ever think of pouring water down the gas tank; however, as Air Force officials here continue initiatives to redefine the Air Force's energy culture, more Airmen might picture water as an energy source. Some Robins Air Force Base Airmen may be among the first to see the use of

  • Bolling, Reserve officials honor famous actor, Airman

    Actor James M. Stewart was a Hollywood legend who flew bomber missions with the Army Air Forces during World War II and rose to the rank of brigadier general in the Air Force Reserve. Officials from the 11th Wing from Bolling Air Force Base and Air Force Reserve Command members participated in a

  • AFRC commander presents goods to Afghan girl, village

    Representing a group of Americans who want to assist in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan, the commander of the Air Force Reserve Command presented several boxes of donated items to a 10-year-old Afghan girl and her village here May 30. Lt. Gen. John Bradley, on behalf of his wife

  • Medical team inspects remote health clinic

    Appearances can be deceiving. The Jegdalak Medical Health Center, standing alone atop a rock-strewn hill overlooking Jegdalak, looks nothing like a medical facility. The clinic, however, serves a remote region of more than 30,000 Afghans. Located approximately 100 miles east of Kabul, Afghanistan,

  • 'Today's Air Force' features Air Force transformation

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how the Air Force continues transforming to meet the needs of the 21st Century. The transformation begins with Airmen taking advantage of professional education, training and networking opportunities.Also featured is a segment on how Airmen are

  • Air Force Week Philadelphia culminates with McGuire air expo

    Officials opened the gates here for an air expo to highlight the men, women and equipment of the Air Force May 31 and June 1 to culminate Air Force Week in Philadelphia. The weather hampered aerial demonstrations May 31, but base and New Jersey officials still held a wreath-laying ceremony to open

  • Operation Pacific Angel leaves lasting impression

    When temperatures approach 90 degrees with 90 percent humidity by 6 a.m. in the rural Cambodian province of Kampong Chhnang, excitement fills the air. News has spread far and wide by the Imam, a local religious leader, and by word of mouth. American medical people have returned to help the Cambodian

  • Officials explain humanitarian operations during Air Force Week

    Senior mobility and medical Air Force officials met with the mayor of Philadelphia and other community leaders to explain how Airmen provide hope around the world through humanitarian operations May 29 at the National Liberty Museum here. Lt. Gen. Christopher A. Kelly, vice commander of Air Mobility

  • Coin-sized sensor can detect bombs

    An Air Force Office of Scientific Research-funded team has created an inexpensive sensor the size of a penny that detects bombs made with improvised peroxide explosive devices. The University of California at San Diego research team includes Dr. William Trogler, one of the inventors of the

  • 2-time Oscar winner presents film at Air Force Week

    Military medicine and wounded warriors took center stage in the "Fighting for Life" documentary produced by Terry Sanders shown during Air Force Week in Philadelphia May 28 at the Levitt Auditorium of the University of the Arts here. Directed by two-time Academy Award winner Terry Sanders and

  • RAF officers spin-up on 820th SFG roles, mission, training

    Two members from the Royal Air Force, Force Protection Centre at RAF Honington, United Kingdom, recently visited the 820th Security Forces Group at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., as part of an exchange program between the units. Flight Lt. Dave Martin and Wing Cmdr. Tom Sawyer, Force Protection Centre

  • Manas BASH program takes to wing

    Bird strikes are a major concern for the Air Force and Manas Air Base leaders have turned to a different version of the fighting falcon to keep the airfield clear. One of an aviator's best friends on Manas AB is a luger falcon named Mustang, the fist of its type in the area of responsibility to

  • Service demographics offer snapshot of force

    The Air Force Personnel Center here recently published its demographics report offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force. This data is current as of April 30. More information can be found at the center's analysis branch website:

  • General addresses transportation needs during Air Force Week-Philadelphia

    The leader of U.S. Transportation Command addressed community leaders and hundreds of Airmen about the outlook of American military transportation May 27 at the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Center here. Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, USTRANSCOM commander at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., spoke at

  • Airmen trace roots of independence during Air Force Week in Philadelphia

    Airpower roared over the birthplace of American independence as Airmen on the ground and in the air showed local citizens what the Air Force is all about May 27 during festivities supporting Air Force Week in Philadelphia. Throughout the Independence National Historical Park here, Airmen talked with

  • Chief McKinley awards rank of honorary chief

    An "Airman among Airmen" was awarded the honorary rank and title of a chief master sergeant in the Air Force during a ceremony here May 23. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, joined by more than 450 senior enlisted leaders attending the Airmen's Heritage Banquet during the 2008

  • Air Force Week in Philadelphia kicks off with parade

    Airmen paraded down the streets of Bridesburg adorned with red, white and blue flags and banners May 26 to kick off not only Air Force Week in Philadelphia but also the city's annual Memorial Day parade Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, the commander of Air Mobility Command, led a contingent of Airmen and

  • Officials select acquisition regional directors

    The Air Force Installation Acquisition Transformation initiative to streamline installation-level purchasing across the continental United States continued to move forward May 21 as Air Force Materiel Command named provisional directors for the new Installation Acquisition Center and the five

  • CSAF addresses Air Force top enlisted leaders

    "We have to adapt to today's fight, but prepare for the fight of tomorrow," the Air Force chief of staff told more than 300 of the Air Force's top enlisted Airmen during the 2008 Senior Enlisted Leader Summit at Maxwell Air Force Base's Gunter Annex May 21. Gen. T. Michael Moseley spoke with chief

  • USAFE program builds working relationships

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe patches can be seen around the world because of the command's robust military-to-military program, which is one of several theater security cooperation components. USAFE works with more than 60 countries on three continents annually to share information and enhance

  • Former Air Force pilot, NFL star touts opportunities for veterans

    Chad Hennings has been known by many titles in his life: U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, Gulf War veteran, Dallas Cowboy. The three-time Super Bowl champion now can go by one more title: small-business advocate. "Small business is the lifeblood of America," Mr. Hennings

  • 'Today's Air Force' features disaster relief

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how the U.S. Air Force provides life-saving relief anywhere in the world. One example is the humanitarian relief Air Force aircrews have flown to China. Airmen are working around the clock to deliver food, blankets and tools to care for the

  • Dover Airman to receive CFC Hero Award

    A Dover Airman was recently awarded the 2007 National Combined Federal Campaign Military Hero Award for his efforts with the CFC and other volunteer activities in the community. Capt. Thomas Abell, the 436th Mission Support Squadron Military Personnel Flight commander, will receive the annual CFC

  • Wing maintenance, logistics to merge with operations

    On May 12, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley signed the Global Wing Structure Program Action Directive 08-01. PAD 08-01 directs the realignment of fighter, rescue and bomber aircraft maintenance units under flying squadrons. The Air Force will implement these changes between July 1

  • Airman's Roll Call: Thrift Savings Plan

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the long-term retirement savings plan Airmen and civilians can use to supplement their retirement plans. The savings plan gives investors the opportunity to lower their taxes each year they contribute. The taxes are deferred until the employee withdraws from

  • Top leaders unite for senior enlisted summit

    More than 350 of the Air Force's top enlisted leaders converged on Maxwell Air Force Base's Gunter Annex to participate in the 2008 Senior Enlisted Leader Summit May 18 to 23. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, along with hundreds of Air Force command chief master sergeants,

  • Officials plan events for Air Force Week in Philadelphia

    Air Force officials will spread "brotherly love" as airpower will be displayed for Air Force Week in Philadelphia May 26 through June 2. Activities in the Philadelphia metro region will begin on Memorial Day and culminate with an Air Exposition featuring the Air Force Demonstrations Squadron, the

  • 'Today's Air Force' features deployment operations

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights explosive ordnance disposal Airmen and their efforts to demolish improvised explosive devices. Also featured is a segment on how Airmen find time, after a 12-hour shift, to volunteer their services while deployed -- a great gain for the host

  • Military conservation agents recognized for support

    From chasing bears out of housing, enforcing fish and wildlife laws, to educating the public, the efforts of Elmendorf's military conservation agents tend to be behind the scenes and rarely noticed ... until now. The program was recently recognized by the National Military Fish and Wildlife Agency

  • Airmen 'pump' blood to warfighters, civilian casualties

    At the heart of the Blood Transshipment Center here, a five-member team pumps blood to Southwest Asia, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and the Horn of Africa.The team, along with a group of volunteers, processes thousands of units of life-saving blood for warfighters and civilian casualties

  • Joint force employees share process improvement ideas

    More than 1,000 military and civilian defense department employees came together May 13 to 17 to compare process improvement notes during a four-day conference in Lansdowne, Va.During the 2008 Department of Defense Continuous Process Improvement Symposium, Airmen from around the world shared input

  • Combat Hammer offers opportunity to evaluate precision-guided munitions

    In a "remote village" west of Salt Lake City, a 2,000-pound enhanced guided bomb unit-15 slips suddenly through an open window of a 30-foot building with immaculate precision. Zero fatalities result from this TV-guided infrared intrusion that occurred May 13. The village -- stacks of cargo

  • Military medical advancements benefit civilian health care

    Psychological health issues and traumatic brain injuries are primary areas of study in military medicine, said a senior Department of Defense medical official here recently. "What we are learning in studies will lead to some major breakthroughs in the world of medicine," said Dr. Michael E.

  • AFMC surgeon general: joint medical teams saving lives

    The Air Force offers one of the best medical services in the world, Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Richard A. Hersack said May 15 during his visit here. General Hersack, who became the Air Force Materiel Command surgeon general last fall, said he couldn't be more proud of the medical workers in the command and

  • Air Force club members eligible for scholarships

    Air Force Clubs are offering 25 scholarships valued at $1,000 each to club members and their families through a themed essay contest. Essays must be 500 words or less and written on the subject of "The Most Important Person in My Life." Interested applicants may visit the Air Force Clubs Web site

  • Officials extend spouse career advancement initiative

    Career and training opportunities for military spouses just got better, as the Defense and Labor departments' career advancement demonstration project has been expanded to include all active-duty military spouses, along with four additional career fields. "In the first days of the demonstration

  • Anheuser-Busch offers free theme park admission

    For the rest of this year, sitting in Shamu the killer whale's "splash zone" or talking turkey with a big yellow bird are just two activities servicemembers and their families can enjoy for free at Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks. Through its "Here's to the Heroes" program, which began in 2005, the

  • SECAF discusses 'culture shift' toward continuous process improvement

    Speaking to more than 500 military members and civilians representing all services, as well as interagency and international partners, during the Department of Defense Continuous Process Improvement Symposium May 13, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne emphasized Department of Defense officials

  • Deployed environmental stewardship pays off

    In the middle of the desert, Airmen have gone 'green'. These green Airmen, deployed to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, are participating in a recycling program designed to reduce the waste produced at an air base in Southwest Asia. Items such as wooden pallets, metals, cardboard, plastic bottles

  • Bootcamp gives veterans an entrepreneurial edge

    Starting your own business can be a daunting venture even under the best of circumstances. But add to that the challenges of being a service-disabled veteran, and the experience can be overwhelming. That scenario troubled Mike Haynie, a former Air Force major. A few months after beginning his new

  • Judge advocate general announces award winners

    Maj. Gen. Jack L. Rives, the Air Force judge advocate general, has announced the 2007 Judge Advocate General Award winners. The award recipients will be formally recognized at an awards banquet during KEYSTONE 2008, the JAG Corps' leadership summit, to be held the first week of November in

  • USO dedicates new lounge at Reagan National Airport

    Servicemembers transiting through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, near Washington, D.C., now have a new area to spend time between flights after the recent dedication of a new United Service Organizations lounge. This newly relocated lounge provides a home away from home for traveling

  • Board seeks nominations for in-residence schools

    The annual Air Force Reserve Development Education Designation Board will convene at the Air Reserve Personnel Center here in November to select Reserve officers for in-residence developmental education schools for the 2009-2010 academic year. The board will select qualified Airmen to attend

  • 2008 Verne Orr Award winner announced

    The Air Force has selected the 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., as the winner of the 2008 Verne Orr Award. The Air Force Association established this award in honor of former Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr. The award recognizes an Air Force unit (active or Reserve) that

  • Prototype UAV tested at Northern Edge

    Thanks to technology advances in small, unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, servicemembers on the ground may be able to get an inside track on what lies ahead, literally. The Air Force Research Laboratory tested the Arcturus unmanned aerial vehhicle prototype May 7 at Northern Edge 2008 in the Pacific

  • Camp Eggers staff visit Afghan girls' school

    Nearly 70 members of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan delivered backpacks, toys and school supplies to the Zabuli Education Center for Girls and Women May 8 outside of Kabul. American servicemembers from Camp Eggers visited the school as part of the volunteer community relations

  • First wave of ROTC field training gets underway

    More than 360 ROTC cadets, mostly upcoming juniors from 144 colleges nationwide, kicked off the first wave of summer field training May 8 at Maxwell Air Force Base. In the next three months, Air Force ROTC officials forecast more than 2,300 cadets will participate in the annual training that serves

  • Prepositioning weapons at Balad to save $1.3 million

    Balad Air Base has been chosen by Air Force leaders to be the test base for a weapons prepositioning initiative expected to save the Air Force approximately $1.3 million per year in transportation costs. This initiative involves the prepositioning of M-9s and M-16s that will allow certain Airmen to

  • 'Today's Air Force' features AF Personnel Center

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights a 21st-century administration facility. With the advancement in technology; the Air Force Personnel Center has facilitated the move of many administrative issues making it easier for Airmen to access important information. While Air Force people

  • Defense forum highlights need for scientists, engineers

    Air Force and U.S. officials forecast a serious shortage of scientists and engineers. That assessment was made by Joe Sciabica, executive director of the Air Force Research Laboratory, during a Regional Defense Forum here May 6. About 370 business and government leaders attended the event to foster

  • New wings to secure A-10 longevity

    New wings are the answer to Air Force concerns on the aging A-10 Thunderbolt II, an airframe flying since 1975. Air Force officials awarded a contract to Boeing last year requiring 242 new A-10 wings constructed and delivered to depots for installment on the thin-skinned airframes by 2011. Not all

  • Fitness 'In Training' program helps runners achieve goals

    Air Force fitness has a new program that may improve Airmen's running goals. The "In Training" program, accessible from the Air Force Fitness Web site, www.usafsports.com, has guides for runners of all fitness levels. New runners can use the program to learn how easy it is to start a training

  • AFPC Airmen help wounded warrior improve quality of life

    Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro's injuries from Afghanistan wouldn't allow him to build the gate he needed at his home in Cibolo, Texas. Instead, he turned to Operation Homefront, which asked volunteers from the Air Force Personnel Center here to make the needed changes to his home April 30. Operation

  • Secretary marks 10th annual Military Appreciation Month

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates marked the 10th annual Military Appreciation Month May 8 and thanked those who support America's troops through the Defense Department's America Supports You program. "This month marks the tenth anniversary of the U.S. Senate establishing May as a month to honor our

  • 2007 Chaplain Service Award winners announced

    The chief of Air Force chaplains has announced the winners of the annual Air Force Chaplain Service Awards program for 2007. Winners were recognized in individual categories for both active and Reserve components, and Airmen at three chapels earned recognition as the Chaplain Service's most

  • Hill environmental team earns DOD award

    A team of environmental specialists here has been named the best Environmental Quality Team in the Department of Defense. The 21-member group, part of the 75th Civil Engineer Group Environmental Division, includes biologists, an archaeologist, several engineers and other managers who oversee Hill

  • Workforce cuts drive shift in personnel services delivery

    Personnel Services Delivery and Program Budget Decision 720 are two key programs that continue to push significant transformation in the Air Force. One of the newest changes making its way here is a product of both the streamlined personnel processes and increased manpower cuts resulting from PSD

  • New Joint Staff team evaluates wounded warrior programs

    A joint team formed by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is looking at the broad range of care and support services for wounded warriors to find any gaps and tap into best practices to share across the force. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen stood up the Joint Staff Wounded Warrior Integration Team in

  • Air National Guard unit earns 'Star' rating

    Occupational Health and Safety Administration officials announced April 30 the Air National Guard's 148th Fighter Wing earned the prestigious Voluntary Protection Program Star status. The 148th FW from Duluth is the first unit in the Air Force to earn the VPP Star rating, which demonstrates a

  • Today Show features Malmstrom Airmen, mission

    Normally, seeing Airmen scramble around an intercontinental ballistic missile wing might make you think it's time to run for cover. This time, however, the wing's hustle centered on being featured live on a national news program. NBC's Al Roker and the Today Show broadcast live from the 341st Space

  • Hanscom unit applies 'gold standard' to contract

    When a joint team led by the Electronic Systems Center awarded the system development and demonstration contract for the Airborne and Maritime/Fixed Station Joint Tactical Radio System this spring, the move triggered not a single protest. "It's one way we can tell we listened, learned, understood

  • Study of Iraqi birds to help reduce aircraft mishaps

    One of the Air Force's greatest airpower adversaries doesn't wear the uniform of another country; it wears feathers. Both deadly and expensive, aircraft accidents and mishaps caused by collisions with birds have cost the service approximately $35 million each year since 1985, according to Air Force

  • Air University transformation unifies all officer PME

    After several months of reformation planning, Air University Commander Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz activated the Spaatz Center for Officer Education April 29. The Spaatz Center is now the umbrella organization unifying the continuum of all Air Force officer professional military education, from the

  • Afghan air corps soars again

    Graduates completed the first orientation course for the Afghan National army air corps April 30  at the Kabul Air Corps Training Center here. The four-week inaugural course laid the foundation for the air corps soldiers as they began their careers in the ANAAC. "This is an exciting new age," said

  • First Virtual Uniform Board attracts Airmen response

    The first Air Force Virtual Uniform Board received about 800 uniform change requests via the IDEA Program Database System since its release in March. Airmen were able to submit uniform change requests via the IPDS between March 5 and April 14. The Uniform Enterprise Working Group -- acting as

  • Japanese NCOs visit Kadena

    Sixty-seven Japan Air Self Defense Force airmen participated in a bilateral exchange program April 23 at Kadena Air Base. The Japan Air Self Defense Force airmen visited the Erwin PME Center, Marshall Dining Facility, living quarters for both Airmen and NCOs, the physiological training facility, and

  • Airmen set up communication lines for exercise in Croatia

    Members of the 1st Combat Communications Squadron based out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, began arriving in late April into Croatia to prepare network and phone systems for participants of the Medical Training Exercise in Central and Eastern Europe 2008 here.The 1st CBCS Airmen linked the more than

  • Special operations Airmen reach out to Bangladesh school

    Adults and children alike were all smiles during a special delivery of school supplies at Eglal's ABC School April 27 here. Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group handed out school supplies to all 60 students as part of their community outreach program during Exercise Teak Buffalo, a

  • 'Today's Air Force' features exercises

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Thracian Spring, an exercise that provides Aimen the opportunity to work more effectively with allies in the fight against terrorism.  Also featured is Red Flag Alaska, a training exercise designed to provide Air Force pilots training in a

  • Air Force pilot breaks own world aviation record

    An Air Force Reserve pilot deployed here broke his own world record for hours spent flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon when he surpassed the 6,000-hour milestone May 2. Lt. Col. Michael Brill, a pilot assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, has been breaking world aviation records since

  • Engineers save Air Force millions with F100 engine test plan

    Collaboration between the F100 engine program office at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and test personnel at the Arnold Engineering Development Center here along with engine manufacturer Pratt and Whitney has led to reduced test costs for component improvement verification testing at AEDC facilities.

  • Air Force identifies pilots killed in Sheppard T-38 crash

    Sheppard officials have identified the pilots killed when their T-38C Talon crashed during a May 1 training mission. Maj. Brad Funk, 35, a 90th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, and 2nd Lt. Alec Littler, 23, a student pilot in the 80th Flying Training Wing's Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot

  • Intel system transitions analysts into net-centric era

    The era of analysts who navigated through the world of intelligence data equipped with sticky notes and spreadsheets is being shelved to make room for a new set of tools that make use of Web-based applications. That's what the 950th Electronic Systems Group, part of the Electronic Systems Center

  • Air Force officials announce Flemming award winner

    Major Timothy J. Bode has been selected as the winner of the 59th Annual Arthur S. Flemming Award in the managerial achievement category. Major Bode currently serves as chief of operations for the Space Based Infrared Systems Combined Task Force in Boulder, Colo. The award, sponsored annually by

  • Financial management, services to Airmen evolving

    The assistant secretary of the Air Force for financial management and comptroller described a bright future for financial services during a visit with Air Mobility Command  financial management officials here April 28. John H. Gibson II said current and pending enhancements allow Airmen to work

  • B-52 simulators receive overhaul

    With 19 years and more than 3,000 flying hours piloting the B-52 Stratofortress, Lt. Col. Tom Silvia is the right person to ensure the bomber' s simulator is realistic as overhauls are completed to bring it up to date.Realism was lacking previously in the simulators, the colonel said. The view of

  • Northern Edge '08 to kick off

    The largest military training exercise in Alaska, Northern Edge 2008, begins May 5 with about 5,000 U.S. active duty, national guard, and Reserve component Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. Alaskan Command hosts the air-centric exercise, which will involve more than 120 Air Force, Army, Air

  • With troops' freedom to choose beneficiaries comes greater responsibility

    Starting in July, servicemembers can choose to whom a $100,000 death gratuity will be disbursed if they are killed in action. Currently, troops can assign half the posthumous payment to recipients of their preference, with the remainder paid according to a hierarchy determined by the Defense

  • Officials announce 2007 Thomas Jefferson Award winners

    Officials at the American Forces Information Service and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs recently announced the winners of the 2007 Thomas Jefferson Awards. The Thomas Jefferson Awards program, named after the nation's third president and author of the Declaration

  • Precision landing system ready for take off

    After many years of technology refinement, the Electronic Systems Center-led land-based increment of the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System is poised to progress to the system development and demonstration phase. Known as JPALS, the system uses the Global Positioning System, or GPS, to

  • Airman's Roll Call: how the Air Force buys weapon systems

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on how the Air Force purchases new weapon systems. In recent months there has been lots of talk about the Air Force and its efforts to replace the Eisenhower-era KC-135 Stratotanker. The Air Force uses a detailed acquisition process for its purchasing needs.

  • AF officials select Airmen for AFIT graduate program

    Air Force officials recently selected six enlisted Airmen to continue their education through the Enlisted to Air Force Institute of Technology Graduate Degree Program. "My congratulations go out to these fine Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. "We had a number of

  • JTF-Bravo volunteers give needed food to local Hondurans

    About 60 Joint Task Force-Bravo personnel used a day off from work April 26 to continue the mission of humanitarian assistance as volunteers giving food to local Hondurans in need. The volunteers were participants in the Joint Task Force-Bravo Chapel Hike, a program in which people from Soto Cano AB

  • Sesame Street coaches kids through parent's deployments, returns

    Following a workshop that helped children cope with a military parent's deployment, the familiar, furry denizens of Sesame Street are starring in a new program focusing on multiple deployments and on family adjustments upon a parent's return. Sesame Workshop, the makers of Sesame Street, have

  • AFCENT command chief discusses wartime operations

    The command chief master sergeant of 9th Air Force and United States Air Forces Central closed out a tour through Southwest Asia April 25 with a visit  to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. The bulk of Chief Master Sgt. Scott Dearduff's visit here was spent meeting Airmen and seeing first-hand what

  • AF officials select 37 Airmen for physician assistant training

    The Air Force officials selected 37 Airmen to attend the Tri-Service (Phase I) Physician Assistant training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The April 2008 Physician Assistant Board met at the Air Force Personnel Center in San Antonio to consider 61 applicants. In addition to those selected to attend

  • DOD officials announce new relocation tool for families

    It's almost peak moving season again for military families, and Defense Department leaders want families to know new resources are available to help. "Plan My Move," soft-launched in late summer, is the next generation of DOD's MilitaryHomefront tools to provide an integrated "e-moving" solution,

  • 'Today's Air Force' features the Month of the Military Child

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights April as the Month of the Military Child. See how the children of military families make daily sacrifices and overcome challenges. April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Air Force officials use this month to place renewed emphasis on an

  • Container management initiative saves money

    In an effort to not only improve the aesthetics of the installation but also save the Air Force hundreds of thousands of dollars, the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Group and Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's traffic management flight have joined forces to combat extraneous shipping

  • Conference focuses on challenges facing acquisition workforce

    Air Force and industry leaders gathered at Wright-Patterson AFB April 22-23 to chart a course to speed the development and delivery of a new crop of revolutionary weapon systems to joint warfighters. Nearly 500 government and industry professionals attended the Defense Acquisition University's

  • 2008 AF Community Assessment Survey has arrived

    Officials with the Air Force Integrated Delivery System and Community Action Information Board are sponsoring the 2008 Community Assessment Survey. This survey continues to be a critical tool for senior leaders in determining the strengths and needs of Air Force communities and informing community