HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Next group of Airman-Soldiers set to move into Iraq

    More than 150 Airmen completed the final stages of live-fire convoy training here July 16 before deploying north to Mosul as part of the 494th Air Expeditionary Force Truck Company. “You will be on the frontlines. You will be facing the enemy everyday in some of the most dangerous areas in Iraq,”

  • Balad first sergeants bare veins for IV training

    People assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron received life-saving medical training July 15 on the arms of first sergeants here.More than six Balad first sergeants rolled up their sleeves and "took one for the team" to give a few patrolmen intravenous therapy training for

  • DOD developing training to help potential captives

    Defense Department officials are taking a hard look at the way they train servicemembers to avoid capture and, if they do fall into enemy hands, how to handle themselves.A new "core captivity curriculum," expected to be completed this summer, is designed to update training currently being provided

  • Special team searches for aircraft cracks

    All combat aircraft go through extreme stresses when completing their missions. Those stresses can cause metal fatigue -- tiny cracks in the joints and welds of the frame or invisible fractures in the metal.The sooner these invisible cracks are found, the safer the aircraft will be.Finding those

  • F-16 test team conducts first guided launch of AIM-9X

    A test team from the Global Power Fighters Combined Test Force here moved a step closer to demonstrating the full combat capability of the newest variant of the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on the F-16 Fighting Falcon.Maj. Bill Peris, a 416th Flight Test Squadron test pilot, fired the AIM-9X from an

  • Treatment available to troops suffering from combat stress

    The servicemember who goes to combat and the one who comes back are never the same person, the Defense Department's director of mental-health policy said July 14."No one comes back unchanged," said Army Col. (Dr.) Tom Burke.Dr. Burke and other DOD health officials try to reach out to those returning

  • Safe, adequate housing gets highest priority

    Caring for Air Force families is the highest priority and one way to reinforce that commitment is to provide safe, adequate and affordable housing, said the Air Force’s senior military leader.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper released a Site Picture on July 6, detailing his and Air Force

  • A-10 pilots guard ground forces

    As ground forces travel throughout Afghanistan, they can rest assured there is somebody available to watch over their shoulders.Actually, two somebodies: a flight of two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, often known as Warthogs, regularly keep watch over the countryside and ground troops.While deployed to

  • Airman dies in Iraq

    An Airman assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and attached to the U.S. Army’s 494th Truck Company at Balad Air Base, Iraq, was killed in action July 11.Staff Sgt. Dustin W. Peters, 25, died when the convoy he was riding in encountered an improvised explosive device.Sergeant Peters served as

  • AAFES goes where troops are

    When orders come down for troops to move to forward-deployed locations worldwide, they quickly pack their bags and go. After that, it is only a matter of time before a small contingent of civilians pack their bags as well.They are Army and Air Force Exchange Service workers.Mr. Allan Heasty is the

  • Mildenhall Airmen recognized for heroic efforts

    Two Airmen of the 321st Special Tactics Squadron here were lauded recently for their quick action and rescue efforts after a vehicle accident in September 2003. Senior Airmen Ivan Ruiz and Jared Pietras, a pararescueman and combat controller, respectively, were involved in a tragic accident on a

  • Communication techs ensure message gets through

    Technicians from the 374th Communications Squadron’s systems control and facility control offices here help Pacific Air Forces leaders plan, direct, coordinate and execute operations worldwide. The vast majority of command and control, voice conferencing and combat support communications traffic

  • Course trains Airmen to drive convoys for Army in Iraq

    Riding in a truck through Iraq, manning a weapon and facing armed adversaries is not a scenario many Air Force vehicle operators thought they would see.But that is exactly what more than 500 of these Airmen are doing -- driving convoys for the Army supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.Chief Master

  • Army recruiting departing Airmen

    After they "Cross Into the Blue" Army officials said they hope Airmen leaving the Air Force will join the "Army of One."A new program, Operation Blue to Green, seeks to recruit into the Army Airmen and Sailors leaving their service because of force reductions. The Army is temporarily increasing its

  • Airman charged with double murder

    An Airman here was formally charged July 8 with killing two people. Senior Airman Andrew Paul Witt, an avionics technician with the 116th Air Control Wing, is charged with two counts of premeditated murder, covered under Article 118 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Senior Airman Andrew

  • Engineers develop improved robotic tractor

    Engineers here are designing, building and testing a more advanced, robotic trenching tractor so combat engineers can perform cable trenching and excavation missions in dangerous locations. An early version of the tractor was developed last year and used in Iraq.Air Force Research Laboratory’s

  • Pilot reprimanded, fined in friendly fire incident

    Lt. Gen. Bruce Carlson, 8th Air Force commander, has found Maj. Harry Schmidt guilty of dereliction of duty for his role in an April 17, 2002, bombing incident which resulted in the deaths of four Canadian soldiers and the serious injury of eight others. Major Schmidt’s punishment includes a

  • Suspect in base killings in custody

    An Airman here suspected of killing two people and injuring another in base housing July 5 is in pretrial confinement at a local jail.The suspect was apprehended here July 5 by Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents. Base officials said he has not yet been formally charged, and they did

  • Team keeps aircraft fueled

    Talk to a group of petroleum, oil and lubrication technicians and you will meet people who know their impact on the mission.With phrases like “without POL, pilots are pedestrians” and “we fuel the fight,” the team here knows how important its job is. In June alone, the Airmen fueled missions over

  • Expeditionary mindset provides stability, predictability for Airmen

    Nothing much stands out at the Air and Space Expeditionary Force Center at Langley Air Force Base, Va.The rooms upon rooms of cubicles are standard for a work center. A snack room provides lunch for those too busy to leave, and a larger parking lot would make people happier.Everything appears

  • Air Force bids farewell to a legend

    The Air Force's last Vietnam-era former prisoner of war still serving retired here June 30, ending more than four decades of active-duty, Guard and Reserve Service.Reserve Maj. Gen. Ed Mechenbier, mobilization assistant to Gen. Gregory S. Martin who is commander of Air Force Materiel Command, hung

  • A-10 upgrades double operational lifespan

    The first production A-10 Thunderbolt II was delivered here in October 1975. Fifteen years later, the A-10 was called the most formidable weapon system of its type while flying combat missions during Operation Desert Storm.Today, more than 30 years after beginning service, many of the Air Force’s

  • Pilot wins Good Housekeeping award

    An unwavering faith, a good clean life and a sparkling career -- not necessarily a clean house -- earned a 524th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot here a Good Housekeeping award.Capt. Christina Hopper was presented Good Housekeeping magazine’s Woman in Government Award for 2003 recently

  • Air Force honors Youth of the Year

    A ceremony at the Pentagon on June 23 honored Air Force youth representing bases worldwide.This year’s master of ceremonies was both the Air Force Materiel Command Youth of the Year and the Oklahoma State Youth of the Year. Michael Goodman, son of retired Master Sgt. Randall and Donna Goodman from

  • Yokota aircraft parts store never closes

    Airmen assigned to the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron is aircraft parts store element here work around the clock supporting the Air Force airlift mission in the Pacific region.The group of inventory management technicians receive, store and issue needed parts worth $46 million for C-130 Hercules

  • General Bradley will command Air Force Reserve

    On June 24, the Senate confirmed Maj. Gen. John A. Bradley as chief of Air Force Reserve and commander of Air Force Reserve Command, and appointed him to the rank of lieutenant general. General Bradley is the former assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for reserve matters at the

  • Congress recognizes four Air Force people

    Four members of the Air Force family received Congressional Award Gold Medals along with 171 other young men and women during a ceremony on June 23 at the Russell Senate Office Building.The program recognizes outstanding achievement in people ages 14 to 23 and involves setting goals in four areas:

  • Murray talks deployments, force shaping

    Combat needs, not current manpower standards, are what Air Force officials are using to determine how many people are filling the ranks, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald Murray said. This, he said, is the first time in Air Force history that combat needs have been the determining

  • Command chiefs meet for annual conference

    More than 250 command chiefs from Reserve, Guard and active-duty Air Force bases worldwide met here June 19 to 23 for the 10th Annual Worldwide Command Chief Master Sergeants' Conference.Command chiefs tackled issues facing the enlisted force.The conference gives Air Force senior leaders an

  • Officials detail global posture realignment process

    The realignment of U.S. forces in the world will mirror the changing threats and be a result of a fundamental shift in national security, the DOD undersecretary for policy told the House Armed Services Committee on June 23.Douglas Feith said that the effort now under way thinks through how U.S.

  • A Minuteman moment

    An unarmed Minuteman III ICBM launched from here at 1:32 a.m. PDT on June 23. The missile’s unarmed re-entry vehicle traveled nearly 4,200 miles in about 30 minutes, hitting a predetermined target on Kwajalein Atoll in the western chain of the Marshall Islands. The mission was part of the Force

  • UAV Battlelab stands up at Indian Springs

    Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field near here is entering a new era in providing unmanned aerial vehicle support to the combat air force.Currently the only installation with a fleet of operational remotely piloted aircraft, Indian Springs is now also the home of the Air Force’s Unmanned Aerial

  • EOD is making Afghanistan safe for future

    Today, there are literally tons of explosive materials hidden throughout Afghanistan. Some, like land mines the former Soviet Union liberally scattered around the countryside, lie deceptively under a thin veneer of dirt. Others lie hidden away in caches of weapons carefully horded and

  • Shop reorganizes, reduces maintenance-flow days

    Maintainers here are promising to cut nearly two months off Common Configuration Improvement Program efforts on Air Force fighter aircraft by rearranging work spaces and making the flow smoother.Program modifications are being done here to enhance the cockpit, avionics and combat capability of about

  • IMAX returns to Nellis for final shoot

    A production crew filming an IMAX movie on the Air Force returned here June 14 to 18 to continue work on the 43-minute action documentary about Red Flag exercises.Filming for the production began here in June 2003, and this is scheduled to be the crew’s last visit. Besides their initial visit,

  • American C-17 airlifts Iraqi child to Hungarian hospital

    Medics from the 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron helped airlift a 13-year-old Iraqi to Budapest, Hungary, recently.A dozen crewmembers aboard a C-17 Globemaster III helped transport Abbas Jabbar, who was injured last month when he ran in front of a Hungarian convoy patrolling near

  • Sembach security forces practice aerial rescues

    Eleven Airmen of the 786th Security Forces Squadron at nearby Sembach Air Base practiced their search and rescue skills here June 14 to 18 during NATO Operation Clean Hunter.They were joined by people from the 56th Rescue Squadron at Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, and rescue teams from the

  • Doctor reports from field

    Keeping in touch with family and friends at home is a high priority for many deployed Airmen, but Lt. Col. (Dr.) John Torres, or "Dr. John" as he is known back home in Colorado, goes a step further.Besides being an emergency room doctor, Dr. Torres records a medical segment three times a week for

  • DOD wasn't geared to internal threats Sept. 11, panel told

    National policy that geared the Defense Department toward external threats was part of the reason DOD officials could not do more to prevent some of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the 9-11 commission here today. "Our military posture on 9-11, by law,

  • Officials release B-1B accident report

    Standing water on the runway led to a B-1B Lancer aircraft accident Feb. 27 at a forward-deployed location supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to a report Air Force officials released June 16.Upon landing, the aircraft hydroplaned off the runway, damaging all four engines and other

  • Officials release F-16 accident report

    Pilot error caused two F-16 Fighting Falcons to collide March 9, during a training mission over the Atlantic Ocean about 35 miles southeast of Myrtle Beach, S.C., according to a report Air Force officials released June 15.Both aircraft landed safely at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., and the pilots were

  • Suspect arrested in sergeant’s murder

    Officials arrested a suspect in the murder of Master Sgt. Gloria Ponder on June 12. Sergeant Ponder was found dead in her on-base home June 8. She was assigned to Air Combat Command’s chapel at Langley Air Force Base, Va.The suspect was apprehended by security forces Airmen at the base exchange on

  • 8th annual Air Force Marathon set for Sept. 18

    Air Force officials will hold the 8th annual Air Force Marathon here Sept. 18. The marathon will include a half-marathon, wheelchair race, four-person relay and 5K race.The deadline for early registration is July 1, and all entries must be in by Sept. 7. The race is open to the public.Besides

  • Morón keeps aircraft moving, projects expeditionary air power

    About halfway between the United States and the Middle East, the runway here was recently labeled by Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche as “the irreplaceable gateway” for aircraft, cargo and troops headed for central and Southwest Asia . U.S. Air Forces in Europe leaders visited here

  • Secretary, three others receive NAACP awards

    The Air Force secretary and three other Airmen received NAACP awards for outstanding and noteworthy efforts in implementing policies and programs which promote equal opportunity in the military.Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche garnered the National Association for the Advancement of

  • Convoy course prepares Airmen for duty in Iraq

    Air Education and Training Command leaders saw the need for the Basic Combat Convoy Course for Airmen during a visit to Iraq in March, and 37th Training Wing experts here assembled the course in record time.The first platoon of Airmen began the course June 7, training to relieve transportation

  • Air Force athlete wins Brazil World Cup

    Michael Herman, an Air Force World-Class Athlete and first alternate to the 2004 USA Olympic Shooting Team, won the 2004 Brazil World Cup.The championship event was held in Americana, Brazil, May 29 to June 7. It included 53 top shooters worldwide as they made their final preparations for the 2004

  • Airmen honor fallen commander in chief

    Airmen nationwide will pay tribute this week to former President Ronald Reagan who died at his home June 5 from pneumonia as a complication of Alzheimers. President Reagan, who was 93, served as the 40th commander in chief from 1981 to 1989.Air Force participation in the state funeral includes

  • If you break it, they will come

    Outside, there is a simple, painted sign: “If you break it, we can make it.” Inside, there is an array of equipment, somewhat reminiscent of a high-school machine shop.On either side, the fabrication branch Airmen here have a vital mission: To fix or make the parts and tools needed to keep the

  • Airmen get direct flights into AOR

    Airmen assigned to Pacific Air Forces now have a dedicated flight to take them directly into U.S. Central Command theater when they leave to fill their air and space expeditionary force responsibilities.About 200 Airmen from Yokota and Kadena Air Bases in Japan took the first direct flight into the

  • Total-force effort supplies OEF

    Every day, between 50 and 100 tons of equipment and supplies arrive here, flown in around the clock by a constant stream of cargo aircraft.Since this is a combat environment, getting the aircraft down, unloaded and quickly off the ground again is extremely important. Keeping that logistical

  • Combat exercise showcasing proposed uniform

    As the Air Force continues its wear test of the proposed new utility uniform, its sister services are getting a chance to get an up close and personal look at the uniform during exercise Northern Edge '04."There are a total of 90 Airmen on base participating in the wear test of the new blue, green

  • Flexibility helps 497th CTS Airmen succeed in Singapore

    Col. John Rogers Jr. credits being able to “think outside the box” to the success of his Airmen who successfully perform their daily mission here. Colonel Rogers is commander of the 497th Combat Training Squadron, a 36-person group comprising the basic functional elements of a small-scale fighter

  • Jumper shares view on AEF cycle length extension

    The Air Force chief of staff announced the extension of the baseline for deployments from 90 to 120 days and the change of the air and space expeditionary force cycle from 15 months to 20 months. The changes will take place beginning with AEF Cycle 5 in September, said Gen. John P. Jumper in his

  • People remember World War II nurses

    Many Americans commemorated the 60th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, watching and remembering those World War II veterans who stormed the beaches of Normandy. Often forgotten are the flight nurses who served behind the scenes ensuring the men who fought that day lived to talk about it.Flight nurses

  • Two jumps set 60 years apart

    Combat controllers, aircrews and paratroopers made the drop of almost 700 paratroopers into the historic drop zone outside of here look easy June 5; but do not use that to measure the accomplishment of 60 years ago."We can do the same thing day or night, but look what we have to work with," said a

  • Veterans reflect upon D-Day, turning tide of war

    They are known as “the greatest generation.” On D-Day, they proved it. Before dawn June 6, 1944, Airmen of the 398th Bombardment Group awoke to a day that would turn the tide of the war in Europe and end with 3,000 Americans dead. Like most in the Army Air Forces, 1st Lt. Ike Alhadeff trained for

  • Officials release E-4 engine accident report

    Two separate mechanical failures led to $3.8 million in engine damage to an E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft here Feb. 3, according to a report Air Force officials released June 7.During the mission, the crew saw indications of extremely high gas temperature, excessive fuel flow and

  • America, France pay tribute to airborne heroes

    As the United States and France paid tribute to those killed in airborne operations during the Normandy invasion, everyone was brought close to tears and every person's chest swelled with pride here June 5.Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, saluted the World War II

  • A-10 pods help track bad guys, protect friendly forces

    When lightning strikes, it affects the surrounding area. The same could be said of an A-10 Thunderbolt II strike, especially when complemented by the advanced capabilities provided by the Litening precision targeting pod system.The navigation pod provides A-10 pilots with more than improved attack

  • Commanders must lead efforts to combat sexual assaults

    The Air Force director of manpower and reserve affairs testified June 3 before Congress during a hearing on sexual-assault prevention and response within the armed forces.Michael Dominguez told members of the House Armed Service Committee total force subcommittee about efforts the service had made

  • Ergonomic chair, desk system helps civilian stand to work

    A specially designed hydraulic chair and desk elevation system is putting Melanie McDonald in the right position for job success.Mrs. McDonald, a speech writer for the commander’s action group here, suffers from degenerative disk disease. She recently began using the Plasma 2 System on a 30-day

  • Maintainers reap Commando Sling training benefits

    Commando Sling 04-3 has been an “awesome training environment” for the Airmen of the 36th Maintenance Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea, said Master Sgt. John Haulman, production superintendent.The 56-person team is here to support F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots from the 36th Fighter Squadron at

  • Airman found guilty of rape

    An Airman from the 27th Security Forces Squadron was found guilty of two charges of rape, one of carnal knowledge and one of indecent assault in a general court-martial held here recently.A military judge sentenced Airman 1st Class Joshua Loyd to 18 years confinement, a dishonorable discharge,

  • Weapons, tactics course improves skills

    About 30 security forces Airmen from around Air Education and Training Command were here recently to improve their skills.Some of the skills the students learned at the AETC Combat Weapons and Tactics Course included tactical pistol skills, long-gun skills, low-light movements and missions, physical

  • Airmen train together during Commando Sling

    Airmen from the 36th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea, are here to train with Singaporean Airmen during exercise Commando Sling 04-3. The exercise runs until June 14 and provides a U.S. presence in Southeast Asia and realistic dissimilar aircraft air-to-air combat training for forces

  • World War II veteran receives Purple Heart

    Fifty-nine years after his plane crashed near Rheims, France, an Air Force staff sergeant received his Purple Heart during a ceremony May 28 at the World War II Memorial here.John Martinez was a staff sergeant serving with the 9th Air Force as an aerial gunner in an A-20 attack bomber April 11,

  • Future total-force concept aims to increase combat capability

    Active-duty Airmen, guardsmen and reservists working together to support the Air Force mission in a war zone such as Iraq or Afghanistan is not unusual. However, in a concept being studied at the Air Warfare Center, Airmen from all components will work together supporting the Air Force's RQ/MQ-1

  • Air Force names communications, information award winners

    The following Airmen, teams and units are winners of the 2003 Air Force Communications and Information awards for 2003.Air Force communications and information individual award winners are:-- Outstanding Field Grade Officer: Maj. Kimberly Ullman from the Pentagon in Washington.-- Outstanding

  • Air Force women take second in volleyball, men take third

    The Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps fired shots at each other May 22 to 26 here during the 2004 armed forces volleyball championships. Some of the shots were lobs; some of the shots were bullets.But the Navy men and the Army women fired the best shots as they went on to claim the 2004 armed

  • F-16 technology links allied nations' aircraft

    Warriors in future conflicts will see United States and coalition nations sharing more of the battlefield load thanks to U.S. and allied countries' F-16 Fighting Falcons getting an upgraded software program.The U.S. version of the software underwent large-force operational testing during a recent

  • Officials approve wear of expeditionary medal

    Air Force officials have authorized wear of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal which was approved by President Bush in 2003.The Department of Defense campaign medal applies to active-duty, Reserve and Guard servicemembers deployed abroad on or after Sept.11, 2001, for operations

  • Price is right for Nellis Airman

    Watching the “Price is Right” game show faithfully for years, an Airman here was invited to “Come on Down,” for his chance to bid in contestants row.“It has been my dream to be on a game show,” said Senior Airman Roger Thomas, an information manager with Air Combat Command Training Support

  • Pilots train on gunnery marksmanship

    Firing on a banner pulled behind a slow-flying aircraft, F-15 Eagle pilots worked on their gunnery marksmanship near here May 17 to 21.The training simulates air-to-air combat by using a Learjet 35 to drag a 68-pound banner 1,500 feet behind the aircraft. Pilots shoot at the banner as it is pulled

  • AF family gives two Chernobyl children health, hope

    On April 26, 1986, the world’s worst nuclear power accident occurred at Chernobyl in the former Soviet Union, now the Ukraine.Plant workers noticed something drastically wrong with a reactor and began an emergency shutdown -- a procedure that only takes 20 seconds. Unfortunately, that was 13

  • Airmen complete Marine Corps martial arts training

    Staff Sgt. Eric Earp does not necessarily consider himself athletic, but that did not keep him from completing a “grueling” weeklong Marine Corps martial arts training program. “I wanted to see if I could complete a Marine Corps program,” said Sergeant Earp of the 735th Expeditionary Communications

  • Medics help with war stress

    Their stories and experiences are harrowing: improvised explosive devices and small-arms fire attacks, comrades killed and injured in action and near-death experiences. It is the unfortunate reality of a combat environment that many U.S. servicemembers are confronted with daily throughout Iraq.

  • Leader discusses multiservice, multimission installations

    A base is not just what is inside the fence. A base involves the community in which it resides, an Air Force official said.Raymond DuBois, deputy undersecretary of defense for installations and environment, said military families want good schools, good health care, safe and secure neighborhoods,

  • Medics provide multifaceted care

    Medical technicians here are perfecting the art of multitasking.Although they receive initial training in a variety of jobs, at a home base the technicians are usually only assigned one job at a time, said Master Sgt. Bill Wnek, the 447th Expeditionary Medical Squadron’s nursing services

  • Leaders show off Raptor, Joint Strike Fighter at air show

    Air Force senior leaders took advantage of an open house here to tell reporters and visitors about the service’s newest fighters, the F/A-22 Raptor and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche held a press conference before a static display of both aircraft May 14

  • Secretary, chief send Armed Forces Day message

    The following is an Armed Forces Day message from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:“Since 1949, America has paid tribute to its men and women in uniform by celebrating Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday in May. Grateful Americans in

  • Airman struggles to save her family

    Soon, Airman 1st Class Ayaan Nduli hopes to sleep well at night.It would mean 15 years of worrying and waiting were over.It would mean her family is safe.The story of Airman Nduli, an honor guard member here, begins in Somalia in 1981, when her mother, Sahra Cali Sherwac, was pregnant with her, the

  • Members of ‘greatest generation’ visit memorial

    They have been called the “Greatest Generation,” and now a fitting tribute to them adorns the National Mall here, set between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.“It is A-No.-1-plus,” retired Master Sgt. Paul Bradford said of the World War II Memorial. “But it’s 50 years late.”Sergeant

  • Large Package Week puts the ‘air’ in airborne

    A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules passed overhead and green parachutes dotted the evening sky above nearby Fort Bragg on May 11. Eight seconds later, the first Soldiers from the Army’s 18th Airborne Corps charged across the ground launching a simulated airfield assault.The Large Package Week

  • Recalled officer retires -- again

    An Airman who began his military career as a Marine Corps rifleman in 1962 is retiring for the second time.Lt. Col. Theron Sims, who is on terminal leave, rejoined the Air Force on May 15, 2002, as part of the Rated Officer Recall Program. Colonel Sims was the service’s senior lieutenant colonel,

  • Air Force garners 18 Presidential Rank Awards

    White House officials recently named the 2003 Presidential Rank Award recipients.The awards program was established to recognize career senior executive service employees and senior professionals who exemplify the highest level of integrity, leadership and personal conduct.Awards are given in two

  • Airmen participate in Combined Endeavor 2004

    Airmen from the 735th Communications Squadron and the 1st Combat Communications Squadron arrived here for exercise Combined Endeavor 2004. In roughly a day, a group of 26 communications experts from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, provided access to phones, the Internet and e-mail for more than 200

  • VA reaches out to newest combat veterans

    The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding its efforts to reach veterans of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to ensure they are aware of benefits they have earned.Anthony Principi, VA secretary, is sending a letter to more than 150,000 veterans of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring

  • NASA selects servicemembers to explore space

    Four servicemembers were among 11 candidates NASA has chosen to be the next generation of space explorers, officials announced May 6.Maj. James Dutton, 35, and Marine Corps Maj. Randolph Bresnik, 36, were chosen to be space shuttle pilots. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Cassidy, 34, and Army Maj. Shane

  • Sergeant rescues boy from dog attack

    A sergeant assigned to Detachment 1 of the 7th Weather Squadron in Wurzburg, Germany, was honored with the Bavarian Rescuers Medal on May 7 for rescuing a young boy being attacked by two dogs. Tech. Sgt. Sean Hansen, a combat weather forecaster, is being credited with saving the 7-year-old German

  • Special athletes compete at Yokota

    Pouring rain did not stop about 3,000 volunteers, athletes and spectators from participating in the 25th annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics here May 8 and 9.“It was a little soggy and cold, but seeing the smile and joy on the kids faces makes you feel warm inside,” said Master Sgt. Shari Wicks,

  • Now showing: May 10 edition of AFTV News

    Man’s thirst for flight highlights the latest edition of Air Force Television News. Stories from Staff Sgts. Melissa Allan and Leigh Bellinger illustrate two different ways flying has occupied and enriched two people’s lives.Sergeant Allen profiles Maj. Andrew Lurake. Despite having his leg

  • Command post controllers key to information flow

    There is an organization that many people think is the place to go for information. In part they are; however, the unit is a lot more than that. Airmen in the command post do much more than just pass along information, especially in a combat zone. The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing’s command post

  • Deployed reservists help charities in Kyrgyzstan

    Air Force reservists from here deployed to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, are supporting combat operations in Afghanistan. They also are helping to make life better for people near there.Airmen of Air Force Reserve Command’s 908th Airlift Wing arrived at the old Soviet airfield in early December to

  • Guardian Challenge champions announced

    The scores are in. Teams from 21st Space Wing, 91st SW and 45th SW garnered top honors at Air Force Space Command's Guardian Challenge 2004.Trophies were presented to AFSPC's top space and missile warriors during a ceremony here May 6.The 21st SW at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., earned the

  • Official: AF nurses provide key support in OEF, OIF

    Air Force nurses have provided tremendous support in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, treating more than 200,000 patients throughout Southwest Asia, Maj. Gen. Barbara C. Brannon told the Senate Appropriations Committee's subcommittee on defense April 28.General Brannon, the Air Force’s

  • Brother escorts brother in sister-service convoy

    When Lt. Col. Greg Harbin landed at the airport in Mosul, Iraq, he knew he had to travel to the operational headquarters on the other side of town. He also knew an Army convoy would be escorting him. What he did not know was that his brother would be the convoy commander.Colonel Harbin was there

  • International Airman of maintenance

    Tech. Sgt. Robert Damron wears nothing on his blue flightsuit to indicate his nation or rank. He motions to a group to follow him up the stairs to the hatch of the E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, a modified Boeing 707 most notable for the big radar disc mounted on the

  • Security forces provide protection on, off Bagram

    Besides their more traditional role of providing installation security, security forces Airmen here have taken on two other important combat-related responsibilities supporting the war on terrorism.Airmen assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron are providing security for convoys

  • Gunter park named for Air Force hero

    The monument tells the story of an Airman who earned two Silver Stars, a Defense Superior Service Medal, a Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses and 18 Air Medals.A park here now bears his name.Retired Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Fisk, who was a pararescue Airman, was honored April 28 when a