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U.S. Air Force News

  • AFMC command chief emphasizes understanding one's role

    The stigma that Airmen assigned to Air Force Materiel Command are not part of the war on terrorism fight is one the command's top enlisted member is working to correct. "There are segments of people -- ranging from enlisted members within AFMC to those in other Air Force major commands -- who equate

  • Top leaders testify on '09 budget

    The Air Force's top two leaders testified before the House and Senate Committee on Appropriations subcommittees on Defense during hearings about the fiscal 2009 budget March 11 and 12. While the main topic of discussion among congressmen and senators remained the KC-45A contract award, Secretary of

  • Space Command hall of fame inductee honored

    The Navy rejected him for far-sighted vision he "might" develop later in life. So he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science degree on D-Day, June 6, 1944. By 1946 he was selected to serve in the super secret Manhattan Engineer District -- the

  • Dutch air chief predicts continued cooperation

    His air force has a history of training pilots in the United States that dates back to 1941. It's a long relationship Lt. Gen. Hans de Jong would like to continue. General de Jong, commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, said he expects his country to not only maintain its aircrew training

  • AF leaders focus on the future during CORONA South

    "Securing the Future" was the central theme of this year's CORONA South, held at Bolling Air Force Base here. The discussion and debate among the Air Force's senior leaders focused on preparing the Air Force to meet tomorrow's challenges as well as the potential need to restructure the force to

  • Rwandan Defense Force air traffic controllers visit Ramstein

    Ramstein Air Base officials recently hosted four air traffic controllers from the Rwandan Defense Force, giving them a first-hand look at how the U.S. Air Force takes care of business on the airfield. The Rwandans visited the 86th Operations Support Squadron Airfield Operations Flight and the 1st

  • Ramstein team gives planners Eagle Vision

    The availability of accurate imagery is critical when planning an operational mission. The responsibility to provide this vital information to those mission planners resides in the capable hands of eight members of an Air Force team here dubbed, "Eagle Vision-1." The vision for the program came

  • Alaskan villages benefit from joint military medical outreach

    Mixed teams of Army, Navy and Air Force health-care providers are spent a week treating hundreds of medically-underserved people as part of Operation Arctic Care 2008 in six remote villages in March in Alaska. Residents of Karluk, Old Harbor, Ouzinkie, Port Lions, Akhiok and Larsen Bay invited the

  • Airman's Roll Call highlights new Virtual Uniform Board

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on submitting ideas for improving dress and appearance standards to the new Virtual Uniform Board. This program allows individuals to submit uniform change requests through the Air Force's Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program -- known as

  • Air Force Uniform Board goes virtual

    Airmen now will be able to submit ideas for improving Air Force uniforms with a few simple clicks of a mouse. By logging into the Air Force's IDEA Program Web site, Airmen can select a link that allows them to submit an idea for a uniform change or update. Once submitted, ideas are routed through

  • Stealth fighter honored at Wright-Patterson

    The Air Force-industry team responsible for providing program oversight to the F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter aircraft said farewell during a ceremony March 11 here. More than 350 Airmen, base employees, industry partners and family members gathered for one last close-up look at the F-117, which

  • Cadets receive cold-weather training in Alaska

    Cadets from both Eagle River and West High School Junior ROTC programs participated in an overnight stay at Otter Lake on Fort Richardson, Alaska, to gain cold weather survival training Feb. 29 to March 1. Arriving early Feb. 29, the cadets began marching the eight-mile trail to the lake, carrying

  • Biofuel research could result in alternative energy source

    Air Force-funded biofuel researchers are investigating ways to produce large quantities of hydrogen gas using photosynthetic microbes, commonly known as algae and cyanobacteria. In large quantities, the hydrogen gas could function as a renewable, cheap and clean energy source for future military

  • Kadena officials go to great lengths for OPSEC

    Members of the 18th Wing operations security team are going to extremes to ensure wing members adhere to OPSEC principles. The team members randomly visit units on base and dive into the dumpsters to try and find sensitive material that has been thrown away, as part of an overall effort to raise

  • Airmen aid coalition ground forces one leaflet at a time

    American Airman here and members of the Australian Defence Force recently teamed up to deliver critical information to Iraqi civilians in southern Iraq. Flying in a C-130 Hercules, Airmen from the 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, worked in conjunction with Australians from Overwatch Battle

  • Officials highlight training vision to industry leaders

    More than 70 representatives from 44 corporations met here March 6 to consider ways the civilian industry might partner with Air Education and Training Command officials to make the vision of the future of education and training a reality. Attendees at the AETC Industry Forum came from all parts of

  • Unit stands up to improve communications across, for Iraq

    Multi-National Force - Iraq officials here have recently established a new team of experts to help improve coordination of communications policy, services and infrastructure initiatives throughout Iraq. The Iraq Communications Coordination Element recently began operating under the direction of

  • Aerial porters receive advanced training

    Airmen in the Air Force air transportation career field, also known as "aerial porters," can advance their training and capabilities here through the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's Aerial Port Operations Course. Held approximately 12 times a year at either Fort Dix or an away location such as

  • 'Today's Air Force' features modernizing the force

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Air Force officials are modernizing more than just aircraft.  Air Force officials are using anthropometric surveys to design gear, supplies and crew ensembles. The surveys were necessary to determine the safety requirements of ejection seats,

  • Women prove they have the 'right stuff' to fly

    Throughout history, women have made a lasting impression on the fabric of the United States. In colonial times, women helped their husbands defend their farms from Indian attacks. During the American Revolution, women such as Mary Hays McCauly (better known as Molly Pitcher) took care of their

  • AETC commanders meet, discuss way ahead

    More than 100 Air Education and Training Command senior leaders gathered at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., to participate in the AETC commanders' and command chiefs' conference Feb. 25-29. The conference, held twice annually, provided an opportunity for Gen. William R. Looney III, AETC commander, and

  • Tuition assistance allows Airmen to reach educational goals

    The Air Force Military Tuition Assistance program, which allows Airmen to reach educational goals, recently identified an opportunity to link force development initiatives with the program after receiving feedback from the 2007 Air Force Audit Agency. "Historically, MilTA has been used as a

  • Council conducts operational review of AFSO 21

    Several top Air Force leaders convened the Air Force Process Council here March 3 for their quarterly operational review of the service's Smart Operations for the 21st century initiatives. Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley

  • World's first astronautics department celebrates 50 years

    The world's oldest astronautics department celebrates its 50th anniversary on March 7. The academic department is home to the nation's only undergraduate satellite program, and is also busy designing rapid, responsive sounding rockets, and controlling the Air Force Academy's growing space fleet. "As

  • Officials announce 2007 Air Force Media Contest winners

    A panel of civilian journalists, photographers, broadcasters, teachers and public relations professionals selected the best individuals and units in Air Force print, photo and broadcast journalism for the 52nd annual Air Force Media Contest. The media contest is sponsored annually by the Secretary

  • ESC officials make digital air support possible

    Electronic Systems Center officials here are giving Air Force tactical air control party Airmen on the ground and in the fight every available advantage to help win the war on terrorism. Tactical air control party Airmen, known as TACPs, must be able to communicate precise coordinates to pilots

  • Replace aging aircraft or risk irrelevancy, general says

    The commander of Air Force Materiel Command, which is responsible for delivering war-winning capabilities to the rest of the Air Force, said during a visit to Air University here that Air Force officials must develop and buy new aircraft or risk the service becoming irrelevant. The Air Force must be

  • Commander holds six 'ACCES '

    Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Wood, the Air Forces Korea and Korea Air Component Command commander, has six  'ACCES' spread out over the Korean peninsula helping him to stack the deck in the Key Resolve Exercise.Known as the Air Component Coordination Elements, or ACCEs, the Air Reserve Component officers

  • Energy Forum showcases environmental achievements

    Approximately 500 Air Force, government and industry leaders gathered to discuss current and future energy and environmental programs during the service's second annual Energy Forum March 3 here. The event was divided up into numerous forums with topics ranging from facility energy management to

  • Maintainers in Pacific gain top-down view of transformation

    One of the top Air Force leaders involved in engineering a broad transformation in aircraft maintenance processes and organizational structures talked with senior leaders, wing commanders and maintainers throughout Pacific Air Forces March 3 here. "We're looking at the most fundamental

  • Transitional medical benefits can help bridge gap

    Each year thousands of servicemembers separate from the service before they are eligible for retirement. Making the transition from military to civilian can be a challenge, but there is support to help servicemembers and their families meet their health care needs. "As our warriors transition from

  • 'Today's Air Force' features joint operations

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights joint operations during the Balikatan 2008 Exercise. This exercise is designed to improve crisis action planning, counterterrorism programs and the ability to operate simultaneously with international militaries. Also, see Airmen play the role of

  • Providing safer blood products faster to wounded warriors

    A new whole-blood donation process here will now be forwarded on to the Armed Services Blood Program as a suggested technique to be implemented throughout the Department of Defense. The process, implemented by Capt. Ronni Leslie, the 332nd Expeditionary Aeromedical Squadron laboratory officer in

  • Air Force personnel chief addresses lawmakers

    The Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services answered questions from members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee subcommittees on personnel Feb. 27 and 28. Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III joined sister service representatives, as well as Dr. David Chu, the

  • AMC commander welcomes tanker announcement

    The commander of Air Mobility Command hailed today's aerial tanker source selection announcement as an important first step toward ensuring America maintains its global reach capability. Air Force officials announced today that Northrop Grumman Corporation was selected to build the new tanker,

  • Tanker contract award announced

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb announced the selection of Northrop Grumman as the winner of the KC-X competition for development and procurement of up to 179 tanker aircraft for approximately $35 billion. The initial

  • Injured, separated from the Air Force, but not forgotten

    Training medical personnel as a member of the 59th Logistics and Readiness Squadron's Medical Readiness Training team was not the path that George Torres had planned to pursue when he trained as an Air Force Pararescueman. A broken back and compound fracture to his ankle, caused by a combat-related

  • Air Force officials introduce new civilian training vehicle

    Without it, they are stuck in park. With it, however, they can rev up their future. With the introduction of the Standard Form 182, which was rolled out recently by the Office of Personnel Management, Air Force civilians now have an elite vehicle in their inventory that can effectively steer them

  • Airmen train Iraqi firefighters for improved regional safety

    Air Force firefighters here conducted training sessions with members of the city of Kirkuk fire department Feb. 27 in an effort to improve fire response and overall safety for Iraqi citizens in the region. These sessions are scheduled to become weekly events and eventually train a total of more than

  • Air Force leaders testify about 2009 budget request

    The Air Force's top two leaders testified before the House Armed Services Committee about the service's budget request for fiscal 2009 Feb. 27 in Washington. Addressing topics from recapitalization to personnel end strength, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff

  • Joint effort key to success in Deep Freeze

    Operation Deep Freeze recently concluded its 52nd season of air and vessel operations. The Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica ODF is a unique 13th Air Force-led joint and total force mission which has supported the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Antarctic Program since 1955. The

  • New online master's program for AF civilians now available

    Eligible Air Force civilians have until March 14 to apply for a new online master's degree program offered this June by Air University's Air Command and Staff College. The two-year program, for civilians GS-11 and above and pay band-02 and above who don't already have their master's degree, consists

  • AFMC officials to implement training for sportbike riders

    Air Force Materiel Command safety officials are planning a command-wide training course for airmen under 27 who ride a sportbike. Officials say they expect the training to begin in July or August, with one coach for every six students. According to Juan Vazquez, AFMC traffic safety program manager,

  • Airman's Roll Call highlights new slogan

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the Air Force's newest advertising campaign to recruit Airmen and inform the public about the Air Force mission. The campaign was launched in late February and will be featured on television, in print and online. In addition to being shown at several

  • Air Force officials honor top recruiters for 2007

    Fourteen Air Force recruiters have been named tops in their field for fiscal 2007 by Air Force Recruiting Service. The Air Force Blue Suit recruiters for 2007 are: -- Master Sgt. Russell Benigno of the 337th Recruiting Squadron at Fayetteville, N.C., -- Master Sgt. Brian Clark of the 362nd RCS at

  • Servicemembers distribute supplies to Honduran school

    Joint Task Force-Bravo members here joined forces with a grass-roots organization from the United States to distribute needed supplies to schoolchildren Feb. 19 through 21 in the Comayagua and La Paz districts of Honduras. Five representatives from the Give a Kid a Backpack Organization in Florida

  • F-16s featured in Dominican Republic air show

    U.S. Airmen and Coast Guardsmen joined their Dominican counterparts Feb. 16 and 17 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Dominican air force with an air show. Aviation fans from this small island nation welcomed the Air Force active duty, Reserve and Air National Guard aircraft and

  • Airmen mentor Afghan national army

    Airmen from the 755th Expeditionary Support Squadron here are currently mentoring Afghan national army soldiers at the Logistics Support Operations Center in Kabul.The Airmen work closely with their Afghan counterparts to assist them setting up a web of logistics throughout the country. The eventual

  • Medical group capitalizes on total force cohesion

    Military servicemembers wounded in combat deserve the best health care available. When it comes to providing top-notch medical support, the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group relies on a total force team of medical experts to get the job done. "When soldiers suffer injuries that have a relatively

  • 'Today's Air Force' features AF engineering roles

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights joint operations and how teamwork makes the U.S. military one of the most effective fighting forces in the world. The joint approach has Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines working together to accomplish missions. The second segment features

  • AF leaders discuss future challenges

    Air Force major command commanders spoke to Airmen, Air Force Association members and other attendees about the challenges facing their organizations during the AFA's 24th annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition held here Feb. 21and 22. Driving home the urgent need to recapitalize the

  • AEDC-tested Navy Standard Missile destroys errant satellite

    "Way to go, baby."That is what Sherry Simons said here when Navy officials confirmed Feb. 20 that a Navy Standard Missile-3 fired from the deck of the USS Lake Erie in the Northern Pacific hit a falling and potentially dangerous defense intelligence satellite, some people here were particularly

  • Airmen reach out to orphans in Africa

    Airmen from Joint Task Force-Nomad Fire (West) here brought gifts and supplies as part of a humanitarian outreach event for 150 orphaned children Feb. 18 in Accra. The deployed members heard there was a possibility of visiting a local orphanage in the late afternoon Feb. 17 and the numbers of

  • Dental students receive hands-on training at Elmendorf

    A dozen students currently enrolled in the University of Alaska Anchorage Dental Hygiene Program have partnered with the Elmendorf Air Force Dental Clinic to provide care and to learn from base Airmen. The partnership began in February and is approximately four weeks long with four rotations with

  • Elmendorf Airmen complete first F-22 deployment

    Eight F-22 Raptors and 132 Airmen from Elmendorf Air Force Base completed the first deployment from Alaska as Reserve and active-duty Airmen combined for training Feb. 2 through 17 at Tyndall AFB, Fla.Members of the 3rd Wing and Air Force Reserve Command's 477th Fighter Group here combined for

  • New Web-based assignment application debuts March 3

    The power to apply for your next home-basing and follow-on assignment will soon be literally at your fingertips. Starting March 3, all active-duty enlisted members and officers, lieutenant colonel and below, who are slated to serve an unaccompanied tour of 15 months or less will have the ability to

  • Joint STARS goes beyond line of sight

    A straight line is the shortest distance between two points and the best way for communication to pass from one to the other, unless the earth's curvature prevents it. Then, what is known as beyond-line-of-sight, or BLOS, communication capability becomes necessary. BLOS uses two straight lines, one

  • The Air Guard migrates to the Air Force Public Web

    The Air National Guard has joined the Air Force in consolidating its public Web sites under one network, the Air Force Public Web. The Air Guard's public Web site has a new look and feel similar to other Air Force Web sites currently using the Air Force Public Information Management System, or

  • EPA officials recognize Air Force for leading green power

    Environmental Protection Agency officials recently named the Air Force to the agency's National Top 25 List of green power purchasers. Selected as No. 3, Air Force officials demonstrated their commitment to protecting the environment and built upon its existing affiliation with EPA's Green Power

  • Airman's Roll Call highlights tax time

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the assistance Airmen can receive from the Air Force to help get their taxes done. The deadline for filing your taxes is April 15 and that day will be here before you know it. All American citizens are required to file their taxes by that date. As

  • Deployed Airmen may qualify for assignments, deferments

    Some deployed Airmen who have served uncharacteristically long tours of duty will become qualified for a special advance assignment/deferment program, according to Air Force Personnel Center officials here. "This program recognizes that some of our Airmen, enlisted and officer, who have served a

  • OTS begins new close-combat course

    Today's Airmen don't simply drop bombs or watch combat from a distance; they are in the fight. From operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to the Horn of Africa, Airmen are consistently working outside the wire in support of their Army, Navy and Marine counterparts. This means Airmen need to know how to

  • ACC officials issue latest release from stand down for F-15s

    Gen. John D.W. Corley, Air Combat Command commander, returned 149 grounded F-15s to flight Feb. 15 contingent upon the completion of customized inspections on each of the aircraft's longerons. This "stand-down release" order brings the total number of cleared A, B, C and D-model F-15 aircraft to

  • 49 C-5s approved for modernization program

    Air Mobility Command leaders welcomed the news that defense officials certified 49 of the Air Force's C-5 aircraft for upgrade in the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program. The decision was made Feb. 14. Continuing the C-5 RERP allows the Air Force to modify aircraft with better, newer

  • Summer jobs available at Air Force bases worldwide

    Students and certain other eligible persons can gain marketable skills and earn money while enjoying their summer vacations with the Air Force Summer Hire Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials here said Feb. 19. Job vacancies will be posted on the USAJobs Web site and may be advertised

  • CCAF officials appoint chief as first enlisted vice commandant

    The Community College of the Air Force here recently appointed an Air National Guard chief master sergeant as its first enlisted vice commandant since the school's creation more than 35 years ago. Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Thornell is the first enlisted Airman to serve in the position historically

  • 'Today's Air Force' features airlift, medical training

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the Air Force's state-of-the-art technology for both air and ground operations. Also featured is a segment on cargo airlift in Southwest Asia. Airmen deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan deliver supplies to dangerous locations and, at the same time,

  • Air Force C-5 Galaxy modernization program certified

    Air Force officials announced today that officials in the office of the under secretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics have certified the C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program for 49 additional aircraft. The C-5s approved include 47 C-5Bs used for inter-theater

  • DOD health officials host first medical 'Webhall'

    The Pentagon's top doctor, S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, hosted a Web-based live "Webhall" Feb 14, a first for the military health system. Leaders from the MHS joined Doctor Casscells in answering some pointed and challenging questions live on the new MHS Web

  • Civilians add stability during emergencies

    Airmen here are fighting the base during this week's local operational readiness exercise Beverly High 08-04 and a special group of civilians is right alongside them contributing to the mission. These civilians, categorized as "emergency essential," stay with military forces even if a non-combatant

  • Bacteria research could protect Airmen from radiation

    An Air Force Office of Scientific Research-funded scientist has identified manganese complexes in the bacterium Deinococcus radioduran that resists the damaging effects of radiation. The goal of the research is to investigate biomaterials that offer protection to Airmen from various environmental

  • The club that keeps on giving

    For one Kadena Air Base organization, "service" is not just a buzz word. It's a mission, and the proof is in the numbers. The Kadena Officers' Spouses' Club, a non-profit organization with nearly 170 members, donated more than $180,000 for the welfare of American and Okinawan communities last year.

  • Airmen's January reenlistment bonuses now retroactive

    All eligible Airmen in Air Force specialty codes with a selective reenlistment bonus or those with a critical skills retention bonus who reenlisted Jan. 1 or later are authorized retroactive payment effective immediately, Air Force officials here announced recently. The 2008 National Defense

  • Airmen help shape tomorrow's Iraq

    Airmen from the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron delivered dozens of supplies and athletic equipment Feb. 6 to Safwan school students located near Umm Qasr, Iraq.The Airmen deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., brought the donations as part of an area-wide effort around Camp Bucca by

  • Air Force Aid Society provides alternative to pay-day loans

    Air Force Aid Society officials are pleased to announce the new Falcon Loan program available to Air Force members beginning March 3.  A Falcon Loan is an interest-free loan of $500 or less that can be used for emergency needs such as basic living expenses -- rent, utilities and food -- car repairs,

  • Afghans complete advanced medical training

    Less than a month after a basic emergency medical technician training class graduated here, seven more Afghan men entered the medical career field after graduating from a nursing school program facilitated by the joint Air Force and Army Provincial Reconstruction Team here. The 12-month training

  • Nurse commissioning program seeks enlisted applicants

    Officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here will conduct the annual Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program board May 13-14 to select candidates for fall 2008 and spring 2009 start dates. The program offers active duty enlisted personnel the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in a high-need

  • Falcons conclude competition at Air Force open

    Sophomore Melissa Beerse picked up a victory in the pole vault, as the Air Force track and field team wrapped up competition at the Don Barrett-Air Force Open on Feb. 9. Competing at the Academy's Cadet Field House, the Falcons collected 26 top-10 finishes during the non-team scoring meet. Beerse

  • Airmen provide relief to China, test new initiative

    Kadena Airmen loaded more than 225,000 pounds of food, medicine and cold weather supplies onboard Pacific Air Forces aircraft here Feb. 8 as part of a humanitarian mission to China. U.S. Pacific Command coordinated delivery of the humanitarian supplies to the People's Liberation Army at Shanghai

  • AFOSI officials seek special agent candidates

    The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is seeking exceptional non-commissioned officers for duty as enlisted special agents. The AFOSI mission is to identify, exploit and neutralize criminal, terrorist and intelligence threats to the Air Force, Department of Defense and U.S. Government. With

  • Air Force conducts nuclear policy and procedures review

    The Air Force's Blue Ribbon Review of its nuclear weapons policies and procedures has found that its nuclear mission is sound but needs strengthening. "The review provided the Air Force an opportunity to improve its commitment to a sound nuclear enterprise," said Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer, chair of the

  • Airmen perform unique mission in Iraq

    While the spiraled rows of concertina wire, countless watch towers, and endless miles of fencing resemble that of detention facilities throughout the world, for the more than 600 Airmen deployed to the Theater Internment Facility at Camp Bucca, Iraq, the mission is unlike anything they've ever done.

  • AF officials offer property lease opportunities

    Air Force officials presented a proposal during two meetings held Jan. 30 and 31 to lease underutilized property at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Mont., to support national security energy goals. The first meeting, held Jan. 30 at the Great Falls Civic Center, gave state and local

  • 'Today's Air Force' features Airmen maintainers

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights an explosive ordnance disposal squadron in Afghanistan. Also, the U.S. Air Force is known for its air power, but making its presence felt all over the world takes a toll on the aircraft. Watch how a team of Airmen on the ground keep B-1B Lancers

  • Enlisted member, dependent children scholarships available

    The Air Force Sergeants Association, Airmen Memorial Foundation and the Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force join together annually to conduct a scholarship program to financially assist the undergraduate studies of eligible dependent children of Air Force active duty, Air National Guard and Air

  • NASA recruiting volunteers for 'out of this world' jobs

    Only 12 human beings have set foot on the moon. You could be the thirteenth, if you make the cut. NASA's current recruiting effort for a new class of astronaut candidates specifies that the International Space Station and the return to the moon are part of the agency's goals, and this class will be

  • CMSAF testifies on quality of life

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force, along with the senior-ranking enlisted members from each branch of service, testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs about quality of life issues in the Air Force Feb. 7 at the Capitol. "Quality

  • Kunsan Airmen teach English to South Korean cadets

    Kunsan Air Base Airmen volunteered to teach English to South Korean army cadets Jan. 31 at the South Korean Army NCO Academy. South Korean army officials added English as part of the cadet' s curriculum and asked 8th Fighter Wing officials if they would volunteer; Team 5/6, a group of staff and

  • New USAFE commander explains road ahead

    Hundreds of Royal Air Force Lakenheath Airmen gathered to welcome the new U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander Feb. 1 here. Gen. Roger A. Brady gave Airmen a thumbnail view of how USAFE and RAF Lakenheath fit into the Air Force mission and discussed the three USAFE priorities: Winning today, building

  • Senior Air Force leaders meet at Programming Summit

    On Feb. 4, the eve of the President's Budget Rollout for Fiscal 2009, Gen. T. Michael Moseley, chief of staff of the Air Force, called together key Air Force leaders to develop a flight plan that funds our future -- guaranteeing Air Force dominance in air, space and cyberspace. "We have articulated

  • Postal Service offers first-time military discount

    Planning to send a care package to a military service member serving abroad? Send it after March 3 to take advantage of a new flat-rate box from the Postal Service that is 50 percent larger and delivered for $10.95 to an APO/FPO address -- $2 less than for domestic destinations. "This is the first

  • Officials to hold all-star baseball tryouts

    There will be all-star tryouts for military baseball players with collegiate- or professional-level abilities March 14-16 at Turtle Park Naval Station in Norfolk, Va. This opportunity gives military members a chance to represent their command or branch of service in the fastest growing, largest and

  • Virtual MPF adds new self-service program for assignments

    A new self-service assignments application launching Feb. 19 will eliminate a visit to the military personnel flight/element, saving Airmen both time and effort as part of the continuing initiatives of the Air Force's Personnel Services Delivery Transformation. Using the Expanded Permissive

  • Falcon gymnasts ranked among nation's elite

    The Air Force men's gymnastics team is ranked among the national leaders on the still rings, according to the latest rankings. Senior Greg Stine is ranked fourth in the NCAA with a still rings average score of 15.025, while the Falcons average a team score of 56.700, which is ranked 10th in the

  • AAFES implementing significant 'green' initiatives

    The Department of Defense's oldest and largest retailer, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, is embarking on a variety of energy-saving initiatives to reduce its impact on the environment and strengthen the exchange benefit military families have come to depend on. From vending machines to gas

  • Chief's strategy white paper unveiled

    "Transformation is an enduring part of our culture as Airmen," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff.  "We are forever looking for an edge to strengthen our ability to deliver combat power for the nation." General Moseley spoke to members of Air University's professional military

  • Powered flight returns to Air Force Academy

    Air Education and Training Command officials currently are testing a program designed to return powered flight to the Air Force Academy's curriculum. Called "Jump Start," the test marks the beginning for a program meant to enhance the Academy's focus on airmanship in its curriculum. Traditionally,

  • Service still seeking special compensation claimants

    The approval rate of claims for Combat-Related Special Compensation is currently running 66 percent, but one-third of the eligible retirees still have not applied for the program. Air Force Personnel Center officials expected an increase in claims when the benefit was expanded to include all combat

  • Air Force claims center proves efficient

    One year after opening the Air Force Claims Service Center near Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Air Force leaders are proud to announce its successes in handling legal claims for all Airmen. Not only are Airmen paid quickly under the new system, that money is recovered from negligent moving

  • Air Force officials release budget request for 2009

    As part of the president's fiscal 2009 budget, the Air Force officials are requesting Congress' approval for $143.9 billion, nearly more than $9 billion more than in fiscal 2008. Of the $143.9 billion request, $117 billion are funds directly controlled and managed by the Air Force. The remaining