HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Air Force reorganizes acquisitions team

    Air Force officials announced a major reorganization of the acquisition management structure Aug. 20.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper and Air Force Secretary Dr. James G. Roche approved the reorganization of the service’s aircraft, weapons, and command, control and combat support

  • Osan airmen keep engines ready

    There are at least five fluids required to keep the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft’s TF-34 turbofan engines running: fuel, lubricant, blood, sweat and tears.The 51st Maintenance Squadron’s propulsion flight airmen here have all 11 of their spare A-10 engines ready and waiting in case one is

  • B-2 drops enhanced bombs during test

    A B-2 Spirit released two newly-upgraded 5,000-pound live weapons Aug. 14 in a test by the B-2 Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force here.The weapons were released over the Utah Testing and Training Range at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, marking the first successful drop of live GBU-28 B/B series

  • 'Airport in a suitcase' thwarts poor visibility

    Airmen from Robins Air Force Base, Ga., are providing essential airfield systems here for forces fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom.The 5th Combat Communications Group airmen are using an air traffic and control landing system they call their "airport in a suitcase" to help aircraft land safely

  • Officials: No intention of pay cut

    Pentagon officials have no intention of lowering total compensation for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Defense Department's top personnel officer said Aug. 14.David S. C. Chu, defense undersecretary for personnel and readiness, took questions from the media in response to published reports

  • Now showing: Aug. 18 edition of AFTV News

    The work of Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard in three northeastern states to keep people and supplies moving to and from Southwest Asia is spotlighted in the latest edition of Air Force Television News. Staff Sgt. Bill Scherer visits Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H., an ANG unit at

  • Twins celebrate 21st in Afghanistan

    The 455th Expeditionary Operations Group air traffic control flight celebrated the birthday of two of its airmen here Aug. 13. Senior Airmen Jason and Miles Herder, who are identical twins, turned 21 while deployed from the Air National Guard’s 243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron in Cheyenne, Wyo.

  • Sortie changes green pilot blue

    An A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot deployed here with the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron was required to fire at an enemy target on his first combat sortie Aug. 11.First Lt. Erik Axt deployed here Aug. 9 from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, less than two months after becoming combat-ready, said Lt.

  • Rumsfeld: Terror war drives transformation

    The ongoing global war against terrorism makes U.S. military transformation efforts an imperative goal, Department of Defense’s top civilian and uniformed officer said here Aug. 14.Gen. Richard B. Myers, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, accompanied Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld to a

  • AF works to demobilize Guard, Reserve

    The Air Force is working to return the nearly 28,000 mobilized Guard and Reserve airmen to their families and civilian jobs as quickly as possible, according to the service’s senior manpower official.“There are a full range of initiatives that we’re undertaking to accomplish the mission without

  • Team evaluates combat identification

    Nearly 2,000 people participated in a joint combat-identification exercise at the Combat Readiness Training Center here Aug. 4 to 14. The exercise focused on identifying targets when systems disagree on the target’s coordinates.An example might be when an E-8C Joint Stars and a RQ-1 Predator

  • Major decision changes, saves lives

    On Sept. 11, 2001, Dr. Lidia S. Ilcus was driving to her office to see patients and lead clinicals as an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Houston. When Ilcus arrived at work, a nurse approached her with some unexpected news.Like most people in the country that morning, the two of

  • Pilots test collision-avoidance system

    The Air Force's Automatic Air Collision Avoidance System successfully put two F-16 Fighting Falcons into automated maneuvers Aug. 7 to avoid collision during tests at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Maj. James Less and Swedish air force Maj. Richard Ljungberg flew a specially equipped research

  • Security forces ensure airmen return safely

    In the upcoming weeks, the 363rd Air Expeditionary Wing will inactivate, ending the American presence here.By then, most of the deployed airmen here will have already rotated home or to other forward locations.However, the airmen of the 363rd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron will be on guard

  • DOD is transforming training

    A Marine unit facing combat runs into opposition. The call goes out for fire support. In the past, the call would likely have gone to a Marine artillery unit or air asset.Today, that call could go to an Army helicopter unit or an Air Force precision- strike aircraft. It could go to a Navy

  • Vietnam veteran serves in Iraq

    Master Sgt. Terry Upchurch has a unique perspective serving in Iraq. He can compare his experiences here with those he had 35 years ago as an 18-year-old airman in Vietnam."I had been married only three months," said Upchurch, who is with the 506th Operations Support Squadron. "I was an air

  • First production Global Hawk rolls out

    The first production RQ-4A Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle rolled out in ceremonies held Aug. 1 at prime contractor Northrop Grumman’s Antelope Valley Manufacturing Center at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif. Drawing back a large curtain, program officials unveiled Global Hawk in its

  • Combat Shadows helping with Liberia

    Airmen from the 398th Air Expeditionary Group embarked on a refueling flight Aug. 6 in an MC-130P Combat Shadow, originally from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, now supporting operations in Liberia. The mission was to refuel three HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, also part of the 398th AEG, from

  • Airmen keep planes, spirits flying high

    Eglin airmen working at Baghdad International Airport, Iraq, are wearing various hats to keep the airplanes in the air and airmen on the ground safe.Airmen from the 728th Air Control Squadron deployed more than three months ago and have had to learn to deal with the danger and boredom that accompany

  • Ganci AB supports flood of soldiers

    A flash flood of fully armed, desert-camouflaged warriors swept through the flightline here this week, leaving the base’s passenger and cargo moving experts wiped out.The huge influx of Army troops stopped here briefly before heading to Afghanistan to relieve troops already in place. At times, the

  • Combat communicators keep airmen in touch

    As the fourth aircraft touched down after the Army seized the airfield here, the base gained one of its mission essential teams -- combat communicators.The team’s sole purpose is to deploy into a bare-base environment and set up expeditionary communications. For them it is not a challenge. It was

  • New pamphlet explains transformation

    Transformation is on the mind of every Air Force leader, but for many airmen, understanding the Air Force's plan for transformation proves difficult.The Air Force hopes a new 20-page booklet called "The Edge" will explain the concept of transformation to the service's uniformed airmen and civilian

  • Americans bring peace, stability to Afghanistan

    For the first time in more than 30 years the people of Afghanistan are beginning to see signs of peace and stability.Elders and leaders from local villages in the Bagram area of Afghanistan said the U.S. military and coalition partners have enabled them to begin living without the fear that comes

  • OIF veterans discuss lessons

    Even though the air campaign for Operation Iraqi Freedom was successful in bringing down the Iraqi regime in 21 days, leaders met here recently to discuss ways to improve upon that effort.Among the issues they covered was the responses to increased surface-to-air threats to coalition forces

  • Teamwork marks new academy tradition

    Students here participated in a new part of basic cadet training July 30 that involves heart, sweat and a desire to complete the training as a team, officials said.The Warrior Run required freshmen cadets to complete an arduous 35-mile relay run along the Front Range and into the mountains above the

  • Air Force featured at AirVenture 2003

    The Air Force, a long-time presence at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture air show, brings aviation enthusiasts a new look this year. Alongside the largest display at EAA, the Air Force’s newest recruiting tool offer visitors a chance to “cross into the blue.”Located in the Air

  • Air Force pioneer dies

    Retired Maj. Gen. Norma E. Brown, the Air Force's first female wing commander, died July 22. She was 77.The Madison, Fla., native entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant in December 1951. Her first assignment was as chief of military personnel for Flight Service headquarters in Washington,

  • 'First shirts' use tough love, care for troops

    It is 2 a.m. and pitch black outside when suddenly the phone rings and the voice on the other end says an airman needs help.The first sergeant gets up and prepares for an early day. This is not new; it is part of the job, and could mean anything from a car accident to domestic violence or other

  • Air Force seeks female MTIs

    Staff Sgt. Lynn Barron came to Air Force basic military training in 1995 carrying one bag and one mental image of a basic military training instructor: a big, loud, gruff man with a "Smokey the Bear" hat.When Barron first encountered her MTI, the person she met was not quite who she was

  • Liberia evacuations continue

    Flying 200 feet above palm trees and myriad grass huts, the 56th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron completed its mission -- inserting the remaining members of the Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team and evacuating more people from the U.S. Embassy in Liberia.The squadron, out of Iceland’s Naval Air

  • Officer sets sights on silver oak leaves

    His personal data sheet is a blow-by-blow inventory of educational achievements, professional successes and impressive assignments that span a career of more than 16 years.When he went before the lieutenant colonel promotion board in November 2001, his chances for promotion looked promising.However,

  • August issue of Citizen Airman available

    The August edition of Citizen Airman highlights how F-16 Fighting Falcon instructors in Arizona are going above and beyond in their efforts to provide the Air Force with top-notch combat fighter pilots.The magazine tells how airmen from the 944th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base are kicking the

  • Testimony shows congressmen science, technology highlights

    Air Force leaders showcased new technologies to members of the House Armed Services Committee at the Air Force Museum here July 19. The technologies would continue to be funded by $2.2 billion in fiscal 2004.Gen. Lester Lyles, the Air Force Materiel Command commander, and Maj. Gen. Paul Nielsen,

  • Airmen fly Marines to Liberia

    Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters flew a Marine antiterrorism security team to the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia, on July 21, according to officials here. They also evacuated 23 people.The airmen and helicopters are assigned to the 56th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron from Naval Air Station

  • Coalition kills Saddam's sons in 'fierce gun battle'

    Saddam Hussein's sons Qusay and Uday were killed today in a "fierce gun battle," U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, announced at a news briefing in Baghdad.The commander of U.S. forces in Iraq said that based on a "walk-in tip," elements of the 101st Airborne Division, Special Forces and Air Force

  • Expeditionary prayer force serves Tallil AB

    Caring for casualties, nurturing the living and honoring the dead are all goals of an organization here that strives daily to uplift morale and spirituality.Within the walls of the chapel, a four-person staff stands ready to help those who seek religious growth -- or simply a sympathetic ear.“We're

  • Vietnam vet ensures others never forgotten

    As a young boy, Roberto Barrera remembers looking through stacks of pictures his father had taken while stationed in Italy as an Army infantry private during World War II. The images stirred his curiosity and interest in the military and, shortly after high school, he decided to enlist in the

  • CMSAF: Airmen want good leaders

    Leadership, quality-of-life issues, retention and Stop-Loss were subjects discussed by the chief master sergeant of the Air Force during a visit here recently.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald Murray asked airmen to tell him what they saw as positive and negative aspects of service today.

  • Guardsmen detail close-air support

    Three days into Operation Iraqi Freedom, Lt. Col. Dave Kennedy got a new mission: Go to Tallil Air Base in Iraq and ready it for A-10 Thunderbolt II missions.Kennedy, the commander of the Michigan Air National Guard's 110th Operations Group, knew the mission could be an enormous asset in the war

  • Langley tests new traffic safety vests

    Gate guards here are testing a new, light-emitting, traffic safety garment called the integrated tactical traffic vest that could make directing traffic in the dark safer. The new vest uses fiber-optic light rope woven through the vest's mesh along with traditional reflective material and

  • Controllers receive AFA award

    Five tactical-air command and control airmen accepted the Air Force Association’s Air Force Outstanding Team of the Year award July 14 in Arlington, Va.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray coordinates with command chief master sergeants to select the career field to receive the award.

  • Airmen support operations in Liberia

    It is a hot, humid, rainy day here, and airmen from the 56th Rescue Squadron out of Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, are feeling the heat. The airmen, along with others from the 786th Security Forces Squadron at Sembach Air Base, Germany, deployed here July 13 to support operations in Liberia.

  • PSAB equipment gets 2nd chance

    As the 363rd Air Expeditionary Wing here draws down and inactivates this summer, there is a large amount of equipment that must be accounted for, organized and disposed of.That job falls to four airmen from the base’s 363rd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron who oversee the defense

  • AF Marathon offers new race options

    Air Force Marathon officials will add two new options to this year’s Sept. 20 race. Besides the full-marathon and marathon-team races, this year’s event features a 13.1-mile half marathon and a 5km (3.1 mile) race. The half-marathon race will be on a loop-back course that will share the start and

  • Airman, friend help deliver baby

    An airman here watched his son come into the world in a way he and his wife never expected.Airman 1st Class Aaron Taylor, of the 27th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, and his wife, Jessica, welcomed Aidan recently with the help of their neighbor and a clear telephone connection. Jessica woke up at

  • Shaw airmen help save local boy

    Three Air Force maintenance troops recently helped save a local boy from drowning at their apartment complex's pool."It was about 8:30 (on a) Sunday night," said Senior Airman James Winter, an electrical/environmental systems journeyman in the 20th Component Maintenance Squadron here. "We had just

  • AWACS techs get paperless link

    The E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System became the first weapon system to provide technicians with a paperless link between an aircraft parts manual and the base supply system.Technicians from the 552nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron here have been participating in a test program for a

  • Former academy leader to retire

    The former superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy will retire from active-duty service effective Sept. 1.The announcement of Lt. Gen. John R. Dallager’s retirement came from Air Force officials at the Pentagon on July 10. It followed a decision by Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche

  • Family recovering after fire

    A Tinker airman deployed to Iraq is home helping nurse his family to health after a fire recently destroyed their home.The 2-year-old daughter of Staff Sgt. Steven Mitchell, a power production chief with the 34th Combat Communications Squadron, was the most seriously injured. She had first- and

  • Officials announce AF services awards

    Air Force Services Agency officials announced the winners of the 2003 services awards July 7.Misawa Air Base, Japan, won the Gen. Curtis E. Lemay Trophy for best overall services unit at a large base. Incirlik AB, Turkey, won the Maj. Gen. Eugene L. Eubank Trophy for best services at a small base.

  • Combat controller earns Pitsenbarger award

    A combat controller from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., has been named the 2003 Pitsenbarger award winner.Staff Sgt. Gabriel Brown was selected for his heroism while supporting Operation Anaconda during Operation Enduring Freedom.While attached to the 75th Ranger Regiment, his quick-reaction

  • Air Force names top combat controllers

    Four veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom earned top honors as the Air Force’s 2002 Combat Controllers of the Year, according to officials.Capt. Patrick Ward, from the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., is the Combat Control Company Grade Officer of the Year.Ward served as the

  • Combat training goes rangeless

    The P5 Combat Training System introduced recently promises to revolutionize training by allowing warfighting pilots to test their skills anywhere, versus in limited air space, according to Air Armament Center officials here.The system uses pods that communicate with each other. The pods enable

  • Officials release HH-60 crash report

    Air Force investigators were unable to determine the primary cause of the March 23 crash of an HH-60G Pave Hawk in Afghanistan.Investigators found substantial evidence that three factors contributed to the accident, according to an Air Combat Command accident investigation board report released July

  • KC-135 adds communications-relay capability

    While mostly known as a “flying gas station,” the KC-135 Stratotanker has served in many mission roles throughout its 45-plus years of service.The aircraft has been a flying command post, an observation platform for the Open Skies Treaty, a zero-gravity simulator and a flying hospital.Soon, this

  • Nation will not forsake missing

    The quest to account for missing servicemen from the Vietnam, Korean and Cold Wars and World War II "is unwavering, untiring and will not fail." That is what Jerry D. Jennings said during the 34th annual National League of Families conclave here June 27. The war against terrorism, including

  • Officials release T-38 accident report

    Air Force investigators have determined that pilot error caused a T-38A Talon to crash March 8 near Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.The pilot ejected from the aircraft and sustained minor injuries. The aircraft, assigned to the 7th Combat Training Squadron at Holloman AFB, N.M., was part of a two-ship

  • Researchers combat ‘traveler’s trots’

    Incirlik has many claims to fame, particularly during its support of operations Northern Watch and Enduring Freedom. While proud of their endeavors, most people would probably choose to do without one infamous part of Incirlik life -- diarrhea.Unfortunately for residents, Incirlik has a 10 to 15

  • Fighting two wars

    With the war on terrorism in full stride, the chances have increased dramatically that people in the Air Force will serve in a combat zone.About 90 airmen deployed here have directly supported not one but two wars in only a few months.Senior Airman Kelly Wilson, a security forces airman, and Staff

  • Motorcycle deaths rise in ‘101 days’

    Motorcycle riders account for more than half of the Air Force’s safety-related deaths during this year’s 101 Critical Days of Summer safety campaign, according to Air Force Safety Center officials at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.Officials said there is an alarming trend in motorcycle accidents

  • Congress approves retiree money

    Some military retirees will soon be receiving monthly payments for service-related health problems thanks to a provision of the 2003 National Defense Authorization Act.Combat-related special compensation allows some disabled military retirees to collect payments for both their military service and

  • Bush says U.S. facing down remnants of Iraqi regime

    U.S. military personnel are facing down the remnants of the Hussein regime even as coalition personnel continue to search for Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, President Bush said in his weekly radio address June 21. Bush said American military personnel are making life more secure for Iraqis, and

  • Myers nominated for second term

    President George W. Bush has nominated Gen. Richard Myers for a second two-year term as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.Myers has served in the position since Oct. 1, 2001. The Senate must confirm the nomination.He was the vice chairman before becoming chairman.He was nominated as chairman

  • Air Force ends Stop-Loss

    The last of the airmen whose retirement or separation was delayed by Stop-Loss for Operation Iraqi Freedom were released June 23 and will be eligible to leave the service July 31.Air Force officials authorized Stop-Loss for 43 officer and 56 enlisted specialties in early March to meet national

  • Officials release F-15 accident report

    Officials investigating the March 17 midair collision of two F-15C Eagle aircraft on the Nevada Test and Training Range near Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., have determined the accident occurred when one of the pilots failed to coordinate his flight path with that of his lead pilot.The mishap pilot

  • NATO chaplain chiefs build relationships

    For the first time in 12 years, the chiefs of NATO nations' air forces' chaplaincies have come to the United States for their annual conference.The weeklong NATO Allied Air Force Chief of Chaplains Consultative Conference, held jointly at both the Pentagon and Andrews Air Force Base, Md., ended June

  • Photographers capture bomb damage in Iraq

    Master Sgt. Michael Best has taken photographs for 28 years. The past 20 years, he has made his living taking photos for the Air Force.But on a sunny, sultry day in mid-June in Iraq’s capital city, he is looking for more than just photos. He is looking for snipers.“I’m sure the force-protection

  • Addition extends weapon’s range

    Workers here have begun work to create greater range and accuracy for wind-corrected munitions dispensers.Area attack systems program office workers are helping design and develop wings for the dispensers as well as adding a global positioning system to aid the weapon’s inertial-guidance system.Both

  • Officials release U-2 accident report

    Air Force investigators have determined that engine failure caused a U-2 Dragon Lady surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to crash Jan. 26 near Osan Air Base, South Korea.The pilot ejected from the aircraft and sustained only minor injuries. The U-2 was assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing

  • Roadmap outlines tanker fleet changes

    The Air Force released a plan June 18 outlining the retirement of the remaining 133 E-model KC-135 Stratotankers and the proposed integration of the 100 KC-767A tankers it is leasing from Boeing.Through the “tanker roadmap,” the Air Force is laying out the initial stages of tanker recapitalization

  • AEF Center improves ‘online’ site

    The Air and Space Expeditionary Force Center here recently launched an improved version of their Web site, “AEF Online,” to help airmen learn more about the AEF and provide information about deployments.“We’ve made the site more user-friendly and more pleasing to the eye. Our goal was to organize

  • Morale center keeps troops in touch

    Experts from the 5th Combat Communications Group here are providing more than just communications at Tallil Air Base, Iraq. They are boosting morale by providing phones and computers to American and coalition forces there.Word has gotten around about the 5th CCG's efforts to bridge the distance

  • Miniature decoy development begins

    Experts here are helping develop a miniature air-launched decoy that Air Force officials hope will entice enemy forces to prematurely disclose their air defense locations, keeping friendly pilots further out of harms way.Precision strike system program office experts awarded an $88 million,

  • ‘Young Eagles' take flight

    An "experience to remember" is how 12-year-old Danielle Orcutt described her recent flight here in a World War II-era aircraft piloted by retired Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager.Danielle and 39 other "Young Eagles" were given the privilege of flying with aviation legends after winning an essay contest

  • Air Force's first female boxer debuts

    An airman here is not worried about the odds of her winning her first national bout in Augusta, Ga., June 18 to 21 -- she has already beat the odds to become the first female on the Air Force boxing team.Staff Sgt. Charmaine Carrington, a 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons-load crew chief,

  • A-10s ready for OEF action

    About 150 people and eight A-10 Thunderbolt IIs deployed to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, from Spangdahlem AB, Germany, to stand guard and support Operation Enduring Freedom and the war on terrorism.Spangdahlem’s people are taking over combat operations from the Maryland Air National Guard’s 104th

  • June 14 dedicated to 'Old Glory'

    Old Glory. Stars and Stripes. The Star-Spangled Banner.Most people know the names of the flag of the United States and that June 14 is Flag Day, but there is much more to one of the nation's most cherished symbols than its many monikers."It is important for us to commemorate our flag because it

  • Dyess sets record mission-capable rates

    When the 7th Bomb Wing’s B-1 Lancer maintainers and operators here surpassed Air Combat Command's monthly mission-capable rate two months in a row last June and July, officials called it "a huge success." It was the first time the wing had accomplished the feat.But that accomplishment was just the

  • Airmen capture Iraqi republican guardsman

    Three air traffic control radar controllers were surprised June 9 when they found a member of Saddam Hussein’s republican guard hiding in an abandoned building by their radar site at the international airport here.While patrolling their site, Airman 1st Class Richard Mansure, deployed from the 305th

  • Air Medal awarded 59 years later

    After nearly six decades of waiting, a retired Air Force master sergeant and former Air Force Research Laboratory employee received his Air Medal at a June 2 ceremony here.Trinidad Castinado received the Air Medal, second oak leaf cluster, from Col. Mark Stephen, acting director of the

  • McGuire Starlifters thrive

    The 6th Airlift Squadron here may be the last active-duty squadron in the Air Force still flying C-141B Starlifters; however, the aircraft is far from being retired.Though the squadron is being drawn down to make way for the C-17 Globemaster III, its operations tempo has been on the rise. The

  • Idea paves way for retirement

    One month from retirement, a 49th Civil Engineer Squadron airman received two $10,000 awards for his money-saving ideas.Master Sgt. Marshall Carroll, horizontal-construction superintendent, received the awards for buying a paving machine and an asphalt zipper. He submitted his ideas using the Air

  • Leaders hold town-hall meeting

    Battle lessons learned, professional military education and air and space expeditionary force issues headlined discussions between Air Force leaders and 300 military and civilian people here during a first Air Force Town Hall meeting June 5.Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche; Gen. John P.

  • Nephew to honor WWII ace uncle

    By simply doing his job, an F-15 Eagle pilot here finally has the opportunity to honor his hero and uncle, World War II ace Maj. Richard "Dick" Bong. Maj. James Bong, of the 33rd Operations Group, will lead a four-ship flyover at the Richard I. Bong World War II Heritage Center museum in Superior,

  • U-2 pilot receiving Kolligian trophy

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper will present Maj. Jeffrey Olesen, a U-2 Dragon Lady pilot, with the 2002 Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy during a June 13 ceremony at the Pentagon.Olesen, assistant director of operations for the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron here, will receive the award for

  • Two airmen honored for public service

    Two airmen were among 12 federal employees who were honored as recipients of the 2002 Arthur S. Flemming Awards in a ceremony June 5 at George Washington University, D.C.Flemming Awards honor people with three to 15 years of government experience for their extraordinary contributions in three

  • Cooperative Cope Thunder kicks off

    Pacific Air Force's premier simulated combat-airpower employment exercise kicked off June 5, bringing allied nations to two bases in Alaska for training.Cooperative Cope Thunder runs through June 20 with operations here and at Eielson Air Force Base.The exercise showcases multinational airlift

  • OIF aircrews donate to museum

    Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans started the OIF page in the Air Force Museum's history book here June 4 by donating items they used on combat missions.Aircrews presented the items during a ceremony at the museum. The items will be displayed to show one of many Air Force undertakings that are being

  • War and Peace -- a look at Operation Iraqi Freedom

    As Operation Iraqi Freedom transitioned from war- fighting to peacekeeping, the speed of the campaign came as a surprise to some deployed airmen, but was a welcome relief to all.At the 40th Air Expeditionary Wing, Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Mingo said his troops were braced for the long haul, but

  • Drill team faces ‘tip of the spear’

    Standing shoulder to shoulder, the drill team members twirled, tossed and caught their 35-inch-long, 19-ounce sabers. Often coming perilously close to their teammates, the well-practiced team flawlessly executed the routines.The Sabre Drill Team, the only active-duty enlisted group of its kind in

  • Air Force countersnipers go offensive

    Two Air Force security forces airmen deployed to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, got what they called, “the chance of a lifetime,” June 1 when they embarked on a combat patrol in eastern Afghanistan with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. Senior Airmen Luke Allen and Rusty Youngblood, both 820th

  • June issue of Airman available

    Learn about some of the famous firsts in military aviation, read about the continuing mission in Afghanistan and take a look at the “Warriors of the North” at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. These features and more highlight the June issue of Airman magazine, now available in print and online at

  • C-17 weapons instructor course set for July

    This summer, a very select group of C-17 instructor pilots will head back to school in an effort to earn their Globemaster III doctorate.Starting July 3, the four students will become the first class at the new five-and-a-half-month C-17 Weapons Instructor Course at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J.“The

  • Phoenix Readiness training ends

    Air Mobility Command’s Phoenix Readiness combat training has ended and will be replaced in October by the Air Force's expeditionary combat-support training program, Eagle Flag. The training cadre at the Air Mobility Warfare Center here are excited about Eagle Flag.“It's exciting for us to be

  • Reserve unit takes ‘active’ role at Ramstein

    An air and space expeditionary force rotation to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, turned into a mission to move people and pallets of cargo to numerous airfields around the world, including battle-damaged runways in Iraq.In January, more than 200 activated reservists and six C-130 Hercules aircraft from

  • Japanese fighters join Alaskan exercise

    Fighters from the Japanese air self-defense force touched down on North American soil for the first time to take part in an exercise. Cooperative Cope Thunder, a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored air-combat training exercise, is set for June 5 to 20. “The Japanese involvement is very significant in the

  • Guardsmen open Baghdad facility

    The 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron has opened a 10-bed mobile medical staging facility near the military flightline at Baghdad International Airport. Facility workers there conduct joint service, coalition and civilian air evacuation missions.In the field, after self-aid and

  • Sentry crews finish mission, end era

    As the big white bird gracefully touched down on the windblown runway at a forward-deployed location May 28, the mission of the 363rd Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia completed a 13-year, continuous mission.The aircraft, an E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System deployed to the 363rd

  • June issue of Citizen Airman available

    Thousands of mobilized reservists, along with hundreds of volunteers, performed critical roles supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since the beginning of the effort to liberate the Iraqi people, Air Force Reserve Command airmen have been involved in a variety of areas, including aeromedical

  • World War II Ironman's remains return home

    In the hallway of the 71st Fighter Squadron here hangs a large wooden board adorned with framed names of "Ironmen" pilots from World War II and Operation Desert Storm. One of those names is 1st Lt. Carl Hoenshell. Three Maltese crosses under his name indicate the number of enemy aircraft he shot