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U.S. Air Force News

  • April 13 airpower summary: C-130s provide airlift support

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations April 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles received notice

  • Lacrosse: Falcons fall to 11th-ranked Notre Dame

    With limited scoring opportunities, the Air Force lacrosse team dropped a 16-4 contest to No. 11 Notre Dame Friday at Moose Krause Stadium here. The Falcons drop to 2-6 on the season, 1-1 in the Great Western Lacrosse League, while the Irish improve to 7-3, 2-0 in the league. The Irish led 1-0

  • Guard, Reserve leaders speak before Senate

    Military leaders from the National Guard and Reserve testified before members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, April 11 on Capitol Hill to give a status on the forces and to bring focus on the services' budget. Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the director of the Air

  • Airmen, Soldiers jointly hone chemical response skills

    In today's Air Force. Airmen are warfighters focused on helping win the war on terrorism. Part of that focus involves working interdependently with other services in what is definitely a joint fight. As the Air Force continues to increase its footprint in the joint environment more and more Air

  • Airmen show 'can-do' spirit in joint force environment

    In the constantly changing environment of modern warfare, Airmen are constantly being tasked to do things and go places out of the ordinary. Long gone are the days when the Air Force was built around strategic bombing, isolated to the rear of the lines on comfortable bases. Today's Airmen often work

  • U.S. forces mentor Afghan Air Corps to 'stand on own'

    At the Kabul International Airport, a joint U.S. mentorship effort is enabling the Afghan National Air Corps to soar toward new heights. "We're helping them build a good process so they can have a healthy, sustaining air force," said Maj. Rudy Alejandro, a fixed wing unit mentor. The ANAC is

  • Luke team trains for combat at Red Flag-Alaska

    Airmen from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., are deployed to participate in Red Flag-Alaska, a multi-service, multi-platform coordinated, combat operations exercise at Eielson AFB. Thirteen instructor pilots, six operations support staff and more than 60 maintainers made the 2,600-mile trek to take part

  • Ordnance Airman awarded Bronze Star for Iraq duty

    A "six-month adrenaline rush." That's how Master Sgt. Al Schneider described his deployment to Iraq. Assigned to Headquarters Pacific Air Forces Civil Engineer Directorate as the command explosive ordnance disposal superintendent, the Louisville, Ky., native left here last May for combat-skills

  • April 8 airpower: B-1B bombs insurgents

    In Afghanistan April 7, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on insurgents firing small arms and rocket propelled grenades at coalition forces near Asadabad. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed the weapons hit the target and ended the engagement. Air Force F-15E Strike

  • Chief of Staff speaks on future of space operations

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley delivered a speech to a crowd of more than 400 at the 23rd National Space Symposium here April 11.The general's speech to a group of military, civilian and industry space professionals focused on the important part space plays in the defense of the

  • Air National Guard crew flies its 1st C-5 to Djibouti

    The C-5 Galaxy's red-striped tail cut across the African sky April 10, flying a first for one Air National Guard unit. The West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing, recently gaining the Galaxy, flew the massive airframe to Djibouti to deliver two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters and

  • April 12 airpower: aerial porters keep cargo moving

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released this airpower summary April 12. In Afghanistan April 11, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s on two buildings from which insurgents were firing at coalition vehicles near Sangin. A joint terminal attack controller aligned with

  • Best Air Force journalism announced

    A panel of civilian journalists, teachers and public relations professionals have selected the best in Air Force print and broadcast journalism for the 51st annual Air Force Media Contest. Senior Airman Brian A. Stives, of the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, is the Air

  • Award winners save Air Force $26.5 million

    Six individuals who saved the Air Force $26.5 million were recognized April 5 at the Pentagon.  Four individuals won Air Force Productivity Excellence Awards and two won Air Force Exceptional Innovator Awards.Lt. Gen. Roger A. Brady, the Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel,

  • Goodfellow students put predicting the future to the test in Lone Star

    They're playing mind games at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. A bunch of military instructors -- all steeped in years of military intelligence field work -- take a bunch of green students, put them in a room draped with maps, crowded with tables and humming with computer equipment, and squeeze

  • 17th Training Wing preserves heritage

    The end of the Cold War left the United States needing fewer forces. A smaller force required fewer bases to support it and, organizationally, fewer units to hold it. For the Air Force, as it set about eliminating excess bases through the Base Realignment and Closure process and excess wings through

  • Goodfellow hosts premier firefighter school

    It's burning. It's burning. The flames swell as the firefighters move into the mouth of the "dragon." In front of them -- a 500 degree wall of propane flames. The giant can's steel walls force the jets of fire to sweep over their heads and land behind them. At the nozzle is Airman 1st Class Cole

  • April 11 airpower: C-130s support forward deployed units

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for April 11. In Afghanistan April 10, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares, in support of a coalition convoy near Kalan. As the convoy arrived at an area that could have been used by

  • Ordnance disposal makes for no ordinary day

    Airmen assigned to the 332nd Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight have a dangerous mission that keeps fellow coalition forces safe. It takes nerves of steel and a steady hand to do the work these Airmen do. After all, getting anywhere near an improvised explosive isn't

  • Red Flag-Alaska strengthens coalition forces

    Red Flag-Alaska, a multi-service, multi-platform coordinated, combat operations exercise, kicked off April 5 with the ultimate goal of improving the operational capability of participating units and fostering stronger relations between U.S. and coalition forces. Red Flag-Alaska allows these units,

  • Air mobility keeps fast pace with war ops surges

    Squadrons across the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing have increased operations to enhance theater-wide support for the current surge of troops throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. One such example is the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron, a 379th AEW tenant unit that links air mobility operations

  • Grissom doctors moonlight for NASA

    Two Reserve doctors from Grissom Air Reserve Base have front row seats for space shuttle takeoffs and landings to help astronauts in case of emergencies. Lt. Col. (Dr.) Scott Phillips or Maj. (Dr.) Greg Pinnell, both from the 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron here, work for NASA as part of a

  • April 10 airpower: Airmen keep watch in the fight

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for April 10.In Afghanistan April 9, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on an insurgent position in an open area near Asadabad. The weapons directly hit the target according to a joint terminal attack

  • Airmen keep a step ahead of enemy

    They don't talk much about what they do, at least to those outside the small, secure compound in Ops Town. But, they do listen to what others have to say -- mostly enemy ground forces. The 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron maintains a constant presence in the Central Command area of

  • Senator visits Iraq, spends week on active duty

    A South Carolina senator toured Iraq for two days, and then put on an Air Force desert camouflage uniform for a week and worked as a judge advocate for the Multinational Forces, Iraq. Sen. Lindsey Graham, also a Reserve colonel, visited the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing April 9 after getting a

  • Air Force releases combat action medal criteria

    Air Force officials at the Air Force Personnel Center released criteria this week for award of the new combat action medal, an award for Airmen who have been involved in direct fighting situations where they risked their lives in an enemy engagement. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley

  • Charter members reflect on Air Guard's first 60 years

    Their membership gets older and smaller every day. Nearly 60 years have passed since they formed, but time has not removed distant memories of 1946 and 1947 after these veterans helped claim victory in World War II and flew as Air National Guardsmen. You may have met them on your drill weekends

  • Iraq PRTs to double in number by year's end

    Plans are under way to double the number of provincial reconstruction teams now operating in Iraq by the end of the year, a senior U.S. official said April 9. "We will both double the number of PRTs and we will double the number of individuals who are working in the PRTs," said Rick Olson, chief of

  • Hockey: Cadet named to All-American team

    A U.S. Air Force Academy cadet was named to the Lowe's Senior CLASS All-American first-team announced at the 2007 Frozen Four April 7 in St. Louis. Senior Billy Devoney is a four-year letterman who has missed just one game in his four-year career and was chosen as the team captain by his

  • April 9 airpower: Predator strikes insurgents

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the following airpower summary April 9: In Afghanistan April 8, an Air Force MQ-1Predator fired a Hellfire missile at a vehicle with insurgents gathered around it. The airstrike was reported as a direct hit and multiple secondary explosions were

  • Shaw selected for 'showcase' dormitory

    Officials at the Air Force Engineering and Construction Division selected two military construction projects to showcase the Air Force's success in areas of energy and sustainable development. A 144-room, three-story dormitory at Shaw, to be started this fiscal year, is one of those projects. The

  • Legal Airmen train to support rule of law missions

    An unprecedented number of Airmen deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan from the Air Force judge advocate corps are taking on roles to support rule of law missions in those theaters of operation. Because of that effort, the JAG corps developed a new course focusing on Task Force 134 -- the task force

  • Services Airmen keep morale high in Iraq

    Between aircraft sorties, mortar attacks and grueling long days for the residents of Balad AB and Logistical Support Area Anaconda, 20 Airmen of the Expeditionary Services Squadron are doing their part to keep them fit, entertained and ready for the fight. "We're here for everyone else's happiness

  • April 7 airpower summary: C-17s sustain operations

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the following airpower summary: In Afghanistan April 6, U.S. Air Force F-15 Strike Eagles provided a show of force to deter insurgent activity near Asadabad. A Joint Terminal Attack Controller reported that insurgents were planning to surround

  • Joint STARS exceeds 23,000 flight hours

    The 128th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron, one of three operational Joint Surveillance Target Attacks Radar System squadrons, recently reached a milestone of 23,000 flight-hours by flying missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Beginning on Jan. 16, 2003, the JSTARS

  • Academy parachute team sets world record

    The U.S. Air Force Academy's Wings of Blue Competition and Demonstration Parachute Team set another world record in a big way.The team set a collegiate world big-way record March 31 at Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Ariz., when 39 cadets linked in the air. The 39 cadets jumped from three

  • Guam B-52s evacuate to Fairchild in wake of typhoon

    Aircrews and six B-52 Stratofortress bombers from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, arrived here April 1 seeking refuge from Typhoon Kong-Rey, which ripped through the Western Pacific April 2. The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that was stationed at Fairchild for nearly four decades. The aircraft

  • New combat squadron stands up at Little Rock

    The 41st Airlift Squadron became the newest unit of the 463rd Airlift Group at Little Rock Air Force Base in a ceremony April 6 as well as being named the first active-duty combat C-130J Hercules squadron in the Air Force. The 41st AS moved here from Pope AFB, N.C., due to the Base Realignment and

  • April 6 airpower summary: B-1Bs aid ground forces

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the following airpower summary: In Afghanistan April 5, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided two shows of force, releasing multiple flares, for coalition ground forces receiving small-arms fire near Oruzgan. A on-scene joint terminal attack

  • Civilian records can now reflect AF unit awards

    The Defense Civilian Personnel Data System can now reflect Air Force unit awards, according to Air Force Manpower and Personnel. Prior to March 30, civilian employees who received unit awards such as the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award and Air Force Chief

  • Airpower role essential in Africa

    With a mission covering roughly two-thirds the span of the United States, airpower is a critical part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, according to the Air Force's top officer in U.S. Central Command. During his recent visit to Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Lt. Gen. Gary North, commander

  • Officials emphasize zero tolerance of sexual assault

    Sexual assault is a crime that is incompatible with military values and will not be tolerated within the Defense Department, the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness said here April 3. David S.C. Chu kicked off the month-long DOD observance of sexual assault prevention during a

  • McGuire commander is 'hands-on' saving energy

    In January, the Department of Energy chose McGuire as one of the lead bases in the Air Force to be given an Energy Efficiency Expert Evaluation Audit; commonly referred to as the "E4" Audit. On the final day of the E4 visit, Michael Aimone, the Air Force assistant deputy chief of staff for

  • Coast Guardsmen thank Air Force ECMO team

    The men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard are in the business of saving other people's lives. It is not very often that someone has to save the life of one of their own. But, on July 22, 2006, Airmen from Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, came to the rescue of one Coast

  • Maintainers keep C-130s flying in Djibouti

    Maintainers deployed to the 71st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti work long hours in the hot sun to make sure that HC-130P's are ready to go in a moment's notice for the search and rescue mission in the Horn of Africa. "We provide the maintenance to keep the C-130's in the

  • Hockey: Cadet chosen All-American by Inside College Hockey

    A U.S. Air Force Academy cadet was selected as a first-team All-American by Inside College Hockey.com becoming the first Falcon hockey player ever named to an All-American team. Junior Eric Ehn, a center from Dexter, Mich., finished the season second in the nation in scoring with 1.6 points per

  • 'Team Lean' Challenge promotes weight loss, camaraderie

    Hoping to promote wellness and weight loss through camaraderie and enjoyable activities, Air Force Materiel Command officials are introducing a command-wide competition that relies on concerted efforts of people together supporting and motivating one another. Team Lean Challenge, or TLC, kicks off

  • April 3 airpower: recon aircraft provide vital intel

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for April 3. In Afghanistan, 35 close-air-support missions were flown in support of International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Eight Air Force and Royal Air Force

  • Air Force engineer earns DOD award for cost-saving adaptor

    A civilian engineer from the 402nd Electronics Maintenance Group here has won the 2006 Department of Defense Value Engineering Achievement Award. Marty Sheppard, the manufacturing engineer for the 402nd EMXG was chosen for the award by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and

  • Enlisted Perspective commemorates the 'first'

    Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the appointment of the first chief master sergeant of the Air Force is the subject of the latest Enlisted Perspective by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. Chief McKinley said that as the first CMSAF, Paul Airey forged new paths for the

  • Red Flag-Alaska begins 2007 season

    More than 1,300 military members from the United States, France and Australia are gathering in the Last Frontier to participate in Red Flag-Alaska 07-1 scheduled from April 5 to 21. Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises for U.S. forces, provides

  • F-16 accident report released

    Air Force officials recently completed an investigation of the F-16C Fighting Falcon accident 20 miles northwest of Baghdad Nov. 27, which resulted in the death of the pilot, Maj. Troy Gilbert. The official cause of the accident was Major Gilbert's "channelized attention manifested by his desire to

  • Afghan President Karzai honors Air Force surgeon

    The command surgeon for the Combined Security Transition Command, Col. Donald Thompson received the Ghazi Mir Bacha Khan High Medal recently. The award was presented by Afghan President Hamid Karzai in appreciation of outstanding military and civil services rendered by Colonel Thompson. Within the

  • April 2 airpower: C-17s provide global airlift support

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for April 2. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer responded to a coalition convoy stuck in the river that was taking small-arms fire near Qalet. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller passed coordinates for

  • Airmen tackle increased operations tempo

    Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing continue to maintain increased operations, both in the air and on the ground, in support of ground forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. This week, bombers assigned to the 379th AEW saw an increase in combat sorties on the Combined Forces Air Component

  • Mountain Home earns DOD award

    Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, was among the winners of the 2007 Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence announced by Secretary of Defense Gates March 30.Other winners included the U.S. Army Garrison, Camp Zama, Japan; Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine

  • March 31 airpower: Recon aircraft key to mission success

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 31. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped Guided Bomb Unit-31s on an insurgent compound and a GBU-38 on an enemy firing position near Garmsir. A Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed targets were

  • Eielson unit selected for process improvement study

    Pacific Air Forces has selected the 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron to validate the new process oriented organizational structure directed by Air Staff. Eielson is one of only 12 test bases Air Force wide to be selected. This isn't the first time the service has taken new approaches to the way in

  • GAO clears way to move forward on CSAR-X

    The Government Accounting Office informed Air Force officials March 30 that all other protest issues surrounding the CSAR-X contract award have been denied. In a March 29 decision, the GAO denied all of the additional arguments raised by Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, "finding

  • Air Force announces change to promotion study materials

    The Air Force made major changes to the materials enlisted members use for reference and studying for promotion. The new guide, called the Professional Development Guide, replaces both the Promotion Fitness Examination and U.S. Air Force Supervisory Examination Study Guides -- officially known as

  • Tinker Airmen resume Sentry in Southwest Asia

    Airmen of the 552nd Air Control Wing here deployed to support operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom at the end of March after a four-year hiatus from being in Southwest Asia. The last time Tinker AFB E-3 Sentrys deployed for OEF was 10 days after 9/11, and by October 2002 crews of the 552nd

  • Leaders discuss Air Force priorities

    Representatives from Air Force major commands discussed Air Force initiatives, systems and operational issues that tie into the top three Air Force priorities during a press conference March 26 here. Fighting and winning the war on terrorism, developing and caring for Airmen, and recapitalizing and

  • Secretary Wynne visits Airmen in Djibouti

    The Secretary of the Air Force visited Airmen deployed to the Horn of Africa March 29 and got a chance to see where Airmen live and work on Camp Lemonier in Djibouti. "Africa is a truly an emerging miracle, and I think what we can contribute as Americans to their progress is just a tremendous

  • New housing on the way for Spangdahlem

    Airmen of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem AB are witnessing the base grow and improve as the Air Force is spending $83 million to rip up the old housing units and building new ones in their place. The 139 new homes will be completed by 2010 as demolition of old stairwell housing has been going

  • Deployments, assignments added to senior NCO board briefs

    Two new sections are being added to senior noncommissioned officer evaluation briefs to give a snap shot of a person's career for promotion boards. Beginning with the Chief Master Sergeant Evaluation Board in October 2007, deployment and assignment histories will be included on all evaluation briefs

  • AFSOC scores safety trifecta

    Safety officials at Air Force Special Operations Command have a pleasant problem: finding room for more trophies in the display case. AFSOC dominated the 2006 Air Force safety award program, garnering the service's top awards for best major command safety record, most effective MAJCOM-level flight

  • New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 finishes MEDRETE missions

    Medics from California Air National Guard's 144th Medical Group treated 7,899 patients to complete the third and final Medical Readiness Training Exercise March 28 for New Horizons Nicaragua - 2007. New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 is a $7.25 million joint military humanitarian and training exercise

  • Congress honors Tuskegee Airmen

    Before a U.S. aircraft broke the sound barrier, the Tuskegee Airmen overcame a daunting social hurdle: breaking the Air Force's color barrier. In the Capitol Rotunda March 29, President Bush and Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen, more than 60 years after the 332nd

  • Mail call in Djibouti

    Nothing is more anticipated in the military than the sound of "mail's here." Mail call is a service member's lifeline, especially in such a remote area. But here in the Horn of Africa, the proverbial mailman has taken on quite a different look. With more than 5,000 pounds of mail -- filling up two

  • Former NATO, U.S. leaders return to Sheppard for anniversary

    Former Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training members reunited and toured Sheppard AFB as part of their 25th anniversary celebration March 26.Previous and current ENJJPT wing commanders and operations group commanders have trained more than 195 classes since its inception with more than 5,508 students

  • FM Center of Expertise celebrates first anniversary

    Last April, after 15 months of studies, surveys, and hard work, the Air Force Financial Management Center of Expertise, or FM CoE, opened its doors and introduced a single stopping point for cost analysis decision support for commanders and senior leaders. "The mission of the FM CoE is to provide

  • March 29 airpower: A-10s provide overwatch for coalition

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 29.In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on insurgent buildings, a tunnel and wall near Sangin. The attack came after coalition forces received small-arms and

  • New facility aids transition to enduring presence

    The transition toward an enduring presence in Southwest Asia requires efficient long-term planning, such as prepositioning equipment in warehouses similar to back at home stations in order to meet the high operations tempo. This line of thinking has led 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness

  • Whiteman Reserve unit teams up with Spangdahlem pilots

    The Reserve's 442nd Fighter Wing is once again partnering with the 81st Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.Twenty pilots from the 81st FS, part of the 52nd FW, started flying with the 442nd FW at Whiteman AFB in February and will continue through the beginning of May.  "It's a

  • Iraqi air force takes flight with help from U.S. Airmen

    The Iraqi air force is taking off once again with the help of U.S. Air Force Airmen who serve with the Coalition Air Force Transition Team in Iraq. The U.S. Air Force's contribution to enabling the Iraqi air force to build and sustain itself is focused through the CAFTT, composed of four Air Force

  • March 28 airpower: Bomber scores direct hits

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 28.In Afghanistan March 27, an Air Force B-1 Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s on four insurgent buildings near Sangin. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed the targets were directly hit. Air Force F-15E

  • Air Force officials seek UAV enterprise interdependence

    Army Brig. Gen. Stephen Mundt, director of Army aviation in the office of the deputy chief of staff for operations, recently disparaged the Air Force chief of staff's efforts to optimize our nations intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and enhance the joint, effective and

  • Air Force clubs offering scholarships

    Air Force Services Agency officials are offering $25,000 in scholarships for club members and eligible family members.Through its Air Force Clubs Division, the agency is offering the annual scholarship program for the 11th year, sponsored in part by Chase Bank and Coca-Cola."This is an exclusive

  • Stand-up of training group marks international homecoming

    With an international audience standing watch, Col. Michael Cosby accepted the flag of command for the reactivated 363rd Training Group at an air base in the Persian Gulf region March 26. Though officially listed as an activation, officiating officer, Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Central Command Air

  • Air Force chef to appear on 'Emeril Live'

    What do an award-winning chef, southern cuisine with a modern flair and a top-notch NCO all have in common? They are some of the ingredients that make up Tech. Sgt. Wesley Williams, who on April 6 will be on the set of 'Emeril Live.'Sergeant Williams entered and won a contest initiated by Emeril's

  • March 27 airpower: Fighters provide overwatch

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 27. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on insurgents in an open area and others hiding behind a wall near Tarin Kowt.  An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the

  • AFSO 21 money-saving initiative increases capabilities

    A cross-squadron team of Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing have succeeded in another Air Force Smart Operations 21 initiative that will continue to increase combat capability for the wing, and save money which can be diverted into Air Force recapitalization priorities. An initiative was

  • Air Force announces milestone in force transformation

    The secretary of the Air Force and chief of staff recently announced the completion of the next phase of Total Force Integration initiatives after discussions with Airmen from active-duty, Guard and Reserve organizations. Total Force Integration initiatives and their changes to the Air Force are

  • Bagram PRT rebuilds Afghanistan one school at a time

    The Air Force-led Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team attended a ceremony March 26 marking the first day of class at a high school in Kapisa Province. The PRT also donated approximately 3,000 pine and fruit trees and boxes of school supplies. Both gestures were in support of the Afghan New Year

  • March 26 airpower: Tankers fuel the fleet

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 26. In Afghanistan March 25, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s on an enemy building used for a rocket propelled grenade position near Sangin. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller

  • A-10 modifications speed up to support warfighters

    The Air Force will soon benefit from an A-10 Thunderbolt II milestone achieved here in March. Personnel from the 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron completed a precision engagement modification on an A-10 14 days ahead of schedule.The modification gives the A-10 precision weapons capability through

  • 340th EARS keeps aircraft in fight 24/7

    Despite the age of the KC-135 Stratotanker, one of the Air Force's top recapitalization priorities,  the role of the Airmen in the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron to refuel coalition aircraft has proven critical to the U.S. Central Command mission. As enablers, the refuelers make every

  • C-17 crew plays part in Marine homecoming

    Having left Germany hours earlier, the Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, C-17 Globemaster III, "Spirit of Go for Broke" made the longest journey of her one-week trip to and from Iraq, chasing the setting sun in a 14-and-a-half hour trip across the Atlantic Ocean to Camp Pendleton, Calif. About four

  • Air Force selects developer for Langley privatization

    Langley took another step toward privatization when the Air Force announced BLB Family Housing, LLC, as the highest bidder for Langley's Military Housing Privatization Initiative recently. BLB, a venture between Hunt ELP, Ltd. and Pinnacle American Management Services, will be responsible for

  • Air Force legend Col. Chase Nielsen passes away

    Retired Lt. Col. Chase J. Nielsen, one of the famed "Tokyo Doolittle Raiders" who helped boost American morale in the early days of World War II with a surprise air attack on Japan and spent a lifetime as an advocate for American airpower, died March 23 at his home in Brigham City, Utah. Born Jan.

  • Coast Guard pilot traces roots to Air Force opportunities

    An Airman formed a passion for flying after enlisting in the Air Force, and with the educational benefits afforded to him, this former senior airman now flies Coast Guard helicopters here. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Juan Lopez was once an aerospace ground equipment mechanic at Norton Air Force Base in

  • March 24 airpower: C-17s transport 3,000 passengers, 430 tons of cargo

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 24. In Afghanistan March 23,  Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted reconnaissance for coalition forces receiving mortar fire from a known enemy firing position near Sangin. A joint terminal attack controller

  • NORAD, USNORTHCOM welcome new commander

    Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. became the 20th commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and the third commander of U.S. Northern Command in a change-of-command ceremony here March 23. Defending the homeland and providing defense support of civil authorities are top priorities for

  • AFIT awards 245 diplomas

    More than 240 scientists, engineers and management specialists earned graduate and doctoral degrees from the Air Force Institute of Technology.  Diplomas were presented at a graduation ceremony March 22 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.The institute's Graduate School of Engineering and

  • Weather forecaster brings morning show to Luke AFB

    Airmen here played host to an early morning show March 22, giving Arizona citizens a look at what the Air Force has to offer, from the comfort of their homes.The live television remote featured Brad Perry, from Channel 3 KTVK. The weather forecaster brought his show to the base so he could telling

  • March 23 airpower: Transports key to intra-theater airlift

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 23. In Afghanistan March 22, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on several enemy buildings near Sangin. Coalition forces were taking fire from insurgents in the buildings. One of the

  • Air Force launches 'E-Mail for Life' initiative

    Air Force Communications Agency officials are launching an initiative called E-Mail for Life, or E4L. The program is projected to save money, jumpstart the consolidation of the service's multiple e-mail systems and provide senior leaders the capability to e-mail every Air Force member directly."The

  • Memos provide avenue for immediate AFSO 21 changes

    Air Force commanders now can implement Air Force Smart Operations 21 changes immediately. Officials in the office of the secretary of the Air Force recently approved the use of guidance memorandums, giving Headquarters Air Force officials, as well as commanders of the major commands, field operating

  • SERE instructors attend Army combat lifesaver course

    A handful of survival, evasion, resistance and escape instructors were given the opportunity to attend a combat lifesaver course March 19-21at the Army National Guard classroom here. The SERE instructors were invited to attend the course in return for previously giving members of the 396th Combat