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U.S. Air Force News

  • New C-17 checklist reduces redundancies

    A team here has developed a way to shorten C-17 Globemaster III preflight time by one hour and 30 minutes by reducing redundancies and eliminating overlap during the aircraft preflight procedures. The plan is to implement checklist changes at all Air Force bases flying the C-17s, which include C-17

  • Top Air Force recruiters, trainers of year announced

    Air Education and Training Command announced the following Air Force winners of the 2007 U.S. Air Force Recruiter, Military Training Instructor and Military Training Leader of the Year Awards in the following categories: Recruiter of the Year Category: Staff Sgt. Jason Rodriguez, 344th Recruiting

  • Guard wing transitions to Langley

    The Virginia Air National Guard's 192nd Fighter Wing records its last F-16 Fighting Falcon training mission June 20. The wing, which has flown the F-16 since 1991 and is the nation's first ANG unit to fly the F-22 Raptor, will conduct associated operations with the 1st Fighter Wing here. More than

  • Retired colonel killed in Iraq

    The Air Force lost one of its own when a retired colonel, working as a civilian contractor and traveling with a convoy, was killed June 12 near Tikrit, Iraq, when the convoy was attacked. Retired Col. Mike Butler was working for DynCorp International as the senior deputy program manager, working in

  • Travis team preps for air mobility competition

    "On your marks, get ready, set ... go!" With that, four Travis Airmen sprint toward a C-5 Galaxy, its engines blasting. The Airmen, members of the 60th Aerial Port Squadron's Rodeo Team, were practicing a C-5 engine running on (and) offload, where they must load and unload a C-5 and a C-17

  • June 14 airpower summary: A-10s deliver massive firepower

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided shows of force,

  • Uniform officials warn Airmen about knockoff ABUs

    Commercial manufacturers have begun to advertise sale of the new Airman Battle Uniform at various online Web sites. Air Force officials warn Airmen these uniforms are not the authorized items provided by the Air Force's official source, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, and may not meet the

  • Firefighters suit up for HAZMAT training in Iraq

    A convoy winds through the streets of Iraq, when a technician in the lead vehicle sees an unexploded ordnance device near the road. As he moves closer, he notices the smell of chlorine gas. It's time to take protective measures. For firefighters from the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's

  • Army Air Force P-47 recovered in the Netherlands

    Though the Air Force is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, U.S. Air Forces in Europe is marking 65 years of service. One reason for this seemingly strange discrepancy was recently found deep in the muddy farmlands of the southwest Netherlands. Dutch workmen from the district water board

  • C-27J Spartan named as Joint Cargo Aircraft

    The U. S. Army announced a $2.04 billion contract award June 13 to L-3 Communications Integrated Systems for their C-27J Spartan to be the Joint Cargo Aircraft. This JCA program is a combined Air Force and Army effort to have an airframe that will meet warfighter needs for intratheater airlift.

  • 'Golden Medic' integrates Army, Air Force medical teams

    Leaders of the joint Army and Air Force medical exercise here stressed the importance of the services working together. "Golden Medic 2007 is an extraordinary opportunity for all services - active, Guard and Reserve, in addition to our coalition partners," said Col. Mike Dankosky, Air Force Reserve

  • 'Golden Medic' aeromedical team ready to transport

    The 706th Provisional Wing stood up here June 10 at the Augusta Regional Airport in preparation for "Golden Medic 2007" June 12-19. Golden Medic, in its 13th year, is the Army Reserve's largest annual exercise. It integrates several armed services' medical components in response to wartime medical

  • June 13 airpower summary: Tankers add fuel to fight

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a successful show

  • Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year named

    Air Force officials have selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2007. An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center here considered 33 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and

  • June 12 airpower summary: Strike Eagles strike fear

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a successful show

  • Some Airmen, civilians authorized to wear NATO medals

    Some deployed Air Force military and civilian personnel are now authorized to wear one of four North Atlantic Treaty Organization medals. Those who served in a NATO unit for 30 continuous or accumulated days and were listed on a Combined Joint Statement of Requirements may be awarded either the NATO

  • Air Force officials announce airfield operations awards

    Air Force officials announced the winners of the 2006 Air Force Airfield Operation Awards June 13. Airfield operations include airfield operations and control, specifically airfield management and air traffic control. The 2006 winners are as follows: Airfield operations flight complex of the year:

  • Arnold AFB brings home DOD environmental award

    The 704th Civil Engineer Squadron's environmental flight has earned the 2006 Secretary of Defense Natural Resources Management Award in the large installation category. The award recognizes excellence in managing natural resources to support the military mission and stewardship mission goals of the

  • Pilots get taste of combat during Red Flag-Alaska

    The exercise is Red Flag, but it is in Alaska this time, not Nevada. There are similarities -- both exercises focus on advanced tactical training for aircrew members against air and surface threats. Both employ an aggressor force in the air and from the ground. Both have similar training objectives

  • Precision airdrops deliver directly to battlefield

    Water, food and ammunition are only useful if they make it to the people who need them. Fortunately for battlefield Airmen, Soldiers and Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan these supplies are flown in using the Joint Precision Airdrop System. C-17 Globemaster IIIs at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing are

  • Airmen receive first AF Combat Action Medals

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley awarded six Airmen the Air Force Combat Action Medal during a ceremony June 12 at the Air Force Memorial. These Airmen were the first in the Air Force to receive the new medal.Recipients of the award were Maj. Steven A. Raspet, Capt. Allison K. Black,

  • June 11 airpower summary: Airlifters key to troop resupply

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-12s

  • F-22 Raptor team garners Collier Trophy

    The National Aeronautic Association presented its Robert J. Collier Trophy to the Lockheed Martin Corporation for their role in the development of the Air Force's F-22 Raptor. The Air Force was part of the team awarded the honor, one of the nation's most prestigious prizes for aeronautical and space

  • June 10 airpower summary: Tankers extend fighters' reach

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during the following operations June 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier dropped general

  • 'FOX and Friends' shines spotlight on Wright-Patterson AFB

    Television viewers who watched the FOX News Network's "FOX and Friends" morning program June 8 gained insight into the diverse mission of Air Force Materiel Command and the Air Force. With a C-5 Galaxy serving as his backdrop, "FOX and Friends" co-anchor Brian Kilmeade broadcast multiple live

  • June 9 airpower summary: B-1B Lancer flies close-air-support missions

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb

  • June 8 airpower summary: Recon aircraft support warfighters

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s on

  • Air Force recognizes 2006 environmental award winners

    Seven active bases, one Guard wing and one individual were chosen for the Gen. Thomas D. White Environmental Awards for 2006 June 7 at the Pentagon. The Air Force also won four of eight Department of Defense environmental awards. "The Air Force has a long track record of taking care of the

  • Air Force units promo August Air Force Week event

    Air National Guard, active-duty and Reserve units from across New England teamed up June 6 to demonstrate and highlight aerial refueling as a way to kick off a summer-long celebration of 60 years of Air Force history.   The celebration promotes Air Force Week New England which will take place in

  • Air Force receives 4 of 8 DOD environmental awards

    Three Air Force bases and one Air Force civilian were chosen for Defense Department environmental awards June 7 in Washington, D.C. Environmental stewardship is not a separate Defense Department mission, but rather is the fabric of the department, a top defense official said during the 2006

  • Award-winning combat videographer keys in on people

    Tech. Sgt. Gary Burdett's videography documents the up-close-and-personal actions of America's fighting forces around the world.Sergeant Burdett, a 16-year military veteran and a member of the 1st Combat Camera Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., is the Defense Department's Military

  • Combat photographer braves bullets to tell stories

    An award-winning Air Force photographer routinely braved bullets and bombs to tell the military's story through the lenses of his cameras to be named the Defense Department's Military Photographer of the Year for 2007. Combat photographer Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Lock also earned that honor in 2002 and

  • First Air Force Combat Action Medals to be presented

    The Air Force chief of staff is scheduled to present the first Air Force Combat Action Medals to six Airmen during an 8 a.m. ceremony June 12 at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. Gen. T. Michael Moseley will award the new medals to recognize Air Force members who were engaged in air or ground

  • Allies team up for joint exercise at Kunsan

    Members of the 8th Fighter Wing and the Republic of Korea air force have teamed up for a joint training exercise June 8 at Kunsan Air Base. Two South Korean F-16s from the 111th Fighter Squadron, two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 35th Fighter Squadron, Airmen of the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Unit

  • Marines play along in Red Flag

    Marine Corps aircrews from the Yuma, Arizona-based 513th Marine Attack Squadron traded their desert landscape for Alaska's "last frontier" and found themselves players in a whole new game at this year's Red Flag-Alaska June 4. Joining fellow pilots from the U.S. and several allied nations, Marine

  • Saving servicemembers' lives one flight at a time

    Some might say doctors don't make house calls anymore, but that's exactly what the Airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, do on a daily basis. They bring the hospital to the wounded. A typical aeromedical evacuation, or AE, crew turns

  • Misawa squadrons swap out Iraqi mission

    Two F-16 Fighting Falcons flying thousands of feet in the air track a pair of vehicles full of known al-Qaida insurgents on the ground. The vehicles stop at a location free of collateral damage, and command officials make a decision. The F-16s drop precision-guided munitions and destroy the

  • Travis unit marks 8 years of being DUI free

    Airmen of the 6th Air Refueling Squadron at Travis Air Force Base recently marked their eighth year without a driving under the influence incident. "From the day an individual arrives at the squadron, friends and supervisors mentor (new arrivals) on our program," said Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Zahn,

  • June 6 airpower summary: F-16s provide overwatch in Iraq

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles made multiple strafing passes,

  • Defense secretary, servicemembers reflect on D-Day heroism

    The defense secretary was among hundreds of people who walked above the windswept cliffs and paused among fog-shrouded headstones here June 6 to honor those who died during the D-Day invasion 63 years ago. Secretary Robert M. Gates took a private moment in the American Cemetery, reflecting on row

  • F-16 pilot receives Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John D. W. Corley presented the Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy, one of the service's top safety awards, to a fighter pilot during a ceremony June 5 in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.  Assisting in the presentation was Koren Kolligian, nephew of the trophy's

  • June 5 airpower summary: Transports sustain operations

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles watched over advancing

  • 'Life skills' renamed 'mental health'

    All Air Force "life skills support centers" will be renamed "mental health clinics" effective immediately.After a poll of subject matter experts, first sergeants, command chief master sergeants and mental health patients, it was determined that the name "life skills" was confusing and did not

  • Air traffic controller honored by FAA

    Capt. Todd Lobato, chief air traffic control trainer for the Utah Air National Guard's 299th Range Control Squadron, was honored recently by the Federal Aviation Administration as the FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year. Captain Lobato received this award for his role as the aviation safety

  • June 4 airpower summary: A-10s are CAS masters

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier dropped enhanced Paveway II

  • Air Force saves money through energy-efficient lighting

    With an energy efficiency commitment, Air Force officials pursue leading-edge technologies for energy efficient lighting as part of its energy strategy for the 21st century. The Air Force spends about $1 billion annually for the 77 trillion British thermal units of energy required to run more than

  • Exercise tests fast-response unit's capabilities

    Members of the 615th Contingency Response Wing at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., are here conducting a weeklong exercise that will test the unit's ability to set up operations at a seized air field. Called Operation Hydra, the training is taking place at the Castle Airport and Aviation Development

  • 2006 Super Bowl champs visit Randolph

    Champions know about the importance of quality teamwork and the Super Bowl XLI champion Indianapolis Colts are no exception. To help improve their teamwork relationship with the Air Force, members of the Colts championship team visited Randolph Air Force Base June 1 to gain a better understanding

  • June 3 airpower summary: Global Hawk - vigilant warrior

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II provided a show of force

  • Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights a device called the targeting pod, whicht ensures pilot accuracy and minimizes collateral damage on the battlefield. Also in this edition, experience how Airmen co-exist alongside Soldiers, Sailors and Marines performing their duties as joint

  • Cope North exercise to kick off at Andersen

    Military members and units from the Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force are preparing to kick off the annual Cope North exercise June 11 to 22 at Andersen Air Force Base. Cope North is a regularly scheduled joint/bilateral exercise held by the United States and Japan. The purpose of the

  • Joint forces combine for Red Flag-Alaska exercise

    More than 1,400 military members from the United States, Singapore and Australia have converged on Alaska to sharpen their collective warfighting edge in Red Flag-Alaska 07-2, which runs from May 31 to June 15. Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training

  • May 31 airpower summary: Maintainers keep tankers flying

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-38

  • 'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

    The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: In Alaska, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot fires the aircraft's 30mm Gatling gun May 29 during Red Flag-Alaska 07-2 over the Pacific Alaska

  • Air Force officials promote sustainability

    In general terms, it's development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the Air Force, it's the capacity to continue the mission without compromise. In a word, it's sustainability. Without it, operations are diminished

  • Joint forces combine for Red Flag-Alaska exercise

    More than 1,400 military members from the United States, Singapore and Australia converged on Alaska May 31 to sharpen their collective warfighting edge in Red Flag-Alaska 07-2, which runs through June 15. Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises

  • Small business award winners chosen

    The 2006 Secretary of the Air Force Small Business Awards were presented by the under secretary of the Air Force in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. "It is a pleasure to recognize these Air Force members and teams who have excelled in this important area," said Dr. Ronald M. Sega. "Their efforts play

  • Fallen Airmen memorialized at Hurlburt

    Members of the 720th Special Tactics Group dedicated a state-of-the-art training center and an adjacent roadway here May 30 in honor of four air commandos killed in the line of duty in recent operations. An Iraqi Air Force SL7 light aircraft crashed May 30, 2005, about 80 miles northeast of Baghdad,

  • May 30 airpower: F-15Es provide cover for ground forces

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on

  • Engineers garner DOD environmental restoration award

    Dover Air Force Base was recently named the winner of the 2006 Secretary of Defense Environmental Restoration Award. Members of the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron garnered the recognition for managing the best environmental restoration program in the Department of Defense. Earlier this year, Dover

  • CENTCOM leader visits Oman, builds relationships

    Continuing to build long-term relationships throughout the Middle East, the commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces visited Oman and Omani Air Force senior leaders to discuss cooperative interaction between their respective countries. As part of continuing and ongoing CENTCOM theater security

  • Academy graduates challenged to serve with honor

     "Willingness always to take the right path, even if it is the hard path, is called character," Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates told the 977 graduating members of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2007. The challenges graduates will face will test both their spirit and resolve, Secretary

  • May 29 airpower: Predators sting the enemy

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped general purpose

  • Afghan media get close-up view of Bagram Air Base

    Approximately 30 local Afghan reporters visited Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, May 29 to participate in a media day. The media day was aimed at informing the media on the operations at Bagram and how the U.S. military is working alongside coalition partners to support and defend freedom in

  • Airmen put C-130 back in the fight

    A C-130 Hercules team flying a mission over Afghanistan had problems with engine No. 2 and was forced to land at an abandoned air strip in May outside Shindand, Afghanistan, but they were not left alone for long. In less than 50 hours, maintenance repair teams from Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, and

  • Airmen involved in Grand Forks shooting

    An Airman assigned to Grand Forks Air Force Base has been arrested in conjunction with a shooting May 28 in Grand Forks. The victim of the incident is also assigned to the base. Airman Terrance Anderson is accused of shooting Senior Airman Terence Murray. Airman Murray was treated and is listed in

  • Officials announce 2006 command post awards

    Air Force officials have announced the winners of the 2006 command post annual awards. They are: -- Unit-Level Command Post Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Jonathan V. Taylor, 573rd Global Support Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Calif. -- Unit-Level Command Post NCO of the Year: Staff Sgt. Brett

  • May 28 airpower summary: Airlift reduces need for convoys

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier fired rockets at enemy

  • Changes on horizon for Air Force pilots

    The Air Force recently announced there are changes forthcoming in aircrew management. A new process called Transformational Aircrew Management Initiatives for the 21st Century, or TAMI-21, is intended to account for force structure changes that have caused imbalances in pilot inventory distribution

  • May 27 airpower summary: Strike Eagles provide close-air-support missions

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fired cannon

  • Airmen deliver strategic aid to Lebanese military

    C-17 Globemaster III crews of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron delivered bullets to Beirut as part of a short notice ammunition re-supply tasking in support of the Lebanese military. The 816th EAS, a tenant unit of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing based out of Southwest Asia, was given the

  • May 26 airpower summary: Transports strengthen coalition forces

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer released a guided bomb

  • May 25 airpower summary: F-16 supports coalition exchange

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer released guided bomb unit-31s

  • May 24 airpower summary: Tankers fuel fleet

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles released guided bomb unit -38s

  • Air Force secretary presents leadership awards

    The secretary of the Air Force presented four recent professional military education graduates with awards for their outstanding leadership May 17 at Maxwell Air Force Base. Secretary Michael W. Wynne presented the Secretary of the Air Force Leadership Awards, which are given annually to recognize a

  • Airmen drop 80,000 leaflets over Afghanistan

    Crewmembers with the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here participated in a leaflet drop over Afghanistan May 21 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The crew from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, dropped 80,000 leaflets on four parts of the area of responsibility known to be inhabited by the

  • Hawaii honors servicemembers

    Members of the Oahu, Hawaii, community recognized members from all branches of the armed forces May 24 with a luncheon and the commander of Pacific Air Forces was the keynote speaker. Gen. Paul V. Hester spoke at the 22nd annual Military Appreciation Month Luncheon put on by the Honolulu Chamber of

  • C-17 employs 'screamer' in combat airdrop

    A C-17 Globemaster III deployed to Southwest Asia conducted the first C-17 combat airdrop May 24 using the Joint Precision Airdrop System with a screamer. Screamers are steerable GPS-guided container delivery system bundles. The mission was also unique because it conducted airdrops in two locations

  • Eglin Airmen return from deployment

    Family members gathered here May 24 to welcome home more than 175 members of the 728th Air Control Squadron from a deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They arrived by plane on the runway here and were carried by bus to their anxiously awaiting families. As the buses

  • May 23 airpower summary: Predators leverage capabilities

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and A-10 Thunderbolt

  • Total force unit controls sky over combat theater

    Seventy Airmen, Soldiers and guardsmen of the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron operate the Control and Reporting Center here and watch the sky for theater ballistic missiles or other aerial threats every second of every day. Led by the Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Air Control Squadron

  • Bombers rotate at Andersen

    Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing's 20th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., arrive here May 26 to begin a four-month deployment. The Louisiana-based aircraft, aircrew, support and maintenance members will replace their fellow Barksdale Airmen from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, who

  • Personnel officials improve four Airman assignment programs

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently improved four Airman assignment programs to further streamline Web-based personnel processes in support of Personnel Services Delivery and personnel transformation initiatives. The four programs include the Career Airman Base of Preference Program,

  • Air Force accessions program celebrates 10 years

    Three of the Air Force's leadership training programs -- ROTC, Officer Training School and Junior ROTC -- were joined together in 1997 to create what is now the Air Force Officer Accessions and Training Schools, or AFOATS. Earlier this month, members of the AFOATS staff celebrated their

  • Latest 'Vector' remembers Berlin Airlift

    The latest Chief of Staff's Vector remembers the Berlin Airlift and discusses how today's mobility Airmen are following the examples of Airmen past as visible signs of U.S. compassion and resolve."Day or night, operating from pavement or dirt, our Airmen deliver the goods, the gas and the

  • Maintainers increase combat capability of B-1

    Airmen at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing proved just how crucial it is to be trained and work efficiently while responding to a "catastrophic" hydraulic system failure during a B-1 Lancer combat mission. The aircrew had to perform an emergency gear extension upon returning to base due to the

  • May 22 airpower: Transports vital to resupply

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on a

  • Fallen Canadian Snowbird pilot returns home

    The Canadian Forces Snowbirds pilot who died in an airplane crash during an air show practice at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., returned home to the 15 Wing Moose Jaw by Canadian CC-130 Hercules May 22. Family and members of Capt. Shawn McCaughey were on hand to render full military honors to

  • Finance officer wins DOD-level award

    An Air Force financial management officer here won the Best in Department of Defense award for Financial Management Initiative May 22. Lt. Col. Robert Bickel, the deputy director of the Air Force's new Financial Management Center of Expertise was named the individual contributor category winner by

  • 'Battlefield docs' converge in Iraq to hone skills

    More than 40 "battlefield docs" -- surgeons and physician assistants from around Iraq -- converged at Air Force Theater Hospital May 21 here to hone their already razor-sharp surgical skills at the Tri-Service Extremity War Surgery Symposium. Battlefield medicine has greatly improved since the

  • Two from Robins earn Bronze Star Medals

    Two people assigned here were recognized for their combat heroism and meritorious service during presentations May 14.Master Sgt. Gary Chelette and Bryan Braud received Bronze Star Medals for their actions in Iraq. Sergeant Chelette, a C-130 Hercules crew chief with the 653rd Combat Logistics

  • Top intel officer gets firsthand look at downrange operations

    The deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance recently visited the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing to talk to intelligence Airmen and ISR squadron members about the importance of their mission and to learn about new processes in the area of responsibility. Lt. Gen. David

  • AFA names civilians of 2007

    Air Force officials have chosen four civilians for the 2007 Air Force Association Outstanding Air Force Civilian Employees of the Year Award. The recipients are:-- Civilian Wage Employee of the Year Award is David Smart from Hurlburt Field, Fla.-- Civilian Program Specialist of the Year Award is

  • Airmen prepare Afghanistan camp for new living quarters

    Airmen from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing have been volunteering their spare time to help clean up an area of Camp Cunningham here in order to make room for a living condition upgrade. Camp Cunningham Airmen currently reside in B-Huts, which have lasted beyond their original expectancy,

  • Indy Motor Speedway salutes servicemembers

    Amid the howl of revved-up racecars, Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials showcased their 27th Armed Forces Day program May 20 with a group enlistment of recruits from all services and other military-themed events. Track officials held their Armed Forces Day activities in conjunction with final

  • May 20 airpower summary: Maintainers keep force flying

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb

  • PT keeps Airmen fit to fight

    Airmen here are taking part in an age-old military tradition -- unit physical training. The Air Force Physical Training Program, known as the "Fit to Fight" program, helps keep Airmen in top shape and prepares them to fight the war on terrorism when deployed forward. "You see Airmen in the mountains

  • Personnel services transform from 'in line' to 'online'

    Airmen around the world are trading in long lines and filling out lengthy paperwork at personnel offices for the convenience of online and phone-based self-service capabilities. These advances in technology allow individuals to manage their personal tasks more efficiently and conveniently, even from

  • Self-defense course kicks way into training

    Traditional thinking for Air Force pre-deployment preparation may have Airmen reading the Airman's Manual from front to back and getting in some form of combat skills training at home station. Would that same effort include learning about the Linear Infighting Neural-override Engagement, or LINE,

  • Air Force repatriates remains from Libya

    Air Force officials recently returned from Libya with the remains of 72 deceased Americans, believed to be family members of Airmen once stationed at Wheelus Air Base located outside of Tripoli, the nation's capital. Mark Blair, the chief of Air Force Mortuary Affairs, was one of the experts called