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  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Airmen provide force protection 'inside the wire'

    An Airman performing a vehicle search might be a C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster. The Airman providing escort for local nationals could be a medical technician. But, regardless of their primary Air Force Specialty Code, or AFSC, Airmen such as these provide force protection while assigned to the

  • 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 loadmaster maxes 10,000-hour mark

    An 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster now wears a badge of distinction that very few loadmasters receive -- an Air Mobility Command custom patch displaying the number 10,000. After 25 years of service, Master Sgt. Joseph Maxey surpassed 10,000 flying hours April 3 during an airlift

  • 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

  • March 31 - 6 April: The week in airpower

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released this weekly airpower summary April 8. In Afghanistan this week ,245 close-air-support missions were flown in support of  International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Air Force and Royal Air

  • 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

  • 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

  • Senior leaders testify about Air Force space program

    Three senior leaders provided testimony on national security space activities before the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee March 23. The Honorable Dr. Ronald M. Sega, under secretary of the Air Force, Dr. Donald Kerr, director of the National Reconnaissance Office, and Gen. Kevin P.

  • Mother and daughter's worlds meet at 30,000 feet

    Air Force reservist Master Sgt. Vivian Caraviello had an opportunity that few Air Force parents get during an aeromedical evacuation mission from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to Andrews Air Force Base, Md.The 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron medical technician was able to fly the mission along

  • 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

  • April 4 airpower: Fighters watch over coalition troops

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for April 4. In Afghanistan April 3, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force for a coalition convoy stuck in the mud near Sangin. The B-1B also provided shows of force for coalition forces in contact with

  • McChord Airmen embrace AFSO 21

    In an effort to increase the tempo of generating aircraft that are prepped and ready for flight, Airmen in the 62nd Maintenance Group have teamed with Airmen in several other squadrons here to embrace Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century practices and smooth out flightline processes. The

  • CSAF discusses construction projects in testimony

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley met with members of the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs March 29 to discuss the service's construction efforts. General Moseley said the Air Force is committed to improving base infrastructure

  • 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

  • Chief prepares for attaché assignment

    At first, she didn't know all that much about the region, let alone what it would be like to be stationed in Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic. But for the past six months, Chief Master Sgt. Karen Doig has been training to do exactly that. Currently assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency,

  • 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

  • Airmen in Norway contribute to NATO mission

    In the southwest corner of Norway, there's a small community of Airmen stationed at Stavanger Air Base who support U.S. military members working for NATO. The 426th Air Base Squadron helps U.S. forces who work in the Joint Warfare Center, which trains NATO leaders and conducts exercises to enhance

  • Air Force performs at Final Four

    The Air Force followed the roads to Atlanta in support of the National Collegiate Athletic Association' s Final Four weekend where the top four NCAA basketball teams competed for the championship March 31 and April 2. The NCAA featured the Air Force as part of its Final Four celebration to highlight

  • 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

  • French help fuel Operation Enduring Freedom

    In pursuing the war on terrorism, the United States fights side-by-side with its coalition partners. One of the fundamental missions here at the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing is the aerial refueling mission accomplished by the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in support of Operation Enduring

  • Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

    This week's "Today's Air Force" focuses on Airmen in Afghanistan fighting alongside Soldiers, Sailors and Marines combining unique capabilities to the joint fight; how Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century seeks to decrease waste in daily operations; and the passing of one of the famed

  • March 24 - 30: The week in airpower

    In Afghanistan this week, 267 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Fifty-one  Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions

  • 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

  • Recruiting, training key to future of Iraqi Air Force

    Recruiting new airmen for the Iraqi Air Force presents several challenges. With the constant fear of being targeted by insurgents, those who want to serve fear what might happen to them or their families. However, the Iraqi Air Force is making headway, and Iraqi citizens are stepping up to serve

  • March 30 airpower: B-1B protects coalition convoy

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 30. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force for a coalition convoy with vehicle problems near Kabul. The B-1B also provided a show of force for another convoy that received small arms

  • Nellis officials host threat analysis working group

    Officials from the 57th Information Aggressor Squadron hosted the first-ever Information Operations Threat Analysis Working Group at the Threat Training Facility at Nellis March 27 to 29. This event brought together experts from 31 U.S. intelligence, research and development, and operational

  • GPS-driven dropsondes improve airdrop accuracy

    An emerging technology is making airdrops around the world more accurate. Called dropsondes, they not only improve aircrew capabilities, they also keep troops safe downrange. "A dropsonde is merely a meteorological device that we use to collect weather information from the altitude of the plane to

  • C-130 airdrops provide critical supplies to U.S. forces

    Improved Container Delivery System bundles fall from the cargo compartments of C-130 Hercules aircraft on a frequent basis here. The ICDS airdrops support the ground forces on the front lines at forward operating bases throughout Afghanistan. "Some of the ground forces are in close combat," said

  • 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

  • Missile defense system protects United States, allies

    The United States has been fielding a missile defense system aimed toward defending itself, its deployed forces and its allies against emerging threats, a top Air Force official said March 28. "We initially turned our attention to North Korea because we felt that that had the higher sense of

  • Lajes Airmen tested on readiness capabilities

    Airmen here perform one of today's most vital missions -- directly supporting servicemembers going to and from deployed locations fighting the war on terrorism around the world. Their readiness was put to the test in mid March during the base's Operation Readiness Inspection, which tests the mission

  • 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

  • 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

  • B-52s participate in Green Lightning, Australian air show

    Andersen Airmen flew to the land 'down under' this week to demonstrate the capability and flexibility of the B-52 Stratofortress bomber to their Australian partners. They completed a series of scheduled Green Lightning exercise sorties at the Delamere Bombing Range while also providing aerial

  • Air Force leaders gather for Four Star Conference

    Air Force senior leaders gathered here March 23 for the Four Star Conference to discuss the service's top challenges, opportunities and priorities.Topics ranged across a diverse set of issues, from how the Air Force develops and sustains warfighting systems to how moving targets are attacked,

  • 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 plans to develop revolutionary engine

    Air Force Research Laboratory engineers have outlined a five-year timeline for a new, adaptive engine that will enable pilots to switch from high speed combat maneuvers to long-range persistence mode as effortlessly as a bird in flight. AFRL's Propulsion Directorate recently issued a Broad Agency

  • 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

  • Berlin Candy Bomber meets children of today, yesteryear

    The Candy Bomber met children of all ages at an open house here March 22, including a man who received chocolate dropped to him as a child in Germany.Retired Col. Gail Halvorsen received his nickname for dropping candy tied to parachutes from his C-54 Skymaster to children during the Berlin

  • 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

  • Open house showcases military might, yesterday's heritage

    Nearly 500 visitors met current-day met warriors and a living legend during the March 22 open house at Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico. Military members and equipment, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol air assets, and an historic C-54 with Berlin candy bomber retired Col. Gail

  • 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

  • March 17-23: The week in airpower

    In Afghanistan this week 310 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Fifty-five Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions were flown in

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Airman competes for Miss USA crown

    She has been anticipating this moment since being crowned Miss Arkansas USA in October and it is finally here. Second Lt. Kelly George, a resident of Sherwood, Ark., and the deputy chief of public affairs for the 314th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, vies for the title of Miss USA March

  • In-lieu-of Airmen excel in Iraqi provincial reconstruction

    More than ever before, Airmen are serving combat deployments traditionally filled by the Army and Marine Corps. Because of sister-service personnel shortages, Airmen are serving in-lieu-of, or ILO, the Soldiers and Marines who would normally execute these combat missions. In Iraq alone, nearly 1,700

  • 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

  • 'Que Bien' Air Force Week

    The Air Force showcased its assets, capabilities and Hispanic Airmen during Air Force Week to 15 countries around the world March 21-22. Univision reporter Tony Dandrades of "Primer Impacto," a nationally televised, 60-minute Spanish-language news program, told the Air Force story during his time at

  • 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

  • Air Force participates in Australian air show

    Airmen are taking part in the U.S. exposition at the 2007 Australian International Airshow here in southern Australia. During this six-day event, the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines are on display for an audience of Australian and Pacific regional defense force leaders, government officials and

  • CMSAF visits Luke Airmen during Air Force Week

    Enlisted Airmen at Luke Air Force base were given the opportunity to hear from and have breakfast with the Air Force's top enlisted man during a visit March 21. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley is at Luke supporting Air Force Week, a seven-day event designed to thank the

  • March 22 airpower: Weapons loaders put bite into fight

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 22.In Afghanistan March 21, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on enemy forces in a treeline, an enemy compound, four separate buildings and a cave entrance near Sangin. A joint

  • AFSO21 team exchanges Lean practices with industry officials

    Air Force officials, looking to industry Lean experts for best practices and lessons learned to apply to Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, got a first-hand look at Lean in action during a recent three-day industry exchange here. The team of 30 Air Force leaders visited Boeing

  • C-17 missions play vital role in war on terrorism

    Sitting on the tarmac here, the "Spirit of Go for Broke," a C-17 Globemaster III from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, looks like any other of its kind.Large, grey, boxy, with expansive wings ending in a curved wingtip, this C-17 is one of eight aircraft jointly maintained and operated by both active

  • Afghan generals visit Air Force training squadron

    Several key leaders from the Afghan National Army toured here March 16 in order to gain a stronger understanding of key communication areas to help their training programs in Afghanistan. Afghan National Army Maj. Gen. Mehrab Ali, Brig. Gen. Baba Mirza and Col. Said Farooq Yosuf Zai came to Keesler

  • March 21 airpower: Rivet Joint provides eye in the sky

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 21. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force over a police station that was surrounded and taking enemy fire near Jalalabad. A joint terminal attack controller on-scene reported that the

  • Air Force fosters "warrior ethos" in all Airmen

    Whether it's the recent changes to basic military training, continual preparation for deployments, engaging in combat or new and better uniforms, Air Force leaders are instilling a warrior mindset in Airmen. That warrior ethos -- the foundation of what it means to be an Airman -- traces its roots to

  • New GPS-guided airdrops aid aircrew accuracy

    Mobility aircrews now have a new tool which uses Global Positioning System, or GPS, to help them deliver cargo more accurately and safely in deployed theaters of operation. The Joint Precision Airdrop System, or JPADS, allows airdrops to be conducted from higher altitudes with improved accuracy,

  • Air Force Week kicks off in Phoenix

    Several bus loads of Airmen from nearby Luke Air Force Base joined Arizona state officials and Air Force senior leaders at the state's capitol March 19 to kick off this year's first Air Force Week. Air Force Week is designed to increase public awareness of the Air Force's mission, capabilities and

  • March 20 airpower: Versatile A-10s support ground forces

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 20. In Afghanistan March 19, a B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-12s and GBU-38s on enemy-occupied buildings near Kajaki Dam. The strike came after coalition forces came under fire from enemy forces in the

  • Laughlin begins services, mission support merger

    In ongoing efforts to become a more responsive and efficient organization, the Air Force's services and mission support squadrons have begun merging, and the organization is using Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, as the first of six test bases as it rolls out the consolidation. The merger of the

  • Air power purchasing process continues to improve

    Air Combat Command's award-winning acceptance team in Marietta, Ga., is setting the precedent on how the Air Force accepts airplanes. Working alongside the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, during production of the F-22A Raptor, ACC's Raptor Acceptance Team is a geographically

  • Air Guard retirement process goes online

    Eligible members of the Air National Guard can now submit retirement applications electronically via the virtual Personnel Center -- Guard and Reserve. This is the second Guard-specific capability added to the 24-hour customer service Web portal operated by the Air Reserve Personnel Center

  • March 19 airpower: Refueling the mission

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 19.In Afghanistan March 18, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-12s and GBU-38s on enemy-occupied buildings near Kajaki Dam. The strike came after coalition forces came under fire from the buildings.

  • 'Week in Photos' highlights Airmen around the world

    The "Week In Photos" Web featured on Air Force Link provides visitors photos that feature the Air Force's missions.Staff Sgt. Irene Noriega assigned to the 62nd Airlift Wing at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., pedals 'til it burns as she participates in a cardiovascular workout spin class March 9 at

  • March 10-16: The week in airpower

    In Afghanistan this week 289 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. A total of 61 Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew

  • March 17 airpower: Strike Eagles return fire in Afghanistan

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 17. In Afghanistan March 16, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles supporting coalition forces returned fire to an enemy location near Now Zad. The F-15s made three passes over the target area, expending multiple guided

  • March 16 airpower: C-130s backbone of tactical airlift

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 16. In Afghanistan March 15, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-12 on enemy forces moving on a trail along a ridge near Dowlet Shah.  A joint terminal attack controller on scene confirmed

  • Nature of war requires successful airlift

    The commander of United States Transportation Command visited Bagram Air Base March 14 to observe and speak about the airlift mission being performed throughout Afghanistan. Airlift is an important part of Operation Enduring Freedom, said the visiting General Norton Schwartz. Making up the airlift

  • Airmen learn new perspectives from leadership

    Air Force leaders invited more than 50 junior and senior NCOs to the nation's capital March 12 to 13 to discuss Air Force triumphs and challenges with senior leaders. Participants ranged from staff sergeants to chief master sergeants in a variety of career fields and from a variety of locations. The

  • March 15 airpower: Strike Eagles strike intimidation

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 15.In Afghanistan March 14, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s and GBU-31s on enemy buildings and fire positions near Sangin.  A joint terminal attack controller on-scene confirmed direct hits

  • Ramstein's 50-year-old runway gets makeover

    After years of construction on Ramstein's flightline, the end is in sight. First the base got a brand new runway, now construction crews are working on the last segment of a year-long make over to Ramstein's old north runway. "About a year ago we started construction," says Capt. David Vanderburg,

  • AMC, 463rd Airlift Group welcome first C-130J

    Gen. Duncan McNabb, Air Mobility Command commander, delivered the 463rd Airlift Group' s first combat-ready C-130J Hercules March 13. The aircraft will be used in combat operations around the world. "This is a big day for Little Rock and it is a big day for Air Mobility Command. I'm really excited

  • Emergency airdrop sustains combat ops in Afghanistan

    When coalition ground forces fighting Taliban extremists in southern Afghanistan needed fuel in a hurry March 12, coalition air power answered the call, filling the 9,000-pound full airdrop order in less than eight hours. The 1st Battalion of the 508th Parachute Infantry Division was engaged in

  • New tower cab opens at Ramstein

    After two-and-a-half years of planning and construction, Ramstein Air Base's new tower cab is finally open for business.The new cab is vital for mission success, since Ramstein has taken on more air traffic control responsibility with the closing of Rhein-Main Air Base. Among the new improvements to

  • March 14 airpower: B-1 Lancers provide show of force

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 14.In Afghanistan March 13, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on enemy buildings near Sangin. The B-1B strike came after coalition forces received mortar and machine gun fire. A joint terminal

  • Air Guard crew flies mission to save Soldier's life

    They flew at night and into the next day from Iraq nonstop to the United States. Fifteen hours and 10 time zones later, they handed over their precious cargo in Maryland: a Soldier who had been wounded in combat. Then, to the hum of jet engines, they packed their gear and returned to fly similar

  • Eielson powers its own mission

    Every morning, as Airmen here drive onto base, they are greeted by friendly waves -- waves of billowing steam stretching into the crisp morning sky. This steam is more than just hot air. It is the life's blood of the base, and it comes from the central heat and power plant here. "It is unique," said

  • Aviano Airmen put operations support to test

    A recent inspection here is showing how Airmen are prepared to support operations during the war on terrorism. NATO exercise evaluators travel across Europe to assess how well a country's military is able to handle certain scenarios they may face during war time. More than 100 NATO inspectors are

  • Data links give Airmen attack controllers 'big picture'

    A small group of Airmen are having a dramatic effect on the battlefield. They're in demand from everyone from Army squads and platoons to large defense contractors. Everyone wants a joint terminal attack controller on their team -- and with good reason. They are crucial to putting air force bombs on

  • Air Force continues giving 100 percent

    Strong Air Force recruiting numbers in 2007 show that "crossing into the blue" remains a popular avenue for Americans to serve their nation, gain technical skills and continue their education. In February, 2,277 people joined the Air Force while another 2,552 signed on to "Do Something Amazing" in

  • March 13 airpower: Tankers keep coalition fighters flying

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 13. In Afghanistan March 12, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on enemy buildings near Sangin. The B-1B strike came after coalition forces received mortar and machine gun fire. A joint terminal

  • Senior Air Force medics provide testimony

    Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense March 7, two Air Force leaders provided key testimony, informing the Senators on how the service takes care of its people. Lt. Gen. (Dr.) James Roudebush, Air Force surgeon general, and Maj. Gen. Melissa Rank, assistant

  • Dover Reserve squadron flies final C-5 flight

    The 326th Airlift Squadron, a unit in the Air Force Reserve Command's 512th Airlift Wing here, flew its final C-5 Galaxy flight March 10. The squadron converts to the C-17 Globemaster III mission April 1. The base's first C-17 arrives in June and it will receive 12 more of the aircraft over the