Joint operations center keeps funeral plan on track

Every military operation requires a headquarters, even those that are ceremonial in nature. For state funeral honors of former President Gerald R. Ford, that role is being filled by the Forward Operations Center located in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel here.A conference room has been transformed into

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 2

United States Central Command Air Forces and coalition partners continue to support NATO and the International Security Assistance Force and the government of Afghanistan to achieve a secure and stable country.Over the course of the new year, airpower will be a key asset for ISAF's goals of

Honor Guard helps lay President Ford to rest

It's what many Airmen work for, day in and day out -- the chance to actually do what they have been training for, and to carry out their mission to the fullest. For members of the Air Force Honor Guard here at Bolling Air Force Base, this is that day. These honor guardsmen helped the nation pay its

Hydrogen-powered vehicles sign of future

Along with the increasing number of hybrid vehicles sharing the roadways with traditional fossil-fueled autos, there has also been an increase of hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles on Air Force bases.Hydrogen station officials here say the concept of hydrogen isn't new. NASA has been using the

Edwards aircraft soar over 118th Rose Parade

Air Force not being stealthy about upgrading B-2 fleet

The Air Force isn't being stealthy about plans to upgrade its B-2 Spirit fleet; officials say the bomber will need numerous upgrades over its life span. Some upgrades are already complete, but others are planned years, even decades ahead, said Lt. Col. Brian Zembraski, 509th Bomb Wing director of

2006 a year of transformation for Airmen

In a year when Air Force operations around the globe helped positively impact countless lives affected by violence, intimidation and natural disaster, 2006 also served as a platform for evaluating how such missions can be accomplished more proficiently by capitalizing on training and technology.

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 3

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 3.In Afghanistan Jan. 2, 47 close-air-support missions were flown in support of International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Additionally, 10 Air

Airmen receive 2006 intelligence awards

The Air Force Intelligence Reserve and Alumni organization held its 56th annual holiday awards banquet here recently to recognize individual mobility augmentees, as well as several others, who supported the service's intelligence community throughout the year. The banquet was attended by 160 active

Dropping the ball in the Big Apple

Air Force leaders develop strategic view on fuels

Air Force leaders from major commands met here recently to discuss the service's strategic viewpoint on fuel conservation. As the Department of Defense's greatest fuel consumer, the Air Force must examine every aspect of fuel consumption while maintaining its core competencies and power-projection

Some South Dakota veterans eligible for bonuses

The state of South Dakota is paying a veterans' bonus of up to $500 to certain servicemembers.Bonuses are available for servicemembers who:-- were legal residents of the state for at least six months immediately preceding entry into the armed forces.-- are currently on active duty or were honorably

Congressional delegation visits hydrogen fueling station

Fifteen congressional delegates visited the hydrogen fueling station at Hickam AFB Dec. 29. Opened in November 2006, the facility is a renewable energy station that is helping the Air Force overcome its dependency on petroleum products by providing an alternate fuel source. The unique Air Force

Dropping freedom

Structural fire trainer saves lives, money

Airmen with the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron's Fire and Emergency Services Flight here are honing their skills on a new structural fire trainer. The better training not only can translate into less injuries, but also it consolidates a variety of scenarios in one area: putting out fires, working in

Military, Djiboutians communicate through discussion group

Military members from Camp Lemonier have been bridging a communications gap with local Djibouti children during an English discussion group held at a school house. The group allows for two-way communications between the military and the local citizens. Senior Master Sgt. Edith Garcia, a coordinator

DLPT 5 now official 'test of record' for 14 languages

The Department of Defense has made the Defense Language Proficiency Test 5 the official "test of record" for 14 languages effective Jan. 1.The affected languages are: Albanian, Chinese Mandarin, Dari, Greek, Hindi, Iraqi, Korean, Modern Standard Arabic, Norwegian, Pashto, Persian Farsi (lower range

New unit strengthens U.S.-Japan alliance

More than a year of planning reaches a milestone in strengthening the U.S.-Japan security alliance Jan. 5 with a ceremony activating Detachment 1, 13th Air Force, at Yokota Air Base, Japan.Col. Michael MacWilliam, formerly the 5th AF director of operations and plans, will command the detachment,

Those aging ghosts of Pearl Harbor

If you are under 30, Dec. 7, 1941, is probably only another date in your history book. The day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Ho-hum. If you are over 40, the date is one you may never forget. And like everyone else in that age group, you probably have your own story of "what I was doing when I

Air Force plans to deactivate Willow Grove wing

Air Force Reserve Command officials briefed congressional leaders today on plans to deactivate the command's 913th Airlift Wing located at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Willow Grove, Pa. The deactivation process would result in personnel authorizations being removed Oct. 1, 2007. The Air

Registration open for Rodeo 2007

Registration for Air Mobility Expeditionary Rodeo 2007 is now open through April 2. This year's competition takes place July 22-28 at McChord Air Force Base, Wash.United States Air Force teams can register online on Department of Defense computers at the Rodeo 2007 Web site,

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 4

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 4. In Afghanistan Jan. 3, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for ISAF troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Khowst. The B-1 expended guided bomb unit-31s

Airmen train Iraqi police

It beats patrolling the flightline and issuing traffic tickets on base. Ask anyone assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's Detachment 6 here. They're one of just two Air Force teams doing what they're doing: training Iraqi policemen in the province of Salah ad Din to run a

USAFE commander awards Air Medals to Danish pilots

It's not often an American four-star general has the opportunity to present prestigious war medals to coalition partners, but Jan. 2 was a special occasion. Gen. William T. Hobbins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, flew to Fighter Wing Skrydstrup, Denmark, to present U.S. Air Medals to 35 Danish

AFSO 21 continues to improve operations

Last year, Airmen at Spangdahlem Air Base's propulsion shop had to walk to work. But this year, thanks to Air Force Smart Operations 21, these Airmen don't have to walk for miles each day just to do their jobs. "They told us we walked 10 miles a day just going to our cage to get tools," said Staff

Security forces Airmen help shape Iraq's future

They only come inside the wire to eat, sleep and work out. When members of the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's Detachment 7 go to work, they hit the streets of Baghdad right along side the Iraqi police. "It makes me nervous every time I have to send someone out," said Capt. Ian

Emergency feeding mission

Officials announce civil engineer award winners

The Air Force and three civilian professional associations have announced their 2006 Air Force civil engineer award winners. The awards are sponsored by the Society of American Military Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Northeast chapter of the American Association of

Wyoming Air Guard dropping hay for Colorado cattle

The Wyoming Air National Guard arrived in Pueblo, Colo., on Jan. 3 to begin flying missions to drop hay to stranded Colorado cattle.One C-130 Hercules and 10 Airmen are assisting the Colorado National Guard with feeding cattle in the southeastern corner of the state, near Lamar."Although the

Space shapes today's front lines

Its existence is only acknowledged by its absence. It doesn't attract attention, yet it changes our behavior. It is there without asking; thus it is often taken for granted. Theater space operators put the power of space at the fingertips of warfighters. "We are combat integrators," said Maj. Troy

118th Rose Parade kicks off with silent 'boom'

Crowds cheered with thunderous applause as the Air Force kicked off its 60th anniversary year with a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and two F-22As opening the 118th annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1. Gen. Kevin Chilton, Air Force Space Command commander at Peterson AFB,

Americans, Djiboutians build relationships

Reminiscent of a neglected, one-room schoolhouse, the Horsed Private School of English sits on a dusty, goat-lined road in the Balbala section of Djibouti City, Djibouti. Students pack the schoolhouse and sit on makeshift benches, eagerly waiting for members from Camp Lemonier and the Combined Joint

Football: New Air Force coach meets the press

Air Force head football coach Troy Calhoun met local and regional media Jan. 4 for the first time since becoming the sixth coach in school history Dec. 22. Calhoun, a 1989 graduate of the academy, is the first graduate to hold the position. Calhoun also announced five members of his staff. Brian

Basketball: Air Force falls to Colorado State

Unable to withstand hot second-half shooting by the Rams, the Air Force women's basketball team dropped its Mountain West Conference opener, 65-56, to Colorado State Jan. 4 at Clune Arena. The Falcons drop to 4-8 on the season, 0-1 in the MWC, while the Rams improve to 6-7, 1-0 in the league.

Name released of Travis Airman involved in accident

An Airman assigned to the 60th Security Forces Squadron died in Fairfield, Calif., Jan. 3. Airman 1st Class Sean A. Motoshige, 60th SFS armorer, originally from San Francisco, died from injuries resulting from a four-car traffic accident on east-bound Interstate 80. "The Travis team is deeply

Honor Guard gives President Ford final honors

Like many rapid response teams in the Air Force, the elite U.S. Air Force Honor Guard has to be ready at a moment's notice. When President Gerald R. Ford passed away Dec. 26, the Honor Guard was alerted and organized itself for the events surrounding the funeral of the 38th president. "Once we were

Air Force may hold RIF board if goal not met

The Air Force will convene an officer reduction in force board in June if it fails to meet its force-shaping goal, said the service's senior most officer for manpower and personnel. "While the goal has been to reduce active-duty end strength through voluntary programs where possible, if at the end

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 5

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 5.Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 Lancer provided close-air support to International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Orgun-E. Air Force A-10s provided close-air

Panjshir team aids mosque repair

Thanks to the cooperative efforts of an Afghan village, coalition forces and an engineering firm, a mosque that was in the way of a road construction project here has been repaired. A temporary bridge had to be erected while the permanent bridge across an irrigation canal in Bazarak was being

Wings of Blue win national championship

For the 28th time, the U.S. Air Force Academy's Wings of Blue Competition Parachute Team won the National Collegiate Parachuting Championships held Dec. 27 to Jan. 1 at Lake Wales, Fla.The team set a new national record with 116 points, winning 32 medals, including nine gold.Air Force swept the

Latest Roll Call focuses on AFSO 21

This week's Roll Call features Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century, also known as AFSO 21, which is a program that encourages Airmen to maximize value while minimizing waste. AFSO 21 is about results. Senior leaders have identified the major result areas, which are called "Five North

Air Force band plays final tribute for President Ford

The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight accompanied by the Air Force Band of Liberty performed in the cold rain Jan. 3 to honor Gerald R. Ford, the 38th U.S. president.Conducting musical performances for state funerals is the Air Force Band of Flight's No. 1 mission, and with the passing of President Ford

Research officials outline funding process

Providing U.S. warfighters with a technological edge in battle is a huge responsibility and the staff of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research is actively involved in the process. Each year, AFOSR program mangers evaluate thousands of basic research proposals received from scientists and

Ramstein Airmen transport wounded servicemembers

Medical Airmen from Germany flew to Iraq Jan. 4 to help protect the lives of wounded servicemembers. The mission of the 791st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Ramstein AB, Germany, provides a lifeline for America's wounded. "We can have them home to definitive medical care in

National Guard to the rescue in 8 states

Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen in eight states rescued people and hauled hay to livestock following a severe end-of-year winter storm that stretched from America's northern to southern borders. Hundreds of Guard members in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Washington

Personnel specialists provide support to deployed Airmen

"First in, last out" is the battle cry of the Personnel Support for Contingency Operations team, better known as PERSCO. It's definitely the case during a deployment at Balad AB, headquarters to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, when you're responsible for processing more than 7,000 Air Force

Medical team treats nearly 1,500 African patients

U.S. troops in Rwanda and Botswana recently built bridges between the U.S. military and the African people by providing medical services to almost 1,500 patients.The troops took part in a U.S. European Command Medical Civilian Assistance Program exercise, one of several events that are a part of the

Wrestling: Falcons wrap up competition

The Air Force wrestling team went 1-3 at the Lone Star Duals Jan. 6, defeating Brown, 18-13, while falling to No. 4 Oklahoma State, No. 1 (Division II) Central Oklahoma and No. 19 Wisconsin. The Falcons are now 2-4 on the season. Air Force began the day against fourth-ranked Oklahoma State. Notching

Airmen keep communications running in Ethiopia

Airmen ensure all communications are operational at a remote camp bordered by grass-hut villages, a dormant volcano and packs of hyenas that roam just outside the gate. Senior Airman Jeremy Cole and Airman 1st Class Steven Brumley are the only Air Force members assigned to Contingency Operating

Airmen killed during combat operations

Three Airmen assigned to the 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Division were killed Jan. 7 by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device while performing duties in the Baghdad area.Additionally, one Airman was injured in the explosion.The names of the Airmen are being

CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Jan. 6 and 7

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 6 and 7. In Afghanistan Jan. 6, a B-1B Lancer and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Orgun-e. In

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 8

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 8.In Afghanistan Jan. 7, Air Force B-1 Lancers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad and Sangin. The B-1s expended

NORAD chalks up another successful year tracking Santa

North American Aerospace Defense Command officials wrapped up another successful year of tracking Santa on his annual trip to homes around the world, according to NORAD officials. The 756 volunteers answered 65,355 phone calls between 2 a.m. Christmas Eve and 2 a.m. Christmas Day, said Maj. Stacia

Teamwork key to bilateral exchanges at Misawa

Overcoming obstacles such as language barriers can be difficult. This is something Staff Sgt. Andrew Frasier learned recently when he and six other Airmen from Misawa AB, Japan, came here for a bilateral exchange. One of Sergeant Frasier's responsibilities during the exchange was making sure

Joint jump

U.S. icebreaking ship arrives in McMurdo

The Coast Guard became part of the Air Force-led Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica Jan. 1 with the arrival of the Cutter Polar Sea at McMurdo Station, Antarctica.Home ported in Seattle, the Polar Sea arrived after a month-long voyage including stops in Honolulu and Sydney, Australia. The

ESGR looking for few good employers

The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is looking for a few good employers to recognize this year.The committee, in conjunction with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, announced Jan. 8 that it has begun accepting nominations for the 2007 Secretary of Defense

Airmen take to the field for combat skills training

Taking an Airman out of his normal comfort zone and placing him in an environment where he is expected to practice ground combat skills can take time and patience for both the instructor and the student. Airmen at Osan Air Base, South Korea, went through a 19-hour Installation Arming Response course

PACAF leads major commands in energy conservation

Pacific Air Forces officials have seen a 17 percent reduction in energy use from fiscal 2003, well on its way to exceeding the Energy Policy Act of 2005's goal of reducing energy consumption by 2 percent each year from 2006 through 2015 for a total of 20 percent. PACAF had the largest energy use

Topping off the Extender

DOD identifies Air Force casualties

The Department of Defense announced Jan. 8 the death of three Airmen who were killed Jan. 7 by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device while performing duties in the Baghdad area supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Airmen were assigned to the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron, Hill Air Force

Airpower strikes insurgent stronghold in Iraq

U.S. Central Command Air Forces air and space power supported coalition actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom with F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15E Strike Eagle and B-1 Lancer aircraft that dropped precision munitions Jan. 8 on a known insurgent stronghold south of Balad Ruz, Iraq. The strike targeted

Aircraft attack al Qaeda haven in Somalia

Air Force AC-130 gunships struck al Qaeda targets in Somalia Jan. 8, news sources reported last night. The operation allegedly hit al Qaeda concentrations in the southern part of the country, but Pentagon officials did not comment. The Navy 5th Fleet moved the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D.

Winter 2007 quarterly issue of Airman available online

Read about how Airmen are rebuilding hope by mentoring Iraqi soldiers, see how warfare is evolving thanks to valuable training in the field, discover how Balad hospital is thriving thanks to deployed servicemembers, and learn how one family is receiving much-needed support from the Air Force to care

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 9

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 9. In Afghanistan Jan. 8, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Asadabad. The B-1 expended guided

Air Mobility Battlelab combines cargo, passenger loaders

With a mission to make loading passengers and cargo easier, the Air Mobility Warfare Center's Air Mobility Battlelab came up with an innovative idea using existing technology -- the Halverson Air Stairs Kit, or HASK. The HASK concept is a passenger stairs attachment kit designed to entirely replace

Wilford Hall medics depart for Iraq

More than 60 Airmen from the 59th Medical Wing at Wilford Hall Medical Center departed here Jan. 9 in support of the war on terrorism. The deployment sends mobilizing medical Airmen to the Air Force Theater Hospital at Balad Air Base, Iraq, to relieve wing members already there. Wing officials

Improvised explosive device kills three Hill Airmen

Three Airmen from Hill AFB were killed Jan. 7 by a car bomb while performing duties in the Baghdad area. The explosion also injured a fourth Airman not assigned to Hill. The Airmen were assigned to the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight. While in Iraq, the Airmen were

Air Force team hones search and recovery skills

Search and recovery team members here practiced their skills in a basewide exercise that included a simulated crash of a C-17 Globemaster III carrying nuclear weapons near the Davis-Monthan AFB runway. The team is tasked with recovering human remains from accident sites. The exercise gave the team

Pacific Airmen deploy in support of war on terrorism

Several Pacific Air Forces Airmen left Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 8 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Many of the Airmen are from Kadena's 18th Civil Engineering and Logistics Readiness squadrons. The deployment also included Airmen from Yokota Air Base and Misawa Air Base, Japan. Some of the

F-22 scheduled for first overseas deployment

Air Force officials are scheduled to deploy a squadron of F-22 Raptors to Kadena Air Base, Japan, as part of U.S. Pacific Command's Theater Security Package in the Western Pacific in early 2007. This will be the first overseas deployment for the Air Force's newest fighter. The F-22 is a

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 10

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 10.In Afghanistan Jan. 9, an Air Force B-1 Lancer conducted a strike on Taliban extremists near Garmsir. The B-1 expended guided bomb unit-38s on enemy targets. A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 provided close-air

2007 year of 'PACAF Resilient Warrior'

The commander of Pacific Air Forces has designated 2007 as the year of the "PACAF Resilient Warrior." The PACAF Resilient Warrior initiative is a 12-month campaign focusing on 11 critical attributes of success designed to enhance pride in Airmen, build resilience and reinforce responsible

AETC commander addresses training changes

As part of a visit to Pacific Air Forces here, the commander of Air Education and Training Command discussed training with other countries' air forces. During his visit, Gen. William R. Looney III explained the changing role of the Air Force and how training is changing to accommodate today's

Texas National Guard team responds to bird deaths

In a scene reminiscent of emergency measures seen in cities across the country after 9/11, downtown Austin, Texas, was temporarily blocked to people and traffic so authorities could investigate the unexplained deaths of more than 60 birds Jan. 8. Together with local, state and federal responders,

Enduring the cold

Air Force announces captain selections

Air Force officials selected 4,003 first lieutenants for promotion from 4,040 officers considered in the 2006C captain selection process. The list of future captains is posted on the Air Force Personnel Center's officer promotions home page.Selection statistics for in-the-promotion-zone lieutenants

Travis, Robins test wireless aircraft intercom system

For five days, Air Force aircraft maintainers at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and Robins Air Force Base, Ga., demonstrated the Telephonics TruLink Wireless System at their respective bases to great success. The system demonstration was conducted as part of an initiative dubbed "Wireless Intercom

Hill mourns the loss of 3 Airmen

Hill AFB leaders reflected on the loss of three Airmen who were killed in Iraq by a car bomb. Tech. Sgt. Timothy R. Weiner, 35, of Tamarack, Fla., Senior Airman Elizabeth A. Loncki, 23, of New Castle, Del., and Senior Airman Daniel B. Miller Jr., 24, of Galesburg, Ill., died in the Jan. 7 explosion

New law changes handling procedures for troops' remains

A new law that took effect Jan. 1 changes the way the remains of servicemembers killed in combat are transported and handled. The 2007 National Defense Authorization Act states that the primary mode of transportation for remains of servicemembers being returned to the U.S. is military aircraft or

Iraqi participation key to president's new strategy

President Bush's new strategy in Iraq will hinge on the Iraqi government and security forces stepping up and making decisions they have avoided, a senior White House official said Jan. 10.White House communications director Dan Bartlett said Iraqi leaders have pledged to make these decisions. The

Involuntary phase for NCO retraining program begins

Airmen identified as required to retrain must submit a retraining application by Jan. 15 or separate from the Air Force under Phase II of the Air Force Fiscal 2007 Noncommissioned Officer Retraining Program. After meeting the Jan. 15 deadline, Phase II eligibles must choose an Air Force specialty

SBIRS instructors hold keys to ground floor of new payload

Future Space Based Infrared System crews will get in on the ground level of Air Force Space Command's most advanced payload when they begin training at the 460th Operations Group's Detachment 1 on Jan. 12. Training on SBIRS' newest satellite will give students a historic chance to involve themselves

Servicemembers help restore hope in Philippine community

Servicemembers recently teamed up with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, or AFP, with a two-month project that provided clean water, an elementary school and an adult learning center here.The project is considered a ray of hope for the local citizens, who have been terrorized by numerous

Spouses of deployed Airmen armed with information

When Airmen leave for a deployment, their spouses are often left at home, and many times are forced to make decisions they've never made before. For months, Misawa's 35th Operations Group has been training to go downrange. But preparing to deploy is more than what happens on the flightline; it's

International affairs program takes off with larger rated presence

The chief of staff of the Air Force recently approved a request by Bruce Lemkin, deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for international affairs, to augment rated presence in the International Affairs Specialist program by 109 officers. Gen. T. Michael Moseley announced this will be accomplished by

Letter to Airmen focuses on 'Excellence in All We Do'

In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne discusses the core value of "Excellence in All We Do" and how it relates to Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century.The secretary said he was impressed with the "amazing things" Airmen are accomplishing in the Air

Jan. 11 marks 6,000 consecutive days in Southwest Asia

Most military units rotate through the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in cycles ranging from four months to one year. After each deployment, the squadron returns to its home base for training and reconstitution. But members of the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., called the

Airman receives 2 Purple Hearts

A Luke AFB sergeant was awarded two Purple Hearts for two separate injuries she received in a span of three months in Iraq.Staff Sgt. Aime Gaona, a 56th Operations Support Squadron intelligence analyst, was serving an eight-month deployment as a weapons intelligence team member of the 732nd

Chief's perspective focuses on Roll Call

The new Roll Call program is the focus of the latest Enlisted Perspective by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley.The chief said Airmen can add to their mission effectiveness by increasing their communications, but admits it's not an easy process."We all have access to good

Wolf Pack family embraces Holloman Airmen

Nearly 300 Airmen from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., and several F-117 Nighthawks arrived at Kunsan AB in January to fulfill U.S. security responsibilities in the Western Pacific.The deployment brings 49th Fighter Wing pilots, maintainers and support Airmen from Holloman AFB to Kunsan AB for the

Reconnaissance aircraft, team reach milestone

It may not have the stealthy skin of the B-2 Spirit or be able to hover vertically like the CV-22 Osprey, but the RC-135 Rivet Joint is the only aircraft that Airmen can claim to be deployed continuously for 6,000 days. This milestone can be touted by Airmen in the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance

DOD announces changes to Reserve component policy

Department of Defense officials are changing the way they will manage reserve-component forces, announced Dr. Robert M. Gates, secretary of defense Jan. 11.The first aspect of the policy change will involve the way the department manages deployments of reserve forces. Currently, reserve deployments

Emblem symbolizes wing's mission

The emblem of the 1st Special Operations Wing symbolizes its 63-year mission and emphasizes that the wing is the single focal point for all Air Force special operations matters.The shield reflects its historic past as the first organization to field limited and unconventional warfare. It was

USAFE commander visits units in England

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander visited the geographically separated units that make up the 501st Combat Support Wing in England Jan. 8 to 10.Gen. William T. Hobbins, accompanied by his wife, Robbin Hobbins, and Chief Master Sgt. Gary Coleman, the USAFE command chief, visited with the 501st

More provincial reconstruction teams to stand up in Iraq

President George W. Bush's new strategy for Iraq includes expanding the number of provincial reconstruction teams from 10 to at least 18 to better support political and economic progress, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said at a news conference Jan. 11.Secretary Rice joined Defense Secretary

Bush outlines new strategy for course ahead in Iraq

President Bush's new strategy for Iraq, announced Jan. 10 in a televised speech to the nation, includes more than 20,000 additional U.S. troops on the ground in Baghdad and Anbar province, increased responsibility for the Iraqi government and Iraqi security forces, and more diplomatic and economic

Weather technician trains observers at Afghan outpost

A battlefield weather Airman assigned to work with Army aviation units recently spent two days training members of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team to report weather observations. Senior Airman Nathan Fried of the 20th Expeditionary Air Support and Operations Squadron at Bagram Air Base

Engineer gains valuable experience in Afghanistan

A day in the life of a project engineer fills up pretty quickly. Between meetings and constant walks around the base to survey projects, there's concrete to be poured, gravel to be delivered and contractors needing guidance. This will be the norm for Capt. Dave Lin over the course of his six-month

Air traffic controllers take on new roles

Air traffic controllers deployed to Djibouti in the Horn of Africa must sometimes take on new roles in accomplishing the daily mission.During the current deployment, the controllers aren't actually controlling the skies above Camp Lemonier. "We're here in the event there's a communication barrier