Historian revisits wing's past

The 1st Special Operations Wing has a rich and honored history that began in Burma and continues at Hurlburt Field. The 1st SOW can trace its lineage back to "Project 9" which evolved into the 1st Air Commando Group during World War II. During the Quebec Trident Conference of August 1943, it was

The Air Commandos

A sign over the doorway of a squat white building near the Hurlburt Field, Fla., runway of Eglin Air Force Base declares, "The Mission of the Air Force is to Fight." (Editor's note: This article is reprinted from Airman Magazine, September 1962.) The men wearing tennis shorts and sneakers, flying

Hold that pose

First C-21 arrives in North Dakota

The first official 119th Fighter Wing C-21 aircraft arrived Jan. 10 in Fargo.The aircraft marks the unit's transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the C-21 and MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle. "The Happy Hooligans have proven themselves as the best of the best in every mission they have

1st Special Operations Wing mission

The 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla., is the Air Force's only active duty special operations wing and falls under the Air Force Special Operations Command. The 1st SOW mission focus is unconventional warfare: counter-terrorism, combat search and rescue, personnel recovery,

December recruiting numbers exceed goals

Last month's recruiting figures for all military services exceeded goals, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in testimony Jan. 11 before the House Armed Services Committee."I'm pleased to report that all active branches of the United States military exceeded their recruiting goals for the month

Commanders lead unconventional forces

A distinguished list of 50 people have commanded the forces who support airpower by unconventional means. From landing gliders with farm animals behind enemy lines in Burma, to today's inclandestine night operations to support the war on terrorism, special operations forces have led the way,

55th Wing marks 6,000 days in Southwest Asia

For the men and women assigned to the 55th Wing, an intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and command and control unit here, there's a saying about their 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year mission of supporting intelligence operations somewhere around the world. "The sun never sets on the

'Commando' Airmen continue heritage into future

Keeping a promise is important to many people. But, keeping the Air Commando's promise -- to provide precise and reliable Air Force special operations air power, any time, any place -- is the motto Airmen of the 1st Special Operations Wing live by. The wing is the only active duty special operations

Latest Roll Call explains force shaping initiatives

In this week's Roll Call, Air Force leaders discuss force shaping and define the measures being taken by the service to meet end-strength numbers. Air Force leaders are in the process of reducing the service's current size by 40,000 full-time equivalent positions through a variety of programs

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 11

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 11.In Afghanistan Jan. 10, Air Force B1-B Lancers and Royal Air Force GR-7s provided close-air support to International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with enemy forces near Gereshk. The B1-Bs expended

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 12

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 12. In Afghanistan Jan 11, an Air Force 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 Gereshk.

Many vets may be missing out on special compensation

Just because an Air Force veteran was not injured storming the beaches at Normandy does not mean he or she may not be entitled to receive combat-related special compensation, or CRSC. Many Air Force veterans may be missing out on hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars every month because they have

Fallen EOD Airmen remembered during Sather memorial

A memorial Jan. 10 honored the lives of three 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen killed in the line of duty Jan. 7. The members of "Team Lima" -- Tech. Sgt. Timothy Weiner, Senior Airman Daniel Miller, and Senior Airman Elizabeth Loncki -- all deployed

Officials name top athletes for 2006

Air Force Services Agency officials have chosen Capt. Linda Jeffery as Air Force Female Athlete of the Year and Master Sgt. Martin Bedford as Male Athlete of the Year for 2006. Captain Jeffery won the All-Air Force Women's Golf Championship and went on to lead the Air Force team to the 2006 Armed

Minot AFB celebrates 50th anniversary

Base officials here celebrated Jan. 10 Minot's 50th anniversary of becoming an official entity of the U.S. Air Force.Though the groundbreaking ceremony took place July 12, 1955, and the first unit, the 32nd Fighter Group, wasn't activated until Feb. 7, 1957, Jan. 10 holds just as much significance

Air assets support Afghanistan strike

Numerous air assets from U.S. Central Command supported NATO and Afghan forces in Afghanistan's Paktika province Jan. 10, killing as many as 150 insurgents, U.S. Central Command officials said. U. S. Central Command Air Forces supported Afghan National Army and International Security Assistance

Pararescue jumpers train 'that others may live'

They train for the worst things imaginable and respond to the unthinkable. Paraescue jumpers, or PJs, can be found in the mountains of Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa or the streets of Iraq -- prepared to undertake any situation to recover a servicemember. At Camp Lemonier, a small group of PJs from

Spangdahlem crew keeps pilots ready for action

The 52nd Fighter Wing's Saber Control crew at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, has one mission: To enhance the training of pilots stationed there. The unit accomplishes this task by training pilots in an environment that mimics what they see and who they talk to while deployed. "In air time battle,

Red Flag ramps up, F-22 to make debut

The first Red Flag exercise this year, dubbed "Colonial Flag," is scheduled to begin Jan. 16 at Nellis AFB, marking the 32nd year for Red Flag operations. This is the first of three Red Flags this year, and the F-22 Raptor is participating for the first time.More than 200 aircraft and about 5,200

CMSAF thanks Airmen for sacrifices

In the latest Chief's View, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley took time to thank Airmen and their families for their diligent service. In his weekly message to Airmen, the chief stessed that it's important to take time to recognize the efforts Airmen are making in the war on

Unfounded rumors circulating about assignments

Despite rumors floating around to the contrary, Air Force Personnel Center officials said there is no assignment freeze. The question of "Where's my next assignment?" has been common lately, said Master Sgt. Shannon Parker of the Military Personnel Flight here. "I think everyone is concerned because

Airmen can participate in official rifle match

Air Force active-duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members have a chance to test their marksmanship skills at an upcoming rifle match here. The base serves as host to the rifle match Feb. 26 through March 1 at the firing range complex in Area A. The competition can accommodate as many

Patient care system aims to reduce medical errors

The Defense Department has trained thousands of military health care providers to employ a quality management system that's designed to minimize human errors in hospital operating and delivery rooms, a senior defense official said Jan. 11. The Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and

Academy cadet invited to gymnastics winter cup challenge

A U.S. Air Force Academy junior was selected to participate in the Winter Cup Challenge this February, USA Gymnastics announced Jan. 10. Cadet Greg Stine of Houston is just the third academy gymnast in the history of the program to participate at the nationally-recognized meet, which will help

Hill memorializes bombing victims

Eyes swelled, tears fell and uniforms were moistened, yet Airmen who gathered here Jan. 12 were comforted as they paid tribute, expressed high regard, and refused to allow anything to dampen the memory of their comrades killed earlier this week in Iraq.Tech. Sgt. Timothy Weiner, Senior Airman Daniel

Airmen deploy to Andersen for AEF rotation

Eighty-three Airmen from both Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., and MacDill AFB, Fla., deployed recently to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to form the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during a 120-day Air Expeditionary Force deployment cycle. "We have come and taken over for the Guard,"

8.2 magnitude quake sparks tsunami warning

For the second time in three months, servicemembers and families here found themselves under the threat of a tsunami after an 8.2-magnitude earthquake struck east of the Kuril Islands in the Pacific Ocean Jan. 13, sparking tsunami warnings and shaking buildings. "I haven't been in an earthquake

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 13

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 13.In Afghanistan Jan. 12, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with enemy forces near Orgun-e. The B-1B expended guided bomb unit-31s on

Air Force Reserve to form associate unit at Eglin

As part of Air Force total force integration initiatives, the Air Force Reserve Command is teaming up with Air Combat Command to establish an associate unit at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The process is tentatively scheduled to start in fiscal 2008. Plans propose support of the 53rd Wing and its test

Sheppard implements new phase program

Airmen here in technical training are enjoying more freedom and responsibility as Air Education and Training Command transitions into its new phase program. The new program, which took effect after Airmen returned from holiday exodus, became fully functional across Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas,

Gymnastics: Cadets shine in Rocky Mountain Open

With freshmen Brennan Wolford and Garrett Canter earning individual honors, the Air Force men's gymnastics team concluded a successful afternoon of competition Jan. 13 here at the event finals of the Rocky Mountain Open. Wolford, from Thornville, Ohio, posted a career-best 8.200 on the floor

Team Kadena members deploy

More than 600 Airmen from here have begun deploying as part of Air Expeditionary Force Cycles 5 and 6 to various locations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to support the war on terrorism. As Airmen prepared to board commercial aircraft for flights to locations in Iraq and Qatar,

Eielson F-16s participating in Commando Sling

Six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons from the 354th Fighter Wing at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, are deployed to Singapore to participate in the second iteration of Exercise Commando Sling, which began Jan. 8 and runs through Jan. 26.An annual series of exercises, Commando Sling began in 1990 to provide

Ramstein Airman dies

An Airman assigned here died in nearby Kaiserslautern at approximately 2:30 a.m. Jan. 14. The cause of death has not been determined at this time. The name of the Airman is being withheld until next of kin has been notified. The incident is under investigation. Comment on this story (comments may be

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 14

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 14.In Afghanistan Jan. 13, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with enemy forces near forward operating base

Hockey: Air Force ties Holy Cross again

For the second consecutive night, Air Force and Holy Cross skated to a 2-2 overtime tie in an Atlantic Hockey Association game Jan. 13 at the Hart Center in Worcester, Mass. "From the drop of the puck to the end of overtime, it was a great college hockey game," head coach Frank Serratore said. "The

Winter storm alerts Texas National Guard

Governor Rick Perry has alerted the Texas National Guard to assist during the winter storm expected to sweep through Texas the evening of Jan. 14 and last through Jan. 15, according to officials in Austin, Texas.Two-hundred-and-fifty Guard members and 75 Humvees are standing by to support the

Hub-and-spoke missions provide tactical airlift in Iraq

Whether it's operating from rough dirt strips or dropping off troops and equipment into hostile areas, C-130 Hercules keep convoys off the road in Iraq through airpower. Members of the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron deployed from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., fly C-130 hub-and-spoke

The nose knows: four-legged 'troops' sniff out explosives

Two of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team's most valuable assets never talk about work, preferring to let the results speak for themselves. Even with their quiet demeanor, they have uncovered numerous weapons caches and explosives, and have become two of the most popular members of the unit. They are the

Air Force Afterburner thrills monster truck fans at Alamodome

Afterburner, the Air Force-sponsored monster truck, thrilled 50,000 Monster Jam fans with car-crushing, high-jumping, raw engine power Jan. 13 at San Antonio's Alamodome. 2007 marks the second season the Air Force sponsors Afterburner, a high-powered 2006 monster truck equipped with a 1,465 HP, 540

'HOA Flex' channels supplies to military trainers

U.S. servicemembers at three remote camps in the Horn of Africa depend on Air Force airlift to bring them life-sustaining supplies. These isolated sites, known as contingency operating locations, are scattered across a desolate and austere terrain two-thirds the size of the United States. This is

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 16

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 16. In Afghanistan Jan. 15, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1B Lancer provided close-air support to International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Qurya. The B-1B

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 15

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 15.In Afghanistan Jan. 14, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Qurya. The B-1 expended guided bomb

DOD releases results of 2005 health-related behaviors survey

The Department of Defense announced results Jan. 12 of its "2005 Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Military Personnel." The findings show notable decreases in the use of cigarettes and illegal drugs since initiation of the surveys in 1980 and progress toward meeting selected

Keesler's Flying Jennies receive final C-130J-30

A crew from Air Force Reserve Command's 815th Airlift Squadron recently delivered the unit's final C-130J-30 aircraft here after accepting it from the manufacturer at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. Maj. Gen. Hanferd "Rusty" J. Moen Jr. piloted the aircraft from Georgia to Mississippi Jan. 9. General

Mountain Home Airmen earn Bronze Stars, Army medals

Four members of the 366th Civil Engineer Squadron earned the U.S. military's fourth-highest award during a ceremony Jan. 8 for their individual bravery and heroism while serving in Iraq. Capt. Stephanie Root, Tech. Sgt. David Fitzgerald, Staff Sgt. Michael Pray and Staff Sgt. Sjon Higgins earned the

Eielson dental goes digital

With the invention of the Internet, information can be accessed at the click of a button. Songs, pictures and computer files can be placed on flash drives that fit in the palm of a hand. Technological advancements are ongoing and the world has proven time and time again, if it can be imagined, it

National Guard rolls out for yet another Midwest storm

More than 600 Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen in Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas have been called out in response to the latest in a series of severe winter storms to blanket the Midwest with snow and ice.Missouri was among the hardest-hit states during the Martin Luther King Day holiday weekend.

Deceased Ramstein Airman identified

An Airman who died in downtown Kaiserslautern early Jan. 14 has been identified as Senior Airman Jordanis Michael McElroy-Ramirez.The 20-year-old Airman from Dale, Texas, was assigned to the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.The cause of death is under investigation. Additional information will be

Wing begins new chapter with F-15E

Continuing to show a strong force and a visible presence in Afghanistan, the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing added a new capability to its inventory Jan. 14. With more than 200 Airmen supporting its mission, the F-15E Strike Eagle deployed from the 391st Fighter Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 17

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 17. In Afghanistan Jan. 16, 19 close-air support missions were flown in support of Afghan and International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Additionally,

Defense news, information now customized for mobile devices

Defense Department news releases, articles and other information are now available in a new format that is customized for easier viewing on BlackBerries and other mobile devices, officials said. The new, mobile-device-friendly format can be accessed at www.dod.mil/mobile, officials affiliated with

General serves as Misawa City's 'Mayor for a Day'

The 35th Fighter Wing commander was appointed as Misawa City's "Mayor for a Day" Jan. 12 as a way to promote cultural awareness and increase goodwill. Misawa City Mayor Shigeyoshi Suzuki offered the opportunity to Brig. Gen. Sam Angelella, 35th FW commander, and thanked the general for a job

Charleston squadron helps build 'a room for Phillip'

The Airmen of the Air Force Reserve Command's 300th Airlift Squadron have a history of reaching out to those in need. Each year, the squadron donates time and money to a deserving person or family. This year the 300th AS is doing more to aid a little boy who needs some big help. Led by Master Sgt.

Career enlisted aviator positions open

Opportunities are currently available for Airmen who wish to become career enlisted aviators. The Air Force has immediate openings for flight engineers, loadmasters, airborne mission systems, flight attendants, and airborne crypto logic linguists.First-term Airmen who have completed half of their

Position coaching staff for Air Force football now complete

Air Force head football coach Troy Calhoun completed his position coaching staff Jan. 17 with the hiring of Clay Hendrix and the retention of Ron Burton. Hendrix will coach the offensive line while Burton will remain as the defensive line coach.Hendrix comes to Air Force after completing 19 seasons

Two Korean Air jets divert to Kunsan

Two Boeing 747 aircraft made emergency landings here Jan. 17 after Incheon International Airport's runway closed for low visibility due to fog.The two Korean Air jets -- one laden with cargo, the other with passengers -- were greeted by 8th Fighter Wing leaders and support personnel with open

MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle crashes

A U.S. Central Command Air Forces MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle crashed five miles southeast of Baghdad International Airport Jan. 17 at approximately 11:35 p.m. local Baghdad time. The crash site is an unpopulated area and no collateral damage or injuries occurred.The aircraft is a

AFSO 21 event targets transportation efficiency

Air Force leaders continue to shape wartime work processes by applying Lean principles and techniques from Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century.Functional-area experts representing the majority of the combatant commanders as well as the Joint Staff met here Jan. 8 to 12 to look at

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 18

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 18.In Afghanistan Jan. 17, Air Force B-1 Lancers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces in Carlson, Wama and Sangin. Air Force F-15

Rumble on the Rink

Weather officer to compete in Antarctic Marathon

Running a marathon would be enough of a challenge for most people, but an Air Force weather officer here wants to take things to the next level by competing in a marathon in Antarctica. Maj. Michael Mills of the Headquarters Air Force Weather Plans and Requirement Division is running 160 miles a

JPADS continues 'revolution in airdrop technology'

Since October 2005, the Air Mobility Warfare Center here has partnered in an effort to revolutionize the way the Air Force does its airlift airdrops in the expeditionary environment and around the globe with the Joint Precision Air Drop System, or JPADS, initiative."When it was said to make this

Dashboard tool allows snapshot of organizational status

Air Force officials are rolling out a Web-based financial management tool this summer designed to help commanders and other Air Force decision makers.By summer 2007, the Air Force's Financial Management Dashboard will be available online through the Air Force Portal.This is a Web-based "dashboard"

Competing for load crew honors

What AFSO 21 means

Dr. Ronald C. Ritter, the special assistant for Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, recently visited Pacific Air Forces headquarters to review AFSO 21 strategies in the command. "AFSO 21 is important to us all," Dr. Ritter said. "It is our initiative and a way to continue our long

Software maintainers help warfighters achieve mission

While the E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, or Joint STARS, platform is celebrated for its ability to provide air commanders with real-time ground surveillance in support of attack operations, the surveillance giant couldn't complete its mission without the support from Airmen of

Evaluation board application process moves to virtual MPF

Active-duty Airmen seeking a correction to or removal of an evaluation report may initiate an appeal to the Evaluation Reports Appeal Board through the virtual Military Personnel Flight effective Jan. 22. Airmen may choose to apply to the board to seek a correction or removal of a performance

Deep in the frozen heart of Texas

Travis trains Pacific AMC crews to maintain KC-10s

In an effort to streamline KC-10 Extender maintenance responsibilities in the Pacific theater, the 60th Maintenance Operations Squadron here developed a two-phase course designed to teach enroute maintainers how to recover aircraft and perform basic maintenance tasks to help move aircraft through

Latest Roll Call focuses critical eye on responsible conduct

This week's Roll Call directs Airmen to take responsibility for their actions, both on-and off-duty. Airmen are ambassadors for both their service and America -- no matter where they are stationed, TDY or deployed. Simply put, the actions of Airmen have far-reaching ramifications. When Airmen make

Baseball: Air Force announces 2007 schedule

The Air Force Academy baseball team is slated to take on 18 different opponents in a 53-game schedule for the 2007 season. The Falcons open the season Feb. 3 hosting Colorado Christian. Air Force is slated to play 22 home games, and 28 games total in Colorado. Highlights of the non-conference season

Deployed B-52s complete counter-sea exercise

Usually, naval mines are placed at sea by dedicated ships traveling days from their home port. However, Airmen deployed to Guam's Andersen Air Force Base showcased the B-52 Stratofortress bomber's capability to quickly and accurately deliver naval mines while flying at 1,000 feet above the sea. The

Basketball: Lady Falcons lose to New Mexico 60-46

In the middle of its first conference road trip of the year, the Air Force women's basketball team lost to New Mexico, 60-46, Thursday evening at The Pit. The Falcons fall to 4-12 on the season, 0-5 in the Mountain West Conference, while the Lobos improve to 12-6 overall, 2-3 on the league. Senior

USAFE medics bring expertise to Liberia

A team of eight medics from five U.S. Air Forces in Europe bases recently arrived in Liberia as part of a technical training initiative for the new Armed Forces of Liberia. The country, which was ravaged by nearly 15 years of civil war before it held a democratic election in November 2005, is

Columbus T-38 crashes

A Columbus AFB T-38 Talon crashed about 1:30 p.m. Jan. 18 approximately 40 miles south of Memphis, Tenn. There were two pilots on board and both ejected safely. Both pilots were examined by medical authorities, released and returned to Columbus AFB. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was

USAFE celebrates 65 years of airpower

United States Air Forces in Europe celebrates its 65th anniversary as the oldest, continuously active Air Force major command.USAFE began Jan. 19, 1942, when the War Department established Headquarters 8th Air Force, and the command continues its forward presence in Europe and Africa -- from

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 19

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 19. In Afghanistan Jan. 18, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Wama. The B-1 expended GBU-38 bombs on

Servicemembers provide a little TLC

The cries and coos of orphaned babies echo atop a green fenced-in veranda in Djibouti City, Djibouti. Three times a week, American servicemembers visit the Franciscan Missionaries of Notre Dame Baby Orphanage to help feed and play with the babies. People assigned to the camp volunteer to participate

Core values make impossible happen

The "Iceman Team" recently accomplished an enormous undertaking the Air Force way -- Airmen taking care of Airmen. Following the end of its 20-year Sprucewood Homes development lease in August, Eielson leaders made the difficult decision to relocate 241 families on very short notice. "Following

Lajes Airmen prepare to deploy

Today's Airmen are taking on more nontraditional roles that put them directly into the fight. This makes combat skills training essential for every Airman headed downrange.Predeployment training can make the difference between life and death in operations around the world. Airmen selected to go

Airmen help pick up the pieces for those in need

Five first-term Airmen from Eielson AFB brought in the new year with a determination to help those in need. They ventured from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico to help rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The group set up camp in Bay St. Louis, a small town west of Gulfport, Miss. Over the next

Latest radio technology declared ready

For nearly a year, the Air Force has developed and tested a communications system allowing commanders to talk directly to troops operating convoys outside the bases. Today, Radio over Internet Protocol Router network, or RIPRnet has earned its initial operational capablity title, achieving a

F-22s set for first overseas deployment

About one dozen F-22 Raptors and more than 250 pilots, mechanics, and other 27th Fighter Squadron Airmen from Langley Air Force Base, Va. will head to Kadena Air Base, Japan, in February to fill the squadron's air and space expeditionary force requirement. "The F-22 Raptor deployment is founded upon

Airmen help keep troops off roads

The Air Force detachment at Q-West has moved more than 1,100 cargo pallets by air since arriving in September, taking about 333 convoy trucks off the road and keeping 778 Soldiers out of harm's way. Detachment 2 of the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron deployed to Iraq faced with a

Light Show

Welcome home

Ramstein passenger terminal streamlines operation

As part of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century, the passenger terminal here has made life easier for passengers and other customers. "Now we've mirrored ... a commercial airport," said Staff Sgt. Kristopher Worcester, who works at the 723rd Air Mobility Squadron and helped implement the

California Air National Guard F-16 crashes in remote area

A California Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed at approximately 10:30 a.m. Jan. 19 in Owens Valley, Calif. while on a routine training mission. The pilot ejected safely and was recovered by China Lake Naval Air Station search and rescue people. The aircraft was from the 144th Fighter

Fairchild rescue flight saves 3 in busy week

Helicopter crews from the 36th Rescue Flight here rescued a man and his son Jan. 11 and a woman Jan. 14 in what turned out to be a busy, heroic week in North Idaho. The second save was number 613 for the flight, which is part of the U.S. Survival School, a tenant unit at Fairchild. The action

Hanscom welcomes heroes home

A crowd of more than 500 gathered to welcome home 80 Hanscom deployers with praise and thanks at the Aero Club Hangar Jan. 19. The Heroes' Homecoming, the first event of its kind here, honored troops who returned from deployments over the past six months. Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Sirois, 66th Air Base

Langley receives last Raptor, completes fleet

The 1st Fighter Wing received its last assigned F-22A Raptor Friday when the 94th Fighter Squadron accepted tail number 5085, bringing the total to 40 F-22s to complete the fleet. Brig. Gen. Burt Field, 1st Fighter Wing commander, flew the final jet from the Lockheed Martin factory in Marietta, Ga.,

Military Channel broadcasting servicemembers' stories

The Military Channel is asking servicemembers across the armed forces to submit videotaped stories about their service in the global war on terrorism for broadcast on television, company officials said. "We want to give a voice to the troops to allow them to tell their stories," Jill Bondurant,

Gone with the wings: C-5 removal process in full swing

The wings of the C-5 aircraft that landed short of the runway April 3, 2006 were removed Jan. 17 by an Ohio-based contractor. Using giant mobile shears, InterGroup International, a company that buys, reprocesses and sells post-industrial scrap, chopped the wings off the remaining C-5 shell from the

Swimming & Diving: Air Force knocks off defending league champs

In one of the programs biggest victories, the Air Force men's swimming & diving team defeated two-time defending Mountain West Conference Champion UNLV, 175-125, in front of over 1,000 rowdy fans at the Cadet Natatorium. On the women's side, the Rebels defeated the Falcons 180-100. The Falcon men

Incirlik adopts new responsible choices program

The 39th Air Base Wing's safety office recently began implementing the Air Force's Culture of Responsible Choices Program. The program aims to shift airmen's perceptions, habits and actions to keep them safe and ready to fight.Major Ken Ernewein, 39th Air Base Wing safety chief, said responsible

Hockey: Army beats Air Force 2-0

Army goaltender Josh Kassel made 36 saves to lift Army to a 2-0 win over Air Force in an Atlantic Hockey Association game Friday, Jan. 20, at the Cadet Ice Arena. The two teams split the series as Air Force won Friday's game, 4-1. Air Force fell to 12-9-5 overall and 9-4-5 in the league. Army is now

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 20

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 20.In Afghanistan Jan. 19, 14 close-air support missions were flown in support of International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Additionally,

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 21

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 21. In Afghanistan Jan. 20, Air Force B-1B Lancers and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in enemy contact near Qurya. The B-1Bs