Air Force Reserve A-10s get 'smart' systems

You can build just about anything on a good foundation. Air Force reservists from the 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 303rd Fighter Squadron here are being reminded of that as five of the 442nd Fighter Wing's A-10 Thunderbolt IIs are being equipped with "smart" multi-function color

Revisions made to operational doctrine

The doctrine publication that describes the Air Force's role in countering the threat or use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons at the operational level of war was revised recently.Maj. Gen. Allen Peck, commander of the Air Force Doctrine Center, approved the revision and

Feb. 14 airpower: F-15s conduct successful strikes

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 14.In Afghanistan Feb. 13, Air Force F-15 Eagles conducted a strike against enemy forces near Musa Qal'eh. An F-15 expended a guided bomb unit-12 on a vehicle, successfully destroying it and stopping an enemy

First F-22 bound for Pacific unveiled

Representatives from the Air Force and Lockheed Martin gathered to accept Pacific Air Forces' first F-22 Raptor Feb. 12 at Marietta, Ga. This latest F-22 will be among 36 others that will make up the first F-22s assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens

Atlanta kicks off 'Heritage to Horizons' celebration

Southern hospitality, total force and joint partnership were the ingredients that formed the inaugural kickoff for the Air Force's 60th Anniversary celebration Feb. 12 in Atlanta. The official kickoff was held at the State Capitol, where Gov. Sonny Perdue welcomed the "Heritage to Horizons" Air

36th OG reactivates to meet Pacific theater mission

The 36th Operations Group was reactivated after more than a decade to serve as the focal point for the Air Force's expeditionary operations taking place here. The 36th OG will assume the mission of the 36th Expeditionary Operations Group and establish a permanent command structure for deployed Air

Feb. 13 airpower: B-1Bs support International Security Assistance Force troops

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 13.In Afghanistan Feb. 12, Air Force B-1B Lancers, Navy F/A-18 Hornets and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with

Last-minute call leads to unplanned refueling mission

A late night call, a cancelled sortie and flexibility led an aircrew from the 351st Air Refueling Squadron here to expedite medical care for more than a dozen severely injured troops being transported from Iraq to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Feb. 7. According to Capt. Brent Toth, 100th

Air Combat Command lodging goes wireless

All 16 bases in Air Combat Command now offer high-speed wireless Internet connections in lodging at no cost to the guest. For Gen. Ronald E. Keys, commander of Air Combat Command, high-speed access for those on temporary duty assignments away from their home stations is very important. "Internet

Air Force ads to feature Charleston Airmen

Filming for the next campaign of Air Force commercials began here Feb. 9. The Air Force's contract ad agency, GSD&M Advertising, flew with active-duty and Reserve Airmen from here onboard three C-17 Globemaster IIIs to the North Auxiliary Field in North, S.C., where crewmembers performed airdrops

Feb. 12 airpower: A-10s help team apprehend insurgents

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 12.In Afghanistan Feb. 11, Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops receiving small arms and rocket fire from enemy forces near Tarin Kowt. No

Airmen return from Urban Sniper School

Two Airmen from the 736th Security Forces Squadron here recently returned from 11 days of training in an Urban Sniper School with a Marine expeditionary unit at Kadena Air Base, Japan.Tech. Sgt. Samuel Howell and Staff Sgt. Patrick Pendergest along with nine Marines attended the school taught by the

Loadmasters learn from mentors

A hefty responsibility rests on the shoulders of many junior expeditionary Airmen in the war on terrorism. Daniel Stone, Brian Mulkey and Sheldon Cary, all loadmasters and airmen 1st class from the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, are among the many junior Airmen making a difference on a daily

Feb. 11 airpower: F-16s provide close-air support

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 11. In Afghanistan Feb. 10, Royal Air Force GR-7s provided a show of force for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops patrolling near Now Zad. The patrol reported that a ceasefire agreement had

Feb. 10 airpower: F-16s destroy IED production plant

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 10. In Afghanistan Feb. 9, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Pashsbad. The B-1

Life-saving attempt earns Airman praise, accolade

A 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Airman received a medal recently that will serve as a reminder of the day he unwittingly stepped into the spotlight while on a mission in Africa. While waiting for his dinner companions at a hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, Tech. Sgt. Bryant Billingsley heard a call for

New space technology provides less shake, rattle, roll

Current deployment mechanisms operating aboard spacecraft primarily consist of heavy springs which, when activated, inflict shock to components such as solar arrays and antennae. This often hinders the equipment's efficiency in the harsh environment of space. Air Force Materiel Command's Space

Feb. 9 airpower: F-16 strike takes out terrorists

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 9.In Afghanistan Feb. 8, an Air Force B-1 Lancer, Navy F/A-18 Hornets and French air force M-2000 Mirages provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops receiving enemy

C-130 accident investigation board complete

Air Mobility Command officials released Feb. 9 the results of their investigation into the July 17 accident involving a C-130 Hercules deployed from the 43rd Airlift Wing at Pope AFB, N.C., during a night landing at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. The aircrew flying the C-130E was deployed from the 317th

ABU wear policy effective immediately

Air Force officials at the Pentagon released the wear policy for the new Airman Battle Uniform Feb. 7. The policy comes in time to help many of the Airmen deploying to the AOR in May, as these Airmen will be among the first to get the ABU. Further ABU distribution plans will be based on production

Units focus on bringing better capabilities to warfighters

Senior leaders from Air Mobility Command, the Electronic System Center, and the Air Force Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center gathered for the 11th Exchange Day among the three organizations Feb. 7 here.Beginning in 2001, the biannual event has brought

F-22 begins first overseas deployment

The first overseas operational deployment of the Air Force's newest fighter is underway as 12 F-22 Raptors landed here Feb. 7 en route to Kadena Air Base, Japan. The aircraft and more than 250 Airmen from the 27th Fighter Squadron from Langley AFB, Va., are supporting the U.S. Pacific Command's

New trailer equipped for rapid response to biological agents

A ceremony Feb. 6 here marked the first delivery in the Air Force of a laboratory response team trailer. The trailer is equipped with the Joint Biological Agent Identification and Diagnostic System, or JBAIDS, which provides rapid analysis of biological agents, an essential capability during an

Feb. 8 airpower: F-16s provide key airpower support

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 8.In Afghanistan Feb. 7, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided show-of-force for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops by flying over an area reported to have suspected insurgents hiding and

Dover reorganizes for C-17 mission

A ceremony here Feb. 4 marked the end of a 30-year run of Dover AFB's sole C-5 Galaxy mission and the beginning of a new era as the base prepares for the first of 13 C-17 Globemaster IIIs scheduled to arrive this summer. Air Force Reserve Command's 512th Maintenance Group is reorganizing to

The making of an air commando

I had never heard the song before, but the melody was vaguely familiar: "Swamp rat, swamp rat, where do you hi-ide? "Come out in the open and I'll be your guy-ide." The raspy voice bounced off the tall pines in Kisatchie National Forest in central Louisiana: I'm a friendly guerilla who'll take you

Air Force Reserve expands KC-135 force at March ARB

Air Force Reserve Command officials have expanded the size of its KC-135 Stratotanker force at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., as part of the Air Force total force integration initiatives.Under the Base Realignment and Closure process, the 939th Air Refueling Wing at Portland International Airport,

Shield has historic past

The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group share the same emblem. The only difference between the two is the designation in the scroll.The blue and yellow colors represent the Air Force. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow

Feb. 7 airpower: B-1s providing close-air support

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 7.In Afghanistan Feb. 6, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops receiving small arms fire from Taliban extremists in a building near Qurya.

Letter to Airmen encourages 'Ambassadors in Blue'

In his latest "Letter to Airmen," Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne discusses how every Airman is an ambassador and how it is essential that Airmen communicate their role in the war on terrorism.The secretary said he was committed to boosting regional, cultural and language skills to make

MyEDP provides real answers for real Airmen

Airmen needn't look further than their computer screens for candid advice and information regarding their service careers, thanks to the My Enlisted Development Plan Web site, now up and running through the Air Force Portal.Designed as the Air Force's cradle-to-grave enlisted developmental tool,

Wing supports mission at 'critical time'

The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing is the most forward-deployed Air Force wing in Iraq. The wing has pioneered modern warfare tactics using advanced weapons systems such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 II Thunderbolt and the MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle for close-air support and traditional

Chief of staff: Warrior Airmen new culture of Air Force

Today's Airmen are in the fight. As the war on terrorism continues in the Middle East and the war on drugs continues in South and Central America, Airmen are engaged in struggles across the globe. "We are warfighters," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the Air Force chief of staff. "From the pilots who

Alamo Wing steps up schoolhouse operations

The Air Force Reserve's 433rd Airlift Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, gained two new squadrons Feb. 6. The wing is home to the Air Force's C-5 Galaxy schoolhouse. At a formal ceremony, the 356th Airlift Squadron and 733rd Training Squadron joined the Alamo Wing. The wing, from which flies

American, Japanese airmen join forces in Keen Edge '07

Approximately 300 Airmen and six Japan Air Self Defense Force liaison officers are participating in the bilateral command post Exercise Keen Edge '07 here. Officials from 13th Air Force are conducting their part of the annual weeklong joint bilateral exercise to increase combat readiness and

DOD to establish U.S. Africa Command

The U.S. military will establish a separate U.S. Africa Command to oversee military operations on the African continent, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced during congressional testimony Feb. 6."The president has decided to stand-up a new unified, combatant command, Africa Command, to

Interim Polar System reaches full operational capability

Air Force officials announced Feb. 6 the successful launch and delivery for operational service of the second Interim Polar System payload. With this placement of the second of three planned IPS payloads, the extremely high frequency constellation is at full operational capability, providing 24-hour

Feb. 6 airpower: Eagles shut down small-arms fire

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 6. In Afghanistan Feb. 5, F-15 Eagles provided show-of-force and overhead coverage for a convoy of International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops near Ya Qubi who were receiving small arms fire and a

Kadena Airmen ready for visiting Raptors

As Kadena Air Base officials get ready to host 12 F-22 Raptors for the fighters' first overseas deployment, the base's most important focus right now is their readiness stance. "That readiness gives us piece and stability in the region," said Brig. Gen. Harold W. Moulton, 18th Wing commander. "And

Barksdale B-52s arrive in Guam, complete bomber rotation

Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La., and their B-52 Stratofortress bombers arrived in Guam recently to begin a four-month deployment here. The Louisiana-based aircraft, aircrew, support and maintenance members replaced the Minot AFB, N.D., Airmen who redeployed home as part of a

Budget proposal includes 3-percent pay raise

President Bush's defense budget request for fiscal 2008 includes a 3 percent military pay raise as well as increases for housing, health care and other quality-of-life benefits and programs. Bush's proposed budget, submitted to Congress today, includes $137 billion in pay, benefits and health care

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Feb. 5

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 5. In Afghanistan Feb. 4, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers conducted a strike against enemy forces near Musa Qal'eh. A GR-7 successfully expended an enhanced Paveway II munition at an

Vice chairman 'cautiously optimistic' about new Iraq approach

The nation's second-highest-ranking military officer said he is cautiously optimistic about the new approach to Iraq after a three-day visit there that ended Feb 2."It is clear that most of the senior officials (from the) coalition, Iraq and United States I talked with during my time in Baghdad are

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Feb. 4

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 4.In Afghanistan Feb. 3, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Forward Operating Base Carlson. The B-1B

Illinois ANG supports Bears, Operation Enduring Freedom

Senior Airman Kimberly Letherman will be watching her favorite team, the Chicago Bears, on Super Bowl Monday. That's right -- Super Bowl Monday. With a nine-and-a-half-hour-time difference with the United States, Airmen in Afghanistan will watch the Super Bowl in the early hours of Monday morning.

'Top Gun' instructor helps with Raptor integration

What do you say when the Air Force chief of staff asks you to be the first F-22 pilot for the Navy? In Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Wosje's case, it was, "How could I refuse?" In a program that lets Navy pilots jump ship to train and integrate with the Air Force, this F/A-18C Hornet pilot from the USS

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Feb. 3

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 3.In Afghanistan Feb. 2, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Delaram. RAF M-2000s provided

Japanese get first look at Raptor capabilities

Japanese media and members of the Japanese Embassy in Washington D.C. visited Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 31 to get a look at the F-22 Raptor before it makes its first overseas deployment to Okinawa. The visit gave the Japanese a look at the Raptor's capabilities through a presentation and a

SECAF town hall meeting: Every Airman an ambassador

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne spoke in front of a packed house January 31 during his town hall meeting at the Pentagon. During the meeting, the secretary discussed some of the issues facing the Air Force today as well as its strengths and his goals for 2007. One issue included the ages

Travis medics deploy to Afghan hospital

Approximately 100 Airmen from the 60th Medical Group at David Grant Medical Center deployed in January to the largest military hospital in Afghanistan.The 455th Expeditionary Medical Group was activated during a ceremony Jan. 23 to assume operation of the Air Force Theater Hospital at Bagram Air

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Feb. 2

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 2. In Afghanistan Feb. 1, Air Force F-15 Eagles and a B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Forward Operating Base

AFMC commander visits Southwest Asia

The commander of Air Force Materiel Command visited Southwest Asia recently to receive a first-hand look at challenges Airmen face maintaining airfield weapon systems in the area of responsibility. During his visit, Gen. Bruce Carlson discussed what AFMC brings to the fight, including science and

Peterson Airmen grant boy's wish to be a pilot for a day

Airmen from Peterson AFB helped bring an ailing child's dream to life in January. Born with a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on his nerves, 14-year-old Zachery Olsen dreamed of becoming a pilot. Zachery was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis four years ago, he became eligible for a wish

Arnold teams provide NASA with test data

Two teams at the Engineering Development Center's Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 here were recently involved in tests for NASA's next crew exploration vehicle. One team made use of conventional and advanced measurement techniques during the NASA-sponsored aerothermal testing on a scale model of the

Spooky gunship armed with new cannons

Spooky is about to get a little scarier. Crews at Hurlburt Field have put the finishing touches on the first AC-130U Spooky gunship armed with the 30 mm Bushmaster cannon. The rearmed Spooky retains its 105 mm cannon but replaces the 25 mm and 40 mm guns with Bushmasters. The project is a "win-win,"

Florida Guard team to support Super Bowl security

Tens of thousands of football fans will flock to Florida this weekend, passionate about their pigskin picks, but a handful of Florida Guardsmen are hoping that the game is anything but exciting for them. The 44th Civil Support Team based at the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center near Starke, Fla.,

7 Charleston Airmen receive Bronze Stars

Seven Charleston AFB Airmen were presented Bronze Stars Jan. 29 here by the Air Mobility Command commander in front of their families, friends and several hundred military members. Gen. Duncan J. McNabb said these individuals embody the heart of the nation. Awarded the Bronze Stars were: -- Capt.

C-17 delivers strategic capability

C-21 fleet continues to dwindle

Members of the 76th Airlift Squadron bid farewell to three of its 13 C-21 aircraft in January, as the Air Force retires the aircraft from the active-duty inventory. The C-21 is the military version of the Lear Jet 35A business jet and is used primarily for senior-level passengers, cargo airlift and

CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Feb. 1

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 1.In Afghanistan Jan. 31, F-15 Eagles and a B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Forward Operating Base Carlson. An

Guard integration moves Airmen from Kulis to Elmendorf

The 176th Wing at Kulis Air National Guard Base, Alaska, and associated aircraft, will relocate to Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, in accordance with the 2005 BRAC Commission recommendation. The 2005 BRAC Commission recommended that, contingent on the availability of adequate military construction

Bronze Star, second Purple Heart given to EOD Airmen

Two explosive ordnance disposal Airmen from the 314th Civil Engineer Squadron received combat medals for their actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom Jan. 30 in a ceremony here. Staff Sgt. Lawrence Lipinski was awarded the Bronze Star and Staff Sgt. Matthew Patnaude received his second Purple

Air Force posts KC-X request for proposals

The assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition announced Jan. 30 the posting of the KC-X Aerial Refueling Aircraft Request for Proposal to the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, signaling the official launch of the Air Force's No. 1 priority acquisition program. The announcement

CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Jan. 30, 31

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 30 and 31.In Afghanistan Jan. 30, F-15 Eagles provided close-air support to International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Nurestan. Air Force B-1 Lancers and Royal Air

NCO trains allied airmen in Cope Tiger

Airmen have been lending their expertise to train allied airmen from Thailand and Singapore as Exercise Cope Tiger 2007 kicked off Jan. 29 in Southeast Asia. The multinational exercise covers command post procedures, field training and humanitarian civic service training. "My job is to perform air

Changes planned for ISR community

The Air Force director of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, or ISR, recently discussed his plans for improving the service's ISR capabilities. During a recent roundtable with members of the press, Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula laid out his plans for overhauling the service's ISR functions.

USAFE, Ukrainian air force continue spirit of cooperation

As the Ukrainian air force continues its steady progress, information exchanges with partnering nations such as U.S. Air Forces in Europe help further that development, said the chief of the Ukrainian air force. "A visit like this is a good opportunity to gain experience from USAFE, which relates to

C-130 maintenance unit gets much needed upgrade

Airmen of the 746th Aircraft Maintenance Unit who generate C-130 Hercules aircraft throughout Southwest Asia now have an upgraded maintenance facility to call home. The new complex replaces the hodgepodge of old tents, conexes and homemade wooden structures, which combined to form a complex

Joint Intelligence Operations Center opens in Kabul

The Joint Intelligence Operations Center, a strategic and operational breakthrough in Afghanistan-Pakistan border security, officially opened here Jan. 25 during a ceremony at Headquarters, International Security Assistance Force. The JIOC's debut publicly acknowledges ISAF's, Afghanistan's and

CSAF's Vector discusses Air Force intelligence transformation

The latest Chief of Staff's Vector outlines changes in the way the Air Force will transform its intelligence activities. "Our first step is to realign functions within the Headquarters Staff to establish the AF/A2 as the single focal point and lead for all Air Force intelligence, surveillance and

Guard leaders commend Hickam's total force integration

Senior Air National Guard officer and enlisted leaders were here recently to discuss current and future issues in the ANG as well as learning from the successes of Hickam's total force integration with the C-17 Globemaster III and how that can be reproduced elsewhere. The group of ANG leaders make

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 29

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 29. In Afghanistan Jan. 28, Air Force B-1B Lancers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near forward operating bases Carlson and

NORAD fighters to patrol Super Bowl XLI

The Continental U.S. NORAD Region is stepping up its air patrols in the Miami-Dade area to increase security during Super Bowl XLI activities. Spectators will see the Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, fly over Dolphin Stadium during pregame events, and other Air Force fighter jets

New complex expedites refueling

A new petroleum, oil and lubricant complex here has commenced operations to meet the burgeoning growth of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in support of the war on terrorism. The $113 million complex, located near the north end of the flightline, boosts the capability needed to supply fuel for

36 graduate from AFSO 21 class at University of Tennessee

Thirty-six military officers and civilians graduated from the first class of Level II Experts in Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century Jan. 11 at the University of Tennessee.The University of Tennessee was selected for the six-month training for "their depth and breadth of knowledge, and

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 28

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 28.In Afghanistan Jan. 27, U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagles provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with enemy forces near Moqor and Worzhanah Kalay. An F-15 expended a

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 27

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 27.In Afghanistan Jan. 26, a B-1B Lancer and Royal Air Force GR-7s provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with enemy forces near Sangin. A GR-7 expended a guided

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 25

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 25.In Afghanistan Jan. 24, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Musa Qal'eh. The B-1B expended guided

Williamsburg Talks join international air forces

Leaders from four international air forces gathered Jan. 18 through 21 in Williamsburg, Va., to discuss issues and share ideas regarding their respective services and discovered they all faced similar challenges. Hosted by Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the Air Force chief of staff, the four-day event

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 26

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 26.In Afghanistan Jan. 25, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a strike on Taliban extremists near Musa Qal'eh. The bomber expended guided bomb unit-38s on enemy targets. In total, 22 close-air-support missions were

Life at Thule

Landing on a snow-packed winter runway 700 miles north of the Arctic Circle can be a harrowing experience for anyone who journeys here. Snow-blinding winds howling in excess of 50-miles-per-hour, temperatures plunging below zero, and 24-hours-a-day without sunshine are commonplace and make it unlike

Video teleconferencing connects military families

Days away from home, eons away from loved ones ... at least that is how it feels to some when a military member is deployed. But new capabilities here can make the world a lot smaller for military families. Earlier this month, 10 Airmen from the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron who are deployed to Iraq

DOD, VA announce plans for joint inpatient record system

The Defense and Veterans Affairs departments have announced plans for a common inpatient electronic health-record system.The two departments now have separate systems that require upgrade, officials said. "I am very excited by the prospect of adopting a common, mutually beneficial solution to our

New technology expands Air Force's combat capability

The 820th Security Forces Group was selected recently as the first Air Force unit to purchase and deploy the Ground Situational Awareness Toolkit. The GSAT system, consisting of the Scan Eagle unmanned aerial system and ShotSpotter gunfire acquisition technology, will allow Airmen to identify

20 years of lethality: Ellsworth celebrates B-1's history

The 28th Bomb Wing received its first B-1B Lancer on Jan. 21, 1987. Over the course of its 20 years of service with the wing, the aircraft and its mission have changed significantly. The B-1B has roots in the 1970s, when it became obvious that winning the Cold War required stepping up technology.

Flex Team deploys at moment's notice

The 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Fire and Emergency Services Flex Team deploys at a moment's notice to forward-operating bases to provide aircraft rescue, emergency medical and firefighting support whenever and wherever needed. Humanitarian and special operations missions also need

Mobility Operations School earns award for online course

An online course aimed at training students in the Air Force air transportation career field in aerial port air freight operations earned a Gold Award in the 2006 Brandon Hall Excellence in E-Learning Awards competition in Denver.The Air Mobility Warfare Center's Mobility Operations School here

Fallen Airmen memorialized at Balad

As light drained from the sky over Balad AB, 32 Airmen stood in formation at the position of attention, unmindful of the steady rain.A narrator solemnly read 32 names. As each was announced, an Airman from the formation took one step forward, acknowledging the life and spirit of a fellow Airman

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 24

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 24.In Afghanistan Jan. 23, Air Force F-15 Eagles provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Ghazni. An Air Force B-1B Lancer, Royal Air

Senior maintenance leaders look forward with defined goals

Top Air Force leaders from the maintenance fields met in San Antonio in December for the semiannual Air Force Maintenance and Munitions Advisory Group meeting. Brig. Gen. Kathleen D. Close, the Air Force director of maintenance, led the meeting that included representatives from all major commands

AFA announces annual symposium

Top military leaders will examine air warfare at the start of the new century and what the future may hold for the Air Force at the 23rd Annual Air Warfare Symposium Feb. 8 and 9 in Orlando, Fla. The theme for this year's Air Force Association symposium is "Striking the Balance: Today's War,

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 23

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 23. In Afghanistan Jan. 22, Air Force F-15 Eagles and a B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Carlson. The B-1B

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 22

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 22.In Afghanistan Jan. 21, 23 close-air-support missions were flown in support of Afghan and International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Additionally, nine

Andersen units rescue injured hiker

An Airman assigned to the 36th Expeditionary Operations Group was injured while hiking near the base beach Jan. 21 here. The Airman was injured after falling approximately 10 to 15 feet while hiking on a downhill slope close to Tarague Beach, and three other hikers were able to call for emergency

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

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,

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

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.,

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

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