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  • Kunsan F-16 fleet prepped for 'Falcon STAR'

    The Block 30 F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron here are set to enter upgrade in the Air Force's Falcon Structural Augmentation Roadmap program aimed at extending the service life of the aircraft. The improvement to the fleet follows previous air-to-ground dominance to

  • Stepping out of the blue for Army green

    Change is good, as one Airman in the 16th Electronic Warfare Squadron here finds out as he changes from "Into the Blue" to "Army Strong." Senior Airman Mike Goldman, 16th EWS journeyman, will become Specialist Goldman Dec. 28, as he enlists into the Army through the "Operation Blue to Green"

  • GM-3 vehicle deploys aboard C-17 first time

    The 4th Space Operations Squadron's Ground Mobile-3 vehicle made history Nov. 25 with its first deployment aboard a C-17 Globemaster III. The GM-3 and a crew of 4th SOPS Airmen at Schriever AFB deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to set up deployed mobile satellite command-and-control

  • Today's security forces are expeditionary combat Airmen

    They work 12-hour patrols in 100-plus degree temperatures, sandstorms whipping into their faces. They drive convoy operations across the desert. They provide personal security details for four-star generals. Today's security forces career barely resembles its own Air Force specialty code from a

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 29

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 29.In Afghanistan Nov. 28, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Lashkar Gah. The GR-7s

  • C-37A arrives at Hickam AFB

    The arrival here of the Navy's Executive Transport Detachment from nearby Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station Nov. 25 signals the successful integration of flying missions between two services. The Navy C-37A business jet replaces the modified P-3 aircraft the unit used to fly. The reception of the

  • Region Air Force commander visits Kadena

    The importance of the 18th Wing's mission in fighting the war on terrorism and its peace-keeping efforts in the Pacific region were key topics of discussion by the commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force during his visit here Nov. 15. Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, visited the base for an in-depth

  • Air Force pharmacist receives award for excellence

    An Air Force pharmacist was honored by the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States with their 2006 Award for Excellence in Clinical Pharmacy Practice during their 112th annual meeting held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. Competing for the award were clinical

  • Personnel accountability key during emergencies

    A new Air Force Instruction places more responsibility for personnel accountability on the shoulders of individual Airmen. Air Force Instruction 10-218, Personnel Accountability in Conjunction With Natural Disasters or National Emergencies, published Oct. 31, 2006, details how an Airman should go

  • Science, engineering, technology achievements lauded

    Air Force officials recognized the service's top performers in science, engineering and technology during an awards banquet at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Award winners received a plaque and a certificate recognizing their

  • U.S. Airmen help Iraqis take flight again

    The new Iraqi air force have returned to the sky, performing a variety of missions throughout the country, thanks to training and support from U.S. and coalition advisors. At Kirkuk Regional AB, American advisors are helping Iraqi military members of Squadron 3 train for their intelligence,

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 28

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 28.In Afghanistan Nov. 27, French M2000D Mirages and Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Orgun-e. An

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 27

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 27. In Afghanistan Nov. 26, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Musah Qal'eh. The GR-7s

  • Depot liaison engineers support aircraft maintenance units

    Growing up in Arizona was practically like having a desert as a backyard. That backyard served as the perfect place for mountain biking -- a passion of 14-year-old Mark Eilertsen. For an avid biker, an ideal choice for a career would be doing something with mountain bikes. So the teenager did his

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 26

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 26.In Afghanistan Nov. 25, Navy F/A-18Fs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Musah Qal'eh. The F/A-18Fs expended Guided

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 25

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 25. In Afghanistan Nov. 24, 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 Taliban extremists near

  • Technology transfers benefit warfighter, first responders

    The Defense Department's technology transfer program, which shares newly developed DOD technologies with civilian first responders, benefits both communities in cost effectiveness and mission accomplishment, the DOD official in charge of the program said here Nov.21. Congress mandated the technology

  • Deployed NCO receives Thanksgiving call from president

    A member of the 506th Air Expeditionary Group at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, received a once-in-a-lifetime phone call from the commander in chief Nov. 23. Master Sgt. Stonnie Martin, 506th AEG contracting directorate, was one of only two Air Force people to get the Thanksgiving Day call from

  • Mission Monster Mash builds camaraderie

    A pilot who has been shot down and injured during a combat situation relies on the skills of an Air Force pararescueman to save his life and get him to safety. Known as PJs, these elite military men train to dodge bullets while protecting the people they rescue. To help prepare them for the

  • Retired chaplain's life shining example of duty, faith

    On June 23, 1943, tragedy struck the small airfield at Royal Air Force Ridgewell, England, home of the 381st Bomb Group. As ground crews armed one of the unit's many B-17 Flying Fortress bombers, 11 on-board explosives detonated, killing 23 American servicemen and one British civilian. One man, an

  • 18th Wing key component in war on terrorism

    The importance of the 18th Wing's mission in fighting the war on terrorism and its peacekeeping efforts in the Pacific region were the key topics discussed by the U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander here Nov. 15.Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Wright visited the base for an orientation tour of the wing

  • Life at Incirlik means getting involved

    Incirlik is known affectionately by its residents as "the small community with the big heart." Senior Master Sgt. Raul Ruiz, the 39th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant, embraces this small-town environment by being an active member of the community. "My family and I are involved in everything

  • Global Hawk flies first Beale ACC sortie

    A newly-arrived RQ-4 Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle made its first operational Air Combat Command flight from here Nov. 21. The first Global Hawk flight from Beale signifies the end of the base's and communities' five-year wait for the aircraft, and the beginning of local training flights as

  • Colonel receives Bronze Star during Alabama-Auburn game

    An instructor from Maxwell Air Force Base's Air War College was honored at his Alma Mater during the University of Alabama rival football game Nov. 18, against Auburn University Saturday.Col. Duane Lamb was presented the Bronze Star medal by his former commander, Brig. Gen. Frank Gorenc, who served

  • Air Force Honor Guard beefs up 2007 routine

    Throw, flip, twist, turn, roll, swing, catch. As the routine drives home and the final rifle hits, the team is welcomed back with an overwhelming reception. Only when their nerves settle do they see the people and hear the applause, they can finally relax and appreciate the reception. After a month

  • Security forces Airmen awarded Purple Hearts

    Staff Sgt. Rory Sturm and Airman Kevin Perez Glazer were presented Purple Hearts in a ceremony here Nov. 14 for injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device ripped through their Humvee. While receiving the medals is a memorable event, both members of the 586th Expeditionary Security Forces

  • Academy cadets capture scholarship trifecta

    Three Air Force Academy cadets have captured the trifecta of prestigious graduate scholarships. Cadet 1st Class Nicholas Shelly has been named a Rhodes Scholar and plans to spend his two years at Oxford University in England studying international relations. He is the academy's 34th Rhodes

  • 11 sing, dance their way to Worldwide Talent Contest honors

    Sixty-two active duty Airmen -- singers, dancers, musicians and technicians -- converged on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Nov. 5 through 13 for the annual Worldwide Talent Contest. By the end of the grueling week, 11 emerged as the best, taking home "Roger" awards for first place and "Wilco"

  • Selection records represent Airmen to promotion boards

    With the lieutenant colonel selection board convening in late November and the selective early retirement board and senior master sergeant board coming up in early 2007, eligible officers and senior NCOs must ensure their selection records are up-to-date when meeting these boards. The selection

  • AFPC to conduct force shaping board in March

    The next force shaping board is scheduled to convene March 12 at the Air Force Personnel Center for officers in the 2003 and 2004 year groups. The board will evaluate active-duty line officers in overage career fields in the 2004 accession year group, as well as navigator, air battle manager, space

  • Army trains Airmen for 'outside the wire' mission

    Volunteer security forces Airmen from 65 bases completed Army training here, giving them the skills to perform a unique mission in Iraq.Fort Hood provided 182 Air Force security forces members with general and advanced combat skills via Army instruction to prepare them for their new mission.The

  • Maintainers turn Rivet Joint

    A sergeant sits at the end of a table reviewing maintenance records. In the background, Airmen play video games as a college football game blares on a television. The call that the RC-135 Rivet Joint is 30 minutes out comes down, and in an instant everyone drops what they are doing. It's time to

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 21

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 21. In Afghanistan Nov. 20, U.S. 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 Taliban extremists near

  • Passing of one mission leads to transformation of center

    After more than 37 years of monitoring America's airways, the flip of a ceremonial switch Nov. 17 marked the close of operations here for the Southeast Air Defense Sector. More than 100 members of the tight-knit SEADS fraternity looked on as Continental U.S. NORAD Region leaders marked the passing

  • AFRL awards 'MAJIIC' research contract

    The Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate awarded a $4,840,528 contract to Raytheon Systems Co. of State College, Pa., Nov. 16. The 22-month agreement, "Distributed Common Ground Station Coalition Releasable Enclave," will provide technology that uses MAJIIC -- multi-sensor

  • Security forces member receives Bronze Star

    An Airman from the 18th Security Forces Squadron here was awarded the Bronze Star during a ceremony Nov. 15 for actions while on a 365-day deployment to Al Kasik Military Training Base, Iraq. Capt. Russell Waight, 18th SFS officer in charge of plans and programs, served as adviser at the base

  • Defense agency delivers logistics support to warfighters

    Whether it's an infantryman in Iraq needing a new firing pin for his rifle or a fighter pilot on a carrier in the Persian Gulf who needs to replace a cracked landing strut, the Defense Logistics Agency stands ready to support warfighters worldwide, the organization's director said in a recent

  • Roadside bombs don't stop NCO from rolling on

    He had pieces of glass in his mouth and ears, six broken teeth, facial lacerations and a badly torn up vehicle."I just looked up and 'Boom!'" said Staff Sgt. Chris Lelm, 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron from Grand Forks AFB who was driving in a convoy while deployed to Iraq. "I don't remember

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 20

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 20. In Afghanistan Nov. 19, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kandahar . The A-10s

  • Joint tactical radio system fielded soon

    The Air Force is about to enter a new era in communications technology. Officials at the Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., have signed a $7.8M contract with Thales Communications, Incorporated, for the delivery of the first Joint Tactical Radio System radios to the Air

  • Section keeps security forces equipped, rolling

    They're not your typical cops packing heat and patrolling the flightline. Without them, the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron mission would screech to a halt. The 379th ESFS training and resources section, better known as S-4, provides critical support to the security forces Airmen

  • 'Lightning' strikes 1st Pursuit Group

    During July 1941, the 27th Pursuit Squadron had the honor of receiving the first P-38 Lightning delivered to the Army Air Force. This aircraft, described as "one of the most radical departures from tradition in American fighter development," evolved into the workhorse for the 1st Pursuit Group

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 19

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 19.Afghanistan Nov. 18, U.S. Navy F/A-18Cs and F/A-18Es provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The F/A-18Cs expended a guided

  • AFSPC vice commander receives space trophy

    The vice commander of Air Force Space Command is the recipient of the 2006 Gen. Thomas D. White U.S. Air Force Space Trophy. Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz received the award Nov. 17 during the Air Force Association's National Symposium on Space and Air Force Ball here. "I'm proud to represent nearly 40,000

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 18

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 18. In Afghanistan Nov. 17, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The A-10s

  • Guard, Reserve troop rotations haven't changed, official says

    The National Guard and Reserve are still operating under the same rules for mobilization length, and no troops have been mobilized for longer than the allowed 24 cumulative months, the top Defense Department official for Reserve affairs said here today. The current law actually allows President Bush

  • NCOs have a shot at school through AFIT

    Air Force Institute of Technology officials are offering nine NCOs the opportunity to pursue an advanced science, engineering or management degree at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Additionally, one NCO will be offered the opportunity to earn a master's degree in economic crime from an

  • Communications construction crew makes mission happen

    In the face of mortar attacks, gun fights, restricted movement and a heavier than normal workload, Airmen pressed on to finish a mission paving the way for enhanced communications for servicemembers throughout the AOR. These Airmen, assigned to the A67, the engineering and installation arm of the

  • vPC-GR adds awards, decorations processing

    Reservists will have another capability in their Personnel Service Delivery toolbox Monday when officials release the online awards and decorations function. With the release, Reserve Airmen will submit awards and decorations requests online through the virtual Personnel Center Guard and Reserve

  • New aggressor units expand training capabilities

    Unit changes at Nellis and Eielson Air Force bases have resulted in two wings that, together, create better opportunities for Air Force pilots to train for combat against potential adversaries. In January, the 65th Aggressor Squadron was reactivated under the 57th Adversary Tactics Group at Nellis

  • 3 graduate from new C-5 schoolhouse at Lackland

    Three Airmen walked away from Kelly Field here secure in the knowledge that they were each the first in their class -- the first to complete training at this new C-5 Galaxy Formal Training Unit Complex. The new aircrew members consisted of flight engineer Senior Airman Raymond Montanino, and pilots

  • Portland reservists remember King 56 crew

    The Air Force Reserve has found a new home for a memorial created in honor of 10 former Portland reservists. Officials from the 939th Air Refueling Wing will re-dedicate the memorial in a ceremony Nov. 17 at Willamette National Cemetery. The black granite marble stone monument was dedicated to the

  • Airmen awarded new readiness occupational badges

    All of the Airmen graduating from the Civil Engineer Readiness Apprentice Course recently were first in their class. The Air Force's newest 3E931s were the first graduates to receive the civil engineer readiness occupational badge. The badges were presented during their graduation ceremony at the

  • General, spouse receive O'Malley award

    Though dozens of people attended the 2006 General and Mrs. Jerome O'Malley Award ceremony here at the Pentagon Nov. 15, there were four names left off the guest list. "Dennis, Ivan, Katrina and Rita couldn't be here today," joked Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley, who presented

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 16

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 16.In Afghanistan Nov. 15, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Oruzgan. An Air Force B-1

  • AFSO 21 driven by Airmen ingenuity

    Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century took another step forward at Headquarters Air Mobility Command in October. A mobility air forces strategy team of nearly two dozen military and civilian subject matter experts identified a number of overarching processes that could be streamlined. AFSO

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 15

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 15. In Afghanistan Nov. 14, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad and Qalat. The

  • Air Force awards $1.4 million contract to Virginia firm

    The Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate awarded a $1,465,002 contract Nov. 13 to Active Computing Inc. of Herndon, Va. The three-year agreement, "Assessing and Operationalizing COORDINATORs," is funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, of Arlington, Va.,

  • A-10s get attention after returning from combat

    When Air Force reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing arrived home from a four-month deployment to Afghanistan in September, they were given time-off to recuperate and adjust to life back home. The Air Force calls this time-off period "reconstitution." The same is true for the wing's A-10

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 14

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 14. In Afghanistan Nov. 13, Navy F/A-18 Hornets conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Oruzgan. The F/A-18s expended guided bomb unit-12s on enemy targets. Navy F/A-18 and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers

  • Turkey-based Airmen saving troops' lives in Iraq

    Hundreds of miles away from the war zone, the efforts of Airmen here are helping keep Iraq-based troops off dangerous convoy routes that are plagued with roadside bombs and sniper attacks. By flying critical supplies via C-17 Globemaster III from this eastern Turkey air base directly to

  • USAFE's 1st AFSO 21 manager to 'Lean' up Spangdahlem

    Spangdahlem Air Base is the first base in U.S. Air Forces in Europe to have a full-time program manager for Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century. The overarching goals here are to implement a change in culture and the way people think and do their jobs, officials said. Base officials also

  • Services officials announce 2006 club membership scholarship winners

    Six individuals have been selected to receive a combined total of $25,000 in scholarship money given away in the Air Force Club Membership Scholarship Program.  It is the 10th consecutive year for the program.Scholarships are provided through a sponsorship agreement with CHASE Bank. Club members and

  • Air Force declassifies elite aggressor program

    After decades of secrecy, Air Force officials acknowledged Nov. 13 that Communist-built fighters were flown at the Tonopah Test Range northwest of Las Vegas, Nev. From 1977 through 1988, the program, known as Constant Peg, saw Air Force, Navy and Marine aircrews flying against Soviet-designed MiG

  • Air Force, Navy wrap up joint mine exercise

    B-52 Stratofortress aircrews assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and Sailors with the Navy's Mobile Mine Assembly Unit 8 completed a week-long joint sea mine-laying exercise here Nov. 3. The 10-sortie exercise marked the largest number of weapons released by B-52s since they

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 13

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 13.In Afghanistan Nov. 12, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The Predator expended Hellfire missiles on enemy targets. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and Royal

  • Lean principles contribute to missile success

    The members of the 309th Missile Maintenance Group completed assembly of Minuteman booster No. 75-939 Nov. 7, marking two years of early or on-time deliveries by the unit. The unit has maintained its completion and delivery record by using Lean principles, which helped organize work areas and remove

  • Air Force captain honored during remembrance day parade

    The Royal Air Force Habbaniya Association honored Air Force Capt. Jutta Cortes by obtaining "exceptional permission" for her to march in the annual Remembrance Day Parade near the Cenotaph in London. Captain Cortes earned the honor after she responded to a special request from the association's

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 12

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 12. In Afghanistan Nov. 11, Navy F/A-18Cs and F/A-18Fs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The F/A-18Cs expended

  • Football: Irish trounce Air Force 39-17

    Forget about the luck of the Irish -- Notre Dame didn't need any. The No. 9 and 8 ranked team in the land (depending on poll preference) let their superior playmaking ability take over. Heisman Trophy candidate Brady Quinn threw four touchdown passes to four different receivers, including one on the

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 11

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 11.In Afghanistan Nov. 10, an Air Force Predator conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The Predator expended Hellfire missiles on enemy targets.Air Force A-10 Thunderbolts and a B-1B Lancer

  • Family, military energize disabled veteran through marathon

    She may have been one of 50 Achilles Freedom Team "wounded warriors" for her third New York City Marathon, but Monica Szymanski was a steel link in the chain. She was as determined as the others to cross the finish line. The former Air Force Reserve senior airman was diagnosed with cancer in early

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 10

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 10. In Afghanistan Nov. 9, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Khvajeh Khezar. The B-1B expended guided bomb unit-31s on enemy targets. Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers and U.S.

  • Raptor wing does not forget its past on road to future

    Though a unit's past might be dotted with a book full of famous Air Force firsts, over the decades, its Airmen tend to forget that. And sometimes, living up to a fabled heritage is just not an easy thing to do. That is one reason Brig. Gen. Burt Field does not let the people of the 1st Fighter Wing

  • ASC plays critical role in replacement helicopter contract

    Air Force officials announced Nov. 9 the award of a contract potentially valued at $4.1 billion to The Boeing Co., for the Air Force's number two acquisition priority, a replacement combat search and rescue, or CSAR, helicopter. The program will take place in two parts. The first increment, Block 0,

  • 1st Fighter Wing units have traveled the world

    The units of the 1st Pursuit Group and 1st Fighter Wing have been assigned around the world in their nine-decade history.Groups and Date Assigned Toul, France, May 5, 1918 Touquin, France, June 28, 1918 Saints, France, July 9, 1918 Rembercourt, France, Sept. 1, 1918 Colombey-les-Belles, France, Dec.

  • Shield's history dates back to 1924

    The emblem of the 1st Pursuit Group, designed with the unit's history in mind, was approved on Jan. 21, 1924, by the Adjutant General.The green and black colors represented the colors of the Army Air Service. The five stripes signified the original five flying squadrons, and the five crosses

  • Langley home of 1st Fighter Wing

    As the host unit here, the 1st Fighter Wing operates and maintains one of the largest fighter bases in Air Combat Command. The wing flies the F-22A Raptor and F-15 Eagle. The 1st FW's mission is to: "Train, organize and equip expeditionary Airmen; deploy, fight and win; provide world-class support

  • Reservist named top Air Force female athlete

    Air Force Services selected an individual mobilization augmentee as the Air Force Female Athlete of the Year for 2006. Capt. Linda Jeffery is a services officer in the 314th Services Squadron at Little Rock AFB, Ark., and the award recognizes her accomplishments in golf from Oct. 1, 2005, to Sept.

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 9

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 9. In Afghanistan Nov. 8, an Air Force RQ-1 Predator flew an air strike against Taliban extremists near Oruzgan. The Predator fired a Hellfire missile on an enemy target. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided

  • 1st Fighter Wing lays claim to numerous accomplishments

    The name says it all -- 1st Fighter Wing. As the first air combat unit organized under the U.S. Army air arm 80 years ago, the wing can make claim to many historic accomplishments.The study of the 1st FW's history is comparable to examining the history of air power itself. The groaning of wooden

  • AFSO 21 process gets weapons to warfighters faster

    When the AIM-120D production program manager was asked to be team leader on an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century rapid improvement event, he was a little skeptical. "We had a very sound and fundamentally strong (acquisition) process going and I really pushed back at the idea," said

  • Storied leaders have led mighty 1st

    The list of commanders of the 1st Pursuit Group and 1st Fighter Wing reads like a "Who's Who of the Air Force," and includes aviation pioneers, wartime heroes and future Air Force chiefs of staff.Group Commanders and Dates Assigned Maj. Bert M. Atkinson, May 5, 1918 Maj. Harold E. Hartney, Aug. 21,

  • Firsts of the 1st Fighter Wing

    During its nine decades of service, the 1st Fighter Wing carved its niche in U.S. air history.For its part, the 1st FW was:-- The first U.S. group-level unit to enter air combat.-- The first U.S. unit to destroy an enemy aircraft in World War I. -- The parent unit of the first recipient of the Medal

  • 1st Fighter Wing's battle honors numerous

    The campaign participation credits and battlefield honors for the 1st Pursuit Group and 1st Fighter Wing are numerous.World War I Battle Honors Awarded to the 1st Pursuit Group Lorraine (defensive sector) Champagne (defensive sector) Champagne-Marne, July 15-18, 1918 Aisne-Marne, July 18 to Aug. 6,

  • Waste-eating bacteria explored as power source

    The Air Force Office of Scientific Research here recently awarded a five-year grant to the University of Southern California worth approximately $4.5 million to lead a study on bioengineered fuel cells. Bioengineered fuel cells are bacteria capable of producing electrical energy simply through the

  • DOD committed to taking care of military families

    The one overiding lesson of the all-volunteer force is the importance of the military family, a top Defense Department official said here Nov. 7. And DOD has learned the lesson, said Michael Dominguez, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.November is Military Family

  • Former technical director for C-17 earns DOD award

    The former technical director for the Aeronautical Systems Center's C-17 Globemaster III program has won a Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award for 2006. Lawrence Fielding is one of eight this year to win the award, which recognizes exceptional achievements that benefited the

  • Remains identified as Air Force reservist

    Remains discovered off the California coast in September have been positively identified as that of an Air Force reservist and passenger on an HC-130 cargo aircraft, call sign King 56, that crashed into the Pacific Ocean 10 years ago. Staff Sgt. Jonathan R. Leonard was on board King 56 when it went

  • Combat skills training is a must for today's Airmen

    Since Airmen are taking on more non-traditional rolls and missions in deployed locations, the need for individual combat skills is imperative. Airmen selected to deploy for Air Expeditionary Force Cycle 5 and 6 from the 15th Airlift Wing recently took the three-day Expeditionary Combat Skills

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 8

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 8 In Afghanistan Nov. 7, Navy F/A-18 Hornets and Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

  • Falcons, Irish salute fallen Airmen

    When Air Force and Notre Dame football players butt heads Saturday afternoon in front of a sellout, Veterans Day crowd in Colorado Springs, and a national television audience on College Sports TV, their helmets will sport a tribute to Airmen past and present who've sacrificed for freedom.

  • C-130 crew honored with Mackay Trophy

    Five C-130 Hercules crewmembers were recognized during a ceremony in Arlington, Va., Nov. 6 by the Air Force and the National Aeronautic Association when they were presented with the 2005 Clarence Mackay Trophy. Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. John D. W. Corley presented the trophy to Maj.

  • Air Force adopting new news-delivery method

    The ongoing reduction in the number of Air Force people will mean changes in the way people get Air Force news. Public affairs staff members, who produce newspapers at most Air Force installations, are shifting their focus for news delivery to the World Wide Web. Printed newspapers will still be

  • Rescuers learn to make order out of chaos

    In August 2003, a truck bomb exploded at the United Nations headquarters in downtown Baghdad, collapsing three floors of the four-story building. Hundreds of people died. Hundreds more were trapped under collapsed rebar, steel and concrete. Tech Sgt. Andrew Canfield, lead Air Force Reserve Command

  • Exchange program enhances coalition operations

    Northwest Florida is gaining worldwide recognition through a program that makes local Air Force bases the training grounds for covert coalition aircraft operations.The program, known as Combined Special Operations Forces Subject Matter Expert Exchange, is a concept that came to life on a large scale

  • Veterans Day special: Veterans share war experiences

    The year was 1967. First Lt. Marko Milakovich stood on the side of Budda Mountain, about 10 miles from Quang Nhia in South Vietnam. The 25-year-old was on a site survey and had a weapons carrier and six Army bodyguards for safety. As he stood on the mountainside, leaflets fluttered to the ground

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 7

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 7.In Afghanistan Nov. 6, Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Qanat-e Hazrat. The F/A-18s expended

  • Air Force leader praises Hill for Lean, AFSO 21 efforts

    The special assistant to the secretary of the Air Force for Air Force Smart Ops for the 21st Century, or AFSO 21, said during a late October visit here that Air Force leadership would embrace the Lean concept due in large part to the success of Air Force Materiel Command's air logistics centers. Dr.

  • Active associate unit to be established at Scott AFB

    As part of the Air Force Total Force Integration initiatives, an active associate unit will be established with Air Force Reserve Command's 932nd Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., in 2007. The Air Force Reserve unit will receive three C-40 aircraft the same year. Under the active associate