Multinational exercise sustains international readiness

The 2008 Northern Viking exercise, which began with a ceremony here Sept. 1, aims to reinforce the resolve of the U.S. and its NATO partners in assisting in the defense of Iceland. Approximately 150 Airmen from U.S. Air Forces in Europe have joined forces with more than 300 U.S. Navy Seamen, as well

Operation Deep Freeze 2008-2009 season begins

Operation Deep Freeze, the U.S. military's support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation, is scheduled to kick off the 2008-2009 season Sept. 4 as the first C-17 Globemaster III delivers passengers and cargo to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. The C-17, based out of McChord

Air Force Chief of Staff defines standard of excellence

Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, came to Air Force Space Command for a series of briefings and then visited with Peterson AFB personnel at an open forum at the base theater. His comments included what he called "vital things," the foremost of which is the need for the Air Force to go

Medical professionals focus on traumatic brain injuries

One of the results from the war on terrorism is an increase in traumatic brain injuries among deployed personnel. As of July 23, the Department of Defense requires that every deploying member be tested with the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics within 12 months prior to deployment. A

Tinker unit earns Shingo Prize

The B-1B Programmed Depot Maintenance team here is the recipient of the Shingo Bronze Medallion in the public sector category. The Shingo Prize is often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of manufacturing."It was established in 1988, and promotes Lean manufacturing concept awareness and recognizes

Air Force Reserve eclipses recruiting goal again

For the eighth consecutive year, the Air Force Reserve met and eclipsed its annual recruiting goal. Reserve recruiters across the country and around the world tallied the 8,000 mark at 12:38 p.m. EDT, Aug. 28. The recruiting cycle coincides with the Department of Defense fiscal year, which runs from

AMC poised to support post-hurricane operations

Air Mobility Command planners and operators held a collective breath as Hurricane Gustav made landfall Sept. 1. Although most AMC aircraft and personnel were pulled back from the U.S. Gulf Coast area Aug. 31 -- hours before the hurricane's projected landfall -- the command was still fully engage in

Maxwell officials prepare for Hurricane Gustav

As Hurricane Gustav bears down on the Gulf Coast, Maxwell Air Force Base officials are bedding down federal and state emergency management units and evacuees from military bases in the storm's path.Maxwell is a designated National Logistical Support Area for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

AFPC commander discusses support for deployed Airmen

The commander of the Air Force Personnel Center discussed how her agency continues to improve its support of deployed Airmen during a visit here Aug. 27. AFPC is streamlining how it tracks deployments and re-examining how it balances deployments with assignments and training, said Maj. Gen. K. C.

Intelligence wing supports Gustav efforts

Even though Hurricane Gustav made landfall hundreds of miles away, Airmen from the 480th Intelligence Wing here are playing a critical support role. The same intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets that are used to support contingency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, also play a

Air Force IT Conference highlights education

The professional education of thousands of Airmen and Air Force civilians is on the fast track to change, according to officials at the Air Force Information Technology Conference Aug. 26. "Air Education and Training Command's vision is to deliver unrivaled air, space and cyberspace education and

Keesler officials assessing Gustav damages

Officials here are preparing preliminary damage assessments from the effects of Hurricane Gustav. Peak sustained winds received from Gustav topped out at 42 miles per hour, with gusts reaching 61 miles per hour.  Keesler leaders remain cautious about the residual threat of tornadoes as the storm

'Today's Air Force' features global vigilance, reach, power

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how the Air Force safeguards America by providing global vigilance, global reach and global power in the war on terrorism.Also highlighted is an essential type of training: Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape, or SERE training.  See how this

McChord aircrew deploys for hurricane response efforts

Airmen here put the words "Any time, any place" into action in the early hours Aug. 30 as a C-17 Globemaster III headed to Travis Air Force Base, Calif., for Hurricane Gustav preparation efforts. Without knowing what or who they were picking up, Airmen from the 10th Airlift Squadron headed to

Hurricane relief efforts underway

An Air National Guard C-130 Hercules flew in to San Antonio Aug. 30 carrying 23 evacuees from Beaumont, Texas. The aircrew was from the 181st Airlift Squadron at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. The members on the aircraft were activated for evacuation relief efforts due

Aircrews take wounded warriors home

Almost three years have passed since aircrews in the 440th Airlift Wing here started flying special missions known as Integrated CONUS Medical Operations Plan missions. These ICMOP missions are designed to get injured servicemembers home as quickly as possible after arriving in the United States

CSAF defers heritage coat decision, focuses on current uniform issues

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz decided on Aug. 28 to defer a decision on the Air Force heritage coat until the summer of 2009 to address current uniform issues, according to a senior Air Force official. "We are going to fix, improve and upgrade uniforms in our current inventory,"

CMSAF highlights warrior Airmen, Air Force focus areas

Airmen are fighting today's fight on fronts around the world for a more secure America and peace for future generations, the chief master sergeant of the Air Force told attendees at the Air Force Sergeant's Association Professional Airmen's Conference Aug. 26 in San Antonio. The No. 1 enlisted

Air Force leaders discuss AFSO 21's future

The Air Force's senior leaders met Aug. 26 to discuss the future role of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century during a quarterly AFSO 21 Process Council meeting on Bolling Air Force Base. Brig. Gen. John Posner, AFSO 21 director, presented to the council a draft proposal to formally

Air Guard officials discuss top concerns at leadership summit

Safety, culture and the Air National Guard's future were among topics adjutants general, wing commanders, command chief master sergeants and others from around the nation discussed at a recent conference in Wisconsin. More than 500 Air National Guard senior leaders and safety experts met at the Volk

F-15 accident report released

Pilot error caused the Feb. 20 crash of two Eglin-based F-15C Eagles off the coast of Florida, according to an Air Combat Command accident investigation board report released Aug. 28. One pilot , 1st Lt. Ali Jivanjee, was killed in the mishap. The other pilot, Capt. Tucker Hamilton, ejected from his

Officials accepting physician assistant applications

Air Force officials are taking applications from active-duty enlisted Airmen for Physician Assistant Phase I training classes beginning January, April and August 2010. Completed applications must arrive at HQ AFPC/DPAMW, 550 C Street West, Suite 27, Randolph AFB TX 78150-4729 no later than Jan. 25

Senior leaders meet to discuss, decide way ahead for force

Senior Air Force leaders gathered for a strategic summit Aug. 27 at Bolling Air Force Base to discuss the way ahead for the Air Force as a part of the August emphasis on strategic planning. "The summit allows us to identify issues that need senior leader review and decide on matters affecting the

Paralympic athletes train at Kadena

Southern Command transformation promotes new approach to regional challenges

Along with U.S. Africa Command going fully operational Oct. 1, the Defense Department will reach another milestone as U.S. Southern Command officials complete a major reorganization that also promotes joint, interagency and even private- and public-sector cooperation. The concept supports universal

Airmen enhance Army medical evacuation mission

Airmen of the 305th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron here have flown more than 300 medical evacuations for coalition forces and Afghan nationals since March as they carry out their mission of saving lives.Members of the 305th ERQS and their HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters are deployed to Kandahar Air Base

Reservists oversee Dover C-5 modernization program

Bought a C-5 lately? Chief Master Sgt. Donald Cunningham has. He technically hasn't purchased anything but "buying" C-5s is part of the 512th Acceptance Check Flight superintendant's job. It's the term the 512th ACF uses for the C-5 Galaxys they've inspected and accepted back into the Air Force

AFPC expertise raises manning for 31 critical skills career fields

Thirty-one critical skills career fields received a boost in manning recently when 1,888 volunteers were accepted for retraining. This number included 315 exception-to-policy Airmen who were contacted for the first time and approved by personnel experts at the Air Force Personnel Center here.

Student set for medical college with Air Force scholarship

As most 18-year-old students in the U.S. brush up on their grammar skills for college English 101 in the fall, Maria Kravchenko reviews advanced chemistry for medical school with help from the Air Force Medical Corps Health Professions Scholarship Program. Following graduation from the University of

Iraqis sign container contract with Joint Base Balad

An Iraqi businessman, a local tribal leader and the commander of Joint Contracting Command-Iraq/Afghanistan gathered here Aug. 21 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the latest contract for the Iraqi First program between Joint Base Balad and the Miran Co. Hashim Abd Al-Amir Mahdi of the Miran Co. won

General, spouse recognized for AF contributions

 A former Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, wing commander and his wife recently received the 2008 General and Mrs. Jerome O'Malley award. Brig. Gen. Darrell D. Jones and Mrs. Holly Jones were recognized for their contributions to the nation, the Air Force and the local community as a

Task force visits Kunsan to study how Airmen use their time

An Airmen's Time Task Force visited Kunsan Air Base Aug. 20 and 10 Air Force bases across several different major commands and continents to study how much time Airmen spend away from their primary duties. Made up of members from the Air Staff, the Air Force Personnel Center and the Air Force

Labor officials launch 'America's Heroes at Work' Web site

U.S. Labor Department officials have launched a Web site called "America's Heroes at Work" to help veterans afflicted with traumatic-brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder succeed in the workplace. "America's Heroes at Work really focuses on the employment challenges of our returning

Airmen provide care to 1,500 Guatemalans

California Air National Guard members provided care to more than 1,500 Guatemalans over a three-day period from Aug. 18 to 20 living in Aldea Estanzuelas near Santa Rosa.Members of the 163rd Medical Group are in Guatemala as part of a two-week medical readiness training exercise as the Airmen

Airmen receive Sijan leadership award

The Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb presented the Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award to four Airmen during a ceremony Aug. 20 at the Pentagon. The award, named after the first U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to receive the Medal of Honor, recognizes Airmen who

NATO AWACS conducts Strike Eagle dogfights

A NATO E-3A Sentinel and its crew arrived here Aug. 8 to conduct training missions with 4th Fighter Wing aircrews. The Sentinel, which is an Airborne Early Warning and Control System aircraft from Geilenkirchen, Germany, will conduct mock dogfights between the wing's fighter aircraft. Using its

Air and Space Basic Course celebrates 10 years

Air University's Air and Space Basic Course here marks its 10-year anniversary in August as course and local officials are celebrating. In a surprise announcement Aug. 19, Montgomery, Ala., Mayor Bobby Bright proclaimed that Aug. 23 would be known as Air and Space Basic Course Day in Montgomery. "We

Early lessons shaped Air Force chief of staff's perspective

The Air Force chief of staff recently shared some insight on the experiences that shaped his career and perspective he carries with him in his new position. The general spoke as part of Air Force Week in the Heartland Aug. 15 at the Criss Auditorium of the Bellevue University here. Gen. Norton A.

Guard members bring medical relief to Guatemalan citizens

Thirty-one Airmen from the California Air National Guard's 163rd Medical Group traveled to Guatemala Aug. 18 for a two-week medical readiness training exercise in and around Santa Rosa.Hosted by Guatemala and with the cooperation of the Guatemalan military and public health department, the American

Reestablished council reaches milestones

The Air Force's reestablished Force Management and Development Council has reached two milestones, securing the vice chief of staff's endorsement of the Air Force Learning Committee and the Officer Force Development Panel. The council, chaired by Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, reestablished its charter

Airmen gather for professional development conferences

Airmen from around the globe will assemble in San Antonio for the Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Airmen's Conference Aug. 23 to 27. "This conference is a tremendous opportunity for those serving in and supporting our Air Force to meet and share their knowledge and ideas," said Chief

University course teaches principles of information operations

In the midst of the Korean War in the 1950s an American fighter pilot came up with a revolutionary concept that changed tactical, operational and strategic war planning. Based on his tactical dogfighting experience with North Korean MiGs, Col. John Boyd coined the term - OODA (observe, orient,

Academy awarded $285,000 for wave energy research

The next source of alternative energy could come from ocean waves, and Air Force Academy professors have been granted funding to dive into this research. The National Science Foundation has awarded the Academy's Aeronautics Department $285,619 to support a cyclodial propeller wave energy converter

PRT proving ingenuity is all it takes to make a difference

In a country where the reality is that parents will have to bury one of their children before the age of 5, members of a coalition provincial reconstruction team at Zabul, Afghanistan, are working to reverse this staggering trend. After two Air Force medical professionals spent some time on the

Teamwork among depots keeps T-38s flying

Workers from the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center's 76th Maintenance Wing here combined with Air Force Materiel Command's other two depots in a round-the-clock push to make hundreds of levers, helping Air Force officials keep the T-38 Talon training jet flying. The effort came on the heels of an

Formal training sustains AF readiness, aids Airmen

Formal training managers at the Air Force Personnel Center here are committed to ensuring Airmen are provided adequate time to prepare for their formal training classes, and that every Airman who needs to attend has the opportunity. Empty seats due to 'no shows' have an impact on the entire Air

Security forces Airman at Academy scheduled for Article 32

An Article 32 hearing for an enlisted Airman assigned to the 10th Security Forces Squadron convenes Aug. 21 at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Airman 1st Class David Christie, who is not an Academy cadet, has been charged with violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice by deserting with intent to

'Today's Air Force' features deployment topics

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights an Initial Readiness Response Exercise. This exercise allows base personnel to evaluate deployment processes that will help Airmen deploy smoothly. Also featured are humanitarian missions, such as Operation Medflag, part of the Air Force's Medical Civic

New recruits enlist during Chicago Air and Water Show

Following fast passes and vertical climbs by an F-22 demonstration, 60 young men and women were sworn in to the United States Air Force Aug. 16 during the 50th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show held Aug. 15 -17. Maj. Gen. Anthony F. Przybyslawski, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command vice

Chief McKinley talks about Air Force focus areas

"Hold your heads up high," said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley during his enlisted call in the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy high bay here Aug. 13. The chief opened his talk by telling Airmen that despite the bumps and bruises the Air Force has taken

Air Guard Predator pilots increase combat air patrols

Although they are some of the busiest pilots in the U.S. military, Air National Guard pilots who are now flying unmanned aircraft from the ground said they still climb into the cockpit and get some flight time whenever they can. Lt. Col. Rick Gibney, operations group commander and MQ-1 Predator

Future Predator/Reaper formal training unit announced

Gen. John D.W. Corley, Air Combat Command commander, with concurrence from the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, announced today that Holloman AFB, N.M., is the preferred potential location for an additional unmanned aircraft system formal Training unit. This is the first step in a series of actions

Program gives vets advantage in owning a business

Military veterans interested in being owner-operator truck drivers now can achieve that goal quicker and less expensively, thanks to an agreement between the Department of Veterans Affairs and Schneider National, Inc. Officials from the VA and Schneider signed a memorandum of understanding July 1,

Iraqi soldiers taught 'strength through truth' in PA course

Iraqi Special Operations Forces have learned the value of "strength through truth" through a public affairs and photojournalism course conducted in Baghdad, Iraq, recently. Ten ISOF soldiers who graduated the 15-day course can now effectively combat anti-Iraqi forces' misinformation campaigns. As

Airmen help Iraqi pilot earn his wings

Dressed in a tan flight suit adorned with the Iraqi flag, an L.A. Dodgers hat and aviator sunglasses, one pilot is helping his country take a step closer to having an independent air force. With help from U.S. Airmen, Iraqi air force Maj. Thagel took his last training flight prior to being certified

Updating education just clicks away for civilians

Air Force civilian employees who wish to update education information in their civilian personnel records have a new, easier way to do so: through the "MyBiz" Web site. MyBiz is the self-service module in the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System. Instead of faxing their transcripts and waiting for

Travis, California firefighters extinguish blaze

Travis Air Force Base emergency responders and members from several fire departments from the local area battled through the night and into the morning to prevent an eight-alarm blaze from potentially spreading through base housing Aug 16. The fire initially started off base at approximately 3 p.m.

Offutt Airmen hold airshow for special needs families

Airmen here pulled out all the stops to make several hundred people smile a little more during the Aug. 15 Air Force Week in the Heartland Special Needs Airshow. Offutt Air Force Base Airmen brought community members who would have difficulties attending the official airshow schedule because of

Operation Air Force puts cadets in the air over Europe

The airlift mission prepping to depart here was nothing out-of-the-ordinary for the seasoned C-130 Hercules crew of six. It was another weekly training sortie putting cargo in a drop zone 150 miles away. For two U.S. Air Force Academy cadets invited to fly with the 37th Airlift Squadron as part of

More Afghan women attending shuras shows progress

More than 100 local women attended the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team Woman's Shura in Anaba District, Aug. 4, and discussed the welfare of their villages and addressed ongoing issues. Capt. Jillian Torango, Panjshir PRT, and Miriam Panjshiri, director of women's affairs, represented their

Building capable allies, strong bonds

Over European castles, Middle Eastern deserts and Pacific islands, F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots are soaring in ever-increasing numbers. Their landscapes, nationalities and cultures are different, but they share several common bonds. They are allies, they are friends and they learned to fly their

Despite reduced numbers, New Horizons exercise a success

With only half their medical team and three less days to see patients, the final medical readiness training exercises for New Horizons-Peru 2008 still provided medical care to more than 2,000 Peruvians. A 19-man team from the 433rd Medical Group out of Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, treated the

U.S. humanitarian support to Georgia continues

United States humanitarian efforts continued as another U.S. military aircraft delivered a second shipment of humanitarian supplies on Aug. 13, for the people of Georgia in response to the crisis situation. A C-17 Globemaster III, from the 305th Air Mobility Wing at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J.,

NATO forces a step closer to obtaining C-17s

Three C-17 Globemaster IIIs are only three signatures away from finding a new home at Papa Air Base, Hungary. After years of planning, NATO members and partners are only a few signatures away from gaining access to the C-17s to share for their national requirements, to include NATO missions in

Air Force surgeon general returns to Heartland

The surgeon general of the Air Force and native Nebraskan returned to his home state during Air Force Week in the Heartland Aug. 13 in Omaha. Lt. Gen. (Dr.) James G. Roudebush, originally from Gering, Neb., retraced his roots and visited the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine

Air Force Week mixes past, present, future at museum

Airmen brought current and future operations to the historic Strategic Air and Space Museum here Aug. 13 as part of Air Force Week in the Heartland. At a venue famous for Gen. Curtis LeMay exhibits, numerous aircraft and the home base for looking back at the Air Force's former Strategic Air Command,

SECAF, CSAF stress 'back to basics'

The acting secretary and new chief of staff of the Air Force emphasized a "back-to-basics" approach to get the Air Force back on track in areas ranging from the nuclear enterprise to acquisition in an Aug. 12 press conference at the Pentagon. Secretary Michael Donley introduced Gen. Norton Schwartz,

WWII ammunition finds new life in war on terrorism

A team of Air Force weapons specialist turned to ammunition first introduced into service in 1942 to provide lower cost training ammo for the AC-130 Gunship's 40mm cannon. Gunship training with the 40mm Bofors cannon normally calls for high explosive incendiary ammunition produced in the 1970s and

Airman's Roll Call: Spouse employment opportunities

This week's Airman's Roll Call highlights an Air Force employment assistance program that provides spouses with to skills to seek employment in today's job market. Spouse employment opportunities are increasingly crucial to the recruitment and retention of Airmen, as many families need two incomes

Airmen land at Omaha zoo for Air Force Week

Airmen and an F-16 Fighting Falcon descended on Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo to increase understanding of the Air Force throughout the community Aug. 12 in Omaha. The event was part of Air Force Week in the Heartland, a week-long schedule of events in the Omaha area aimed at showcasing the Air Force,

Airmen feedback essential to additional duty study

Airmen may now take advantage of a free-form text questionnaire, readily identifying additional duties they believe are non-value added or need redesigning. The Air Force Manpower Agency here will use this feedback to assist in the Air Force's drive to reduce additional duty demands in order to free

Medical, temporary retirees now eligible for CRSC payments

Former Airmen receiving military retired pay who served less than 20 years may now be eligible to receive Air Force Combat-Related Special Compensation. CRSC is part of a legislative initiative designed to restore a veteran's military retirement pay that has been reduced by Veterans' Affairs

Recruiter assistance program offers ranks more than non-chargeable leave

While preparing to move to his first duty base at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Airman Todd West wanted to spend time with his family in Missouri, but he didn't know how to do it without using up his personal leave. Then he learned about the Recruiter Assistance Program. RAP is an active-duty

Commander in 'perfect' shape sets example for Airmen

Every year, most Airmen set a goal of hoping to pass their annual fitness test, and some even set a goal to score a 100 percent. But how many people can get a perfect score on the toughest scale when they can do it at their own level? And how many also really hold themselves to the standard of

Airman helps injured warriors 'face' the world

The characteristics of a person's face are unmistakable. They are the uniqueness that makes you recognize a family member, a friend, a co-worker. Now imagine suddenly being stripped of those defining characteristics. Many Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, and Marines have experienced this debilitating

Air Force secretary meets veterans, addresses issues

The acting secretary of the Air Force talked to Airmen, military veterans and Nebraska civic leaders during Air Force Week in the Heartland Aug. 11 in Omaha and at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. Secretary Michael B. Donley had breakfast with Airmen assigned to Offutt AFB, visited the Veterans

Sniper ATP-equipped B-1B has combat first

A Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod-equipped B-1B Lancer had its first weapon employment in combat here Aug. 4 successfully targeting enemy forces on the ground and dropping one guided bomb unit-38 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Sniper ATP, a long-range precision targeting system,

Raptor crews practice drive-through refueling

Now that the F-22 Raptor arrival ceremonies are over and the anticipation of the arrival has subsided, Airmen here are on an aggressive training schedule to prepare them for combat operations. As part of that training, members of the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 49th Logistics Readiness

Pilots provide emergency close air support

For F-15E Strike Eagle and A-10 Thunderbolt pilots deployed here, joint terminal attack controllers, or JTACs,  play a vital role in the close air support mission. However, there's not always a JTAC on the ground when close air support, or CAS,  is needed. In these rare situations, pilots step

Runners get fit to fight during Air Force Week in the Heartland

Approximately 250 runners spiraled through Offutt Air Force Base and the surrounding community in the first Bellevue/Offutt Runway Run as part of Air Force Week in the Heartland Aug. 10 here. Military members and civilian running enthusiasts did their part to be fit to fight as they ran through the

Air Force Week in the Heartland kicks off with a bang

Fly-bys, music, military precision and fireworks broadcast the beginning of Air Force Week in the Heartland as more than 10,000 witnessed Airmen at their best Aug. 9 at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha. Airmen from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., hosted the free event to let the public experience what the

Air Force officials release report on Columbus T-38 accident

Air Force officials here recently completed its investigation of the April 23 T-38C Talon accident at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., which resulted in the deaths of two pilots and destroyed the airplane. Maj. Blair Faulkner, a 43rd Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, and 2nd Lt. Matthew

Air Force officials release report on Sheppard T-38 accident

Air Force officials here completed their investigation of the May 1 T-38C Talon accident at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, which resulted in the deaths of two pilots and destroyed the airplane. Maj. Brad T. Funk, a 90th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, and 2nd Lt. Alec F. Littler, a

New training structure benefits Iraqi firefighters

Iraqi firefighters can now sharpen their abilities to operate effectively inside burning structures with the aid of a new training facility here. Seven Iraqi firefighters learned search and rescue tactics at the new facility July 30 alongside firefighters from the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer

French airmen train at Luke

Approximately 20 French air force aircrews, 60 maintainers and support personnel and four Rafale aircraft visited the base here to participate in an exercise July 28 to Aug. 8. The major coalition exercise here provided a unique opportunity for the French Rafale pilots and Luke's F-16 Fighting

Servicemembers treat 8,100 patients, livestock in Mali

American servicemembers completed the largest annual humanitarian medical exercise in Africa July 26 after two-weeks of intense training and humanitarian assistance in villages throughout Mali. Airmen from Aviano Air Base, Italy, were among more than 90 servicemembers who deployed for the

Airmen to compete in Olympics

Four Airmen will discover how they measure up with the world as they compete at the 2008 Olympics beginning Aug. 8 in Beijing. Lt. Col. Dominic Grazioli, from Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, Capt. Kevin Eastler, from Buckley AFB, Colo. and Capts. Seth Kelsey, and Eli Bremer, from Colorado Springs,

Airmen transport helo crash survivors to hospital

California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing here rescued two survivors of a civilian helicopter crash Aug. 5 near Junction City, Calif.  The Sikorsky S-61 firefighting helicopter that went down was assigned to the Buckhorn Fire in the Iron Complex.A Moffett-based HH-60G Pave Hawk

JSTARS meets AWACS

The 16th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron from Robins Air Force Base, Ga., has deployed to Kadena Air Base for 30 days to train with the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron and participate in an operational readiness exercise on the Korean Peninsula. The unit is flying its E-8C

Panel recommends changes to military retirement

A panel looking at military compensation has recommended dramatic changes in the military retirement system. The recommendations are part of the second volume put out by members of the 10th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation. The first volume, released in March, looked at cash compensation.

Reserve Airmen gain avenue to joint credit

Reserve Airmen can now nominate themselves for joint experience credit Air Reserve Personnel Center officials here said recently. ARPC officials received the necessary Reserve component implementation guidance March 28 from the undersecretary of Defense for personnel and readiness, which outlines

Leadership summit reaches out to USAFE teens

More than 100 teens from 11 U.S. Air Forces in Europe bases traveled here to take part in the first Air Force-hosted European Keystone Club Leadership Summit. The Keystone program, aimed at developing leadership skills and encouraging civic responsibility in youths aged 14 to 18 years old, has been

Air Force veterans participate in national wheelchair games

The eyes of the man in the wheelchair narrow as he focuses on the opponent holding the ball. Delvin McMillan wants the ball and he is determined to get it at any cost. He reaches down and spins the battered metal wheels of his modified chair that looks like it came straight from the set of the

Pope command posts combine to increase efficiency

Members of the 440th Airlift Wing Command Post here recently merged with the 43rd Airlift Wing Command Post as part of the Air Force's continuing initiative to operate more efficiently. Since April 1, both Reserve and active-duty controllers have been operating from the same schedule and sharing the

Chief receives newspaper's Airman of the Year award

When Staff Sgt. Christopher Slaydon awoke from his combat injuries three weeks after arriving at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, the command chief for the 12th Flying Training Wing at nearby Randolph Air Force Base was at his bedside."As soon as I awoke, Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Page

Air Guardsmen train Air Force's airfield operators

Air National Guard officials here said recently that by using their knowledge and resources in airfield operations, they are successfully training the Air Force's next air base managers. In the Air Guard Airfield Operations Officer Training Program, Guardsmen train active-duty officers in airfield

Ali Airmen mourn loss of K-9 team member

Airmen with the 407th Provost Marshal Office here Aug. 1 held a memorial service for a K-9 member after his unexpected death from natural causes July 28. Goro, an 8-year-old German shepherd, was one month into his sixth deployment. Staff Sgt. Sean Neisen, deployed from the 435th Security Forces

'Today's Air Force' features deployment training

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights deployment training and how it has become second nature for Airmen. Also featured is man's best friend, and not just dogs, but hard-working dogs. See how handlers train these canines to perform a variety of duties in order to keep military bases safe.

General McNabb confirmed by Senate

Gen. Duncan McNabb soon will assume command of the United States Transportation Command. With the Senate confirmation vote Aug. 1, the 34-year Air Force veteran will become the ninth USTRANSCOM commander. General McNabb provided testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee on July 22 prior

Nellis pilot killed in F-15D crash identified

The pilot who died in an aircraft accident July 30 was Lt. Col. Thomas Bouley. The name was released in a July 31 press conference by Col. Russell Handy, 57th Wing commander. Colonel Bouley was the 65th Aggressor Squadron commander. Colonel Bouley was killed when the two-seater F-15D Eagle he was