AFMC leader discusses command's war contributions

In the thick of rocket-propelled grenades, mortars and small-arms fire in a battle, the last thing on a warfighter's mind would be thanking members of Air Force Materiel Command for the weapons about to be used. Using better intelligence offered by AFMC's advancements, the warfighter can be sure the

General speaks on Elmendorf's, Air Force's future

The Air Force deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and requirements, visited here Feb. 21 to 23 to discuss the capabilities Alaska provides to the service, recapitalization, joint initiatives and the arrival of the C-17 Globemaster IIIs and F-22 Raptor.Although he is no longer stationed in

RED HORSE logistics hub supports Airmen uprange

An Air Force horse has been making tracks throughout Southwest Asia as this mobile force is making a difference in the war on terrorism.The Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, or simply RED HORSE, supports contingency and special operations missions with mobile,

Feb. 28 airpower: Tankers provide air bridge

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 28.In Afghanistan Feb. 27, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support to coalition forces receiving heavy machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire from enemies on a ridgeline near Energay. The B-1

I can see you

Test squadron demonstrates Sniper pod capability

Members of the 419th Flight Test Squadron here recently completed its initial developmental testing of the Sniper pod installed on a B-1B Lancer, designed to increase the aircraft's self-targeting capability. The Sniper pod, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is an advanced targeting pod with

Captain found guilty of all charges

Capt. Devery L. Taylor, of the 96th Medical Group, was found guilty Feb. 27 of all charges against him.Captain Taylor was charged in June 2006 with four counts of forcible sodomy, two counts of attempted sodomy, two counts of kidnapping and one count of unlawful entry. The sentencing phase of the

Turkish-U.S. airlift effort brings supplies to Afghans

In a joint effort between Turkish and U.S. Air Forces, 94,000 pounds of palletized cargo was transported via two C-17 Globemaster IIIs Feb. 21 to Kabul Air Base, Afghanistan. The 23 pallets and five trailers of cargo consisted of uniforms and equipment for the Afghan army to use in the war on

Elmendorf team perfects snow sculpting skills

Falcons fly in for the fight

Air Force officials release 2007 posture statement

Air Force officials released their annual posture statement which articulates the major elements required for the Air Force to fulfill its mission and its priorities over the course of the next year and into the future. The secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff testified before

Fighting in cyberspace means cyber domain dominance

The Air Force officially announced creation of the new Cyberspace Command late last year. Now, just four months later, the command's leaders are talking about the way ahead. The Air Force's operational Cyberspace Command, also known as 8th Air Force, is commanded by Lt. Gen. Robert J. "Bob" Elder.

Academy cadets prepare to have a blast ... off

Cadet 1st Class Lauren Viscito dons a white gown, blue booties and a hair net before stepping into a clean room at the academy. She's one of a team of cadets working to get FalconSAT-3 ready for lift off. FalconSAT-3 is part of a group of three small payloads headed to space aboard an Atlas V rocket

Security Forces train Airmen to protect space resources

Senior Airman Joshua Newton holds the flashbang up high in the air and his three teammates know what that means without uttering a single word. It is time to breach the room and they all look away as he carefully leans forward and chucks the grenade into the room. As the flashbang goes off

Basketball: Women's team drops final regular season game

Shooting just 28 percent from the field, the Air Force women's basketball team fell to Wyoming, 64-35, Feb. 28 at Arena Auditorium. The Falcons finish the regular season at 5-22 overall, 1-15 in the Mountain West Conference, while the Cowgirls improve to 17-10, 10-4 in the MWC. Wyoming grabbed the

Air Force captain sentenced to 50 years

Captain Devery L. Taylor of the 96th Medical Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., was sentenced for 50 years Feb. 28 after being found guilty on four counts of forcible sodomy, two counts of attempted sodomy, two counts of kidnapping and one count of unlawful entry. In addition to confinement,

Airman earns medal for lifesaving efforts

An Airman here was presented the Air Force Achievement Medal recently for saving the life of a 7-year-old boy who was choking on candy. Airman 1st Class Kyle Thomas was bowling while on leave in Norman, Okla., after competing six weeks of basic training and six months of technical training when he

Staging facility prepares injured warfighters for flight

For warfighters who are injured in Iraq, the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility at Balad AB is where their road to recovery starts. The CASF is a staging area where patients are prepared for their flight out of Iraq to Landstuhl, Germany. The CASF is staffed by critical care air transport and

Academy boxer helps battle for life

The boxer keeps his hands up as his feet dance around a heavy bag. He jabs and strikes the bag with his gloved fists, but when this boxer steps into the ring with an opponent, it isn't the only battle he's fighting. Cadet 1st Class Colin LaFavor is a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy's boxing

March 1 airpower: C-17s provide intra-theater airlift

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 1. In Afghanistan Feb. 28, an Air Force B1-B Lancer provided a show of force and expended flares for coalition forces receiving mortar fire near Energay. The ground commander's intent was met and the mortar fire

Reserve forces augment RAF Croughton security

Ten guardsmen and reservists are augmenting the 422nd Security Forces Squadron here as 21 active-duty Airmen are deployed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.Even though almost half of the 422nd SFS are deployed downrange, the mission at their home station doesn't end, but that's where the Guard and

Defense Department tops nation in child care efforts

Child care is a critical issue for many families around the country, and the Defense Department stands alone as a model for quality child care in the nation, an independent study released March 1 finds. In the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies' ranking of state child

Air Force official discusses uniform updates

Air Force officials move forward with the Airman Battle Uniform roll-out and plans for a new service dress coat. The new ABU, designed to eventually replace both the Battle Dress and Desert Combat Uniforms worn by Airmen, is currently in full production. Early deliveries of ABU inventories in 2007

Official shares glimpse of future with Misawa Airmen

Mr. William Anderson, assistant secretary for installations, environment and logistics, stopped here Feb. 22 to meet with Airmen and to discuss key Air Force issues, including environmental stewardship and future fuel alternatives.He talked about the incredible care Airmen display as they lead the

Spring 'Air and Space Power Journal' available

The College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education at Air University has published and distributed the Spring 2007 English edition of the Air Force's professional journal, "Air and Space Power Journal." The journal serves as an open forum for the presentation and stimulation of innovative

Doctrine Center 'jump starts' irregular warfare doctrine

Air University's Air Force Doctrine Center held a special writing group here Feb. 20 to 23 in order to put Air Force irregular warfare doctrine on the "fast track." Subject-matter experts were invited to attend the four-day conference in an ongoing effort to fill a void in war-fighting policy.  Air

SERE specialists surprise pilot

When Air Force pilots initially train to fly, they learn about ejecting from a plane and how to survive behind enemy lines.Several Misawa survival, evasion, resistance and escape, or SERE, specialists took a pilot out recently for some realistic training.1st Lt. Michael Baird, an F-16 Fighting

Baseball: Air Force loses pitchers battle to Gonzaga

Despite Alex Truesdale taking a no-hitter into the fifth inning, Air Force baseball struggled again with its hitting, falling 3-1 to Gonzaga March 1 at the S.P.O.R.T. Banana Belt Tournament at Harris Field. Air Force (4-8) was held to just four hits in the ballgame and sent just three batters to the

Update on cadet test cheating investigation

Air Force Academy officials have indicated that some of the Cadet Sanctions Recommendation Panels for cadets who admitted cheating on a recent Fourth Class Knowledge Test are being conducted by the cadet honor executive committee this week. Furthermore, of the 36 cadets whose cases were forwarded

Eielson Airmen help keep mushers, dogs in race

Interior Alaska's formidable winter chill couldn't deter the Icemen team from volunteering to help support the local community during Yukon Quest, the 1,000-mile international dog sled race. More than 160 Airmen braved temperatures -- at times dipping below negative 40 degrees -- to help man the

Airmen complete Nicaraguan medical exercise

Twenty medics finished the first of three New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 Medical Readiness Training Exercises Feb. 28, giving free healthcare to 6,551 Nicaraguans throughout nine days. The $7.25 million joint U.S. and Nicaraguan military humanitarian and training exercise, provides a new school and

Maintenance Airmen's custom parts keep planes in fight

Aircraft maintenance success in a deployed environment often depends on the availability of the parts and equipment needed to get aircraft back into the fight. Oftentimes, crew chiefs look no further than 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron back shops for support when aircraft parts or other

Military spouse supports injured heroes with quilts

To help in what may be a war hero's most traumatic life experience, one military spouse uses her love of quilting to give the gift of comfort. Tana Angerman, wife of the 90th Communications Squadron commander, Maj. Scott Angerman, volunteers her time and talents for Quilts of Valor -- an

Dyess' aircraft maintainers meet AFSO 21 head on

While many shops in the Air Force are finding they have to do "less with less," one maintenance shop here found a way to do "more with less." The newly consolidated support flight in the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is an example of how Airmen in the 7th Maintenance Group are answering Air

Success in long war requires regional cooperation

The United States and the international community will need to support countries in the Middle East as they join together to defeat extremism during the long war on terror, a top U.S. Central Command officer said here March 1. "All along, U.S. Central Command has been committed to a regional

Roll Call focuses on recognizing Airmen for efforts

Ensuring Airmen get recognized for a job well done and the naming of expeditionary medics as the 2007 Team of the Year are the focuses of this week's Roll Call. The Roll Call says that it's easy to take for granted the Airmen who work so hard every day, but as part of the Air Force team,

U.S. Central Command, Bahrain air power officials discuss relations

March 2 airpower: F-15Es provide show of force

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 2.In Afghanistan March 1, an Air Force B-1 Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38 joint direct attack munitions on enemy mortar and firing positions near Forward Operating Base Robinson. The joint terminal attack

Eielson helps Airmen move into new homes in a hurry

A ghost town now exists at Eielson AFB where 300 families once lived. Blanketed in several feet of snow, artic winter winds whistle through the solitary Sprucewood homes section of base housing. Before the bitter winter had set in, the more than 300 Airmen and their families called this area home.

Air Force logistics centers support warfighters 24/7

When aircraft maintainers, half-way around the world, need help fast, round-the-clock support is now available at Air Force Materiel Command's three air logistics centers. The customer support centers, or CSCs, at Tinker AFB, Okla., Robins AFB, Ga., and Hill AFB, Utah, are the product of AFMC's

Japanese, American forces team up in war on terrorism

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force C-1 cargo jet touched down Feb. 27 at Yokota AB to pick up and deliver supplies. But the plane isn't loading cargo for Japan; the cargo is American supplies for U.S. servicemembers stationed throughout Japan and Guam. Japanese Maj. Masashi Ohta, a C-1 pilot, said the

Contamination control area helps Airmen 'clean up'

One of the ways Incirlik AB Airmen prepared for their upcoming Unit Compliance Inspection was setting up a simulated contamination control area March 1. The contamination control area allows Airmen exposed to hazards from biological to chemical agents to come "clean" in a controlled environment. The

New helmet gives pilots the edge

Aircrews at the 18th Fighter Squadron here recently received an important warfighting upgrade that can help keep them head and shoulders above the rest. Squadron pilots have incorporated a new helmet that features the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, a system which improves breathing and radio

'Week in Photos' highlights Airmen around the world

Airmen are deployed around the globe every day to support operations ranging from humanitarian missions and coalition exercises to fighting terrorism with airpower. The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors ten photos that feature Airmen at war. It is a brief but dramatic

Thunderbird pilot talks to cadets on teamwork's importance

When Cadet 1st Class Nicole Malachowski received her commission, Mel Gibson won an Oscar for his role in Braveheart, "Kiss From A Rose" by Seal could be heard regularly on the radio and Great Britain was in the throes of a mad cow disease outbreak. Now, 11 years later, Major Malachowski returned to

Air Force 60th Anniversary flag raised at memorial

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff T. Michael Moseley were the hosts for the 60th Anniversary flag-raising ceremony at the Air Force Memorial March 1."On this day, the man who used the B-17 to such a great effect, General Tooey Spaatz, formally succeeded General

Cyberspace warfare remains serious business

It's a primary medium for the way the Air Force does business, whether it is used for command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance or reconnaissance, yet cyberspace remains a relatively new and vulnerable frontier. And Air Force leaders know it. With technology evolving so quickly,

SECAF emphasizes Air Force goals with card

When Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne spoke at his town hall meeting at the Pentagon earlier this year, he discussed some of the issues facing the Air Force today, as well as its strengths and his goals for 2007. One of the ways he's spreading those goals is through a mission, or "goal

Afghan ambassador thanks Fairchild Airmen

American military actions in Afghanistan are making progress toward ending tyranny and oppression in that country, said Afghanistan's ambassador to the United States, Said Jawad, in a speech here March 1. The ambassador visited Spokane this week at the invitation of the World Affairs Council of

Supercomputer to boost Aeronautical Systems Center's capabilities

With the addition of an SGI® Altix® 4700 computer this summer, the Aeronautical Systems Center Major Shared Resource Center will house one of the Department of Defense's High Performance Computing Modernization Program's largest supercomputers. Installation of the SGI® Altix® 4700 - a

Track & Field: Hawkins qualifies for NCAA championships

Junior Kevin Hawkins clocked a career-best time in the 800-meter run March 2 at the Arkansas Last Chance Meet and provisionally qualified for the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships next week. Hawkins crossed the finish line in 1:49:54 to place fourth in his race. That time, which is a

Baseball: Air Force swept in Banana Belt Tournament

Like the weather in the Northwest, the Air Force bats continued to stay cold as the Falcons lost both games of a double-site doubleheader at the S.P.O.R.T. Banana Belt Tournament March 2. The Falcons lost 16-1 at Lewis-Clark State (11-0) and 3-0 at Washington State (6-3) to fall to 4-10 on the

Rescue coordination center opens at Tyndall

The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center began operations here March 1 as the newest team member in "America's Air Operations Center." The AFRCC realigned under 1st Air Force (Air Force North) in April 2006, to consolidate Air Force support to civilian agencies under a single air component

March 3 airpower: JTACS critical in fight

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 3.Coalition fighters, bombers and tankers provide infrastructure protection and support to coalition troops, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities. Transports provide

Research of materials for use in extreme environments

Leading edge scientific discoveries and breakthroughs funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research here could pave the way for new performance capabilities of materials used in extreme environments. Among these latest developments, recently presented at an AFOSR ceramics program review, is

Baseball: Utah Valley State downs Air Force 7-3

Air Force dropped a 7-3 baseball game to Utah Valley State at the SPORT Banana Belt Tournament March 3 at Harris Field here. The loss drops the Falcons to 4-11 on the season. A four-run fourth inning was the difference as UTVS improved to 3-8 on the season. A Wolverines starter pitched a complete

Air Force serves as host for energy industry forum

Energy policy, aviation platforms and future fuel utilization are just a few of the topics that will be presented at the Air Force's Energy Industry Forum March 8 to 9 in Arlington, Va. The forum will have various plenary and concurrent sessions that will look at the full spectrum of the Air Force's

Lacrosse: Air Force falls to UMBC 13-7

In the first game of the Pioneer Face-off Classic here, the Air Force lacrosse team fell to 20th-ranked University of Maryland at Baltimore County 13-7. With the loss, the Falcons fall to 1-1 on the season, while UMBC improves to 2-0 on the year. The Retrievers rolled out to a 4-0 lead before senior

5-Star program recognizes Services' best

Eighty-seven fitness, library, outdoor recreation and golf programs were distinguished as Five Star for 2006 by Air Force Services Agency officials here, recognizing their high quality and trust.The Five Star programs provide annual recognition, acknowledging those bases that have reached the

March 4 airpower: B-1s making presence known

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 4. In Afghanistan March 3, a B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on anti-coalition insurgents in an open area near Kajaki. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed direct hits, removing the

New ammo improves pilot safety, reduces collateral damage

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots at the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here are employing a new 20mm cannon round in their M61/A1 Gatling guns for the first time, improving pilot safety while reducing collateral damage.Airmen first validated the rounds at a firing range and then employed them in

Manas Airmen train with Kyrgyz firefighters

Airmen of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing fire department here have worked and trained side-by-side with Manas International Airport firefighters for five years. With each new Air Expeditionary Force rotation, a new crew of Airmen arrives and trains with the Kyrgyz firefighters of the MIA to stay

Academy boxing coach teaches valuable lessons

A plaque on the wall in the boxing gym reads, "Tough times don't last, tough people do." It's a quote that lends itself to the person who spoke those words. Ed Weichers Jr. became the U.S. Air Force Academy's boxing coach more than 30 years ago. As a testament to his success, the gym displays

Security forces Airmen protect Iraq's airpower hub

Although it is distinctly a guard mount formation with defenders intently listening to the towering flight chief, one may liken the experience to a press conference. Notes from the previous shift's reported activities and expected trends for the new shift are jotted onto worn, hand-fitted

General encourages AFSO 21 mind-set for PACAF successes

The Pacific Air Forces director of logistics outlined changes in the Air Force and what those changes mean to the logistics community within the command during a recent visit to Kadena. "In regards to our mission in the Pacific, our number one challenge is maintaining regional stability out here in

Proper training, protection help prevent hearing loss

Hearing loss can be due to personal choices such as firing a weapon without wearing proper hearing protection, listening to loud music or riding motorcycles. To help prevent hearing loss, people should wear hearing protection devices as taught and trained by public health personnel, and by their

March 5 airpower: Pave Hawks fly rescue missions

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 5. In Afghanistan yesterday, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s on a building near Sangin containing anti-coalition insurgents. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed a direct hit. The

Brooks training program integrates medical processes

The U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine here has established a realistic, in-depth training program that marries up two processes to provide essential training to medics who, in many cases, are deployed and doing this very same mission within one to two months. The program ties Expeditionary

Air Force heroes: 20 fallen Airmen honored in Afghanistan

The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing here held a formal retreat March 4 to honor the 20 Air Force members who have died in Afghanistan since Operation Enduring Freedom began in 2001. Route 56, the wing's NCO advisory council, planned the retreat. The council wanted "to remind everyone of the pride and

Fuel tests keep Misawa moving

The fuel military bases receive goes through a series of treatments before it is usable in machinery. It is the job of the Fuels Laboratory Airmen in logistics readiness squadrons to check the condition of all fuel before it's put to use. Most importantly, certain additives need to be present to

Red Horse Airmen pave the way in Nicaragua

Spangdahlem, Incirlik Airmen unite in training

The cooperation between Airmen from Incirlik AB and Spangdahlem AB, Germany, has improved the development of the 39th Maintenance Squadron ammunition members through high-fidelity training opportunities. As aircrews from two F-16 Fighting Falcon squadrons from Spangdahlem AB train in a different

Andersen bombers participate in Koa Lightning exercise

The low rumble of B-52s shook the normally quiet evening sky above Andersen Air Force Base as the Stratofortresses of the 36th Operations Group participated in Pacific Command's Koa Lightning exercise over the islands of Hawaii. For the men and women of the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, the

Track & Field: Walsh selected to NCAA championships

Senior Brian Walsh was selected to participate in the heptathlon at the 2007 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, the NCAA selection committee announced March 5. This will be the second straight season that Walsh advanced to the national meet. Walsh set a NCAA provisional qualifying score

Airmen receive cutting-edge satellite training

As a satellite systems crew chief, Staff Sgt. Lori Browning has a job that is out of this world. She is currently receiving training on the Space Based Infrared Systems, or SBIRS, that is scheduled to become operational sometime next year. Sergeant Browning is part of the first class that is being

F-35 production a step closer after wind tunnel test

Arnold Engineering Development Center workers completed the last developmental wind tunnel test in February for all Joint Strike Fighter variants, helping put the F-35 Lightning II a step closer to manufacturing. It was the culmination of more than 8,600 hours and $50 million worth of wind tunnel

Airborne emergency room serves Operation Northern Watch

On a short electronic leash, their beepers went off, and five members of the medical team sprung into action, racing through hospital halls to gather deployment gear. Simultaneously, the crew of an HC-130 aircraft was alerted and prepared for takeoff. This crew was deployed from the 347th Rescue

Cadets research fuel line bacteria

Bacteria that can survive on jet fueI is not something one might think about. But, that same microscopic bacteria can bring down a multi-million dollar aircraft. Cadet 1st Class Jonathan Stralka peers at a small tube filled with jet fuel. Inside is the culprit responsible for fouling jet engines

Michigan Air Guard returns from Iraq deployment

Approximately 250 members of the Michigan Air National Guard returned home in March after supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom at Balad Air Base, Iraq.About 40 of the Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons returned home March 2, while the rest of the group returned here March 5 to frigid temperatures at

Heritage Conference mixes old with new

VA seeks buglers to play 'Taps' at national cemeteries

Hundreds of volunteer buglers and trumpeters are being sought to participate in Armed Forces Day observances held at veterans' cemeteries nationwide and overseas, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs official said. The event, called "Echo Taps Worldwide," will be held May 19 and is co-sponsored by

Demonstration team excels at Heritage Conference

Better intel boosts Air Force munitions drops, sorties flown

In 2006, the Air Force dropped more than 1,700 munitions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. A year earlier, the Air Force dropped only 176 munitions as part of that same operation. The increase is due to better intelligence, said Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, the U.S. Central Command Air Forces

Motivational program ending at Ramstein

After three years of helping Airmen get back on track, the Ramstein Area Motivational Program, or RAMP, correctional custody facility is closing its doors. More than 200 Airmen have come through the program, with a huge majority of them successfully completing the training. RAMP opened its doors

March 6 airpower: C-130s support Afghan operations

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 6.In Afghanistan March 5, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets conducted air reconnaissance for suspected anti-coalition firing positions near Musa Qal'eh. Other Navy F/A-18s also provided reconnaissance for suspicious

Operation Achilles: Leaflet airdrop delivers message to Taliban

The message was clear and well delivered. A C-130 Hercules airdrop mission dropped 30,000 warning leaflets over the mountainous terrain of southeastern Afghanistan March 6 to deter the insurgent activity of the Taliban. The warning leaflet airdrop mission was in direct support of Operation Achilles

Air Force program reconnects Airmen to heritage

Air Force History Office officials are launching a new program to help unite Airmen, past and present, commemorate and preserve their shared heritage. During this year, in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the Air Force, history office staff members are reaching out to those involved in

Services gather, communicate ballistic missile defense

Service members and civilians from across the Pacific met at Hickam late February for a conference to discuss ballistic missile defense for the PACOM Area of Responsibility. Lt. Gen. Chip Utterback, 13th Air Force commander, said the conference, "allowed us to bring our experts in Ballistic Missile

Basketball: Air Force knocks off Colorado State

Hitting the game-winning layup with 0.7 seconds left on the clock, junior Alecia Steele helped lead the Air Force women's basketball team to a 47-46 victory over Colorado State in the first game of the Mountain West Conference Championships, March 6 at the Thomas & Mack Center. With the win, the

Expeditionary wing supports war efforts in many ways

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing directly supports the war on terrorism on many different levels. Combat sorties are flown daily, and multitudes of U.S. servicemembers and coalition partners, equipment and supplies are transported in and out of theater. Other missions are not quite as visible. Many

Fine-tuning the fleet

Academy cadet has hoop dreams

When Cadet 1st Class Matt McCraw was growing up, he had dreams of playing basketball during March Madness as part of an NCAA team."Every kid really grows up wanting to play in March Madness and the NCAA tournament and also go on to the NBA," Cadet McCraw said. "But it's definitely a great feeling

Airman court-martialed for Ecstasy, marijuana use

During a special court martial here, an Airman pled guilty March 7 to wrongfully using a controlled substance. Airman Ronald Moore Jr., assigned to the 48th Medical Support Squadron, pled guilty to two counts of violating Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice -- wrongfully using a

Operation Deep Freeze ends record-setting season

Ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs redeployed from Christchurch, New Zealand, wrapped up the 2006-2007 season of Operation Deep Freeze in late February. This unique joint and total force mission has supported the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program since 1955

March 7 airpower: C-130s provide in-theater tactical airlift

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 7.In Afghanistan March 6, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares, for coalition forces who sustained casualties from small-arms fire near Sangin. A joint terminal attack

General North visits Manas Air Base

Raptor, precision strike bomb integration testing begins

The 411th Flight Test Squadron began integration testing of the F-22A Raptor and the GBU-39/B Small-Diameter Bomb here in February. The weapon is a low-cost, stand-off, next generation precision strike weapon, capable of flying autonomously. The bomb is guided by an inertial navigation system with

Air strikes target, kill al-Qaeda terrorists near Taji, Iraq

Coalition forces targeted members of an al-Qaeda network March 2 during an air strike operation west of Taji, Iraq. Intelligence reports indicated that the network is responsible for threats to coalition aircraft. Coalition forces believe key terrorists were killed during the air strike. Several

Keep up Air Force records, personal info for promotion sake

The one constant among Airmen is the desire to be promoted. There are many things Airmen can do to affect their chances for promotion, but perhaps the most important is ensuring their personal information is correct. Missing or inaccurate enlisted or officer performance reports, decorations, awards

Two former top Air Force chiefs visit Keesler Airmen

Two retired chief master sergeants of the Air Force addressed a capacity crowd March 2 as guest speakers at the 81st Training Wing's annual awards banquet. The first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Paul Airey, and eighth, Sam Parish, took the opportunity earlier in the day to tour several