HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Father, son team up for exercise airdrop

    As Senior Airman Nick Barth prepared a standard airdrop training bundle on a C-130 Hercules during exercise Northern Strike on Aug. 6, 2013, he reflected on what his father told him right before his deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

  • How AF locates, recovers downed aviators

    An isolated military member may be equipped with many survival tools, but perhaps the most important is confidence in the people tasked to conduct his or her rescue. The Air Force’s ability to rapidly deploy and attack the enemy at a moment's notice comes with risk for pilots and other service

  • CSAF to Airmen: Stay focused

    The Air Force’s highest ranking uniformed Airman released another edition of ‘Airman to Airman’ – a video series designed to highlight important topics to the force.

  • Nigerian, U.S. air forces partner for disaster relief seminar

    "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."This African proverb was referenced several times during a disaster relief seminar hosted by the Nigerian air force at the National Defense College here, Jan. 27-30. More than 40 senior service members from various career fields

  • Deployed civilians exemplify total force, support Airmen

    Two civilian contracting specialists with the 380th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron volunteered to deploy and gave two active-duty service members the opportunity to remain home with their families during the holidays.

  • SecDef makes surprise calls to Malmstrom AFB officers

    Flying back to Washington D.C., from the Munich Security Conference aboard an E-4B aircraft, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel made a series of surprise phone calls to six officers currently pulling alert in three of the 341st Missile Wing's launch control centers

  • Don’t mourn in black, travel well

    In her deep blue eyes, you not only see the sadness, you can feel the grief of her soul. The agony comes from losing her husband, retired Master Sgt. Chuck Dearing, to cancer last year. But in a flash, those blue eyes dance and what you see isn't that grief, it's love -- intense, raw love.

  • Hagel ends Poland trip with U.S., Polish airmen

    Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel spent the last afternoon of his first official visit to Poland by stopping at an air base where U.S. and Polish airmen work side by side, and later at a historic church where his great grandparents were married in 1882.

  • AF news team preps for ‘28-days in AFGSC’

    Two photojournalists and a broadcaster from the Air Force Public Affairs Agency here are gearing up for a 28-day trek to provide and inside and in depth look at the Air Force Global Strike mission and the Airmen who make it happen.

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America.

  • Offutt AFB Airman heading to Hollywood

    A vocalist in the Air Force Heartland of America Band received three yeses from the judges when she tried out for American Idol Oct. 14 at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, earning her a ticket to Hollywood Week.

  • Ramstein AB Airmen lead Rwandan port operations

    In an effort to confront destabilizing forces and violence within the Central African Republic, France and the African Union have requested U.S. support to move Rwandan forces into the region.

  • Welsh thanks Eglin AFB Airmen, families

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III visited Team Eglin Jan. 26-28 to thank Airmen and their families here for their service and sacrifice, and to discuss current challenges and opportunities facing the service.

  • Official discusses Chinese air force, missile trends

    U.S. intelligence officials visiting Capitol Hill Jan. 30 reported to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on the steady progress made by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and the implications of that development to the United States.

  • Senior airman doubles as U.S. National Netball player

    A senior airman assigned to the 81st Medical Support Squadron logistics flight here recently returned from an international netball tournament in Singapore. Alisi Taka, a medical material technician, is a member of the U.S. National Netball Team. Taka joined seven other women in the six-country

  • Delivering heroes home

    Members of the 721st Aerial Port Squadron, handle the delivery and shipment of everything from munitions, aircraft parts, medical supplies, ration pallets to registered mail. Even though they handle many high priority items, their most important job is also their hardest -- not because of the weight

  • Reserve offers opportunities to continue AF career

    Airmen who don't want to hang up their uniforms for good during the current period of force management, may find rewarding career opportunities in the Air Force Reserve, recruiting officials said recently.

  • Weapons Airmen bring bombs to fight

    The chill in the morning air and the dark before dawn didn’t deter the Airmen from the 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron as they prepared training munitions for aircraft participating in combat exercise Red Flag 14-1 here. By providing realistic combat training in a contested, degraded and

  • Space squadron optimizes wideband communication constellations

    Late in 2013, the 3rd Space Operations Squadron’s mission -- "Warfighters ensuring reliable wideband communications to national authorities and U.S. and Allied forces" -- was proudly displayed as the unit repositioned its eighth satellite during a nine-month effort to optimize the military wideband

  • Super Bowl preparations include air defense exercise

    Fighter jets from the Continental United States North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, also known as CONR, along with the command’s interagency partners, are preparing to protect the sky around MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the site of Super Bowl XLVIII Feb. 2.

  • Red Flag returns to Nevada

    The latest iteration of the Air Force's premier air-to-air combat training exercise kicked off Jan. 27 as allied and U.S aircraft launched to simulate battle in the sky over the Nevada Test and Training Range.

  • AF convenes officer RIF board, offers voluntary separation pay

    The Air Force will convene an officer reduction in force board June 16 to evaluate eligible officers for retention, Air Force Personnel Center officials said Jan. 27. Officers who meet the RIF board and are not selected for retention must separate by Jan. 31, 2015.RIF is among several fiscal 2014

  • AF awards $15.5 million in scientific research grants

    The Air Force Office of Scientific Research announced Jan. 24 that it will award approximately $15.5 million in grants to 42 scientists and engineers from 32 research institutions who submitted winning research proposals through the Air Force's Young Investigator Research Program, or YIP.

  • POW's legacy helps nephew in leadership roles

    Military tradition runs deep in some families, with generation after generation raising their right hand and swearing to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. One family however, has continued to put its mark on military service even after inconceivable anguish struck during the

  • Force shaping board to convene in July

    The Air Force will convene a fiscal 2014 Force Shaping Board here July 14 to consider eligible officers within competitive categories for continued retention, Air Force Personnel Center officials said Jan. 27.

  • Deployed bandsmen calm troops during mortar attack

    Sirens screaming in the night alerted airmen to take shelter in protective concrete bunkers during an enemy mortar attack. Forward-deployed members of the Air Force Central Command Band waited with fellow wingmen for the ‘all clear’ signal when one airman requested a song.

  • EOD Airman saves life while deployed to Papua New Guinea

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.) Imagine sitting in a hotel lobby of a foreign country, when suddenly, a scream for help echoes from a dark parking lot outside. Without hesitation, you

  • MyICP gives military spouses new career planning tool

    Military spouses who need guidance on education and careers have a new online tool at their fingertips, a program analyst for the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program, known as SECO, said in an interview last week.

  • Cadets sweep national soaring competition

    Academy cadets left their competition in the dust by winning their ninth consecutive National Sailplane Racing Championship for 2013 and earning the Collegiate Soaring Association's Robert B. Evans Trophy for the 15th time in 19 years.

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America.

  • 187 selected for captain

    The 2013D Chaplains, Line of the Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps, Nurse Corps, Medical Service Corps and Biomedical Sciences Corps quarterly captain selection process, conducted in September, resulted in selection of 187 out of 188 eligible first lieutenants for promotion to captain.

  • AF lays to rest an ‘American hero’

    Friends, family members, political leaders, former prisoners of war and service members paid their respects as an Air Force Ace was interred at Arlington National Cemetery Jan. 23.

  • Air Force's top leaders visit Global Strike bases

    Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody recently completed visits to Air Force Global Strike Command bases.

  • 45th Space Wing supports successful NASA launch

    The U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing provided flawless Eastern Range support for NASA's successful launch of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-L mission aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Launch Complex 41 here at 9:33 p.m. Jan. 23.

  • Airman sworn to serve nation, community

    Master Sgt. Phil Ryan received the call early in his shift. It concerned a young man who was sleeping in a car in a grocery store parking lot. The man's mother and girlfriend were concerned for his safety. They feared due to his prior drug abuse and his state of mind, the young man was in danger of

  • Two deployed friends combine 78 years of AF service

    Two Airmen with the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, have both been turning wrenches on jet engines longer than most people in the Air Force have been alive.

  • Nominees sought for 2014 LULAC award

    The Air Force is seeking nominations for the 2014 League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Excellence Award, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today.

  • Father and son share A-10 legacy

    Already anxious about the first day of high school football practice, a young junior donned his gear and was calmed as he looked to the sidelines to see his father there watching. For the junior, a life of uncertainty and unfamiliarity was something he was used to. The next day his father, an A-10C

  • Music leads to 'adventure' for former 'Tops in Blue' Airman

    It began with a flourishing and bellowing call to arms. Almost immediately, the brass symphony was accentuated by the deep resonance of a bass drum before being replaced by a playful, orchestral melody.The music flowed together, hinting toward a great conclusion to this "Prelude to Adventure."

  • CJCS' top enlisted advisor speaks to DOD initiatives

    On the cusp of one of Minot Air Force Base's most demanding inspections this year, Airmen here welcomed the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia.

  • DOD releases new religious accommodation instruction

    The Defense Department released a new instruction Jan. 22 that details its updated policy on making religious accommodations requested by service members, Pentagon spokesman Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nathan J. Christensen said.

  • Ugandan troops support US airlift missions

    As U.S. airlift missions operating at the request of the French government and African Union authorities continue, Uganda maintains their role as a key U.S. strategic partner.

  • Nominees sought for 2014 SAIGE Award

    The Air Force is seeking nominations for 2014 Society of American Indian Government Employees Meritorious Service Award, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today.

  • 44 selected for test pilot school

    Forty-four Air Force captains and first lieutenants have been selected as primary or alternate test pilot school program attendees, Air Force Personnel Center officials said Jan. 21.

  • AF acquisition chief nominee testifies

    Dr. Bill LaPlante testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee Jan. 16 during his nomination hearing to be the next Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition.

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America.

  • CHIEFchat: CMSAF talks about force management, EPRs

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody addressed upcoming changes to enlisted performance reports and effects of force management during his 2nd worldwide CHIEFchat at Defense Media Activity here Jan. 9. CHIEFchat is a recurring initiative, designed to give Airmen around the world a

  • Official urges support for Afghan counternarcotics efforts

    A senior Defense Department official has warned about the growing threat of narcotics originating in Afghanistan and has urged continued support for efforts to eradicate production. Erin Logan, the Defense Department’s principal director for counternarcotics and global threats told the Senate Caucus

  • Recruiting on track, but officials worry about future

    Military recruiting is going well today, but economic and demographic changes will make the environment more difficult in the future, said Vee Penrod, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for military personnel policy.

  • 34 ICBM launch officers implicated in cheating probe

    Thirty-four intercontinental ballistic missile launch officers at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., have been implicated in cheating on the ICBM launch officer proficiency test, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said Jan. 15. The revelations emerged during an investigation into alleged illegal

  • Aerospace medicine: More than just doctors

    Aerospace medicine does more than keep aircrews fit to accomplish their day-to-day operations. The 99th Aerospace Medicine Squadron performs a number of operations ranging from medically certifying aircrews, to responding to medical emergencies on the flightline. They are also responsible for

  • DOD raises awareness of human trafficking

    Defense Department officials have a zero-tolerance level for human trafficking and have stepped up awareness and education efforts to curb the crime overseas.

  • Press briefing on ongoing Air Force investigation

    Senior Air Force officials will brief the press at 2:30 p.m. EST today in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973). Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James and Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, will provide an update on the status of Air Force investigations into allegations of

  • Collection of ‘heroic’ Airmen stories to be released in February

    The latest edition of an annual collection of heroic Airmen stories is slated to be released the first week of February, the project officer said Jan. 10. Portraits in Courage was designed to tell Airmen’s stories of courage, valor and heroism, Maj. John Baum said.

  • TRICARE ends walk-in admin services at 189 facilities

    TRICARE military health plan service centers will end administrative walk-in services in the U.S. on April 1, Pentagon officials said Jan. 13. While the 189 facilities will stop taking walk-ins, beneficiaries can accomplish any administrative task online or by phone, said Pentagon spokesman Army

  • AF family heads to national fitness finals

    McConnell's first family to compete in the national Triple Play Fit Family Challenge has progressed to the third and final tier of the national competition. The Blairs are among the top five out of two hundred families who will travel to Los Angeles, Calif., to compete for the title.

  • Hurricane Hunters transition from tropical gales to arctic blasts

    Maintaining constant awareness of what storm systems are doing is a concerted effort between the National Weather Service and the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron here, also known as the Hurricane Hunters. Each year, to combat the persistent threat of winter storms, the 53rd WRS fly out over the

  • Road to marksmanship

    It's time to deploy and part of out-processing is weapons training. For younger Airmen, this might be the first time they have shot since basic military training. The thought of having to qualify could be nerve racking to some, while others have their eyes set on becoming a marksman. Regardless of

  • Religious support teams provide hope and comfort at Bagram hospital

    Medical personnel at the Craig Joint Theater Hospital see patients from all over Afghanistan with medical issues ranging from kidney stones and appendicitis to trauma battle-related issues, but other teams are also present to provide another type of healing that goes beyond medical care. Two sets of