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  • Pacific partners close Cope Tiger with ceremony

    U.S., Thai and Singaporean servicemembers marked the end of Cope Tiger 2010 with a closing ceremony March 12 here.Air Chief Marshal Itthaporn Subhawong, the Royal Thai Air Force commander in chief, served as the host and presided over the ceremony. He was joined by Gen. Gary North, the Pacific Air

  • Interpreters crucial to Iraqi training mission

    U.S. Airman serving in the Iraq training and advisory mission - Air Force must accomplish their objective to "Train, Advise, and Assist" but when the students speak a foreign language, how is it possible?One word: Interpreter."What we do here is not just interpretation for conversation," said Joe,

  • Official announces plans to curb fighter program's cost

    Defense Department officials will require a shift to a fixed-price contract in their negotiations with Lockheed Martin for the initial production phase of the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter, a defense official said here March 15 in a briefing at the Pentagon. Department officials also will

  • Thai students visit air force base

    Royal Thai Air Force members opened their gates to the public for the first time March 10 for an open house featuring U.S. Air Force aircraft and people, here.Approximately 50 students from Ban Phaknam School, located about one hour away from the base, visited with Airmen participating in Cope Tiger

  • Maintainers remove 26-year-old engine

    The first KC-135R Stratotanker F108-100 engine delivered to the Air Force 26 years ago in the United States made its last flight March 1here.When KC1-35R tanker engines were originally purchased from CFM International, it marked the first time in history military officials bought a commercial engine

  • Air Force Reserve to get C-17s at Wright-Patt

    Air Force officials will begin next year replacing 10 C-5 Galaxy aircraft with eight C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.The secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff approved the change March 12. The officials anticipate that the first four C-17s

  • Kirkuk Airmen build desks for Iraqi children

    Several Airmen from the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron here volunteered to refurbish desks for school children in March.The idea for refurbishing the school desks sprang from a conversation Chief Master Sgt. Tom Pizzi, the 506th ECES chief enlisted manager, deployed from McChord Air

  • Remotely piloted aircraft sensor operators named team of year

    Air Force and Air Force Association officials recently announced remotely piloted aircraft sensor operators as the 2010 Team of the Year.AFA officials named five enlisted Airmen in the RPA sensor operators' career field as individual 2010 Team of the Year award winners.Each year, AFA officials

  • Joint fighter faces critical period

    Contracting for the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter, touted as the future backbone of U.S. air superiority, must be brought in line with budget realities to make the aircraft affordable again, a defense official said in March here. Key manufacturing and testing milestones are expected for the

  • Blood platelet donations vital in deployed environment

    When a servicemember is critically injured in Iraq or Afghanistan and in need of a blood transfusion, it is the responsibility of technicians in the 932nd Blood Support Detachment here to ensure units of blood platelets are collected and shipped out to the caretakers tending to the wounded. Medical

  • New process available for selecting retirement option

    Officers and enlisted Airmen reaching 15 years of active-duty service will have new procedures in place beginning April 1 to accept enrollment in the Redux retirement plan. Airmen will receive an electronic notification of their eligibility for the High-3 Choice retirement plan that allows members

  • Defense secretary discusses Iraq, Afghanistan with deployed troops

    Servicemembers quizzed Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates about Afghanistan, the elections in Iraq and the Iran situation during a question-and-answer period March 11 here. Secretary Gates spoke to members of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, which has been deployed here since January 2002 in

  • Scott youth participate in international robot competition

    "Void turnLeftRotation (int pwr, int rotation)MotorEncoder[motorRight]=0MotorEncoder[motorLeft]=0While(abs(nMotorEncoder [motorRight] Or, in human terms, turn left. But Zippy isn't human, he's a robot, and behind Zippy stands a six-person team consisting of home-schooled high school students, four

  • Diversity outreach unites Academy, community

    When is being at the end of your rope a good thing? How about when you're a middle- or high-school student visiting the U.S. Air Force Academy's rock climbing wall as part of the Cadet Wing's Youth Diversity Outreach program?Nearly 30 teenagers from the local community spent a full day with cadets,

  • Reserve Command repeats as top MAJCOM for maintenance excellence

    For the second year in a row, the Air Force Reserve Command was named the Gen. Wilbur L. Creech Maintenance Excellence Award winner.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz hosted the 2009 award ceremony in the Pentagon March 11. Receiving the award was Col. T. Glenn Davis, former director of

  • McGuire Airmen return from deployment

    Officials from the 305th Air Mobility Wing here welcomed home Airmen from the 6th Airlift Squadron March 2 as they returned from supporting operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.Throughout their four-month deployment, the C-17 Globemaster III squadron Airmen executed more than 3,000 sorties,

  • Solar array to 'dim' Luke's electric bill

    Members of the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron here are exploring ways to reduce the multi million dollar electric bill and go 'green' with plans to build one of the largest solar arrays in the Air Force by December 2011 at Luke Air Force Base.2nd Lt. Christopher Warshaw, the 56th CES energy projects

  • Pilot for day visits 56th Training Squadron

    A 6-year-old quadriplegic became a pilot for a day Feb. 26 at Luke Air Force Base.Brandon "Hulk" Davis, visited Luke AFB with his mother, Tina Davis; aunt, Jess Davis; future uncle, Chris and his home nurse, Emmy.Brandon was selected to participate in the pilot for a day program at Luke after he was

  • American servicemembers help Afghans make strides

    Some Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul military members will soon prepare to travel back to their duty stations after assisting their Afghan partners with improvements in Zabul province communities.Over the course of 10 months, the collective staff completed more than 65 projects, totaling more

  • Manpower agency officials name annual award winners

    Air Force Manpower Agency officials recognized their 2009 top performers recently during an annual awards luncheon here.The awards recognized the top military members, civilians and teams throughout the Air Force Manpower Agency."The winners represent the best across the Air Force at helping

  • Policy to mandate head injury evaluations

    Defense Department officials said they expect to launch a new policy in the coming months that will make head-injury evaluations mandatory for all servicemembers who may have concussions. The current guidelines for treating servicemembers with such injuries allows for them to come forward on their

  • WASPs awarded Congressional Gold Medal

    The first female military pilots received the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony in the Capitol March 10. Almost 70 years ago, the Women Airforce Service Pilots were disbanded with little fanfare, but this ceremony was a way to make things right for the trailblazers, said Secretary of the Air

  • 'Legends of Aerospace' visit Airmen in Southwest Asia

    The first and last men to walk on the moon, the commander of Apollo 13, the last Air Force pilot "Ace" and the SR-71 chief test pilot, all "Legends of Aerospace,"  were the honored guests of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing March 8 at an air base in Southwest Asia.Hundreds of servicemembers flocked

  • Multi-aircraft mission provides key training in Thailand

    C-17 Globemaster III aircrews integrated with multiple aircraft types to complete an airdrop training mission as part of Cope Tiger 2010 March 8, here.The C-17s from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, flew in a three-ship formation to conduct airdrops while under escort of A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from

  • Cyber Control System launch under way

    Electronic Systems Center program managers are in Virginia the week of March 8 for a contract kick-off meeting on Increment One of the Cyber Control System, after awarding the critical $8.9 million contract to Electronic Data Systems, a Hewlett Packard company, two weeks ago.CCS Increment-1 will

  • Air Guard officials tweak recruiting Web site

    Considering today's explosive popularity of social media and online research it may come as no surprise that military recruiting Web sites are rushing to keep up with new technologies and trends.Air National Guard officials are riding that wave with more personal interactivity in their public

  • Female World War II pilots lay wreath at Air Force Memorial

    More than 1,000 civilians and servicemembers watched as World War II Women Airforce Service Pilot corps remembered their sisters-in-arms during a wreath-laying ceremony March 9 at the Air Force Memorial here.Several WASPs, many clad in their World War II-era service uniform, placed roses next to the

  • Trip to war region heightens general's resolve

    The commander of the Air Force Materiel Command returned here recently from a trip to Southwest Asia to interact with Airmen who depend on his command for the supplies, parts and maintenance services they need to get their jobs done.General Donald J. Hoffman shared his message for the AFMC work

  • 2009 Air Force safety awards announced

    Officials at the Air Force Safety Center here have released the list of recipients of the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff and Chief of Safety Awards for 2009.  These awards, according to safety officials, exemplify the best of the Air Force safety teams and the hard work of the winners.

  • Women pilots of World War II inspired generations

    Under a clear blue sky, beneath the spires of the U.S. Air Force Memorial here, military aviators gathered March 9 here to pay homage to the achievements of the first women to fly military aircraft during World War II. The memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony, with a reception afterward, was

  • Photo essay: Kadena Airmen learn to 'survive'

    More than 200 Airmen take part in the "Ability to Survive and Operate" course Feb. 24 through March 2 here.  Members of the 18th Munitions Squadron  trained to operate in an hostile environment covering mobility protective wear, post-attack reconnaissance sweeps, and unidentified explosive ordnance

  • U.S., Pakistan air forces conduct air refueling information exchange

    Pilots and aircrews from the U.S. and Pakistan air forces participated in a joint aerial refueling information exchange as part of an on-going effort to enhance cooperation and develop the air refueling capabilities of both nations in early March at Pakistan air force base Chaklala.Pilots and

  • Latest issue of Airman magazine available

    In the latest issue of Airman magazine, the "Ghostwalkers," Airmen with a unique mission hone their skills for action outside the wire.Whether they are called to secure a captured airfield or provide force protection in a combat zone, these security forces warriors depend on each other. Intensive

  • Utah Air Guard mission in Chile changes from training to humanitarian

    Four members of the Utah Air National Guard's 151st Air Refueling Wing based here had a rude awakening Feb. 27 when the 15th floor of their hotel in Santiago, Chile, started to shake. Deployed to Chile to provide flying and maintenance support to the Chilean air force on their new KC-135 "E" model

  • NFL players visit Bagram Airmen

    Four National Football League players visited Bagram Airfield servicemembers March 5, as part of a USO tour of the U.S. Central Command area of operations.Mario Williams, a defensive end for the Houston Texans; Jason Whitten, a tight end for the Dallas Cowboys; Vernon Davis, a tight end for the San

  • 24 cadets receive Academy's first UAS-RPA wings

    Four junior and 20 sophomore U.S. Air Force Academy cadets received the first unmanned aerial systems-remotely piloted aircraft wings awarded in the school's 55-year history during a function at the Dean's Heritage House Feb. 25, here.  Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, the Academy superintendent and Brig. Gen.

  • National leaders set to discuss Euro-NATO pilot training

    Officials from the 80th Flying Training Wing's Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program here will host the ENJJPT Steering Committee March 8 to12.  During this 59th meeting of the committee, program participants, including national leaders, plan to discuss issues and set policies. As the commander

  • Fledgling eagles learn to fly

    Twenty-four F-15E Strike Eagle pilots and weapon systems officers graduated the 333rd Fighter Squadron basic course during a ceremony March 6 at the Walnut Creek Country Club in Goldsboro, N.C. "The 'B-Course,' as it is affectionately known, is a nine-month program designed to mold novice pilots and

  • VA secretary seeks improved Agent Orange claims process

    Veterans Affairs officials announced March 9 an aggressive new initiative to solicit private-sector input on a proposed fast-track Veterans' claims process for service-connected presumptive illnesses due to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War. "This will be a new way of doing business and a

  • Airmen to train Iraqi air force college students

    Airmen will teach the first Iraqi air force college pilot-training course beginning in March with Iraq's new T-6A trainer.The tandem-cockpit aircraft, that began arriving in Tikrit, Iraq, Dec. 16, is the platform Iraqi airmen will use to transform the college into a cornerstone of Iraqi air

  • All-Iraqi effort during nation's election

    The Iraqi air force flew an all-Iraqi effort in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for the first time in Iraq this week in support of an Iraqi election.Kirkuk Regional Air Base's Iraqi air force Squadron 3 launched six of their aircraft on the morning of March 5, during a surge flight

  • U.S. Air Force medics train fledgling Afghan medical corps

    Airmen assigned to the 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron here are teaching Afghan soldiers at the Afghan National Army Air Corps Command Air Corps Medical Service Clinic the skills necessary to keep their soldiers on the battlefield. "The standards we are setting here are critical," said

  • Air Force mortuary staff ensures dignity, honor for fallen

    Under a deluge of rain, the 757 touched down here late at night, returning Army Staff Sgt. Michael David P. Cardenaz home. He had been killed just a few days before in an enemy attack in Afghanistan. With family and friends near, an Army carry team marched in slow, measured steps to the aircraft,

  • Beale Airmen 'Read Across America'

    Airmen from the 9th Communications Squadron here joined in the nation's largest reading celebration March 2, at Arobga Elementary School, here. The Airmen interacted with schoolchildren as they read their favorite books during the National Education Association's Read across America week. The

  • Airmen take flight at Cope Tiger

    Flying operations for A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots participating in Cope Tiger 2010 kicked off with a four-ship training mission March 4, here.Cope Tiger is a multilateral, combined and joint command post and field training exercise involving the United States, Thailand and Singapore. This year's

  • Sheppard security forces disarm Airman

    Airmen from the 82nd Security Forces Squadron here disarmed a man at 9:20 p.m. March 7after they received a report of someone carrying a weapon near a building here.No shots were fired and no one was injured during the incident.The call came in at about 9:08 p.m. that a man with a weapon was walking

  • AAFES officials open first 'green' BX at Randolph

    Army and Air Force Exchange Service officials unveiled its first-ever environmentally friendly base exchange to shoppers when it opened the doors of the new Randolph Air Force Base Exchange March 5.The new Randolph Air Force Base BX is AAFES' first exchange built to the environmental standards set

  • Bagram Airmen respond to aircraft emergency

    Airmen assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group here were some of the first responders on the scene after an Airbus A300 crew performed an emergency landing March 1 here.The aircraft, contracted to DHL International, was carrying mail and cargo when an unsafe gear indicator alerted the

  • 'Today's Air Force' features Air Force joint responsibilities

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Airmen all over the world are teaming up with joint and coalition partners for important training and humanitarian missions. Plus, watch a feature on how Airmen team up to help others after an attack. And, you'll see how Air Force fighter pilots are making the

  • Air Force leaders outline plans before Senate committee

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz testified March 4 before the Senate Armed Services Committee to outline specifics about their $119.6 billion budget proposal for fiscal 2011."The last two decades of sustained operations have strained our

  • Missouri Air Guard C-130s, crews fly to Chile

    Two Missouri Air National Guard C-130 Hercules transport aircraft with 47 crewmembers are en route March 5, to aid earthquake-ravaged Chile. 139th Airlift Wing officials sent the two aircraft, crews and maintenance support personnel from Puerto Rico, where they had been supporting U.S. Southern

  • Air Combat Command leader visits Davis-Monthan Airmen

    The commander of Air Combat Command visited Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Feb. 23 and 24 to learn more about the base mission and thank the Airmen, civilians and family members for their service. With Davis-Monthan AFB's Airmen continuously deployed around the world, to include supporting relief

  • Yokota Airmen participate in large-force exercise

    Airmen and aircraft from the 374th Airlift Wing here participated in the Ryukyu Air Warrior exercise Feb. 22 at Kadena Air Base, Japan.The exercise was designed to enhance aircrew exposure to large force exercises, inter-flying with different aircraft, air-to-air counter tactics and defensive

  • Airmen conduct community event in Thailand

    Airmen from the U.S., Thailand and Singapore joined together to provide medical, dental and optometry care to local residents as part of Cope Tiger 2010 March 4 here. Cope Tiger is a multilateral aerial large force exercise aimed at improving interoperability and strengthening relationships with

  • Incirlik members honor fallen defender

    Friends, handlers and fellow military working dogs gathered Feb. 25 at a memorial service for a 39th Security Forces Squadron military working dog who died Jan. 10 due to health complications.Nine-year-old Ronnie was a member of the 39th SFS for eight years, and has served the wing and its

  • U.S., Luxembourg partnership supports U.S. troop surge in Afghanistan

    As President Barack Obama's plan to plus up U.S. forces in Afghanistan goes into motion, members of the 86th Materiel Maintenance Squadron here are helping one of U.S. Air Force's in Europe's largest movement of war readiness materiel since Operation Desert Storm in 1991."The pure size of it alone

  • Budget balances security, economics, Lynn tells Congress

    The fiscal 2011 defense budget request includes modest but necessary spending increases in line with President Barack Obama's effort to balance national security with economic needs, the deputy defense secretary told Congress members March 4 here. The $708 billion request "reflects the

  • Lockheed to speed development of F-35

    Defense Department leaders and Lockheed Martin executives explained to international partners changes that have been made in the joint strike fighter program. Ashton B. Carter, the department's undersecretary for acquisition, technology and logistics, and Robert Stevens, the chief operating officer

  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe leader discusses future challenges

    The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander recognized the contributions of 86th Airlift Wing Airmen to the U.S. military, as well as to all of Europe during his visit here March 2.Though a frequent customer of many of the services the wing provides due to his residency here, Gen. Roger A. Brady's visit

  • Exercise builds NATO partnerships at Ramstein

    The latest U.S. Air Forces in Europe Silver Flag Exercise offered Airmen from Italy to England to participate in a week long contingency operations training exercise Feb. 21 through 28, here. The exercise opened the door for international partners, allowing members of the Croatian army to observe

  • B-2s arrive at Andersen

    More than 240 Airmen from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., arrived here in late February to support the deployment of B-2 Spirits as part of the continuous bomber presence here.The Airmen and aircraft replaced the servicemembers and the B-52 Stratofortresses deployed here from Barksdale AFB, La.

  • C-130 low-cost, low-altitude combat airdrops now operational

    A C-130 Hercules aircrew conducted a new method of airdrop that makes deliveries more accurate and flexible for resupply of small, mobile forces Feb. 6, in Afghanistan. The C-130 aircrew from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, performed the first-ever low-cost, low-altitude combat airdrop to re-supply

  • U.S., Thai servicemembers conduct personnel airdrop training

    U.S. Airmen and Royal Thai Air Force members conducted personnel airdrop training from a C-17 Globemaster III as part of Cope Tiger 2010 here on March 3.More than 60 qualified jumpmasters completed three separate jumps near Bangkok, Thailand, as the first major activity of the Cope Tiger field

  • 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' review seeks broadest input

    The Defense Department's review on the potential impact of repealing the ban on gays serving openly in the military will solicit input from troops of every service and rank -- as well as their families -- through surveys, focus groups and social media tools, the team heading up the review told

  • Joint project lifts economy, skills in Kirkuk

    A joint project involving the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron readiness management support engineers and a local contractor ishelping Iraqis rebuild their nation on the concepts of learning and earning. The various civil engineers are all involved in upgrading the base sanitary sewer

  • A1 annual award winners announced

    The deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services recently announced the 2009 award winners for the A1 community."The A1 community is ready, engaging and constantly leaning forward to support Airmen and taking care of their families," said Lt. Gen. Richard Newton. "While celebrating the

  • Bilateral training hones U.S., JASDF capabilities

    U.S. and Japanese military aircraft joined to practice defending Okinawa from simulated enemies during joint bilateral training here Feb. 22 through 26. The training involved a variety of aircraft flying simulated hostile scenarios aimed at training personnel for joint planning and execution of

  • AFSOC hosts physical ability stamina test for special tactics Airmen

    The Air Force Special Operations Training Center staff is scheduled to host a physical ability stamina test at 7:30 a.m. March 12 at the Special Tactics Training Squadron for applicants interested in joining the pararescue, combat control or special operations weather career fields.Applicants will

  • Museum remembers 'Aztec Eagles'

    National Museum of the Air Force officials revealed a new exhibit Feb. 26 here dedicated to Mexican airmen who fought alongside U.S. forces in World War II.Members of the Mexican air force Escuadron 201, commonly referred to as the Aztec Eagles, are featured in the exhibit. "The Mexican Air Force,"

  • Ellsworth firefighters train at night

    Firefighters from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron here participated in a night building fire exercise Feb. 17.  The 28 CES fire department practices various training scenarios to maintain readiness qualifications. View the slideshow.

  • Officials offer tips to help children develop healthy habits

    March is National Nutrition Month and with that comes an increased focus on healthy eating. Nutrition is an integral part of health in all individuals, especially in children, and Airmen and their families should take some time this month to assess your eating habits and how they may be affecting

  • Air Force officials work on trimmed-down instrument landing system

    Officials from the 853rd Electronic Systems Group here are working to improve the transportability and deployability of instrument landing systems with an upcoming request for proposal for a deployable instrument landing system, or D-ILS.An instrument landing system is a precision-approach system

  • Airmen prepare BEAR base for troops in Afghanistan

    Holloman Air Force Base Airmen began the movement of approximately 150 truckloads of assets that will directly support joint and coalition forces in Afghanistan Feb. 24 here.Members of the 49th Materiel Maintenance Group, the Air Force's only Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources base, have been

  • Airmen arrive in Thailand for Cope Tiger 2010

    Airmen arrived in Thailand Feb. 26 to join servicemembers from Singapore and Thailand for the Cope Tiger 2010 field training exercise.This year's exercise will take place March 1 through 12 at Korat and Udon Thani Royal Thai Air Force bases in Thailand. Cope Tiger is an annual, multilateral aerial

  • Eglin optometrist keeps eye on goal

    An Eglin Air Force Base optometrist was recently named the Optometrist of the Year for The Armed Forces Optometric Society, Association of Military Surgeons and the Air Force.Lt. Col. Annette Williamson of the 96th Aerospace Medicine Squadron here also served as the lead optometry consultant for the

  • DOD social media policy balances Web 2.0 with security

    The new Department of Defense policy allowing access to social media from computers connected to the military's unclassified network balances the mission value of Web 2.0 tools and the need for security, a top defense official said. Since being hired as principal deputy assistant secretary of

  • Coalition forces team up for vehicle training

    Four Airmen from the 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Management Flight here spent four days training Iraqi army members on basic maintenance procedures in mid-February at Camp Ur, Iraq.Planning for the training mission began after Tech. Sgt. Scott Preston, a Logistics

  • Air Combat Command leader visits Holloman Airmen

    The commander of Air Combat Command visited here Feb. 22 to get an up-close look at the Holloman Air Force Base mission.Gen. William M. Fraser III, and his wife, Bev, visited base Airmen and answered their questions during a basewide all-call earlier that morning.General Fraser explained the main

  • Airmen help thousands in Philippines

    Operation Pacific Angel 10-1 officially ended Feb. 22 after seven days of civic assistance projects here that provided medical care to nearly 14,000 patients, veterinary care to more than 3,300 animals, and new classrooms for approximately 480 local children.Operation Pacific Angel is a joint and

  • F-35 pilots 'measure' up, move closer to training

    Pilots here received measurements for the first F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter equipment Feb. 25 to move closer to training in the military's newest fighter aircraft.The new pilot equipment includes everything from underwear to cold-weather outer gear to anti-G garments. RFD Beaufort, the

  • Green businesses sprouting at closed former California Air Force bases

    It may be counterintuitive to think of Environmental Protection Agency Superfund sites as hotbeds of green technology. But as Air Force Real Property Agency representatives -- responsible for buying, selling and managing Air Force property worldwide -- continue cleaning, restoring and transferring

  • NCO receives NATO command's Junior Military Member of the Year Award

    An NCO assigned to NATO's strategic command was named the 2009 Junior Military Member of the Year. Staff Sgt. Sharica Jenkins-Hill, an Air Force knowledge operations manager for the Allied Command Transformation, provides administrative support to the futures, capabilities, research and technology

  • Reservists support weather reconnaissance mission

    One of the first things Air Force Reserve Command Hurricane Hunter crewmembers learn about their job ― flying airplanes into hurricanes and other storms to collect weather data ― is to downplay fear.Lt. Col. Ty Piercefield, a 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron WC-130J Super Hercules pilot, learned

  • VA officials announce funding for polytrauma center in San Antonio

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials announced the award of two contracts totaling $41.5 million to create a polytrauma center for the care of the most severely injured veterans and to improve the existing wards at the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center in San Antonio."A top priority for VA is

  • Deployment briefings important for spouses

    When your spouse is deployed, it is inevitable that your car will break down, your house will spring a leak and everyone in the household will come down with a rare illness.The good news is there is help, no matter what the situation. And the best place to start is the Airman and Family Readiness

  • Laughlin pilot helps launch Iraqi air force

    The former 47th Flying Training Wing inspector general and an instructor pilot here, returned from a deployment to Iraq four months early. Lt. Col. Chris Spigelmire, the 521st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron commander, returned to Laughlin Air Force Base when the squadron de-activated four

  • Wing plays major role in supporting Unified Endeavor

    More than 100 members of the 505th Command and Control Wing here recently helped prepare Soldiers for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan by providing predeployment training for soldiers participating in exercises at various locations.The wing provided communications and network integration,

  • Airmen's mentorship brings power of airlift to Afghans

    Airmen with the 538th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron are advising Afghanistan National Army Air Corps C-27 pilots and loadmasters here. Since November 2009, the squadron's 16 Airmen advisers, including nine pilots, five loadmasters, a flight engineer and their Afghan counterparts, have flown

  • Sheppard lieutenant wins cross country championship

    A lieutenant assigned to the 80th Operations Support Squadron here finished first at the Armed Forces Cross Country Championship Feb. 13 held in Spokane Valley, Wash. 2nd Lt. Caroline White finished the 8-kilometer course with a time of 29:27, running at a pace of 5:55 miles per minute. The win

  • Controlling deployment stress is mission critical

    Members of the 732nd Combat Stress Control Det. at Ali Base suffer from a misnomer. The name implies they only treat mental health issues relating to combat. Perhaps simply stress control would more aptly describe their mission. Their mission is to help Airmen and Soldiers deal with the routine and

  • Schriever spouse wins short story contest

    A spouse of a Schriever Air Force Base officer won the Year of the Air Force Family "My Air Force Life" short story contest in the over 18 category Feb. 24 here.Erin Wetmore, wife of 1st Lt. Ross Wetmore of the 50th Operations Support Squadron, learned in a surprise announcement that she had won

  • Dependent wins Air Force writing contest

    The daughter of an Andersen Air Force Base senior NCO won the Year of the Air Force Family short story under 18 category contest sponsored by MyAirForceLife.com Feb. 22 here.Ashley Nelson, daughter of Master Sgt. Dennis Nelson of the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron, won a laptop computer and gift

  • Airmen train Afghan National Army Air Corps' first C-27 pilot

    An Afghan National Army Air Corps pilot became the first Afghan pilot qualified to fly the C-27 here Feb. 23.American Airmen helped train Afghan Lt. Faiz Ramaki as the Afghan National Army Air Corps' newest pilot on the Air Corps' newest aircraft. "He's very sharp," said Lt. Col. Paul Bedesem, a

  • Bilateral training strengthens American, Japanese ties

    A group of Japan Air Self Defense Force enlisted members recently experienced the on- and off-duty life of an American Airman during a bilateral exchange program held at Kadena Air Base Feb. 12 to 18.The exchange program, a 5th Air Force initiative established to bolster cultural and professional

  • Tanker solicitation seeks fair competition, best value

    The final request for proposals to solicit bids for a new aerial tanker was designed to promote fair, open competition that provides the best warfighting capability for the best value, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said Feb. 24 here. Meanwhile, the process will serve as a model for

  • Barksdale undergoes renovation, construction projects

    Barksdale Air Force Base members have seen 42 renovation and construction projects completed here with more than 130 on the way as Air Force Global Strike Command integrates with the 2nd Bomb Wing here. More than 50 percent of Barksdale AFB facilities are on the National Historic Register and while

  • Lackland program develops Airmen of character

    Aligning with the vision of the 37th Training Wing commander, a program emphasizing character development has had a significant impact on the Airmen of the 343rd Training Squadron. The program puts into practice the vision that Col. William H. Mott V, the 37th TRW commander, has for the wing:  shape