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  • Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming National Guards battling wildfires

    National Guard units are currently battling wildfires in parts of Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming, deploying approximately 180 Citizen Soldiers and Airmen on state active duty to assist local civilian first responders.In Colorado, Army National Guard members were assisting firefighting efforts at

  • MIA bracelet connects Airmen across decades

    Twenty-two years ago, Air Force Academy cadet Amy Santmyer, now Lt. Col. Amy Young, decided she would wear an MIA bracelet honoring Lt. Col. Charles Walling, an F-4C Phantom pilot who was shot down Aug. 8, 1966, during a close air support mission in the Dong Nai province northeast of Saigon,

  • CSAF: Balance required to avoid a 'hollow force'

    The Air Force chief of staff reinforced the importance of avoiding a "hollow force" to a group of civic and industry leaders attending the Air Force Association's monthly breakfast here June 11.Gen. Norton Schwartz said the Air Force must secure the proper balance between three separate but closely

  • 'Go for green' helps Airmen stay fit to fight

    Many people have heard of "fit to fight" but how many Airmen know proper nutrition is also an important part of fitness?A balanced diet can help fuel one's body, which in turn assists in maintaining fitness goals.The 86th Force Support Squadron has implemented a new Air Force-wide standardized

  • Michigan ANG in Estonia for Saber Strike 2012

    The Michigan Air National Guard has landed in Estonia. Operating as part of Saber Strike 2012, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and Latvia, the Michigan ANG has landed KC-135 Stratotanker and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft at Amari Air Base, Estonia. "We are eager to begin working with our

  • Marine, AF pilots temporarily swap services

    Two instructor pilots assigned to the 310th Fighter Squadron are currently on very similar and overlapping career paths at Luke Air Force Base as part of the Joint Service Pilot Exchange Program.Air Force Capt. Michael McGrew is on his way to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., to begin the

  • Airmen retrieve fuel tanks from at Misawa AB

    Eight Airmen from the 35th Fighter Wing recovered two external fuel tanks from the Draughon Range bombing facility here June 1.On May 17, 2012, at 9:15 a.m., an F-16 Fighting Falcon from Misawa Air Base inadvertently released the two external fuel tanks while conducting flight training on Draughon

  • Airmen train in joint environment

    Members from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps came out to Davis-Monthan for helicopter pre-deployment training June 7.Lt. Col. Kjall Gopaul, 355th Mission Support Group deputy commander, led the multiservice training. It was the first of its kind at the base."This training is important so

  • AF med group tests disaster response

    Medical professionals from the 779th Medical Group honed their disaster-response skills during a recent exercise here.Two expeditionary medical support teams, made up of more than 50 members each, constructed and took down a 25-bed field hospital. "The EMEDS team provides full scale medical support

  • 2nd Lt. earns Air Medal

    Before pilots fly in a deployed environment they have to become "mission ready." From the start of pilot training the process takes upwards of two years, but one hard-charging second lieutenant managed to obtain his commission, his wings and fly more than 20 combat sorties in the area of

  • Commando competition promotes special ops skills, collaboration

    As elite commandos from across the Western Hemisphere compete this week in a grueling counterterrorism and special operations skills competition, the commander of Special Operations Command South said they're building the relationships required to confront transnational organized crime gripping much

  • Buckley firefighters perform water rescue during storms

    Members of the Buckley Fire Department were dispatched around midnight June 7 to a water rescue call in Aurora, Colo. A man was trapped in his van due to flooding caused by severe storms, but due to the efforts of the fire department, he escaped unharmed, officials said.The call came in from Sable

  • Luke AFB reduces energy, earns money

    The 56th Civil Engineer Squadron here will receive approximately $54,500 from an energy program by reducing the amount of electricity Luke Air Force Base uses from June 1 to Sept. 30. The Peak Solutions Program was created through a partnership between Comverge, an energy management solution

  • Cactus Starfighter brings fight to range

    Troops sat pinned down under attack from a line of enemy vehicles. Insurgents shot down the F-16 Fighting Falcon coming to help and the pilot lay stranded near the fighting. On a small hilltop behind a pile of rocks, the joint terminal attack controller looks over the scene and coordinates close-air

  • NOAA armed for 2012 hurricane season

    While most residents here are crossing their fingers and hoping hurricanes miss the area this year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's chief of programs is "looking forward" to the 2012 storm season.That's not to say James McFadden is hoping for plenty of hurricanes, just that he

  • Air advisors prepare Colombian air force for Red Flag

    A broken aircraft and several delays at the airport didn't stop the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron from arriving in Colombia on June 3 to begin its building partner capacity mission here.The squadron's air advisors are currently working with the Colombian air force to promote regional

  • Security forces honor fallen military working dog

    A military working dog was laid to rest during a memorial service June 6 at the Joint Base Charleston Air Base Theater here.Waldo, an 11-year-old German shepherd and military working dog assigned to the 628th Security Forces Squadron, recently died from an illness. "The service today was nice, but

  • Solar energy upgrade boosts efficiency

    The 99th Air Base Wing headquarters building here is adding solar panels in an effort to make the building more energy efficient.Nellis Air Force Base is in the process of starting and completing eight separate projects to make Nellis AFB, Creech AFB and the Nevada Test and Training Range more

  • Hercules: A day in the life

    The C-130 Hercules continues to play an integral role transporting troops and cargo throughout Afghanistan. In addition to hauling cargo and passengers to forward operating locations throughout Afghanistan, the aircrews of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing here are often tasked to fly airdrops,

  • Air Force transfers last piece of former Lowry AFB back to community

    The final 70 acres of the former Buckley Annex was given back to the Denver community during a final transfer ceremony June 1 here.Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said the old Lowry Air Force Base was once a thriving hub for the United States Air Force and its members, and is now a vibrant and

  • Holloman Airman killed in motorcycle accident

    A staff sergeant assigned to Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., was killed in a motorcycle accident six miles north of Timberon, N.M., May 27 at approximately 1:30 p.m.Staff Sgt. Jamaa Zachry, 27, was a 49th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment journeyman from Wichita Falls, Texas. He joined

  • Officials release investigation report on trainee's death

    The Air Force released a report of investigation June 7 into the death of an Air Force trainee, which occurred Oct. 19, 2011.The report cited Airman 1st Class Steven D. Williams' cause of death as cardiac dysrhythmia, or abnormal rhythm. Williams was in basic military training at Joint Base San

  • Summer offers additional PLAYpass use opportunities

    As summer approaches, eligible Airmen and their families have the opportunity to use the PLAYpass Get Out and PLAY program to save hundreds of dollars with discounts in recreational and life skills classes.PLAYpass cards, valued at more than $500, allow single Airmen returning from deployments,

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Air Force releases supplemental promotion list

    More than 200 Airmen have been selected for promotion as part of the June enlisted supplemental promotion process, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced here.To see the list, go to http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-120607-013.pdf. Airmen on the supplemental list are those who

  • Warfighting data becoming easier to find and retrieve

    Recent contract awards by the Electronic Systems Center here are helping to ensure that warfighters using a key intelligence system can discover and access needed information.The Distributed Common Ground/Surface System Integration Backbone consists of a common set of services and standards that are

  • Partnership helps military spouses find employment

    As the wife of the Air Force Chief of Staff, Suzie Schwartz has the opportunity to meet with Air Force families stationed all across the country and around the world. And when she does, one issue that comes up time and again is spouse employment. During a recent interview, Schwartz said a relatively

  • AFA announces Air Force spouse of the year

    By reaching out to others and volunteering countless hours in support of many 22nd Air Refueling Wing and community organizations, one McConnell Air Force Base spouse has earned Air Force-wide recognition. Amanda Chastain, a 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron spouse, was named the 2012 Joan Orr Air Force

  • EPA recognizes Hanscom office building for energy efficiency

    Hanscom Air Force Base's newest office building earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR certification May 31.The certifcate signifies that Building 1604 performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency and meets strict energy efficiency

  • New flight restrictions haven't curbed F-22 operations

    Safety measures put in place in May on F-22 Raptor flights have had no impact on operations, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. John Kirby told reporters today.Kirby and Pentagon Press Secretary George Little last month announced restrictions to F-22 flight operations after 12 pilots reported

  • Wolfenbarger receives fourth star, assumes leadership of AFMC

    Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger became the first female four-star general in the Air Force and assumed the top position of Air Force Materiel Command during ceremonies here June 5, 2012.Wolfenbarger took the reins of the major command responsible for the technology, acquisition, test and sustainment of the

  • Airmen will have more assignment prep time

    Following a full review of the permanent change of station orders process, Air Force Personnel Center officials have implemented a new policy that will allow members more time to schedule move-related appointments, said Dave Faris, the AFPC PCS budget/assignment analysis section deputy chief.Defense

  • U.S., British service members honor French village for D-Day support

    Air Force reservists and other U.S. and allied military members paid their respects to the people of this small French village June 1 as part of a number of ceremonies recognizing the 68th anniversary of the Normandy D-Day invasion.Airmen from the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd, 910th and 440th

  • Policy change to allow reservists to carry leave balance

    Air Force Reserve officials are working to change policy to allow reservists who earn days of leave to carry those days over from year to year.New laws and Department of Defense instructions permit reservists to carry over the leave days. However, policy and procedures have not caught up with the

  • Initiative could help improve ISR operators' processes

    The Electronic Systems Center Command and Control Constellation program recently held an operational demonstration in here to evaluate a new prototype capability to improve command and control of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data.The prototyping initiative, called Deliberate and

  • Air Force consolidates three field operating agencies

    Three San Antonio-based field operating agencies officially consolidated with the June 1 initial operational capability announcement, Air Force officials said June 4. The Air Force Personnel Center, Air Force Services Agency and Air Force Manpower Agency, FOAs under the Air Force Deputy Chief of

  • Airmen help preserve historic D-Day aircraft

    Airmen and volunteers from the 19th Air Support Operations Squadron are currently taking a break from their primary mission of providing joint terminal attack controllers in support of deployed brigade combat teams to restore a historically significant plane here. The team is restoring the World War

  • New upgrades revitalize B-1B Lancers

    B-1B Lancers are currently undergoing the most advanced hardware and software upgrades to date as part of the Sustainment-Block 16 program.Sustainment-Block 16 upgrades include a fully integrated data link in the aft station and vertical situation display upgrade in the front station as well as

  • Space realities require new way of thinking, official says

    The U.S. has fine-tuned its methods to promote responsible use of space and strengthen international partnerships, Ambassador Gregory L. Schulte, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for space policy, said during the 2012 Women in Aerospace Conference here June 1.In his keynote address at the

  • Medical 'C-code' not a deployment disqualifier

    Contrary to common belief, a medical assignment limitation code, commonly known as the "C-code," does not disqualify an Airman from deployment, and it does not identify an Airman for medical discharge.A "C-code" applied to a member's profile for medical reasons is one of the various tools AFPC

  • 4th FW holds historic change of command

    Col. Jeannie Leavitt assumed command of the 4th Fighter Wing from Col. Patrick Doherty during a change-of-command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., June 1. Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, the 9th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony."With the departure of one leader, we welcome

  • In memory of 11 fallen defenders

    Family and service members gathered here May 24 to honor, and pay respect to, nine security forces Airmen and two military working dogs who have paid the ultimate sacrifice during overseas contingency operations.The 11 members honored were:· Airman 1st Class Elizabeth N. Jacobson· Tech. Sgt. Jason

  • Museum, base historians receive top honors

    Robins Air Force Base is being recognized for how it showcases history and for the top-notch team that records it. The Air Force History and Museums Program recently announced the Museum of Aviation's exhibit, "Tuskegee Airmen: A Proud Heritage," as the 2012 Air Force Heritage Award winner. Dr.

  • Airmen, Soldiers complete Mobility Forces Exercise

    Army green and Air Force blue combined to deliver the successful completion of the Mobility Forces Exercise 12A, which took place May 21 through 24 here and at the nearby Nevada Test and Training Range in Tonopah, Nev. MAFEX goals included building relationships between Air Force and Army units;

  • Air Force undersecretary honored for exceptional service

     For her distinguished performance as undersecretary of the Air Force, Erin C. Conaton was presented the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service during a ceremony May 30 here.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presented the decoration to Conaton, who assumed the office of the

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Shaw captain named top AF fighter tactician

    Every year the Air Force spotlights the most outstanding fighter tactician from the combat air forces. The search combs through hundreds of pilots from four major commands, the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. For 2011, the Air Force's outstanding tactician isn't a general, a colonel, a

  • Academy cadets work with Osan engineers

    The sounds of hammers and drills echoed through the air as Air Force Academy cadets gave Osan Air Base's civil engineers an extra hand with construction May 24. Approximately 15 cadets from the Academy worked side-by-side for two weeks with the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron's Prime Base Engineer

  • Warrior Wellness equine assistance important part of healing process

    The relationship between man and his horse is a storied one. Winston Churchill once said, "There's something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." The 19th century novelist Robert Smith Surtees said, "There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse."

  • Maintainers' goal: come back alive -- every time

    "Nothing makes me happier than when I see these blades spin and the helicopter take off," said Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Kopplin, 33rd Expeditionary Helicopter Maintenance Unit lead flying helicopter crew chief. "Knowing I worked on it. Knowing that Airmen that I lead have worked on it. Knowing that we

  • Airman has 'Memorial' reunion during Braves game

    An Air Force reservist hit the proverbial grand slam by surprising his family at the Atlanta Braves Memorial Day baseball game here May 28. Master Sgt. David Sims returned from a six-month deployment to Kabul, Afghanistan with a plan to surprise his loved ones.His family, thinking he was still

  • Misawa Airman found dead

    An active-duty Airman stationed here was found dead in his off-base residence May 28.At 4:30 p.m. that day, Japanese authorities notified Misawa Air Base officials that Special Agent Mashkhur Mukhamadiev, who worked with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, was found dead at his home.

  • Air Force honored during national parade

    Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was first officially proclaimed by Gen. John Logan, Grand Army of the Republic national commander, with the issuance of General Order 11 May 5, 1868.The order says "The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or

  • Air Force senior leaders issue letter on Critical Days of Summer

    In a tri-signature memorandum, the top three Air Force leaders urged Airmen to create a culture of safety and watch out for one another.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the letter May 25

  • Air Force 'brat' a smooth operator

     (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)There are two things Senior Airman Joshua Chrisman loves: the KC-10 Extender and chicken nuggets.When the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing

  • Air Force announces OTS selection boards results

    A total of 283 men and women from across America have earned an opportunity to become Air Force leaders following their selection for an officer's commission, officials here announced May 29. Air Force Recruiting Service officials considered 960 applications as part of the Officer Training School

  • Development team to select chief nurses in June

    Lieutenant colonel and lieutenant colonel-select nurses interested in chief nurse opportunities must ensure their Airman Development Plan is up to date and statement of intent is submitted by the June 11 suspense, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.The nurse corps development team will

  • U.S., Bulgarian Airmen strengthen ties during exercise

    More than 500 U.S. Airmen and two dozen F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 31st Fighter Wing here recently returned from a deployment to Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, where they spent a month conducting bi-lateral training with Bulgarian Airmen during Thracian Star 2012.The exercise was the largest

  • Panetta urges nation to remember fallen troops on Memorial Day

    In his Memorial Day message, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta urged Americans to remember and honor the sacrifice of U.S. service members who died in the nation's wars."For many Americans, Memorial Day is a welcome break from work, a time for outdoor barbeques or a day at the beach," Panetta said.

  • Air Force safety officials launch Critical Days of Summer website

    May 25th marks the first day of the Critical Days of Summer safety campaign. The summer is a welcome time of year marked by warmer weather and increased participation in outdoor activities. Unfortunately, it's historically the time of year when the Air Force experiences disproportionately more

  • California BRAC bases now part of recycling revolution

    J.D. Wang, the CEO of a tire recycling company, believes people can recycle anything if they put their minds to it. So it seems fitting that his company is expanding into a recycled building -- once the commissary at the former Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, Calif.In Sacramento, a former

  • Black Flag: Taking care of those who wait

    The distinctive black flag, depicting a head lowered under a guard's watchtower, is often seen waving right below the American flag. Black patches with the mottos "You are not forgotten," "Keeping the promise" and "No one left behind" adorn leather vests, ball caps and bumper stickers across the

  • AFTAC Airman wins national-level award

    A member of the Air Force Technical Applications Center here is the recipient of the 63rd Annual Arthur S. Flemming Award in the field of Applied Science, Engineering and Mathematics.Capt. Joshua A. Burger, a systems engineer with AFTAC, earned the prestigious award that recognizes outstanding

  • New 3-D scanner makes impact at Eglin

    When the 46th Test Wing's Air Force SEEK EAGLE Office purchased a 3-D laser scanner system six months ago, they had no idea how much of an impact this system would make."This is state of the art," said Mark Hillman, lead engineer at the SEEK EAGLE. "We are breaking ground for the military."The

  • Afghan AF SF leads first patrol outside Kabul

    Approximately 21 Afghan air force air wing security forces led their first quick reaction force patrol outside the gates of Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport May 21.The AAF security forces were accompanied by seven members of the 439th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron who trekked up the

  • Guard, Reserve leaders discuss budget issues

    The military's reserve components remain ready and capable despite budget cuts and their transition from a strategic to operational force, senior National Guard and Reserve officials told the Senate Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee here May 23.As the drawdown continues in Afghanistan,

  • SecAF visits Eielson Airmen

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley met with senior leaders and Airmen here during a visit May 21 to 22. The secretary visited several locations on base, spoke to Airmen and met with local civic leaders. During an all call at the base theater, Donley said Airmen are the driving factor behind a

  • CMSAF visits Airmen in Jordan supporting exercise

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy and his Jordanian counterpart, Mowafaq Mohammad Al-Mostafa, the chief master sergeant of the Royal Jordanian Air Force, paid a surprise visit to U.S. Airmen forward deployed to Jordan in support of Exercise Eager Lion 12 here May 19.Eager Lion 12 is a

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Air Force leaders issue Memorial Day message

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz send the following Memorial Day message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force and their families:On May 30, 1868, the first official Memorial Day observance was held at Arlington National Cemetery to honor over

  • Yokota Airman honored for international affairs excellence

    An Air Force colonel was recognized May 23 for his role in supporting international relations through medical care and fostering joint relationships with Japan.Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton presented Col. (Dr.) Lee Harvis with the 2011 Air Force International Affairs Excellence Award

  • Air Force, NATO fly to protect Iceland's air sovereignty

    Airmen from Nevada to Germany are currently deployed here to conduct Icelandic air policing missions until June 7.The 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, which is made up of U.S. Air Force and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization personnel, is a specialized team prepared to ensure Iceland's

  • Obama to cadets: 'Your spirit is essence of America'

    During his commencement address here May 23, President Barack Obama called the Air Force Academy's Class of 2012 "exceptional" for the spirit embodied in their class motto, "Never Falter, Never Fail." This was Obama's second visit to the Academy since the summer of 2008, when the cadets were headed

  • AF colonel encourages 'caged' drivers to watch out for bikers

    Col. Dana Morel knows the dangers of motorcycle riding as well as anyone.A biker herself, Morel was a lieutenant at Mather Air Force Base, Calif., in 1986 when a young airman she knew with the base honor guard took off speeding one night. Distraught over the end of a romance, he missed a turn and

  • Army, Air Force mount renewable energy push

    The Army and Air Force are committed to developing 1 billion watts of renewable energy on their installations by 2025, senior leaders from both services announced May 23.The plan marks the latest milestone in a multi-year endeavor to find ways to make the military more energy efficient, said

  • PRT Kapisa works toward legacy of sustainment

    In the wake of the U.S. draw down in Afghanistan, many Provincial Reconstruction Teams are preparing for transition of projects to Afghan control. One of these teams, PRT Kapisa, hopes to leave a legacy of sustainment that lasts long after they are gone. The Kapisa PRT covers an area of

  • Former Airman credits AF for success in acting career

    A former service member credits the Air Force for helping him make a successful jump from the military to a television and film career.Jon Huertas, born Jon William Hofstedt, served eight years in the Air Force as an aircraft nuclear and conventional weapons specialist. He took advantage of the Air

  • SecAF visits 'Arctic Warriors'

    Airmen from around Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson gathered at Hangar 20 here May 21, where Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed the assemblage."This is a great opportunity to thank you for your recent service and the service of your families," Donley said.The secretary said visiting

  • Last AF Security Service Airman bids farewell

    For Lt. Gen. John C. (Craig) Koziol, bidding adieu culminates more than his three-plus decades as an intelligence game-changer. On the eve of his Air Force retirement capping a distinguished 36-year career, his goodbye to the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency, one of his

  • Their legacy lives on at American cemetery in UK

    Service members from across the United Kingdom will make their way to the Madingley American Cemetery Memorial Service here May 28 to remember the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who fell during World War II in defense of the U.K. U.S. Air Force Airmen will participate in the event with

  • Holloman squadron takes home AF's top logistics award

    The Airmen of the 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., recently earned the Maj. Gen. Warren R. Carter Logistics Effectiveness Award, naming them the best Air Force logistics readiness squadron.First introduced in 1962 by the Order of the Daedalians, the award is

  • New, lighter ABU available in June

    The new, Rip-stop Airman Battle Uniform (RABU), featuring a lighter nylon-cotton blend, will be available to Airmen at 16 U.S. bases and through AAFES online starting in June.The wear policy for the light-weight RABUs will be exactly the same as for the ABUs. The only difference between the ABU and

  • Today's Air Force highlights retirement prep, medical Airmen

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on May 18. In the first segment, Tech. Sgt. Trevor Pedro takes viewers to an F-22 media day hosted by the commander of Air Combat Command. Later Airman 1st Class Hillary Herrick highlights a new way Airmen can prepare for

  • Two former Airmen inducted into Astronaut Hall of Fame

    Two retired Airmen were recently inducted into the NASA's Astronaut Hall of Fame during a ceremony May 5 at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla.Retired Gen. Kevin Chilton and retired Col. Charles Precourt, along with Franklin Chang Diaz, were the 11th group of astronauts inducted, which brings the total

  • Bystander intervention training: Take a stand against sexual assault

    Bystander Intervention Training, or BIT, is the Air Force's direct strategy to provide Airmen with knowledge to recognize potentially harmful situations and take action to mitigate possible harm to their fellow wingman. Bystander intervention training is mandatory for all military personnel and for

  • Knowing common hiring authorities critical in filling civilian positions

    As the Air Force continues to reform its hiring processes, hiring managers can make better, timelier decisions when they understand which hiring authorities they should use when recruiting new employees.Hiring appointment authorities provide managers with the legal means to hire employees via a new

  • CASF team key players 'on the road' to recovery

    Saving lives in Afghanistan requires many different medical teams and varying levels of care throughout the area of responsibility.Patients injured or wounded from a forward operating base, combat outpost or an even more remote location, are brought to Kandahar Airfield by helicopter or fixed-wing

  • Law authorizes mobilizing reservists to respond to natural disasters

    New authority in this year's Defense Department authorization act allows reservists in Air Force Reserve Command and other reserve components to be called to duty in response to natural disasters or emergencies in the homeland. The law also permits mobilizations for extended periods to support

  • Air Force Marathon sells out in record time

    The 2012 Air Force Marathon was already destined to be the largest ever, and now it will be the quickest to sell out completely as well.The final 50 spots for the full marathon were snapped up early May 18 to make the sell-out official."I'm amazed at how this race has taken on a life of its own,"

  • Air Force Cross recipient soars among 'eagles'

    Next to the signatures of the "Candy Bomber," a Tuskegee Airman, the sixth chief master sergeant of the Air Force and a Vietnam prisoner of war, Air Force Cross recipient Tech. Sgt. Robert Gutierrez placed his name as the only current active-duty enlisted Airmen to be named an "Eagle."Two members of

  • CSAF presents rescue pilots multiple medals in ceremony

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presented two Distinguished Flying Cross medals with valor, each, to Col. Christopher Barnett and Maj. John Creel during a ceremony at the Pentagon May 18. Both officers received the medals for two separate battles in Afghanistan. On April 4, 2009,

  • Injured Airman reunites with family just four days after IED attack

    Staff Sgt. Brian Williams, who is deployed from the 87th Security Forces Squadron here, suffered serious injuries after an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on a mission April 25 outside Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan.That same day, Williams, who is a military working dog

  • New process to save Airmen time, effort during change of station

    Starting at the end of May and going through February 2013, officials here will help test a new procedure to centralize steps military members take to get their permanent change of station orders and other actions prior to out-processing. The project, spearheaded by the Air Force Personnel Center,

  • Deployed Airmen achieve maintenance milestone

    For aircraft maintainers deployed to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, the month of April was one for the record books.Air Force leaders track metrics in eight categories each month that reflect the overall readiness of flying units. It's an accomplishment for an aircraft maintenance unit to surpass

  • Air Force vice chief nominated to be next USAFE commander

    Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced May 11 that the president has nominated Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Phil Breedlove to be the next U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander.If confirmed by the Senate, Breedlove will replace Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, who the president nominated to become

  • Fighters to fly air defense exercise to prepare for NATO summit

    Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region fighters will be active in the skies over Chicago on Friday in preparation for the next week's NATO summit.Exercise Amalgam Virgo 12-NATO, a NORAD air defense exercise, will be held in the greater Chicago area to allow interagency

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Airman's vigilance, quick thinking prevents tragedy

    While preparing for her night shift, Senior Airman Lanea Trevino noticed something odd about the shower stall next to hers. The shower supplies, visible through the half opened curtain, had remained untouched for the entire time she had been there."It was strange," said Trevino. "I had seen nobody

  • Expanded Palace Chase applications due June 1

    Some active duty officers who are unable to separate because of an active duty service commitment may still be able to take advantage of the Expanded Palace Chase program, said Lt. Col. Tara White, Air Force Personnel Center retirements and separations chief."This isn't a new program," White said,