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  • PRT Laghman closes, Afghan district ready to stand on own

    After nearly seven years of working with the local community in the Laghman Province of Afghanistan, Provincial Reconstruction Team Laghman is closing and officials are handing the reins over to the Afghan people in the district. PRT Laghman was activated in 2005, and its mission was to help build

  • Airmen who exceed deployed time get added time off

    Airmen who serve in excess of the Secretary of Defense's established rotation goals are now eligible for additional time off, as written in the newly updated Post Deployment or Mobilization Respite Absence policy, officials said here April 25. Contained in Guidance Memorandum 4 to Air Force

  • AF Reserve, FBI train together during 'Patriot Sands'

    Five Reserve units and a federal agency teamed up April 26-29 in Florida for Patriot Sands, an airlift training exercise simulating deployed bare base conditions with limited support.Reservists with the 512th Airlift Control Flight, Dover Air Force Base, Del., 452nd ALCF, March Air Reserve Base,

  • AFTN releases newest version of Today's Air Force

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on April 27. In the first segment, Airman 1st Class Mari Mosteller shows viewers how an unmanned aircraft played an important role in the rescue of two lost civilians. Also, Tech. Sgt. Roberto Velez heads to the Amazon to cover

  • Air Force Specialty Code changes take effect in May

    Various officer and enlisted Air Force Specialty Code changes will take effect in May, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Updated Air Force officer and enlisted classification directories have been posted on the Air Force Personnel Services website (see link below). These updates include AFSC

  • Dental technicians aid ailing Afghan

    The mission readiness of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the Afghan theater is a top priority to dental technicians from the 502nd Dental Company, Area Support, 1st Medical Brigade at Kandahar Air Wing, Afghanistan. The professionals are dedicated to keeping warriors fit for duty and they

  • Warrior Games set to start

    The 3rd Annual Warrior Games begins Monday, April 30 - May 5 at the Air Force Academy and Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Wounded, ill and injured servicemen and women from the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard will participate in the Warrior Games, which is hosted by

  • Cyber warriors: Cadets shine in NSA competition

    Air Force cadet cyber warriors swept the virtual floor with the competition in the 12th annual Cyber Defense Exercise here April 16-20.The Cyber Defense Exercise is a network security competition during which service academy cadets and Defense Department post-graduate students manage and defend

  • SAIGE award winners named

    An Air Force NCO and civilian were selected as the Air Force's 2012 Society of American Indian Government Employees Meritorious Service Award winners, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced April 27.Tech. Sgt. Dana J. Timpany, with Air Force Special Operations Command, and Gayle C.

  • SecAF visits Wolf Pack

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited the Wolf Pack here April 27 to talk to Airmen about their role in the region and get a firsthand glimpse at Kunsan's mission to defend the base, accept follow-on forces and take the fight north.During Donley's visit, he met with Airmen in the 8th

  • Air Force officials to launch myPers

    Air Force officials are launching a new name for online personnel services and human resources knowledge: myPers.Rebranding the Air Force Personnel Services website, previously known as AFPERS, requires more than just a flip of the switch. Members of the Air Force Personnel Center are in the process

  • DJ Jazzy Jeff spins up deployed Airmen

    Airmen deployed to Southwest Asia aren't allowed to go to dance clubs."So we brought the club to you."DJ Jazzy Jeff, the famous disc jockey who gained popularity in the '90s alongside Will "Fresh Prince" Smith, visited the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing April 25 to entertain the troops with a mix of

  • Enlisted early retirement applications due Monday

    Airmen eligible for the Temporary Early Retirement Authority have until Monday to complete and submit their applications, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today.TERA is one of several programs the Air Force is using to size and shape the force to meet current and future mission

  • VCSAF shares words of wisdom with AFDW leaders

    A small group of Air Force officers had the opportunity to hear words of wisdom directly from one of the Air Force's top senior leaders during a special visit here April 26. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Phil Breedlove spoke at the Air Force District of Washington's Commander's Course to a

  • Airmen, Marines share training, culture

    Recently a few 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron members enjoyed a cultural exchange of a somewhat different kind. It wasn't between Air Force service members and coalition forces, but an inter-service training exchange between the 451st EAMXS C-130J maintenance Airmen and the Marine

  • Air Force delivers precision resupply to the joint warfighter

    The 317th Airlift Group successfully completed a precision airdrop capability demonstration to a distinguished panel of visitors at Fort Hood, Texas, during the U.S. Transportation Command Component Commander's Conference on April 24.The mission objective was to display combat aerial resupply by way

  • U.S., Bangladesh airmen switch seats during exercise Cope South 12

    U.S. and Bangladesh air force flight engineers traded seats in a U.S. Air Force C-130H Hercules cockpit for a subject matter expert exchange here, April 25, as part of exercise Cope South, a bilateral tactical airlift exercise conducted between the two air forces. Cope Cope South participants

  • AF network techs support missions throughout East Africa

    Far from camp here, U.S. service members stationed in austere conditions in forward operating areas around Africa have regular access to communications, thanks to the Tactical Networking team of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa's communications directorate. CJTF-HOA's TACNET allows

  • 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 strategy legend dies at age 96

    A retired Air Force general who was known as the father of "strategy to task," and was instrumental in the development and implementation of new weapon systems during the last half of the 20th Century passed away April 25, at the age of 96.Retired Lt. Gen. Glenn A. Kent spent more than three decades

  • SecAF discusses force structure, 35 FW contributions during Misawa visit

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley met with Airmen and toured several 35th Fighter Wing units April 23 during a trip to Misawa Air Base.During his visit, Donley held an Airman's Call where topics of discussion included the 35th FW's contributions to Misawa, the new Department of Defense

  • Planning continues for new Airman Heritage Museum

    Efforts are underway to expand the Air Force's enlisted heritage museum here. The Lackland Gateway Heritage Foundation plans to modernize the USAF Airman Heritage Museum with a new facility to be located on what is becoming Lackland AFB's Heritage Campus. The site location, at the North end of the

  • F-16s, MiGs engage over Bulgarian skies

    U.S. pilots from the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons based out of Aviano Air Base, Italy, have been given a rare opportunity to train and share experiences with Bulgarian air force MiG-21 and MiG-29 pilots during their deployment here in support of Thracian Star 2012.Since the start of the

  • SecAF addresses Airmen at Yokota, discusses future challenges

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed more than 300 Airmen April 24 during an all call at the Taiyo Community Center here. Donley thanked the Airmen for their work during Operation Tomodachi and also discussed the future of the Air Force in the Pacific region during the call. "All of

  • CSAF emphasizes readiness, teamwork at Kandahar

    The men and women of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing and Kandahar Airfield welcomed Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz to Southern Afghanistan April 24.During his stop, Schwartz addressed a large number of Air Force personnel from throughout the installation at an all-call conducted in a

  • Fallen Airman's family accepts medal for a hero

    Karen Hollon accepted the posthumous Airman's Medal on behalf of her husband Tech. Sgt. Steven A. Hollon during a ceremony, here April 23. The award presented by Air University Commander Lt. Gen. David Fadok was received for actions including voluntary risk of life under circumstances other than

  • Officials explain new sexual assault policies

    Senior Defense Department officials today said they hope more service members who are victims of sexual assault report the crimes as a result of a policy change Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced last week.Panetta issued guidance April 20 withholding "initial disposition authority" from any

  • Air Force guitar made to honor fallen Airmen

    An Air Force guitar is making its rounds across the U.S. with rock band Lillian Axe after an Airman and the band's lead guitarist collaborated on a way to honor nine Airmen who were killed April 27, 2011, at the Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan. Maj. Henry Cecil, an Air Force

  • PJ's rescue fallen ice climber in Denali National Park

    Two Air Force Reserve pararescuemen from the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., assisted in the rescue of a climber who fell more than 150 feet while climbing Moose's Tooth in Denali National Park April 21.The 11th Air Force Rescue Coordination Center received  the rescue call at 2:20

  • Free 'Cross Cultural Communication' course offers CCAF credit

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center, part of Air University's Spaatz Center, is now taking applications for the summer session of its "Introduction to Cross-Cultural Communication" course. The course, including all instructional material, is provided at no cost, and delivered via AU's

  • CSAF discusses 'evolving force' with deployed Airmen

    The Air Force chief of staff visited Airmen from the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing and the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command April 23 at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, to talk about current Air Force issues.Gen. Norton Schwartz started his remarks with an exercise

  • Air Force officials clarify Bronze Star approval process

    Recent heightened interest in the Bronze Star Medal has led Air Force Central Command and Air Force Personnel Center leaders to further explain the criteria and approval process for its recipients.Col. Scott Arcuri, AFCENT director of manpower, personnel and services, said candidates can expect a

  • Two Kirtland AFB officers receive Distinguished Flying Cross

    Capt. Christopher Palmer, 512th Rescue Squadron, chief of standardization and evaluation, and Capt. Marcus Maris, 512 RQS, student flight commander, were presented the Distinguished Flying Cross by Col. James Cardoso, 58th Special Operations Wing commander, during a Warrior Call on April 20 at

  • American citizenship: One Airman's dream becomes reality

    A contracting specialist from the 92nd Contracting Squadron here fulfilled his dream of becoming an American Airman -- literally, March 27 when a Spokane, Wash., judge swore him in as a legal citizen."The most important thing about citizenship for me is that I can finally get a secret clearance to

  • Airmen partner with TSA for working-dog training

    Loud barks could be heard yards away as military and Transportation Security Administration dog handlers prepared their assigned K-9 for the weekly joint working dog training. Staff Sgt. Matthew Byrnes, 673d Security Forces Squadron military dog handler led the training for TSA personnel to

  • Kentucky Airman shares tactical knowledge in Bangladesh

    One U.S. Air Force Airman shared his knowledge of heavy equipment airdrop procedures with an audience of more than 20 Bangladesh air force airmen at Kurmitola Air Base, Bangladesh, April 22, 2012. Tech. Sgt. Joshua Selby, loadmaster, Kentucky Air National Guard, is one of more than 65 U.S. Air Force

  • Incirlik identified Airman killed in accident

    Airman First Class Floyd Glover, 21, died at approximately 1 p.m. April 22 following an on-base motor-vehicle incident at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey.Glover was transported from the scene to a local hospital where medical professionals pronounced him dead. Medical officials treated and released

  • Missing personnel records impact more than promotions

    When Senior Master Sgt. Randy Scanlan wasn't promoted to his current rank the first time his records met the board, he was a little confused. As a maintainer and an aerial gunner, he deployed often and received many decorations. When he was asked if he wanted to review his records before they met

  • Airman tackles NFL dream

    At 6 foot, 6 inches tall and 305 pounds, 2nd Lt. Ben Garland looks more like a football player than a typical Air Force officer. That's because he's a defensive lineman contracted to play for the Denver Broncos and currently attending the team's conditioning and tryout camps which last through

  • Andersen AFB welcomes 69th Exeditionary Bomb Squadron

    The 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., has arrived to support U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence here.Since 2004, members of Andersen Air Force Base have played host to the CBP after Pacific Air Forces began routinely deploying B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit and

  • Air Mobility Command staff sergeant earns AF operational security award

    Managing a command-wide operations security program was just one area that led to a staff sergeant here earning the 2011 Air Force Operations Security NCO of the Year.Staff Sgt. Robert Perecko, is the information operations fused communication NCO in charge at the 618th Air and Space Operations

  • Science teacher flies with Thunderbirds

    An award winning Bossier City teacher got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds during the 2012 Barksdale Air Force Base Defenders of Liberty Air Show Saturday.Elizabeth Vance, a science teacher at Cope Middle School, was offered the chance to fly with the

  • New simulator pushes Afghan pilots' capabilities

    Afghan pilots now have a state-of-the-art MI-17 simulator here to hone their aviation skills in a safe environment.Air Force Lt. Col. Chas Tacheny, the deputy commander of the 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group, said he has been involved with bringing the MI-17V5 No-Motion Level 5 Simulator to

  • Damaged C-17 move truly a joint effort

    When a C-17 Globemaster III, recently landed and overran the runway due to inclement weather, the landing gear and other critical parts were damaged. Through months of planning and teamwork by the joint forces located on Forward Operating Base Shank, this 282,500-pound aircraft was moved with no

  • AF vectors 38 to regional affairs strategist positions

    More than 36 line officers have been selected for development as regional affairs strategists, under the International Affairs Specialist Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Regional affairs strategist is a developmental initiative offered to Airmen who have 7-10 years of

  • ISR chief outlines future programs

    While visiting deployed Airmen April 15-18, Brig. Gen. John Horner addressed the future of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission programs.As Air Force Director of ISR Capabilities, Horner spent a few days with Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing to view the work of the many

  • Officials implement flexibilities for third round of VERA/VSIP

    As the Air Force continues a civilian workforce restructure through voluntary retirement and separation initiatives, officials have instituted new flexibilities to help minimize the impact of downsizing and workforce shaping.Unlike the previous two rounds, the third round of Voluntary Early

  • DFAS warns service members of scam emails

    Defense Finance and Accounting Service recently released a statement warning of email scams targeting military members, military retirees, and civilian employees.According to the statement, the most recent email scam indicates that individuals who are receiving disability compensation from the

  • AF officials plan for scheduled downtime to upgrade MilPDS

    The Air Force Personnel Operations Agency here is upgrading and transferring the Military Personnel Data System to the Defense Information Systems Agency's Defense Enterprise Computing Center later this year. During the scheduled 23-day upgrade project, MilPDS will not be available.Upgrades to

  • CSAF discusses national security space at symposium

    The Air Force chief of staff spoke to leaders from industry, academia and the government about the current state of national security space and the U.S. aerospace industrial base at the 28th National Space Symposium here April 19.In his remarks, Gen. Norton Schwartz also recognized the efforts and

  • Robotics offer greener aircraft paint stripping

    The assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics got a close up look at a new, cutting-edge technology here April 4 that's expected to reduce pollution and the exposure of Airmen to hazardous compounds.Terry Yonkers' visit to the headquarters of Concurrent

  • U.S. missile defense counters growing threat

    Six days after North Korea's failed long-range rocket launch, the head of the Defense Department's Missile Defense Agency testified on Capitol Hill about bolstering U.S. defenses against a growing ballistic missile threat.Agency Director Army Lt. Gen. Patrick J. O'Reilly appeared yesterday before

  • Doolittle raid sparks nation during early days of WWII

    It was 1942 and the world was at war for the second time that century. American morale was as low as it had ever been and Japanese forces began an all-out assault on United States and Filipino troops on the Bataan Peninsula.It was also the year when a pilot, Lt. Col. James Doolittle, would lead a

  • AF to rely more on renewable energy -- 1 gigawatt by 2016

    The Air Force is on target to generate 1 gigawatt of renewable energy by 2016, and expects to have enough renewable energy to supply 25 percent of all installation electricity use by 2025, according to Air Force officials. The announcement supports the Department of Defense's plans to roll out new

  • 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.

  • Officials implement flexibilities for third round of VERA/VSIP

    As the Air Force continues a fiscal 2012 civilian workforce restructure through voluntary retirement and separation initiatives, officials have instituted new flexibilities to help minimize the impact of downsizing and workforce shaping.Unlike the previous two rounds, the third round of Voluntary

  • AF leaders gather to address sexual assault prevention, response

    Air Force leaders from around the globe gathered at the 2012 Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Leader Summit here April 17 and 18 to learn about service-wide SAPR issues and programs.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Phil Breedlove both spoke at

  • New SIPRNet smart card protects secure networks

    Barksdale Air Force Base is evaluating a new smart card, known as a hardware token, on the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network, or SIPRNet."As we learned through the events of Wiki Leaks, we had a blind spot in protecting our classified networks," said Robert S. Jack II, Air Force Global Strike

  • Career opportunities available for those up to the challenge

    Interesting career opportunities exist for enlisted Airmen who are ready for new challenges and have a desire to take their careers in a whole new direction.Airmen who want to stay in their career field but want to try something outside their comfort zone can apply for various joint, Department of

  • 48 officers selected for career field change

    Air Force officials selected 48 company and field grade officers to crossflow into the intelligence and public affairs career fields during a selection board held last month at the Air Force Personnel Center, Air Force officials announced today.The nonrated line officer crossflow program is one of

  • USAF Honor Guard Drill Team recognized as 'best of the best'

    The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team outperformed the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Merchant Marines and Coast Guard teams in the fourth annual Joint Service Drill Team Competition here April 14.In a symphony of discipline and precision, the U.S. armed forces' most elite drill teams gathered at the

  • New housing website prepares Airmen for moving

    With the summer moving season just around the corner thousands of Airmen and their families can now use a new housing website to help prepare for their move. The website,www.housing.af.mil, provides dormitory information for unaccompanied Airmen while detailing housing options and support services

  • Lightning strikes twice for deployed AF weatherman

    There's an old saying that lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place, but it did for one U.S. Air Force Airman.Tech. Sgt. Gregory Spiker, joint meteorology and oceanography operations weather forecaster, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, was named the 2011 Air Force Weather

  • Statuette honors AF honor guard, core values

    A 30-inch replica of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard statue at the Air Force Memorial went on display at the Pentagon here April 13. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz accepted the replica on behalf of the service from Air Force Association leaders during a Pentagon ceremony. The AFA

  • Discovery flies for last time, ends chapter in aerospace history

    After almost 27 years and 39 flights in Earth's orbit, the space shuttle Discovery arrived at Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C., April 17 on its way to its final resting place. The last moments in the air for Discovery began at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., mounted on top of a modified Boeing 747.

  • Airdrops could play key role in eventual Afghanistan transition

    During 2011, mobility Airmen airdropped more than 80 million pounds of cargo for troops deployed throughout austere locations in Afghanistan. In the future, the Air Force expects airdrops to continue as troops move out of Afghanistan in coming years.In March, Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen,

  • Global Strike Command earns 2011 maintenance excellence award

    The Air Force Chief of Staff presented the Gen. Wilbur L. Creech Maintenance Excellence Award for 2011 to Air Force Global Strike Command commander Lt. Gen. James Kowalski in a ceremony at the Pentagon April 16.The award is presented to the major command that demonstrates the most improved

  • From Vietnam to OEF: Pilot flies last mission of career

    Lt. Col. James Routt, a pilot deployed with the 71st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, flew the last combat air mission of his 33-year military career over the skies of Afghanistan, April 12.During his career, Routt has witnessed several operations -- from Vietnam to Operation Enduring Freedom in

  • U.S., Maylasia air forces conclude exercise Cope Taufan 2012

    After completing more than 140 sorties and several hundred flying hours, the U.S. Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force concluded exercise Cope Taufan 2012 at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base here, April 13. The Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, live-flying exercise, that included F-15 Eagles from

  • Seymour Johnson AFB Airmen launch F-15Es to honor WWII victory

    Airmen from the 4th Fighter Wing honored their heritage by launching nearly 70 F-15E Strike Eagles in a Turkey Shoot training mission April 16 here. The Strike Eagles taxied one after the next down the base flightline before heading to bombing ranges across North Carolina to destroy more than 1,000

  • Earth Day calls for broader focus at all levels

    Each year when Earth Day rolls around, I make a commitment to pay greater attention to our natural environment, to shift focus from seemingly inconsequential daily activities to the greater task of preserving and improving our natural environment. But this way of thinking misses the mark.Earth Day

  • Barksdale Airmen test alternative jet fuel

    Airmen here assisted the Air Force's Alternative Fuels Certification Program staff in evaluating a new jet fuel blend known as alcohol-to-jet, March 26-30, 2012 here. Specialists from the Alternative Fuels Certification Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and the TF34 Engine Program

  • F-35 training center begins formal training

    While celebrating each F-35 Lightning II arrival, the integrated joint strike fighter training team also recently opened the doors for the first Air Force certification courses on the logistical support behind the nation's newest weapons platform.The 33rd Fighter Wing has eight basic familiarization

  • Space Command officials eliminate flight suit, jackets

    Air Force Space Command officials announced April 13 that Airmen assigned to the command will cease wearing flight suits, the green flight jacket and the A-2 Leather Jacket by the end of the fiscal year.Directed by Gen. William L. Shelton, the AFSPC commander, the move is designed to standardize

  • 4th FW Airmen to launch aircraft to honor WWII history

    Members of the 4th Fighter Wing will pay homage to World War II history here April 16 by launching 70 F-15E Strike Eagles in a training mission to destroy more than 1,000 targets on bombing ranges across North Carolina.During World War II on April 16, 1945, the 4th Fighter Group destroyed

  • Air Force seeks Earth Day innovations

    In its 42nd year, Earth Day provides an international opportunity every April 22 to voice appreciation for the planet and unite for a sustainable future. Across the Air Force, installations are taking measures to enhance sustainability in support of the Earth Day theme "Conserve Today. Secure

  • Chief's perspective: Now is the time for bold leadership

    Enlisted Airmen,A week ago I sent an email message titled Leadership vs. Policy to Command Chiefs and Career Field Managers. You may have seen that message, or parts of it, but I'd like to take the opportunity to address it with you directly.The theme of the message was that too much arbitrary

  • AFA officials announce team of the year

    The Airborne Operations career field is the Air Force Association 2012 Team of the Year, Air Force officials announced April 13.Annually, AFA recognizes a specific enlisted career field (as well as Airmen in that specialty) that personifies professionalism, technical expertise and leadership.The

  • Overcoming sexual assault: A victim's candid story

    Living has always been a challenge for Senior Airman Jane Smith. Seemingly born into an uphill world, physically and emotionally tested at every step, spirituality had continually strengthened her and still propels her forward in life, she said.Smith was nearly driven to suicide after being sexually

  • 45 Airmen selected for promotion

    Nearly four dozen Airmen have been selected for promotion as part of the April enlisted supplemental promotion process, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Click here to see the list. Those on the supplemental promotion list are Airmen who tested outside of their required cycle because of

  • Academy cadet honored during White House ceremony

    An Air Force Academy cadet who cofounded a non-profit organization that supports daughters of military members was honored during a White House ceremony on April 11.Cadet Staff Sgt. Moranda Hern spoke at the White House during ceremonies marking the first anniversary of "Joining Forces," a national

  • Minot AFB officials work to improve Airmen resiliency

    Officials at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., will admit the northern-tier base poses several inherent challenges for the Airmen stationed there. Its high-tempo nuclear mission coupled with the base's isolated location and large population of young Airmen can test the resiliency of every member. Base

  • 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.

  • 'Battle of survival:' Special tactics officer awarded Air Force Cross

    In a harrowing 10-hour battle amidst more than 100 insurgents, a special tactics officer kept the enemy at bay with a little help from above. Capt. Barry F. Crawford Jr. was awarded the Air Force Cross during a Pentagon ceremony April 12 for his heroic actions controlling the air space and calling

  • Test program recruit prepares Airmen at USAF Special Operations School

    The challenges of today's dynamic, global environment constantly require the Air Force to be prepared to engage with every region of the world. National security depends on the Air Force accomplishing its mission in each unique regional environment. Senior Airman Pawel Jarosz understands the ability

  • Mass casualty exercise tests deployed first responders

    After the loud explosion, smoke quickly billowed from the front of the auditorium. Several service members were slowly being engulfed in a thick white cloud which limited visibility to little more than three feet.The room went quiet.Those not hurt by the simulated explosion cautiously rose from the

  • 2012 Hennessy Trophy winners announced

    Air Force officials announced the winners of the 2012 Hennessy Trophy awards on April 6.The Hennessy Trophy is an annual award presented to Air Force installations with the best food-service programs. This year marks the 56th anniversary of the single- and multiple-facility category

  • Sexual assault hurts one, affects all

    April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator hopes to use this time to educate the Airmen of the wing on preventing sexual assault. The Defense Department theme for this month's awareness campaign is "Hurts one. Affects all." This

  • 3 enlisted Airmen selected for advanced degree program

    Three Air Force master sergeants will pursue master's degrees through the Air Force Institute of Technology Enlisted to AFIT Graduate Degree Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Master Sgts. Yared M Abegaz, Air Mobility Command; Corey J. Perkins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe; and

  • CSAF: Total force integration key to increased effectiveness

    "Total Force Integration allows us to leverage Air Reserve Component experience, improve access to aircraft, encourage retention, and increase total force effectiveness," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz during opening remarks at the 18th Air Force TFI Summit here April 3-4.The

  • Major continues family's service tradition

    People join the military for any number of reasons. For Maj. Mark Melin, the son of a soldier, grandson of a World War II sailor and the third of three military brothers, commissioning in the Air Force was like joining the family business."It was definitely my father's example of service as a

  • Shaw lieutenant best in 'force'

    When 1st Lt. Renea Skelton, 20th Force Support Squadron deputy sustainment flight chief, joined the Air Force as 17-year-old Airman in 1997, she dreamed of leaving her small town of San Angelo, Texas and making something of herself.She had no idea that 15 years later she would be walking across a

  • From Cuban refugee to U.S. Airman

    The year - 1995. The setting - Communist Cuba. Times were tough and chances for prosperity were depleting.In a make-shift boat built by her grandfather, a four-year old Cuban refugee and a dozen or so of her family members began their journey to America in hopes of a better life."Shortly after

  • Readiness Center named best in Air Force

    One word summed up the reaction at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Airman and Family Readiness Center about being named the 2011 Air Force AFRC Program of the Year - elation. "They were elated," said Sharon Witter, AFRC chief, when the staff was informed about the recent award. "There was a

  • U.S., Malaysian Airmen team up to build brighter future for orphans

    More than 50 U.S. Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force members teamed up for a humanitarian construction project at a Malaysian orphanage here as part of exercise Cope Taufan 2012 on April 8.The combined team spent nearly five hours mixing and pouring concrete for a multi-use sports court at

  • CMSAF Roy visits JB Charleston

    The 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force spoke with Charleston Airmen about current and future Air Force operations April 9 during a brief visit here.During his visit, which included an "All Call" held at the base theater, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy touched on topics such as

  • Air Force participates in Marrakech Aeroexpo, strengthens bonds

    U.S. Air Forces Africa participated in the third biennial Marrakech Aeroexpo here April 4-7 to strengthen the partnerships with Morocco and more than 15 other participating nations.About 400 exhibitors from the civil and military aviation communities had the opportunity to display their particular

  • Air National Guard medical team sets bar during disaster response test

    It took only 36 minutes for the 139th Airlift Wing's medics here to make their presence known as medical performers during a recent homeland response evaluation. Fifty Air Force doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians and support staff began their test in haste, pulling equipment from their