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  • New York Air Guardsmen all safe after New Zealand earthquake

    All 26 members of the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing, currently deployed to Christchurch, New Zealand, in support of Operation Deep Freeze, are safe and unharmed after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the New Zealand city Feb. 22.The Air Guard wing will remain in

  • DOD officials strive to strengthen, empower military families

    From educational opportunities to spouse employment, Defense Department officials are expanding military family support programs to better meet families' current needs, as well as to empower them for the challenges that lie ahead, the DOD official who oversees military family programs said Feb.

  • Eagle Vision program garners key award for keen Earth observation

    An Electronic Systems Center program has been named the winner of a prestigious award presented by officials from NASA and the U.S. Department of the Interior.The agencies honored the Eagle Vision program with the 2010 William T. Pecora award during a Pentagon ceremony Feb. 15. Eagle Vision was

  • Nellis hospital undergoes flow improvement initiative

    Officials from the Air Force Medical Operations Agency began guiding lead members of the Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital here on a flow improvement initiative Feb. 7. The fundamental purpose of this initiative is to improve the hospital's efficiency and its ability to complete the mission."Our

  • Efficiencies, balance main focuses of FY12 budget

    Air Force officials said despite a reduction in the top line request, combat capabilities and balance will remain focal points in the Air Force's portion of the president's fiscal 2012 budget presented here Feb 14.The total Air Force budget request for FY12 is $166.3 billion, down from $170.8

  • Air Force 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal training detailed

    Air Force officials will soon begin training Airmen in anticipation of the repeal of the law and policy commonly known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." This training will help Airmen understand what is expected in a post-repeal environment, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz."I know our

  • DOD must train for 'degraded' environments, official says

    The military needs to do a better job of training to conduct operations in less-than-perfect conditions, the chairman of the Defense Science Board said here Feb. 9.Paul G. Kaminski said that given the cyber and space threat environment that exists today and likely will grow in the future, commanders

  • Force shaping board details announced

    Officials are convening the 2011 Force Shaping Board May 9 at the Air Force Personnel Center here to consider officers for retention as part of the service's force management efforts to meet its end strength. This board is one of a variety of voluntary and involuntary measures being taken by service

  • Vandenberg officials launch Minotaur I

    A Minotaur I rocket was launched from here Feb. 6. The rocket carried a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office.Col. Richard Boltz, the 30th Space Wing commander, was the launch decision authority."I am extremely proud of the large group of professionals that came together

  • Researchers harness wave energy in research simulations

    Researchers here recently harnessed more than 99 percent of the energy in a simulated ocean wave and are preparing to take their emerging technology to the next level.The energy research is part of a National Science Foundation-funded project to create the world's first free-floating, fully

  • Air Force officials announce FY11 additional force management measures

    Air Force leaders announced involuntary force management programs Feb. 2 to reduce personnel as a supplement to the voluntary programs announced in December. These measures are part of the Air Force's multi-year Force Management Program aimed at shaping and sizing the force. With more Airmen

  • Officials provide advice on post-deployment intimacy issues

    In the list of problems that can confront service members after a combat deployment, few can be harder to talk about or more devastating than the inability to resume intimate relationships.Couples who have survived multiple combat deployments know the situation all too well."The first few years of

  • Lynn: Defense budget plans strike 'right balance'

    The Defense Department's plans to cut $78 billion from its budget over five years, and find more than $100 billion in savings for reinvestment, was a collaborative effort and a reasonable balance between military needs and budget constraints, said Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III Jan.

  • Air Force chief of staff releases 2011 reading list

    The Air Force chief of staff announced his latest professional reading list Jan. 21. "Effectively operating within our increasingly dynamic, interconnected and complex world requires steadfast commitment to personal and professional growth," Gen. Norton Schwartz said in a letter to

  • More nuke treaties remain on agenda, official says

    With one major arms reduction treaty nearly to the enforcement stage, more work lies ahead to advance the nation's nuclear security, a senior State Department official said Jan. 19.Rose Gotemoeller, the State Department's assistant secretary for the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and

  • Department begins project for Vietnam War veterans

    More than three decades after the war's end, Defense Department officials have begun a project to pay tribute to the nation's Vietnam War veterans.The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act led to the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration, an official said."It was a very important time

  • Director calls personnel system transition 'rewarding'

    The Defense Department's transfer of more than 170,000 civilian employees out of the National Security Personnel System since 2009 has been smooth, the transition's director said Jan 13.John H. James Jr. said much of the credit for the transition goes to the services."The components have done a very

  • Antarctica blog connects students with science

    Connecting scientists to elementary and high school students worldwide was one of many accomplishments during last year's Operation Deep Freeze, the military's support of National Science Foundation research in Antarctica.In 2010, Lt. Col. Ed Vaughan spent 50 days as commander of McMurdo Det. 1 and

  • Gates reveals budget efficiencies, reinvestment possibilities

    Defense Department officials have found $154 billion in budget efficiencies over the next five years and will be able to invest $70 billion of that saved money in more-deserving accounts, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Jan. 6.The secretary announced the savings and reinvesting of the

  • Air Force Space Command welcomes new commander

    Air Force Space Command members welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony here Jan. 5.Gen. William L. Shelton accepted command from Gen. Norton Schwartz, the chief of staff of the Air Force, in front of an audience of family members, community members and AFSPC members. In

  • Wars, people, balancing risk top chairman's 2011 guidance

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's guidance for 2011 charts the way forward in America's wars, in improving the health of the force and in balancing global risks.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen's 2011 guidance was released Jan. 15, relaying the admiral's priorities and strategic objectives for the

  • Chief Roy visits Misawa, meets with Airmen

    The 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited here Dec. 28 through Dec. 29, as part of a tour of several installations within the Pacific Air Forces.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy met with Airmen at their duty sections, which culminated in an enlisted call where he

  • Combat camera Airmen learn battlefield forensics

    It was a first for the Air Force when a cadre of instructors from Six3 Systems Inc. arrived here to teach a battlefield forensics course to 4th Combat Camera Squadron Airmen. In the past, company officials taught the course to only Army and Marine Corps units, but 4th Combat Squadron officials

  • C-17 serves as a bridge, navigates unpredictable weather in Antarctica

    An Air Force Reserve C-17 Globemaster III from the 728th Airlift Squadron out of McChord Air Force Base, Wash., is supporting Operation Deep Freeze by serving as a bridge for cargo and personnel moving between Christchurch, New Zealand, and McMurdo Air Station, Antarctica. The C-17 and its aircrew

  • Reese Technology Center: Research powerhouse in Lubbock

    Pilots trained to fly at the former Reese Air Force Base here may remember the "interesting crosswinds" in the area. The military pilots are gone, but the blustery winds are placing this northwest Texas city on the renewable energy map.These winds, as well as other hallmarks of the area, such as

  • Air Force Research Laboratory engineer receives Harold Brown Award

    A senior scientist from Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., received the 2010 Harold Brown Award Dec. 15 for her breakthrough research in pioneering new infrared technology that will augment aircraft defense and impact numerous Defense Department systems .Dr. Candace Lynch strengthened aircraft

  • Deadline for aerospace awards draws near

    The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 Air Force Association aerospace awards to the Air Force Personnel Center is Feb. 1.The aerospace awards recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to national defense in a variety of fields.These awards include:Theodore Von Karman

  • Officials seek enlisted for AFIT degree program

    Air Force Institute of Technology officials are offering six NCOs the opportunity to pursue an advanced science, engineering or management degree at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The NCOs will be selected in February to attend the Enlisted-to-AFIT program. The program is designed to provide

  • AF researchers showcase integrated training capabilities

    Researchers from the Air Force Research Laboratory's 711th Human Performance Wing Human Effectiveness directorate's Warfighter Readiness Research division showcased their integrated training capabilities at the 2010 Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference in Orlando,

  • Recruiting commander expands community relations at bowl game

    The Air Force Recruiting Service commander visited Columbus, Ga., Dec. 3 and 4 to show support to the community and share knowledge about the Air Force's career opportunities.During his stay, Brig. Gen. Balan R. Ayyar attended the 2010 Pioneer Bowl at the A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium where the Fort

  • First cyber class graduates

    The Air Force took a significant step forward in its cyberspace training transformation Dec. 6, as 15 officers graduated from the first undergraduate cyberspace training course at here."It's time to leave here and provide the Air Force, and the nation, with real options and opportunities based on

  • Transition to A-10C complete at Osan AB

    The last A-10A model of the Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned here departed the base Dec. 4, marking the 25th Fighter Squadron's successful transition to the A-10C model.The new model features improved precision strike capability and enhances the Air Force's ability to provide lethal and precise

  • PlayStation 3 supercomputer can read, correct input

    Video games have seen significant advances in the past few years. What once was a black box with a low quality video version of ping-pong, is now a sleek, motion-capturing, high-resolution computer system capable of networking around the world.Mark Barnell, the director of high-performance computing

  • VA officials testing quicker access to medical records

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials are working to significantly reduce the average time needed to obtain health-care records from private physicians with the help of a private contractor and the Internet to speed claims decisions. "Innovations that will speed, simplify or improve our services

  • Survey addresses quality-of-life needs

    The 2010 Caring for People Survey gives total force Airmen, civilians, retirees and dependents an opportunity to voice their concerns on how the Air Force can better address their quality-of-life needs. With Airmen deploying in support of global contingency operations for two decades, developing and

  • Communications and information service consolidation eases MAJCOM workloads

    The transition of common communication and information workloads from major commands to the Air Force Network Integration Center is complete, enabling MAJCOM communications and information staffs to further focus on core warfighting missions and information needs.The transfer centralized 10 services

  • Clean, low-energy solutions sought for mammoth program

    Ongoing technical and cost analyses could lead program officials to seek a mixture of alternative energy sources to fuel the next generation of massive ground-based radars that will track space objects and debris.In October, Electronic Systems Center officials here released a Request for Proposal

  • Walt Disney animators draw inspiration from Edwards aircraft

    Here amid the number-crunching, data-streaming, hard-science world of flight test, nine artists from Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, Calif., came in search of inspiration.They found it."There is nothing cooler than these planes," said Mike Gabriel, an art director at Walt Disney Studios. "Research

  • Academy officials educate future leaders on alternative energy

    Leaders at the Air Force Academy broke ground Nov. 1 for a 6-megawatt solar photovoltaic array, one of the largest solar PV projects in Colorado. The array is part of an energy transformation at the Academy, both physically and culturally, as officials seek to make the Academy a "Net Zero"

  • Academy professor wins national award

    A professor in the U.S. Air Force Academy's Department of Political Science was named one of the U.S. Professors of the Year by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education Nov. 18. Dr. Frances Pilch was recognized in Washington, D.C. as the 2010 Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of

  • Network Integration Center team shapes future of AF cyberspace operations

    The Air Force Network Integration Center may be an organization that many Airmen aren't familiar with, but it has a very significant charter that ultimately affects every Airman, every day.The center, located here at Scott Air Force Base, is a direct reporting unit of Air Force Space Command at

  • Cadet-built satellite to launch Nov. 19

    Years of work will rocket into orbit when the U.S. Air Force Academy's latest cadet-built satellite, FalconSAT-5, launches from Kodiak Launch Complex, Alaska, at 6:24 p.m. Mountain Time Nov. 19.The mission, dubbed STP-S26 for the Department of Defense Space Test Program's 26th mission, will carry

  • Teens gather for first AF Reserve Teen Leadership Council

    Teenagers from around the nation gathered at Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command here for the first AFR Teen Leadership Council meeting Nov. 12. The 20 teens, selected to represent their peers as members of the council, received briefings on Air Force Reserve Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Programs

  • Children of deployed more likely to seek mental health care

    Young children from military families are more likely to seek mental and behavioral health care when a parent is deployed than when a parent is at home, a military study has concluded.Findings also show that children of married couples -- with the father as the servicemember -- are more likely to

  • AETC commander to retire after 37 years of service

    The commander of Air Education and Training Command, Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, will retire in the grade of general effective Jan. 1, 2011, Air Force officials have announced, culminating more than 37 years of commissioned service. His retirement ceremony is Nov. 17.Among his many accomplishments as

  • VA officials test programs to expedite payments to disabled veterans

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials launched two pilot programs to test new procedures that will speed the payment of VA compensation benefits to veterans with disabilities connected to their military service. These new programs are part of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki's

  • Customer satisfaction on menu

    In October, Air Force officials began food transformation at six installations, and so far Airmen and officials are pleased with the results.The Air Force Food Transformation Initiative is a pilot program launched Oct. 1 with a goal to better serve the dining needs of today's Airmen. The pilot

  • Officials take steps to defend cyber domain

    In a "DOD Live" bloggers roundtable yesterday, the vice commander of Air Force Space Command discussed the Air Force's cyberspace mission, cybersecurity and the training and education the Air Force is providing to Airmen in the field.Maj. Gen. Michael J. Basla said the Air Force's mission emphasizes

  • Air Force hiring more small businesses

    As Air Force officials focused on acquisition of weapon systems and related hardware, Air Force Materiel Command stands to make a noticeable contribution to a stepped-up effort by the federal government to increase awards of contracts to small businesses.In summer 2009, Department of Commerce and

  • Air Force officials name deputy assistant secretary for energy

    Air Force officials named Dr. Kevin T. Geiss the new deputy assistant secretary of energy for the Air Force Nov. 4.Dr. Geiss will lead the Air Force's Energy Office, comprising a staff of 11 people dedicated to energy policy development and support of energy-focused programs."Energy is an enabler

  • Military-connected schools benefit from grants

    Department of Defense Education Activity officials awarded more than $38 million in grants this year to public schools serving military children across the nation.Officials awarded the grants to 32 military-connected school districts to boost student achievement and ease the challenges associated

  • Commercial showcases aeromedical evacuation Airmen

    An Air Force commercial highlighting the roles Airmen play in Air Force humanitarian relief efforts begins airing in television markets and select movie theaters across the U.S. in November."Med Evac" highlights the Air Force's aeromedical evacuation mission during disaster relief efforts. The

  • Two in Air Force among DOD's best employees

    Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III paid tribute to eight people who distinguished themselves among more than 700,000 others and were selected to receive the Defense Department's annual top civilian employee awards."They understand that working for the department is a public trust that

  • Airmen support Antarctica mission

    Active-duty and Reserve Airmen from the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., spent a few days supporting Operation Deep Freeze at McMurdo Station in Antarctica and related their experiences to the Defense Department's "Armed with Science" blog recently.Among the officers

  • Nobel Prize-winning graphene research highlights AFOSR-funded physicists

    Officials at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm, Sweden, announced recently the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics is awarded to Professor Andre Geim and Dr. Konstantin Novoselov from the University of Manchester for their 2004 graphene research.Mr. Geim and Dr. Novoselov achieved science's

  • Air Force leaders and university officials honor Tennessee companies

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin C. Conaton honored six Tennessee manufacturing companies for supporting the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century Executive Leadership Course at a ceremony in Knoxville, Tenn., Oct. 14.Ms. Conaton, in collaboration with officials from the College of

  • Air Force poised for Expeditionary Combat Support System

    Touted as the largest change in Air Force logistics history, the Expeditionary Combat Support System will establish the service's first capability to globally view, standardize and manage logistics resources, officials said here during the program's kick off Oct. 22.Designed to close process gaps

  • Air Force officials announce civilian service award winners

    Air Force officials have selected their nominees for the 55th Annual Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award.The award is the highest honor given by the secretary of Defense to career civilian personnel. It is presented annually to a small number of DOD civilian employees whose

  • ROTC cadet receives engineering award

    Air Force officials here recognized an ROTC cadet during this year's Hispanic Engineering National Achievement Awards Corporation convention in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 7 to 9. Cadet Jose Gutierrez, from the ROTC Detachment 645 at Ohio State University, earned the HENAAC 2010 Military ROTC Cadet Award

  • New medical forms will streamline veterans claims process

    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released three new disability benefits questionnaires for physicians of Veterans applying for VA disability compensation benefits. This initiative marks the beginning of a major reform of the physicians' guides and automated routines that will streamline

  • LC-130 takes off for Operation Deep Freeze

    A New York Air National Guard LC-130 Hercules, equipped with retractable ski-wheels, departed here Oct. 18 to support the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation's research at international sites throughout the Antarctic continent. The uniquely-equipped aircraft is necessary for

  • Officials seek nominations for aerospace awards

    Air Force officials are soliciting nominations in a variety of fields for the 2011 Air Force Association Aerospace Awards for outstanding contributions to national defense.These awards include:The Theodore Von Karman Award for contributions in the field of science and engineering relating to

  • AF starts migration of information, services to new total-force website

    Air Force personnel specialists are in the process of migrating personnel information and services to the new Air Force Personnel Services website.The transfer aims to move the Air Force toward its goal of establishing a single, online knowledge base for active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force

  • A different way to take the pain

    Acupuncture has long been a form of medical care, originating in ancient China and moving west through the world. It has only recently started to gain momentum during the last few decades in the U.S.Recently, military medical officials have begun investigating a type of acupuncture and its benefits

  • ISR leader passes torch to new generation

    The morning of Sept. 30 saw 20 officers receive intelligence specialty badges upon graduating from the Air Force intelligence officer course here. There are multiple classes held each year, but the Sept. 30 graduation had a special twist: it was the first time the Air Force deputy chief of staff for

  • Airman heats up fitness challenge

    A 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron heating ventilation and cooling craftsman transformed his body, passed his fitness test and found the strength and motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle, all within the span of two months. Staff Sgt. Christopher Jeffcoat, a nine-year Air Force veteran, scored 57

  • Air Force officials kick-off energy awareness month

    The undersecretary of the Air Force helped launch the federal government's energy awareness month at the U.S. Air Force Academy here Oct. 1.Erin C. Conaton, accompanied by Terry Yonkers, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics, chose the Academy as the

  • Armament Symposium brings DOD, industry together

    For the 36th year, the Air Armament Center partnered with the National Defense Industrial Association to host its annual Air Armament Symposium here Oct. 5 and 6.The symposium, a two-day forum for both industry and government personnel, was an opportunity to exchange information, recognize

  • Tests to compare CCAF, civilian degrees

    Education offices at 60 Air Force and Air National Guard bases around the world will test Community College of the Air Force graduates to determine how they compare to counterparts in civilian institutions.The testing begins Oct. 14 and runs through Nov. 15.First-time CCAF degree recipients who have

  • Wilford Hall hosts graduate medical education course

    A course for medical educators provided by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences was held Sept. 24 to Oct. 2 at Wilford Hall Medical Center here. The course, designed to train military medical education program directors, was chaired by retired Army Col. (Dr.) Louis Pangaro, who

  • National Guard launches mobile education lab

    As part of the president's "Educate to Innovate" initiative, National Guard officials debuted The Energy Lab -- a mobile classroom featuring interactive learning tools focusing on the science and technology behind alternative energy sources.Unveiled Oct. 1 at the Ronald Reagan Building and

  • VA officials extend coverage for Gulf War veterans

    Veterans of the Gulf War as well as current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan now have a smoother path toward receiving health care benefits and disability compensation for nine diseases associated with their military service, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced Sept. 29.A

  • ACE Cyber Security Boot Camp prepares future officers

    With constantly evolving threats to cyberspace affecting national security, the Air Force is coming up with new ways to enhance cyber security. Educating the force is one way to face the challenges of keeping cyberspace secure, and future officers are receiving this education before they earn their

  • Medical staff celebrates advances in ECMO

    The year 2010 marks the 25th anniversary of the 59th Medical wing staff conducting extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation missions.ECMO is a machine that provides cardiac and respiratory support primarily to infants and children whose hearts and lungs are so severely diseased or damaged that they can

  • Vandenberg officials launch Minotaur IV

    Officials here launched a Minotaur IV rocket Sept. 25. The Minotaur IV launched the Space-Based Space Surveillance satellite, a first-of-its-kind satellite that can detect and track orbiting space objects from space. Col. Richard Boltz, the 30th Space Wing commander, was the launch decision

  • Researchers developing analysis tool to track anomalous behavior

    Researchers in the Anticipate and Influence Behavior Division's Behavior Modeling Branch, part of the 711th Human Performance Wing's Air Force Research Laboratory, also known as 711th HPW/RHXB, are developing an analysis tool that will help military specialists discover and track unusual behavior in

  • Department joins in call for innovative solutions

    Defense Department officials are putting some of their most vexing challenges on the Internet for the public to help solve as part of a new initiative to invite creative solutions to government problems.Pentagon officials submitted four challenges to the Challenge.gov website that launched today.

  • Air Force architects receive leadership excellence award

    The Air Force Enterprise Architecting Division was recognized for excellence in leadership and results during the EA 2010 Conference and Exhibition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center here Sept 8.Air Force EA Division Chief Col. David Geuting accepted the 2010 Excellence in EA Award from

  • Chief scientist describes future technology

    "Humans today are still more capable than machines, but by 2030 that is absolutely not going to be the case anymore," said Dr. Werner Dahm, the Air Force Chief Scientist, in describing one of the conclusions he reached during the Air Force's first in-depth look at future technology in more than a

  • Air Force officials seek nominees for Ph.D. program

    Air Force officials are seeking to develop officers as strategic thinkers through a program that will allow them to obtain a doctorate in strategic studies.The Air Force Chief of Staff Ph.D. program will allow officers to attend a top-tier university to complete their doctorate in studies such as

  • Six installations test consolidated food service operations

    Air Force Services Agency officials are slated to begin testing a re-engineering of Air Force food services this fall with a pilot program at six Air Force installations across the U.S. The pilot program, called the Food Transformation Initiative, will test a food delivery model aimed at improving

  • Virtual high school opens 'doors' to learning

    The Defense Department's newest high school is devoid of walls or windows, but yet has opened its "doors" this year to students throughout the world. The DOD Education Activity's virtual high school is an accredited distance learning program for military students, whether they're geographically

  • C-5M Super Galaxy delivers 7-ton particle detector

    A team of internationally renowned physicists led by Nobel laureate Dr. Sam Ting, specially requested the Air Force's largest, newly remodeled airlifter to transport the 7.5-ton Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer from the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Switzerland to Kennedy Space Center,

  • Air Force encourages employees to cash in on ideas

    Highlighting a new Department of Defense-led program designed to produce money-saving ideas that improve the way the DOD operates, Air Force Undersecretary and chief management officer Erin C. Conaton is encouraging civilian and military employees to share their ideas online at

  • Major property transfer for Sacramento business park

    Officials from the Air Force and Sacramento County, together with McClellan Business Park and environmental regulators celebrated the largest property transfer to date Aug. 12 at the former McClellan Air Force Base here.The ceremony marked the transfer of 560 acres including a variety of industrial

  • Realignment, closure plan continues on track

    It's "all systems go" here as officials at this Army Installation prepare to receive three new organizations and about 5,700 of their employees as part of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission plan.Fort Meade is among hundreds of major focal points in implementing the most sweeping BRAC

  • Logistics system release transforms combat support

    A new age for Air Force logisticians began when a pilot version of the Expeditionary Combat Support System went live July 31 at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. The Expeditionary Combat Support System will transform business processes, alter management and control systems, and affect personnel roles

  • VA officials announce test of paperless claims processing system

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials have selected their regional benefits office in Providence, R.I., to test a paperless system and new procedures to improve processing of veterans' claims for disability compensation."This test program marks a major milestone in VA's move to paperless

  • Senate confirms Mattis for top CENTCOM post

    The Senate unanimously confirmed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as commander of U.S. Central Command.General Mattis, who previously served as NATO supreme allied commander for transformation and commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Va., received the Senate nod Aug. 5.In his new

  • Global Strike Command director briefs upcoming logistics changes

    The Air Force Global Strike Command's director of installations, logistics and mission support visited here July 21 through 23 to discuss the base's transformation from the current logistical process to the Expeditionary Combat Support System.During her site visit, Ann Mitchell stressed the

  • VA officials approve $2.8 million for Gulf War illness research

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials have approved $2.8 million to fund three new research projects that focus on testing or developing new treatments for illnesses affecting veterans who served in the Gulf War from 1990 to 1991. The research incorporates recommendations of the department's Gulf

  • Airmen, engineers execute groundbreaking satellite test

    Airmen with the 3rd Space Operations Squadron, along with engineers from Lockheed Martin and The Aerospace Corporation, successfully demonstrated the capability to correct a wayward satellite using the spacecraft's reaction wheels. The successful procedure represents an important achievement and

  • Air Force undersecretary testifies about efficiencies before House committee

    The Air Force undersecretary testified before the House Armed Services Committee July 22 about how Air Force officials are working with their Defense Department counterparts to control spending and transform business operations and create efficiencies.Also testifying were Elizabeth McGrath, the DOD

  • General outlines U.S. mission, challenges in Africa

    As U.S. Africa Command matures and strengthens ties with African nations, American interests on the continent become more stable, the command's top officer said July 20.Africom was established in October 2007 to "add value" to African nations by improving their military capacities and to help

  • Cancer survivor takes on challenge of open road

    A C-130 Hercules flight engineer with more than 700 deployed flying hours who is also a cancer survivor is riding his bike 4,000 miles across the U.S.Senior Airman Brian Petras from the 50th Airlift Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., is participating in the Sea to Shining Sea ride hosted

  • Air Force's 'Technology Horizons' makes science fiction a reality

    With innovations seemingly plucked from the latest futuristic Hollywood movie script, Technology Horizons outlines the Air Force's major science and technology objectives through the next decade, officials said here July 14.Highly adaptable, autonomous systems that can make intelligent decisions

  • Information assurance scholarship available to officers, civilians

    Officers and civilians have until Jan. 31 to apply for the Information Assurance Scholarship Program, a special developmental education program available for the 2011 academic year. The program pays the full cost of tuition, select fees and required books for graduate degrees in subjects such as

  • AMC officials unveil concept to strengthen force resilience

    "Each of us has a flame inside of us that, when made stronger, can help us withstand life's storms," said Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., the commander of Air Mobility Command  June 16 .To strengthen force resilience, including Air Force civilians and family members, AMC officials launched the

  • Fifth Airman lost from Afghanistan helicopter incident

    Department of Defense officials have announced the loss of a fifth Airman from an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter which crashed in southeastern Afghanistan June 9.Capt. David Wisniewski, 31, an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter pilot assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron here passed away at the National Naval