Missile successfully launches from Vandenberg

A Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile configured with a National Nuclear Security Administration, or NNSA, test assembly was launched from North Vandenberg at 1:01 a.m. Aug. 13. The launch was an operational test to determine the weapon system's reliability and accuracy. The missile's

WWII ammunition finds new life in war on terrorism

A team of Air Force weapons specialist turned to ammunition first introduced into service in 1942 to provide lower cost training ammo for the AC-130 Gunship's 40mm cannon. Gunship training with the 40mm Bofors cannon normally calls for high explosive incendiary ammunition produced in the 1970s and

'Today's Air Force' features airpower in the AOR

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the impact the Air Force is making from the skies in its role in the war against terrorism. With the advancement in technology, new and more sophisticated aircraft are being developed such as the MQ-9 Reaper. In another segment, see how the Air Force is

AFPC officials testing fix for electronic forms

Air Force Personnel Center officials here are confident the developer of the Air Force's electronic forms program/viewer will have a final solution in the next few weeks to fix the blank line issue with electronic evaluations forms. An ongoing review of electronic evaluations revealed problems with

Airmen land at Omaha zoo for Air Force Week

Airmen and an F-16 Fighting Falcon descended on Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo to increase understanding of the Air Force throughout the community Aug. 12 in Omaha. The event was part of Air Force Week in the Heartland, a week-long schedule of events in the Omaha area aimed at showcasing the Air Force,

'Letter to Airmen' focuses on teamwork, discipline

In his current Letter to Airmen, the acting secretary of the Air Force designated the month of August for strategic planning and explains how the Air Force's top leaders will focus on a number of issues. "Along with General Schwartz and other senior leaders, I am reviewing a range of issues that

General Schwartz to Airmen: Be proud

On his first day after being sworn in as the Air Force chief of staff, Gen. Norton Schwartz wasted no time in getting his message out to Airmen. "The key thing we need to do is achieve stability," General Schwartz said. "At the same time, we need to focus on those things that are most important,

Coalition exchange tours enhance vital partnership

Coalition air forces have proved instrumental in the continued success of airlift missions for Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. This was exemplified in July as the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group conducted C-130 Hercules aircraft exchange tours with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force's

Test satellite to provide warfighters eye in the sky

Fans of the television show "24" often watch fictional counter-terrorist agent Jack Bauer wipe out adversary cells even though he is often severely outnumbered. In his favor, he usually has real-time satellite locations of his enemies sent to his personal digital assistant so that he is always one

Medical, temporary retirees now eligible for CRSC payments

Former Airmen receiving military retired pay who served less than 20 years may now be eligible to receive Air Force Combat-Related Special Compensation. CRSC is part of a legislative initiative designed to restore a veteran's military retirement pay that has been reduced by Veterans' Affairs

Recruiter assistance program offers ranks more than non-chargeable leave

While preparing to move to his first duty base at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Airman Todd West wanted to spend time with his family in Missouri, but he didn't know how to do it without using up his personal leave. Then he learned about the Recruiter Assistance Program. RAP is an active-duty

Air Force secretary meets veterans, addresses issues

The acting secretary of the Air Force talked to Airmen, military veterans and Nebraska civic leaders during Air Force Week in the Heartland Aug. 11 in Omaha and at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. Secretary Michael B. Donley had breakfast with Airmen assigned to Offutt AFB, visited the Veterans

Travel regulation change protects renters whose landlords default

A new change to the Joint Federal Travel Regulations authorizes the military to pay to move servicemembers and their families whose landlords default on property the military members are renting. Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy and chairman of the Per Diem,

Sniper ATP-equipped B-1B has combat first

A Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod-equipped B-1B Lancer had its first weapon employment in combat here Aug. 4 successfully targeting enemy forces on the ground and dropping one guided bomb unit-38 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Sniper ATP, a long-range precision targeting system,

New methodology, software to aid security measures

Researchers at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Airbase Technologies Division here have developed a new security risk-assessment methodology and are developing a supporting software tool that integrates and transforms the traditional vulnerability assessment into a true risk-management process.

Raptor crews practice drive-through refueling

Now that the F-22 Raptor arrival ceremonies are over and the anticipation of the arrival has subsided, Airmen here are on an aggressive training schedule to prepare them for combat operations. As part of that training, members of the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 49th Logistics Readiness

Pilots provide emergency close air support

For F-15E Strike Eagle and A-10 Thunderbolt pilots deployed here, joint terminal attack controllers, or JTACs,  play a vital role in the close air support mission. However, there's not always a JTAC on the ground when close air support, or CAS,  is needed. In these rare situations, pilots step

Conference highlights force support transformation efforts

In June, signifying A1 Force Support transformation efforts, more than 350 manpower, personnel and services commanders, directors of personnel, major command, field operating agency and Air Staff leaders gathered in Keystone, Colo., for the first combined worldwide conference. With the integration

Runners get fit to fight during Air Force Week in the Heartland

Approximately 250 runners spiraled through Offutt Air Force Base and the surrounding community in the first Bellevue/Offutt Runway Run as part of Air Force Week in the Heartland Aug. 10 here. Military members and civilian running enthusiasts did their part to be fit to fight as they ran through the

Air Force Week in the Heartland kicks off with a bang

Fly-bys, music, military precision and fireworks broadcast the beginning of Air Force Week in the Heartland as more than 10,000 witnessed Airmen at their best Aug. 9 at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha. Airmen from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., hosted the free event to let the public experience what the

PMEL Airmen deliver precision to warfighters

The door opens into a dimly-lit labyrinth of technology. The bright light from outside sears through, revealing the truth behind the Air Force's precision of wartime capabilities. Though they work from the shadows of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing mission, the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance

Weather Agency provides edge to warfighters

Today's warfighters are constantly looking for any combat advantage that they can gain on their enemies. One factor that can be the difference between a failed mission and a successful one is the weather. Bad weather can disable a Global Positioning System unit or cause low visibility for an

Sergeant improves process, saves time

An Airman with the 437th Maintenance Squadron wheel and tire shop has helped save man-hours with a better way of cleaning C-17 Globemaster III nose-wheel bolts that need to be inspected. Tech. Sgt. Eddie Melendez, an aircraft maintenance craftsman in the 437 MXS wheel and tire shop aircraft

Plans under way for net-centric operations conference

Officials from the Electronic Systems Center and the Patriot Roost Chapter of the Association of Old Crows are teaming again to host a net-centric operations conference Sept. 22 at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel in New Castle, N.H. "This year we are exploring the needs of not only the defense

Suicide Prevention: Speak up so others don't act out

A canoe plummets over a waterfall and crashes into boulders below. Moments earlier, as it nears the precipice, a bystander almost yells out a warning but assumes the canoeist is in control of the situation and remains quiet. Prior to that, several hikers watch the same person paddling obliviously

New travel card distribution to begin this month

Citibank officials will mail out new government travel charge cards Aug. 13 through Sept. 19. Initial distribution will begin with cardholders at overseas locations and migrate from the west to the east coast. The new cards will be sent to addresses on file with Bank of America, so all cardholders

Pentagon Force Protection Agency braces for tourists

The Pentagon is the most obvious symbol of the world's most powerful military. The building is the home of the National Military Command Center. And soon it will be a tourist destination. While there are already tours of the building, the Pentagon will become a major destination for visitors to

Base members improve processes to increase efficiency

Members of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here have refined and streamlined processes in order to increase productivity and the level of support provided to the warfighter in theater.Supporting an average of 70 missions per day couldn't be accomplished without the combined logistical support of

New training structure benefits Iraqi firefighters

Iraqi firefighters can now sharpen their abilities to operate effectively inside burning structures with the aid of a new training facility here. Seven Iraqi firefighters learned search and rescue tactics at the new facility July 30 alongside firefighters from the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer

Pentagon issues draft request for proposals for new tanker contract

The Defense Department has issued a draft request for proposals to the competitors in the Air Force's $35 billion program to acquire new aerial refueling tanker aircraft. The request went to Northrop-Grumman and Boeing, and addresses concerns the Government Accountability Office raised about the

Reserve officials approve 1,095 man-day waivers

More than 1,600 reservists have received or will receive a waiver to stay on active duty after Sept. 30. Nearly four years ago, reservists through the rank of colonel received permission to serve up to 1,095 man-days of the previous 1,460 days in a rolling four-year calendar. The program encourages

Wilford Hall doctor voted top volunteer teacher

The director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Wilford Hall Medical Center here has been recognized as the top volunteer clinical teacher by students at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences School of Medicine. Maj. (Dr.) David Rice was selected by the USU Class of 2008 as this

Developing Airmen and working mission ops never stop

Daylong senior noncommissioned officer induction events at the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Aug. 2 exemplified a commitment to professionally developing Airmen in the deployed environment. The induction events were held at no expense to mission operations, which continued, thanks to the efforts

Airman's Roll Call: Opportunities for Airmen to LEAD

This week's Airman's Roll Call highlights opportunities for enlisted Airmen to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy through the Leaders Encouraging Airman Development program. Initiated in 1995 by former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, the LEAD program delegates authority to unit and

Congressmen visit servicemembers in Manas

A congressional delegation consisting of five U.S. senators visited with Airmen from the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing and toured the base, Aug. 5, as a part of an eight-day trip to promote security, democracy and development in central Asia. Led by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada,

Airman takes top songwriting prize

An Airman crafts an autobiographical pop song.  A Marine pens a song about standing watch. A sailor scribbles a lullaby for his son.  A soldier raps into a tape recorder to entertain his unit. Songwriters like these servicemembers were among the many who submitted their original songs to this year's

Panel recommends changes to military retirement

A panel looking at military compensation has recommended dramatic changes in the military retirement system. The recommendations are part of the second volume put out by members of the 10th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation. The first volume, released in March, looked at cash compensation.

Officials dedicate enlisted education center

Air University officials dedicated the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education to the fourth chief master sergeant of the Air Force at a ceremony here July 24. The Barnes Center acts as an umbrella covering the Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, all NCO academies within the

Sister service siblings serve side-by-side

They grew up with stories about his heroism and bravery as a 19-year-old Soldier. They knew of his sacrifice to leave his new bride and his dedication to serve his nation. They were told he suffered a great loss and was never the same after he watched his best friend die on D-Day. They admired his

AFOSI marks 60 years of service

Brig. Gen. Dana A. Simmons, Air Force Office of Special Investigations commander, hosted AFOSI's 60th Anniversary wreath-laying ceremony Aug. 1 at the Air Force Memorial located across from the Pentagon. The purpose of the ceremony was to honor the men and women of the organization both past and

Leadership summit reaches out to USAFE teens

More than 100 teens from 11 U.S. Air Forces in Europe bases traveled here to take part in the first Air Force-hosted European Keystone Club Leadership Summit. The Keystone program, aimed at developing leadership skills and encouraging civic responsibility in youths aged 14 to 18 years old, has been

Air Force veterans participate in national wheelchair games

The eyes of the man in the wheelchair narrow as he focuses on the opponent holding the ball. Delvin McMillan wants the ball and he is determined to get it at any cost. He reaches down and spins the battered metal wheels of his modified chair that looks like it came straight from the set of the

Air Guardsmen train Air Force's airfield operators

Air National Guard officials here said recently that by using their knowledge and resources in airfield operations, they are successfully training the Air Force's next air base managers. In the Air Guard Airfield Operations Officer Training Program, Guardsmen train active-duty officers in airfield

Enhancements improve evaluation forms

Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently introduced several new technological enhancements to four Air Force evaluation forms as part of an ongoing commitment to improve and refine personnel processes. Enhancements were made to the following forms: -- Air Force Form 910 Enlisted

General McNabb confirmed by Senate

Gen. Duncan McNabb soon will assume command of the United States Transportation Command. With the Senate confirmation vote Aug. 1, the 34-year Air Force veteran will become the ninth USTRANSCOM commander. General McNabb provided testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee on July 22 prior

Senate confirms General Schwartz as next chief of staff

Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, a 35-year veteran in special operations, will be the 19th Air Force chief of staff, according to a Senate confirmation vote which occurred Aug. 1. General Schwartz provided testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee on July 22, before the full Senate voted on his

Elmendorf community mourns fallen commander

Airmen and members of the local community paid tribute to the 3rd Wing commander during a memorial service July 31 at Hangar 1 here.Brig. Gen. Thomas L. Tinsley passed away July 27 at his on-base residence. "General Tinsley was a true leader and Airmen warrior and his untimely death is a loss to the

Air Force officials reach recruitment program goal

Air Force officials have reached the 2008 goal of hiring 25 people via the Workforce Recruitment Program for summer or permanent jobs. Coordinated by officials in the Office of Disability Employment Policy, the Department of Labor and the Department of Defense, the program is a recruitment and

Fire task force mission becomes 'wait and see'

With the latest California wildfires mostly under control, Army and Air National Guard aircrews supporting the firefighting effort can finally begin to breathe, as many aircraft are pulled from active support to a stand-by role. Since the California fires began June 21, Army and Air National Guard

Forecasters afloat support multinational training exercise

Air Force weather teams are used to jointness, providing weather support operations for both the Army and Air Force on land or in the air. However, Joint Task Force Exercise 08-4, a multinational exercise hosted by U.S. Joint Forces Command, would require them to truly go above and beyond -- and out

Summit gives disaster response leaders 'Eagle Vision'

Key disaster response leaders united for a three day summit here July 22 to learn about a process that brings real-time life-saving images to civilian and military first responders. Maj. Gen. Henry C. 'Hank' Morrow, commander of 1st Air Force and Air Force Northern Command,  and Brig. Gen. Andre

No cargo too large for Sather aerial port Airmen

Sometimes good things come in big packages, and occasionally they come in very big packages. For the aerial port Airman assigned to the 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, there is no package that's too big or cargo that they can't handle. With only a day's notice, these Airmen

Chaplain delivers House invocation

When Speaker Pro Tem Ellen Tauscher dropped the gavel July 10, the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives grew quiet and an Air Force officer stood behind the podium. Chaplain (Maj.) Matt Franke, an Air Force legislative fellow in the office of Rep. Bob Inglis of South Carolina, delivered an

Airman's Roll Call: the new G.I. Bill

This week's Airman's Roll Call highlights the recently approved G.I. Bill.  It will provide even more benefits than the current Montgomery G.I. Bill.  The bill will take effect Aug. 1, 2009.Some of the upgrades involve tuition, housing, books and supplies, tutoring and certification.  You can find

Happy birthday, NASA!

NASA is 50 years old. It was established on July 29, 1958, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act, providing for research into the problems of flight within Earth's atmosphere and in space. The act inaugurated a new civilian agency designated the National

Medics Conclude MEDRETE Panama

Air Force medics here are preparing to return home July 26 after ending two-weeks of operations for Medical Readiness Training Exercise (MEDRETE) Panama. The 16-person medical team from seven different military installations saw more than 8,300 patients here and diagnosed numerous cases of glaucoma,

Pope medics train Travis Airmen for deployment

As the C-130 Hercules makes its final approach on the torn-up runway, the 15 Airmen kneeling on the grass 100 feet away rise as one, making sure the litter they are carrying is stable, and walk toward the flightline. At the back of the aircraft, the litter team is directed where to load their

Air Force, New Mexico U. begin hi-tech partnership

A collaborative effort here is paving the way for a new center of excellence in New Mexico for the application of Field Programmable Gate Arrays, or FPGAs, in space and defense systems. Called the FPGA Mission Assurance Center, or FMAC, the project was recently allotted $1.6 million by Congress.

Academy ranks top in professor availability for 4th time

The Air Force Academy's professors are the most accessible in the nation for the fourth year in a row, according to The Best 368 Colleges text, released July 29 by the Princeton Review. Faculty availability is an expectation at a military service academy. At the U.S. Air Force Academy, the

CSTC-A team contributes to development of police force

More than 200 students were processed into the Regional Training Center here by Afghan National Police and Afghan civilians, with the help of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan mentors. The police students arrived July 19 for Focused District Development training, a program to create a

McKinley: Airmen play key roles in joint National Guard

Airmen are an integral part of fulfilling an increasingly joint National Guard's domestic and overseas missions, the director of the Air National Guard said here July 23. Lt. Gen. Craig McKinley told a record-breaking audience of 1,500 gathered for the National Guard Bureau Joint Family Program

VA offers new online resource service

The Department of Veterans Affairs is offering a new online service, My HealtheVet, which is a gateway to veteran health benefits and services.It provides access to trusted health information, links to federal and VA benefits and resources, the Personal Health Journal and online VA prescription

386th ELRS tests new Humvee modification

The 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's vehicle maintenance section is testing two new modifications for the M1116 up-armored high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles' (Humvee) condenser, hoping the improvement will eventually become standard in all M1116 Humvees throughout the

'Today's Air Force' features deployed Airmen

In this edition of "Today's Air Force" you will discover how Airmen are helping the Afghan air corps become self sufficient. And, you see how the C130J Hercules is reducing the number of ground convoys by delivering supplies to operating bases. Also featured is the different ways Airmen entertain

Alternative energy project under way at Robins AFB

The Defense Logistics Agency kicked off its fuel cell forklift pilot project here July 24 at the Defense Depot Warner Robins. It is part of an effort to find alternative energy sources and reduce America's growing dependence on energy imports. The DDWG, in collaboration with the DLA Research and

Air Force officials consider applications of 'jamming' model

Granular fluids, like salt or sand, and viscous liquids, like toothpaste or wood glue, can behave like liquids or solids depending on certain conditions. When these fragile materials stop flowing, scientists refer to the transition as "jamming." With funding from the Air Force Office of Scientific

Air Force observes integration's 60th anniversary

In ceremonies and speeches throughout the week, the Air Force and its sister services observed the 60th anniversary since racial integration was mandated in the military. On July 26, 1948, President Harry S Truman signed Executive Order 9981, which states, "It is hereby declared to be the policy of

AF, Army firefighters contain real-world blaze in Iraq

Air Force and Army firefighters worked in the searing sun July 22 to contain a fire that engulfed six closely situated structures here. A call to the Joint Base Balad Fire Department at 12:30 p.m. set into motion an emergency-management response of firefighters and civilian volunteers. No one was

Strike teams push out aid for Hurricane Dolly victims

For nearly a quarter million people, calm is beginning to settle across the south Texas Rio Grande region after the relentless lashing that Hurricane Dolly doled out recently. This calm is due in part by the relief efforts of strike task forces that set out before dawn July 24 to set up points of

Academy commandant to take on new challenge

A leader during one of the most dynamic times in U.S. Air Force Academy history is moving on. Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Susan Y. Desjardins will depart the Academy in October to become the Headquarters Air Mobility Command Strategic Plans, Requirements and Programs deputy director at Scott Air

Air Force signs agreements with N.M. for green power

Air Force officials signed several agreements July 24 with the governor of New Mexico that will add up to 245 megawatts of additional renewable energy in the state. These memorandums of understanding are the result of a two-day New Mexico Energy Investment Initiative Conference, which brought

NORAD officials keep constant vigil for threats to homeland

Defending North America's borders is no easy task. The threats are continuous and can come from anywhere -- by land, in the air, on the sea or even through information systems. Anticipating these threats and warning of them is the job of the men and women of the North American Aerospace Defense

U.S. Strategic Command chief closes cyber symposium

"Cyberspace has become integral to the joint fight," said Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, the U.S. Strategic Command commander, after an address to more than 250 attendees July 17, as he closed the week-long conference held here to discuss the Air Force's role in cyberspace. "We expect all of the services,

Eielson possible home for alternative fuels facility

Federal, state and local government leaders met July 18 in Fairbanks, Alaska, to plan Alaska's energy future. The Interior of Alaska Strategic Energy Summit, sponsored by the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation, was attended by Senator Ted Stevens, Under Secretary of Energy Bud Albright,

Female pioneers of military aviation gather at McChord

One woman flew military aircraft in the waning days of World War II while another woman is the first operational and combat-ready female F-22 Raptor pilot. Dorothy Olsen, a former member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, met July 20 at the McChord Air Expo 2008 with Capt. Jammie Jamieson, who

Officials release facts about new GI Bill

Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs officials are working out the details of a new education benefit recently approved by Congress that goes into effect August 1, 2009. "The absolute most important part of the new G.I Bill is that none of it takes effect until next year," said Rita Hughson,

Hurricane Hunters track Dolly

Hurricane Hunters from the Air Force Reserve Command's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flew repeatedly through Hurricane Dolly as it headed toward the Texas coast, relaying critical data to National Weather Service forecasters in Miami. Six-person crews from the squadron have been tracking the

Airman's Roll Call: Air Force sponsorship program

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on a sponsorship program Airmen and their families can use to ease their fears about relocating to a new base.The sponsorship program is part of the Air Force Individualized Newcomer Treatment and Orientation program, or INTRO, which is designed to facilitate

Asia-Pacific nations collaborate to enhance airpower

More than 80 participants from 20 nations are meeting to discuss and collaborate during the 2008 Pacific Rim Airpower Symposium July 21 through 25 in Kuala Lumpur.Hosted by Royal Malaysian air force and U.S. Pacific Air Forces' 13th Air Force officials, this year's symposium focuses on early phases

Air Force to hold largest multinational enlisted conference

Representatives from 16 nations are meeting for four days of discussion and collaboration during the 2008 Senior Enlisted Leadership Conference July 21 through 25 in Kuala Lumpur. The conference is the largest air force multinational enlisted conference and is the first of its kind to be held in the

Senate committee reviews Air Force nominees

Senate Armed Services Committee members presented a number of questions and challenges to Air Force civilian and military leader nominees July 22 on Capitol Hill. Michael Donley, the acting secretary of the Air Force, and Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, nominated to become the next chief of staff of the

New cadets discover Jacks Valley

Multitude of new ideas emerge from Randolph's Lean Week

A final summation regarding "Lean Week" at Randolph, a period set aside for a brainstorming of ideas on how to create a more efficient base, was delivered last week. An outbrief following the May 19-23 Lean Week spotlighted a multitude of ideas brought forth by Randolph members concerning not only

Lean Week comes to Randolph

Gone is the Air Force before super computers and modern technology. Gone are the, "We used to do it this way," and "When I was an Airman..." mindsets. Even gone, is the Air Force of fifteen years ago. Today's Air Force is a highly streamlined, technology-driven entity that is tasked more and more

Lean Week Charter Plan announced, promotes elimination of waste across board

Facilitators, team leads and unit managers are set to conduct Air Force Smart Operations 21 objectives at the Mission Support Group, Medical Group, Operations Group and Maintenance Directorate within the12th Flying Training Wing. Randolph Air Force Base has scheduled the Lean Week initiative for

Officials seek enlisted medical community's input for Web

The Defense Department is looking for input from the enlisted medical community as it sets up a new Web portal that will enable medics and corpsmen to share lessons learned and suggest ways to improve patient care. The portal will provide a forum for the estimated 80,000 enlisted medical

Top acquisition official: Tanker acquisition top priority

Officials from the Government Accountability Office testified before Congress July 10 here about their decision to uphold Boeing's protests of the Air Force's selection of Northrop Grumman Corp. to produce 179 new tankers that would replace the aging KC-135 Stratotanker fleet. In its report, GAO

Defense Department to deliver more, improved child care

The recent ribbon-cutting at the largest military child care center underscores the commitment of Defense Department officials to provide more and better child-care for military families, a senior defense official said. A July 15 ribbon-cutting at Fort Myer, Va., marked the official opening of a new

Air Force leaders share women's perspectives

Servicemembers learned more about the perspectives of women in the military during a leadership forum here July 17. The forum was part of the Tuskegee Airmen Convention ending July 20. Senior leadership spoke about several issues, including the heroism of Tuskegee Airmen, the history of women in the

New Kyrgyzstan medical facility offers high-quality care

376th Expeditionary Medical Group officials cut the ribbon on a new hospital building here July 17. After nearly seven years operating out of a tent facility, the new building includes updated inpatient area, an operating room, emergency room, a new laboratory, a dental office and three individual

Symposium gets to core of Air Force's role in cyberspace

In an effort to bring together minds and ideas from across the cyberspace community, Air University officials hosted a week-long cyberspace symposium here recently. Some 250 professional civilian and military information experts gathered to discuss the implications of cyberspace, especially with

California firefighting commander: 'Great job' by Airmen

People in California noticed the job Airmen at McClellan Airfield performed in fighting California's wildfires and could not stop telling the commander of U.S. Northern Command during his July 17 visit to Sacramento. "State leaders are stumbling over each other trying to thank you guys!" said Gen.

Combat-identification technologies tested

War fighters from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom are testing new battlefield systems that can discern friend from foe during the "Bold Quest Plus" joint military demonstration being conducted at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The demonstration's purpose is to provide warfighters with

Peru's chief of staff sees 'New Horizon'

Dr. Luis Cabeña, Peru's Chief of Staff to the Minister of Defense, visited the New Horizons Peru 2008 base camp and project sites July 12 and 13. The U.S. Southern Command-sponsored program brings humanitarian assistance to the people of Peru.After reading reports and stories about the New Horizons

Human performance training optimizes Airmen

As the Air Force continues to scale down its numbers, it's more important than ever to have Airmen performing their missions at the highest levels. This means working smarter, not harder, and doing it safely. Helping to optimize the performance of members here is the goal for the 18th Aerospace

Airmen donate clothes, sports items to Malian

Months of hard work came to fruition for Airmen from Aviano Air Base, Italy, when they delivered boxes of clothing to a local orphanage July 16 in Mali. When Airmen from Aviano found out they were going to Mali for a medical mission, they joined efforts with the local community to gather more than

Officials announce major upgrade of AFPC Secure

A new, updated version of AFPC Secure will go live on July 19. All AFPC Secure Web applications will be down from 6 a.m. Central Daylight Time July 19 until 4 p.m. CDT July 20 to support this changeover. After July 20, users should replace any book-marked links for AFPC Secure with the new links.

Air Force officials buy 'offices in the air'

Air Force officials recently approved the purchase of pallets that will provide work and rest areas for senior leaders traveling aboard mobility aircraft. The service is purchasing two types of removable mobile command workspaces for use by military and senior civilian leaders who are required to

302nd AEG conducts its 21st day of California wild fire support

Aircraft and firefighters from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group began their 21st day of aerial firefighting support missions July 16 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. On July 15, aerial assets of the 302nd AEG did not perform aerial firefighting missions due limited

AETC first to receive new acquisitions authority

Air Education and Training Command became the first major command authorized to pursue services acquisitions valued at up to $500 million, following the signing of an agreement between the command and Air Force Acquisitions officials. The new agreement is expected to help streamline the acquisition