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

Airman under fire; Pararescueman saves two girls

The day started out as normal as they do in a combat area of Afghanistan, said Tech. Sgt. Clinton Beck, a pararescueman with the 24th Special Tactics Squadron.He awoke with his team of elite special operators and began planning the day's mission, he said. As the team approached their target, they

Hurricane Hunters deploy to U.S. Virgin Islands

Hurricane Hunters have deployed from the Air Force Reserve Command's 403rd Wing here to a forward operating location on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands to be in position for storm flights. After Citizen Airmen of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flew missions into Hurricane Bertha

'Send it our way, we'll get the job done!'

Air Mobility Command Airmen in Southwest Asia work around the clock to ensure passengers and cargo move in and out of the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility, proudly proclaiming, "You need it, we move it." The 255 members of the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron, a tenant unit of

Iranian threat justifies missile defense, general says

Iran's launch of a missile with a 2,000-kilometer range last week is a concrete example of the threat the world faces from missile proliferation, the chief of the Missile Defense Agency said here July 16. Lt. Gen. Henry A. "Trey" Obering, said the United States is concerned specifically about the

Airframes transform to save lives

Fixed wing aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules, KC-135 Stratotanker and C-17 Globemaster III, can transform into aeromedical evacuation, or "aerovac," airframes, allowing medical personnel to care for larger patient loads, over longer distances, at higher altitudes, with a greater ability to care

Air Force doctors begin medical exercise in Panama

Air Force and Panamanian doctors began seeing patients here at a local school as part of Medical Readiness Training Exercise-Panama July 14. On the first day patients began lining up, hundreds upon hundreds waited in orderly fashion; looks of curiousness and anticipation on their faces. Some looked

A new leg to stand on

Servicemembers take part in Baghdad Boilermaker

The first Baghdad Boilermaker started with two Airmen from New York who just wanted to run the country's largest 15-kilometer race. Master Sgts. James Carrabba and Jeffrey Conant, both deployed from the 174th Fighter Wing in Syracuse, N.Y., have run the original Boilermaker in Utica, N.Y., a

Airmen return from humanitarian, training deployment

A 10-person team of Airmen from the 21st Medical Group at Peterson AFB returned from a two-week medical readiness exercise in San Miguel, El Salvador, July 3. The El Salvador deployment was part of an ongoing U.S. Southern Command MEDRETEs initiative in Central, South America and the Caribbean. This

Coalition doctors remove tumor, save Afghan girl's life

On a warm morning in early June, a worried Abdullah Haqim walked with his daughter into the weekly Coalition medical clinic in Farah province, Afghanistan. Six-year-old Gulzana was sick and local Afghan doctors could not diagnose or treat the painful swelling that had engulfed her left eye. The

New language program Web site aids deploying troops

Officials who oversee a Defense Department program that provides cultural and linguistic training to soon-to-deploy military personnel have activated a new Web site. Launched this month, the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center's new online resource offers deploying servicemembers

Enlisted medical training to consolidate at Fort Sam Houston

A ceremonial groundbreaking for the Medical Education and Training Campus here July 10 marked another step toward what leaders are calling the largest consolidation of training in the history of the Department of Defense. Upon completion in 2011, the joint campus, led by tri-service leadership, will

Working dog kennels receive massive renovation

Military working dogs transitioning through a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility are receiving a "bone-a-fide" upgrade to their accommodations, courtesy of the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. The renovations, which included floor stripping and resealing, and the

Depot technicians begin using automatic test station

The Versatile Depot Automatic Test Station, or VDATS, was put to the test here July 9 as it examined its first production asset as an Air Force and Department of Defense Family of Testers member. Operators used VDATS to test a decoder assembly from the Pave Penny pod, which is a targeting device

'The Swoose' finds new home at Air Force museum

The Swoose, the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only "D" model still in existence, was transferred from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Shipment of this unique aircraft from Washington, D.C., is in progress and it is expected

EOD flights take out 'things that make you go boom'

Improvised explosive devices account for more than 40 percent of all U.S. servicemember deaths, but a small group of professional Airmen make the roads of Baghdad a little safer by taking out any IED, explosively formed penetrator or unexploded ordnance that gets in their way. The 447th

NASA researchers evaluate sensor technology

NASA researchers are evaluating an advanced, fiber optic-based sensing technology that could aid development of active control of wing shape. Controlling a wing's shape in flight would allow it to take advantage of aerodynamics and improve overall aircraft efficiency. The Fiber Optic Wing Shape

Lackland doctor leaves Afghan legacy

A doctor here, who recently returned from an Afghanistan deployment, left a lasting legacy at the neurosurgeon's former deployed base.Lt. Col. (Dr.) Randall McCafferty, from the 59th Surgical Specialties Squadron, was deployed to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, where he established the first

Recycling contract turns trash into treasure

War is messy -- literally -- but U.S. forces, contractors and Iraqis found a way to turn the military's trash into Iraq's economic treasure. Albu-Hussan-based Almandhour United Company oversees waste-management operations here following a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 10 that commemorated the opening

Veteran helps others achieve American dream

A bureaucratic mix-up. That's how Eugene Toni explained being drafted in the Army to his mother. If he had told her the truth, "she would have killed me," said the 58-year-old. In reality, there was no mix-up. Mr. Toni was attending Camden County College in New Jersey and working part-time at a

Airman's packaging idea cuts hazmat response time

One Airman's initiative has cut the response times for hazardous material teams from hours to minutes, and his supervisors want civil engineer units throughout the Air Force to adopt the idea. Senior Airman Michael Blair, an emergency management equipment technician with the 332nd Expeditionary

Giant squids land at Dover AFB

A Reserve aircrew from the 326th Airlift Squadron landed July 11 at Dover Air Force Base, Del., with two giant squids in their cargo compartment. The two sea creatures were transported in a C-17 Globemaster III from Europe and will be delivered to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Enlisted education gets new namesake

The official designation ceremony of the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education July 11 was the last in a series of events transforming Air University into streamlined centers for professional education, research and doctrinal development. The Barnes Center will serve as the umbrella

Officials conduct 'Road Show' for acquisition transformation

The Installation Acquisition Transformation initiative, a comprehensive restructuring of continental U.S. installation acquisition practices, is moving forward as Air Force contracting officials continue traveling to affected bases to explain the changes ahead. Under the transformation, Air Force

Fire retardant reload operations moved to Channel Islands

The 302nd Air Expeditionary Group moved some critical fire retardant reloading equipment to the Channel Islands Air National Guard Station July 8 to increase the efficiency of modular airborne firefighting systems-equipped C-130 Hercules in battling wildfires in California. The purpose for setting

Eye doctors give patients new outlook

Eye doctors deployed to the Air Force Theater Hospital in Iraq see more than twice as many eye traumas than they encounter at their homestations. Among their patients are Iraqis and American servicemembers who have suffered eyesight-threatening injuries. Ophthalmologists can't always save their

Iraqi air force acquires new aircraft from U.S. forces

U.S. forces transferred ownership of 11 aircraft to the Iraqi air force July 9 during a ceremony at New Al Muthana Air Base. Army Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, commander of Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq, signed over eight Cessna 172s and three Cessna Caravan 208s worth more than $9

New MH-53M helicopter exhibit opens at AF museum

Several high ranking officials from Air Force Special Operations Command, industry and the community recently joined personnel from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force for the official opening of the museum's new MH-53M Pave Low IV helicopter exhibit. Air Force special operations forces used

System helps determine 'health' of Air Force aircraft

Military aircraft must be safe, reliable, and ready at a moment's notice to complete their mission. Unexpected maintenance, and even scheduled maintenance checks, can keep an aircraft out of service when needed most. That's where Integrated Systems Health Management, or ISHM, comes in. ISHM is a

AFOTEC officials hold first space summit

Maj. Gen. Stephen T. Sargeant, commander of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center here, hosted the organization's first space summit July 1 and 2. Senior leaders from AFOTEC, the Under Secretary of the Air Force Directorate of Space Acquisition, the National Geospatial and

Maintainers keep C-130's flying during wildfire operations

As the fires in California continue to threaten lives and property, maintainers from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group ensure that the modular airborne fire fighting system-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft are ready to fly and drop fire retardant on time and on target. When it comes to getting the

AF introduces civilian acculturation, leadership program

Applications are now being accepted from Air Force civilian interns and Student Career Employment Program graduates for the Civilian Acculturation and Leadership Training program. This opportunity is a chief of staff initiative designed as an intensive leadership development program for civilians

Spinning electrons research could enhance AF computers

Scientists funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research have used a single photon technique to observe the evolution of individual electron spins in semiconductor nanostructures. Their work has already contributed to the new field of semiconductor spintronics - an emerging technology which

RED HORSE engineers move full-speed ahead in Peru

A 64-member team of Air Force civil engineers are making speedy progress here in the completion of several construction projects supporting New Horizons-Peru 2008, a U.S. and Peruvian humanitarian effort to bring relief to underprivileged Peruvians. The Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational

Pentagon officials reopen bidding on tanker contract

Defense Department officials have reopened the bidding process for a multibillion-dollar midair refueling tanker contract, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. The announcement comes after Government Accountability Office officials last month found improper practices related to the $35

Afghan print plant supports mission, training

Mentoring the Afghan National Army staff at the Kabul print plant is a great mission, said Maj. Paul Kaster, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan ANA communications mentor. But, he says he may have worked himself out of a job. Major Kaster, deployed from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.,

Airman's Roll Call: Achieve your personal best

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on starting an aerobics regimen now, not when your annual fitness test is a week away. Today's Air Force is expeditionary, and Airmen are being tasked to do more and do it more often. These tasks require Airmen to be physically capable of performing at peak

California fire support missions continue July 4

Airmen from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group launched their ninth day of Aerial support missions July 4 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. The aircrews, flying Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft, focused their firefighting efforts on the

C-130s continue aerial firefighting operations in California

Aircraft from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group continued aerial firefighting support missions July 5 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. C-130 Hercules aircraft flew 25 sorties in approximately 50 flight hours. Twelve sorties flew to the Goleta, or Gap, fire located

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger visits 302nd AEG

During a visit to the California National Guard fire fighting training facility at McClellan Airfield here, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger paid a brief visit to the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group to wish Airmen a happy 4th of July and thank them for their service in assisting with

Teamwork helps Airmen fight fires

Airmen of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group continued to work with national agencies July 5 to support firefighting efforts in California. Launching from McClellan Airfield, eight Modular Airborne Firefighting System-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft flew a total of 40 sorties July 5 and dropped a

Sather Airmen make each shot count

The scene is a typical firing range, not unlike what one would find built for a gun club or on an Army post or Air Force base. The line safety officers meticulously watch the novice shooters, holding their weapons properly, aiming at a silhouette target further down the range. "Is the line ready,"

Air Force, Boeing officials upgrade C-130 cockpits

Members of the 418th Flight Test Squadron here working with Boeing officials are currently conducting communication, navigation, radar and air data testing on two C-130 Hercules aircraft here as part of the Avionics Modernization Program. The Avionics Modernization Program, or AMP, upgrade includes

Airmen fight California fires for 12th day

Airmen of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group here began their 12th day of aerial firefighting support missions July 7 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. The 302nd AEG military airborne assets performed 69 airdrops delivering more than 100,300 gallons of fire retardant and

Promotion release 'virtual' success

It was deathly quiet at 7:45 a.m. at the Air Force Personnel Center here June 26. Both here, and around the world, noncommissioned officers eligible for promotion to technical and master sergeant hit the Internet, hoping someone had posted the promotion list prior to the 8 a.m. scheduled release. At

Andrews Airman participates in national golf tournament

When he was in high school, Senior Master Sgt. Kirk Kessler worked part-time at a golf course in Mobridge, S.D., to earn some cash and play the sport for free. As he mowed the fairways and greens, he didn't think much of the game. "I played a little bit, but I didn't take the game seriously," he

President salutes wounded Airman at medical center groundbreaking

A scar peeked out from beneath the navy blue beret Staff Sgt. Scott Lilley borrowed to wear July 3 during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center here. "Luckily we have the same size head," said the cap's owner, Staff Sgt. Michael Barczik of Andrews Air Force

Iraqi air force soars through U.S.-guided exercise

Members of the Coalition Air Force Training Team assigned to the 370th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron here have been training and mentoring Iraqi air force members in their functional areas for years. Recently, the 370th AEAS staff partnered with members of the 447th Air Expeditionary Group at

AETC officials welcome new commander

Air Education and Training Command officials welcomed their new commander in a change-of-command ceremony July 2 at Randolph Air Force Base. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz assumed command of AETC as Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, the Air Force vice chief of staff, presided over the ceremony.General Lorenz is

Airman laid to rest after 30 years

For 10 years, Capt. Christopher Joyce has carried the memory of Senior Master Sgt. James Caniford around his wrist. Sergeant Caniford, a former 16th Special Operations Squadron illuminator operator, was recently identified after more than 30 years listed as missing in action from the Vietnam

Former Secretary of the Air Force Seamans dies

The ninth secretary of the Air Force died June 28 at his home in Beverly, Mass. Dr. Robert C. Seamans Jr., 89, became the Air Force's top civilian official in 1969 at the height of the Vietnam War and served until 1973. He oversaw a complex process of weapon systems modernization when the U.S. was

Air Force strives to enhance communications networks

Officials from the Air Force, Army and Navy are now funding a Finnish research program that explores new approaches for improving telecommunications network management. The ultimate goal is to build on this basic research and create a cognitive network that will use rational decision-making methods

Air Force, Army leaders discuss new concept of operations

Air Force and Army leaders met June 30 to discuss developing a new joint unmanned aerial system concept of operations and maximize the contributions these systems provide to joint forces in the field. Gen. John D.W. Corley, Air Combat Command commander, met with Army Gen. William S. Wallace, Army

Acting secretary shares his perspective with Airmen

The U.S. Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do will remain in place, said Acting Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley during a July 1 visit here.In his first visit to an Air Force base since being named to the position, Secretary Donley

Air Force officials clarify uniform change announcements

As the Air Force transitions from the legacy battle dress to the modern airman battle uniform, questions and concerns are bound to come up, said the head of Air Force uniform and recognition branch. "Anytime there is new information about uniforms for Airmen, we will get that out to the field as