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  • Remembering Linebacker II: It's about the heroes, not the missions

    A ceremony to honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in support of Operation Linebacker II took place at Arc Light Memorial Park here Dec. 17.Often referred to as "the 11-day war," Operation Linebacker II was conducted from Dec. 18 to Dec. 29, 1972, after peace talks between the U.S. and

  • DARPA goal for cybersecurity: change the game

    Self-proclaimed "technogeeks" at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, after determining the nature of the cybersecurity threat, have devised programs to tackle the problem and, most importantly, surprise their adversaries, DARPA's deputy director said.Kaigham Gabriel spoke here at the Dec.

  • Classic associate unit activated at Kirtland AFB

    The Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz recently approved the creation of a classic associate unit by aligning elements of the 150th Wing and 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB, N.M.The 58th SOW, which is a regular Air Force unit, will serve as the host, and will have

  • Airmen win honors at worldwide talent search

    Air Force entertainment officials selected the top 11 entertainers Dec. 13 at an awards banquet here during the annual Air Force Worldwide Talent Search.More than 70 Airmen participated in the event Dec. 6 through 13 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.The annual competition allows Airmen to showcase

  • Mobility rodeo prepares Airmen for exercises, deployments

    More than 400 Airmen participated in an ability to survive and operate, or ATSO, rodeo Dec. 13 here in preparation for upcoming exercises and deployments.Participants attended one of five two-hour long classes where they learned proper chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear-active defense,

  • Support agencies help Airmen, families manage holiday stress

    The holiday season can bring joyful smiles and priceless moments with friends and family. But for some, it can bring a sense of worry, self-doubt, frustration and agony.Numerous agencies at Air Force bases provide programs and assistance to those who are experiencing the tougher side of life this

  • Intrepid Center provides new level of warfighter care

    When it officially opened its doors in June, the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at the National Naval Medical Center here set out to provide a new level of care for warfighters suffering traumatic brain injuries and psychological disorders.Six months later, as it continues to build staff to

  • 96th ARS Airmen start flying at Hickam

    Airmen from the 96th Air Refueling Squadron here performed their first operational mission Dec. 13 by refueling B-52 Stratofortresses from the 5th Wing at Minot AFB, N.D.The 96th ARS was activated here in September and has been conducting training sorties since then.The squadron won't be fully

  • Air Guard starts funding recruitment storefronts

    The Air National Guard's storefront recruiting facilities program got a boost this year when they received funding from the National Guard Bureau for the first time.The program has received some funding in the past, but it was out of executioner funds, which came from leftover annually-budgeted ANG

  • 300 take part in virtual battle

    More than 300 joint warfighters converged in a virtual battlespace for a four-day exercise ending Dec. 16.Participants from 18 locations joined forces to defeat the simulated threat in Virtual Flag 11-1. The 705th Combat Training Squadron here executes four VFs each year. It's the largest Air Force

  • Department prepares for 'Don't Ask' repeal

    The Defense Department is preparing for passage of a law that overturns the ban on gays serving openly in the military, a Pentagon spokesman said Dec 17.The U.S. Senate is expected to vote -- possibly as soon as Dec. 18 -- on a bill the House of Representatives passed Dec. 15 that would repeal the

  • Operation Christmas Drop a team effort

    Airmen stationed in Japan and Guam are experiencing the joy of giving on an epic scale this holiday season. This year marks the 23rd year Airmen from Yokota AFB are participating in Operation Christmas Drop, an annual humanitarian mission hosted in conjunction with volunteers and personnel from

  • CV-22 accident investigation board results released

    Air Force Special Operations Command officials released the results of their investigation into the CV-22 Osprey accident April 9, near Qalat, Afghanistan, that killed four people and injured 16 of the 20 onboard. The pilot, flight engineer, an Army Ranger, and a civilian contract employee were

  • Pentagon spokesman addresses strategy review, budget

    The U.S. Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy is yielding results that are "trending in the right direction," Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said Dec. 17.During an MSNBC television interview, Mr. Morrell responded to questions on Pakistan's role in establishing regional security, the purpose of the

  • First 24th AF Portraits in Courage recipient: 'I was just doing my job'

    Staff Sgt. Alexander Yessayan said he's not a hero, and you might just believe him unless you talk to anyone who knows him, or he begrudgingly tells you about what happened more than a year ago in Afghanistan.Those who know him use words like humble, straight shooter and, yes, hero to describe

  • Klotz: Minot AFB Airmen are what make the difference

    The Air Force Global Strike Command commander and command chief met with Airmen here to thank them for their service and seek input about their mission.As the only base with both intercontinental ballistic missle and nuclear-capable bomber missions, Minot AFB is unique, Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz said.

  • Reports of sexual harassment, assault rise at service academies

    The number of reported sexual harassment and assaults at the armed forces' three service academies is up from last year, but the rise could be due to an increase in education and training at the schools, Defense Department officials said Dec. 15.Forty-one incidents were reported for the 2009-2010

  • 386th AEW members fly first airdrop missions in Afghanistan

    From providing humanitarian assistance in Pakistan to moving more than a half-million passengers throughout U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility this year, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing members can now add another accomplishment to their list -- performing airdrop missions in support of

  • Gates urges Congress to pass omnibus appropriation bill

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urged Congress Dec. 16 to approve an omnibus appropriation bill rather than requiring the Defense Department to operate under a year-long continuing resolution."To do otherwise would leave the department without the resources and flexibility needed to meet vital

  • Communications Airmen prove vital to Regional Command-West mission

    Imagine a small group of elite Soldiers on patrol in the mountains of the northern Herat province of Afghanistan coming under heavy attack by a large group of insurgents.What if these outnumbered and outgunned Soldiers called back to camp for close-air support but found no answer on the receiving

  • Culture and language center to expand production of field guides

    The Air Force Language, Region and Culture Program Office will increase field guide production to provide Airmen an understanding of the cultural concepts necessary to meet mission requirements in the region to which they are deployed, officials said here Dec. 15. The framework of the field guides

  • New 'bird' finds home with 76th AS

    Members of the 76th Airlift Squadron here receieved a C-37A Dec. 7 to help increase the flying capabilities of the distinguished visitor mission.The new aircraft is the military version of the Gulfstream V ultra-long-range-business aircraft and is the first C-37A to be stationed here. The C-37A

  • Commander retires after 41 years of service

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen bid farewell to Gen. Roger A. Brady, the USAFE commander since 2008, who retired Dec. 13, as the longest-serving Air Force officer currently on active duty. "Being the commander of USAFE is really something; it just doesn't get much better than this," General Brady

  • Air Force emergency managers "walk the walk"

    A team of 481 Air Force emergency managers representing all the major commands, recently joined 2,000 of their colleagues at the 58th annual International Association of Emergency Managers conference in San Antonio.This year's IAEM conference theme was, "Talk the Talk, now Walk the Walk," and the

  • Teen center raises tilapia for Union Gospel Mission

    Teens attending the Fairchild Teen Center here are raising Tilapia -- a freshwater fish -- that will help feed homeless people year-round at the Spokane Union Gospel Mission.The youth program here is very active in supporting various efforts to improve quality of life for people on base and in the

  • Hickam AFB Airman found dead in Philippines

    An Airman assigned to the 647th Security Forces Squadron here died Dec. 7 in the Philippines. Master Sgt. Michael A. Lee, a security forces flight chief and native of Rocky Mount, Va., died from an apparent heart attack after collapsing while on leave in Manila, Philippines. The incident is under

  • National prevention month highlights dangers of drunken driving

    As the end-of-year holidays approach, Airmen, like the rest of America, are busy planning, shopping and preparing for those few days when family and friends gather to relax and celebrate. Some may not care to think about tragedy at this time, but December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving

  • Nobel Prize winner visits, thanks AMC

    During a visit to Air Mobility Command Headquarters here Dec. 9, Nobel Prize winner Dr. Samuel Ting praised AMC for its recent support in delivering the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer from Geneva, Switzerland, to Cape Canaveral, Fla.Doctor Ting, the 1976 Nobel Prize winner in physics, provided a

  • Airman aims to help others during holiday season

    It's not unusual for Maj. John Thomas to come home with beat up old bicycles.In the old, discarded bikes he finds in dumpsters, he sees a few more good years that could benefit some other child or adult, said Major Thomas, the 721st Mission Support Group chief of plans and programs. He takes the

  • New program connects wounded warriors with loved ones

    Members of the 455th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility staff teamed up with Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Communication Squadron to offer wounded warriors a way to communicate with loved ones as the wounded warriors make their journey home.The 455th ECS completed the installation of a

  • Photo essay: Moody A-10s prepare for Green Flag West

    Airmen from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., check out their A-10 Thunderbolt IIs in preparation for the Green Flag-West exercise here Dec. 6 - 10. Green Flag-West provides a realistic air-land integration training environment for forces preparing to support worldwide combat operations.View the slideshow.

  • USAFE welcomes new commander

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen welcomed a new commander with the arrival of Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, who assumed command during a ceremony here Dec. 13. "This command is in great shape," General Welsh said. "My goal is just to make things even better than they have been in the past."General Welsh

  • Global Strike Command units assist Navy in powering mission

    Members of the 509th and 131st Logistic Readiness Squadrons here loaded more than $30 million of Los Angeles-class submarine batteries on DC-8 cargo aircraft  Dec. 4 and 6 in support of naval operations in the Pacific.Air Force Global Strike Command officials received a call requesting batteries for

  • New technology could save base millions

    Engineers here could soon be using an emerging technology to help clean the environment and save the Air Force money.Officials with the Robins Air Force Base Energy Office are conducting feasibility studies on the use of plasma arc technology, which offers environmentally safe measures for waste

  • 820th Base Defense Group heads to Afghanistan

    A group of Airmen from the 820th Base Defense Group recently deployed to Afghanistan for the first time under the new unit name.The hand-selected group of Airmen will deploy to an air base in Afghanistan for about six months.The 820th BDG is the first Air Force unit designed specifically to provide

  • TRICARE beneficiaries have many options to prepare for flu season

    TRICARE officials urge their 9.6 million beneficiaries to take preventive steps to stop the spread of the flu. Seasonal influenza is a contagious respiratory virus that many beneficiaries may already have been exposed to throughout the year. The 2010 through 2011 flu vaccine will protect against

  • Air Guard strengthens stance for homeland defense, civil support

    The 2010 Domestic Operations Equipment Requirements conference prompted Air National Guard officials to position themselves to provide an even stronger stance for homeland defense and civil support missions, the National Guard Bureau's director of plans and requirements said recently."This is how we

  • Senior NCO workshop sheds light on bigger picture

    Approximately 90 senior non-commissioned officers gathered Dec. 6 for a workshop aimed at providing a strategic view of the Eielson mission and improving senior NCO communication. The workshop speakers included the 11th Air Forces command chief, the 354th Fighter Wing vice commander and the 354th FW

  • Officials select potential base for Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 training unit

    Air Force officials announced today that Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, is their preferred alternative to potentially host a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA maintenance and flying training unit in the U.S.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz validated

  • Identifying friendly forces to become easier for AWACS

    Engineers with the Electronic Systems Center here have achieved the next step in bringing an improved Identification Friend or Foe, or IFF, system capability to E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft.Currently, AWACS provides situational awareness of friendly, neutral and hostile

  • Air Force, industry leaders brainstorm at Renewable Energy Industry Day

    During the U.S. Air Force Renewable Energy Industry Day on December 8, Air Force senior leaders joined more than 250 industry professionals to exchange ideas about partnering to increase renewable energy supplies and achieve energy goals.Terry Yonkers, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for

  • Cross-country training pools experience, skills

    Members of the 100th Air Refueling Wing united with their Royal Air Force counterparts to build cross-service relationships and military skills during Leadership, Ethos and Air Power Day here Dec. 6.Participants in station LEAP Day were taken from all sections of Royal Air Force Marham and

  • 'Portraits in Courage' Vol. V highlights Air Force heroes

    The latest "Portraits in Courage" released Dec. 10 highlights 18 Airmen who demonstrated bravery and heroism in the crucible of war as they repelled air and ground enemy fire, led convoys through perilous terrain and assisted injured comrades.The stories describe ordinary Americans who accomplished

  • ACC commander visits Kirtland AFB prior to start of virtual exercise

    Gen. William M. Fraser III, the Air Combat Command commander, visited the 705th Combat Training Squadron here Dec. 7, prior to the start of Virtual Flag.Virtual Flag exercises are part of the 505th Command and Control Wing's mission at Hurlburt Field, Fla., and are intended to improve warfighter

  • PJs carry blood again, increase survival rates

    Pararescuemen from the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, have brought back the ability to carry and administer blood to patients on rescue missions, increasing survival rates for injured warfighters.Air Force rescue units haven't carried blood since the beginning of

  • Manatee finds new home in Puerto Rico

    A five-year-old manatee now known as Guacara has arrived in Puerto Rico after a flight down from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. The manatee was escorted by Dr. Antonio A. Mignucci, director of the Puerto Rico Manatee Conservation Center; Dr. David Murphy, South Florida Museum; and a Parker Museum

  • US, Japanese fighter pilots promote peace in Asia-Pacific region

    Fighter pilots and more than 160 other servicemembers from Misawa Air Base, Japan, are deployed here to support the largest exercise in the Asia-Pacific region Dec. 3 to 11. "Japan and the United States are treaty allies, and as such, we are bound to defend and respond to any regional crisis or

  • Photo essay: From Cape Canaveral to Vandenberg

    The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle 1 landed here Dec. 3, marking advancement for the Air Force in experimental test missions. Vandenberg people in self-contained atmospheric suits conducted initial checks to ensure the vehicle and area were safe. The X-37B made an autonomous landing after 244 days in

  • 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,

  • Wing retires C-130E, anticipates end of C-130E ops

    Little Rock Air Force Base C-130E Hercules aircraft 62-1788 made its final flight Nov. 29, to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base's 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, the aircraft retirement "bone yard" here. Built in 1962, the aircraft's history includes supporting major operations in

  • DOD officials to expand community-based child care options

    Defense Department officials plan to launch an initiative early next year aimed at expanding the quality and quantity of community-based child care options for geographically dispersed reserve and active-duty families and for families facing long waits for on-base care.Through the initiative, DOD

  • Air Force announces candidate basing locations for LiMA aircraft

    The Air Force announced today that Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N. J., and Travis AFB, Calif., are candidate basing locations for Light Mobility Aircraft, or LiMA. These locations are candidates to beddown a single squadron consisting of 12 aircraft and approximately 100 personnel. The LiMA

  • 'Guard and Protect' exercise unites bilateral forces

    A key component of the 35th Fighter Wing's mission is to assist in the defense of Japan. To that end, members of the 35th Security Force Squadron practiced base defense with their Japanese counterparts during a Guard and Protect exercise Dec. 4 - 5. Airmen from the 35th SFS and Japan Air-Self

  • First Iraqi enlisted chief visits Air University

    The first chief master sergeant of the Iraqi air force visited Air University here Dec. 7, to examine how U.S. officials educate their Airmen.The visit marks the first time the Iraqi chief has been to the U.S., and was designed to give him a sweeping look at enlisted and officer education across the

  • Special needs families receive added support

    Thirty-five installations worldwide now have additional staff members to support active-duty Airmen who have family members with special needs.Air Force officials established Exceptional Family Member Program family support coordinator positions at installations with the highest number of

  • Combat rescue officers celebrate 10-year anniversary

    Officials celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the creation of the combat rescue officer career field Dec. 8."Our personnel recovery forces need to be organized, trained and equipped to operate across the full range of military operations, including humanitarian operations, irregular warfare and

  • Senior DOD leaders share perspectives on future warfighting

    A panel of senior Department of Defense and service component leaders acknowledged that an uncertain, fluid international security environment demands new thinking and approaches to meeting training and simulation requirements for future joint warfighters. The panel met during the

  • Fairchild officials reactivate squadron at March

    At the forefront of Total Force Integration, officials with the 92nd Air Refueling Wing here reactivated the 912th Air Refueling Squadron Dec. 3 at March Air Reserve Base, Calif. As part of the Air Force Reserve Command's 452nd Air Mobility Wing at March ARB, the 912th ARS is an active-duty squadron

  • Air Force selects preferred alternative base for C-27J training aircraft

    Air Force officials announced Dec. 8 that it has chosen Key Field Air National Guard Base, Miss., as the preferred alternative base for the C-27J Spartan training aircraft.The secretary of the Air Force and the chief of staff of the Air Force considered the site survey results, mission-specific

  • 24th AF becomes AFCYBER

    Air Force officials announced that 24th Air Force changed from Air Forces Strategic to Air Forces Cyber Dec. 7. The change better reflects the mission the numbered Air Force performs for the Air Force and the Department of Defense."The name change will not impact the 24th Air Force's mission," said

  • Stanley: Pentagon must do better in hiring disabled

    Defense Department officials are doing a "pretty good" job at hiring talented, disabled people for their civilian work force, but they needs to do much better, the Pentagon's top personnel official said Dec. 8 here during his keynote remarks at the 30th annual Disability Awards Ceremony and Forum."I

  • C-17s deliver firepower to Afghanistan

    An Air Mobility Command C-17 Globemaster III and its crew delivered the first of 17 M1A1 Abrams tanks to military forces in Afghanistan recently. The delivery marked the first time U.S. tanks have deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.The tanks were requested by Marine Corps Maj. Gen.

  • 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

  • Air Force officials support SpaceX launch

    Space Exploration Technologies officials completed a successful test launch of the Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Dragon space vehicle Dec. 8 here.Safety and range support was provided by 45th Space Wing members."The 45th Space Wing was proud to support this important Falcon 9 launch," said Brig. Gen.

  • 18th Air Force, Expeditionary Center restructures

    Air Mobility Command officials announced plans Dec. 7 to restructure some command and control functions, commonly referred to as C2, effective Jan. 7, 2011. The command's 18th Air Force will focus on C2 of air mobility, contingency response and en route operations, including the 618th Air and Space

  • US, Japanese servicemembers partner for Keen Sword 2011

    Airmen from across the Pacific Air Forces are teaming up with their Japan Air Self-Defense Force counterparts in support of a Japan-wide, week- long exercise Dec. 3 through 10 here. Airmen from Misawa and Yokota Air Bases, Japan, and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, arrived here, where they will

  • Officials introduce new patient care concept at medical town hall

    Beginning in June 2011, officials from the 21st Medical Group will launch the Air Force Surgeon General's Family Health Initiative program here, which aims to lower the number of patients assigned to an Air Force medical provider and assigns a back-up team that knows each patient's medical history,

  • Air Force's X-37B historical landing advances space vehicle technologies

    After 224 days in space since its launch April 22 from Cape Canaveral, Fla., the X-37B orbital test vehicle landing marks the Air Force's latest step in experimental test missions to improve the service's space capabilities, officials said here Dec. 6.The 11,000-pound OTV made an autonomous landing

  • Falcons to face Georgia Tech in Independence Bowl

    Air Force will play the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the 2010 AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium, bowl officials announced Dec. 5.The game is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 27 at 4 p.m. E.T. and can be seen on ESPN2.Air Force and Georgia Tech will meet for the fourth time in the

  • Final tanker leaves Grand Forks AFB

    The final KC-135 Stratotanker departed from here Dec. 4, signaling the end of the KC-135 air refueling mission here.The plane was piloted to McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., by Lt. Gen. Vern M. Findley, the Air Mobility Command vice-commander, and Col. Don Shaffer, the 319th Air Refueling Wing

  • Helicopter pilot receives Cheney Award

    An HH-60G helicopter pilot received the Cheney Award from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz here Oct. 15 for the rescue of two critically injured Marines in Helmand Valley, Afghanistan. Maj. John G. Mangan, the assistant director of operations for the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody Air

  • Letter in the wall makes its way back after 20 years

    For years, a letter from a 12-year-old girl to the future residents sat sealed inside a plastic sandwich bag in the historic walls of Quarters 21, located on Generals' Row here.On Dec. 6, 20 years to the day after the letter was written, Brooke Lewis, now aged 32, came back to Offutt."It's just a

  • U.S., Japanese servicemembers partner for nationwide training exercise

    Airmen from across Pacific Air Forces are teaming up with their Japan Air Self-Defense Force counterparts at this central-Japan air base in support of a Japan-wide exercise Dec. 3 through 10. Airmen from Misawa and Kunsan air bases in Japan, and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, arrived at Komatsu AB

  • Airmen connect US, Japan during Keen Sword 11

    More than 25 members of the 644th Combat Communication Squadron from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, are working to provide communication capabilities to Airmen here. The Andersen AFB Airmen are teaming up with Airmen from Osan Air Base, Korea; Misawa AB, Japan; and Langley AFB, Virginia. Together,

  • 'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Airmen and their families get ready for the holiday season. Plus, see Air Force members competing in sports competitions all over the world. And, see how Airmen continue to support their Iraqi and Afghan counterparts. The 30-minute, weekly news show can be

  • PACAF specialized medical team conducts first peacetime mission

    Pacific Air Forces deployed the first peace-time, Critical-Care, Air-Transport Team to transfer a critically ill patient from Naval Hospital in Guam, to Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, Nov. 17. The team was alerted and within three hours, boarded a commercial airliner to meet the aeromedical

  • New inpatient medical records system enhances patient care

    A new electronic medical record system to enhance patient care is coming to Wilford Hall Medical Center here.Essentris is an electronic healthcare record management system which is specifically designed for inpatient care and will allow health care providers instant access to inpatient records

  • Contingency response wing returns from Pakistan relief mission

    Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing have completed operations in Pakistan in support of flood relief distribution efforts after torrential rains and flooding affected more than 20 million people and left one-fifth of the agricultural country under water.The last seven members of the 37

  • FBI hosts blast investigation training at Eglin

    Improvised explosive devices ripped through three vehicles, sending debris up and out as far as 1,500 feet, creating a sprawling scene of devastation across the ranges Nov. 30 here.The explosions initiated the FBI's Large Vehicle Bomb Post Blast School for approximately 67 state and local law

  • Air Force, Park Service to commemorate Wrights' first flight Dec. 17

    Air Force and National Park Service officials are planning a public ceremony at Wright Memorial Hill here Dec. 17 to commemorate the 107th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first successful powered flight at Kitty Hawk, N.C. Col. Stephen Goeman, the commander of the 445th Airlift Wing here, will

  • 319th ARW commander declares mission complete

    The 50-year air-refueling mission here was declared complete during a ceremony Dec. 3.The 319th Air Refueling Wing Commander, Col. Don Shaffer, along with the Air Mobility Command Commander, Gen. Raymond Johns, declared the 319th Operations Group, the 905th Air Refueling Squadron, the 319th

  • Lajes Airman, K-9 provide unique service at G40 summit

    A Lajes Field Airman and his security forces detection dog were tasked as part of the security detail that provided support for President Barack Obama and Air Force One at the G40 summit Nov. 19 through 20 in Lisbon, Portugal.After conducting a host of training together at Lajes Field, Azores, Staff

  • 14th CMSAF mentors Moody Airmen

    The 14th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force recently visited here to provide mentorship to Moody AFB Airmen.Retired Chief Master Sgt. Gerald Murray was stationed here 14 years ago, when the 347th Wing was the host unit, and he was the 347th Wing command chief master sergeant. Because of his

  • U.S. responds to Israeli request for help

    Two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, delivered 20 tons of fire retardant to Israel Dec. 4. The mission was part of a joint U.S. European Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe effort to assist the Israeli government deal with what is

  • Air Force rugby team continues successful streak

    The Air Force men's rugby team won its seventh consecutive Armed Forces Rugby Championship tournament  Nov. 6.Players on the team are active-duty, Air National Guard and Reserve Airmen of all ranks and career fields from across the Air Force. They all play in local rugby clubs and on base intramural

  • Bomb squadrons rotate at Andersen AFB

    More than 200 Airmen and two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft arrived here recently to replace the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron.The Airman are assigned to the 69th Bomb Squadron from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., and are supporting U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence. "Our number one

  • Obama: Servicemembers prove America's best days are ahead

    The bravery, resolve, expertise and commitment of U.S. servicemembers proves that America's best days lie ahead, President Barack Obama said at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 3.The president thanked the servicemembers and civilians for their sacrifices during a visit to the headquarters of

  • NORAD to track Santa for Christmas

    For the 55th consecutive year, the men and women of the North American Aerospace Defense Command are preparing to track Santa. The NORAD Tracks Santa web site,www.noradsanta.org , went live Dec. 3 and features holiday games and activities that change daily. The web site is available in seven

  • Aircrews provide training for weapons school

    Flares popped from the side of C-17 Globemaster IIIs and C-130 Hercules aircraft and fell to the desert floor, filling the skies with smoke. Pilots weaved their way through mountainous terrain to avoid threats along an airdrop route trying not to get blown out of the sky. Fortunately for the 535th

  • X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle lands at Vandenberg AFB

    The U.S. Air Force's first unmanned re-entry spacecraft landed here Dec. 3 at 1:16 a.m.The X-37B, named Orbital Test Vehicle 1, which launched April 22 from Cape Canaveral, Fla., conducted on-orbit experiments for more than 220 days during its maiden voyage. It fired its orbital maneuver engine in

  • Ellsworth Airman found dead

    An Airman assigned to the Air Force Financial Services Center here was found dead in his off-base residence Nov. 28. Staff Sgt. Ira Kaur, a military pay technician stationed here since August 2007, died from apparent gunshot wounds. "We mourn the loss of a valued member of Team Ellsworth and extend

  • Yokota Airman killed after being struck by vehicle

    Staff Sgt. Raymond Briggs from the Defense Courier Service here was struck by a vehicle and killed Dec. 1 as he attempted to cross a highway while on leave in San Mateo County, Calif. "The sudden death of Sergeant Briggs is a tragic loss to his family, Team Yokota and the entire U.S. Air Force,"

  • STRATCOM commander: 'No higher calling' than nuclear mission

    The commander of U.S. Strategic Command visited all five Air Force Global Strike Command bases Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, telling Airmen "there is no higher calling" than the nuclear deterrence mission.Speaking to hundreds of Airmen at commander's calls at each stop, Gen. Kevin P. Chilton emphasized how

  • New policy bridges Korea tour normalization

    The top U.S. commander in South Korea has introduced a new policy prioritizing what positions qualify for highly sought-after command sponsorships for family members.Army Gen. Walter L. Sharp, the commander of U.S. Forces Korea, announced the new system this week to control the flow of

  • Modeling and simulation conference shaping future warfighting

    The new commander of Air Education & Training Command challenged developers of modeling and simulation technologies to work together to develop new and improved training systems to meet the full spectrum of threats joint and coalition warfighters may face in the future during a conference here Nov.

  • Airmen acquire MQ-9 maintenance responsibility in Afghanistan

    Airmen assumed responsibility of MQ-9 Reaper maintenance operations Dec. 1 here.Nearly 75 Airmen replaced a civilian contract force, making them the first servicemembers to maintain MQ-9s since they entered combat operations in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom."We're really excited to be