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U.S. Air Force News

  • Hickam testing new deployable hydrogen refueling station

    As the Air Force continues to look for ways to reduce energy consumption in its facilities, vehicles and aircraft operations the 15th Airlift Wing will be doing its part by serving as a test bed for a new modular deployable hydrogen refueling station. Awarded the contract two years ago, HydraFLX

  • Air Force Clubs to test 'U Choose' program in AETC

    Air Force Services Agency officials have announced a new program they plan to test starting Jan. 1 that will allow new and current club members to choose between the Private Label or the MasterCard club membership card. The "U Choose" program will be tested in the Air Education and Training Command

  • Manas medics provide training to Bishkek hospital employees

    Three local hospitals in Bishkek are getting more than $10 million in medical supplies and equipment from the U.S., and members of the 376th Expeditionary Medical Group here are assisting in the effort by training hospital personnel to use some of the new equipment. Col. Howard Hayes, 376 EMDG

  • President Bush visits Charleston, rallies military

    President George W. Bush met and spoke to a crowd of more than 4,000 servicemembers and families as he praised the military for their efforts fighting the war on terrorism Oct. 28 at a rally on the Charleston AFB flightline. The president's visit follows an Oct. 27 stopover by Vice President Dick

  • F-117: A long, storied history that is about to end

    After 25 years of storied service, the F-117 Nighthawk, the Air Force's first stealth fighter, is about to retire. The technology that once made it a unique weapon system has now caught up to it and newer fighter aircraft are now joining the fleet. Still, the Nighthawk was the first of its kind, a

  • Air Force recognizes outstanding real estate professionals

    At the annual Air Force Real Estate Awards ceremony held during the Air Force Real Estate Workshop on Oct. 19, two Air Force real estate professionals and one real estate office were recognized for their accomplishments. Karen Pate, a real property accountable officer from Cannon Air Force Base, N.

  • Firefighters 'sweep' up at exercise

    During a recent Misawa readiness exercise, firefighters there didn't have to go too far to stay busy. There was always something to do, even if it was just outside their door at Fire Station 2.A standard evolution of an exercise is a post attack reconnaissance, or PAR, sweep. When a PAR sweep is

  • Combat Comm readies Airmen for deployments

    Driving convoys, building defense fighting positions and throwing elbows in hand-to-hand combat were all incorporated into the combat readiness course here Oct. 20 to 27. The 1st Combat Communications Squadron trained 33 newcomers at the mandatory course, which prepares the Airmen for hostile

  • Three plead guilty to BAH fraud in separate cases

    Three Airmen were found guilty of defrauding the government through false claims for basic allowance for housing during separate court martials here last week. All three faced a military judge alone and pleaded guilty to the charges. Senior Airman Wayne Williams signed an official document stating

  • Notre Dame president leads cadets on change of pace

    As wind swirled and snow accumulated outside on a frigid northern Indiana morning, ordinary students slept warmly inside.  On the contrary, the university president and vice president here paced through the wintery elements early Tuesday in leading extraordinary ROTC cadets and midshipmen on the

  • Rumsfeld: Terrorists use media to manipulate American people

    The "center of gravity" in the Iraq war is in America with the American people, not on the battlefield, and the media is a powerful tool that influences the people's will, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Oct. 24. "This is the first war that's been conducted in the 21st century with all the

  • Duty brings out best in Balad hospital volunteers

    A patient being rolled into Balad Air Base's Air Force Theatre Hospital should not be surprised if the Airman holding the IV bag is an F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief.And, if the patient is a little uneasy about that, there likely is an air traffic controller or an administrative specialist standing

  • Charleston Aerial Port Squadron 'Leans' forward

    Members of the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here have leaned forward to streamline processes to save money while getting vital equipment to the warfighter faster. Using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century, 437th APS officials re-evaluated several of their workflow processes and developed

  • Industry Days emphasize Air Force need for new tanker

    Nearly 100 people from industry and the government attended the Oct. 24 kick off of Tanker Industry Days in nearby Dayton, Ohio. Sponsored by Aeronautical Systems Center's 653rd Aeronautical Systems Squadron at Wright-Patterson AFB, Industry Days enhanced competition through communication with

  • Air chiefs recognized at Air Force Memorial ceremony

    Under the soaring spires of the newly dedicated Air Force Memorial, several foreign dignitaries were honored at an arrival ceremony Oct. 25. The arrival ceremony, hosted by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, welcomed nine Pacific air chiefs from Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Japan,

  • Bush says U.S. security depends on victory in Iraq

    Winning the war on terrorism in Iraq is critical to American defense, President Bush said today in a White House news conference. Bush spoke about coalition strategy and tactics changes in Iraq. "Our security at home depends on ensuring Iraq is an ally in the war on terror and does not become a

  • Air Force maintainers give Australians peek into their future

    Maintainers from the Amberly Royal Australian Air Force Base's 36th Squadron are working alongside Air Force counterparts learning the ins and outs of the C-17 Globemaster III. Currently Australia doesn't have a heavy airlift capability and must rely on outside sources for services. This assistance

  • Minot event supports breast cancer research

    About 200 Airmen and family members gathered here to raise awareness of breast cancer during an event in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Oct. 24. The event, titled "Voices of Breast Cancer: Inspiring Hope, Supporting a Cure," included a health fair, lunch, the touching testimony of

  • ISAF teams up with reconstruction team to open new mosque

    The Air Force-led Gardez Provincial Reconstruction Team and the International Security Assistance Force opened a new mosque in the village of Sayeed Karum, part of the Paktia province, Oct. 19. The mosque project, which lay dormant for a number of months, had seen a flurry of activity by the PRT and

  • Maxwell NCO selected as top junior enlisted aide

    The Air University commander's aide here was presented the 2006 Air Force Junior Enlisted Aide of the Year award during a ceremony Oct. 12 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley and Gen. William R. Looney III, Air Education and Training Command commander,

  • Atlantic Strike provides joint training for interdependent warfighters

    Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Sailors started joint training for air and ground operations as part of Atlantic Strike IV at Avon Park Air Force Range, Fla., Oct. 23. The U.S. Central Command Air Forces semiannual training event takes place on the 106,000-acre bomb range in south central Florida to

  • 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron thinks lean, saves money

    When Lt. Col. Anthony Krawietz, the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron commander, charged incoming troops to think smarter and leaner, a group of aerial porters took it to heart. "One of the first things we looked at was how C-17 (Globemaster III) tires were palletized," said Staff Sgt. Michael

  • Centralized repair facility saves time, money

    Maintainers measure an aircraft tire's usability by inspecting for wear and visible cords. "A good tire will last up to 120 landings," said Master Sgt. Charles Miller, a shop chief assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron. "After that, it's time to get it replaced, or the tire treads

  • Nine career fields open to Air Force prior service members

    Veterans interested in joining the Air Force or becoming an active-duty Airman once again may be eligible if they have served in one of nine career fields. During fiscal 2007, the Air Force Prior Service Enlistment Program is available to 40 veterans who have served in the following careers: --

  • Pressure sensitive paint could save millions of dollars

    The Arnold Engineering Development Center has reached a milestone with its pressure sensitive paint system. A recent demonstration test was conducted on the F-35 Lighting II joint strike fighter model installed in the center's 16-foot transonic wind tunnel. PSP applied to a joint strike fighter

  • CSAF: Today's Air Force best in service's history

    Today's Airmen make up the best air and space force in the world, said the Air Force's top general during a speech here Oct. 20. Speaking at the 42nd Air Force Villages Chairman's Dinner, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said he is proud to wear the same uniform and serve alongside

  • COMUSAFE builds on U.S.-Romania relationship

    The road ahead for the partnering of U.S. and Romanian air forces continues on the fast-track after a visit Oct. 19 and 20 by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, who met with key Romanian officials. Gen. Tom Hobbins traveled to Romania for a firsthand look at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, where

  • Cheney thanks Indiana Airmen, Soldiers

    National Guard members perform vital stateside and overseas duties as America stays on the offense to defeat global terrorism, Vice President Richard B. Cheney said during a visit to Camp Atterbury, Ind., Oct. 20. "To serve in the National Guard is to accept a dual mission," Mr. Cheney told gathered

  • Pay chief discusses new defense bill's military compensation

    With the 2.2 percent across-the-board pay raise that is part of the Fiscal 2007 National Defense Authorization Act, the Defense Department will reach its goal to bring military basic pay to the 70th percentile when compared to civilians with comparable education and training, a top DOD compensation

  • Rocket scientists gather at space propulsion program review

    The Air Force Office of Scientific Research here recently completed a program review on space propulsion and power in Annapolis, Md. About 150 rocket scientists from leading universities and small businesses throughout the nation gathered to share recent results from their AFOSR-funded research and

  • Transcom, Joint Forces commanders sign joint vision statement

    U.S. Transportation Command and U.S. Joint Forces Command recently took the next step in improving the military's joint deployment and distribution efforts in support of the warfighter with the release of a joint vision statement. The statement, signed by Gen. Lance L. Smith, USJFCOM commander, and

  • U.S., South Korean officials to discuss security, realignment

    U.S. and South Korean defense leaders will meet here Oct. 20 for the 38th U.S.-Korean Security Consultative Meeting, discussing the current security situation in the region, North Korea's nuclear test, realignment of U.S. forces in Korea, the evolution of the alliance, and expanded security

  • Museum adds British Bristol Beaufighter to gallery

    An aircraft that once filled the need for an effective night fighter in the U.S. Army Air Forces until an American aircraft could be produced was placed on display during a special ceremony on Oct. 18 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The newly restored British Bristol Beaufighter first

  • COMUSAFE: unmanned aircraft key to future decision superiority

    The importance of the unmanned aircraft system, or UAS, in air, space and cyberspace missions of the U.S. Air Force and NATO and how the UAS of the future will be an equal participant in all three domains is key to future decision superiority, said the commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Acting

  • Operation Deep Freeze LC-130 arrives at Hickam

    A New York Air National Guard LC-130 Hercules arrived at Hickam Oct. 17 en route to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, to re-supply scientific research camps throughout Antarctica in support of Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, Operation Deep Freeze. The LC-130 is a modified ski-equipped C-130

  • VA announces 'Veterans Pride' initiative

    Leaders of major veterans organizations joined Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson here today to launch an effort to "kindle a new spark of patriotism" by asking men and women who have served in the military to wear their medals on Veterans Day. "We are announcing a 'Veterans Pride

  • Rumsfeld: Time needed to win war on terrorism

    The innovative spirit is helping America win the war on terror, but it will remain a long, hard battle against a deadly, thinking foe, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told students at the Air University today. Secretary Rumsfeld spoke to the students at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. At the end

  • A-10 upgrade effort transforms Warthog capabilities

    The A-10 Thunderbolt II, also nicknamed the Warthog, is sharpening its teeth with a $168 million upgrade effort for the entire fleet. Managed by the 642nd Aeronautical Systems Squadron at Aeronautical Systems Center here, the A/OA-10 is in the early stages of a five-year upgrade for all 356

  • Travis doctor elected president of national medical society

    The chief of the medical staff at the David Grant Medical Center here has been elected president of the American College of Emergency Physicians during the organization's recent meeting in New Orleans.Col. (Dr.) Linda Lawrence previously served as vice president of ACEP, and is an attending

  • Team makes breakthrough in hypersonic research

    An Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate science and engineering team has made a significant breakthrough in its hypersonic computational research, which could lead to new warhead technologies. Funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research here, the team is studying the

  • DOD releases report on infectious deployment diseases

    The latest in a series of congressionally mandated reports on the long-term health effects of troop deployments to Southwest Asia from the 1991 Gulf War to present was released Oct. 16.The new study, "Gulf War and Health: Volume 5, Infectious Diseases," the fifth in the series, focuses on infectious

  • Two new programs guide enlisted force shaping

    Air Force officials here announced Oct. 16 two additional enlisted programs to help support current force shaping efforts to reduce 40,000 active-duty Airmen. The programs, a date of separation rollback and a limited active duty service commitment waiver, join the current tools of reducing the

  • Simple AFSO 21 effort to reap big savings for Hanscom

    By eliminating unused phone lines, Hanscom AFB officials are potentially saving more than $200,000 annually using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century initiatives.The 66th Air Base Wing Communication and Information Division and the Electronic Systems Center Plans and Programs office led

  • Teams pull for charity

    Seventeen teams competed in this year's "Combined Federal Campaign Aircraft Pull" Oct. 12 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The event raised more than $3,400 for the CFC. For the annual pull, teams comprise 15 to 20 pullers and team categories

  • Air Force Memorial: Reflection of every Airman

    In her 23 years in the Air Force, Master Sgt. Valarie Foster has seen many changes. New uniforms, new aircraft and new missions, she's seen them all. But the one thing that hasn't changed, she says, is the attitude of the individual Airman. "People come and people go," she said. "But the spirit of

  • Country star Lee Ann Womack headlines Air Force open house

    With both the newly dedicated Air Force Memorial and the Pentagon looming nearby, country music vocalist Lee Ann Womack belted out tunes that both entertained and bolstered already present sentiments of patriotism. Ms. Womack's performance in a parking lot of the Pentagon here began shortly after

  • President, military leaders dedicate Air Force Memorial

    On behalf of a grateful nation, the president of the United States accepted the Air Force Memorial in a dedication ceremony here attended by military leaders of the past and present, political and business representatives and thousands of ordinary citizens and Airmen alike. "A Soldier can walk the

  • Air Force Drill Team demonstrates precision at Memorial Dedication

    With the new Air Force Memorial looming nearby, hundreds of spectators, both civilian and military, gathered in a Pentagon parking lot here to witness the precision maneuvers of the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. The drill team's performance was but one of a series of events surrounding the

  • Air Force Memorial: Former Airman contributes to dedication

    The Air Force has always played a large part in Douglas Landgraf's life. So, he sees it as only fitting that he is now playing an important role in the dedication of the Air Force Memorial. Mr. Landgraf served 11 years as an active duty Airman and he now works as an aircraft mechanic and ramp

  • Memorial represents military air power of the United States

    The spires of the Air Force memorial represent the air power component of the most powerful force in the world. Teshoma Hailu is a taxi cab driver in Arlington, Va. He came to the United States in 1975, with his wife, to escape political issues in his home country and to pursue educational

  • Officials swear in new recruits during memorial dedication events

    As the Air Force recognized its own history with the dedication of a new memorial here, dozens of young men and women also marked the beginning of their own history with the Air Force. As part of activities surrounding the dedication of the Air Force's new memorial, some 90 young men and women rose

  • Air Force Memorial: Inspiration leads to future success

    The Air Force Memorial was designed by the Air Force Memorial Foundation to represent different things to different people. For Staff Sgt. Paul Piper, it's simple inspiration. The sergeant can remember in the eighth grade when he was first inspired to serve his country during a visit to the D.C.

  • HARM targeting system ready ahead of schedule

    The delivery of 15 Revision-7 pods in September to the Air Combat Command by the 693rd Armament Systems Squadron's High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile Targeting System Program is more than two months ahead of Raytheon's contract requirement date. The pod is mounted to the side of an F-16 aircraft and

  • 'The Bird' vies for mascot of the year

    The U.S. Air Force Academy's mascot, "The Bird," faces off against his furry colleagues for the third time in five years this football season in "Fur Factor," the Capital One Bowl Mascot of the Year competition. Already in its fifth week, the competition will continue throughout the college football

  • Logistics officers given challenge at conference

    The commander of the Air Force Materiel Command took the stage at the Logistics Officer Association National Conference Oct. 10 to tell 1,350 logistics officers to get lean and expect to be in a long war.Gen. Bruce Carlson gave the officers an overview of the enemy and how it exploits Islam and uses

  • Falcons fall to Aztecs in volleyball

    The Air Force volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to San Diego State in Mountain West Conference action here Oct. 13. The Falcons fell in consecutive 30-15, 30-25, 30-22 sets to the visiting Aztecs. Sophomore Jasamine Pettie's 12 kills set a new career-best, topping her previous high (10) last

  • Irrigation sensors benefit Afghanistan farmers

    Afghan agriculture took a huge step forward as new irrigation sensors were introduced to agricultural officials in Kapisa Oct. 12 at the provincial governor's compound in Mahmud Raqi. The introduction of the sensors is part of a 20-week agriculture course taught by Dr. Michael Gangwer, a Department

  • Air Force Memorial: Airman keeps dedication VIPs safe

    In an average day, an Airman will do his or her part to make sure the mission is accomplished. For Staff Sgt. Joseph O'Donnell, the average day could mean saving the president's life. As a member of the Protective Services unit of the 316th Security Forces Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.,

  • America Soars on Air Force Wings

    The United States of America depends on its Air Force to defend the population, deliver global effects and jointly accomplish national objectives to an extent unseen in the history of mankind. In my 35 years of service, many things have changed. Yet, what has remained constant is the extraordinary

  • 14th FTW welcomes new trainer aircraft

    The 14th Flying Training Wing commander formally welcomed the T-6 Texan II to the Columbus AFB fleet during an official ceremony here Oct. 12. Col. Dave Gerber received the first new airframe assigned here since the T-1 Jayhawk was added to the inventory in January 1996 and will eventually replace

  • ACC assists maintainers with AFSO 21

    Moody AFB officials recently welcomed a delegation of Air Combat Command facilitators for a five-day Rapid Improvement Event to assist the base with its Air Force Smart Operations 21 initiatives. The visit was designed to assist maintenance leadership on procedures that can save the Air Force time

  • AF Memorial: Airman a 'model' honor guard member

    Forever standing guard over the Air Force Memorial, a color team bears the American and Air Force flags, flanked on each side by rifle guards. Depicted in these 8-foot statues are representations of Air Force Honor Guard members, past and present, who have each done a service to their country by

  • New era in flight training begins Oct. 13

    Air Education and Training Command officials formally usher in a new era in flying training when Initial Flight Screening operations begin at Pueblo Memorial Airport Oct. 13 as the first students report for the class. The Initial Flight Screening program evaluates candidates hoping to enter Air

  • Air Force meets recruiting goal for seventh straight year

    The Air Force met its recruiting goal for the seventh year in a row, but still faces challenges, said officials Oct. 12.In fiscal 2006, the Air Force brought in 30,889 individuals, exceeding its target by 130 Airmen, said Brig. Gen. Suzanne M. Vautrinot, commander of Air Force Recruiting Service.

  • Red Flag kicks off at Nellis

    Nearly 60 aircraft and nine units, supported by 1,000 Airmen from across the United States and Belgium are taking part in the first Red Flag exercise of fiscal 2007, which began Oct. 10 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The exercise that runs until Oct. 20 tests aircrews' warfighting skills in

  • Chief of staff of the Air Force reading list announced

    Officials announced the new chief of staff of the Air Force reading list here Oct. 13. "Our reading list is a link from our heritage to the horizon before us," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. "It's essential that we fully understand the heritage upon which we're building our

  • Tanker hits top of the charts for recapitalization priority

    The Air Force's new No. 1 procurement priority is the KC-X tanker, replacing the F-22 Raptor. "Our priorities for procurement are the following," said Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley.  "The KC-X, the new tanker, is No. 1. CSAR-X, the new combat rescue helicopter, is No. 2.

  • Thunderbirds practice over Air Force Memorial

    The Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team practiced its flight routine Oct. 12 in preparation for the opening of the Air Force Memorial. The Thunderbirds will perform during the memorial's dedication activities Oct. 14, but used Oct. 12 to practice in normally restricted airspace over the

  • Air Force focused on three priorities

    Amidst fighting the war on terrorism, the Air Force remains focused on its top three priorities. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said the Air Force is concerned primarily with fighting and winning the long war against global terrorism and militant extremism, taking care of our

  • NORTHCOM officials reacted immediately to NYC aircraft Incident

    When Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating first heard that a plane had hit a high-rise building in New York Oct. 11, his first thought was: "Let us get busy as quickly as we know how to make sure it's not another 9/11." Admiral Keating, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. 

  • San Antonio hospitals team for military PTSD study

    A proposed pilot investigation linking three of San Antonio's military research hubs is slated to treat and study servicemembers with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The Prolonged Exposure for Combat-Related Stress Disorders study links Wilford Hall Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical

  • NATO air forces remain strong, look to future excellence

    NATO air forces' partnership is strong and poised to grow even stronger over the long haul, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley before a congregation of air force commanders from 25 NATO nations. General Moseley said NATO air forces face similar circumstances, including increasing

  • RED HORSE breaks ground on new training field

    Airmen broke ground on the Northwest Field Expeditionary Training Campus here Oct. 11. The 554th Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operations Repair Squadron Engineers will accomplish $20 million in construction over the next five years. "Right now we are only 74 strong, but we'll have our full

  • Thunderbirds visit Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

    Dozens of men, women and children filled the main gallery of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum here Oct. 11 to meet members of the Air Force demonstration team. The Thunderbirds are in town to participate in the opening and dedication of the Air Force Memorial Oct. 14, starting off the

  • NORAD fighters on alert over U.S. and Canada

    Within minutes of a small aircraft crashing into a New York apartment building, military fighter aircraft were flying over cities in the United States and Canada. However, "every indication is that this was an accident," North American Aerospace Defense Command officials stated in an official

  • Guard has banner year for recruiting, retention

    The National Guard recruited 19,000 more citizen-Soldiers and Airmen in 2006 than it did during the previous year and exceeded its retention goals by record numbers, Guard officials reported in early October. Concerted efforts to recruit new people into the Army and Air National Guard during the war

  • New Tricare Standard handbook released

    Tricare officials are making a handbook available to all beneficiaries covered under Tricare Standard. This new manual goes into much greater detail than the old booklet, making it as useful as the Tricare Prime and Prime Remote handbooks. "We are publishing the standard handbook to help

  • Gallery highlights Cold War, development of space

    The Air Force's key role in Soviet containment and strategic deterrence during the Cold War, along with its historical role in the development of space, is now highlighted in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force's Missile and Space Gallery here. Resembling a missile silo in its award-winning

  • President Bush condemns North Korean nuclear test claim

    North Korea's claim that it conducted its first-ever nuclear test today constitutes a threat to international peace and security, President Bush said this morning at the White House. "The United States condemns this provocative act," he said. Bush said the U.S. is still working to confirm the North

  • Deployment presents challenge for firefighters

    The sandy desert terrain and base infrastructures in Southwest Asia pose new challenges to Airman 1st Class Eric Theer, a firefighter deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif. "I'm used to fighting grass fires back home," said the 20-year-old Airman assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Civil

  • Falcons skate past Alabama-Huntsville, 4-3

    Eric Ehn scored two goals as Air Force skated past Alabama-Huntsville, 4-3, in a non-conference college hockey game today at the Cadet Ice Arena. Air Force improved to 1-1 overall this season. UAH fell to 0-2. The victory is the 100th Division I win for head coach Frank Serratore, the most of any

  • Sergeant soars to greater heights

    Standing a towering 6 feet 11 inches tall, the sergeant is closer to the clouds than the average person, but today he soars to even greater heights. Staff Sgt. Bill Manus an electronic warfare journeyman with the New Mexico Air National Guard's 150th Fighter Wing, pilots his hot-air balloon today

  • Seasoned PJ trains next generation

    Along the halls of the Pararescue and Combat Rescue Officer School here, reminders of heroes past adorn the walls with honor. There have been 13 Air Force Crosses and one Medal of Honor awarded to former students. They serve as testimony to the valor demonstrated by a fresh crop of

  • 13th AF welcomes new commander, transforms operations

    A one-year transformation of command and control of air, space and information operations in the Pacific ended here as 13th Air Force officially began operations as a component numbered air force headquarters and welcomed a new commander. Former Pacific Air Forces Deputy Commander, Lt. Gen. Loyd S.

  • Operation Enduring Freedom marks five years

    Five years ago, America, still stinging from the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, began striking back in the war on terrorism.President Bush appeared on national television to inform the American people he had unleashed U.S. military might against the enemy. Land-based bombers and Navy strike aircraft from

  • First laser test conducted using recycled fuel

    The world's first firing of a laser using recycled fuel was conducted at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate recently by an Air Force and Boeing Company team. During the test, conducted at the directorate's Davis Advanced Laser Facility, a chemical laser was supplied with

  • Technology office tests synthetic fuel in ground vehicles

    The Air Force Advanced Power Technology Office here is now conducting research on synthetic fuel for use in a ground environment. The use of synthetic fuel is vital if the Air Force is to have the means of operating without relying on foreign oil supplies. The Sept. 19 test flight by a B-52H

  • Third motions hearing adjourns in Airman Hill court martial

    The third motions hearing in the court martial of Airman Calvin Hill, charged with the premeditated murder of a fellow Airman and other offenses, adjourned here Oct. 4.Airman Hill is charged in the death of Airman 1st Class Ashley Turner in August 2005 while the two were stationed at Naval Air

  • Pilots thrilled by CV-22 capabilities

    When he talks about his new aircraft, the CV-22 Osprey, the lieutenant colonel's face lights up like a kid opening presents on his birthday. After 10 years of flying the MC-130H Combat Talon II, CV-22 instructor pilot Lt. Col. Darryl Sheets, from the 8th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt

  • C-5 Programmed Depot Maintenance earns accolades

    The C-5 Programmed Depot Maintenance team at Robins AFB earned the 2006 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award in a ceremony in Washington, D.C.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley presented the award to the C-5 PDM Process Improvement Team in late September.  "The increased tempo of

  • ACC declares small diameter bomb initially operational

    The Air Combat Command commander declared initial operational capability for the Guided Bomb Unit-39/B Small Diameter Bomb Oct. 2 and the weapon made its combat debut just three days later. Gen. Ronald E. Keys made the IOC announcement six months ahead of schedule, only weeks after it was initially

  • AFIT school conducts search, recovery exercise

    The Air Force Institute of Technology's Civil Engineer and Services School here took its educational mission beyond classroom walls as students participated in a search and recovery exercise the last week of September. The goal of the exercise was for students in the School's Mortuary Affairs Course

  • T-38s at Laughlin mark beginning of transition

    Laughlin AFB officials received the first T-38 Talon Oct. 4 from Moody AFB, Ga.  The aircraft's arrival denotes the start of the transition to a new training mission. "This jet marks the beginning of Laughlin's transition to our newly acquired Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals mission," said Col.

  • Air Force leaders to discuss new 'Cyber Command'

    Air Force leaders are gathering in early November to discuss plans for creation of a new command, one chartered with flying and fighting in cyber space. Cyberspace became an official Air Force domain, like air and space, on Dec. 7, 2005, when Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of

  • NATO takes lead for operations throughout Afghanistan

    NATO took the lead for international military operations throughout Afghanistan Oct. 5, assuming authority from the coalition for 14 eastern provinces at a ceremony in the Afghan capital of Kabul. Regional Command East is the last of four regional NATO commands in its International Security

  • USAFE unit debuts small diameter bomb in combat

    The Guided Bomb Unit-39/B small diameter bomb was flown into combat for the first time Oct. 5 by members of the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. The unit, deployed to the Southwest Asia area of operations, launched a two-ship formation of F-15E Strike Eagles at 1:30 a.m. EDT carrying the new

  • Personnel center names first command chief

    The Air Force Personnel Center commander has named Chief Master Sgt. Terry Reed as the center's first command chief master sergeant. "This is a great day for the Air Force Personnel Center as Chief Reed will now represent AFPC at the highest level of the enlisted force," said Maj. Gen. Tony

  • Virtual technology enhances training for aircrews

    Survival, evasion, resistance and escape instructors at the 15th Operational Support Squadron are now using virtual technology to train aircrews in parachute hanging harness training. Most of today's aircrews are familiar with flight simulators. They are accepted as standard and are essential tools