NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Kadena captain dies near Sunabe seawall

    A captain assigned to the 18th Medical Support Squadron died here around 1:30 p.m. Oct. 9. Capt. Amy Brown went unconscious shortly after surfacing at a dive spot on the Sunabe seawall. The medical readiness flight commander was rushed to Camp Lester Naval Hospital, Japan, by local authorities, but

  • Air Force wins back-to-back softball titles

    The Air Force men's softball team won its second consecutive Armed Forces Softball Championship title after out-slugging Army Sept. 23 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. ,19-10. The Air Force won its sixth gold medal in nine years and posted a 7-2 record throughout the five-day tournament. Air

  • Supply Airmen slim down the bits and bolts for New Dawn

    As the responsible drawdown of forces in Iraq continues, the Airmen of the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Material Management Flight here have gone back to basics and cut down excess assets at the base.The 35 people in supply now keep track of some 7,000 required line items, valued

  • Falcons ground Rams, 49-27

    Seven touchdowns on offense and special teams led the Air Force Academy to a decisive 49-27 win over Colorado State University Oct. 9.The Falcons came into the game ranked No. 25 in the nation by the Associated Press, powered in part by the top-ranked rushing offense in the NCAA, while CSU limped in

  • Special tactics Airmen walk for fallen comrades

    Fifteen special tactics Airmen carrying 50-pound rucksacks departed from here Oct. 9 on a mission to honor the memories of their fallen comrades.The 860-mile trek, known as the Tim Davis Special Tactics Memorial March, will stretch across five states and will consist of six teams walking 24 hours a

  • Air Force Security Forces Museum exhibit honors fallen Airmen

    There was no hesitation for the mother of a fallen security forces Airman when the invitation was extended three months ago.I'm going, she thought about the memorial run/walk and opening of a new exhibit at the Air Force Security Forces Museum Sept. 28 here. The events honored the eight security

  • Airmen, Portuguese officials hone fuel spill response skills

    At the aftermath of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Airmen geared up and prepared for future challenges that could occur at the coastal and ship docking area here during a week-long joint fuel spill response training exercise from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 here. Due to the potential of oil slicks to

  • USO Gala honors servicemembers, families

    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen was among the military, government and community leaders and celebrities who gathered to salute servicemembers and their families at the annual USO Gala here Oct. 7.The event featured entertainment, award presentations to five servicemembers and

  • ISR leader passes torch to new generation

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

  • Expeditionary center takes UDM training on the road

    Officials are expanding the capability of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center here for training unit deployment managers by deploying mobile training teams across the Air Force.These mobile training teams will consist of pairs of UDM instructors who will travel to major Air Force installations

  • Physical therapists help patients move forward

    October is national physical therapy month and this year's theme is "Move Forward: Physical Therapy Brings Motion to Life." Making the commitment to be physically active promotes movement, reduces pain, restores function and prevents disability. One of the important roles that physical therapists

  • Officials launch two advanced cyberspace courses

    Officials at the Air Force Cyberspace Technical Center of Excellence here are conducting the first official Cyber 200 and 300 courses beginning Oct.12. On Oct. 28, more than 100 students will graduate from the Air Force Institute of Technology's newest educational courses designed to develop the Air

  • Airmen enhance NATO partners' night vision capability

    Establishing and maintaining solid working relationships with partner nations is a major mission element in the special operations community. This sometimes takes the form of providing training opportunities in order to level the 'playing field' and ensure better interoperability and capability with

  • Scott Airmen teach Iraqi Forces life-saving techniques

    Airmen with the 375th Security Forces Squadron here, who are deployed to Joint Base Balad, Iraq, recently helped create a new training plan for Iraqi guards.Senior Airman Aaron Jennings, a unit trainer with the 532nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, is one of the security forces Airmen who

  • 'Aim High ... Fly-Fight-Win' to be Air Force motto

    Incorporating extensive inputs from all ranks and career fields in the development effort, Airmen have selected "Aim High ... Fly-Fight-Win" as the service's motto. An enduring statement of Airmen's pride in their service, the motto is a two-part expression -- a call to action, with a response of

  • Afghan air force adds first honor guard to its ranks

    Afghan airmen from the Kandahar Air Wing posted colors for the first time with their own honor guard at the one year anniversary of the unit's activation Oct. 5 here.For the past year, Airmen of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Honor Guard have posted the colors for KAW ceremonies. The team recently

  • Rescue crews answer the call in Afghanistan

    By signing in to their shift, they know the first mission is theirs. Ready to leave in moments with barely a second to spare, the crew is notified at the last minute to stand down, prolonging the suspense as they attempt to relax. However, relaxation is hardly an option when a simple beep of the

  • Vandenberg Airman killed in Afghanistan

    An Airman assigned to the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight here was killed in action and another was injured Oct. 5, while serving in Afghanistan.Senior Airman Daniel Johnson, 23, died while conducting an EOD operation in Afghanistan.Tech. Sgt. Robert Butler was

  • NBA dream becomes reality for Academy grad

    The opportunity of a lifetime only comes once, or so we've been told. But for one U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, it came twice: once when he was accepted into the Academy and again when he realized his childhood dream of playing in the NBA. Capt. Antoine Hood, a reservist who divides his time

  • Canadian forces contribute to space mission

    When servicemembers here perform a mission, whether it is space surveillance or launching a payload into space, it is not solely an American effort, but rather a joint effort. One such example is the partnership here between Americans and Canadians. Stemming out of the North American Aerospace

  • Academy officer picked for top triathlon

    Forget about who's crazy enough to participate in a triathlon. Who was crazy enough to come up with the over-the-top race in the first place? Believe it or not, it was a Sailor.In 1978, following a foot race on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, participants argued about who were the best overall

  • RED HORSE meets NASCAR

    Members of the 820th RED HORSE Squadron met with team members from a NASCAR truck racing team as part of an orientation between the Red Horse Racing team and the RED HORSE squadron Sept. 24 here. The Red Horse Racing team currently races Toyota Tundras in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and

  • Busy Afghan mission leads to recognition

    A 919th Special Operations Wing aircrew recently was selected for the Air Force Association's Brig. Gen. Ross Hoyt Award for their efforts on a mission over Afghanistan in 2009.At that time, the 10-man MC-130E Combat Talon aircrew led by pilot Maj. Michael Black, then with the 711th Special

  • Top chief discusses training, wingmanship during Academy visit

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited with the Air Force Academy's enlisted cadre Oct. 1 and talked about the way ahead for the Air Force, professional military education and taking care of Airmen and families.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy was in Colorado

  • Security Airmen train to handle active shooter threats

    "Bang bang!" The shouts were heard back and forth as the two security forces Airmen shuffled quickly onto another floor of the building, looking down the sights of their M-9s. "Bang bang!" The lone threat, actively 'shooting' with his red plastic shotgun, had been stopped. This exercise was just one

  • Armament Symposium brings DOD, industry together

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

  • Mission complete for C-130, C-17 aircrews supporting flood relief

    As flood waters recede and Pakistan's aid delivery shifts focus from air to ground transportation, the Pakistan government informed the U.S. recently that U.S. military aircraft and other international cargo plane airlift support was no longer required. At Pakistan's request, the U.S. military has

  • Elmendorf couple presented O'Malley Award in Pentagon ceremony

    The commander of the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and his wife received the 2010 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award Oct. 4 at a ceremony in the Pentagon. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presented the award and Sharon O'Malley Burg made a special

  • 4th Fighter Wing loses an Airman

    An Airman assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing was found dead Oct. 4. Deceased is Senior Airman Ross Merrit Horton, a lodging customer service representative of the 4th Force Support Squadron. Airman Horton is from Chico, California. The cause of death is under investigation. "The 4th Fighter Wing

  • Afghan air force members attend fly-away security team training

    Nine Afghan air force security forces members received flyaway security team training here from Sept. 27 through Oct. 4. They are assigned to the quick reaction force and have received previous basic military police and air base defense training. The training provides the Afghan air force an added

  • House resolution honors aeromedical evacuation Airmen

    Members of the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution Sept. 28 honoring the Airmen who support and perform aeromedical evacuation.House Resolution 1605 recognizes "the service of the medical and aircrews in helping our wounded warriors make the expeditious and safe trip home

  • Flying the wounded home

    Afghan airmen and NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan advisers worked as one to transfer a patient from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, during a reverse aeromedical evacuation mission to Forward Operating Base Bostic in Konar province, Afghanistan Sept. 27.A reverse medical evacuation takes a

  • ACCE-I director: Taking care of Airmen top priority

    Support for joint operations, partnering with Iraqi security forces and care for Airmen were some of the topics discussed during the visit by Iraq's top Airman here Sept 21.In his first Airmen's call since becoming the Air Component Coordination Element-Iraq director and commander of Detachment 2,

  • Air Force, Navy reach full operational capability on Joint Base Charleston

    Joint Base Charleston officially achieved its full operational capability Oct. 1.The path to operational capability began in January with the stand up of the 628th Air Base Wing. Joint Base Charleston combines two historic bases into a single, joint installation to support both Air Force and Navy

  • President Obama proclaims Cybersecurity Awareness Month

    Americans everywhere prosper because of the nation's digital infrastructure, and therefore all citizens must defend it, President Barack Obama said Oct. 4.October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and in a proclamation released, President Obama said all Americans must understand they have a

  • Exercise aims to change game

    A training exercise held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord recently might change how Air Force and Army units conduct close air support.Pacific Strike 2010 demonstrated capabilities that could vastly improve close-air-support operations for deployed units as well as in garrison, said Army I Corps' Chief

  • Air Force defeats Navy 14-6 in ground battle

    In a game filled with flyovers, it was ground pounding that dominated as the Air Force Falcons sunk the Navy Midshipmen 14-6 Oct. 2 at Falcon Stadium here.The Falcons showed why they have the number one rushing offense in the country after racking up 292 yards on the ground. Their season average

  • 'Huffing,' using 'Spice' is dangerous, officials say

    While they may be legal in some states, "designer drugs," often marketed as herbal remedies, are banned under military law and policies by the Defense Department and all of the services. Military officials, having seen a spike in servicemembers' use of otherwise legal substances, including

  • Clues in cyberspace catch criminals in the real world

    For many, cyberspace is a vast and intangible place. A land of green ones and zeros floating on a sea of black, where an e-mail originated in Switzerland can travel to a server in Mozambique within a matter of seconds. In the ever-changing landscape of cyberspace, information can be hidden anywhere

  • National Guard launches mobile education lab

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

  • Photo essay: Afghanistan unit shows capabilities

    Pararescuemen from the 33rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron participate with Airmen from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing in a training mission here Sept. 24. The training mission provided a glimpse of what the 33rd ERQS brings to the fight and the capabilities it provides to combat commanders.View

  • NJ-based CRG assumes alert rotation for global mobility mission

    Airmen from the 621st Contingency Wing here will assume responsibility for a four-month rotation of Joint Task Force, Port-Opening alert Oct. 1.Approximately120 mobility Airmen assigned to the CRW's 817th Contingency Response Group will join 55 Soldiers from an Army Rapid Port Opening Element based

  • Airman dies in combat operations in Afghanistan

    An Air Force Special Operations Command combat controller died Sept. 29 while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.Senior Airman Mark A. Forester, 29, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., was killed while conducting combat operations with his special forces team in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to

  • 24th Air Force achieves full operational capability

    The commander of Air Force Space Command declared full operational capability for 24th Air Force Oct. 1.The criteria to reach FOC, established in Air Force Program Action Directive PAD 07-08, required 24th Air Force, headquartered at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to be able to perform all

  • Global Strike command reaches full operational capability

    Officials declared Air Force Global Strike Command to be at full operational capability Sept. 30, on schedule, and less than 14 months after its initial activation as a command.To reach that milestone, the command accomplished more than 700 action items identified by the secretary and chief of staff

  • Secretary Gates predicts more women in special operations

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Sept. 29 he anticipates that more women will serve in military special operations in the future."My guess at some point is that there will be a careful step in that direction with the special operations forces," Secretary Gates told about 300 ROTC students at

  • Gates praises service, sacrifice of all-volunteer force

    The American people are losing contact with those who make up its military, and the nation needs to understand the service and sacrifices that U.S. military personnel and their families make, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said at Duke University's Page Auditorium Sept. 29.The secretary spoke to

  • Air refueling pioneers honored in ceremony at Scott

    The air refueling pioneers responsible for the United States' first air-refueling flights in 1923 and 1929 were honored in a ceremony Sept. 23 at Scott AFB's "Walk of Fame" as part of a presentation by the Airlift-Tanker Association Hall of Fame officials.Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., commander of Air

  • Scott AFB hosts suicide prevention field day

    Leaders of the 375th Air Mobility Wing highlighted the importance of the wingman concept to prevent suicides during a day-long Suicide Prevention Field Day Sept. 23.Officials from various base agencies hosted the event and helped Airmen focus on their ability to save another's life simply by being

  • Officials implement new training model

    Given the complexities of today's combat missions and the inherent, life-threatening dangers faced by Airmen today, it is critical that Airmen receive effective training before engaging in battle. To provide Airmen with the most realistic training environment away from the battle space, Air Force

  • Photo essay: Airmen contribute to NATO's Iceland mission

    Weapons load crew Airmen assigned to the 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron work on final touches to a munitions load of an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air missile in support of NATO's Icelandic Air Policing mission here Sept. 23. Approximately 200 Airmen were deployed from all over the

  • Schriever Airmen get serious with Happy Hour

    Schriever Air Force Base Airmen were invited Sept. 24 to "Happy Hour" by base leadership where jokes about nagging wives, drugs, sex and drunken behavior filled the auditorium of Building 300 here.No, this wasn't a social-mixer, nor was it a happy hour, in the traditional sense."Happy Hour" is a

  • 'Heat' is on at Hurlburt Field

    On the same court where special operations Airmen conduct physical training, the Miami Heat, a National Basketball Association team, kicked off their preseason training camp at the Aderholt Fitness Center Sept. 28 here. The week-long camp also marks the first time the team has taken training camp

  • Agreement gives green light to ESC efforts in Kyrgyzstan

    A delegation led by Electronic Systems Center Commander Lt. Gen. Ted F. Bowlds reached an agreement with Kyrgyzstan government officials recently on efforts that will benefit the nation of Kyrgyzstan and U.S. operators who rely on the Manas Transit Center there."This agreement marks the formal

  • New military retirement home debuts in Gulfport

    More than 100 residents at the Armed Forces Retirement Home here are packing up to move into a brand new complex in Gulfport, Miss., that replaces the facility that was destroyed five years ago by Hurricane Katrina.Emotions are running high as the 135 residents prepare to leave AFRH-Washington Oct.

  • Atlantic Strike simulates real combat

    The team of four trudged down the road in the hot, mid-afternoon sun wearing body armor, Kevlar helmets and radios on their backs with their weapons drawn. There had been reports of an enemy stronghold in the area, and the team's mission was to take the "bad guys" out. Finally, they came to a split

  • ACE Cyber Security Boot Camp prepares future officers

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

  • Online development plan improving total force career roadmaps

    The web-based career tool for total force Airmen, known as My Development Plan, is undergoing changes aimed at positively affecting the Air Force and its members' futures, officials said Sept. 28.With a total force focus, MyDP is geared to help users make informed decisions about their career with

  • New Harmony plays for more than 5,000 people in Guatemala

    The United States Air Force Band of Flight's deployed ensemble, New Harmony, recently played for more than 5,000 people in Guatemala.The group is on tour as part of a United States Southern Command humanitarian mission in support of the Navy's Operation Continuing Promise. The mission provides

  • Air Force takes third in annual culinary competition

    An Air Force team took third place in the Military Hospitality Alliance's seventh annual Military Culinary Competition at the Marine Barracks here Sept. 25. The team of four Airmen and one Sailor ranked third out of 13 teams by a panel of military and civilian chefs who acted as judges for the

  • Medical staff celebrates advances in ECMO

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

  • Balad first base to host resiliency training

    Deployments cause stress and stress, if not managed, can lead to consequences such as arguments, fights, mission failures and possibly suicide.Joint Base Balad is the first base in Southwest Asia to test the Flash Forward Resiliency Training Program, which is one of many programs that will be

  • Leaders praise mobility team for successful Afghanistan surge

    When President Barack Obama announced the surge of an additional 30,000 servicemembers to Afghanistan, mobility Airmen didn't waste a second getting the surge in motion.Within days, units designated to go to Afghanistan were notified and began preparations. Likewise, the DOD's mobility team, which

  • Education center to enhance Vietnam Veterans Memorial

    A major fundraising effort is under way to build an underground education center next to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial here that will place faces and stories with the names etched in the smooth, black granite known simply as, "The Wall.""There is magic in that wall with its 58,000 names," said

  • Physician earns AFA top award for health care

    A doctor here has been honored for making the most significant contribution to the continued good health of the men and women of the Air Force last year.Lt. Col. (Dr.) Christopher P. Paulson, from the 96th Medical Operations Squadron, was presented the Air Force Association's Paul W. Myers Award

  • AF civil engineers BEEF up Marine Corps mission

    Airmen and Marines worked together to build sun shades to improve the quality of life for a new F/A-18 Hornet squadron Sept. 23 and 24 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.The 777th Expeditionary Prime BEEF Squadron, also known as the Base Engineer Emergency Force, provided the skill set and received

  • Pilot takes top spot at Air Force half-marathon

    Although not as fast as the aircraft he flies, a PC-12 pilot from the 34th Special Operations Squadron blasted past the competition in the men's half marathon during the 2010 Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 17 through18. Capt. Ben Payne finished the 13.1-mile race

  • Vandenberg officials launch Minotaur IV

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

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

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," pilots race around the globe on a mission to help the victims of flooding in Pakistan. Plus, you'll see where Airmen learn leadership skills that last a lifetime. Finally, Americans and Portuguese find a novel way to strengthen their international ties. The

  • Turnovers carry Air Force to 20-14 win over Wyoming

    Junior defensive back Jonathan Davis sealed a 20-14 Air Force win over Wyoming with a first-quarter interception in the end zone and a fourth-quarter fumble recovery.Davis' first takeaway occurred during Wyoming's first drive, when Cowboys quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels led his receiver too much,

  • Air Force bands provide more than music

    Airmen deployed to combat zones today perform a variety of missions, ranging from precision bombing to explosive ordnance disposal, to working with local community leaders as members of provincial reconstruction teams and even training Iraqi and Afghan soldiers and airmen. Air Force bandsmen, too,

  • First responders train to support airport

    Members of the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department here participated in Gunsan airport's G-20 summit on terrorism and civil aviation air incident training at the airport Sept. 17.According to airport officials, the exercise tested the "cooperative and emergency response systems" of the

  • Airmen wrap up bilateral training exercise in Bangladesh

    Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, wrapped up four days of training with their Bangladesh air force counterparts as exercise Cope South 10 came to an end Sept. 23.More than 40 U.S. Airmen and two C-130 Hercules aircraft traveled to the Asian nation to train with the Bangladesh air force to better

  • Innovative work center saves thousands

    U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates recently challenged Defense Department officials to innovate by introducing the new value, efficiency and saving tomorrow, or INVEST, contest in mid-August, and for at least one work center here, ingenuity has saved more than $131,000 since 2000.The Incirlik

  • Military chefs to compete in culinary competition

    More than 50 chefs from around the military converged here to compete in the seventh annual Military Culinary Competition, which will take place Sept. 25. The competition, which will take place at the Marine Barracks, is being hosted by the Military Hospitality Alliance and will feature culinary

  • Officials ponder reserve components' future

    Defense Department officials said a report released earlier this week will help them implement recommendations made by the Commission on the National Guard and Reserve two years ago."There is a very strong commitment to implement most of recommendations of (the commission)," said Dennis M. McCarthy,

  • Joint team restores precision airdrop capability

    Warfighters at forward operating bases have recently begun receiving supplies via a critical variant of the Joint Precision Airdrop System again, due to the combined efforts of an Air Force, Army and contract team.JPADS is a family of equipment consisting of parachutes, mission-planning systems,

  • T-6A Texan II crashes

    A T-6A Texan II assigned to the 47th Flying Training Wing here crashed at about 11:16 a.m. Sept. 24 near Spofford, Texas.The aircraft was on an undergraduate pilot training mission, and the instructor and student pilot are safe on the ground.A board of officers will investigate the accident,

  • Photo essay: Security forces prepare for combat at Hill

    Airmen with the 75th Security Forces Squadron practice rifle fighting techniques during combat readiness training Sept. 13 here. The CRT course provides Airmen with the basic skills needed to deploy, to include tactical movements and land navigation.View the slideshow.

  • Absentee Voters Week 2010

    Absentee Voters Week, from Sept. 27 to Oct. 4, has been set aside by Department of Defense officials for voters to recognize the military's focus on preserving the right to vote and encouraging absentee voters to do so. The goals of Absentee Voters Week are to emphasize and encourage voters to

  • South Dakota Air National Guard wing named top fighter unit

    The Airmen of the South Dakota Air National Guard's 114th Fighter Wing have once again distinguished themselves as the most outstanding Air National Guard fighter unit in the nation. They were selected as the 2010 recipient of the National Guard Bureau's Winston P. Wilson Trophy. The trophy is

  • Rescue Airmen exchange knowledge, build partnerships with Colombian airmen

    Airmen from the rescue community at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., recently visited South America to share their knowledge in a week-long, subject-matter expert exchange with Colombian air force C-130 Hercules crews here. Under Southern Command's Traditional Commander's Activity Program, the four

  • Joint warfighters hone skills at Atlantic Strike

    Joint and coalition warfighters improved their close-air support skills during an exercise led by Air Combat Command and U.S. Joint Forces Command's Joint Fires Integration and Interoperability Team Sept. 13.Atlantic Strike 10-02 trained warfighters to find, fix, track, target, engage and assess

  • House reviews quality of military off-duty education

    A House Armed Services Committee panel heard testimony from Defense Department officials Sept. 21 on the quality of off-duty servicemember voluntary education opportunities.During 2010, an estimated 380,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines will receive $580 million in DOD tuition-assistance

  • Collaboration improves treatment of unseen scars of war

    Several times every week, a team of about 50 specialists gathers around a conference table at the National Naval Medical Center here to assess the progress of every wounded warrior undergoing treatment at the hospital. They bring an array of expertise to the discussion, with specialties in

  • Officials urge protection against identity theft

    Defense Department officials are urging servicemembers to be aware of identity theft and are providing ways for them to protect themselves, the director of DOD's personal finance office said.Dave Julian said officials take the problem very seriously. "We equate it to service readiness," he

  • Airmen participate in Operation Market Garden anniversary

    Nineteen Airmen along with three C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron traveled to Holland Sept. 16 to 19 to participate in the reenactment of the largest airborne assault in history to date. More than 1,000 Dutch, German, British, Polish and American servicemembers

  • Net-centricity transcends the network, experts say

    Several high-level Air Force, joint service and industry speakers discussed the powers and perils of operating in a net-centric environment at this year's Net-Centric Operations Conference at the Wentworth Hotel and Conference Center here Sept. 20.Sponsored by the Patriots Roost Chapter of the

  • Airman inducted into Pentagon's Hall of Heroes

    Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger was posthumously inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes in a ceremony Sept. 22 following presentation of the Medal of Honor during a White House ceremony the day before."Today, we bring honor to Chief Etchberger's memory and our nation's highest tribute to

  • Filling civilian vacancies easier with advanced recruiting, online resources

    As Air Force officials work to streamline and expedite the hiring process for the civilian workforce, they are encouraging hiring managers to initiate the recruitment process prior to an incumbent's departure.If the position being vacated is already funded, properly classified and serviced by the

  • Yokota, Kadena leaders join for smart operations course

    Airmen from both Yokota and Kadena air bases came together as part of an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century senior leader's course Sept. 20 and 21AFSO21 is a standardized approach by which Airmen break down a day-to-day process into individual steps to determine more efficient ways of

  • Air Force officials select 2010 team excellence award winners

    Air Force officials recently selected five teams to receive 2010 Chief of Staff Team Excellence awards for finding creative ways to enhance mission capabilities, improve operational performance and create sustained results. The innovations and business solutions the competing Air Force teams

  • Clinic offers disabled veterans new outlook on life

    Sitting in a kayak, gliding across the water, Richard Worlitz was at peace. Here, there were no boundaries, no limitations. And limitations are something he is very familiar with. An Air Force veteran, Mr. Worlitz is both visually and physically handicapped. He lost his vision six years ago and,

  • Photo essay: Rapid loading for the fight

    Loadmasters and aircrew from the 730th Air Mobility Squadron load pallets Sept. 15, onto a C-5 Galaxy at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The Airmen performed a two-hour quick turn on the C-5, preparing and loading a large amount of equipment and supplies. View the slideshow:

  • 36th LRS Airmen support Valiant Shield

    Airmen from the 36th Logistical Readiness Squadron stepped up their game during Valiant Shield 2010 by acting as master planners for all support, vehicle coordination and aircraft fueling needs.During Valiant Shield, an additional 1,300 personnel were here, and the 36th LRS Airmen ensured

  • German partnership enhances mission, saves JTACs money

    From energy conservation practices to Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiatives, Airmen are looking for more efficient ways of conducting business. One task that has Air Force leaders here thinking outside the box is continued support for joint terminal attack controller training

  • Reserve, active duty couple complete African service projects

    For Maj. Jonathan Gration, an active-duty pilot assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron, and Capt. Julie Gration, a Reservist assigned to the 477th Fighter Group here, the trip wasn't so usual, took them across the world and gave them an opportunity to give back to those who are less fortunate.

  • Veteran recalls battle leading to Medal of Honor

    In 1968, a battle raged where heroes arose only to be unacknowledged for 18 years. Proper recognition occurred during a White House ceremony Sept. 21 when Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after saving three of his men in a battle that failed to make