Chief discusses strategy white paper at AFA symposium

The chief of staff of the Air Force helped kick off the Air Force Association's 24th annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition Feb. 21 in Orlando, Fla. Before hundreds of Airmen and civilians, Gen. T. Michael Moseley spoke about the future of the Air Force and also took the opportunity

$21 million software facility project underway at Robins AFB

Air Force officials held a groundbreaking ceremony here Feb. 19 for a 70,000 square-foot software support facility targeted for occupation by January 2010. The new, $21 million facility will be a two-story building designed to help Robins Air Force Base maintain its place as the Electronic Warfare

RED HORSE team improves flightline operations

Airmen assigned to the 1st Expeditionary RED HORSE Group are nearing the completion of installing a barrier arresting kit on the flightline at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. "The BAK 12 is an emergency stopping system for tail-hook equipped aircraft when they have in-flight emergencies and they don't

Dental students receive hands-on training at Elmendorf

A dozen students currently enrolled in the University of Alaska Anchorage Dental Hygiene Program have partnered with the Elmendorf Air Force Dental Clinic to provide care and to learn from base Airmen. The partnership began in February and is approximately four weeks long with four rotations with

New Web-based assignment application debuts March 3

The power to apply for your next home-basing and follow-on assignment will soon be literally at your fingertips. Starting March 3, all active-duty enlisted members and officers, lieutenant colonel and below, who are slated to serve an unaccompanied tour of 15 months or less will have the ability to

Joint STARS goes beyond line of sight

A straight line is the shortest distance between two points and the best way for communication to pass from one to the other, unless the earth's curvature prevents it. Then, what is known as beyond-line-of-sight, or BLOS, communication capability becomes necessary. BLOS uses two straight lines, one

Fresh coat for new beginning

The Air Guard migrates to the Air Force Public Web

The Air National Guard has joined the Air Force in consolidating its public Web sites under one network, the Air Force Public Web. The Air Guard's public Web site has a new look and feel similar to other Air Force Web sites currently using the Air Force Public Information Management System, or

EPA officials recognize Air Force for leading green power

Environmental Protection Agency officials recently named the Air Force to the agency's National Top 25 List of green power purchasers. Selected as No. 3, Air Force officials demonstrated their commitment to protecting the environment and built upon its existing affiliation with EPA's Green Power

OTS begins new close-combat course

Today's Airmen don't simply drop bombs or watch combat from a distance; they are in the fight. From operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to the Horn of Africa, Airmen are consistently working outside the wire in support of their Army, Navy and Marine counterparts. This means Airmen need to know how to

CMSAF outlines Air Force priorities to Dover Airmen

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force outlined the Air Force's primary concerns Feb. 11 to Dover Air Force Base Airmen. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley told base Airmen that the service's top-three priorities are winning the war on terrorism, taking care of Airmen and

Officials broaden AFSO 21 scope for Mildenhall mission

Royal Air Force Mildenhall Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century facilitators currently are broadening the spectrum of improvements to encompass the entire 100th Air Refueling Wing mission in 2008. Base process improvements in 2007 focused mainly on operations and maintenance, resulting in

DOD health officials host first medical 'Webhall'

The Pentagon's top doctor, S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, hosted a Web-based live "Webhall" Feb 14, a first for the military health system. Leaders from the MHS joined Doctor Casscells in answering some pointed and challenging questions live on the new MHS Web

Firefighter first U.S. Airman to attend RAF leadership training

A firefighter here began the Royal Air Force Airmen's Command Squadron, the equivalent of the NCO Academy, Feb. 12 at RAF Halton, England. Tech. Sgt. Josh Trundle, the RAF Mildenhall fire department assistant NCO in charge of training and safety, joined RAF airmen in training topics ranging from

Civilians add stability during emergencies

Airmen here are fighting the base during this week's local operational readiness exercise Beverly High 08-04 and a special group of civilians is right alongside them contributing to the mission. These civilians, categorized as "emergency essential," stay with military forces even if a non-combatant

New matting system to improve deployment capability

Engineers at the Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate here have made recent significant advancements developing a super-strong, lightweight composite airfield matting that speeds up forward aircraft deployments, expands parking space and reduces costs. Working with

Incoming top chaplain speaks about trust

The Air Force's next chief of chaplains spoke about the importance of trusting in God, and the effect it has had on America and his life during the Feb. 12 Bolling Air Force Base annual prayer breakfast. "Trust is critical to our faith, crucial to our prayers and central to who we are as Americans,"

Airmen, Marines seek to synchronize in sky over Iraq

Leadership from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and the 3rd Marine Air Wing-Forward met here Feb. 10 and 11 to raise joint air traffic control and airspace utilization in central Iraq to new levels of safety and effectiveness. During the conference, the military services discussed ways to increase

Course provides pinpoint space education for leaders

Until recently, many senior military and civilian leaders in the Department of Defense faced a dilemma regarding their understanding of space. There were no classes available to teach them the basics quickly and effectively. "We saw the need and designed the Space Operations Executive-level Course,"

Every vote counts

The election season is in full swing and the people in the 2d Air Postal Squadron here are working diligently to ensure every vote in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe area of responsibility counts. Squadron personnel monitor 51 postal locations on a daily basis throughout USAFE to make sure absentee

Female Airman from Bronx drives convoys in Afghanistan

Regardless of what job an Airman may have, being an Airman comes first. And, as a member of the most elite Air Force in history, today's Airman often gets the same news that Senior Airman Vanessa Velez received when she was first notified of her 365-day deployment. He or she is being deployed."I was

Air Force Aid Society provides alternative to pay-day loans

Air Force Aid Society officials are pleased to announce the new Falcon Loan program available to Air Force members beginning March 3.  A Falcon Loan is an interest-free loan of $500 or less that can be used for emergency needs such as basic living expenses -- rent, utilities and food -- car repairs,

Officials delay basing decision for Air Force Cyber Command

The decision for the final location of the Air Force Cyber Command was expected to be finalized before the official Oct. 1 stand up of the command, but Air Force leaders now say it will not be made until closer to the end of the year. "This is to give us additional time to carefully review all the

Retired general becomes Air Force's newest fighter ace

A retired general had been waiting on a call for some time; 55 years to be exact.Retired Lt. Gen. Charles G. Cleveland answered his home phone in January that turned out to be one of the most important calls of his life. "That's how I found out the Air Force was officially recognizing me as an ace,"

Airmen provide relief to China, test new initiative

Kadena Airmen loaded more than 225,000 pounds of food, medicine and cold weather supplies onboard Pacific Air Forces aircraft here Feb. 8 as part of a humanitarian mission to China. U.S. Pacific Command coordinated delivery of the humanitarian supplies to the People's Liberation Army at Shanghai

AFOSI officials seek special agent candidates

The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is seeking exceptional non-commissioned officers for duty as enlisted special agents. The AFOSI mission is to identify, exploit and neutralize criminal, terrorist and intelligence threats to the Air Force, Department of Defense and U.S. Government. With

Air Force conducts nuclear policy and procedures review

The Air Force's Blue Ribbon Review of its nuclear weapons policies and procedures has found that its nuclear mission is sound but needs strengthening. "The review provided the Air Force an opportunity to improve its commitment to a sound nuclear enterprise," said Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer, chair of the

Pacific Lifeline tests humanitarian relief concept

More than 900 Department of Defense members took part in two weeks of instruction and practical application as part of Pacific Lifeline 2008, which ceased field training exercises Feb. 7 in Hawaii. A total force exercise staged from three locations within the Hawaiian Islands, Pacific Lifeline

C-130J deploys to Southwest Asia

Members of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here welcomed the newest member of its fleet Feb. 8 as a C-130J Hercules landed in Southwest Asia. "We're not only the first active duty, C-130J deployment, it's also a record-setting event," said Lt. Col. Dan Tulley, the 41st Airlift Squadron

NASA recruiting volunteers for 'out of this world' jobs

Only 12 human beings have set foot on the moon. You could be the thirteenth, if you make the cut. NASA's current recruiting effort for a new class of astronaut candidates specifies that the International Space Station and the return to the moon are part of the agency's goals, and this class will be

Cope Tiger wraps up in Thailand

Exercise Cope Tiger 2008 came to an end with a closing ceremony here Feb. 5. About 800 U.S. forces participated here and at Udon Royal Thai Air Base in the 13th annual multilateral exercise involving the Royal Thai Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force, the U.S. Air Force, and the Marines.

'Extreme Makeover' films at Dover

Dover Air Force Base took center stage Feb. 7 as ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" visited here to film the introduction for an upcoming episode, scheduled to air March 30. As part of their endeavor to rebuild a home in each of the 50 states, the film crew is in Delaware shooting a home

New USAFE commander explains road ahead

Hundreds of Royal Air Force Lakenheath Airmen gathered to welcome the new U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander Feb. 1 here. Gen. Roger A. Brady gave Airmen a thumbnail view of how USAFE and RAF Lakenheath fit into the Air Force mission and discussed the three USAFE priorities: Winning today, building

Senior Air Force leaders meet at Programming Summit

On Feb. 4, the eve of the President's Budget Rollout for Fiscal 2009, Gen. T. Michael Moseley, chief of staff of the Air Force, called together key Air Force leaders to develop a flight plan that funds our future -- guaranteeing Air Force dominance in air, space and cyberspace. "We have articulated

Postal Service offers first-time military discount

Planning to send a care package to a military service member serving abroad? Send it after March 3 to take advantage of a new flat-rate box from the Postal Service that is 50 percent larger and delivered for $10.95 to an APO/FPO address -- $2 less than for domestic destinations. "This is the first

Virtual MPF adds new self-service program for assignments

A new self-service assignments application launching Feb. 19 will eliminate a visit to the military personnel flight/element, saving Airmen both time and effort as part of the continuing initiatives of the Air Force's Personnel Services Delivery Transformation. Using the Expanded Permissive

AAFES implementing significant 'green' initiatives

The Department of Defense's oldest and largest retailer, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, is embarking on a variety of energy-saving initiatives to reduce its impact on the environment and strengthen the exchange benefit military families have come to depend on. From vending machines to gas

Airmen build mobile medical facilty

Air Force members, primarily from the 3rd Medical Group, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, built a fully functional hospital in a barren field in just 11 hours Jan. 29.The Airmen were taking part in the Pacific Air Forces first-ever total force humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise,

Lunar New Year event strengthens ties, cultural awareness

Members of the South Korea air force's 38th Fighter Group hosted Airmen from the 8th Fighter Wing for a Korean Lunar New Year celebration Feb. 5 here. Airmen from the 38th FG hosted a variety of events to include a traditional bowing ceremony, food and games. The Korean Lunar New Year or "Seollal,"

Powered flight returns to Air Force Academy

Air Education and Training Command officials currently are testing a program designed to return powered flight to the Air Force Academy's curriculum. Called "Jump Start," the test marks the beginning for a program meant to enhance the Academy's focus on airmanship in its curriculum. Traditionally,

SECAF declares new complex officially open

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne took part in the grand-opening ceremony Feb. 5 of the Blatchford-Preston Complex, a $106.9 million construction project including improved recreational facilities and the bases' first permanent dormitories, in Southwest Asia. Opening the Blatchford-Preston

Air Force working to build cyber warrior career fields

Ever since the Air Force deemed cyberspace a warfighting domain, it's been busy preparing for a new command that will have the right technology, systems and resources required to fight in this realm. The Air Force Cyber Command, which is in a provisional status until this fall, is also working to

Three generations honor, remember the 'Forgotten War'

Imagine being surrounded by enemy forces and having orders to retreat through a foreign land, fighting through the mountainous terrain in frigid temperatures for 78 miles, with little or no food, water and supplies. Many Korean War veterans experienced this and more in what has become known as the

Active duty, Guard, Reserve: One awesome force

The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. T. Michael Moseley, recently said, "You can't look at an Airman and tell if he or she is active, Guard or Reserve. We all wear the same uniform, do the same jobs and help make this Air Force the best in the world." Nowhere is that more appropriate than here,

Air Force Honor Guard holds annual training at Maxwell

Maxwell Air Force Base is now the new home for annual training of the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. The team spent the past month learning its 2008 routine here. The team is a branch of the Air Force Honor Guard based out of Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. For the past 12 years, the group learned

Deployed AWACS aircrews overcome unique challenge

E-3 Sentry aircrews deployed here in support of Exercise Cope Tiger 2008 performed a quick turnaround and still completed a mission on time Feb. 3. A rare challenge, the E-3 was flying a mission during the exercise's large force employment  when a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling

Service still seeking special compensation claimants

The approval rate of claims for Combat-Related Special Compensation is currently running 66 percent, but one-third of the eligible retirees still have not applied for the program. Air Force Personnel Center officials expected an increase in claims when the benefit was expanded to include all combat

Air Force claims center proves efficient

One year after opening the Air Force Claims Service Center near Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Air Force leaders are proud to announce its successes in handling legal claims for all Airmen. Not only are Airmen paid quickly under the new system, that money is recovered from negligent moving

Air Force races into NASCAR season at Daytona

The Air Force enters its eighth year of sponsorship in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series when its No. 21 car begins the 2008 season Feb. 9 at the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway, Fla. The Air Force is both a primary and associate sponsor of the No. 21 car, which is owned by Wood

New earned income credit rules lucrative for some Airmen

Filing his family's taxes each year online, Master Sgt. Ron Przysucha says he normally receives about $3,000 in tax returns. This year however, he was taken by surprise when the same Web site he traditionally uses calculated his return at nearly $8,000. "I immediately thought it was a mistake and I

SECAF thanks Airmen for their service, dedication

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne stopped to talk with deployed Airmen during a luncheon and Airmen's call held at Balad Air Base Feb. 2. During his visit, Secretary Wynne discussed topics including in-lieu-of taskings, the medical miracles of Iraq and current and future changes on the

Airman 'The Book' 2008 available online

The 2008 almanac version of Airman magazine is now available online. "Into the Wild New Yonder" is the theme for the issue, traditionally called "The Book." The issue focuses on important facts and provides insight into today's Air Force. Data in the magazine highlights the service's major commands

Media event showcases Air Force airpower

The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing hosted four major media outlets, three print and one television, in an unprecedented media event here Jan. 30. The event was the first time major media outlets visited the base for one specific event. NBC news, The Associated Press, New York Times and Los Angeles

Air Force officials release budget request for 2009

As part of the president's fiscal 2009 budget, the Air Force officials are requesting Congress' approval for $143.9 billion, nearly more than $9 billion more than in fiscal 2008. Of the $143.9 billion request, $117 billion are funds directly controlled and managed by the Air Force. The remaining

Command cell provides oversight during Pacific Lifeline

Six Reservists from the 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron here make up the Aeromedical Command Cell providing command and control for aeromedical force participating in the Pacific Lifeline exercise currently being held in Hawaii. The Reservists are providing direction, control, discipline,

Recruiters discuss challenges with Senate subcommittee

Two Air Force recruiting representatives answered questions for members of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Personnel Jan. 31. Senators questioned Air Force Recruiting Service commander Brig. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot and Master Sgt. Dave White, flight chief for the 341st Recruiting

Servicemembers spend special time with orphans

Airmen assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, along with fellow servicemembers and coalition forces, are known for supporting projects that include military-to-military training, civil military operations and senior leader engagements. Missions are also in place to protect

Scientist demonstrates bendable electronics

Air Force Office of Scientific Research officials here recently have provided research funding for fast, bendable electronics to attach to unevenly shaped objects like airplane bodies or engines. A research team led by Dr. Zhenqiang Ma of the University of Wisconsin-Madison has developed

F-22 Raptor crew chiefs begin training

The first class of F-22 Raptor crew chiefs began training Jan. 29 at the $21 million Raptor Maintenance Training Facility at Sheppard. Seven Airmen new to the Air Force, and one cross-trainee from the Virginia Air National Guard, are the first to undergo initial skills training on the F-22. "Thank

Military working dog teams fine-tune relationships

It's a simple, age-old act of classical conditioning, the dog finds what the master desires and the dog is rewarded. In the case of Tommy, a three-year-old Belgian Malinoise assigned to Joint Task Force-Bravo Joint Security Forces here, the softball-sized round rubber toy is about all the reward he

Chief of staff of Air Force announces new reading list

The chief of staff of the air force announced his new reading list. "Developing Airmen remains one of my key priorities" said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, "Victory -- whether on the front lines of today's Long War or in the air, space and cyberspace surrounding tomorrow's foes -- will be determined in

7th Air Force, Air Forces Korea redesignated

Osan Air Base Airmen began a new chapter for the primary combat air force provider to South Korea as the Pacific Air Forces commander uncased the 7th Air Force, Air Forces Korea flag Jan. 30 here.Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler appointed Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Wood as the 7th Air Force, Air Forces

Equipment provides advanced blood testing at Wilford Hall

Wilford Hall Medical Center officials here recently advanced its blood-testing abilities with the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical equipment. The STA-R Evolution machine performs coagulation testing, in which blood-clotting factors are analyzed and compliance with therapeutic ranges for

First aerial bombing mission completed at Kwajalein

On Jan. 23, the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed here with their B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., completed the first aerial bombing mission at the U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site . The Kwajalein Atoll is home to

New assistant secretary sworn in

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne swore in the Air Force's new assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs in a ceremony at the Pentagon Jan. 24. Craig Duehring, a 28-year Air Force veteran, is a political appointee, heading a four-division department that deals

Summit solidifies operational, strategic doctrine

More than a dozen active duty and retired general officers formulated doctrine to support joint warfighting operations through the construct of a critical liaison to Air Force commanders called an Air Component Coordination Element Jan. 23 and 24 at Maxwell Air Force Base.The two-day "Gathering of

Outreach tour educates nation's top medical civic leaders

Some of the nation's leading health care professionals recently got a close look at one of the most vital missions in the Air Force -- health care for the wounded. The tour, sponsored by the Secretary of the Air Force's National Civic Outreach office, brought representatives from national medical

OTS starts unarmed combat training

Officer Training School trainees completed the school's first combat skills training class Jan. 29 as part of the effort to expand the expeditionary officer training curriculum here. The course is part of the more than 70 hours of expeditionary skills training now being taught to Officer Training

2008 force shaping board cancelled

Air Force lieutenants in the 2005 year group, a total of 764 eligible, will not face a fiscal 2008 force shaping board. "We received enough requests to separate through voluntary separations programs that conducting a force shaping board is no longer needed this year," said Lt. Gen. Richard

McChord Airmen provide lifeline in Pacific

More than 140 Airmen from 446th Airlift Wing here are participating in the Pacific Lifeline exercise Jan. 26 through Feb. 9 in Hawaii. Pacific Lifeline is a total-force exercise designed to exercise the military's ability to rapidly arrive and leave a trained, equipped team anywhere in the Pacific

Air Force officials activate first air ground operations wing

The unit activation and assumption of command of the Air Force's first wing solely dedicated to supporting battlefield Airmen took place during a ceremony here Jan. 25. The activation of the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing marked the first of its kind for the Air Force and added another volume to

Troops to receive retroactive pay next month

Active duty troops will receive retroactive earnings next month, followed weeks later by a supplemental payday for non-active personnel, a Pentagon official said today. The National Defense Authorization Act signed into law Jan. 28 by President Bush stipulates a 3.5 percent military pay raise. This

Abused Afghan woman to receive plastic surgery

A 16-year-old woman brutally attacked by her husband in December is set to receive plastic surgery in Kabul following close coordination between the Afghan government and Provincial Reconstruction Team Qalat, a joint U.S. Air Force and Army unit here. Nazia Hookum Darr was beaten and disfigured by

Airmen help wounded troops survive journey home

The Air Force Theater Hospital's 98 percent survivability rate for injured U.S. servicemembers would be meaningless if the wounded were unable to survive their journey out of the combat zone. Four years into the war, the process of saving lives and then safely transporting critically injured and ill

Squadron commanders, first sergeants meet senior leaders

Squadron commanders and first sergeants had an opportunity to meet with the chief of staff of the Air Force during a conference here Jan. 24 and 25.  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley called in Airmen from around the Air Force to get a candid perspective from the field while sharing

Wrestling: Air Force picks up three wins at Borah Duals

Finishing six matches in two days, the U.S. Air Force Academy wrestling team went 3-1 at the Borah Duals hosted by Western State Jan. 26. After falling to the host Mountaineers, the Falcons, who switched their lineup throughout the day, rattled off victories over Grand Canyon, Mesa State and New

CMSAF focuses on Airmen development

The Air Force's top enlisted leader emphasized the importance of each Airman's contributions, as well as their responsibilities in the development of their Airmen and their own careers during a Jan. 18 enlisted call at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Echoing the sentiments of the three Air Force

Tyndall squadron prepares for 'pipeline' Raptor pilots

Opportunities to train on the F-22 Raptor are highly competitive, and pilots picked to fly the world's premier fighter have been chosen from the ranks after logging years on other airframes -- until now. Four first lieutenants currently at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., have been selected as the first

Manas center helps Airmen return home quicker

Members of the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center here tested a new process to help Airmen deployed for "in lieu of" taskings for the Army return to their families faster. "Air Force teamwork streamlined all processes that ensured inventory,

Cope Tiger takes flight

Aircrews from the Air Force, Marines, Royal Thai air force and the Republic of Singapore air force began launching sorties in support of Exercise Cope Tiger 2008 Jan. 27 here. More than 1,400 people Air Force, Marines, Royal Thai army and air force, and the Royal Singapore air force are

Airmen train with Humvee simulator

Rollover, rollover, rollover!!! Egress, egress, egress!!! These words were constantly echoed to a group of 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen during the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer training here Jan. 25. The training, conducted by 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, consisted of 45

ACC pilot hearing protection combines with headset

Air Combat Command pilots are now using a new customized hearing protection system that not only protect the pilots' hearing but also provides a platform for radio communication. The ear plugs, known as Attenuating Custom Communications Earpiece System, are used by pilots in the cockpit and on the

Children, parents get fit together

Do you want to get your kids away from the television, and get a workout in for yourself? Parents and children in the Kaiserslautern Military Community, Germany, have new fitness programs that help them do just that. Renee Champagne, a physical trainer who has worked with kids for more than 16

Randolph, Civil Air Patrol kick off new support program

A new pilot program between the Air Force and Civil Air Patrol officials is set to kick off with a meeting and orientation tour Jan. 28 at Randolph Air Force Base. "The new program called Volunteer Support to the Air Force will provide greater opportunities for citizens through the CAP while

Surf the Internet, discover benefits

Military beneficiaries can find the latest information at their fingertips at the Defense Commissary Agency's new and improved Web site.DeCA has retooled its Internet site to include fresh new graphics that change with each season and a new section that promotes health and wellness. The single

AF team addresses local province women's needs

The needs and issues of the Afghan women of the Kapisa Province were addressed for the first time Jan. 22 in an unprecedented meeting with the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team. More than 20 women representing six districts in the province traveled various distances to not only bring their

Elmendorf Airmen move toward initial operational capability

Airmen in the 90th Fighter Squadron are completing steps to declare initial operational capability, with the overall goal of declaring full operational capability. The 90th FS and 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit exercised a mock bomb drop over the Alaska training range Jan. 16. "This was an excellent

General shares successes, challenges of Afghan air corps

The Afghan army air corps is going through rapid growth, but it will take eight years for the force to be self-sustaining and independent, the commander of the Combined Air Power Transition Force said from his headquarters in the Afghan capital of Kabul Jan. 24. Brig. Gen. Jay H. Lindell told

TV chef cooks up a winner for Sheppard Airmen

It took him 10 grueling hours of work, a frantic trip to a Wichita Falls retailer for ingredients, and the help of dozens of Airmen, but Chef Robert Irvine fed 1,000 people at the Air Force's 60th Anniversary banquet at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. In an episode of the Food Network's hit series,

Dover housing to claim award

The 436th Civil Engineer Squadron housing management team here and the civilian partners of Pinnacle and Hunt Development Group were selected as the 2007 Professional Housing Management Association Outstanding Housing Installation Team Award winners and are scheduled to receive the award Jan. 31 in

Air Force develops friend vs. foe identification system

Air Force Research Laboratory officials here recently have developed a technology that helps identify friendly forces during combat exercises. Working with Lumitex Inc. of Strongsville, Ohio, members of AFRL's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate developed and fielded the Target Recognition

Air Force funds research into oil repellent surfaces

Air Force Office of Scientific Research officials here currently are funding investigations into super oil repellent surfaces because of their potential utility in cleaning up jet fuel spills and protecting aircraft or rocket parts from fuel absorption. Drs. Gareth H. McKinley and Robert E. Cohen,

Center's core mission remains constant during the years

By the time the Air Force Flight Test Center was established here on June 25, 1951, Edwards AFB had already become well known as the place where "the rubber meets the ramp" and the de facto center of American flight research, development, test and evaluation. The turbojet revolution in America had

Brooks to serve as initial venue to test fit new service coat

About 150 Airmen from Brooks City-Base, Lackland and Randolph Air Force Bases in Texas, will participate in a fit test of the new Air Force Heritage service dress coat here Jan. 28 - Feb. 1. Subsequent fit tests in February and March are slated for the Air Force Academy and Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala.

Ammo keeps fighters supplied in quest for Iraqi freedom

Airmen can fly, fight and win in any wartime situation, but being able to do that is only possible if pilots are properly equipped with the right munitions for their target. Ensuring there is no shortage of munitions for combat aircraft are the Airmen here in the 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance

Aviator pay details to be released

Details on the retention bonus offered to experienced aviators should be released soon, Air Staff officials here said. The aviator continuation pay incentive is in the final coordination stages and once Congress finalizes and the president signs this year's annual National Defense Authorization Act,

Defense authorization bill impacts potential degree programs

With the finalization of the 2008 defense authorization bill, Air University will have the authority to grant a new master's degree in flight test engineering to graduates of the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. That program, which already resembled an academic degree

Airmen compete for spot on Air Force boxing team

The Air Force Box-Off  was held at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 18 and 19 at the Bennett Fitness Center. Matches featured 16 Air Force members hoping to make the Air Force Boxing Team, which will compete in the Armed Forces Boxing Championship. The main event featured Rodney Ellison

Providing shelter is a BEAR

Air, water, food and shelter are the basic essentials for life. But when Airmen deploy to an environment where no one has lived before, these essentials need to be brought in. Anywhere in the world and within a matter of days, a Base Expeditionary Airfield Resource, commonly referred to as a BEAR

Hockey: Falcons beat 4th-ranked Denver, 5-2

U.S. Air Force Academy sophomore Matt Fairchild scored his first career hat trick as the Falcons defeated fourth-ranked Denver 5-2 Jan. 18 at the Cadet Ice Arena here. The Academy earned their first win over Denver since 1980, breaking a 19-game losing streak to the Pioneers, and it was also the