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U.S. Air Force News

  • Obama, Thurman commemorate Korean Armistice anniversary

    As President Barack Obama commemorated the anniversary of the armistice agreement that established a demilitarized zone between North and South Korea and brought an end to fighting there, the top U.S. officer in South Korea emphasized today the need for international cooperation to curb the North

  • Security forces Airmen continue "Ruck March to Remember"

    Security forces Airmen from the 14th Security Forces Squadron here completed 87 miles of their 146 mile "Ruck March to Remember" journey at Natchez, Miss., July 26. Security Forces Airmen from 23 squadrons began the 2, 181-mile march July 12 at the Security Forces Center at Lackland Air Force Base,

  • Enduring cultural change underpins Global Strike Command mission

    Air Force Global Strike Command's top leader discussed the command's relevance and the need for cultural restoration at the Air Force First Sergeants Association Annual Professional Airmen's Conference in San Antonio July 26. Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski, the AFGSC commander, discussed the central role of

  • Reserve personnel center moving, going green

    Air Force Reserve Command leaders celebrated the command's newest green building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony here July 19.Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., the commander of Air Force Reserve Command, officiated the ceremony for the new Air Reserve Personnel Center. The 80,000 square foot facility

  • Air Force surgeon general lays out future of aeromedical evacuation

    The Air Force surgeon general addressed hundreds of medical professionals from around the world at the International Aeromedical Evacuation/En Route Care Conference at Joint Base Lewis-McChord recently.Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Charles Green was the keynote speaker on the second day of the first U.S.-led

  • Air Force vice chief testifies on force readiness

    The Air Force vice chief of staff provided a total force readiness update to the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Readiness here July 26."I'm pleased to report that America's Air Force continues to provide the nation with unmatched global vigilance, reach and power as a part of this

  • Chief Roy: Air Force past, present, way ahead

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy communicated his vision of the Air Force's past, present and future to more than 600 attendees at a forum during the Air Force Sergeants Association's 50th Anniversary Professional Airmen's Conference event here July 25.The chief started the forum by

  • SAFE SKIES 2011 demonstrates true collaboration

    Airmen from the 144th Fighter Wing at Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif., are partnered with Ukrainian and Polish airmen at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine, through the National Guard State Partnership Program. Through this program, they have developed a strong tie to this former soviet bloc-country

  • Band plays, audience rocks at space shuttle finale

    High Flight, the newest ensemble of the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, performed at the final landing of Shuttle Atlantis July 21 at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The landing marked the end of NASA's space shuttle program."It has been an honor and a privilege to perform at this event," said Master

  • Airmen participate in exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia

    Airmen from the 36th Contingency Response Group here and the Royal Australian Air Force participated in Talisman Sabre 2011 recently at Williamson Airfield, Australia, to test their combined combat capabilities.Talisman Sabre 2011 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and Australian forces to plan

  • Pallet build up contest introduced at Air Mobility Rodeo 2011

    Twenty five Aerial port crews competed in the first Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 pallet build-up contest here July 26 to simulate the high-stress environment of a deployed location. The cargo for the pallet built in the competition was made up of various pre-determined items by event organizers. The

  • Pentagon streamlines approval for energy projects

    A Defense Department clearinghouse for renewable energy projects has approved 229 of 249 projects proposed in 35 states and Puerto Rico, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said recently."These projects represent 10 gigawatts of renewable energy generation capacity in wind energy alone,"

  • Airmen compete for Team Pakistan

    Chanting, "Team Pakistan," as they ascended the ramp to a KC-135R Stratotanker, four of the five-member Pakistan Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 aeromedical evacuation team were American Airman. Upon discovery that Pakistan only had one flight surgeon to compete in the aeromedical evacuation competition,

  • First lady, Dr. Biden launch 'Community Challenge'

    First lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, recently unveiled a new program intended to celebrate Americans going above and beyond to improve military families' lives.The Joining Forces Community Challenge will award prizes to people and organizations that

  • Command streamlines moves during busy season

    Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command officials are working hard to continually improve processes for military families moving to new duty stations during an exceptionally busy summer, the command's personal property branch chief said July 25.Major points of emphasis for the peak

  • Columbus defenders bring 9/11 march across Mississippi River

    Airmen from the 14th Security Forces Squadron here will take the Ruck March to Remember across the Mississippi River July 26 during their portion of the 2,181-mile trek.The Columbus Airmen began their 146-mile march July 24, taking part in the nationwide security forces event commemorating the 10th

  • Airmen train Croatian officers, build partnership

    Members of the 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron trained four Croatian air force officers during their visit here July 18 to 22. The weeklong training familiarized the Croatians with pre-deployment logistics and planning processes. They learned how to handle materiel, set up supply stations in a

  • Afghan Airmen expand C-27 medical evacuation support capability

    Afghan air force medics from Kandahar and Kabul worked together recently advancing greater medical evacuation support for Regional Command south and southwest.That support was put to the test as Afghan National Army soldiers were transported by AAF medical airmen to the National Military

  • U.S. aviation advisers volunteer to teach Iraqi airmen English

    Few would consider learning the English language a military necessity, but for Iraqi aviators, it's a fundamental need to learn the internationally recognized aviation language as they work to rebuild their defense forces.U.S. Air Force and Army advisers from the 721st and 821st Air Expeditionary

  • Wrench-turners battle for top spot in Rodeo 2011 maintenance competition

    Crowds cheered as the competitors of the maintenance skill competition entered the hangar here July 25 during the Air Mobility Rodeo 2011. The event, which is new to Rodeo, tests a four-person team on normal daily maintenance activities that would be performed during a shift at home stations. For

  • Aerial porters participate in forklift driving course for Rodeo 2011

    Mobility Airmen tested their speed, precision and teamwork skills while driving a forklift through an obstacle course here July 25. The 10K forklift obstacle course was laid out with more than 20 three-foot orange cones and a pallet next to a pallet stacker."The 10K forklift driving course is

  • International participants add 'flavor' to Air Mobility Rodeo 2011

    At the opening ceremonies for Air Mobility Rodeo here July 24, service members from more than 25 nations were among the nearly 3,000 mobility personnel in formation around the McChord Field flightline.Those international partners each carried their country's flag to their formations, creating what

  • Military recruiting, retention remain strong

    A bumper crop of new high school graduates who joined the military in June helped the Defense Department continue its strong recruiting and retention streak.All four services met or exceeded their fiscal-year-to-date goals for active-duty accessions through June 30, along with five of the six

  • Defense Department officials launch cyber strategy website

    Defense Department officials announced July 25 the launch of a new website to highlight the department's first unified strategy for cyberspace.Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III announced the department's Strategy for Operating in Cyberspace on July 14 at National Defense University at

  • Deadline approaching for Sijan award

    Air Force officials would like to remind Airmen that the deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 Lance P. Sijan United States Air Force Leadership Award to the Air Force Personnel Center is September 1.The Sijan award recognizes the accomplishments of officers and enlisted members who have

  • Touch down ends Reserve rescue role in shuttle program

    As the sun rose over the Atlantic Ocean on July 21, it shed light on both the final landing of the space shuttle Atlantis and the final time Air Force reservists will perform their duties as guardians of the astronauts.As a network of rescue responders, reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing from

  • Photo essay: Security forces enhance capabilities through K-9 training

    Military working dog trainers in the 20th Security Forces Squadron here work hard to train and prepare dogs for real-world situations such as drug raids, patrols and other specialized mission functions for the Department of Defense and government agencies. View the slideshow.

  • French award National Defense Gold Medal to pararescue Airmen

    Three 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron Airmen were awarded the French National Defense Gold Medal with bronze star during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Morales-Frazier July 8.French Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Maurin, the Task Force La Fayette IV commander, presented Capt. John Mosier, an HH-60G

  • Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 kicks off

    Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 kicked off here July 24. Airmen from around the world, including seven international teams, are participating in the biennial competition that focuses on mission readiness, featuring airdrops, aerial refueling and other events that showcase the skills of mobility crews. This

  • Caring for People Forum addresses issues facing Airmen, families

    The Air Force's 2011 Caring for People Forum concluded here July 21 with the presentation of several initiatives focusing on a range of issues affecting Airmen and their families.More than 250 attendees from various base-level organizations met to recommend special focus areas to the Air Force

  • Life support, medical Airmen provide assistance in SAFE SKIES 2011

    Two life support Airmen and four medical Airmen are supporting participants in SAFE SKIES 2011, a joint U.S., Ukraine and Polish exercise where Air National Guard pilots fly engagements with Ukrainian Su-27, Mig-29s and Polish F-16s. SAFE SKIES 2011 is designed to develop the Ukraine and Polish air

  • Air Force chief of staff visits Cheyenne

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie spent July 22 and 23 here meeting with area Airmen and the Cheyenne community to celebrate Cheyenne Frontier DaysDuring the visit, the general visited members of the 153rd Airlift Wing of the Wyoming Air National Guard and their active

  • Colorado Springs community, Airmen replace Tuskegee Airman's stolen medal

    A personal tragedy for one of the documented original Tuskegee Airmen ended on a happy note July 22, courtesy of the Colorado Springs community, and Airmen from Peterson Air Force Base and the Air Force Academy.Former 2nd Lt. Franklin Macon received a bronze replica of the Tuskegee Airmen

  • Intel analyst honored as Air Force Times 2011 Airman of the Year

    A national tactical integration and signals intelligence geospatial analyst from the 31st Intelligence Squadron at Ft. Gordon, Ga., received the Air Force Times 2011 Airman of the Year award here July 21.Staff Sgt. Lindsay W. Bell, of the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group at

  • Children learn to cope during deployment support camp

    Children here attended the "With You All The Way" camp July 13 through 15.The three-day camp, hosted by Trevor Romain, a Public Broadcasting Service children's series host, taught children to express and manage their feelings regarding their parents' deployments and the stresses of being a military

  • Airman instructs Afghan mechanics

    Far from home station and the KC-135 Stratotankers he normally maintains, one Airman from here now spends much of his time around Russian-built helicopters as he instructs and prepares mechanics from the emerging Afghan air force on his trade.Master Sgt. David Penisten is deployed to the 440th Air

  • Army, Air Force conduct first energy forum

    Army and Air Force officials convened their first joint energy forum here this week to demonstrate that they are making responsible and efficient energy development a priority.Kevin Geiss, the deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for energy, and Richard Kidd, the deputy assistant secretary of

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Air Force further reduces officers eligible for RIF

    Sufficient voluntary separations have resulted in the removal of several competitive categories from the September 2011 reduction-in-force board, according to Air Force officials. In April, Air Force officials announced the removal of chaplains and medical service corps officers from the board.

  • Airmen tackle CBRN threat response training in WV tunnel

    The Center for National Response is hosting the Air Force Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Response Challenge here July 18-22. Ten bioenvironmental and emergency management teams representing nine Air Force major commands and the Air National Guard will spend the week facing a series

  • Contingency response wing takes on Africa mission

    An Air Force wing that stood up here to open airfields anywhere in the world on short notice soon will take on a new mission, helping African militaries establish their own air mobility systems.The 621st Contingency Response Wing and the wing's sister unit at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., stand

  • Airdrop ideas, techniques shared as part of International Airdrop Symposium

    On the first day of the International Airdrop Symposium here July 19, ideas and the outlook at how several countries and the U.S. perform and utilize airdrops for their missions was shared among 200-plus participants.Numerous speakers addressed their airdrop capabilities to include speakers from

  • New guide helps communities aid homeless women vets

    Officials with the Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor have released an online publication that will help community service providers aid homeless women veterans, Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis said July 20.Solis addressed an audience of several hundred at the Women in Military Service for

  • New tool to help support deployed Airmen

    Air Force officials are testing a new capability to expedite the personnel assistance deployed total force Airmen receive from Personnel Support for Contingency Operations, or PERSCO, teams.PERSCO teams at deployed locations in U.S. Air Forces Central's area of responsibility will be phased in to

  • DOD space program broadens industry, foreign partnerships

    The Defense Department is expanding partnerships with space-faring companies and nations to maintain the strategic advantage it gains in space, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for space policy said July 19.Speaking with reporters from the Defense Writers Group here, Ambassador Gregory L.

  • 28 nations begin participation in first international AE conference

    With 28 nations participating, Airmen from across the Air Force and the international committee began the first-ever International Aeromedical Evacuation/En Route Care Conference July 20-21 here.The conference aims to help build on improving the future of aeromedical evacuation throughout the

  • Partnering is vital to Air Force and communities

    Speaking at the opening of the annual conference of the Association of Defense Communities July 19, Terry Yonkers, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics, stressed the importance of Air Force partnerships with local communities as well as with private

  • Pentagon strategy addresses energy challenges

    Reducing demand, finding alternative energy sources and improving the energy security of military operations are among the goals of the Defense Department's operational energy strategy, a senior Pentagon official said here July 19.Sharon Burke, the assistant secretary of defense for operational

  • Air Force, Army team up to explore 'green' solutions

    Senior leaders from the Department of Defense, federal agencies, Air Force and Army discussed the strategic importance and way ahead for energy solutions during the Army-Air Force Energy Forum here July 19. The two-day event enables hundreds of attendees to get a clearer perspective from military

  • Airmen's ideas sought to help cut wasteful spending

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton sends the following message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:The White House continues to challenge all federal employees to help identify areas where we can cut wasteful spending. Over the past two years, 56,000 ideas have been submitted through the

  • Top civil engineer visits PACAF Airmen

    The Air Force Civil Engineer visited civil engineers across Pacific Air Forces to discuss initiatives pertaining to their career fields.Recently, Maj. Gen. Timothy Byers, visited 374th Civil Engineer Squadron at Yokota Air Base and spoke to Airmen about their vital role in Operation Tomodachi,

  • Shinseki: VA task force improves care of women vets

    The newly formed VA Task Force on Women Veterans will go a long way in addressing key benefits gaps to female veterans, according to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. While support for women veterans has improved, "it has not been enough," Shinseki said during the 2011

  • Air Mobility Rodeo 2011: McChord Field's 'combo' team ready to go

    The Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 begins here July 24, and the combined 62nd Airlift Wing and 627th Air Base Group team has been hard at work preparing for the event. "One of the things we might forget about during rodeo is that we are not only a host, but a competitor as well," said Col. R. Wyn Elder,

  • Air Force leaders call for scholarship candidates

    Airmen who would like to study a foreign language as a full-time student, are interested in a White House fellowship, would like to serve a two-year fellowship in Japan, or would like to compete for an information assurance scholarship have until Aug. 31 to submit an application to the Air Force

  • Air Force Caring for People forum begins

    Air Force professionals and families from around the world brought improvement ideas to Air Force leaders during the 2011 Air Force Caring for People forum here July 19. More than 250 Air Force leaders, program managers, family members and volunteers assembled for the start of the three-day forum to

  • Air Force Key Spouses of the Year honored at forum

    Some of the Air Force's outstanding 'Key Spouses' were honored during the service's Caring for People Forum here July 19.Suzie Schwartz, wife of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, and Paula Roy, wife of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy, accompanied Lt. Gen. Darrell

  • Medical education, commissioning programs available

    Airmen have the opportunity to apply for Biomedical Sciences Corps training and commissioning programs for fiscal 2012, Air Force officials announced.Applicants interested in the following programs should be U.S. citizens, meet the minimum commissioning age requirements, meet fitness standards and

  • Mullen: U.S.-Japan alliance serves as model for others

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on his first visit to Japan since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March, recently praised the U.S.-Japanese alliance and said the two nations must expand such relations throughout the Pacific region.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, speaking at a news

  • Transit Center Airman raises the bar, pumps 5 million gallons of gas

    Many people establish goals they want to accomplish during their deployments as a way to help pass the time. Senior Airman Chantz Wyant, a fuels distribution operator, set a lofty goal for himself when he arrived at the Transit Center six months ago.  He wanted to pass more than 4 million gallons of

  • Mobility Airmen gather for international airdrop symposium

    Mobility Airmen from 26 countries are participating in the 2011 International Airdrop Symposium here July 19 to 21.The symposium features a gathering of people from throughout the world to exchange tactics, techniques and ideas on conducting airdrops, said Maj. Patrick Linson, the symposium

  • First lady plans 'Joining Forces' events

    First Lady Michelle Obama will take part in three events over the next several days to promote "Joining Forces," a national initiative that mobilizes all sectors of American society to support service members and their families. The first lady and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden,

  • New joint training enables Airmen, Soldiers to respond to emergencies

    Airmen from the fire department and Soldiers from a quick reaction force at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing conducted a joint training exercise July 15 to learn how to work together effectively during an emergency situation.This is the first time the Army's QRF and the Air Force-operated fire

  • First Beta class RPA pilot becomes launch-and-recovery qualified

    Forging the way for officers in his career field, Rob, a captain assigned to the 432nd Wing as a remotely piloted aircraft pilot has established many firsts. He was a graduate of the first Beta class for RPA pilots, first Beta to go to the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron, first Beta to live fire, first

  • Total Force Service Center expands service hours for civilians

    The Total Force Service Center here has expanded its hours of operation for Air Force civilians requiring personnel assistance. The center is now servicing civilian inquiries 24/7 to help civilians resolve personnel issues.The TFSC was able to expand its support for civilians by providing service

  • Cyber threat grows more destructive, Lynn says

    The cyber threat the United States faces is increasing in severity and is accessible to a wide range of enemies, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said in a television interview broadcast July 14."Most of what we see today is exploitation -- that's theft, stealing secrets, either

  • Air Guard partners exercise in Ukraine

    More than 140 members of the Air National Guard landed aircraft in Ukraine, preparing for a U.S. European Command-sponsored aerial military-to-military exchange event titled SAFE SKIES 2011.A rainbow unit of Air National Guard Airmen comprising members from Alabama, California, Iowa, Washington and

  • Rome N.Y. implements USAJobs hiring process

    Air Force Research Laboratory officials in Rome, N.Y., have implemented the single-staffing-tool civilian hiring process used to fill civilian positions at most Air Force bases.Under the single staffing system, civilian vacancy announcements for appropriated fund positions are available for viewing

  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs branch unites family of missing Airman

    Losing a loved one can be one of the most difficult experiences in life, causing family members to make major adjustments to compensate for the loss.This can be exceptionally difficult for families with loved ones missing in action who have never returned from war.Members of the Air Force Mortuary

  • Academy cadets gain insight into security forces mission while deployed

    For a group of U.S. Air Force Academy cadets visiting the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia, a training day with security forces proved both exhausting and informative.The cadets, here as part of Operation Air Force-Deployed -- a program designed to give cadets a firsthand view of a

  • Aviano Airman wins $10,000 IDEA award

    The Innovative Development through Employee Awareness Program recently awarded an Aviano Air Base Airman $10,000, the highest reward available. Tech. Sgt. Rey Andrade, the 31st Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment NCO in charge, received the award after solving a problem that cost

  • New Jersey base realizes joint benefits

    With two months left for Defense Department officials to comply with the 2005 base realignment and closure plan, a related initiative -- joint basing -- already is paying off through closer interservice collaboration and the promise of future cost savings, officials here reported.Joint Base

  • 'Surviving The Cut' episode to highlight dive school July 25

    Discover Channel's "Surviving The Cut" will air an episode that highlights the rigorous training at the Air Force Combat Dive School in Panama City, Fla., July 25 at 10 p.m. EDT.Members of the Air Force Combat Dive School train an array of special operations Airmen such as pararescuemen, combat

  • JBB officials host first Iraqi air force logistics commander summit

    An Iraqi Air Force C-130 landed here July 6 carrying IqAF logistics wing commanders from across the country, Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission-Air staff advisors and IqAF logistics staff members including the Iraqi director of logistics. This was the first IqAF logistics wing commander summit"The

  • Air Force releases updated dress and appearance instructions

    The Air Force's instruction on dress and personal appearance recently received an appearance upgrade with the release of the updated instruction July 18. Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance, received the facelift after several years of interim updates as uniform items were

  • Riders 'revved up' for motorcycle safety day

    Service members, along with Department of Defense employees, retirees and civilians gathered for the Joint Base Andrews Motorcycle Safety Day here July 15.The event, which included a group ride through Maryland's Prince George's County, was designed to inform riders of all skill and experience

  • Officials hope relief will flood in for Minot families

    With water still above flood levels weeks after the natural disaster began in Minot, N.D., Air Force Global Strike Command officials are asking the public for donations to relief and recovery efforts. More than 1,100 Airmen and family members from nearby Minot Air Force Base were displaced from

  • Inaugural class of air mobility air advisors graduates

    Twenty Airmen assigned to two newly-activated Air Mobility Command advisory squadrons graduated from the inaugural Air Education and Training Command Air Advisor Basic Course for Africa and South America here June 17. Airmen from both the 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron, assigned to the

  • Development plan helps officers communicate their preferences

    Officers interested in specific development opportunities should use the Airman Development Plan to communicate their preferences to decision-makers, official said. Although assignments are based on Air Force needs first, and then professional development, officer preferences communicated via the

  • Officials look to reduce strategic airlift inventory

    Combatant and major command officials provided testimony to members of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower to propose a reduction of strategic airlift aircraft numbers in a session here July 13. Gen. Raymond Johns, the Air Mobility Command commander, and Gen. Duncan McNabb, the U. S.

  • First F-35 arrives at Eglin

    The Department of Defense's first F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter touched down at its new home here July 14, marking a major milestone in the nation's military history. Upon arrival, the jet officially became part of the Air Force inventory. It now belongs to the JSF training unit, the 33rd

  • Construction is steady on Lackland's medical campus

    The first phase of construction for the new Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center here is steadily progressing. Excavation of the new 1,028-car parking garage is complete and the utility corridor excavation is moving along on schedule, according to Joann Pinto, director of 59th Medical Wing

  • Afghan women pilot candidates serve country, pursue history

    Four young Afghan lieutenants are making history by being the first female pilot candidates from their country to attend the Defense Language Institute's general English course."We should show the world that the women of Afghanistan are strong," said Lt. Sourya Saleh, an Afghan pilot candidate. "We

  • Airmen at Zaragosa Air Base support NASA's final shuttle launch

    Airmen from U.S. Air Forces in Europe provided support at the Transoceanic Abort Landing Site in Zaragoza, Spain, as NASA scientists concluded the shuttle program with the successful launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis July 8. The TAL serves as a safe haven, in the event something goes wrong during the

  • Airmen tackle Corporals Course

    Six Airmen diversified their leadership training by participating in the Marine Corps' Corporals Course, which was held here June 10-24. The Corporals Course was a two-week program consisting of classroom lecture, hands-on instruction at the small arms range and vigorous physical training around the

  • Chief of staff and spouse visit Aviano Air Base

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie visited the 31st Fighter Wing here July 10 to 12, meeting with Airmen and their families while touring the installation and its facilities.During his visit, Schwartz received briefings on the wing's mission and operations, dined with

  • MAFFS aircraft, crews conclude firefighting operations in Southwest

    After performing 242 sorties and dropping 609,960 gallons of fire retardant over the wildfires that have been burning in New Mexico and Arizona, Air Reserve Component personnel and their Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped aircraft concluded their mission July 13.National Interagency Fire

  • DOD sets rules for schools receiving tuition assistance

    All schools participating in Title 10 tuition assistance will need to have a signed memorandum of understanding with the Defense Department under a new policy that will take effect Jan. 1, officials said.Carolyn Baker, the chief of voluntary education for DOD's military community family and policy

  • Air Force announces enlisted supplemental promotions

    More than 800 Airmen have been selected for promotion to the next higher rank as part of the July enlisted supplemental promotion process. The enlisted supplemental promotion release announces those Airmen selected for promotion who tested outside of their required cycle due to an extended temporary

  • Airman missing in action 45 years to be buried at Academy

    An Airman who went missing in action over North Vietnam in 1966 will be buried at the Air Force Academy on July 15 with full military honors.Col. Leo S. Boston of Canon City, Colo., was a member of the 14th Air Commando Wing at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in 1966.  Then a captain, he

  • Contingency response team stands down after last shuttle support alert

    An audience of millions watched the last launch of the space shuttle Atlantis from Kennedy Space Center, Fla., July 8. The nearly 650 mobility Airmen of the 621st Contingency Response Wing here, however, saw a different finale -- an end to years of waiting for a call they thankfully never received.

  • Officials announce Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    Air Force officials recently selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2011. An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center considered 35 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and