Air Force medics join Navy mission

Twenty-eight Air Force medics from across the Pacific region are spending time on the open sea as they participate in Pacific Partnership 2008. Alongside other public health and preventive medicine professionals from the Navy, Army, U.S. Public Health Service and the Military Sealift Command, the

Budget leader earns service's top management award

The deputy assistant secretary for budget received the 2007 Eugene M. Zuckert Management Award during a ceremony recently at the Pentagon. "It is truly an honor to receive such a high-level award, but there are many people who deserve credit for it," said Maj. Gen. Larry O. Spencer, who is

National Security Agency awards trophy to Beale unit

National Security Agency officials recently selected the 13th Intelligence Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., as the Air Force winner of the 2007 Director's Trophy, awarded annually for outstanding direct tactical signals intelligence contributions to warfighters. The Director's Trophy is

Class of 2012 arrives at Academy

The 1,369 members of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2012 arrived to begin Basic Cadet Training June 26 here. The Class of 2012 boasts the largest percentage of women entering Basic Cadet Training in Academy history at 21.48 percent, surpassing last year's previous all-time high mark by 0.7

Civilians can consider military treatment facility if injured

If an Air Force civilian employee is injured on the job, time can be vitally important in getting that injury treated. One of the best solutions for both an employee and the Air Force is to use an emergency room at a base military treatment facility. Yet few employees take advantage of this

Pilot tackles Typhoons during exchange duty in England

When an American F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot was given the opportunity of applying for an exchange posting, he had no hesitation in selecting a tour to fly the F-2 Typhoon with the Royal Air Force. "I was attracted by the opportunity to fly a new airplane, to go somewhere different and be part of

Wynonna headlines concert for military

Tuskegee Airman dies

Retired Lt. Col. Charles Dryden, 87, one of the famed "Tuskegee Airmen" who broke the military's color barrier by becoming a World War II fighter pilot, died June 24 in Atlanta. Colonel Dryden was born Sept. 16, 1920 in New York City to Jamaican parents. He graduated from Peter Stuyvesant High

Program offers enlisted members chance to LEAD

Enlisted Airmen with eyes on U.S. Air Force Academy appointments may have their chance to become an officer through the Leaders Encouraging Airman Development program. The program, initiated in 1995 by Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, the former Air Force chief of staff, delegates authority to unit and wing

Third Reserve C-130 joins California wildfire fight

A third Air Force Reserve Command C-130H Hercules was dispatched June 27 to help fight raging wild fires in California. Officials from the 302nd Airlift Wing from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., sent the additional airplane and crews to join the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group at McClellan Airfield in

Air Boss Conference brings leaders together

Leaders from around the world came together here June 26 to 27 to discuss deterrence and evaluate the war plan used to ensure peace and stability in South Korea. The 7th Air Force, Pacific Air Forces and Osan Air Base Commander Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Wood hosts the Air Boss Conference annually. The

Guard chief: Firefighting, flood efforts 'outstanding'

The chief of the National Guard Bureau assessed the National Guard's California fire and Midwest flood-fighting efforts firsthand June 26 and 27 calling their support "superb." "They're handling very difficult and complex issues in a very competent and professional manner," said Army Lt. Gen. H.

Memorial visit a family affair for top enlisted Airman, uncle

When Army veteran Richard McKinley visited the World War II Memorial here for the first time June 24, the Air Force's top enlisted man -- his nephew -- was there to greet him. The Ohio resident was visibly moved by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, his brother's son, taking time

'Sesame Street' coming to military installations

Beloved "Sesame Street" characters like Elmo and Grover will visit more than 40 military installations this year to entertain families with a free one-hour show. The production, sponsored by United Service Organizations, travels across the country with the first show July 8. The tour is part of

Air Force officials announce OTS selection board results

A total of 178 men and women from across America have earned an opportunity to become Air Force leaders following their selection for an officer's commission, officials here announced June 26. Air Force Recruiting Service officials considered 722 applications as part of Officer Training School

National Guard on duty from coast to coast

About 2,300 Air and Army National Guard members remain on duty in the Midwest, down from a peak of more than 5,700, officials reported. Meanwhile, officials in California called for more aircraft to fight the wildfires. While the number of guardmembers needed on the ground went down, the number of

Airmen bring joy through cooking at Center for the Intrepid

The apartment-style kitchen on the fourth floor of the Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio was bubbling with excitement June 24 as the sound of conversation and the smell of delicious foods permeated the air. The Center, located near Brooke Army Medical Center, provides traumatic amputee

Berlin Airlift vets return to Germany for anniversary

For 50 years, Dub Southers recalled the grueling hours he worked at an air base in northern Germany at the start of the Berlin Airlift, not the historical significance of what he helped achieve as a flight engineer and crew chief. He remembered well the stacks of coal being shipped in from local

Officials sign children's educational needs memo

Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England and Deputy Education Secretary Raymond Simon signed a memorandum of understanding between their agencies at the Pentagon June 26 that addresses the quality of education and the unique challenges faced by children of military families. Hundreds of thousands of

Thunderbirds 'Soar into Solstice' at Eielson

More than 6,000 people witnessed what the Air Force is all about during the 2008 Soaring into Solstice airshow June 24 at Eielson Air Force Base. On display for visitors to tour and take pictures of were an F-22 Raptor, F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 Thunderbolt II, KC-135 Stratotanker and UH-60 Black

Air Force officials announce library of the year winner

Air Force Library Program officials announced the winner of the Air Force Library of the Year award June 12 here.The Eglin Base Library, with an eight-man staff, was recignized for their outstanding customer focus and satisfaction."Even in times of scarce budgets, we still aim to fulfill our

Doctor provides medical care in native country during mission

"I see myself in their faces." These are the words of Maj. Victor Inga, an Air Force doctor participating in New Horizons-Peru 2008, a humanitarian mission providing relief for underprivileged Peruvians. Major Inga uttered these words seconds after he watched yet another young Peruvian boy walk

Entries sought for military essay contest

The Military Officers Association of America is seeking entries for its inaugural Military Professional Essay Contest.  Essays may address any topic that has relevance to the association's stated mission of preserving a strong national defense. The contest is open to current, former and retired

Leaders eye dorm improvements

Air Force leaders are currently looking at service dormitories to ensure first-term Airmen are living in facilities that meet standards. "Our Airmen's quality of life is a top priority for the Air Force," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, who recently collected photos and

Airman's Roll Call: leave management

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on leave management, and as many Airmen are aware of a few days away from work can have a beneficial effect them. Therefore, an aggressive leave program is an essential military requirement. A recent policy change increased the number of days members may accrue

Program helps deployed Airmen with career decisions

Expeditionary Top IV members here are helping Airmen to make major career decisions while deployed, and far away from career advisors and other personnel specifically trained to help.The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Top IV Mentor/Shadow Program, currently managed by Master Sgt. Judy Quintana, gives

Reserve pilots utilize A-10s in support of Total Force Integration

Air Force Reserve Command pilots recently took flight in an A-10 Thunderbolt II here in support of an Air Force-wide initiative designed to integrate reservists, guardsmen and civilians with active-duty Airmen. The Total Force Integration initiative, which was established by Air Force officials at

Unit becomes Cyberspace Technical Center of Excellence

The Air Force Institute of Technology and the Center for Cyberspace Research here were designated as the Air Force's Cyberspace Technical Center of Excellence June 19 by the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force. The Cyberspace Technical Center of Excellence, or CyTCoE, is chartered to be

Servicemembers begin medical mission in Peru

American servicemembers kicked-off medical mission New Horizons-Peru 2008, a U.S. and Peruvian humanitarian initiative scheduled through Aug. 31 to provide relief to underprivileged Peruvians.The humanitarian medical mission, currently staffed by 35 Air Force medics, will provide free medical care

Airmen to have more choices for death gratuity benefit

Airmen will be able to select one or more persons of their choosing to receive death gratuity benefits beginning July 1. "This is a significant change to the (death gratuity) benefits election option for all Airmen," said Steven Kelley, the director of Air and Space Expeditionary Force Operations at

Reserve C-130s called in to fight California wildfires

The Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing here is scheduled to deploy two firefighting C-130 Hercules aircraft June 25 to battle raging wildfires in California. The Modular Airborne Firefighting System, or MAFFS, configured C-130s will be in place and fully-operational at Chico Municipal

Stenner takes reins of Air Force Reserve

Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr. assumed command of the Air Force Reserve and its 68,000 members June 24 in a ceremony at the Air Force Memorial here. He succeeds Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, who held the post since 2004. "I'm excited to lead the finest group of warriors I have ever known," General

Mullen urges Joint Staff to speed up warfighter support

The nation's top military officer called on the Joint Staff today to speed up efforts to get new capabilities to warfighters and to focus on building capabilities needed to win not just the current war, but future wars as well. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told

Born of controversy: The GI Bill of Rights

It has been heralded as one of the most significant pieces of legislation ever produced by the federal government, one that impacted the United States socially, economically and politically. But it almost never came to pass. The Servicemembers' Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the GI Bill

Eglin team prepares Small Diameter Bombs for warfighters

Guided munitions such as the Small Diameter Bomb have helped change the way wars are fought. SDBs, prepared by 681st Armament Systems Squadron members here, give aircrews the ability to destroy targets that would normally be passed over due to the proximity of friendly troops, civilians, structures

President nominates woman Army general for fourth star

President Bush nominated Army Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody for promotion June 23, which, pending Senate approval, would make her the first woman to be a four-star officer in U.S. history. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced the president's nomination of General Dunwoody as the commander of Army

Global Engagement readies Academy cadets for future

Thirty subject matter experts from all over the United States are leading approximately 1,200 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets through intensive training with the Global Engagement course this summer here.The advantage to future Academy graduates in completing the course is that it gives cadets a

'Today's Air Force' features deployments

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" focuses on Air Force deployments and ways to better prepare for them. The previous system was based on four-month deployments with some Airmen deploying earlier and longer than expected. The new Air and Space Expeditionary Force system splits the force into

New leaders take helm as Air University reorganizes

Air University officials welcomed their new commander as well as one of the organization's newly minted centers of excellence also installed its new leader in a dual change-of-command ceremony June 23 at Maxwell Air Force Base's Air Park. The ceremony, which involved three successively-higher

Air Force prepared for largest virtual promotion release

Air Force Personnel Center officials here will post selection lists for technical and master sergeant promotions on the Air Force Portal and AFPC public and military Web sites June 26 at 8 a.m. CDT. This will be the third major enlisted promotion release using the new Web-based process, and by far

Airman teaches CPR to Afghan medical providers

Six Afghan medical providers learned basic lifesaving skills at a Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team CPR course held June 18 at the Rokha Clinic in Rokha. Staff Sgt. Janine Duschka, a PRT medical technician deployed from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., taught the course. "It is important to teach

Donley in as acting Air Force secretary

Michael B. Donley is the new acting secretary of the Air Force, succeeding Michael Wynne, who held the position since November 2005. Mr. Donley was previously the administration and management director for the Secretary of Defense, a position sometimes referred to as "mayor" of the Pentagon. The

Officials provide flood info for federal employees

Defense Department officials have issued information to assist federal employees and agencies affected by the recent flooding throughout the Midwest and Mississippi River Valley, military officials said. "Our Defense Department employees are a valued resource and an essential part of our total

AFIT Class of 2008 graduates

Seventy-two scientists, engineers and management specialists are the recipients of graduate and doctoral degrees from the Air Force Institute of Technology.  AFIT's Graduate School of Engineering and Management held its June 2008 graduation ceremony June 19 at the National Museum of the United

Civilian receives $10,000 for canopy repair 'IDEA'

A civilian's suggestion to let the base egress shop repair F-16 Fighting Falcon canopies here instead of sending them off base earned him $10,000 and will save the Air Force more than $1 million. Robert Watts, an ordnance inspector with the 412th Maintenance Squadron, received a check June 11 for

JCS vice chairman: break service barriers

Nattily attired in his khaki-and-olive uniform, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. James E. Cartwright squinted through the stage light glare before beginning to speak at the second annual Air Force Cyberspace Symposium here June 19. Looking out at a sea of blue uniforms and business

Procurement mission at Hill transfers to DLA

A June 17 activation ceremony at the Hill Aerospace Museum marked the transfer of 43 Air Force employees to the Defense Logistics Agency here. The employees, mostly contracting officers from the 448th Supply Chain Management Group, procure depot-level reparable aviation parts for Ogden Air Logistics

Senior leaders discuss need to control cyber domain, build new command

In separate speeches June 18 during the second annual Air Force Cyberspace Symposium in nearby Marlborough, Mass., two senior leaders explained the critical need for the Air Force to control the cyberspace domain and reasons why a new command is needed to do so. First to speak was Lt. Gen. Robert J.

Ramstein C-130s participate in NATO airdrop demonstration

Two C-130 Hercules aircraft from Ramstein Air Base recently participated in a NATO-sponsored Precision Airdrop Capabilities demonstration at the Centre d'Essais Lancement de Missiles at Biscarrosee and at Cazaux Air Base, France. "Over three days we conducted four to six drops a day with different

Bombers drop sea mines to end deployment

B-52 Stratofortress bombers dropped 162 inert sea mines 80 miles off Guam's south coast during a recent training exercise to finish a four-month rotation to the Pacific island. Aircrews from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron dropped the MK-62 sea mines on strategic spots to deter "enemy forces"

New radar facility to open

Officials from the Ellsworth Air Force Base and Minot AFB, N.D., Radar Approach Control Facilities are preparing to open the Dakota Air Traffic Control Facility this summer here.The facility will be a noncontiguous, co-located RAPCON and will service both bases and the region. "The current Ellsworth

Air National Guard's Airmen of the Year announced

Air National Guard officials identified six Airmen as their Airmen of the Year for 2008 following their arrival here June 15 for a week-long celebration and tribute to their achievements. This year's Airmen of the Year were chosen through a process of unit, state and national selection panels and

Wind tunnel tests contribute to first flight of F-35

The June 11 completion of the first flight of the short takeoff/vertical landing version of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter resonated with Air Force engineers at the Arnold Engineering Development Center here. "A number of us at AEDC can take pride in the part we played in supporting this

Air Force officials name 2008 LULAC award winner

Air Force officials have selected Capt. Elisa Valenzuela from the Air Force Materiel Command as the winner of the 2008 League of United Latin American Citizens Excellence in Military Service award. The award recognizes members who have made significant contributions to the advancement of minority

Airman found guilty, sentenced in court martial

Airman Basic Justin M. Rosado was found guilty by a military judge of 16 violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Airman Rosado, who is not a cadet, is a member of the10th Security Forces Squadron here.The violations included failing to obey orders, dereliction of duty, making false

Aircrew flight equipment award winners announced

Air Force officials announced the 2007 Outstanding Air Force Aircrew Flight Equipment career field award winners June 17. The 2007 Aircrew Flight Equipment award winners are: -- Headquarters Staff Member of the Year is Master Sgt. Troy J. Bauerbach, Hurlburt Field, Fla. -- Officer of the Year is

Special concert given for some special children

The U.S. Air Forces Central Band Falcon gave a special performance to some special children at the Belvodosky Orphanage June 14 in Kyrgyzstan. The band members, who are deployed from the Heartland of America Band at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., sang about a dozen songs for about 80 children. The

Air turbulence research could lead to safer flights

Air Force Research Laboratory officials are funding scientists who are researching ways to identify and predict turbulence through the detection of underlying air patterns. Researchers believe the detection of these underlying structures will make it possible to forecast clear-air turbulence. This

Air Force history award winners announced

Air Force History and Museums Program officials annually recognize excellence in history programs, historical publications and heritage projects, and award commendable work by military and civilian personnel for outstanding performance or achievement, both as individuals or teams. Two Excellence in

Air War College to launch revised distance learning program

The Air War College will make significant changes to its distance learning program this summer and discontinue the previous 16th edition. The revised distance learning program that closely parallels the resident course will soon be available to senior military officers and equivalent civilian

Nurse commissioning program selectees announced

Officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here selected 31 enlisted Airmen to attend the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program beginning in either fall 2008 or spring 2009. Those attending fall 2008 are: Tech. Sgt. Meki Bocage Tech. Sgt. Michele Bortvit Tech. Sgt. Samuel Cash Tech. Sgt. Samuel

Sather Airmen foster relationships with local community

The sounds of children laughing fill the air as they run across the dusty soccer field. Despite the heat and dirt, parents and friends cheer and join in to play from time to time. Yet, this scene isn't from a typical Saturday afternoon in suburban America. This is Iraq and another example of how

Restraint system improves aircrew safety

A new restraint system based on the same technology that brings speeding roller coasters to a smooth stop may soon help save warfighter lives and reduce military mobile aircrew injuries. Air Force Research Laboratory engineers teamed with Wolf Technical Services, Inc., under a Small Business

Renamed U.S. military base in Iraq reflects joint status

The home of the Air Force's only wing in Iraq and the Army's logistical headquarters for supplies and shipments in the country has been renamed to reflect the dual nature of the base. Joint Base Balad is the new name for what used to be called Balad Air Base by the Air Force and Logistics Support

Changes to current Course 12, 14 enrollments announced

Before senior NCOs are eligible for a senior rater endorsement, there are certain educational requirements that must be met. The first is a Community College of the Air Force degree, and the second is completion of either Course 12 or 14, which are senior NCO professional military education distance

Technology, training force multiplier for security forces Airmen

While security forces members receive training in technical school, the multiple threats faced by members today requires continual sharpening of their skills. Airmen from the 354th Security Forces Squadron here participate in daily flight-level exercises as well as mandatory squadron training. The

Air University officials reflect on ABC enlisted degree program's success

It's been a year since the Community College of the Air Force launched the Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative program for enlisted Airmen and Air Force officials are pleased with the program's results thus far. When the program started June 15, 2007, Air University officials

Indiana Guard begins next mission -- recovery

Some Indiana National Guardsmen began returning to their homes on June 15, while others began the next phase of their flood duty in the southwest part of the state -- recovery. Joint Task Force - 81 will have 60 of its 1,300 deployed Soldiers stay behind in the vicinity of East Mount Carmel and New

Air Force honored with environmental awards

The Air Force was recently honored with several environmental awards for its efforts in ecological responsibility. The recipients of the 2007 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards were: - Hill Air Force Base, Utah, -- Environmental Quality Individual/Team category - Robins AFB, Ga., -- Pollution

Citizenship path for Airmen now a total-force reality

In support of Total-Force integration, U.S. citizenship application forms, checklists and other supporting documents recently became available to Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members through the virtual Personnel Center-Guard Reserve link on the Air Reserve Personnel Center Web

12 Airmen live among thousands of Iraqi Soldiers

Twelve Airmen working together for the past nine months at the remote Iraqi Military Training Base of Kirkush, located in the Diyala Province just over 10 miles from the Iranian border, are hoping to work themselves out of a job.As the only Americans living among thousands of Iraqi Soldiers and

Sergeant named Air Force Ophthalmic Technician of Year

An NCO here has been named the 2007 Air Force Ophthalmic Technician of the Year. Staff Sgt. Adam Smith, who currently works at the Reid Clinic, is a member of the 37th Aerospace Medicine Squadron.Sergeant Smith has been stationed at Lackland for five and a half years and has seen patients for a wide

Military Channel to present air combat documentary June 15

The Military Channel premieres Showdown: Air Combat June 15 at 10 p.m. and features an F-22 Raptor pilot as host. The series consists of 10 episodes shown over the course of several weeks, hosted by Maj. Paul Moga. While he's accustomed to presenting the newest fighter to air show crowds, this will

Soviet kitsch gets 'Aggressors' into bad-guy role

The walls are decorated with old Soviet Union propaganda, urging admirers of the art to note a "Glory to the Soviet People -- The Creator of Powerful Aviation", and Union of Soviet Socialist Republics flags with the infamous hammer and sickle graphic are spread throughout the building. However,

EOD facility at Hickam named in honor of fallen Airman

The 15th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal facility was dedicated in memory of a fallen Airman before family, friends and other military servicemembers June 7 at Hickam Air Force Base.Senior Airmen William Newman was 23 and on his 98th combat mission when a projectile he was

Air Force charts new course for 2009 force shaping

Air Force officials here currently are deciding how to carry out force shaping plans in the coming year following an announcement by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Monday to halt personnel cuts. Active-duty end strength was projected to decrease from 328,600 to 316,600 by the end of fiscal 2009.

Airman, Sailor save Peruvian soldier

An Airman and Sailor saved the life of a Peruvian soldier supporting Task Force New Horizons-Peru 2008 June 8 here. Tech. Sgt. Christopher Clark, a medical technician for Task Force New Horizons, and Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brennen Lawson helped care for the Peruvian soldier who suffered from

Guard unit welcomes Predator, reconnaissance mission

Members of the 147th Fighter Wing here said goodbye to their F-16 Fighting Falcons and made room for the MQ-1 Predator as the Air National Guard unit became the 147th Reconnaissance Wing June 7.The Predators at the Houston Air National Guard Base are expected to enhance both U.S. military

TPS confers its first master's degrees

The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School achieved a milestone May 27 by officially receiving accreditation to present its graduating students with a master's degree. Eighteen students from Class 07B were the first to be granted a Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering during a graduation ceremony

Ceremony honors 241 medical graduates

Dr. Kenneth Torrington, dean of the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, honored 241 physicians and allied health care providers during the annual SAUSHEC awards and graduation ceremony June 6 in the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio auditorium. SAUSHEC

Trip was gesture of respect to Airmen, Gates says

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' trip to Langley Air Force Base, Va., Peterson AFB, Colo., and Scott AFB, Ill., was a gesture of respect and confidence in Airmen following a rough week for the Air Force. On June 5, Secretary Gates asked for and received the resignations of Air Force Secretary

Airmen teach Iraqis Western-style command, control

As part of an ongoing process to stabilize Iraq, Airmen are teaching command and control techniques to their counterparts at the Iraqi air operations center at Camp Victory near Baghdad's international airport. The operations center is the hub that controls all Iraqi air force missions, where

Medical team returns from Honduras mission

A team of pediatricians, nutritionists and linguists from Wilford Hall and Brooke Army medical centers in San Antonio; Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, Va.; and South Dakota State University, S.D, recently returned from a 12-day expedition in Honduras. The San Antonio Military Pediatric Center team

Gates: Nuclear mission shortcomings caused dismissals

If it were not for the serious decline in the Air Force's nuclear mission focus and performance, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here June 9, he would not have felt the need to replace the Air Force leadership. Secretary Gates asked for and received the resignations of Air Force Secretary

'Perspective' focuses on excellence

In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman discusses how maintaining  the Air Force core values will ensure continued success in today's turbulent times. "Each and every job is critical and Airmen must remain focused on the job at hand. We must give every task our most

Altitude in Peru presents challenges, won't stop mission

The air is a bit thinin the mountainous region of Ayacucho, Peru, where Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine servicemembers are participating in New Horizons-Peru 2008, a humanitarian mission set on improving the quality of life of underprivileged Peruvians. The altitude in Huamanga is more than 9,000

Final record scan moves AFPC closer to total virtual service

Blanca Rubio, a contract scanning team leader at the Air Force Personnel Center here, performed an electronic scan of the Air Force's last paper unit personnel record June 3.  This was an important digital milestone because it completed the paper conversion to a Web-based, around-the-clock "virtual

Afghan soldiers master driving Humvees

Humvees will soon become the Afghan National Army's vehicle of choice on the battlefield, but not until every soldier is qualified to safely operate them. For this reason, Air Force Capt. Todd Klusek and Army Capt. William Snyder, combat service support senior mentors assigned to the Combined

AFOSI is 2008 AFA Team of the Year

It wasn't exactly the welcome he was expecting, but Special Agent Timothy Rivera said it was pretty unforgettable as he stood in line to in-process at Balad Air Base, Iraq, during his deployment in 2006. "It was my first day, not even my first hour on the ground, and we were getting incoming

Airmen keep servicemembers, families connected

Staying connected to their loved ones back home is a priority for the more than 24,000 Airmen deployed throughout Afghanistan, Iraq, Southwest Asia and the Horn of Africa. Hoping to make that easier, a group of 17 Airmen from the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer, Communications and Force Support

Airmen help graduate Afghan's newest firefighters

Eleven members of the Afghan National Army Air Corps recently became the first graduates of the Air Corps Firefighting School May 29 at Kabul. The graduates completed four months of class work, countless hands-on exercises extinguishing various types of fires and practicing lifesaving techniques

SECDEF makes Air Force leadership recommendations

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today recommended to President Bush his nominations for the top civilian and military leadership positions in the Air Force. Secretary Gates recommended Michael Donley to serve as secretary of the Air Force and Gen. Norton Schwartz to serve as chief of staff. Mr.

Wing units take on Red Flag

Aircrews from the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron departed Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 3 on their way to Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, to participate in the second Red Flag exercise this year. The air controllers joined other Kadena units including the 909th Air Refueling Squadron and the

Airmen help Iraqi air force become self-sustaining service

High above the desert terrain, they fly in providing security to the people of Iraq. The airmen are vigilant, alert and ready to engage the enemy while patrolling the sky over Iraq. They are the new breed of Iraqi airmen. The Iraqi air force has evolved by leaps and bounds in recent years, and

Officials bring back missile badges, wings

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley announced the return of the missile badge with operations designator for intercontinental ballistic missile crews June 6. He also announced that the three ICBM wings of Air Force Space Command's 20th Air Force will return to the convention of being

Interagency task force targets 'violent actors'

U.S. Central Command is part of an interagency task force for irregular warfare, a CentCom operations section initiative that recently stood up to track and target "violent and extreme actors" in the command's area of operations, said the general who is spearheading the effort. "Regionally, we look

Guard, Harley-Davidson join forces to improve processes

Air Force and Harley-Davidson officials pooled their knowledge on process improvement for the benefit of both organizations in May at Harley-Davidson University here."Everything we do is a process, whether it's building a motorcycle or reviewing an airplane to get it back in flight," said Steve

Fairchild aircrew saves woman

A five-man UH-1N Huey crew from the 36th Rescue Flight here responded to an emergency call June 3 and rescued a 44-year-old woman reported lost by her husband in Ellensburg, Wash. The Kittitas County Sheriff's Department requested assistance from the Air Force the morning of June 3 after ground

Incirlik first in USAFE to stand up force support squadron

Incirlik Air Base officials will continue the Air Force-wide merger of services and mission support squadrons when its 39th Services Squadron and 39th Mission Support Squadron officially combine to become the 39th Force Support Squadron. The wing is the first U.S. Air Forces in Europe unit of any

Airman shows tenacity, extends twice to meet goals in Iraq

An Air Force major will return to the U.S. from Iraq -- more than a year after he expected to be home.Maj. Jiro McCoy, the 770th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron Mi-17 (multi-role helicopter) commander of advisers, who voluntarily extended for more than 18 months on what was supposed to be a