HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Air Force selects more than 800 for developmental education

    More than 700 officers and 120 civilians were selected for intermediate and senior developmental education during the 2012 Developmental Education Designation Board held last month at the Air Force Personnel Center, officials announced today.To see the list of civilians selected, go to

  • First AF amputee pilot nominated for DOD disability award

    A Laughlin Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training graduate was one of two Airmen nominated for the 2012 Department of Defense Employee/Service Member with a Disability Award.Capt. Ryan McGuire, with Air Mobility Command, lost his leg in a boating accident on Lake Amistad in 2009 while in pilot

  • First African-American Academy grad passes away

    The first African-American to graduate from the Air Force Academy passed away Nov. 5 at his home in Lolo, Mont."The United States Air Force Academy is saddened to learn of the passing of one our most notable graduates, Chuck Bush," said Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, Academy superintendent. "Our hearts go out

  • Rescue crew members receive Cheney Award

    Two Airmen received the 2011 Cheney Award here Nov. 1 from Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Larry Spencer for their distinguished service during a search and rescue mission on Mount Stuart, Wash. Capt. Kenneth Green, UH-1N Twin Huey pilot, and Master Sgt. Joseph Brownell, field operation section

  • Falcons shot down in West Point, 41-21

    Turnovers made the difference in the Air Force's 41-21 loss to Army Nov. 3 at Michie Stadium in West Point, N.Y.The Falcons, unable to establish an offensive rhythm after two solid drives in the first quarter, gave up three interceptions and two fumbles that cost them 17 points against the

  • F-35 celebrates 500th sortie as program grows

    The Air Force's premier fighter, the F-35 Lightning II, surpassed its 500th sortie only 16 days after reaching the 400 mark and only 238 days from the beginning of the program.Maj. Matthew Johnston of the 58th Fighter Squadron completed the 500th combined sortie for both the F-35A and F-35B at the

  • 454 selected for promotion to chief master sergeant

    More than 450 senior master sergeants have been selected for promotion to chief master sergeant, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. Those selected represent 22.9 percent of the 1,981 eligible for consideration, and when promoted will be among those who make up less than 1 percent of the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman puts crosshairs on life goal

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)To the naked eye, she was totally invisible. Even in the middle of an open field, she blended in with the sparse grasses and bushes that made up her

  • New program provides recordable books to deployed Airmen

    Air Force Personnel Center Directorate of Services officials are sending more than 900 recordable children's books to learning resource centers at six deployed locations throughout the U.S. Air Forces Central Command's area of responsibility.The Air Force Library Program collaborated with the

  • Nuclear treaty monitoring aircraft visits Patrick AFB

    Special equipment operators from the Air Force Technical Applications Center's Detachment 1 visited Oct. 25 and invited base personnel to tour the detachment's flying workhorse, the WC-135 Constant Phoenix.The detachment, which is located at Offutt AFB, Neb., is responsible for operating and

  • Every patient an important story to CASF staff

    As she sifted through the captain's baggage to make sure he didn't have anything he wasn't supposed to, the young medic came across his watch. The captain had been injured by an improvised explosive device where he lost three of his limbs. He had been unconscious the whole time he was at the Role 3

  • National Parks free to veterans this weekend

    America's 398 national parks will offer the public free admission Nov. 10-12 during Veterans Day weekend in honor of those who serve and have served in the U.S. military, according to a National Park Service news release."National parks preserve places that commemorate our country's collective

  • Former AFMC commander named TD White Award winner

    A former vice chief of staff and commander of Air Force Materiel Command received the Air Force Academy's Thomas D. White National Defense Award in a ceremony here Oct. 25.Retired Gen. Lester Lyles received the award for his involvement with the president's Intelligence Advisory Board and the

  • Guardsmen send supplies to storm-stricken communities

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency tapped the West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing here as a staging area to push out much-needed relief supplies to West Virginia and East Coast residents hit hard by Superstorm SandyAlthough FEMA's stay at the Martinsburg base was brief --

  • 'Spartan' aircrew helps bring power to New York

    A C-27J Spartan aircraft crew from the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard, flew power generators and other equipment to New York in support of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts Saturday, Nov. 3. ANG crews from Ohio, Mississippi and Maryland flew the first-ever C-27J domestic operations missions

  • Connecticut Guard has answer for Sandy

    Approximately 850 members from the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard here and around the state were called up for state active duty Oct. 31 in response to the destruction of Hurricane Sandy. Guardsmen were involved with initial emergency response preparations as early as Oct. 27 in preparation

  • MAF Airmen continue hurricane relief efforts

    America's Mobility Air Forces continued transporting equipment and personnel to East Coast staging areas in support of relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.The 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., has scheduled additional

  • Rescue Task Force begins mission in New Jersey

    Members of the National Urban Search and Rescue Task Force traveled to Staten Island, N.Y., to conduct house-to-house searches, Nov 3, 2012. The Task Force includes state search and rescue task forces from Maryland, Virginia, and Texas, who specialize in disaster recovery, and emergency triage and

  • Deputy SecDef visits Minot

    The Deputy Secretary of Defense, Dr. Ashton B. Carter, visited Minot Air Force Base here Nov. 2.Carter came to Minot AFB to be briefed on the base's capabilities and to speak to the Airmen on base.During Carter's visit, he received briefings on B-52 and intercontinental ballistic missile readiness

  • Military airlifts, aid flow to New York, New Jersey

    Another airlift, this time from Phoenix, Ariz., will bring more power restoration trucks and equipment to New York and New Jersey, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little told Pentagon reporters today.As of this morning, 12 C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft have arrived at Stewart Air

  • AFRL played major role in historic near-space jump

    For more than nine minutes Oct. 14, an international audience watched as Austrian daredevil Felix Baumgartner egressed from a capsule 128,000 feet above the earth and fell toward the planet reaching speeds of 834 miles per hour, to become the first person to break the sound barrier outside of a

  • Religious respect conference attendees discuss Academy's progress

    Representatives from Air Force major commands, religious endorsing organizations, First Amendment watchdog groups and others gathered Oct. 30-31 at the Air Force Academy to review the religious climate here.Chief among the topics discussed was the religious respect training program, which was

  • FEMA employs Air Guard base for storm relief

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency is using the West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing base here as a staging area to push out much-needed storm relief supplies to Mountain State residents hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy.Airmen and soldiers from the West Virginia National Guard

  • Air Force conduct round the clock ops to deliver hurricane relief

    Airmen and transport aircraft from across the nation converged here Nov. 1 to begin part of the Air Force's movement of relief supplies and equipment to the beleaguered areas of New York and New Jersey in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.Crews from 12 active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force

  • Airmen earn Gen. Lew Allen Award

    Two aircraft maintenance Airmen received the Gen. Lew Allen Jr. Award on Oct. 31 during a ceremony held inside the Pentagon.Maj. Jennifer Gurganus, U.S. Air Force Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Officer School director of operations from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and Master Sgt. Christopher

  • Extended absentee voting for New York military and overseas voters

    Registered military and overseas voters in New York will have additional time to submit a request for an absentee ballot. Due to Hurricane Sandy, the State Board of Elections has extended the deadline for receiving ballot requests by mail or by fax to Friday, Nov. 2.Voters in New York County

  • AF names DOD disability award nominees

    Capt. Ryan P. McGuire, with the Air Mobility Command, and Christopher R. Randall, with the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, are the Air Force nominees for the 2012 Outstanding Department of Defense Employee/Service Member with a Disability Award, Air Force Personnel Center officials

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos 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.

  • AETC sees first pilot production from new Afghanistan schoolhouse

    The new fixed-wing pilot schoolhouse in Afghanistan at Shindand Air Base, Herat Province, graduated its first three fixed-wing pilots this month, the first to be produced in Afghanistan in more than 30 years -- a major milestone for the U.S. and Afghan Air Forces.Three Afghan air force first

  • AF officials delay MilPDS upgrade

    Air Force officials are delaying the upgrade of the Military Personnel Data System that was originally scheduled for December.Delaying the upgrade is necessary to ensure the new system is thoroughly tested by the Air Force Personnel Center and other Department of Defense and Air Force agencies that

  • 'Airman' magazine enters digital era

    A year after publishing the final print edition of Airman magazine, the Air Force is unveiling a new digital version of the service's official magazine specifically geared for tablet devices."Built specifically for Apple and Android tablet users, this new format gives readers all the in-depth

  • Airman aids crash victim with ties to Keesler AFB

    Waiting for a traffic signal at an intersection in Biloxi, Miss., she hardly saw the pickup truck become airborne upon impact. "Oh, my God!" Senior Airman Ciara Bien thought as the truck suddenly flew by and landed on its roof 'like a pancake.' She had never seen anything like it before.Bien, a

  • Airmen 'lean forward' to support East Coast relief efforts

    In the wake of President Obama's call for the federal government to "lean forward" in response to the devastation left by Hurricane Sandy, Airmen from across the country are answering the call. Aircraft and crews from 12 active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve bases across the nation

  • Airmen respond to 'Sandy' relief efforts

    A C-17 Globemaster III departed early morning Nov. 1 in support of Hurricane Sandy response operations. Along with aircraft and crews from 11 active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve bases across the nation, McChord Airmen are flying to March Air Reserve Base, Calif., to pick-up 10

  • CEMIRT brings reliable power to Ascension Island

    Reliable power is everything. Without it, an isolated location in the Atlantic like Ascension Auxiliary Airfield couldn't sustain its mission or provide adequate facilities for personnel. So when the power personnel at the airfield needed an immediate backup power solution for their overworked

  • Hungary-based Airmen write new chapter in mulitinational operations

    At this small, bare-bones, communist-era airfield located in the Hungarian countryside, midpoint between Budapest and Vienna, American Airmen are writing a dynamic new chapter in multinational cooperation and flight operations. Airmen assigned to the Heavy Airlift Wing at Papa Air Base,

  • Air Force awards $365 million Secondary Power Logistics Solution contract

    Officials from the U.S. Air Force and Honeywell International Inc. signed a new eight-year, $365 million extension to the Secondary Power Logistics Solution contract to provide logistics and depot support for F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft.This extension builds on Increment I of the SPLS contract,

  • SecAF, community honor Keesler AFB

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley praised the robust partnership of the Air Force and its sister services at the Salute to the Military in Biloxi, Miss., Oct. 23.Donley addressed nearly 1,000 military members and community representatives at the 34th annual event sponsored by the Mississippi

  • 2012 Football Frenzy underway at AF clubs

    Four Airmen will be headed to the "Big Easy" this Veteran's Day thanks to the Air Force club system during this year's Football Frenzy contest. The package of airfare, rental car and hotel accommodations to see the New Orleans Saints host the Atlanta Falcons was the result of an Air Force club

  • Space ops unit takes over newest GPS satellite

    The 2nd Space Operations Squadron accepted satellite control authority of its third Global Positioning System Block IIF satellite during a ceremony here Oct. 26.Following its launch from Cape Canaveral, Fla., Oct. 4, acquirers from the Space and Missile Systems Center and operators from the 50th and

  • Reservists can carry leave balance after training tours

    In a "one-step-at-a-time" approach, Air Force officials have a new program for reservists to save and carryover leave time from year to year beginning Nov. 1.Reservists performing duty under the Reserve Personnel Appropriation or RPA orders may now "save" their leave for future use. Prior to this

  • In wake of Sandy, mobility Airmen poised to 'answer the call'

    Across the nation, mobility Airmen are assessing the damage left by Hurricane Sandy at their own Air Force bases along the East Coast and beginning the process of recovery, while also standing ready to answer the call for support of relief efforts from civilian authorities. In the wake of the

  • Watching 'Sandy'

    As post-tropical cyclone Sandy continues to make its way across the northeastern U.S. and Canada, U.S. Air Force Defense Meteorological Satellite Program assets continue to provide valuable weather data to forecasters across the region so they can better predict the storm's pathway and

  • Sheppard Airmen spring into action; save woman from burning car

    The July 4th holiday had been fun for Senior Airman Gil Campos and Airmen 1st Class Juan Vanegas and Chris Leon. After spending the day in Dallas watching an FC Dallas professional soccer game, they had made the two-hour drive back to Wichita Falls and Sheppard Air Force Base, where the trio are

  • AF accepting distinguished civilian award nominations

    Air Force officials are accepting nominations for the 58th Annual Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award.This is the highest award presented to DOD career civilian employees whose careers reflect exceptional devotion to duty and significant contributions of broad scope to DOD

  • More than 7,400 National Guard members responding to Hurricane Sandy

    More than 7,400 Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen had been mobilized in 11 states to respond to Hurricane Sandy by 4:30 a.m., Oct. 30, and more were on the way.National Guard assistance to local first responders and the Federal Emergency Management Agency included support at evacuation shelters, route

  • Vanguard nominees sought

    Air Force officials are seeking nominees for the 2013 Noncommissioned Officers Association Award.The award annually recognizes one enlisted member from each of the uniformed services for acts of heroism that result in saving someone's life or preventing serious injury. The act must have occurred

  • AF officials eliminate civilian skill code requirements

    Air Force officials have rescinded the manual used to define civilian position skill codes in one of several ongoing administrative actions geared toward transforming civilian hiring, determining employee training and development needs, and selecting employees for training under competitive

  • NORTHCOM supports hurricane response efforts

    U.S. Northern Command is poised to provide Defense Department support to Federal Emergency Management Agency, tribal, state and local response efforts due to Hurricane Sandy.Part of NORTHCOM's defense support of civil authorities mission directs the command to plan and anticipate actions that it may

  • 305th AMW Airmen evacuate ahead of 'Sandy'

    The 305th Air Mobility Wing evacuated its C-17 Globemaster IIIs and KC-10 Extenders from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Sunday, Oct. 28, in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy's arrival to the area.The C-17s were sent to Joint Base Charleston, S.C., and MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. The KC-10 Extenders

  • Dover Airmen prepare for Hurricane Sandy

    With the threat of a hurricane looming on the horizon, Dover Airmen  take a moment to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. The 436th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management team utilized its time before the storm to organize a place for natural disaster sheltering. Sheltering will

  • Cadet places 3rd among her age group at Ironman World Championship

    The first cadet to qualify in the Ironman World Championship, Cadet 1st Class Samantha Morrison, placed third in the 18-24 age competition Oct. 13 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.Morrison, a behavioral science major from Fredericksburg, Va., finished a 2.4-mile swim race, 112-mile bike race and 26.2-mile

  • National Guard assists governors of states in Sandy's path

    National Guard members are at work in seven states as Hurricane Sandy takes aim at the East Coast.As of 8 p.m., Oct. 28, about 1,500 National Guard forces were on state active duty supporting the governors of New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut and Maryland.These

  • California Air Guard members prepare to assist with Hurricane Sandy response

    More than 100 California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing are preparing to mobilize to the East Coast to assist with Hurricane Sandy rescue efforts.Two MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft, two HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and two Guardian Angel Pararescue teams will mobilize to

  • Outreach to teach: Volunteers connect with Afghan children

    A year ago, a group of volunteers turned a burned-out restaurant on Bagram Airfield into a one-room classroom, and invited area school-age children to learn math, reading, and writing.When the first "Cat in the Hat" class graduated in August, 40 area Afghan children had taken huge steps toward

  • Missing for 46 years, air commando laid to rest

    An air commando who died when his C-123 Provider flare ship was shot down over Ahn Khe, Vietnam, was laid to rest Oct. 26 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas.The 310th Air Commando Squadron loadmaster, Airman 1st Class Jerry Mack Wall, 24, was killed when his plane was hit by enemy fire and

  • Air mobility response team readies for 'Sandy'

    A rapid-response team of U.S. Air Force air mobility specialists here are repositioning ahead of the landfall of Hurricane Sandy. Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing moved alert equipment and approximately 65 personnel to MacDill Air Force Base near Tampa, Fla. early Sunday, Oct. 28,  to

  • As Sandy closes in, Mobility Airmen stand ready

    As Hurricane Sandy bears down on the East Coast of the United States, Air Mobility Command Airmen are prepared to support potential relief efforts. Planners at AMC's 18th Air Force are working with agencies across the Department of Defense anticipating the call for relief that may come from civilian

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos 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.

  • U.K. F-35 fleet increases capability at Eglin AFB

    A second British F-35B Lightning II arrived here Oct. 19, joining the nine A variants of the joint strike fighter flown by the Air Force and the 11 B variants flown by the Marine Corps to become the largest fleet of F-35s in the world with 22 jets.The first class of United Kingdom Royal Air Force

  • Avon Park Air Force Range receives Interior Secretary award

    An initiative to help restore the Florida Everglades earned Avon Park Air Force Range a share of a conservation partnership award announced Oct. 18 during a ceremony in Washington D.C. The Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge/Conservation Area Partnership, which includes Avon Park, is one

  • Former Little Rock AFB commander and spouse receive 2012 O'Malley award

    Col. Michael Minihan and his wife, Ashley, received the 2012 General Jerome F. O'Malley and Diane O'Malley Award during a ceremony at the Pentagon Oct. 24. Minihan, who led the 19th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., now commands the 89th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Andrews, Md.Named

  • Reservist sets latest mark in battle for Schriever track record

    When Seth Cannello, Schriever Sports and Fitness director, and Steve Steinke, fitness cell monitor, first hung the Schriever fitness record board early in 2010, they expected the 1.5-mile-run record to be hotly contested. After all, nearly every active-duty and reservist Airman is required to run

  • CSAF shares perspective during AETC Senior Leader Conference

    The Air Force's top general discussed topics such as telling the Air Force story and innovation during the Air Education and Training Command Senior Leader Conference here Oct. 18."Telling the Air Force story is a big deal to me," Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III during his speech to

  • Thule boilers save big in first year

    In 2011, five exhaust boilers were installed at Thule Air Base, Greenland, to decrease the amount of JP-8 fuel used for heating the base and ultimately, save money. Thule AB has five locomotive-style engines in its M-Plant that generate electricity for the base, said Randy Pieper, 21st Civil

  • Life Extension Programs modernize ICBMs

    Fifty years ago, officials deployed the first Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles to the missile fields in support of the strategic deterrence mission. Five decades later, these missiles are still in place, providing safe, secure and effective strategic nuclear deterrence.Since it

  • SecAF visits basic military training

    In the wake of ongoing investigations into professional misconduct that occurred at basic military training, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley met with BMT leaders at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Oct. 23."It was important for me to talk to the commander and military training instructors about

  • Remains of two Airmen lost in 1969 identified, honored

     The remains of two Airmen who died when their F-4D Phantom II was shot over Laos in 1969 were returned and honored at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors Oct. 19.Col. Wendell Keller, of Fargo, N.D., and Capt. Virgil K. Meroney III, of Fayetteville, Ark., were killed when their

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman battles breast cancer

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)"I was 21 years old and didn't think I was strong enough to beat two cancers -- I thought my life was over," said Senior Airman Latisha Chong.Chong, a

  • Online access simplifies dependent updates

    Family situations can be complicated, but updating family benefit information doesn't have to be, now that it can be done online.Dependent family members must be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, and in many instances must have a valid dependent identification card,

  • Aviano unveils first locally painted F-16

    The 31st Maintenance Squadron unveiled Aviano's first locally-painted F-16 during a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new NATO-funded Corrosion Control Facility here Oct. 19, which will enable the squadron to sustain and extend the life of F-16 fighter jets and avoid costs to perform the task elsewhere.

  • 'Green Flag' keeps Airmen, Soldiers mission ready

    "If the band played a piece first with the piccolo, then with the brass horn, then with the clarinet, and then with the trumpet, there would be a lot of noise, but no music," said Gen. George S. Patton during World War II. "To get harmony in the music, each instrument must support the others. To get

  • Contingency Response Airmen battle elements at JRTC

    Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response wing participated in combat exercise "Decisive Action" Oct. 10 through 22 as part of a Joint Task Force here to prepare for future deployments. Approximately 100 Airmen from the 570th Contingency Response Group, based at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and

  • AF awards $25K to essay winners

    The Air Force awarded $1,000 scholarships to 25 Airmen or family members for their entries in the 16th annual Air Force Club Membership Scholarship Program essay contest, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.The contest was open to club members and their families, more than 100 of whom

  • Declassified document shows 'real' flying saucer

    The grainy film showed a round ship floating out of a hangar. Its silver, aluminum exterior glinted in the sun as it hovered a few feet off the ground. As it glided over a pool of water, it kicked debris into the air and the glass canopies of the two cockpits were showered with grass and gravel as

  • U.S., ROK showcase skills during 2012 Air Power Day

    Osan Air Base hosted 65,000 visitors to reinforce the enduring partnership between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea during an Air Power Day celebration held Oct. 20 and 21.More than 22 Pacific Air Forces aircraft were on display while the ROK's premiere demonstration team, the Black Eagles, took

  • Airmen honored by college for heroism in Afghanistan

    As the battle on the gridiron between the Clemson Tigers and the Virginia Tech Hokies paused for halftime, a story of heroism was broadcast over the Memorial Stadium speakers for some 80,000 people in attendance Oct. 20, 2012, at Clemson, S.C. Capt. Michael Polidor and Capt. Justin Kulish, now B-2

  • Airmen earn chance to appear on 'Jeopardy'

    Five Airmen made the 'active pool' for American quiz show "Jeopardy!" during iconic host Alex Trebek's visit to Aviano Air Base in October as part of a USO and Armed Forces Entertainment-sponsored tour to meet the troops.During the Oct. 9 visit, Trebek auditioned prospective contestants for the

  • Airmen deploy in support of downed Black Hawk

    Two joint inspectors from the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron were tasked with an invaluable mission in - to forward deploy to a remote forward operating base in Afghanistan and help with the inspection and movement of a downed UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.Tech. Sgt. Peter Feliciano Jr. and

  • Air Force releases RFP for next search and rescue helicopter

    The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition announced today the posting of the Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) Request for Proposal (RFP) to the Federal Business Opportunities website, signaling the official launch of this high priority Air Force acquisition program. The

  • Deployed maintainers keep the 'Herc' fit to fight

    Every day, thousands of coalition service members operating in Afghanistan rely on the C-130 Hercules to enable their operations; to meet this requirement, the men and women who operate this venerable tactical airlift workhorse rely on a team of maintainers who keep the "Hercs" ready to fly.

  • Keesler AFB wins AETC-level Installation Excellence Award

    One Air Education and Training Command installation won the highest command-level honor they can possibly receive -- two years in a row.AETC Commander Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr. announced the 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., as the AETC winner of the Commander-In-Chief's Annual

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Who says cops have no sense of humor?

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)"Knock, knock.""Who's there?""Security forces Airman.""Security force Airman, who?""Security forces Airman who tells much better jokes than this one."The

  • First sergeant to join stateside walk from deployed location

    Sometimes she walks or runs with a friend, and then she's got someone to talk with and motivate her. But many times she walks with just her music and her thoughts, and it allows her to remember just what she's walking for.Master Sgt. Laurie Cherry, the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron first

  • CMSAF to Keesler: 'Motivation is contagious'

    Memories burn themselves into the places they were made. For Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., holds several fond memories including the birth of his sons and earning the honor to be called "chief."Roy spent Oct. 16 reacquainting himself with the base at

  • Alaska National Guard conducts three search-and-rescues in three days

    The 11th Air Force Rescue Coordination Center is working around the clock to lead search-and-rescue efforts, calling in multiple agencies, including the Alaska Air National Guard, to assist in three separate missions since Oct. 14. The first mission the RCC opened was in response to an overdue Super

  • Alleged assault results in curfew for U.S. forces in Japan

    An alleged assault of a female Japanese citizen in Okinawa by two U.S. service members Oct. 16 has drawn an apology from the commander of U.S. forces in Japan and imposition of a curfew throughout the country."I want to personally apologize for the grief and trauma the victim has endured and the

  • Air Force continues PII protection education

    The Air Force continues to train military members and Department of Defense and contract civilians alike to avoid releasing personally identifiable information about themselves or others.A letter from the secretary of defense defined PII as information that can be used to distinguish or trace an

  • Bases 'REAP' awards for energy and water savings

    The Air Force Civil Engineer Center recognized three installations with Reduce Energy Appreciation Program  awards for renewable energy use and energy and water reduction. This year's winners are Charlotte Air National Guard Base, N.C.; Fairchild AFB, Wash.; and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson,

  • USAFE initiative will increase energy efficiency

    With Energy Action Month underway, the 48th Fighter Wing is leading the way in a U.S. Air Forces in Europe-wide initiative to save energy by vastly reducing the amount of power transformers the base utilizes.The 120-volt Transformer Cut-Off Initiative, which the 48th FW created and is currently

  • Sexual assault hotline message sent to Airmen from past 10 years

    Airmen, separated and still serving, who graduated from basic military training and technical training during the past 10 years were sent an email message about an activated sexual assault hotline Oct. 15. The message is part of a thorough investigation of the military training instructor sexual

  • Airman's sacrifice remembered around the world

    While deployed to Iraq, Airman 1st Class LeeBernard E. Chavis was killed by sniper fire as he tried to keep civilians away from a suspected bomb in the streets near Baghdad on Oct. 14, 2006.To remember Chavis and the Airman he was, Air Force members here and around the world commemorated the

  • Air Force aims to invigorate energy efficiency programs

    The deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for energy spoke to a group of industry and civic leaders, and a handful of international military partners, about the service's energy saving initiatives at the Air Force Association's monthly breakfast Oct. 17 in Crystal City, Va.Dr. Kevin T. Geiss

  • Do's and Don'ts for Airmen during political season

    With the 2012 general presidential election only weeks away, please keep in mind that special ethics rules apply to active-duty Airmen regarding their political activities. The purpose of these rules is to ensure the Department of Defense does not influence our nation's electoral process. Violation

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos 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.

  • A history of 'there first' For AF special ops

    Although Air Force Special Operations Command was officially established in 1990, its history dates all the way back to World War II. From that time, Air Commandos have been heavily called upon for a wide assortment of missions - missions nobody else could do."Since 1975, at the end of the Vietnam

  • Behind the red line: Vital OR staff supports 12 specialties

    Members working in the operation room at the Mike O' Callaghan Federal Hospital strive to provide the best medical support to military members and their families, and authorized DOD and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries.From preparation to the end of surgery, these Airmen and civilians work around the

  • F-35A completes first in-flight JDAM release

    An F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft completed the first in-flight weapons release of a 2,000 pound GBU-31 BLU-109 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) from a 5th Generation fighter, Oct. 16. The flight was conducted by U.S. Air Force Maj. Eric "Doc" Schultz. The aircraft, known