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U.S. Air Force News

  • Andrews Airman participates in national golf tournament

    When he was in high school, Senior Master Sgt. Kirk Kessler worked part-time at a golf course in Mobridge, S.D., to earn some cash and play the sport for free. As he mowed the fairways and greens, he didn't think much of the game. "I played a little bit, but I didn't take the game seriously," he

  • President salutes wounded Airman at medical center groundbreaking

    A scar peeked out from beneath the navy blue beret Staff Sgt. Scott Lilley borrowed to wear July 3 during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center here. "Luckily we have the same size head," said the cap's owner, Staff Sgt. Michael Barczik of Andrews Air Force

  • F-15E pilot receives American Fighter Aces award

    An F-15E Strike Eagle pilot from the 4th Fighter Wing here received the American Fighter Aces Association's Francis S. Gabreski Award June 27 at an awards ceremony in Austin, Texas. Capt. Shannon Lippert, currently a member of the 336th Fighter Squadron, competed against pilots of all aircraft types

  • Airmen's support of California fires goes into seventh day

    Airmen of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group here have launched their seventh day of support missions July 2 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in northern California. Operating out of McClellan Airfield in Sacramento, the Airmen fly C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with the Modular

  • 3 contractors rescued in Colombia, return to U.S.

    Three military contractors held captive by the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia were rescued by the Colombian military and returned to the U.S. July 2.Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes and Keith Stansell, all employees of the Los Angeles-based Northrop Grumman Corp., spent five years in

  • AETC officials welcome new commander

    Air Education and Training Command officials welcomed their new commander in a change-of-command ceremony July 2 at Randolph Air Force Base. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz assumed command of AETC as Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, the Air Force vice chief of staff, presided over the ceremony.General Lorenz is

  • Hurlburt Airmen work together to save life

    Two Air Force Special Operations Command Airmen here have been credited with helping save the life of a local man recently at an area YMCA after the man suffered a heart attack. Spending a hot, muggy afternoon watching children play tee ball, a man and his wife were walking with their grandchildren

  • Speakers discuss aging aircraft at summit

    Air Force and civilian industry leaders spoke about convergence between industry and aerospace at the seventh annual Aerospace Summit and Expo June 23 in Oklahoma City. Maj. Gen. Loren M. Reno, the commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center here, did not mince words when talking about the

  • Personnel Center officials on target to complete AEF merger

    Vince Fonner walks into the newly constructed operations center at the Air Force Personnel Center here to check on a couple of new high-resolution monitors. He nods his approval as workers begin to carefully position them in the work areas. Although some keyboard trays need to be installed and a few

  • Cyberspace career fields, training paths, badge proposed

    Air Force officials recently proposed a plan to develop its enlisted and officer corps into Airmen who specialize in establishing, controlling and fighting in the cyberspace domain. That's according to Maj. Gen. William T. Lord, the Air Force Cyber Command (Provisional) commander who referenced

  • Airmen support California firefighting for sixth day

    Airmen of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group here are into their sixth day of California wildfire support July 1 helping to control fires engulfing areas of the Sequoia National Forest. Airmen of the 302nd AEG operate out of McClellan Airfield in Sacramento and fly C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped

  • U.S. Forces Japan commander reviews troops

    The commander of both U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force spoke about the importance of meeting the men and women stationed on Okinawa as he toured Kadena Air Base and other local American bases June 18 through 20. Lt. Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr. said seeing the servicemembers stationed here with his

  • Recruit sheds weight to join Air Force

    A Charleston-area resident weighing 253 pounds lost more than 80 pounds in eight months to meet weight requirements to join the Air Force in time to go to Basic Military Training July 1. "I wasn't surprised that I weighed too much (then), but I really didn't know the weight limit would be that low,"

  • 'Letter to Airmen' recommits to high standards

    In his first Letter to Airmen, the acting secretary of the Air Force focuses on how the Air Force will direct attention to the nuclear mission to overcome cultural, systemic and institutional challenges. "To begin restoring our inner confidence and credibility, I have directed the establishment of a

  • 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

  • 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