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  • Jan. 26 airpower summary: C-130s support transport missions

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs destroyed anti-Afghan fighting

  • Air Force officials to use prop planes as ISR platforms

    To better fill combatant commanders' needs for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, Air Force officials will begin using C-12 Huron turboprop planes as ISR platforms. The program, called Project Liberty, involves Airmen operating a fleet of 37 C-12 aircraft providing ISR full-motion video

  • Program improves patient safety through enhanced teamwork, communication

    A Defense Department program is transforming military health care during deployment by enhancing communication and teamwork skills among health care professionals, a master trainer in the program said. Developed by specialists with the Defense Department's Patient Safety Program, Team Strategies and

  • Physician assistant makes difference in Afghan lives

    Servicemembers of the Provincial Reconstruction Team Paktya in Gardez, Afghanistan, are helping to develop the infrastructure necessary for the Afghan people to succeed in a post-conflict environment.One member of the Paktya PRT is Capt. James Parris.The physician assistant from the 96th Medical

  • Jan. 23 airpower summary: A-10s protect coalition forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft performed overwatch for a medical

  • Jan. 24 airpower summary: F-15Es target anti-Afghan forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle targeted anti-Afghan forces

  • Jan. 25 airpower summary: KC-10s support refueling missions

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft performed shows of force near Shurakian,

  • Transformation team scores F100 engine savings

    In July 2008, Mr. Brian deFonteny, Black Belt Center Transformation Office project facilitation, enlisted Michelle Waggoner, 547th Propulsion Maintenance Squadron industrial engineering technician, and her team -- Joseph Auzenne, Holly Vernon, Mitch Salvo, Shawna Price, Tracy Kudrna and John Manning

  • Manas Airmen make memorable bonds with Kyrgyz children

    The more than 250 children at the Belovodsk orphanage just north of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, do not know what is beyond the high walls where they live, but inside their humble dwellings, their world is full of laughter, joy, kindness and amazement.  But, sometimes, there is sadness. About twice per

  • Largest deployment of F-22s under way

    Twenty-four F-22 Raptors and hundreds of Airmen deployed to the Pacific region for a three-month deployment in support of the Pacific global deterrence mission.Twelve F-22s deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, arrived Jan. 18 to Andersen AFB, Guam, and the week prior 12 F-22s from Langley

  • Jan. 22 airpower summary: B-1B bombs enemy compound

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed a building in an

  • Defense officials identify Air Force casualty

    Department of Defense officials here announced Jan. 23 the name of an Airman who died supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom Jan. 17 in Iraq.Senior Airman Omar J. McKnight, 22, of Marrero, La., died as a result of a nonhostile incident at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 6th Security

  • Major's medal, artifacts on display at Air Force museum

    One of the first Airmen to earn an Air Force Combat Action Medal donated his award, alongside others, to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Maj. Steve Raspet, the 12th Operations Group T-6A Texan II standards and evaluation branch chief and an

  • Vance pilots use self-aid, buddy care to save the day

    Two Vance Air Force Base pilots used the skills learned in self-aid and buddy care training to aid three civilians who were in a small plane that crashed Dec. 19 near Kalaeloa Airport in Oahu, Hawaii. Capts. John and Katie McGregor were on vacation in Hawaii from Dec. 16 to Dec. 25 with family when

  • Jan. 21 airpower summary: Predators provide tactical reconnaissance

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle conducted an attack in support of

  • National Guard members support inaugural mission

    About 9,300 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen joined thousands of active-duty and Reserve military members from all services to support President Barack Obama's inauguration Jan. 20 here. "We've always depended on the National Guard," Al Roker, the weather anchor for NBC's "Today Show" said from

  • Officials investigate video camera found in base locker room

    Air Force officials found a digital video recorder hidden in a locker in the women's main locker room Jan. 16 at the fitness center on Grand Forks Air Force Base. Investigators from the 319th Security Forces Squadron immediately began an investigation. Recorded video of an isolated area of the

  • Decisions loom for Joint Strike Fighter Program

    Decisions about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and F-22 Raptor aircraft programs are expected early in President Barack Obama's administration. The F-35 program manager said Jan. 15 he sees strong support for the F-35 from the services, allied partners and, so far, on Capitol Hill. Based on initial

  • Jan. 20 airpower summary: F-15Es escort convoys

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-15E Strike Eagles

  • Airmen witness history from Southwest Asia

    Thousands of miles from home, members of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing at this air base in Southwest Asia were still able to witness history being made as they watched the inauguration of President Barack Obama live Jan. 20 here. The inauguration was not scheduled to start until 7 p.m., but by

  • USAREUR driver's license -- success in your hands

    Stress during a permanent change of station move is inevitable, but proper planning before leaving a current station is one way to mitigate some of the pressure and anxiety that can occur after arriving at a new duty location. For members and dependents PCSing to Germany, one big stressor is passing

  • New technology helps cardiac patient

    A cardiac patient from Kerrville Veteran's Administration Hospital in Texas is alive today because of new technology available at the Wilford Hall Medical Center here. The patient suffered a cardiac arrest recently and the VA hospital did not have the capability to provide the advanced care needed,

  • Yokota trespassers caught, detained, released

    Two trespassers were caught on Yokota Air Base, detained and after further investigation, released in January here. The trespassers, tanukis or Japanese raccoon dogs, were captured by the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron Entomology Flight Airmen on Yokota Jan. 6 and taken to Tama Hills Recreation Area

  • Jan. 19 airpower summary: Reapers target enemy forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-12s on

  • Airmen kick off inauguration day preparing for parade

    Maj. Geraldine Holmes-Barnett said she remembers boarding a bus in Ohio when she was just 9 years old to hear Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech" during the 1963 March on Washington. That memory came full circle this morning as the 54-year-old African-American nurse with the 779th

  • Jan. 18 airpower summary: C-130s sustain operations

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations January 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18A Hornet performed a show of

  • U.S. Airman dies at Joint Base Balad

    A United States Air Force member deployed with the 532nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron died in the early morning of Jan. 18 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.The name of the Airman is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification and release by Department of Defense officials.

  • Deployed F-22 Raptors arrive at Andersen

    Twelve F-22 Raptors deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, arrived here Jan. 18, for a three month deployment in support of Pacific Global Deterrence mission. As part of the continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements, additional forces like the 90th Expeditionary

  • Jan. 17 airpower summary: F-15E destroys Anti-Afghan position

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Jan. 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, one service member was killed when a coalition

  • Airmen provide power to the people

    Twenty members of the 379th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical systems shop at this air base in Southwest Asia give power to the people while giving them the energy they need to get through every day.Responsible for repairing and maintaining all lighting fixtures, street lights, power outlets and

  • Andrews officials launch tactical fitness center

    Base leaders here took a groundbreaking new stride in combat fitness training capability Jan. 15 with the ribbon-cutting of the Andrews Tactical Fitness Center. The center supports the 316th Wing's goal of "Airmen fit and ready to fight and win across the whole spectrum" with a new policy and

  • Airmen transport, care for wounded warriors

    Airmen of the 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron airlift warriors on military aircraft out of locations throughout the war zone and to military medical treatment facilities.Consistent and readily available airlift is usually the difference between life and death for servicemembers

  • Hero of Hudson River crash landing got start in Air Force

    The pilot who crash-landed a crippled airliner in New York's Hudson River Jan. 15, saving 155 lives on board, is an Air Force Academy graduate who received his pilot training in the Air Force. Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger steered US Airways Flight 1549 toward the river when both engines failed

  • WASP served for love of flight

    When Betty Jo Reed was introduced to flying, it was love at first sight. She was 6 years old and her father paid $1 for her to take a ride in a Ford tri-motor airplane at a local fair in 1929. Once airborne, Ms. Reed was hooked. "I remember feeling free and happy, and loving the whole experience,"

  • F-22s begin training in Japan

    F-22 Raptors took to the sky over Japan Jan. 14 as members of the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron began flight operations with Kadena Air Base officials. More than 200 Airmen and 12 F-22s from Langley Air Force Base, Va., are operating out of Kadena AB to demonstrate the continued U.S.

  • Jan. 15 airpower summary: C-17s key to transport missions

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, several Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets destroyed anti-Afghan

  • Airmen keep eyes on the sky to protect warfighters

    Airmen of the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron keep vigilant eyes on the sky over the Gulf region to keep American and coalition forces safe and secure.The members of the squadron provide a constant and extensive radar presence over the entire Arabian Gulf region, and can identify anyone and

  • Captain named top air liaison officer in Air Force

    An Air Force Special Operations Command captain was named the service's top air liaison officer for 2008 recently. This year's annual winner is Capt. Christopher Wilson who is assigned to the 17th Air Support Operations Squadron and is the tactical air control party flight commander for Operating

  • Airmen, Soldiers team up to keep working dog in the fight

    Dental Airmen teamed up with Army veterinarians to give an Air Force working dog a root canal and get her back into the fight Jan. 15 at an air base in Southwest Asia. Airmen of the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group and Soldiers from the 218th Medical Detachment to work on 5-year-old Belgian

  • Jan. 14 airpower summary: Receivers rely on refuelers

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer, several Navy F/A-18E Super

  • Lajes Field Airmen help disabled French aircraft

    Airmen at Lajes Field were ready to lend a helping hand as a disabled Air France 777 passenger aircraft was diverted here Jan. 4 then assisted with getting the jet airborne again. At 6 p.m. Jan. 4, the Lajes Field command post staff was notified of an in-flight emergency on the Air France jet over

  • Airmen dedicate memorial to 1988 C-130 crew

    A lone C-130 Hercules propeller blade stands erect, chipped, worn and scratched, telling a silent story of an end to six lives on June 8, 1988. The blade -- obtained from the C-130 Hercules that crashed -- is a poignant symbol of the tragic loss of life that occurred that summer day. The memory of

  • Airmen begin Darfur airlift operations

    Airmen have begun airlifting Rwandan peacekeeping equipment and supplies Jan. 13 from Kigali to the Darfur Region of Sudan as part of the United Nations-Africa Union peacekeeping mission. The first mission was completed by a C-17 Globemaster III and aircrew deployed to Africa from Travis Air Force

  • Air Force remains committed to unmanned aircraft systems

    Air Force officials are "all in" with regard to unmanned aircraft systems, and understand the Defense secretary's direction to field the systems in the combat theater as fully and quickly as possible, a senior leader said Jan. 12 here. Lt. Gen. Norman R. Seip, the commander of 12th Air Force and Air

  • Kirkuk servicemembers host vice president-elect

    Vice president-elect Joe Biden visited Airmen and Soldiers stationed here and met local Iraqi officials Jan. 13. Vice president-elect Biden of Delaware was accompanied by South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The senators met and thanked Airmen and

  • Jan. 13 airpower summary: C-130s support intra-theater airlift missions

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a coalition aircraft performed a show of force and expended

  • Chief of staff visits Hurlburt Field Airmen

    The Air Force's top officer met Airmen of Hurlburt Field and discussed the importance of command and control to the joint team Jan. 9 here.General Schwartz spent time with the Airmen of the 505th Command and Control Wing, a unit charged with improving and standardizing tactics, training, testing,

  • Academy officials announce second hall of fame class

    Air Force Academy officials have announced the second class for induction into the Air Force Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. The six inductees -- Jim Bowman, Callie Calhoun Molloy, Dee Dowis, Terry Isaacson, Ernie Jennings and Ben Martin -- will be inducted May 8 at the Air Force Academy Falcon

  • Vice president-elect meets Airmen in Southwest Asia

    Vice President-elect Joe Biden met Airmen from the 387th Air Expeditionary Group here as part of his tour of American bases in the Southwest Asia region.  Vice President-elect Biden is scheduled to visit Iraq after meeting with officials in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He takes office Jan. 20 along

  • Airman dies following training exercise

    A 30-year old male Airman assigned to the 342nd Training Squadron as a combat control apprentice died Jan. 12 at Wilford Hall Medical Center here. Staff Sergeant Kenneth J. Wilburn lost consciousness while participating in an above-water treading exercise at the Lackland training pool Jan. 9.

  • Jan. 12 airpower summary: A-10s deter enemy actions

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet flying an aerial overwatch

  • Jan. 11 airpower summary: B-1Bs hit anti-Afghan units

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31 and 38s,

  • McChord Airmen earn top marks in nuclear inspection

    Air Force inspectors gave members of the 62nd Airlift Wing here the highest-possible grade Jan. 12 following a weeklong inspection of the wing's role as the nation's primary nuclear airlift force. Airmen evaluated in the final phase of a Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection here Jan. 7 through 12

  • Air Force officials look at robots for aircraft ground refueling

    Air Force Research Laboratory's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate officials here are developing an automated aircraft refueling system for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Successful development and testing of the system will provide a feasible alternative to manual refueling of aircraft. The

  • Raptors return to the Pacific

    Six F-22 Raptors arrived at Kadena Air Base, Jan. 10, as part of a three-month deployment in support of U.S. Pacific Command's security obligations in the Western Pacific. The planes arrived after a 10-hour flight from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. The F-22s, part of the 27th Fighter Squadron, are

  • Air Force activates provisional Global Strike Command

    Air Force officials officially stood up a provisional Global Strike Command Jan. 12 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. The provisional command will be temporarily located at the Washington, D.C., base with supporting detachments at Air Combat Command and Air Force Space Command. Its charter is to lead

  • Airmen in sky give warriors on ground situational awareness

    Airmen of the 7th Expeditionary Air Command and Control Squadron from this air base in Southwest Asia provide constant situational ground assessment from the air to coalition forces supporting operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.Inside the E-8C Joint STARS, the aircrew give airborne battle

  • Jan. 10 airpower summary: C-17s deliver troops, cargo

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18A Hornets dropped guided bomb unit-12s and

  • Jan. 9 airpower summary: F-15Es perform shows of force

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force and

  • Air Force inauguration participation represents another historic event

    On Jan. 20, when President-elect Barack Obama takes the oath of office, U.S. servicemembers once again will participate in a time-honored tradition which began with President George Washington for his first inauguration in 1789. Among those servicemembers participating with the new president will be

  • Travis Airmen contribute to Darfur airlift operation

    Members of the 615th Contingency Response Wing here recently deployed to Africa in support of humanitarian airlift missions into the Darfur region of Sudan. Nearly two dozen Travis Air Force Base members departed Jan. 1 for Kigali, Rwanda, to support the operation, which will airlift equipment from

  • 17th Air Force members plan support for Darfur operation

    Airmen will soon begin airlifting special equipment for Rwandan peacekeepers in the Darfur region of Sudan to mark the kickoff of the first major operation engineered by officials of U.S. Africa Command's air component, 17th Air Force.Members of 17th Air Force, also known as U.S. Air Forces

  • Jan. 7 airpower summary: C-130s provide supplies

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1Predator and a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet

  • Agreement expands beneficiaries' access to bariatric surgery

    A resource sharing agreement between the Nix Health Care System in San Antonio and Wilford Hall Medical Center doctors here will provide increased services to bariatric patients. The agreement allows Wilford Hall providers to perform surgeries at the Nix Hospital using Nix equipment and support

  • Jan. 8 airpower summary: A-10s deter anti-Afghan forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and a Navy F/A-18E Super

  • Hickam aircrew delivers vehicles to warfighters

    A Hickam Air Force Base C-17 Globemaster III aircrew completed a four-day trip halfway around the world to deliver two mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles to warfighters in Afghanistan. The crew stopped at Andersen AFB, Guam; Kadena Air Base, Japan; Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan; Manas AB,

  • Jan. 6 airpower summary: F-15s bomb targets

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb

  • Airman leads team in managing enemy's weapons cache

    An Airman with the Taji National Depot sees the war on terrorism succeeding every day as coalition forces collect and destroy enemy weapons here. Capt. Ted Yang is the liaison officer for Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq's J4 collective weapons section, and his joint team of Airmen,

  • Alaska Air Guard members save 167 lives in 2008

    Alaska National Guard members saved 167 lives here in Alaska and around the world in 2008. Officials of the 11th Rescue Coordination Center, the sole Alaska representative responsible for all aeronautical search and rescue cases in Alaska, released their end of year statistics Dec. 31. The Alaska

  • Eielson Airmen research alternative energy resources

    Air Force Technical Applications Center Airmen operating at 12 remote locations throughout Alaska are pursuing alternate means for energy.The Airmen of Det. 460, a tenant unit at Eielson Air Force Base, operate in units powered by propane, but now solar power may become a reality even though there

  • Researchers study bats to enhance micro air vehicles

    Air Force-funded researchers from several universities are studying the flexible, flapping wings routinely used by bats and insects and mimicking their biological attributes to improve agility, speed and adaptability in micro air vehicle systems. Air Force Office of Scientific Research officials

  • 21 Air Force civilians receive 2008 Presidential Rank Award

    Twenty-one Air Force senior executives and senior professionals received the 2008 Presidential Rank Award for sustained achievement in government service. President George W. Bush announced the recipients at the Pentagon Sep. 30, 2008, and Air Force officials will honor the award recipients at a

  • Force protection Airmen learn to use another tool

    Force protection augmentees with the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here have added an intermediate item to their tool belt when they began training on how to use a collapsible baton here recently. The batons allow Airmen to engage an opponent using nondeadly force in accordance with

  • Radio program enables speedy personnel recovery

    Officials of the Electronic Systems Center delivered the 20,000th Combat Survivor Evader Locator radio to operators in the fall of 2008, and now are on track to deliver an additional 20,000 to warfighters. Credited with saving many lives, CSELs have been in use in Iraq and in Afghanistan for several

  • Jan. 5 airpower summary: Predator hammers target

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator used Hellfire missiles and a

  • Charleston Airmen return from war

    More than 130 Charleston Air Force Base Airmen returned here Jan. 3 from their 120-day deployment in Southwest Asia supporting the war on terrorism. While deployed, the Airmen of the 15th Airlift Squadron served under the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron and supported operations Enduring

  • Airmen prep for Patriot's debut at Southwest Asian base

    Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here are laying the groundwork to welcome more than 200 Soldiers from Fort Bliss, Texas, as they set up a Patriot battery here for the first time. Airmen from more than a dozen units have been actively involved in myriad activities and projects to include

  • Air Force ISR Agency continues transformation

    As part of the Air Force's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance transition, Air Force officials announced Jan. 1 the renaming of the 480th Intelligence Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Va., and the 70th IW at Fort George G. Meade, Md., as the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and

  • New badge part of historic change in force support

    A new career badge made its debut when 57 officers graduated from the inaugural force support officer training course last month at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. After nine weeks of initial skills training, the officers are the first to showcase the badge of the new 38F Force Support Air Force

  • DOD officials expand eligibility for expeditionary medal

    Department of Defense officials recently expanded the areas of eligibility for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. The approved additions are two countries - Morocco and Burkina Faso - and Operation Nomad Shadow, with an initial area of eligibility of Turkey and Northern Iraq. In March

  • Teamwork shown as Airmen respond to helicopter crash

    Six Airmen of the 379th Civil Engineer Squadron here used teamwork to recover a helicopter that crashed Dec. 15  at a forward operating base in Afghanistan. The firefighters rushed to the scene and began command and control measures after being notified of the helicopter crash that landed in a ditch

  • Jan. 3 airpower summary: Tankers provide key fuel support

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator used Hellfire missiles and

  • Deployed servicemember returns home half the Airman he used to be

    "I knew I was unhealthy and had to make some changes, especially when I thought about my five-year-old looking up at me," said Senior Airman Jarvis Johnson. "Without changes, I wouldn't be around to see him and my daughters grow up." When you ask someone what they can accomplish in six months --

  • Jan. 1 airpower summary: C-130s provide essential airlift

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan.1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb

  • Dec. 31 airpower summary: A-10 flies combat patrol mission

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds

  • Armed Forces Bowl puts military might on display

    The sixth annual Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl football game featured the Houston Cougars (7-5) taking on the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons (8-4) on Dec. 31 at the Amon G. Carter Stadium here. Kickoff for the Armed Forces Bowl was noon Eastern, but the event started more than 24-hours prior to

  • Rescue wing sends replacements to Afghanistan

    A group of Air Force Reserve Command Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing here departed on the last leg of a 14-month deployment to Afghanistan Dec. 27 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Approximately 40 helicopter aircrew members, maintenance specialists and logistics and support personnel

  • "Cart-Starts" make a quick launch for B-52s

    Airmen assigned to the 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron have recently been showcasing the B-52 Stratofortress's ability to respond to threats at a moment's notice. Throughout the month of December, Airmen from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., have been launching aircraft by a method known

  • DOD inaugural committee moves into high gear

    Exactly three weeks before inauguration day, the buzz of activity at the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee here is a notable exception to the traditional holiday lull that settles over the nation's capital between Christmas and New Year's Day. More than 400 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and

  • Improved drilling process is safer, saves money

    In another example of a Lean initiative, an improved process for drilling a duct-liner is proving to be safer, faster and on course to save the Air Force $47,000 a year. For seven years, mechanic Jerry Heiskill dealt with the frustration and discomfort of using a hand-held drill to re-drill holes

  • Hawaii's Air Guard feeds underpriviledged

    Amidst the thunder, lightning and an island wide power outage, the Hawaii Air National Guard and the 15th Airlift Wing prepared a meal for Honolulu's less fortunate here Dec. 27. On the day before, Team Hickam's 15th Services Squadron began cooking 40 turkeys and 140 hams that were needed for a

  • B-2 radar modernization program contract awarded

    Air Force officials awarded a production contract to the Northrop Grumman Corporation Dec. 29 for the B-2 stealth bomber radar modernization program. The production contract, with a target price of approximately $468 million, will provide advanced state-of-the-art radar components to ensure

  • Guard's counterdrug warriors endeavor to test one and all

    Finding a single drug abuser among thousands of servicemembers can compare to a shell game, but National Guard officials are placing all odds in their favor. Officials are striving to keep the Guard's Citizen-Airmen and -Soldiers drug free through an increase in drug tests and the integration of new

  • Thunderbirds release 2009 air show schedule

    The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds," has announced its 2009 air show schedule. In their 56th season, the Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform more than 73 shows in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Far East. Entering his second season, Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, the team's

  • Officials seek 10 enlisted for AFIT degree program

    Air Force Institute of Technology officials are offering 10 noncommissioned officers the opportunity to pursue an advanced science, engineering or management degree at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Ten NCOs from around the Air Force will be selected in February to attend the

  • Dec. 29 airpower summary: B-1Bs fly combat patrol missions

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped guided bomb unit-38s

  • Hockey: Falcons win shootout, advance to championship

    No. 11 U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons and University of Connecticut Huskies skated to a 2-2 overtime tie in the first round of the 16th annual Toyota/UConn Classic Dec. 29 at the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum in Storrs, Conn. Air Force won the shootout, 2-1, to advance to the championship game

  • President Bush calls local loadmaster

    Christmas presents come in all shapes and sizes, but one junior enlisted Airman here received a gift he never expected -- a call from President George W. Bush. Senior Airman Dan Gutowski, 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster, found out about the surprise Dec. 23 and received the call on

  • Luke pilot reaches F-16 milestone

    In January 1979, the first operational F-16 Fighting Falcon was delivered to Hill Air Force Base, Utah.  Nearly 30 years later to the day, a pilot from here has amassed 4,000 hours flying this workhorse of the air. Col. David Lujan, 56th Operations Group deputy commander, became the 17th pilot,

  • 300 and counting -- rescue unit saves lives in Afghanistan

    Air Force reservists with the 920th Rescue Wing here have saved more than 300 U.S. troops since deploying to Afghanistan in February 2008. The Air Force Reserve Command unit is flying HH-60 helicopter missions in support the U.S. Army medical evacuation operation. Airmen from the wing and its sister