Keeping tabs on the airfield

When many aircraft need space on a limited airfield, a small section steps in to ensure there is room for all. Like a game of musical chairs, Airmen in the 379th Expeditionary Operations Squadron airfield management section here constantly shift assets around to maximize use of the airfield,

TACPs provide vital link between pilots, ground troops

Although they make up one of the Air Force's smallest career fields, their mission leaves a huge impact on the battlefield and can mean life or death for troops on the ground. Tactical air control party Airmen serve as liaisons between ground commanders and pilots in the sky to eliminate the enemy's

Dec. 25 airpower summary: F-15Es protect convoys

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a guided bomb

Filler' up--with 2 million gallons of premium

Filler' up is a phrase you may have used many times back in the days of full service gas stations but it's not very common terminology in the day and age of high-prices and self-service everything. The 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's Petroleum, Oils and Lubricants Flight, however,

Dec. 26 airpower summary: A-10s conduct shows of force

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-31

Dec. 27 airpower summary: F-15Es provide armed aerial overwatch

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-31

General, Mrs. Schwartz spend Christmas at Creech

Creech Airmen received a surprise Christmas day when Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie visited the base. It was the second time in as many weeks that the Schwartz family visited the northern Nevada base. General and Mrs. Schwartz returned to Creech on the holiday to

USAFCENT commander visits deployed Airmen on Christmas Eve

Much like Santa Claus pays a visit to boys and girls around the world on Christmas Eve, U.S. Air Forces Central leaders visited deployed Airmen here Dec. 24. Instead of presents, Lt. Gen. Gary North, USAFCENT commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Scott Dearduff, USAFCENT command chief, handed out words

EOD Airmen stay 1 step ahead of the enemy

Bombs may not be exploding at this Southwest Asian air base, but in a war where the enemy is always finding new ways to inflict damage, Airmen in one shop remain one step ahead of the bad guys. Airmen of the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit here use

Air Force engineers answer the call from Soldiers in Iraq

"Answering the call" is a motto 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen believe in, and it's something Soldiers can attest to. This team of combat-trained engineers, assigned to the 732nd ECES Det. 6, will build anything, anywhere to help Soldiers in Iraq accomplish their mission or to

Airman saves lives in Afghanistan

An Air Force Special Operations Command Airman saved lives in Afghanistan April 6 during a lengthy battle by calling in airstrikes to protect his team. Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner, a special tactics combat controller assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., was

Dec. 23 airpower summary: A-10s provide top cover

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-31

Airman helps troops connect with families during holidays

An Airman here came up with two specials ways to help deployed Airmen connect with their families during the holiday season. Senior Airman Marco Palacios, a services technician deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif., offered to videotape holiday greetings and readings of "A Night Before

Tops In Blue Airmen entertain forces in South Korea

Airmen of Tops In Blue performed for more than 700 Army, Air Force, Navy and South Korean air force members and their families Dec. 19 at the South Korean armed forces headquarters.The visit was part of the 2008 World Tour titled "Deja Blue" where 37 members of the Air Force's premiere entertainment

Yokota Airmen strengthen bonds with Japanese military

Yokota Air Base Airmen participated in bilateral training events with Japan Air Self Defense Force members Dec. 17 at Iruma Air Base, Japan. American Airmen were able to train and share ideas with their Japanese peers to share how each country manages flying squadrons and maintainers. Normally,

Eglin Airmen test readiness during weeklong exercise

Airmen of the 33rd Fighter Wing here tested their ability to respond anytime and anywhere in support of the nation's defense during an Operation Noble Eagle exercise in mid-December. Wing planners and exercise evaluation team members created plans and scenarios to provide an accurate replication of

NCO earns Bronze Star for actions in Iraq

A 425th Air Base Group Anti-terrorism Force Protection NCO here received the Bronze Star at Izmir's Collocated Club for his efforts during a 12-month deployment to Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Tech. Sgt. James Thompson received the fourth-highest combat award for the U.S. armed forces from Col. Richard

Dana Pounds named Air Force Athlete of the Year

Former Air Force track and field standout 2nd Lt. Dana Pounds was named the 2008 Female Athlete of the Year, Air Force Services Agency officials have announced. Lieutenant Pounds, who spent the past two years as a member of the World Class Athlete Program, or WCAP, finished second at the Olympic

Sather Airmen destroy weapons cache

Sather Air Base Airmen destroyed one of the larger enemy weapons caches to be collected at one time in the Iraq theater of operations. Four three-person 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight teams destroyed the 13,000-pound weapons cache discovered by Iraqi

Future Airman gains confidence, loses 160 pounds

Leo Knight-Inglesby is more determined than ever, and for the past 15 months has pushed himself beyond the limits he, and his loved ones, ever thought possible. The 22-year-old Silver Spring, Md., native is so set to "Do Something Amazing" in the Air Force that he shed more than 160 pounds to meet

AFPC officials to offer personnel course for commanders

Air Force Personnel Center officials here are launching a new course designed to provide squadron commanders outside the personnel career field with the latest military and civilian personnel programs and procedures.The course also provides information on the air and space expeditionary force

JABS knock out communication problems for warfighters

Joint Airborne Battle Staff members here are similar to 911 operators in the air as they ensure convoys operating throughout Iraq are never without communications. JABS crews flying on board C-130 Hercules aircraft fill in the gap wherever ground communication is limited in the war zone, which is

Airman found guilty in court-martial

An Airman here was found guilty by a panel of military officers of three violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice during a general court-martial Dec. 19 at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Airman 1st Class Derick R. Thompson of the 10th Medical Support Squadron, who is not an Academy cadet, was

Dec. 20 airpower summary: C-17s support heavy airlift missions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-38s

UAS students graduate from inaugural class

Nine lieutenants graduated from the first combat familiarization program for pilots slated to fly unmanned aircraft systems Dec. 22 at Randolph Air Force Base. The four-week Unmanned Aircraft Systems Fundamentals Course, or UFC, began instruction Nov. 21 taught by 563rd Flying Training Squadron

Dec. 19 airpower summary: A-10s protect coalition convoys

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb

Nuclear surety inspection completed at 90th Space Wing

The nuclear surety inspection that wrapped up at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Dec. 17, identified some deficiencies for the 90th Space Wing that require corrective action and resulted in an overall unsatisfactory rating for the wing. However, the wing remains certified to perform its strategic

Active duty, Reserve units consolidate command posts

Signaling a move toward greater teamwork between active duty and Reserve forces here, Peterson AFB officials unveiled their newly-consolidated command post Dec. 16.The integrated Peterson Installation Control Center will serve as the command post for both the 21st Space Wing and the 302nd Airlift

National Guard to support presidential inauguration

More than 4,000 citizen Soldiers and Airmen from at least eight states will provide security, medical and other support during the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration, a National Guard official said Dec. 18. "We will be there to fill the gaps and help out the first responders," Army Maj. Kenneth

First security guardsmen dispatched into missile fields

Officials at the Minot-based 219th Security Forces Squadron of the North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing have dispatched security Airmen into the missile fields at Minot Air Force Base for the first time. "Putting guardsmen into the field to work side by side with the active duty is a

Valiant action saves co-worker from choking

The life of a 71st Comptroller-Contractor Squadron accounting technician here was saved by an office co-worker Dec. 5 at Vance Air Force Base. Rose Palacios was working at her desk when she began to choke on a piece of candy. "At first I thought I could just cough it up out of my throat. That didn't

ACC leaders discuss current, future challenges

The commander of Air Combat Command and members of his A-staff spoke to 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen about current and upcoming events surrounding Air Force combat operations during an Airman's Call here earlier this month. Gen. John Corley discussed the impact of current economic trends on

Iraqi general visits Luke, flies in F-16

Ten years ago, Iraqi air force Brig. Gen. Ali al-Aaragy was flying F-1 Mirage fighters for his country's air force, but on Dec. 15 he was flying in an F-16 Fighting Falcon over Arizona.The general, who works as his country's air force adviser to the minister of defense, visited Luke AFB to enhance

Airmen take time to help terminally ill children

Airmen at Forward Operating Location Curacao volunteered their free time to paint, landscape and provide comfort for 13 children at the Siloam Children's Hospice, a home for orphaned, abandoned and terminally ill children in Curacao. For the past four months, dozens of 429th Expeditionary Operations

PACAF officials centralize fitness testing

Airmen across the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility soon will see a change in their fitness testing procedures as command officials move to centralize the testing under base health and wellness centers by March of 2009. After receiving feedback from across the command, Gen. Howie Chandler,

Kyrgyzstan parliament members visit Manas

A delegation of Kyrgyzstan's parliament led by Vice Speaker Kubanychbek Isabekov visited Manas Air Base Dec. 15. Following weeks of planning and extensive preparation, 17 members of the Kyrgyz parliament came to tour the base. The delegation was greeted by Col. Christopher Bence, the 376th Air

Airmen participate in Wreaths Across America

Two Airmen took part in the Wreaths Across America ceremony to remember, honor and teach about the service and sacrifices of this nation's veterans and fallen heroes Dec. 13 at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minn. 1st Lt. Brandon Schrader and Senior Airman Justin Gort, reservists from the 96th

Squadron commander saves lives on his way to drill

A squadron commander, while driving to what he thought would be another routine day at drill, helped rescue four people from a burning vehicle near Moffett Federal Airfield Dec. 7. Lt. Col. Jack O'Neill, 130th Rescue Squadron commander, was driving his car from San Ramon, Calif., to Moffett Federal

Dec. 17 airpower summary: C-130s support heavy airlift

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto

Geothermal heating to save money, energy at Minot

Geothermal heating has been used since the time of the Romans as a way of heating buildings, and now it has come to Minot Air Force Base. The 5th Bomb Wing headquarters building here is currently undergoing construction to use geothermal heating by having 39 ground source heat pumps installed in the

Trainees slew the BEAST in new basic training program

The first group of Airman Basic trainees in the newly extended 8.5-week Basic Military Training program conquered the BEAST Dec. 15 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The BEAST, which stands for Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills and Training, is the centerpiece of the new two-week expansion that

Course gives officers new outlook on force support

Officials at the first Force Support Officers' Course here graduated 57 officers Dec. 11 with Lt. Gen. Richard Newton on hand to congratulate the officers on their achievement. "These outstanding officers made history as they walked across the stage," said General Newton, the deputy chief of staff

C-17 revolutionizing logistics in Antarctica

Airmen assigned to the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron supporting Operation Deep Freeze completed the first operational C-17 Globemaster III airdrop to the Antarctic Gamburtsev Mountain Province Nov. 26. Thirty bundles of fuel and other supplies were delivered to a scientific camp in the

New terminology recognizes contributions of Airmen

The Air Force is adopting new terminology to better reflect participation in today's joint fight, the Air Force chief of staff advised in a letter to the field. Airmen who were previously categorized as filling non-standard or "in lieu of" taskings now will be referred to as filling a joint

F-22s scheduled to deploy to Japan, Guam

Air Force officials have scheduled to deploy two contingents of F-22 Raptors to the Pacific theater in January 2009 for approximately three months. Current plans call for 12 of the fighters to deploy to Kadena Air Base, Japan, from Langley Air Force Base, Va., and another 12 to deploy to Andersen

Wright-Patterson Airmen earn top safety award

The Star award, which is the highest level of recognition under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Program, was presented to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base officials here Dec. 9. Mandated in 2006 by then Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, VPP is a

Dover Airmen deliver humanitarian supplies to Guatemala

They might not wear red suits or fly a sleigh with nine reindeer, but Airmen of the 709th Airlift Squadron here kept true to the holiday spirit of goodwill by delivering supplies to Guatemalan children Dec. 5 and 6. Performing the role of Santa's sleigh, a Dover Air Force Base C-5 Galaxy packed with

Exercise Angel Thunder provides lifesaving training

About 900 Air Force, joint, coalition, interagency and international players participated in a personnel recovery exercise that ran Dec. 1 through Dec. 12 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.Exercise Angel Thunder 2008 included people from the active duty Air Force and Army, Guard and Reserve, National

Dec. 14 airpower summary: F-15Es flies combat patrol mission

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto

Dec. 15 airpower summary: F-16s watch over ground forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto

McChord Airmen fuel Operation Deep Freeze

Airmen assigned to the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in support of Operation Deep Freeze completed the first operational C-17 Globemaster III airdrop Nov. 26 to the Antarctic Gamburtsev Mountain Province. Thirty bundles of fuel and other supplies were delivered by the members of the from the

General Schwartz sees full spectrum of fly, fight, win

Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie visited Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases, Dec. 13, to meet with Airmen and get a first-hand look at operations. This was General Schwartz's first visit to both bases since becoming the 19th chief of staff. He said it was important for him to visit Creech and

Thermal curtains offer protection to B-52 aircrews

Engineers here are designing a product to protect B-52 Stratofortress aircrews from a nuclear attack's blinding light. Designed by members of the 540th Aircraft Sustainment Squadron's B-52 Communications Navigation and Weapons Flight, prototypes for the thermal curtains will be ready sometime in

Air Force officials honor top recruiters for 2008

Fourteen Air Force recruiters were named tops in their field for fiscal 2008 by Air Force Recruiting Service officials here in December. Operation Blue Suit program recognizes the best recruiters worldwide for their efforts in recruiting a diverse, high-quality volunteer force to fill career fields

Dec. 13 airpower summary: A-10s remain vigilant

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a guided bomb unit-12

Congress authorizes paternity leave

Eligible Airmen are now authorized 10 days of nonchargeable paternity leave following the birth of their newborns, courtesy of the 2009 Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress. The law applies to married, active-duty Airmen. The Airman's wife must have given birth to the

Attacked Air Force recruiter in stable condition

The Air Force recruiter who was stabbed outside her Harlem, N.Y., recruiting office Dec. 11 remains in stable condition. Staff Sgt. Sarah Charles, a recruiter with the 313th Recruiting Squadron, was speaking with a potential applicant when she was attacked by a female assailant. The recruiter

B-1B aircrews bring unique capabilities to the fight

B-1B Lancer aircrews of the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron guard warfighters from high above Iraq and Afghanistan while carrying the largest payload of any aircraft in the theater. Squadron members are responsible for close-air support, nontraditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

Multinational recovery exercise kicks off at Davis-Monthan

More than 850 ground recovery forces and 51 aircraft from the Department of Defense and numerous other countries kicked off a personnel recovery and combat search and rescue exercise Dec. 8 here. The two week-long Angel Thunder 2008 exercise allows U.S. and international military forces and numerous

Civil engineer crews improve Bagram infrastructure

Airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron work around the clock to improve Bagram Airfield's infrastructure to support Operation Enduring Freedom. There are 25 active construction projects valued at more than $73 million, with more than $221 million in construction is scheduled for

Fuel for fighters

Scholarships help retiree finish education

Spouses with an eye on professional certification or a post-secondary education may not have to foot the entire bill, thanks to a National Military Family Association scholarship program. The group is accepting applications for its annual Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship. The

Dec. 11 airpower summary: KC-10s sustain fighters

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a guided bomb unit-38

Airman scheduled for court-martial at Academy

Air Force officials here determined a case should proceed to a general court-martial against an Airman assigned to the 10th Medical Support Squadron here to begin Dec. 15 at the U.S. Air Force Academy.An Article 32 hearing determined the case against Airman 1st Class Derick R. Thompson, who is not a

Officials request NCO feedback for future assessments

Staff sergeants through chief master sergeants throughout the Air Force are encouraged to share feedback with officials from the Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron here right now. This feedback will help NCOs have a voice their own career advancements. Input from the Military Knowledge and

National Guard celebrates 372nd birthday

National Guard officials are celebrating their 372nd birthday recognizing Dec. 13, 1636, when the Massachusetts Bay Colony divided its citizen-soldiers, or militia, into the North, South and East Regiments. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was seven years old in 1636 when about 5,000 men, women and

Air Force recruiter stabbed in New York

An Air Force recruiter was stabbed outside her Harlem recruiting office Dec. 11 at about 12:45 p.m. in New York City. Staff Sgt. Sarah Charles, a recruiter with the 313th Recruiting Squadron, is currently in critical but stable condition. Sergeant Charles was talking with a potential applicant at

Airman helps shape future Afghan firefighters

Afghan firefighters at the Kabul International Airport stand ready to answer a call to save lives and resources here thanks to the dedicated efforts of their American counterpart. Master Sgt. Mike Marascia, Afghan fire protection mentor, has spent the last 11 months establishing the Afghan Joint

AF plan could enable Iraq air sovereignty, independence

Work being done here by officials of the Electronic Systems Center and its federally funded research and development center partner, MITRE Corp., is helping pave the way for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. ESC and MITRE International Operations specialists, in concert with a number of ESC

RED HORSE Airmen close chapter with Iraqis

Airmen with the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron witnessed the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a community center Dec. 5 in Hawr Rajab. Through a program called Village of Hope, RED HORSE Airmen taught Iraqi citizens the basics of construction over a 10-month period that yielded four remodeled

Reservists may qualify for early retired pay

Department of Defense officials here have issued new guidelines for early receipt of retired pay for members of the Reserve components. Instead of having to wait until age 60 to receive Reserve retired pay, eligible members may receive retired pay prior to age 60 but not before age 50. Under interim

Medics, maintainers test skills at alternative careers

How many steps does it take to prepare an F-16 Fighting Falcon to launch for a combat sortie? How stomach-turning is it to sit in on a surgery?  Staff Sgt. Ubong Okokon and Master Sgt. Mark Crew are dedicated to answering these questions and more for Airmen serving in the Air Force Theater Hospital

Dec. 10 airpower summary: F-15Es provide aerial protection

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto

Airmen lead effort to rescue injured crewman at sea

American Airmen and aircraft were part of an international effort over the Atlantic Ocean that saved the life of a crewmember who suffered a life-threatening head injury onboard a cargo ship Dec. 10 more than 320 miles west of Cork, Ireland. The Burmese crewmember was injured at sea on a

Southern Command, AF South leaders visit deployed troops

Senior leaders from Southern Command and Air Forces Southern kicked off a week-long tour Dec. 8 to visit forward-deployed personnel and assist nearby communities in seven Latin American countries during the holiday season. A C-21 from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., carried the group to Forward

Air Guard to host three KC-135 associate wings

Three Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker wings will become active associate units beginning this summer, Air Force officials here announced Dec. 10. Active-duty Airmen will be assigned to the 117th Air Refueling Wing in Birmingham, Ala., the 126th Air Refueling Wing at Scott Air Force Base,

Eielson Airmen start winter road show in Hawaii

More than 125 Eielson Air Force Base Airmen and 10 jets left Dec. 6 through 8 to provide adversary training and support to members of the 199th Fighter Squadron and the Hawaii Air National Guard at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. This is their first stop for the 28 operations personnel and about 100

Dec. 8 airpower summary: F-16s alert and ready

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet and a coalition aircraft dropped guided

Virtual training for real-world missions

A $1.5 million virtual training environment housed in a hangar at the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center here offers security forces personnel and other Airmen realistic fire team convoy training. Much like an IMAX, a 280-degree screen brings to life real-world scenarios designed to put a

Airmen show Iraqi army leaders base operations

A handful of American Airmen are helping the Iraqi army turn a run down military base into an operational military hub.Taji Military Base is home to the country's only national-level maintenance and supply depots, and American Soldiers and Airmen advisers are assisting the Iraqis with everything

Procurement initiative secures DOD computers, saves money

Department of Defense officials are among those of dozens of departments and organizations who have improved security for their laptop computers and saved taxpayers more than $92 million by using a new procurement initiative, a senior Defense Department official said here. DOD and the General

Air Force radio show features Faith Hill

The 2008 "Red, White and Air Force Blue Christmas" radio special featuring country music's multi-award winning artist Faith Hill is arriving this week at more than 3,300 country music radio stations across the nation. In its 14th year, the radio special includes a selection of holiday classics from

SAMMC construction project breaks ground

Military leaders, construction officials and wounded warriors joined up Dec. 8 to break ground on the start of construction on the San Antonio Military Medical Center, a $724 million construction and renovation project at Wilford Hall Medical Center and Brooke Army Medical Center. The construction,

CJCS salutes servicemembers' success at awards dinner

U.S. troops engaged in the global war on terrorism are doing "an exceptionally hard job exceptionally well," the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said at the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs' annual awards dinner held here Dec. 8. "I believe our future is tied, as it always must

Wanna make an Air Force commercial?

Senior leaders are asking Airmen to get behind the camera and submit a video for the next Air Force advertising campaign.  The contest has begun and runs until Jan. 9.  Airmen are encouraged to create a video depicting what their unit or they do to support the Air Force mission, as well as highlight

AMC unveils new mission statement and focus areas

This past June, I issued a call for all AMC personnel to "return to basics," and I thank you for the renewed attention you've given to our core values and our mobility mission while restoring the Air Force's good name with your daily, outstanding mission accomplishment. Today, we build on that

Army unit augments Air Force to boost troop support

As U.S. forces prepare to ramp up the operations tempo in Operation Enduring Freedom, a new unit here is helping prepare cargo to airdrop to the troops on the ground. The Army's 824th Riggers unit, a reserve unit based out of Ft. Bragg, N.C., began operations to support Air Force airdrops Dec. 3.

Operation Christmas Drop box-build complete

After 55 years running, Operation Christmas Drop is the Air Force's longest running humanitarian airlift mission. This year marks the 56th annual Operation Christmas Drop. With only days left until boxes are delivered to the small islands of Micronesia, last-minute donations are still pouring in,

Sather Airmen work late to feed the force

Sather Air Base is the busiest aerial port in Iraq, moving hundreds of American military members, civilian contractors, distinguished visitors and coalition forces every day as they travel in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. For many of these travelers, the layover at this small military base on

U.S., Australian forces honor fallen coalition member

U.S. Central Command's busiest aerial port of debarkation, or APOD, located at an air base in Southwest Asia, serves as the place of duty for Airmen of the 387th Air Expeditionary Group and the 5th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron, as well as sister service and coalition force members. But it

Obama taps Shinseki as next Veterans Affairs chief

President-elect Barack Obama has selected retired Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric K. Shinseki as his nominee to be secretary of veterans affairs. "As we seek a new national security strategy that uses all elements of American power, we must also remember those who run the greatest risks and make the

Dec. 6 airpower summary: B-1B deters enemy attacks

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto

Airmen, Marines join forces during exercise at Kadena

Japan-based Airmen and Marines came together for Exercise Beverly High 09-01 the first week of December at Kadena Air Base.Airmen of the 18th Wing integrated with Marines from Marine Corps Station Iawkuni as they executed their missions under simulated combat conditions.About 35 aircraft and 700

Deterrence is not a fading concept, CSAF says

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz reminded community members and North Dakota's senior elected representatives at a luncheon here Dec. 1 that "deterrence is not a fading concept." As part of his visit to the base, the general discussed the concept for the new Global Strike Command. He

Air Force officials release new amendment to CSAR-X RFP

Air Force officials released Amendment 7 to the Request for Proposals for the Combat Search and Rescue helicopter Dec. 5. The amendment contains minor changes that are intended to further clarify how Air Force officials will make their source selection decision. Beyond the clarifications, Amendment

Airmen procure mission success

Members of the 379th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron here connect mission needs with the facilities, equipment and services that link military customers and the contractors who can meet those needs. "Our mission is to make sure we provide each customer with what they need and get it to them as

Leaders encourage Airmen to apply for Academy

Young, hard-charging Airmen are sought for entry into the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Air Force Academy Preparatory School with the end goal of earning a commission, but must apply by Jan. 31, 2009. The Academy sets aside up to 85 slots for active-duty Airmen and up to 85 more slots for Guard and

Airmen provide FAST coverage

Upon landing one morning at a remote location in Iraq, two specially trained Airmen with the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron took charge of security for a $30.1 million C-130 Hercules and its crew. Senior Airmen Rosie Munoz and Michelle Kendall assume this responsibility on a regular

Deployed Warbirds participate in Australian Aces North exercise

Airmen deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, recently participated in the Australian Aces North exercise with personnel from the Australian Fighter Combat Instructor Course, which ended Dec. 4. The Aces North exercise is the capstone of the FCIC, which is the Australian equivalent of the U.S.

Kandahar team provides ammunition to win the fight

With a munitions stockpile of 560 line items worth more than $11 million, the job of providing weapons to warfighters at Kandahar Airfield falls to a three-man flight. "We maintain and provide munitions to U.S. and coalition forces," said Master Sgt. James Bradley, the munitions accountable systems