White House Fellows Class Includes Current, Former Officers

Six current or former military officers have been appointed to the 2012-2013 class of White House Fellows, the President's Commission on White House Fellowships announced Sept. 4 here.Then-President Lyndon B. Johnson created the White House Fellows Program in 1964 to give promising American leaders

JB Elmendorf - Richardson turns landfill gas into energy

During an especially cold December afternoon, a swirling formation of obsidian ravens hovered over a gray chimney, the structure pushing out hot air in the form of burned methane gas and oxygen combusted into water and carbon dioxide. Perhaps the black birds liked the heat. Perhaps they liked the

Medical squadron command candidates named

More than 100 officers were named to the medical squadron command candidate list during the 2012 summer developmental teams, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Command matches are expected to be released in mid- to late-December, said Lt. Col. Mary Ann Behan, medical force management branch

AF veteran shares wisdom with young paralympians

The camaraderie of being part of a team is a draw to many athletes and can be traced to the origins of why many embarked on lengthy careers, staying the course even when things are not always going their way.Mario Rodriguez, a member of the U.S. Paralympic fencing team and former Air Force staff

Mentorship program offers support to recovering Airmen

The Recovering Airmen Mentorship Program connects wounded, injured or ill Airmen who are well along in their recovery with those who are just beginning the journey.The program is one of several implemented to help care for wounded warriors during their recovery, said Air Force Wounded Warrior

Two firefighting C-130s head home

Two C-130 Hercules from the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing were deactivated Sept. 2, and returned here from Boise, Idaho.Four other Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System units remain activated. The Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing out of Colorado Springs, Colo., has

New DOD policy for TDY and PCS cancellations

Beginning October 1, 2012, any travel authorization that includes air travel must be approved and ticketed at least 72 hours in advance of the scheduled flight departure to avoid airline reservations from being cancelled. This is due to a new policy being instituted by the airlines under the FY13

Airmen, Kyrgyz students ring in "First Bell"

The first day of school across the Kyrgyz Republic is a welcome celebration known as "First Bell" and is deeply rooted in a Russian tradition that takes place each year on Sept. 1st.First Bell marks a rite of passage where seniors, in their last year of studies, escort first-year students in a

Modern-day builders protect ancient treasure

It's an interesting dichotomy of sorts -- a huge, 4-story state-of-the art, steel-and-concrete structure under construction just yards away from delicate, precarious, protected sea turtle nests that grace the seashore here.The Air Force Technical Applications Center's new headquarters is taking

Through Airmen's Eyes: Unconventional repairs

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)While on a deployment, everyone on base comes to realize how important every other job is because you can't do your job without the other shops doing

Iraqi air force F-16 training takes off in Arizona

While the Republic of Iraq anticipates an initial deliveryof F-16 Fighting Falcons in September 2014, the pilots who will fly themembark on a historic partnership with the Arizona Air National Guard's 162ndFighter Wing here to learn how to fly the multipurpose fighter.Already, two Iraqis have joined

Afghan airmen learn language of flight

Whether an Afghan airmen needs to fly an aircraft safely, communicate with air traffic controllers, or maintain and fix equipment, he must first learn the language of flight.English is the language of flight used around the world, and Afghan airmen are learning to speak it fluently at the Kandahar

2012 Air Force BIG winners named

Capt. Trevoron L. Jones of Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., and Mr. Terrence Williams of Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio are the Air Force 2012 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award winners, said Air Force Personnel Center officials.Jones' leadership was instrumental in establishing the Los

Dignified transfer OIC honored to serve fallen

At his home base of Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Capt. Bernard Harper is the chief of the Military Personnel Section. His job there varies greatly from the range of duties he oversees as the officer in charge of dignified transfers here with Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations."The jobs are like

First Family Readiness Center opens doors in AOR

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing is now home to the first Airman and Family Readiness Center in the Southwest Asia area of responsibility. The center opened its doors and added family members to those they serve, following the ribbon cutting ceremony Aug. 29, 2012.Daniel Ginsberg, the Assistant

Operational F-22's employ small diameter bombs during WSEP

During a Combat Hammer exercise Alaska F-22 Raptors became the first operational F-22 unit to drop GBU-39 small diameter bombs.Although small diameter bombs have been employed by test pilots, Combat Hammer, a weapons system evaluation program sponsored by the 86th Fighter Weapons Squadron, provided

African air chiefs pledge cooperation, trust, solutions

The 2012 Regional Air Chief Conference wrapped up here Aug. 30, leaving military leaders from multiple North and Western African nations excited about progress and resolutions involving an increase in regional coordination.One of the main points was, "The need to share information," said Ghana air

Through Airmen's Eyes: Pushing through pain like a Spartan

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Airman 1st Class Adam Orton is far from the ultra-endurance athletes, military special operators and seasoned adventure athletes typically found at the

One month remains for NCOs to volunteer for retraining

Noncommissioned officers in unrestricted career fields affected by the fiscal year 2013 NCO Retraining Program have a month to volunteer for retraining, Air Force Personnel Center officials said Aug. 30. Affected Airmen in restricted fields, however, have until today to volunteer.NCOs who volunteer

Weather command candidates named

The Weather Officer Squadron Commander Candidate Selection Board, which convened here in July, named 21 lieutenant colonels, lieutenant colonel-selects and majors as command candidates, said Air Force Personnel Center officials."Those selected will compete for 12 projected weather squadron command

Through Airmen's Eyes: A coin to remember

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)It was just past 11 o'clock at night, July 30, and Airman 1st Class Mariah Alexander was beginning to fall asleep in her dorm room. Suddenly, the phone

Air Force Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

Air Force restores moves to Keesler AFB

Permanent change of station and temporary duty reporting has been restored for Airmen and civilians traveling to Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Air Force Personnel Center officials said.The 81st Training Wing commander implemented the stop movement order in response to Hurricane Isaac. The stop

Through Airmen's Eyes: HVAC Airman's legacy

 (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Master Sgt. John Anderson likes The Beatles. However, unlike most who serve in today's military, Anderson remembers The Beatles from his youth."Yeah,

Academy helps community heal from Waldo Canyon fire

Nearly 345 cadets, faculty and staff members helped residentsof Mountain Shadows, Colo., cut, gather, haul and stack organic slash, branches, deadfall and some burned trees and limbs during the community's semi-annual "Chipper Event" for fire mitigation on Aug. 26, 2012.Academy volunteers worked

Rescue Airmen assist Coast Guard in search for overboard cruise ship passenger

Rescue reservists from the Air Force Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing here temporarily took over search efforts Aug. 28 for a missing cruise ship passenger 25 miles off the coast of Ponce Inlet, Fla. According to U.S. Coast Guard reports, a 31-year-old man was seen jumping from the cruise ship Carnival

Coincidence sparks memories of storm's past

On this date in 2005, aircrews with the Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, better known as the "Hurricane Hunters," evacuated aircraft and personnel from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., only to turn around,  flying into Hurricane Katrina as it barreled down on the Gulf Coast.

Northern Command Assists With Hurricane Isaac Efforts

U.S. Northern Command is coordinating Defense Department support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and state and local response activities in response to Hurricane Isaac.Northcom has deployed four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from Fort Campbell, Ky., and two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters from

'Today's Air Force' reviews Air Force Week 2012

Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Aug. 29; taking a look back at Air Force Week 2012 - New York City.On this episode's "Straight from the Top,"  Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy talks about the importance of showcasing Air Force capabilities to

Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman becomes 'pin up' girl for charity

 (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Military members often help their local communities with volunteer work, but one Nellis Air Force Base Airman is aiding her favorite charities as an

Academy holds panel honoring women's suffrage

A Colorado state representative, the state's League of Women Voters president and the co-founder of a political polling firm came to the Air Force Academy on Monday to discuss the importance of women's suffrage and the need for informed voters as election season approaches.The panel, comprising

World War II vet awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

Family, friends, senior leaders and pilots gathered Aug. 24 to honor a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress pilot during an award ceremony at Randolph's famed Taj Mahal where he was award the Distinguished Flying Cross medal.Second Lt. Samuel Smith was assigned to the 360th Bombardment Squadron at RAF

Hurricane Hunters provide critical data during major storms

As the Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, better known as the "Hurricane Hunters," wrap up their mission flying through Hurricane Isaac, one of the unit's pilots provided an insight into who they are and some facts and figures about how they perform during their dangerous

Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman receives Bronze Star with Valor

In August of 2011, exactly two days after celebrating his birthday, Master Sgt. Gene Jameson, III, found his combat communications training put to use inside a compound at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.One year later, he was recognized for his heroism with a Bronze Star Medal with Valor during a

Typhoon Bolaven can't stop Osan Airmen

Osan Air Base weathered Typhoon Bolaven relatively unscathed Aug. 28, 2012, in part due to robust planning and preventative measures ahead of the storm. The base entered Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness (TCCOR) 1 in the morning, with maximum gusts of winds at 50 knots during the day. All

Americans, British long-time partners united in Operation Enduring Freedom

The 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron has a unique role where Airmen from the British Royal Air Force and the U.S. work together to support the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission for Operation Enduring Freedom. The primary mission of the 62nd is to launch and recover

Keesler takes preventative measures as Isaac approaches

Darlene Gnuschke, Air Force retired and Biloxi resident, receives help from Maria Ainaga, head bagger at the base commissary with loading cases of water and other hurricane supplies into her trunk Aug. 27, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Keesler personnel are taking preventative measures to

Maxwell, FEMA prepare relief supplies for Tropical Storm Isaac

As residents along the Gulf Coast of the United States prepare for Tropical Storm Isaac, Airmen and representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are busy setting up an emergency staging site on Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Beginning Saturday, more than 120 semi-trucks filled with

7 Inter-American Air Forces Academy SOS slots available

Seven slots are available for eligible captains interested in attending the Inter-American Air Forces Academy Squadron Officer School Program, with applications due to the Air Force Personnel Center the last week of October, AFPC officials said.The school mirrors the SOS at Maxwell Air Force Base,

AF C-130 firefighting efforts reach milestone

Air Force Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130s reached a major mission milestone Aug. 24 by dropping the 2 millionth gallon of retardant for the season.MAFFS 5, assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing here, dropped the record-breaking gallon during its third

Connecting America, Ghana through music

Throughout the summer, the U.S. Air Force Band featured guest conductors at performances, enhancing international partnerships.The concert Aug. 24 at the Air Force Memorial here was another example of this as Col. Sampson Ebonyi, guest conductor from Ghana, took the crowd on a musical journey,

Through Airmen's Eyes: Captain makes mark in Afghan culture

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)With his rugged beard and long hair, Air Force Capt. Nick Plante is not your typical service member serving overseas in Afghanistan. Dressed like a local

AF senior leaders stress safety over Labor Day weekend

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following message to all Air Force personnel:As our Nation pays tribute to American workers during Labor Day weekend, we thank all Airmen for your

AFPC temporarily stops PCS to Keesler

Air Force Personnel Center officials have temporarily halted permanent change of station moves and most temporary duty assignments to Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., based on the projected arrival of Hurricane Isaac this week.The stop movement order, initiated by the 81st Training Wing commander, is

Idea brings $10,000 for McConnell AFB civilian

A civilian member of the 22nd Operations Group was presented a check for $10,000 from the Air Force at the 22nd Air Refueling Wing staff meeting Aug. 27, here.James Shores, the 22nd OG short range scheduling chief, received the money as part of the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness

New BTO to help Airmen make USAFE processes more efficient, effective

Before becoming the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Mark A. Welsh challenged the U.S. Air Forces in Europe to find more efficient and effective ways to use its resources."Current fiscal realities require commanders to take a hard look at how to most efficiently support and execute our missions within

Fighter jets protect skies during republican convention

Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region fighters are protecting the skies during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla.Air Force fighter jets will be on alert during the convention, which runs from Aug. 27 through Aug. 30, enforcing the Federal Aviation

Days in the dark: Retired AF NCO receives POW Medal

Returning to work after celebrating his 30th birthday the day before, then-Staff Sgt. James 'O'Neil' Hughes could see a growing group of disorderly demonstrators gather outside the U.S. Embassy. Chanting and singing, the bellicose crowd grew agitated. They held up signs displaying anti-American

Redesigned program eases Airmen's transition to civilian life

A redesigned program will help ease every Airman's transition to civilian life and better apply their military experience, Air Force officials said. The program is the first major overhaul of the transition assistance program for military members in nearly 20 years. The effort began in response to a

Through Airmen's Eyes: Heavy Metal Airman

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)A dim room, a single blue light and a heat source hot enough to melt metal may not sound like an ideal work environment for a women, but for one Airman

Military Units in Southeast Prepare for Isaac's Impact

Military units in the southeastern United States are preparing for Tropical Storm Isaac, which is barreling past the Florida Keys and may grow to a hurricane by the time it makes landfall on the northern Gulf coast sometime Tuesday.National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials say Isaac

Through Airmen's Eyes: The way back home

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)At a young age, Master Sgt. Nicole Culverhouse, 60th Medical Support Squadron element chief, was kidnapped off the streets of Bogota, Colombia. Her

Afghanistan Health Reconstruction Course introduced into PRT training

Sustainability and self-sufficiency is the goal for the new Afghanistan Health Sector Reconstruction Course being introduced into all provincial reconstruction team training."We have taken what some would have considered a boring lecture series, expanded it and morphed it into a highly dynamic,

Through Airmen's Eyes: Academy cadet selected as a USA Rugby All-American

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Cadet 2nd Class Jackson Bristol has kept his passion for rugby alive with a simple approach: he never stops playing the game. January through December,

National Guard prepares for Tropical Storm Isaac

National Guard Coordination Center officials are stepping up efforts to prepare for the possibility that Tropical Storm Isaac, now in the Caribbean, could strengthen and affect the U.S mainland."Though no states have yet sought assistance, we're planning on a Gulf strike at Category 1 (hurricane)

Air Force prepares for Isaac, Bolaven

While the Air Force has moved aircraft out of Florida in advance of the possible path of Tropical Storm Isaac, Airmen half a world away brace for Typhoon Bolaven as it heads toward the Japanese island of Okinawa.Pentagon spokesman George Little said 22 Air Force Reserve F-16 fighters from Homestead

Academy instructor applications due

The application window for Air Force Academy instructor duty closes Aug. 31, Air Force Personnel Center officials reminded interested officers Aug. 23. Instructor duty is a controlled, three-year maximum special duty assignment and applicants must be released by their AFPC core officer assignment

Air Force's newest air advisor publication leverages 'best practices'

The Air Force's newest tactics, techniques and procedures publication, AFTTP 3-4.5 Air Advising, became an official document after being signed by Maj. Gen. Brett Williams, Headquarters Air Force director of operations, and Maj. Gen. Bill Bender, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander,

Air Force Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman steps up, fills AFCENT Band's vacancy

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)When Senior Airman Jamie Horner first stepped off the airplane in Southwest Asia, she had one mission in mind: to prepare the installation for natural

B-52s bring persistent airpower to Exercise Pitch Black 12

The 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., took to the skies of Australia's Northern Territory Aug. 2 to 18 as the lone U.S. Air Force unit flying in Exercise Pitch Black 12.With more than 2,200 personnel and up to 100 participating military aircraft, Exercise Pitch Black 12

Hurricane Hunters track Isaac as SOUTHCOM, NORTHCOM prepare

With Tropical Storm Isaac bearing down on the Dominican Republic and Haiti and threatening to strengthen over the eastern Caribbean, the "Hurricane Hunters" from the Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron are in the air, relaying critical data to National Weather Service

B-52 takes part in joint training 'down under'

The Air Force will send a B-52 and KC-135, operating from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin later this week to take part in short term joint training with the RAAF. The B-52 is assigned to Andersen AFB as part of U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Air Force

Through Airmen's Eyes: Irish Twins reunite while deployed

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)When most people think of military reunions, they may think of service members returning home from an extended deployment to reunite with their loved

AF trauma chief cites sweeping changes in critical care

From battlefield innovations to revamped health care systems, the military has radically transformed its trauma care over the past decade, a trauma expert here said.These advances have led not only to the nation's highest combat survivability rate in history, but also to countless saved civilian

England ceremony marks 70th anniversary of Eighth Air Force

U.S. and Royal Air Force leadership; local community leaders from Kettering, United Kingdom; and veterans marked the 70th anniversary of the first 8th Air Force bombers participating in World War II with a ceremony at Boughton House and a memorial service at Grafton Underwood Aug. 17. At Boughton

Air Force Spice testing lab goes full throttle

The Air Force Spice Testing Lab  located at the Air Force Drug Testing Laboratoy at Joint Base San-Antonio - Lackland, Texas, became fully operational on Aug. 1, in support of the Air Force's focus on quality Airmen. The new lab establishes a robust urinalysis testing program as part of the Air

101 faces of Air Force Week New York

New York City was this year's stage for one of the Air Force's grandest outreach programs, Air Force Week. The three-day showcase took place in locations throughout the city's five boroughs and included flyovers, interactive displays, Air Force band performances, meet and greets, a movie screening

U.S. Paralympic track & field team trains at RAF Lakenheath

More than 50 U.S. Paralympians and hopefuls are honing their skills and making final preparations at Royal AIr Force Lakenheath for competition in the London 2012 Paralympic Games  Aug. 18 through 25.The installation has teamed with the U.S. Olympic Committee to provide the athletes with all they

'Joining Forces' initiative exceeds hiring goals for vets, spouses

The White House initiative to hire veterans and military spouses has surpassed its goals, having led to the hiring or training of more than 125,000 veterans and spouses in the past year, First Lady Michelle Obama announced today.Speaking to sailors and their families at Naval Station Mayport in

SecAF discusses East Africa mission during Djibouti visit

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley made his first trip here as secretary Aug. 22 to visit service members and civilians, and discuss operations in East Africa with Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leaders.Donley conducted an all call during his visit here, in which he discussed the

CMSAF Roy helps wrap up successful Air Force Week in New York

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy spoke to New York City civic leaders during a Heroes Luncheon sponsored by Operation Homefront on Tuesday, Aug. 21 to wrap up Air Force Week in New York City.During an interview before the luncheon, Roy stressed the importance of Air Force Week as a

Expeditionary Center hosts Air Mobility Command wargame

Approximately 65 air mobility experts recently wrapped up participation in Air Mobility Command's Global Mobility (GLOMO) Wargame 2012 at the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center here recently. GLOMO is conducted biannually at the Expeditionary Center by subject-matter experts from across the Air

CJCS Army Gen. Dempsey: Political activity erodes public trust in military

Using the uniform for partisan politics erodes the trust the American people have in their military, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said today.During a discussion with reporters aboard a C-17 returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff addressed a question about a

Airmen learn hospitality of New Yorkers during AF Week

Air Force Week in New York City cranked into high gear during its second day as about 50 Airmen from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. toured the 9-11 memorial and the Freedom Tower Aug. 20. "We here today at the tribute center," said Master Sgt. Charles Kramer, first sergeant of the 732nd

Through Airmen's Eyes: Hawaiian Airman brings in-your-face refueling to OEF

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Looking out the window of his boom pod at 30,000 feet, in the middle of nowhere, with himself and the open air -- that is what Master Sgt. Eric Faurott

McChord C-17 crews begin WinFly to Antarctica

The 62nd Airlift Wing began the winter flying period Aug. 20 as part of its support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation.The period, known as WinFly, is scheduled to last until Aug. 28 and will deliver advance teams and cargo for the upcoming main season of Operation

Ramstein hosts international jump week

Six countries provided more than 150 paratroopers to participate in International Jump Week hosted by the 435th Contingency Response Group from Aug. 12 - 17 near Ramstein.The paratroopers came from the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the U.S. Air Force and Army and jumped

Drill Team members reflect on where they came from during AF Week

The Ambassadors in Blue for the Air Force Recruiting Service performed during the Air Force Week events Aug. 19 at Pier 86 in New York CityThe ceremonial unit, otherwise known as the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, tours worldwide to demonstrate the commitment to service and excellence every

Knowing where to request records saves time, money

In an effort to save time and money, the master personnel records branch staff at the Air Force Personnel Center wants retirees and former Airmen to know the correct procedures for requesting medical and personnel record information."Knowing the correct procedures can not only cut down on the

Transit Center passenger experience realigned to centralized location

Whether a service member is heading to Afghanistan or redeploying back to their home station, they want their transient experience to be simple.A consolidation of the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan's Passenger Terminal and U.S. Customs Processing Center into a centralized location is aimed at

AFPC officials streamline PCS orders process

Air Force Personnel Center officials here have centralized how Permanent Change of Station orders are processed, validated and authenticated. Since Oct. 2011, the Total Force Service Center-San Antonio has been managing the PCS orders process and has authenticated more than 82,000 orders and 19,000

Opening ceremonies kick off Air Force Week activities

The Air Force kicked off one of its biggest outreach programs in America's largest city Aug. 19 with a combination of opening day remarks, flyovers, interactive displays and performances by Air Force bands.The opening ceremony at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum on Pier 86 marked the start of

Nuclear enterprise experts train and attend symposium

Approximately 16 general and flag officers, led by the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, took part in an airborne emergency action officers exercise and Strategic Deterrence Conference at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Aug. 6-9.Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, is

Photos: Rescue Airmen train in the open seas

A team of pararescuemen with the 38th Rescue Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., conducted a water rescue exercise in the Gulf of Mexico on Aug. 14. During the exercise, pararescuemen had to locate downed victims several miles apart and provide self-aid and buddy care as needed. The

Through Airmen's Eyes: Maxwell officer builds historical database

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)What started as a solution to an information collection problem six years ago has grown into a substantial database that documents air power through

Airman nets $10,000 through IDEA program

The Air Force presented a check for $10,000 to a 31st Maintenance Squadron Airman recently for creating a new process that used less manpower and resources without sacrificing quality.Tech. Sgt. Jesse Swiderek, 31st MXS aircraft metals technology craftsmen, received the money as part of the

Behind-the-scenes look at saving lives

It was his first deployment to Afghanistan, and to make matters worse, he was assigned to one of the busiest trauma centers in the region. Staff Sgt. Caleb Gibson felt a sense of shock, pride and satisfaction as he watched U.S. military medical personnel treat injured troops. "It was shocking to see

Large solar array planned for Davis-Monthan AFB

The Air Force plans to expand its renewable energy portfolio substantially with a 14.5-megawatt photovoltaic solar array at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. The base has entered into an agreement with SunEdison, LLC to design, finance, build, operate and maintain the array on 170 acres of

USAF Honor Guard, Band represent Airmen at Air Force Week

The premier U.S. Air Force ceremonial units, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and U.S. Air Force Band, are returning to New York City as part of Air Force Week 2012 with several performances and concerts scheduled for August 18-22.Two of the USAF Band's ensembles - the rock band, Max Impact, and The

Supporting warfighters from space

Air Force Space Command Vice Commander Lt. Gen. John Hyten spoke at the 15th Annual Space and Missile Defense Conference here Aug. 14 and discussed how the American way of war has fundamentally changed thanks to space.He used historical examples to illustrate his point and contrasted those with

Alaska Reserve unit rebuilds tornado-ravaged school

An Alaska Reserve unit has just returned from Tennessee where the task at hand was rebuilding a school that was destroyed by a tornado in 2011. Members of the 477th Civil Engineer Squadron installed lighting units, rewired the facility to meet code, hung sheet rock, and painted the interior of the

Airmen's heroic acts featured in Portraits in Courage

Climbing a glacier for 24 straight hours, delivering medical care while taking enemy fire or chasing an armed murderer through a crowded airport; these are the actions of some of the 20 Airmen featured in the latest volume of Portraits in Courage.As the Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley

'Today's Air Force' highlights new CSAF, Air Force Week

Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Aug. 17. On this episode's "Straight from the Top," Gen. Mark A. Welsh III talks about his priorities as the new Air Force chief of staff. Later, Staff Sgt. Shannon Ofiara shows viewers the Air Force chief of staff transition

Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman inspires through music

(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Born and raised in Newton, Miss., a real life "small town," he had watched many of his family members join the military and knew he would soon follow."My

Hotel tax exemptions could help AF save millions of dollars

During a time of increasing Department of Defense budget constraints, the Air Force continuously looks for innovative solutions that save money and positively impacts the mission. Air Education and Training Command's Financial Management office said Air Force travelers could help save millions of

High year of tenure changes take effect in 2013

High year of tenure changes announced in December will go into effect in September 2013, Air Force Personnel Center officials reminded affected Airmen on Aug. 16. Changes will affect senior airmen, staff sergeants and technical sergeants, said Lt. Col. Tara White, AFPC retirements and separations

AFRC commander promoted

Welsh talks 'leadership' with NCOs

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III shared his perspective on leadership during the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airmen's Conference here Aug. 15.Welsh spoke about what it takes to be a great leader and NCO, sharing insight and personal stories from

Air Force Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.