NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Challenges no match for joint task force

    Ice storms in Kentucky. Dust storms in the Middle East. Thunderstorms across Europe. A typhoon in the Indian Ocean. They sound like individual, unrelated weather events. Now add having to organize, plan and execute a military operation across the entire width of Africa and do it all within a

  • Top AF logistician visits deployed Airmen

    The Air Force's top logistician visited five bases in Southwest Asia recently to meet with logistics readiness Airmen and get a better idea of how things were going in the area of responsibility."The reason I am here is to ensure the LRS troops are able to provide their unique capability," said Maj.

  • Chief discusses strategy white paper at AFA symposium

    The chief of staff of the Air Force helped kick off the Air Force Association's 24th annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition Feb. 21 in Orlando, Fla. Before hundreds of Airmen and civilians, Gen. T. Michael Moseley spoke about the future of the Air Force and also took the opportunity

  • Dental students receive hands-on training at Elmendorf

    A dozen students currently enrolled in the University of Alaska Anchorage Dental Hygiene Program have partnered with the Elmendorf Air Force Dental Clinic to provide care and to learn from base Airmen. The partnership began in February and is approximately four weeks long with four rotations with

  • Recruit loses 120 pounds to join Air Force

    Growing up in Columbus, a young man admired Airmen from nearby Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and he thought joining the Air Force was a logical conclusion since his father and other family members served in the military.But the problem for Daniel Kuertz was that he weighed 320 pounds. The

  • Maxwell Airmen assist city devastated by tornado

    More than 20 Maxwell Air Force Base Airmen teamed up with 66 Officer Training School trainees from here Feb. 19 to help people recover from a devastating tornado that leveled 150 homes in Prattville, Ala. The Enhanced Fujita Scale-3 tornado that swept through the city 15 miles northwest of Maxwell

  • Airmen treat Iraqi children injured in mortar attack

    Air Force Theater Hospital Airmen here helped save the lives of seven Iraqi children who were playing soccer when they were wounded in an attack by insurgents Feb. 19 in Al Jumia, Iraq. The seven wounded children were transported to the base and were treated for various injuries. Two were treated

  • New Web-based assignment application debuts March 3

    The power to apply for your next home-basing and follow-on assignment will soon be literally at your fingertips. Starting March 3, all active-duty enlisted members and officers, lieutenant colonel and below, who are slated to serve an unaccompanied tour of 15 months or less will have the ability to

  • Airman's Roll Call highlights tax time

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the assistance Airmen can receive from the Air Force to help get their taxes done. The deadline for filing your taxes is April 15 and that day will be here before you know it. All American citizens are required to file their taxes by that date. As

  • Deployed Airmen may qualify for assignments, deferments

    Some deployed Airmen who have served uncharacteristically long tours of duty will become qualified for a special advance assignment/deferment program, according to Air Force Personnel Center officials here. "This program recognizes that some of our Airmen, enlisted and officer, who have served a

  • ACC officials issue latest release from stand down for F-15s

    Gen. John D.W. Corley, Air Combat Command commander, returned 149 grounded F-15s to flight Feb. 15 contingent upon the completion of customized inspections on each of the aircraft's longerons. This "stand-down release" order brings the total number of cleared A, B, C and D-model F-15 aircraft to

  • CMSAF outlines Air Force priorities to Dover Airmen

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force outlined the Air Force's primary concerns Feb. 11 to Dover Air Force Base Airmen. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley told base Airmen that the service's top-three priorities are winning the war on terrorism, taking care of Airmen and

  • CCAF officials appoint chief as first enlisted vice commandant

    The Community College of the Air Force here recently appointed an Air National Guard chief master sergeant as its first enlisted vice commandant since the school's creation more than 35 years ago. Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Thornell is the first enlisted Airman to serve in the position historically

  • Air Force C-5 Galaxy modernization program certified

    Air Force officials announced today that officials in the office of the under secretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics have certified the C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program for 49 additional aircraft. The C-5s approved include 47 C-5Bs used for inter-theater

  • DOD health officials host first medical 'Webhall'

    The Pentagon's top doctor, S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, hosted a Web-based live "Webhall" Feb 14, a first for the military health system. Leaders from the MHS joined Doctor Casscells in answering some pointed and challenging questions live on the new MHS Web

  • Multiservice team provides presidential support in Africa

    A team of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines are currently arriving and working in Africa to provide support for a series of country visits by President George Bush. The servicemembers are providing an array of mobile support functions for the president's five-nation visit to the

  • Civilians add stability during emergencies

    Airmen here are fighting the base during this week's local operational readiness exercise Beverly High 08-04 and a special group of civilians is right alongside them contributing to the mission. These civilians, categorized as "emergency essential," stay with military forces even if a non-combatant

  • Bacteria research could protect Airmen from radiation

    An Air Force Office of Scientific Research-funded scientist has identified manganese complexes in the bacterium Deinococcus radioduran that resists the damaging effects of radiation. The goal of the research is to investigate biomaterials that offer protection to Airmen from various environmental

  • Airmen bring romance and roses to Air Force Enlisted Village

    The champagne fountain gurgled and the dress uniform buttons gleamed in the candlelight at a very special Valentine's Day event Feb. 9.  Airmen from nearby Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field were visiting the Air Force Enlisted Village to honor and escort the residents of Hawthorn House, the

  • New matting system to improve deployment capability

    Engineers at the Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate here have made recent significant advancements developing a super-strong, lightweight composite airfield matting that speeds up forward aircraft deployments, expands parking space and reduces costs. Working with

  • The club that keeps on giving

    For one Kadena Air Base organization, "service" is not just a buzz word. It's a mission, and the proof is in the numbers. The Kadena Officers' Spouses' Club, a non-profit organization with nearly 170 members, donated more than $180,000 for the welfare of American and Okinawan communities last year.

  • Airmen's January reenlistment bonuses now retroactive

    All eligible Airmen in Air Force specialty codes with a selective reenlistment bonus or those with a critical skills retention bonus who reenlisted Jan. 1 or later are authorized retroactive payment effective immediately, Air Force officials here announced recently. The 2008 National Defense

  • Airmen help shape tomorrow's Iraq

    Airmen from the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron delivered dozens of supplies and athletic equipment Feb. 6 to Safwan school students located near Umm Qasr, Iraq.The Airmen deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., brought the donations as part of an area-wide effort around Camp Bucca by

  • Airmen, Marines seek to synchronize in sky over Iraq

    Leadership from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and the 3rd Marine Air Wing-Forward met here Feb. 10 and 11 to raise joint air traffic control and airspace utilization in central Iraq to new levels of safety and effectiveness. During the conference, the military services discussed ways to increase

  • Course provides pinpoint space education for leaders

    Until recently, many senior military and civilian leaders in the Department of Defense faced a dilemma regarding their understanding of space. There were no classes available to teach them the basics quickly and effectively. "We saw the need and designed the Space Operations Executive-level Course,"

  • Keeping canine protectors safe

    The protective gas mask used in local operational response exercises is very effective in a chemical environment for most Airmen throughout the Air Force, but its design leaves some unprotected. One group at the 18th Security Forces Squadron here is preparing to handle the possibility of chemical

  • Afghans complete advanced medical training

    Less than a month after a basic emergency medical technician training class graduated here, seven more Afghan men entered the medical career field after graduating from a nursing school program facilitated by the joint Air Force and Army Provincial Reconstruction Team here. The 12-month training

  • Airman's Roll Call highlights professional relationships

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on effects of professional military relationships have on Airmen and what they can do to keep those relationships professional. Professional relationships are described as personal interaction that adds to morale, discipline and respect for authority. Open

  • Retired general becomes Air Force's newest fighter ace

    A retired general had been waiting on a call for some time; 55 years to be exact.Retired Lt. Gen. Charles G. Cleveland answered his home phone in January that turned out to be one of the most important calls of his life. "That's how I found out the Air Force was officially recognizing me as an ace,"

  • Nurse commissioning program seeks enlisted applicants

    Officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here will conduct the annual Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program board May 13-14 to select candidates for fall 2008 and spring 2009 start dates. The program offers active duty enlisted personnel the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in a high-need

  • AFOSI officials seek special agent candidates

    The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is seeking exceptional non-commissioned officers for duty as enlisted special agents. The AFOSI mission is to identify, exploit and neutralize criminal, terrorist and intelligence threats to the Air Force, Department of Defense and U.S. Government. With

  • Air Force conducts nuclear policy and procedures review

    The Air Force's Blue Ribbon Review of its nuclear weapons policies and procedures has found that its nuclear mission is sound but needs strengthening. "The review provided the Air Force an opportunity to improve its commitment to a sound nuclear enterprise," said Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer, chair of the

  • Airmen perform unique mission in Iraq

    While the spiraled rows of concertina wire, countless watch towers, and endless miles of fencing resemble that of detention facilities throughout the world, for the more than 600 Airmen deployed to the Theater Internment Facility at Camp Bucca, Iraq, the mission is unlike anything they've ever done.

  • AF officials offer property lease opportunities

    Air Force officials presented a proposal during two meetings held Jan. 30 and 31 to lease underutilized property at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Mont., to support national security energy goals. The first meeting, held Jan. 30 at the Great Falls Civic Center, gave state and local

  • Air Force team aids Afghan police with UXO disposal

    Airmen from the explosive ordnance disposal, 755th Air Expeditionary Group, assisted Kohistan II district Afghanistan National Police with unexploded ordnance disposal Feb. 2. "The police chief requested our assistance with removing the UXOs during our last visit," said Tech. Sgt. Francis Warren,

  • Enlisted member, dependent children scholarships available

    The Air Force Sergeants Association, Airmen Memorial Foundation and the Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force join together annually to conduct a scholarship program to financially assist the undergraduate studies of eligible dependent children of Air Force active duty, Air National Guard and Air

  • NASA recruiting volunteers for 'out of this world' jobs

    Only 12 human beings have set foot on the moon. You could be the thirteenth, if you make the cut. NASA's current recruiting effort for a new class of astronaut candidates specifies that the International Space Station and the return to the moon are part of the agency's goals, and this class will be

  • Keep OPSEC in mind, even online

    In today's highly technological world, the fast-paced sharing of information can be considered friend or foe to those in the Air Force. There are several public Web sites which offer individuals free membership to create personalized Web pages. Two of the most popular social-networking sites are

  • CMSAF testifies on quality of life

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force, along with the senior-ranking enlisted members from each branch of service, testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs about quality of life issues in the Air Force Feb. 7 at the Capitol. "Quality

  • Kunsan Airmen teach English to South Korean cadets

    Kunsan Air Base Airmen volunteered to teach English to South Korean army cadets Jan. 31 at the South Korean Army NCO Academy. South Korean army officials added English as part of the cadet' s curriculum and asked 8th Fighter Wing officials if they would volunteer; Team 5/6, a group of staff and

  • New USAFE commander explains road ahead

    Hundreds of Royal Air Force Lakenheath Airmen gathered to welcome the new U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander Feb. 1 here. Gen. Roger A. Brady gave Airmen a thumbnail view of how USAFE and RAF Lakenheath fit into the Air Force mission and discussed the three USAFE priorities: Winning today, building

  • C-17 crews support missions in Europe, Africa

    In a coordinated effort with U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Mobility Command, the Air Force Reserve Command is providing dedicated aircrews to fly C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlift missions in Europe and Africa. The first group of reservists to arrive at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, includes

  • Postal Service offers first-time military discount

    Planning to send a care package to a military service member serving abroad? Send it after March 3 to take advantage of a new flat-rate box from the Postal Service that is 50 percent larger and delivered for $10.95 to an APO/FPO address -- $2 less than for domestic destinations. "This is the first

  • Officials to hold all-star baseball tryouts

    There will be all-star tryouts for military baseball players with collegiate- or professional-level abilities March 14-16 at Turtle Park Naval Station in Norfolk, Va. This opportunity gives military members a chance to represent their command or branch of service in the fastest growing, largest and

  • Virtual MPF adds new self-service program for assignments

    A new self-service assignments application launching Feb. 19 will eliminate a visit to the military personnel flight/element, saving Airmen both time and effort as part of the continuing initiatives of the Air Force's Personnel Services Delivery Transformation. Using the Expanded Permissive

  • AAFES implementing significant 'green' initiatives

    The Department of Defense's oldest and largest retailer, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, is embarking on a variety of energy-saving initiatives to reduce its impact on the environment and strengthen the exchange benefit military families have come to depend on. From vending machines to gas

  • Chief's strategy white paper unveiled

    "Transformation is an enduring part of our culture as Airmen," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff.  "We are forever looking for an edge to strengthen our ability to deliver combat power for the nation." General Moseley spoke to members of Air University's professional military

  • Lunar New Year event strengthens ties, cultural awareness

    Members of the South Korea air force's 38th Fighter Group hosted Airmen from the 8th Fighter Wing for a Korean Lunar New Year celebration Feb. 5 here. Airmen from the 38th FG hosted a variety of events to include a traditional bowing ceremony, food and games. The Korean Lunar New Year or "Seollal,"

  • Powered flight returns to Air Force Academy

    Air Education and Training Command officials currently are testing a program designed to return powered flight to the Air Force Academy's curriculum. Called "Jump Start," the test marks the beginning for a program meant to enhance the Academy's focus on airmanship in its curriculum. Traditionally,

  • SECAF declares new complex officially open

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne took part in the grand-opening ceremony Feb. 5 of the Blatchford-Preston Complex, a $106.9 million construction project including improved recreational facilities and the bases' first permanent dormitories, in Southwest Asia. Opening the Blatchford-Preston

  • Air Force working to build cyber warrior career fields

    Ever since the Air Force deemed cyberspace a warfighting domain, it's been busy preparing for a new command that will have the right technology, systems and resources required to fight in this realm. The Air Force Cyber Command, which is in a provisional status until this fall, is also working to

  • Three generations honor, remember the 'Forgotten War'

    Imagine being surrounded by enemy forces and having orders to retreat through a foreign land, fighting through the mountainous terrain in frigid temperatures for 78 miles, with little or no food, water and supplies. Many Korean War veterans experienced this and more in what has become known as the

  • Active duty, Guard, Reserve: One awesome force

    The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. T. Michael Moseley, recently said, "You can't look at an Airman and tell if he or she is active, Guard or Reserve. We all wear the same uniform, do the same jobs and help make this Air Force the best in the world." Nowhere is that more appropriate than here,

  • AFSPC commander sees space assets in action

    To get a look inside real-time space operations in the battlespace, Gen. C. Robert "Bob" Kehler, Air Force Space Command commander, visited the Combined Air and Space Operations Center Feb. 2, during an extended tour of the area of responsibility. "We are synchronizing and integrating with ground

  • Air Force Honor Guard holds annual training at Maxwell

    Maxwell Air Force Base is now the new home for annual training of the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. The team spent the past month learning its 2008 routine here. The team is a branch of the Air Force Honor Guard based out of Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. For the past 12 years, the group learned

  • Pacific Lifeline aerial porters keep mission moving

    Logistics planners deployed to Hawaii to participate in the Pacific Lifeline exercise running now through Feb. 9 have been working nonstop to ensure every moving piece of equipment, aircraft and people move smoothly through the airflow system.The team includes members from  the 44th Aerial Port

  • Service still seeking special compensation claimants

    The approval rate of claims for Combat-Related Special Compensation is currently running 66 percent, but one-third of the eligible retirees still have not applied for the program. Air Force Personnel Center officials expected an increase in claims when the benefit was expanded to include all combat

  • Volunteer food deliveries top 2.6 tons in Honduras

    What began as way for Joint Task Force-Bravo's outdoor enthusiasts to see Honduras has grown into a monthly event in which hikers trek through the mountains delivering food to villagers in Honduras. Collectively throughout the series of hikes, more than 400 servicemembers have now delivered more

  • Aircraft travels faster than six times the speed of sound

    Tests are under way at the Benefield Anechoic Facility here on the X-51 Scramjet-Waverider's antennas to ensure all of the X-51's antennas and communication systems are working properly. The X-51 is an autonomous vehicle with a scramjet engine enabling the aircraft to travel at a hypersonic speed --

  • New earned income credit rules lucrative for some Airmen

    Filing his family's taxes each year online, Master Sgt. Ron Przysucha says he normally receives about $3,000 in tax returns. This year however, he was taken by surprise when the same Web site he traditionally uses calculated his return at nearly $8,000. "I immediately thought it was a mistake and I

  • SECAF thanks Airmen for their service, dedication

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne stopped to talk with deployed Airmen during a luncheon and Airmen's call held at Balad Air Base Feb. 2. During his visit, Secretary Wynne discussed topics including in-lieu-of taskings, the medical miracles of Iraq and current and future changes on the

  • Air Force officials release budget request for 2009

    As part of the president's fiscal 2009 budget, the Air Force officials are requesting Congress' approval for $143.9 billion, nearly more than $9 billion more than in fiscal 2008. Of the $143.9 billion request, $117 billion are funds directly controlled and managed by the Air Force. The remaining

  • SECAF addresses deployed Airmen

    "On behalf of the president of the United States and the American people, we salute you," Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne told more than 400 Airmen during his visit to an air base in Southwest Asia Feb. 1. "You are the front lines of freedom." Secretary Wynne addressed Airmen in an open

  • Command cell provides oversight during Pacific Lifeline

    Six Reservists from the 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron here make up the Aeromedical Command Cell providing command and control for aeromedical force participating in the Pacific Lifeline exercise currently being held in Hawaii. The Reservists are providing direction, control, discipline,

  • Recruiters discuss challenges with Senate subcommittee

    Two Air Force recruiting representatives answered questions for members of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Personnel Jan. 31. Senators questioned Air Force Recruiting Service commander Brig. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot and Master Sgt. Dave White, flight chief for the 341st Recruiting

  • MASF not MASH vital location for wounded

    The classic television show MASH always began with doctors and flight nurses running to the helicopter to retrieve wounded patients and rushing them to the medical emergency tent. In real-life, that role is often reversed, said medical members taking part in the Pacific Lifeline exercise in

  • Team trains to improve patient's condition during flight

    Providing medical care while moving very ill patients over long distances in a short period of time, is the skill being practiced by three Air Force Reserve Command Airmen as they take part in Pacific Lifeline. A doctor, a nurse, and a respiratory therapist from the 446th Aeromedical Staging

  • Air Force fiscal 2008 aviator continuation pay approved

    The fiscal 2008 Aviator Continuation Pay program was approved here recently by Craig W. Duehring, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and Reserve affairs. The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act., which was signed by President George W. Bush Jan. 28, provided authorization. The

  • PACAF team donates to Thai school

    Pacific Air Forces Airmen, Royal Thai air force members and Republic of Singapore air force military members donated school supplies and equipment Jan. 30 to a local school in a rural village outside of Korat, Thailand. Historically a part of the humanitarian portion of Exercise Cope Tiger, the

  • Servicemembers spend special time with orphans

    Airmen assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, along with fellow servicemembers and coalition forces, are known for supporting projects that include military-to-military training, civil military operations and senior leader engagements. Missions are also in place to protect

  • Coalition forces assist in Iraqi police pay day

    Nearly 200 Iraqi police officers receive their monthly pay Jan. 30 with the help of expeditionary security forces members. Members of Det. 3 of the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, 716th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, performed the security and identification

  • Biometric technology improves identification security

    Since the Department of Defense distributed more than 11 million Common Access Cards as its primary form of identification and enhanced protection to the military network, the number of network intrusions attempts by the enemy has nearly halved. Although the CAC has proved to be a valuable tool,

  • CENTAF commander meets with key officials in Egypt

    The U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander visited Cairo, Egypt, Jan. 29 to meet with Egyptian military leaders and other key U.S. government officials as part of USCENTCOM's theater security cooperation events and component commander's bilateral engagements with U.S. allies. Lt. Gen. Gary L.

  • AETC releases vision of future learning

    Air Education and Training Command officials here released a vision for the years between 2008 and 2030 when they unveiled "On Learning: The Future of Air Force Education and Training," a 29-page white paper Jan. 31. The Air Force must transform its training and education system of today into a

  • PIT crew brings realism to Pacific Lifeline exercise

    Airmen from the 446th Aerospace Medicine Squadron and 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron aren't being graded on the test, but their work impacts those involved with the Pacific Lifeline exercise. Known as the PIT crew, 16 reservists from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., will add realism to the

  • Military working dog teams fine-tune relationships

    It's a simple, age-old act of classical conditioning, the dog finds what the master desires and the dog is rewarded. In the case of Tommy, a three-year-old Belgian Malinoise assigned to Joint Task Force-Bravo Joint Security Forces here, the softball-sized round rubber toy is about all the reward he

  • Chief of staff of Air Force announces new reading list

    The chief of staff of the air force announced his new reading list. "Developing Airmen remains one of my key priorities" said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, "Victory -- whether on the front lines of today's Long War or in the air, space and cyberspace surrounding tomorrow's foes -- will be determined in

  • 7th Air Force, Air Forces Korea redesignated

    Osan Air Base Airmen began a new chapter for the primary combat air force provider to South Korea as the Pacific Air Forces commander uncased the 7th Air Force, Air Forces Korea flag Jan. 30 here.Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler appointed Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Wood as the 7th Air Force, Air Forces

  • Edwards Airman flies high as first military F-35 pilot

    A pilot from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., became the first Air Force and government test pilot to fly the F-35 Lightning II during a test sortie at the Lockheed Martin facility Jan. 30 at Naval Air Station Fort Worth. Lt. Col. James Kromberg, the director of operations for the 461st Flight Test

  • New assistant secretary sworn in

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne swore in the Air Force's new assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs in a ceremony at the Pentagon Jan. 24. Craig Duehring, a 28-year Air Force veteran, is a political appointee, heading a four-division department that deals

  • Troops, families can access free tax-filing services

    Rather than paying a tax specialist, servicemembers and their families can obtain free assistance to prepare and file their annual tax returns through a special military program, a Defense Department tax advisor said here Jan. 30. The military's tax assistance program processes more than 200,000

  • Programs help servicemembers save, manage money

    Defense Department officials want servicemembers and their families to be aware of in-house programs that can help them better manage their money and stay out of debt. For example, the 2-year-old Military Saves program is designed to teach servicemembers and families how to save and invest their

  • Hondurans, Americans team for combined jump

    More than 250 Honduran soldiers took their first step toward Airborne readiness when they leaped from the back of a U.S. Army helicopter Jan. 24 in a combined training jump with U.S. Soldiers here. Joint Task Force-Bravo member's involvement enhanced relations between the two nation's militaries by

  • Summit solidifies operational, strategic doctrine

    More than a dozen active duty and retired general officers formulated doctrine to support joint warfighting operations through the construct of a critical liaison to Air Force commanders called an Air Component Coordination Element Jan. 23 and 24 at Maxwell Air Force Base.The two-day "Gathering of

  • Outreach tour educates nation's top medical civic leaders

    Some of the nation's leading health care professionals recently got a close look at one of the most vital missions in the Air Force -- health care for the wounded. The tour, sponsored by the Secretary of the Air Force's National Civic Outreach office, brought representatives from national medical

  • Mountain Home blood donations help wounded warriors

    Mountain Home Air Force Base blood donors made a direct impact on wounded veterans returning from operations in Afghanistan and Iraq Jan. 23. Mountain Home AFB was one of only two military installations able to help replenish the depleted blood supply at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in

  • Airman's Roll Call highlights knowledge of benefits

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on empowering Airmen with information about their benefits. Air Force supervisors are responsible for providing counseling and feedback to the Airmen they supervise. Part of this is ensuring Airmen are equipped with the necessary knowledge to make informed

  • McChord Airmen provide lifeline in Pacific

    More than 140 Airmen from 446th Airlift Wing here are participating in the Pacific Lifeline exercise Jan. 26 through Feb. 9 in Hawaii. Pacific Lifeline is a total-force exercise designed to exercise the military's ability to rapidly arrive and leave a trained, equipped team anywhere in the Pacific

  • Troops to receive retroactive pay next month

    Active duty troops will receive retroactive earnings next month, followed weeks later by a supplemental payday for non-active personnel, a Pentagon official said today. The National Defense Authorization Act signed into law Jan. 28 by President Bush stipulates a 3.5 percent military pay raise. This

  • Abused Afghan woman to receive plastic surgery

    A 16-year-old woman brutally attacked by her husband in December is set to receive plastic surgery in Kabul following close coordination between the Afghan government and Provincial Reconstruction Team Qalat, a joint U.S. Air Force and Army unit here. Nazia Hookum Darr was beaten and disfigured by

  • Airmen help wounded troops survive journey home

    The Air Force Theater Hospital's 98 percent survivability rate for injured U.S. servicemembers would be meaningless if the wounded were unable to survive their journey out of the combat zone. Four years into the war, the process of saving lives and then safely transporting critically injured and ill

  • Arizona Air Guard to watch over Super Bowl

    Pilots assigned to the 162nd Fighter Wing's Alert Detachment at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., will fly air patrols and air defense deterrence missions in support of the Super Bowl XLII Feb. 3 in Glendale, Ariz. Arizona's Air Guardsmen are teaming up with the North American Aerospace Defense

  • Military health care rivals private industry, official says

    Providing troops quality health care through a military system that rivals and even outperforms the private sector is a top Defense Department priority, a senior Pentagon official said. In opening remarks to a packed auditorium at the Military Health System conference here Jan. 28, Dr. S. Ward

  • CMSAF focuses on Airmen development

    The Air Force's top enlisted leader emphasized the importance of each Airman's contributions, as well as their responsibilities in the development of their Airmen and their own careers during a Jan. 18 enlisted call at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Echoing the sentiments of the three Air Force

  • CENTAF commander applauds theater hospital Airmen

    The U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander and command chief had high praises for the Airmen manning the Air Force Theater Hospital during their tour here Jan. 26. Lt. Gen. Gary North and Chief Master Sgt. Richard Small recognized several of the hospital's top performers and showed their

  • Hockey: Army beats Air Force 2-1

    The U.S. Military Academy's Ken Rowe scored with 1:47 left in the third period as the Black Knights beat the U.S. Air Force Academy, 2-1, in an Atlantic Hockey Association game Jan. 27 at Tate Rink in West Point, N.Y. Air Force was swept for the first time all season and fell to 12-10-4 overall and

  • Holloman weapon loaders compete for last time on F-117

    The final F-117 Nighthawk Weapons Load Crew of the Year Competition put Holloman Air Force Base Airmen to the test Jan. 18. The competition placed 2006's quarterly winners against each other to determine which crew is the best of the year. The competition consists of a consolidated tool kit

  • ACC pilot hearing protection combines with headset

    Air Combat Command pilots are now using a new customized hearing protection system that not only protect the pilots' hearing but also provides a platform for radio communication. The ear plugs, known as Attenuating Custom Communications Earpiece System, are used by pilots in the cockpit and on the

  • AFPC civilian retires after 57 years service

    When Bill Ward first raised his hand to enlist in the Air Force, Harry S. Truman was president of the United States. Now, 58 years and 10 presidents later, he will retire Jan. 31. Mr. Ward, an assignments adviser at the Air Force Personnel Center here, developed an extensive personnel resume through

  • 'Today's Air Force' highlights the war on terrorism

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the war on terrorism, to include a deployment exercise in Northern Italy and readiness centers set up to help families cope with the deployment of mothers and fathers. Also featured is the impact of Air Force medical professionals throughout