Joint STARS exceeds 23,000 flight hours

The 128th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron, one of three operational Joint Surveillance Target Attacks Radar System squadrons, recently reached a milestone of 23,000 flight-hours by flying missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Beginning on Jan. 16, 2003, the JSTARS

Moving claims now available online

Some people find some of their personal belongings have been lost or damaged after a move. In the past, lost and damaged goods claims have gone through base legal offices, but now Airmen can log onto the Air Force claims Web site and handle the process electronically. Airmen can use the Web site to

New combat squadron stands up at Little Rock

The 41st Airlift Squadron became the newest unit of the 463rd Airlift Group at Little Rock Air Force Base in a ceremony April 6 as well as being named the first active-duty combat C-130J Hercules squadron in the Air Force. The 41st AS moved here from Pope AFB, N.C., due to the Base Realignment and

Air Force goes digital with disciplinary training

When a person signs up for the military, he also signs up for a new system of justice.Although there are many similarities between the civilian and military justice systems, Congress wants to make sure you understand the differences and that's what the Air Force's new military justice training video

CMSAF kicks off USAFE tour with visit to Lajes Field

The top enlisted Airman began his tour of U.S. Air Forces in Europe installations during a visit here April 4 and 5. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley said he and his wife, Paula, enjoyed spending time with Airmen assigned to this island, which is located about 900 miles off the

Yokota students show precision, dedication

"Squad, halt!" The uniformed members in polished dress shoes marching in formation with shined-brown rifle stocks parading in a small gym come to a stomping halt. The nine young men and women stand at a position of attention. These young men and women aren't servicemembers -- they're high school

Weapons Airmen help pilots' firing accuracy

Putting steel on target is the aim of warfighters, and making sure F-16 Fighting Falcon guns hit the bull's-eye every time is the mission of weapon loaders at Misawa Air Base.In a process called boresighting, weapons Airmen ensure the path of bullets shot from the aircraft's 20mm cannon is aligned

Airmen help Djiboutians learn English

Airmen are building good working relationships with Djiboutians by teaching English to them six nights per week in downtown Djibouti City. "The English discussion group is basically a way for us to interact with the Africans and be able to establish a community relations program," said Senior Master

Airpower role essential in Africa

With a mission covering roughly two-thirds the span of the United States, airpower is a critical part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, according to the Air Force's top officer in U.S. Central Command. During his recent visit to Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Lt. Gen. Gary North, commander

Officials emphasize zero tolerance of sexual assault

Sexual assault is a crime that is incompatible with military values and will not be tolerated within the Defense Department, the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness said here April 3. David S.C. Chu kicked off the month-long DOD observance of sexual assault prevention during a

Coast Guardsmen thank Air Force ECMO team

The men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard are in the business of saving other people's lives. It is not very often that someone has to save the life of one of their own. But, on July 22, 2006, Airmen from Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, came to the rescue of one Coast

CSAF's Scope vectors on fifth-generation fighters

The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen, and the latest topic to come into view on the scope is fifth-generation fighters. Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues is the importance of maintaining air superiority

Hockey: Cadet chosen All-American by Inside College Hockey

A U.S. Air Force Academy cadet was selected as a first-team All-American by Inside College Hockey.com becoming the first Falcon hockey player ever named to an All-American team. Junior Eric Ehn, a center from Dexter, Mich., finished the season second in the nation in scoring with 1.6 points per

McChord Airmen embrace AFSO 21

In an effort to increase the tempo of generating aircraft that are prepped and ready for flight, Airmen in the 62nd Maintenance Group have teamed with Airmen in several other squadrons here to embrace Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century practices and smooth out flightline processes. The

CSAF discusses construction projects in testimony

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley met with members of the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs March 29 to discuss the service's construction efforts. General Moseley said the Air Force is committed to improving base infrastructure

Band makes impact on deployed members

Approximately 200 U.S. servicemembers and coalition forces March 30 here were treated to the sounds of Max Impact -- an ensemble of the U.S. Air Force Band from Bolling Air Force Base from Washington, D.C. The traveling music group has been making its rounds in the deployed area of responsibility

Air Force celebrates Month of the Military Child

They never raised their right hands and pledged to defend their nation, but they still make sacrifices for their country. The contributions of military children will be celebrated across the Defense Department as April is designated as Month of the Military Child, and the spirit of the event will be

Chief prepares for attaché assignment

At first, she didn't know all that much about the region, let alone what it would be like to be stationed in Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic. But for the past six months, Chief Master Sgt. Karen Doig has been training to do exactly that. Currently assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency,

Air Force engineer earns DOD award for cost-saving adaptor

A civilian engineer from the 402nd Electronics Maintenance Group here has won the 2006 Department of Defense Value Engineering Achievement Award. Marty Sheppard, the manufacturing engineer for the 402nd EMXG was chosen for the award by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and

Enlisted Perspective commemorates the 'first'

Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the appointment of the first chief master sergeant of the Air Force is the subject of the latest Enlisted Perspective by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. Chief McKinley said that as the first CMSAF, Paul Airey forged new paths for the

Air Force Reserve manpower authorizations reduced

Nearly 5,000 Air Force reservists will receive letters in April, telling them they have to make career decisions because of authorization reductions. To help pay for force modernization, the Air Force Reserve Command will reduce its manpower authorizations by 7,700 over the next four years. Part of

Troops embark on 'Why We Serve' public outreach mission

Eight servicemembers with duty experience in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa, who have been selected to tell the military's story to the American public, met with Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England here March 30. It's important and it's vital, particularly now," Secretary England told

Bilateral training strengthens U.S., Japanese alliance

Japan Air Self-Defense Force members frequently deploy to U.S. Air Force bases, and when they do, they need to know how to properly maintain equipment, even if it's not something they typically work on.That is why aerospace and ground equipment shop members recently took the time to get their

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's "Today's Air Force" focuses on Airmen in Afghanistan fighting alongside Soldiers, Sailors and Marines combining unique capabilities to the joint fight; how Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century seeks to decrease waste in daily operations; and the passing of one of the famed

Air Command and Staff College offers online master's degree

Air University's Air Command and Staff College begins offering an online master's degree program in June. For the first time ever, eligible officers will be able to enroll in an educational program that simultaneously fulfills Joint Professional Military Education and Air Force Intermediate

Eielson unit selected for process improvement study

Pacific Air Forces has selected the 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron to validate the new process oriented organizational structure directed by Air Staff. Eielson is one of only 12 test bases Air Force wide to be selected. This isn't the first time the service has taken new approaches to the way in

Recruiting, training key to future of Iraqi Air Force

Recruiting new airmen for the Iraqi Air Force presents several challenges. With the constant fear of being targeted by insurgents, those who want to serve fear what might happen to them or their families. However, the Iraqi Air Force is making headway, and Iraqi citizens are stepping up to serve

Baseball: AF drops 6-3 contest to Hawaii at Hilo

Air Force failed to hold a lead for the third game in a row, as Hawaii at Hilo rallied with a 6-3 win March 30 at Francis K. Wong Stadium here. The loss drops the Falcons to 5-23 on the season while the Vulcans improved to 8-23. The Falcons led 3-2 in the ballgame when Hilo rallied with three runs

GAO clears way to move forward on CSAR-X

The Government Accounting Office informed Air Force officials March 30 that all other protest issues surrounding the CSAR-X contract award have been denied. In a March 29 decision, the GAO denied all of the additional arguments raised by Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, "finding

Yokota teachers improving reading programs

Yokota AB's West Elementary school is improving education for military children by instituting a new workshop to improve reading. The new reading workshop was created by five first grade teachers at the school hoping to improve reading writing and comprehension skills for first grade students. "We

Air Force announces change to promotion study materials

The Air Force made major changes to the materials enlisted members use for reference and studying for promotion. The new guide, called the Professional Development Guide, replaces both the Promotion Fitness Examination and U.S. Air Force Supervisory Examination Study Guides -- officially known as

Tinker Airmen resume Sentry in Southwest Asia

Airmen of the 552nd Air Control Wing here deployed to support operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom at the end of March after a four-year hiatus from being in Southwest Asia. The last time Tinker AFB E-3 Sentrys deployed for OEF was 10 days after 9/11, and by October 2002 crews of the 552nd

Leaders discuss Air Force priorities

Representatives from Air Force major commands discussed Air Force initiatives, systems and operational issues that tie into the top three Air Force priorities during a press conference March 26 here. Fighting and winning the war on terrorism, developing and caring for Airmen, and recapitalizing and

New housing on the way for Spangdahlem

Airmen of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem AB are witnessing the base grow and improve as the Air Force is spending $83 million to rip up the old housing units and building new ones in their place. The 139 new homes will be completed by 2010 as demolition of old stairwell housing has been going

'Mod Squad' modernizes Moody's Pave Hawks

Installing a major modification on an aircraft usually means it has to leave the base and head to where the experts are, unless you can bring those experts to the aircraft. Some modifications are jobs for the "Mod Squad;" a four-man team of specialists whose mission is to plumb deep inside an

Deployments, assignments added to senior NCO board briefs

Two new sections are being added to senior noncommissioned officer evaluation briefs to give a snap shot of a person's career for promotion boards. Beginning with the Chief Master Sergeant Evaluation Board in October 2007, deployment and assignment histories will be included on all evaluation briefs

New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 finishes MEDRETE missions

Medics from California Air National Guard's 144th Medical Group treated 7,899 patients to complete the third and final Medical Readiness Training Exercise March 28 for New Horizons Nicaragua - 2007. New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 is a $7.25 million joint military humanitarian and training exercise

Mail call in Djibouti

Nothing is more anticipated in the military than the sound of "mail's here." Mail call is a service member's lifeline, especially in such a remote area. But here in the Horn of Africa, the proverbial mailman has taken on quite a different look. With more than 5,000 pounds of mail -- filling up two

Cannon volunteers lend helping hands in wake of disaster

With residents of Clovis, N.M., reeling from the destruction and devastation of a March 23 tornado, base members here stepped up to offer help to their host city in a time of need. The tornado was one of 13 confirmed tornadoes to thunder across the eastern New Mexico plains that night, said James

GPS-driven dropsondes improve airdrop accuracy

An emerging technology is making airdrops around the world more accurate. Called dropsondes, they not only improve aircrew capabilities, they also keep troops safe downrange. "A dropsonde is merely a meteorological device that we use to collect weather information from the altitude of the plane to

Spangdahlem driver course teaches Airmen to keep control

New steps toward driving safety are being taken here to keep Airmen in control when behind the wheel.The Spangdahlem Air Base safety office is taking the next step in keeping USAFE Airmen safe on the road by installing the new Skid Monster Driving System on two vehicles they are using as part of the

CSAF's Scope highlights warfighting ethos

The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen.Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues is the Airmen's warfighting ethos. "At our core, we are disciplined, agile, combat-focused and expeditionary," General Moseley said.

Missile defense system protects United States, allies

The United States has been fielding a missile defense system aimed toward defending itself, its deployed forces and its allies against emerging threats, a top Air Force official said March 28. "We initially turned our attention to North Korea because we felt that that had the higher sense of

USAFE officials forge relations with Russian air force

Twenty years ago the idea of Russian and U.S. Air Force leaders flying together and exchanging ideas was almost implausible. That implausibility is now a reality -- one focused on cooperation and bilateral relations. Top Russian air force leaders visited U.S. Air Forces in Europe March 20 to 23 to

New facility aids transition to enduring presence

The transition toward an enduring presence in Southwest Asia requires efficient long-term planning, such as prepositioning equipment in warehouses similar to back at home stations in order to meet the high operations tempo. This line of thinking has led 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness

Joint Warfare Center tests new tools in exercise

The Joint Warfare Center in Stavanger, Norway, might be half a world away from Afghanistan, but it's where the journey begins for a NATO battle staff headed downrange to fight the war on terrorism. The JWC relies on exercises like Enabler 2007 to prepare those officers for the challenges that await

Whiteman Reserve unit teams up with Spangdahlem pilots

The Reserve's 442nd Fighter Wing is once again partnering with the 81st Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.Twenty pilots from the 81st FS, part of the 52nd FW, started flying with the 442nd FW at Whiteman AFB in February and will continue through the beginning of May.  "It's a

Iraqi air force takes flight with help from U.S. Airmen

The Iraqi air force is taking off once again with the help of U.S. Air Force Airmen who serve with the Coalition Air Force Transition Team in Iraq. The U.S. Air Force's contribution to enabling the Iraqi air force to build and sustain itself is focused through the CAFTT, composed of four Air Force

Spouses to Teachers program expands to Pacific region

Military spouses living overseas and interested in a professional and portable teaching career now have additional assistance with the Spouses to Teachers program. Effective throughout the U.S. Pacific Command since Feb. 1, Spouses to Teachers offers resources and counseling to military spouses

Baseball: Air Force falls to Hawaii at Hilo 9-3

After scoring two runs in the first inning, the bats fell silent for Air Force, as the Falcons dropped a 9-3 non-conference baseball contest at Hawaii at Hilo March 27 at Francis K. Wong Stadium here. The loss drops the Falcons to 5-21 on the season while the Vulcans improve to 6-23. Hilo's pitching

Falcons lose heartbreaker to Clemson in NIT semifinals

With 1.2 seconds remaining and Air Force down by one point, a hush went over the crowd March 27 at Madison Square Garden as Clemson tried frantically to inbound the ball to end the game. After Clemson forward K.C. Rivers moved rapidly along the baseline, he finally found forward David Potter who

B-52s participate in Green Lightning, Australian air show

Andersen Airmen flew to the land 'down under' this week to demonstrate the capability and flexibility of the B-52 Stratofortress bomber to their Australian partners. They completed a series of scheduled Green Lightning exercise sorties at the Delamere Bombing Range while also providing aerial

Golf: AF finishes 13th at CU-Stevinson Ranch Invitational

Firing a three-round score of 939, the Air Force golf team finished in 13th place at the University of Colorado Stevinson Ranch Invitational March 27 at the par-72, 7,206-yard Stevinson Ranch Golf Club. Wichita State captured the team title with a score of 881 (+19), while Illinois State's Matt

Air Force leaders gather for Four Star Conference

Air Force senior leaders gathered here March 23 for the Four Star Conference to discuss the service's top challenges, opportunities and priorities.Topics ranged across a diverse set of issues, from how the Air Force develops and sustains warfighting systems to how moving targets are attacked,

Airmen answer calling for Air Force chaplaincy

Second Lieutenants Brian Wood and Derek LaBranch are men with a passion for God and country. Because of a relatively new Air Force recruiting program and the blessings of their hometown churches, the Diocese of Lubbock, Texas, and the Diocese of Sacramento, Calif., respectively, both men will be

Air Force chef to appear on 'Emeril Live'

What do an award-winning chef, southern cuisine with a modern flair and a top-notch NCO all have in common? They are some of the ingredients that make up Tech. Sgt. Wesley Williams, who on April 6 will be on the set of 'Emeril Live.'Sergeant Williams entered and won a contest initiated by Emeril's

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's "Today's Air Force" includes features focusing on retention, the first Air Force Week of 2007 and what products are used for AF Strategic Communications.The long-format, weekly news show tells Air Force stories in more depth. The program is made up of three segments and each runs

AFSO 21 money-saving initiative increases capabilities

A cross-squadron team of Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing have succeeded in another Air Force Smart Operations 21 initiative that will continue to increase combat capability for the wing, and save money which can be diverted into Air Force recapitalization priorities. An initiative was

Air Force plans to develop revolutionary engine

Air Force Research Laboratory engineers have outlined a five-year timeline for a new, adaptive engine that will enable pilots to switch from high speed combat maneuvers to long-range persistence mode as effortlessly as a bird in flight. AFRL's Propulsion Directorate recently issued a Broad Agency

Academy Falcons: It's up to you, New York

The U.S. Air Force Academy men's basketball team arrived on the East Coast March 23 to compete in the Mastercard National Invitation Tournament semifinals here.After spending March 24 touring West Point and meeting with their Army counterparts, the cadets traveled to New York City to meet

America's armed forces NCOs are leaders, too

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff emphasized just how important U.S. military leaders believe noncommissioned officers are by including his senior enlisted advisor in all his talks with senior Japanese and Chinese leaders. Marine Gen. Peter Pace made sure that Army Command Sgt. Maj. William

Air Force announces milestone in force transformation

The secretary of the Air Force and chief of staff recently announced the completion of the next phase of Total Force Integration initiatives after discussions with Airmen from active-duty, Guard and Reserve organizations. Total Force Integration initiatives and their changes to the Air Force are

Bagram PRT rebuilds Afghanistan one school at a time

The Air Force-led Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team attended a ceremony March 26 marking the first day of class at a high school in Kapisa Province. The PRT also donated approximately 3,000 pine and fruit trees and boxes of school supplies. Both gestures were in support of the Afghan New Year

Air Force Week ends with show of force

Air Force Week ended here March 25 when the second day of  "The Show of Force '07 - From Heritage to Horizons Air Show" culminated. Aerial demonstrations consisted of more than 17 performers each day of the two-day event, but before they got off the ground, Brig. Gen. Noel "Tom" Jones, commander of

Spangdahlem extending medical care to Bitburg Annex

When the Bitburg Annex Hospital closes July 1, the 52nd Fighter Wing will have extended-care clinics using local German hospitals, to care for the medical needs of more than 19,000 servicemembers, civilians and their families. "In all reality, for most of our patients, they will see virtually no

A-10 modifications speed up to support warfighters

The Air Force will soon benefit from an A-10 Thunderbolt II milestone achieved here in March. Personnel from the 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron completed a precision engagement modification on an A-10 14 days ahead of schedule.The modification gives the A-10 precision weapons capability through

Old windshields new protection for Kirkuk tower guards

The 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron structures department team put their heads together to come up with a better way to protect the Airmen who guard the base. By placing 3-inch thick, 260-pound safety glass with a titanium frame in the windows of the newly designed guard towers, the

Open house showcases military might, yesterday's heritage

Nearly 500 visitors met current-day met warriors and a living legend during the March 22 open house at Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico. Military members and equipment, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol air assets, and an historic C-54 with Berlin candy bomber retired Col. Gail

340th EARS keeps aircraft in fight 24/7

Despite the age of the KC-135 Stratotanker, one of the Air Force's top recapitalization priorities,  the role of the Airmen in the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron to refuel coalition aircraft has proven critical to the U.S. Central Command mission. As enablers, the refuelers make every

C-17 crew plays part in Marine homecoming

Having left Germany hours earlier, the Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, C-17 Globemaster III, "Spirit of Go for Broke" made the longest journey of her one-week trip to and from Iraq, chasing the setting sun in a 14-and-a-half hour trip across the Atlantic Ocean to Camp Pendleton, Calif. About four

Air Force selects developer for Langley privatization

Langley took another step toward privatization when the Air Force announced BLB Family Housing, LLC, as the highest bidder for Langley's Military Housing Privatization Initiative recently. BLB, a venture between Hunt ELP, Ltd. and Pinnacle American Management Services, will be responsible for

Hockey: Gophers ground Falcons' season in 3rd period rally

For 56 minutes and 24 seconds David outplayed Goliath. But, it took Goliath, a.k.a., No. 2-ranked and top West Region seed Minnesota, only the remaining time to regroup and repel the 2007 NCAA Hockey Tournament's David, Air Force. The Golden Gophers, (31-9-3) appearing in their NCAA-record 31st

Air Force legend Col. Chase Nielsen passes away

Retired Lt. Col. Chase J. Nielsen, one of the famed "Tokyo Doolittle Raiders" who helped boost American morale in the early days of World War II with a surprise air attack on Japan and spent a lifetime as an advocate for American airpower, died March 23 at his home in Brigham City, Utah. Born Jan.

Airmen mentor Afghan National Army soldiers

At the Kabul Military Training Center, Airmen among other U.S.military service members are supporting the Afghan National Army's progress into a full, independent military. Nineteen Air Force personnel at KMTC contribute to that effort by mentoring ANA soldiers into professional military members.

NORAD, USNORTHCOM welcome new commander

Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. became the 20th commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and the third commander of U.S. Northern Command in a change-of-command ceremony here March 23. Defending the homeland and providing defense support of civil authorities are top priorities for

'Week in Photos' highlights Airmen in action

The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions. While in Iraq, Senior Airman David Hallmon inspects unused ammunition at Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq. All unserviceable ammo is sent to the explosive ordnance disposal team for detonation.

PACAF band entertains at Indian Air Force jubilee

For the Indian Air Force's 75th anniversary, the Pacific Air Forces rock group "Pacific Trends" joined military bands from India, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand to perform at the Indian Air Force Platinum Jubilee Tattoo here March 17. This was one of the final performances of Pacific Trends in

Captain earns spot on DOD speakers tour

An officer from the 33rd Fighter Wing is one of two Air Force members selected for a new Department of Defense program. Capt. Michael Frasco, a flight commander in the wing's 33rd Maintenance Operations Squadron, joins representatives from each military service in the "Why We Serve" Speakers

Air Force launches 'E-Mail for Life' initiative

Air Force Communications Agency officials are launching an initiative called E-Mail for Life, or E4L. The program is projected to save money, jumpstart the consolidation of the service's multiple e-mail systems and provide senior leaders the capability to e-mail every Air Force member directly."The

DOD investigates hacking of troops' personal computers

Defense Department officials have launched an investigation into recent computer hackings of servicemembers' home computers that compromised personal information and led to the redirection of funds from their military pay accounts. Over the past eight months, nearly two dozen Defense Finance and

Baseball: Falcons lose lead, game to San Diego State, 12-9

The Air Force baseball team (5-19, 0-4) failed to hold a 6-4 lead as San Diego State (16-11, 1-0) scored eight runs in the seventh inning to pull out a 12-9 win over the Falcons in Mountain West Conference baseball action March 22 at Falcon Field. The loss spoiled a two-homer, six-RBI day by senior

Air Force program delivers a touch of home

Representatives from Armed Forces Entertainment flocked to Austin for the 2007 South by Southwest, or SXSW, music and film festival. Their mission was to recruit new talent for their tours that travel around the globe. The groups are not paid to participate, but all of their expenses are covered and

Stepping up foreign language, cultural awareness for Airmen

Air Force officials are broadening their vision of the expeditionary Airman. Armed with a wide range of combat skills, serving multiple deployments in wartime theaters, this leaner, more agile Airman must now learn to navigate the global cultural landscape. "Our Air Force needs Airmen who can

March 22 airpower: Weapons loaders put bite into fight

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 22.In Afghanistan March 21, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on enemy forces in a treeline, an enemy compound, four separate buildings and a cave entrance near Sangin. A joint

Joint forces volunteers donate time, goods

Volunteers made a community relations trip to a refugee camp on the outskirts of Afghanistan's capital city and successfully distributed clothes and toys. More than 40 U.S. and coalition servicemembers and Department of Defense civilians donated their time and effort to distribute the goods to

Blue uniforms continue presence in Puerto Rico

Since 1939, an American blue uniform presence has been on Puerto Rico to maintain a military force and to deter enemy forces from here or the homeland. From 1939 to 1973, Air Force bluesuiters were stationed at what was once called Ramey Air Force Base in the northwest corner of Puerto Rico.  When

Med Evac flies first non-stop from Afghanistan to Germany

The first non-stop medical evacuation flight from Bagram Air Base to Landstuhl, Germany, lifted off March 21. The lengthy three- to five-day route from Bagram AB through Kuwait to Landstuhl has been reduced to an approximate 10-hour direct flight to provide faster service to wounded servicemembers

Falcons reach NIT final four in NYC

Air Force handily won its first two games in the National Invitation Tournament, but had to survive a nail biter to advance to the semifinals. Jacob Burtschi's lay up with 7.7 seconds left was the game winner as the Falcons held on for a dramatic 52-51 win over DePaul March 21, in front of an

Track & Field: Korte named MWC athlete of the week

Air Force senior thrower Olivia Korte is the Mountain West Conference Women's Outdoor Track and Field Athlete of the Week, the league office announced March 21.  It is the second such honor for Korte, who joins New Mexico's Anthony Fairbanks, who earned the men's weekly honor. Korte is the top

Wrestling: Crozier, Devlin named to WWC all-conference team

The Western Wrestling Conference announced March 21 its inaugural All-Conference teams for the 2006-07 season. U.S. Air Force Academy cadets selected to the conference's third-team with their finish at the 2007 NCAA West Regional March 3 were Stephen Crozier, a sophomore from Monona, Iowa, and Jacob

Airborne Laser fires tracking laser, hits target

The YAL-1A Airborne Laser, a modified Boeing 747-400F, successfully test fired its target illuminator laser March 15 during a five-hour test flight. The mission and test firing represented the Airborne Laser's first in-flight external laser firing, and used the NC-135E "Big Crow" test aircraft to

C-17 missions play vital role in war on terrorism

Sitting on the tarmac here, the "Spirit of Go for Broke," a C-17 Globemaster III from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, looks like any other of its kind.Large, grey, boxy, with expansive wings ending in a curved wingtip, this C-17 is one of eight aircraft jointly maintained and operated by both active

Afghan generals visit Air Force training squadron

Several key leaders from the Afghan National Army toured here March 16 in order to gain a stronger understanding of key communication areas to help their training programs in Afghanistan. Afghan National Army Maj. Gen. Mehrab Ali, Brig. Gen. Baba Mirza and Col. Said Farooq Yosuf Zai came to Keesler

Air Force fosters "warrior ethos" in all Airmen

Whether it's the recent changes to basic military training, continual preparation for deployments, engaging in combat or new and better uniforms, Air Force leaders are instilling a warrior mindset in Airmen. That warrior ethos -- the foundation of what it means to be an Airman -- traces its roots to

New GPS-guided airdrops aid aircrew accuracy

Mobility aircrews now have a new tool which uses Global Positioning System, or GPS, to help them deliver cargo more accurately and safely in deployed theaters of operation. The Joint Precision Airdrop System, or JPADS, allows airdrops to be conducted from higher altitudes with improved accuracy,

Football: Air Force Academy's 2007 schedule released

The 2007 Air Force Academy football schedule, released March 21 by the Mountain West Conference, features 12 consecutive weeks of play and 11 televised games. Five of the games are nationally televised while six others are regional. The Falcons also will play two Thursday night games, one at home,

Hill AFB welcomes deployed Airman at Warrior Welcome

Members of the 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron, friends and family rallied around more than 50 Airmen who recently redeployed from various locations during a Warrior Welcome gathering here March 15. Those at the Warrior Welcome party acknowledged recently returned members from deployment, those

AFSO 21 officials offer 'Views You Can Use'

The Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century office created a new product to keep Airmen informed about AFSO 21. The new "Views You Can Use" is a monthly informational product AFSO 21 officials hope will spotlight useful AFSO21 concepts and successes stories. "Our job as America's Airmen is

Former CMSAF Murray joining retiree council

A new face will share the head of the Air Force Retiree Council table at its annual meeting May 14 to 18. Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray, who left active duty in October, succeeds CMSAF Frederick J. Finch as council co-chair with Lt. Gen. Donald L. Peterson. The

New Horizons provides aid, strengthens bonds