Servicemembers prepare for Afghan deployments

Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers formed 12 Provincial Reconstruction Teams and are receiving training here as part of a 270-day rotation to Afghanistan in an effort to help rebuild the infrastructure and legitimize the Afghan government. Each PRT, consisting of a main body of Airmen or Sailors and an

Village of Hope training center graduates final class

A program designed to help "Sons of Iraq" citizen security group members learn skills that will enable them to help Iraq move forward graduated its final class of 60 students here Sept. 25. "The Village of Hope was part of a civil service corps program that took Sons of Iraq members from checkpoints

Hill employee convicted of bomb-making charges

A Hill Air Force Base, Utah, employee was convicted of bomb charges in a federal court Sept. 25 in Utah. Raymond Bradley Parr, a marketing director with the 75th Air Base Wing's Services Division, was arrested in September 2007 on suspicion of manufacturing and possessing explosive devices, some of

Recruiting group closes its doors

Air Force Recruiting Service officials are deactivating the 367th Recruiting Group here Oct. 1 as recruiting units are realigned from four groups into three and reducing recruiting squadrons from 27 to 24. AFRS officials are reorganizing health professions recruiting into 24 regional hubs throughout

Sept. 25 airpower summary: F-16s deter anti-Afghan militia

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-16A Fighting Falcon fired cannon rounds and a

AEF move to AFPC now complete

Air Force officials held a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony designating full operational capability for the Air and Space Expeditionary Force and Personnel Operations Directorate Sept. 26 at the Air Force Personnel Center here. The AEF Center, previously located at Langley Air Force Base, Va., became

Sept. 24 airpower summary: B-1Bs bomb enemy targets

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-31s

Financial Services Center officials work through challenges

The shift to processing pay and travel transactions at the newly established Air Force Financial Services Center here has caused some customers to see delays in the payments of travel vouchers and other transactions. "We are keenly aware of the impact that long processing time has on our Airmen and

Iraqis learn, overcome challenges of helo operations

Iraqi helicopter aircrews are increasingly in demand as Iraqi security forces assume responsibility of their nation's security from their American counterparts. These crews are trained at Taji Air Base, Iraq, using UH-1 Hueys and Mi-17 Hips, where they learn the ins and outs of helicopter

Military leaders discuss National Guard role

Air and Army Guardsmen from across 54 U.S. states and territories met to discuss current and future plans at the 130th conference of the National Guard Association of the United States Sept. 20 through 22 here. Some 2,000 citizen-Soldiers and citizen-Airmen heard from key military leaders including

Deployed Airman witnesses daughter's birth via Internet

For Airman 1st Class Roger Prokes, a patrolman with the 95th Security Forces Squadron here, being deployed didn't mean he would miss the birth of his daughter. Modern technology would see to that. "Just in case my husband wasn't back, I had spoken with the director of labor and delivery at my

Airpower integral to Kajaki Dam turbine delivery

Coalition airpower focused on a critical part of southern Afghanistan from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2 to protect more than 4,000 ground forces and to support the delivery of an electric turbine for the 30-year-old hydroelectric Kajaki Dam in the Helmand Province. The new turbine, part of a U.S.-funded

New battle gear improves capabilities for combat Airmen

Battlefield Airmen will soon receive a new equipment item that will improve their ability to execute their combat duties. The new airman battle system-ground is a tactical ensemble, or equipment item, for Airmen who perform their mission outside the wire in close coordination with ground forces. "It

Air Force Association honors AFMC during conference

Air Force Association officials presented awards to six individuals and one team from Air Force Materiel Command during AFA's 24th Annual Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition. The conference took place Sept. 15-17 in Washington, D.C. The commander of AFMC, Gen. Bruce Carlson was

Airmen to deliver 10,000th MRAP to troops

The 10,000th mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle is scheduled to be delivered to troops supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom Sept. 25 by Air Mobility Command Airmen.MRAPs were introduced in 2007, and AMC Airmen have been working around-the-clock planning, coordinating and executing

Civilian leaders learn strength of U.S. airpower in Europe

Civilian business and community leaders got firsthand and sometimes hands-on exposure Sept. 23 to U.S. Air Forces in Europe's multiple missions of supporting warfighters, building partnerships and strengthening its historic NATO ties. U.S. Air Forces, Europe, or USAFE, is as critical to U.S.

Sept. 23 airpower summary: A-10s deter insurgent activities

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

Brothers meet at 20,000 feet

Family reunions are always special, but for two brothers stationed at different bases in Southwest Asia their meeting at 20,000 feet over a combat zone is even more memorable. During the encounter Sept. 10, Capt. Jason Moraes, a KC-10 Extender pilot for the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, refueled his

Holographic research could enhance aircraft antennas

Air Force-funded researchers at HRL Laboratories in Malibu, Calif., are working on holographic impedance surfaces for antennas that will give aircraft improved aerodynamics. The team is using a design technique that is similar to how people make holograms, said Dr. Daniel Sievenpiper, the lead

Air Force officials announce team excellence awards

Air Force officials here recently announced the five teams selected for the 2008 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards. The awards recognize teams that used a systematic approach to enhance mission capability, improve operational performance, and create sustained results. Improvements made by the

Joint unmanned aircraft system mission crosses Atlantic

An Air Combat Command RQ-4A Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., made a trans-Atlantic flight Sept. 20 with the assistance of Navy officials. The 19-hour flight from Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., to Southwest Asia had Air

Special Operations Command earns multiple AFA awards

Air Force Special Operations Command officials here took home four awards during the Air Force Association's annual Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition held from Sept. 15 to 17 in Washington, D.C. Each year, AFA officials honor the outstanding achievements of men and women throughout

Airmen honor America's fallen

Crouched in the shade of an elm tree between the Washington Monument and World War II Memorial here, a major used portable communications equipment Sept. 20 to direct three F-15 Eagle pilots to fly over a national tribute to honor America's fallen and their families. "It was inspirational and

Ramstein Airman killed in Pakistan

An 86th Airlift Wing major from here was killed after a Sept. 20 explosion in Islamabad, Pakistan. Maj. Rodolfo Rodriguez, 34, of the 86th Construction and Training Squadron, was deployed to the area in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. "Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends

Reserve C-130s begin aerial spraying in Louisiana

An Air Force Reserve C-130 Hercules aircraft and 10 reservists from the 910th Airlift Wing are scheduled to begin aerial spray missions in Louisiana from here Sept 22. Barksdale AFB was chosen as the base of operations for the aircrews and maintenance personnel because of its proximity to the spray

Iraqi airmen keep helicopter fleet flying

An American Airman assigned to the 770th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron at Taji Air Base is helping Iraqi airmen learn how to be aircraft maintainers as the Iraqi air force takes steps to take off on their own.Tech. Sgt. Lee Everhart, an Mi-17 air adviser with the 770th AEAS, is part of the

Disabilities don't stop marathoners

A paralyzing injury from a motorcycle crash at age 20 took away Andy Houghton's ability to use his legs, but he still finished his first marathon Sept. 20. Mr. Houghton from Hollywood, Fla., completed the 26.2 mile 12th annual Air Force Marathon piloting a sleek handcycle equipped with a derailleur

Air Guard has 'turned the corner' after BRAC

Three years after the Base Realignment and Closure rulings, the Air National Guard is finally starting to settle down, the director of the Air National Guard said Sept. 17 here. "We're actually at a point in history where things have turned the corner," Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley told a crowd at the

Leaders pledge support to bring missing servicemembers home

On a small parade field at the steps of the Pentagon and across the river from the skyline of the nation's capital, top military and political leaders today pledged to continue looking for missing servicemembers no matter the cost. "Over the past 230-plus years, a promise has been made to the men

Baylor University ROTC unit celebrates 60th birthday

Already recognized as one of the nation's oldest Air Force ROTC units, Baylor University's Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 810 marked another milestone recently. The unit celebrated its 60th anniversary on the Baylor campus, commissioning 1,301 second lieutenants though the

USS Nassau delivers critical help to Galveston

Military heavy equipment and teams began arriving onshore here Sept. 18 as part of a tremendous assistance effort for an area devastated by Hurricane Ike. Teams from the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau began the process of bringing supplies, equipment and people ashore to help with cleanup

Airman gives aid at 37,000 feet

Today's Air Force prepares Airmen to be ready for any contingency, and often emergency situations arise at the most unexpected times. For Capt. Sam Millar, the 18th Operations Group Aeromedical Evacuation Branch chief, that situation arose about eight hours into a flight from Narita, Japan, to

JPAC teams serve on front lines of recoveries

Tech. Sgt. Valda Wilson is an Air Force photographer. But last month in a harvested wheat field in the village of Strass near Germany's Hurtgen Forest, she spent most of her days with her hands full of dirt. Sergeant Wilson is one of about 10 members of a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command team who

American Language Course graduates first class

Eighteen Iraqi airmen have accomplished one of the top training requirements for the Iraqi air force -- learning the English language. These airmen were the first to graduate from the American Language Course during a ceremony here Sept. 10. Because English is the international language for

Base officials to save $800,000 by changing light bulbs

Dover officials expect to save more than $800,000 a year with a new energy-saving initiative called Operation Change Out. The voluntary U.S. Department of Energy program suggests military facilities, like base residential areas, exchange incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent ones. "We're

Air Force 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Chiefs discuss issues at AFA symposium

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley and five command chief master sergeants from the major commands answered a variety questions during a Command Chief Master Sergeant Forum Sept. 16 at the 24th Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition. A few of the topics covered

General discusses role of Reserve

The Air Force Reserve Command's vice commander addressed a gathering of service members and civilians Sept. 16 during a presentation at the 24th Annual Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here. Maj. Gen. Allan R. Poulin discussed the command's role in the war on

Hanscom Airmen learn how to identify drugs to fight crime

Airmen of the 66th Security Forces Squadron here learned to recognize drugs and drug paraphernalia in the event they encounter them during their day-to-day duties during Sept. 17 and 18 training.Detective James Donovan, a narcotics officer with the police department of Saugus, Mass., showed Hanscom

Wilford Hall Airmen aid Hurricane Ike evacuees

Approximately 100 medics from Lackland Air Force Base worked around the clock Sept. 12 through 14 to assist with Hurricane Ike evacuees from the Gulf Coast region who arrived at Port San Antonio. Wilford Hall Medical Center members assigned to the 59th Medical Wing staff helped move 137

Secretary Gates examines close-air support at Bagram

Avoiding civilian casualties is a high priority for U.S. aircrews, the Defense secretary said Sept. 17 at Bagram Airfield. Secretary Robert M. Gates came to Bagram Airfield to get a full picture of the American aviation effort in Afghanistan. Civilian casualties from American and NATO bombing

Servicemembers to follow long absentee voting tradition

A pen-and-ink drawing in the Oct. 29, 1864, issue of Harper's Weekly portrayed a long line of Pennsylvania Soldiers outside their A-framed tents, each awaiting his turn to vote in the 1864 presidential election. Artist William Waud's rendering captured the high interest in the high-stakes election

Sept. 17 airpower summary: F-15Es deter enemy activity

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb

Sept. 16 airpower summary: A-10s perform shows of force

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a guided bomb

Louisiana Guard clears devastation in Cameron Parish

A military response team arrived here Sept. 15 to begin cleanup operations in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Members of the Louisiana Army National Guard's 528th Engineer Battalion, 921st Engineer Company, from Windsboro, La., arrived in Cameron Parish to begin the task of returning the area to a

Willow Grove unit completes last A-10 deployment

The Pennsylvania Air National Guard unit stationed at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, Pa., will be transitioning to a joint interagency installation as a result of the Department of Defense's 2005 Base Realignment and Closure recommendations. With the new mission coming onboard,

Air Force officials honor 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Air Force officials here recognized the service's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year at an awards dinner Sept. 15 during the Air Force Association's 24th Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here. The 2008 award recipients were drawn from 33 people representing major commands,

AF's top pastor discusses role of 'combat' chaplains

The Air Force's top chaplain said military chaplains are working hard in deployed environments to help ensure servicemembers have their constitutional right to worship God in their own way. Maj. Gen. Cecil Richardson, Air Force chief of chaplains, addressed attendees of the 2008 Air Force

Aerial spray team deploys to Louisiana

Ten reservists and an Air Force Reserve C-130 Hercules from here flew to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Sept. 17 to begin aerial spray missions throughout that state in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Another three specially equipped C-130s will deploy to Barksdale AFB Sept. 18. The base in Shreveport,

ACC runners seek 'niki' at Air Force marathon

Your heart feels like it's beating in your throat. Your shirt is soaked, and as you come around that last turn on the track, you feel great as you conquer your annual 1.5 mile fit test run. Now picture doing that 17 more times. On Sept. 20, several members of Air Combat Command will be doing just

Guard unit makes final preparations for Predator flights

Members of the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing here are now ready to begin training the Airmen on the MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft system. March Air Reserve Base officials expect to fly its first "live" training sortie in January from the former George Air Force Base, now known as Southern California

Air Force, Air National Guard partner for new mission

The Air Force and Air National Guard officials have agreed to establish a temporary mission qualification training detachment for the RC-12 aircraft at Key Field in Meridian, Miss. This mission, conducted by the Mississippi Air National Guard, will help bolster the Department of Defense's

Joint patrol provides Airmen with valuable knowledge

It's been more than 30 years since the Vietnam War ended and since the Air Force has been solely responsible for a base's defense in a war zone, but that's all about to change at Joint Base Balad by the end of September. The Air Force is taking responsibility for base defense from the Army, and to

Reserve rescue team pulls 17 from floodwaters

Air Force reservists assigned to the 331st Air Expeditionary Group, a inter-agency search and rescue unit based at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, rescued 17 people from Hurricane Ike flood waters Sept. 13 in a small Texas town.The reservists, deployed from the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force

General Schwartz kicks off AFA convention

The Air Force Association's 24th Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition got underway here Sept. 15. In remarks to open the conference, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz said service leaders will work to regain America's trust by improving its performance, citing work

Sept. 15 airpower summary: C-17s transport troops, cargo

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18C Hornets dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto

Father & son take to the air

It's not every day a father gets to dogfight against his son in a high-performance fighter aircraft, 20,000 feet over the Pacific Ocean. It's even rarer when the aircraft being flown by the son is the same tail number that the father flew almost thirty years earlier. That's exactly what happened

The 2008 AF Climate Survey launches Oct. 1

Have you ever wished you could tell your leaders what you think? That power will soon be at your fingertips with the launching of the 2008 Air Force Climate Survey Oct. 1-8. During that time, individual e-mail invitations will be sent out Air Force-wide that will include a survey link and

Phoenix Raven training highlights capabilities of security forces Airmen

For Staff Sgt. Ian Martin, the figure 1709 is more than just a number, it's the beginning of a new life.The number means the staff sergeant, who is from the 121st Security Forces Squadron at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, is the 1,709th person to become a Raven. Air Force security

Reservists fly Operation Deep Freeze Springfly missions

Ten reservists from the 446th Airlift Wing deployed Sept. 4 to Christchurch, New Zealand in support of Operation Deep Freeze, 2008-2009 Springfly. Springfly is the ODF ramp up phase to prepare buildings and equipment, as well as pave the overland traverse to the South Pole, in preparation for the

Ex-fighter pilot-led team trains flyers on data link network

A team of former fighter pilots and other experts are making sure F-15 and F-16 squadrons are fully prepared to use a sophisticated communication network critical to operational success across the globe. No U.S. fighter squadron can deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan without the critical data link

'Today's Air Force' features key milestones

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Air Force milestones in the war again terrorism and features the MQ-1 Predator passing 400,000 flight hours. Also, see how the Air Force continues to dominate airpower worldwide. In addition, witness how members of the Guard, Reserve and active units

Airmen, bears coexist on Hurlburt Field

Security forces members from Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base, along with local civilian officials, gathered at the weapons range learn bear aversion tactics from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission here recently. The training participants learned various techniques to

Sept. 14 airpower summary: F-15Es provide aerial surveillance

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb

Helicopter aircrews rescue hurricane victims

Airmen from the 129th Rescue Wing took off from Kelly Field in San Antonio Sept. 13 and helped rescue stranded victims of Hurricane Ike near Galveston, Texas. California Air National Guard members of the 129th RQW here are deployed to San Antonio to conduct search and rescue support operations

Navy, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard join forces for Ike rescues

Navy helicopter rescue crews positioned here participated in a joint search and rescue effort Sept. 13 flying missions in response to Hurricane Ike's Sept. 12 landfall on the Gulf Coast. The Navy teams flew multiple sweeps over hard-hit areas of Louisiana and Texas looking for signs of people in

Sept. 13 airpower summary: A-10s destroy targets

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet dropped a guided bomb unit-12 and

Rescue personnel fly first flights from Randolph

Three HH-60 Pave Hawks and aircrews belonging to the 331st Air Expeditionary Group took off from here earlier the afternoon of Sept. 13 carrying search and rescue personnel to the Galveston, Texas, area in the wake of Hurricane Ike. The flight marks the first of many that may leave from Randolph Air

JTF-129 Airmen rescue civilians stranded in Galveston

California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing here deployed to Kelly Field in San Antonio for Hurricane Ike search and rescue support operations rescued eight people Sept. 12 in Galveston, Texas. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter on search and rescue patrol spotted unevacuated civilians

Moving the money behind the mission

Moving the mission requires moving the money and a small unit here controls the purse strings to this key base in the area of responsibility. About 13 people in the 379th Comptroller Squadron manage the budget for the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and handle financial matters for those assigned here.

Little Rock AFB hub for hurricane aeromedical teams

Three C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 50th Airlift Squadron, 53rd AS and 62nd AS here were deployed Sept. 10 to perform aeromedical missions in preparation for Hurricane Ike's landfall in southern Texas with seven additional C-130s from the base on "standby" status. The aircrews transported

23rd Wing deploys rescue forces for Hurricane Ike response

As Hurricane Ike approached the Texas coast, the 23rd Wing began moving units on Sept. 11 to pre-stage for rapid rescue relief operations. The 23rd Wing is the only active-duty combat search and rescue wing in the Air Force. Units from the wing's two rescue groups, the 347th Rescue Group here and

Sept. 12 airpower summary: Predators keep watch

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-12s and

Special tactics unit arrives in Houston to aid Ike relief

Members of the Oregon Air National Guard's 125th Special Tactics Squadron arrived at the Reliant Center in Houston Sept. 12 to assist with Hurricane Ike relief efforts. The team's primary focus is to provide command and control where needed and work with other federal agencies to establish

Airmen stand ready to provide hurricane relief at Randolph

Airmen with the 331st Air Expeditionary Group are staged at Randolph Air Force Base ready to respond with aid Sept. 12 as Hurricane Ike bears down on the Texas coast. The group, made up of nearly 600 people, brings with it units and capabilities from across the Air Force. Among them are search and

Guard members in states of Ike's path ready, willing, able

National Guard members in Texas and four other states are preparing for the worst as Hurricane Ike looms just off the Gulf Coast Sept. 12. Guard members in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri have anticipated the problems associated with heavy rain and winds and will be ready to respond, said

'Landing Gear' aims to help at-risk Airmen

Air Force Medical Service officials are releasing a prevention education program that provides focused education specifically targeted at Airmen at risk for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, and other deployment-related mental health problems. Entitled Landing Gear, the training fulfills

Patrick Airmen ready to help Hurricane Ike victims

Airmen of the 920th Rescue Wing here flew two HH-60G Pave Hawks from Patrick Air Force Base to Gulfport, Miss., to preposition search and rescue aircraft to aid victims of Hurricane Ike Sept. 12. Airmen flew the two helicopters and two HC-130P/N Hercules long-range refueling aircraft will fly to

Sept. 11 airpower summary: A-10s keep vigilant watch

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator used Hellfire missiles against

C-17 crew lands after-dark landing in Antarctica

A C-17 Globemaster III aircrew from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., performed the first known after-dark landing in Antarctica using night vision goggles here Sept. 11. The McChord aircrew, consisting of active duty Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing and Reservists from the 446th Airlift Wing,

California Air National Guard assists Texas for Hurricane Ike

California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing here, already deployed to Ellington Field in Houston for Hurricane Ike search and rescue support operations, relocated Sept. 11 to Kelly Field in San Antonio because of Hurricane Ike's projected path. Assigned to Joint Task Force 129, the

MacDill AFB medical team supports hurricane relief efforts

A mobile aeromedical staging facility team from the 6th Air Mobility Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., arrived here Sept. 9 in support of Hurricane Ike evacuation efforts. Along with the MASF team, more than 200 state and federal assets and volunteers converged on Corpus Christi ahead of Ike in

Chief McKinley visits Wright-Patterson AFB

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley held an enlisted call at the base theater here Sept. 9 where he touched on a variety of topics, including the Air Force's near-term priorities. The enlisted call was part of his two-day visit to the base Sept. 8 and 9. During his visit, Chief

Pentagon Memorial opens to public

The Pentagon Memorial was dedicated and opened to the public in a solemn ceremony before thousands of servicemembers and civilians Sept. 11 here. The memorial honors the 184 people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks here seven years ago when Flight 77 was flown into the south side of the

Sept. 10 airpower summary: C-130s provide airlift support

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

Annual unit, organizational award winners announced

The Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council here recently recognized the following organizations for 2007 and 2008 Air Force unit awards for the periods indicated below: The Meritorious Unit Award to:-- The 3rd Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group for Dec. 13, 2006 through Nov. 25, 2007.

Future Airmen show commitment in record-making ceremony

Members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the 364th Recruiting Squadron partnered recently at the Travis Air Expo 2008 to conduct the largest Delayed Entry Program swearing-in ceremony to date. Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, the commander of the Air Force Thunderbirds, administered the oath of

Hurricane Hunters track Ike

Barreling toward the Texas coast, Hurricane Ike is regaining strength as officials along the Texas coast began evacuations of the first of millions of residents in the forecast path of the storm Sept. 10. Warm gulf waters contributed to renewed strength for Hurricane Ike after it passed over Cuba

Texas National Guard evacuates citizens for Hurricane Ike

Nine Air National Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft from three states configured for medical air evacuation began transporting special-needs patients from the Corpus Christi, Texas, area the morning of Sept. 10 in preparation for Hurricane Ike's expected landfall Sept. 13. The mission falls under Texas

Secretary Gates cancels air-refueling solicitation

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has cancelled the competition for the $35 billion Air Force tanker contract. Secretary Gates told the House Armed Services Committee Sept. 10 that he decided the contract cannot be awarded by January, and that rather than award a contract that will be contested, the

Operational "Integrity" - lessons from the AFSO 21 Frontlines

The U.S. Air Force faces intense operational demands and resource challenges that sit at the heart of the role that Air Force Smart Operations, or AFSO, plays in improving mission performance. We all understand the need to strengthen fighting capability, recapitalize, increase financial efficiency

International tattoo drums up excitement

Airmen from bases in Japan, Germany, Alaska, and Georgia came together to create the Air Force Total Force Band and performed at the 2008 International Wonju Tattoo Sept. 5 here. Maj. Matthew Henry, the Air Force Band of the Pacific commander, formed a marching band with members spanning the globe

Sept. 9 airpower summary: Predator fires missiles, disarm enemy

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped general purpose

F-35 cockpit demonstrator travels to Wright-Patterson

Aeronautical Systems Center personnel connected with the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program are "flying" the jet with the Sept. 8 arrival of the F-35 cockpit demonstrator here. The cockpit demonstrator is a traveling, working mock-up of the advanced jet's cockpit, complete with

Sensors researcher receives DOD honor

Air Force officials here announced in a Sept. 3 message that the Air Force nominee assigned to the Air Force Research Laboratory is the winner of the 53rd annual Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award. Edmund Zelnio from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, was selected for the

B-52s roar over Guam during bomber surge

Members of the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron flew surge missions and launched six of its B-52 Stratofortresses on a large scale training flights Sept. 4 and 5 from here. The training mission allowed crewmembers to practice more than the standard two-ship deconfliction plan while maintaining

When calamities arise, AFPC stands ready to reply

When natural disasters, emergencies or crisis situations overwhelm an Air Force base's communications capabilities, members of the Air Force Personnel Center here provide Airmen and their families instant toll-free accountability. Once activated, AFPC Operation Center-Personnel Readiness Cell

AFOTEC launches student intern program

The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center is partnering with the University of New Mexico here for a student intern program. The program is aimed at recruiting and training candidates for potential employment opportunities either within AFOTEC, the Air Force or other government

Sept. 8 airpower summary: A-10s bomb anti-Afghan forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped general purpose

Engineer's energy research may cut costs, increase efficiency

An Air Force Office of Scientific Research-funded mechanical engineer here has developed an inexpensive, efficient material that will enable electronic devices to quietly and motionlessly self-regulate temperature and convert excess heat into a power source. This new development could impact the