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U.S. Air Force News

  • Guardian Challenge awards announced

    Guardian Challenge, the Air Force's premier space and missile competition, reached its zenith after dinner the evening of May 9 as competitors anxiously awaited the results of the contest. Riding a wave of enthusiastic chanting, Gen. C. Robert Kehler, the commander of Air Force Space Command, took

  • Air Force counter-biological warfare reaches milestone

    The Air Force counter-biological warfare concept of operations recently reached a critical milestone, achieving initial operational capability across the service. "It results from six years of analysis and testing," said Col. Steve Lucky, chief of the Air Force Strategic Plans & Policy Division at

  • Misconceptions about social networking Web site cleared up

    In recent months, erroneous information has circulated around the Air Force about the commercial social networking Web site airforce.togetherweserved.com. The inaccurate information first appeared in an operational security briefing that received wide dissemination across the Air Force, primarily

  • First wave of ROTC field training gets underway

    More than 360 ROTC cadets, mostly upcoming juniors from 144 colleges nationwide, kicked off the first wave of summer field training May 8 at Maxwell Air Force Base. In the next three months, Air Force ROTC officials forecast more than 2,300 cadets will participate in the annual training that serves

  • Prepositioning weapons at Balad to save $1.3 million

    Balad Air Base has been chosen by Air Force leaders to be the test base for a weapons prepositioning initiative expected to save the Air Force approximately $1.3 million per year in transportation costs. This initiative involves the prepositioning of M-9s and M-16s that will allow certain Airmen to

  • Airmen, Soldiers hone skills of Afghanistan National Police

    A Parwan Police Mentoring Team traveled to Dandar, a small village in the Parwan province of Afghanistan, May 8 to instruct  members of the Afghanistan National Police on hand-to-hand combat, community policing, coordination-cell training and criminal investigation. The PMT is a highly-efficient

  • A vote for Bill is a vote for Air Force's NASCAR No. 21

    The Air Force-sponsored Wood Brothers Racing Team announced their participation in a NASCAR campaign that runs ahead of the May 17 All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C. Racing enthusiasts and fans alike can log on to the NASCAR Web site to vote for Bill Elliott, the driver

  • Individual deployment information now visible on vMPF

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here have taken another step to support Airmen and ensure all members know their air expeditionary force deployment status. Airmen can now access this information through the center's virtual military personnel flight, or vMPF. This capability provides real-time

  • Alaska ANG KC-135s provide 'edge' anytime, anywhere

    Between eight and 12 KC-135 Stratotankers from Eielson Air Force Base depart each day, providing fuel to as many as 18 aircraft in one mission for Northern Edge 2008.The missions, flown by the Alaska Air National Guard's 168th Air Refueling Wing, deliver the fuel aircraft need to remain engaged in

  • FOL Manta helps give away 6,500 backpacks

    Members of Forward Operating Location Manta helped give away 6,500 backpacks that were purchased recently by U.S. Embassy officials in Quito, Ecuador, for underprivileged children. Embassy officials selected 23 schools with underprivileged children in Manabí province in areas affected by flooding:

  • First C-130 crew provides humanitarian assistance to Burma

    A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules loaded with emergency relief supplies touched down at Rangoon International Airport in Burma May 12 in support of national disaster relief efforts following Tropical Cyclone Nagris that swept through Burma May 2. An aircraft was loaded with 8,300 bottles of water, two

  • Pararescueman receives 2008 Pitsenbarger Award

    The Air Force Sergeants Association has named Tech. Sgt. Davide Keaton, an Air Force pararescueman at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., as its 2008 Pitsenbarger Award recipient. AFSA's Pitsenbarger Award annually recognizes Air Force enlisted members who perform heroic acts, on or off duty, that result in

  • Airmen participate in Ultimate Caduceus 08

    When an improvised explosive device "detonated" along Seattle's Alaskan Way Viaduct on May 1st, the ensuing blast and chemical truck explosion sent deadly methyl isocyanate into the air, causing hundreds of deaths and thousands more injured and sick. At least on paper. Ultimate Caduceus 08, part of

  • Airmen ready to render aid to Burma

    About 45 members of the 36th Contingency Response Group took a seven-hour flight to Utapao Air Base, Thailand, to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Burma. Published reports indicate more than 100,000 people were killed after a cyclone caused massive flooding in southern Burma May 3.

  • 'Today's Air Force' features AF Personnel Center

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights a 21st-century administration facility. With the advancement in technology; the Air Force Personnel Center has facilitated the move of many administrative issues making it easier for Airmen to access important information. While Air Force people

  • Defense forum highlights need for scientists, engineers

    Air Force and U.S. officials forecast a serious shortage of scientists and engineers. That assessment was made by Joe Sciabica, executive director of the Air Force Research Laboratory, during a Regional Defense Forum here May 6. About 370 business and government leaders attended the event to foster

  • Guardian Challenge competition kicks off with spirit

    Guardian Challenge, the only space warfighter competition in the Air Force, is 17 years old and going strong. The competition pits the best-of-the-best space warfighters against each other, determining the top space wing teams in the Air Force. About 500 participants, supporters and local

  • AF Marathon officials spread word about upcoming event

    Officials from the U.S. Air Force Marathon office made a stop at the Pentagon May 6 and 7 to increase awareness for the Sept. 20 event held at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. This is the twelfth year for the annual marathon, and officials hope to make it the biggest year yet. "Our

  • Air Force units poised to support Pacific disaster relief

    Air Force assets are in place at Utapao Air Base, Thailand, to support a potential relief mission in Burma. Forty-five members of the 36th Contingency Response Group from Andersen Air Base, Guam, stand ready to deliver food and a water purification system as well as medical and engineering

  • Robins NCO Academy prepares to close

    The Robins Air Force Base Noncommissioned Officers Academy officially closes May 20, one of several academies that have closed or are closing soon. The school started decreasing its staff a few months ago when the staff learned about the pending inactivation, said Chief Master Sgt. Roy Lapioli, the

  • New wings to secure A-10 longevity

    New wings are the answer to Air Force concerns on the aging A-10 Thunderbolt II, an airframe flying since 1975. Air Force officials awarded a contract to Boeing last year requiring 242 new A-10 wings constructed and delivered to depots for installment on the thin-skinned airframes by 2011. Not all

  • Fitness 'In Training' program helps runners achieve goals

    Air Force fitness has a new program that may improve Airmen's running goals. The "In Training" program, accessible from the Air Force Fitness Web site, www.usafsports.com, has guides for runners of all fitness levels. New runners can use the program to learn how easy it is to start a training

  • Generals address Minot Airmen

    Two Air Force generals spoke to more than 1,000 5th Bomb Wing Airman May 2 here to remind them of their mission's importance to the nation and to motivate them for an upcoming Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, and Gen. John D.W.

  • Pentagon seeks to fund research in national security

    Defense Department officials here are developing a proposal to finance university research on national security-related issues, a senior Pentagon official said May 7. The Minerva Consortia, as it's called, would have the academic and intellectual communities focus on certain physical and social

  • Dover Air Force Base cited as premier installation

    The premier installations from each military service and the Defense Logistics Agency were recognized at a Pentagon award ceremony May 8. John J. Young Jr., undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, presented the Commander in Chief's Annual Awards for Installation

  • AFPC Airmen help wounded warrior improve quality of life

    Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro's injuries from Afghanistan wouldn't allow him to build the gate he needed at his home in Cibolo, Texas. Instead, he turned to Operation Homefront, which asked volunteers from the Air Force Personnel Center here to make the needed changes to his home April 30. Operation

  • Secretary marks 10th annual Military Appreciation Month

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates marked the 10th annual Military Appreciation Month May 8 and thanked those who support America's troops through the Defense Department's America Supports You program. "This month marks the tenth anniversary of the U.S. Senate establishing May as a month to honor our

  • Portable electronic power initiative energizes possibilities

    An Air Mobility Battlelab initiative could "energize" new possibilities for aeromedical evacuations in the future. Termed the Portable Electronic Power Supply for Aeromedical Evacuations, or PEPSAE, initiative, it addresses a problem of heavy and cumbersome avionic frequency converters used to power

  • 2007 Chaplain Service Award winners announced

    The chief of Air Force chaplains has announced the winners of the annual Air Force Chaplain Service Awards program for 2007. Winners were recognized in individual categories for both active and Reserve components, and Airmen at three chapels earned recognition as the Chaplain Service's most

  • Servicemembers support El Salvador disaster relief exercise

    A forward-deployed team of more than 20 Joint Task Force-Bravo Airmen and Soldiers set up shop here May 4 to support a regional disaster relief exercise involving military and civilian agencies from throughout the Western Hemisphere. Designated Fuerzas Aliadas Humanitarias 2008, the U.S. Southern

  • Hill environmental team earns DOD award

    A team of environmental specialists here has been named the best Environmental Quality Team in the Department of Defense. The 21-member group, part of the 75th Civil Engineer Group Environmental Division, includes biologists, an archaeologist, several engineers and other managers who oversee Hill

  • Airmen fight to reduce flight delays for troops coming home

    Airmen of the 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center here recently have eliminated most flight delays resulting from the loss of commercially contracted airlift support to Air Mobility Command from ATA Airlines Inc., a member of a Federal Express team. "18th Air Force and AMC have pulled out all the

  • U.S., British Reaper operations combined in Afghanistan

    Since taking flight for the first time here in October 2007, Reapers have flown more than 320 missions and 2,400 combat hours throughout Afghanistan, providing close-air support and precision engagement. The unit contributing to this effort is the 42nd Expeditionary Attack Squadron, a combined unit

  • Workforce cuts drive shift in personnel services delivery

    Personnel Services Delivery and Program Budget Decision 720 are two key programs that continue to push significant transformation in the Air Force. One of the newest changes making its way here is a product of both the streamlined personnel processes and increased manpower cuts resulting from PSD

  • U.S. military ready to provide aid for stricken Burmese

    A flotilla of U.S. Navy vessels, rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, U.S. Air Force planes and thousands of servicemembers are ready to assist Burma's cyclone-stricken people, if asked, a senior Defense Department official said here May 7. "We still are prepared and stand ready to provide assistance if

  • Letter to Airmen highlights attention to mission

    In the latest Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force reflects on how attention to the mission allows Airmen to meet the demanding air, space and cyberspace challenges of today. "At every level of action, mission success requires clear goals, defined objectives, and an innate grasp of how

  • New Joint Staff team evaluates wounded warrior programs

    A joint team formed by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is looking at the broad range of care and support services for wounded warriors to find any gaps and tap into best practices to share across the force. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen stood up the Joint Staff Wounded Warrior Integration Team in

  • Air Force, military photographers recognized with special exhibit

    Several Air Force photographers recently found themselves in an unfamiliar position: In front of the cameras. The photographers, whose work is featured in a new exhibit,  "On the Other Side of the Lens ... Military Photographers in Action," were special guests at the opening May 1 at the National

  • Civil engineers enhance El Salvador exercise with imagery

    Two Joint Task Force-Bravo civil engineers provided damage assessment for humanitarian purposes during a regional disaster relief exercise involving military and civilian agencies May 5 here. Flying aboard a JTF-Bravo UH-60 Blackhawk, the engineers used an automated route reconnaissance kit, called

  • Applicants sought for air attache duty

    Air Force officials here are accepting applications until June 13 from senior captains, majors and lieutenant colonels to fill 19 air attache positions with in-country reporting dates from June 2010 to February 2011. Officers selected for attache duty will attend training during the period of

  • Medal of Honor recipient receives diploma

    Don't let the education office fool you; there are some people out there who have become commissioned officers without having their bachelor's degrees. Retired Col. Bernard Francis Fisher, a Medal of Honor recipient, received his diploma in fine arts from the University of Utah during a

  • 15th generation rabbi: Helping servicemembers keep faith

    The candle flame danced a slow mesmerizing dance as it flickered from one side of the wick to the next. The light softly illuminated his face as his silhouette became a portion of the projection behind him -- images of Holocaust victims. Soft-spoken yet with a stern demeanor, Rabbi (Capt.) Raphael

  • Air National Guard unit earns 'Star' rating

    Occupational Health and Safety Administration officials announced April 30 the Air National Guard's 148th Fighter Wing earned the prestigious Voluntary Protection Program Star status. The 148th FW from Duluth is the first unit in the Air Force to earn the VPP Star rating, which demonstrates a

  • Air Force officials release findings on F-15 accident

    Pacific Air Forces officials here released the results of its investigation May 6 of the F-15D Eagle crash that occurred approximately 60 miles off of Oahu Feb. 1. The accident investigation board, convened by PACAF officials, determined that there was no clear and convincing evidence to determine a

  • Medical training exercise supports Partnership for Peace

    Fifteen nations are currently participating in the 2008 Medical Training Exercise in Central and Eastern Europe from May 2 through 14. The MEDCEUR is a Joint Chiefs of Staff regional/multilateral exercise sponsored by U.S. European Command and provides an opportunity for Air Force medical personnel

  • Airman's Roll Call: Airmen can now travel in utility uniforms

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on Airmen traveling while wearing their utility uniforms. Air Force officials recently authorized wear of the airman battle uniform, battle dress uniform and desert camouflage uniform for commercial travel in an official capacity throughout the continental

  • Air Force's only UAV wing marks one year in the fight

    Lt. Gen. Norman Seip, the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander, congratulated Airmen at Creech Air Force Base May 6 as the 432nd Wing marked its first year as the Air Force's only MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle wing. "The 432nd Wing has grown exponentially over the

  • JTF-Bravo troops presented Honduran medals of merit

    Three Joint Task Force-Bravo personnel received the Honduran Medal of Merit May 5 for the work they've done in partnership with Honduras during the past year. The Honduran chief of defense, Gen. de Division Romeo Orlando Vasquez Velasquez, presented Army Lt. Col. Gregory Jicha, Army Forces

  • Bush, Gates honor military spouses at ceremony

    President Bush and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates paid tribute May 6 to about 1,100 military spouses who gathered for a Military Spouse Day celebration at the White House, where President Bush promised to continue pushing for more benefits for military families. Following a tradition President

  • Today Show features Malmstrom Airmen, mission

    Normally, seeing Airmen scramble around an intercontinental ballistic missile wing might make you think it's time to run for cover. This time, however, the wing's hustle centered on being featured live on a national news program. NBC's Al Roker and the Today Show broadcast live from the 341st Space

  • Accident investigation board convenes for fatal T-38 crash

    General William R. Looney III, commander of Air Education and Training Command, has convened an accident investigation board to investigate the T-38C Talon crash that killed two Airmen at Sheppard Air Force Base May 1. Col. Richard Haddad of 23rd Air Force, Hurlburt Field, Fla., will chair the

  • Hanscom unit applies 'gold standard' to contract

    When a joint team led by the Electronic Systems Center awarded the system development and demonstration contract for the Airborne and Maritime/Fixed Station Joint Tactical Radio System this spring, the move triggered not a single protest. "It's one way we can tell we listened, learned, understood

  • Air Force participates in pro cycling event

    The U.S. Air Force Cycling Classic sped off to a start with more than 300 amateur and professional cyclists against a backdrop of the Air Force Memorial and the Washington Monument May 4 here. This was the second year the Air Force hosted the event, formerly the Crystal City Classic, as part of

  • Study of Iraqi birds to help reduce aircraft mishaps

    One of the Air Force's greatest airpower adversaries doesn't wear the uniform of another country; it wears feathers. Both deadly and expensive, aircraft accidents and mishaps caused by collisions with birds have cost the service approximately $35 million each year since 1985, according to Air Force

  • Predator combat air patrols double in 1 year

    A significant milestone was reached more than two years ahead of schedule May 1 with the beginning of the 24th MQ-1 Predator combat air patrol in the war on terrorism. This combat air patrol doubles the 24/7/365 Predator capability of last year, and is two years ahead of the Department of Defense

  • Air University transformation unifies all officer PME

    After several months of reformation planning, Air University Commander Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz activated the Spaatz Center for Officer Education April 29. The Spaatz Center is now the umbrella organization unifying the continuum of all Air Force officer professional military education, from the

  • Afghan air corps soars again

    Graduates completed the first orientation course for the Afghan National army air corps April 30  at the Kabul Air Corps Training Center here. The four-week inaugural course laid the foundation for the air corps soldiers as they began their careers in the ANAAC. "This is an exciting new age," said

  • First Virtual Uniform Board attracts Airmen response

    The first Air Force Virtual Uniform Board received about 800 uniform change requests via the IDEA Program Database System since its release in March. Airmen were able to submit uniform change requests via the IPDS between March 5 and April 14. The Uniform Enterprise Working Group -- acting as

  • Japanese NCOs visit Kadena

    Sixty-seven Japan Air Self Defense Force airmen participated in a bilateral exchange program April 23 at Kadena Air Base. The Japan Air Self Defense Force airmen visited the Erwin PME Center, Marshall Dining Facility, living quarters for both Airmen and NCOs, the physiological training facility, and

  • Airmen set up communication lines for exercise in Croatia

    Members of the 1st Combat Communications Squadron based out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, began arriving in late April into Croatia to prepare network and phone systems for participants of the Medical Training Exercise in Central and Eastern Europe 2008 here.The 1st CBCS Airmen linked the more than

  • Distribution center saves lives, makes travel easier

    Not many servicemembers ducking into foxholes stop to think about where their body armor comes from or how each strap of it was sewn together. What they may think about after the air clears is how thankful they are to have it. Members of the Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center, part of the

  • Special operations Airmen reach out to Bangladesh school

    Adults and children alike were all smiles during a special delivery of school supplies at Eglal's ABC School April 27 here. Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group handed out school supplies to all 60 students as part of their community outreach program during Exercise Teak Buffalo, a

  • 'Perspective' highlights first sergeants

    In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman discusses the  opportunities and fulfillment of being an Air Force first sergeant. "The job isn't an easy one; it's 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and yet one of the most fulfilling positions a senior enlisted Airman can hold

  • Russian delegation visits USAFE bases

    A Russian delegation visited two U.S. Air Forces in Europe bases April 27 through May 1 to discuss theater security cooperation between the U.S. and Russian air forces. The meeting was approved during last year's U.S.-Russia Work Plan process after more than a year in planning, said Maj. Scott

  • Airmen, Soldiers honor fallen comrade

    Airmen and Soldiers from Bagram Air Base honored an Airman who paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country during a memorial ceremony May 1 here. Senior Airman Jonathan A.V. Yelner, a convoy driver assigned to the Kapisa and Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team, died of wounds suffered when his

  • 'Today Show' to feature Space Command Airmen, mission

    NBC's "Today Show" is set to broadcast live May 6 from a wing in Air Force Space Command as part of their "Access Granted" series, which puts cameras in high-security places. The "Today Show" airs 7 to 11 a.m. EST.  Check listings for local broadcast times. For more information on Air Force Space

  • 'Today's Air Force' features exercises

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Thracian Spring, an exercise that provides Aimen the opportunity to work more effectively with allies in the fight against terrorism.  Also featured is Red Flag Alaska, a training exercise designed to provide Air Force pilots training in a

  • Air Force pilot breaks own world aviation record

    An Air Force Reserve pilot deployed here broke his own world record for hours spent flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon when he surpassed the 6,000-hour milestone May 2. Lt. Col. Michael Brill, a pilot assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, has been breaking world aviation records since

  • Engineers save Air Force millions with F100 engine test plan

    Collaboration between the F100 engine program office at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and test personnel at the Arnold Engineering Development Center here along with engine manufacturer Pratt and Whitney has led to reduced test costs for component improvement verification testing at AEDC facilities.

  • Intel system transitions analysts into net-centric era

    The era of analysts who navigated through the world of intelligence data equipped with sticky notes and spreadsheets is being shelved to make room for a new set of tools that make use of Web-based applications. That's what the 950th Electronic Systems Group, part of the Electronic Systems Center

  • SERE 100 training requirement for all Airmen

    All active-duty Airmen are now required to complete Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape Computer Based Training on the Advanced Distributed Learning System by June 30. Air Force officials said the training is to ensure Airmen are equipped for the challenges faced on the battlefield as they find

  • 19th Air Force orders safety stand-down day May 5

    The 19th Air Force commander has ordered a one day safety stand-down May 5 of all aircraft operations in his command. Maj. Gen. Irving L. Halter Jr., ordered the stand-down as an opportunity for all those associated with flying in the command to re-emphasize and re-focus on the importance of flying

  • Air Force officials announce captain selections

    Air Force officials selected 97 first lieutenants for promotion from 101 officers considered during the 2007D captain selection process. The entire list of promotion selects is posted on the Air Force Personnel Center's officer promotions home page. The results of the board are as follows: Selection

  • Air Force officials announce Flemming award winner

    Major Timothy J. Bode has been selected as the winner of the 59th Annual Arthur S. Flemming Award in the managerial achievement category. Major Bode currently serves as chief of operations for the Space Based Infrared Systems Combined Task Force in Boulder, Colo. The award, sponsored annually by

  • Holloman prepares for Raptor

    After retiring the F-117A Nighthawk, officials here are now preparing for the arrival of the F-22A Raptor. With the new aircraft come many transition projects."One of the projects we have going on is phasing out tools used exclusively for the F-117," said Chief Master Sgt. James Harris, chief of the

  • Financial management, services to Airmen evolving

    The assistant secretary of the Air Force for financial management and comptroller described a bright future for financial services during a visit with Air Mobility Command  financial management officials here April 28. John H. Gibson II said current and pending enhancements allow Airmen to work

  • Northern Edge '08 to kick off

    The largest military training exercise in Alaska, Northern Edge 2008, begins May 5 with about 5,000 U.S. active duty, national guard, and Reserve component Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. Alaskan Command hosts the air-centric exercise, which will involve more than 120 Air Force, Army, Air

  • RED HORSE Squadron returns from deployment

    More than 180 Airmen from the 819th RED HORSE Squadron touched down at the Great Falls International Airport, Mont., at 11 a.m. April 14 after being deployed for more than six months in support of the war on terrorism. The Airmen were greeted by Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, Col. Sandra Finan,

  • With troops' freedom to choose beneficiaries comes greater responsibility

    Starting in July, servicemembers can choose to whom a $100,000 death gratuity will be disbursed if they are killed in action. Currently, troops can assign half the posthumous payment to recipients of their preference, with the remainder paid according to a hierarchy determined by the Defense

  • Predator crashes in Iraq

    An Air Force MQ-1 Predator crashed in southern Iraq at approximately 4 a.m. local time May 2. The aircraft was launched from Ali Base, Iraq. The aircraft is a medium-altitude long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. The MQ-1's primary mission is conducting armed reconnaissance. A board will be

  • Security clearance question on mental health changed

    Defense Department officials will change a question on the department's long-standing security clearance form referencing an applicant's mental health history because they believe it is needlessly preventing some people from seeking counseling. The Standard Form 86, Questionnaire for National

  • Air Force officials suspend training flights of T-38C aircraft

    Air Education and Training Command officials suspended flights of T-38C Talon aircraft May 1 following a fatal crash at Sheppard AFB, Texas. The crash was the second in two weeks involving a T-38, following an April 23 accident in which two pilots were killed when their T-38 crashed at Columbus AFB,

  • Dashboard takes on AFCENT's coordination battle

    Air Force communicators assigned to U.S. Air Force Central Command communications have taken on a monumental cyber battle and are showing signs of victory with the roll out of Commander's Dashboard recently. The CC's Dashboard is the knowledge management system created by USAFCENT communicators to

  • Send your name to the moon

    NASA invites people of all ages to join the lunar exploration journey with an opportunity to send their names to the moon aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, spacecraft.   The LRO is scheduled for launch in late 2008.The Send Your Name to the Moon Web site enables everyone to

  • Thais, Americans join forces for Exercise Teak Torch training

    About 130 Airmen from the 353rd Special Operations Group from Kadena Air Base, Japan, traveled to Udon Thani AB, to join forces with the Royal Thai air force for Exercise Teak Torch. "The joint combined exercise training events are designed to enhance U.S. military training and are conducted in many

  • Air Force Predators take out insurgents and weapons

    Air Force unmanned aerial vehicles continued to play a key role in supporting ground troops fighting the war on terrorism in Iraq.  An MQ-1B Predator located a vehicle with loaded weapons in Sadr City in northeastern Baghdad April 26 and directed a Hellfire missile against the target. The Predator

  • AF Office of Special Investigations named team of the year

    Air Force and Air Force Association officials have named Air Force Office of Special Investigations as the 2008 Team of the Year. Each year, the AFA, working with major command level command chief master sergeants and the Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, selects a specific Air

  • Multinational medical exercise begins in Croatia

    Croatians are welcoming exercise participants and support personnel from 15 nations who began arriving at Divulje Training Base, Croatia, April 21 for the Medical Training Exercise in Central and Eastern Europe 2008. The exercise, scheduled for May 2 through 15, is a U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff

  • Officials announce 2007 Thomas Jefferson Award winners

    Officials at the American Forces Information Service and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs recently announced the winners of the 2007 Thomas Jefferson Awards. The Thomas Jefferson Awards program, named after the nation's third president and author of the Declaration

  • Precision landing system ready for take off

    After many years of technology refinement, the Electronic Systems Center-led land-based increment of the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System is poised to progress to the system development and demonstration phase. Known as JPALS, the system uses the Global Positioning System, or GPS, to

  • Revamped Airman online now available

    Airman online has a new look -- and will feature Airmen at war. The magazine's new Web page went online May 1, along with the special May-June issue of the magazine dedicated to profiling some of America's Airmen at war. The Web page change brings the magazine in line with the rest of the Air

  • Synthetic fuel testing begins on fighter engine

    Engineers at Arnold Engineering Development Center began testing a Pratt & Whitney F100 engine April 29 in the J-1 simulated altitude jet engine test cell using a blend of alternative synthetic fuel.  The engine is the power plant for the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon.Once testing and

  • Bagram Airmen provide training to Afghan police

    Approximately one dozen Afghan National Police from several districts gathered in the Processing Coordination Center at the Parwan Provincial ANP Headquarters in the Charikar district April 22 to receive training. Airmen assigned to the Bagram Police Technical Advisory Team provided the training

  • Vice chief honors World War II Airmen, heroes

    The Air Force vice chief of staff paid tribute to members of the Air Forces Escape and Evasion Society April 26 during the society's 44th annual reunion near Savannah, Ga. The AFEES primarily comprises Air Force World War II veterans who were forced down behind enemy lines and avoided or escaped

  • Airman's Roll Call: how the Air Force buys weapon systems

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on how the Air Force purchases new weapon systems. In recent months there has been lots of talk about the Air Force and its efforts to replace the Eisenhower-era KC-135 Stratotanker. The Air Force uses a detailed acquisition process for its purchasing needs.

  • Qualified Airmen can request Afghan, Iraq campaign medal stars

    A recent memorandum from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense provides guidance on the wear of campaign stars on both the Afghanistan and Iraq campaign medals. The campaign stars recognize servicemembers for participating in designated campaign phases within the areas of responsibility for

  • AF officials select Airmen for AFIT graduate program

    Air Force officials recently selected six enlisted Airmen to continue their education through the Enlisted to Air Force Institute of Technology Graduate Degree Program. "My congratulations go out to these fine Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. "We had a number of

  • JTF-Bravo volunteers give needed food to local Hondurans

    About 60 Joint Task Force-Bravo personnel used a day off from work April 26 to continue the mission of humanitarian assistance as volunteers giving food to local Hondurans in need. The volunteers were participants in the Joint Task Force-Bravo Chapel Hike, a program in which people from Soto Cano AB

  • Airmen add color to deployed environment

    When the Taliban took power in 1996, they imposed a new way of life and removed basic freedoms for the people of Afghanistan. Among those freedoms was the banishment of art. For more than a decade, art has been missing from this society. So a group of 39 artists from Task Force MED wanted people to

  • Sesame Street coaches kids through parent's deployments, returns

    Following a workshop that helped children cope with a military parent's deployment, the familiar, furry denizens of Sesame Street are starring in a new program focusing on multiple deployments and on family adjustments upon a parent's return. Sesame Workshop, the makers of Sesame Street, have