HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Cope Thunder medical team practices mobile medicine

    Practicing mobile medicine and leaving a small footprint on a mission is just one the aspects of participating in Cope Thunder 06-01, said a flight surgeon here. Six-year veteran Maj. (Dr.) John Cotton, said he is enjoying his first temporary duty assignment as the Cope Thunder flight surgeon. He

  • Airmen score triple play on one trip

    A C-130 Hercules aircrew picked up earthquake relief supplies in Bahrain and delivered them to Pakistan Oct. 15 -- but their mission did not end there. The crew then flew to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, where it picked up cargo to take to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, to support Operation Enduring

  • Putting food on the plate takes a team

    It’s 11:30 a.m. A sergeant pushed back from a table after his meal. “That chicken was actually pretty good today!” he said to no one in particular. In his tone was the sense of satisfaction one might expect from a man who works long, hard hours each day and who takes his job -- and his food --

  • Air Force announces team-excellence awards

    Air Force officials announced the five teams chosen for the 2005 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards. The Air Force nominated 15 teams for the awards, which recognize outstanding team performance and promote systematic process improvement. The awards also serve as a means to share best practices

  • Edwards Talons test one-engine takeoffs

    T-38 Talons usually require both engines for takeoff. But in case one engine fails, pilots and engineers here are working to determine the safest single engine takeoff speed for the aircraft. Edwards Air Force Base test pilots last completed single engine takeoff speed, or SETOS, testing on the T-38

  • First F/A-22 deployment is for training

    The Raptors are leaving the nest for their first deployment. Nearly 170 Airmen left here Oct. 15 on a two-week deployment to Hill Air Force Base, Utah. This may sound like a run-of-the-mill temporary duty assignment. But for the Langley Airmen, it is far from a typical out-of-town operation. It is

  • Falcons wake up at the right time

    Air Force football players, like many athletes, are creatures of habit. So the prospect of playing an early-morning game against the University of Nevada Las Vegas wasn’t exactly greeted with high-fives. But judging by their 42-7 route of the Rebels Oct. 15, the Falcons may want to re-set their

  • Air Force, small business specialists top Defense awards

    The Air Force is the top performing major defense agency in the Department of Defense Small Business Program for fiscal 2004, defense officials said. Also, two Air Force small business professionals earned awards, rounding out the top honors for the Air Force. The recognition is the highest DOD

  • Airmen act quickly at accident scene

     When thrust into a surreal situation, three Airmen here stepped up and showed that people can do extraordinary things. It was around 1 a.m. Oct. 16 when Senior Airmen Brooke and Marc Llafet and Matt Ritchie were driving home from Fort Walton Beach, Fla. In the car with them were Airman Marc

  • Air Force continues Pakistan aid

    The Air Force continues to provide humanitarian aid to Pakistan after it suffered a 7.6 magnitude earthquake Oct. 8. Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs, KC-10 Extenders and C-130 Hercules aircraft have transported more than 630,000 pounds of humanitarian relief, including food, tents, cots, medical

  • Healthy children require proactive parents

    Eating an apple a day doesn't always keep the doctor away. This is especially true in children from birth to early adolescence, an age group with especially high illness rates, said Maj. Tamara Hall, the 325th Medical Operations Squadron pediatrics flight commander and nurse practitioner here.

  • VA finding jobs for Iraq, Afghanistan vets

    For young men and women fighting the war on terrorism, coming home in good health is a major goal. But coming home to a good job also is a primary concern, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson said during a news conference Oct. 13. He announced a VA jobs program for

  • Electric cars cut fuel costs

    As gas prices soared this summer, the 37th Mission Support Group here searched for something new to help the it lower the cost of official transportation. “With gas prices approaching $3 per gallon, we were looking for something that would be beneficial over the long haul,” said group commander Col.

  • Cope Thunder supply mission diverse

    As aircraft lift from the flightline and roar into the low-lying clouds, two 353rd Combat Training Squadron supply liaisons are busy helping customers with the supply process. Tech. Sgt. Devandis Smith and Staff Sgt. Normajean Glossan know first-hand that its the behind-the-scene efforts that makes

  • Maintainers keep Cope Thunder going

    Tucked away in an office on the far corner of the Thunder Dome, two men ensure Airmen and Sailors get Cope Thunder 06-1 missions off the ground -- on time and on target. Without the oversight of Col. Mark Fluke and Chief Master Sgt. Darrin Dwyer, exercise Cope Thunder would, theoretically, only be a

  • Service demographics offer snapshot of force

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently published the quarterly demographics report offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force, as of Sept. 30. More information can be found online at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/demographics/>. All statistics are rounded to

  • Eglin Airmen train Iraqi police

    The introduction of democracy and the reconstruction of Iraq hinges on its police force’s ability to handle those fighting against the transition. So two Airmen from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and one from Offutt AFB, Neb., are in the country to make sure the Iraqi police force gets the training it

  • Globemasters deliver more relief aid

    A huge C-17 Globemaster III delivered more relief supplies here Oct. 11 that will go help victims in this country’s earthquake-devastated region. The C-17 and its crew of five, from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia, flew in approximately 50 tons of food and shelter equipment.

  • AMC assists initial earthquake response

    The Air Force deployed more than 45 members from the 621st Contingency Response Wing here to Islamabad, Pakistan Oct. 10 in the wake of a 7.6-magnitude earthquake that struck the country Oct. 8. Members of 621st Contingency Response Group Element deployed to support humanitarian airlift operations

  • Keesler Airmen back in school at Sheppard

    Sheppard has a new electronic principles course to train Airmen from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., displaced by Hurricane Katrina. It took Sheppard two weeks to have the course ready for instruction, said Master Sgt. Rosa Marlin, 365th Training Squadron avionics test equipment flight chief. It

  • Uniform board meets this month

    The Air Force Uniform Board meets here Oct. 20 to 21 to consider Air Force uniform improvements and standardization. The board will address various uniform requirements, including the Airman's new battle dress uniform, and Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force

  • Fairchild Airmen test for Ranger School

    Airmen assigned to the 22nd Training Squadron and select Airmen with the 66th Training Squadron here have taken on a rare challenge to push themselves beyond normal endurance for the chance to attend the Army’s elite training program -- Ranger School. And they only had a day to do it. The 12-hour

  • Cope Thunder exercise begins

    Cope Thunder 06-1 participants are using the 62,000 square miles of airspace at this remote base to “fly, fight and win” during Pacific Air Force’s premier combat airpower exercise. The two-week exercise, which will run through Oct. 21, is the command’s largest air combat training exercise,

  • Fall 2005 quarterly issue of Airman available online

    Read about the Air Force’s explosive ordnance disposal team in Baghdad disarming the enemy, get inside the Air Force’s response to Hurricane Katrina, follow a little boy named Eddy as he undergoes surgery in Ecuador, and discover the ins and outs of the F/A-22 Raptor. These features and more

  • A-10 phase dock keeps OEF frequent flyers flying

    A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft here flew 500 sorties in September over Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Direct close-air support missions accounted for 380 of those sorties. Whether supporting ground troops in the war or conducting a training mission at their home station, A-10

  • Barksdale joins Bright Star 2005

    Airmen here recently engaged in a unique international exercise -- Bright Star 2005. The Bright Star exercise takes place every two years in Egypt and includes coalition forces from the United States, Egypt and 12 other countries. Airmen faced several challenges during the exercise which ran Sept.

  • Airmen push to limit with turn of a card

    “Right now, I’m at 15,541.” And counting. As he counts down the days before returning home, increasing his push-up total has become a goal for Lt. Col. Jeff Sheppard, the 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron commander at a forward-deployed location. What began as a challenge among several

  • Total force proves beneficial to hurricane recovery

    More than 6,900 active-duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen supported Hurricanes Katrina and Rita relief operations, proving that the total-force concept works, said the Air Force chief of staff here recently. “America’s Air Force answered the call for emergency assistance in this crisis,” said Gen. T.

  • Stop movement order lifted for Keesler-bound colonels

    The 81st Training Wing commander has reinstated permanent change of station and temporary duty travel for all colonels and their family members bound for Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Affected colonels should call the Air Force Senior Leader Management Office at DSN 664-5039 before proceeding or for

  • USAFE, Rwandan security forces protect airlift mission

    A joint U.S. and Rwandan security forces team is keeping the people and aircraft supporting humanitarian operations here safe. Sixteen Airmen with the 786th Security Forces Squadron from Sembach Air Base, Germany, and six Airmen with the 435th SFS at Ramstein AB, Germany, are working with Rwandan

  • Loyal partners sniff out trouble in Iraq

    After a couple of years apart, Ori and Tyreese are partners again. And the security forces duo is deployed and back on the job sniffing out trouble at an entry control point here. Staff Sgt. Tyreese McAllister was the first handler Ori was assigned to after the German shepherd graduated from the

  • Father, son reunite on deployment

    A father finding his son in a desert is tough enough, but when the two are from different services it is even tougher. But that is exactly what happened to this Airman and Soldier. Senior Master Sgt. James Sedoris of the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group, was asked to drive a couple of medics to a

  • Family support center helps inmates prepare for freedom

    Sue O’Neal believes a repentant Airman who has committed a crime and is serving time in a military confinement facility here deserves a second chance. “We all make mistakes in life,” Ms. O’Neal said. “Some people end up paying for those mistakes -- some don’t. But in my view, no one is a throwaway.”

  • Airmen control, contain, communicate at Ali Base

    It is not easy getting on base, and that is the way it should be. Around-the-clock missions supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom are spearheaded here thanks to the multiple layers of protection provided by the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. Visitors to Ali Base arriving by road quickly

  • 407th ECES brings boxes together, expands clinic

    The magazine selection has not changed, but everything else about the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron medical clinic here has. Fifteen Airmen from several occupational specialties came together recently to double the clinic’s work space. Patients now have more privacy during screenings and

  • Academy takes part in 'joint' study

    The U.S. Air Force Academy has joined forces with civilian universities on a $2.8-million study of risk factors for a common knee injury among athletes and servicemembers. The prospective cohort study focuses on human movement risk factors involved in injuries to the knee’s anterior cruciate

  • USAFE returns African Union troops to Rwanda

    Two U.S. Air Forces in Europe C-130 Hercules returned about 80 African Union peacekeepers from the Darfur region of the Sudan on Oct. 2. The AU troops are the first of 200 scheduled to be redeployed by the 86th Air Expeditionary Group from Sudan to Rwanda , following about six months providing

  • Academy chemistry department leads UAV research

    Future Air Force leaders here are working to produce a stealthier unmanned aerial vehicle powered by an alternative energy source. The research project into fuel cells and hydrogen storage materials started about 10 years ago as a collaboration between the academy, Ball Aerospace Corp in Boulder,

  • Air Force hospital saves lives of Iraqi terrorist attack victims

    Shortly after terrorists set off a string of car bombs in the nearby town of Balad on Sept. 29, medical professionals at the Air Force Theater Hospital here prepared for an influx of severely injured patients."When we started unloading the first Army helicopter, I realized that everyone who came in

  • Chapel 'zips' relief to Katrina workers, victims

    Four weeks after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast region, the chapel service here continues to accept donations for aid in the ongoing recovery and relief operations here.The chapel is participating in Operation Zip Lock, where they are collecting donations of basic, travel-size

  • Marines turn up the heat for Airmen on Okinawa

    Firefighters have a common enemy, regardless of the color of their uniforms. And Marines here recently assisted Airmen to maximize training against this dangerous foe.Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Marines with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron here conducted simulated aircraft fire training

  • Dividends from OEF, OIF pay off for medics in Katrina aftermath

    The Air Force Medical Service’s response to Operation Katrina drew from a process that began in Operation Enduring Freedom, broadened in volume in Operation Iraqi Freedom and paid dividends in the huge military medical response to a devastating domestic disaster, the Air Force surgeon general

  • Environmental cleanup ahead of schedule

    The Air Force has given its air logistics centers until the year 2014 to clean up sites contaminated from past industrial operations. And, Robins Air Force Base is ahead of schedule with 13 systems now in place to clean up remaining sites. To date, more than half of the total 79 environmental sites

  • Air Commandos build bonds with African country

    A select team of combat aviation advisors from the 6th Special Operations Squadron here recently deployed to the edge of the Sahara desert to train with the fledgling Niger Air Force.Because the 6th SOS has been to Niger numerous times, the air commandos understand how to adapt to living and working

  • Airman killed in Iraq

    An improvised explosive device killed a female Airman during a convoy mission supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson, 21, was providing convoy security Sept. 28 near Camp Bucca, Iraq, when the vehicle she was riding in was hit by an improvised explosive device. The

  • Air Force Climate Survey helps shape future force

    Airmen will have the power to shape the Air Force of the future through the 2005 Air Force Climate Survey that begins Oct. 1. “This survey will help us ensure we are taking care of our most important asset -- our people,” said Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. T. Michael Moseley. “We have used

  • Captain one of 10 outstanding young Americans

    A captain with the 116th Air Control Wing here is one of the 10 Outstanding Young Americans for 2005 chosen by the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce.Capt. Paul Maykish received the award during the Jaycees’ 67th annual black-tie awards ceremony held at the Boston World Trade Center Sept. 17.The

  • Negotiation Center of Excellence established

    Air Force officials announced the creation of a Negotiation Center of Excellence at the Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. The center will spearhead the development and application of negotiation, collaboration and problem-solving skills throughout the Air Force.“More and more,

  • Air Force taking applications for overseas study

    The Air Force is offering the opportunity for graduate study overseas for two years to at least 10 to 12 line officers through the Olmsted Scholar Program. Those selected will begin study in the 2006-2007 school year.The Olmsted selection board is scheduled to convene in December and will nominate

  • Eglin fighters shine at Bright Star

    The 33rd Fighter Wing here was the Air Force’s lone fighter unit in Egypt to participate in the joint-combined training exercise Bright Star 05/06.The exercise, which began Sept. 10 and ends Oct. 3, is U.S. Central Command’s largest coalition exercise. It tests theater engagement activity and boosts

  • Medics transform ‘Toy Land’ into medical treatment facility

    The Texas Air National Guard stood up Task Force Compassion here to provide Hurricane Rita evacuees medical support and to evacuate non-critical patients from overburdened local hospitals.Task force Airmen and Soldiers began setting up a 10-bed medical treatment facility overnight in Ellington’s

  • C-141 flies last mission from combat zone

    For the last time in its long career, a C-141 Starlifter aircraft will fly military patients out of a war zone Sept. 30.The flight from Iraq will end a five-day mission to the Middle East for the airlift plane from the 445th Airlift Wing here. The aircraft first started airlifting the sick and

  • First Danish female fighter pilot continues training

    When Denmark graduated its first female fighter pilot, it was a special moment for the country. Now she is going through the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program here.Although a few other women began the program with her, 2nd Lt. Line Bonde was the only one to make it through Denmark’s

  • Predators fly first four-ship sorties

    The latest upgrade to the MQ-1 Predator, known as the Multi-Aircraft Control, or MAC system, entered operational testing with the first two-ship and four-ship Predator sorties being flown over a four-day period.Testers performed two-ship sorties Sept. 12 and 13 and progressed to four-ship sorties

  • Albanian and Slovakian officers visit Warrior Preparation Center

    Nine Albanian and Slovakian officers visited the Warrior Preparation Center here Sept. 20 to 23.The officers viewed hands-on tactics through high-tech training demonstrations at the facility, which is jointly owned by U.S. Army, Europe and U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Although they were there to gain

  • President monitors Hurricane Rita operations at Randolph

    President George W. Bush concluded an overnight visit here Sept. 25 where he received a briefing about the military’s role in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita.The president also attended chapel services with members of the Randolph congregation before leaving San Antonio for Baton Rouge, La., where

  • McGuire unit returns from Hurricane Rita mission

    Twenty members of McGuire Air Force Base’s 621st Contingency Response Wing deployed to Beaumont, Texas, Sept. 22 to assist hurricane evacuation efforts for more than 1,900 people at the Southeast Texas Regional Airport.During the vital few hours the Airmen were on the ground, they helped move about

  • Search and rescue missions underway

    A combined search-and-rescue team with helicopters and HC-130 Hercules aircraft flew its first mission Sept. 24, combing the Texas Gulf Coast for Hurricane Rita victims.Active duty and Air Force Reserve aircrews from the 347th Rescue Wing, Moody Air Force Base, Ga., and the 920th Rescue Wing,

  • ACC commander praises role of Airmen

    Endurance will be the key to winning the war on terrorism, and the Air Combat Command commander told Airmen here their long-term commitment is paying off.“This is a long-haul engagement we’re in, and we can’t falter now,” said Gen. Ronald E. Keys. “We’re making some real advances, but we can’t pack

  • Air Force issues headphone guidance for PT uniforms

    Air Force officials issued guidance for the wear of headphones while wearing the official physical training uniform.Airmen dressed in the PT uniform are authorized to wear headphones while participating in personal fitness and other off-duty activities said officials at the Air Force Personnel

  • Lessons learned aid preparation for Hurricane Rita

    With Airmen still working recovery efforts from Hurricane Katrina, the Air Force prepares for the second major hurricane to hit the Gulf Coast in just over three weeks.Lessons were learned from Hurricane Katrina, and the Air Force wasted no time in implementing them.Airlift aircraft and helicopters

  • Lackland Airmen among thousands on pre-Rita duty

    As Hurricane Rita forces millions to evacuate the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast, Airmen at many bases are ready to join first-response relief operations.The Air Force joins a massive Department of Defense mobilization that will send thousands of troops into areas affected by the hurricane. Defense

  • Combat convoy course expands to driving 18-wheelers

    The Basic Combat Convoy Course here now includes teaching Airmen to drive tractor-trailer supply trucks and gun trucks as convoy operations in Iraq have evolved into longer, more dangerous missions, course leaders said.All Airmen in the course also are now receiving combat lifesaver training during

  • AMC 'chasing the clock' to move Hurricane Rita evacuees

    As a second major hurricane bears down on the Gulf Coast region, Air Mobility Command Airmen are helping evacuate hundreds of people from the path of the storm.Hurricane Rita, a Category 3 storm boasting 125-mph winds, is expected to hit the Texas Gulf Coast in the early morning hours of Sept. 24.On

  • Ravens provide security for Hurricane Rita evacuations

    A four-person security forces Raven team left here Sept. 22 for Travis Air Force Base, Calif., along with four other teams from Air Mobility Command bases to provide security for AMC aircraft traveling to Texas and Louisiana.The Phoenix Raven program, implemented in 1997, consists of teams of

  • Texas guardsmen provide back-to-back hurricane assistance

    Texas Air National Guardsmen returning home from Hurricane Katrina duty had just enough time to catch up on sleep before receiving the order to repack their bags.Now they are preparing to deal with the aftermath of another hurricane, but this time it will hit closer to home. Hurricane Rita is

  • Air Force programs help families rebuild post-Katrina

    Hurricane Katrina is long gone, but civilians and Airmen are still picking up the pieces of their devastated lives.The Air Force helped many civilians in the aftermath of that storm, but it also made sure to take care of its own through Air Force OneSource, family and child development centers and

  • Keeping the mission going at home, away

    It has been nearly six months since the runway here closed for construction and more than 300 base Airmen “deployed” to Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., to continue the wing’s mission.Since then, a great relationship between the two bases, said Lt. Col. Paul Schultz, the 905th Air Refueling Squadron

  • Keesler gets $90 million to repair infrastructure

    The Air Force has distributed nearly $90 million to speed repair of the storm-ravaged infrastructure at Keesler Air Force Base.Air Force officials estimate Hurricane Katrina caused nearly $1 billion in damage when it swept across the Gulf Coast facility Aug. 29.“Keesler’s recovery team has done a

  • Lackland assists with Hurricane Rita evacuation

    People here once again are busily preparing to receive evacuees from another hurricane along the Gulf Coast -- the second in three weeks.Hurricane Rita, classified as a Category 4 and the third worst hurricane in recorded history, is heading for the Texas Gulf Coast and could bring more than 3,000

  • Keesler issues stop travel order

    All servicemembers who have been recalled to duty here and are still en route to the base are ordered to stop travel and remain in place until Sept. 25.The 81st Training Wing vice commander issued the order because of potential hazards associated with Hurricane Rita.Servicemembers are authorized to

  • Military paralegal gets 12-year prison sentence

    Staff Sgt. Ramona Greiner was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit premeditated murder, solicitation to commit murder and dereliction of duty for failing to maintain a professional relationship.Sergeant Greiner, a paralegal with the 37th Training Wing’s legal

  • Airman identified from Sept. 19 motor vehicle fatality

    The Airman who died Sept. 19 in a motor vehicle accident in Egypt has been identified.First Lieutenant Sarah Small, a public affairs officer assigned to the Air and Space Expeditionary Force Center here, was in Egypt supporting Exercise Bright Star, a recurring joint/combined training exercise, when

  • Air Force streamlines regional supply system

    In a significant reorganization of the Air Force supply system, two logistics support centers will soon replace and assume the responsibilities of five regional supply squadrons.Beginning in April 2006, the Mobility Air Forces Logistics Support Center here will begin handling supply back-shop

  • Practicing good eye care, safety 'out of sight'

    The comic book hero Daredevil gained superhuman powers when he was blinded by toxic waste that hit him in the eyes. Unfortunately, outside of the superhero realm, anyone else would just be blinded.Therefore, protecting eyes and keeping them healthy is paramount, said Maj. Ryan Traver, 325th

  • Arctic search-and-rescue exercise ends

    U.S., Russian and Canadian pararescuemen concluded a weeklong exercise here Sept. 16 that tested the three countries’ ability to conduct search-and-rescue operations in the Arctic region.Arctic Search and Rescue Exercise 05 concluded with a freefall jump from an Alaska Air National Guard HC-130 P/N

  • ‘Wings of Blue’ catch air

    Most college students are still sleeping at 5 a.m. Some might be getting up to cram for an exam. At the same time, some students at the nearby U.S. Air Force Academy are preparing for an adrenaline rush only a few people can ever dream about.They are the men and women of the academy’s “Wings of

  • Luke engineers come to Keesler's aid

    Helping repair Keesler after Hurricane Katrina struck the base is not the only thing on the mind of civil engineers deployed here; they are also helping the people here get back on their feet.The engineers, deployed from the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., are helping the

  • One Airman killed, two injured in car accident

    An Air Force officer was killed Sept. 19 and two Airmen were injured in a motor vehicle accident that occurred in Egypt.They were participating in Exercise Bright Star, a recurring joint/combined training exercise.The cause of the accident is under investigation and the names of the Airmen are being

  • Air Force says farewell to most powerful ICBM

    The era of the Peacekeeper intercontinental ballistic missile, often credited with helping end the Cold War, is coming to its own close Sept. 19 with the final phase of the deactivation process.The deactivation began in October 2002 after President Bush set a plan in motion in 2001 to reduce the

  • Government civilians offered ways to help Katrina survivors

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, many Americans want to do whatever they can to help those directly affected, and now government civilians have some opportunities to help in the effort.The emergency leave transfer and the federal employee volunteer programs are two avenues civilian employees

  • Colonel’s training saved his life

    A colonel at this forward-deployed location credits his survival from a terrorist attack to his military training, and he is now passing that training on to others.More than a year after Lt. Col. Ed O’Neal redeployed from Saudi Arabia, where he was shot five times in a vicious terrorist attack, he

  • Spangdahlem Airman describes life with Tops in Blue

    This year, an Airman here was selected and is touring as one of 30 “ambassadors” of music, vocals and dance in the Air Force’s premier performing troupe, Tops in Blue.Airman 1st Class Beverly Sadural, a 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron engineering assistant, will have brought America’s unique brand of

  • Civil engineer units have different missions, same goal

    It is 110 degrees and temperatures are steadily on the rise. Luckily, the office is air conditioned -- until the power goes out.An Airman puts in a work order, but it is not the only office that is suffering from this side effect of the heat. However, within 15 minutes, an ice-cold breeze of

  • Base photographers document history for future generations

    Photographers here are proving that a picture is truly worth a thousand words in fighting the war on terrorism. “Our images tell the military story to the American public, our children and their children, and beyond,” said Master Sgt. Maurice Hessel, base multimedia center manager and still

  • Moseley: Future of the Air Force

    To determine the way ahead, one must understand the heritage and history of the Air Force, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said during his keynote address on the future of the Air Force at the Air Force Association’s 2005 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept.

  • Military lawyer sentenced to 18 years in prison

    Capt. Barry Brown was sentenced to 18 years in prison for pleading guilty to attempted premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit premeditated murder and for violating a lawful general regulation by wrongful fraternization.Captain Brown, a lawyer assigned to the 37th Training Wing here, pleaded

  • Systems group adds technology to Katrina relief support

    While tons of relief supplies are flowing into the Gulf Coast daily, the Operations and Sustainment Systems Group here is shoring up the vital flow of communications to the hurricane-stricken region.Hours after Hurricane Katrina made landfall, the group's team of communications, logistics,

  • U.S., Indian air forces continue building relationship

    U.S. and Indian air forces took the latest step in their growing relationship recently when six Indian Airmen were here for a weeklong visit, while two U.S. Airmen visited their counterparts in India.Two Indian pilots, two air traffic controllers and two safety officers spent time learning about

  • Eglin wing picks ups missions from Louisiana ANG

    As many of the bases Air Force-wide support Joint Task Force-Katrina, the 33rd Fighter Wing here is doing its part by scrambling to help the Louisiana Air National Guard.Just 36 hours after the wing’s 60th Fighter Squadron returned from a Hurricane Katrina evacuation Aug. 31, the squadron has been

  • Senior leaders address key issues at conference

    Air Force senior leaders answered questions on topics ranging from the buildup of military power in China to the status of Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., during an open panel discussion here Sept. 13.Six Air Force major command commanders joined Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff, to

  • Keesler turnaround: training starts Sept. 19

    Training in five key career fields restarts for 400 Airmen here Sept. 19, six months sooner than base officials forecasted more than a week ago.Then, more students will start training the following week, said Col. Jessie Canaday, 81st Training Group commander. And more students will gradually enter

  • AF Climate Survey launches Oct. 1

    Airmen have the power to shape the future when the 2005 Air Force Climate Survey launches Oct. 1. “The direction we take depends on you!” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald Murray. “The motto of the 2005 Climate Survey, ‘Speak Today, Shape Tomorrow,’ accurately reflects the impact this

  • Eagle Eyes in action

    Two men were spotted at the end of the runway at a nearby Air Force base, one holding a large metal tube on his shoulder and the other with a camera.The incident caused airborne planes from that base to land here at McConnell. The suspicious activity was found not to be credible; however, it was

  • Pay rules change for general schedule employees

    The Office of Personnel Management recently amended the rules governing pay setting for employees covered by the General Schedule. The rules implement section 301 of the Federal Workforce Flexibility Act of 2004.The act’s primary purpose is to correct various pay anomalies relating to the

  • Deployed sergeant served in Marines, Army, Navy and now Air Force

    Staff Sgt. James Murphy isn’t your typical Airman. A 30-year-old tattoo of U.S.M.C. peeking out from his T-shirt sleeve and his no-nonsense attitude may shed light on some of his life story, but it wouldn’t come close to telling most of it.Sergeant Murphy, a night shift supervisor for the flightline

  • No life left behind -- rescuers save pets, too

    When Senior Master Sgt. James Sanchez goes on a rescue mission here, he makes sure the basic tools of the trade are in order -- a secure hoist, communication equipment, ear protection, water, dog biscuits and a can of cat treats.To him, no one gets left behind."It's hard to turn away an animal that

  • Airmen pitch in for New Orleans cleanup

    After living at the New Orleans airport for 10 days while building three tent cities, Air Force civil engineers headed downtown Sept. 13 to help clean up Hurricane Katrina wreckage.“It’s great (the engineers) can get out and help these people directly,” said Capt. Paul Fredin, who is assigned to the

  • Tops in Blue seeking talented Airmen

    The annual search for Air Force talent during the Worldwide Talent Contest is scheduled Nov. 6 to 14 at nearby Lackland Air Force Base, and the deadline for submissions is Oct. 5.Besides competing for the Roger Award, given to the best performers in five separate categories, participants also vie

  • Officials to determine course for Keesler Airmen

    Officials here should find out soon a more definitive future for the more than 1,200 Airmen trainees from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., who arrived here Sept. 1 after Hurricane Katrina hit their base.Until a decision is made, Airmen will shadow permanent-party Airmen in the career field they are