Airpower summary for Jan. 28: F-16s fly successful strikes

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in

Military health care rivals private industry, official says

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

Arizona Air Guard to watch over Super Bowl

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

Airman attends presidential address

An Air Force Reserve Airman attended President George W. Bush's final state of the union address here Jan. 28. Senior Airman Diane Lopes represented the service, sitting in the audience with the first lady and other special guests. Airman Lopes, a security forces specialist with the 920th Rescue

Wrestling: Air Force picks up three wins at Borah Duals

Finishing six matches in two days, the U.S. Air Force Academy wrestling team went 3-1 at the Borah Duals hosted by Western State Jan. 26. After falling to the host Mountaineers, the Falcons, who switched their lineup throughout the day, rattled off victories over Grand Canyon, Mesa State and New

Squadron commanders, first sergeants meet senior leaders

Squadron commanders and first sergeants had an opportunity to meet with the chief of staff of the Air Force during a conference here Jan. 24 and 25.  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley called in Airmen from around the Air Force to get a candid perspective from the field while sharing

Airmen help wounded troops survive journey home

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

Actors, war heroes visit wounded troops

Actor John Ratzenberger visits with wounded troops being loaded onto an aeromedical evacuation flight during his recent visit to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 25. Mr. Ratzenberger, Medal of Honor recipients Mike Thornton and Drew Dix, and actor Gary Sinise visited Ramstein to help boost morale

Abused Afghan woman to receive plastic surgery

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

Pope Airman works with reconstructive team in Afghanistan

A Pope Air Force Base Airman has made an impact on working relationships with key leaders in Afghanistan almost a year into his tour on a provincial reconstruction team. Lt. Col. Robert Ricci from Pope's 43rd Operations Support Squadron is deployed as commander of a multiservice NATO International

Latest 'Perspective' focuses on heritage

In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman highlights the importance of heritage and honoring the contributions and sacrifices of Airmen to fulfill the Air Force mission."Even before our current fight to win the Global War on Terror, more than 52,000 brave Airmen gave

Troops to receive retroactive pay next month

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

Air Force officials activate first air ground operations wing

The unit activation and assumption of command of the Air Force's first wing solely dedicated to supporting battlefield Airmen took place during a ceremony here Jan. 25. The activation of the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing marked the first of its kind for the Air Force and added another volume to

McChord Airmen provide lifeline in Pacific

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

2008 force shaping board cancelled

Air Force lieutenants in the 2005 year group, a total of 764 eligible, will not face a fiscal 2008 force shaping board. "We received enough requests to separate through voluntary separations programs that conducting a force shaping board is no longer needed this year," said Lt. Gen. Richard

Airman's Roll Call highlights knowledge of benefits

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

OTS starts unarmed combat training

Officer Training School trainees completed the school's first combat skills training class Jan. 29 as part of the effort to expand the expeditionary officer training curriculum here. The course is part of the more than 70 hours of expeditionary skills training now being taught to Officer Training

Pacific medical team provides care in Thailand

A Pacific Air Forces medical team provided medical and dental care to about 150 Thai men, women and children Jan. 29 in a rural community outside of Korat, Thailand. The medical mission was the first of two Medical Civic Action Programs, or MEDCAP, missions led by the 13th Air Force Surgeon General

Mountain Home blood donations help wounded warriors

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

Outreach tour educates nation's top medical civic leaders

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

Summit solidifies operational, strategic doctrine

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

Hondurans, Americans team for combined jump

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

Programs help servicemembers save, manage money

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

Troops, families can access free tax-filing services

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

New assistant secretary sworn in

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

First aerial bombing mission completed at Kwajalein

On Jan. 23, the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed here with their B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., completed the first aerial bombing mission at the U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site . The Kwajalein Atoll is home to

NASCAR driver appears in Air Force driving safety video

The NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver of the Air Force-sponsored No. 21 Ford recently appeared in a public service announcement video on driving safety. In the 1.5 minute production, Jon Wood emphasizes the use of seat belts, observing speed limits, and not driving after drinking. Mr. Wood, the

Jan. 30 airpower summary: C-17s deliver the goods

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a ground bomb unit-38 in

Equipment provides advanced blood testing at Wilford Hall

Wilford Hall Medical Center officials here recently advanced its blood-testing abilities with the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical equipment. The STA-R Evolution machine performs coagulation testing, in which blood-clotting factors are analyzed and compliance with therapeutic ranges for

Edwards Airman flies high as first military F-35 pilot

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

Jan. 29 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, British GR-7 Harriers performed shows of force in order

The non-lethal force be with you

Airman 1st Class Carla Martinez gets her game face on as she prepares to defend herself Jan. 24 during self-defense tactics training with batons at an air base in Southwest Asia. The self-defense training familiarizes Airmen with how to use non-lethal force to defend themselves. Airman Martinez is

7th Air Force, Air Forces Korea redesignated

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

Chief of staff of Air Force announces new reading list

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

Falcons fly over South Korea

Military working dog teams fine-tune relationships

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

PIT crew brings realism to Pacific Lifeline exercise

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

AETC releases vision of future learning

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

CENTAF commander meets with key officials in Egypt

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

F-22 Raptor crew chiefs begin training

The first class of F-22 Raptor crew chiefs began training Jan. 29 at the $21 million Raptor Maintenance Training Facility at Sheppard. Seven Airmen new to the Air Force, and one cross-trainee from the Virginia Air National Guard, are the first to undergo initial skills training on the F-22. "Thank

Officials move ROTC field training to Maxwell

Air Force officials here recently announced all ROTC field training is moving to Maxwell Air Force Base beginning the summer of 2008. Last summer's ROTC schedule included three encampments here and three encampments at Ellsworth AFB, S.D., but this year will mark the first time all encampments will

Biometric technology improves identification security

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

Scientist demonstrates bendable electronics

Air Force Office of Scientific Research officials here recently have provided research funding for fast, bendable electronics to attach to unevenly shaped objects like airplane bodies or engines. A research team led by Dr. Zhenqiang Ma of the University of Wisconsin-Madison has developed

Coalition forces assist in Iraqi police pay day

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

Servicemembers spend special time with orphans

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

PACAF team donates to Thai school

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

Now boarding

Air Force fiscal 2008 aviator continuation pay approved

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

Team trains to improve patient's condition during flight

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

School dance

Feb. 1 airpower summary: Shows of force deter enemy

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan iduring operations Feb. 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb unit-31 and

Hawaii ANG F-15 crashes, pilot ejects safely

A Hawaii Air National Guard pilot safely ejected from his F-15D model aircraft over the Pacific Ocean at approximately 1:37 p.m. about 60 miles south of the Honolulu International Airport. The pilot was picked up by the U. S. Coast Guard at 2:15 p.m. The pilot was conducting routine training. The

Airmen mentor Afghan National Police

Airmen assigned to the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team conducted a training class Jan. 25 for Kohistan II district Afghanistan National Police in the Parwan and Kapisa Provinces. "Working with ANP in the different districts is more than part of our mission; it is a great opportunity for all

MASF not MASH vital location for wounded

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

Feb. 2 airpower summary: B-1Bs deter enemy activities

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and 38s

Jan. 31 airpower summary: Tankers bring fuel to fight

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31 and 38s

'Today's Air Force' highlights recapitalization, modernization

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the recapitalization and modernization of the Air Force. While the Air Force is undergoing a force-shaping process to reduce and merge its resources, a special focus is on the restructuring and utilization of available assets which are essential

RC-135 outlasts 1960's contemporaries

In the year 1962, The Beatles recorded their debut single, "Love Me Do," "The Beverly Hillbillies" premiered on television, a ticket to the movies cost 50 cents and the first RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft rolled off the Boeing assembly line. Now, nearly a half a century later, The Beatles haven't had

Recruiters discuss challenges with Senate subcommittee

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

Command cell provides oversight during Pacific Lifeline

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

Leaders ensure wartime logistics, maintenance success

Sustaining combat-ready aircraft during the high operations tempo presented by the war on terrorism is a tough business in today's expeditionary environment. Continuous challenges in logistics, maintenance, contracting, and supply must be overcome to ensure the Air Force can fly, fight and win in

SECAF addresses deployed Airmen

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

PACAF Airmen combat-train with Thailand, Singapore

Aircraft from Pacific Air Forces began flying combat sorties here Feb. 1 alongside its ally nations Thailand and Singapore, in support of Exercise Cope Tiger 2008. The PACAF aircraft and those from the Royal Thai air force and the Republic of Singapore air force are participating in the four-day

Air Force officials release budget request for 2009

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

Media event showcases Air Force airpower

The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing hosted four major media outlets, three print and one television, in an unprecedented media event here Jan. 30. The event was the first time major media outlets visited the base for one specific event. NBC news, The Associated Press, New York Times and Los Angeles

Airman 'The Book' 2008 available online

The 2008 almanac version of Airman magazine is now available online. "Into the Wild New Yonder" is the theme for the issue, traditionally called "The Book." The issue focuses on important facts and provides insight into today's Air Force. Data in the magazine highlights the service's major commands

SECAF thanks Airmen for their service, dedication

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

New earned income credit rules lucrative for some Airmen

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

Feb. 4 airpower summary: C-130s provide support for coalition

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force in

Fueling the Air Force arsenal, its people

Airmen and Soldiers living in tent city here are eating well thanks to active-duty and Air National Guard services specialists from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and Kadena Air Base, Japan. Deployed to the Kona International Airport, the services team set up a single pallet expeditionary kitchen to

Air Force races into NASCAR season at Daytona

The Air Force enters its eighth year of sponsorship in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series when its No. 21 car begins the 2008 season Feb. 9 at the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway, Fla. The Air Force is both a primary and associate sponsor of the No. 21 car, which is owned by Wood

Aircraft travels faster than six times the speed of sound

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

Volunteer food deliveries top 2.6 tons in Honduras

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

Air Force claims center proves efficient

One year after opening the Air Force Claims Service Center near Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Air Force leaders are proud to announce its successes in handling legal claims for all Airmen. Not only are Airmen paid quickly under the new system, that money is recovered from negligent moving

Service still seeking special compensation claimants

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

Pacific Lifeline aerial porters keep mission moving

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

Deployed AWACS aircrews overcome unique challenge

E-3 Sentry aircrews deployed here in support of Exercise Cope Tiger 2008 performed a quick turnaround and still completed a mission on time Feb. 3. A rare challenge, the E-3 was flying a mission during the exercise's large force employment  when a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling

Texas team teaches expeditionary medical techniques in Hawaii

The Republic of Moku is a fictitious Pacific island chain, but during exercise Pacific Lifeline it is home to real-world training as more than 90 medical Airmen assigned to Pacific Air Forces practice how to deploy and provide critical services following a natural disaster. Assisting them is a

Air Force Honor Guard holds annual training at Maxwell

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

Threatening dust storms can't stop the mighty Herc

The C-130 Hercules touched down on an unremarkable stretch of dirt in central Africa Jan. 28. Less than four minutes later the aircraft was accelerating and airborne, climbing away from the landing zone and setting a southeasterly course toward civilization. The mission was over for the C-130 crew

AFSPC commander sees space assets in action

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

Feb. 5 airpower summary: F-16s support coalition forces in Iraq

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, British GR-7 Harriers performed shows of force in order to

Manas NCO donates art to fund surgeries for needy children

Where most just see trash, Tech. Sgt. Robert Sommers sees possibility. On any given day, the 376th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron operations management NCO in charge can be found sorting through leftover wood scraps in his shop, which he paints on his off-duty time. The artworks he creates

Airman's Roll Call focuses on personal finances

This week's Airman's Roll Call highlights ways Airman can improve their personal financial management. Supervisors can direct struggling enlisted servicemembers to various organizations on the base to counsel Airmen on how to control spiraling debt.  Every base has beginner financial management

Active duty, Guard, Reserve: One awesome force

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

Craig Joint Theater Hospital at work

Feb. 6 airpower summary: F-15s hit enemy combatants

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto a

Three generations honor, remember the 'Forgotten War'

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

Air Force working to build cyber warrior career fields

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

SECAF declares new complex officially open

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

Powered flight returns to Air Force Academy

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

Lunar New Year event strengthens ties, cultural awareness

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

Chief's strategy white paper unveiled

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

Airmen build mobile medical facilty

Air Force members, primarily from the 3rd Medical Group, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, built a fully functional hospital in a barren field in just 11 hours Jan. 29.The Airmen were taking part in the Pacific Air Forces first-ever total force humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise,

AAFES implementing significant 'green' initiatives

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

Falcon gymnasts ranked among nation's elite

The Air Force men's gymnastics team is ranked among the national leaders on the still rings, according to the latest rankings. Senior Greg Stine is ranked fourth in the NCAA with a still rings average score of 15.025, while the Falcons average a team score of 56.700, which is ranked 10th in the

Virtual MPF adds new self-service program for assignments

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

Officials to hold all-star baseball tryouts

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

Postal Service offers first-time military discount

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

Secretary Wynne reflects on recent CENTCOM visit

In the latest Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force reflects on his recent visit to the Central Command area of responsibility and his impressions of dedicated Air Force people serving in deployed locations. "I am truly humbled by their warrior spirit and dedication to mission readiness