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  • Servicemembers hammer out, nail down construction in Iraq

    Military contracting officials deployed to Baghdad work to rebuild the economy in Iraq by hiring local contractors to build and remodel facilities throughout the International Zone. Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors have been hands-on with several structure projects, including the construction of an

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force. View slideshow.

  • KC-10s provide rapid aerial refueling

    Think of this number: 1.2 million. That's the number of pounds of fuel the KC-10s from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing deliver daily to aircraft that provide air support to warfighters in Afghanistan. This means that when coalition forces need air support, aircraft such as A-10 Thunderbolt IIs,

  • Photo essay: B-1s at Ellsworth AFB

    A B-1B Lancer and aircrew here prepare for a training mission Oct. 15, 2009. The flight crew consists of the pilot, co-pilot, defensive systems operator and offensive systems operator. View the slideshow.

  • Globemaster conducts first mission for Cope India

    A C-17 Globemaster III crew conducted the first ever combined airdrop mission with Indian air force personnel here as part of exercise Cope India. The 535th Airlift Squadron from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, conducted a high-altitude low-opening mission with four U.S. Air Force Airmen and Soldiers

  • AFPC now accepting nominations for deputy commander positions

    Interested and eligible officers in the grade of O-5 may now submit applications to be considered for deputy commander positions in mission support groups in 2010. Applications are due via e-mail to the base support officer assignments section at the Air Force Personnel Center here by Nov. 20.

  • Iraq-based platelets travel to Afghanistan

    The Air Force Theater Hospital platelet apheresis lab here began dispatching blood platelets to Afghanistan Oct. 14, 2009. The AFTH functions as the sole platelet provider in Iraq. Now, it is the first in-theater medical facility to send platelets collected in one operational area to another, said

  • Airmen integrate into Chilean CAOC for SALITRE

    Air Forces Southern Airmen are integrating themselves into a Chilean combined air operations center for SALITRE, a Chilean air force-led coalition exercise Oct. 17 to Nov. 2 in Antofagasta and Iquique, Chile. The effort can be challenging, considering France, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and the United

  • 15 units, 3 countries converge on Nellis for Red Flag

    Nearly 1,300 servicemembers, more than 80 aircraft and 15 units from three countries converged on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., for the start of Red Flag 10-1 Oct. 19. American, Norwegian and Dutch airmen and soldiers comprise the allied team in the exercise. "The exercise is a great opportunity for

  • McChord C-17 lands at newly upgraded airstrip in Wyoming

    A C-17 Globemaster III from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., approached the 5,500-foot-long stretch of paved runway, landed, then rolled to a stop. That's not much space on which to land a heavily loaded, half-million pound cargo plane, but officials here say it's the perfect runway for C-17 pilots to

  • Exercise Cope India begins

    More than 400 airmen from the United States and India began the fourth installment of exercise Cope India, a bilateral humanitarian assistance disaster relief exercise, here Oct. 19. The exercise will exchange airlift, air land, and tactical airdrop delivery techniques using three C-130H Hercules,

  • Weapons, tactics conference puts warfighters' needs in focus

    Nearly 1,200 Air Force warfighters are meeting here in late October to decide on what's needed to succeed in future battles and missions. This year's Air Guard and Reserve Weapons and Tactics Conference is the biggest ever, said Col. Jon Mott, the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command

  • Stop loss Airmen eligible for compensation

    Current and former Airmen who were involuntarily held on active duty beyond an approved separation or retirement date as a direct result of stop loss between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009, may be eligible for a Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay compensation of $500 for each month they were

  • Team exchanges ideas with Chilean air force

    Members of 12th Air Force and the Texas Air National Guard completed four days of subject matter exchanges in Santiago, Chile, in late October with Chilean air force members on topics such as crisis management, media relations and air operations center processes and procedures. The exchange was a

  • 21 Air Force food service professionals win culinary honors

    Twenty-one Air Force food service professionals were honored at the 2009 Hennessy Travelers Association Educational Foundation Armed Forces Forum for Culinary Excellence Oct. 4 to 10. The forum at Culinary Institute of America Greystone Campus in Napa Valley, Calif., recognized a total of 25 members

  • Officials change promotion policy regarding senior NCO academy

    Completion of the resident Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy or a sister service equivalent will be required for promotion to senior master sergeant effective Jan. 1, an Air Force personnel official said recently.This policy change supersedes the current policy which requires Air

  • AFSOUTH Airmen participate in Exercise SALITRE II

    More than 190 Air Forces Southern Airmen are representing the United States during Exercise SALITRE II, a Chilean air force-led coalition exercise which began Oct. 17 and ends Nov. 2, in Antofagasta and Iquique, Chile. SALITRE is a coalition air exercise, including search and rescue, aerial

  • Combat metals flight fabricates essential aircraft parts

    When maintainers here need new parts for their C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, they can't just head down to the local parts store and pick one up. That's where the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron's Combat Metals Flight comes in. The unit fabricates aircraft parts from

  • Aeromedical staging facility staff to reach major milestone in warrior care

    Members of the 86th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility here will soon be reaching a new milestone since opening its doors and receiving its first patient six years ago. Unit members provide critical care to wounded warriors, and are scheduled to complete its 100,000th patient movement sometime

  • Airman helps Army get connected

    Shoot, move and communicate is a Soldiers motto on the battlefield, but without stable Internet connection, communication would not be possible. Staff Sgt. Jeremy Emond at Combat Outpost McClain does his part in aiding Soldiers communicate by providing Internet access. "Here I'm supporting the

  • Cooperation Team-One exchanges ideas with Chilean air force members

    Members of 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) and the Texas Air National Guard completed four days of subject matter exchanges in Santiago, Chile, with members of the Fuerza Aerea Chile, or FACh, on topics such as crisis management, media relations and Air Operations Center processes and

  • New PT rules will not take away from unit fitness

    Everyone in the Air Force is required to maintain fitness. In fact, in January 2010 the new physical fitness testing criteria will take effect, requiring Airmen to meet minimum requirements in each category or fail the test. Now, Air Force officials are restructuring the requirement for commanders

  • German fliers achieve 55,555 flight hours at Holloman

    With the landing of a specially painted Tornado aircraft, airmen at the German air force Flying Training Center here completed 55,555 Tornado flight hours Oct. 13, and a reception commemorating the accomplishment followed. German air force members shared the momentous occasion with Airmen from the

  • Ali Base assumes 'advise and assist' as additional duty

    As the responsible drawdown of forces continues in Iraq, Airmen here have embraced the additional role of advising and assisting the local Iraqi army and citizens during the transition. The 407th Air Expeditionary Group, which operates, maintains and secures the largest airfield in Southern Iraq, is

  • Kyrgyz women visit Manas, experience mission firsthand

    Twenty female Kyrgyz civic leaders, known as the Congress of Women, visited Airmen here Oct. 16 to familiarize themselves with the center's mission and talk to Airmen around the base. The visit changed the way some of the women viewed the Transit Center and gave them a better understanding of what

  • Airmen wrap up relief efforts in Pacific

    Airmen providing humanitarian assistance following the recent natural disasters in the Pacific have wrapped up their efforts and are returning home, Pacific Air Forces officials here said Oct. 19. The missions began Sept. 30 when Hawaii Air National Guard crews flew two C-17 Globemaster IIIs loaded

  • Iraqi children come out to play at Joint Base Balad

    Nearly 100 Iraqi children spent Oct. 10 running, playing and, more than anything, smiling as they had fun with American servicemembers on Joint Base Balad. The local Iraqi youths, from 5 to 18 years old, were invited to the base as part of a project initiated by the U.S. Department of State's Salah

  • 'Today's Air Force' features basic military training

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the beginning of a great journey for Airmen: basic military training.  See what individuals go through to become the best in the Air Force, from arrival night to life in the dorm to overcoming obstacles and finally, emerging ready and fit to fight with

  • Mobility Airmen continue peak pace for Operation Enduring Freedom

    When President Barack Obama authorized an additional 17,000 troops to "surge" into Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom in February, mobility Airmen answered the call. To move that many personnel, a concentrated effort in the mobility airlift and air refueling community was needed. According

  • Charleston Airman honored for heroic actions

    A Charleston Air Force Base technical sergeant was honored Oct. 15 for his heroism and bravery while suffering from injuries sustained during a patrol on his seventh deployment to the Middle East. Tech. Sgt. Michael Williams, an explosives ordnance disposal technician with the 437th Civil Engineer

  • Brothers in arms march for cause

    Five states, 12 men, 13 batons, 24 pairs of boots, 600 pounds carried more than 800 miles all traveled for one cause: honoring special tactics Airmen who sacrificed their lives in combat. Special tactics Airmen from here and across the special operations forces community embarked on a 10-day

  • Special tactics Airmen complete 800-mile march

    After walking more than 800 miles through five states, 12 special tactics Airmen arrived here Oct. 16, officially completing a memorial march for their fallen comrades. The marchers, made up of several combat controllers and pararescuemen and one combat weatherman, split up into six two-man teams

  • CMSAF Roy visits Scott Airmen

    The 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited Scott Air Force Base Oct. 15 and 16 to speak to the enlisted force here and to participate in a conference along with two former CMSAFs. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy learned how Airmen at Scott AFB enable combat power and

  • Elmendorf Honor Guard participates in funeral of H1N1 victim

    The Elmendorf Honor Guard served in the memorial service of an Air Force member at the Fort Richardson National Cemetery, Oct. 15. Staff Sgt. Shawn J. Rankin, who hailed from nearby Anchorage, died Oct. 4 from complications related to the H1N1 virus at his off-base residence in Glendale, Ariz. 

  • Kandahar Airmen fly missions of mercy

    They are the "Angels of the Battlefield," medics dedicated to transporting wounded U.S. and coalition servicemembers, as well as locals to the medical care they need. "It's our job to take care of these wounded warriors," said Maj. Dawn Rice, a flight nurse and medical director assigned to the 451st

  • Iraqi agency assumes full air traffic control at Baghdad airport

    The Iraq Civil Aviation Authority assumed full control of daily air traffic operations at the Baghdad International Airport air traffic control tower Oct. 1.Before the transition to full Iraqi control, air traffic operations at BIAP were conducted by Iraqis and U.S. Airmen assigned to the 447th

  • Airmen bid farewell to Spanish forces at Transit Center at Manas

    Airmen of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing here held a ceremony to say goodbye to their Spanish counterparts as the Spanish Detachment vacated the Transit Center at Manas Oct. 13. During the ceremony, the Spaniards paid their respects to their fallen comrades and fallen American servicemembers by

  • Gen. Wyatt: Maintainers must look beyond future

    The future will provide some "great opportunities" for the Air National Guard, but it will also take a completely different way of thinking, the ANG director said Oct. 15 at the ANG Maintenance Group Mega-Conference in Boise, Idaho. "For those in this room, we're going to rely on your skills as

  • Rescue center providing assistance to find downed F-16

    Air Force Rescue Coordination Center officials here have dispatched two HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and an HC-130 from the 23rd Wing at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., in response to a collision of two F-16 Fighting Falcons from Shaw AFB, S.C., that collided in mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean Oct.15

  • Airman renders combat first aid to Soldiers

    An Air Force medic applied combat first aid to Soldiers when their vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device in Kapisa Province, recently. Senior Airman Ashley Jackson, a medic deployed from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, with Kapisa Provincial Reconstruction Team was riding in a

  • Heavy Airlift Wing receives third, final C-17

    The third and final C-17 Globemaster III to complete the Heavy Airlift Wing aircraft inventory arrived here Oct. 12 and was welcomed by the Hungarian Chief of Defense General Laszlo Tombol and other civic leaders from the surrounding communities. The delivery of the third aircraft marks the

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force. View slideshow.

  • AFRCC Airmen respond to balloon chase in Colorado

    Air Force Rescue Coordination Center personnel here responded to calls for assistance when a hot air balloon, believed to be 'piloted' by a 6-year-old boy, broke free from its tethers and flew haphazardly through the skies near Denver Oct. 15. At approximately 1:25 p.m. Central Time, the AFRCC

  • Bomb technicians lead fight against IEDs

    Improvised explosive devices have forced a change in modern combat, and deadly weapons can come in the form of a five-gallon bucket, a package in the mail or a filled-in pothole in the middle of the road. Staff Sgt. Armondo Robles and Airman 1st Class Rileigh Woodward, members of a military "bomb

  • Reconstruction project shifts to lifesaving mission

    An ordinary day for the Kapisa/Parwan Provincial Reconstruction team in Afghanistan became an unforgettable opportunity for an Airman from here to help save children's lives. Staff Sgt. Jonathan Okeefe, a 338th Training Squadron Det. 1 satellite, wideband and telemetry systems instructor at Fort

  • EOD Airmen help Iraqi police enhance skills

    Members of the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal team here and Iraqi police conducted joint training here Oct. 3, enhancing the Iraqi police's necessary skills detecting, safely approaching and disarming improvised explosive devices. An Iraqi police EOD team

  • Airman comments about firefight

    "I won't forget them as long as I live."Those are the words of Capt. Gordon Olde, an F-15E Strike Eagle weapon system officer following a battle at a remote military base about 10 miles from Pakistan that erupted on the morning of Oct. 3 that highlighted the unbreakable bond between Airmen and

  • Luke Airman dies of H1N1 complications

    A Luke Air Force Base NCO died Oct. 4 from complications with the H1N1 virus at his off-base residence in Glendale, Ariz.Staff Sgt. Shawn J. Rankin, 25, died at approximately 4 a.m. and was unresponsive to emergency responders at his residence and then transported to a local hospital where he was

  • Airmen host Kyrgyz citizens during family day

    Friends and families of Kyrgyz workers at the Transit Center at Manas were able to get an up-close look at the Air Force working environment here and enjoy a day of fun during the Friends and Family Day event Oct. 9 here. The event, a tribute to thank the local community for their continued support,

  • Air Force officials to offer H1N1 vaccine

    As part of the service's preventative efforts to safeguard the health of the force, Air Force medical staffs are set to provide 1 million H1N1 vaccination doses to Airmen and their family members by early November, officials said Oct. 8. Air Force medical personnel will receive and distribute to

  • McChord Airmen complete second humanitarian airlift to American Samoa

    A C-17 Globemaster III aircrew from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., touched down at Pago Pago International Airport on Oct. 10, delivering more than 42,000 pounds of Federal Emergency Management Agency cargo to American Samoa in support of ongoing relief operations. The mission was the aircrew's

  • Airmen train, advise, assist Iraqi helicopter pilots

    Air Force pilots from the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron here train, advise and assist Iraqi helicopter pilots around the clock, helping the Iraqis further develop their air force. Maj. Christopher Elam, an Mi-17 instructor pilot, and Maj. Jack Swinehart, a UH-1HP Huey military transition

  • McChord Airmen provide humanitarian airlift to Indonesia

    McChord Air Force Base Airmen from the 7th Airlift Squadron completed their second humanitarian airlift mission in just over a week Oct. 9, delivering more than 87,000 pounds of cargo here in support of relief operations following the deadly 8.0-magnitude earthquake that shook the island Sept. 29.

  • Air Force meets recruiting goals for tenth year in a row

    The Air Force met its active-duty enlisted recruiting goal for the 10th year in a row and met its chaplain and Officer Training School accession goals for fiscal year 2009. "The Air Force continues to attract the highest quality men and women to serve in this great Air Force," said Brig. Gen. A.J.

  • Nominees sought for 2010 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award

    Air Force Personnel Center recognition programs section officials here are requesting nominations for the 2010 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award. Nominations are due to AFPC by April 22, 2010. There are three categories for award: Airman, NCO and Senior NCO. The period of service for the award

  • Air Force officials release fleece wear policy

    The 98th Air Force Virtual Uniform Board released a policy message here Oct. 9 for wearing the new Air Force sage green fleece as an outer garment for the airman battle uniform. According to the message, the sage green fleece may only be worn over the ABU top, and is not authorized to be worn solely

  • U.S., India to begin Cope India bilateral exercise

    Members of the U.S. and Indian air forces will train together during exercise Cope India Oct. 15 through 24 at Air Force Station Agra in Uttar Predesh, India. This year's Cope India will be an airlift exercise that focuses on the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission. More than 150

  • General impressed with Airman, Soldier synergy at Fort Hood

    The commander of Air Combat Command visited Fort Hood in early October to visit the Airmen of the 3rd Air Support Operations Group here who provide tactical air support for Fort Hood's ground troops, including the 1st Cavalry Division, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and the 4th Infantry Division, now

  • U.S. Navy celebrates 234 years of service

    Since Oct. 13, 1775, when the Continental Congress of the United States recognized the need for naval forces, the United States Navy has been vital in protecting our national security. From its humble beginnings with merely two sailing vessels to what is now the most powerful Navy in the world, the

  • Interpreters key to Air Force efforts in Indonesia

    The Air Force humanitarian assistance rapid response team deployed here in response to the recent earthquakes in Indonesia has treated more than 600 patients since opening the mobile field hospital to local residents Oct. 7 here, and one hurdle to overcome was the language barrier. The HARRT mission

  • Andersen Airmen keep HARRT beating

    Air Force medical professionals are providing care to victims of the recent earthquakes here, and behind them is another group of Airmen working behind the scenes to keep the operation running smoothly. The 36th Contingency Response Group from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, is providing operations

  • Ramstein pilot receives Cheney Award

    A C-130E Hercules instructor pilot was presented the Cheney Award by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz Oct. 8 for his leadership in planning humanitarian aid missions to the country of Georgia.The Cheney Award is presented each year to a service member who demonstrates an act of valor,

  • Top enlisted Airman visits Andrews Airmen

    The 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force, whose family calls this base home but who himself is "just TDY here," briefed a standing room-only audience of Joint Base Andrews Airmen here Oct. 7 at an Enlisted Call during his first official visit to the base. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force

  • Air Force officials launch updated Key Spouse program

    As part of the July 2009-July 2010 Year of the Air Force Family initiative, the service's senior leaders have announced the launch of a revised and standardized Key Spouse program. Paula Roy, wife of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy, is the senior spouse champion for the program and

  • Airmen treat hundreds of Indonesian earthquake victims

    An Air Force Humanitarian Assistance Rapid Response Team is helping local medical professionals treat an increasing number of patients here in the wake of recent earthquakes. The 69-member HARRT has cared for more than 200 patients since arriving here Oct. 5. Common ailments treated include

  • USO gala honors troops, sacrifices

    It was a tough act for Hollywood at the annual USO Gala here last night. The stars were out at the black-tie event held in a posh hotel in the popular Adams Morgan area. More than 800 actors, musicians, models, football stars and top politicians mingled during drinks and dinner. But it wasn't the

  • Senior leaders announce Energy Awareness Month

    Air Force senior leaders are leaning on Airmen to continue to assist with the service's energy challenges and help increase the nation's energy independence. Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz announced their initiative in a service-wide

  • Airmen help future Iraqi pilots learn to speak English

    Before an Iraqi air force lieutenant can begin pilot training at Kirkuk Air Base, he must first prove he have achieved one of their air force's core values: learning to comprehend and speak English. American Airmen have helped Iraqi officers achieve this goal by serving as English class instructors

  • Reaper takes flight at Holloman

    The first MQ-9 Reaper to arrive here made its first local flight Oct.1, expanding the capacity for the remotely piloted vehicle formal training unit here. Instructors from the 432nd Operations Group, Det. 3, conducted the first flight, while members from the 432nd Maintenance Group, Det. 1,

  • Photographer's pictures of Airmen now in Library of Congress

    A desire to show the non-flying side of the Air Force motivated a British photographer, and now his 60-photo "Cleared Hot!" exhibition is part of the Library of Congress. "I met a lot of Air Force people and the first question they're asked is, 'What type of plane do you fly?'" Nicholas Price said.

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force. View the slideshow.

  • Airmen use football rivalry to help Afghan people

    In a Soviet-era aircraft hangar here, a rivalry born during the Battle of the Red River is still alive and well, although now that energy is spent supporting the Afghan people. Maj. Tobin Griffeth, an avid University of Texas fan, and Capt. Katie Illingworth, a University of Oklahoma alum, created a

  • Unit surpasses consecutive 7,000 days with forces in Southwest Asia

    Members of the 55th Wing from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., and their RC-135V/W Joint Rivets have been deployed in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility every day for the past 7,000 days. The RC-135 is a reconnaissance aircraft supporting theater and national-level consumers with near

  • AMC, AFRC establish associate flying squadrons

    Air Force Reserve Command and Air Mobility Command are working to establish three active associate flying squadrons in 2010. About 500 active Airmen will associate with Air Force Reserve units at Keesler AFB, Miss.; March Air Reserve Base, Calif.; and Peterson AFB, Colo., by 2012. Lt. Col. Carlos

  • Air Force secretary takes action on DOD IG report

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley took administrative action against retired Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the former Air Force chief of staff, for his role in the Thunderbird Airshow Production Services contract. The decision follows completion of a Department of Defense Inspector General

  • Airmen provide intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance

    Leaders at every level need battlefield information, and because of Airmen with the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron ... now they know. With their RQ-4 Global Hawk and U-2 aircraft, the Airmen excel at providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for everyone from combatant

  • Eglin salutes the Year of the Air Force Family

    Supervisors, co-workers and friends come and go, but family is forever is the underlying theme in the coming months as Eglin Air Force Base leaders will focus on the meaning, needs and strengths of the Air Force family during the Year of the Air Force Family. The Year of the Air Force Family began

  • Eaker Center adds space education to professional continuing education

    Air University's Ira C. Eaker Center for Professional Development is now home to the Air Force Space Command professional continuing education center for excellence, known as the National Security Space Institute, as of Oct. 1. "It is logical for the NSSI to nest within the Eaker Center as it is

  • Air Force HARRT arrives in Indonesia

    An Air Force humanitarian assistance rapid response team arrived at the Bandar Udara International Airport Oct. 5 with approximately 200,000 pounds of medical and contingency response equipment. The 69-member team set up a mobile field hospital near the M. Jamil hospital here to work closely with

  • Airmen commemorate 50 years of nation's preeminent ICBM fleet

    Members from across the ICBM community arrived here Oct. 7 for a three-day celebration of the 50th anniversary of the ICBM. "We are proud to host such a historic event and welcome the many ICBM pioneers to join in on our discussions about the future of America's preeminent nuclear deterrence," said

  • New era in food service coming to Air Force bases

    Air Force food services representatives have been meeting the dining needs of Airmen and their families for more than 60 years through dining facilities, clubs and snack bars. To reflect changing times, a new look and feel is coming to the Air Force dining experience at select bases, mirroring a

  • Mobility commander addresses Incirlik Airmen

    The Air Mobility Command commander talked with Incirlik Air Base Airmen Oct. 5 in the middle of a trip through the Operation Enduring Freedom area of responsibility. Gen. Arthur J. Lichte conducted two town hall meetings with Airmen from the 385th Air Expeditionary Group and the 728th Air Mobility

  • Air Force officials authorize BDU cold weather item to wear with ABUs

    Air Force officials here now authorized Airmen to wear the battle dress uniform cold weather Gore-Tex and field jacket with the current airman battle uniform. The decision to authorize the coat stems from the demand of cold weather gear outweighing current supply of the new ABU coat. According to a

  • Special tactics Airmen honor fallen teammates

    Twelve Airmen began a memorial ruck sack march Oct. 6, to honor 12 fallen special tactics teammates killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. An estimated 824 miles later, the dozen warrior Airmen will arrive Oct. 16 at Hurlburt Field, Fla. In between, six two-man teams will relay through five states, 24

  • Kadena maintainers train on Japanese equipment during exercise

    Maintainers from the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit here worked alongside their Japanese hosts Oct. 2 to learn how to use aerospace ground equipment during an aviation training relocation exercise at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan. The Airmen trained on the Japan Air Self Defense Forces' AGE, which they

  • Kadena Airmen aid Indonesian recovery operations

    Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group from here are supporting humanitarian relief operations near Padang in western Indonesia after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake and a slightly smaller one struck Sept. 29 and Oct. 1. Members of the 320th Special Tactics Squadron and 17th Special Operations

  • Bench stock 'vending machines' saving time for AMC's maintenance Airmen

    If you've ever gone to a vending machine to get your favorite beverage or snack, imagine using that same technology to dispense a particular part or tool you could use to fix a plane. In Air Mobility Command, through an initiative between maintenance Airmen and the command's Air Force Smart

  • USAFE officials ramp up for improved PT program

    United States Air Forces in Europe Airmen will see major changes in the fitness program starting Jan. Some of the Air Force-level modifications include testing twice a year versus once and having fitness assessment cell representatives conduct the biannual testing at the main installations to

  • Sheppard officials launch Nuclear Accountability Course

    Air Force officials took another important step in reinvigorating their nuclear enterprise here Oct. 5 with the launch of the Nuclear Accountability Course providing realistic, hands-on training to Airmen assuming duties making them responsible for nuclear weapons. Delivered by the 82nd Training

  • Change in post-deployment stabilization promotes predictability, equality

    The recent deployment deferment policy change institutionalizes an equitable deferment period of six months for Airmen completing 365-day indeterminate TDYs or an unaccompanied, short tour permanent change of station. Prior to the release of the new Air Force Instruction 36-2110, Assignments, which

  • Allen Army Airfield to save Air Force money, provide tactical training

    Air Force officials here opened Allen Army Airfield Sept. 29 to give Elmendorf Air Force Base C-17 Globemaster III aircrews a closer airstrip to practice assault landings and saving the military thousands of dollars.Before the opening of Allen Army Airfield, located about three miles north of Fort

  • Guidance released on 100 percent cotton airman battle uniform

    Air Force senior leaders here issued guidance clarifying the wear of the 100 percent cotton airman battle uniform. According to a message dated Sept. 7, only Airmen in jobs that meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, requirements are authorized to wear the 100 percent cotton

  • Air Force officials dedicate C-130 to Army's 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan

    Air Force officials here dedicated a C-130 Hercules to the Soldiers of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division stationed in Afghanistan Oct. 5 at Bagram Airfield. The transport was originally dedicated at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., Oct. 25, 2008, to Fort Bragg's entire 82nd Airborne Division based in

  • Family uses technology to cope with deployment separation

    Talking every day with the man she married is sometimes a challenge for Amanda Gutierrez, but even though he is deployed they can still discuss family issues face to face. Technology like e-mail, Web cams and texting helps bridge the 8,000 mile gap between Texas and Afghanistan. Saturday morning

  • Combat search, rescue highlighted in new commercial

    A commercial highlighting combat search and rescue, or CSAR, Airmen began airing Oct. 5 in television markets and select movie theaters across the country."CSAR" shows the teamwork involved to locate, communicate with and recover downed aircrews and isolated personnel. The commercial is the third in

  • Airmen deploy to Indonesia to help quake victims

    Airmen assigned to Pacific Air Forces left here and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 5 on two C-17 Globemaster IIIs for Padang, Indonesia, to provide medical care to those affected by the recent 7.6-magnitude earthquake. The humanitarian assistance rapid response team combines medical and