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  • Airman's Roll Call highlights Senior Enlisted Leader Summit

    This week's Airman's Roll Call highlights the first-ever Senior Enlisted Leader Summit which was held at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Gunter Annex. More than 360 senior enlisted leaders met July 22 to 27 to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Airmen today. Attendees discussed training

  • New active-duty competition to debut at Air Force Marathon

    Which Air Force major command comprises the fastest, fittest flock of fine physiques? The answer may become clear Sept. 15 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base when a new type of competition for active-duty Air Force servicemembers debuts at this year's Air Force Marathon. The Major Command, or

  • Airmen teach Afghan police forces tactics, training

    Members of the Police Technical Advisory Team here have trained more than 200 Afghan national police and Afghan national auxiliary police since April to help improve the security of Afghanistan.Team members train 10 to 20 Afghan national police and Afghan national auxiliary police every week and

  • Joint servicemembers convoy supplies to Afghan refugees

    Dozens of joint servicemembers delivered clothing and supplies to an Afghan refugee camp near Kabul July 27 as part of a volunteer community relations program offered by the garrison chaplains at Camp Eggers. Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan members delivered a truck full of

  • Medical symposium strengthens ties in Kirkuk

    U.S. Air Force and Army physicians welcomed their local Iraqi counterparts here July 22 for a gathering of medical knowledge and camaraderie in a region recently the focus of intense terror bombings. The medical symposium, a joint effort on the part of 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadron officials

  • Humanitarian team returns from Pacific mission

    A team of approximately 50 medical, dental and civil engineer servicemembers returned to Hickam Air Force Base July 28 after completing a mission to provide civil assistance and training to local residents of three Pacific islands. The team of Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers departed Hickam AFB for the

  • Assisted living residence gets perfect inspection score

    The staff at Hawthorn House, the Air Force Enlisted Village's assisted living residence, recently earned a perfect score during an inspection by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. As one of the four official charities of the Air Force, the Air Force Enlisted Village provides a home

  • Enlisted leaders gain from summit outcome

    The Air Force's first Senior Enlisted Leader Summit culminated at the Gunter Annex July 27. More than 360 professional military education commandants, career field managers, chief master sergeants, and other key senior enlisted leaders from the Air Force active duty, Reserve and Air National Guard,

  • Airmen mentor Afghan air corps soldiers

    From firefighters to aircraft mechanics to squadron commanders, several Airmen are mentoring and training their Afghan National Army air corps counterparts as members of the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan here in the nation's capital. It's a job that's like no other, said Master

  • Artists document Rodeo competition

    Whether it's the sound of a pencil scratching paper or the flash of light from their digital cameras, four artists with the Air Force Art Program are working to portray Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 through their art at McChord Air Force Base. More than 2,500 competitors and observers from the

  • Beale Global Hawk deploys for first time

    The 9th Reconnaissance Wing's RQ-4 Global Hawk program passed a significant milestone by completing its first operational Global Hawk deployment July 19 from Beale Air Force Base to Andersen AFB, Guam. "This is the first time in United States Air Force history that we've deployed the Global Hawk

  • Aeromedical evacuation teams test lifesaving skills at Rodeo

    Within minutes, five Airmen transformed the empty bay of a C-17 Globemaster III into a medical care facility capable of hauling wounded military members from the war zone to a hospital for treatment July 23 not in Southwest Asia but at McChord Air Force Base. Having deployed in support of Operation

  • Former chief of staff visits Fairchild, praises AMC

    "The primary purpose of the United States Air Force is to fight and win America's wars."With this statement, retired Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, the former Air Force chief of staff, summed up an address on the history of Air Mobility Command and the Air Force during his meeting with more than 400

  • Space institute hosts first international students

    Four Australian military members recently traveled more than 10,000 miles to Peterson Air Force Base to expand their knowledge of U.S. space operations and the constantly changing global arena of space. Air Force Space Command officials invited these international students to attend the National

  • Korean War pilot achieves aviation first

    From the time military aviators engaged in aerial combat during World War I, their exploits produced innumerable "firsts" in aviation history. One such "first" occurred during the Korean War on Nov. 8, 1950. That's when a 25-year old, first lieutenant flying with the 16th Fighter-Interceptor

  • Security forces Rodeo teams tested by the best

    When it comes to adding realism to Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 security forces tactics competition being held here July 21 through 28, the Airmen testing the competitors are among the best the Air Force has to offer. The approximately 30 role players and coordination and support staff for the

  • Exercise strengthens South Korean alliance

    More than 250 Airmen and hundreds of other augmentees from the Marines, Army and Navy converged at Osan Air Base in July to participate in the 12th annual Reception, Staging, Onward-movement and Integration, or RSO&I, and Foal Eagle exercise. The exercise tests the military's ability to deploy

  • International officers observe Red Flag-Alaska

    Eighteen senior military leaders from nations across the globe converged in Alaska to see first-hand the training capabilities offered through Red Flag-Alaska exercises. This year's Executive Observer Program shows that many international militaries have interest in participating in the exercise

  • Commander visits Japan earthquake relief team

    Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, U.S. Forces Japan commander, visited with an earthquake relief team July 21 comprised of Navy Seabees and Japan Ground Self Defense Force members.  The team was working in the Niigata Prefecture, an area hit by an earthquake July 16. During the trip the general commended the

  • Airman missing 28 years comes home

    For nearly 30 years, the family of a deceased Airman has been waiting for his return home. The wait ended July 18 when Staff Sgt. Donald Michaud's remains returned to New England and met by two members of the Patriot Honor Guard from Hanscom Air Force Base accompanied by Logan Airport firefighters

  • Heritage tailflash connects fighter past

    In medieval times, knights and royal families used heraldic symbols to identify themselves and remember their heritage. With modern military traditions connected to that time of chivalry and honor, 51st Fighter Wing officials from Osan Air Base are bringing back a symbol that promotes its heritage.

  • Air Force NSPS update released

    The Air Force has deployed more than 39,000 employees to the National Security Personnel System. When fully implemented, NSPS will cover more than 128,000 Air Force employees and affect civilian employees, civilian supervisors and military members who supervise civilian employees. The Air Force

  • Joint team works to improve care in Nauru

    Life is unique in the world's smallest island nation -- the tiny South Pacific island of Nauru. It sits just slightly south of the equator, so most of the day is uncommonly hot. Electricity flows in a given facility for no more than 12 hours a day; it comes on for about six hours at a time on the

  • Kyrgyz air controllers view Manas from the ground

    Kyrgyz Air Navigation controllers who help keep a watchful eye on the sky over Manas finally had a chance to get the "ground's eye" view of Manas Air Base in July. The controller crews toured the base as part of their ongoing English education program with members of the 376th Expeditionary

  • President visits Charleston, addresses military members

    President George W. Bush visited servicemembers and talked about the war on terrorism July 24 at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. The president toured a C-17 Globemaster III, observed Airmen loading pallets on a plane in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, gave a speech, and had

  • Largest Air Force contingent rides across Iowa

    At dawn on July 21, 148 Air Force Cycling Team bicyclists kicked off a 477-mile bike ride across Iowa. Sponsored by the Des Moines Register newspaper, the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI, is the longest, largest and oldest ride in America with 10,000 riders from all over

  • Airmen save the day for Turkish Rodeo team

    When the Turkish C-130 airplane broke down just before the 2007 Air Mobility Command Rodeo competition began, American Airmen banded together to make the impossible happen. When all was said and done, a maintenance job that normally takes weeks was performed in five days, all in the spirit of Rodeo

  • Kyrgyz medical students see capabilities at Manas

    Kyrgyz students from a local medical lyceum toured Manas Air Base July 18 to see how American and coalition forces are organized and equipped to handle medical situations. The students, ranging from 17 to 19 years of age, came to the 376th Expeditionary Medical Group and heard from Air Force medical

  • New tinted windows 'shades' light on tower

    Air traffic controllers here now have a clearer view of commercial and military operations, thanks to the installation of new glass and lighting in the control tower. Base engineers accomplished the final inspection and accepted the work July 23 on more than $41,000 in upgrades. Previously, Kyrgyz

  • WWII vet awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

    Retired Col. Vincent Fonke, who ended his 30-year career here, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross July 20 for actions he took during World War II while a bomber pilot assigned to the Army Air Corps 91st Bomb Group, 324th Squadron.The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded for heroism or

  • Cultures come together at Rodeo 2007

    On the outside, the United Arab Emirates' tent looks just like the 20 or so others dotting Rainier Ranch, the off-duty area for the 2007 Air Mobility Command Rodeo competition at McChord Air Force Base. But the similarities end when the front flap of the olive-green tent is opened. In a scene that

  • Task force provides training to El Salvadorian military

    Joint Task Force-Bravo, a 26-member task force, traveled to San Salvador, El Salvador, July 16 to train soldiers deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the week-long training mission, El Salvadorian soldiers were instructed on driver, convoy and perimeter security; communications;

  • Security forces Airmen protect Sather Air Base

    Every week, more than 2,000 foreign nationals bring an average 600 vehicles in and out of Sather Air Base -- Baghdad's only passenger and cargo airfield. Many of these foreign nationals go unescorted in the rest of the Victory Base Complex -- and for this reason, strict precautions are required.

  • Pilot crusades for safer skies

    One man's personal mission to help improve flight safety is making headway through the aviation community. Lt. Col. Ned Linch, 12th Air Force chief of flight safety, is an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot with more than 4,000 hours in the cockpit of the F-16, experimental aircraft and airliners. He is

  • Risk to Tricare beneficiary data met with proactive response

    A limited amount of Tricare beneficiary data may have been placed at risk through a violation of internal computer security practices at Science Applications International Corporation. Analysis shows the chance any data was compromised is low, but action is being taken to ensure that affected

  • 'Living Legends' offer Airmen historical perspective

    The three-part "Living Legends" series concluded at the Pentagon Conference Center July 19. The "Living Legends" series included three seminars featuring panels of past and present Air Force leaders who discussed advancements in air power from World War II to the present day war on terrorism. The

  • First Senior Enlisted Leader Summit to convene

    The Air Force's senior enlisted leader convenes the first Senior Enlisted Leader Summit at Gunter Annex here July 22 to 27. This year, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley expanded the list of invitees to include professional military education commandants, career field managers

  • Art exhibit draws crowd to Air Force heritage

    A collection of art illustrating Air Force heritage since before the service's beginning through today's expeditionary operations was the spotlight for local military, civic and business leaders during a gathering July 18 in honor of the Air Force's 60th Anniversary. The exhibit, titled "Heritage to

  • Drink up: Tigris River is life for troops in Baghdad

    It is no different now than it ever has been in Baghdad; life is sustained by the Tigris River. This 1,150-mile-long channel of water is known for its swift flow and ancient history -- and every bottle of water in the Victory Base Complex is filled to the brim from this river. The VBC is home to

  • Defense leaders build on strong relations in Hawaii

    Defense officials are working to make Hawaii a better place for military members and their families to live. Navy Adm. Timothy Keating, the commander of U.S. Pacific Command, met here with Dr. David Chu, under secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, this week to discuss key issues. Solid

  • AU provides curriculum, manpower for Iraqi officer training

    When Air University officials received a request in November to develop a curriculum for two Iraqi air force officer training schools, it produced the material in less than three months. "It took 79 days from beginning to end," said Dr. Charles Nath, director of curriculum at the Air Force Officer

  • ROTC cadets complete inaugural 'Props and Wings Challenge'

    More than 330 ROTC cadets were pushed to their mental and physical limits during Air University's first Props and Wings Challenge here July 17. The challenge culminated nearly four weeks of rigorous field training for incoming junior classmen at universities nationwide who plan to get their Air

  • New service coat to better represent Airmen set for testing

    Air Force officials are now set to begin fit and wear tests of the new service coat to better establish a dress uniform that fits the "warrior ethos" Airmen have today. It's important for the uniform to represent the roles and accomplishments of Airmen, said Brig. Gen. Floyd L. Carpenter, the Airmen

  • Military team to conduct humanitarian assistance in Oceania

    Approximately 50 Air Force, Army and Navy members will travel to the Pacific islands of Vanuatu, Kiribati and Nauru July 20 to 30 to provide medical, dental and engineering support and training to local residents there. This mission displays the Air Force's ability to quickly deliver relief in the

  • Polish president visits Vandenberg's missile sites

    The president of Poland came to Vandenberg Air Force Base July 17 to tour missile defense facilities located on the base and meet with Missile Defense Agency officials. The visit followed President Lech Kaczynski meeting with President George W. Bush July 15 to discuss the U.S. proposal to emplace

  • Center has key role in Integral Fire 2007

    When Exercise Integral Fire 2007 kicks off July 23 here and at 14 other sites across the country, the Global Cyberspace Integration Center will provide the necessary command and control systems and expertise to link the various simulations being tested. Integral Fire 07, an Air Force integrated

  • Air Force museum wins heritage award

    The National Museum of the United States Air Force recently was awarded the 2007 Air Force Heritage Award by the USAF History and Museums Program for its exhibit, "Return with Honor: American Prisoners of War in Southeast Asia." The exhibit, which opened in May 2006, features reproductions of three

  • Air Force Honor Guard visits Air Force Enlisted Village

    Residents at the Air Force Enlisted Village here were treated to a special visit from the Air Force Honor Guard drill team July 13. The team was in Florida for a recruitment tour, and during their visit to nearby Hurlburt Field, the Airmen asked about the possibility of performing at the Air Force

  • Program helps disabled vets get defense business contracts

    Thousands of disabled military veterans have enrolled in a governmentwide program that's designed to help them succeed in new careers as business owners, a Defense Department official said here July 18. The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Office was established at the Pentagon by an

  • Agency helps expedite C-130 sale to Norway

    A quick turnaround by Air Force Security Assistance Center officials and other Air Force Materiel Command Foreign Military Sales organizations helped strengthen the tactical airlift capability of the Norwegian air force by arranging for the sale of four C-130J Hercules aircraft. The $516 million

  • New prosthesis could help keep troops in the fight

    A new prosthesis under development will give servicemember amputees more flexibility and help them better perform their military jobs if they choose to stay on active duty. A preview of the new technology July 17 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here drew key staff and several servicemember

  • Air Force and Better Business Bureau partner

    Representatives from the Air Force and the Council of Better Business Bureaus signed a memorandum of understanding July 16 at the Pentagon that will benefit Airmen and their families. Tim Beyland, assistant deputy chief of staff for Manpower and Personnel, and Steven Cole, chief executive officer of

  • Air Force 60th anniversary recognized at air tattoo

    Capt. Andy Gilbert and his fellow Airmen in the 494th Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath enjoyed a change of pace from their usual mission. Captain Gilbert, an F-15E Strike Eagle weapons system officer, took part in the Royal International Air Tattoo held here July 14 and 15.  The air tattoo,

  • Missile defense experts meet in Hawaii

    Missile defense experts from all over the Pacific theater met here July 16 for the four-day 2007 Joint Interface Control Officer Conference. Missile defense experts from the Army, Navy and Air Force from Japan, Hawaii and California who had worked together virtually now got to meet face to face

  • Women's basketball salutes troops, families

    The Women's National Basketball Association showed its support for the military by giving out 2,000 free tickets for U.S. servicemembers and military family members to attend this year's All-Star Game held July 15 at the Verizon Center here. To further honor women serving in the military, the WNBA

  • Japanese forces arrive for Red Flag-Alaska

    Airmen from the Land of the Rising Sun arrived in the Land of the Midnight Sun July 11 in preparation for the Red Flag-Alaska air combat training exercise. After a seven-hour flight across the Pacific Ocean, six Japanese F-15s from Hyakuri Air Base near Tokyo and a U.S. KC-10 Extender carrying 21

  • Afghan military leader visits Randolph

    The top air boss for the Afghanistan military visited Randolph Air Force Base July 9 as part of a tour to see how the U.S. Air Force can be an example for his country's efforts in creating a proficient training model and establishing an independent air force.  Maj. Gen. Mohammad Dawran, the Afghan

  • Airmen cross into Navy blue

    The Philippine segment of Pacific Partnership on the USS Peleliu was completed July 7 with the help of some unlikely "Sailors." Air Force medical professionals joined the four-month humanitarian mission and according to them, have adjusted well to their new nautical working environment. "It's very

  • Guard and Reserve officer PME enhanced

    Leaders of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve have long recognized the importance of professional military education for career progression. However, Guard and Reserve officers traditionally have had limited availability for on-base seminar programs. Due to increased operations tempo and

  • AETC Symposium set for Sept. 5 to 7 in San Antonio

    The 2007 Air Education and Training Command Symposium giving insight into today and tomorrow's Air Force is scheduled for Sept. 5 through 7 at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in San Antonio.The symposium offers attendees the chance to ask a panel of commanding general officers a question

  • Defense Logistics Agency helps keep A-10s flying

    Defense Logistics Agency members and the Defense Supply Center Richmond responded to a fast suspense request from Air Force officials for critical A-10 Thunderbolt II wing fittings to help keep the planes operational. The A-10's mission is to attack armored vehicles and tanks, as well as to provide

  • Flag officers train for theater-level combat leadership

    Eighteen Air Force, Navy, Marine and international general officers attended Air University's Combined Forces Air Component Commanders course offered by the College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education recently. The purpose of the course is to prepare flag officers for theater-level combat

  • Air Force officials discuss new e-mail accounts

    Air Force officials began sending notifications to the workforce this month about the new E4L, or "E-Mail for Life" accounts.  Everyone is receiving a new @us.af.mil address that will be used for the duration of his or her employment. This has led people to misunderstand that they must somehow start

  • Air Force streamlines officer, enlisted evaluation forms

    Air Force officials are introducing new officer and enlisted evaluation forms as it transforms its personnel processes. The major part of this effort has been directed at reducing the workload associated with preparing officer and enlisted performance reports while ensuring the evaluation process

  • Fairchild Airmen train for Rodeo 2007

    Airmen who will represent Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., at the bi-annual Air Mobility Command Rodeo 2007 teamed up with their counterparts from McChord AFB, Wash., for four days of training recently at the Grant County International Airport here. This year's "Rodeo," the name given to the major

  • Airmen lead multinational effort for Iraqi bombing victims

    Airmen from the 506th Air Expeditionary Group here coordinated and carried out a multinational effort to receive and airlift 21 injured Iraqi civilians for treatment in Turkey July 8. The civilians, ethnic Iraqi Turkmen, were victims of the July 7 market bombing in Tuz Khurmato, Iraq, which

  • CMSAF observes USAFE missions, visits wounded troops

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force completed an aeromedical evacuation mission from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., to Ramstein Air Base and back July 7 through 10 to observe the process firsthand. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley wanted to experience step by step what the

  • Air Force recognized for awarding veterans contracts

    The Department of Veterans Affairs recognized 23 Air Force bases for achievement under the Champions of Veteran Enterprise program during a conference June 27 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The 3rd Annual National Veteran Small Business Conference and Expo honored installations with the Federal

  • Medical program keeps scoring high

    The Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Wilford Hall Medical Center scored in the top three percentile in the nation in June. Out of 152 emergency residencies across the country, the emergency residency at Wilford Hall scored above 97 percent of the other residencies on in-service training exams

  • President picks Army general to lead new command

    President Bush named Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward July 10 to help stand up U.S. Africa Command as its first commander.General Ward has served as deputy commander of U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, since May 2006. In that role, he has been responsible for the day-to-day activities for

  • Active-duty unit marks first year under Guard wing

    Airmen of the 153rd Airlift Wing celebrated the first anniversary that marked the assimilation of active-duty Airmen into the Wyoming Air National Guard July 7 here. One year ago, active-duty Airmen reported to Cheyenne Regional Airport as the 30th Airlift Squadron stood up as Air Mobility Command's

  • Robins Airman selected as top firefighter of the year

    Master Sgt. Shawn Ricchuito from the 778th Civil Engineer Squadron here has been named the Air Force Military Fire Officer of the Year. He will represent the Air Force at the Department of Defense level. Sergeant Ricchuito learned about the honor when Robins Fire Chief Donald Striejewske entered a

  • Navy admiral takes helm of U.S. Special Ops command

    Adm. Eric T. Olson became the first Navy SEAL to command U.S. Special Operations Command during a ceremony here July 9. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates presided as Admiral Olson assumed command from Army Gen. Bryan Brown. General Brown had led the command since September 2003. Two of the more

  • Medics bring relief to Senegal

    Airmen provided medical care to more than 4,400 people here as Airmen, Marines, Sailors and Soldiers formed Task Force 225 and conducted joint training during Exercise Shared Accord June 16 to 28 in Senegal. Fourteen Air Force Reserve Command medics teamed up with a battalion of Marine reservists

  • General McNabb enlists city's future heroes

    For 40 women and men at the Cardinals vs. Giants baseball game July 7, their thoughts may not have been focused on whether Barry Bonds would break Hank Aaron's lifetime home-run record. Right hands raised, this young group, standing at Busch Stadium home plate in front of a huge crowd, was sworn

  • Army medics save Air Force broadcaster's life

    The quick actions of Army medics following a June 28 mortar attack here proved critical in helping save an Air Force broadcaster's life.Tech. Sgt. Jeramie Brown, an Air Force broadcaster with a news team at Forward Operating Base Murray was injured from shrapnel from a mortar and two Soldiers

  • Medical element helps Honduran village

    Approximately 40 American and Honduran servicemembers from the medical element at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, provided medical care for more than 1,000 people during a two-day Medical Readiness Training Exercise in the village of El Horno, Honduras. Airmen and Soldiers of the medical

  • Chief Pfingston laid to rest at Arlington

    Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gary Pfingston was laid to rest July 6 at Arlington National Cemetery. The 10th CMSAF, an Evansville, Ind., native, lost his battle with cancer June 23. He served as the highest ranking enlisted Airman from August 1990 to October 1994. "Chief Pfingston

  • Air Force chief discusses upcoming senior enlisted summit

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley paid a visit here June 27 and spoke to students at the Air Force Senior NCO Academy and Air Force First Sergeants Academy at Gunter Annex about Air Force priorities and issues that affect enlisted members. He also took a few moments to field

  • Air Force General Estes Jr. passes away

    The general who once led the command charged with re-supplying deployed U.S. forces passed away July 2 at his home in Bethesda, Md. From July 1964 until he retired in August 1969, retired Gen. Howell M. Estes Jr. was the commander of the Military Air Transport Service, later known as the Military

  • Controllers call in air strike to disrupt enemy

    Situated in a dusty Army headquarters tent at this forward operating base south of Baghdad, a team of joint tactical air control party Airmen orchestrated the destruction of an explosives-laden roadway recently, stopping the flow of ordnance and weapons into Iraq's capital. By calling in the air

  • Expeditionary Wing celebrates Independence Day

    Just a few miles off the Persian Gulf, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing bustled with more than 8,000 servicemembers hard at work, but also taking the time to honor America's independence.For a moment, expeditionary Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians felt like they were back home, where

  • Airmen join forces for Talisman Saber

    More than 270 Airmen here deployed to Australia to conduct the field training exercise portion of Talisman Saber 2007.  The exercise ran from June 18-26 and was followed by combined training with the Royal Australian Air Force. During the exercise, 37 Airmen from the Maj. Richard Bong Air and

  • Training mission results in real-life rescue

    A series of coincidences and an alert helicopter crew from Air Force Reserve Command's 920th Rescue Wing here saved the life of a 66-year-old Florida man. Several miles off of the coast of Florida's Daytona Beach, Lt. Col. Paul Nevius and his crew were piloting an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter back to

  • Hill reservists say goodbye to last of F-16s

    The last of the 419th Fighter Wing's F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft left here June 28, signifying an end of an era and a beginning of another for the unit. The pilots and maintainers from the Air Force Reserve Command wing will now team up with Hill's active-duty 388th FW to carry out a joint flying

  • NORTHCOM officials set base force protection levels

    Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta are the four levels of force protection applied to every American military installation, with Alpha being the lowest level and Delta being the highest. And it's the commander of U.S. Northern Command who determines what the minimum force protection level will be for

  • Air Force Week strikes a chord with America's heartland

    As Americans reflect on the nation's freedoms this Independence week, events throughout the St. Louis region are putting special emphasis on the Air Force. During the second day of weeklong events here celebrating Air Force Week St. Louis, a concert was held July 3 at Jefferson Barracks County Park

  • Airmen honor 30 years of AWACS

    The 552nd Air Control Wing here celebrated the 30th anniversary of the E-3 Sentry, also known as the Airborne Warning and Control System, or AWACS, June 29 through July 1, with 552nd commanders and Airmen, past and present, coming from around the globe to share their stories. "The AWACS heritage is

  • Fairchild rescue flight saves woman

    A four-man crew from the 36th Rescue Flight here saved a 19-year-old woman June 30 after she was bucked off of a mule in rough terrain near Sherman Pass, Wash.After receiving a 3 p.m. call for search and rescue support from Air Force Rescue Coordination Center officials from Langley Air Force Base,

  • 'Transformers' put Airmen, aircraft on big screen

    More than 300 Airmen and numerous aircraft will be seen around the world in the latest DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures film, "Transformers" being released to theaters July 4.The movie combines the use of live action with computer-generated imagery to enhance the story as Airmen served as extras in the

  • Wing shield carries 65 years of history

    When the Army Air Forces approved the heraldic emblem of the 50th Pursuit Group (later renamed 50th Fighter Group) in 1942, no one could have foreseen the distinguished history that would unfold under that flag. The 50th FG shield had an opinicus -- a magic beast comprising the head of an eagle, the

  • Summer 2007 Airman magazine now available

    Coalition forces fighting terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan can't get enough of the Air Force's unmanned aircraft, the MQ-1 Predator. The persistent Predator gives commanders an unparalleled, bird's-eye view of the battlefield. And the real-time intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance

  • AFSOUTH outlines U.S. cooperation with South America

    The Air Forces Southern commander outlined how American Airmen interact with South American nations to build understanding between the nations. "Military-to-military relationships are only the beginning of our mission," said Lt. Gen. Norman R. Seip. "AFSOUTH Airmen are actively engaging our South

  • Education benefits run out for too many, too often

    Education benefits are still among the top reasons many individuals join the military. Despite this fact, more than 40 percent of Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits go unused each year, according to officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs. One major cause: Time. "Unfortunately, G.I. bill benefits

  • Three-time ace, former cadet commandant, buried at academy

    Retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds was buried June 30 at the U.S. Air Force Academy cemetery after funeral services in the cadet Protestant chapel.  A 14-aircraft aerial review included four F-4 Phantoms flying a missing man formation.The legendary fighter pilot died June 14 from congestive heart

  • Health officials visit returning troops

    Lt. Gen. James G. Roudebush, Air Force surgeon general, and Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, visited wounded troops returning from overseas to Andrews June 26. Dr. Casscells was given a brief tour of Malcolm Grow Medical Center's Aeromedical Staging Flight by

  • Air Force officials complete transfer of Rickenbacker

    The deed for last parcel of the former Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, was presented to its local redevelopment authority by the director of the Air Force Real Property Agency June 26. The handover marks a significant milestone in the effort of Air Force officials to transfer former Air

  • Wounded NCO's will to fly remains undaunted

    An Andrews Air Force Base Airman remains committed to the Air Force and his love of flying even after being shot down over Iraq and nearly losing an eye. Life was good for Tech Sgt. Christian MacKenzie for nearly 10 years as he served in his dream job as a special operations flight engineer aboard

  • Bush nominates Mullen, Cartwright to top military posts

    President Bush nominated Navy Adm. Michael Mullen to serve as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright as his vice chairman, June 28.Speaking in the White House Roosevelt Room, President Bush called the two men "experienced military officers who are

  • Child becomes first missileer for a day at F.E. Warren

    Two special children got the once-in-a-lifetime chance to "launch" intercontinental ballistic missiles June 11 from F.E. Warren Air Force Base.  Ariana Ruskey-Moffett and her family visited F.E. Warren AFB to participate in the base's first Missileer for a Day Program, where sick or disabled