HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • CSAF honors World War I aviators

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, along with several hundred American and French citizens, paid homage to a special group of World War I aviators May 24 at the Lafayette Escadrille memorial ceremony that took place outside of Paris. The Airmen of the Lafayette Escadrille were the

  • 455th AEW holds memorial vigil

    Airmen of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing recognized two of its fallen comrades and honored many others who have given their lives, during a wreath-laying and silent vigil ceremony at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, May 26. "As Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, we go forward, risk our lives,

  • Seven countries hone fighter pilot skills during Maple Flag

    Fighter pilots from seven different countries, including the United States, participate in Maple Flag 41May 5-16 and May 19-30 at Cold Lake in Alberta, Canada. "Ask any U.S. fighter pilot and he'll tell you the best part about flying here is the unrestricted air space," said Maj. Derrick Johnson,

  • Coalition forces, local government thwart IED in Panjshir

    Many innocent Afghan lives were saved due to the quick action of a local farmer and the combined efforts of the Panjshir government and the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Panjshir Province, Afghanistan, May 23. A farmer, crossing one of his fields on a Panjshir mountain ridge, found an improvised

  • Meaning of Memorial Day hits home for deployed Airmen

    Airmen from Balad Air Base, Iraq, gathered to observe Memorial Day, May 26. The ceremony had personal significance for many Airmen in attendance. The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing suffered the loss of three of its brothers-in-arms during the first half of 2008 -- Tech. Sgt. Anthony Capra, Staff Sgt.

  • Modernized asset provides increased capabilities

    Airmen from the Rhode Island, California and Maryland Air National Guard deployed with the Air Force's newest Hercules C-130J and C-130J-30 to enhance airdrop and airlift capabilities supporting military and civilians in Afghanistan. "The biggest advantages are its capabilities in terms of what it

  • Air Force officials announce aviation resource management awards

    Air Force officials announced the 2007 Outstanding Air Force Aviation Resource Management award winners. The 2007 Aviation Resource Management award winners are: -- Airman of the Year is Airman 1st Class Cheryl A. Roach of the 493rd Fighter Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom --

  • Officials select acquisition regional directors

    The Air Force Installation Acquisition Transformation initiative to streamline installation-level purchasing across the continental United States continued to move forward May 21 as Air Force Materiel Command named provisional directors for the new Installation Acquisition Center and the five

  • May 26 airpower summary: A-10s bomb targets

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb

  • CSAF addresses Air Force top enlisted leaders

    "We have to adapt to today's fight, but prepare for the fight of tomorrow," the Air Force chief of staff told more than 300 of the Air Force's top enlisted Airmen during the 2008 Senior Enlisted Leader Summit at Maxwell Air Force Base's Gunter Annex May 21. Gen. T. Michael Moseley spoke with chief

  • May 23 airpower summary: C-17 provides support

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in

  • USAFE program builds working relationships

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe patches can be seen around the world because of the command's robust military-to-military program, which is one of several theater security cooperation components. USAFE works with more than 60 countries on three continents annually to share information and enhance

  • Gaming, simulation training in near future for military

    Defense Department officials are looking for ways to integrate a structured learning environment and gaming to train military members, a senior official said. "Structured learning environments are doing very well, but games offer such a tremendous motivational component to users," said Robert A.

  • NCAA coaches 'touchdown' in AOR

    Servicemembers here pulled out their team banners and school spirit May 22 when five National Collegiate Athletic Association football coaches from various universities throughout the states stopped to thank Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines for their service on the first leg of the Armed Forces

  • Navy, Air Force train together to showcase capabilities

    In an effort to enhance the Air Force's weapons delivery capabilities and the Navy's F-18 Hornets' intercept capabilities, the 96th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron here and the aircrew of Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN (CVW-11) of the USS Nimitz have been participating in joint training exercises off the

  • Secretary encourages Airmen to be 'agents of change'

    Airmen must be capable of explaining what the total Air Force is doing and where it is going, said Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne during an Air Staff Call May 22 at the Pentagon. The Air Staff Call targeted action officer, senior noncommissioned officer and mid-grade civilian levels of

  • May 21 airpower summary: F-15Es provide show of force

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in

  • 48-year-old KC-135 retires

    One of only two remaining KC-135 E model Stratotankers of the Utah Air National Guard was delivered to its final resting place April 24 to officials of the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The aircraft touched down onto the Arizona flightline, its

  • Former Air Force pilot, NFL star touts opportunities for veterans

    Chad Hennings has been known by many titles in his life: U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, Gulf War veteran, Dallas Cowboy. The three-time Super Bowl champion now can go by one more title: small-business advocate. "Small business is the lifeblood of America," Mr. Hennings

  • Missile successfully launches from Vandenberg

    A Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile configured with a National Nuclear Security Administration, or NNSA, joint-test assembly, launched at 3:04 a.m. May 22 from Vandenberg Air Force Base.The launch was an extended range test which proved the weapon system's reliability and accuracy.

  • NCO found guilty, sentenced in court martial

    Staff Sgt. Victor J. Rodgers, (who is not a cadet), from the 10th Medical Support Squadron here, was found guilty by a military judge of six violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The violations included disorderly conduct by knowingly filming a fellow Airman without her consent while

  • Leaders stress summer safety

    In a joint Letter to Airmen, the Air Force secretary and chief of staff emphasize the importance of safety during the days between Memorial Day to Labor Day, the 101 Critical Days of Summer. Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley want Airmen to be

  • Dover Airman to receive CFC Hero Award

    A Dover Airman was recently awarded the 2007 National Combined Federal Campaign Military Hero Award for his efforts with the CFC and other volunteer activities in the community. Capt. Thomas Abell, the 436th Mission Support Squadron Military Personnel Flight commander, will receive the annual CFC

  • Airmen in Honduras host special day for local children

    Members of the 612th Air Base Squadron hosted an orphanage children's day complete with games, swimming, lunch and piñatas May 18 at Soto Cano Air Base. About 40 volunteers from the squadron came out to make sure children from the Hogar de Guadalupe Orphanage in El Conejo, Honduras, had a

  • Battlefield Airmen train on Hickam

    Joint terminal attack controllers, or JTACs, found a unique place to train for close-quarters battle:  in one of Hickam's base housing areas. JTACs are part of a tactical air control party team. These battlefield Airmen live and work with Army ground units, and their main function is to coordinate

  • Wing maintenance, logistics to merge with operations

    On May 12, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley signed the Global Wing Structure Program Action Directive 08-01. PAD 08-01 directs the realignment of fighter, rescue and bomber aircraft maintenance units under flying squadrons. The Air Force will implement these changes between July 1

  • Malmstrom recognized with Canada's top military honor

    Canadian Forces and the Malmstrom Air Force Base members gathered here May 17 to recognize the actions of the base community in the wake of a fatal aircraft accident during an open house practice May 18, 2007. Canadian Forces Capt. Shawn McCaughey, a Snowbirds aerial demonstration team pilot, was

  • May 20 airpower summary: C-17s carry mission to front

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in

  • Iraqi air force postured to break records

    Iraqi air force members are making their mark in history. The fledging air power has proven its effectiveness through the execution of combat missions in Basrah, Mosul and Sadr City, and the year-to-date tally marks for aircraft sorties broke 5,000 last week. The IQAF has roughly 100 pilots assigned

  • Security forces Airmen honor fallen comrades

    Airmen deployed to the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here commemorated National Police Week May 11 through 17 at a Southwest Asian air base. Members of the 386th ESFS paid homage to those killed in action by hosting a series of events celebrating the memory of their fallen comrades.

  • Afghan student firefighters put to the test

    Eleven Afghan National Army Air Corps student firefighters tested during an unexpected training exercise held May 12 here. The exercise was the culminating event of a four-month course designed to prepare the members of the ANAAC for emergencies of all types. The course has been conducted under the

  • Officials plan events for Air Force Week in Philadelphia

    Air Force officials will spread "brotherly love" as airpower will be displayed for Air Force Week in Philadelphia May 26 through June 2. Activities in the Philadelphia metro region will begin on Memorial Day and culminate with an Air Exposition featuring the Air Force Demonstrations Squadron, the

  • U.S., Japan forces join together for bilateral exchange

    Members of the Japan Air Self Defense Force and U.S. Air Force members assigned to Misawa Air Base took part in a bilateral exchange May 15 here to help enhance relations between the two nations. The purpose of the exchange is to build and maintain a strong bilateral relationship in pursuit of a

  • MQ-9 Reaper drops first GPS-guided weapon

    A test team with the 658th Aeronautical Systems Squadron completed the first Global Positioning System guided weapons release from an MQ-9 Reaper May 13 at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division at China Lake, Calif. The efforts of the pilots, sensor operators, maintainers, weapons troops and

  • May 18 airpower summary: Reaper destroys target

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper fired a hellfire missile to

  • Airmen 'pump' blood to warfighters, civilian casualties

    At the heart of the Blood Transshipment Center here, a five-member team pumps blood to Southwest Asia, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and the Horn of Africa.The team, along with a group of volunteers, processes thousands of units of life-saving blood for warfighters and civilian casualties

  • Joint force employees share process improvement ideas

    More than 1,000 military and civilian defense department employees came together May 13 to 17 to compare process improvement notes during a four-day conference in Lansdowne, Va.During the 2008 Department of Defense Continuous Process Improvement Symposium, Airmen from around the world shared input

  • Airmen deliver 200,000 lbs of relief to China

    Two Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs landed here May 18 carrying nearly 200,000 pounds of relief supplies in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck the region on May 12. The C-17s were assigned to the 15th Airlift Wing at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air

  • May 17 airpower summary: Strike Eagles strike

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, French Mirage M2000Ds performed shows of force to deter

  • May 16 airpower summary: A-10s strike enemy

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier dropped Enhanced Paveway II

  • AMC Airmen posturing to support China, Burma humanitarian relief

    Mobility Airmen are posturing for possible relief efforts for victims of China's earthquake, planners from the 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center here said May 16. While the 618th TACC has no defined requirements to provide military airlift assistance, at least one AMC aircrew is on alert to fly an

  • Combat Hammer offers opportunity to evaluate precision-guided munitions

    In a "remote village" west of Salt Lake City, a 2,000-pound enhanced guided bomb unit-15 slips suddenly through an open window of a 30-foot building with immaculate precision. Zero fatalities result from this TV-guided infrared intrusion that occurred May 13. The village -- stacks of cargo

  • Military medical advancements benefit civilian health care

    Psychological health issues and traumatic brain injuries are primary areas of study in military medicine, said a senior Department of Defense medical official here recently. "What we are learning in studies will lead to some major breakthroughs in the world of medicine," said Dr. Michael E.

  • AFMC surgeon general: joint medical teams saving lives

    The Air Force offers one of the best medical services in the world, Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Richard A. Hersack said May 15 during his visit here. General Hersack, who became the Air Force Materiel Command surgeon general last fall, said he couldn't be more proud of the medical workers in the command and

  • Elmendorf Airmen lend a hand

    People need four things to survive: Food, water, clothing and shelter. Ten members of the First Term Airman Center here recently volunteered to help provide one of these basic needs for underprivileged families May 3 in Anchorage, Alaska. The FTAC NCO in charge, the flight leader and eight students

  • May 15 airpower summary: Reaper strikes enemy

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an MQ-9 Reaper dropped a guided bomb unit-12 and fired

  • 'Dirt Boyz' pave way for aircraft, Airmen

    Kettles filled with scalding tar, 300-degree asphalt, concrete chemicals that can burn skin are the tools of the trade for heavy equipment operators who labor here under a scorching Iraqi sun. Airmen assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, known as "Dirt Boyz" know their duties

  • Security forces, lawmen train together for crises

    Bodies lay strewn about on the floor like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Cries for help reverberate off the walls as four-man teams search for the creator of this carnage. Gunshots cut through the cries, and the acrid smell of gunpowder fills the air. Fortunately, as real as this scenario seemed, it

  • Elmendorf NCO receives DOD honor

    Department of Defense officials recently recognized an Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, NCO for significant contributions to the sustainment, beddown and/or operational capability of AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles for the 3rd Wing here. Staff Sgt. Wayne Zuiderhof of the 3rd Equipment Maintenance

  • Multinational exercise in Croatia wraps up

    Croatia hosted the closing ceremony for the 2008 Medical Training Exercise in Central and Eastern Europe, or MEDCEUR, here May 14. MEDCEUR is a Joint Chiefs of Staff regional, multilateral exercise sponsored by U.S. European Command. The exercise provides an opportunity for medical people to share

  • New experimental equipment enhances Airmen capabilities

    It's not uncommon for tactical air control party Airmen, navigating through miles of rugged terrain, to carry nearly a hundred pounds of equipment in order to call in an air strike. In fact, it is their mission to advise Army commanders about that capability and use of airpower to enhance combat

  • Kunsan hosts peninsula-wide weapons load competition

    Officials from the 8th Fighter Wing hosted a peninsula-wide weapons load competition May 10 at Kunsan Air Base. A South Korean air force team and American teams competed in the event as members of the 35th Fighter Squadron from Kunsan AB swept the competition. Other teams competing were from the

  • Iraqi air force performs medical evacuation

    May 14 marked another significant event when members of the Iraqi air force flew its first medical evacuation mission since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The crew consisted of an Iraqi pilot, flight medic and aerial gunner -- each with a U.S. military counterpart -- as they transported

  • May 14 airpower summary: C-17s master the globe

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-31s and

  • Airmen airdrop messages to Iraqi citizens

    A nine-member 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron C-130 Hercules aircrew took off from a Southwest Asian air base and airdropped several hundred thousand leaflets to Iraqi citizens on the ground recently.  Dropping leaflets with information for the local citizens is aimed at improving interactions

  • SECAF discusses 'culture shift' toward continuous process improvement

    Speaking to more than 500 military members and civilians representing all services, as well as interagency and international partners, during the Department of Defense Continuous Process Improvement Symposium May 13, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne emphasized Department of Defense officials

  • Name the Tanker: Leaders seek inputs from Airmen

    Air Force senior leaders are asking all Airmen for suggestions on a name for the service's newest tanker aircraft, the KC-45A. "I've asked that we seek our Airmen's help to find a name for the KC-45," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne. "I prefer the name emphasize our heritage or our

  • Air Force officials award strategic partner contract

    Air Force officials here recently announced the award of the Personnel Services Delivery Transformation - Strategic Partner contract to Lockheed Martin Services, Inc. The PSDT-SP includes strategic planning, business process re-engineering, change management and total force service center

  • Deployed environmental stewardship pays off

    In the middle of the desert, Airmen have gone 'green'. These green Airmen, deployed to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, are participating in a recycling program designed to reduce the waste produced at an air base in Southwest Asia. Items such as wooden pallets, metals, cardboard, plastic bottles

  • Area Processing Center consolidates mail, file sharing

    A new Area Processing Center that enables the Air Force to consolidate e-mail, Web, file-sharing and other information services for more than 160,000 active-duty Air Force, contractors, civilians and Air National Guardsmen into one location opened May 1 at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. This is a

  • Judge advocate general announces award winners

    Maj. Gen. Jack L. Rives, the Air Force judge advocate general, has announced the 2007 Judge Advocate General Award winners. The award recipients will be formally recognized at an awards banquet during KEYSTONE 2008, the JAG Corps' leadership summit, to be held the first week of November in

  • Aircrews stand by to continue Burma relief mission

    For Capt. Trevor Hall, flying a C-130 Hercules to deliver humanitarian relief is largely what his mission is all about. Captain Hall and his aircrew were one of a handful of C-130s allowed to deliver relief supplies to the people of Burma in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Nagris that swept through the

  • AEF Evolution; Implementing a tempo-based construct

    An improved Global Air and Space Expeditionary Force construct will soon use a tempo-based rule set, building on the current 20-month cycle of five 120-day AEF pairs. Air Force chief of staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley recently approved the implementation of this tempo-based Global AEF force-generation

  • May 13 airpower summary: F-15Es destroy enemy targets

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-12 onto

  • 2008 Verne Orr Award winner announced

    The Air Force has selected the 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., as the winner of the 2008 Verne Orr Award. The Air Force Association established this award in honor of former Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr. The award recognizes an Air Force unit (active or Reserve) that

  • New technology proves to be dynamite during JEFX 08

    F-22 Raptor pilots using an experimental version of a Tactical Targeting Network Technology, or TTNT,  were able to send and receive information such as command and control messaging, imagery, airspace updates and even free text messages using a cockpit touch-screen color display during the Air

  • May 12 airpower summary: C-130s continue support

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds and

  • New hydraulic lift aims to boost contingency capabilities

    Contingency response wings throughout the Air Force rely on their ability to move people and cargo quickly for fast deployment. An Air Mobility Battlelab initiative is looking to make that process even easier. Battlelab members, located in the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center here, have been

  • Air Force hosts 36th annual National Image Conference

    Air Force officials recently hosted the National Image Conference in Las Vegas.  The theme was "From Heritage to New Horizons." National Image Inc. was founded in 1972 to address the needs of Hispanic employees in the federal government and later was expanded to increase its impact on employment,

  • 'Aggressive' training helps pilots outmaneuver enemy

    Members of the 18th Aggressor Squadron are playing an important role in Northern Edge 2008, an annual joint-training exercise currently taking place here. "We are the bad guys. We are the 'aggressors,'" said Tech. Sgt. Gary Pursley, an F-16 Fighting Falcon flightline expeditor for the 18th Aircraft

  • Guardian Challenge awards announced

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

  • Prepositioning weapons at Balad to save $1.3 million

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

  • Individual deployment information now visible on vMPF

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

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

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

  • FOL Manta helps give away 6,500 backpacks

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

  • Pararescueman receives 2008 Pitsenbarger Award

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

  • May 11 airpower summary: C-130s provide heavy airlift

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a guided bomb

  • Airmen ready to render aid to Burma

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

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

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

  • May 10 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb

  • May 9 airpower summary: F-15Es strike enemy

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, and a

  • Guardian Challenge competition kicks off with spirit

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

  • AF Marathon officials spread word about upcoming event

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

  • Air Force units poised to support Pacific disaster relief

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

  • New wings to secure A-10 longevity

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

  • Dover Air Force Base cited as premier installation

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

  • AFPC Airmen help wounded warrior improve quality of life

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

  • Portable electronic power initiative energizes possibilities

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

  • 2007 Chaplain Service Award winners announced

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

  • Hill environmental team earns DOD award

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

  • Airmen fight to reduce flight delays for troops coming home

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

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

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

  • May 7 airpower summary: A-10s conduct show of force

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a guided bomb unit-12,

  • Workforce cuts drive shift in personnel services delivery

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

  • Civil engineers enhance El Salvador exercise with imagery

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

  • Medal of Honor recipient receives diploma

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

  • 15th generation rabbi: Helping servicemembers keep faith

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

  • Air National Guard unit earns 'Star' rating

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

  • May 6 airpower summary: B-1B destroys enemy compound

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in

  • Air Force officials release findings on F-15 accident

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