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  • Open season begins Nov. 13 for civilian health insurance programs

    The Office of Personnel Management has announced an open season will be held Nov. 13 through Dec. 11 for three civilian benefit programs. The three programs are the Federal Employees Health Benefits, or FEHB, program; the Federal Flexible Spending Account, or FSAFED, program; and the new Federal

  • Air Force officials announce new PCS guidelines

    In an effort to meet budget mandates, Air Force leaders have directed several assignment related initiatives to reduce the permanent change of station budget deficit. The new guidelines include changes to assignment availability Code 50 maximum stabilized tours, the standard time on station for

  • Hawaii Guard to airlift supplies to earthquake victims

    The Hawaii National Guard is planning to airlift supplies to isolated residents on Maui as soon as their needs are ascertained, a military official said from the state's capital Nov. 1. A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the Hawaiian Islands Oct. 15. No deaths were reported. Besides some broken

  • AAFES lets customers 'take it home today'

    The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is expanding its "Take it Home Today!" initiative, which allows servicemembers immediately to enjoy furniture, major appliances, carpeting, mattresses and box springs, and select electronics. The new plan, which was tested at select AAFES exchanges in the

  • Army praises AFMC units for future battlefield improvements

    Two Air Force Materiel Command units -- the Air Force Research Laboratory's Human Effectiveness Directorate and the Aeronautical Systems Center Special Operations Forces Systems Group -- recently teamed with the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center's Future Force Warrior Advanced Technology Demonstration

  • PCS policy could extend officer assignments to four years

    Some officers now could spend as many as four years at a duty station before getting a new assignment. Air Force officials are looking for ways to reduce the number of permanent change-of-station moves for officers, particularly for those in the United States. By extending the average assignment

  • New I.D. cards more secure than earlier versions

    New identification cards now being issued to some Defense Department employees will help standardize federal work force identification and enhance security, a senior Department of Defense official said here today. The new common access card is part of departmental transformation efforts that harness

  • Tricare information now housed under one Internet roof

    Tricare beneficiaries will get a pleasant surprise the next time they visit Tricare Online. The Web site has a new name, a new look and a new home. It is now part of Tricare.mil, the official Web site for all Tricare information. "We reorganized the Web site with our beneficiaries in mind," said

  • Children of fallen servicemembers have chance for free Disneyland trip

    Children of servicemembers killed since Sept. 11 have until Nov. 15 to try to get on board the Snowball Express -- destination Disneyland, with a couple of fun stops along the way. The M. Scott Kerr Foundation is sponsoring the Snowball Express in conjunction with Rotary Clubs of Costa Mesa, Calif.,

  • 19-year-old Airman earns CCAF degree in 9 months

    At 19 years old, Senior Airman Sharon Hawley is the youngest of more than 9,100 graduates earning their degrees in October at the Community College of the Air Force here. The integrated avionics mechanic, assigned to 412th Maintenance Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., completed the

  • Hickam testing new deployable hydrogen refueling station

    As the Air Force continues to look for ways to reduce energy consumption in its facilities, vehicles and aircraft operations the 15th Airlift Wing will be doing its part by serving as a test bed for a new modular deployable hydrogen refueling station. Awarded the contract two years ago, HydraFLX

  • DOD task force considers safety crackdown for drivers

    Servicemembers could expect stricter consequences for engaging in unsafe behavior behind the wheel if changes suggested by a Defense Department safety task force are implemented. The Private Motor Vehicle Accident Reduction Task Force is looking at changing how the services handle driving

  • Air Force Clubs to test 'U Choose' program in AETC

    Air Force Services Agency officials have announced a new program they plan to test starting Jan. 1 that will allow new and current club members to choose between the Private Label or the MasterCard club membership card. The "U Choose" program will be tested in the Air Education and Training Command

  • Manas medics provide training to Bishkek hospital employees

    Three local hospitals in Bishkek are getting more than $10 million in medical supplies and equipment from the U.S., and members of the 376th Expeditionary Medical Group here are assisting in the effort by training hospital personnel to use some of the new equipment. Col. Howard Hayes, 376 EMDG

  • Joint Forces experiment points to way of the future

    The Urban Resolve 2015 experiment, which ended Oct. 26, focused on how military operations can bring about stability in cities without destroying them. Dave Ozolek, executive director of the Joint Futures Lab at U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Va., said Urban Resolve was the most "complex and

  • Cougars maul Falcons

    Brigham Young University topped Air Force 33-14 in a battle for first place in the Mountain West Conference in front of 35,521 fans at Falcon Stadium Oct. 28. The result dropped Air Force to 3-4 on the season and 3-2 in the conference. BYU improved to 6-2 on the season and 4-0 in Mountain West

  • President Bush visits Charleston, rallies military

    President George W. Bush met and spoke to a crowd of more than 4,000 servicemembers and families as he praised the military for their efforts fighting the war on terrorism Oct. 28 at a rally on the Charleston AFB flightline. The president's visit follows an Oct. 27 stopover by Vice President Dick

  • F-117: A long, storied history that is about to end

    After 25 years of storied service, the F-117 Nighthawk, the Air Force's first stealth fighter, is about to retire. The technology that once made it a unique weapon system has now caught up to it and newer fighter aircraft are now joining the fleet. Still, the Nighthawk was the first of its kind, a

  • Air Force recognizes outstanding real estate professionals

    At the annual Air Force Real Estate Awards ceremony held during the Air Force Real Estate Workshop on Oct. 19, two Air Force real estate professionals and one real estate office were recognized for their accomplishments. Karen Pate, a real property accountable officer from Cannon Air Force Base, N.

  • Firefighters 'sweep' up at exercise

    During a recent Misawa readiness exercise, firefighters there didn't have to go too far to stay busy. There was always something to do, even if it was just outside their door at Fire Station 2.A standard evolution of an exercise is a post attack reconnaissance, or PAR, sweep. When a PAR sweep is

  • Air Force major works 'down under' in support of mission

    While the air show here ended Oct. 22 and the C-17 Globemaster III crew from Hawaii headed back to their home at Hickam Air Force Base, one U.S. Airman remained -- not because he missed the flight home, but because he's already home.Maj. James Hearn, commander of Detachment 1 of the 735th Air

  • Combat Comm readies Airmen for deployments

    Driving convoys, building defense fighting positions and throwing elbows in hand-to-hand combat were all incorporated into the combat readiness course here Oct. 20 to 27. The 1st Combat Communications Squadron trained 33 newcomers at the mandatory course, which prepares the Airmen for hostile

  • Three plead guilty to BAH fraud in separate cases

    Three Airmen were found guilty of defrauding the government through false claims for basic allowance for housing during separate court martials here last week. All three faced a military judge alone and pleaded guilty to the charges. Senior Airman Wayne Williams signed an official document stating

  • Rumsfeld: Terrorists use media to manipulate American people

    The "center of gravity" in the Iraq war is in America with the American people, not on the battlefield, and the media is a powerful tool that influences the people's will, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Oct. 24. "This is the first war that's been conducted in the 21st century with all the

  • Sergeant takes Anti-drug battle personally

    Armed with his weapon, Staff Sgt. Terry Grace faces down the menace that destroyed his cousin's life. Sergeant Grace is the bass player for Reserve Generation, the Air Force Reserve Command Band from Robins Air Force Base, Ga., which entertained more than 500 local elementary school students at the

  • Duty brings out best in Balad hospital volunteers

    A patient being rolled into Balad Air Base's Air Force Theatre Hospital should not be surprised if the Airman holding the IV bag is an F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief.And, if the patient is a little uneasy about that, there likely is an air traffic controller or an administrative specialist standing

  • Charleston Aerial Port Squadron 'Leans' forward

    Members of the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here have leaned forward to streamline processes to save money while getting vital equipment to the warfighter faster. Using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century, 437th APS officials re-evaluated several of their workflow processes and developed

  • Industry Days emphasize Air Force need for new tanker

    Nearly 100 people from industry and the government attended the Oct. 24 kick off of Tanker Industry Days in nearby Dayton, Ohio. Sponsored by Aeronautical Systems Center's 653rd Aeronautical Systems Squadron at Wright-Patterson AFB, Industry Days enhanced competition through communication with

  • Air chiefs recognized at Air Force Memorial ceremony

    Under the soaring spires of the newly dedicated Air Force Memorial, several foreign dignitaries were honored at an arrival ceremony Oct. 25. The arrival ceremony, hosted by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, welcomed nine Pacific air chiefs from Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Japan,

  • Misawa units strengthened by Total Force

    Air National Guard and Reserve Airmen support various missions throughout the Air Force, and it is no exception here.In units like the 35th Security Forces Squadron, the active duty strength is complemented by Air Guard or Reserve support. "The Guard and Reserve members currently attached to

  • Bush says U.S. security depends on victory in Iraq

    Winning the war on terrorism in Iraq is critical to American defense, President Bush said today in a White House news conference. Bush spoke about coalition strategy and tactics changes in Iraq. "Our security at home depends on ensuring Iraq is an ally in the war on terror and does not become a

  • NFL team welcomes home warfighters

    Homecomings are times of celebrations to honor those coming back from a time away from those who care for them. The NFL Carolina Panthers organization and players gave returning servicemembers the ultimate fan experience with Operation Welcome Home Oct. 24 at Bank of America Stadium here. Two

  • Air Force maintainers give Australians peek into their future

    Maintainers from the Amberly Royal Australian Air Force Base's 36th Squadron are working alongside Air Force counterparts learning the ins and outs of the C-17 Globemaster III. Currently Australia doesn't have a heavy airlift capability and must rely on outside sources for services. This assistance

  • Officials announce updated fiscal 2007 CJR quotas

    The Air Force announced the fiscal 2007 quotas for the career job reservation program adding 40 Air Force Specialty Codes to the constrained list, while releasing 10 others. The 10 career fields removed from the list are: -- 2A0X1C, Avionics Sensor Systems, All; -- 2A0X1D, Electronic Warfare

  • ISAF teams up with reconstruction team to open new mosque

    The Air Force-led Gardez Provincial Reconstruction Team and the International Security Assistance Force opened a new mosque in the village of Sayeed Karum, part of the Paktia province, Oct. 19. The mosque project, which lay dormant for a number of months, had seen a flurry of activity by the PRT and

  • Maxwell NCO selected as top junior enlisted aide

    The Air University commander's aide here was presented the 2006 Air Force Junior Enlisted Aide of the Year award during a ceremony Oct. 12 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley and Gen. William R. Looney III, Air Education and Training Command commander,

  • Atlantic Strike provides joint training for interdependent warfighters

    Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Sailors started joint training for air and ground operations as part of Atlantic Strike IV at Avon Park Air Force Range, Fla., Oct. 23. The U.S. Central Command Air Forces semiannual training event takes place on the 106,000-acre bomb range in south central Florida to

  • 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron thinks lean, saves money

    When Lt. Col. Anthony Krawietz, the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron commander, charged incoming troops to think smarter and leaner, a group of aerial porters took it to heart. "One of the first things we looked at was how C-17 (Globemaster III) tires were palletized," said Staff Sgt. Michael

  • Centralized repair facility saves time, money

    Maintainers measure an aircraft tire's usability by inspecting for wear and visible cords. "A good tire will last up to 120 landings," said Master Sgt. Charles Miller, a shop chief assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron. "After that, it's time to get it replaced, or the tire treads

  • Nine career fields open to Air Force prior service members

    Veterans interested in joining the Air Force or becoming an active-duty Airman once again may be eligible if they have served in one of nine career fields. During fiscal 2007, the Air Force Prior Service Enlistment Program is available to 40 veterans who have served in the following careers: --

  • Pressure sensitive paint could save millions of dollars

    The Arnold Engineering Development Center has reached a milestone with its pressure sensitive paint system. A recent demonstration test was conducted on the F-35 Lighting II joint strike fighter model installed in the center's 16-foot transonic wind tunnel. PSP applied to a joint strike fighter

  • CSAF: Today's Air Force best in service's history

    Today's Airmen make up the best air and space force in the world, said the Air Force's top general during a speech here Oct. 20. Speaking at the 42nd Air Force Villages Chairman's Dinner, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said he is proud to wear the same uniform and serve alongside

  • COMUSAFE builds on U.S.-Romania relationship

    The road ahead for the partnering of U.S. and Romanian air forces continues on the fast-track after a visit Oct. 19 and 20 by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, who met with key Romanian officials. Gen. Tom Hobbins traveled to Romania for a firsthand look at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, where

  • Cheney thanks Indiana Airmen, Soldiers

    National Guard members perform vital stateside and overseas duties as America stays on the offense to defeat global terrorism, Vice President Richard B. Cheney said during a visit to Camp Atterbury, Ind., Oct. 20. "To serve in the National Guard is to accept a dual mission," Mr. Cheney told gathered

  • Air Force wins first Atlantic Hockey game, 5-1 over Bentley

    Mike Phillipich and Eric Ehn each scored two goals to lead the Air Force to a 5-1 win over Bentley in an Atlantic Hockey Association game Oct. 20 at the academy's Cadet Ice Arena. The game was the Air Force's first ever Atlantic Hockey contest. The Falcons improved to 2-3 overall and 1-0 in the AHA.

  • Pay chief discusses new defense bill's military compensation

    With the 2.2 percent across-the-board pay raise that is part of the Fiscal 2007 National Defense Authorization Act, the Defense Department will reach its goal to bring military basic pay to the 70th percentile when compared to civilians with comparable education and training, a top DOD compensation

  • OR technicians help save lives in Iraq

    Helping save lives every day in Iraq is something operating room technician Senior Airman Shannon Brito takes great pride in. Behind the doors of the hospital are three operating rooms where the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group's OR technicians feverishly work to ensure patients live to see another

  • Rocket scientists gather at space propulsion program review

    The Air Force Office of Scientific Research here recently completed a program review on space propulsion and power in Annapolis, Md. About 150 rocket scientists from leading universities and small businesses throughout the nation gathered to share recent results from their AFOSR-funded research and

  • Transcom, Joint Forces commanders sign joint vision statement

    U.S. Transportation Command and U.S. Joint Forces Command recently took the next step in improving the military's joint deployment and distribution efforts in support of the warfighter with the release of a joint vision statement. The statement, signed by Gen. Lance L. Smith, USJFCOM commander, and

  • U.S., South Korean officials to discuss security, realignment

    U.S. and South Korean defense leaders will meet here Oct. 20 for the 38th U.S.-Korean Security Consultative Meeting, discussing the current security situation in the region, North Korea's nuclear test, realignment of U.S. forces in Korea, the evolution of the alliance, and expanded security

  • Balad Airman earns national air traffic control honors

    When the Air Traffic Control Association announced its annual air traffic control awards earlier this month, one of Balad AB's own was acknowledged. Senior Airman Joshua Matias, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron air traffic control apprentice, was named the 2006 ATCA Lingiam Odems

  • COMUSAFE: unmanned aircraft key to future decision superiority

    The importance of the unmanned aircraft system, or UAS, in air, space and cyberspace missions of the U.S. Air Force and NATO and how the UAS of the future will be an equal participant in all three domains is key to future decision superiority, said the commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Acting

  • Operation Deep Freeze LC-130 arrives at Hickam

    A New York Air National Guard LC-130 Hercules arrived at Hickam Oct. 17 en route to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, to re-supply scientific research camps throughout Antarctica in support of Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, Operation Deep Freeze. The LC-130 is a modified ski-equipped C-130

  • VA announces 'Veterans Pride' initiative

    Leaders of major veterans organizations joined Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson here today to launch an effort to "kindle a new spark of patriotism" by asking men and women who have served in the military to wear their medals on Veterans Day. "We are announcing a 'Veterans Pride

  • Rumsfeld: Time needed to win war on terrorism

    The innovative spirit is helping America win the war on terror, but it will remain a long, hard battle against a deadly, thinking foe, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told students at the Air University today. Secretary Rumsfeld spoke to the students at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. At the end

  • Officials initiate date-of-separation rollback for enlisted Airmen

    In an effort to maintain a quality enlisted force and meet mandated end strength, the Air Force will accelerate the date of separation for certain Airmen, based on their years of service and re-enlistment eligibility or assignment availability codes. Under DOS Rollback, Airmen who will have fewer

  • President signs 2007 Defense Authorization Act

    The fiscal 2007 National Defense Authorization Act provides more than $530 billion to maintain the military in the shape it must be to win the war on terrorism.President Bush signed the bill, officially called the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, during a small

  • A-10 upgrade effort transforms Warthog capabilities

    The A-10 Thunderbolt II, also nicknamed the Warthog, is sharpening its teeth with a $168 million upgrade effort for the entire fleet. Managed by the 642nd Aeronautical Systems Squadron at Aeronautical Systems Center here, the A/OA-10 is in the early stages of a five-year upgrade for all 356

  • Travis doctor elected president of national medical society

    The chief of the medical staff at the David Grant Medical Center here has been elected president of the American College of Emergency Physicians during the organization's recent meeting in New Orleans.Col. (Dr.) Linda Lawrence previously served as vice president of ACEP, and is an attending

  • Team makes breakthrough in hypersonic research

    An Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate science and engineering team has made a significant breakthrough in its hypersonic computational research, which could lead to new warhead technologies. Funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research here, the team is studying the

  • DOD releases report on infectious deployment diseases

    The latest in a series of congressionally mandated reports on the long-term health effects of troop deployments to Southwest Asia from the 1991 Gulf War to present was released Oct. 16.The new study, "Gulf War and Health: Volume 5, Infectious Diseases," the fifth in the series, focuses on infectious

  • Two new programs guide enlisted force shaping

    Air Force officials here announced Oct. 16 two additional enlisted programs to help support current force shaping efforts to reduce 40,000 active-duty Airmen. The programs, a date of separation rollback and a limited active duty service commitment waiver, join the current tools of reducing the

  • Simple AFSO 21 effort to reap big savings for Hanscom

    By eliminating unused phone lines, Hanscom AFB officials are potentially saving more than $200,000 annually using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century initiatives.The 66th Air Base Wing Communication and Information Division and the Electronic Systems Center Plans and Programs office led

  • No. 16 Air Force wraps up weekend at SoCal Tournament

    Wrapping up competition at the SoCal Tournament, the 16th-ranked Air Force water polo team dropped its last two contests, falling to No. 8 UC Santa Barbara, 10-6, and No. 14 Long Beach State 8-7. With the losses, the Falcons fall to 8-11 on the season. The Falcons began the day with a contest versus

  • Air Force Memorial: Reflection of every Airman

    In her 23 years in the Air Force, Master Sgt. Valarie Foster has seen many changes. New uniforms, new aircraft and new missions, she's seen them all. But the one thing that hasn't changed, she says, is the attitude of the individual Airman. "People come and people go," she said. "But the spirit of

  • Country star Lee Ann Womack headlines Air Force open house

    With both the newly dedicated Air Force Memorial and the Pentagon looming nearby, country music vocalist Lee Ann Womack belted out tunes that both entertained and bolstered already present sentiments of patriotism. Ms. Womack's performance in a parking lot of the Pentagon here began shortly after

  • President, military leaders dedicate Air Force Memorial

    On behalf of a grateful nation, the president of the United States accepted the Air Force Memorial in a dedication ceremony here attended by military leaders of the past and present, political and business representatives and thousands of ordinary citizens and Airmen alike. "A Soldier can walk the

  • Young people capable of much responsibility

    With historical aircraft flying overhead, and the newly dedicated Air Force Memorial nearby, one World War II veteran said that no matter how irresponsible young people today may sometimes seem, it has been shown they can step up and shoulder a burden much greater than themselves. Russell Neatrour,

  • Air Force Drill Team demonstrates precision at Memorial Dedication

    With the new Air Force Memorial looming nearby, hundreds of spectators, both civilian and military, gathered in a Pentagon parking lot here to witness the precision maneuvers of the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. The drill team's performance was but one of a series of events surrounding the

  • Air Force Memorial: Former Airman contributes to dedication

    The Air Force has always played a large part in Douglas Landgraf's life. So, he sees it as only fitting that he is now playing an important role in the dedication of the Air Force Memorial. Mr. Landgraf served 11 years as an active duty Airman and he now works as an aircraft mechanic and ramp

  • Officials swear in new recruits during memorial dedication events

    As the Air Force recognized its own history with the dedication of a new memorial here, dozens of young men and women also marked the beginning of their own history with the Air Force. As part of activities surrounding the dedication of the Air Force's new memorial, some 90 young men and women rose

  • Air Force Memorial: Inspiration leads to future success

    The Air Force Memorial was designed by the Air Force Memorial Foundation to represent different things to different people. For Staff Sgt. Paul Piper, it's simple inspiration. The sergeant can remember in the eighth grade when he was first inspired to serve his country during a visit to the D.C.

  • HARM targeting system ready ahead of schedule

    The delivery of 15 Revision-7 pods in September to the Air Combat Command by the 693rd Armament Systems Squadron's High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile Targeting System Program is more than two months ahead of Raytheon's contract requirement date. The pod is mounted to the side of an F-16 aircraft and

  • 'The Bird' vies for mascot of the year

    The U.S. Air Force Academy's mascot, "The Bird," faces off against his furry colleagues for the third time in five years this football season in "Fur Factor," the Capital One Bowl Mascot of the Year competition. Already in its fifth week, the competition will continue throughout the college football

  • Logistics officers given challenge at conference

    The commander of the Air Force Materiel Command took the stage at the Logistics Officer Association National Conference Oct. 10 to tell 1,350 logistics officers to get lean and expect to be in a long war.Gen. Bruce Carlson gave the officers an overview of the enemy and how it exploits Islam and uses

  • Falcons fall to Aztecs in volleyball

    The Air Force volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to San Diego State in Mountain West Conference action here Oct. 13. The Falcons fell in consecutive 30-15, 30-25, 30-22 sets to the visiting Aztecs. Sophomore Jasamine Pettie's 12 kills set a new career-best, topping her previous high (10) last

  • Irrigation sensors benefit Afghanistan farmers

    Afghan agriculture took a huge step forward as new irrigation sensors were introduced to agricultural officials in Kapisa Oct. 12 at the provincial governor's compound in Mahmud Raqi. The introduction of the sensors is part of a 20-week agriculture course taught by Dr. Michael Gangwer, a Department

  • Patriot battalion arrives at Kadena

    The arrival of Soldiers, equipment and vehicles here over the last two weeks pave the way for the first deployment of a Patriot Advanced Capability 3, or PAC-3, battalion to the island. The 1-1 Air Defense Artillery Battalion, commanded by Army Lt. Col. Matthew Michaelson, moved here from Fort

  • Air Force Memorial: Sergeant brings spirit of volunteerism to dedication

    Volunteering is a large part of Tech. Sgt. Donald Jones' job. "It just comes with the territory," he said. He works as the executive assistant to the Air Force District of Washington, D.C.'s command chief, and he's learned that what he doesn't volunteer for himself, he will eventually find himself

  • Airmen compete in national firefighter competition

    The competition is a few minutes of physical torture and even the most conditioned warrior is brought to his knees when it ends. Staff Sergeants Cory McGee and Emanuel Villegas, from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., are among the 500 competitors at the 2006 U.S. National Firefighter Combat Challenge

  • Falcons score 21 unanswered to defeat Colorado State 24-21

    Fueled by quarterback Shaun Carney's two touchdown passes and fullback Jacobe Kendrick's first rushing touchdown of the season, the Air Force Academy Falcons rallied from a 21-3 halftime deficit to stun the neighboring Colorado State Rams 24-21 before 30,008 loyalty-divided fans Oct. 12 at Falcon

  • America Soars on Air Force Wings

    The United States of America depends on its Air Force to defend the population, deliver global effects and jointly accomplish national objectives to an extent unseen in the history of mankind. In my 35 years of service, many things have changed. Yet, what has remained constant is the extraordinary

  • 14th FTW welcomes new trainer aircraft

    The 14th Flying Training Wing commander formally welcomed the T-6 Texan II to the Columbus AFB fleet during an official ceremony here Oct. 12. Col. Dave Gerber received the first new airframe assigned here since the T-1 Jayhawk was added to the inventory in January 1996 and will eventually replace

  • ACC assists maintainers with AFSO 21

    Moody AFB officials recently welcomed a delegation of Air Combat Command facilitators for a five-day Rapid Improvement Event to assist the base with its Air Force Smart Operations 21 initiatives. The visit was designed to assist maintenance leadership on procedures that can save the Air Force time

  • New era in flight training begins Oct. 13

    Air Education and Training Command officials formally usher in a new era in flying training when Initial Flight Screening operations begin at Pueblo Memorial Airport Oct. 13 as the first students report for the class. The Initial Flight Screening program evaluates candidates hoping to enter Air

  • Air Force meets recruiting goal for seventh straight year

    The Air Force met its recruiting goal for the seventh year in a row, but still faces challenges, said officials Oct. 12.In fiscal 2006, the Air Force brought in 30,889 individuals, exceeding its target by 130 Airmen, said Brig. Gen. Suzanne M. Vautrinot, commander of Air Force Recruiting Service.

  • Red Flag kicks off at Nellis

    Nearly 60 aircraft and nine units, supported by 1,000 Airmen from across the United States and Belgium are taking part in the first Red Flag exercise of fiscal 2007, which began Oct. 10 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The exercise that runs until Oct. 20 tests aircrews' warfighting skills in

  • Chief of staff of the Air Force reading list announced

    Officials announced the new chief of staff of the Air Force reading list here Oct. 13. "Our reading list is a link from our heritage to the horizon before us," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. "It's essential that we fully understand the heritage upon which we're building our

  • Tanker hits top of the charts for recapitalization priority

    The Air Force's new No. 1 procurement priority is the KC-X tanker, replacing the F-22 Raptor. "Our priorities for procurement are the following," said Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley.  "The KC-X, the new tanker, is No. 1. CSAR-X, the new combat rescue helicopter, is No. 2.

  • Memorial dedication to launch AF's 60th Anniversary observance

    The nation's youngest military service kicks off its 60th anniversary observance this weekend with the official dedication of the Air Force Memorial at Arlington, Va. The memorial, composed of three bold and graceful spires soaring skyward to a height of 270 feet, will be dedicated and given to the

  • Air Force focused on three priorities

    Amidst fighting the war on terrorism, the Air Force remains focused on its top three priorities. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said the Air Force is concerned primarily with fighting and winning the long war against global terrorism and militant extremism, taking care of our

  • NORTHCOM officials reacted immediately to NYC aircraft Incident

    When Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating first heard that a plane had hit a high-rise building in New York Oct. 11, his first thought was: "Let us get busy as quickly as we know how to make sure it's not another 9/11." Admiral Keating, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. 

  • San Antonio hospitals team for military PTSD study

    A proposed pilot investigation linking three of San Antonio's military research hubs is slated to treat and study servicemembers with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The Prolonged Exposure for Combat-Related Stress Disorders study links Wilford Hall Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical

  • NATO air forces remain strong, look to future excellence

    NATO air forces' partnership is strong and poised to grow even stronger over the long haul, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley before a congregation of air force commanders from 25 NATO nations. General Moseley said NATO air forces face similar circumstances, including increasing

  • RED HORSE breaks ground on new training field

    Airmen broke ground on the Northwest Field Expeditionary Training Campus here Oct. 11. The 554th Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operations Repair Squadron Engineers will accomplish $20 million in construction over the next five years. "Right now we are only 74 strong, but we'll have our full

  • NORAD fighters on alert over U.S. and Canada

    Within minutes of a small aircraft crashing into a New York apartment building, military fighter aircraft were flying over cities in the United States and Canada. However, "every indication is that this was an accident," North American Aerospace Defense Command officials stated in an official

  • Guard has banner year for recruiting, retention

    The National Guard recruited 19,000 more citizen-Soldiers and Airmen in 2006 than it did during the previous year and exceeded its retention goals by record numbers, Guard officials reported in early October. Concerted efforts to recruit new people into the Army and Air National Guard during the war

  • Nighthawk achieves 100 percent mission capable

    The F-117 Nighthawk recently hit its 25th anniversary and is still achieving great accomplishments. From Sept. 28 to Oct. 1, the entire F-117 fleet at Holloman AFB was 100 percent mission capable. "It is unusual for a fleet of any size to go to 100 percent mission capable," said Col. Gary Bryson,

  • New Tricare Standard handbook released

    Tricare officials are making a handbook available to all beneficiaries covered under Tricare Standard. This new manual goes into much greater detail than the old booklet, making it as useful as the Tricare Prime and Prime Remote handbooks. "We are publishing the standard handbook to help