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  • Air Force Academy firefighters smash own world record

    An Air Force Academy team shattered their own world record Nov. 18 at the five-day 2009 Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge here.The top-ranked ladies tandem team, dubbed "Old Dog, New Trick," beat their record with a time of 1:52.33 in the female relay event."I'm so excited; it was a clean, seamless

  • Medics teach mental health classes in Philippines

    Members of the Camp Navarro General Hospital and the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines chaplain team taught more than 50 care providers crisis intervention management techniques at the Western Mindanao Command Nov. 16 through 18 here. The classes focused on the hidden scars of the

  • Photo essay: Checking out the B-1B for combat

    Airmen from the 37th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron perform preflight checks on a B-1B Lancer Nov. 11, 2009, at an air base here. Carrying the largest payload of guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the multi-mission B-1 is the backbone of America's

  • USO officials target military women with care packages

    The USO has changed a lot in 68 years and the organization marked another milestone in the group's history of supporting the military Nov. 18 when it sponsored a care package service specifically for female servicemembers. While previous USO care packages were unisex, containing little sundries from

  • Air Force secretary visits Luke

    The secretary of the Air Force visited Luke Air Force Base for the first time Nov. 18 and spoke to base members about the latest Air Force issues."I've been looking forward to visiting Luke for months," said Secretary Michael B. Donley said. "I wanted to personally meet the people that continue to

  • Airmen receive Sijan Award in Pentagon ceremony

    The Air Force's chief of staff honored the service's four Capt. Lance P. Sijan Award recipients in a ceremony in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes Nov. 18.The Sijan Award annually recognizes Airmen who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities, and this year's recipients are Maj. James Hughes Jr.

  • Funeral highlights search for missing servicemembers

    The leaves are changing color at Arlington National Cemetery; a bright backdrop for something as sobering as a funeral. An Army chaplain in his dress blue uniform presents a folded flag to the fallen's next of kin, a man in his 60s.This is not a father mourning the loss of his son, though. Rather,

  • Joint team shows 'warrior spirit' during Jungle Day

    Airmen of the 13th Air Force spent Nov. 13 competing in sports, games and other morale-building activities here. The Jungle Day tradition originated when the organization was assigned to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and gives 13th Air Force members a chance to have fun and give back to the local

  • Air Force Warfare Center officials improve warfighter support

    At the Air Force Warfare Center here, lessons learned supporting ground troops in Afghanistan and Iraq are being shared with the aviation community and incorporated into the training as quickly as they're developed. Meanwhile, officials at the center's operational arm, the 57th Wing, are helping to

  • Air Force officials host Sexual Assault Prevention, Response Leader Summit

    To reinforce the service's commitment to protect Airmen and maintain a safe environment, senior leaders gathered for the 2009 Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Leader Summit here Nov. 16.Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley, Assistant Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. William L. Shelton,

  • Air Force secretary presents small business achievement awards

    The secretary of the Air Force presented the 2008 and 2009 Small Business Programs Special Achievement Awards at the Air Force Office of Small Business Programs Conference Nov. 17 here."Because of their size, these smaller companies have great advantages over their much larger competitors, namely

  • Airmen compete in firefighter combat challenge

    Six teams of Air Force firefighters, from various bases, are testing their skills and stamina Nov. 16 to 20 against more than 600 fire departments from around the world during the five-day 2009 Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge here. The 3,000 military and civilian firefighters, hailing from

  • Air Force officials make first major move toward a central network

    Air Force officials recently took the first major steps recently in moving e-mail and network services into what will become the central Air Force Network. Within today's environment, major commands and some subordinate units operate their own networks, but the Active Directory and Exchange project

  • Flexibility key to airpower, Space-A

    Have you ever dreamed of climbing the steps of an Egyptian pyramid or schussing down a black diamond ski slope in Bavaria? Or perhaps digging your toes in the sand on a Hawaiian beach is more your speed. Well, there is a perfect way to make these dreams become a reality: space-available

  • Photo essay: Thunderbirds close season at air show

    Members of the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds and the U.S. Air Force Academy Parachute Team participate in the 2009 Aviation Nation here. The open house allowed the Las Vegas community to visit the base and view the Air Force's finest aerial performances.View slideshow.

  • Exercise prepares Airmen for Afghan marketplace attack

    A deadly insurgent rocket attack on a civilian marketplace in Afghanistan's Kapisa Province resulted in wounded Afghans being medically evacuated Nov. 16 to nearby hospitals, including the Craig Joint Theater Hospital here that took in 13 civilians.According to Capt. James McDaniel, the hospital

  • Army mobility team visits Moody, conducts metrics test

    An Army mobility team visited Moody Air Force Base Nov. 5 and 6 to conduct a mass assessment test on more than 800 Airmen. The computer-based Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics, or ANAM, test is a tool designed to detect speed and accuracy of attention, memory and thinking ability,

  • Dolphins fly to New Caledonia with Hickam C-17 crew

    Airmen aboard C-17 Globemaster IIIs from Hickam AFB transported dolphins from the Navy Marine Mammals Program in San Diego, Calif., to Noumea, New Caledonia, Nov. 8 to locate and dispose of more than 200 contact mines that were leftover from World War II.The active-duty and Reserve C-17 aircrew from

  • Airmen earn Gen. Lew Allen Award

    Two aircraft maintenance Airmen received the Gen. Lew Allen Jr. Award Nov. 16 in a ceremony in the Airman's Hall of the Pentagon.Maj. Eliot Sasson, an operations officer with the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.; and Senior Master Sgt. Franklin Galloway,

  • Officials announce fiscal 2010 force management measures

    Air Force officials here announced Nov. 16 measures to meet the fiscal 2010 end strength of 331,700, requiring personnel management actions to reduce the force by approximately 3,700 officers and enlisted members through voluntary and involuntary early separation and retirement programs. Eligible

  • Initiative helps disabled vets stay active

    A recent initiative launched by officials with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Olympic Committee is giving disabled veterans a chance to rediscover their potential through athletics and competition.A memorandum of understanding was signed between the two organizations Oct. 21 to

  • Online master's program extended to captains

    Air University officials here will offer eligible mid-level Air Force captains a unique educational opportunity to enroll in an online master's degree beginning this December. The degree is designed to be career-relevant and is intended to accommodate the current high operations tempo environment,

  • Nellis officials plan for F-35's opportunities, challenges

    With the new F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter aircraft's arrival just four years away, officials at the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center here are looking forward to joint training opportunities while recognizing the challenges of providing realistic training on such a technologically advanced

  • Academy space weather experiment heads into space

    A U.S. Air Force Academy space weather experiment heads for the International Space Station aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis after the shuttle lifted off at at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.Among the shuttle's many payloads on the 11-day mission is the Academy's

  • Airmen speed delivery of vital vaccine

    Airmen in the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron at this air base in Southwest Asia handle nearly every passenger and piece of cargo that travels through the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.Recently, the cargo they handled would, soon enough, find its way to every servicemember in

  • Forces work jointly for security at Bagram

    U.S. military and coalition servicemembers who enforce security on Bagram Airfield work closely to accomplish a singular mission to ensure a safe and secure environment.Members of the Air Force's 455th Air Expeditionary Wing coordinate with Task Force Cyclone, Afghan national security guards and

  • Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team helps Afghans

    Members of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team here combine resources from the Air Force, Army, Navy, U.S. State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development and the Department of Agriculture into one unified effort aimed at the economic, judicial, social, educational and

  • Vice president's wife visits military families at Nellis

    Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, visited Nellis Air Force Base Nov. 15 to learn about the family support programs available at the base.To gain a greater understanding of those support programs, Doctor Biden, who received her doctorate in education from the University of

  • Vietnam military health, logistics reps visit Hickam

    Six delegates from the Vietnam military's health and general logistics fields met with U.S. Air Force officials here Nov. 10 during a 13th Air Force-hosted visit. The visit was designed to familiarize the Vietnamese delegates with how the U.S. military conducts surveillance, screening and testing of

  • Supreme Allied Commander Europe visits USAFE forces

    The commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander in Europe met the commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe here to discuss USAFE's vital role in accomplishing the EUCOM mission Nov. 10 at Ramstein Air Base."The Airmen of USAFE are essential to providing deterrence from aggression

  • 'Friday Night Lights' actors thank wounded warriors

    The two lead actors of the television show "Friday Night Lights" visited wounded warriors, military family members and U.S. servicemembers with a message of appreciation Nov. 14 at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.Kyle Chandler, known as Coach Eric Taylor on the show, and Connie Britton, starring as

  • Chief of staff: Play your positions credibly

    Air Force officials have invigorated their demands for excellence, and one key leader is especially moved to ensure sustainment of that improvement.Gen. Norton Schwartz, the 19th Air Force chief of staff, visited the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at an air base in Southwest Asia -- the host of more

  • All services meet or exceed October recruiting goals

    All active-duty and reserve-component military branches met or exceeded their recruiting goals for October, Defense Department officials said. October's results, the first for fiscal 2010, continue a successful military recruiting mission that experienced a banner year in fiscal 2009. Active and

  • USAFE command chief builds partnership in Bulgaria

    The top enlisted advisor to U.S. Air Forces in Europe visited Bulgaria Nov. 2-6 to explore cooperation opportunities for enlisted professional military education. Chief Master Sgt. Pamela Derrow, USAFE command chief, spent the week meeting with Bulgarian air force leaders and talking about how

  • Unmanned aircraft crews strive to support warfighters

    As Pentagon officials look for ways to increase intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support for warfighters in Afghanistan, the Air Force's first unmanned aircraft systems wing already is on the case in its never-ending quest to provide more and better intelligence through the systems they

  • Officials expand 2010 ACP to growing mission needs

    Details on the fiscal 2010 Aviator Continuation Pay Program released by officials Nov. 13 continue to emphasize the Air Force's retention efforts in critical, rated career fields while recognizing the growing significance of remotely piloted aircraft.The ACP Program allows some active-duty rated

  • Air Force officials emphasize individual fitness responsibility

    While Air Force commanders have the responsibility to maintain a unit fitness program, the new fitness Air Force instruction will better emphasize each Airman's responsibility to meet and maintain fitness standards, officials here said Nov. 13.Commanders and supervisors will continue to emphasize

  • Ramstein Airmen improve training, effectiveness with new M-50 mask

    Airmen at Ramstein Air Base will see a new change in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training with the use of the new M-50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask and Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology, effective immediately."The new masks are joint service; they'll be

  • Federal officials pledge support for hiring veterans

    Senior federal officials here Nov. 12 pledged their support of President Barack Obama's directive to increase the hiring of military veterans. President Obama signed the executive order Nov. 9 that calls on each federal agency to establish a veterans' employment program office designed to help

  • Officials seek past, present Academy nominees for award

    Officials from the Center for Character and Leadership Development are soliciting nominees for the 2009 Malham M. Wakin Character and Leadership Development Award.The Wakin Award is presented to personnel assigned to the U.S. Air Force Academy, both past and present, to include individuals or teams

  • Latest issue of Airman magazine available

    The latest issue of Airman, now available in print and online, highlights stories about caring for Airmen and their families. The list of feature stories in the November/December issue include:  An Immigrant's Tale The journey of a Sudanese "lost boy'" whose search for stability took him from the

  • Rise of the cyber wingman

    Every day, malicious code, worms, botnets and hooks attack Air Force computers hardware, software and the Internet. They infiltrate classified information and compromise national security. In response, Air Force officials are stepping up their mission to defend cyberspace.Mission success is the goal

  • Osan Airmen provide force, equipment sustainment

    Members of the Osan Air Base deployment readiness control center is the hub for Airmen, equipment and cargo that deploy in and out of the base during real-world events and exercises.Deployment readiness control center members work closely with each installation's duty officers to ensure day-to-day

  • Families always have been essential to the Air Force

    Although the Air Force is the nation's youngest service, its proud history not only shows the essential contributions of officers or enlisted troops, active-duty members or reservists, but also a history of family commitment. "This importance of family is no more evident than when taking a stroll

  • Iraqi airmen score bull's eye with Hellfire missile

    For the first time since the re-formation of the Iraqi air force, an Iraqi pilot fired a missile from an aircraft Nov. 4, at a target on a bombing range near Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. A three-man Iraqi aircrew from Squadron 3 fired an AGM-114 Hellfire missile from an AC-208 Caravan, officials at

  • Experts answer H1N1 questions online

    Experts did their best to answer questions and allay fears over H1N1 flu and the associated vaccine during a Nov. 10 online town-hall meeting here hosted by Military Health System officials. Questions -- submitted via a special Web site -- included concerns such as whether it's possible to

  • Homeland Security unveils new job site for veterans

    The Department of Homeland Security has unveiled a new Web site designed to provide a one-stop location for veterans looking for jobs. The site, http://www.dhs.gov/veterans, also serves as a resource for veterans organizations to learn about the department's veteran outreach initiatives. "This new

  • Ring returned to Vietnam POW 44 years after imprisonment

    With the traditional "I do's" and exchange of wedding bands some 54 years ago on Oct. 1, 1955, James and Phyllis Hivner began their life's journey together which, like many young couples, began with not knowing what the future held.That journey was rocked 10 years later, almost to the day, when

  • American, British forces join for leadership development

    Airmen from Royal Air Forces Mildenhall and Lakenheath, England, joined their British Royal Air Force counterparts to build cross-service relations and military skills during Leadership, Ethos and Air Power Day at RAF Marham Nov. 9.The program provides 275 hours of activity focused on developing

  • First lady urges vets to join volunteer campaign

    First lady Michelle Obama urged all Americans, including military veterans, to put their skills to use in volunteer service to assist U.S. communities and citizens in need Nov. 11. "One of the greatest privileges that I have as first lady is the chance to meet with veterans and to meet with

  • Officials announce JAG family service award winner

    Tom Hagmaier, an active volunteer within the Air Force and Judge Advocate General Corps community for more than ten years, received the 2008 Joy Dunlap Family Service Award Oct. 29 during the annual award banquet, part of the JAG Corps' Keystone Leadership Summit in Dallas.  Lt. Gen. Jack L. Rives,

  • Nov. 4 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 4 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:AsadabadAir Force F-16C Fighting Falcons and F-15E

  • Secretary Gates notes poignancy of Veterans Day observance

    The Nov. 5 shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas, provides a special sense of poignancy to this year's Veterans Day observance, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in his annual message commemorating the holiday. Here is the text of the secretary's message: "On this our ninth Veterans Day since

  • Guard members demonstrate digitally aided personnel recovery operations

    California Air National Guard members based here successfully demonstrated coalition personnel recovery operations using net enabled data link capabilities during the U.S. Joint Forces Command Exercise Bold Quest 2009 Oct. 27 to Nov. 5.The 129th Rescue Wing sent 23 Guard members and an MC-130P

  • Nov. 5 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 5 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:SurkhabadAir Force B-1B Lancers provided armed overwatch

  • Official cites benefits of deploying civilians

    A recent Facebook post by a U.S. Soldier heading home from Iraq highlights some of the nonmilitary roles American troops often assume in today's counterinsurgency wars. "My time in Iraq approaches its end," the junior enlisted Soldier wrote, listing military duties he performed on tour, followed by

  • Air Force leaders send birthday message to Marine Corps

    The secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force salute the Marine Corps on its 234th birthday Nov. 10. Originally founded on Nov. 10, 1775, the Marine Corps was composed mainly of infantrymen serving aboard Navy ships. They were responsible primarily for the security of the ship and

  • Airmen build up reconstruction yard for drawdown

    Airmen of the 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Det. 6 here are not only in the business of pushing dirt, but also in pushing the U.S. military closer to drawdown in Iraq. The Airmen are tasked to level off a Saddam Hussein-era munitions storage area to create a workspace for the

  • Hurricane Hunters fly into Ida

    The Air Force Reserve's Hurricane Hunters are flying non-stop into Hurricane Ida collecting critical weather data as the storm enters the Gulf of Mexico. The Hurricane Hunters of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron are assigned to the 403rd Wing and stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.

  • ESPN films 'College GameDay' from Academy

    The popular sports show ESPN "College GameDay" was filmed on location Nov. 7 at the U.S. Air Force Academy prior to the Falcons taking the field against service academy rival, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.About 1,000 Air Force and Army cadets crowded the terrazzo holding signs displaying

  • Reserve, Guard members contribute to Ramstein mission

    In February 2009, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley said, "I am proud to report that the total force team of regular, Reserve, Guard and civilians, along with our joint partners, continues to provide world-class air, space and cyber capabilities for our combatant commanders." At Ramstein AB,

  • Manas Airmen donate necessities to hospital, school in Kyrgyzstan

    Airmen here visited a local hospital and a school for the deaf Oct. 31 to donate more than 300 mattresses, 240 beds and medical supplies to a mental hospital in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Some of the Airmen from the Transit Center at Manas also put a smile on the faces of children at the Bishkek School

  • Ramstein officials celebrate Air Force Family Week

    Ramstein Air Base officials held numerous events inviting active-duty, Guard and Reserve members as well as spouse and civilian employees to see firsthand some of the services available to them at the base's Airman and Family Readiness Center as part of Air Force Family Week Nov. 4 here. This year

  • Football: Air Force rallies in 2nd half to crush Army, 35-7

    A linebacker's halftime rant and an unexpected aerial attack gave the Air Force Academy Falcons a 35-7 win over the Army Black Knights Nov. 7. The battle of service academy rivals was "bone against bone, knuckles rubbing against knuckles," said Falcons head football coach Troy Calhoun. The first

  • Chief of Staff addresses key mobility, Air Force issues at conference

    Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Air Force chief of staff, recently attended the 41st Airlift Tanker Association conference where he addressed a gathering of more than 4,000 active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian Airmen. In his comments, General Schwartz emphasized the importance of every Airman and

  • Airmen train future journalists

    More than 85 students from Rhodes Middle School in San Antonio received a firsthand look at the story telling mission of the Defense Media Activity-San Antonio Nov. 6 here.The tour was geared to spark interest in the Air Force and various media career paths to provide the sixth, seventh and eighth

  • Academy physicians discuss H1N1 lessons learned

    Senior medical officials who successfully slowed the spread of H1N1 flu virus at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., published what they learned in an October article featured in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Air Force Lt. Col. (Dr.) Catherine Witkop, a preventive

  • Oct. 29 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft flew armed overwatch for friendly forces in the

  • Airmen learn traditions during Kyrgyz Cultural Day

    Airmen of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing got a close look at some of their host nation's customs and traditions during Kyrgyz Cultural Day held here recently. The day focused on familiarizing Airmen with the uniqueness of Kyrgyz heritage. Through practical hands-on experience, Airmen here had the

  • Oct. 28 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 28 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft flew armed overwatch in the

  • Oct. 30 airpower summary:

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 30 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs flew armed overwatch for friendly

  • Oct. 27 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9 Reaper responded to a friendly forces request for

  • Oct. 26 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons flew armed overwatch for a friendly

  • Oct. 25 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft flew armed overwatch in the

  • C-17 aircrew scores touchdown in mission with NFL greats

    The quarterback was crouched in his uniform, scanning the field from under his helmet for his intended receivers. But this was no stadium; it was a C-17 Globemaster III flying over the harsh and dangerous terrain that is Afghanistan. And there was no football, but rather 18 much-needed bundles of

  • Photo essay: 'Fox NFL Sunday' team visits Bagram

    The "FOX NFL Sunday" broadcast team visited the Airmen of the 755th Air Expeditionary Group here. The team of Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan, Jimmy Johnson and Jay Glazer will do a live special broadcast from Bagram Airfield just three days before Veterans Day.  The

  • Oct. 24 airpower summary: C-130s provide tactical airlift

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles flew armed reconnaissance in the

  • Teamwork leads to record-setting engine test at Arnold

    Members of the J-2 test team here completed all of the customer's mission objectives and set a new record for the longest continuous engine test period while testing the F135-PW-100 engine, which were critical to the qualification of the engine for the new F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter. The

  • Air Force finishes safest flying year

    Fiscal 2009 was the safest flying year in the 62-year history of the Air Force.  There were only 17 Class A mishaps. The next best year was fiscal 2006 with 19 Class A mishaps. A Class A mishap is one where there is loss of life, an injury resulting in permanent total disability, the destruction of

  • Holloman community mourns death of Airman

    People here are mourning the death of Staff Sgt. David Booher, who was killed during a visit to Cuidad Juarez, Mexico, Nov. 4. "Members of Team Holloman are saddened by the loss of one our own," said Col. Jeff Harrigian, 49th Fighter Wing commander. "Kathy and I want to extend our thoughts and

  • 'Cake Boss' episode filmed at Joint Base McGuire to air Nov 9

    Viewers of the hit television show "Cake Boss" will get a little taste of the Air Force mission when an episode filmed here in September airs on TLC, Nov. 9, at 10 p.m. Eastern time. Filmed at JB McGuire and aboard the USS New Jersey in Camden, the episode will feature an Air Force-themed cake

  • Air Force officials unveil new strategic basing process

    Senior Air Force officials have applied a new basing process to more than 200 sites for training and operational basing of the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter aircraft. In fall 2008, Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Norton Schwartz sought to redefine

  • Simulator helps attack controllers train

    Coalition and joint terminal attack controllers used a simulator to hone their skills in calling in close-air support during U.S. Joint Forces Command's advanced-concept technology demonstration Bold Quest 2009, which concluded here and at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Nov. 5. The

  • Open season set for 3 civilian benefit programs

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here have announced the open season for three civilian benefit programs lasting Nov. 9 through Dec. 14. The three programs are the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, or FEHB; the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, or FEDVIP; and the

  • Airman culture key to Exercise Salitre success

    Exercise Salitre ended Oct. 30 with a total force effort of nearly 200 active-duty and Air National Guard Airmen representing five U.S. bases, and supporting coalition efforts to strengthen regional military ties and interoperability. The exercise, hosted by the Chilean air force integrated Airmen

  • FalconLaunch 6 test fire ends with a 'bang'

    The FalconLaunch-6 rocket ended its test-firing in Jacks Valley, Colo., Nov. 4 with a bang. The cadet-built rocket exploded after firing for a fraction of a second as the FalconLaunch cadre watched from more than one-half mile away. Academy firefighters were on-site for the test-fire.Once the rocket

  • Officials release new selective re-enlistment bonus list

    Pentagon officials recently released the latest selective re-enlistment bonus list containing 91 Air Force specialties. The revised listing places a greater emphasis on retaining Airmen with 17 months to six years of service, said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Dowlearn, the NCO in charge of Air Force

  • Airmen train Iraqi police

    Iraqi policemen from the city of Nasiriyah earned explosive ordnance disposal patches Nov. 4 after completing training with Air Force EOD technicians assigned to Task Force Troy at Forward Operating Base Cedar. The training, conducted by three Airmen, is part of a six-week course offered to the

  • ESPN 'College Gameday' to return to Academy Nov. 7

    ESPN's "College GameDay" crew will broadcast live from the U.S. Air Force Academy 8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 7 from the Terrazzo for the Air Force vs. Army football game. This will be "College GameDay's" third visit to the Academy, and a return home for one of the "College GameDay" anchors. ESPN "College

  • General calls for focus on protecting satellites

    The chief of U.S. Strategic Command wants better tools for protecting against threats from space debris -- an estimated 20,000 pieces of manmade material orbiting around the planet. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton laid out what he described as his "wish list" Nov. 4, emphasizing the importance of being able

  • New cyberspace support career field stood up Nov. 1

    Air Force officials here converted more than 43,000 total force enlisted Airmen from former communications career fields to cyberspace support Nov. 1. The new Air Force specialty is made up of three former career fields: communications-electronics, 2EXXX; knowledge operations management, 3AXXX; and

  • South Carolina Air Guard unit wins international F-16 competition

    The South Carolina Air National Guard's 169th Fighter Wing was named the overall winner of Falcon Air Meet 2009, a three-nation F-16 Fighting Falcon competition, held here through Nov. 3. The South Carolina team, which represented the U. S. Air Force's Central Command and the U.S., won three of the

  • Pentagon officials send H1N1 vaccine to Southwest Asia

    U.S. Central Command has received half of the vaccine needed to inoculate its forces against the H1N1 virus, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said Nov. 4. The vaccines arrived in Qatar overnight and should be pushed out to troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and other parts of the

  • Airmen escort Afghan governor during visit

    Airmen from the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team escorted and provided security for the Afghan provincial governor during a visit with local government and religious leaders at a compound here Oct. 25. The visit was part of an on-going effort by the governor to meet key leaders throughout the

  • Air Force family's 'Extreme Makeover' to air Nov. 8

    During this Year of the Air Force Family, one ultimate act of Airmen helping their own will get national attention Nov. 8 when ABC-TV's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" features an Air Force civilian and his new custom built house. "We are having lots of fun in the new house and life has been so

  • Defense Department officials aim to improve families' lives

    Military families make tremendous sacrifices in support of the nation and deserve recognition as well as the best programs and policies the Defense Department can deliver, a defense official said here Nov. 3. Tommy T. Thomas, the deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family

  • Malian forces improve proficiency at English language lab

    Members of U.S. Air Forces Africa toured the Malian Air Force English Language Lab in Bamako that prepares officers for training in other nations as well as participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions.Before an international student can apply to attend a U.S. Air Force training program, he