Cleanup program on fast track

When Andrews Air Force Base, Md., was placed on the Environmental Protection Agency's National Priorities List of contaminated sites in 1999, environmental restoration program managers estimated it would take until 2014 and millions of dollars to remedy the sites.With 23 sites and 10 areas of

President Bush condemns North Korean nuclear test claim

North Korea's claim that it conducted its first-ever nuclear test today constitutes a threat to international peace and security, President Bush said this morning at the White House. "The United States condemns this provocative act," he said. Bush said the U.S. is still working to confirm the North

Deployment presents challenge for firefighters

The sandy desert terrain and base infrastructures in Southwest Asia pose new challenges to Airman 1st Class Eric Theer, a firefighter deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif. "I'm used to fighting grass fires back home," said the 20-year-old Airman assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Civil

Falcons skate past Alabama-Huntsville, 4-3

Eric Ehn scored two goals as Air Force skated past Alabama-Huntsville, 4-3, in a non-conference college hockey game today at the Cadet Ice Arena. Air Force improved to 1-1 overall this season. UAH fell to 0-2. The victory is the 100th Division I win for head coach Frank Serratore, the most of any

Navy sinks Air Force's return to dominance, 24-17

The Air Force football team learned a painful lesson Oct. 7 from service academy rival Navy: the Falcons' preseason team motto, "Return to Dominance," will be easier said than done. In the process, the coveted Commander-In-Chief's Trophy, symbolic of interservice football supremacy, will belong to

Sergeant soars to greater heights

Standing a towering 6 feet 11 inches tall, the sergeant is closer to the clouds than the average person, but today he soars to even greater heights. Staff Sgt. Bill Manus an electronic warfare journeyman with the New Mexico Air National Guard's 150th Fighter Wing, pilots his hot-air balloon today

Air Force falls to Colorado College 2-1

A disallowed goal as the buzzer went off secured a 2-1 victory for Colorado College over Air Force in the season opener for both teams Oct. 6 at the academy's Cadet Ice Arena. An over-capacity crowd of 2,995, the third-largest official attendance in school history, watched a game that literally came

Seasoned PJ trains next generation

Along the halls of the Pararescue and Combat Rescue Officer School here, reminders of heroes past adorn the walls with honor. There have been 13 Air Force Crosses and one Medal of Honor awarded to former students. They serve as testimony to the valor demonstrated by a fresh crop of

13th AF welcomes new commander, transforms operations

A one-year transformation of command and control of air, space and information operations in the Pacific ended here as 13th Air Force officially began operations as a component numbered air force headquarters and welcomed a new commander. Former Pacific Air Forces Deputy Commander, Lt. Gen. Loyd S.

Father passes flag to daughter in Iraq

Traditions run deep in the military, and for this father and daughter, traditions are what brought them together in Iraq. Col. Steven Dreyer, 4th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group commander, at Camp Victory, Iraq, reunited with his youngest daughter, 1st Lt. Kathrine Dreyer, 777th

Operation Enduring Freedom marks five years

Five years ago, America, still stinging from the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, began striking back in the war on terrorism.President Bush appeared on national television to inform the American people he had unleashed U.S. military might against the enemy. Land-based bombers and Navy strike aircraft from

First laser test conducted using recycled fuel

The world's first firing of a laser using recycled fuel was conducted at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate recently by an Air Force and Boeing Company team. During the test, conducted at the directorate's Davis Advanced Laser Facility, a chemical laser was supplied with

Technology office tests synthetic fuel in ground vehicles

The Air Force Advanced Power Technology Office here is now conducting research on synthetic fuel for use in a ground environment. The use of synthetic fuel is vital if the Air Force is to have the means of operating without relying on foreign oil supplies. The Sept. 19 test flight by a B-52H

At the end of a long day

Third motions hearing adjourns in Airman Hill court martial

The third motions hearing in the court martial of Airman Calvin Hill, charged with the premeditated murder of a fellow Airman and other offenses, adjourned here Oct. 4.Airman Hill is charged in the death of Airman 1st Class Ashley Turner in August 2005 while the two were stationed at Naval Air

Pilots thrilled by CV-22 capabilities

When he talks about his new aircraft, the CV-22 Osprey, the lieutenant colonel's face lights up like a kid opening presents on his birthday. After 10 years of flying the MC-130H Combat Talon II, CV-22 instructor pilot Lt. Col. Darryl Sheets, from the 8th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt

C-5 Programmed Depot Maintenance earns accolades

The C-5 Programmed Depot Maintenance team at Robins AFB earned the 2006 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award in a ceremony in Washington, D.C.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley presented the award to the C-5 PDM Process Improvement Team in late September.  "The increased tempo of

ACC declares small diameter bomb initially operational

The Air Combat Command commander declared initial operational capability for the Guided Bomb Unit-39/B Small Diameter Bomb Oct. 2 and the weapon made its combat debut just three days later. Gen. Ronald E. Keys made the IOC announcement six months ahead of schedule, only weeks after it was initially

AFIT school conducts search, recovery exercise

The Air Force Institute of Technology's Civil Engineer and Services School here took its educational mission beyond classroom walls as students participated in a search and recovery exercise the last week of September. The goal of the exercise was for students in the School's Mortuary Affairs Course

T-38s at Laughlin mark beginning of transition

Laughlin AFB officials received the first T-38 Talon Oct. 4 from Moody AFB, Ga.  The aircraft's arrival denotes the start of the transition to a new training mission. "This jet marks the beginning of Laughlin's transition to our newly acquired Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals mission," said Col.

Seeds of 56-year marriage planted during Berlin Airlift

Retired Lt. Col. James and Ellie Spatafora possess a unique answer to a common question couples are quizzed about. When asked where they met, they answer that the seeds of their 56-year marriage were planted during the historic Berlin Airlift. The couple was able to catch up on old times with

Air Force leaders to discuss new 'Cyber Command'

Air Force leaders are gathering in early November to discuss plans for creation of a new command, one chartered with flying and fighting in cyber space. Cyberspace became an official Air Force domain, like air and space, on Dec. 7, 2005, when Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of

NATO takes lead for operations throughout Afghanistan

NATO took the lead for international military operations throughout Afghanistan Oct. 5, assuming authority from the coalition for 14 eastern provinces at a ceremony in the Afghan capital of Kabul. Regional Command East is the last of four regional NATO commands in its International Security

USAFE unit debuts small diameter bomb in combat

The Guided Bomb Unit-39/B small diameter bomb was flown into combat for the first time Oct. 5 by members of the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. The unit, deployed to the Southwest Asia area of operations, launched a two-ship formation of F-15E Strike Eagles at 1:30 a.m. EDT carrying the new

Personnel center names first command chief

The Air Force Personnel Center commander has named Chief Master Sgt. Terry Reed as the center's first command chief master sergeant. "This is a great day for the Air Force Personnel Center as Chief Reed will now represent AFPC at the highest level of the enlisted force," said Maj. Gen. Tony

Virtual technology enhances training for aircrews

Survival, evasion, resistance and escape instructors at the 15th Operational Support Squadron are now using virtual technology to train aircrews in parachute hanging harness training. Most of today's aircrews are familiar with flight simulators. They are accepted as standard and are essential tools

Air Force announces team excellence awards

Air Force officials have announced the five teams selected for the 2006 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards. The awards recognize teams that used a systematic approach to enhance mission capability, improve operational performance and create sustained results. Improvements made by the five award

Air Force Reserve changes officer promotion system

Air Force Reserve Command is changing its officer promotion system to meet future total force requirements. The command will implement the changes starting with the Oct. 16 Air Force Reserve line and non-line colonel promotion selection board, with results of the board to be announced early next

Defense Travel System evolves to better serve customers

The Defense Travel System continues to evolve as it efficiently serves military and civilian travelers on official department business, a senior military officer said Oct. 3. In November, DTS will introduce more upgraded features, such as fewer pages for travelers to fill out, said Col. Lynne

New well gives new hope to village

The Air Force-led Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team opened a new well in the Kohi Safi valley Oct. 3 that will bring clean water to several hundred Afghans in a nearby village. The well was finished in just under a month by the GL Construction and Logistics Group of Kabul. Located near the

Guard, British officers exchange views

An Arkansas Air National Guard officer and a Royal Auxiliary Air Force warrant officer participated recently in an exchange officer program to help further cement the relationship between the two countries' air Reserve forces. For Maj. Dom Sarnataro, a 154th Training Squadron pilot, the National

Some Airmen can carry over 'use or lose' leave

Airmen who were recalled from or unable to take annual leave this past year for reasons such as support for contingency operations may be allowed to accumulate more than the normal 60 days after the fiscal year ends. Special leave accrual carry over also applies to Air Force Reserve and Air National

Air Force meets 2006 enlisted, OTS recruiting goals

The Air Force exceeded its fiscal 2006 enlisted recruiting goal of 30,750 by assessing 30,888 men and women into active duty from Oct. 1, 2005, through Sept. 30, 2006.Air Force Recruiting Service also was successful in recruiting line officers and chaplains, bringing in 485 line officers and 31

Air Warrior transforms into new Green Flag

With the ever-changing fight in the war on terrorism, thus goes the Air Force with the incarnation, or re-incarnation, of Green Flag.The Air Warrior exercises here and at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., have officially become the Air Force's premier pre-deployment exercises for Air Combat Command

Misawa offers home away from home for pets

Servicemembers inbound or outbound to Misawa Air Base, Japan, now have a temporary home for their cat or dog with the opening of the base's new kennel. The kennel can house 21 dogs and 14 cats. "We know there's a need," said Robert Smith, chief of Misawa's Community Support Flight. "This isn't just

Air traffic controller considers Air Force her second family

With nearly 300 flights coming in and out of Laughlin AFB every day, new and seasoned pilots depend upon the support from air traffic controllers to send them out and bring them back home safely to their base and families.One air traffic controller on the ground guiding pilots over Del Rio,

F-22 Raptor ready for its combat role

While the 27th Fighter Squadron is still figuring out the processes needed to deploy its F-22 Raptors to war, it is ready to go now. Squadron director of operations Lt. Col. Kevin Fesler said the Langley Air Force Base, Va., unit is still normalizing its operations. But he said if the call comes,

DOD Eagle Vision experiment wraps up at Lajes

A Department of Defense experiment testing the versatility of one of the Air Force's ground communications station systems wrapped up here Sept. 29. Eagle Vision-1, based at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, is designed to receive a variety of information from civilian remote-sensing satellites. "This

Push-up plan meets new fitness initiative

Three hundred and thirty-two thousand. That's a lot. Of anything. How would you like to do that many push-ups? The approximately 100 members deployed here with the 332nd Expeditionary Communications Squadron have collectively committed to accomplishing that goal within the next four months.  They

Air Force Reserve to operate with more reservists

Air Force Reserve Command will have a slightly larger force in 2007. The fiscal 2007 Defense Appropriations Act signed by President George W. Bush Sept. 29 funds an end-strength of 74,900 reservists.  That is 900 additional reservists compared to the fiscal 2006 end-strength of 74,000. The new

Energy conservation a priority, group effort at McChord

Over the past 20 years, the Air Force has reduced facility energy usage by 30 percent by incorporating energy conservation into operations -- without impacting the mission -- and the Air Force is pushing to cut usage another 20 percent by 2015. For the last two years, McChord AFB officials have

Air Force making progress on alternative fuels

The Air Force is embracing an energy strategy that uses alternative sources of power and conservation, Undersecretary of the Air Force Dr. Ron Sega told a group of civilian energy engineers during a World Energy Engineers Congress luncheon Sept. 15. "I think we're making progress, but we certainly

Falcons beat Calgary 4-2 in exhibition hockey

The U.S. Air Force Academy beat the University of Calgary 4-2 in an exhibition game Oct. 2 at the academy's Cadet Ice Arena here.Senior Andrew Ramsey had a goal and an assist in the third period in the win. The Air Force opened the scoring just 1:15 into the first period as Brian Reese scored

Air Force prepares to commemorate 60th anniversary

Big things are in store for Airmen, as Air Force leaders have planned more than a year's worth of commemoratory activities leading up to the Air Force's 60th anniversary, Sept. 18, 2007. Brig. Gen. Janet Therianos, director of the 60th Anniversary office at the Pentagon, said this upcoming year will

Air Force launches Young Investigators Research Program

Air Force Office of Scientific Research officials here announced Oct. 2 an award of approximately $6.3 million in grants to 21 scientists and engineers who submitted winning research proposals through the Air Force's new Young Investigator Research Program. The program is open to scientists and

Museum breaks ground for World War II hangar

Members of the Museum of Aviation Foundation put shovels in the ground Sept. 29 to ceremonially begin construction of a new hangar filled with exhibits on World War II."We know firsthand the heartfelt commitment of Middle Georgia to the United States Air Force and to all of our military forces,"

Ceremony brings historic 23rd Wing to Moody

The 347th Rescue Wing was officially re-designated as the 23rd Wing during a ceremony at 8:23 a.m. here Sept. 29.The ceremony culminated several recent changes to Moody's wing, including the assimilation of the 23rd Fighter Group at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., and Moody's 820th Security Forces Group.

AFMC seeks to streamline test, evaluation processes

If changes to the test and evaluation phases of new concept cars would improve mass production processes and reduce recalls, wouldn't it make sense for an auto manufacturer to spend $1 now if it meant saving $10 later? Officials at Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command think so and are applying

Missile squadron poised for 72-hour alerts

Missile combat crews in the 490th Missile Squadron here are helping the 20th Air Force transform missile operations as crewmembers started performing 72-hour alerts using three-person crews Sept. 30. Twentieth Air Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Thomas F. Deppe, suggested the 72-hour alert initiative and

New capability improves search, rescue response

Pararescuemen in the 347th Rescue Group here are preparing to add a new capability to their life-saving arsenal soon. Kangaroo Duck, a process which involves strapping an inflatable rubber raft to the underbelly of an HH-60 Pave Hawk, will be used to better assist with water-rescue scenarios, like

Innovative calendar system tracks VIPs

After employing a relatively simple Air Force Smart Operations 21 tool, Electronic Systems Center protocol office members here now have an innovative calendar system for tracking distinguished visitor information. AFSO 21 was designed to trigger ideas throughout the Air Force about how to streamline

Falcons home opener a true blue success

Air Force football fans were rewarded for their patience Sept. 30 as the Falcons' long-awaited home opener resulted in a 24-7 bluesuiter victory over the University of New Mexico Lobos at Falcon Stadium. Head coach Fisher DeBerry's troops wasted little time taking command of the Mountain West

President praises troops on front lines of terror war

There's no doubt of victory in the terror war -- not just because the United States is committed to seeing it through, but also because of the quality of the troops carrying it out, President George W. Bush told the Reserve Officers Association here Sept. 29. "We can have confidence in the outcome

Bush signs bill funding war on terror

President Bush on Sept. 29 signed into law H.R. 5631, the "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007," which appropriates the funds needed to fight the war on terror, advance other U.S. interests abroad, and support the armed forces. The bill includes an additional $70 billion in emergency

Oct. 1 effective date for Air Force uniform changes

There will be noticeable changes with the Air Force uniform Oct. 1, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley said. Three changes include doing away with enlisted shoulder board ranks and introducing a new physical training uniform and an insignia. The Air Force introduced shoulder board

F-4 Phantom shares road with cars in Japan

An aircraft sharing the street with cars is a rare sight. But if you've ever wondered how display aircraft get to where they are, that's exactly what may happen.Roads had to be closed and several people were needed to walk with a retired F-4 Phantom here Sept. 27 to help ensure it arrived safely at

Command, control squadron inactivates at Offutt AFB

The 55th Mobile Command and Control Squadron here was officially inactivated Sept. 27 after 28 years of service. For nearly three decades the men and women of the 55th MCCS have kept a quiet vigil, preparing for the day when the fate of the nation might depend on their ability to provide a

Building a wall of hope at Ground Zero

Earlier this year, base firefighter Gerard Reheiser created a painting on a tile to commemorate 9/11. Mr. Reheiser entered the tile in a contest sponsored by Tiles for America at a store in Woodstock, Ga., that not only won the contest, but also is now part of a permanent display at Ground Zero in

PRT breaks ground on $3 million road project

The Air Force-led Bagram Provincial Reconstruction team officially started a new road system Sept. 28 in the Kapisa province that will connect all districts and the provincial capitol. The contract is the first of its kind in Afghanistan and was awarded to Shams Construction Company of Kabul during

Air Force will get new bomber, upgrades to fighters

The Air Force is looking to get a "next generation" long-range bomber by 2018, according to the commander of Air Combat Command. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 27, Gen. Ronald E. Keys, the ACC commander, told reporters the

F-35 centerpiece for international partnership

The F-35 Lightning II aircraft brings new capability to the Air Force, but also serves as a centerpiece for international cooperation. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26, Brig. Gen. Charles R. Davis, deputy program executive

Commissary agency: 15 years of service, 140 years of history

The Defense Commissary Agency will mark its 15th anniversary Oct. 1.Congress and the Department of Defense created DeCA in 1991 by consolidating the military services' retail grocery operations into one organization. "With sales of over $5 billion, all 'at cost' to our customers, this agency

Last U.S. servicemembers to leave Iceland Sept. 30

A 65-year segment of history ends Sept. 30, when the last American servicemembers based in Iceland will leave the country. U.S. servicemembers will continue to work with, train with and operate with their NATO ally, but troops will not be based in the island nation, said Thomas F. Hall, assistant

23rd 'Flying Tigers' to become host wing at Moody

The "Flying Tigers" will be brought back from the past as the 347th Rescue Wing will be redesignated as the 23rd Wing during a ceremony here at 8:23 a.m. Sept. 29. Brig. Gen. Blair E. Hansen, vice commander of 9th Air Force at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., will preside over the redesignation ceremony

Air Force undertaking force transformation initiatives

The Air Force has changed direction in its effort to fulfill its legal requirements to organize, train and equip a flying force. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 27, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley explained how

AFMC vice commander testifies on new personnel system

The recent implementation of the National Security Personnel System Spiral 1.1, at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., was the focus as Lt. Gen. Terry Gabreski, Air Force Materiel Command vice commander, spoke before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Sept. 20.It was the

Ramstein team aids peacekeeping mission in Darfur

Ramstein Airmen flew with a Botswana C-130 aircrew to the Darfur region Sept. 23 and 24 to support the African Union peacekeeping mission. Two C-130 Hercules crewmembers from the 86th Operations Support Squadron, aerial port Airmen from the 86th Air Mobility Squadron, and a force protection

Secretary, chief reiterate need for new tanker

The Air Force must start buying new tankers now since it will take decades to replace its aging KC-135 Stratotankers, the Air Force secretary said. Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne said the service cannot buy its next fleet of tankers -- as yet to be determined -- any faster than the Air Force

AMC commander: Global mobility aircraft saving lives in Iraq

Mobility aircraft in Iraq and Afghanistan are helping keep Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors out of harm's way. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, Air Mobility Command commander, said C-130 Hercules

Instruments enhance space weather forecasts

Improving the prediction of ionospheric-created disturbances is the aim behind two weeks of digging through 3 feet of snow, ice and slush in the tundra of Greenland by four members of the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate, with assistance from Danish

Command chief panel discusses enlisted issues

Change, readiness and winning the war on terrorism were the three top issues discussed during the command chiefs' forum at the 2006 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 25."We must deal with changes and focus on the No. 1 priority facing us today:

Servicemembers get chance to tell their side of story

Members of the Department of Defense's "Why We Serve" speakers bureau team shared stories of their service with employees of USAA, a 22,000-strong military financial services company, here Sept. 25-26. Over the past three weeks, the DOD's "Why We Serve" team of servicemembers from all the armed

Professor at AFA conference offers advice about stress

Professor John Moore spoke at the Air Force Association's 2006 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 25 about ways to combat deployment stress. Mr. Moore joined other national experts and senior Department of Defense and Air Force leaders at the annual two-day AFA conference. The

New 'Port Dawgs' set up for success at Charleston AFB

Members of the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here have found a unique way to get their Airmen trained smarter, faster and better -- it's called the Port Dawg University currently being taught at Charleston AFB. The Port Dawg University Program is "aerial port's way of streamlining everything to make

Mirror-coating chamber in place at Starfire Optical Range

The Defense Department's largest mirror-coating chamber has been installed and tested at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Starfire Optical Range. "This will give the laboratory a safer alternative to transporting the 3.5-meter (11.5 feet) mirror all the way to Kitt Peak Observatory in Tucson,"

Dover AFB receives new maintenance trainer

The Avionics Modernization Program, also known as AMP, is changing the way C-5 Galaxies are flown by streamlining the aircaft to emulate civilian aircraft.In addition to installing new communications and navigation panels, dials are being replaced with multi-function display units. These new AMP

Research office underwrites Indian workshop

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research has agreed to underwrite an information assurance workshop planned by the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate Jan. 12 in Bangalore, India. AFOSR's Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development, with an initiative to increase

New system streamlines Air Force sustainment funding

In an unprecedented move that will radically simplify and streamline the Air Force sustainment funding system, Air Force Materiel Command will become the Air Force executive agent for programming, budgeting and execution for many of the Air Force's sustainment needs beginning Oct. 1. Money

Falcons corral Cowboys in conference opener

The Falcons ran their triple-option offense to near perfection Sept. 23, rushing for 327 yards and three touchdowns en route to a convincing 31-24 win over the Wyoming Cowboys in the Mountain West Conference opener for both schools in Laramie.  The win evened Air Force's record at 1-1 on the

Liaison Aircraft Fly-In scheduled for Oct. 7-8

More than 30 aircraft will fly to the National Museum of the United States Air Force Oct. 7 to 8 to participate in the first Liaison Aircraft Fly-in. The fly-in, scheduled 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 7 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 8 on the turf runway behind the museum, is free and open to the public.

Ramstein crew flies with Botswana into Darfur

Ramstein Airmen flew with a Botswana C-130 Hercules crew to the Darfur region Sept. 23 and 24 to support the African Union peacekeeping mission. Two C-130 crewmembers from the 86th Operations Support Squadron, aerial porters from the 86th Air Mobility Squadron and a force protection specialist from

Academy polo team battles top 10 teams

Playing consecutive games against a top-10 team, the No. 17 Air Force water polo team fell short of the victory, losing to eighth-ranked University of California at Davis 7-5 on Sept. 24 at the Cadet Natatorium. With the loss, the Falcons fall to 8-6 on the season, 4-1 in the Western Water Polo

Air Force general kicks off Texans, Redskins battle

The deputy director for the war on terrorism kicked off the battle between the NFL's Houston Texans and Washington Redskins by tossing the coin at Reliant Stadium Sept. 24. Brig. Gen. Mark O. Schissler, who works in the Joint Staff Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate in Washington, D.C.,

Secretary Wynne speaks at PACAF birthday ball

With the theme "Heritage to Horizons" -- to highlight the achievements of its Airmen -- Pacific Air Forces hosted the 59th Air Force birthday ball.Keynote speaker at the Sept. event was Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne. Pacific Air Forces commander Gen. Paul V. Hester hosted the sold out

Falcons complete Tucker Invitational

After the final round of play Sept. 23, the U.S. Air Force Academy golf team finished in 20th place at the William H. Tucker Invitational.Taking place at the 7,354-yard, par-72 University of New Mexico Championship Course, the host team captured the title, firing a three-round total of 874 and

Joint PRT opens new bridges

The Air Force-led Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team conducted ceremonies celebrating the opening of two bridges in the western Parwan region of Afghanistan during a project assessment mission Sept. 19 and 20. Both bridges will eventually allow for greater freedom of movement for the villagers,

Aircraft swap helps maintain mission-ready capabilities

The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here replaced its entire F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet this month with aircraft from throughout the U.S. The aircraft swap was necessary to maintain a "healthy" force and warfighting capability, said Maj. Leah Fry, 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Enlisted heritage room pays tribute to CMSAF Parish

A former chief master sergeant of the Air Force dedicated to the preservation of enlisted history was honored at a ceremonial opening of an enlisted heritage room bearing his name. The Parish Enlisted Heritage Room became a reality Sept. 22 at the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Headquarters building

Emeril sponsors military-only cooking contest

If you're currently a chef on active duty in the armed forces, TV cooking-show icon Emeril Lagasse wants your favorite recipe. Emeril is looking for a military chef who has the right recipe and knows how to use it.Any military chef who has a favorite dish can enter the first Military-Only Emeril

Blind, disabled Americans help prepare Airmen for battlefield

In several factories around the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, Americans who are blind or severely disabled are now assembling the uniforms Airmen will soon wear while fighting the war on terrorism. Under federal law, when purchasing certain items, the Department of Defense and other

Airmen fly with Indian air force counterparts

After several weeks of training with their Indian counterparts, Airmen from the 15th Airlift Wing got the chance to reverse their roles and fly with an Indian aircrew on their IL-76 medium range cargo jet. The aircrew's primary mission was to deliver members of the Indian army to Hawaii for a joint

Defense Department to review military awards program

In an effort to provide clarity in awards standards across the military services, the Defense Department has begun a comprehensive review of military awards and decorations, a DOD official said here yesterday. This routine review will result in revision of DOD Instruction 1348.33-M, the Manual of

PT gear in high demand at clothing sales stores

For the first time in the Air Force's 59 year history, Airmen reporting for physical training must show up in the same gear beginning Oct. 1. But while several agencies have been preparing for this change for some time, the last-minute rush on the new mandatory gear is creating an overwhelming

Airmen visit, share stories with veterans

More than 30 Airmen from Andrews Air Force Base and Fort George G. Meade, Md., visited Charlotte Hall Veterans Home here Sept. 18.The group, who ranged in rank from airman to lieutenant colonel, spent time visiting and sharing stories with the veterans. "The visit was nice and relaxed," said Staff

C-130 modernization program passes key milestone

The first C-130 Avionics Modernization Program aircraft, designated H2, successfully completed its first flight Sept. 19 in San Antonio. The flight represented a key milestone in the most comprehensive C-130 avionics modernization effort to date. The C-130 AMP program is managed by the Aeronautical

Heroism earns Airman prestigious award

An NCO from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., received the Keeper of the Flame Award Sept. 20 for his efforts in fighting the war on terrorism from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.Tech. Sgt. Stephen Achey, a 682nd Air Support Operations Squadron senior fighter duty technician, received the award

Afghanistan's president notes progress, problems

Although progress has been profound and his country continues to move forward, terrorists have stepped up their efforts to derail that progress, Afghanistan's president told the United Nations General Assembly in New York Sept. 20. "We have seen terrorism rebounding as terrorists have infiltrated

TRANSCOM blocks and tackles for military touchdowns

Providing for the Defense Department's transportation needs isn't the sexiest of military endeavors, the commander of U.S. Transportation Command readily admits. "It's mostly blocking and tackling," said Gen. Norton A. Schwartz. "It's not the most glamorous thing in the world, but the last time I

Citizen Soldiers, Airmen make difference on border

The Department of Homeland Security has seen a drop in the number of illegal immigrants crossing the U.S. border with Mexico for the first time, and the National Guard has made the difference, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said here Sept. 18."For the first time, we are seeing a

Converted C-130s make flying, training, maintaining easier

The C-130 Hercules getting upgraded avionics will give pilots better situational awareness, will be easier to schedule for missions and easier to maintain. The first of some 350 Air Force's C-130s to receive the avionics modernization program conversion -- which upgrades it with new digital displays