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U.S. Air Force News

  • Motivational program ending at Ramstein

    After three years of helping Airmen get back on track, the Ramstein Area Motivational Program, or RAMP, correctional custody facility is closing its doors. More than 200 Airmen have come through the program, with a huge majority of them successfully completing the training. RAMP opened its doors

  • Better intel boosts Air Force munitions drops, sorties flown

    In 2006, the Air Force dropped more than 1,700 munitions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. A year earlier, the Air Force dropped only 176 munitions as part of that same operation. The increase is due to better intelligence, said Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, the U.S. Central Command Air Forces

  • VA seeks buglers to play 'Taps' at national cemeteries

    Hundreds of volunteer buglers and trumpeters are being sought to participate in Armed Forces Day observances held at veterans' cemeteries nationwide and overseas, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs official said. The event, called "Echo Taps Worldwide," will be held May 19 and is co-sponsored by

  • Michigan Air Guard returns from Iraq deployment

    Approximately 250 members of the Michigan Air National Guard returned home in March after supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom at Balad Air Base, Iraq.About 40 of the Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons returned home March 2, while the rest of the group returned here March 5 to frigid temperatures at

  • Andersen bombers participate in Koa Lightning exercise

    The low rumble of B-52s shook the normally quiet evening sky above Andersen Air Force Base as the Stratofortresses of the 36th Operations Group participated in Pacific Command's Koa Lightning exercise over the islands of Hawaii. For the men and women of the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, the

  • Fuel tests keep Misawa moving

    The fuel military bases receive goes through a series of treatments before it is usable in machinery. It is the job of the Fuels Laboratory Airmen in logistics readiness squadrons to check the condition of all fuel before it's put to use. Most importantly, certain additives need to be present to

  • Security forces Airmen protect Iraq's airpower hub

    Although it is distinctly a guard mount formation with defenders intently listening to the towering flight chief, one may liken the experience to a press conference. Notes from the previous shift's reported activities and expected trends for the new shift are jotted onto worn, hand-fitted

  • Rescue coordination center opens at Tyndall

    The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center began operations here March 1 as the newest team member in "America's Air Operations Center." The AFRCC realigned under 1st Air Force (Air Force North) in April 2006, to consolidate Air Force support to civilian agencies under a single air component

  • Afghan ambassador thanks Fairchild Airmen

    American military actions in Afghanistan are making progress toward ending tyranny and oppression in that country, said Afghanistan's ambassador to the United States, Said Jawad, in a speech here March 1. The ambassador visited Spokane this week at the invitation of the World Affairs Council of

  • Eielson helps Airmen move into new homes in a hurry

    A ghost town now exists at Eielson AFB where 300 families once lived. Blanketed in several feet of snow, artic winter winds whistle through the solitary Sprucewood homes section of base housing. Before the bitter winter had set in, the more than 300 Airmen and their families called this area home.

  • Success in long war requires regional cooperation

    The United States and the international community will need to support countries in the Middle East as they join together to defeat extremism during the long war on terror, a top U.S. Central Command officer said here March 1. "All along, U.S. Central Command has been committed to a regional

  • Military spouse supports injured heroes with quilts

    To help in what may be a war hero's most traumatic life experience, one military spouse uses her love of quilting to give the gift of comfort. Tana Angerman, wife of the 90th Communications Squadron commander, Maj. Scott Angerman, volunteers her time and talents for Quilts of Valor -- an

  • Airmen complete Nicaraguan medical exercise

    Twenty medics finished the first of three New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 Medical Readiness Training Exercises Feb. 28, giving free healthcare to 6,551 Nicaraguans throughout nine days. The $7.25 million joint U.S. and Nicaraguan military humanitarian and training exercise, provides a new school and

  • Eielson Airmen help keep mushers, dogs in race

    Interior Alaska's formidable winter chill couldn't deter the Icemen team from volunteering to help support the local community during Yukon Quest, the 1,000-mile international dog sled race. More than 160 Airmen braved temperatures -- at times dipping below negative 40 degrees -- to help man the

  • Doctrine Center 'jump starts' irregular warfare doctrine

    Air University's Air Force Doctrine Center held a special writing group here Feb. 20 to 23 in order to put Air Force irregular warfare doctrine on the "fast track." Subject-matter experts were invited to attend the four-day conference in an ongoing effort to fill a void in war-fighting policy.  Air

  • Spring 'Air and Space Power Journal' available

    The College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education at Air University has published and distributed the Spring 2007 English edition of the Air Force's professional journal, "Air and Space Power Journal." The journal serves as an open forum for the presentation and stimulation of innovative

  • Official shares glimpse of future with Misawa Airmen

    Mr. William Anderson, assistant secretary for installations, environment and logistics, stopped here Feb. 22 to meet with Airmen and to discuss key Air Force issues, including environmental stewardship and future fuel alternatives.He talked about the incredible care Airmen display as they lead the

  • Air Force official discusses uniform updates

    Air Force officials move forward with the Airman Battle Uniform roll-out and plans for a new service dress coat. The new ABU, designed to eventually replace both the Battle Dress and Desert Combat Uniforms worn by Airmen, is currently in full production. Early deliveries of ABU inventories in 2007

  • Defense Department tops nation in child care efforts

    Child care is a critical issue for many families around the country, and the Defense Department stands alone as a model for quality child care in the nation, an independent study released March 1 finds. In the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies' ranking of state child

  • Reserve forces augment RAF Croughton security

    Ten guardsmen and reservists are augmenting the 422nd Security Forces Squadron here as 21 active-duty Airmen are deployed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.Even though almost half of the 422nd SFS are deployed downrange, the mission at their home station doesn't end, but that's where the Guard and

  • Fighting in cyberspace means cyber domain dominance

    The Air Force officially announced creation of the new Cyberspace Command late last year. Now, just four months later, the command's leaders are talking about the way ahead. The Air Force's operational Cyberspace Command, also known as 8th Air Force, is commanded by Lt. Gen. Robert J. "Bob" Elder.

  • Air Force officials release 2007 posture statement

    Air Force officials released their annual posture statement which articulates the major elements required for the Air Force to fulfill its mission and its priorities over the course of the next year and into the future. The secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff testified before

  • Air Force Reserve wing at Scott receives first C-40 aircraft

    The Air Force Reserve Command's 932nd Airlift Wing here welcomed a new aircraft into its inventory Feb. 26 with the arrival of its first of three C-40Cs. The wing, the only Air Force Reserve unit in the state of Illinois with a flying mission, will use the aircraft to augment its mission of

  • In-house repairs keep costs down at Misawa Air Base

    The war on terrorism is forcing the U.S. military to take a closer look at its budget and how money is spent. In the quest to maximize resources, three Airmen here are part of program designed to do just. Three NCO's of the 35th Maintenance Group are manning Misawa's Repair Enhancement Program

  • Airmen help Kyrgyz K-9 corps take shape

    Airmen of the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here are training a new breed of fighters for the war on terrorism. The Airmen normal protect the members of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, but are now helping train a Kyrgyz military working dog

  • Suicide bomber attacks Bagram Air Base during Cheney visit

    Saying that changing his itinerary was "never an option," Vice President Dick Cheney stuck to his planned schedule after a suicide bomber's attack Feb. 27 on an entry gate at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, where the vice president was visiting. A U.S. servicemember, a coalition member and a U.S.

  • Anthrax vaccine program becomes mandatory for some

    The Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program, or AVIP, mandates Airmen assigned to high-threat areas receive the Anthrax vaccine, while also providing Airmen the choice to continue anthrax vaccines if they are not assigned to a designated high-threat area. Implementation of the AVIP begins March 19, in

  • Top teams can vie for excellence award

    For more than 14 years, the Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards, sponsored by the Air Force chief of staff, have been recognizing those Airmen who use a systematic approach to enhance mission capability, improve operational performance and create sustained results. For 2007, the Air Force's goal

  • Personnel records readiness vital to mission

    Nobody can predict the twists and turns that life can take, but with a little bit of preparation Airmen can make the best of any situation. The Air Force Personnel Center designated March as Personnel Records Readiness Month. Military members used this opportunity to review items such as their

  • Tax credits, deductions save Air Force members money

    It's tax season again and new tax codes have changed some credits and refunds. Knowing what credits and deductions to claim allows Airmen to keep more of their own money. The Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities, or HERO Act signed by President George W. Bush May 29, 2006 allows military members

  • Columbus, Ohio, to celebrate 'Air Force Heritage Week'

    Reaffirming its commitment to the commemoration of 60 years of air and space power, the United States Air Force announced Feb. 23 that Columbus, Ohio, has been selected as host for the nation's only Air Force Heritage Week in conjunction with The Gathering of Mustangs and Legends in September 2007.

  • 'Man's best friends' help fight war on terrorism

    More than 2,000 military working dogs currently serve at military bases around the world. But for the 65th Security Forces Squadron at Lajes Field, their hearts belong to two of those dogs. Dan and Rex, both adult German Shepherds, arrived at Lajes Field straight from the 120-day rigorous training

  • Medical professionals win team of the year

    Air Force and Air Force Association officials have named Air Force expeditionary medics, or EMEDS, as the 2007 Team of the Year. Each year, AFA officials, working with major command-level command chief master sergeants and the Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, select a specific

  • 'Week in Photos' highlights Airmen around the world

    Airmen are deployed around the globe every day to support operations ranging from humanitarian missions and coalition exercises to fighting terrorism with airpower. The "Week In Photos" Web exclusive on Air Force Link provides visitors ten photos that feature Airmen at war. It is a brief but

  • Elmendorf Airmen support PACAF operations

    "Whoever holds Alaska will hold the world." Speaking these words to Congress in 1935 during his final public appearance, Gen. Billy Mitchell understood the importance of airpower in Alaska. And today Airmen at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, are proving his words to be true. "We literally sit on

  • Sergeant's desire to serve aids recovery

    Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro continues talking to Airmen about his experiences in Afghanistan even as he struggles to recover from burns he received in combat. The tactical air controller is fighting to stay in uniform so he can continue serving his country. The sergeant suffered severe burns over 80

  • Chairman of Joint Chiefs speaks to Airmen

    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace spoke to Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, during a town hall meeting Feb. 23. The main message of his speech was only two words. "We came a long way to say, basically, two words to you and

  • Feb. 24 airpower: Bombers on patrol

    In Afghanistan on Feb. 23, an Air Force B-1B Lancer was assigned to observe a compound for possible insurgent targets near Musa Qal'eh. Coalition forces were taking small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades from insurgents in the compound. The B-1B pilot surveyed the compound and reported

  • Academy values win out over cheating scandal

    While the cheating scandal here earlier this month showed a handful of cadets made the choice to cheat on tests, it was other cadets who reported those breaking the rules. A wall at the academy displays the academy's honor code: "We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who

  • Keeping kids drug-free

    One Airman here has taken a dare to make a difference in children's lives. Senior Airman Kristi Morrell spends her days teaching children at Aviano AB about the dangers of drug use through the drug abuse resistance and education program, or DARE. Drug abuse is a problem around the world. According

  • National media visit Air Force Theater Hospital in Balad

    A Discovery Channel television film crew from Los Angeles and independent author Michael Mason from Tulsa, Okla., are visiting the Air Force Theater Hospital here this week for upcoming projects highlighting the contributions of Air Force Medical Service personnel in the war on terrorism. The crew

  • 'New Horizons' mission improves Nicaraguans' lives

    The sun pounds the ground as Airman 1st Class Jean Colas wipes his forehead clean of sweat and Nicaraguan soil. He stands, eyes squinted, surveying the fresh concrete he just helped pour -- the foundation for a five-room medical clinic here. He and about 16 other 820th Expeditionary Red Horse

  • Top American doctors visit Ramstein, Landstuhl

    Two of the highest ranking doctors from the United States toured Ramstein Air Base and the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany in late February. Dr. William Plested III, the president of the American Medical Association; Dr. J. Edward Hill, the former AMA president; and Maj. Gen. Gerald

  • Air Force general receives analysis award

    The Air Force Heritage to Horizons focus was highlighted recently when the Air Force vice chief of staff received the Lt. Gen. Glenn A. Kent Leadership Award here. Gen. John D.W. Corley was recognized for his long-term vision and leadership in guiding the Air Force to set the standard for Department

  • Wilford Hall takes step forward in BRAC process

    Brooke Army Medical Center and Wilford Hall Medical Center take another step toward base realignment and closure. Effective March 1, the two medical centers will combine their Travel Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Henry M. Jackson Foundation clinics' outpatient services. The combined services, to

  • Working dog teams search, patrol together

    Ensuring the safety of everyone at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here rests upon a group of Airmen and their highly trained four-legged partners. The 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog Section has several certified teams made up of handlers and their explosive

  • Air Force medics treat Cambodians

    Meeting patients' needs in remote Cambodia is a challenge to say the least, but for a team of primary care providers from Brooks City-Base, Texas, it's worth every barrier that is conquered.Members of the Medical Civil Action Program helped those in need Jan. 28 to Feb. 4 in Mondol Kiri, Cambodia.

  • Air Force, British firemen dampen off-base blaze

    Air Force firefighters here joined British firefighters from the town of Mildenhall in response to an off-base fire Feb. 21. The 11 firefighters and one on-scene commander from the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department responded to the West Row fire after receiving a call from an on-base

  • Air Warfare Symposium features Air Force success, future

    Aerial support is critical in Iraq and Afghanistan. It saves lives and enables re-supply for troops fighting in difficult, remote terrain. But the heavy demand for aerial support is wearing down available assets, compounding problems already faced by aging Air Force fleets. The necessity to

  • Bagram unit opens new bridge, road

    When local contractor Asil Khan first thought of building a bridge over the Gogamanda River, he was knee-deep in it, evading the Soviet army on a trip to Pakistan to procure weapons for the mujahedeen. More than 15 years later, that idea became a reality, as Gov. Jabar Taqwa officially opened the

  • Air Force continues support to communities affected by BRAC

    Across the nation, communities are being reshaped by the military's transformation due to Base Realignment and Closure changes. At a conference for these communities, mayors, engineers, construction companies and others met to discuss the best way for their neighborhoods faced with base closure or

  • New command may change USAFE's role in Africa

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen have played an active role in Africa since the 1970s, but future participation has yet to be defined due to the recent establishment of U.S. Africa Command. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced the creation of AFRICOM Feb. 6, but how that will affect Airmen

  • World powers bring soft touch to African neighbors

    World powers!  The words often bring to mind the image of a military might with continuous armed presence around the world. Although this is definitely a key capability, there is also a softness demanded of world power leaders and that is exactly what people of Africa have found in their western

  • Wing responsible for wide range of support, missions

    Coalition forces have supported operations in Afghanistan for more than five years and the Airmen of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here perform a wide range of missions in support of those operations. Afghanistan operations are broken up into five regions that operate under the International

  • Airmen kick off part two of Falcon Condor 2007

    A crowd of more than 15,000 Peruvians watched in amazement as the skies above Las Palmas Air Force Base in Lima, Peru, were filled with Peruvian and U.S. aircraft during a joint air show that kicked off here Feb. 17. The air show, Falcon Condor 2007, is in addition to a joint exercise that took

  • 379th responds to increased operations

    The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing kicked into high gear to support ongoing operations in Iraq, while still providing a presence in Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. Flying squadrons and maintenance units throughout the wing responded to the call for an increased display of airpower to back the

  • DOD recognizes Travis medical center

    David Grant Medical Center has been honored with the 2006 Team Performance Patient Safety Award in recognition of outstanding achievement in creating a safer patient environment. The award, presented at the 2007 Military Health System conference in Washington, D.C., is the highest honor within the

  • Air Force band builds relations in Peru

    An Air Force regional band is on tour here sharing the Air Force story through music and entertainment while supporting Airmen participating in a joint military exercise and air show this weekend. The Air National Guard Band of the Southwest, located at Port Hueneme Naval Station, Calif., is

  • New Pentagon Channel Web site debuts Feb. 19

    The Pentagon Channel launches a redesign of its Web site Feb. 19, improving its line of products that distribute the channel's military news and information to men and women in uniform. "The Pentagon Channel's focus for 2007 is to leverage the interactivity of Web 2.0 to more efficiently and

  • Newest 'Chief's View' highlights conduct

    In his latest Chief's View video, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley reminds Airmen that they are a reflection on the service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Chief McKinley said Airmen serve as ambassadors for the Air Force, both on and off duty. "You've heard the term 'first

  • Tax assistance benefit yields big returns

    Despite recent manpower and budget cuts, Air Force bases are still offering personal tax assistance programs to their active duty, guard, reserve, civilian, and retiree populations.Last year, Air Force tax center teams filed more than 132,000 federal returns and 74,000 state returns, and saved

  • Eagle Flag role players: Airmen helping Airmen

    In a matter of minutes, one master sergeant here became a "chief" during a briefing for Exercise Eagle Flag 07-3 Feb. 5 at Fort Dix, N.J. "As a role player, you're deployed here to help push the students to do better, but we learn right beside them," said Master Sgt. James Gardner of the 60th

  • 820th Red Horse starts 'New Horizons' project in Nicaragua

    The opening ceremony for New Horizons Nicaragua was held here Feb. 15, marking a new beginning for the citizens of this small village in the Carazo District.  New Horizons is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored readiness training exercise.The town will now have a new school and medical clinic, thanks

  • Medical teams provide priceless gift

    Most people get cards, chocolate and flowers from someone special on Valentine's Day. On this particular day, the treatment, care and attention patients in a C-17 Globemaster III received from a combined aerial medic team far surpassed any typical Feb. 14 gift. The critical care air transport and

  • New Horizons kicks off in Nicaragua

    More than 500 Nicaraguans along with deployed members of the United States military celebrated the official start of the New Horizons 2007 humanitarian exercise Feb. 15. New Horizons is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored readiness training exercise designed to help Nicaraguan people in Santa Teresa

  • Combat camera videographer receives Purple Heart

    Within an hour of waking up in the Air Force Theater Hospital on the morning of Feb. 11, Staff Sgt. Kathryn Robinson was presented with the Purple Heart. Sergeant Robinson, a videographer assigned to the 4th Combat Camera Squadron in March Air Reserve Base, Calif. , was shot once in the left forearm

  • Program encourages troops to save money, reduce debt

    A new Defense Department program encourages servicemembers to become better money managers by paying off or avoiding credit card debt and starting savings accounts, a senior official said Feb. 15. "Military Saves" is an ongoing, DoD-wide program that also sponsors money management seminars titled,

  • Leaders focus on Air Force priorities at Corona South

    The secretary of the Air Force, the Air Force chief of staff and other key service leaders met for Corona South to discuss key strategic issues, priorities and initiatives of the Air Force Feb. 12 to 14 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.Michael W. Wynne and Gen. T. Michael Moseley led the meeting, with

  • Air Force trauma specialists train civilian counterparts

    Air Force trauma specialists here are training civilian medical personnel on emergency airway management skills. The training, held Feb. 7 at Wilford Hall Medical Center here, was the first under a new agreement signed by the 59th Medical Wing Trauma Department and San Antonio AirLife. The

  • U.S., Peruvian Air Forces reach milestone

    With the final latch of the helicopter's door and a ride away from a deserted terrain of Peru, the U.S. and Peruvian Air Forces completed their first joint combat search and rescue exercise in South America. Coordinated with both countries by military and U.S. Embassy personnel, the combat search

  • Simulation center provides edge to medics

    For nearly two years, Wilford Hall Medical Center's simulation center has been preparing Airmen for real-world medical scenarios here and in the deployed setting. The center was established as a task to create a needs assessment for the incorporation of medical simulation into Air Force Medical

  • Fuels flight pumps out record

    Airmen with the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's petroleum, oil and lubricant, or POL, flight pumped a lot of gas recently. In fact, they set a record for the highest number of gallons of fuel issued in a single month over the last three years. POL Airmen received and issued a

  • Revisions made to operational doctrine

    The doctrine publication that describes the Air Force's role in countering the threat or use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons at the operational level of war was revised recently.Maj. Gen. Allen Peck, commander of the Air Force Doctrine Center, approved the revision and

  • Vandenberg Airman sparks change throughout DOD

    When she stood in front of senior leaders Dec. 21 at Breaker's Dining Facility here and voiced her concern, she had no idea her question would be heard by Department of Defense officials. The question Airman 1st Class Erica Hudson presented during an Airmen's breakfast that morning came from a

  • Academy Cadet Wing returns to daily schedule

    The Cadet Wing has returned to its daily schedule of calls and cadets' off-duty privileges have been reinstated, academy officials announced Feb. 13. Lt. Gen. John F. Regni, the academy superintendent, restricted the entire 4,300-member Cadet Wing to the campus Feb. 7 after a cheating incident

  • Pace: Debate, discourse not U.S. weaknesses

    No enemy should confuse U.S. debate on the war in Iraq for weakness, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here Feb. 9.Speaking at a town hall meeting at U.S. Pacific Command here, Marine Gen. Peter Pace said an early or precipitous withdrawal from Iraq would be a disaster for Iraqis and

  • Airmen work alongside Peruvian military during joint exercise

    Approximately 150 Airmen are participating in a joint military exercise with the Peruvian air force scheduled to continue through Feb. 16 here.Exercise Falcon Condor 07 allows the U.S military to build relationships with military and civilian leaders of Peru."This exercise give us the opportunity to

  • Air Force reopens job reservations for nine career fields

    Most first-term Airmen serving in nine Air Force specialty codes will now be eligible to apply for a career job reservation. Airmen serving in the 2A0X1D, 2A5X3D, 2E0X1, 2M0X2, 3E0X1, 3E0X2, 3E1X1, 3E2X1 or 3E3X1 AFSCs will be granted a CJR regardless of their CJR window of eligibility. "This change

  • Reserve doctor chosen for medical specialty board

    The chief of Air Force Reserve Command's line-of-duty board was chosen to serve on the American Board of Preventative Medicine beginning in August. Col. (Dr.) Susan Northrup was selected in January to serve a three-year term on the ABPM, the only U.S. agency that certifies medical doctors in

  • Military blood program Web site has new look

    The Armed Services Blood Program Web site has been redesigned, offering updated content as well as a new look, officials said.The new Web site, www.militaryblood.dod.mil, features information on how to join a "Life Force" team of donors, volunteers and supporters with topics including blood facts,

  • AFCEE, AAFES join forces to construct new facilities

    The Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence here and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service are joining forces to design and build new facilities across the Air Force. AAFES, which has its headquarters in Dallas, maintains more than 12,000 main exchanges, military clothing stores, movie

  • Active military meets January recruiting goals

    All active components of the military services met or exceeded their recruiting goals for January, the Defense Department announced Feb. 12. The Air Force achieved 100 percent of its goal with 2,552 Airmen; the Army, 111 percent of its goal with 9,306 troops; the Navy, 100 percent of its goal with

  • Airmen return from Urban Sniper School

    Two Airmen from the 736th Security Forces Squadron here recently returned from 11 days of training in an Urban Sniper School with a Marine expeditionary unit at Kadena Air Base, Japan.Tech. Sgt. Samuel Howell and Staff Sgt. Patrick Pendergest along with nine Marines attended the school taught by the

  • Chief McKinley testifies before Congress

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley spoke to the House Appropriations Committee's quality of life and veterans' affairs subcommittee Feb. 9 in Washington, D.C. Chief McKinley spoke about training and quality of life initiatives in the Air Force. "America's Airmen know what it means

  • USAFE, Liberian medics team up to save lives

    Within minutes of completing two days of medical training in Liberia taught by medics from U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen, 23 Armed Forces of Liberia medical technicians were put to the test when they responded to a high-speed vehicle rollover Jan. 28 here. Outside the gate to the remote military

  • U.S. Central Command air power official meets with Kenya Air Force

    On a recent return visit to Kenya, the commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces continued a dialogue of cooperation and mutual operational goals with Kenya Air Force officials this week. Lt. Gen. Gary North met with Brig. Gen. Jackson Waheru, deputy commander of the Kenya Air Force, among other

  • F-15 Strike Eagles take over close-air-support mission at Bagram

    The F-15 Strike Eagle recently swapped out with the A-10 Thunderbolt II to assume responsibility of the close-air-support mission here. The F-15s are assigned to the 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and are deployed from the 391st Fighter Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.

  • Kadena's hospital gets a check-up

    Patients at the Kadena clinic can rest a little easier knowing clinic staff members are doing all they can to make sure they get the best care possible. The 18th Medical Group recently underwent two simultaneous evaluations. The hospital was scored on the nine functional areas of the medical field,

  • U.S. airpower strikes suspected terrorists in Baghdad

    In response to a call for air power, a U.S. Air Force F-16 Falcon aided U.S. ground forces by delivering precision munitions on eight hostile personnel in an air strike south of Baghdad Feb. 8. The F-16 pilot, launched from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Balad Air Base, responded to a U.S. Air

  • AFSO21 streamlines deployment processing

    Deploying Airmen had an easier transition into the area of responsibility this January because the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Squadron Readiness Flight revamped the way the Aerial Port of Debarkation processes Airmen departing and arriving. Fellow Airmen redeploying in January may not have

  • Expeditor training part of AFSO 21 initiatives

    Members of the 60th Aerial Port Squadron here are holding a two-week class to develop ways to eliminate time aircrews and loadmasters are spending on the ground after a flight. Tech. Sgt. Ryan Holmes, a course director from the Air Mobility Warfare Center at Fort Dix, N.J., said they will train

  • America Supports You: eCarePackage Program available

    Americans interested in sending Valentine's Day-themed care packages to a servicemember or military family can do so through Operation Homefront's eCarePackages.org Program. Operation Homefront is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting ways Americans and the

  • Air Force Assistance Fund 2007 campaign begins Feb. 12

    This year's Air Force Assistance Fund "Commitment to Caring" campaign, from Feb. 12 to May 4, will provide Airmen the opportunity to contribute to any of the four official Air Force charitable organizations. Now in its 34th year, 100-percent of designated AFAF contributions will benefit active-duty,

  • Reservists urged to establish virtual accounts

    Air Force Reserve Command officials want officers, senior NCOs and supervisors to establish virtual Personnel Center - Guard/Reserve, or vPC-GR, accounts by April 2. Maj. Gen. Allan R. Poulin, AFRC vice commander, urges all reservists to get a vPC-GR account, by logging on to the vPC-GR Web

  • Air Force Enlisted Village earns 4-star rating

    The Air Force Enlisted Village here recently received the highest rating possible from an online service that rates charities on their ability to efficiently manage and grow their finances.The four-star rating indicates the Air Force Enlisted Village outperforms the majority of nonprofit charities

  • Academy investigating potential test compromise

    U.S. Air Force Academy officials are investigating an incident of cheating involving more than 19 freshman cadets. "We have an honor code here at the Academy," said Capt. Capt. Kim Melchor, the deputy director of public affairs during a telephone interview Feb. 8. "From the first day they arrive, we

  • Air Force team performs goodwill mission in Thailand

    A U.S. Air Force medical and dental team and members of the Royal Thai Air Force participated in a humanitarian mission at Thairat 72 School in Udon Thani on Feb. 6. This was the second civil-action project and the first in northern Thailand conducted during exercise Cope Tiger 2007. According to

  • Physician assistant receives Purple Heart

    An Airman who survived an improvised explosive device attack in December isn't likely to forget that moment -- or the one when he was presented a Purple Heart by the chief of staff of the Air Force Feb. 4. Capt. Kevin Fischer is a physician assistant assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Logistics

  • Air Force unit wins 2006 DOD Patient Safety Award

    The 59th Medical Wing staff was recognized as a Department of Defense Patient Safety Award winner for their use of new technology and innovation for patient care and safety tracking in an emergency department setting Jan. 30. The award was presented to Brig. Gen. (Dr.) David G. Young III, the 59th

  • PACAF commander: Unity is key in war on terrorism

    Taking care of Airmen and their families, the war on terrorism, modernizing the aging fleet, and the recent stand-up of the 13th Air Force Detachment at Yokota AB, Japan, were topics of interest for the commander of Pacific Air Forces during a visit to Kadena AB Feb. 1 to 3. "Taking care of Airmen