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U.S. Air Force News

  • Flying Tigers reunite, honor 70 years of service

    The 2011 Flying Tigers reunion brought together pilots who have flown attack and rescue aircraft bearing the infamous shark's teeth for the past 70 years.The remaining original Flying Tigers, made up of American Volunteer Group pilots and supporters who defended China in World War II, met Nov. 10

  • Panetta cites concerns of sexual assault in the ranks

    Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta will issue "very direct guidance" in the coming months about how the department should respond to sexual assaults within the ranks, the Pentagon press secretary told reporters today.George Little cited public commentary from Capitol Hill and elsewhere on the

  • Air Force civilian deployment opportunities expected to increase

    More than 800 Air Force civilians deployed to various overseas locations in 2010. Projections show that more than 900 will deploy in 2011 and by this time next year, Air Force Personnel Center officials anticipate as many as 1,000 Air Force civilians will be working side-by-side with uniformed

  • Conserving energy, reducing foot print one project at a time

    With today's fiscal limitations and focus on doing more with less, officials here are finding ways to save energy and money while getting the mission done.Executive orders state energy usage must be reduced by three percent and water usage by two percent annually until 2012, and members of Laughlin

  • Air Force firefighters aim for the gold

    Air Force firefighters are competing on the world stage this week at the World Firefighter Combat Challenge XX here.The competition, which began Nov. 14 and continues through Nov. 19, tests firefighters' skill, fitness, grit and teamwork against the clock. A number of Air Force teams are competing,

  • F-16s to strengthen Iraqi air defense, partnership with U.S.

    During a press conference Nov. 8  the commander of the Iraqi air force said Iraq's purchase of 18 F-16C Fighting Falcons, for their future air defense, will encourage and strengthen the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Iraq. In September, through the Foreign Military Sales program, the

  • Commander cites 'positive impact' from Iraq mission

    Most of about 24,000 U.S. service members remaining in Iraq will be home "well before Christmas," the last U.S. division commander there said today.Army Maj. Gen. Bernard S. Champoux, commander of U.S. Division-Center and the Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division, briefed Pentagon reporters via video

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Academy civilian rescues Colorado woman

    She can't leap tall buildings in a single bound, and she's not more powerful than a locomotive, but the administrative assistant for the Air Force Academy's Foreign Languages Department has the heart of a superhero.Leslie Johnson received a Command Civilian Award for Valor from Air Force Academy

  • Air Force Negotiation Center of Excellence conducts EU, NATO training

    "You don't get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate," reads the sign on the door of the Air Force Negotiation Center of Excellence, part of Air University's Spaatz Center for Officer Education, here. As the NCE director, Dr. Stef Eisen is the Air Force's authority on negotiation. He recently

  • Press secretary reaffirms department's sequestration position

     Pentagon Press Secretary George Little reaffirmed Nov. 16 the Defense Department's position that devastating effects would result if pending defense spending cuts are doubled.Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has laid out the consequences to the department if the Joint Select Committee on Deficit

  • Air Force refines force presentation, generation

    Air Force officials have been working for more than two years to develop a more consistent force presentation model for the Air Expeditionary Force deployment system.Future changes in how the Air Force presents its forces in the joint environment and generates forces to support combatant commanders

  • CSAF discusses budget, deployments in Southwest Asia

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz paid a visit to the Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here Nov. 14. The general, who serves as the senior uniformed Air Force officer, met with the men and women of the 380th AEW during an all call to discuss current Air Force issues and take

  • Study examines dwell times, mental health issues

    Service members who spend more time at home between deployments may have a greater chance of being diagnosed with a mental health disorder than those with briefer dwell times, a Defense Department analysis has revealed, but officials urge further research.The study, conducted by the Armed Forces

  • Afghan airmen begin functional check flight training

    With coalition adviser support, Afghan airmen began post-phase funcitional check flight training recently in an effort to further professionalize the Afghan air force at Kandahar Air Wing. A phase inspection is a detailed inspection of an aircraft that includes servicing and cleaning and takes place

  • Air Force updates doctrine documents

    The Air Force updated its two capstone doctrine documents.In October, the Air Force released Air Force Doctrine Document 1, Air Force Basic Doctrine, Organization, and Command. In early November, a revised AFDD 1-1, Leadership and Force Development, was approved and is expected to be available

  • Air Force wages war against waste

    On Nov. 15, the Air Force joined the rest of the nation in observing America Recycles Day, a nationally recognized initiative dedicated to encouraging people to recycle more at home, at work and on the go. Successful recycling and solid waste diversion efforts across the Air Force through the past

  • CSAF, AFCENT commander highlight partnership in 2011 Dubai Airshow

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and U.S. Air Forces Central Command Commander Lt. Gen. David Goldfein met with key United Arab Emirates leaders aboard the John C. Stennis (CVN-74) Navy carrier Nov. 13 in conjunction with the Dubai Airshow 2011 and the UAE's 40th Anniversary."The Dubai

  • Airman emulates 'Spirit of Hope'

    The Defense Department, the family of late actor and comedian Bob Hope, and the Wiegand Foundation honored six people with the Spirit of Hope Award for their selflessness and commitment to troops during a Pentagon ceremony Nov. 15.Tech. Sgt. Leray Smedley, from Beale Air Force Base, Calif., was the

  • Airmen screen Tuskegee Airmen documentary at Pentagon

    More than 150 Airmen came out to screen a documentary about the original Tuskegee Airmen during a red-carpet event here Nov. 10."Double Victory" was produced by George Lucas, of "Star Wars" fame, in support of his new feature film about the Tuskegee Airmen, "Red Tails." Secretary of the Air Force

  • PACAF releases report on F-16 mishap at Kunsan AB

    Headquarters Pacific Air Forces today released the results of its investigation into a July 29, 2011, ground collision of two F-16CM aircraft at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. Gen. Gary North, the Pacific Air Forces commander, directed an investigation into the incident. The accident investigation

  • Air Force leads Pentagon's 2011 Green Team Awards

    The Pentagon's Director of Facilities Bradley Provancha recognized two Air Force organizations today as recipients of the Pentagon's 2011 Green Team awards during an "America Recycles Day" ceremony here Nov 15. The Air Force Secretariat's Installations, Environment and Logistics offices, along with

  • U.S. assists with Turkish earthquake relief

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe sent a C-130J Super Hercules loaded with arctic relief supplies to south-eastern Turkey on Nov. 13 to aid victims of recent earthquakes there.The Van region of Turkey is coping with the aftereffects of two earthquakes: a magnitude 7.2 quake that occurred Oct. 23 and a

  • Air Force launches cutting-edge culture & language website

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center, part of Air University's Spaatz Center here, recently launched a new public website to provide information on the Air Force's efforts to increase cross-cultural competence -- a critical warfighting skill cited by Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta in an

  • 28th BW garners top bomb wing honors

    After proving to be the top bomb wing in the U.S. Air Force, the 28th Bomb Wing here will bring home the Stanley Cup of trophies in the bomber community -- the Fairchild Trophy.The announcement was made during the Global Strike Command's Global Strike Challenge competition award ceremony at

  • Airmen host Kyrgyz soldiers for professional development event

     Airmen from here and soldiers from the Koi Tash NCO Academy met for a professional military education exchange Nov. 10 here.The event centered on the Airman Leadership School methods of course delivery and the four primary curriculum topics of expeditionary Airmen, supervisor of Airmen, military

  • Kyrgyz, U.S. Women's Club shows similarities, creates friendships

    It seems no matter the location, get a bunch of women together and they can always find something about which to talk. That's the idea -- and the result -- in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, when female American service members deployed to the Transit Center at Manas to visit with Kyrgyz ladies during a weekly

  • DOD highlights U.S. military aircraft capabilities in 2011 Dubai Airshow

    AFCENT Airmen will lead the Department of Defense effort to showcase a variety of U.S. military aircraft at the 2011 Dubai Airshow from Nov. 13 to 17. The event demonstrates a shared commitment both to regional security and to developing the U.S. military's key relationships throughout Southwest

  • Close air support protects coalition forces, kills 70 insurgents

    F-15E Strike Eagles from the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 121st EFS dropped more than 9,000 pounds of munitions through severe weather on enemy forces trying to overrun a combat outpost in Paktika province, Afghanistan, Nov. 8. According to reports, up to

  • Obama urges nation to serve veterans who served

    President Barack Obama taped his weekly radio address, released Nov. 12, from the bridge of the USS Carl Vinson in San Diego, praising the men and women and uniform and underscoring the nation's commitment to them and all veterans.The president, who traveled to the ship Nov. 11 to meet with the crew

  • Air Force participates in joint homeland defense exercise

    A variety of military and federal organizations participated in a first-of-its-kind homeland defense event Nov. 7 as part of the Joint-Deployable Integrated Air and Missile Defense field training exercise conducted in Key West, Fla.According to Maj. Greg Lewis, the chief of command and control,

  • JB Balad wraps up operations

    What was once a bustling hub for U.S. operations in Iraq has now transitioned into a quiet and empty shell of its former self.In accordance with a 2008 security agreement between the U.S. and Iraq, Joint Base Balad was transitioned to the government of Iraq and the U.S. military presence has

  • Panetta urges tougher sanctions on Iran

    Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta called for tougher economic and diplomatic pressures on Iran Nov. 10 in light of a new International Atomic Energy Agency report on Iran's continued nuclear activities.The United States is in discussions with its allies about what additional sanctions to impose on

  • SECAF to review disciplinary actions in AFMAO case

    Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley reaffirmed a commitment to ensure that appropriate disciplinary action was taken in regard to the management and procedures at the Dover Air Force Base, Del., Mortuary. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta asked Secretary Donley on Nov. 10 to review the Air Force's

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • U.S. NORTHCOM activates Defense Coordinating Officer for Alaska

    At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Northern Command activated the Defense Coordinating Officer and Defense Coordinating Element Nov. 9 in preparation for support to civil authorities in advance of a severe winter storm expected along the Alaskan west coast.DCOs and DCEs

  • Air Force secretary issues statement on Dover

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley issued the following statement today regarding Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta's direction that he ensure appropriate disciplinary action was taken in regards to the management and procedures for operations at the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations

  • Panetta dedicates new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

    Defense Secretary Leon Panetta presided over the opening of what he called "a 21st-century place of miracles" here Nov. 10.Panetta cut the ribbon of the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The hospital is the result of the merging of the now-closed Walter Reed Army Medical Center in

  • Overseas service photography project announced

    The Department of Defense announced Nov. 8 that it seeks donations of photographs of U.S. military service life overseas from current and former service members for use in a photo recognition exhibition planned in conjunction with the State Department.Submissions will be accepted Nov. 11 through

  • Universal Class program offers personal development opportunities

    You're never too old to stop learning, and Air Force libraries offer opportunities for self-improvement and personal development through the Universal Class program. Total force Airmen, families, civilians, retirees and other eligible library users may register for more than 500 online personal

  • Panetta urges leaders in budget decisions

    In his strongest language to date, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta called on Congress Nov. 8 to "show some leadership" in the budget process.Panetta, speaking at the National Guard's Joint Senior Leaders Conference here, said that the sequester mechanism built into the Budget Control Act is "like

  • Air Force announces enlisted supplemental promotions

    More than 370 Airmen have been selected for promotion to the next higher rank as part of the November enlisted supplemental promotion process. The enlisted supplemental promotion release announces those Airmen selected for promotion who tested outside of their required cycle due to an extended

  • Multi-service office to advance air-sea battle concept

    The Department of Defense announced the creation of a new office to integrate air and naval combat capabilities in support of emerging national security requirements Nov. 9.In the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review, former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates directed the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps

  • Photo essay: Last aircraft departs 313th Air Expeditionary Wing

    A KC-10 Extender deployed to the 313th Air Expeditionary Wing at a non-disclosed base here departed Nov. 8 to return back to the U.S.Airmen serving in the 313th AEW came from myriad places but served as "one team."Those Airmen, and the planes they use for air refueling and airlift for Operation

  • Air Force leaders issue Veterans Day message

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send the following Veterans Day message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:America is built upon the achievements and the sacrifices of veterans. On Veterans

  • Air Force leaders send birthday messages to Marine Corps

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy salute the Marine Corps on its 236th birthday Nov. 10. Donley wrote a letter to the secretary of the Navy stating, "On behalf of the men and women of the United

  • Air Force mobile app takes off

    The Air Force Recruiting Service's first smartphone app, Make-it-Fly, hit the Apple app store recently. This free app challenges users by allowing them to build and fly their own aircraft. To complete the series of nine mission objectives, users must choose from different fuselages, wings, engines

  • Wounded warriors participate in sports minicamp

    A small group of Air Force wounded warriors attended an adaptive sports wounded warrior minicamp Nov. 3 to 6 at the Olympic Training Center and the U.S. Air Force Academy.During the minicamp, 15 veteran and new athletes practiced wheelchair basketball, strength and conditioning, sitting volleyball

  • SECAF issues letter to all service members

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley issued a letter to all service members Nov. 8.In it, he wrote, "The mission at the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operation (AFMAO) is to provide dignity, honor and respect to the fallen and care, service and support to their families. The professionals whose

  • New deployed leaders guide available

    The latest "Deployed Leaders Guide to the AEF" is now available on the Air and Space Expeditionary Force Online website, and a print copy can be ordered Nov. 15. The guide is a reference tool used by deployed leaders to help answer questions throughout deployments. "It is designed for NCOs and above

  • F-15E crews awarded Mackay Trophy

    Four Airmen were presented the Mackay Trophy by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and National Aeronautic Association Chairman Walter Boyne during a ceremony Nov. 7 here.Retired Lt. Col. Donald Cornwell, Lt. Col. Dylan Wells, Capt. Leigh Larkin and Capt. Nicholas Tsougas flew a combat

  • Air Force investigates and improves mortuary operation

    Air Force officials have completed a year-long investigation of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base, Del., the point of entry for U.S. service members who are killed or die overseas. The service implemented multiple corrective actions and took action regarding three

  • Panetta urges employers to hire veterans

    Ensuring combat veterans who have sacrificed for their country have job opportunities when they return to civilian life is a national responsibility with roles for government and private sector alike, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said Nov. 7 in New York.Speaking with CEOs and veterans at a

  • Restaurants offer military members, vets thank-you meals

    A variety of restaurants and fast-food chains are offering free or discounted meals to active-duty, Reserve and retired military members and veterans in thanks for their service this Veterans Day.Most participating restaurants will require patrons to arrive in uniform or with some form of military

  • Elmendorf-Richardson civilian earns national award for work with families

    A civilian Department of Defense employee here recently received the Association of the U.S. Army's DOD Civilian of the Year for the Pacific Region award."She's the best of the best of the best," said Marvin Dickerson, an Army Community Service officer, said of Frederica Norman. "I've been working

  • Photo Essay: Airmen aid wounded Libyan fighters

    Members of the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Critical Care Air Transport Team at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, participate in a humanitarian mission Oct. 29, 2011, to aid wounded Libyan fighters. The U.S. military transported more than 30 Libyan fighters to medical facilities in Europe and the

  • Mildenhall combat controller earns Grateful Nation Award

    'First There,' a motto combat controllers bellow during their two-year training pipeline, and later affirm in blood, sweat and sacrifice on the most forward-deployed and dangerous battlefields as they pave the way for other forces to follow.As a member of the most highly trained special operations

  • Libya mission ends, Airmen come home

    Airmen from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing here are returning home from Operation Unified Protector with more than 3,000 sorties and 29,170 hours flown. In March 2011, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 established a no-fly zone and NATO forces conducted ground strikes in coordination with

  • Total force medical team provides care for Native Americans

    A medical team of 18 reservists and an active duty Airman from here recently spent two weeks providing medical care for about 400 members of the Crowe Creek Indian Reservation in Fort Thompson, S.D.The team, which included ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, flight surgeons, dentists, medical

  • Obama announces jobs initiatives for veterans

    President Barack Obama announced executive orders Nov. 7 to give tax credits to employers who hire post-9/11 veterans and wounded warriors, as well as enhanced career counseling and related services for veterans.The president, flanked by veterans association representatives in the White House Rose

  • Sesame launches new resources for military families

    With hundreds of military families gathered here, Sesame Workshop unveiled a new collection of resources Nov. 7 designed to help children stay connected with military loved ones.The "Military Families Near and Far" products, which include a bilingual website and mobile application, encourage

  • Fallen pilot laid to rest after 43 years

    Since 1977 a marker in memory of Air Force Col. Gilbert S. Palmer Jr. sat upon a hill for the pilot who went missing in action Feb. 27, 1968. Now, more than 43 years later, Palmer's remains have been returned to his family for proper burial in Arlington with full military honors. More than 30

  • Afghan airmen begin law enforcement patrols

    Afghan air force security forces members initiated the first-ever law enforcement patrols on the AAF compound in Kandahar recently.Working with advisers from the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group and with a goal of providing security on the AAF compound, the Afghan military police team began

  • Expanded recycling program better for environment, deployed troops

    An expanded recycling program at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing offers deployed troops more opportunities to be better stewards of the earth, while also benefitting morale, welfare and recreation programs here. Officials awarded a new comprehensive contract Oct. 1 that expands the 380th AEW

  • Air Force overcomes Army to keep Commander in Chief's Trophy

    In the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons' battle to keep the Commander in Chief's trophy, the U.S. Military Academy Black Knights (Army) drew first blood ... and second, and if not for a few big plays on defense, they would also have drawn third, fourth and fifth blood.But Air Force's defense continued

  • Support squadron commander candidates named

    More than 1,000 officers from 10 support career fields are on the calendar year 2012 squadron commander candidate list, Air Force officials announced Nov 4. Functional developmental teams meet annually here to consider eligible officers for functional squadron command opportunities. Wing hiring

  • Air Force Reserve pilot the first to reach 1,000 F-22 flight hours

    An Air Force Reserve pilot made history here Nov. 4 when he flew his 1,000 flight hour in an F-22 Raptor.Lt. Col. David Piffarerio, the 302nd Fighter Squadron commander, became the first Air Force pilot to reach the historic milestone."This is a great milestone for the pilots, maintainers and

  • AF lodging reservations go online

    Airmen and families now have an easier way to make lodging reservations for Air Force Inns worldwide.The Defense Lodging System now features online reservations and the capability for customers to leave online feedback about their stay at an Air Force lodging facility. Nearly 90 percent of all Air

  • Air Force civilians, cadets receive HENAAC awards

    Four Air Force civilians and two cadets were recognized at the 23rd annual Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Conference on Oct.7 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.HENAAC is an annual conference produced by Great Minds in STEM, a non-profit organization focusing on educational awareness programs

  • Langley SFS welcomes home deployed defenders

    Security forces members here moved their yellow ribbon magnets from Iraq to Virginia on the map in their squadron's heritage room to symbolize the homecoming of four more fellow defenders Nov. 2.The recently returned members of the 633rd Security Forces Squadron, who were deployed to Joint Base

  • AFPC podcasts help Airmen understand workforce shaping

    From hiring controls to voluntary separation initiatives, the civilian workforce footprint is changing, and Air Force Personnel Center officials are working to provide easy-to-digest information to the workforce.To help Airmen understand how they are or may be affected by workforce shaping

  • CSAF addresses key Air Force issues at JB Andrews

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz provided insight into the latest developments in Air Force funding, manpower and morale during a chief of staff call here Nov. 1. Schwartz opened the event by delivering introductory comments to the Team Andrews audience, then addressed the concerns of

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • 618th AOC supports effort delivering hope to Turkey

    Mobility Airmen of the 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) here led planning efforts for an Oct. 31 flight bringing humanitarian assistance to Turkey.In the wake of the Oct. 23 earthquake that left hundreds dead in the Western Asian nation, a C-17 Globemaster III

  • Special tactics Airmen complete memorial march

    Fifteen Air Force Special Operations Command special tactics Airmen, along with two from Air Combat Command, embarked on a 10-day, 812-mile march to memorialize 17 fellow special tactics Airmen who died in combat.Marching from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to Hurlburt Field, Fla., these combat

  • Defense officials urge nuclear deterrent funding

    The nation's security strategy is built on nuclear deterrence, and the systems and workforce that support nuclear capabilities must be sustained, senior Defense Department officials told Congress Nov. 2.James N. Miller, the principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, and Gen. C. Robert

  • AETC announces newest Order of the Sword recipient

    Maj. Gen. Alfred Flowers learned of his selection as the next Air Education and Training Command Order of the Sword recipient here Nov. 2.Chief Master Sgt. James Cody, the AETC command chief, informed Flowers of his selection at a surprise announcement in the Pentagon's Airman's Hall filled with

  • 33rd RQS kicks off Pacific Thunder

    Members of the 33rd Rescue Squadron are teaming up with the 25th Fighter Squadron for Exercise Pacific Thunder 2011 Oct. 31 through Nov. 9 at Osan Air Base, Korea.Four HH-60G Pave Hawks from the 33rd Rescue Squadron here flew to Osan AB to participate in the exercise alongside A-10 Thunderbolt II's

  • JB McChord aircrew delivers aid to Turkish earthquake victims

    An aircrew from here delivered humanitarian relief supplies to eastern Turkey Nov. 1 to aid victims of a recent 7.2 magnitude earthquake.The five-member C-17 Globemaster III crew, assigned to the 10th Airlift Squadron, delivered a 75,000-pound load of tents to Erzurum Airport, Turkey."The men and

  • Afghanistan Pakistan Hands Airman trains future Afghan pilots

    As an Air Force aviator, Lt. Col. Daryl Sassaman had been to Afghanistan before; however, never did he imagine he would one day be living with the Afghans, working to hone their English language capabilities, while improving his Dari proficiency. Today, he is one of approximately 253 service

  • Off-the-shelf solutions speed new equipment to Reserve, Guard

    By using ideas from recently deployed Airmen and using off-the-shelf technology, the Reserve Component has developed new equipment that saved lives and led to highly successful combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.This streamlined process is speeding high-tech acquisitions and was briefed by

  • AFMC officials restructure to cut overhead, make command more efficient

    Air Force officials announced an Air Force Materiel Command-wide restructure Nov. 2 that is aimed at providing greater military capabilities, improving readiness and operating effectively in the current fiscal environment.AFMC officials will reduce the number of its centers from 12 to five. This

  • Air Force modernization takes B-2 to North Pole

    A B-2 Spirit flew from here to the North Pole and back Oct. 27 on a mission to test the aircraft's hardware and software upgrades, endurance and its performance at extremely high latitudes. The 18-plus hour mission consisted of developmental and operational test points to prove that the B-2's

  • Service chiefs: Sequestration damage could be irreversible

    Damage to the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps could be irreversible if the Budget Control Act's "sequestration" provision takes another $600 billion from the defense budget, the military service chiefs said today.Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Chief of Naval Operations Adm.

  • Air Force announces civilian workforce restructuring

    Air Force officials announced several adjustments to the civilian workforce Nov. 2. In response to the secretary of defense's direction to stop civilian growth above fiscal year 2010 levels and the need to add 5,900 positions against the Air Force's top priorities, the Air Force eliminated

  • Air Force general receives executive award

    The Air Force's chief information officer was recognized with a Government Computer News award during the 24th annual GCN Awards Gala in McLean, Va., Oct. 19.Lt. Gen. William Lord, the Air Force chief of warfighting integration and chief information officer, received the Defense

  • Airmen transport wounded Libyan fighters to U.S.

    Nearly two dozen wounded Libyan fighters were evacuated from Libya to here Oct. 29 aboard a C-17 Globemaster III. At the request of State Department officials, the Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta directed two missions supporting the humanitarian assistance effort in Libya. In the first mission,

  • MC-12 reaches major milestones in Afghanistan

    Airmen from the 4th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron here achieved three major milestones in the month of October supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.The squadron, which operates the MC-12 Liberty, surpassed 10,000 sorties flown, 50,000 flight hours and supported ground operations that led to

  • Online tools help Airmen manage their careers

    There are a host of online tools available to help Airmen manage and grow their careers. Significant career development tools include My Development Plan, the Airman Development Plan and the Career Path Tool."If you don't use the tools, you may miss a lot of opportunities for education, development

  • PLAYpass cards help foster resilience

    The PLAYpass card program is one way Air Force quality of life programs help build a resilient force.The cards, valued at more than $500, allow eligible members to participate in Air Force Services activities such as trips, sports and childcare at either a reduced cost or free of charge. Eligible

  • AF selects officers, civilians for developmental education

    More than 740 officers and 106 civilians were selected for intermediate and senior developmental education opportunities during the 2011 Developmental Education Designation Board in October here, officials announced Nov. 2. Selectee lists have been posted on the Air Force Portal.Developmental

  • Air Force assists in historic final transfer of Iraq's airspace

     With the Air Force's assistance, Iraq now has full air traffic control responsibility for the country's airspace for the first time since 2003.The Air Force transferred management of the Baghdad and Joint Base Balad Airspace sector to the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority Oct. 1. With this historic

  • NCO retraining program a success in fiscal 2012

    The 2012 Noncommissioned Officer Retraining Program concluded Oct. 26 with 870 Air Force NCOs identified to transition to new career fields. The NCORP consists of two-phases -- voluntary and involuntary -- designed to sustain the enlisted force by retraining second-term and career Airmen from

  • Airmen deliver aid to Turkish earthquake victims

     U.S. European Command officials sent two C-130J Super Hercules loaded with cots, blankets, sleeping bags and hygiene kits to north eastern Turkey, Oct. 29 to aid victims of a recent earthquake there.The C-130Js from the 86th Airlift Wing departed Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to deliver the supplies

  • Airmen help provide aeromedical evacuation Libyan freedom fighters

    A team of 18 Airmen is preparing to evacuate 26 seriously wounded Libyan fighters to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston and four critical cases to Germany for immediate care. The team consists of eight Airmen from the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 10 from 10th Air Force.Capt.

  • Air Force leadership speak about diversity

    Air Force senior leaders released a memorandum stressing the importance of diversity in today's force here Oct. 14.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy signed the Declaration on Diversity, which

  • Tops in Blue seeks specialty talent for Worldwide Talent Contest

    Tops in Blue officials are currently seeking additional applicants with specialty talent for the 2012 Air Force Worldwide Talent Search. "Tops in Blue is not just for singers," said Jeri White, the Tops in Blue production director. "We're also looking for comedians, magicians, jugglers and more. If

  • Officials to announce chief master sergeant selections

    Air Force officials selected 487 of 2,201 eligible senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant for a selection rate of 22.13 percent.The average score for those selected was 659.88, with an average time in grade of 3.09 years and time in service of 22.85 years respectively. The