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  • Air Force chief of staff thanks Airmen, families in accepting award

    The Air Force's highest ranking officer was awarded one of the Air Force Sergeants Association's top honors during the organization's Professional Airmen's Conference and International Convention here Aug. 18.In pre-taped remarks, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz accepted the 2009

  • AF surgeon general issues warning about safety of electronic cigarettes.

    The Air Force surgeon general has issued a memo alerting all Airmen about safety concerns regarding electronic cigarettes, a new type of nicotine product.Also known as "e-cigs," electronic cigarettes are battery-operated devices that look like conventional cigarettes. The e-cig contains a cartridge

  • Tyndall officials unveil 'green' fitness center

    Tyndall Air Force Base officials opened the first building in the Air Force expected to reach the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum level here Aug. 20. The platinum level is the highest rating possible under the group's green building rating

  • Renovated heritage museum reopens

    Air Force officials reopened a newly-named and renovated enlisted heritage museum here Aug. 12.In addition to spending $730,000 to renovate a building that has housed the museum since 1956, the name was officially changed from the History and Traditions Museum to the USAF Airman Heritage Museum.Gen.

  • Air Force family, strategic balance among top SecAF priorities

    At the Air Force Sergeant's Association Professional Airmen's Conference here Aug. 18, the Air Force secretary emphasized his commitment to Airmen and their families, and a focus on strategic balance to best support current and future operations.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed

  • AFI 36-2301 outlines new developmental education guidance

    Air Force Instruction 36-2301, establishing policy and responsibility for developmental education, has undergone substantial revision, officials said Aug. 13.In addition to language governing attendance, eligibility, selection and removal criteria, the revised instruction provides procedures for

  • Center seeks paperless Air Guard, Reserve records

    Employees at the Air Reserve Personnel Center in Denver are working to securely convert thousands of paper and microfiche personnel records to an electronic format for Air National guardsmen and Air Force Reserve Airmen. "These records represent reservists' careers from the moment they are gained to

  • U.S. mission in Iraq officially changes Sept. 1

    A fundamental shift will take place at the end of the month in the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq, a Pentagon official said Aug. 19.The change in mission from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn reflects the improvement in conditions in Iraq and officially will end the U.S. combat mission

  • Keeping social networks free-speech friendly

    So, you think Facebook, MySpace and Twitter are just for fun and games? Think again. Since Department of Defense officials authorized military personnel to use these sites, social networking has become serious business. With every new freedom comes new boundaries and more opportunities to get into

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights 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.

  • Airman earns $10k through IDEA program

    A staff sergeant here had a good idea that led to a $10,000 payday. Staff Sgt. Jonnie Deitz, a 4th Component Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman, is the most recent member of the Seymour Johnson AFB community to receive an Innovative Development Through Employee Awareness Program

  • McConnell Airman helps save 8-year-old's life

    A McConnell Air Force Base Airman saved an 8-year-old girl from drowning recently while on a canoeing trip with his church at the Buffalo River in Arkansas. After spending the day navigating the river, Senior Airman Robert Fischer, a 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron pavements and equipment operator, and

  • 2011 retraining program in full swing

    Airmen have almost a month remaining to voluntarily retrain in Phase I of the 2011 NCO Retraining Program before the program's involuntary Phase II begins Sept. 20. Air Force officials identified 1,061 opportunities for Airmen to retrain out of their current career field under NCORP. Airmen can

  • 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron Airmen participate in ISR demo

    In late July and early August, members of the 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron participated in Empire Challenge 10, a live intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance interoperability demonstration. The annual endeavor, sponsored by the undersecretary of Defense for intelligence, aims to enhance

  • Volunteer mentors support families of fallen

    The day Scott Warner saw Marines standing at his front door, his world came to a crashing halt.The servicemembers told Mr. Warner that his son, Marine Pvt. Heath Warner, had been killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq's Anbar province.Mr. Warner and his family, including his two younger sons, tried to

  • C-17 squadron sets new standard in deployed airdrops

    Members of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here dropped more than 1,192,000 pounds to 22 different drop zones, including fuel, water, food and additional supplies needed by servicemembers on the ground at forward operating bases across the area of responsibility.The endeavor, called

  • Air Force Marathon sells out full and half marathons

    Air Force Marathon full and half marathons are full for the first time. The 5k and 10K still have slots remaining. Runners wishing to participate in these events are encouraged to register by going on the website www.usafmarathon.com soon to secure a spot. This year's marathon already set a new

  • Exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian underway

    Exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian, the world's largest command and control simulation exercise began Aug. 16 and continues through Aug. 26.According to senior Combined Forces Command officials, the annual joint/combined command post exercise is designed to improve the Republic of Korea and U.S.

  • Department officials announce July recruiting, retention data

    Three of the four services met or exceeded their active-duty recruiting goals for July, and the one that fell short did so intentionally, Defense Department officials announced today.The Marine Corps intentionally slowed down recruiting efforts by 1 percent last month because the service already is

  • U.S. continues to rush relief to Pakistan

    As monsoon rains continue to fall on Pakistan, U.S. officials are sending aid as fast as the flood-stricken country can absorb it, a Defense Department official said here Aug. 18. U.N. officials estimate that some 20 million Pakistanis are affected, with about 1,500 dead, as the Indus River and its

  • Photo essay: Moody gets ready for desert warfare training exercise

    A-10C Thunderbolt II pilots and maintainers here prepare for desert warfare training at the Enhanced Mojave Viper Exercise in Arizona Aug. 13. The preparation ensures that the A-10Cs will provide close air support for the U.S. Marines and Navy during the event. View the slideshow.

  • Expeditionary Medical Support training a first at JB Elmendorf-Richardson

    Eighty-one Airmen from around the Pacific Air Forces participated in the first Expeditionary Medical Support Training here Aug. 9 through 13.The course, typically held at Brooks City Base, San Antonio, is a mandatory pre-deployment requirement, where participants are taught what is expected of them

  • Aug. 12 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportMoqorCoalition aircrews provided

  • New Horizons Airman organizes donations to Panamanian children

    Capt. Aaron Jackson knew before he volunteered to deploy to Panama for New Horizons that he wanted to do something special to improve the quality of life for children in Darien Province, so he sent a message to friends and family back home to see if anyone would donate items.From a simple letter and

  • Aug. 13 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportTarin KowtNavy F/A-18C Hornet

  • CMSAF shares perspective about readiness, development, resiliency

    The Air Force's top NCO spoke at the Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Airmen's Conference Aug. 17, citing readiness, deliberate development and resiliency among Airmen and their families as his main focuses.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy said statistics of 40,000 Airmen

  • General calls for network utility, security balance

    It's critical to find the right balance between the security and utility of an information technology network, the Air Force's chief information officer said here Aug. 13.Speaking at a Hanscom Representatives Association luncheon, Lt. Gen. William T. Lord described that balancing act as one of "yin

  • AMC officials approve funds for CAF initiatives across command

    More than 168 initiatives spread throughout 12 Air Mobility Command bases directly supporting Comprehensive Airman Fitness were approved for funding by command officials Aug. 11.Comprehensive Airman Fitness, or CAF, began July 1 at AMC. Officials said CAF is not a program, "but an approach to better

  • Photo essay: Southwest Asia Airmen perform engine run

    Members of the 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare for a max-power engine run on a C-130E Hercules here Aug 11. The squadron is one of the busiest electronic attack maintenance units in U.S. Air Forces Central Command.View the slideshow.

  • Ramstein Airmen, C-130s deliver supplies to Russia

    Two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft flew missions into Russia from Ramstein Air Base Aug. 13 delivering firefighting supplies promised by President Barack Obama. Members of the 37th Airlift Squadron here delivered equipment from Army, Air Force, Marine and Navy units throughout the U.S. European

  • 'Boot Camp' class helps Airmen get fit to fight

    Airmen here who are unable to meet fitness standards, or those who just want to participate in a high-caliber fitness routine attend "boot camp," a fitness class offered through the Health and Wellness Center.In the past few months, more and more Airmen have begun to take advantage of the strenuous

  • Pilots serve as instructors in Saudi Arabia

    Six pilots with the United States Military Training Mission Air Force Division here embedded at several Royal Saudi Air Force bases to train, advise and assist Saudi Arabian pilots in their operations, all to support the common interest of both nations. The Airmen say some knowledge of Arabic is

  • Medical team trains for emergency response

    Air Force medical professionals participated in a massive joint forces field-training exercise recently simulating a terrorist attack in the U.S.The 10-day exercise, held at Camp Atterbury, Ind., allowed servicemembers to participate in a war game scenario and know their specific duties in case a

  • Fighting Falcons return from exercise in Sweden

    Members of the 555th Fighter Squadron and 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron spent two weeks conducting air-to-air and air-to-ground exercises with members of the Swedish air force at Norrbotten Wing here.Over the course of two weeks, members of the U.S. Air Force worked side-by-side with their

  • New integrated defense tool offers heightened security

    Airmen in the 23rd Security Forces Squadron recently hosted a team of specialists here who introduced base personnel to a new tool aimed at improving security at military installations around the world.The ForcePRO software, created by a civilian company, is designed to help security planners

  • Major property transfer for Sacramento business park

    Officials from the Air Force and Sacramento County, together with McClellan Business Park and environmental regulators celebrated the largest property transfer to date Aug. 12 at the former McClellan Air Force Base here.The ceremony marked the transfer of 560 acres including a variety of industrial

  • 8,800 Air Force employees transition out of NSPS

    The first two waves of Air Force employees have successfully converted out of the National Security Personnel System, leaving less than 30,000 to make the transition.Approximately 8,800 employees were converted out of NSPS during phases I and II on July 4 and July 18. Phases III and IV are scheduled

  • Civilians given 60-day access to records after separating

    Air Force Civilian Service employees are now able to access their electronic Official Personnel Folder for up to 60 days following their date of separation.This new capability allows employees to log into the AFPC Secure website from a personal computer using a user ID and password and download a

  • Largest Air Force fuel farm operates 'bare base' style

    Each day, more than 320,000 gallons of fuel are pumped in and out of the largest fuel farm in the Air Force, running through the most intricate maze of pipes and hoses of the filtration and storage systems.Petroleum, Oils and Lubricants specialists in the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness

  • Year of the Air Force Family wraps up

    During the "Year of the Air Force Family," senior leaders examined existing support services and sought out ways to evolve and expand them to meet the changing needs and expectations of Airmen, their families and the larger Air Force family as well. As the Year of the Air Force Family initiative

  • 480th activated as Spangdahlem's newest F-16 squadron

    The 480th Fighter Squadron was activated as the 52nd Fighter Wing's newest F-16 Fighting Falcon squadron as of 13 Aug. at 1:48 p.m.The new squadron comes after the Combat Air Forces Restructuring plan transitioned 21 F-16s assigned to the 22nd and 23rd fighter squadrons here to the 148th FW at

  • Realignment, closure plan continues on track

    It's "all systems go" here as officials at this Army Installation prepare to receive three new organizations and about 5,700 of their employees as part of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission plan.Fort Meade is among hundreds of major focal points in implementing the most sweeping BRAC

  • Ramstein team takes on Little League World Series again

    The 11- and 12-year-old Kaiserslautern Military Community All-Star team will make its second consecutive trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., after winning the Europe Region Tournament Aug. 3. This is the sixth time a team from Ramstein Air Base has earned a spot in the

  • Modernization ahead for Defense Department schools

    A program to improve Defense Department schools and ensure 21st century learning environments for military children is set to begin in October, department officials said Aug. 12.Officials from the Department of Defense Education Activity will address some $3.7 billion in construction and renovation

  • Airman answers unusual call, saves life through donation

    When most Airmen come into the Air Force, they know their service could include being called upon to do something that could save a life. However, one such Airman answered the call in a way very few could. Staff Sgt. Charles Newberry, a personnel specialist assigned to the 311th Air Base Group's

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights 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.

  • 10,000th runner registers for Air Force Marathon

    Air Force Marathon officials registered runner No. 10,000 Aug. 12, surpassing a long-standing goal for the 14-year-old event.There is still a month before the 5K run Sept. 17, and the full marathon, half marathon and 10K run on Sept. 18. Registration for the half marathon reached its limit of

  • Aug. 7 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportZiraniAir Force F-15E Strike Eagle

  • Aug. 8 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportMazarAir Force F-15E Strike Eagle

  • Aug. 9 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportSheyhabadAir Force F-15E Strike

  • Aircrews practice capabilities during Global Gem

    More than 150 Airmen and 12 F-22 Raptors from the 43rd Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., arrived here July 31 in support of the Air Force's first Exercise Global Gem joint training.Members of the 389th and 43rd Fighter Squadrons will continue their training through Sept. 2, during

  • Photo essay: Airmen train at Allied Strike 10

    Allied Strike 10 conducts an annual robust and realistic close air support training here Aug. 3. The training helps build partnership capacity among allied NATO nations and joint services refining the latest operational tactics. View the slideshow.

  • Airman receives top honors from American Bar Association

    The 3rd Air Force-United Kingdom director of legal services here was named the top Air Force judge advocate by officials from the American Bar Association.Col. James Durant III accepted the 2010 Outstanding Military Service Career Judge Advocate Award from Lt. Gen. Richard C. Harding, the Air Force

  • Follow me, save me, repair me: crash recovery

    The 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron's wheel and tire, transient alert, and crash recovery flight is a flight with three unique missions housed under one roof, that deals with out-of-the-ordinary aircraft, wheels and damage.Members of the wheel and tire shop handle all F-16 Fighting Falcon

  • Aug. 10 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportMarjehAir Force MQ-9A Reaper

  • Aug. 11 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportKhowstAn Air Force B-1B Lancer

  • 20th FW and Pakistani airmen reunite at Red Flag

    In a symbolic and historical event, Pakistan airmen flew six F-16Bs and 100 aircrew, maintenance and support members more than 7,700 miles from Pakistan to participate in their first Red Flag and Green Flag exercises at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. in mid-July.There, the Pakistani airmen met up with

  • Holloman defenders train with FBI

    Members of the 49th Security Forces Squadron fine-tuned numerous law enforcement techniques during two days of training with members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albuquerque division, here Aug. 5 and 6.The FBI Special Weapons and Tactics agents worked with Holloman AFB defenders while

  • Ramstein AB medics prepare for emergency situations

    Medics here sharpened their skills during Mobile Aeromedical Staging Facility training Aug. 2 to 6.A team of nurses, medical technicians, communications specialists and medical administrative technicians, exercised the capabilities of Ramstein Air Base's MASF, which is one of only three in the

  • Photo essay: Guard unit improves communications

    Airmen from the 213th Engineering Installation Squadron improve the grounding system on a communications tower here July 22. They are assigned at nearby Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y.View the slideshow.

  • Emergency management: Not just 'chem training guys'

    A few weeks ago, Airmen from the 332nd Expeditionary Communication Squadron were digging trenches for cables and they unearthed a strange blue powder.Unsure of just what the powder was, they contacted the 332nd Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management section here, who responded, bringing a

  • Logistics system release transforms combat support

    A new age for Air Force logisticians began when a pilot version of the Expeditionary Combat Support System went live July 31 at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. The Expeditionary Combat Support System will transform business processes, alter management and control systems, and affect personnel roles

  • Aug. 6 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportBalocanAir Force A-10 Thunderbolt II

  • Aug. 5 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportSar BanadarCoalition aircrews

  • Aug. 4 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportBalocanAir Force A-10 Thunderbolt II

  • Aug. 3 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportGizabCoalition aircrews provided

  • Aug. 2 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportSar BanadarNavy F/A-18C Hornet

  • First GPS IIF satellite on station

    Officials from the Air Force Space Command's Global Positioning Systems Wing at the Space and Missile Systems Center here have announced the first GPS IIF satellite arrived on station Aug. 1. This indicates the satellite is in its designated orbital position and ready for its final phase of on-orbit

  • Air Guardsmen work to recover victims from Alaska crash site

    Alaska Air National Guard Airmen are aiding victims of a plane that crashed near Dillingham, Alaska, Aug. 9.A downed plane reportedly carrying nine passengers was spotted 285 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska. Flight service officials in Dillingham contacted the Alaska ANG's 11th Rescue

  • Military working dogs defend 386th Air Expeditionary Wing

    These canines are truly an Airman's best friend, especially when it comes to saving lives.The military working dog section of the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron has the unique mission of safeguarding the base here with highly motivated K-9 partners. The dogs' powerful sense of smell is

  • Security forces Airmen aid force protection in ground attack

    The saying "timing is everything" was never more accurate than when members of the 451st Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron went out to repair a camera along the perimeter fence line here Aug. 3, and in doing so, helped fellow force protection members thwart a ground attack. Staff Sgt. Sarah

  • Photo essay: McChord Airmen keep wheels turning

    Airmen assigned to the 62nd Maintenance Squadron perform tire maintenance on C-17 Globemaster IIIs here Aug 5. Tire maintenance is essential in ensuring the safety of the aircraft crew and integrity of the airframe. View the slideshow.

  • Air Force Reserve officials designing new Force Generation Center

    Air Force Reserve planners are designing an organization that will serve as the single path to request and receive, as well as oversee and deliver, Air Force Reserve forces and capability. Called the Force Generation Center, the new unit is projected to begin initial operations in October and be up

  • VA officials obligate last of Recovery Act funds to help veterans

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials committed the last of their $1.8 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds July 31, as one of the first federal agencies to achieve that milestone. Projects at more than 1,200 sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico will

  • Gates strives to change Pentagon's culture

    The initiative to reduce Defense Department overhead and to eliminate duplicative capabilities is part of a larger thrust to change the culture of the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here Aug. 9.The department must be more frugal with the taxpayers' money and must put what money it

  • Air Force Reserve officials streamline call-up process

    Air Force Reserve Command officials are proposing comprehensive changes to how reservists are managed and called to active duty based on lessons learned from nearly nine years of combat and surge operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.Collectively called "AFR 2012," this series of projects establishes a

  • More than 1,100 schools partner with VA on GI Bill

    Paving the way for recipients of the post-9/11 GI Bill to attend higher-cost schools, Department of Veterans Affairs officials have entered into more than 3,200 agreements with over 1,100 schools for the upcoming academic year under the "Yellow Ribbon" program. Schools can enter into multiple

  • VA officials announce test of paperless claims processing system

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials have selected their regional benefits office in Providence, R.I., to test a paperless system and new procedures to improve processing of veterans' claims for disability compensation."This test program marks a major milestone in VA's move to paperless

  • Couple's path to marriage winds through deployment

    Young girls often dream about what their perfect wedding will be like. They dream of the perfect dress, cake, ring and who their dashing groom will be.Senior Airman Sheri Nolen spent her childhood in Denver more interested in playing in the dirt and running around. "I never really thought about a

  • Air Force officials to release staff sergeant promotion list

    Air Force officials selected 13,518 of 28,510 eligible senior airmen for promotion to staff sergeant for a selection rate of 47.41 percent.The average score for those selected was 282.88, with an average time in grade of 1.97 years and an average time in service of 4.55 years, respectively. The

  • McKinley tells Guard enlisted force to prepare for prolonged overseas role

    The National Guard likely will continue to play a significant role in overseas contingency operations for the foreseeable future, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said here Aug. 8."Just like we have in Kosovo for 14 years and the Sinai (and) the Horn of Africa, I think the National Guard will

  • Leadership key to tackling suicide, Medal of Honor recipient tells guardsmen

    Leadership at all levels is the key to lowering the suicide rate among servicemembers, a Medal of Honor recipient told National Guard members here Aug 8. Retired Army Maj. Drew Dix received the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam. Now, he has been talking with servicemembers about resiliency

  • TAP helps Airmen transition to civilian life

    Airmen planning to separate or retire are encouraged to participate in the Air Force transition assistance program to help them make informed decisions on life after active-duty service.Department of Defense officials partner with Department of Labor and Veterans Affairs officials to provide TAP

  • Vice chief describes airpower's key role in Pacific at Tinian symposium

    Sixty-five years after a single bomber launched from a U.S. air base here changed the course of history, airpower continues to play a key role in regional security, the Air Force vice chief of staff said during a speech here Aug. 5.Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler spoke at an educational symposium

  • Airman missing in action from WWII identified

    Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office officials announced Aug. 6 that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. U.S. Army Air Forces Sgt. John P. Bonnassiolle of

  • Air war architect reflects on Operation Desert Shield 20 years later

    The day retired Gen. Charles A. Horner received the call 20 years ago that eventually launched Operation Desert Shield he was flying his F-16 Fighting Falcon, engaged in an air-to-air training mission near the North Carolina coast with two F-15 Eagles from Langley Air Force Base, Va. General Horner,

  • Major learns to get back up after fall

    Waking up alone, face down and bleeding, on the sun-baked granite rock after falling face-first 50 feet from the top of a mountain is where U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet David Garay found himself June 2, 1997, only one day after his 19th birthday.Garay, now a major, lived through the fall and

  • Senate confirms Mattis for top CENTCOM post

    The Senate unanimously confirmed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as commander of U.S. Central Command.General Mattis, who previously served as NATO supreme allied commander for transformation and commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Va., received the Senate nod Aug. 5.In his new

  • Airmen perform first deployed PMP

    Airmen performed the first accelerated packaged maintenance plan on an F-22 Raptor in a deployed environment here Aug. 4.Members of the 27th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit completed what has never been done with a fifth-generation aircraft before. A PMP is a scheduled, long-term, heavy

  • New employees to be automatically enrolled in TSP

    New legislation that called for automatic enrollment of newly hired and eligible civilian federal employees, as well as certain rehires, into the Thrift Savings Plan began Aug. 1.This automatic enrollment feature is in compliance with the June 22, 2009, TSP Enhancement Act that authorizes federal

  • Fightin' Fifty-Fifth on the cusp of historic milestone

    Historic, monumental and simply incredible are just a few ways to describe the milestone soon to be attained by the men and women of the 55th Wing.On Aug. 9, the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth will surpass 20 years of continuous deployment to U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility by its personnel and

  • Air Force Cycling Team rides across Iowa

    More than 160 men and women of the U.S. Air Force joined thousands of bicyclists for the 38th Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, better known by the cyclists as RAGBRAI. The Air Force Cycling Team, or AFCT, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Joseph Robinson, donned their team

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights 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.