NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • 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

  • 2nd Air Force issues breathalyzers for test

    Second Air Force has begun distributing nearly 25,000 individual breathalyzers to five bases for use during a test focused on alcohol abuse education and awareness. The program originated at the Air Force Safety Office and was given to 2nd Air Force because of the large number of students who have

  • Kirkuk Airmen provide care following attack

    Two Iraqi civilians were injured near Kirkuk, Iraq when they were caught in the crossfire between Iraqi, authorities and insurgents Feb. 1. After being transported here by helicopter and receiving emergency medical treatment from members of the 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadron, they were flown

  • Incirlik Airmen get new development center

    Incirlik AB's new Professional Development Center recently opened its doors to Airmen. The center features two large classrooms equipped with flexible seating and projectors, a computer lab with 20 network capable computers and the hall of history, which allows visitors a glance at Incirlik AB

  • Homefront America offers $25K in scholarships

    A troop-support group has launched an essay contest to award scholarships to military children in gratitude for the sacrifices they have made while their parents serve the nation.Homefront America has joined the W. Daniel Tate family and Sara's Hope Foundation for a second year to host a scholarship

  • Senior air operations official visits Yemen

    In an effort to enhance air force-to-air force relations, the commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces visited Yemeni air force senior officials and the U.S. Ambassador Feb. 7 in Sana'a, Yemen.During the visit, Lt. Gen. Gary L. North met with Brig. Gen. Mohammed Salih, commander of the Yemeni

  • Wing supports mission at 'critical time'

    The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing is the most forward-deployed Air Force wing in Iraq. The wing has pioneered modern warfare tactics using advanced weapons systems such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 II Thunderbolt and the MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle for close-air support and traditional

  • Academy hospital tops in class

    The Defense Department's award for top mid-sized military treatment facility went to the U.S. Air Force Academy during ceremonies Feb. 6 in Washington, D.C., as part of the annual Tricare conference. Col. Alan Berg, commander of the 10th Medical Group, was there to accept the Military Treatment

  • AAFES encourages students to make the grade

    Reading, writing and arithmetic are taking a back seat to electronics, clothes and toys as military children cash in on the Army and Air Force Exchange Service's "You Made the Grade" program at post or base exchanges worldwide. Initiated in February 2000, AAFES' education rewards effort is designed

  • DOD to establish U.S. Africa Command

    The U.S. military will establish a separate U.S. Africa Command to oversee military operations on the African continent, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced during congressional testimony Feb. 6."The president has decided to stand-up a new unified, combatant command, Africa Command, to

  • Cope Tiger participants provide humanitarian assistance

    Servicemembers from the United States, Thailand and Republic of Singapore took part in a humanitarian mission during Cope Tiger 2007 Jan. 30 at a Thai school. "It is an incredible feeling to come into an area like this and make an impact, show off the humanitarian side of the U.S. Air Force and

  • Interim Polar System reaches full operational capability

    Air Force officials announced Feb. 6 the successful launch and delivery for operational service of the second Interim Polar System payload. With this placement of the second of three planned IPS payloads, the extremely high frequency constellation is at full operational capability, providing 24-hour

  • Air Force FY 2008 budget includes pay raise, new facilities

    In the president's fiscal 2008 budget, released Feb. 5, Air Force leaders are asking Congress for about $110.7 billion. The Air Force budget request, about $6.2 billion more than it received in FY07, is divided into three primary areas: people, readiness and modernization and recapitalization. About

  • MacDill riders star in motorcycle safety DVD

    It was lights, cameras and action on the set at MacDill AFB the end of January and early February as trained motorcyle riders revved their high-powered bikes and dashed through a makeshift road course on the flightline. Their movie is destined for DVD release in the spring, although you will not

  • Budget proposal includes 3-percent pay raise

    President Bush's defense budget request for fiscal 2008 includes a 3 percent military pay raise as well as increases for housing, health care and other quality-of-life benefits and programs. Bush's proposed budget, submitted to Congress today, includes $137 billion in pay, benefits and health care

  • Aviano undergoes blood bank inspection

    Military blood bank inspectors from Maryland visited Aviano Air Base in late January to verify lab technicians are storing blood donations correctly. Inspections occur every other year; this year the inspectors visited Italy, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom. "We check all of the records, we

  • Vice chairman 'cautiously optimistic' about new Iraq approach

    The nation's second-highest-ranking military officer said he is cautiously optimistic about the new approach to Iraq after a three-day visit there that ended Feb 2."It is clear that most of the senior officials (from the) coalition, Iraq and United States I talked with during my time in Baghdad are

  • Air Force to accelerate realignment of Oregon wing

    Air Force Reserve Command officials announced plans to implement a second reduction in force in a move to accelerate the closure of the 939th Air Refueling Wing by June 2008 at Portland International Airport, Ore. Originally scheduled to be finalized in September 2010, the new plan allows about 244

  • Illinois ANG supports Bears, Operation Enduring Freedom

    Senior Airman Kimberly Letherman will be watching her favorite team, the Chicago Bears, on Super Bowl Monday. That's right -- Super Bowl Monday. With a nine-and-a-half-hour-time difference with the United States, Airmen in Afghanistan will watch the Super Bowl in the early hours of Monday morning.

  • Chief of Staff visits Bagram Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley visited Bagram and Kandahar airfields Feb. 2 during a tour of Afghanistan. The general addressed the Airmen of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing and 451st Air Expeditionary Group, discussing

  • Moody opens doors to new housing

    The base community celebrated the completion of the first new single family housing units with a ribbon cutting ceremony Jan. 31 at the new Magnolia Grove Housing area. The $52 million project provides 383 three-and four-bedroom homes in Magnolia Grove, each with no less than 1,630 square feet of

  • Air Force selects 65 officers for pilot, navigator, ABM training

    The Air Force recently selected 65 officers to attend specialized undergraduate pilot, navigator and air battle manager training. The Specialized Undergraduate Flying Training Selection Board met at the Air Force Personnel Center Jan. 9-11 to consider active-duty Air Force applicants for Specialized

  • Programs allow deployed Airmen to e-mail, chat with family

    Air Force officials continue to provide deployed Airmen and their families with Web-based communication tools, allowing e-mail and instant messaging from virtually anywhere in the world. The Air Force Instant Messenger and Global Internet Mail programs help ease the stress of deployments by keeping

  • Guam honors Andersen Airman

    A 36th Civil Engineer Squadron Airman has received two of the highest honors the government of Guam can bestow Jan. 26. In separate ceremonies, Staff Sgt. Ryan Ancheta, a structural craftsman with the squadron's vertical repair shop, was honored with a resolution from the Guam legislature and the

  • Travis medics deploy to Afghan hospital

    Approximately 100 Airmen from the 60th Medical Group at David Grant Medical Center deployed in January to the largest military hospital in Afghanistan.The 455th Expeditionary Medical Group was activated during a ceremony Jan. 23 to assume operation of the Air Force Theater Hospital at Bagram Air

  • AFMC commander visits Southwest Asia

    The commander of Air Force Materiel Command visited Southwest Asia recently to receive a first-hand look at challenges Airmen face maintaining airfield weapon systems in the area of responsibility. During his visit, Gen. Bruce Carlson discussed what AFMC brings to the fight, including science and

  • Military OneSource offers free online tax filing

    The Defense Department's Military OneSource family support program is once again offering free, online tax preparation and filing for servicemembers and their families, officials said Feb. 2. The service began Jan. 15. It's available to active duty servicemembers, National Guardsmen and reservists

  • Feb. 21 commissary scholarship deadline nears

    While chocolate and flowers are traditional Valentine gifts, perhaps for students the best gift is a $1,500 college scholarship. The Scholarships for Military Children program might be just the ticket this Valentine's Day, but don't procrastinate because applications must be turned in at a

  • U.S. passport requirement changes

    As of Jan. 23, citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda are required to present a passport to enter the United States when arriving by air from any part of the Western Hemisphere. This change in travel document requirements is the result of recommendations made by the 9/11

  • Florida Guard team to support Super Bowl security

    Tens of thousands of football fans will flock to Florida this weekend, passionate about their pigskin picks, but a handful of Florida Guardsmen are hoping that the game is anything but exciting for them. The 44th Civil Support Team based at the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center near Starke, Fla.,

  • 7 Charleston Airmen receive Bronze Stars

    Seven Charleston AFB Airmen were presented Bronze Stars Jan. 29 here by the Air Mobility Command commander in front of their families, friends and several hundred military members. Gen. Duncan J. McNabb said these individuals embody the heart of the nation. Awarded the Bronze Stars were: -- Capt.

  • Air Force astronaut reflects on 23 years of service

    After more than 23 years of service, Pamela Melroy is finishing her Air Force career with a splash. The Air Force colonel spent her last day before retirement, Jan. 31, undergoing water survival training at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Neutral Buoyancy Lab. But as she

  • Chief of chaplains visits Incirlik

    More than 240 Incirlik AB members attended the National Prayer Observance dinner that featured the Air Force chief of chaplains held Jan. 26 at the base chapel. "It's the Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who are the brave ones, who know about the trials of our day," said

  • C-21 fleet continues to dwindle

    Members of the 76th Airlift Squadron bid farewell to three of its 13 C-21 aircraft in January, as the Air Force retires the aircraft from the active-duty inventory. The C-21 is the military version of the Lear Jet 35A business jet and is used primarily for senior-level passengers, cargo airlift and

  • Working dog handler receives Purple Heart

    "Today, you have an example of what a truly great NCO can be," said the 42nd Air Base Wing commander to those attending the January and February enlisted promotion ceremony at the Enlisted Club Jan. 31. Col. Pete Costello referred to Staff Sgt. Robert Brown, a 42nd Security Forces Squadron military