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U.S. Air Force News

  • 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

  • Close encounters of the FalconSAT kind

    Satellites from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Department of Energy intentionally passed within five kilometers of each other in orbit Dec. 13, with one satellite's sensors trained upon the other.The two satellites are the Academy's cadet-built FalconSAT-3 satellite and the Cibola experimental

  • Close-air support just a phone call away

    Imagine being pinned down by enemy forces, with no relief in sight. Now, imagine picking up a phone and calling your friendly local fighter pilot, flying overhead only miles away, for help. With the new Fighter Aircraft Communication Enhancement, or FACE, pod, ground units in combat are now able to

  • Close-air support key to strategic success

    Known as CAS, close air support uses military aircraft in an attack against enemy ground forces that are in close proximity to friendly forces. This requires detailed coordination with ground troops and is typically conducted by joint terminal attack controllers. The use of CAS during wartime can be

  • Close-air support variant of Joint Strike Fighter too heavy

    Early reports show that the Air Force’s next generation close-air support aircraft has a weight problem.Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche told members of the Senate Committee on Appropriations subcommittee on defense the issue was predictable.“The (F-35 Joint Strike Fighter) has only

  • Close-air-support exercise tests Atlantic Strike participants

    The cool evening was still as three camouflaged insurgents watched an Army patrol approach their village. Unbeknownst to the saboteurs, an Air Force targeting pod was closely watching their position and relaying information to the ground commander. Suddenly, a deafening explosion drowned out all

  • Closer collaboration will ensure disaster preparedness

    The commander of U.S. Northern Command urged closer collaboration between local and state agencies and groups that would be the first to respond to a disaster and the federal entities that stand ready to step in and assist when needed Dec. 16. Gen. Victor E. Renuart, who also commands the North

  • Closest thing to combat: Allied Strike 10

    Air Force, Army and NATO joint terminal attack controllers and tactical air control party members joined together to participate in exercise Allied Strike 10 July 23 through Aug. 5 here.Allied Strike is Europe's premier close air support exercise, which is held annually to conduct robust, realistic

  • Closing enemy windows of opportunity

    The team is huddled around a laptop outside an enemy compound. One of the team members adjusts the image on the laptop and the picture becomes clear. Now the team can see the display of the enemy's computer, on a secure network, on the fifth floor of the building. After a decade of information

  • Closings, realignments to reshape infrastructure

    Defense Department officials have recommended closing 33 major bases and realigning 29 others as part of a comprehensive reshaping of the military infrastructure through the Base Realignment and Closure process.Michael Wynne, defense undersecretary for acquisition, technology and logistics,

  • Clouds lift for 'Cadet for a Day'

    For eight years, Academy cadets have been making wishes come true for ill youngsters. They made it happen again April 9 through Saturday when Joe Hayford, 13, became the newest Cadet for a Day through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. "His eyes were huge, and he never quit smiling," said Wish volunteer

  • Clubs gain 10,000 new members, name prize winners

    The Air Force Clubs Division recently gained more than 10,000 new members during their annual membership campaign. This year's campaign featured a first-ever "card choice" option, where members chose the type of club membership card they want -- either the full use MasterCard or a limited use

  • Clues in cyberspace catch criminals in the real world

    For many, cyberspace is a vast and intangible place. A land of green ones and zeros floating on a sea of black, where an e-mail originated in Switzerland can travel to a server in Mozambique within a matter of seconds. In the ever-changing landscape of cyberspace, information can be hidden anywhere

  • C-model A-10 takes first flight

    The newly designated C-model A-10 Thunderbolt II, modified with precision engagement technology, was flown for the first time here recently by a 40th Flight Test Squadron pilot. Precision-engagement technology allows the Air Force’s premier close-air support aircraft to also use smart weapons such

  • CMSAF addresses Academy cadets

    Academy cadets had an opportunity to receive insight from the Air Force's top enlisted member April 10. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley visited the Academy to address cadets from the classes of 2008 and 2009 in Arnold Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. Be a sponge and soak

  • CMSAF addresses fitness, training

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray spoke to a crowd of nearly 400 Airmen at an enlisted seminar here Oct. 22.He discussed issues facing the Air Force, and fielded questions and concerns from those in attendance. He started by asking how many in the audience had heard of Airman

  • CMSAF addresses House Armed Services subcommittee

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force gave testimony before the Military Personnel Subcommittee for Family Support Programs here July 22. "We will remain engaged on our family support programs, and we plan on constantly improving the programs we already have in effect," said Chief Master Sgt.

  • CMSAF addresses joint duty assignment senior enlisted leaders

    “Why are you guys here?” Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright asked the first-ever Air Force Element Senior Enlisted Leader Conference at the Pentagon. More than 50 senior leaders from across U.S. combatant commands and the Joint Staff responded with answers ranging from

  • CMSAF addresses Offutt’s concerns

    Airmen were not short on questions during Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody’s visit to Offutt Air Force Base March 11-12. It was clear, serving in the Air Force with an ever-changing environment has created challenges, but for its highest ranking enlisted Airman those obstacles are

  • CMSAF addresses quality of life

    The service’s ranking enlisted member addressed quality-of-life issues to the House subcommittee on military construction Feb. 25.Overall, quality of life in the Air Force has greatly improved, contributing to increased morale and retention, said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray.

  • CMSAF addresses top issues

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray addressed hundreds of troops attending the 2004 Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium on Oct. 29, an event he has been unable to attend in years past.Chief Murray gave his insight on three main topics he said he feels are the backbone of the

  • CMSAF announces retirement

    The 14th chief master sergeant of the Air Force, Gerald R. Murray, announced plans to retire this summer after serving more than 28 years. Chief Murray has served as the chief master sergeant of the Air Force since July 1, 2002. “I’ve grown up as an Airman,” Chief Murray said. “The Air Force has

  • CMSAF attends international symposium

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody attended an international senior enlisted leader symposium June 9-13 in Istanbul, Turkey. The Turkish air force hosted the event which brought together the top senior enlisted Airmen from air forces around the world to exchange ideas and enhance

  • CMSAF Bass returns to Ramstein AB

    On her way to becoming the 19th chief appointed to the highest noncommissioned officer position in the service, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass had two five-year assignments at Ramstein AB, including her time as the 86th Operations Group superintendent.

  • CMSAF Bass tours Travis AFB

    Travis Air Force Base welcomed Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass during a base visit March 24-26.

  • CMSAF Bass visits Shaw AFB

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass spoke with Shaw Air Force Base members from multiple units including the 20th Fighter Wing, the 25th Attack Group, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) and the Fifteenth Air Force at Shaw AFB, South Carolina, Nov. 16-17.

  • CMSAF Bass visits West Africa

    The U.S. has two cooperative security locations in Niger; Air Base 101, Niamey and Air Base 201, Agaedez. During her three-day visit, Bass met with U.S. Airmen and joint force mission partners to gain first-hand knowledge of how Airmen deter and defeat violent extremism in Sahel to enable a more

  • CMSAF becomes honorary master chief

    At the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy graduation here April 14, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray became an honorary master chief petty officer.Chief Murray spoke at the ceremony to salute four Airmen who were graduates.“What a great honor to be recognized by this

  • CMSAF ceremony to stream live on AF.mil

    The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force transition ceremony will be streamed live on AF.mil Jan. 24, at 9 a.m. The ceremony to welcome the 17th chief master sergeant of the Air Force, Chief Master Sgt. James A. Cody will also be carried live on the Pentagon Channel. The video can also be seen in

  • CMSAF completes three-country African engagement

     Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy met with senior leaders here from the Senegalese air force as the final leg of a three-nation senior leader engagement Oct. 15. The tour, which included stops in Botswana and Djibouti, focused on sharing information on enlisted development. Besides

  • CMSAF discusses ‘way ahead’ for Airmen

    The Air Force’s top enlisted leader focused on the future force, the new enlisted evaluation system and professional development during the Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Airmen’s Conference here Aug. 19.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody addressed an audience of Airmen,

  • CMSAF discusses current Air Force issues

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy discussed top Air Force issues with more than 100 military members at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, Feb. 1.Roy spoke about budget issues, resiliency and future capabilities of the Air Force.The chief said he attempts to visit the advisers

  • CMSAF discusses future at enlisted call

    It was fitting Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald Murray wore the Air Force utility uniform of tomorrow when addressing about 700 Airmen at an enlisted call here. Most of what the chief talked about at the base theater Dec. 6 focused on the future. That was also the purpose of his visit to

  • CMSAF discusses future, heritage during visit to Columbus AFB

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody and his wife, retired Chief Master Sgt. Athena Cody, visited Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, Sept. 24-25, taking time to meet with Airmen and discuss several of the Air Force's current hot topics.

  • CMSAF discusses leading with purpose

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright represents the highest enlisted level of leadership and provides direction for the enlisted force, representing their interests, as appropriate, to the American public and to those in all levels of government. Wright’s speech focused on taking care

  • CMSAF discusses need for strengthened resiliency at symposium

    The Air Force's senior enlisted leader discussed the importance of resiliency and its impact to the service Feb. 17 here during the Air Force Association's Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy spoke candidly about the repercussions of a

  • CMSAF discusses quality-of-life, personnel issues on Capitol Hill

    The Air Force's top enlisted leader testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee here April 13 about personnel and quality-of-life issues impacting the enlisted force.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy, alongside his sister-service counterparts, highlighted the importance of

  • CMSAF discusses resiliency with civic leaders

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy addressed a crowd of civic leaders and Department of Defense personnel on the necessity of promoting a total force culture of resiliency on Capitol Hill April 5. During the presentation, the Air Force's top enlisted leader discussed many issues

  • CMSAF discusses the innovative spirit of Airmen

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright discussed how to harness the innovative spirit of Airmen during the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 22, 2018.

  • CMSAF discusses top issues

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy addressed a capacity crowd of Airmen and civilians at the Langley Theater on Jan. 11, and covered a wide variety of key Air Force issues. Roy spoke on topics such as training, force management programs and how the current budget will affect operations,

  • CMSAF discusses tuition assistance

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Cody took questions from Airmen here March 14, on the decision to suspend military tuition assistance. He also addressed how Airmen can continue to further their educational needs and what the future holds for the program next fiscal year, which begins

  • CMSAF emphasizes Air Force core values

    In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman highlights how the Air Force core values should guide all Airmen in rising to meet challenges of today as Congress considers changes to the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy."As military men and women, the American people count

  • CMSAF emphasizes human connections at Hanscom all call

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright spoke about resilience and leadership topics during a town hall Sept. 6.More than 400 Airmen from Hanscom AFB, as well as other invited Airmen from geographically separated units, listened as Wright touched on those topics and answered questions.

  • CMSAF emphasizes power of Airmen

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody discussed why the strength of the Air Force lies in its Airmen at the Air Force Association’s 2013 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here today.

  • CMSAF experiences "Brave Defender" training

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy received a hands-on tour of Air Force Materiel Command's "Brave Defender" training area May 6 here.Brave Defender is a three-week deployment training course for security forces Airmen. The training is hosted by the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron,

  • CMSAF experiences Dover AFB’s culture, innovation

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, accompanied by Chief Master Sgt. Mike Perry, Air Force First Sergeant special duty manager, and Chief Master Sgt. Jalil Samacarchin, Air Force Aircraft Systems career field manager, visited Dover Air Force Base, Jan. 7-8, experiencing firsthand how

  • CMSAF explores nuclear mission, encourages Airmen

    In an effort to explore this leg of the nuclear mission more in depth, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody has spent time at each installation within the command; speaking with Airmen and observing them perform their duties firsthand.

  • CMSAF fields questions, speaks about EPRs

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody addressed the future of enlisted performance reports during a Q-and-A format session at the 2014 Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17.

  • CMSAF focuses on Airmen development

    The Air Force's top enlisted leader emphasized the importance of each Airman's contributions, as well as their responsibilities in the development of their Airmen and their own careers during a Jan. 18 enlisted call at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Echoing the sentiments of the three Air Force

  • CMSAF focuses on resiliency in 2018

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright said he feels the Air Force is headed in the right direction concerning education and enlisted-force structure, but Airman resilience is an area that needs more attention.

  • CMSAF gives enlisted perspective at AFA symposium

    The Air Force’s top enlisted member took the stage Feb. 20 at the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition here to highlight the advantage Airmen, past and present, give the Air Force.

  • CMSAF highlights Airman resiliency during hearing

    The Air Force's top enlisted Airman testified before the House Subcommittee for Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies here March 30, about quality of life in the military.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy, alongside his sister-service counterparts, spoke about

  • CMSAF highlights warrior Airmen, Air Force focus areas

    Airmen are fighting today's fight on fronts around the world for a more secure America and peace for future generations, the chief master sergeant of the Air Force told attendees at the Air Force Sergeant's Association Professional Airmen's Conference Aug. 26 in San Antonio. The No. 1 enlisted

  • CMSAF holds all-call with Scott AFB Airmen

    As the voice of the Air Force’s enlisted corps, Bass travels worldwide visiting Air Force installations and ensuring the voices of the enlisted force are heard.

  • CMSAF holds open forum for Airmen at AFA

    The Air Force's top enlisted leader conducted an open forum at the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 16. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy discussed such current issues as training, compliance and

  • CMSAF hosts senior enlisted mission command training

    The six-day training, hosted by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi, will place senior enlisted leaders in resource-limited locations and scenarios to see the capabilities and limitations of agile combat employment deployments.

  • CMSAF inspires future leaders during Academy visit

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody kicked off the Air Force Academy's 2015 National Character and Leadership Symposium by showcasing the enlisted Airmen cadets will lead as officers once they graduate, and reminding them of the importance of leadership in the profession of arms.

  • CMSAF introduces, defines warrior ethos

    The top enlisted Airman visited Lajes Field in early April on his tour of U.S. Air Forces in Europe bases and spoke to Airmen about several upcoming service-wide changes, specifically a creed that defines a new way of life for Airmen today. "The Air Force has never had an official creed that tells

  • CMSAF kicks off AFSA convention

    More than 1,300 U.S. Air Force enlisted Airmen gathered here to kick off the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airman Conference, Aug. 12. The convention is held annually, and is comprised of a number of smaller conferences and meetings, all sponsored by AFSA. This

  • CMSAF kicks off USAFE tour with visit to Lajes Field

    The top enlisted Airman began his tour of U.S. Air Forces in Europe installations during a visit here April 4 and 5. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley said he and his wife, Paula, enjoyed spending time with Airmen assigned to this island, which is located about 900 miles off the

  • CMSAF launches worldwide CHIEFchat, answers questions from the force

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody shared the latest information on past, present and future of the Air Force with Airmen, Air Force civilians and their families Nov. 12, during a worldwide CHIEFchat session at the headquarters of the Defense Media Activity here.

  • CMSAF Leadership Library: August 2023

    Chief Bass presents four new additions to the CMSAF Leadership Library: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, War Without Rules, Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment and The TechTank Podcast

  • CMSAF Leadership Library: February 2022

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass presents three new additions to the CMSAF Leadership Library: "Limitless", "Leadership and the Art of Struggle", and "Darkest Hour: How Churchill Brought England Back from the Brink".

  • CMSAF Leadership Library: January 2023

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass presents three new additions to the CMSAF Leadership Library: "The Long Game: China's Grand Strategy to Displace American Order," "Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology," "2034: A Novel of the Next World War," "Ender's

  • CMSAF Leadership Library: January 2024

    Chief Bass presents 5 new additions to the CMSAF Leadership Library including Brief: Make a Bigger Impact by Saying Less; We Don't Want YOU, Uncle Sam: Examining the Military Recruiting Crisis with Generation Z; ColdFusion Presents: New Thinking; and more.

  • CMSAF Leadership Library: September 2021

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass presents three new additions to the CMSAF Leadership Library: "Think Again: the power of knowing what you don’t know", "The Hundred Year Marathon", and "Like War: the weaponization of social media".

  • CMSAF McKinley begins, ends Air Force career at Seymour

    The 15th chief master sergeant of the Air Force returned to his first duty station for a tour of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base June 12. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley began his Air Force career as an emergency room technician here in 1974. This was the chief's last base visit

  • CMSAF McKinley gets firsthand look at Offutt missions

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley met with Airmen here and saw firsthand the diverse missions accomplished in support of the nation's defense. While at Offutt AFB Sept. 5 to 8, the chief took the opportunity to speak at an "all hands call" at U.S. Strategic Command and an enlisted

  • CMSAF McKinley highlights 61 years of airpower

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley spoke to Airmen at the Air Force 61st Birthday Celebration at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., Sept. 18. Chief McKinley opened the celebration with a speech, highlighting events involving Airmen and the Air Force that happened since last year's

  • CMSAF McKinley visits Airmen at Hurlburt Field

    Enlisted Airmen here gained the opportunity this week to meet and hear from Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. During his three-day stay, Chief McKinley immersed himself in the Air Force Special Operations Command mission. "I've been fully impressed since day one with

  • CMSAF McKinley, graduating Airmen honor enlisted heroes

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley and more than 700 Airmen preparing to graduate from basic military training honored the Air Force's enlisted heroes during today's dedication of the new Enlisted Heroes Walk here. Several dignitaries, including Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, commander

  • CMSAF meets with Afghan counterpart during Rodeo

    The top enlisted members of the Air Force and the Afghan National Army Air Corps met July 23 to 24 during the Air Mobility Rodeo 2009 here Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy came to McChord Air Force Base and observed the air mobility competition with Command Sgt. Maj. Abdul Malik of

  • CMSAF Murray enjoys day at work with his children

    Not many children can say they have shaken hands with a former astronaut or wandered the halls of the prestigious E-ring at the Pentagon as their parent conducts business with some of the Air Force's top leaders. But not every child has the highest-ranking enlisted Airman for a father, either. That

  • CMSAF Murray visits Southern Command units

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray toured units throughout U.S. Southern Command Jan. 16 to 19 to express Air Force leaders’ appreciation for what Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians within the command do every day. Chief Murray visited Airmen in Honduras, Ecuador,

  • CMSAF observes USAFE missions, visits wounded troops

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force completed an aeromedical evacuation mission from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., to Ramstein Air Base and back July 7 through 10 to observe the process firsthand. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley wanted to experience step by step what the

  • CMSAF outlines Air Force priorities to Dover Airmen

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force outlined the Air Force's primary concerns Feb. 11 to Dover Air Force Base Airmen. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley told base Airmen that the service's top-three priorities are winning the war on terrorism, taking care of Airmen and

  • CMSAF outlines future force improvements

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody discussed the force’s way forward at the 2014 Air Force Association’s Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17.