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U.S. Air Force News

  • CJCS: Happy Birthday, U.S. Air Force

    Adm. Michael Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sends his wishes to the men and women of the U.S. Air Force:Sixty-two years ago, President Truman signed the National Security Act that created a separate service dedicated to protecting America's skies, ready to fly, fight and win

  • CJCS: Happy birthday, U.S. Navy

    Adm. Michael Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sends his wishes to the men and women of the U.S.Navy.On Oct. 13, 1775, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and passed legislation creating what would become the United States Navy. America celebrates this day every year,

  • CJRs available for all reenlisting Airmen

    Air Force officials announced fiscal 2008 will start without any restrictions on first-term Career Job Reservations for enlisted specialties. Most years Airmen compete for a limited number of jobs within their Air Force specialty codes, but this year, Air Force officials expect to meet enlisted

  • CJTF-OIR mission brings twin brothers together during deployment

    Throughout the history of the military it has remained common for generations of men and women to follow in their family members’ footsteps and serve their country proudly. It’s also not unheard of for siblings to join together and serve together.

  • Clarke officially assumes responsibilities as Air Guard director

    Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III assumed the duties and responsibilities of director, Air National Guard in a ceremony here March 22 at the Air National Guard Readiness Center. Clarke took over as director from Lt. Gen. Harry "Bud" Wyatt, who retired.A command pilot with more than 4000 hours,

  • Class bell rings for cadets

    Sports has its opening day, Broadway its opening night, and the academy its first day of class.The anticipation of the new school year that begins Aug. 10 brings a book bag full of optimism for cadets and faculty as diverse as themselves.“There’s so much excitement in that first meeting. It’s the

  • Class of 2006 outstanding cadets recognized

    The graduation ceremony for 879 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets took place today at the academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.   Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley were there to celebrate with the cadets and their

  • Class of 2007 cadets learn their future Air Force jobs

    Some 1,000 junior class cadets learned May 19 what their future Air Force jobs will be, a full year ahead of their graduation date.Until recent changes to the personnel system, cadets waited until the fall semester of their senior year to learn their career assignments. Undergraduate pilot training

  • Class of 2008 arrives at academy

    More than 1,300 cadet appointees said goodbye to their families July 1 and entered the academy to begin their careers in the Air Force. Inprocessing was a long one-day event filled with medical and dental evaluations, haircuts, clothing and equipment issue, and squadron and dormitory room

  • Class of 2009: You are recognized!

    “No corrections need to be made.” This was the appraisal given by squadron element leaders March 18 to the class of 2009 after a whirlwind two-day training event. First class cadets formally recognized the fourth classmen by awarding them their prop and wings insignia, which symbolizes the end of

  • Class of 2011 arrives with impressive credentials

    The 1,304 members of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2011 arrive June 28 to in-process and begin basic cadet training here.The Class of 2011 boasts the largest percentage of women entering basic cadet training in academy history at 20.7 percent, surpassing last year's mark by 0.3 percent. Of

  • Class of 2012 arrives at Academy

    The 1,369 members of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2012 arrived to begin Basic Cadet Training June 26 here. The Class of 2012 boasts the largest percentage of women entering Basic Cadet Training in Academy history at 21.48 percent, surpassing last year's previous all-time high mark by 0.7

  • Class of 2020 takes graduation in stride during COVID-19 crisis

    Vice President Mike Pence changed his plans amid the global COVID-19 pandemic to give the commencement address, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flew over and 967 new officers closed-out their four years at the school by hurling their caps into the air at the end of the ceremony.

  • Class offers hands-on approach to 'lean' principles

    Most Air Force members have become familiar with the term "lean" in recent years, the basic concept of improving processes by eliminating waste. But when it comes to applying lean concepts to their everyday practices, many Airmen are still at a loss. To better help Airmen here understand lean

  • Class project teaches movie-making

    He is dry-witted, serious about his craft, and worried about budget and deadlines. He produced and directed his first movie last spring and, perhaps most notably, he is too young to legally see many movies playing in the theaters.Steven Watts, a 13-year-old Spangdahlem Middle School student, and

  • Class selected for cyber security boot camp

    Forty men and women from across the country will focus on a futuristic "cybercraft" as they participate in the 2006 Class of the Advanced Course in Engineering Cyber Security Boot Camp. A joint selection committee of Syracuse University and Air Force Research Laboratory officials reviewed the

  • Classes aim to spark interest in science, technology

    From robotics engineering to gaming technology, Defense Department school officials are hoping their new, cutting-edge courses will spark a lifelong passion for science and technology in their students.Under a new science, technology, engineering and math initiative, Department of Defense Education

  • Classic associate unit activated at Kirtland AFB

    The Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz recently approved the creation of a classic associate unit by aligning elements of the 150th Wing and 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB, N.M.The 58th SOW, which is a regular Air Force unit, will serve as the host, and will have

  • Clean, low-energy solutions sought for mammoth program

    Ongoing technical and cost analyses could lead program officials to seek a mixture of alternative energy sources to fuel the next generation of massive ground-based radars that will track space objects and debris.In October, Electronic Systems Center officials here released a Request for Proposal

  • Cleaner KC-10 engines expected to burn less fuel

    Mobility Airmen may have found a way to conserve Air Force resources and help preserve the environment.Prolonged and repeated KC-10 air refueling operations in desert climates can degrade the aircraft engines. But the Air Force now uses a new KC-10 engine cleaning process, which is projected to save

  • Cleanup process gets DOD support

    The Air Force gained Department of Defense support in October for an environmental-cleanup approach that may accelerate progress at as many as 24 Air Force sites.The new method involves merging land-use control actions into records of decision, said Maureen Koetz, deputy assistant secretary of the

  • Cleanup program on fast track

    When Andrews Air Force Base, Md., was placed on the Environmental Protection Agency's National Priorities List of contaminated sites in 1999, environmental restoration program managers estimated it would take until 2014 and millions of dollars to remedy the sites.With 23 sites and 10 areas of

  • Clear communication

    Tech Sgt. Jimmy Kuwahara, 40th Expeditionary Communication Squadron radio maintenance journeyman, installs a UHF antenna that will be used for ground to air communication at a forward-deployed location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Kuwahara is a member of the Hawaii Air National Guard.

  • Cleared hot: When predators and reapers engage

    Following the mission brief and pre-flight checks, an aircrew consisting of an officer pilot in command and a career enlisted aviator sensor operator observe a target in an area of responsibility overseas from a cockpit in the U.S. and waits for the green light from a joint terminal attack

  • CLEP testing saves money, time, headaches

    There is a way for Airmen to earn their degrees using knowledge gained from work and personal study, while at the same time saving money and shortening time spent in classes.The College Level Examination Program and the Excelsior examination program are available to servicemembers in pursuit of a

  • Climate survey deadline extended to Dec. 14

    If you want to play a part in shaping the future of the Air Force, an effective and proven tool may be sitting in your inbox and you have until Dec. 14 to be heard. Since Oct. 1, an initial e-mail invitation and several follow-on reminders were sent out Air Force-wide, which included a link to the

  • Climate survey enhancements to improve awareness for commanders

    More than 3.2 million Defense Department and Coast Guard military and civilian personnel have the opportunity to affect their organization's readiness using the newest release of the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute's Organizational Climate Survey, DEOCS 4.0, DEOMI officials said.

  • Climate survey hits halfway point

    Since its launch Oct. 1, more than 25 percent of Air Force people have taken advantage of the opportunity to speak to their leaders through the 2003 Air Force Climate Survey. The survey’s importance hinges on maximum participation, and the more people who participate, the better the results,

  • Climate survey is opportunity to share opinions with AF leaders

    The Total Force Climate Survey, available from March 13 to April 27, offers active-duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and civilian Airmen a chance to express their opinions, perceptions and suggestions to help leaders improve their units.

  • Clinic offers disabled veterans new outlook on life

    Sitting in a kayak, gliding across the water, Richard Worlitz was at peace. Here, there were no boundaries, no limitations. And limitations are something he is very familiar with. An Air Force veteran, Mr. Worlitz is both visually and physically handicapped. He lost his vision six years ago and,

  • Clinic provides disabled vets pathway to paralympics

    Air Force veteran Sean Halsted was a decent skier before he fell 40 feet out of a helicopter while on a fast rope during a search-and-rescue training exercise in 1998. Paralyzed from the waist down, he feared his active days were behind him. Three years after his accident, Mr. Halsted reluctantly

  • Clinic traffic downrange shows need for hearing protection

    When gearing up for a mission in Afghanistan, servicemembers don't forget their helmet, gloves, weapon, eye protection or body armor. But what about hearing protection? Staff Sgt. Lee Adams, an ear, nose and throat technician here, said more than half of the patients seen in the ENT walk-in clinics

  • Clinic treats adults, children for cerebral palsy

    Officials at a new clinic are providing comprehensive treatment for adults and children suffering from cerebral palsy at the San Antonio Military Medical Complex, formerly called the Wilford Hall Medical Center. The San Antonio Military Medical Complex Adult and Pediatric Spasticity Clinic is

  • Clinical trials seek to improve warriors' burn care

    New hope is on the horizon for wounded warriors suffering debilitating burns as officials from the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine and their partners at medical research centers launch three promising clinical trials.Burns are among the most painful and debilitating battlefield

  • Clinton condemns 'provocative' North Korean activities, rhetoric

    Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton May 27 reiterated U.S. commitment to South Korea's and Japan's security in light of what she called North Korea's "provocative and belligerent" activities and rhetoric. "The United States has and intends always to honor ... the defense of South Korea and

  • Clinton urges aid to Libya, pressure on Gadhafi

    The international community must work toward three goals in Libya, America's senior diplomat said March 29: delivering humanitarian assistance, pressuring and isolating Moammar Gadhafi's regime, and supporting Libyans' efforts for political change.Speaking in London, at the International Conference

  • Clinton, Gates urge appropriations bill passage

    Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates issued a joint statement Dec. 21 encouraging Senate passage of the Defense Appropriations Bill. "We strongly urge Senate passage of the Defense Appropriations Bill today, prior to expiration of the current continuing

  • Clinton: U.S. will redouble antiterrorism efforts

    The U.S. will not become complacent in the aftermath of killing Osama bin Laden, but will continue its efforts to stamp out terrorism with new resolve, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said May 2. "We must take this opportunity to renew our resolve and redouble our efforts," she said. "Our

  • 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.