Air Force stands ready for 2006 hurricane season

With hurricanes Katrina and Rita still fresh on their minds, Air Force officials stand ready to face anything Mother Nature may throw at them this hurricane season, senior leaders here said. “We provide first-in, last-out support for humanitarian crises and natural disasters,” said Air Force Chief

Tool team improves maintenance efficiency

Eleven Airmen with the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron here have made their facility a user-friendly and efficient workspace.When the consolidated tool kit, or CTK, team arrived in February, they were disappointed with the condition of their facility."There were parts and trash everywhere.

International cadet program expands at academy

The U.S. Air Force Academy's first cadets from Iraq, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Belize and Madagascar begin their academy experience today. They are among 20 international basic cadet trainees who begin inprocessing to join the Class of 2010. The new international basic cadet trainees hail from:

CENTAF releases airpower summary for June 22

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for June 22.In Afghanistan June 21, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle conducted a precision strike on a group of Taliban extremists near Gereshk. The Predator UAV expended a Hellfire missile, ending the

Retraining program achieves 95 percent success

The NCO Retraining Program, designed to balance the enlisted force by moving NCOs from career fields with overages to those with shortages, has reached an unprecedented 95 percent of the Air Staff goal for the fiscal 2006 program. This is the most successful NCORP to date, said officials from the

Air Force announces new mission at Cannon AFB

Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., will be the new home for an Air Force special operations wing, Air Force officials announced June 20.Air Force Special Operations Command will accept ownership of Cannon AFB and the Melrose Range effective Oct. 1, 2007. The decision came as a result of an eight-step

Ice blaster saves money, manpower

To remove sealant from the wings of F-16 Fighting Falcons, Airmen here are replacing elbow grease and plastic scrapers with dry ice.The new process, which uses a machine to blast material with dry ice pellets, saves time, money and manpower, and is easy to clean up, said officials from the 574th

CENTAF releases airpower summary for June 21

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for June 21.In Afghanistan June 20, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for coalition forces taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Tarin Kowt. The B1-B expended

C-5 still going strong after 38 years

Thirty-eight years after the C-5 Galaxy made its maiden flight on June 30, 1968, it marks another significant milestone. At Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., on Monday, June 19, the upgraded C-5M made its first flight right on schedule. A rollout ceremony for the first of 111 C-5Ms was held at the

Central Command's mission more than Iraq, Afghanistan

U.S. Central Command is responsible for more than fighting the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan, and CENTCOM officials emphasize they are not ignoring the challenges in the rest of their area of operations. A senior CENTCOM official, speaking on background June 12, said the major enemy in the

Community at large benefits from space innovation

In the midst of budget cuts and space program cost overruns, the Air Force has found a way to save taxpayers money and, at the same time, increase small satellite launch capability to its maximum potential. It’s called the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Secondary Payload Adapter, or ESPA, ring.

Robins team gives fast assist to special ops warfighters

When MH-53 Pave Low crews discovered they were more vulnerable to small-arms fire than they thought, they put out a call for help. A team from the 330th Special Operations Support Group, now called the 580th Aircraft Sustainment Group, answered the call. What had alarmed one crew was finding that a

Theater leaders discuss different methods of war

Representatives from all the geographic combatant commanders met here June 15 to discuss new ways of affecting change on an adversary involving less force than standard operations, and, in some cases, little or no force at all. U.S. Pacific Command’s Standing Joint Force Headquarters served as host

CENTAF releases airpower summary for June 20

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for June 20.In Afghanistan June 19, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle conducted precision strikes against anti-coalition forces near Deh Rawood. The B-1B expended several precision-guided

Balancing capability portfolios key to Air Force success

Every day, news headlines tout successes of the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan, but seldom make mention of Air Force contributions. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John D. W. Corley told lawmakers and defense industry insiders on Capitol Hill June 14 that that lack of coverage doesn't mean

Edwards team performs second test of small launch vehicle

A 418th Flight Test Squadron team performed the second in a series of tests June 14 by airdropping a 65-foot, 65,000-pound mockup of a booster rocket from a C-17 Globemaster III over the Edwards precision impact range area. The drop, performed at 29,500 feet above sea level, was part of a project

Warfighting integration reduces inaccuracy, inefficiency

Over the next decade, the Air Force will continue to use information technology to leverage the capability of its people and weapons systems. During a conference here June 13, Lt. Gen. Michael W. Peterson, Air Force chief of warfighting integration and chief information officer, told members of the

AFMC introduces 'Community of Practice' Web site

The Air Force Materiel Command Inspector General is making business easier with a new Community of Practice, or CoP, Web site. The CoP allows IG team members to collaborate with each other at the home station and on the road, said Col. Henry Andrews Jr., inspector general.“It’s a better way

Northern Edge 2006 takes joint operations to next level

Exercise Northern Edge 2006, Alaska's largest joint training exercise, concluded June 16.Nearly 5,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen worked together against a simulated enemy for two weeks, destroying targets on land and in the sea, gaining control of the Alaskan sky and performing

ESC delivers French AWACS capability

Radars on the French Airborne Warning and Control System fleet are now more capable thanks to a recently completed improvement effort managed by the Electronic Systems Center. The French AWACS Radar System Improvement Program concluded this month with the delivery of the fourth and final French E-3F

Core values start with oath

For the Air Force core values program to be effective, those values must be linked to the oath taken when entering military service, said Rabbi Arnold Resnicoff, special assistant to the Air Force secretary and chief of staff for values and vision. "Core values (form) a framework for a vision," he

CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the combined airpower summary for June 16 to 18.June 18In Afghanistan June 17, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for coalition forces taking small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from Taliban extremists near Ghazni. The

Smoke-free clinic encourages healthy lifestyle

Encouraging healthy lifestyles is the focus of a new policy at the 36th Medical Group here.A no smoking policy is now in effect for everyone assigned to the 36th MDG while they are on its campus, including the parking spaces adjacent to the clinic. Signs are being erected to request visitors keep

Academy grads team up for reality show

In a “quest for a promised hidden treasure,” a team of three former Air Force officers are competing against nine teams on NBC's new adventure series "Treasure Hunters." The team of U.S. Air Force Academy graduates includes husband and wife Matt and Brooke Rillos and their friend Matt Zitzlsperger.

Security forces get lifesaving training

Security forces Airmen here train for missions beyond the scope of their traditional roles. Thanks to the U.S. Army, they now have training that may save someone’s life. Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron completed a 40-hour combat lifesaving course.The Airmen learned basic

Zarqawi air strike shows aerial flexibility, general says

The attack that killed Abu Musab al-Zarqawi demonstrates the flexibility that air assets give commanders, officials here said. Brig. Gen. Stephen Hoog, an air planner with Multinational Force Iraq, gave a timeline of the operation that resulted in the death June 7 of the most wanted terrorist in

Pararescuemen chance the extremes

From an altitude of 3,500 feet, Air Force pararescue jumpers, or PJs, leap from a C-130 Hercules in an effort to rescue three victims from the frigid waters of the Kachemak Bay in Alaska. This was one of three training scenarios for PJs deployed to Alaska for Northern Edge 2006. “Alaska’s different

Scientific researchers review molecular dynamics

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research here completed a periodic review of its molecular dynamics research program during an annual conference last week.More than 90 researchers and scientists attended the 2006 Contractors Meeting in Molecular Dynamics. Organizations represented included the

RAF Lakenheath welcomes new mission, aircraft

The first two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters from the 56th Rescue Squadron arrived here from Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, via a C-17 Globemaster III June 12 and 13. Five aircraft and many operators and maintainers are moving here as part of the reallocation of the Iceland-based unit. “We’re

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for June 15.In Afghanistan June 14, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1B Lancer conducted precision strikes on insurgent defensive fighting locations, compounds, cave entrances and troops near Khowst. The aircraft

Hickam honors World War II vets with new C-17

The delivery of the seventh of eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs here June 14 brought 15th Airlift Wing and Pacific Air Forces Airmen together with World War II veterans. The aircraft, christened "The Spirit of 'Go For Broke,'” is a tribute to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. The 442nd fought in Europe

Air Force announces integration, information award winners

The winners of the Air Force’s annual Warfighting Integration and Chief Information Officer Awards for 2005 have been announced. “Each year, the quality of the nominations we receive shows we have troops at every level of command who continue to excel in conducting warfighter missions around the

Technology offers high-tech patient monitoring

Wilford Hall Medical Center Critical Care Air Transport Team, or CCATT, members are testing technology designed to improve patient care in the air. The latest advancement in remote monitoring capability, the medical heads-up display, or MHUD, was brought here by technicians from the Air Warfare

Research lab tests fuel-efficient, flying-wing aircraft

A new aircraft with the potential to get up to 30 percent better fuel mileage because of its unique flying-wing shape is being tested by the Air Force Research Laboratory and industry partners. The prototype blended wing body, or BWB, aircraft is a modified, triangular-shaped aircraft configuration

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for June 14.In Afghanistan June 13, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s conducted precision strikes on Taliban extremists in the open and by a cave entrance near Khowst. The A-10s expended

Today is Flag Day

While July Fourth is traditionally celebrated as our nation’s birthday, June 14 is the day to celebrate its most cherished and recognizable symbol: the American Flag. Today, America recognizes the 229th birthday of Old Glory with its own holiday.  The Continental Congress adopted it as the official

FOD is Public Enemy No. 1

Tiny objects make big trouble for jet engines -- something smaller than a fingernail can destroy an engine worth hundreds of thousands, even millions, of dollars. Foreign object damage, or FOD, typically occurs when small objects such as hardware fragments from aircraft are ingested into the

Hurricane Hunters track down Alberto

Air Force reservists from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron’s “Hurricane Hunters” began flying the year’s first storm missions June 10 into Tropical Storm Alberto. The Hurricane Hunters found that the center of the cyclone had abruptly reformed near the deep convection and was relocated some

Chief of staff adds five books to reading list

Officials announced five additions to the Air Force chief of staff reading list June 12. "The books on our reading list link our heritage to the horizon before us,” said Gen. T. Michael Moseley. “They help Airmen better understand our Air Force’s and our nation’s rich military heritage. But they

Air Force urologist receives first-place recognition

An Air Force urologist received first-place recognition for best urologist-in-training scientific paper at the national meeting of the American Urologic Association in Atlanta, an event attended by more than 10,000 international participants. Maj. (Dr.) Kyle Weld is the urology department assistant

Peterson, Misawa have top large commissaries

The commissary at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., has been selected by the Defense Commissary Agency as the top large commissary in the U.S. The commissary at Misawa Air Base, Japan, was selected as the top large store overseas. There were a total of 48 stores that received awards in this year's

Selective re-enlistment bonus changes for 14 specialties

Air Force officials have announced changes to the selective re-enlistment bonus program. A message from Headquarters Air Force, dated May 24, 2006, indicated changes to the program for 14 Air Force Specialty Codes. Those changes follow a thorough review of the SRB program, and are part of the Air

Air Force recognizes judge advocates for excellence

The office of the Judge Advocate General of the Air Force has announced the winners of the Judge Advocate General 2005 Annual Awards. Winners of the 2005 awards include: -- Kuhfeld Award for Outstanding Young Judge Advocate: Maj. Charles Plummer, staff judge advocate, 501st Combat Support Wing,

Pounds wins second NCAA javelin title

Saving the best for last and using a final throw of 190 feet, 3 inches, recent Air Force Academy graduate Dana Pounds successfully defended her javelin title at the NCAA Track and Field Championships here on June 9. Defeating the runner-up by nearly 12 feet, the Lexington, Ky., native claimed her

Training exchange strengthens ties between U.S., Argentina

A delegation from the Argentinean air force completed a weeklong visit on June 9 to the 479th Flying Training Group here as part of an international exchange program. Capt. Gustavo Pollastrelli, Capt. Juan Sabalua and 1st Lt. Roberto Montaldo, all Argentinean instructor pilots from Mendoza Air Force

CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for June 9 to 11.June 11 In Afghanistan June 10, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted several strafing passes, firing cannon rounds against Taliban extremists near Oruzgan. In a second engagement, an MQ-1 Predator unmanned

Northern Edge aims for air, sea dominance

“Our end result (of Northern Edge 2006) is to establish complete dominance in the air and at sea,” said Col. John Marselus, chief of the Joint Exercise Division, or JED, for U.S. Alaskan Command.The focus of the annual joint-service exercise is to prepare joint forces to respond to crises in the

Medics humbled by humanitarian experience

Thirty-three active duty military, civilian and reserve medical professionals have returned home from the Sahara desert after taking part in African Lion 2006, a medical humanitarian exercise in Morocco in late May. Doctors, nurses and technicians representing obstetrics and gynecology, optometry,

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for June 8.In Afghanistan June 7, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support to coalition forces taking small-arms fire near Tarin Kowt. The A-10s conducted strafing passes expending cannon rounds, successfully

Tech, master promotion rates announced

The Air Force has selected 4,613 of 23,230 eligible technical sergeants for promotion to master sergeant, a 19.85 percent selection rate; and 6,904 of 41,186 eligible staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant, a 16.76 percent selection rate. The master sergeant selection rate dropped 6.19

AFMC delivers capability that helps take out al-Zarqawi

The Air Force’s latest contribution to the ongoing war on terrorism took center stage June 7 when an air strike against an identified, isolated safe house north of Baghdad killed terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, head of al-Qaida in Iraq. Air Force Materiel Command developed, acquired, tested

Red Horse squadrons unite in the fight

Red Horse squadrons from around the globe are combining forces to improve the quality of life for military members and safety conditions for Airmen and aircraft in South Korea. Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers from Osan’s 554th RHS have worked closely with Guard,

Youth Service Medal recognizes children's sacrifices

When servicemembers deploy, they aren't the only ones who serve. Their families serve also, and usually the separation is hardest on the children. Homecomings are joyous moments for military families, but until recently, the service and sacrifice made by the children of deployed troops went largely

New squadron first step in C-130 training pipeline

The first stop C-130 Hercules aircrew members will make in the training pipeline before operating the "Herc" is at the newly created 714th Training Squadron here. Lt. Col. Thomas Anderson assumed command of the squadron in a ceremony June 5 in the base's newest C-130 hangar. Col. Andy Hamilton,

AETC deploys new pilot screening for fiscal '07

Air Education and Training Command officials here announced they will field a new psychomotor skills test to be required of all candidates meeting pilot selection boards after Oct. 1. The replacement of the Basic Aptitude Test with the new Test of Basic Aviation Skills represents a command

Missileers receive new computer capabilities

Airmen who pull alert in ICBM launch control centers deep underground in remote locations around the country are virtually cut off from the outside world. Ensuring America’s intercontinental ballistic missile force is ready at a moment’s notice may be considered a lonely, isolated job with an

Force shaping necessary for AF budgetary management

As Air Force officials continue to implement 2006 force shaping initiatives, they prepare for the majority of personnel reductions set for fiscal 2007. They plan to reduce the service's current size by 40,000 full time equivalent positions by 2011. This amounts to roughly 35,000 active duty

Summer 'Air and Space Power Journal' available

The College for Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education at Air University has published and distributed the Summer 2006 English edition of the Air Force's professional journal, "Air and Space Power Journal." The journal serves as an open forum for the presentation and stimulation of innovative

First group of Air Force civilians now part of NSPS

Although there have been only two pay periods since the Department of Defense’s new civilian pay system began, the transition to the National Security Personnel System has been smooth, said an NSPS official here. “The system conversion to NSPS went very well,” said Deborah Carlton, NSPS deputy chief

Space command creates one focal point for networks

On June 1, Air Force Space Command stood up a major command coordination center, or MCCC, creating a single focal point for all network systems across the command. All major commands are required by headquarters Air Force to consolidate their network operations and systems under an MCCC. Air Force

Stolen VA records: Airmen urged to be vigilant

Air Force officials are asking Airmen to stay extra vigilant in protecting their credit and themselves from identity theft in light of the recent theft of 26.5 million veteran’s records from the home of a Department of Veterans Affairs employee in May. The VA announced over the weekend that the

Assignment opportunities expand for Code-C Airmen

Some previously restricted Airmen now may be assigned permanently or on temporary duty to any stateside base with a medical facility or to certain overseas bases with a medical facility because of recent changes to Air Force Instruction 41-210, “Patient Administration Functions,” and the initiation

24/7 personnel services are here

The Air Force is changing in shape and size, and military personnel flights, or MPFs, are part of this change. Their transformation is called personnel services delivery. Phase One of the transformation has seven groups of changes projected to be in place by December 2007. Two recent changes allow

Thunderbirds announce 2007 officers

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, “Thunderbirds,” has announced its new officers for the 2007 demonstration season, the 54th in the team’s history.Joining the team on the left wing position at Thunderbird No. 2 is Maj. Chris Austin from the 57th Wing here. The slot pilot, Thunderbird

Housing privatization reaches many milestones

The Air Force housing privatization office has reached several major milestones in its seven-year effort to improve base housing for Airmen and their families, an Air Force official said recently. “We are gaining momentum,” said Col. Michael Smietana, chief of Air Force housing. “We’re very close to

Software team finds new mission with C-5

Now that the C-141 Starlifter has officially retired after 43 years of providing strategic global airlift, those who cared for it are left behind to find a new purpose. The 402nd Maintenance Group software support team is filling the void with a new workload -- the C-5 Galaxy. “It’s an engineer’s

No flight plan, no Northern Edge

The echoes of jet engines roaring over the snow-capped Chugach Mountains are a thrilling byproduct of many moving parts comprised of U.S. servicemembers on the ground. The 3rd Operations Support Squadron Airfield Management Office here creates flight plans for more than 70 aircraft a day and

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for June 5.In Afghanistan June 4, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 Lancer responded to coalition forces taking mortar, rocket-propelled-grenade and small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Qalat. The B-1 expended

Movie project transforms Holloman

What do the Air Force’s first stealth fighter, a toy that has been around since the 1980s, and a director who loves big-budget, special effects-driven movies all have in common? The answer is the DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures project, "Transformers," being filmed here. On May 19, Col. David Moore,

AETC housing privatization on track

Despite delays caused by Hurricane Katrina, Air Education and Training Command is still on track to meet its goal of privatizing 100 percent of military family housing. The Housing Privatization Initiative was approved by the Department of Defense in 1996 as a more timely and cost-effective way to

Hurricane Hunters ready to take on 2006 storm season

It was a quiet opening day of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season. Hurricane Hunters of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron spent the day training and getting ready for what forecasters say will be another active season. Though the season officially began June 1 and ends Nov. 30, last year these

CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for June 2 to 4. June 4In Afghanistan June 3, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, a B-1B Lancer and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s responded to coalition forces taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Gereshk. The A-10s

Secretary Wynne expects Airmen to continue to excel

While visiting various installations in the San Antonio area May 31 to June 2, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne talked about the importance of core values, technology and training facing today’s Airmen and the Air Force. The secretary focused on what the Air Force expects from its Airmen

Three F-16 wings deploy to Korea

Elements of fighter wings from three Air National Guard units have deployed here this week in support of their air expeditionary force rotations. Components of the 150th, 140th and 120th Fighter Wings from the New Mexico, Colorado and Montana Air National Guard, respectively, have been renamed the

Hydraulics shop ‘Leans’ into AFSO 21

By discussing processes during continuous improvement workshops, called Kaizen, the 56th Component Maintenance Squadron is able to develop smarter operations by just using common sense. Industry-proven process improvement programs such as Lean that use techniques like Kaizen are being used to

Academy javelin star adds to her trophy shelf

A 2006 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate was named the Female Field Event Athlete of the Year for the Mountain Region, officials from the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association announced June 1. Dana Pounds, a newly commissioned second lieutenant, will look to defend her national

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for June 1. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, a B-1B Lancer and a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle responded to coalition forces taking small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades from Taliban extremists near

Air Guard salutes top Airmen, NCOs

Six Airmen were honored in Washington, D.C., recently as the Air National Guard’s top enlisted members of the year. The honorees are:Airman of the Year: newly promoted Staff Sgt. Saul Soto-Sanchez, 156th Logistics Squadron, Muniz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico.NCO of the Year: Staff Sgt.

Housing privatization embraces Smart Operations 21

The Air Force housing privatization process is taking a leaner, more efficient approach to getting the job done by developing one central management center, Air Force officials said recently. “The secretary of the Air Force challenged us to find a better way to manage and broker deals and successful

Remote airstrips are hell on wheels

C-130 maintainers are in a Herculean battle against enemies that have been around since the dawn of time: dirt, rocks and dust.While C-130 Hercules perform the tactical portion of the airlift mission by bringing in troops and supplies to remote locations, called forward operating bases, they have to

Academy graduates will help secure freedom, Rumsfeld says

The U.S. will triumph over murderous extremists because of the daring and ingenuity of its people and armed forces, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said in his commencement address at the U.S. Air Force Academy May 31."Violent extremists are trying to terrorize and intimidate free people into

Rates change for Foreign Language Proficiency Pay

The Office of the Secretary of Defense recently approved new Foreign Language Proficiency Pay rates that will increase entitlements for eligible and qualified military members beginning June 1, while eliminating FLPP for others. The highest maximum pay rate for a single-language proficiency

Air Force Link inaugurates 'Perspectives'

The Air Force Link "Web exclusives" page for the month of June takes a unique look at three separate stories, not only through the lenses of three Air Force News photojournalists, but through their personal narrations as each tells the unique perspective of his story in his own words. Each

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for May 31.In Afghanistan yesterday, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1B Lancer responded to troops in contact near Qalat. The A-10s performed strafing passes, ending the engagement. In total, coalition aircraft flew 23

Rumsfeld voices confidence in academy graduating class

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld told the 879 second lieutenants who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy today that their challenge will be to go beyond a simple change of process. “Our country did not survive and become great through timid responses or aversion to risk,” he said. “Ours

Combat mobility element moves cargo quickly, safely

The 15th Airlift Wing at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, sent a pair of its C-17 Globemaster IIIs here to support the Australian Defense Force. U.S. crews are shuttling cargo and Australian military forces to strategic locations within the country.This operation involves moving massive amounts of cargo, and

Pencils and scalpels: Artists help providers illustrate the cure

For many communicators, success is measured by how accurate they are in providing information to help get bombs on target or assist with enemy kills. Yet, there is one group of communication specialists who measure success by lives saved through their ability to illustrate medical procedures.For

New fuels system saving Air Force time, money

Airmen here are refueling aircraft faster than ever before and doing it with fewer people, thanks to the next generation of fuels mobility support equipment. The new system is called Fuels Operational Readiness Capability Equipment, or FORCE. This equipment is making life easier for Airmen and

AFSO 21 initiative leads to safer flying at Lakenheath

As Air Force Smart Operations 21 went Air Force-wide this year, the 48th Fighter Wing here jump-started its program with weekly AFSO 21 initiatives briefed at wing stand-up. “I want every Airman, civilian and (Ministry of Defense) employee on this base to understand, first of all, what AFSO 21 is,

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for May 30.In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs responded to coalition troops taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Deh Rawood. The A-10s conducted several strafing passes, ending the engagement. In

New troop crosswalk

Airmen set sail aboard USNS Mercy for humanitarian mission

Three Airmen from the 374th Medical Group here are deployed to the U.S. Navy hospital ship, USNS Mercy, as it travels through Southeast Asia on a humanitarian mission.The mission is an opportunity for a U.S. team consisting of medical professionals from the Air Force, Army and Navy to work with

General Hobbins delivers Normandy Memorial Day address

The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe delivered the Memorial Day ceremony address at Normandy American Cemetery here May 28. Gen. Tom Hobbins said that U.S. participation in the ceremony was important. “(Memorial) Day is very memorable for all nations that have participated in ensuring the

AFSO 21 crucial to achieving new vision

Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century will be crucial to achieving the 50th Space Wing’s new vision, said Col. John Hyten, wing commander. “If someone asks you how we can do things smarter, tell them AFSO 21 gives us free rein to cut through red tape,” Colonel Hyten said. “With AFSO 21, we

Postal Service reissues Purple Heart stamp

A new version of a postage stamp commemorating the Purple Heart and all those who have earned it was issued in a ceremony here May 26. At the ceremony, two veterans of the war in Iraq were awarded Purple Hearts by R. James Nicholson, secretary of Veterans Affairs. "(The Purple Heart) celebrates the

CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials release the airpower summary for May 26 to 29.May 29Coalition aircraft flew 36 close-air-support missions May 29 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The missions supported coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities, and operations to

National Guard program helps at-risk teens

The Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy is a 22-week program designed to help troubled or at-risk teens. It gives the 16- to 18-year-olds a second chance to focus, get a high school diploma and acquire the skills they will need to lead a productive life. Although the academy uses a

New technology could make target acquisition more accurate

At this moment, above Iraq and Afghanistan, American data sensors are collecting information and intelligence about what is happening on the ground. What happens to the data depends largely on a sensor's owner and its mission. The data could be reviewed immediately, or it could be stored for later

Heritage Flight over New York

Mission of security forces constantly evolving

Through the eyes of Staff Sgt. David Brown, the mission of the security forces has changed since the beginning of the war in Iraq. After all, this is his eighth deployment since Operation Iraqi Freedom started. As a sign of things to come, Airmen from the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron