NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Commander brings holiday cheer to Ecuadorian schools

    U.S. Southern Command's deputy commander, Lt. Gen. Glenn F. Spears, visited two schools Dec. 10 in Manta, Ecuador, presenting both with certificates pledging thousands of dollars to fund renovation projects and provide school supplies. General Spears was accompanied by a group of personnel from

  • Commander challenges technologists for better solutions

    When is technology more than just a piece of equipment or an information system? When a ground troop uses it to make a life-or-death decision in a split-second on the battlefield, or when an admiral sends an aircraft carrier as a show of force to mitigate or avoid conflict. Technology also assists

  • Commander cites 'positive impact' from Iraq mission

    Most of about 24,000 U.S. service members remaining in Iraq will be home "well before Christmas," the last U.S. division commander there said today.Army Maj. Gen. Bernard S. Champoux, commander of U.S. Division-Center and the Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division, briefed Pentagon reporters via video

  • Commander declares 2006 ‘Rebirth of SMC’

    Stressing processes, partnerships and people, the Space and Missile Systems Center commander told about 100 Aerospace Corporation employees they play a vital role in the “rebirth of SMC” and continued mission success. Lt. Gen. Michael A. Hamel spoke Feb. 16 as part of The Aerospace Corporation’s

  • Commander discusses future of Air Force Reserve

    Discussing the future of the Air Force, senior military and industry leaders gathered at the Air Force Association's 2013 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor, Md., Sept. 16-18.

  • Commander discusses 'jewel in crown' of America's military

    The United States military is the best-manned, best-equipped and best-trained force in the world, but that doesn't mean a thing if it can't get to the fight, said the commander of U.S. Transportation Command. The 138,000 military and civilian men and women of the U.S. Transportation Command and its

  • Commander discusses multinational airlift operations from Hungary

    For the first time, 12 nations have come together, independent of NATO, to fly in support of their national requirements under the provisions of the Strategic Airlift Capability program, a U.S. military officer in Papa, Hungary, said July 29. "While we don't take operational directions from (NATO),

  • Commander discusses Yokota's role in Operation Tomodachi

    Yokota Air Base's role as the sole airlift hub of the western Pacific increased in significance following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan.Col. Otto Feather, the 374th Air Wing commander here, discussed the importance of the wing's partnership with Japan to ongoing relief

  • Commander fatally shot at work laid to rest at Arlington

    Two months after Lt. Col. William “Bill” Schroeder was fatally shot during an incident of workplace violence, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard laid him to rest with full military honors June 16 at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.

  • Commander foresees Air Force mastery of cyberspace

    Information technology is a two-edged sword the Air Force must wield more expertly than the nation's enemies, said the commander of Air Force Materiel Command during an Oct. 25 speech at the InfoTech Conference in Dayton, Ohio. Gen. Bruce Carlson discussed today's fight against terrorism, including

  • Commander highlights AETC mission, impact, initiatives

    The commander of Air Education and Training Command treated a crowd of more than 2,000 to a look at "The First Command's" mission, initiatives, and impact on the Air Force during opening comments at the 2007 AETC Symposium Sept. 6 in San Antonio. Gen. William R. Looney III highlighted the three main

  • Commander holds six 'ACCES '

    Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Wood, the Air Forces Korea and Korea Air Component Command commander, has six  'ACCES' spread out over the Korean peninsula helping him to stack the deck in the Key Resolve Exercise.Known as the Air Component Coordination Elements, or ACCEs, the Air Reserve Component officers

  • Commander in chief visits Vance AFB

    The U.S. commander in chief stopped here May 6 en route to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater to give the commencement address. President George W. Bush was greeted by more than 300 servicemembers, civilians and their families. While the event was special for the base, it was the "best 17th

  • Commander in 'perfect' shape sets example for Airmen

    Every year, most Airmen set a goal of hoping to pass their annual fitness test, and some even set a goal to score a 100 percent. But how many people can get a perfect score on the toughest scale when they can do it at their own level? And how many also really hold themselves to the standard of

  • Commander leads troops through transition

    Leading more than 160,000 troops through a transition of authority from coalition forces to the interim Iraqi government is more of an art than a science says the commanding general for Multinational Corps-Iraq.Army Lt. Gen. Thomas F. Metz said that art comes in the delicate balance of reassigning

  • Commander of newest MAJCOM defines success, introduces command at AFA

    The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command stressed the importance of skilled and dedicated Airmen to the nuclear enterprise during a question-and-answer session following his address at the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exhibition Sept. 16. Praising Airmen who

  • Commander outlines Global Strike Command mission, vision, values

    The men and women of 20th Air Force and the 90th Missile Wing hosted the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command during an historic Air Force milestone as the command assumed responsibilities for the intercontinental ballistic missile mission Dec. 1.While at F.E. Warren, Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz

  • Commander praises Gustav preparations, response

    In the wake of Hurricane Gustav, residents of Louisiana are slowly heading to their homes and beginning to pick up the pieces left by the storm. Nearly half the state is without power, many people are running out of money and more than 70,000 Louisianans are still living in shelters. Yet, though

  • Commander provides update brief to Air Force leadership

    Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright visited Tyndall Air Force Base Oct. 27, for the second time since Hurricane Michael caused catastrophic damage.

  • Commander qualifies in the F-22, confident in Raptor

    Air Combat Command's senior Airman completed F-22 Raptor pilot qualification recently, reinforcing his personal stake in the Air Force's efforts to identify the root cause of unexplained physiological incidents involving a small number of Raptor crews. "As Airmen, risk is part of our lives as

  • Commander receives 2009 Space Trophy

    The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center commander received the 2009 Gen. Thomas D. White Air Force Space Trophy Nov. 20 in Beverly Hills, Calif. Maj. Gen. Stephen T. Sargeant received the trophy, which is awarded annually to a military or civilian employee of the Air Force for the most

  • Commander recounts historic Iraq C-17 airdrop

    It was by any measure a landmark moment for airlift operations and the C-17 Globemaster III. The nighttime airdrop last month of 1,000 "Sky Soldiers" from the 173rd Airborne Brigade behind enemy lines into northern Iraq was the largest combat airdrop since the invasion of Panama in December 1989

  • Commander retires after 38 years of service

    With one last review of a formation of Ramstein's finest Airmen, and along with it, one last coin challenge, Gen. William T. Hobbins, commander of United States Air Forces in Europe, was retired at a ceremony here Dec. 10 after more than 38 years of service. General Hobbins cited cooperation as key

  • Commander retires after 41 years of service

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen bid farewell to Gen. Roger A. Brady, the USAFE commander since 2008, who retired Dec. 13, as the longest-serving Air Force officer currently on active duty. "Being the commander of USAFE is really something; it just doesn't get much better than this," General Brady

  • Commander says headquarters' job is to make wings successful

    Air Force Global Strike Command's new top leader addressed his headquarters staff Jan. 12, less than a week after taking command. His message: the headquarters is responsible for ensuring the success of its subordinate units.Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski visited each of the command's installations Jan. 7

  • Commander says Rodeo 2009 competition will be 'best ever'

    With the shouts and sounds of the fit-to-fight competition resonating in the background, Maj. Gen. Brooks Bash, Air Mobility Rodeo 2009 commander, said he believes this year's edition of Rodeo will be the best ever. "That's because of the great spread of international partners and U.S. teams we have

  • Commander sees AEF working from deployed perspective

    The Air and Space Expeditionary Force Center commander recently visited his largest customer in theater -- U.S. Central Command Air Forces.Brig. Gen. Stephen L. Hoog said there was no better place to see that the AEF is working as advertised than in the Southwest Asia and Central Asia.“I appreciate

  • Commander selections get boost

    The latest 503 officers selected as support commanders highlights a new way of identifying future commanders using force development, said Air Force Personnel Center officials here."Squadron commanders are the heart and soul of the Air Force and support command is a prestigious leadership position,"

  • Commander shares vision for future force

    Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, 9th Air Force and U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander, shared his insight and vision for the future at the Combined Air Operations Center March 10. During his first visit as CENTAF commander, General North discussed the CENTAF mission and challenges facing Airmen and

  • Commander visits Japan earthquake relief team

    Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, U.S. Forces Japan commander, visited with an earthquake relief team July 21 comprised of Navy Seabees and Japan Ground Self Defense Force members.  The team was working in the Niigata Prefecture, an area hit by an earthquake July 16. During the trip the general commended the

  • Commander, chaplain talk about holiday stress

    The holiday season is almost upon us and some deployed Airmen may find themselves wrestling with a combination of stressors during the 40 or so days between Thanksgiving and the New Year.Many Airmen can find themselves overwhelmed with feelings of sadness or depression because they miss friends and

  • Commander: Airmen in for long haul at Bagram

    Where gravel was once the material of choice, concrete now sets in preparation for new buildings and storage areas at the Air Force sector here.The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing is growing to match the organizational structure more common to other Air Force wings, said Brig. Gen. James P. Hunt, the

  • Commanders carry legacy to future

    A long list of distinguished commanders, including the Air Force's first jet ace, has led the 31st Fighter Wing in its 60-year history. Col. James Jabara, who became a jet ace in 1951, led the wing in 1965. Commanders and Dates Assigned Col. William L. Lee, Nov. 20, 1947 Col. Eugene H. Snavely, Aug.

  • Commanders carry legacy to future

    From the 332nd Fighter Group to today's 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing , a short list of commanders have led these expeditionary Airmen into the fight. One of the commanders, Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr., was the first African-American officer in the Army Air Forces, and went on to become a general

  • Commanders forge Air Force's future

    For more than five decades, Air Force Flight Test Center commanders have played major leadership roles in developing and delivering cutting-edge aerospace technologies and war-winning capabilities to the Air Force. Brig. Gen. Albert Boyd, the first commander, is generally regarded as the "father" of

  • Commanders form distinguished list

    A long list of distinguished commanders, including an Air Force chief of staff have led the 509th Bomb Wing in its mission. The wing traces its historical roots to a World War II ancestor, the 509 Composite Group. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John D. Ryan was commander of the group and wing three

  • Commanders get sexual-assault prevention, response help

    The new sexual assault response coordinator at Air Force bases will help commanders improve response to sexual assault. As part of an effort to curtail sexual assaults within the ranks, DOD officials directed the services to appoint a coordinator at all appropriate levels of command. The

  • Commanders keep 'eyes in the sky'

    The 32 commanders of the 552nd Air Control Wing and its predessors have led Airmen to be the watchful eyes in the sky for more than 50 years.  From flying the EC-121 Constellation to today's E-3 Sentry, wing commanders have adapted the mission of the wing to grow and change. Commanders for the 552nd

  • Commanders lead Airmen in changing times

    From the 15th Pursuit Group to today's 15 Airlift Wing, more than 55 commanders have led the base's Airmen in its 66-year history. Two of the base's commanders during World War II went on to become general officers - Maj. Gen. Kenneth R. Powell and Maj. Gen. Dewitt S. Spain. The airport in Memphis

  • Commanders lead cyber warriors in challenging times

    From the 67th Reconnaissance Wing starting in 1947 to today's 67th Network Warfare Wing, more than 48 commanders have led cyber warrior Airmen in protecting the nation. 67th Reconnaissance Wing Col. Arthur R. DeBolt, November 1947 Lt. Col. Charles F. Scott Jr., Oct. 4, 1948 67th Tactical

  • Commanders lead in challenging times

    From a base hospital for cadet trainees during World War II to today's 59th Medical Wing, more than 30 commanders have led dedicated Airmen who serve others at the Air Force's foremost medical facility. Wilford Hall (Hospital and Medical Center) Commanders Lt. Col. Victor Dallin, 1941 Lt. Col.

  • Commanders lead in challenging times

    From a fighter-bomber wing during World War II to today's 50th Space Wing, more than 40 commanders have led dedicated Airmen in the pursuit of protecting the nation. Today's 50th SW provides crucial space support to the joint warfighter in the war on terrorism. 50th Fighter-Bomber Wing (June 1,

  • Commanders lead unconventional forces

    A distinguished list of 50 people have commanded the forces who support airpower by unconventional means. From landing gliders with farm animals behind enemy lines in Burma, to today's inclandestine night operations to support the war on terrorism, special operations forces have led the way,

  • Commanders must lead efforts to combat sexual assaults

    The Air Force director of manpower and reserve affairs testified June 3 before Congress during a hearing on sexual-assault prevention and response within the armed forces.Michael Dominguez told members of the House Armed Service Committee total force subcommittee about efforts the service had made

  • Commanders play key role in accounting for members

    When a disaster occurs, chaos usually ensues. From caring for the injured to cleaning up the damage, it can overwhelm all involved. One of the key challenges for Air Force leaders after a disaster is accounting for all personnel. The Air Force relies on the Air Force Personnel Accountability and

  • Commanders share wing missions, kidney donation

    While total force integration has spawned many resource-sharing initiatives, two wing commanders at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, have taken it to a whole new, and very personal, level. When Air Force Reserve Col. Keith Knudson, 419th Fighter Wing commander, was diagnosed with kidney failure last year,

  • Commanders to have more say in developmental education opportunities

    Air Force officials recently announced changes to the nomination process for officer developmental education beginning with the results of the March 2017 Line of Air Force Major Board. The March 2017 LAF Major’s Board results will be released publicly July 18, 2017, and will not include

  • Commanders, senior raters to select IDE attendees

    Beginning with the 2019 Developmental Education Designation Board, wing commanders and some senior raters will be able to select one Line of the Air Force officer per academic year to attend Intermediate Developmental Education in residence.

  • 'Commando' Airmen continue heritage into future

    Keeping a promise is important to many people. But, keeping the Air Commando's promise -- to provide precise and reliable Air Force special operations air power, any time, any place -- is the motto Airmen of the 1st Special Operations Wing live by. The wing is the only active duty special operations

  • Commando competition promotes special ops skills, collaboration

    As elite commandos from across the Western Hemisphere compete this week in a grueling counterterrorism and special operations skills competition, the commander of Special Operations Command South said they're building the relationships required to confront transnational organized crime gripping much

  • Commando Sling provides stronger alliance

    Exercise Commando Sling is underway for Airmen at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore. The goal of Commando Sling is a stronger alliance and a safer Pacific Region."Commando Sling is primarily an air-to-air combat exercise where we have the opportunity to fly with the pilots from the Royal Singapore Air

  • Commando Sling wraps up

    The first Commando Sling exercise of the fiscal year ended here today, wrapping up a month of air-to-air combat training. Nearly 80 members and their F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 14th Fighter Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan, deployed to this island city state to square off against Singapore air

  • Commando Warrior prepares Airmen for war on terrorism

    Weapons tactics. Night operations. Improvised explosive devices and convoy training. Knowledge of all four areas is important.  That knowledge aids in the survival and victory of a combat unit. But that knowledge isn't inherently known by everyone in the military; it has to be learned. That's where

  • Command's first-ever Global Strike Challenge under way

    Intercontinental ballistic missile, B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer units are competing in the first Global Strike Challenge, showcasing the capabilities and expertise of missile, bomber and security forces Airmen. "Global Strike Challenge will help us build pride and a culture of

  • Command's High Flight program opens door to civilians

    Air Mobility Command added a new twist to the High Flight program here when Air Force civilians were added to the professional development and orientation course. Forty-seven captains from across the Air Force and six civilians from the command recently participated in the twice-a-year program.

  • Commands meet challenges of multiple, diverse missions

    The two military commands charged with defending the homeland have also answered the nation's call in August  for humanitarian and space missions.The commands' officials supported the launch and landing of Space Shuttle Endeavour, provide divers to assist in underwater recovery efforts in

  • Commentary: Airmen Powered by Innovation program launches new site

    In April of this year we launched the Airmen Powered by Innovation program aimed at turning your ideas into real cost savings for our Air Force. Since coming online API has received and reviewed more than 2,400 ideas and that number continues to climb. Thank you and keep the great ideas flowing.

  • Commentary: Unrest in America

    To the Airmen who are mourning, angry, or weary of the battle against racial prejudice, discrimination, bias, and systemic discrimination, Chief Wright and I recognize your pain. As the Air Force's military leadership, we reflect on and acknowledge that what happens on America's streets is also

  • Commercial flights move servicemembers around Africa

    The secretary of defense recently granted a waiver to allow Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa members to partner with a civilian contractor to take American servicemembers from major cities in the area of operation and fly them to smaller, remote locations.Secretary Robert M. Gates approved

  • Commercial Integration Cell pilot program underway

    U.S. Strategic Command's Joint Functional Component Command for Space (JFCC Space) initiated a six-month pilot program incorporating commercial operators into its Joint Space Operations Center, here, June 1.

  • Commercial showcases aeromedical evacuation Airmen

    An Air Force commercial highlighting the roles Airmen play in Air Force humanitarian relief efforts begins airing in television markets and select movie theaters across the U.S. in November."Med Evac" highlights the Air Force's aeromedical evacuation mission during disaster relief efforts. The

  • Commissaries continue efficient reporting of taxpayer funds

    When it comes to accounting for taxpayer funds, the Defense Commissary Agency has proven that every dollar counts. For the ninth consecutive year, independent auditors have rated DeCA's financial statements as excellent. In the accounting world, an excellent rating on the review of a corporate

  • Commissaries expand focus on health in 2011

    Customers who want to improve their health will have plenty of help at their local commissary as the new year rolls out a variety of special discounts, coupon booklets and giveaways."Our industry partners have joined together to offer our customers the most nutritious and delicious products for your

  • Commissaries help raise voting awareness

    Commissaries worldwide are joining forces with the Federal Voting Assistance Program office and the Defense Department to encourage servicemembers, retirees and their families to register and vote."Since commissaries are among the busiest locations on any installation, we can make a significant

  • Commissaries plan for Mondays furlough

    When furloughs are implemented, most military commissaries will close one day a week on Mondays, the Defense Commissary Agency's top official said. The closures will be for up to 11 days between July 8 and Sept. 30."We know that any disruption in commissary operations will impact our patrons. "Also,

  • Commissaries promote awareness of military’s ‘OneSource’

    Need advice on consumer debt? Feeling depressed? Help is available. Military OneSource is the newest member of the military family support team, and commissaries are helping increase awareness of the program.Provided by the Defense Department at no cost to servicemembers and their families, the

  • Commissaries ring up increased savings

    Commissary customers are ringing in the new year with record-breaking savings. "Average customer savings for a family of four have risen to nearly $3,000 annually," said Patrick Nixon, the Defense Commissary Agency director and chief executive officer. "As an agency, we always deliver the message

  • Commissaries support 'Feds Feed Families' campaign

    Commissaries in the U.S. have joined with other government agencies and organizations to support the 2011 Feds Feed Families food drive campaign, which runs through Aug. 31. Customers who visit their military store will see marked bins near commissary entrances or exits, where they can donate

  • Commissaries take steps to stop counterfeit coupons

    Be careful how you get your Internet coupons, say Defense Commissary Agency officials.They are alerting customers about a recent rise in the use of fraudulent Internet or home-printed coupons and steps the agency has taken to address the issue. “Counterfeit coupons are circulating on the Internet

  • Commissaries to end magazine sales overseas

    Defense Commissary Agency officials have announced the end of magazine sales in their overseas stores beginning January 2012. This policy affects all commissaries in Europe, the Pacific (Japan, Okinawa, South Korea and Guam) and Puerto Rico.DeCA will continue to sell the Stars & Stripes newspaper

  • Commissaries to promote Warrior Care in November

    The Defense Commissary Agency will join other Defense Department organizations in observing November as Warrior Care Month.The observance is designed to inform military members and their families about the many programs that are, and will be, available to assist wounded warriors. In a memorandum

  • Commissaries to start scanning IDs

    Commissaries will soon begin scanning customers’ Department of Defense ID cards at checkouts as the Defense Commissary Agency continues its efforts to deliver a 21st century benefit.

  • Commissary Agency officials announce Best Commissary Award winners

    Every day at each of the Defense Commissary Agency's 249 stores, employees do their best to deliver an efficient and effective benefit to the millions of customers authorized to receive it, according to DeCA officials. The finest of those endeavors were recognized May 24 as the top commissaries were

  • Commissary Agency officials honor best stores for recycling

    Helping the environment has become a habit for a number of stores in the Defense Commissary Agency. Agency officials formally acknowledged these commissaries for their excellence in recycling May 25 as part of DeCA's Solid Waste Management Awards.The awards were developed to recognize store

  • Commissary agency: 15 years of service, 140 years of history

    The Defense Commissary Agency will mark its 15th anniversary Oct. 1.Congress and the Department of Defense created DeCA in 1991 by consolidating the military services' retail grocery operations into one organization. "With sales of over $5 billion, all 'at cost' to our customers, this agency

  • Commissary CEO shares sequestration consequences

    Offering a glimpse at what commissary and military exchange services could become in light of smaller and unpredictable budgets, the Defense Commissary Agency director and CEO described to Congress yesterday the consequences sequestration and the government shutdown have already imposed. Customers

  • Commissary eggs unaffected by recall

    As of Aug. 19, military commissaries are not affected by the massive Wright County Egg voluntary recall, Defense Commissary Agency food safety officials reported. Although the commissaries may carry some of the brands mentioned in the Aug. 13 recall action, the eggs sold in military stores are not

  • Commissary officials raising the bar on customer service

    Even with customer satisfaction at an all-time high, the Defense Commissary Agency's leaders are raising the bar and sending every one of their 18,000 employees to Dale Carnegie Training on World Class Customer Service. "We are focused on building upon our strengths so we can provide the very best

  • Commissary patrons encouraged to pick paper over plastic

    Commissaries are hoping shoppers in the United States will say yes to paper bags for bagging their groceries as part of the Defense Commissary Agency's measures to offset recent major cost increases of plastic and paper bags. "Our customers have a really big role in this latest effort as we try to

  • Commissary produce managers get 'top' recognition

    Produce industry officials will honor two Defense Commissary Agency produce managers during a convention in New Orleans in May.Jennifer Smith, from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Donald Courtright, from Beale Air Force Base, Calif., were chosen from hundreds of nominations by United

  • Commissary scholarship program enters fifth year

    Applications are now available at commissaries and online for $1,500 academic scholarships for children of active-duty, Guard and Reserve servicemembers and retirees. The application window for the 2005 Scholarships for Military Children program closes Feb. 16.In five years, the Defense Commissary

  • Commissary, Fisher House offer scholarships

    The Defense Commissary Agency and the Fisher House Foundation have teamed up again to offer educational scholarships to children of military families and retirees. The Scholarships for Military Children Program is marking its sixth year, DeCA spokesman Kevin Robinson said, with the goal to provide

  • Commission begins next round of realignments, closures

    The 2005 Base Realignmnent and Closure Commission began its work here May 4.Commission Chairman Anthony J. Principi, former secretary of Veterans Affairs, administered the oath of office to eight commissioners who will evaluate the Defense Department's recommendations for changes in U.S. force

  • Commission maintains U.S. military cemeteries overseas

    Recognizing the need for a federal agency to take the lead in honoring U.S. servicemembers who died on foreign soil, Congress enacted legislation in 1923 to create the American Battle Monuments Commission. "The American Battle Monuments Commission maintains and oversees American cemeteries and

  • Commission on AF structure to meet

    The National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force will hold its first public hearing Tuesday, June 4th, 2013 in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. President Obama and the chairmen and ranking members of both Armed Services Committees recently appointed eight members to