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U.S. Air Force News

  • Letter to Airmen addresses responsibility

    In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne discusses how Air Force people have the responsibility to maintain the trust of the nation in executing daily work. "Whether it is conducting a pre-flight walkaround, completing the many intricate systems checks on a

  • Program takes safety, occupational health to next level

    In the last 17 years since operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, 82 Airmen have died in combat, and 1,370 Airmen have lost their lives in the same timeframe in off duty incidents-- in their homes, in their cars or during recreational activities. William C. "Bill" Anderson, assistant secretary

  • SOUTHCOM deploys disaster assessment team to Nicaragua

    A nine-member disaster assessment team and an Army CH-47 Chinook from Joint Task Force-Bravo based at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras, deployed to Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, Sept. 5 to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Felix. The team is comprised of engineering, communications and medics. The

  • Airmen participate in joint exercise along Panama Canal

    Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers came together for the U.S. Southern Command-sponsored, joint and multi-national training exercise, Fuezas Aliadas (Allied Forces) PANAMAX 2007 Aug. 29 to Sept. 7 in Panama and Honduras.The joint exercise focuses on ensuring the security of the Panama Canal by

  • Governor of Guam signs Air Force Week proclamation

    Acting Governor of Guam Michael W. Cruz signed Proclamation No. 2007-081 Sept. 4 declaring Sept. 4 to 9 Air Force Week in Guam. In conjunction with similar events at Air Force bases worldwide, the national commemorative period for the Air Force's 60th anniversary began Oct. 14, with the dedication

  • Air Force units assist in search for adventurer Steve Fossett

    Air Force members from around the United States scrambled early Sept. 4 to assist in locating billionaire adventurer Steve Fossett in the border area around Southwest Nevada and California. The 1st Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. Henry C. "Hank" Morrow, the Inland Search and Rescue Coordinator, is

  • Undersecretary of the Air Force heads back to school

    The undersecretary of the Air Force, Dr. Ronald M. Sega, announced Aug. 30 he was resigning his post for a faculty position at Colorado State University. Dr. Sega, a former astronaut, became the undersecretary of the Air Force in 2005. His background with NASA gave him vast credibility as the Air

  • Chinook shipment a joint effort by Army, Air Force

    Members of Peterson Air Force Base helped load 12 Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters onto Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs during the last two weeks of August to send the choppers to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Airmen, Soldiers, contractors and civilian members disassembled and inspected the

  • Airman's Roll Call highlights religious rights

    This week's Airman's Roll Call highlights Airmen's rights to practice their beliefs while respecting the beliefs of others. Air Force officials published guidelines on the free exercise of religion in February 2006. The religious guidelines were written to help protect the constitutional right of

  • Integration center connects DOD members

    The Global Cyberspace Integration Center here is playing a key role in helping the Defense Information Systems Agency deploy a new service to the entire Department of Defense business and warfighting community. DISA recently awarded a contract to deploy Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional software

  • 126 chosen for Officer Training School

    A total of 126 men and women from across America have earned an opportunity to become Air Force leaders following their selection for an officer's commission, officials here announced Sept. 4. Air Force Recruiting Service officials considered 572 applications as part of Officer Training School

  • Assessment teams gear up to respond to Felix

    Soto Cano Air Base assessment teams are currently loading up equipment in preparation to deploy to countries affected by Hurricane Felix. Felix left a trail of devastation in areas of Nicaragua and Honduras yesterday, killing at least four people and destroying 5,000 homes, according to the U.S.

  • Congressional delegation observes enemy fire from C-130

    Four congressional delegates observed live, enemy fire from a C-130 Hercules Aug. 30 that had just departed Baghdad International Airport enroute to Jordan. "They witnessed firsthand our Air Force's Airmen in combat," said Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, the U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander. On

  • Last two T-38s get avionics upgrade

    The Air Force closed another chapter in the T-38 Talon aircraft modification process as the last two upgraded aircraft arrived the end of August at Randolph Air Force Base. The aircraft underwent such a major change that Air Force officials redesignated it the T-38C."The last two aircraft being

  • Sept. 3 airpower summary: A-10s support ground troops

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted a show of force with

  • Air Force medical group saves thousands with AFSO 21

    Members of the Fairchild Air Force Base medical group saved more than $75,000 in emergency room visit costs over the past year through a just-do-it initiative, a program associated with Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century. Through patient education and training, the 92nd Medical Group

  • Space experts meet to address warfighter needs

    More than 70 senior leaders and experts from across the services, joint agencies and intelligence community came together Aug. 28 at Headquarters Air Force Space Command here to discuss the way ahead for operationally responsive space, or ORS. The objectives of the meeting were to clearly define

  • Ceremony honors 54 repatriated Americans

    The remains of 52 infants and two adults were laid to rest in an Aug. 24 ceremony at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro. The ceremony marked the end of a journey that began at Hammangi Cemetery, an Italian cemetery located in Tripoli, Libya. Family members of Airmen stationed at

  • 2 Elmendorf Airmen receive Purple Hearts

    Two 3rd Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operators from Elmendorf Air Force Base were presented Purple Hearts during an Aug. 28 ceremony here. Staff Sgt. Larry Franklin and Airman 1st Class Benjamin Crain received the medals for injuries sustained while supporting operations Enduring Freedom and

  • 'Today's Air Force' focuses on Afghan National Army

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the new Afghan National Army and their responsibility for protecting their country from counter-insurgency. See how Airmen are organizing, training and getting the Afghans equipped to fly once again. Witness the Air Force in action through

  • 100th F-22 delivered

    Air Force officials received the 100th F-22 Raptor from Lockheed Martin in Aug. 29 ceremonies in Marietta. The milestone aircraft -- Air Force serial number 05-0100 -- will be assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne

  • New global logistics unit to be headquartered at Scott

    Air Force Materiel Command officials announced Aug. 30 that the Global Logistics Support Center headquarters will be located at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. The Global Logistics Support Center, or GLSC, will stand up in fiscal 2008 and serve as the Air Force's supply chain manager. The decision to

  • Kadena begins selective arming program

    Kadena Air Base Airmen not assigned to security forces are now redefining the meaning of force protection by taking up weapons and the training that goes along with it to protect base resources. A few units have already completed training with members of the 18th Security Forces Squadron through the

  • Al Asad Airmen load, help deliver new 'Buffaloes'

    Airmen from the 438th Air Expeditionary Group Aerial Port Flight from Al Asad Air Base helped deliver four new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Category III Buffalo vehicles to ground troops in and throughout Iraq Aug. 28.  The new MRAPs, which are to phase out the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled

  • Volleyball unites Afghans, Americans

    Americans and Afghans are bumping and spiking, but it is a friendly competition and not a fight. Airmen, Soldiers and Afghans compete during weekly rounds of volleyball at this forward operating base in eastern Afghanistan, which provides Afghans to see the Americans in a different setting than that

  • Calhoun era kicks off with 34-3 win

    For the first time in three years, Air Force football fans saw their Falcons play a home game on Parents' Weekend. More importantly, they witnessed the bluesuiters win for the first time in five games dating back to last season. Air Force built up a statistical advantage in every facet of the game

  • USCENTAF commander visits Airmen at Camp Lemonier

    The Air Force's role in the stand up of Africa Command and the Airmen's increased presence in support of the humanitarian mission in the Horn of Africa were key topics discussed by the Central Air Forces Commander at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Aug. 28. Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, also the Air Component

  • Thrift Savings Plan improves security measures

    The Thrift Savings Plan will begin using account numbers to improve individual account holder security effective in October. TSP officials will mail new account numbers to participants in September replacing the use of Social Security numbers as the primary means to identify current civilian and

  • Balad collects first in-house plasma donation

    Donating platelets is a way of life for some Airmen and Soldiers here. Once a month, these volunteers stop by the donation center at the Air Force Theater Hospital, hop into a chair and sit for up to two hours while platelets are removed from their blood. One Airman recently became the first plasma

  • Groundwork begins for Reagan Memorial

    A groundbreaking ceremony symbolized the beginning of construction for the Ronald W. Reagan Memorial Aug. 29 here. The memorial, set to be completed around Jan. 17, will replace the existing on-base launch viewing site at Del Punta. It was designed by Bobby Woods, an architect from Arizona, who

  • Aug. 30 airpower summary: C-130's move people, supplies

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations August 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemy personnel with

  • USTRANSCOM ready for worst hurricanes can muster

    As Hurricane Dean converged on the Gulf of Mexico in August, members of the U.S. Transportation Command were prepared for the worst its winds could muster. In support of United States Northern Command, aeromedical capabilities such as personnel and equipment were forward -deployed to Texas, and a

  • Coalition forces compete at Ali Base

    Members of the 407th Expeditionary Services Squadron hosted the first ever Coalition Games Aug. 20 through 26 at Ali Base and Camp Adder, Iraq. The week-long event gave American, Australian and Romanian forces friendly competitions in basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball, weightlifting,

  • Cannon unit to become 27th Special Operations Wing

    Air Force officials here announced Aug. 30 the designation of a new Air Force Special Operations Command wing at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., as the 27th Special Operations Wing. The 27th designation, currently used as the 27th Fighter Wing at Cannon AFB, will change from fighter to special

  • Kunsan officials hold environmental orientation

    Kunsan Air Base officials hosted 30 Gunsan City, South Korea, officials here Aug. 29 in an effort to inform and educate them on the base mission and environmental practices. City officials from Gunsan City were handpicked by the mayor to attend the orientation where they were briefed on the 8th

  • Reserve beats recruiting goal for seventh consecutive year

    Air Force Reserve officials announced they have reached their recruiting goal for 2007, topping 8,000 people Aug. 28.This is the seventh consecutive year Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting Service has surpassed its goals, an achievement unmatched by any other Reserve component. Approximately 400

  • McChord C-17 crew flies medevac mission out of Antarctica

    Airmen of the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron flew a C-17 Globemaster III on a medical evacuation mission to bring a patient requiring immediate medical attention Aug. 28 out of Antarctica. Twenty-four hours after completing their winter fly-in season for Operation Deep Freeze, 304th EAS Airmen

  • McClellan Park celebrates base closure milestone

    The former McClellan Air Force Base in California, now known as McClellan Park, celebrated a base closure milestone Aug. 27.Officials from the Air Force Real Property Agency and the County of Sacramento hosted a ceremony marking the first time in the nation the military funded an early transfer with

  • Former Illinois base transferred to village of Rantoul

    Air Force officials recently transferred more than 780 acres of the former Chanute Air Force Base to Rantoul, Ill., in a deed signing ceremony. This transfer marks a significant milestone for the Air Force in achieving property transfer goals, and the village's title ownership of the Federal

  • Airmen invited to 'Do Something Amazing'

    As part of the "Do Something Amazing" national advertising campaign, Air Force officials are offering Airmen the opportunity to submit videos showing Air Force members in action, and the best videos will be posted to the official Web site -- www.dosomethingamazing.com. To submit a video for

  • Tricare beneficiaries save time, money with new service

    Registering for the Tricare mail-order pharmacy is now just a quick phone call or click of a mouse away for military families and retireees with the launch of the new Member Choice Center. With this new service, beneficiaries obtain enrollment assistance, and MCC members contact the physician to

  • DJs go to Guam to thank Cannon Airmen again

    Two radio personalities from New Mexico came to Guam bearing greetings, letters and gifts from families and friends to say "thanks again" to Airmen of the 522nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed here from Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.The two disc jockeys, Steve Rooney and Duffy Moon, of the

  • C-5 to be showcased at Air Force Marathon

    The official aircraft of the 11th annual Air Force Marathon is the C-5 Galaxy and marathon participants, spectators and volunteers will see the aircraft fly over the course of the race Sept. 15 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.A C-5 will fly over the base as the day will be filled with

  • Air Force's 'Knowledge Now' streamlines flow of information

    The Air Force now has a "virtual community" where individuals can go anytime to share information with their peers anywhere in the world. Called "Knowledge Now," this community is a collaborative Web system that is accessible through the Air Force Portal and is designed to allow Airmen of all ranks,

  • Airman's Roll Call highlights writing skills

    This week's Airman's Roll Call highlights writing well as essential to good Airmanship. Every e-mail, letter of appreciation, official memorandum or any written communication represents the professionalism of an Airman and an organization. Writing lacks face-to-face communication including tone,

  • 50 slots available for nurse enlisted commissioning program

    An Air Force supplemental board is scheduled for October to select 50 additional candidates due to a shortfall in the number of qualified applicants for the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program.Program officials are looking to fill those slots for the spring 2008 start date with Airmen who want to

  • CSAF's Scope highlights SERE training, AMU reorganization

    The Chief of Staff of the Air Force's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen. Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues this month are revamping survival, evasion, resistance and escape training for Airmen and reorganizing

  • E-Pubs migrate to Air Force Public Web

    Whether you are a warfighter in Iraq or a retired Airman in Nebraska, accessing Air Force forms or publications is now easier than ever due to a centralized Web site that began Aug. 24.The Air Force Departmental Publishing Office, or e-Pubs, officially migrated under the Air Force Public Web program

  • Air Force Week art exhibit opening set for Sept. 13

    "Heritage to Horizons: Living History through Air Force Art" is one of the featured events of Air Force Week Honolulu set to take place Sept. 7 to 15.  Plans for the art exhibit in honor of the Air Force's 60th anniversary will showcase 50 paintings from the Pacific Air Forces' collection of about

  • Manas Top 3 Council swings into action in Kyrgyzstan

    What do you get when you combine 11 Airmen, a swing set and about 60 children? A recipe for success. Members from the Manas Air Base Top Three Council delivered a swing set to the Umut-Nadjeshda Children's Rehabilitation Center Aug. 20 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Officials from the U.S.

  • Wilford Hall opens Joint Warfighter Refractive Surgery Center

    Cutting-edge laser eye surgery procedures for active-duty servicemembers are now available as 59th Medical Wing officials opened the first Department of Defense Joint Warfighter Refractive Surgery Center Aug. 23 here.  The $2.7 million renovated facility houses the most advanced technology available

  • Small meds make big impact in Afghan village

    Provincial Reconstruction Team Qalat members left many Afghan villagers with a healthier outlook on life after an Aug. 22 village medical outreach in this remote region of Zabul Province in Afghanistan. Nearly 200 people were seen by medics assigned to PRT Qalat and other military units stationed in

  • Annual unit award winners announced

    The Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council recognized the following units as Air Force Organizational Excellence Award recipients during the period of 2006-2007. Headquarters, Air Combat Command, June 1, 2004 - May 31, 2006 Headquarters, Air Mobility Command, June 1, 2004 - May 31, 2006

  • DOD honors Air Force civilian with small business award

    Department of Defense officials honored an Air Force civilian employee with the DOD Small Business Program Manager of the Year Award for fiscal 2005 during a ceremony Aug. 22 in Washington, D.C. William G. Machingo, then the chief of the Air Force Plant 42 Integrated Product Team of the Acquisition

  • Offutt agency provides supplies to school

    Five members of the Air Force Weather Agency here delivered more than 200 pounds of school supplies Aug. 23 to Indian Hill Elementary School students in Omaha, Neb. Staff Sgt. Kenyatta Williams, the assistant NCO in charge of net-centric database management and data routing for the Air Force Weather

  • Summit tracks warfare center consolidation

    Senior Air Force leaders gathered at the Pentagon Aug. 23 for a U.S. Air Force Warfare Center Summit. The purpose of the summit was to track progress and consider new initiatives in the ongoing effort to forge a single warfare center within the Air Force. The vision is a simple but powerful one,

  • Winter flights to Antarctica wrap up

    Airmen from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., completed the Operation Deep Freeze 2007-08 winter fly-in season when a final C-17 Globemaster III took off Aug. 25 from Pegasus White Ice Runway in Antarctica. Members of the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron flew a total of 355 passengers and 119,953

  • Big month for small Alaskan town

    August marked a big month for the citizens of a little town in Alaska as military members will finish the Operation Alaskan Road project Aug. 31 in Metlakatla, Alaska.The Metlakatla Indian Community hosted a dedication ceremony Aug. 6 honoring the military for their commitment to complete the

  • A-10 Thunderbolt II gets technological 'thumbs up'

    The precision engagement modified A-10C Thunderbolt II received its Initial Operational Capability Aug. 21 during a ceremony here. The A-10C has received its most significant modifications in its 30-year history, said Lt. Col. Ralph Hansen, chief of A-10 requirements for Air Combat Command. The

  • Pioneering officer to retire

    The 25th commandant of the National War College here and one of the first Air Force women to complete undergraduate pilot training will retire Sept. 1 after a 34-year military career. "There's a lot of magic, excitement and amazement in military aviation," Maj. Gen. Teresa Marne Peterson said Aug.

  • Dover honors women's contribution to force

    Dover Air Force Base members commemorated the 87 years since the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed and saluted all women here Aug. 24. Since Esther Blake enlisted July 8, 1948 on the first minute of the first hour of the first day regular Air Force duty was authorized for women,

  • General, Red Sox icon make Air Force Week pitches

    An Air National Guard general and a Boston Red Sox legend both threw out first pitches before a minor league baseball game Aug. 23 at Lelacheur Park here. As part of an Air Force Week New England event, Maj. Gen. Michael D. Akey, the Massachusetts ANG chief of staff, said it was a thrill to

  • Airmen gather at Air Force Sergeant Association Conference

    The Air Force Sergeants Association met here for a week, starting Aug. 19, to discuss issues Airmen are facing in the Air Force. "This conference is an excellent opportunity for today's Airmen to meet with our knowledgeable and experienced veteran Airmen to discuss topics and issues important to the

  • NORAD fighters respond to airspace violation

    Two F-15 Eagles under the direction of North American Aerospace Defense Command intercepted a small Cessna aircraft flying through the Temporary Flight Restriction zone over Crawford, Texas Aug. 23. The civilian aircraft entered the TFR at approximately 3:00 PM central time. The fighters expended

  • Barksdale Airmen recreate history

    Several units from Barksdale Air Force Base added their mark to a significant page in history Aug. 24 when they recreated a historical flight. The 2nd Bomb Wing, 53rd Wing, U.S. Air Force Weapons School and the 917th Wing came together for the first time to fly a maritime intercept mission. The

  • Info gathering made 'simple' with net-centricity

    U.S. Strategic Command provides the national command authority, including the secretary of defense and the president, with information on nearly any global contingency. This information must be solid enough to enable often rapid decision-making and comprehensive enough to allow potential response

  • Astronaut orbits Air Force Week science day

    A former major and astronaut provided the opening remarks for the Air Force Week New England Science Day Aug. 21 at the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium in Concord, N.H. Astronaut Jay Buckey, who in 1998 served as a payload specialist aboard NASA space shuttle flight STS-90, said he was happy to see so

  • Virtual warehouse for foreign military sales sets record

    With one month still remaining in fiscal 2007, the Worldwide Warehouse Redistribution Services program is approaching the $16 million mark, shattering the previous record for annual sales. Managed by the Air Force Security Assistance Center here, Worldwide Warehouse Redistribution Services, or WWRS,

  • Air Force helps foster American, Russian relations

    Stressing the importance of fostering good relations between America and Russia, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander spoke to media at a press conference Aug. 21 at the Moscow International Air Show. With the aid of a Russian translator, Gen. William T. Hobbins expressed what an honor it was for

  • Aug. 23 airpower summary: F-16s provide coalition overwatch

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations August 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemies near Sangin

  • General Moseley OKs irregular warfare doctrine

    The Air Force's top officer has signed the doctrine document that establishes operational level doctrinal guidance for irregular warfare. Air Force Doctrine Document 2-3, Irregular Warfare, focuses on the operational and strategic aspects of IW and differences in the application of force from

  • Deployed servicemembers experience South Korean culture

    Clanging, banging and thumping were the sounds as deployed U.S. servicemembers experienced traditional Korean culture Aug. 20 at the tent city on Osan Air Base. Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines deployed here in support of Ulchi Focus Lens 2007 got a firsthand feel for traditional Korean attire

  • Americans, Iraqis interact at historical monument

    Approximately 80 Iraqis from the city of An Nasiriyah interacted for the first time with Airmen and Soldiers at the Ziggurat historical monument Aug. 21 at Ali Base. It has been more than 10 years since any Iraqi native has been allowed to visit the Ziggurat of Ur, which is the most dominant

  • Air Force fighter squadron celebrates 90th year

    An F-22A Raptor demonstrated its air power during the wrap-up Aug. 20 of the 90th Fighter Squadron's 90th anniversary. Former and current members of the 90th FS gathered here Aug. 17 to 20 to recall the squadron's past and look forward to its future. "It is very humbling to be part of a squadron

  • Neither snow nor deep freeze keep mail from Antarctica

    Members of the Det. 4, Pacific Air Forces Air Postal Squadron here have been busy supporting Operation Deep Freeze 2007-08 winter flights to Antarctica beginning in late August after more than 150 days since the last shipment of mail to the ice station. The detachment members collected 14,000 pounds

  • Mildenhall Airmen showcase Air Force in Russia

    American pilots, aircrew and maintainers from the 100th Air Refueling Wing from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, are on display Aug. 21 to 26 at the Moscow International Air Show in Russia. RAF Mildenhall Airmen have just one of a number of U.S. Air Force aircraft participating in the

  • Vandenberg supports successful missile defense experiment

    Vandenberg space technicians successfully launched a space launch vehicle, the Chimera, Aug. 23 from North Vandenberg.  The Chimera is a modified Minuteman II booster vehicle with a simplified target payload. The launch was part of an exercise involving the tracking of a long-range target missile by

  • Marathon signals growing partnership between base, university

    The U.S. Air Force Marathon's 5K race has a new location and date for 2007. Signifying a new partnership between Wright-Patterson AFB and nearby Wright State University, this year's 5K race will take place on the university's campus Sept. 14, the day before the marathon, which will be held at the

  • Airmen mentorship helps develop Afghan hospital

    Airmen and Soldiers are blending medical supply logistics with a dose of Afghan national army partnership in a dusty warehouse at ANA's Hero Camp near Kandahar Airfield. It's a prescription for successful mentoring as the Afghans prepare for a new hospital opening here, said Capt. Jay Snodgrass, a

  • Investigation finds engine failure caused Predator crash

    Engine failure caused the crash of an MQ-1B Predator remotely piloted aircraft Jan. 17, at a forward location in Southwest Asia, according to an Accident Investigation Board report released by Air Combat Command today. The $4.16 million Predator, assigned to the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron at

  • Air Force Reserve to form F-15E associate detachment

    As part of the Air Force's Total Force Integration, the Air Force Reserve is teaming up with Air Combat Command to establish an F-15E Strike Eagle associate unit in October. A detachment of eight instructor pilots, four instructor weapon systems officers and two administrative specialists will

  • Air Force Reserve to form A-10 associate units

    As part of the Air Force's total force integration, Air Force Reserve Command officials are teaming up with Air Combat Command officials to establish two A-10 Thunderbolt II associate units in October. A classic associate group of about 215 reservists will support the active duty 23rd Wing at Moody

  • Tops in Blue brings sergeant home for an encore

    A Tops in Blue performance at Veterans Memorial Park here Aug. 18 was an opportunity for one performer to catch up with friends and family. Staff Sgt. Mark Schmidt, the bass player for the Tops in Blue 2007 World Tour, grew up in nearby Biddeford, Maine, where he learned how to play the bass in high

  • B-24 gunner receives Purple Heart for heroism in WW II

    The scene in the rotunda of Randolph's Taj Mahal Aug. 21 probably seemed like too much hoopla to one former Army Air Corps staff sergeant. But all the TV cameras and reporters there to capture the moment, the remarks by an Air Force major general and the admiration shown by servicemembers and

  • Air Force convenes AFSO 21 summit

    The secretary of the Air Force, chief of staff and the heads of all Air Force major commands gathered here Aug. 22 to increase the capability of the individual warfighter through Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century, commonly known as AFSO 21. AFSO 21 is a dedicated effort to maximize

  • Airmen equip Afghan hospital with supplies, knowledge

    Despite equipment shortages, delivery delays and increased violence around Kandahar, several Airmen and Soldiers continue to work side-by-side with Afghans, putting the final touches on an Afghan National Army hospital that soon will provide state-of-the-art care to warriors injured in the field.

  • Travis Airmen grant child's wish

    The 6th Air Refueling Squadron granted a local boy's wish by making him a "Pilot for a Day" in the U.S. Air Force. Mitchell Louie, of San Carlos, Calif., who is battling gliolastoma spinal cancer, got the chance to become a KC-10 Extender pilot Aug. 20 as part of the Pilot for a Day program. The

  • 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

  • Fairchild NCO receives $10,000 for great idea

    A Fairchild Air Force Base NCO used his knowledge and experience as a KC-10 Extender and KC-135 Stratotanker crew chief to come up with an idea worth $10,000.Tech. Sgt. Cade Peterson, a 92nd Maintenance Operations Squadron senior weapon system coordinator, used the the Innovative Development through

  • Assessment team arrives in Belize

    Approximately 20 Soldiers and Airmen from Joint Task Force-Bravo at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, deployed here as part of an initial assessment team following Hurricane Dean Aug 21. The team members were transported via three Army helicopters. The team is made up of a security detail, medics,

  • Maine Air Guard peddles Air Force Week from town to town

    After pedaling their bicycles along 170 miles of Maine roads, 18 Maine Air National Guard Cycle Team members, dressed in red, white and blue cycling outfits, coasted to the end of their three-day journey Aug. 20 in front of the local minor leage baseball stadium here. Their trek started in Bangor

  • Charleston Airmen get Lean with maintenance

    Airmen from the 437th Maintenance Squadron here used Lean principles to increase aircraft availability and reduce total cost for Charleston Air Force Base Aug. 6 to 10.  The Airmen used the rapid-improvement Lean process, under the umbrella of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century to

  • Airman's Roll Call highlights mentorship

    This week's Airman's Roll Call highlights mentoring to prepare Airmen for increased responsibilities as they progress in their careers. A mentor is defined as a trusted counselor or guide, according to the new Air Force Professional Development Guide. Mentoring provides a framework to bring about

  • Air Force officials announce 2008 force-shaping plans

    Air Force officials recently announced plans to meet the 2008 fiscal year end-strength of 328,600, which calls for a force reduction of about 5,400 officers and enlisted members through normal attrition, retirement or force-shaping measures. The reductions are in line with Air Force efforts to

  • Stratofortresses test operational skills in Koa Lightning

    B-52 Stratofortresses and aircrews demonstrated the Air Force's global reach and global power by participating in the latest Koa Lightning exercise Aug. 21 through 23 from Andersen Air Force Base. Airmen of the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Barksdale AFB, La., flew 18 hours

  • Chief of chaplains visits 379th AEW

    The Air Force chief of chaplains recently visited the base on his tour of the combat theater to visit Airmen and chaplains, ensuring their spiritual needs are taken care of. Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Charles C. Baldwin has three priorities in his role -- glorifying God, honoring Airmen and serving all,

  • Manas medical group provides hope to local hospitals

    Members of the 376th Expeditionary Medical Group recently saw their efforts come to fruition during a hand-over ceremony of humanitarian medical equipment from the United States to three hospitals in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as part of Operation Provide Hope.The largest single U.S.-assistance project

  • SOUTHCOM deploys damage assessment team to Belize

    Approximately 25 Airmen and Soldiers, two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from U.S. Southern Command's Joint Task Force-Bravo here deployed to Belize today to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Dean. The assessment team will bring various people to evaluate the amount

  • Servicemembers treat 1,300 patients in Peru

    Members of Joint Task Force-Bravo's medical disaster relief task force continue to supply medical assistance to the citizens of Pisco, Peru, following an 8.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the region Aug. 15. Medical team members deployed from Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, have treated more than

  • Artist captures Eielson mission change on canvas

    An artist recently captured the mission evolution at Eielson in an oil painting. Capt. Warren Neary, an Air Force reservist assigned to the Air Force Space Command history office, completed an oil painting that depicts the change in mission at Eielson and the 354th Fighter Wing. The painting is