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U.S. Air Force News

  • Sept. 1 airpower summary: Tankers keep missions flying

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs destroyed insurgent locations

  • 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

  • Aug. 31 airpower summary: Tankers bring fuel to fight

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped multiple guided bomb

  • 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

  • Aug. 29 airpower summary: KC-135 off-loads fuel for GWOT

    Coalition airpower supported Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations August 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped Guided Bomb

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Aug. 28 airpower summary: F-16s stay close overhead

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s

  • 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,

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Aug. 27 airpower summary: Stratotankers help fuel the fleet

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations August 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs targeted enemies near

  • 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

  • Aug. 26 airpower summary: F-16s provide close-air support

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles strafed a possible enemy

  • 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.

  • Aug. 25 airpower summary: coalition fighters support ground forces

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations August 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs destroyed a mortar firing

  • 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,

  • Wing's emblem symbolizes rich heritage

    The shield of the 67th Network Wing symbolizes the unit's mission and reflects its 60-year history.  The original shield was approved for the 67th Reconnaissance Wing on March 20, 1952. On the original emblem, the red lightning bolt was emblematic of the strength, speed and power necessary to

  • Aug. 24 airpower summary: A-10s provide show of force

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Royal Air Force Harriers GR-9 and GR-7 fired rockets at enemies

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Aug. 22 airpower summary: Transports keep cargo, pax on the move

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted successful shows of

  • 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

  • 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

  • Aug. 21 airpower summary: Lancers show force

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed an enemy firing

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Operation Deep Freeze 2007-08 begins

    Operation Deep Freeze 2007-08 winter flights began Aug. 20 ending more than five months of isolation for the research station as the first C-17 Globemaster III delivered passengers and cargo to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Landing 15 miles from McMurdo Station at Pegasus Runway, the C-17s will carry

  • Air Force discontinues use of base decals

    Air Force officials are working with other services to allow its people to enter installations without requiring them to display a base decal on their vehicles. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley recently ended use of the sticker, officially called a DD Form 2220, on Air Force

  • Robins officer comes up BIG in life, career

    A navigator with the 128th Airborne Command and Control Squadron here received the 2007 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award Aug. 17 in Nashville, Tenn.Lt. Col. Joseph Richardson accepted given annually to a military member and Department of Defense civilian employee who has distinguished

  • Weather center receives production system upgrades

    The American Forces Network Weather Center here received computer upgrades recently ensuring its world-wide products equal or surpass those of its civilian counterparts. The center received two major forecast production units, known as Weather Services International systems, in early August. The

  • 'Today's Air Force' focuses on recapitalization

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights recapitalization -- replacing the aging F-15 Eagle with the front-line air dominance fighter, the F-22 Raptor. And see more than 22,000 Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Coastguardsmen participate in Exercise Valiant Shield. The exercise showcases

  • Aug. 19 airpower summary: Globemasters on the go

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a guided bomb unit-12 on

  • Pope aerovac squadron deploys for Hurricane Dean

    More than 40 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Airmen deployed at 11:30  a.m. Aug. 19 to Brownsville, Texas, to set up a Mobile Aeromedical Staging Facility at the Brownsville airport in support of Hurricane Dean evacuations.The team left on a C-17 Globemaster III from Charleston AFB, S.C. 

  • CENTAF commander visits 379th Air Expeditionary Wing

    Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, U.S. Central Command Air Forces and 9th Air Force commander, visited the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Aug. 15, kicking off a tour that will take him to expeditionary bases throughout the area of responsibility.General North discussed issues surrounding the Air Force's

  • Aug. 18 airpower summary: Predators fly ISR missions

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in operations Aug. 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles strafed an enemy firing position with

  • Aug. 17 airpower summary: JSTARS provide ground surveillance

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in operations Aug. 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped multiple guided bomb unit-38s

  • Hurricane Hunters track Dean in Caribbean

    Air Force Reserve Command's Hurricane Hunters are in St. Croix, the U.S. Virgin Islands, flying state-of-the-art WC-130J aircraft into Hurricane Dean in support of the National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Dean blasted St. Lucia, uprooting trees, downing power lines and damaging homes and other

  • Tops In Blue officials kick off annual talent search

    The annual search is on for talented Air Force members who can sing, dance, play musical instruments and support those who do. The Air Force Entertainment Branch of Air Force Services Agency has initiated its talent search for the 2008 the Air Force Tops In Blue tour. The campaign called, "Perform

  • Whole-base transfer completed at Carswell

    The Air Force recently completed a whole-base transfer of legacy Base Closure and Realignment property at the former Carswell Air Force Base here when the Army accepted ownership of 247 acres of property known as the weapons storage area.In the 1940s, the former Carswell AFB was used for training,

  • Programs help Airmen, families prepare for deployment

    As part of ongoing efforts to inform Airmen about ways to manage stress, Air Force officials here introduced a monthly campaign to highlight initiatives to help Airmen and their families cope with life's difficulties, and the initiative for August is deployment readiness.Air Force officials employ

  • Holloman Airmen hand stealth knowledge to F-22 community

    The stealth community wrapped up a high-powered information exchange Aug. 13 to 17 at Langley Air Force Base, Va. More than 70 49th Fighter Wing operators and maintainers gathered at the 1st Fighter Wing to hand off 25 years of stealth knowledge, as well as stealth integration tactics. "Holloman's

  • Bolling dedicates theater to legendary actor, Airman

    Officials of the 11th Wing at Bolling Air Force Base officially changed the name of Building 52 to the Brig. Gen. Jimmy Stewart Theater Aug. 13 as the old building had finally come full circle, historically speaking. Among the some 200 people in attendance were Carson Greene, president of the Jimmy

  • Northern Viking tests command, control capabilities

    An unidentified aircraft is headed toward Iceland's coast. The aircraft is not in contact with the tower, and two F-15 Eagles deployed from Royal Air Force Lakenheath in England scramble to intercept the suspicious aircraft. This is the scenario playing itself out several times during Northern

  • Manas medics perform expeditionary appendectomy

    A Manas Air Base Airman got a dose of expeditionary medicine recently when he reported to the 376th Expeditionary Medical Group.Tech. Sgt. Charles Bean of the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Management wasn't a victim of the gastrointestinal ailment that sometimes plagues

  • Aug. 16 airpower summary: Air transports vital to moving supplies

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit -38s

  • SOUTHCOM medics respond to Peru quake relief efforts

     A joint U.S. military mobile surgical team from Joint Task Force-Bravo, based at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras, deployed to Peru Aug. 17 as part of U.S. Southern Command's response to an 8.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the South American nation Aug. 15. The deployment follows a disaster

  • Malmstrom Airmen rescue injured hiker on mountain peak

    A UH-1N "Huey" helicopter crew assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron here, rescued an injured hiker Aug. 10 near Cook City, Mont., just north of the Montana-Wyoming border. The rescue, executed at approximately 9,000 feet, raises the unit's total number of "saves" to 369 and marks its fourth

  • Aug. 12-15 airpower summary: Strike Eagles ready to hunt

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 12 to 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Aug. 12In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided

  • First Thunderbird commander dies

    The first commander of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, died Aug. 12 of complications from pneumonia. Maj. Gen. Richard C. Catledge, the Air Force pilot known as Thunderbird One, formed and led the original Thunderbirds team as a major in 1953. "We were assigned a

  • Homestead Airmen return from Iraq

    More than 260 Airmen from Homestead Air Reserve Base were welcomed home Aug. 13 as they returned from supporting the war on terrorism at Balad Air Base, Iraq. The Airmen were bused from the flightline to the reception area where hundreds of family members, friends, elected officials and local media

  • Exercise Valiant Shield wraps up

    Exercise Valiant Shield 2007, the largest exercise of its kind in the Pacific, wrapped up eight days of flying operations Aug.13. During the field training exercise, more than 2,900 sorties were flown, with KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-10 Extenders offloading 2.29 million pounds of fuel to airborne

  • Hickam Airmen conduct 4-ship airdrop training

    Four C-17 Globemaster III aircrews from the 535th Airlift squadron conducted multi-element airdrop training over the Kahuku training range Aug. 13 here allowing aircrew members to maintain currency while increasing proficiency and capability. Strategic airlift for the eight C-17s at Hickam AFB is in

  • Airman's Roll Call highlights streamlined services

    This week's Airman's Roll Call highlights the merging of services and mission support squadrons at six Air Force test bases to streamline processes, increase efficiencies, maximize customer service and cut costs associated with maintaining two separate organizations. The new combined organizations

  • Automated test helps maintainers solve F-15 problems

    Maintainers from bases around the world are focusing their eyes on Robins Air Force Base, the 566th Combat Sustainment Squadron's test equipment office, and a new test set that officials developed as a solution to F-15 Eagle maintenance dilemmas. A new automated flight control system test set has

  • USO takes to the road in new mobile canteens

    One of three United Service Organizations' mobile canteens spent Aug. 11 here during drill week as part of an effort to reach out to servicemembers who are not often exposed to the USO. The USO, famous for taking the show on the road, is using the new set of wheels to help the agency travel to

  • Hurricane Hunters fly into Flossie

    As Hurricane Flossie made its way across the Pacific, a few Airmen were doing the unthinkable -- making trips directly into the eye of the Category 4 storm. Airmen of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron's Hurricane Hunters out of Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., flew missions into the storm from

  • Cargo flight keeps warfighters moving

    The Airmen with the 379th Logistics Readiness Squadron Cargo Movement Flight here serve as force multipliers by ensuring anything warfighters need gets to the proper place at the proper time. Members of the flight receive and ship supplies in and out of the base to and from anywhere in the world,

  • Airmen, Soldiers compete during boxing tourney

    Fighters from the U.S. Army and Air Force settled their interservice "differences" in the ring during the 2007 summer Smoker Boxing Tournament Aug. 11 here. The competition, sponsored by Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation, pitted 36 Airmen from Osan, Kunsan and Suwon air bases against Soldiers from

  • Misawa mayor tours base first time in 67 years

    After 67 years of living next door, the newest mayor of Misawa set foot on the base for the first time July 26. Kazumasa Taneichi, the new Misawa City mayor, received a tour of the flightline, fire station, new dorms and dining facility. He was even treated to a seat in the cockpit of the 35th

  • Crew chief awarded Purple Heart after 39-year wait

    Wayne Sufficool vividly remembers what happened to him Feb. 19, 1968, when he was a crew chief on the RF-4C aircraft at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam. It was the day the flightline area he was working on was hit with more than 40 rounds of 122 mm mortar rounds. Now Mr. Sufficool has another

  • Upgraded armored vehicles aid Moody's war training

    Warfighters preparing for combat deployments are now using the same highly armored combat vehicles during stateside training missions as they will use in theater. The 820th Security Forces Group recently received 18 Humvees outfitted with the safest and thickest armor modifications, known as Frag 5,

  • Command celebrates Air Force's 60th Anniversary

    Airmen, family and friends from throughout the Kaiserslautern Military Community celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the United States Air Force here Aug. 11 with band performances, demonstrations and special guest speakers. "In addition to celebrating our historical anniversary, this year marks the

  • Recent ops eval challenges Lakenheath Airmen

    While most Airmen either have participated in or are familiar with an operational readiness inspection -- both the Phase 1 and Phase II portions--some are scratching their heads over a recent evaluation exercise held here.  The operations evaluation, more commonly known as an "ops eval," looks and

  • Air National Guard recognizes top Airmen

    The Air National Guard's top six enlisted Airmen of the year were recognized for their achievements when the Air Guard's command chief master sergeant hosted Airmen of the Year Week here Aug. 4 to 11. The Airmen are: -- Airman of the Year: Staff Sgt. Jesse Permenter, 116th Air Support Operations

  • Retired Airmen don uniforms once again to teach JROTC cadets

    More than 1,900 Junior ROTC instructors, who teach at 869 school units throughout the world, finished their initial instructor training here last week. Jo Alice Talley, chief of JROTC instructor management at Air Force Officer Accession and Training Schools, said the newly hired instructors were

  • Aug. 11 airpower summary: Predators provide edge in war on terrorism

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in operations Aug. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force with

  • Aug. 10 airpower summary: Tankers fuel the fight

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in operations Aug. 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s and 12s

  • Recovery agency teams complete 100th Laos mission

    Four recovery teams from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command recently completed JPAC's 100th recovery mission in Laos."The JPAC mission is as important in our effort to account for each missing American here as it is in Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Korea and everywhere else where we have unresolved