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  • Airmen continue Lebanon transport support

    A general medical team from U.S. Air Forces Europe departed Ramstein Air Base, Germany, today to support Lebanon transportation operations. The team, comprised of more than a dozen medical professionals, was sent to fulfill a request by the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus. These Airmen, their

  • AFSOC commander discusses mission with Congress

    "We're helping those who cannot stand on their own against tyranny," Lt. Gen. Michael W. Wooley told a roomful of people Tuesday on Capitol Hill. The general is the commander of Air Force Special Operations Command. He was in Washington to inform members of Congress, staffers, media representatives

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 20.In Afghanistan July 19, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with anti-coalition forces near Qalat. The B-1 expended guided-bomb-unit 31s and

  • Extremists attempt to delay Afghan road progress

    Extremists hijacked the driver of a tractor trailer here July 10 destroying $200,000 worth of heavy construction equipment earmarked for reconstruction projects throughout the Panjshir Valley.The driver was forced by several Taliban members to divert the truckload of equipment off the Herat-Kandahar

  • Vandenberg launches Minuteman III

    An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from here today at 3:14 a.m. The launch was part of an operational test to determine the weapon system's reliability and accuracy. This launch also exercised U.S. Strategic Command's Airborne Launch Control System, which flies

  • Defense weather satellites provide environmental support

    Officials from the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center here said they are on track to launch a third satellite in November that will join two others already in orbit essential in tracking global weather conditions and providing data for distribution to Department of Defense and civilian

  • Columbus AFB earns state recycling award

    The Mississippi Recycling Coalition has named Columbus Air Force Base as the Federal Government Recycler of the Year for the third consecutive year, acknowledging the base's continued excellence in promoting installation and community awareness for recycling initiatives and programs. "The Columbus

  • Airmen helping transport people from Lebanon

    Three Air Force MH-53 Pave Low helicopters are part of the forces helping transport American citizens from Lebanon to Cyprus.The aircraft, from the 352nd Special Operations Group at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, are operating out of Akrotiri, Cyprus. They have been doing this for several

  • CENTAF releases air power summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 19. In Afghanistan July 18, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small arms fire near Musah Qal'eh. An A-10 expended guided bomb unit-12s on enemy

  • Pakistani Airmen personalize global thanks for support

    Although there were about 300 military and civilian aircraft from around the world on display at the Royal International Air Tattoo held July 15 to 16 at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, none compared with the artful presentation of the Pakistan Air Force C-130. In addition to vivid scenes of

  • U.S. Airmen teach Iraqi volunteers to battle blazes

    Iraqi Air Force maintenance people are putting down their wrenches and picking up fire hoses. They are under the experienced eyes of Kirkuk Air Base's 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters here.For firefighters of the Iraqi Air Force, walking into an inferno on an already warm day

  • Effectiveness of commercial air cargo augmentation under review

    U.S. Central Command's Deployment and Distribution Operations Center, or CDDOC, has initiated a test to determine the cost and effectiveness of using commercial air cargo aircraft to augment military aircraft in delivering supplies to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The purpose of this initiative,

  • Air Force ready to help with Lebanon evacuations

    Airmen are ready on the East Coast to fly in at a moment's notice to help with the movement of Americans fleeing the chaos in Lebanon. A group of Airmen from one of three contingency response groups at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., is ready to deploy where needed -- if needed, a base spokesman said.

  • Assistant secretary to join bike ride across Iowa

    An Air Force official charged with finding alternative fuel sources for the Air Force will demonstrate his commitment to the cause by riding in the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI. The cyclist is William "Bill" Anderson, assistant secretary of the Air Force

  • Airmen stay in spiritual shape in combat zone

    When Airmen deploy to combat, they expect a mission-focused environment. Without the daily demands of home life and the distractions of fast-paced America, many use their limited spare time to develop themselves in new ways. "Some people get in shape at the gym," said Chaplain (Capt.) Jose Tate,

  • Military Equal Opportunity works to right wrongs

    The time was the early 1970s -- just a few years after President Lyndon B. Johnson enacted the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Race relations were affecting society as a whole, so it also affected the military. "The military was going through a large transition at that point with integration of military

  • Air Force announces developmental education opportunities

    Air Force officers interested in 2007 developmental education opportunities must begin the application process in August. A completed Air Force Form 3849, PME/AFIT/RTFB Officer Worksheet, and senior rater nomination are due by Aug. 18 for officers applying for the Olmsted Scholarship, White House

  • Service demographics offer snapshot of force

    The Air Force Personnel Center here recently published its quarterly demographics report, offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force as of June 30. More information can be found at the center's analysis branch Web site: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/demographics/.

  • Muster to test deployment capable numbers

    The Air Reserve Personnel Center conducts a muster for nearly 150 individual ready reservists July 20 and 27 at the Buckley Annex here to test the readiness of the force.The IRR Muster Program, mandated by U.S. law, exists to enhance readiness and ensure the Air Force can "reach out and touch" the

  • Air Force big hit at big show

    Capt. Brett Clutter was not exactly sure what to expect as he traveled here in his B-52 Stratofortress from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., to participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo. But as the big event got under way, it seemed like it was for him that the thousands of spectators were

  • Educators important in military children's lives

    It is important that teachers and other school officials understand factors affecting children of military families, a senior Army general said here July 13. A military lifestyle often is characterized by frequent moves and parents who are deployed for long periods of time, Army Gen. David D.

  • IA program provides political-military, cultural experts

    Air Force officers can expect to gain international insight, foreign language proficiency and cultural understanding by becoming international affairs specialists, said an Air Force executive here. "Under the old foreign area officer program, international skills were self-obtained," said Bruce

  • RIMPAC 2006: Perfecting air operations

    Airmen and Sailors working in the Pacific Air Operations Center here are getting unique command and control training during the Rim of the Pacific exercise, known as RIMPAC 2006. Seven Pacific Rim nations and the United Kingdom are participating with the United States in the major maritime exercise,

  • Air Force, Army tell industry networks will be similar

    Air Force and Army officials say their plans for network modernization are similar to one another. Army Lt. Gen. Steven Boutelle, the Army chief information officer, and Lt. Gen. Michael W. Peterson, Air Force chief of warfighting integration and chief information officer, spoke at a conference for

  • Rules of engagement set for political participation

    Political freedom is something the military has defended since the founding of the United States. But, while free to participate in the political process, there are some rules military members need to know. "Our main job is to follow the orders that come down our chain of command, which has an

  • Program offers chance to work with foreign air force

    Officers from almost any specialty, and some NCOs, can have the opportunity to live and work as a foreign air force member through the Military Personnel Exchange Program, which allows nations to learn how other air forces operate. Maj. P.K. Carlton, currently serving as a Royal Air Force instructor

  • From Holloman to Hollywood, Transformers make movie magic

    Lights, camera, action! Airmen at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., home to the Air Force's only operational F-117 wing, got to experience a new kind of rush as Hollywood invaded their base. The DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures live-action film "Transformers," set to release in July 2007, will feature

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 5. In Afghanistan July 4, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and French Air Force M-2000s provided close-air support for coalition forces taking small arms fire from Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Deh Rawood.

  • Officials encourage purchase of renters insurance

    With hurricane season in full-swing, military officials are encouraging servicemembers who don't own their own homes to purchase renters insurance to protect their personal property."Hurricane season is now upon us. We urge you, particularly if you live in an area prone to nature's fury, to examine

  • Security forces officer shows Iraqis how to defend freedom

    For more than 12 years Maj. Jeffery Prindle has honed his skills as a professional police officer, working both as a military security forces officer and a deputy for the Charleston County Sheriff's Office. In that time, the 315th Airlift Wing reservist developed the tools necessary to assess

  • KC-135 bringing fuel to fight

    Whether refueling a fighter, bomber or a cargo aircraft, the KC-135 Stratotanker continues to play a vital role in military air operations and the war on terrorism."Everything we do has a direct impact on the war on terror and how the (United States) is viewed elsewhere in the world." said Lt. Col.

  • 13th month of recruiting success more than luck

    Defense officials are attributing the 13th consecutive month in which every military service met or exceeded its active-duty recruiting goal to more than just good luck. Bryan Whitman, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, cited the high priority every service has placed on

  • C-17 deployment length, efficiency increase

    In a break from the past, C-17 Globemaster IIIs and Airmen supporting the aircraft are deploying to the theaters and operating from one location for an entire air and space expeditionary force rotation. Previously a squadron traveled to an area, flew 14-15 days, then returned home. About one-third

  • Space support key to warfighters

    Supporting warfighters on the ground is the overarching mission of everyone deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Carrying out this earthly mission from thousands of miles above the ground, though, is a responsibility coordinated by the Combined Air Operations Center here.

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 9. In Afghanistan July 8, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a precision strike on a cave complex used by Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Orgun-E. The aircraft expended joint direct attack munitions. Air

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 8. In Afghanistan July 7, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for coalition forces taking small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Khowst. The aircraft

  • Insurance alternative available for federal employees

    The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program offers federal employees an option when purchasing long-term-care insurance. The insurance policy helps defray the cost of in-home, nursing home or assisted living facility care for people who cannot care for themselves due to chronic health conditions.

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 7.In Afghanistan July 6, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition forces taking small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from Taliban extremists near Asadabad.

  • 'Lightning II' moniker given to Joint Strike Fighter

    The Air Force chief of staff announced Lightning II as the F-35 name during a Joint Strike Fighter Inauguration Ceremony today at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. at Fort Worth, Texas. Gen. T. Michael Moseley made the final decision after an extensive nomination and review process, coordinated

  • AFIT linked to past, future of America's space program

    The Air Force Institute of Technology, or AFIT, has long been involved with America's efforts in space. Its association began with the early test flights of the high-altitude research aircraft, the X-15, and has continued to NASA's "Return to Flight" Discovery space shuttle launch July 4.Col. Steve

  • Future Air Force Medical Service specialists train at Wilford Hall

    For many college students, summers consist of packing away textbooks, migrating home and heading to a dull, low-paying job or internship. For several U.S. Air Force Academy and ROTC cadets, a normal day's work could mean observing trauma response in an emergency room, an F-16 Fighting Falcon

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for July 6.In Iraq July 5, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided close-air support to coalition troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Salman Pak. Additionally, 13 Air Force, Navy, Australian and Royal Air Force

  • Five servicemembers show off their arms at Nationals game

    On a sweltering hot day in the nation's capitol, five members of the armed forces were given the chance to take part in a Major League Baseball tradition.Representatives from the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard each threw out a ceremonial "first pitch" before the Washington

  • Airmen train to prepare for 'in-lieu-of' taskings

    More than 800 Airmen are attending Army ground combat skills training, preparing them for operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom deployments. The Airmen require the training because they will be assigned duties outside their normal Air Force specialties. In the near-term, these numbers are

  • Air Force stands up first network warfare wing

    Air Force officials will stand up the first network warfare wing here July 7 to better support the mission to "deliver sovereign options for the defense of the United States of America and its global interests -- to fly and fight in Air, Space and Cyberspace." The 67th Network Warfare Wing, formerly

  • Pacific Air Forces receives top safety honor

    Pacific Air Forces is the recipient of the Major General Benjamin D. Foulois Memorial Award in recognition for its flight safety program for the past year.The award was presented to the major command by members of the Order of Daedalians during a ceremony here July 1. To receive the annual flight

  • Basic training grads say 4th of July feels different now

    Last year Airman 1st Class Samantha Riddle spent Independence Day floating down a river and watching fireworks. The day meant nothing more than a chance to hang out with friends and to enjoy a day off from the daily grind of working in the medical field. Now, as a graduate of Air Force basic

  • Veterans remember canines with care packages

    Staff Sgt. Erick Trusty is tired and dirty. Another day has come and gone that he survived. At least on this day an improvised explosive device -- one of the enemy's deadliest weapons of choice in Iraq -- didn't hit his team. And the raid he and others carried out on a house full of weapons and

  • Despite stormy start, 'Katrina baby' thrives

    No, her name is not Katrina. Sage Madison Post's dramatic birth at Keesler Medical Center during a cesarean section by flashlight as Hurricane Katrina stormed ashore was an inspirational story in the tumultuous days after the storm. However, without the family's consent, federal regulations to

  • Course trains medics to save lives in the air

    Sweat runs into the student's eyes, blurring his vision as he strains to read the screen displaying his patient's vital signs. Loud engine noise disorients him and makes it hard to communicate with his two team members. It makes for a tense situation because a wrong move means the end of the line

  • Group mission inactivates at Keflavik, Iceland

    The 85th Group, a tenant unit at Naval Air Station, Keflavik, Iceland, marked 55 years of heritage and cooperation during an inactivation ceremony there June 28. "From fighters to helicopters, AWACS to tankers, NAS Keflavik has seen almost every aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory transitioned

  • Wavelet researchers want to ease decision-making process

    An Air Force Research Laboratory team began a new study on wavelets to help information analysts better prioritize workload. Basically, a wavelet represents a snapshot of information at a given point in time. The research team's estimated $200,000, one-year-long project is titled: "A New Paradigm in

  • Kiosk offers one-stop customer service

    The new Joint Services OneStop Kiosk at the Pentagon may look like an ATM, but it offers much more. The kiosk, unveiled June 29 at the Pentagon Metro entrance, is a customer service initiative that provides users with online Web access to such programs as MyPay, the Air Force Portal, and virtual

  • Spouses, families of deployed Airmen go the distance

    Spouses and family members of Moody's deployed Airmen have an opportunity to go the distance through the "Inching Toward Iraq" program. The program is designed to help families cope with the stress of deployments, and it focuses on having families walk the distance it would take them to reunite with

  • Airmen test new Air Force flight suits, T-shirts

    A six-month wear test for the next generation flight suit and proposed T-shirt undergarment is being conducted by specialists in the 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron aircrew life support division here.The T-shirt, which is being tested in two versions made from wool or meta-aramid fibers (the same

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for June 30.In Afghanistan June 29, Air Force B-1B Lancers provided close-air support for coalition forces taking small-arms and mortar fire from Taliban extremists near Tarin Kowt. The aircraft expended guided bomb unit-31s and

  • Academy making strides in sexual assault prevention

    In 2003, the Air Force Academy faced negative attention from the press and drew the ire of parents and lawmakers alike because victims of sexual assault at the school who reported their cases were not given appropriate attention. The academy's commandant of cadets, Brig. Gen. Susan Y. Desjardins,

  • Counselor cites 3 Cs of career success for spouses

    With frequent moves preventing them from moving up the career ladder in a single workplace, military spouses face unique career challenges, a military spouse career counselor told more than 150 spouses attending a recent Military Spouse Career Expo at Fort Belvoir, Va. Laureen DuPree, an Army

  • Handout updated for overseas returnees

    Lieutenant colonels and below and senior master sergeants and below who are eligible to return from overseas assignments now have an updated guide to make informed decisions regarding their assignment options. The Overseas Counseling Handout, issued by military personnel flight or commander support

  • Air Force oversees popular name selections

    The popular name of the joint strike fighter F-35 aircraft will be released in early July, while the Air Force is currently proposing popular names for the MQ-9A unmanned aerial vehicle. Military vehicles are traditionally given such names that pay homage to the services' history or its mission, or

  • Blogs study may net credible information

    The Air Force Office of Scientific Research has begun funding a new research area that includes a study of blogs. Blog research may provide information analysts and warfighters with invaluable help in fighting the war on terrorism. Drs. Brian Ulicny, senior scientist, and Mieczyslaw Kokar,

  • Delta IV launch successful

    The first West Coast launch of Boeing's Delta IV evolved expendable launch vehicle was conducted here June 27. The rocket took off from Space Launch Complex-6 carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. The spacelift commander for this mission was Col. Jack Weinstein, 30th Space Wing

  • Fighter aircraft arrive for Combat Archer

    Twenty-eight fighter aircraft from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; Luke AFB, Ariz.; and Shaw AFB, S.C., are here participating in Combat Archer. Approximately 300 Airmen deployed with their aircraft and set up operations in the 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron, an Air Combat Command tenant unit

  • Japanese military key member of coalition

    For the first time since its formation in 1954, members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force are actively deployed to a combat zone. They are helping with humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts in Iraq. "I feel the responsibility of this valuable work for the world and am proud to take part

  • Former astronaut takes command of Air Force Space Command

    Gen. Kevin P. Chilton assumed command of Air Force Space Command in a ceremony here June 26, presided over by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. Current and former national defense leaders, active and retired senior officers, community leaders and active-duty servicemembers gathered

  • Mission success depends on refuelers

    The B-1 Lancers that drop bombs on targets cannot get to those targets without the support of the KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-10 Extenders that refuel them en route. The general premise of the missions seems simple: refuel the B-1s on the way to and from the area of responsibility. In reality,

  • Air Ops Center wraps up Valiant Shield

    After nearly 2,000 sorties, the Kenney Headquarters' Pacific Air Operations Center team, assembled to orchestrate air operations for Valiant Shield, concluded the exercise. "We had a very successful exercise," said Maj. Paul Hahn of the headquarter's Combat Operations Division. "This was a great

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for June 27.In Afghanistan June 26, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support to coalition forces taking small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from Taliban extremists

  • Air Force, Army agree on plans for joint cargo aircraft

    With the signing of a memorandum of agreement June 20, the vice chiefs of staff of the Air Force and the Army have agreed on a way ahead for converging the service's independent acquisition programs for a joint cargo aircraft. Both the Air Force and the Army independently pursued options for a

  • Air Force turns to old standby for Army re-supply

    The U.S. military has turned to an old workhorse as the delivery method for supplies and humanitarian cargo needed to sustain Operation Enduring Freedom. The C-130 Hercules has been around, in one form or another, since the 1950s. It is the aircraft of choice for inter-theater airlift in

  • Firefighters get $10,000 in donated equipment

    Firefighters here have received nearly $10,000 in donated equipment that will improve the Airmen's comfort and protection, thanks to the help of several nonprofit organizations, families and friends.Firefighters received the ballistic liner suspension system, an upgrade to the Kevlar helmet. "Most

  • Air Force research facility one of best in DOD

    An Air Force research facility here received accolades as one of the best in the Department of Defense during an inspection. Dr. Salvatore Cirone, the health science policy program director for the office of the assistant secretary of defense, inspected the 59th Medical Wing's 59th Clinical Research

  • Missing World War II Airmen identified

    Nine Airmen missing in action from World War II have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors, officials from the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced June 27.The nine are 2nd Lt. Hugh Johnson Jr., Montgomery, Ala.; 2nd Lt. Byron Stenen,

  • Airmen ensure blood flows to forward locations

    It is the job of the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group's Expeditionary Blood Transshipment System to ensure that lifesaving blood, plasma and cryoprecipitate (the part of the blood that aids in clotting) get from the states to the forward operating bases. "All blood comes through here and that is

  • Laughlin students keep air traffic controllers busy

    Just outside this small border town, with its low-key appearance and down-home lifestyle, Airmen control the Air Force's sixth busiest runway. Airmen of the 47th Operations Support Squadron's air traffic control complex at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, operate in a unique training environment.

  • Transformation gives troops advantage in operations

    If the Defense Department's training transformation effort was summed up into a simple bumper-sticker-type slogan, it would read, "Train as you operate," a senior Defense Department official told the Pentagon Channel. That's a concept that Paul Mayberry, deputy undersecretary of defense for

  • Airmen prepare base for return to Iraqi control

    In order for coalition troops to leave Iraq, the Iraqis must first be prepared to take over operations from the coalition. Part of accomplishing that task involves coalition forces training and validating the new Iraqi military. Four Airmen assigned to a small forward operating base about 10 miles

  • Air Force accepting physician assistant applications

    The Air Force is taking applications from active-duty enlisted Airmen for Physician Assistant Phase I training classes beginning in January, April and August 2008. The selection board convenes at the Air Force Personnel Center on March 27. Completed applications must arrive at HQ AFPC/DPAMW, 550 C

  • Spouses overseas get funding to pursue degrees

    Diane Rhinehart is ready to compete in the job market once she and her active-duty husband return to the United States next summer. During her stay here, the mother of four has completed her master's degree in education from the University of Phoenix with the help of the Air Force. Mrs. Rhinehart is

  • Logisticians track down $1 million in pallets

    More than $1 million worth of pallets have been recovered over the past month by a team from the 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron here.The team, led by Senior Airman Randy Walgren, has recovered more than 900 pallets used to carry cargo during military airlift. "When I arrived at

  • CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for June 24 to 26.June 26In Afghanistan June 25, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for coalition forces taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Asadabad. The aircraft expended guided bomb

  • Direct hire authority offers flexible civilian recruitment

    Direct hire authority provides Air Force managers the capability to hire employees when the Office of Personnel Management determines a severe candidate shortage or critical hiring need exists. Working with civilian personnel flight specialists, the program allows managers to recruit and hire

  • Airmen teach skills to Afghans to rebuild their country

    Saeed graduated from a Qalat Provincial Reconstruction Team trade school eight months ago after learning carpentry and plumbing skills. Recently, the PRT trade school's mission of teaching life skills to the people of Afghanistan compelled Saeed to return to the school, not as a student, but as a

  • Agriculture day in Afghan province brings hope

    The future for residents here is full of hope thanks to programs and initiatives directed by Gov. Haji Bahlol and supported by the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team. The governor established education and agriculture as his top two priorities respectively, and he is following word with action.

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for June 23

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for June 23.In Afghanistan June 22, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle, French air force Mirages and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support to coalition forces taking small-arms

  • The ABCs of PRT

    The provincial reconstruction teams' efforts in Afghanistan are so successful Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice used them as a template to inaugurate the first U.S.-led PRT in Iraq in November. While addressing the Senate Committee of Foreign Relations last fall, Secretary Rice said, "To execute

  • Air Force stands ready for 2006 hurricane season

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

  • International cadet program expands at academy

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

  • Air Force announces new mission at Cannon AFB

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

  • Airmen, Soldiers polish skills at Golden Medic

    Air Force reservists from around the country deployed here June 10 to 19 to participate in the Army Reserve's largest medical exercise, Golden Medic 2006. About 200 Airmen set up a base at the city's regional airport. At nearby Fort Gordon, nearly 2,000 Soldiers took part in the exercise. More than

  • DOD establishes mental health task force

    The formation of a congressionally directed task force to examine matters related to mental health and the armed forces was announced June 21 by Defense Department officials. "This is an extremely important effort involving a collaboration of DOD, federal and private sector experts in mental

  • Air Force announces aviation resource management awards

    Air Force officials have announced the 2005 Outstanding Air Force Aviation Resource Management of the Year award winners.The winners are: -- Airman of the Year: Senior Airman April Derrick, 384th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. -- NCO of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Clayton Raub, 48th

  • Central Command's mission more than Iraq, Afghanistan

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

  • Hometown crowd roots for U.S.A.

    More than 3,000 soccer fans of all ages rooted for U.S.A. by bringing hometown America to Pulaski Park, just a short drive from the stadium where their team tied Italy, 1-1, in a 2006 FIFA World Cup match June 17.They did it with an 11-hour World Cup Fest at the park on Pulaski Barracks.

  • B-2s stay in shape with exercises

    The 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron has spent the past three weeks refining the skills necessary to maintain the B-2 Spirit, one of the world’s most advanced weapon systems. During exercises Valiant Shield, continuing through June 23, and Northern Edge, which ran from June 5 to 16, B-2 aircrew

  • Theater leaders discuss different methods of war

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

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for June 20

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

  • Balancing capability portfolios key to Air Force success

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

  • Squadron monitors sky over Afghanistan

    If it’s flying over Afghanistan, Airman 1st Class Kyle Neill will be the first one to notice it. That is, as long as he is on shift as a surveillance technician with the 73rd Expeditionary Air Control Squadron here. Airman Neill's job is to manage data as part of a two-person team in an operations

  • Operation Air Force brings cadets to the fight

    Nineteen U.S. Air Force Academy cadets have deployed to Southwest Asia for a month as part of Operation Air Force. The career-broadening program brought a total of 52 senior cadets to three air bases in the region to learn more about what they will do once they receive their commissions. It also