HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Northern Edge 2006 takes joint operations to next level

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

  • ESC delivers French AWACS capability

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

  • Core values start with oath

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

  • AFN to air remaining World Cup matches

    The American Forces Network Broadcast Center has been granted permission to distribute the full complement of remaining World Cup soccer matches. The permission was arranged through News Corporation and Infront Sports and Media, along with the cooperation of a group of host-country rights holders.

  • Smoke-free clinic encourages healthy lifestyle

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

  • Site dedicated to Pentagon's Sept. 11 victims

    In a solemn ceremony under sunny skies, the ground that nearly five years ago was the scene of a catastrophic attack was dedicated June 15 to the memory of those who were killed. Senior Defense Department leaders, Cabinet members, members of Congress, family members, friends and Pentagon employees

  • Academy grads team up for reality show

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

  • Exercise highlights Raptor synergy, joint capabilities

    The final mission flies today at Northern Edge 2006, but the majority of the results are already in, and success is the buzzword from Alaska. During the two-week joint service exercise, several scenarios have proven that the interoperability and integration between American assets are stronger than

  • Andersen prepares for Valiant Shield

    Air Force bombers, fighters, tankers and support aircraft from the Pacific theater are arriving and making preparations for Valiant Shield 2006. The U.S. Pacific Command exercise, which runs June 19 to 23, will be conducted in the vicinity of Guam. Valiant Shield focuses on integrated joint training

  • Zarqawi air strike shows aerial flexibility, general says

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

  • Gulfport evacuees receive helping hand

    It's been more than eight months since Hurricane Katrina displaced thousands of people. Veterans who stayed at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport, Miss., were among those who had to leave. More than 400 of the 600 residents were evacuated to the AFRH here and have been without most of

  • Lackland honors nine enlisted heroes

    Nine enlisted heroes earned honors for their service and sacrifice to the Air Force and the nation during the Basic Military Training Memorialization Ceremony at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. At the June 14 ceremony, the base renamed and dedicated basic military training facilities to nine Airmen

  • Officer found guilty in court-martial

    An officer charged in the death of his infant son was found guilty on the charge of murder during a court-martial here June 15. After closing arguments, the military judge, Lt. Col. Gary Jackson, deliberated for about 40 minutes and then convicted 2nd Lt. David Valois of murder in violation of

  • JIB communicates Northern Edge 2006 mission

    Most people think of men and women in uniform wearing Kevlar vests and armed with rifles when they hear “military.” For the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines working here in the joint information bureau at Exercise Northern Edge 2006, pens, notebooks and cameras are just as critical as their

  • Tanker Task Force keeps Northern Edge flying

    If a driver could fill up the car with gas without stopping, imagine how efficient driving would be. The Tanker Task Force here provides efficient service to drivers in the air at Northern Edge, Alaska’s joint training exercise. Seventeen tankers and 12 total force units from around the country

  • Hickam honors World War II vets with new C-17

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

  • Air Force announces integration, information award winners

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

  • International media focus on C-17 training

    Australian TV Channel 9 focused its camera June 12 on 12 Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules and CC08 Caribou pilots and loadmasters here receiving transition training to the C-17 Globemaster III. About 3,000 aircrew members are trained here annually, along with 15 to 35 international students

  • Letter to Airmen focuses on personal financial management

    In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff of the Air Force T. Michael Moseley discuss personal financial management. “Although we often see our professional life in a very disciplined way, we sometimes don't realize how our personal well-being

  • Hawaii Airmen to deliver health care to Fiji

    Pacific Air Forces and 15th Medical Group Airmen left here June 14 on a health care mission to Suva, Fiji, where they will train Fijian military leaders and participate in a humanitarian outreach program. “We’re going to be working with the Fiji Ministry of Health and Fiji School of Medicine to

  • Technology offers high-tech patient monitoring

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

  • Space institute begins advanced missile warning course

    The National Security Space Institute will conduct the first-of-its-kind missile warning advanced course here July 24. This 13-week course is designed to create experts in the missile warning and defense mission arena. The course will provide in-depth education on missile warning and defense with a

  • Research lab tests fuel-efficient, flying-wing aircraft

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

  • Quarterly assignment listing available in July

    The Enlisted Quarterly Assignment Listing, or EQUAL, will be available July 11 for Airmen returning from overseas and for continental United States mandatory movers from November through January 2007. Airmen need to work through their military personnel flight or their commander's support staff to

  • Keesler newcomers face family housing hurdles

    As this base struggles with housing shortages from Hurricane Katrina's wake, Airmen being assigned here accompanied by family members need to have a plan before they leave their current assignment. Due to Katrina, permission for servicemembers to bring their family members to Keesler has become much

  • Chief of staff adds five books to reading list

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

  • Peterson, Misawa have top large commissaries

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

  • Maintainers keep B-2s soaring during deployment

    Maintaining the world’s most advanced multi-role bomber isn’t an easy job. It requires Airmen work long hours to ensure every inch of airframe is ready to launch at a moment’s notice. Anything less would jeopardize the safety of the aircrew, or in the case of this unique aircraft, compromise the

  • Selective re-enlistment bonus changes for 14 specialties

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

  • Airman trains Hollywood actors for 'Transformers' movie

    For authentic military aspects, DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures looked no further than Air Force Airmen for the major motion picture production “Transformers.” Actors trained for their individual military parts with an Air Force senior NCO. Master Sgt. Ray Bolinger, combat controller with the 22nd

  • Air Force recognizes judge advocates for excellence

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

  • Virtual 'heavies' key to Northern Edge simulations

    The days of deploying an E-3 Sentry and other command and control aircraft to military exercises may soon be a rarity. With a large crew and an aging airframe, airborne warning and control systems, or AWACS, are expensive to deploy for a two-week training opportunity. But thanks to powerful computer

  • Training exchange strengthens ties between U.S., Argentina

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

  • Commando Warrior prepares Airmen for war on terrorism

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

  • Medics humbled by humanitarian experience

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

  • Air Force announces annual Public Affairs Achievement Awards

    On behalf of Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Col. Michelle Johnson, director of Public Affairs and deputy director of Strategic Communications here, announced the 2005 Public Affairs Achievement Awards.“My heartiest congratulations to

  • Tech, master promotion rates announced

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

  • Air Force F-16 airstrike kills al-Zarqawi

    Two U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons, supporting coalition actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom, dropped precision munitions near Baquba, Iraq, on June 7, killing al Qaida’s leader in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and other terrorists. The aircraft, assigned to U.S. Central Command Air Forces,

  • VA beefs up data security procedures

    The Department of Veterans Affairs is revamping its data security procedures following last month's theft of a VA laptop computer that contained personal information of veterans and military personnel still in uniform, the secretary of the VA told a congressional committee. "We will stay focused on

  • Red Horse squadrons unite in the fight

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

  • Youth Service Medal recognizes children's sacrifices

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

  • New squadron first step in C-130 training pipeline

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

  • AETC deploys new pilot screening for fiscal '07

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

  • Missileers receive new computer capabilities

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

  • Summer 'Air and Space Power Journal' available

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

  • First group of Air Force civilians now part of NSPS

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

  • Cadets experience summer school for warriors

    Summertime for university students is normally the chance to relax and unwind after surviving grueling semesters of cramming for exams and researching term papers. Some students spend this time at home with their family; some travel to tropical vacations spots. Some students go to a war zone.

  • DOD consolidates detainee medical care policy

    The Defense Department issued an instruction June 6 detailing the standards of medical care in detainee operations. DOD Instruction 2310.08, "Medical Program Support for Detainee Operations," reaffirms the responsibility of health care professionals to protect and treat all detainees under their

  • Stolen VA records: Airmen urged to be vigilant

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

  • Assignment opportunities expand for Code-C Airmen

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

  • 24/7 personnel services are here

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

  • Air Force family members participate in national spelling bee

    Four Air Force families from around the world gathered here to support their children who were participating in the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee May 31 to June 1. These four families formed an unofficial team of support that came from their military connection and shared pride in their

  • Housing privatization reaches many milestones

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

  • No flight plan, no Northern Edge

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

  • Movie project transforms Holloman

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

  • Command and control a 24/7 operation

    The Combined Air Operations Center here, also known as the CAOC, is the command and control hub for all air operations within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Staffed and monitored around-the-clock, the coalition professionals working in the CAOC can seamlessly perform command and

  • Airmen pitch in for worthy cause in Iraq

    Many Airmen deploy to foreign countries for months, never seeing the people whose lives they affect. They are either hundreds of miles from the conflict or are within the safety of their military compound for their entire tours. But for Airmen at Sather Air Base at Baghdad International Airport,

  • AETC housing privatization on track

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

  • Barksdale major court-martialed for online chat

    An officer here pleaded guilty at a general court-martial to two specifications of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman under Article 133, Uniform Code of Military Justice.While on temporary duty at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Maj. Paul McNeme engaged in a sexually explicit online chat

  • Additional voluntary retirements announced for officers

    The Air Force is offering additional voluntary retirements to a select group of officers, officials announced today. As a result of the Fiscal 2006 National Defense Authorization Act, the Force Shaping Program Phase II additional measures offer voluntary retirements to officers with at least eight

  • Secretary Wynne expects Airmen to continue to excel

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

  • Hurricane season is here: prepare yourself

    The hurricane season of 2005 was a busy one, and it brought with it many destructive storms and broken records, including records for the most named storms and the most Category 5 storms in a season. In all, 28 named storms formed, 15 of which turned into hurricanes. Seven of those were major

  • NORTHCOM ready to respond

    The progress U.S. Northern Command has made since its inception Oct. 1, 2002, to defend the homeland from natural or manmade disasters is "truly impressive," Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said here May 31. Rumsfeld visited NORTHCOM the day before the official start of hurricane season for an

  • Housing privatization embraces Smart Operations 21

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

  • Medics make house calls on Afghan nomads

    Medics, interpreters and support troops from the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team set up a short-notice medical outreach recently for the nomadic Kuchi people during their spring migration through the Panjshir Valley. Known as a Medical Civic Action Program, or MEDCAP, the event provided

  • Academy graduates will help secure freedom, Rumsfeld says

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

  • Australians learn from U.S. C-17 mission

    Two C-17 Globemaster IIIs from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, arrived here last week at the Australian Defense Force’s request. U.S. Airmen are moving Australian forces and equipment to Darwin, Australia, to allow the Australian military to quickly respond to unrest in neighboring East Timor. Each

  • Doctor named as examiner for national quality award program

    An Air Force Reserve Command doctor has been selected to the 2006 Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award. The award, created by public law in 1987, is the highest level of national recognition for performance excellence that a U.S. organization can receive. Col. (Dr.) William B.

  • Rates change for Foreign Language Proficiency Pay

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

  • Class of 2006 outstanding cadets recognized

    The graduation ceremony for 879 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets took place today at the academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.   Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley were there to celebrate with the cadets and their

  • Combat mobility element moves cargo quickly, safely

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

  • Pencils and scalpels: Artists help providers illustrate the cure

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

  • Vehicle searches provide first line of defense

    During the early morning hours in Southwest Asia, the vehicle search team of the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron doesn’t get out of bed.They’re already at work. They’re up and about in the vehicle search area, or VSA, ensuring vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and other

  • Reserve offers released lieutenants chance to serve

    Air Force lieutenants involuntarily separated as a result of force reductions have until Aug. 1 to join the Air Force Reserve to continue their military careers without a break in service. On May 10, the Air Force released the names of 884 lieutenants who are to be involuntarily separated because of

  • From playing fields to battlefields

    Sports and the military share a common bond journalistically. It’s not unusual to read about a classic battle, how a player had plenty of fight left, how a team showed a warrior mentality or how they were outnumbered.Sports have liberally borrowed clichés from the GI world for years. Now it’s the

  • U.S. military responds to Indonesia earthquake

    The U.S. military is sending about 100 troops to Indonesia to contribute to international humanitarian relief efforts in the wake of a devastating 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck May 27 near the ancient city of Yogyakarta. The deployment is part of a larger U.S. government response to a request

  • Airmen set sail aboard USNS Mercy for humanitarian mission

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

  • Airmen expand horizons through education

    The commandant and the superintendent of the Community College of the Air Force recently visited here and shared their views on the importance of pursuing higher education.Col. Thomas Klincar, the commandant, spoke of the bond he felt with the base.“I am especially excited to be here for the (CCAF)

  • Postal Service reissues Purple Heart stamp

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

  • Unit keeps pesty visitors at bay

    One unit here still strives to keep the sky over a portion of Iraq a no fly zone.They also eliminate rats, loose animals and vectors, insects that can transmit diseases to animals and humans. The unit, the 407th Civil Engineer Squadron’s entomology flight provides professional pest control to ensure

  • National Guard program helps at-risk teens

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

  • Mission of security forces constantly evolving

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

  • Nation honors fallen during National Moment of Remembrance

    On May 29, Americans will pause to remember servicemembers from wars past and present who have given the ultimate sacrifice while defending the nation. The National Moment of Remembrance takes place for one minute each year on Memorial Day, starting at 3 p.m. local time. "The time 3 p.m. was chosen

  • Services career field named Air Force Team of the Year

    Each year, Air Force officials evaluate career fields for unity and exceptional performance that warrants recognition by the entire force. In conjunction with the Air Force Association, one career field is recognized with an Air Force-level award. Services, Air Force Specialty Code 3M0X1, was

  • Raptors find new nest in Alaska

    After flying more than 3,200 miles over land, ocean, mountains and glaciers, six F-22 Raptors arrived here May 23 from Langley Air Force Base, Va. Though it isn’t the first time the Raptors have flown over snow-capped mountains, it is the first time they have flown outside of the continental United

  • 2007 budget completes dorm recapitalization funding

    The Air Force's fiscal 2007 budget request will complete the funding needed to replace inadequate dormitories for Airmen. During recent testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee's subcommittee on military construction and veterans affairs, William C. "Bill" Anderson, assistant secretary

  • Kenney Headquarters maximizes support to joint warfighters

    The Gen. George C. Kenney Headquarters reaches its one-year anniversary June 1. Known as KHQ, the headquarters staff commands air, space and information operations for joint forces throughout the Asia-Pacific region, excluding Korea. Consisting of three elements -- the Pacific Air Operations Center,

  • Airmen help honor vets at country music awards show

    Backstage, the anticipation of the curtains rising was surreal as 40 Airmen and eight veterans waited to make their national television debut during the 41st Academy of Country Music awards program May 23. With a quick nod and a smile from the band to calm their nerves, the director yelled, “We’re

  • Chaplain team here to serve

    Being deployed doesn’t mean an Airman’s spiritual involvement or fellowship with other members of his or her faith has to be neglected. The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing’s base chapel is a source of continued spiritual support of worship opportunities and counseling services for deployed

  • Commission maintains U.S. military cemeteries overseas

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

  • DOD works to further reduce military suicides

    Suicide rates within the military are about half those in the civilian military-aged population, but the Defense Department is reaching out to its members to help further reduce the incidence of suicide within the ranks, a top military doctor said. The suicide rate for military members during 2005

  • General urges Asian-Pacific Americans to pursue opportunities

    Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Robert “Lance” Chu would like to see more Asian-Pacific Americans take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Air Force and Air Force Reserve. “But not just Asian-Pacific people,” said Dr. Chu, the mobilization assistant to the assistant surgeon general for healthcare

  • Air Force Services announces LeMay, Eubank winners

    Each year, the Air Force recognizes the best Services units by presenting the Gen. Curtis E. LeMay and the Maj. Gen. Eugene L. Eubank awards. The LeMay trophy recognizes the best unit in the large base category, bases with 6,000 or more military and civilians assigned. The Eubank trophy recognizes

  • Class of 2007 cadets learn their future Air Force jobs

    Some 1,000 junior class cadets learned May 19 what their future Air Force jobs will be, a full year ahead of their graduation date.Until recent changes to the personnel system, cadets waited until the fall semester of their senior year to learn their career assignments. Undergraduate pilot training

  • Air Force launches civilian self-service system June 1

    The Air Force will launch two self-service modules that will allow civilians to access their personnel information beginning June 1. My Biz will provide civilian employees access and the ability to update information about themselves. My Workplace will provide military and civilian managers access

  • Center saves millions, improves warfighting abilities

    Airmen deploying in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom can travel a little lighter now, thanks to the new Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center. The center here is one of three consolidated mobility bag distribution hubs that went fully operational this rotation, saving

  • VA urges caution after theft of personal information

    Veterans Affairs officials announced May 22 the theft of personal information on up to 26.5 million veterans. However, VA Secretary R. James Nicholson stressed there's no indication the information is being used for purposes of fraud. "We at the VA have recently learned that an employee here, a data

  • General McKinley named Air National Guard director

    A lieutenant general with 32 years of service has been named as the 12th director of the Air National Guard. Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley was confirmed as director by the U.S. Senate effective May 20 and promoted to three-star rank. “I am thrilled about this opportunity to lead the more than 106,000

  • Redeployment survey shows most Airmen return healthy

    The Air Force has reassessed about 12,500 Airmen since December after they returned from deployment and found most of those Airmen to be healthy. At the close of 2005, the Air Force began asking Airmen who returned from deployment to places like Afghanistan and Iraq to complete a post-deployment

  • 'Spirit of Berlin' a hit with Berlin Air Show spectators

    The “Spirit of Berlin” proved a big hit at the 2006 Berlin Air Show. When spectators entered the C-17 Globemaster III through the crew entry door, the typical reaction was to stop, stare in awe and exclaim in wonder at the cavernous interior. “You got that all day, every day,” said Tech. Sgt. Don