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  • Air Force, Navy test fuel spill response

    With ships coming in and out of the port, there's always the possibility for accidents. A Navy fuel facility at Hachinohe port provides fuel to Misawa Air Base. If an oil spill happens there the response must be quick and effective. While the facility has its own people trained to respond to such

  • Changes in works for Air Force PT uniform

    The Air Force uniform board is working to resolve Airmen's issues with the Air Force physical training uniform, which became mandatory for wear in fall 2006. The board has received nearly 500 inputs from Airmen including suggestions on ways to improve the uniform, and some of those changes are in

  • Uniform officials warn Airmen about knockoff ABUs

    Commercial manufacturers have begun to advertise sale of the new Airman Battle Uniform at various online Web sites. Air Force officials warn Airmen these uniforms are not the authorized items provided by the Air Force's official source, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, and may not meet the

  • Firefighters suit up for HAZMAT training in Iraq

    A convoy winds through the streets of Iraq, when a technician in the lead vehicle sees an unexploded ordnance device near the road. As he moves closer, he notices the smell of chlorine gas. It's time to take protective measures. For firefighters from the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's

  • Course prepares mobility team leaders

    Of the 57 in-residence and online courses offered at the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's Mobility Operations School, one course targets future leaders in mobility command and control. The Mobility Air Forces Mobile Command and Control Leadership Course, offered four times a year with 16

  • Command, control battle lab closes doors after one decade

    The Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Battlelab held its official inactivation ceremony here June 14. The C2ISRB was one of seven battlelabs established by the Air Force in 1997 to address the acquisition system's inability to rapidly field technology and the

  • Army Air Force P-47 recovered in the Netherlands

    Though the Air Force is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, U.S. Air Forces in Europe is marking 65 years of service. One reason for this seemingly strange discrepancy was recently found deep in the muddy farmlands of the southwest Netherlands. Dutch workmen from the district water board

  • C-27J Spartan named as Joint Cargo Aircraft

    The U. S. Army announced a $2.04 billion contract award June 13 to L-3 Communications Integrated Systems for their C-27J Spartan to be the Joint Cargo Aircraft. This JCA program is a combined Air Force and Army effort to have an airframe that will meet warfighter needs for intratheater airlift.

  • 'Golden Medic' integrates Army, Air Force medical teams

    Leaders of the joint Army and Air Force medical exercise here stressed the importance of the services working together. "Golden Medic 2007 is an extraordinary opportunity for all services - active, Guard and Reserve, in addition to our coalition partners," said Col. Mike Dankosky, Air Force Reserve

  • 'Golden Medic' aeromedical team ready to transport

    The 706th Provisional Wing stood up here June 10 at the Augusta Regional Airport in preparation for "Golden Medic 2007" June 12-19. Golden Medic, in its 13th year, is the Army Reserve's largest annual exercise. It integrates several armed services' medical components in response to wartime medical

  • Air Force, academia to partner in Air Force Marathon

    Leaders from the Air Force and Wright State University gathered at a press conference here June 13 to discuss their new Air Force Marathon partnership and other details of the September race. Standing on the flight line of the 445th Airlift Wing in front of a massive C-5 Galaxy -- the featured

  • Airmen can earn bachelor's degrees through Air University

    Starting June 15, Airmen can apply their Community College of the Air Force credits toward a bachelor's degree from a variety of universities and colleges. This can be done through the Air Force Virtual Education Center which links a prospective student to the new Air University

  • Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year named

    Air Force officials have selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2007. An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center here considered 33 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and

  • Air Mobility Command reaches 'R and R' milestone

    An ATA Airlines L-1011 touched down on the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport tarmac at 8:50 a.m. June 12, bringing home the 500,000th passenger since the U.S. Central Command's Rest and Recuperation Leave Program and Air Mobility Command's R and R flight operations began in 2003. Maj. Gen.

  • Calling cards help troops call home

    On June 17, most fathers will awake to smiles, hugs and maybe even another tie for their collection. For more than 150,000 American fathers, sons and daughters serving in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, their Father's Day will be much different. To help bridge the gap between the

  • Civil engineer Airmen paving way for Iraqi Army

    Members of the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron are constructing a 44,000-square-foot concrete drill pad at Camp Mittica, Iraq. The pad will be used for training by the Iraqi Army. The Air Force was approached by the United Kingdom Brigade forward commander for assistance in standing up

  • Program helps Airmen with reintegration after deployment

    Airmen returning from a deployment usually find their permanent duty station a welcome sight. The chance to finally see family and friends again and get back to a normal lifestyle is something to look forward to during the flight home.But Airmen and their families often find that adjusting to life

  • Balad honors fallen EOD Airman

    Senior Airman William N. Newman, an explosive ordnance disposal technician who was killed June 7 south of Balad Air Base, Iraq, was honored in a memorial service here June 10. Airman Newman, 23, assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, was killed by an improvised explosive

  • Motorcyclists hit road to promote safety

    Seeing a convoy of motorcycles may conjure visions of lawless biker gangs cruising the open roads. However, when Kadena Air Base held the first Kadena Motorcycle Ride, a procession of more than 70 participating bikes and riders presented a different image. "We're promoting safety among the riders,

  • Eglin partnership helps endangered fish

    In another example of how the Air Force works with state and federal agencies on environmental issues, a project is under way here to aid the federally endangered Okaloosa darter, a fish species only found in six streams in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Construction continues on a project at the

  • Some Airmen, civilians authorized to wear NATO medals

    Some deployed Air Force military and civilian personnel are now authorized to wear one of four North Atlantic Treaty Organization medals. Those who served in a NATO unit for 30 continuous or accumulated days and were listed on a Combined Joint Statement of Requirements may be awarded either the NATO

  • Air Force officials announce airfield operations awards

    Air Force officials announced the winners of the 2006 Air Force Airfield Operation Awards June 13. Airfield operations include airfield operations and control, specifically airfield management and air traffic control. The 2006 winners are as follows: Airfield operations flight complex of the year:

  • Arnold AFB brings home DOD environmental award

    The 704th Civil Engineer Squadron's environmental flight has earned the 2006 Secretary of Defense Natural Resources Management Award in the large installation category. The award recognizes excellence in managing natural resources to support the military mission and stewardship mission goals of the

  • Airman's Roll Call: Taking environmental responsibility

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on Airmen and civilians being responsible for Air Force's environmental role. The Air Force continues to set the example as the nation's top customer for buying energy that comes from environmentally-friendly sources. Airmen should always look for ways they can

  • Master, technical sergeant promotion rates announced

    The Air Force selected 6,002 of 24,115 eligible technical sergeants for promotion to master sergeant, and 7,314 of 39,797 eligible staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant. The master sergeant selection rate, 24.89 percent, rose 5.03 percent from last year, while this year's technical

  • Pilots get taste of combat during Red Flag-Alaska

    The exercise is Red Flag, but it is in Alaska this time, not Nevada. There are similarities -- both exercises focus on advanced tactical training for aircrew members against air and surface threats. Both employ an aggressor force in the air and from the ground. Both have similar training objectives

  • Precision airdrops deliver directly to battlefield

    Water, food and ammunition are only useful if they make it to the people who need them. Fortunately for battlefield Airmen, Soldiers and Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan these supplies are flown in using the Joint Precision Airdrop System. C-17 Globemaster IIIs at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing are

  • Arlington exhibit closes with ceremony honoring the fallen

    Arlington National Cemetery's "Faces of the Fallen" exhibit closed June 7, and in a ceremony to honor the fallen, artwork featuring servicemembers who have lost their lives were presented to their surviving family members. While the exhibit comprised 1,319 fallen servicemembers, the closing ceremony

  • Airmen receive first AF Combat Action Medals

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley awarded six Airmen the Air Force Combat Action Medal during a ceremony June 12 at the Air Force Memorial. These Airmen were the first in the Air Force to receive the new medal.Recipients of the award were Maj. Steven A. Raspet, Capt. Allison K. Black,

  • Academy announces 1st six athlete hall of famers

    The Air Force Academy has announced the inaugural class for induction into the Air Force Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. The six inductees -- Alonzo Babers, Bob Beckel, John Clune, Chad Hennings, Michelle Johnson and Brock Strom -- will be inducted Oct. 19 in Colorado Springs. The six inductees

  • Middle school students get 'caught' being good

    No talking in class. No running in the halls. No chewing gum. Although the rules vary from school to school, some students often find themselves on the wrong end of a meeting with their teachers.There is no exception for students at the Lajes American School. With just more than 400 students in the

  • Modernizing an old design a challenge for medal makers

    The designer of the Air Force Combat Action Medal said it was a challenge giving the medal a World War I feel but at the same time modernizing it. Graphic designer Susan Gamble used artwork from photos of Brig. Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell's aircraft to inspire the design of the medal, which was

  • Airmen train for worst-case scenarios at Red Flag

    When a pilot gets shot down in combat, it takes more than luck to bring him or her back home, which is why Red Flag-Alaska exercises prepare Airmen for any situation. "(These exercises are going to) give some of our aircraft commanders and the people who are flying an idea of what to expect if a

  • Changes in Air Force to ultimately benefit Airmen

    An Air Force-wide plan to reduce the number of Airmen while saving money for equipment upgrades will be difficult, but ultimately, beneficial, said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. During an enlisted call here June 6, Chief McKinley spoke with Airmen about the Air Force

  • Elmendorf celebrates C-17 arrival

    Elmendorf officially received its first C-17 Globemaster III airlifter June 11 during a ceremony here. The C-17, "Spirit of Denali," was delivered by Alaska's Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell. "The C-17 is an exceptional aircraft and what a smooth ride," said the lieutenant governor. "This is a great day for

  • F-22 Raptor team garners Collier Trophy

    The National Aeronautic Association presented its Robert J. Collier Trophy to the Lockheed Martin Corporation for their role in the development of the Air Force's F-22 Raptor. The Air Force was part of the team awarded the honor, one of the nation's most prestigious prizes for aeronautical and space

  • Airman memorialized at Hill Air Force Base

    Hundreds attended a memorial service here June 8 for a Hill Airman deployed to Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, who was killed June 5 by an improvised explosive device that detonated near his convoy vehicle.Tech. Sgt. Ryan A. Balmer, who was assigned here to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations

  • Air Force band is expeditionary instrument of peace

    There was no waiting for the world to change one recent spring day in Afghanistan when Air Force Band members took matters into their own hands and united with a group of local elementary school students for an afternoon of friendship and music. Singing pop songs by artists such as John Mayer, who

  • Yokota youths graduate safe and sound

    Many parents at Yokota Air Base slept soundly last week knowing their high school graduates were in good hands graduation night.Project Graduation is an all-night party sponsored by many schools throughout the United States and at military bases overseas to keep students safe and apart from alcohol

  • Rollover trainer turns up the HEAT on safety

    Before security forces teams deploy from Moody, they are now being put through the "spin cycle" of the Air Force's only vehicle rollover trainer. The Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer, or HEAT, is able to realistically simulate a vehicle rollover in a safe environment and will save lives in a

  • Civic leaders tour Travis during Air Force Week

    As part of Air Force Week California, an honorary commanders' tour was held June 7 at Travis Air Force Base. The event brought local civic leaders to the base to see first-hand how Airmen prepare for deployments. The visitors sat in on a deployment briefing, were issued Kevlar helmets and body armor

  • Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Space Command and its multi-faceted mission, ranging from helping pilots navigate around the world to detecting and tracking objects in space above the United States and maintaining America's nuclear arsenal. And be part of an Air Force joint

  • Air Force Week California concludes with air show

    Amid tumble dives and barrel rolls, vintage aircraft and modern fighters, the California Capital Air Show concluded Air Force Week here June 9 and 10. The event, which took place at Mather Airport, the site of former Mather Air Force Base, drew more than 50,000 people and offered a variety of

  • Airmen, Iraqi air traffic controllers work together

    Standing 200 feet above Baghdad International Airport in a weathered control tower, Air Force air traffic controllers are busy directing aircraft while their Iraqi counterparts get certified through intensive formal training and hands-on experience. It's a job that is extremely challenging, yet

  • Final tributes paid to Airmen killed in Iraq

    Two memorial displays, each with a pair of boots, an inverted rifle, a helmet and a set of dog tags, stood side by side reflecting the camaraderie and teamwork and service of Tech. Sgt. Ryan A. Balmer and Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Kuglics, whose ultimate sacrifices were honored in a ceremony here June

  • Journal focuses on developing Airmen, leaders

    The College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education at Air University has published and distributed the Summer 2007 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

  • 'FOX and Friends' shines spotlight on Wright-Patterson AFB

    Television viewers who watched the FOX News Network's "FOX and Friends" morning program June 8 gained insight into the diverse mission of Air Force Materiel Command and the Air Force. With a C-5 Galaxy serving as his backdrop, "FOX and Friends" co-anchor Brian Kilmeade broadcast multiple live

  • Pilot in Doolittle Raid dies

    Col. Jack Ahren Sims was among the first pilots to fly in the Doolittle Tokyo Raid on April 18, 1942 -- the first United States aerial invasion of Japan during World War II. Colonel Sims died June 9 in Naples, Fla. He was 88. "He did a great service to this country," said friend and biographer Al

  • Air Force convoy attacked

    One 586th Air Expeditionary Group Airman was killed and another injured during convoy operations in southern Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated and struck their vehicle June 10. The injured Airman was last listed in good condition and is expected to return to duty. The deceased

  • Newest 'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

    The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world. At Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, Staff Sgt. Anthony Chambers checks a solar-powered security system near the perimeter. Sergeant Chambers is deployed to the 506th

  • Redesigned Tricare Web site will make getting info easy

    Getting information is going to get easier for the 9.1 million Tricare beneficiaries. Soon they will be able to access Tricare information tailored for them through the new My Benefits portal.In addition to simplified navigation, beneficiaries will be able to compare plans, get detailed information

  • Karl Bolt selected by Phillies in 15th round of MLB draft

    Recently graduated Air Force first baseman/outfielder Karl Bolt was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 15th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft June 8. Bolt is the second Air Force Academy baseball player ever drafted in the 51-year history of the program. A four-year

  • Air Force recognizes 2006 environmental award winners

    Seven active bases, one Guard wing and one individual were chosen for the Gen. Thomas D. White Environmental Awards for 2006 June 7 at the Pentagon. The Air Force also won four of eight Department of Defense environmental awards. "The Air Force has a long track record of taking care of the

  • Air Force units promo August Air Force Week event

    Air National Guard, active-duty and Reserve units from across New England teamed up June 6 to demonstrate and highlight aerial refueling as a way to kick off a summer-long celebration of 60 years of Air Force history.   The celebration promotes Air Force Week New England which will take place in

  • Air Force receives 4 of 8 DOD environmental awards

    Three Air Force bases and one Air Force civilian were chosen for Defense Department environmental awards June 7 in Washington, D.C. Environmental stewardship is not a separate Defense Department mission, but rather is the fabric of the department, a top defense official said during the 2006

  • Award-winning combat videographer keys in on people

    Tech. Sgt. Gary Burdett's videography documents the up-close-and-personal actions of America's fighting forces around the world.Sergeant Burdett, a 16-year military veteran and a member of the 1st Combat Camera Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., is the Defense Department's Military

  • Combat photographer braves bullets to tell stories

    An award-winning Air Force photographer routinely braved bullets and bombs to tell the military's story through the lenses of his cameras to be named the Defense Department's Military Photographer of the Year for 2007. Combat photographer Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Lock also earned that honor in 2002 and

  • First Air Force Combat Action Medals to be presented

    The Air Force chief of staff is scheduled to present the first Air Force Combat Action Medals to six Airmen during an 8 a.m. ceremony June 12 at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. Gen. T. Michael Moseley will award the new medals to recognize Air Force members who were engaged in air or ground

  • Tricare officials: be prepared for hurricane season

    With meteorologists predicting another active Atlantic hurricane season, Tricare officials are urging beneficiaries to prepare now before a hurricane causes evacuations or limits access to health care. The Atlantic storm season is underway and hurricanes and typhoons at home and abroad may affect

  • Band of the Golden West rocks downtown Sacramento

    The Air Force Band of the Golden West's rock group, Mobility, performed for the downtown Sacramento community as part of Air Force Week during a June 7 performance at the Cesar Chavez Plaza here. The special lunch-hour performance was one of numerous events held in Sacramento as part of Air Force

  • Allies team up for joint exercise at Kunsan

    Members of the 8th Fighter Wing and the Republic of Korea air force have teamed up for a joint training exercise June 8 at Kunsan Air Base. Two South Korean F-16s from the 111th Fighter Squadron, two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 35th Fighter Squadron, Airmen of the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Unit

  • Marines play along in Red Flag

    Marine Corps aircrews from the Yuma, Arizona-based 513th Marine Attack Squadron traded their desert landscape for Alaska's "last frontier" and found themselves players in a whole new game at this year's Red Flag-Alaska June 4. Joining fellow pilots from the U.S. and several allied nations, Marine

  • Latest 'Vector' focuses on wingmen for life

    The Air Force chief of staff released his latest vector for Airmen and it focuses on the importance of being a wingman for your fellow Airmen. The wingman concept reflects the ultimate confidence we all must have in our fellow Airmen -- we trust each other, quite literally, with our lives, Gen. T.

  • Saving servicemembers' lives one flight at a time

    Some might say doctors don't make house calls anymore, but that's exactly what the Airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, do on a daily basis. They bring the hospital to the wounded. A typical aeromedical evacuation, or AE, crew turns

  • Misawa squadrons swap out Iraqi mission

    Two F-16 Fighting Falcons flying thousands of feet in the air track a pair of vehicles full of known al-Qaida insurgents on the ground. The vehicles stop at a location free of collateral damage, and command officials make a decision. The F-16s drop precision-guided munitions and destroy the

  • Travis unit marks 8 years of being DUI free

    Airmen of the 6th Air Refueling Squadron at Travis Air Force Base recently marked their eighth year without a driving under the influence incident. "From the day an individual arrives at the squadron, friends and supervisors mentor (new arrivals) on our program," said Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Zahn,

  • June 6 airpower summary: F-16s provide overwatch in Iraq

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles made multiple strafing passes,

  • Tops in Blue entertains at Air Force Week

    The Air Force's premiere entertainment group Tops in Blue sang and danced for the Sacramento community as part of Air Force Week during a June 5 performance at the Radisson Hotel here. The performance was one of several events the group will do throughout the local area as part of Air Force

  • Defense secretary, servicemembers reflect on D-Day heroism

    The defense secretary was among hundreds of people who walked above the windswept cliffs and paused among fog-shrouded headstones here June 6 to honor those who died during the D-Day invasion 63 years ago. Secretary Robert M. Gates took a private moment in the American Cemetery, reflecting on row

  • 'FOX and Friends' to broadcast live June 8 from Wright-Patt

    The FOX News Network's "FOX and Friends" morning program will broadcast live from 7 to 9 a.m. Eastern time June 8 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as the show makes its third Air Force stop on its Salute to the Troops Tour. Co-anchor Brian Kilmeade will be on location telecasting reports to his

  • Sacramento Rivercats host Air Force Week event

    Sweaty palms. That's how Staff Sgt. Raymond Hardson described how he felt as he waited to throw the first pitch to start a Sacramento Rivercats baseball game here June 4. The game, which took place at Raley Field, was the first of many events organized to honor military members and their families as

  • MegaPub offers one-stop shopping for Air Force doctrine

    The Air Force Doctrine Center has unveiled a new tool, making it easier than ever to reference and search operational-level doctrine. Known as MegaPub, the one-stop shopping solution offers easy access to the complete library of Air Force Doctrine Documents, or AFDDs."As Airmen, we should advocate

  • F-16 pilot receives Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John D. W. Corley presented the Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy, one of the service's top safety awards, to a fighter pilot during a ceremony June 5 in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.  Assisting in the presentation was Koren Kolligian, nephew of the trophy's

  • Air Force agents killed in Iraq

    Two agents from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations were killed in the line of duty June 5 in Kirkuk, Iraq. Ryan Balmer, 33, a technical sergeant stationed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and Matthew Kuglics, 25, a staff sergeant stationed at Lackland AFB, Texas, were deployed to Iraq in

  • U.S., Japanese Airmen meet for cultural exchange

    Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force officers came together at the JASDF's Meguro College here May 31 for an English language cultural exchange. During the year-long Command and Staff Course at the college, JASDF majors and captains learn the necessary skills to take on future challenges. One

  • Incirlik medics train with new decon field equipment

    Air Force medics have a vital mission in the event of a chemical or biological attack as they must be able to decontaminate large groups of people quickly and effectively in the event of an attack.Incirlik Air Base Airmen are prepared for such an attack and the base is one of only two Air Force

  • Tanker Task Force keeps Red Flag flying

    KC-135 Stratotankers, aircrews and maintainers are providing air refueling support to aircraft from Alaska's Eielson and Elmendorf Air Force Bases to ensure Red Flag-Alaska meets its training goals. More than 1,400 military members from the United States, Singapore and Australia are in Alaska to

  • Airman's Roll Call: Government travel card a benefit

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the government travel card, a benefit available to Department of Defense employees with the understanding it will not be abused or misused in any way.Use of the card is a benefit, not an entitlement, and Air Force leaders remind card holders that

  • 'Life skills' renamed 'mental health'

    All Air Force "life skills support centers" will be renamed "mental health clinics" effective immediately.After a poll of subject matter experts, first sergeants, command chief master sergeants and mental health patients, it was determined that the name "life skills" was confusing and did not

  • Air traffic controller honored by FAA

    Capt. Todd Lobato, chief air traffic control trainer for the Utah Air National Guard's 299th Range Control Squadron, was honored recently by the Federal Aviation Administration as the FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year. Captain Lobato received this award for his role as the aviation safety

  • Air Force forecasters gear up for hurricane season

    National Hurricane Center officials predict the Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1 and continues through Nov. 30, to have a 75 percent chance of being an "above average" season. NHC forecasters predict the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season will have 13 to 17 named storms, of which seven to

  • Air Force Week begins in Sacramento

    The California governor officially declared here June 4 the start of Air Force Week, which is designed to inform and educate the public about the important roles the Air Force plays in support of the nation's defense. There are numerous events scheduled throughout Air Force Week, which runs through

  • Being Red Cross ready helps during emergencies

    Being prepared for emergencies is crucial at home, school, work and in the community, but how does someone prepare for something as devastating as an earthquake or tsunami? The best way to stay "Red Cross Ready" is to have a kit, make a plan and be informed, said Jane Dustman of the Yokota Air Base

  • Air Force saves money through energy-efficient lighting

    With an energy efficiency commitment, Air Force officials pursue leading-edge technologies for energy efficient lighting as part of its energy strategy for the 21st century. The Air Force spends about $1 billion annually for the 77 trillion British thermal units of energy required to run more than

  • Checkmate: Strategic studies group supports leaders

    The Air Force chief of staff announced June 4 the establishment of a new Air Force strategic studies group at the Pentagon that will carry a familiar name -- Checkmate. The new Checkmate will act as a catalyst for strategic initiatives and directly support the chief of staff and Air Force leaders

  • Exercise tests fast-response unit's capabilities

    Members of the 615th Contingency Response Wing at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., are here conducting a weeklong exercise that will test the unit's ability to set up operations at a seized air field. Called Operation Hydra, the training is taking place at the Castle Airport and Aviation Development

  • 2006 Super Bowl champs visit Randolph

    Champions know about the importance of quality teamwork and the Super Bowl XLI champion Indianapolis Colts are no exception. To help improve their teamwork relationship with the Air Force, members of the Colts championship team visited Randolph Air Force Base June 1 to gain a better understanding

  • New Pentagon Channel show helps troops get 'Fit for Duty'

    Hosts of a new show coming to the Pentagon Channel want to make troops hurt, sweat and push them to their limits, but most of all the new show aims to ensure members of the U.S. military are "Fit for Duty." "Fitness is as much a part of the military as the uniform," said retired Master Sgt. Jim

  • Weather flight keeps pilots safe

    When planning a mission, Airmen must consider equipment, manpower and cost; however, there is one element that could have a serious impact if not properly planned for -- the weather. Because of Lajes Field's location as the mid-point between the United States and Europe, military flights regularly

  • Preparing for unexpected keeps vacation worry-free

    Many Airmen stationed overseas have family and friends travel thousands of miles to visit, but sometimes they forget to be ready for to the unexpected like a potential medical emergency. A quick check of a person's insurance and being prepared medically and financially can prevent a vacation turning

  • Air operations center opens at Tyndall

    First Air Force celebrated the opening of the 601st Air and Space Operations Center here June 1 with a ceremony and tour of the 37,000-square-foot, $30 million combat center. First Air Force, which also serves under the North American Aerospace Defense Command as the continental U.S. NORAD Region,

  • Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights a device called the targeting pod, whicht ensures pilot accuracy and minimizes collateral damage on the battlefield. Also in this edition, experience how Airmen co-exist alongside Soldiers, Sailors and Marines performing their duties as joint

  • Cope North exercise to kick off at Andersen

    Military members and units from the Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force are preparing to kick off the annual Cope North exercise June 11 to 22 at Andersen Air Force Base. Cope North is a regularly scheduled joint/bilateral exercise held by the United States and Japan. The purpose of the

  • Airmen, Sacramento team up for Air Force Week

    The second Air Force Week of 2007 kicks off June 4 as Airmen from Air Combat Command and Beale Air Force Base share the Air Force story with the community of Sacramento Calif.  Air Force Week is part of a proactive approach designed to increase public awareness of the Air Force's mission, heritage,

  • Joint forces combine for Red Flag-Alaska exercise

    More than 1,400 military members from the United States, Singapore and Australia have converged on Alaska to sharpen their collective warfighting edge in Red Flag-Alaska 07-2, which runs from May 31 to June 15. Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training

  • Bird avoidance job going to the dogs

    Officials  from the 459th Air Refueling Wing hired a new member to the wing staff.What makes this new employee different is the recent wing addition is a four-legged member who answers to the name Jackson. Nearly seven months old, Jackson is the only dog hired in the history of the 459th ARW. Owned

  • SECAF: Dominance in cyberspace is not optional

    The Air Force's senior leader's message was clear: dominance in cyberspace is not optional.  He made that case to attendees May 23 at the inaugural 55th Wing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Symposium in Omaha. "Our own nation's neural network resides in cyberspace," Secretary of the

  • Aviano Airmen put brakes on travel

    After logging more than 20,000 miles per year, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron supply warehouse personnel here realized they needed to do something to improve efficiency. As an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiative, the supply Airmen rearranged their warehouse to cut down on

  • Defense secretary calls losses 'painful, personal'

    Of all the challenges he confronts at the helm of the Defense Department, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said one of the most difficult for him is writing condolence letters to families who have lost a loved one in the war on terrorism. "I feel very strongly about the families of

  • 'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

    The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: In Alaska, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot fires the aircraft's 30mm Gatling gun May 29 during Red Flag-Alaska 07-2 over the Pacific Alaska