NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Thinking lean, a must for stronger, smaller Air Force

    The U.S. Air Forces in Europe vice commander, Maj. Gen. Marc Rogers, spent time with senior leaders at Incirlik Air Base to discuss the importance of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, or AFSO21. General Rogers began with a big picture explanation of the Air Force's strong focus on the

  • Lt. Dan Band salutes servicemembers overseas

    Everywhere he goes, actor Gary Sinise is recognized as Lieutenant Dan from the movie "Forrest Gump." It was this recognition that gave him the inspiration for his band name: The Lt. Dan Band; a tool that Mr. Sinise uses to support the men and women in the Armed Forces by playing overseas tours and

  • Air Force announces aviation resource management awards

    Air Force officials announced the 2006 Outstanding Air Force Aviation Resource Management Award winners. The 2006 Aviation Resource Management Award winners are: -- Airman of the Year is Senior Airman Kristel Weires of the 12th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. -- NCO of the Year

  • Air Force research team's 'out of box thinking' earns honors

    Efforts to advance experimentation war gaming within the Air Force and the Defense Department resulted in a team from the Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate receiving the Air Force Modeling and Simulation Experimentation Award for 2006. The team, which consists of team

  • Logistics team makes logical, money-saving move

    To support the warfighter, the Air Force airlifts cargo such as computer equipment, supplies and spare parts all around the globe. Some of this cargo has to be shipped with special packaging. At Incirlik Air Base, the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron's Cargo Movement Flight used to contract out

  • Iraqi air force capabilities continue to increase

    The capabilities of the Iraqi air force continue to grow as they performed their first double patient transfer May 8 here. Two months the Iraqi air force conducted its first aeromedical transfer, a policeman transported from the American 28th Combat Support Hospital to an Iraqi treatment facility,

  • Nations at Combined Endeavor combat cyberspace security

    As technology continues its steady advance, controlling cyberspace becomes increasingly critical to securing warfighting capabilities. In order to help prevent future conflicts by integrating and streamlining communications on a global scale, the 13th annual Combined Endeavor exercise April 27 to

  • Shield represents past roots, present vision

    The shield of the 552nd Air Control Wing symbolizes the unit's mission and reflects its more than 50-year past. It was originally approved for the 552nd Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing on Feb. 6, 1956. The ultramarine blue and gold represent Air Force colors.  The emblem' s elements portray

  • May 16 airpower summary: Fueling the mission

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds

  • Airmen selected for dental training program

    Air Force Dental Service officials have selected the next group of dental assistants to participate in the Dental Hygiene Training Scholarship Program, conducted at Trident Technical College in Charleston, S.C. and St. Petersburg College in Tampa, Fla. Ten current Air Force dental assistants were

  • Airmen complete realistic deployment exercise

    Airmen here completed a Phase I and II combined exercise May 11 after two weeks of realistic combat training. The wing simulated deploying the F-117A Nighthawk, along with assets from across the wing to a forward operating base in Iraq. To replicate the experience of deploying, assets from the base

  • New tactical vehicle rolls onto Moody

    Airmen of the 820th Security Forces Group here in May received two of the 18 new light medium tactical vehicles scheduled to replace the aging five-ton M923 and 2.5-ton "Deuce" M35 utility trucks. The group is expected to receive nine five-ton capacity medium tactical vehicles and nine 2.5-ton

  • All for one - NATO aircraft monitor America's skies

    Nine years ago, Mike left his hometown of Lincoln, Neb., and joined the Air Force to see the world. And see the world he did. As an airborne warning and control system pilot in NATO, he's been to places that friends and family can only read about in travel magazines. In fact, he was participating in

  • Little Rock Airman killed in Iraq

    Staff Sgt. John Self, a security forces specialist from the 314th Security Forces Squadron, was killed May 14 by a roadside bomb near Baghdad, Iraq. Sergeant Self had been in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since September on a 365-day deployment. "John volunteered for this deployment

  • Airman saves four lives, earns Soldier's Medal

    A staff sergeant from the 99th Civil Engineering Squadron here was awarded the U.S. Army Soldier's Medal in an award ceremony here May 10 for saving the four Soldiers' lives. U.S. Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona summed up the actions of Staff Sgt. Scott White, an explosive ordnance disposal journeyman.

  • DOD humanitarian projects help fight HIV epidemic

    One of five volunteer counseling and testing centers aimed at mitigating the effects of the HIV virus opened here May 9. Two U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen assisted with this project funded by the U.S. Department of Defense's Office of Defense Cooperation Humanitarian Assistance Program. Tech.

  • Airman's Roll Call focuses on Combat Action Medal

    In the spirit of cultivating warrior ethos in all Airmen, Air Force officials created the Air Force Combat Action Medal, which recognizes Airmen who have engaged the enemy. Through an evolution of Air Force warfighting roles, more Airmen are finding themselves involved in combat actions. Some Airmen

  • May 15 airpower summary: ISR critical to mission success

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

  • Airmen strengthen Kyrgyzstan ties with construction project

    Airmen from Manas Air Base volunteered their time May 11 to fill in potholes and other hazardous road safety conditions in and around Oktyabrskoye improving the quality of the roads for the Kyrgyzstan village. The Airmen from the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and 376th Expeditionary

  • New hangar optimizes aircraft painters' capabilities

    A new facility designed around the need to house a C-5 Galaxy for paint application and removal officially opened May 9 here . The aircraft corrosion control hangar optimizes the paint removal and application process for the C-5 and the C-17 Globemaster III and increases the level of safety for the

  • Structural maintainers embrace joint-service environment

    As servicemembers fight the war on terrorism, joint operations between the Army and Air Force are happening in many facets, including some unexpected ones. Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance shop and metals tech shop have pitched in to help the

  • DOD identifies Air Force casualty

    The Department of Defense announced today the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. John T. Self, 29, of Pontotoc, Miss., died May 14 as result of enemy action near Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 314th Security Forces Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base,

  • Tyndall to residents: Wildfires pose no threat

    As wildfires continue to burn much of Florida and on base, Tyndall Air Force Base officials are telling residents not to worry. "No base assets are threatened by these fires," said Walt Walter, the base's Wildlands Fire Program manager. Two active fires are burning on the base, but they are located

  • 41-year-old N.Y. doc answers Air Force's call

    Little else is audible above the sounds of construction and traffic. Although it's been nearly six years, a constant flow of onlookers still gather on the breezeway above to view the site of one of the most tragic events in American history -- 9/11. Passersby pause at the "Ten House" long enough to

  • Joint AF-VA hospital provides world-class healthcare

    In July 1994, Nellis Air Force Base's Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital became one of four Department of Defense hospitals to consolidate Air Force and Department of Veteran's Affairs medical needs under one roof. "It's all about medicine and keeping everyone healthy and in top form," said Maj. Tom

  • Special ops pilot chosen for academy airmanship award

    A special operations instructor pilot and a 1993 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate was named the recipient for the 2007 Col. James Jabara Award for Airmanship May 11.Maj. Mark Visconi received the award after he flew 106 combat sorties and logged 136 combat hours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom

  • SECAF sees bright future for Eielson Airmen

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne highlighted the importance of the local mission to the future of the Air Force and victory in the war on terrorism during his visit here May 8 to 10. During a trip to the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron May 9, he praised Alaskan Airmen for their

  • CCAF graduates largest class

    Airmen around the world improve their education every day because of the Community College of the Air Force. Recently, the CCAF graduated it largest class ever at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. More than 120 Airmen from the base earned their degrees during the spring 2007 graduation. Marking the

  • AFSO 21 changes improve C-17 availability at McChord

    Airmen here are using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century to come up with more efficient ways to use available C-17 Globemaster IIIs for training missions during the week. By shortening the turn time of each aircraft from three hours and 15 minutes to two hours and using an engine

  • May 14 airpower summary: Airmen deliver supplies, people

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Royal Air Force GR-9 Harriers dropped 540 pound

  • AF releases draft amendment for new helicopter proposals

    Air Force officials here announced May 14 the release of a draft amendment to the combat search and rescue replacement vehicle request for proposal."We're releasing this draft RFP amendment to foster open communications with our partners in industry, the Department of Defense and Congress as we

  • Air traffic controllers manage safe, efficient operation

    A team of Airmen observe the diversity of air power used in the war on terrorism from the highest vantage point on base: the air traffic control tower. Forward-deployed U.S. armed forces and coalition partners depend on every flight that takes off from and lands at the air base run by the Airmen of

  • May 13 airpower: B-1B targets insurgents

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped multiple guided bomb

  • Flight information management initiative saves time, money

    Air Mobility Battlelab members successfully completed an initiative named the Comprehensive Combat Flight Information Management System at the Rockwell Collins International, Inc.'s aviation laboratory in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The CCFIMS initiative combines commercial and government systems to prove

  • Joint team helps save 2-year-old boy in Pacific

    When Airmen from the 13th Air Force's Theater Patient Movement Requirements Center here received a request in early May from a Saipan pediatrician requesting critical assistance for a 2-year-old suffering from pneumonia with subsequent organ system failure, unit members understood time was critical

  • Department names 'Best of Best' in communication media

    Servicemembers whose words and pictures best communicated the Defense Department's activities to its internal audience and the public last year were recognized May 11 at the institution that trains the nation's military journalists, broadcasters, photographers, graphic artists and

  • Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

    In this week's edition of "Today's Air Force" see how Airmen are in the fight against terrorism, filling Army "In-Lieu-Of" requirements, and how these Airmen warriors are helping meet the immediate demands of the surge in Iraq. Also, when people think of the Air Force they think of aircraft and

  • Teen becomes 'Pilot for a Day' at Fairchild

    It isn't every day a 13-year-old boy gets to pilot a KC-135 Stratotanker destined from Washington for Hawaii, but one teen flew the mission May 3 as Fairchild Air Force Airmen helped one local youth become a Pilot for a Day. Dylan Nickerson experienced a day in the life of a pilot with the

  • May 11-12 airpower: F-15Es hit insurgent compound

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 11 and 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer executed shows of

  • Raptors return from historical deployment

    The first overseas deployment of America's newest fighter aircraft ended when the stealthy planes arrived here May 11.The first wave of F-22 Raptors from the 27th Fighter Squadron returned from Kadena Air Base, Japan, as part of a three-month air and space expeditionary force deployment where the

  • 'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

    The "Week In Photos" Web feature provides visitors with photos highlighting Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: At Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Senior Airman Andrew Caro and Staff Sgt. Dustin Maglinti take aim at a target during a training exercise. They are

  • Charleston test platform for new all-electric vehicle

    Over the next six months four new, energy-saving vehicles can be seen zipping across the base's roads. The Department of Transportation-certified, all-electric, zero-pollution, low-speed vehicles are Miles ZX40 and ZX40S. They are capable of moving at speeds of 25 mph for 50 miles before a recharge

  • Bush proclaims May 11 Military Spouse Day

    President Bush issued a proclamation May 10 commemorating May 11 as Military Spouse Day and laid plans to observe the day honoring servicemembers and their spouses personally at the White House. "America's military spouses inspire our nation with their sense of duty and deep devotion to our

  • Predators ready to aid Missouri flood victims

    MQ-1 Predators are on standby to launch and help with search, rescue and recovery efforts over the areas of Missouri devastated by floods. Four of the unmanned aerial vehicles and the Airmen who launch and recover them await U.S. Northern Command orders to deploy to a location near the affected

  • Air support is crucial vein in ground force's lifeline

    Joint terminal attack controllers direct the action of combat aircraft to provide close-air support missions for U.S. ground forces in Iraq. Close-air support missions require highly-detailed communication channels and a well-coordinated process. Those communication channels and coordination

  • USAFE commander visits Spanish base

    The U. S. Air Forces in Europe commander met with Spanish airmen and commanders of the 712th Air Base Group and observed firsthand how the Spanish and U.S. work together May 11 at Moron Air Base.Gen. William T. Hobbins toured Europe's en-route base for Air Force fighters and tankers while Spanish

  • Personnel Center reps demonstrate 'Excellence in Government'

    An individual and a team from the Air Force Personnel Center here received Alamo Federal Executive Board "Excellence in Government" awards during a luncheon May 4 honoring the nearly 90,000 federal employees in the San Antonio area. AFEB officials presented Emily Covarrubia, from the Civilian Force

  • New dorms boost quality of life for Spangdahlem Airmen

    A ribbon-cutting ceremony opened a new chapter in the living conditions for some of Spangdahlem Air Base's unaccompanied Airmen as new dormitories are the latest quality-of-life improvements here.The $6.4 million dorm project comes equipped with controlled heating and ventilation systems, electric

  • National Guard cleaning up devastated Kansas town

    It's hard to describe the immensity of the destruction in Greensburg, Kan. State and FEMA officials say 95 percent of the town is destroyed; gone as well are 961 homes, and 136 businesses have major damage. Standing in the center of town and looking in all directions is an endless scene of disaster:

  • May 10 airpower: Airlifting ammo to Soldiers

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped 500-pound bombs on

  • Donated mural honors servicemembers

    Two artists have donated their time and money to create a mural for Bagram Air Base to honor those who wear the uniform. The 10-by-8 mural, which has an image of the upper portion of the Statue of Liberty and a message in large letters that reads "Land of the Free, Because of the Brave," is covered

  • Airmen tell Air Force story over airwaves

    Throughout the month, Pacific Air Force Airmen are sharing the Air Force story on one of Hawaii's most popular radio stations. May is Hawaii Military Appreciation Month and KHVH (AM 830) is featuring the military on radio spots and live interviews. Four Airmen from the 15th Airlift Wing based at

  • Realism gives Air Force pilot new perspective

    Evasion training helps the Air Force's pilots stay up-to-date on survival techniques in emergency situations. Staff Sgt. Anthony Raciborski, a Survival, Evasion Resistance, Escape specialist, with the 35th Operations Support Squadron likes to give pilots the most realistic experience possible. "The

  • Charleston maintainers foster AFSO 21 process improvement

    The idea that small changes in processes can make big impacts in productivity is one of the concepts behind Air Force Smart Operations 21, or AFSO 21. Leaders of the 437th Maintenance Group met recently for an intensive four-day process improvement study and found smarter ways of getting aerospace

  • May 9 airpower: F-16s provide support to convoys

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a show of force,

  • Fitness month focuses on health, social benefits

    May is National Sports and Fitness month, and there are positive health and social benefits to getting off the couch and over to the fitness center, a track, running trail, pool, court, park or other venue of your choice.In other words, just choose it!Jill Goff, fitness program manager at Yokota's

  • Deployed F-22s leave Pacific, return to Langley

    After almost three months in the Pacific, 12 F-22A Raptors departed here May 10 having completed the first overseas deployment for the Air Force's newest air supremacy aircraft. The Raptors and more than 250 Airmen assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., arrived in

  • Charleston C-17 transports NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander

    The Phoenix Mars Lander began its journey to the red planet in May by first flying on board a C-17 Globemaster III from Charleston Air Force Base.An Aircrew from the 16th Airlift Squadron transported the Phoenix Mars Lander, built by Lockheed Martin in association with NASA, from Buckley AFB, Colo.,

  • Airborne staff connects ground forces

    Convoys going on patrols in Iraq can run into problems when they lose communication. Communication is an integral factor in ensuring servicemembers' safety while on the roads. It can be the difference between mission success and failure. Unknown to many road-faring warriors, a lifeline is already in

  • World War II pilot receives Distinguished Flying Cross

    A former Army Air Corps first lieutenant received the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions he took almost 63 years ago, during a ceremony May 7 at the Travis Air Museum. Art Cader earned the medal for his heroism during a World War II bombing mission he was part of Sept. 30, 1944. The medal is

  • Air Force Honor Guard demonstrate team esprit

    The Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team is typically very critical of their drill performance, analyzing and reviewing every move checking for the tiniest flaws. During a national drill championship here, all eyes were on the team, seeking to learn and expecting only the best from the team. The drill

  • May 8 airpower: F-15Es provide overwatch power

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb

  • Pilots, attack controllers sharpen war skills in Nevada

    Pilots and joint terminal attack controllers, or JTACs, here practiced skills needed in both Iraq and Afghanistan during training over two southern Nevada towns April 23 and 24. The two towns were Caliente and Panaca, with a combined population of about 1,500 residents, and the training was urban

  • Airmen in UK celebrate Jamestown's 400th with British

    Airmen from Royal Air Force Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall helped the town of Bury St. Edmunds May 8 celebrate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, Va., the first permanent English settlement in America. Volunteers from both bases came out in numbers to showcase Air Force people and equipment. The RAF

  • JTACs call in 'guardian angels'

    A joint terminal attack controller is completely immersed downrange on the battlefield. His heart is pounding and his forehead drips with sweat as he directs a combat aircraft to provide close-air support for U.S. ground forces there. The JTAC's eyes light up as he sees the aircraft deliver a

  • Offutt volunteer represents Air Force for Spirit of Hope Award

    Air Force Personnel Center officials recently announced a member of the Air Force Weather Agency here as the Air Force nominee for the 2007 U.S. Armed Forces Spirit of Hope Award. Master Sgt. Lou Pell, NCO in charge of the Weather Agency's training branch, was selected as the Air Force

  • RED HORSE helps build combat brigade base in 45 days

    Two months ago, Forward Operating Base Shawshook, near Besmaya Range, was nothing more than dirt and tumbleweeds. Now, at the newly developed Forward Operating Base Hammer there's a full-up U.S. Army combat brigade, the 3rd of the 3rd Infantry Division, housed and fed -- ready to conduct missions in

  • 2006 Public Affairs Achievement Awards announced

    On behalf of Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Brig. Gen. Michelle Johnson, director of Public Affairs, announced the 2006 Public Affairs Achievement Awards."My heartiest congratulations to all of this year's nominees and recipients,"

  • May 7 airpower: Tankers key to show-of-force operations

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided overwatch for a

  • Shaw to begin one-year hybrid refueler test

    Fuels Airmen here are putting the Air Force's only R-11 Hybrid Electric Aviation Refueler through its paces during a one-year test that began here this month. The test will determine how much the 72,000-pound hybrid reduces emissions and conserves diesel fuel, potentially saving the Air Force money,

  • Air Force officials evaluating KC-X proposals

    The Air Force source selection evaluation team is poring over industry proposals for the KC-X program, the replacement for the Air Force's aging KC-135 Stratotanker strategic refueling aircraft.The evaluation team, made up of a broad spectrum of acquisition and operational professionals, is

  • Yokota becomes Pacific training hub for firefighters

    Firefighters from the 374th Airlift Wing here will soon be able to receive job specific training without even leaving the base. A representative from Texas Engineering Extension Institute visited Yokota Air Base firefighters to explain how a new program will allow Airmen to participate in and

  • Airmen's weather watch data enhances military missions

    Sandstorms, which often appear as solid walls of dust as much as 15,000 feet high, can obscure the sun and reduce visibility to zero. A group of weather watching Airmen monitor Southwest Asia's approximately 55-million square-mile area of responsibility, forecasting these storms before they hit;

  • British fusiliers get 'royal treatment'

    A group of redeploying British infantrymen passed through here May 1 and introduced themselves to Airmen of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing who helped them out during some tough days of contact with Taliban forces near Sangin, Afghanistan. Soldiers from C Company Group, 2nd Battalion, Royal

  • Balad chapel staff opens center in fallen pilot's honor

    Airmen seeking a quiet place to relax in a space away from a crowded dorm room now have another place to spend off-duty time within the H-6 housing area at Balad AB. Troy's Place, an Airmen Ministry Center sponsored by the Balad AB Chapel, opened May 4 and is in honor of a pilot who died supporting

  • Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Combat Skills Training prepares Airmen to operate on the streets of Afghanistan and Iraq, and how the Air Force's highly trained Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape, or SERE, instructors provide Airmen the skills to survive alone in a

  • May 6 airpower: B-1B Lancers keep insurgents at bay

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb

  • Weapons loading competition hones Airmen's skills

    Munitions loaders around the Air Force test their warfighting capabilities and promote camaraderie through load crew competitions.Recently, two teams from the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons here used teamwork and the communication skills involved with a weapons load to prove their

  • Dover stands up new C-17 maintenance squadron

    The 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was stood up in an assumption-of-command ceremony here April 30. The 736th AMXS will be responsible for maintaining the C-17 Globemaster IIIs, scheduled to start arriving this summer. "This is all very, very exciting, yet humbling," said Lt. Col. Raymond

  • Romanian pilot returns favor, bridges gap in joint exercise

    All his life he dreamed of being a pilot. Growing up near an air base, he always hoped he too would be able to take to the sky like so many pilots he saw day after day. That dream became a reality in 2001 when 1st Lt. Mihaita Marin began to fly. He started his journey toward flight in 1999 when he

  • AF Recruiting Service announces American Spirit Award winners

    Air Force Recruiting Service announced the National Football League's Indianapolis Colts and the Manchester (N.H.) Wolves of the Arena 2 Football League as winner's of the command's prestigious American Spirit Award May 1. The American Spirit Award is Air Force Recruiting Service's highest form of

  • May 5 airpower summary: A-10s provide support for ground forces

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided overwatch

  • PACAF emphasizes anthrax vaccination before deployments

    Headquarters Air Force officials recently sent additional implementation guidance to major commands that emphasizes pre-deployment notification. The Air Force guidance states that all categories of personnel on orders may begin immunizations up to 60 days before deployment or arrival at the

  • Kansas Air National Guardsman completes first online retirement

    A Kansas Air National Guardsman was the first Guard Airman to complete the new online Air Force retirement process, which became mandatory April 15. Tech. Sgt. Kenneth L. Ellis, of the 190th Civil Engineer Squadron, applied for retirement using the system March 15, the day the process went live, and

  • 5th SFS load up for comrade injured in Iraq

    Airmen from the 5th Security Forces Squadron took part in a "ruck-march" May 3 to show support for a fellow squadron member injured in Iraq. Staff Sgt. Scott Lilley, 5th SFS, was injured April 15 when he and his team was attacked by insurgents, and his vehicle hit by an improvised explosive device.

  • May 4 airpower summary: C-17s bring support to ground forces

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials. In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force,

  • Mountain Home awarded $1 million for Air Force excellence

    Air Force leaders honored Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, with the Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence at a ceremony May 3 in the Pentagon. The annual award recognizes the Air Force base that stands out among all others in a variety of categories. Mountain Home AFB,

  • May 3 airpower summary: F-16s support ground forces

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb

  • F-117 pioneer test pilot passes away at 70

    The Air Force and the F-117A Nighthawk program lost one of its premier test pilots nearly 25 years, to the day, after his near-fatal accident while attempting to take-off on an F-117A's final acceptance test. Retired Lt. Col. Robert 'Bob' Riedenauer, 70, passed away April 23 at his home in Palmdale,

  • Yokota shouldering runway taxi project

    A $300,000 project is underway here to make long-term fixes to the pavement on the flightline's northwest shoulder and taxiway. The construction started April 16 and its estimated completion date is June 15. In addition to preventing foreign-object damage, or FOD, these repairs save money, according

  • '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, seven F-16 Fighting Falcons fly in formation over the Pacific Alaska Range Complex. The F-16s are from the 18th Fighter

  • Charleston loadmasters train Davis-Monthan Airmen

    In an effort to further develop Air Force capabilities, Charleston Air Force Base loadmasters traveled to Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., in late April to train augmentees on how to assist loadmasters when loading C-17 Globemaster IIIs. With C-17s flying around the world delivering cargo to warfighters,

  • Aviano Airman LEADs the way to bright future

    When a retired Army master sergeant challenged a young man to out do him, the Airman pushed himself to live up to the challenge. Airman 1st Class Chase's drive to do more has led him to face an upcoming 10 months of arduous work. Airman Ray was notified April 26 that he was accepted in to the Air

  • Air Force in Afghanistan aims high on low terrain

    About 240 Airmen are working throughout Afghanistan to help build vital infrastructure as members of provincial reconstruction teams. Air Force members began leading six of the 24 PRTs in April 2006 as Airmen work to improve Afghanistan's security through reconstruction and economic development. The

  • Air Force aerial firefighters train in New Mexico

    C-130 Hercules aircraft dotted the sky over central New Mexico April 30 through May 2 as 300 Airmen prepared to help fight wild land fires that may break out this year. Cibola National Forest officials and Airmen from Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing based at Peterson Air Force Base,

  • Services Airmen dish up real meals ready to eat

    Some Airmen might not think a fresh, hot meal is a big deal, but for Airmen at a bare base a meal not named "MRE" can bring a few happy and hungry faces to the dinner table. When servicemembers arrive at a bare-base location, the first food eaten is usually meals ready to eat, or MREs. That's when

  • Tops in Blue boosts servicemembers' morale through song

    "Tops in Blue," known as the Air Forces' Expeditionary Entertainers, performed here May 2 to a standing-room only crowd. The show, themed "The Fly By," featured hit songs by Tom Jones, The Supremes, The Beach Boys, Chubby Checker and the Charlie Daniels Band. The show was presented as a tribute to

  • Airmen provide humanitarian aid for African Lion

    More than 3,700 Moroccans were treated by 37 American military members as part of an April 15 to 30 humanitarian assistance visit to Morocco called African Lion 2007.Airmen of the 944th Medical Squadron from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., and other active duty and Reserve members of sister services

  • May 2 airpower summary: B-1B provides close-air support

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, in Afghanistan in the following operations May 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a GBU-31

  • Reservists take medical care to Guatemalans

    Journeying as much as 10,000 feet above sea level, a group of 31 Air Force Reserve Command medics treated more than 8,000 patients as part of New Horizons 07 April 14 to 28 in the mountainous region of San Marcos, Guatemala. New Horizons is a joint chiefs of staff-approved, U.S. Southern