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  • Airman flies to Soldier's aid, earns valor award

    An Airman attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with a "V" Device for Valor June 8 for his actions that led to the saving of a Soldier's life. Special Agent Travis Guthmiller, a member of Weapons Intelligence Team 10 of Task Force Troy was

  • July 7 airpower summary: Compass Call directs electronic warfare

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided overwatch for

  • Music venue sheds spotlight on Air Force

    People were on their feet for the Air Force here July 6 during Air Force Week St. Louis as Tops in Blue 2007 performed a musical "fly-by" of the past 60 years. Drawing a crowd of nearly 1,500, outside the Saint Louis Science Center, the Air Force's own "expeditionary entertainers" danced and sang

  • July 6 airpower summary: Strike Eagles counter anti-coalition forces

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds, released a

  • Diverse trauma training saves lives

    A hands-on medical trauma training course being conducted at a local university medical center here is using the experience of medical crews who have treated thousands upon thousands of wounded warriors to teach others. The Air Force Expeditionary Medical Skills Institute's Center for Sustainment of

  • Dover C-17 supports Air Force-Navy exercise

    A Dover C-17 Globemaster III teamed up with Air Combat Command and Navy fighters in a joint Air Force-Navy training operation June 29 at Naval Air Station Key West, Fla. The large transport, which 436th Airlift Wing officials received June 21, teamed up with F-15 Eagles from Eglin Air Force Base,

  • Air Force General Estes Jr. passes away

    The general who once led the command charged with re-supplying deployed U.S. forces passed away July 2 at his home in Bethesda, Md. From July 1964 until he retired in August 1969, retired Gen. Howell M. Estes Jr. was the commander of the Military Air Transport Service, later known as the Military

  • Controllers call in air strike to disrupt enemy

    Situated in a dusty Army headquarters tent at this forward operating base south of Baghdad, a team of joint tactical air control party Airmen orchestrated the destruction of an explosives-laden roadway recently, stopping the flow of ordnance and weapons into Iraq's capital. By calling in the air

  • Expeditionary Wing celebrates Independence Day

    Just a few miles off the Persian Gulf, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing bustled with more than 8,000 servicemembers hard at work, but also taking the time to honor America's independence.For a moment, expeditionary Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians felt like they were back home, where

  • Two Space & Missile Pioneers selected for 2007

    Air Force Space Command officials have announced the 2007 Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers are retired Gen. Lew Allen Jr. and retired Maj. Gen. Joe H. Engle. They will be honored at an award ceremony and a hall of fame induction luncheon here Aug. 8. General Allen, a former Air Force chief of

  • July 5 airpower summary: Tankers fuel coalition airpower

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a French Mirage 2000 dropped guided bomb unit -12s on enemy

  • DOD officials offer $1 million prize for wearable power innovations

    A typical dismounted troop going out for a four-day mission carries as much as 40 pounds of batteries and rechargers in his pack. Defense Department officials want to reduce that load significantly, and they're dangling a $1 million carrot to entice people to help them do it. They launched their

  • Training mission results in real-life rescue

    A series of coincidences and an alert helicopter crew from Air Force Reserve Command's 920th Rescue Wing here saved the life of a 66-year-old Florida man. Several miles off of the coast of Florida's Daytona Beach, Lt. Col. Paul Nevius and his crew were piloting an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter back to

  • Hill reservists say goodbye to last of F-16s

    The last of the 419th Fighter Wing's F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft left here June 28, signifying an end of an era and a beginning of another for the unit. The pilots and maintainers from the Air Force Reserve Command wing will now team up with Hill's active-duty 388th FW to carry out a joint flying

  • Concrete barriers save lives

    A simple slab of concrete is the difference between life and death at the Victory Base Complex here in Baghdad. Concrete walls surround everything, serving as a daily reminder of insurgent hostilities. The barriers are more than 12 inches thick and reinforced with steel rods. They are designed to

  • July 4 airpower summary: B-1Bs provide bomber overwatch

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemy forces hiding in

  • Air Force Week strikes a chord with America's heartland

    As Americans reflect on the nation's freedoms this Independence week, events throughout the St. Louis region are putting special emphasis on the Air Force. During the second day of weeklong events here celebrating Air Force Week St. Louis, a concert was held July 3 at Jefferson Barracks County Park

  • July 3 airpower summary: A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provide close-air support

    Coalition airpower supported Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations July 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemies

  • July 2 airpower summary: C-17s provide needed supplies

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer successfully showed force over a

  • North Dakota ANG unit flies first unmanned mission

    Members of the 119th Wing flew its first unmanned aircraft system mission as an MQ-1 Predator flew July 2 from Fargo. Airmen of the North Dakota Air National Guard squadron is flying the Predator after converting in January to new missions of unmanned aircraft and the C-21 cargo aircraft.The

  • Wright-Patterson Airmen take over Hickam air operations

    Airmen of the 87th Aerial Port Squadron from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, flew into Hickam AFB and took over air operations here. For two weeks, Reserve Airmen from the 87th APS will be responsible for running the air terminal operations center, freight, fleet, passenger services,

  • Airmen honor 30 years of AWACS

    The 552nd Air Control Wing here celebrated the 30th anniversary of the E-3 Sentry, also known as the Airborne Warning and Control System, or AWACS, June 29 through July 1, with 552nd commanders and Airmen, past and present, coming from around the globe to share their stories. "The AWACS heritage is

  • 'Transformers' put Airmen, aircraft on big screen

    More than 300 Airmen and numerous aircraft will be seen around the world in the latest DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures film, "Transformers" being released to theaters July 4.The movie combines the use of live action with computer-generated imagery to enhance the story as Airmen served as extras in the

  • St. Louis celebrates Air Force Week

    For the second year in a row, Air Force Week St. Louis has kicked off with a flying start. From July 2-8, the Air Force will be the talk of the town in this gateway city. Events honoring Air Force servicemembers will be happening on both sides of the "Mighty Mississippi," from minor and major league

  • Materiel Command on track to deliver more F-22s

    With F-22 Raptor deliveries consistently on or ahead of schedule, Air Force officials received authorization from Congress to pursue multi-year agreements for Lots 7, 8 and 9, with the potential for cost savings in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The contracts with Lockheed Martin and Pratt &

  • Wing shield carries 65 years of history

    When the Army Air Forces approved the heraldic emblem of the 50th Pursuit Group (later renamed 50th Fighter Group) in 1942, no one could have foreseen the distinguished history that would unfold under that flag. The 50th FG shield had an opinicus -- a magic beast comprising the head of an eagle, the

  • AFSOUTH outlines U.S. cooperation with South America

    The Air Forces Southern commander outlined how American Airmen interact with South American nations to build understanding between the nations. "Military-to-military relationships are only the beginning of our mission," said Lt. Gen. Norman R. Seip. "AFSOUTH Airmen are actively engaging our South

  • C-21 makes final flight at Yokota

    After more than 62,000 mishap-free flying hours and 21 years of service, Yokota Air Base's C-21 transport jet ended its service here as base officials held a ceremony honoring the final departure of the C-21 June 29. The base's four C-21s with the 459th Airlift Squadron have been replaced by three

  • Annual training requirements to be shortened to 90 minutes

    After examining how much time Airmen spend on annual ancillary training, Air Force leaders have decided that time should be allocated more efficiently. In effect as of Oct. 1, ancillary training requirements will be reduced to 90 minutes, as opposed to almost nine hours per Airman spread throughout

  • July 1 airpower summary: C-130 airlift keeps mission going

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force over

  • Airmen prepare base for lasting presence

    Several projects in various stages of completion at this Southwest Asian base will give Airmen an enduring presence and help them accomplish their mission supporting the war on terrorism. Members of the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and 379th Air Expeditionary Wing force protection

  • June 30 airpower summary: F-16s provide close air support

    Coalition airpower supported Coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a guided bomb unit

  • Three-time ace, former cadet commandant, buried at academy

    Retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds was buried June 30 at the U.S. Air Force Academy cemetery after funeral services in the cadet Protestant chapel.  A 14-aircraft aerial review included four F-4 Phantoms flying a missing man formation.The legendary fighter pilot died June 14 from congestive heart

  • June 29 airpower summary: Bombs on target

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier hit a mortar attack

  • Biometric database offers tighter security

    The 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron activated an entry system at a deployed location June 22 that will help make operations there safer and more secure. "(The Defense Biometric Identification Database System) enhances a security system, such as entry control to an installation, and

  • Air Force, Navy join forces for combat training

    More than 200 Airmen and 16 F-15 Eagles from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., completed two weeks of joint training operations with the Navy June 29 at Naval Air Station Key West. The Airmen from the 60th Fighter Squadron participated in the dissimilar air combat training, or DACT, exercise with Naval

  • Air Force officials complete transfer of Rickenbacker

    The deed for last parcel of the former Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, was presented to its local redevelopment authority by the director of the Air Force Real Property Agency June 26. The handover marks a significant milestone in the effort of Air Force officials to transfer former Air

  • Wounded NCO's will to fly remains undaunted

    An Andrews Air Force Base Airman remains committed to the Air Force and his love of flying even after being shot down over Iraq and nearly losing an eye. Life was good for Tech Sgt. Christian MacKenzie for nearly 10 years as he served in his dream job as a special operations flight engineer aboard

  • June 28 airpower summary: C-17s sustain operations

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

  • C-130 maintainers 'cowboy up' for Rodeo

    Although no one is wearing a Stetson hat and there isn't a steer in sight, the journey to the 2007 Air Mobility Command Rodeo promises to be a wild one as 10 Ramstein Air Base aircraft maintainers prepare to saddle up on a Hercules. Like an ornery old bull sitting in the chute waiting to be ridden,

  • Conference names cadet student-athlete of year

    Air Force Academy senior Blair Leake was named the 2006-2007 Mountain West Conference Female Student-Athlete of the Year June 27.Established by the MWC Joint Council in 1999, the Student-Athlete of the Year award is the highest honor presented to a student-athlete by the league. The award is

  • June 27 airpower summary: Stratotankers extend Global Reach, Global Power

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of

  • Child becomes first missileer for a day at F.E. Warren

    Two special children got the once-in-a-lifetime chance to "launch" intercontinental ballistic missiles June 11 from F.E. Warren Air Force Base.  Ariana Ruskey-Moffett and her family visited F.E. Warren AFB to participate in the base's first Missileer for a Day Program, where sick or disabled

  • June 26 airpower summary: Fighters provide close-air support

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

  • Former Falcon to join All-America Hall of Fame

    A 1993 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy will be inducted into the College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-America Hall of Fame at the 20th annual induction banquet July 1 in San Diego.Maj. Lance Pilch is the sixth academy graduate to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,

  • Buddy Wing Program improves communication at Kunsan

    Airmen of both the 35th Fighter Squadron from Kunsan Air Base and the South Korean 155th Fighter Squadron from Junwon AB are teaming up for a Buddy Wing Program exercise June 27 to 29 here. The purpose of the Buddy Wing Program is to exchange ideas, introduce tactics and improve interoperability

  • Thunderbirds begin European goodwill tour

    Michael Patterson, a 64-year-old cattle farmer, was born and raised in Ballinlough, a county just outside Galway, Ireland. He's never flown in any aircraft, let alone one that streaks across the sky at 500 miles per hour. Yet as he watched the Air Force Thunderbirds perform over his native country

  • Kadena hosts Special Olympics

    More than 1,500 volunteers from different branches of the U.S. military and the local community helped with the 2007 Special Olympic Games June 24 held for the eighth year at Kadena Air Base. More than 900 athletes and 200 artists gathered for one of Japan's biggest events. The volunteers helped in

  • A-10s get digital makeover

    Air Force officials are making significant changes to A-10 Thunderbolt IIs as part of the "Precision Engagement" upgrade, which changes the aircraft designation from the A-10A to the A-10C. "It's the largest upgrade the A-10 has ever had by far," said Maj. Drew English, the program manager for A-10C

  • Ellsworth Airman to appear on 'Emeril Live'

    An Ellsworth Air Force Base Airman will be featured on the Food Network's "Emeril Live" June 30 in an episode titled "Emeril's Military Contest." Tech. Sgt. Wesley Williams is the 28th Services Squadron dining facility manager and entered and won a contest that judged the culinary skills of military

  • Class of 2011 arrives with impressive credentials

    The 1,304 members of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2011 arrive June 28 to in-process and begin basic cadet training here.The Class of 2011 boasts the largest percentage of women entering basic cadet training in academy history at 20.7 percent, surpassing last year's mark by 0.3 percent. Of

  • Predators reach quarter-million flight hours

    Airmen from the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron flew an MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle past the 250,000 flying hour milestone marking the historic milestone with a ceremony June 22 at Creech Air Force Base. "This historic achievement in the evolution of air and space power underlines the United

  • June 25 airpower summary: Tankers bring fuel to fight

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fireed 30mm cannon rounds on

  • Chilton: 'We cannot afford to be surprised'

    "Today, we're at the high water mark when it comes to integrating space capabilities and combat effects for the warfighter," the commander of Air Force Space Command said. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton delivered these words during the Space Warfare Symposium sponsored by the Lance P. Sijan Chapter of the

  • Lakenheath Airman killed in Iraq

    A 48th Security Forces Squadron Airman was killed June 23 while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Airman 1st Class Jason D. Nathan, 22, of Macon, Ga., died in Iraq June 23 of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on patrol. "It is with

  • Hickam crew prepares for AMC Rodeo

    Airmen around the world are preparing for the 2007 Air Mobility Command Rodeo scheduled for July, including Hickam Air Force Base members.This will be the first competition for Hickam AFB 's C-17 Globemaster III crew, which will sport a total force team consisting of members of the active duty 535th

  • 12th Air Force hosts Blue Flag

    More than 900 U.S. and coalition forces from around the globe began battling a new enemy June 18:  the fictitious "Califon," an aggressive nation bent on controlling the mineral fields located on the island of "Pacifica." The scenario is part of exercise Blue Flag 07-2, an operational-level exercise

  • Maintaining healthy relationships key to mission success

    Military life presents a wide range of stressors for total force Airmen and their families. Deployments, increased operations tempo and decreased manning can have negative effects in both the workplace and the home if Airmen do not know where to turn for help. As part of ongoing efforts to educate

  • 4 Hill Airmen receive Bronze Stars

    Four NCOs from the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron received Bronze Stars during a mid-June ceremony at Hill Air Force Base for their actions while deployed in support of the war on terrorism. The four explosive ordnance disposal Airmen are Staff Sergeants Evan Knight, Bradley Kline, Steven Overstreet

  • Spangdahlem cops streamline traffic ticket processing

    Spanghdahlem Air Base security forces members are using the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century process to help streamline their traffic citation process.Security forces Airmen fill their walls with sticky-notes, each one representing a step to process just one traffic citation."When

  • June 24 airpower summary: Surveillance supports operations

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb unit-38s and

  • Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights six Airmen receiving the new Air Force Combat Action Medal presented by the Air Force chief of staff during a recent ceremony in Arlington, Va. Also in this week's edition, take a view from an air traffic control tower in Baghdad, and experience

  • Airmen train Iraqis on fuel delivery

    Airmen from the 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Flight are training Iraqis here to fuel up their own C-130 Hercules aircraft without dependence on the Air Force. The training plan is broken down into a "crawl, walk run" process, said Master Sgt. Scott Addington, 447th ELRS

  • DOD identifies Air Force casualty

    Department of Defense officials here announced June 24 the death of an Airman deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Airman 1st Class Jason D. Nathan, 22, of Macon, Ga., died in Iraq June 23 of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on patrol.

  • CENTAF Band performs unscheduled concert at Bagram

    The U.S. Central Command Air Forces Band held an impromptu performance June 19 for servicemembers at Bagram Air Base when their travel through the country was delayed. With the assistance from members of the 455th Expeditionary Services Squadron, the band was able to put together an "open mic" night

  • Hanscom Airmen receive heroes' welcome

    Hundreds of base members, family and friends gathered at Memorial Park here June 22 to welcome home more than 60 Hanscom Air Force Base Airmen.The Heroes' Homecoming, held in conjunction with the base's annual Summer Bash event, formally welcomed home Airmen who have returned from their deployments

  • June 23 airpower summary: Recon aircraft capture big picture

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired 30mm cannon

  • June 22 airpower summary: A-10s provide support for ground forces

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan,  Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped several guided

  • Lackland remembers fallen agent

    On June 18, Airmen gathered in honor of Special Agent Matthew Kuglics. Instead of celebration, however, they paid tribute; instead of a steady drum beat, the sounds of memories and personal reflection filled the air. Agent Kuglics, a member of the Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 352

  • First phase of Reserve mobility exercise concludes

    More than 150 Individual Ready Reservists finished a week-long active duty tour June 22 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The five-day tour of duty was the conclusion of the "Push" portion of the "Push-Pull 2007" exercise. The exercise tests and evaluates the IRR mobilization process, said Lt. Col.

  • Education key to fight current, future air ops

    The U.S. Central Command air component commander said the Air Force has better-trained Airmen today fighting the war on terrorism, but also said all Airmen must continue to prepare for today's fight and tomorrow's wars. Lt. Gen. Gary North was here June 20-21 to address current senior leaders in the

  • 'One command post' initiative beneficial to Airmen

    Wing and tenant unit commanders and command post leaders Air Force wide were recently directed to consolidate their command and control operations. Many Air Force bases have multiple command posts. The "One CP" initiative will consolidate those into one facility with a single staff. While One CP

  • Air Force firefighters fuel flames for fire training

    The deaths of nine firefighters in South Carolina June 18 has spotlighted the dangers of the job and the importance of training. At Eglin Air Force Base, officials took advantage of base housing slated for demolition as part of the base's housing privatization initiative to provide base firefighters

  • AFCEE builds new C-17 hangar at Hickam

    Officials at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, are making room for eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs with the construction of various facilities, including a new corrosion control hangar to paint and wash the aircraft and another facility to perform maintenance functions. The Air Force Center for Engineering

  • Virginia Air Guard transitions to F-22 Raptor

    The Virginia Air National Guard's 192nd Fighter Wing has become the first Air National Guard unit in the country to fly the F-22 Raptor.  The transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the F-22 took place June 20.More than 20 pilots in the wing are trained to fly the F-22 and a growing number of

  • Rescue flight crews provide help from above

    On a moonless night, the glow from a red and green instrument panel illuminates the faces of the crew of Blade 79er, a UH-1N Huey flying a night-vector mission over the tree-covered mountains of northern Washington. Suddenly, the radio crackles."Rescue, Rescue, Rescue ... Phaser 1-2 calling in

  • Officials push for incentives, integration for reserve forces

    The reserve components are vital to the military and its ability to fight the war on terror, so it's essential that they're properly managed and compensated, the service personnel chiefs told the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves June 21. The chiefs shared insights into better ways to

  • Space operations streamlined

    The redesignation June 18 of the 614th Space Operations Group as the 614th Air and Space Operations Center will help streamline communications at the operational level between combatant commanders and the service components, Air Force space officials said. The redesignation included the inactivation

  • Maintenance crews prep fighters at Cope North

    Maintenance Airmen from Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., know how to pack a punch as they are deployed to Andersen AFB and currently participating in Exercise Cope North with Japan Air Self Defense Force members.The Cannon AFB Airmen load 2,000-pound bombs onto multimillion dollar aircraft as part of

  • June 21 airpower summary: Keeping fighters in the fight

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s

  • Thunderbird enters Forest of Friendship

    The first female Thunderbird pilot was inducted into the International Forest of Friendship June 16 here at the "Wings Over Pittsburgh" air show. Maj. Nicole Malachowski, who flies right wing for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, and retired Gen. Michael P.C. Carns, former Air Force

  • 'Living legends' discuss Air Force of yesterday, today

    In keeping with the Air Force's 60th anniversary theme, "Heritage to Horizons," a panel of four war veterans gathered June 14 at the Pentagon Conference Center to discuss the challenges and triumphs of air power over the years. The theme of the discussion was, "The Jet Age: Korea, Vietnam, Cold

  • AF Space Command general garners White Trophy

    The Air Force Association announced this year's winner of the Gen. Thomas D. White USAF Space Trophy this week. The award, which recognizes "outstanding contribution to the nation's progress in aerospace," goes to Lt. Gen. Michael A. Hamel, Space and Missile Systems Center commander at Los Angeles

  • KC-135, C-17 crews rendezvous for refuel readiness

    A KC-135 aircrew from the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan flew to Hawaii to meet up with Hickam Air Force Base's C-17 Globemaster III crew to practice in-flight refueling procedures. Kadena AB's crews don't get many opportunities to work with cargo aircraft like the C-17. At home they work

  • NATO celebrates 25th anniversary of E-3's arrival

    Nearly 130,000 German, Dutch and Belgian citizens flooded the tarmac on Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base June 16 and 17 to celebrate the successful legacy of a multinationally operated airplane that began flying out of the northern German community in February 1982. The event boasted a multicultural

  • 9 Academy Falcons named to academic all-conference

    Nine Air Force Academy hockey players were named to the Atlantic Hockey Association academic all-conference team announced by league officials June 20. The Falcons named to the team in Air Force's inaugural season in Atlantic Hockey are listed below: Billy Devoney (Sr, D, Buffalo Grove, Ill.), Matt

  • Joint Commission awards Wilford Hall full accreditation

    Wilford Hall Medical Center was recently granted full accreditation from The Joint Commission for both their hospital and home health programs. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits nearly 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, not-for-profit

  • Turner Classic Movies to air aviation films in July

    Leading up to the Air Force's 60th anniversary, Turner Classic Movies will broadcast aviation-themed films for 24-hours each Tuesday throughout July. To honor the Air Force's heritage, TCM has selected a variety of vintage Air Force related movies for broadcast, such as "Strategic Air Command" and

  • June 20 airpower summary: B-1B takes out targets

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops troops in Afghanistan during operations June 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer released guided bomb

  • Predator draws attention at Paris Air Show

    Within the United States aircraft coral at the 47th International Paris Air Show, the MQ-1 Predator stands out from the rest. The Predator is the only unmanned Department of Defense aircraft showcased with its entire maintenance crew at the air show in France. "Where does the pilot sit?" asked an

  • ACC commander to retire this fall

    Air Force officials announced June 20 that the commander of Air Combat Command will retire from the Air Force this fall. The president has nominated Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John D. W. Corley to the Senate to succeed Gen. Ronald E. Keys as the ACC commander. General Keys assumed command of

  • Heritage to Horizons series highlights 50th Space Wing

    The latest Heritage to Horizons series presentation highlights an Air Force wing whose mission first called for mastery of the skies and has grown to master of space. Today, the 50th Space Wing at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., is responsible for the operations and support of more than 170

  • USAFE fighter squadron deploys to Kunsan

    Airmen of the 555th Fighter Squadron from Aviano Air Base, Italy, reunited with the 8th Fighter Wing June 19 here after being away for years during the squadron's deployment to Kunsan AB. The 555th FS has lineage to Kunsan AB dating back to 1966 when the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron moved to Ubon

  • Reserve Airmen test mobilization at Lackland

    With the start of the Air Force "Push-Pull 2007" exercise here June 18, some 320 Individual Ready Reserve Airmen from across the country have been called to active duty.  A push-pull exercise, typically conducted every two years, tests the mobilization process and evaluates the skill level of the

  • 'Rescue Dawn' tells true story of Vietnam POW rescue

    It was a movie premiere like few others. As the credits rolled down the screen here June 19, a Vietnam veteran in the audience -- not the Hollywood star with some 40 credits to his name -- got the louder applause and the standing ovation. Retired Air Force Col. Eugene Deatrick, 82, slowly ambled to

  • Commanders lead in challenging times

    From a fighter-bomber wing during World War II to today's 50th Space Wing, more than 40 commanders have led dedicated Airmen in the pursuit of protecting the nation. Today's 50th SW provides crucial space support to the joint warfighter in the war on terrorism. 50th Fighter-Bomber Wing (June 1,

  • June 19 airpower summary: Tankers sustain air operations

    Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-39s

  • Air Guard retires last F-16A in service

    The last operational F-16A Fighting Falcon flew its final mission here June 15, taking off from the Air National Guard base for indefinite storage at the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. The 162nd Fighter Wing, having flown the A and B models since

  • 'Guardian Angels' put to test at survival competition

    Two water survival instructors assigned here earned the Col. Bud Day trophy June 14 as winners of the 2007 SERE (survival, evasion, resistance and escape) Challenge -- a physically grueling and mentally exhausting competition among some of the Air Force's elite special operators. Staff Sgt. Michael

  • Airmen, Soldiers pay respects to fallen comrade in arms

    An empty pair of boots placed in front and, just behind, a helmet sat atop the inverted rifle that held hanging dog tags -- the memorial display stood center stage and served as a focal point for the many Airmen and Soldiers who had come to pay respects to an Airman whose ultimate sacrifice was