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  • Air Force engineer earns DOD award for cost-saving adaptor

    A civilian engineer from the 402nd Electronics Maintenance Group here has won the 2006 Department of Defense Value Engineering Achievement Award. Marty Sheppard, the manufacturing engineer for the 402nd EMXG was chosen for the award by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and

  • Enlisted Perspective commemorates the 'first'

    Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the appointment of the first chief master sergeant of the Air Force is the subject of the latest Enlisted Perspective by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. Chief McKinley said that as the first CMSAF, Paul Airey forged new paths for the

  • Airmen in Norway contribute to NATO mission

    In the southwest corner of Norway, there's a small community of Airmen stationed at Stavanger Air Base who support U.S. military members working for NATO. The 426th Air Base Squadron helps U.S. forces who work in the Joint Warfare Center, which trains NATO leaders and conducts exercises to enhance

  • Air Force performs at Final Four

    The Air Force followed the roads to Atlanta in support of the National Collegiate Athletic Association' s Final Four weekend where the top four NCAA basketball teams competed for the championship March 31 and April 2. The NCAA featured the Air Force as part of its Final Four celebration to highlight

  • Red Flag-Alaska begins 2007 season

    More than 1,300 military members from the United States, France and Australia are gathering in the Last Frontier to participate in Red Flag-Alaska 07-1 scheduled from April 5 to 21. Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises for U.S. forces, provides

  • F-16 accident report released

    Air Force officials recently completed an investigation of the F-16C Fighting Falcon accident 20 miles northwest of Baghdad Nov. 27, which resulted in the death of the pilot, Maj. Troy Gilbert. The official cause of the accident was Major Gilbert's "channelized attention manifested by his desire to

  • Afghan President Karzai honors Air Force surgeon

    The command surgeon for the Combined Security Transition Command, Col. Donald Thompson received the Ghazi Mir Bacha Khan High Medal recently. The award was presented by Afghan President Hamid Karzai in appreciation of outstanding military and civil services rendered by Colonel Thompson. Within the

  • April 2 airpower: C-17s provide global airlift support

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for April 2. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer responded to a coalition convoy stuck in the river that was taking small-arms fire near Qalet. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller passed coordinates for

  • KC-135 key player in fighting war on terrorism

    More than 50 years after entering the Air Force inventory, the KC-135 Stratotanker continues to serve by supporting the service's newest fighter jet, the F-22 Raptor, during its first overseas deployment. "I think it's remarkable that we have a 50-year old tanker refueling a two-year old F-22," said

  • Officers go to bomb-building how-to course

    Munitions specialists for the 48th Fighter Wing put senior leaders through eight hours of training in a munitions accountability course. The one-day course is designed after an Air Force senior NCO munitions course at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., that takes senior NCOs through the steps of an

  • French help fuel Operation Enduring Freedom

    In pursuing the war on terrorism, the United States fights side-by-side with its coalition partners. One of the fundamental missions here at the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing is the aerial refueling mission accomplished by the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in support of Operation Enduring

  • Airmen tackle increased operations tempo

    Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing continue to maintain increased operations, both in the air and on the ground, in support of ground forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. This week, bombers assigned to the 379th AEW saw an increase in combat sorties on the Combined Forces Air Component

  • Mountain Home earns DOD award

    Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, was among the winners of the 2007 Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence announced by Secretary of Defense Gates March 30.Other winners included the U.S. Army Garrison, Camp Zama, Japan; Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine

  • March 24 - 30: The week in airpower

    In Afghanistan this week, 267 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Fifty-one  Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions

  • Nondestructive testing keeps Bagram aircraft flying

    They endure wide swings in temperature and dusty conditions, and they are constantly pushed to their limits. They are the F-15E Strike Eagles stationed here. But they are machines--expensive machines that require teams of experts to keep them in top running condition. One of those teams is the

  • Air Command and Staff College offers online master's degree

    Air University's Air Command and Staff College begins offering an online master's degree program in June. For the first time ever, eligible officers will be able to enroll in an educational program that simultaneously fulfills Joint Professional Military Education and Air Force Intermediate

  • March 31 airpower: Recon aircraft key to mission success

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 31. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped Guided Bomb Unit-31s on an insurgent compound and a GBU-38 on an enemy firing position near Garmsir. A Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed targets were

  • Eielson unit selected for process improvement study

    Pacific Air Forces has selected the 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron to validate the new process oriented organizational structure directed by Air Staff. Eielson is one of only 12 test bases Air Force wide to be selected. This isn't the first time the service has taken new approaches to the way in

  • Recruiting, training key to future of Iraqi Air Force

    Recruiting new airmen for the Iraqi Air Force presents several challenges. With the constant fear of being targeted by insurgents, those who want to serve fear what might happen to them or their families. However, the Iraqi Air Force is making headway, and Iraqi citizens are stepping up to serve

  • GAO clears way to move forward on CSAR-X

    The Government Accounting Office informed Air Force officials March 30 that all other protest issues surrounding the CSAR-X contract award have been denied. In a March 29 decision, the GAO denied all of the additional arguments raised by Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, "finding

  • Air Force announces change to promotion study materials

    The Air Force made major changes to the materials enlisted members use for reference and studying for promotion. The new guide, called the Professional Development Guide, replaces both the Promotion Fitness Examination and U.S. Air Force Supervisory Examination Study Guides -- officially known as

  • March 30 airpower: B-1B protects coalition convoy

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 30. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force for a coalition convoy with vehicle problems near Kabul. The B-1B also provided a show of force for another convoy that received small arms

  • Tinker Airmen resume Sentry in Southwest Asia

    Airmen of the 552nd Air Control Wing here deployed to support operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom at the end of March after a four-year hiatus from being in Southwest Asia. The last time Tinker AFB E-3 Sentrys deployed for OEF was 10 days after 9/11, and by October 2002 crews of the 552nd

  • Leaders discuss Air Force priorities

    Representatives from Air Force major commands discussed Air Force initiatives, systems and operational issues that tie into the top three Air Force priorities during a press conference March 26 here. Fighting and winning the war on terrorism, developing and caring for Airmen, and recapitalizing and

  • Secretary Wynne visits Airmen in Djibouti

    The Secretary of the Air Force visited Airmen deployed to the Horn of Africa March 29 and got a chance to see where Airmen live and work on Camp Lemonier in Djibouti. "Africa is a truly an emerging miracle, and I think what we can contribute as Americans to their progress is just a tremendous

  • New housing on the way for Spangdahlem

    Airmen of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem AB are witnessing the base grow and improve as the Air Force is spending $83 million to rip up the old housing units and building new ones in their place. The 139 new homes will be completed by 2010 as demolition of old stairwell housing has been going

  • Deployments, assignments added to senior NCO board briefs

    Two new sections are being added to senior noncommissioned officer evaluation briefs to give a snap shot of a person's career for promotion boards. Beginning with the Chief Master Sergeant Evaluation Board in October 2007, deployment and assignment histories will be included on all evaluation briefs

  • AFSOC scores safety trifecta

    Safety officials at Air Force Special Operations Command have a pleasant problem: finding room for more trophies in the display case. AFSOC dominated the 2006 Air Force safety award program, garnering the service's top awards for best major command safety record, most effective MAJCOM-level flight

  • New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 finishes MEDRETE missions

    Medics from California Air National Guard's 144th Medical Group treated 7,899 patients to complete the third and final Medical Readiness Training Exercise March 28 for New Horizons Nicaragua - 2007. New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 is a $7.25 million joint military humanitarian and training exercise

  • Congress honors Tuskegee Airmen

    Before a U.S. aircraft broke the sound barrier, the Tuskegee Airmen overcame a daunting social hurdle: breaking the Air Force's color barrier. In the Capitol Rotunda March 29, President Bush and Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen, more than 60 years after the 332nd

  • Mail call in Djibouti

    Nothing is more anticipated in the military than the sound of "mail's here." Mail call is a service member's lifeline, especially in such a remote area. But here in the Horn of Africa, the proverbial mailman has taken on quite a different look. With more than 5,000 pounds of mail -- filling up two

  • Former NATO, U.S. leaders return to Sheppard for anniversary

    Former Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training members reunited and toured Sheppard AFB as part of their 25th anniversary celebration March 26.Previous and current ENJJPT wing commanders and operations group commanders have trained more than 195 classes since its inception with more than 5,508 students

  • Cannon volunteers lend helping hands in wake of disaster

    With residents of Clovis, N.M., reeling from the destruction and devastation of a March 23 tornado, base members here stepped up to offer help to their host city in a time of need. The tornado was one of 13 confirmed tornadoes to thunder across the eastern New Mexico plains that night, said James

  • Nellis officials host threat analysis working group

    Officials from the 57th Information Aggressor Squadron hosted the first-ever Information Operations Threat Analysis Working Group at the Threat Training Facility at Nellis March 27 to 29. This event brought together experts from 31 U.S. intelligence, research and development, and operational

  • C-130 airdrops provide critical supplies to U.S. forces

    Improved Container Delivery System bundles fall from the cargo compartments of C-130 Hercules aircraft on a frequent basis here. The ICDS airdrops support the ground forces on the front lines at forward operating bases throughout Afghanistan. "Some of the ground forces are in close combat," said

  • FM Center of Expertise celebrates first anniversary

    Last April, after 15 months of studies, surveys, and hard work, the Air Force Financial Management Center of Expertise, or FM CoE, opened its doors and introduced a single stopping point for cost analysis decision support for commanders and senior leaders. "The mission of the FM CoE is to provide

  • Spangdahlem driver course teaches Airmen to keep control

    New steps toward driving safety are being taken here to keep Airmen in control when behind the wheel.The Spangdahlem Air Base safety office is taking the next step in keeping USAFE Airmen safe on the road by installing the new Skid Monster Driving System on two vehicles they are using as part of the

  • March 29 airpower: A-10s provide overwatch for coalition

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 29.In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on insurgent buildings, a tunnel and wall near Sangin. The attack came after coalition forces received small-arms and

  • USAFE officials forge relations with Russian air force

    Twenty years ago the idea of Russian and U.S. Air Force leaders flying together and exchanging ideas was almost implausible. That implausibility is now a reality -- one focused on cooperation and bilateral relations. Top Russian air force leaders visited U.S. Air Forces in Europe March 20 to 23 to

  • New facility aids transition to enduring presence

    The transition toward an enduring presence in Southwest Asia requires efficient long-term planning, such as prepositioning equipment in warehouses similar to back at home stations in order to meet the high operations tempo. This line of thinking has led 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness

  • Whiteman Reserve unit teams up with Spangdahlem pilots

    The Reserve's 442nd Fighter Wing is once again partnering with the 81st Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.Twenty pilots from the 81st FS, part of the 52nd FW, started flying with the 442nd FW at Whiteman AFB in February and will continue through the beginning of May.  "It's a

  • Iraqi air force takes flight with help from U.S. Airmen

    The Iraqi air force is taking off once again with the help of U.S. Air Force Airmen who serve with the Coalition Air Force Transition Team in Iraq. The U.S. Air Force's contribution to enabling the Iraqi air force to build and sustain itself is focused through the CAFTT, composed of four Air Force

  • March 28 airpower: Bomber scores direct hits

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 28.In Afghanistan March 27, an Air Force B-1 Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s on four insurgent buildings near Sangin. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed the targets were directly hit. Air Force F-15E

  • Air Force officials seek UAV enterprise interdependence

    Army Brig. Gen. Stephen Mundt, director of Army aviation in the office of the deputy chief of staff for operations, recently disparaged the Air Force chief of staff's efforts to optimize our nations intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and enhance the joint, effective and

  • Air Force clubs offering scholarships

    Air Force Services Agency officials are offering $25,000 in scholarships for club members and eligible family members.Through its Air Force Clubs Division, the agency is offering the annual scholarship program for the 11th year, sponsored in part by Chase Bank and Coca-Cola."This is an exclusive

  • B-52s participate in Green Lightning, Australian air show

    Andersen Airmen flew to the land 'down under' this week to demonstrate the capability and flexibility of the B-52 Stratofortress bomber to their Australian partners. They completed a series of scheduled Green Lightning exercise sorties at the Delamere Bombing Range while also providing aerial

  • Stand-up of training group marks international homecoming

    With an international audience standing watch, Col. Michael Cosby accepted the flag of command for the reactivated 363rd Training Group at an air base in the Persian Gulf region March 26. Though officially listed as an activation, officiating officer, Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Central Command Air

  • Air Force chef to appear on 'Emeril Live'

    What do an award-winning chef, southern cuisine with a modern flair and a top-notch NCO all have in common? They are some of the ingredients that make up Tech. Sgt. Wesley Williams, who on April 6 will be on the set of 'Emeril Live.'Sergeant Williams entered and won a contest initiated by Emeril's

  • March 27 airpower: Fighters provide overwatch

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 27. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on insurgents in an open area and others hiding behind a wall near Tarin Kowt.  An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the

  • AFSO 21 money-saving initiative increases capabilities

    A cross-squadron team of Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing have succeeded in another Air Force Smart Operations 21 initiative that will continue to increase combat capability for the wing, and save money which can be diverted into Air Force recapitalization priorities. An initiative was

  • Air Force announces milestone in force transformation

    The secretary of the Air Force and chief of staff recently announced the completion of the next phase of Total Force Integration initiatives after discussions with Airmen from active-duty, Guard and Reserve organizations. Total Force Integration initiatives and their changes to the Air Force are

  • Bagram PRT rebuilds Afghanistan one school at a time

    The Air Force-led Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team attended a ceremony March 26 marking the first day of class at a high school in Kapisa Province. The PRT also donated approximately 3,000 pine and fruit trees and boxes of school supplies. Both gestures were in support of the Afghan New Year

  • Air Force Week ends with show of force

    Air Force Week ended here March 25 when the second day of  "The Show of Force '07 - From Heritage to Horizons Air Show" culminated. Aerial demonstrations consisted of more than 17 performers each day of the two-day event, but before they got off the ground, Brig. Gen. Noel "Tom" Jones, commander of

  • Spangdahlem extending medical care to Bitburg Annex

    When the Bitburg Annex Hospital closes July 1, the 52nd Fighter Wing will have extended-care clinics using local German hospitals, to care for the medical needs of more than 19,000 servicemembers, civilians and their families. "In all reality, for most of our patients, they will see virtually no

  • Berlin Candy Bomber meets children of today, yesteryear

    The Candy Bomber met children of all ages at an open house here March 22, including a man who received chocolate dropped to him as a child in Germany.Retired Col. Gail Halvorsen received his nickname for dropping candy tied to parachutes from his C-54 Skymaster to children during the Berlin

  • March 26 airpower: Tankers fuel the fleet

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 26. In Afghanistan March 25, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s on an enemy building used for a rocket propelled grenade position near Sangin. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller

  • A-10 modifications speed up to support warfighters

    The Air Force will soon benefit from an A-10 Thunderbolt II milestone achieved here in March. Personnel from the 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron completed a precision engagement modification on an A-10 14 days ahead of schedule.The modification gives the A-10 precision weapons capability through

  • Old windshields new protection for Kirkuk tower guards

    The 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron structures department team put their heads together to come up with a better way to protect the Airmen who guard the base. By placing 3-inch thick, 260-pound safety glass with a titanium frame in the windows of the newly designed guard towers, the

  • 340th EARS keeps aircraft in fight 24/7

    Despite the age of the KC-135 Stratotanker, one of the Air Force's top recapitalization priorities,  the role of the Airmen in the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron to refuel coalition aircraft has proven critical to the U.S. Central Command mission. As enablers, the refuelers make every

  • C-17 crew plays part in Marine homecoming

    Having left Germany hours earlier, the Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, C-17 Globemaster III, "Spirit of Go for Broke" made the longest journey of her one-week trip to and from Iraq, chasing the setting sun in a 14-and-a-half hour trip across the Atlantic Ocean to Camp Pendleton, Calif. About four

  • Air Force selects developer for Langley privatization

    Langley took another step toward privatization when the Air Force announced BLB Family Housing, LLC, as the highest bidder for Langley's Military Housing Privatization Initiative recently. BLB, a venture between Hunt ELP, Ltd. and Pinnacle American Management Services, will be responsible for

  • March 17-23: The week in airpower

    In Afghanistan this week 310 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Fifty-five Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions were flown in

  • Air Force legend Col. Chase Nielsen passes away

    Retired Lt. Col. Chase J. Nielsen, one of the famed "Tokyo Doolittle Raiders" who helped boost American morale in the early days of World War II with a surprise air attack on Japan and spent a lifetime as an advocate for American airpower, died March 23 at his home in Brigham City, Utah. Born Jan.

  • Coast Guard pilot traces roots to Air Force opportunities

    An Airman formed a passion for flying after enlisting in the Air Force, and with the educational benefits afforded to him, this former senior airman now flies Coast Guard helicopters here. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Juan Lopez was once an aerospace ground equipment mechanic at Norton Air Force Base in

  • March 24 airpower: C-17s transport 3,000 passengers, 430 tons of cargo

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 24. In Afghanistan March 23,  Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted reconnaissance for coalition forces receiving mortar fire from a known enemy firing position near Sangin. A joint terminal attack controller

  • NORAD, USNORTHCOM welcome new commander

    Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. became the 20th commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and the third commander of U.S. Northern Command in a change-of-command ceremony here March 23. Defending the homeland and providing defense support of civil authorities are top priorities for

  • AFIT awards 245 diplomas

    More than 240 scientists, engineers and management specialists earned graduate and doctoral degrees from the Air Force Institute of Technology.  Diplomas were presented at a graduation ceremony March 22 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.The institute's Graduate School of Engineering and

  • Weather forecaster brings morning show to Luke AFB

    Airmen here played host to an early morning show March 22, giving Arizona citizens a look at what the Air Force has to offer, from the comfort of their homes.The live television remote featured Brad Perry, from Channel 3 KTVK. The weather forecaster brought his show to the base so he could telling

  • Barksdale couple donates fuel for Afghan women

    Thanks to a donation by two Airmen from here, Afghan women received 1,500 liters of heating fuel critical to help them through the winter.The donation was made by Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Melahn and Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth Melahn, who is deployed as the Afghan National Army Embedded Training

  • March 23 airpower: Transports key to intra-theater airlift

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 23. In Afghanistan March 22, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on several enemy buildings near Sangin. Coalition forces were taking fire from insurgents in the buildings. One of the

  • 'Que Bien' Air Force Week

    The Air Force showcased its assets, capabilities and Hispanic Airmen during Air Force Week to 15 countries around the world March 21-22. Univision reporter Tony Dandrades of "Primer Impacto," a nationally televised, 60-minute Spanish-language news program, told the Air Force story during his time at

  • Captain earns spot on DOD speakers tour

    An officer from the 33rd Fighter Wing is one of two Air Force members selected for a new Department of Defense program. Capt. Michael Frasco, a flight commander in the wing's 33rd Maintenance Operations Squadron, joins representatives from each military service in the "Why We Serve" Speakers

  • Air Force launches 'E-Mail for Life' initiative

    Air Force Communications Agency officials are launching an initiative called E-Mail for Life, or E4L. The program is projected to save money, jumpstart the consolidation of the service's multiple e-mail systems and provide senior leaders the capability to e-mail every Air Force member directly."The

  • Memos provide avenue for immediate AFSO 21 changes

    Air Force commanders now can implement Air Force Smart Operations 21 changes immediately. Officials in the office of the secretary of the Air Force recently approved the use of guidance memorandums, giving Headquarters Air Force officials, as well as commanders of the major commands, field operating

  • Alaska Airmen aid injured British Sailor

    Airmen in Alaska came through for a wounded British Sailor March 21 when he was injured during a deadly explosion aboard the Royal Navy submarine HMS Tireless operating in Arctic waters north of Prudhoe Bay. The submarine experienced an explosion of a self contained oxygen generation candle that

  • SERE instructors attend Army combat lifesaver course

    A handful of survival, evasion, resistance and escape instructors were given the opportunity to attend a combat lifesaver course March 19-21at the Army National Guard classroom here. The SERE instructors were invited to attend the course in return for previously giving members of the 396th Combat

  • Rotational squadron deployment jets leave Incirlik

    People at Incirlik had not heard the sound of rotational squadron deployment F-16s taking off for more than 16 years. That all changed when the first Fighting Falcons arrived here in January from the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.Incirlik officials welcomed the 22nd and 23rd

  • CMSAF visits Luke Airmen during Air Force Week

    Enlisted Airmen at Luke Air Force base were given the opportunity to hear from and have breakfast with the Air Force's top enlisted man during a visit March 21. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley is at Luke supporting Air Force Week, a seven-day event designed to thank the

  • March 22 airpower: Weapons loaders put bite into fight

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 22.In Afghanistan March 21, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on enemy forces in a treeline, an enemy compound, four separate buildings and a cave entrance near Sangin. A joint

  • Blue uniforms continue presence in Puerto Rico

    Since 1939, an American blue uniform presence has been on Puerto Rico to maintain a military force and to deter enemy forces from here or the homeland. From 1939 to 1973, Air Force bluesuiters were stationed at what was once called Ramey Air Force Base in the northwest corner of Puerto Rico.  When

  • Med Evac flies first non-stop from Afghanistan to Germany

    The first non-stop medical evacuation flight from Bagram Air Base to Landstuhl, Germany, lifted off March 21. The lengthy three- to five-day route from Bagram AB through Kuwait to Landstuhl has been reduced to an approximate 10-hour direct flight to provide faster service to wounded servicemembers

  • Falcons reach NIT final four in NYC

    Air Force handily won its first two games in the National Invitation Tournament, but had to survive a nail biter to advance to the semifinals. Jacob Burtschi's lay up with 7.7 seconds left was the game winner as the Falcons held on for a dramatic 52-51 win over DePaul March 21, in front of an

  • AFSO21 team exchanges Lean practices with industry officials

    Air Force officials, looking to industry Lean experts for best practices and lessons learned to apply to Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, got a first-hand look at Lean in action during a recent three-day industry exchange here. The team of 30 Air Force leaders visited Boeing

  • Airborne Laser fires tracking laser, hits target

    The YAL-1A Airborne Laser, a modified Boeing 747-400F, successfully test fired its target illuminator laser March 15 during a five-hour test flight. The mission and test firing represented the Airborne Laser's first in-flight external laser firing, and used the NC-135E "Big Crow" test aircraft to

  • C-17 missions play vital role in war on terrorism

    Sitting on the tarmac here, the "Spirit of Go for Broke," a C-17 Globemaster III from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, looks like any other of its kind.Large, grey, boxy, with expansive wings ending in a curved wingtip, this C-17 is one of eight aircraft jointly maintained and operated by both active

  • Afghan generals visit Air Force training squadron

    Several key leaders from the Afghan National Army toured here March 16 in order to gain a stronger understanding of key communication areas to help their training programs in Afghanistan. Afghan National Army Maj. Gen. Mehrab Ali, Brig. Gen. Baba Mirza and Col. Said Farooq Yosuf Zai came to Keesler

  • March 21 airpower: Rivet Joint provides eye in the sky

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 21. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force over a police station that was surrounded and taking enemy fire near Jalalabad. A joint terminal attack controller on-scene reported that the

  • Air Force fosters "warrior ethos" in all Airmen

    Whether it's the recent changes to basic military training, continual preparation for deployments, engaging in combat or new and better uniforms, Air Force leaders are instilling a warrior mindset in Airmen. That warrior ethos -- the foundation of what it means to be an Airman -- traces its roots to

  • New GPS-guided airdrops aid aircrew accuracy

    Mobility aircrews now have a new tool which uses Global Positioning System, or GPS, to help them deliver cargo more accurately and safely in deployed theaters of operation. The Joint Precision Airdrop System, or JPADS, allows airdrops to be conducted from higher altitudes with improved accuracy,

  • Hill AFB welcomes deployed Airman at Warrior Welcome

    Members of the 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron, friends and family rallied around more than 50 Airmen who recently redeployed from various locations during a Warrior Welcome gathering here March 15. Those at the Warrior Welcome party acknowledged recently returned members from deployment, those

  • Medics deliver aid in Uganda

    A four-person team from around the command delivered medical expertise and therapy to the African country of Uganda in early March. Led by Lt. Col. (Dr.) Parker Plante from Ramstein's 435th Aeromedical Squadron, the team set up camp about two hours from the capitol city of Kampala in an austere

  • Air Force Week kicks off in Phoenix

    Several bus loads of Airmen from nearby Luke Air Force Base joined Arizona state officials and Air Force senior leaders at the state's capitol March 19 to kick off this year's first Air Force Week. Air Force Week is designed to increase public awareness of the Air Force's mission, capabilities and

  • March 20 airpower: Versatile A-10s support ground forces

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 20. In Afghanistan March 19, a B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-12s and GBU-38s on enemy-occupied buildings near Kajaki Dam. The strike came after coalition forces came under fire from enemy forces in the

  • Air Force NCO enjoys noteworthy exchange

    During a 10-day NCO cultural exchange program with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force that ended March 20, one Air Force NCO had a chance to meet some unexpected "brass." While most of the NCOs found their counterpart's jobs were quite similar to their own, there was one noteworthy exception --

  • Development teams guide Reserve Airmen's careers

    The Air Force Reserve Command is working on a new program designed to maximize the potential of its Airmen as they chart their future careers. It encourages them to forward their desires up the chain of command, and will prepare future air and space leaders to seize the opportunities afforded them

  • Laughlin begins services, mission support merger

    In ongoing efforts to become a more responsive and efficient organization, the Air Force's services and mission support squadrons have begun merging, and the organization is using Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, as the first of six test bases as it rolls out the consolidation. The merger of the

  • Airmen streamline F-15 transfer process

    Airmen at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., are teaming with their Air National Guard counterparts there to incorporate Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century principles in hopes of speeding the process of transferring F-15 Eagles. As part of the validation and verification process, the unit

  • Air power purchasing process continues to improve

    Air Combat Command's award-winning acceptance team in Marietta, Ga., is setting the precedent on how the Air Force accepts airplanes. Working alongside the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, during production of the F-22A Raptor, ACC's Raptor Acceptance Team is a geographically

  • March 19 airpower: Refueling the mission

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 19.In Afghanistan March 18, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-12s and GBU-38s on enemy-occupied buildings near Kajaki Dam. The strike came after coalition forces came under fire from the buildings.

  • Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

    This week's "Today's Air Force" includes features on how the Air Force moves cargo, Airmen providing medical assistance to Cambodians and how maintenance units in the Pacific are saving Air Force money. The long-format, weekly news show tells Air Force stories in more depth. The program is made up