HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Airmen, Soldier nutrition specialists work, train together

    Army nutrition specialists from the 396th Combat Support Hospital Army at Fort Vancouver, Wash., had the opportunity to join Airmen here this month to share food service tricks of the trade. The Soldiers from the 396th CSH specialize in medical patients' and Soldiers' diets. They worked at the Ross

  • 'Week in Photos' highlights Airmen around the world

    The "Week In Photos" Web featured on Air Force Link provides visitors photos that feature the Air Force's missions.Staff Sgt. Irene Noriega assigned to the 62nd Airlift Wing at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., pedals 'til it burns as she participates in a cardiovascular workout spin class March 9 at

  • March 10-16: The week in airpower

    In Afghanistan this week 289 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. A total of 61 Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew

  • March 17 airpower: Strike Eagles return fire in Afghanistan

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 17. In Afghanistan March 16, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles supporting coalition forces returned fire to an enemy location near Now Zad. The F-15s made three passes over the target area, expending multiple guided

  • Oldest GPS satellite being prepared for disposal

    The oldest operational satellite in the GPS constellation has broadcast its signal for more than 16 years, during which time that signal's mission applications -- and the people who make sure the signal is available -- have changed dramatically. When Satellite Vehicle Number 15 launched Oct. 1,

  • Balad air traffic controllers maintain safer skies for Iraq

    With 5,000 air operations per week within a five-nautical-mile radius from surface level to 3,000 feet, the airfield here is the busiest in the Department of Defense. In fact, the runways at Balad Air Base are part of the world's busiest combat operation. At this pace, the 22 Airmen assigned as air

  • It's never too late to get 'fit to fight'

    Peek into the H-6 fitness center any time of the day or night, chances are someone is huffing, puffing and sweating their way to being 'fit to fight.' Air Expeditionary Force 5-6 is well underway, but it's not too late to start working on those push ups, crunches and 1.5-mile run. "The current Air

  • Aviano Airmen put skills to test

    A NATO Tactical Evaluation kicked off here recently to inspect Aviano Air Base's ability to respond to crisis. As part of the TACEVAL the evaluation team tested security forces Airmen with a surprise mob of demonstrators protesting the U.S. military. During the scenario, the demonstrators became

  • Anthrax program becomes mandatory for some Airmen

     The Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program, or AVIP, mandates Airmen assigned to high-threat areas receive the Anthrax vaccine, while also providing Airmen the choice to continue anthrax vaccines if they are not assigned to a designated high-threat area. Headquarters Air Force sent out an

  • Five Ramstein Airmen earn Army combat badge

    Five Airmen from the 435th Vehicle Readiness Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany received Army Combat Action Badges, for their deployment to Iraq last year in support of the Army. During their time in Iraq all five Airmen were actively engaged in combat. The vehicle operators were deployed to

  • March 16 airpower: C-130s backbone of tactical airlift

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 16. In Afghanistan March 15, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-12 on enemy forces moving on a trail along a ridge near Dowlet Shah.  A joint terminal attack controller on scene confirmed

  • Hockey: Academy Cadet a finalist for Hobey Baker Award

    Air Force junior Eric Ehn has been selected as a finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, college hockey's most prestigious individual honor. A center from Dexter, Mich., Ehn has led the nation in scoring 14 of the last 17 weeks. He currently leads the nation with 1.68 points per game with 62

  • Hockey: Two Falcons earn awards

    Air Force junior Eric Ehn and senior Andrew Ramsey were honored at the Atlantic Hockey Association banquet March 15, at the RIT Inn and Conference Center in Rochester, N.Y. Ehn was named the league's player of the year and earned first-team all-conference honors. Ramsey was a second-team all-AHA

  • Air Force chief of staff outlines priorities

    The Air Force chief of staff outlined some of the Air Force's priorities during a visit here March 13. During a breakfast with Airmen and also during an interview with local reporters, General Moseley talked about the future of the Air Force, and more specifically, the future of the base in regards

  • Airmen learn new perspectives from leadership

    Air Force leaders invited more than 50 junior and senior NCOs to the nation's capital March 12 to 13 to discuss Air Force triumphs and challenges with senior leaders. Participants ranged from staff sergeants to chief master sergeants in a variety of career fields and from a variety of locations. The

  • March 15 airpower: Strike Eagles strike intimidation

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 15.In Afghanistan March 14, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s and GBU-31s on enemy buildings and fire positions near Sangin.  A joint terminal attack controller on-scene confirmed direct hits

  • Aerial porters keep the Afghan missions moving

    Outside of the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron here sits a rock structure that reads: "We didn't send you here, but we'll get you out." A close-knit team of aerial porters bring this statement to fruition every day. The 8th EAMS' aerial porters provide cargo and passenger support for unit

  • Emergency airdrop sustains combat ops in Afghanistan

    When coalition ground forces fighting Taliban extremists in southern Afghanistan needed fuel in a hurry March 12, coalition air power answered the call, filling the 9,000-pound full airdrop order in less than eight hours. The 1st Battalion of the 508th Parachute Infantry Division was engaged in

  • New tower cab opens at Ramstein

    After two-and-a-half years of planning and construction, Ramstein Air Base's new tower cab is finally open for business.The new cab is vital for mission success, since Ramstein has taken on more air traffic control responsibility with the closing of Rhein-Main Air Base. Among the new improvements to

  • First MQ-9 Reaper makes its home on Nevada flightline

    The MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle's  younger, yet larger and stronger, brother, the MQ-9 Reaper arrived March 13 at its new home at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The remotely piloted aircraft completed initial testing in California, then flew more than 250 miles in two hours to land here. The

  • 'In lieu of' Airmen learn Soldier skills at Fort Bragg

    Several hundred Airmen from varied skill sets are in the midst of three months of training at Fort Bragg, N.C., in preparation for a future deployment to Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan. The training is designed to teach basic Army ground maneuver skills. The Airmen from around the

  • March 14 airpower: B-1 Lancers provide show of force

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 14.In Afghanistan March 13, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on enemy buildings near Sangin. The B-1B strike came after coalition forces received mortar and machine gun fire. A joint terminal

  • General discusses options for growing USAFE mission

    As the Air Force evolves to meet and defeat future challenges, the Airmen of U.S. Air Forces in Europe are also expanding their mission toward the future. During a visit to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Gen. William T. Hobbins discussed expanding operations in Africa and new NATO countries. "The

  • Military photographers key to training, investigations

    Security forces and medical services Airmen respond to the scene of a mock accident. After the victims are taken care of, the scene will be documented for investigative purposes -- that's where the base photographer comes in. Senior Airman Robert Barnett is a photographer with the 35th

  • Virtual Flag exercise hosted at Pentagon

    The Air Force's C4ISR Visualization Center at the Pentagon, along with the 705th Combat Training Squadron from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., hosted a simulation exercise March 7 to help joint tactical air controllers experience the challenges of calling in air strikes to enemy targets

  • Air Guard crew flies mission to save Soldier's life

    They flew at night and into the next day from Iraq nonstop to the United States. Fifteen hours and 10 time zones later, they handed over their precious cargo in Maryland: a Soldier who had been wounded in combat. Then, to the hum of jet engines, they packed their gear and returned to fly similar

  • Preparation critical for EOD Airmen

    Explosive ordnance disposal members put their lives on the line each time they run into a building, shelter or area containing a suspicious package or bomb. Training and preparation are critical for every EOD Airmen, down to the clothes they wear. "The suit we wear is designed to help protect us

  • Nellis F-16 crashes on approach to test range

    An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 16th Weapons Squadron from the U.S. Air Force Weapons School here crashed March 12 at 8:50 p.m. near the end of the runway while on approach to the Tonopah Test Range Airfield, approximately 20 miles southeast of Tonopah, Nev. The pilot ejected safely and

  • Data links give Airmen attack controllers 'big picture'

    A small group of Airmen are having a dramatic effect on the battlefield. They're in demand from everyone from Army squads and platoons to large defense contractors. Everyone wants a joint terminal attack controller on their team -- and with good reason. They are crucial to putting air force bombs on

  • March 13 airpower: Tankers keep coalition fighters flying

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 13. In Afghanistan March 12, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on enemy buildings near Sangin. The B-1B strike came after coalition forces received mortar and machine gun fire. A joint terminal

  • 'Abort Court' gets to bottom of Moody's mission scrubs

    The 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron recently began taking broken jets "to court" as a way to discover the root cause of mission-scrubbing system failures. The "abort court" which began in January, examines all lost sorties from the previous month and analyzes their causes by looking at the 'big

  • 'New Horizons' breaks ground for Belize school buildings

    The opening ceremony for New Horizons Belize was held here March 8 with a groundbreaking for a new school building for the village. Airmen and Soldiers from both active and National Guard units will build four more new school buildings in different villages during their deployment to Belize. "This

  • Life-saving turret prototype stems from Airman's death

    Less than 80 days after Airman 1st Class Leebernard Chavis was felled by a sniper's bullet near Baghdad, Airmen in Iraq were testing an improved turret that designers hope will offer service members better protection. Airman Chavis, of Hampton, Va., was killed by enemy gunfire Oct. 14 while

  • Dover Reserve squadron flies final C-5 flight

    The 326th Airlift Squadron, a unit in the Air Force Reserve Command's 512th Airlift Wing here, flew its final C-5 Galaxy flight March 10. The squadron converts to the C-17 Globemaster III mission April 1. The base's first C-17 arrives in June and it will receive 12 more of the aircraft over the

  • Eielson welcomes home deployed Airmen

    A crowd of more than 500 Airmen, family members and guests gathered March 9 to welcome home 400 Eielson Airmen who returned from deployments over the past six months. "It's the hard work and dedication of these Airmen that made the recent deployments successful," said Lt. Col. Mike Fitzgerald, the

  • Air Force's satellite-loaded Atlas V is 50th launch success

    The Air Force marked its 50th consecutive successful launch March 8 with an Atlas V loaded with six experimental satellites. Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles AFB, Calif., successfully launched the rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., with the 45th Space Wing spacelift

  • Soldiers team with combat aircrews to engage enemy

    Joint combat environments don't just exist on the ground, but also exist in the sky above Iraq. U.S. Army Soldiers serve as crewmembers on the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft. An Army deputy mission crew commander and two enlisted personnel form a team of three soldiers

  • Ramstein prop shop keeps blades turning

    The C-130 Hercules plays a role in many of the most versatile missions in the Air Force, such as relief efforts and combat operations. With the high operations tempo in Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, maintenance is key to keep the missions going. The 86th Maintenance Squadron's C-130

  • March 12 airpower: Globemasters sustain operations

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 12.In Afghanistan March 11, a B-1B Lancer performed a show of force to protect four coalition vehicles near Worzhanah Kalay. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed the show of force was successful and no

  • Educator awarded for patriotism, teaching success

    James Clark is a patriot. He retired from the Marine Corps as a captain and now teaches the sixth-grade children of military members who are stationed at Osan Air Base, South Korea. As an educator and a patriot, Mr. Clark's efforts earned him honors as the Veterans of Foreign Wars' Teachers Award

  • Four Air Force civilians receive GEICO awards

    The Government Employees Insurance Company selected four Air Force civilians as 2006 GEICO Public Service Award winners. Mr. Titus L. Welcome, McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., received his GEICO award in the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment category. Mr. John P. Gilmore, Malmstrom Air Force

  • F-16 crashes in Florida Straits

    An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the Air Force Reserve Command's 482nd Fighter Wing here crashed about 11:05 a.m. today approximately 75 miles south-southeast of Homestead in the Florida Straits. The aircraft was from the 93rd Fighter Squadron. At the time of the accident, it was flying a routine

  • March 3-9: The week in airpower

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 3-9. In Afghanistan this week 330 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Sixty Air Force and

  • 2 Air Force Mentor-Protégé teams capture DOD awards

    Two U.S. Air Force Mentor-Protégé company teams captured Nunn-Perry awards March 7 at the annual Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé Conference here. The awards recognize outstanding efforts by DOD prime contractors, or mentors, and their protégé small businesses. The Air Force mentor-protégé

  • March 10 airpower: ISR missions critical in war on terrorism

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 10. In Afghanistan March 9, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets successfully conducted a leaflet drop over a designated point near Washir. The F/A-18s also provided reconnaissance and a noise presence over a village for

  • Islamic State of Iraq video attempts to exploit Air Force major's death

    Recent news reports stated that the Islamic State of Iraq terrorist organization is releasing a video on Maj. Troy Gilbert's death. Major Gilbert was killed Nov. 27, 2006, when his F-16C crashed while he was supporting Coalition ground combat operations approximately 20 miles northwest of Baghdad.

  • Air Force-funded researcher among top 50 technological leaders

    A researcher funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research is included in the "2006 Scientific American List of 50 Leaders in Science and Technology" for building circuits using light at nanometer scales. Dr. Nader Engheta, professor of electrical and systems engineering and professor of

  • Airmen upgrading 'Giant Voice' systems in England

    Airmen from the 1st Communications Maintenance Squadron at Kapaun Air Station, Germany, are installing giant voice systems throughout the United Kingdom. The 'Giant Voice' is a 2,000-watt speaker that alerts people on base of danger, whether from natural disasters or terrorist attacks. "Most people

  • Wing has long heritage of serving others

    The 59th Medical Wing is the Air Force's premier medical unit, located here in San Antonio.  The 59th MDW operates Wilford Hall Medical Center. The wing provides global medical readiness capability and comprehensive peacetime healthcare benefits through education, training and research. There are

  • March 9 airpower: F-16s provide show of force

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 9. In Afghanistan March 8, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions on an enemy compound near Qurya. A joint terminal attack controller on-scene observed good hits on the

  • Wing's shield symbolizes medical mission

    The 59th Medical Wing shield symbolizes the unit's mission and its present vision. In 1993, when the wing became a numbered medical wing, the shield of the 59th Fighter Wing, formerly the 59th Observation Wing, was acquired. Its use was approved for the 59th Medical Wing Feb. 3, 1995. Wilford Hall

  • Lajes civil engineers fix beacon on air traffic control tower

    Members from the 65th Civil Engineer Squadron's electrical shop recently fixed the beacon that rests atop the air traffic control tower at Lajes Field. The beacon is vital for pilots landing at Lajes to recognize that it is a military flight-line and to help guide them safely during inclement

  • Reserve Airmen contribute to medical mission in Iraq

    Air Force Reservists from the 920th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., found themselves integral to the success rate of the Air Force Theater Hospital here. Nine Airmen from the 920th ASTS, part of the Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing, are deployed here working for the 332nd

  • Fort Sam commemorates first military flight

    Three vintage Stearman aircraft flew over Fort Sam Houston's parade ground March 2 to commemorate the 97th anniversary of the first military aerial flight.  It was here U.S. Army Lt. Benjamin Foulois boarded the "Signal Corps 'Aeroplane' No. 1" in 1910 and circled Fort Sam Houston's MacArthur Parade

  • Edwards launches first base-focused video podcast in DOD

    More than 16 months after Edwards launched its first audio podcast, the base launched base-focused video podcasts on its public Web site Feb. 28, the first such podcasts in the Department of Defense. Podcasting is an Internet publishing technology that allows users to subscribe to an automatic feed

  • Travis medical center recognized by California legislature

    The accomplishments of the staff of David Grant U.S. Air Force Medical Center were recognized by the California legislature in a ceremony here March 1. California State Senator Jeff Denham, (R-Merced), presented Senate Concurrent Resolution 122 to Col. Steve Arquiette the 60th Air Mobility Wing

  • Warfare center is now U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center

    The Air Mobility Warfare Center flag was rolled up and a new flag bearing the name "United States Air Force Expeditionary Center" was unfurled March 5 during a re-designation ceremony here. "If you want to know why you've become the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, it's because you earned it,"

  • March 8 airpower: F-15Es provide close-air support in Afghanistan

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 8. In Afghanistan March 7, a B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s and GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions on enemy personnel and a building near Garmsir, in support of Operation Achilles. The on-scene joint

  • Officials announce Air Force Safety Awards for 2006

    Air Force safety officials have announced the winners of the 2006 Safety Awards. They are: Secretary of the Air Force Safety Award: Category I -- Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Fla.   (No Category II listed)Maj. Gen. Benjamin D. Foulois Memorial Award: Air Force Special

  • Gymnastics: Cadet named gymnast of the week

    Weekly honors continue to accumulate for Air Force junior Greg Stine, who was named the Collegiate Division Gymnast of the Week by the Collegiate Gymnastics Association March 7. This award, which is voted on by the men's gymnastics coaches, comes just one day after he was named the Mountain Pacific

  • Medics learn combat environment skills

    Even the setting is realistic. Men and women dressed in field and camouflage uniforms, military vehicles and helicopters in evidence everywhere, officers and Airmen hunched over topographical maps and the usual good-natured complaints about the C-rations forming a buzz of background

  • Eielson Airmen get aggressive about training

    Maj. Robert Kelly is getting ready to try and shoot down Air Force aircraft. But, the weapons officer from the 353rd Combat Training Squadron is not an enemy. He is becoming what is known as a Red Flag aggressor pilot, an invaluable training asset for any Red Flag exercise. "As far as becoming an

  • Two former top Air Force chiefs visit Keesler Airmen

    Two retired chief master sergeants of the Air Force addressed a capacity crowd March 2 as guest speakers at the 81st Training Wing's annual awards banquet. The first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Paul Airey, and eighth, Sam Parish, took the opportunity earlier in the day to tour several

  • Keep up Air Force records, personal info for promotion sake

    The one constant among Airmen is the desire to be promoted. There are many things Airmen can do to affect their chances for promotion, but perhaps the most important is ensuring their personal information is correct. Missing or inaccurate enlisted or officer performance reports, decorations, awards

  • Raptor, precision strike bomb integration testing begins

    The 411th Flight Test Squadron began integration testing of the F-22A Raptor and the GBU-39/B Small-Diameter Bomb here in February. The weapon is a low-cost, stand-off, next generation precision strike weapon, capable of flying autonomously. The bomb is guided by an inertial navigation system with

  • March 7 airpower: C-130s provide in-theater tactical airlift

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 7.In Afghanistan March 6, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares, for coalition forces who sustained casualties from small-arms fire near Sangin. A joint terminal attack

  • Airman court-martialed for Ecstasy, marijuana use

    During a special court martial here, an Airman pled guilty March 7 to wrongfully using a controlled substance. Airman Ronald Moore Jr., assigned to the 48th Medical Support Squadron, pled guilty to two counts of violating Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice -- wrongfully using a

  • Expeditionary wing supports war efforts in many ways

    The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing directly supports the war on terrorism on many different levels. Combat sorties are flown daily, and multitudes of U.S. servicemembers and coalition partners, equipment and supplies are transported in and out of theater. Other missions are not quite as visible. Many

  • Services gather, communicate ballistic missile defense

    Service members and civilians from across the Pacific met at Hickam late February for a conference to discuss ballistic missile defense for the PACOM Area of Responsibility. Lt. Gen. Chip Utterback, 13th Air Force commander, said the conference, "allowed us to bring our experts in Ballistic Missile

  • Air Force program reconnects Airmen to heritage

    Air Force History Office officials are launching a new program to help unite Airmen, past and present, commemorate and preserve their shared heritage. During this year, in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the Air Force, history office staff members are reaching out to those involved in

  • March 6 airpower: C-130s support Afghan operations

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 6.In Afghanistan March 5, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets conducted air reconnaissance for suspected anti-coalition firing positions near Musa Qal'eh. Other Navy F/A-18s also provided reconnaissance for suspicious

  • Motivational program ending at Ramstein

    After three years of helping Airmen get back on track, the Ramstein Area Motivational Program, or RAMP, correctional custody facility is closing its doors. More than 200 Airmen have come through the program, with a huge majority of them successfully completing the training. RAMP opened its doors

  • Better intel boosts Air Force munitions drops, sorties flown

    In 2006, the Air Force dropped more than 1,700 munitions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. A year earlier, the Air Force dropped only 176 munitions as part of that same operation. The increase is due to better intelligence, said Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, the U.S. Central Command Air Forces

  • Michigan Air Guard returns from Iraq deployment

    Approximately 250 members of the Michigan Air National Guard returned home in March after supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom at Balad Air Base, Iraq.About 40 of the Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons returned home March 2, while the rest of the group returned here March 5 to frigid temperatures at

  • Airborne emergency room serves Operation Northern Watch

    On a short electronic leash, their beepers went off, and five members of the medical team sprung into action, racing through hospital halls to gather deployment gear. Simultaneously, the crew of an HC-130 aircraft was alerted and prepared for takeoff. This crew was deployed from the 347th Rescue

  • F-35 production a step closer after wind tunnel test

    Arnold Engineering Development Center workers completed the last developmental wind tunnel test in February for all Joint Strike Fighter variants, helping put the F-35 Lightning II a step closer to manufacturing. It was the culmination of more than 8,600 hours and $50 million worth of wind tunnel

  • Andersen bombers participate in Koa Lightning exercise

    The low rumble of B-52s shook the normally quiet evening sky above Andersen Air Force Base as the Stratofortresses of the 36th Operations Group participated in Pacific Command's Koa Lightning exercise over the islands of Hawaii. For the men and women of the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, the

  • Spangdahlem, Incirlik Airmen unite in training

    The cooperation between Airmen from Incirlik AB and Spangdahlem AB, Germany, has improved the development of the 39th Maintenance Squadron ammunition members through high-fidelity training opportunities. As aircrews from two F-16 Fighting Falcon squadrons from Spangdahlem AB train in a different

  • Fuel tests keep Misawa moving

    The fuel military bases receive goes through a series of treatments before it is usable in machinery. It is the job of the Fuels Laboratory Airmen in logistics readiness squadrons to check the condition of all fuel before it's put to use. Most importantly, certain additives need to be present to

  • Air Force heroes: 20 fallen Airmen honored in Afghanistan

    The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing here held a formal retreat March 4 to honor the 20 Air Force members who have died in Afghanistan since Operation Enduring Freedom began in 2001. Route 56, the wing's NCO advisory council, planned the retreat. The council wanted "to remind everyone of the pride and

  • March 5 airpower: Pave Hawks fly rescue missions

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 5. In Afghanistan yesterday, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s on a building near Sangin containing anti-coalition insurgents. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed a direct hit. The

  • Proper training, protection help prevent hearing loss

    Hearing loss can be due to personal choices such as firing a weapon without wearing proper hearing protection, listening to loud music or riding motorcycles. To help prevent hearing loss, people should wear hearing protection devices as taught and trained by public health personnel, and by their

  • General encourages AFSO 21 mind-set for PACAF successes

    The Pacific Air Forces director of logistics outlined changes in the Air Force and what those changes mean to the logistics community within the command during a recent visit to Kadena. "In regards to our mission in the Pacific, our number one challenge is maintaining regional stability out here in

  • Security forces Airmen protect Iraq's airpower hub

    Although it is distinctly a guard mount formation with defenders intently listening to the towering flight chief, one may liken the experience to a press conference. Notes from the previous shift's reported activities and expected trends for the new shift are jotted onto worn, hand-fitted

  • Manas Airmen train with Kyrgyz firefighters

    Airmen of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing fire department here have worked and trained side-by-side with Manas International Airport firefighters for five years. With each new Air Expeditionary Force rotation, a new crew of Airmen arrives and trains with the Kyrgyz firefighters of the MIA to stay

  • New ammo improves pilot safety, reduces collateral damage

    Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots at the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here are employing a new 20mm cannon round in their M61/A1 Gatling guns for the first time, improving pilot safety while reducing collateral damage.Airmen first validated the rounds at a firing range and then employed them in

  • March 4 airpower: B-1s making presence known

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 4. In Afghanistan March 3, a B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on anti-coalition insurgents in an open area near Kajaki. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed direct hits, removing the

  • March 3 airpower: JTACS critical in fight

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 3.Coalition fighters, bombers and tankers provide infrastructure protection and support to coalition troops, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities. Transports provide

  • Rescue coordination center opens at Tyndall

    The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center began operations here March 1 as the newest team member in "America's Air Operations Center." The AFRCC realigned under 1st Air Force (Air Force North) in April 2006, to consolidate Air Force support to civilian agencies under a single air component

  • Afghan ambassador thanks Fairchild Airmen

    American military actions in Afghanistan are making progress toward ending tyranny and oppression in that country, said Afghanistan's ambassador to the United States, Said Jawad, in a speech here March 1. The ambassador visited Spokane this week at the invitation of the World Affairs Council of

  • Thunderbird pilot talks to cadets on teamwork's importance

    When Cadet 1st Class Nicole Malachowski received her commission, Mel Gibson won an Oscar for his role in Braveheart, "Kiss From A Rose" by Seal could be heard regularly on the radio and Great Britain was in the throes of a mad cow disease outbreak. Now, 11 years later, Major Malachowski returned to

  • 'Week in Photos' highlights Airmen around the world

    Airmen are deployed around the globe every day to support operations ranging from humanitarian missions and coalition exercises to fighting terrorism with airpower. The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors ten photos that feature Airmen at war. It is a brief but dramatic

  • New helmet gives pilots the edge

    Aircrews at the 18th Fighter Squadron here recently received an important warfighting upgrade that can help keep them head and shoulders above the rest. Squadron pilots have incorporated a new helmet that features the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, a system which improves breathing and radio

  • Contamination control area helps Airmen 'clean up'

    One of the ways Incirlik AB Airmen prepared for their upcoming Unit Compliance Inspection was setting up a simulated contamination control area March 1. The contamination control area allows Airmen exposed to hazards from biological to chemical agents to come "clean" in a controlled environment. The

  • March 2 airpower: F-15Es provide show of force

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 2.In Afghanistan March 1, an Air Force B-1 Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38 joint direct attack munitions on enemy mortar and firing positions near Forward Operating Base Robinson. The joint terminal attack

  • Dyess' aircraft maintainers meet AFSO 21 head on

    While many shops in the Air Force are finding they have to do "less with less," one maintenance shop here found a way to do "more with less." The newly consolidated support flight in the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is an example of how Airmen in the 7th Maintenance Group are answering Air

  • Military spouse supports injured heroes with quilts

    To help in what may be a war hero's most traumatic life experience, one military spouse uses her love of quilting to give the gift of comfort. Tana Angerman, wife of the 90th Communications Squadron commander, Maj. Scott Angerman, volunteers her time and talents for Quilts of Valor -- an

  • Maintenance Airmen's custom parts keep planes in fight

    Aircraft maintenance success in a deployed environment often depends on the availability of the parts and equipment needed to get aircraft back into the fight. Oftentimes, crew chiefs look no further than 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron back shops for support when aircraft parts or other

  • Eielson Airmen help keep mushers, dogs in race

    Interior Alaska's formidable winter chill couldn't deter the Icemen team from volunteering to help support the local community during Yukon Quest, the 1,000-mile international dog sled race. More than 160 Airmen braved temperatures -- at times dipping below negative 40 degrees -- to help man the