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  • New mission control room ready for F-35 flight tests

    The newest range mission control room built to test the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter was officially commissioned here April 11. Combined with equipment installation and recent room certification, the range control room now provides the F-35 test team with the resources necessary to monitor the

  • School honors fallen Airman, former student

    Members of Spangdhalem Air Base gathered April 5 to honor a fallen Operation Iraqi Freedom Airman who graduated from Bitburg High School. Maj. Troy Gilbert, a 1989 BHS graduate, was killed when his F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed Nov. 27 while on a mission providing combat support to both an Army

  • Air National Guard crew flies its 1st C-5 to Djibouti

    The C-5 Galaxy's red-striped tail cut across the African sky April 10, flying a first for one Air National Guard unit. The West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing, recently gaining the Galaxy, flew the massive airframe to Djibouti to deliver two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters and

  • April 12 airpower: aerial porters keep cargo moving

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released this airpower summary April 12. In Afghanistan April 11, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s on two buildings from which insurgents were firing at coalition vehicles near Sangin. A joint terminal attack controller aligned with

  • Best Air Force journalism announced

    A panel of civilian journalists, teachers and public relations professionals have selected the best in Air Force print and broadcast journalism for the 51st annual Air Force Media Contest. Senior Airman Brian A. Stives, of the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, is the Air

  • 'Sew Much Comfort' founder visits patients in Germany

    As wounded servicemembers were loaded onto stretchers in preparation for their medical evacuation mission to get underway, a special visitor provided pillows and blankets to make their journey a little more comfortable. One of the patients she attended to was a Soldier wearing a bulky metal halo

  • Award winners save Air Force $26.5 million

    Six individuals who saved the Air Force $26.5 million were recognized April 5 at the Pentagon.  Four individuals won Air Force Productivity Excellence Awards and two won Air Force Exceptional Innovator Awards.Lt. Gen. Roger A. Brady, the Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel,

  • 17th Training Wing preserves heritage

    The end of the Cold War left the United States needing fewer forces. A smaller force required fewer bases to support it and, organizationally, fewer units to hold it. For the Air Force, as it set about eliminating excess bases through the Base Realignment and Closure process and excess wings through

  • Goodfellow hosts premier firefighter school

    It's burning. It's burning. The flames swell as the firefighters move into the mouth of the "dragon." In front of them -- a 500 degree wall of propane flames. The giant can's steel walls force the jets of fire to sweep over their heads and land behind them. At the nozzle is Airman 1st Class Cole

  • Maintainers save man-hours with AFSO 21 changes

    When aircraft maintainers think of inspections, their minds may be filled with thoughts of preparation and increased workload; however, 552nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Flight members here saw the E-3 Sentry Isochronal Inspection process as an opportunity for improvement. With Air

  • April 11 airpower: C-130s support forward deployed units

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for April 11. In Afghanistan April 10, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares, in support of a coalition convoy near Kalan. As the convoy arrived at an area that could have been used by

  • Ordnance disposal makes for no ordinary day

    Airmen assigned to the 332nd Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight have a dangerous mission that keeps fellow coalition forces safe. It takes nerves of steel and a steady hand to do the work these Airmen do. After all, getting anywhere near an improvised explosive isn't

  • CMSAF visits Aviano Airmen

    Aviano Airmen had a chance to meet and talk with Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley during his visit here April 9 and 10. The Air Force's top enlisted Airman paid a visit to Aviano as part of his U.S. Air Forces in Europe tour. During his stay, he hosted an Airmen's breakfast and

  • Pararescue Airmen, first responders train together in Arizona

    Airmen from the 563rd Rescue Group here conducted an exercise to test how military and civilian agencies work together during an emergency situation April 2 at Coronado National Forest in Arizona. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base members worked alongside members of the National Park Service, Forest

  • Bagram Airmen move Army Force Provider camps

    A familiar sight at this Afghanistan airfield involves American C-17 Globemaster IIIs landing and maneuvering as Russian-built IL-76 cargo aircraft taxies for departure. While one aircraft is being unloaded, another is waiting next in line to take off while another prepares to land. Airmen from one

  • Red Flag-Alaska strengthens coalition forces

    Red Flag-Alaska, a multi-service, multi-platform coordinated, combat operations exercise, kicked off April 5 with the ultimate goal of improving the operational capability of participating units and fostering stronger relations between U.S. and coalition forces. Red Flag-Alaska allows these units,

  • Boomers help keep the fighters flying

    The KC-135 Stratotanker helps the Air Force accomplish its mission by providing gas to aircraft during flight. To accomplish its mission, this fuel station in the sky uses an operator with a very unique job who goes by the name of "Boom." He or she is the tanker's boom operator. Staff Sgt. Larry

  • Air mobility keeps fast pace with war ops surges

    Squadrons across the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing have increased operations to enhance theater-wide support for the current surge of troops throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. One such example is the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron, a 379th AEW tenant unit that links air mobility operations

  • Grissom doctors moonlight for NASA

    Two Reserve doctors from Grissom Air Reserve Base have front row seats for space shuttle takeoffs and landings to help astronauts in case of emergencies. Lt. Col. (Dr.) Scott Phillips or Maj. (Dr.) Greg Pinnell, both from the 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron here, work for NASA as part of a

  • April 10 airpower: Airmen keep watch in the fight

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for April 10.In Afghanistan April 9, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on an insurgent position in an open area near Asadabad. The weapons directly hit the target according to a joint terminal attack

  • Airmen, Soldiers mentor Afghan medical instructors

    A team of five highly-skilled Air Force and Army medics mentor Afghan National Army instructors at the Combat Medic School in Kabul. Their mission is to guide the ANA instructors into leading the Combat Medic Course, which was recently extended to eight weeks. As instructors, they serve as mentors

  • Airmen keep a step ahead of enemy

    They don't talk much about what they do, at least to those outside the small, secure compound in Ops Town. But, they do listen to what others have to say -- mostly enemy ground forces. The 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron maintains a constant presence in the Central Command area of

  • Service demographics offer snapshot of force

    The Air Force Personnel Center here recently published its demographics report offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force, as of March 31. Statistics are rounded to the nearest tenth.Active-duty demographics -- 337,780 individuals are on active duty composed of 68,675

  • Airmen provide force protection 'inside the wire'

    An Airman performing a vehicle search might be a C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster. The Airman providing escort for local nationals could be a medical technician. But, regardless of their primary Air Force Specialty Code, or AFSC, Airmen such as these provide force protection while assigned to the

  • Senator visits Iraq, spends week on active duty

    A South Carolina senator toured Iraq for two days, and then put on an Air Force desert camouflage uniform for a week and worked as a judge advocate for the Multinational Forces, Iraq. Sen. Lindsey Graham, also a Reserve colonel, visited the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing April 9 after getting a

  • Young Airman prepares for his first deployment

    Eighteen years old and fresh out of high school, he may not have many years under his flak vest but he made a choice few make ... to serve and defend his country. Airman Samuel Martinek, part of the 35th Security Forces Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan, is preparing for his upcoming deployment.

  • Tweet closes 42-year Randolph career

    After 42 years of serving as the primary pilot instructor training aircraft at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, the T-37 Tweet turned its reigns over to the T-6 Texan II in a special ceremony April 6 at 3:59 p.m. on the west ramp behind Hangar 64. During its time at Randolph flying with the 559th

  • Air Force releases combat action medal criteria

    Air Force officials at the Air Force Personnel Center released criteria this week for award of the new combat action medal, an award for Airmen who have been involved in direct fighting situations where they risked their lives in an enemy engagement. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley

  • Airmen visit Nicaraguan orphanages, deliver donations

    Thirty-six Camp RED HORSE members collected more than $500, more than 80 books and more than 100 toys and donated it all to two orphanages here April 7. Delivering the donations and spending time with the orphans was one of the volunteer projects of New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007, a humanitarian

  • Charter members reflect on Air Guard's first 60 years

    Their membership gets older and smaller every day. Nearly 60 years have passed since they formed, but time has not removed distant memories of 1946 and 1947 after these veterans helped claim victory in World War II and flew as Air National Guardsmen. You may have met them on your drill weekends

  • Iraq PRTs to double in number by year's end

    Plans are under way to double the number of provincial reconstruction teams now operating in Iraq by the end of the year, a senior U.S. official said April 9. "We will both double the number of PRTs and we will double the number of individuals who are working in the PRTs," said Rick Olson, chief of

  • Hockey: Cadet named to All-American team

    A U.S. Air Force Academy cadet was named to the Lowe's Senior CLASS All-American first-team announced at the 2007 Frozen Four April 7 in St. Louis. Senior Billy Devoney is a four-year letterman who has missed just one game in his four-year career and was chosen as the team captain by his

  • Air Force loadmaster maxes 10,000-hour mark

    An 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster now wears a badge of distinction that very few loadmasters receive -- an Air Mobility Command custom patch displaying the number 10,000. After 25 years of service, Master Sgt. Joseph Maxey surpassed 10,000 flying hours April 3 during an airlift

  • April 9 airpower: Predator strikes insurgents

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the following airpower summary April 9: In Afghanistan April 8, an Air Force MQ-1Predator fired a Hellfire missile at a vehicle with insurgents gathered around it. The airstrike was reported as a direct hit and multiple secondary explosions were

  • Shaw selected for 'showcase' dormitory

    Officials at the Air Force Engineering and Construction Division selected two military construction projects to showcase the Air Force's success in areas of energy and sustainable development. A 144-room, three-story dormitory at Shaw, to be started this fiscal year, is one of those projects. The

  • Legal Airmen train to support rule of law missions

    An unprecedented number of Airmen deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan from the Air Force judge advocate corps are taking on roles to support rule of law missions in those theaters of operation. Because of that effort, the JAG corps developed a new course focusing on Task Force 134 -- the task force

  • Services Airmen keep morale high in Iraq

    Between aircraft sorties, mortar attacks and grueling long days for the residents of Balad AB and Logistical Support Area Anaconda, 20 Airmen of the Expeditionary Services Squadron are doing their part to keep them fit, entertained and ready for the fight. "We're here for everyone else's happiness

  • March 31 - 6 April: The week in airpower

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released this weekly airpower summary April 8. In Afghanistan this week ,245 close-air-support missions were flown in support of  International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Air Force and Royal Air

  • April 7 airpower summary: C-17s sustain operations

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the following airpower summary: In Afghanistan April 6, U.S. Air Force F-15 Strike Eagles provided a show of force to deter insurgent activity near Asadabad. A Joint Terminal Attack Controller reported that insurgents were planning to surround

  • Joint STARS exceeds 23,000 flight hours

    The 128th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron, one of three operational Joint Surveillance Target Attacks Radar System squadrons, recently reached a milestone of 23,000 flight-hours by flying missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Beginning on Jan. 16, 2003, the JSTARS

  • B-17 aircrew remembered

    Airmen from Hickam Air Force Base and the Hawaii Aviation Preservation Society held a memorial ceremony honoring 10 B-17E Flying Fortress crew members who lost their lives here 65 years ago. The Flying Fortress, returning from a routine combat patrol, crashed into the cliffs of Mt. Keahiakahoe near

  • Officials complete second phase of rescue officer selection

    Combat rescue officer career field officials held phase two of their selection process March 26 to 30 at Fairchild. The purpose of phase two is to narrow the field of trainees invited into the CRO career field training pipeline. Phase two is a rigorous week of intense physical, mental and

  • Academy parachute team sets world record

    The U.S. Air Force Academy's Wings of Blue Competition and Demonstration Parachute Team set another world record in a big way.The team set a collegiate world big-way record March 31 at Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Ariz., when 39 cadets linked in the air. The 39 cadets jumped from three

  • Guam B-52s evacuate to Fairchild in wake of typhoon

    Aircrews and six B-52 Stratofortress bombers from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, arrived here April 1 seeking refuge from Typhoon Kong-Rey, which ripped through the Western Pacific April 2. The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that was stationed at Fairchild for nearly four decades. The aircraft

  • New combat squadron stands up at Little Rock

    The 41st Airlift Squadron became the newest unit of the 463rd Airlift Group at Little Rock Air Force Base in a ceremony April 6 as well as being named the first active-duty combat C-130J Hercules squadron in the Air Force. The 41st AS moved here from Pope AFB, N.C., due to the Base Realignment and

  • April 6 airpower summary: B-1Bs aid ground forces

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the following airpower summary: In Afghanistan April 5, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided two shows of force, releasing multiple flares, for coalition ground forces receiving small-arms fire near Oruzgan. A on-scene joint terminal attack

  • Air Force plays part in Vegas Grand Prix

    Airmen are used to high speeds in the air, but Nellis Air Force Base Airmen will be supporting vehicles going 200 mph on the ground during the 2007 Vegas Grand Prix April 6 to 8 in Las Vegas. "When a high-speed race like the Vegas Grand Prix comes to Las Vegas, it only seems natural to have a few of

  • Week in Photos highlights Airmen in action

    The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world.  Among this week's photos are: In the Horn of Africa, an HC-130P aircraft takes off from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, headed down range in support of a Combined Joint Task

  • Air Force, Kenyan maintainers turn wrenches together

    A team of Air Force maintenance experts traveled to Kenya March 21to 28 to work with their Kenyan counterparts. Their goal was to improve F-5 fighter maintenance, operations, supply and aircraft support equipment. The eight-main Air Force team, led by Col. Dennis Mitchell, chief of standardization

  • Weapons Airmen help pilots' firing accuracy

    Putting steel on target is the aim of warfighters, and making sure F-16 Fighting Falcon guns hit the bull's-eye every time is the mission of weapon loaders at Misawa Air Base.In a process called boresighting, weapons Airmen ensure the path of bullets shot from the aircraft's 20mm cannon is aligned

  • Civilian records can now reflect AF unit awards

    The Defense Civilian Personnel Data System can now reflect Air Force unit awards, according to Air Force Manpower and Personnel. Prior to March 30, civilian employees who received unit awards such as the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award and Air Force Chief

  • Mother and daughter's worlds meet at 30,000 feet

    Air Force reservist Master Sgt. Vivian Caraviello had an opportunity that few Air Force parents get during an aeromedical evacuation mission from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to Andrews Air Force Base, Md.The 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron medical technician was able to fly the mission along

  • AFA Team of the Year features medical Airmen

    They saved lives performing miracles in the sky, on the ground and outside "the wire" during missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Senior Airman Robert Zuniga from the 82nd Medical Operations Squadron at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, helped save the lives of 120 people injured in car bombs and mortar

  • Airpower role essential in Africa

    With a mission covering roughly two-thirds the span of the United States, airpower is a critical part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, according to the Air Force's top officer in U.S. Central Command. During his recent visit to Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Lt. Gen. Gary North, commander

  • Manta Airmen donate much needed supplies to burn center

    Volunteers from the 478th Expeditionary Operations Squadron here recently donated a truckful of items to a local burn center. The items were collected by members of the Air National Guard's 186th Air Refueling Wing based in Meridian, Miss., who are assigned to the 478th EOS during their two-month

  • Officials emphasize zero tolerance of sexual assault

    Sexual assault is a crime that is incompatible with military values and will not be tolerated within the Defense Department, the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness said here April 3. David S.C. Chu kicked off the month-long DOD observance of sexual assault prevention during a

  • McGuire commander is 'hands-on' saving energy

    In January, the Department of Energy chose McGuire as one of the lead bases in the Air Force to be given an Energy Efficiency Expert Evaluation Audit; commonly referred to as the "E4" Audit. On the final day of the E4 visit, Michael Aimone, the Air Force assistant deputy chief of staff for

  • Coast Guardsmen thank Air Force ECMO team

    The men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard are in the business of saving other people's lives. It is not very often that someone has to save the life of one of their own. But, on July 22, 2006, Airmen from Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, came to the rescue of one Coast

  • Maintainers keep C-130s flying in Djibouti

    Maintainers deployed to the 71st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti work long hours in the hot sun to make sure that HC-130P's are ready to go in a moment's notice for the search and rescue mission in the Horn of Africa. "We provide the maintenance to keep the C-130's in the

  • Kadena members may be in 'Jeopardy'

    The host of the "Jeopardy" television game show visited Kadena Air Base March 31 to meet the military members here and search for future contestants as part of a USO-sponsored tour of military bases in the Pacific region. "There are military members stationed all around the world and some of them

  • April 4 airpower: Fighters watch over coalition troops

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for April 4. In Afghanistan April 3, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force for a coalition convoy stuck in the mud near Sangin. The B-1B also provided shows of force for coalition forces in contact with

  • CSAF's Scope vectors on fifth-generation fighters

    The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen, and the latest topic to come into view on the scope is fifth-generation fighters. Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues is the importance of maintaining air superiority

  • Hockey: Cadet chosen All-American by Inside College Hockey

    A U.S. Air Force Academy cadet was selected as a first-team All-American by Inside College Hockey.com becoming the first Falcon hockey player ever named to an All-American team. Junior Eric Ehn, a center from Dexter, Mich., finished the season second in the nation in scoring with 1.6 points per

  • McChord Airmen embrace AFSO 21

    In an effort to increase the tempo of generating aircraft that are prepped and ready for flight, Airmen in the 62nd Maintenance Group have teamed with Airmen in several other squadrons here to embrace Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century practices and smooth out flightline processes. The

  • CSAF discusses construction projects in testimony

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley met with members of the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs March 29 to discuss the service's construction efforts. General Moseley said the Air Force is committed to improving base infrastructure

  • 'Team Lean' Challenge promotes weight loss, camaraderie

    Hoping to promote wellness and weight loss through camaraderie and enjoyable activities, Air Force Materiel Command officials are introducing a command-wide competition that relies on concerted efforts of people together supporting and motivating one another. Team Lean Challenge, or TLC, kicks off

  • Davis-Monthan pararescue Airmen help save teen

    Pararescue Airmen assigned to the 563rd Rescue Group here saved a local teenager after a hiking accident March 30 in an Arizona canyon. A loosened boulder struck two of four Sabino High School students who were hiking together March 28 in Soldier Canyon. One teen went for help while another teen

  • April 3 airpower: recon aircraft provide vital intel

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for April 3. In Afghanistan, 35 close-air-support missions were flown in support of International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Eight Air Force and Royal Air Force

  • 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