Thunderbirds release 2009 air show schedule

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds," has announced its 2009 air show schedule. In their 56th season, the Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform more than 73 shows in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Far East. Entering his second season, Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, the team's

Operation Cheer provides poinsettias to wounded

A Randolph Air Force Base chaplain is showing his love for wounded warriors this holiday season with a lot of help from his flock. Chaplain (Capt.) Eric Boyer of the 12th Flying Training Wing encouraged base members to contribute to Operation Cheer, a program that brings a dose of the holiday spirit

AFSO 21 experts tour Robins

Military and civilian leaders came to Robins Air Force Base Dec. 16 to see how Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century efforts have found better ways to get things done here. Nineteen general officers toured parts of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center then spent an afternoon discussing

Dec. 21 airpower summary: F-15Es deter anti-Afghan forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force to

UAS students graduate from inaugural class

Nine lieutenants graduated from the first combat familiarization program for pilots slated to fly unmanned aircraft systems Dec. 22 at Randolph Air Force Base. The four-week Unmanned Aircraft Systems Fundamentals Course, or UFC, began instruction Nov. 21 taught by 563rd Flying Training Squadron

Officials announce Reserve colonel promotions

Air Reserve Personnel Center officials here announced the fiscal 2009 Air Force Reserve Line and Nonline Colonel Promotion Selection Board results Dec. 16. A selection board convened at ARPC Oct. 6 through 10 to determine those officers qualified to assume the next higher grade and selected 96 of

Airman scheduled for court-martial at Academy

Air Force officials here determined a case should proceed to a general court-martial against an Airman assigned to the 10th Medical Support Squadron here to begin Dec. 15 at the U.S. Air Force Academy.An Article 32 hearing determined the case against Airman 1st Class Derick R. Thompson, who is not a

Southern Command, AF South leaders visit deployed troops

Senior leaders from Southern Command and Air Forces Southern kicked off a week-long tour Dec. 8 to visit forward-deployed personnel and assist nearby communities in seven Latin American countries during the holiday season. A C-21 from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., carried the group to Forward

Wynonna Judd joins Reserve Band for TV broadcast

Members of the Band of the Air Force Reserve and Air Force Strings teamed up with Wynonna and Naomi Judd and the Palmetto State Quartet for this year's Holiday Notes from Home concert recorded Dec. 9 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. Viewers around the world will have a chance to see

Operation Christmas Drop box-build complete

After 55 years running, Operation Christmas Drop is the Air Force's longest running humanitarian airlift mission. This year marks the 56th annual Operation Christmas Drop. With only days left until boxes are delivered to the small islands of Micronesia, last-minute donations are still pouring in,

New TSP contribution limits set for 2009

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board recently announced an increase in the 2009 elective deferral limit for regular Thrift Savings Plan contributions. The limit is now $16,500, up from $15,500 for 2008. In addition, contributions for the TSP catch-up plan will increase to $5,500, up from

Dec. 3 airpower summary: A-10 bombs anti-Afghan forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a guided bomb unit-38

Lean initiatives in the Portuguese air force

There have been many articles touting the benefits to the Air Force of Lean initiatives and Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, or AFSO 21. It's not only the Air Force that is benefiting from Lean initiatives, however.  Other air forces have benefited from the Lean initiatives supported

Andersen officials to transfer management functions to Navy

The Joint Region Marianas will stand up in January as Andersen Air Force Base officials will relocate installation management functions to the commander of U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas located on Guam.This was a result of almost four years of planning to implement this change to the law as a result

Dec. 1 airpower summary: Hercs airdrop supplies

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb

Internal training key to Iraqi air force independence

As the Iraqi parliament works out the details of the new status of forces agreement that calls for American forces to withdraw from the country in 2011, Iraqi air force emergency responders from New al Muthana Air Base took the lead for the first time in a mass casualty response exercise Nov. 21 as

Andersen Airmen hear Dragon Thunder

Andersen Air Force Base Airmen sharpened their expeditionary skills during Exercise Dragon Thunder Nov. 17 through 21 here.Members of the from the 644th Combat Communications Squadron set up camp under a sea of camouflage netting in tents filled with towers of electronic equipment for the field

Secretary Donley: U.S. can retain space leadership role

Solid leadership and the coordination of resources will enable the United States to retain its leadership in space, Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley said Nov. 21 during the Air Force Association's Global War Symposium in Los Angeles. Strong government and collaboration among leaders also

Lifesaving Airman, patient meet for first time

A local South Korean woman and the Kunsan Air Base Airman whose blood donation saved her life met for the first time when she visited here Nov. 21. Airman Tamarias Pope of the 8th Security Forces Squadron met up with 22-year-old You Jin Pak, allowing the 19-year-old Airman to put a face to the

Iraqi air force pilots conduct aeromedical mission

Iraqi airmen conducted an aeromedical evacuation mission from here Nov. 21, ferrying an Iraqi servicemember injured in combat from the Air Force Theater Hospital here to Forward Operating Base Gabe in Baqubah, Iraq. "Aeromedical evacuation is crucial to the viability of the Iraqi air force," said

Nov. 22 airpower summary: B-1B bombs anti-Afghan forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and Air Force F-15E Strike

Nov. 21 Airpower Summary: A-10s conduct close-air support

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a guided

Hockey: 12th-ranked Falcons crush Sacred Heart 8-1

Air Force Academy hockey teammates Jeff Hajner and Matt Fairchild each scored two goals as the 12th-ranked Falcons beat Sacred Heart, 8-1, Nov. 21 in an Atlantic Hockey Association game in front of a school-record crowd of 3,535 at the Cadet Ice Arena here. With the win, the Falcons remain the only

Gen. Hoffman assumes leadership of AF Materiel Command

Gen. Donald J. Hoffman assumed command of the organization responsible for the technology, acquisition, test and sustainment of the service's current and future weapon systems during a ceremony here Nov. 21. General Hoffman took the reins of Air Force Materiel Command from Gen. Bruce Carlson during

Top AF leaders convene for quarterly council meeting

With a focus on the execution of the 2008 Air Force Strategic Plan, the Air Force Process Council conducted its quarterly meeting Nov.20 at Air Force Materiel Command headquarters here. The council, led by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz

Predator landing gear collapses upon landing

The landing gear of an MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft system collapsed after the aircraft landed about 6:45 a.m. Baghdad time Nov. 21 on the Joint Base Balad runway in Iraq. The extent of the damage is unknown at this time. The Predator is assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing from Joint

Chairman notes Military Family Appreciation Week

Military Family Appreciation Week begins Nov. 21, and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff issued a message Nov. 20 noting the observance. Here is the text of Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen's message: "This month, as we celebrate our blessings, and give thanks for our freedom to enjoy them, we

Battlelab initiative aims to speed KC-10 cargo loading

Though the Air Mobility Battlelab deactivated here Sept. 24, one of its final initiatives shows great potential to help KC-10 Extender crewmembers do their jobs faster and decrease aircraft weight. With the KC-10 Lightweight Cargo Net and Hoist Initiative, the Air Mobility Battlelab, or AMB, sought

Paving the way for a new travel reimbursement process

Air Force finance officials are implementing ways to improve customer service to Airmen with process changes, said the director of the Secretary of the Air Force Financial Management Process Improvement and Integrations Office. "This has been a rocky road for some Air Force travelers," said

Remains of B-52 aircrew laid to rest at Arlington

The remains of six B-52 Stratofortress aircrew members killed when their aircraft crashed off the northwest coast of Guam July 21 were laid to rest in a ceremony held Nov. 14 at Arlington National Cemetery. Dozens of family members, friends and Airmen gathered at the graveside to bury Col. George T.

Bands spread Air Force message through music

Air Force musicians took to heart the entertainment industry phrase "The show must go on" by performing in the greater Los Angeles area as wildfires burned in Southern California Nov. 15. "It's our job to get out there," said Master Sgt. Scott McPherson of the Air National Guard Band of the

Lights, camera, Air Force Week

The Air Force got ready for its "Hollywood close up" at 25,000 feet in the clouds during a Nov. 12 air-refueling mission near the Grand Canyon as media and entertainment professionals got a rare, extreme close-up look at the airlift and tanker missions. For most of the 25 entertainment

Air Force Week showcases people, missions

Aerial flyovers, military band concerts and Air Force-themed film festivals are planned for Air Force Week 2008 in Southern California from Nov. 14 through 21.The week-long extravaganza will showcase the Air Force, its people and the mission  throughout the region. All events, except for sports

Air Force announces NASCAR sponsorship for fiscal 2009

Air Force officials announced Nov. 12 that it will begin a new NASCAR partnership with Gillett Evernham Motorsports when it sponsors the No. 10 car driven by Reed Sorenson for the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. The Air Force's advertising agency, GSD&M Idea City, organized the sponsorship and will

Wounded Airman: 'Absolute privilege to defend America'

A wounded NCO spoke to 300 Airmen, retirees, Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce officials and members of the Alamo Chapter of the Air Force Association Nov. 3 at the Randolph Air Force Base Enlisted Club. The AFA-sponsored "Combat Breakfast" hosted Staff Sgt. Christopher Slaydon and 21 other

Falcons sheer Rams 38-17

Turnovers and a tough Air Force defense proved to be too much for Colorado State University as the Falcons soared to a 38-17 win over the Rams at Falcon Stadium in Colorado, Nov. 8, advancing their record to 8-2 overall. Colorado struck first scoring on a 1-yard run by CSU senior Gatrell Johnson

New UAS program at Randolph simulates air battle space

A first-of-its-kind combat familiarization program for pilots slated to fly unmanned aircraft systems soon will launch at the 563rd Flying Training Squadron here. The four-week-long Unmanned Aircraft Systems Fundamentals Course will begin Nov. 21. It is designed to give 10 newly-winged graduates of

AF doctor's persistence leads to diagnosis of rare disease

A young patient at San Antonio Military Medical Center-South, or Wilford Hall Medical Center, has been diagnosed with a rare disease that mainly affects African American females recently. Lakeshia Blueitt, 17-year-old daughter of retired Master Sgt. Curtis Blueitt, started experiencing major changes

Football: Falcons top Army in slugfest

Riding the strong leg of kicker Ryan Harrison, the U.S. Air Force Academy outlasted the U.S. Military Academy 16-7 in a defensive battle that saw two of the nation's top ten rushing offenses held to 100 yards below their average Nov. 1 here. With the eighth and fourth-ranked rushing attacks in the

Gen. Carlson stresses importance of information technology

The commander of Air Force Materiel Command showcased the value of technological advances in supporting the warfighter through better integration and life-cycle planning Oct. 23 here. Gen. Bruce Carlson spoke to a crowd of several hundred people from the information technology and management

Nellis Airmen begin 'War on Waste'

The "War on Waste", a new Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiative, began at Nellis AFB, following an Enterprise Value Stream Analysis held here Oct. 6 to 8. The Enterprise Value Stream Analysis, conducted by the 99th Air Base Wing Executive Council, aligned the wing commander's

Airman missing in action from World War II identified

Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office officials announced Oct. 21 that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and returned to his family for burial. 2nd Lt. Ray D. Packard of the Army Air Forces from Atwood, Calif., was buried Oct. 22

Cannon officials use AFSO 21 to improve inprocessing

Cannon Air Force Base officials recently revamped its inprocessing program using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century to take a three week process into a four hour program. Beginning in July, base officials worked to improve and consolidate inprocessing for new base members and their

Student pilot gets first UAS assignment at Vance

As part of an Air Force initiative to meet increased demands for its airborne intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance, force protection and strike capabilities, student pilots in the Air Education and Training Command have a new potential assignment among the array of Air Force aircraft: unmanned

Oct. 22 airpower summary: B-1B bombs bad bikers

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds onto

Chief of staff tours Bagram, addresses Airmen's questions

The 19th Air Force chief of staff accompanied by the chief master sergeant of the Air Force made his first official trip to Bagram Airfield Oct. 21. Gen. Norton A. Schwartz toured the 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group to learn more about the growing efforts to support the mission here, and

Defense secretary lauds wounded warrior care improvements

The military has made "some significant steps forward" in caring for wounded warriors, the Defense secretary said during a Pentagon Channel interview broadcast Oct. 22. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said inpatient care provided to wounded warriors always has been world-class. "We've never had a

Officials call energy efficiency 'huge priority' for Air Force

As the largest consumer of energy in the federal government, the Air Force has made conserving resources a priority, a top official said Oct. 21. "We have to continue with our strategy of reducing demand and increasing [energy] supply and changing the culture within the Air Force," said Kevin

Defense secretary honors two Air Force civilians

Two Air Force civilians received Department of Defense Awards for their efforts in housing management and electrical engineering at a ceremony Oct. 21 in the Pentagon. Presenting the awards were Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Michael L. Rhodes, deputy director of administration and

Oct. 21 airpower summary: A-10s provide escort for convoys

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds onto

Gates vows continued commitment to wounded warrior care

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates assured participants in the first Wounded Warriors Family Summit here Oct. 20 he will "continue to press forward with a sense of urgency" to provide top-level care and support for wounded warriors in a way that lays groundwork for the next administration's leaders

Bolling officials to display 200 new Air Force paintings

Air Force officials will display more than 200 new Air Force Art Program paintings from about 150 artists Oct. 21 through 24 at the Officers' Club at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. The art was given by artists from around the country and donated to the Air Force, bringing the total number of paintings

Football: Falcon freshmen spark 35-10 win

U.S. Air Force Academy freshmen quarterback Tim Jefferson and tailback Ashley Clark led the Falcons' high-powered running attack to a 35-10 victory over the San Diego State Aztecs Oct. 11 at Qualcomm Stadium here. Clark, making his first start of the season, rambled for 109 yards on 15 carries and

PRT unit makes 'a difference beyond the berm'

Every group, every mission here in Afghanistan is designed for a purpose. It's no different for the Kapisa and Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team. The 91-person joint-service team has a goal of improving security and government capacity in its area of responsibility, an objective its members

SECAF visits Ramstein, discusses leadership priorities

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley visited with Airmen from U.S. Air Forces in Europe and toured the base here today as part of his first overseas trip since being confirmed secretary of the Air Force earlier this month. Secretary Donley, the 22nd Air Force secretary, visited with Airmen

Program works to ensure absentee voting opportunities

It's still not too late to register to cast an absentee ballot in the Nov. 4 general election in many states, a Defense Department official said Oct. 9."We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to vote, and that the vote is counted," said Polli Brunelli, director of the Federal Voting

Ohio reservists complete aerial spray mission in Louisiana

Air Force Reserve aircrews and C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 910th Airlift Wing at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, sprayed more than 770,000 acres in seven Louisiana parishes from Sept. 21 to Oct. 2. Reservists from the wing's 757th Airlift Squadron dropped pesticides to control insects

Senate confirms Donley to be next secretary of Air Force

Michael B. Donley will be the next secretary of the Air Force based on an Oct. 2 Senate confirmation vote here. Secretary Donley had been designated by the president to begin serving as acting secretary on June 21, 2008. The former director of administration and management for the Defense

Officials enter agreement to create aerospace complex

Air Force officials announced Sept. 25 that the service has signed a long-term lease agreement with Oklahoma County that will enable the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center to establish the Tinker Aerospace Complex here. The lease, which was signed Sept. 24, covers approximately 407 acres of land

CAP provides rescue resources during emergencies

When disasters strike, there is a select group of volunteer pilots, search and rescue teams, and trained observers who help those in need. Missing persons, flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes and downed aircraft are some of the situations to which the Civil Air Patrol responds at a moment's notice.

Sept. 24 airpower summary: B-1Bs bomb enemy targets

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-31s

AAFES mobile field exchange heads to Galveston Island

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, at the request of the Texas National Guard, has moved a mobile field exchange from Ellington Field south to Scholes International Airport in Galveston, Texas. "We moved the MFE on Saturday and opened the doors on Sunday, Sept. 21," said the Fort Sam Houston

Zabul governor: Unite in peace for Afghanistan, for the world

Nearly 200 village elders, children and Zabul provincial government officials gathered Sept. 21 to celebrate the United Nations' Day of Peace. "I hope this day of peace can be maintained in Afghanistan," said Zabul provincial Governor Delbar Jan Arman. "There should be an end to the misery in our

Air Force enters 'funny car' racing

The Air Force has begun its venture into funny car racing by teaming up with Kenny Bernstein Racing for the O'Reilly National Hot Rod Association Fall Nationals Sept. 19-21 at the Texas Motorplex in Dallas. This is the first of four races in which the Air Force serves as an associate sponsor of

Reserve rescue team pulls 17 from floodwaters

Air Force reservists assigned to the 331st Air Expeditionary Group, a inter-agency search and rescue unit based at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, rescued 17 people from Hurricane Ike flood waters Sept. 13 in a small Texas town.The reservists, deployed from the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force

Football: Falcons hold off Cougars in wake of Hurricane Ike

The U.S. Air Force Academy culminated a week of unpredictability with a hard fought 31-28 win against Conference USA foe Houston Sept. 13 in Dallas. Senior quarterback Shea Smith scored a career-high three rushing touchdowns to pace the Falcons and the Air Force defense continued its impressive

Patrick Airmen ready to help Hurricane Ike victims

Airmen of the 920th Rescue Wing here flew two HH-60G Pave Hawks from Patrick Air Force Base to Gulfport, Miss., to preposition search and rescue aircraft to aid victims of Hurricane Ike Sept. 12. Airmen flew the two helicopters and two HC-130P/N Hercules long-range refueling aircraft will fly to

Ceremony inspires members to never forget Sept. 11

Airmen of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing gathered with coalition forces and sister servicemembers at sunrise Sept. 11 on the grounds of a newly constructed memorial for a Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony here. Col. Cameron Torrens, the 386th AEW commander, presided over the ceremony on the seventh

Operational "Integrity" - lessons from the AFSO 21 Frontlines

The U.S. Air Force faces intense operational demands and resource challenges that sit at the heart of the role that Air Force Smart Operations, or AFSO, plays in improving mission performance. We all understand the need to strengthen fighting capability, recapitalize, increase financial efficiency

Transportation, distribution expertise aids Georgian refugees

Members of the U.S. defense transportation system worked to help get more than 22,000 humanitarian daily rations to a relief organization in the area to help feed a growing number of Georgian refugees. Officials from U.S. Transportation Command and its component Army's Military Surface Deployment

Falcons record two safeties in 41-7 rout

Two defensive scores by one of the youngest teams in school history led the Air Force Falcons to a 41-7 rout over Southern Utah University in the season opener here Aug. 30.Returning only eight starters from last year, the Falcons looked to an experienced defensive line to control the game. Leading

AFPC commander discusses support for deployed Airmen

The commander of the Air Force Personnel Center discussed how her agency continues to improve its support of deployed Airmen during a visit here Aug. 27. AFPC is streamlining how it tracks deployments and re-examining how it balances deployments with assignments and training, said Maj. Gen. K. C.

Air Force leaders discuss AFSO 21's future

The Air Force's senior leaders met Aug. 26 to discuss the future role of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century during a quarterly AFSO 21 Process Council meeting on Bolling Air Force Base. Brig. Gen. John Posner, AFSO 21 director, presented to the council a draft proposal to formally

Aid to Georgia surpasses million-pound mark

The U.S. military has delivered more than 1 million pounds of humanitarian relief supplies to Georgia. As of Aug.22, 36 missions had been flown by Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft as well as Navy C-9 Skytrain, C-130 and C-40 Clipper aircraft, U.S. European Command

Iraqis sign container contract with Joint Base Balad

An Iraqi businessman, a local tribal leader and the commander of Joint Contracting Command-Iraq/Afghanistan gathered here Aug. 21 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the latest contract for the Iraqi First program between Joint Base Balad and the Miran Co. Hashim Abd Al-Amir Mahdi of the Miran Co. won

Academy named best school in West region

The U.S. Air Force Academy was named the best baccalaureate college in the West for the second year in a row, and received top rankings in engineering in the U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Colleges 2009 rankings, released Aug. 21. U.S. News & World Report officials evaluated 319

Guard members bring medical relief to Guatemalan citizens

Thirty-one Airmen from the California Air National Guard's 163rd Medical Group traveled to Guatemala Aug. 18 for a two-week medical readiness training exercise in and around Santa Rosa.Hosted by Guatemala and with the cooperation of the Guatemalan military and public health department, the American

University course teaches principles of information operations

In the midst of the Korean War in the 1950s an American fighter pilot came up with a revolutionary concept that changed tactical, operational and strategic war planning. Based on his tactical dogfighting experience with North Korean MiGs, Col. John Boyd coined the term - OODA (observe, orient,

Security forces Airman at Academy scheduled for Article 32

An Article 32 hearing for an enlisted Airman assigned to the 10th Security Forces Squadron convenes Aug. 21 at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Airman 1st Class David Christie, who is not an Academy cadet, has been charged with violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice by deserting with intent to

Predator passes 400,000 flight hours

The MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft system surpassed 400,000 flight hours during a mission in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Aug. 18. Members of the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron, part of the 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., flew the milestone mission in

New recruits enlist during Chicago Air and Water Show

Following fast passes and vertical climbs by an F-22 demonstration, 60 young men and women were sworn in to the United States Air Force Aug. 16 during the 50th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show held Aug. 15 -17. Maj. Gen. Anthony F. Przybyslawski, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command vice

Air Guard Predator pilots increase combat air patrols

Although they are some of the busiest pilots in the U.S. military, Air National Guard pilots who are now flying unmanned aircraft from the ground said they still climb into the cockpit and get some flight time whenever they can. Lt. Col. Rick Gibney, operations group commander and MQ-1 Predator

Building capable allies, strong bonds

Over European castles, Middle Eastern deserts and Pacific islands, F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots are soaring in ever-increasing numbers. Their landscapes, nationalities and cultures are different, but they share several common bonds. They are allies, they are friends and they learned to fly their

ARPC officials announce lieutenant colonel promotions

Air Reserve Personnel Center officials here announced results for the fiscal 2009 Air Force Reserve Line and Health Professions Lieutenant Colonel Promotion Selection Boards today. These boards selected 893 Citizen Airmen for promotion. The selection boards convened at the center here June 9 - 13 to

Engineer team plans Bagram's future

The combined talents of 21 servicemembers and civilians compose a facility engineer team, whose task is to prepare plans and specifications, provide inspections on construction, and offer expertise for the steady flow of projects designed to improve and expand Bagram Airfield. In addition to the

Runners get fit to fight during Air Force Week in the Heartland

Approximately 250 runners spiraled through Offutt Air Force Base and the surrounding community in the first Bellevue/Offutt Runway Run as part of Air Force Week in the Heartland Aug. 10 here. Military members and civilian running enthusiasts did their part to be fit to fight as they ran through the

Air Force Week in the Heartland kicks off with a bang

Fly-bys, music, military precision and fireworks broadcast the beginning of Air Force Week in the Heartland as more than 10,000 witnessed Airmen at their best Aug. 9 at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha. Airmen from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., hosted the free event to let the public experience what the

JSTARS meets AWACS

The 16th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron from Robins Air Force Base, Ga., has deployed to Kadena Air Base for 30 days to train with the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron and participate in an operational readiness exercise on the Korean Peninsula. The unit is flying its E-8C

Aug. 1 airpower summary: Falcon takes out weapons cache

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Royal Air Force GR-9 Harriers fired rockets and dropped

20th EBS honors fallen by taking flight, continuing mission

A memorial service was held here July 25 to honor the men of "Raider 21" who lost their lives when the B-52H Stratofortress they were flying crashed off the coast of Guam July 21. Nearly 2,000 Airmen, friends and family gathered to honor the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron crew and Col. George

AFMC receives $50 million for energy projects

Air Force officials recently have awarded more than $50 million to Air Force Materiel Command officials here to fund energy projects under Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century. The July announcement comes seven months after the Air Force's chief engineer put out a call for energy

Fire task force mission becomes 'wait and see'

With the latest California wildfires mostly under control, Army and Air National Guard aircrews supporting the firefighting effort can finally begin to breathe, as many aircraft are pulled from active support to a stand-by role. Since the California fires began June 21, Army and Air National Guard

Forecasters afloat support multinational training exercise

Air Force weather teams are used to jointness, providing weather support operations for both the Army and Air Force on land or in the air. However, Joint Task Force Exercise 08-4, a multinational exercise hosted by U.S. Joint Forces Command, would require them to truly go above and beyond -- and out

Jointness key to command afloat during JTFEX 08-4

Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen exercised jointness aboard a Navy ship along the eastern U.S. coast from Virginia to Florida July 21-31 for Joint Task Force Exercise 08-4 "Operation Brimstone." Aboard the USS Bataan, U.S. servicemembers and some coalition forces are working

Wilford Hall ECMO team helps save baby

A crew of Air Force and civilian medical specialists flew to Honolulu July 21 to transport a 12-day-old baby girl to Rady Children's Hospital in California for advanced medical care. The 11-member critical care air transport team, which included a neonatal critical care physician, neonatology

Raider 21 aircrew remembered

Servicemembers mourn loss of one of their own

The Joint Base Balad Town Hall filled with brothers and sisters mourning the loss of a military family member July 20. Tech. Sgt. Jackie Larsen, a paralegal working with the Law and Order Task Force of the 732nd Expeditionary Support Squadron, died from non-combat related causes July 17. Sergeant

Officials name downed B-52 aircrew members

Air Force officials have released the names of the Barksdale crew members of the B-52 that crashed July 21 off Guam's northwest coast.  Five of the six crew members were stationed here. They are Maj. Christopher M. Cooper, 33, aircraft commander; Maj. Brent D. Williams, 37, navigator; Capt. Michael

Asia-Pacific nations collaborate to enhance airpower

More than 80 participants from 20 nations are meeting to discuss and collaborate during the 2008 Pacific Rim Airpower Symposium July 21 through 25 in Kuala Lumpur.Hosted by Royal Malaysian air force and U.S. Pacific Air Forces' 13th Air Force officials, this year's symposium focuses on early phases

July 21 airpower summary: F-15Es deter anti-Afghan activities

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