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U.S. Air Force News

  • 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

  • SERE specialists surprise pilot

    When Air Force pilots initially train to fly, they learn about ejecting from a plane and how to survive behind enemy lines.Several Misawa survival, evasion, resistance and escape, or SERE, specialists took a pilot out recently for some realistic training.1st Lt. Michael Baird, an F-16 Fighting

  • Official shares glimpse of future with Misawa Airmen

    Mr. William Anderson, assistant secretary for installations, environment and logistics, stopped here Feb. 22 to meet with Airmen and to discuss key Air Force issues, including environmental stewardship and future fuel alternatives.He talked about the incredible care Airmen display as they lead the

  • Reserve forces augment RAF Croughton security

    Ten guardsmen and reservists are augmenting the 422nd Security Forces Squadron here as 21 active-duty Airmen are deployed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.Even though almost half of the 422nd SFS are deployed downrange, the mission at their home station doesn't end, but that's where the Guard and

  • March 1 airpower: C-17s provide intra-theater airlift

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 1. In Afghanistan Feb. 28, an Air Force B1-B Lancer provided a show of force and expended flares for coalition forces receiving mortar fire near Energay. The ground commander's intent was met and the mortar fire

  • Staging facility prepares injured warfighters for flight

    For warfighters who are injured in Iraq, the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility at Balad AB is where their road to recovery starts. The CASF is a staging area where patients are prepared for their flight out of Iraq to Landstuhl, Germany. The CASF is staffed by critical care air transport and

  • Airman earns medal for lifesaving efforts

    An Airman here was presented the Air Force Achievement Medal recently for saving the life of a 7-year-old boy who was choking on candy. Airman 1st Class Kyle Thomas was bowling while on leave in Norman, Okla., after competing six weeks of basic training and six months of technical training when he

  • Security Forces train Airmen to protect space resources

    Senior Airman Joshua Newton holds the flashbang up high in the air and his three teammates know what that means without uttering a single word. It is time to breach the room and they all look away as he carefully leans forward and chucks the grenade into the room. As the flashbang goes off

  • Turkish-U.S. airlift effort brings supplies to Afghans

    In a joint effort between Turkish and U.S. Air Forces, 94,000 pounds of palletized cargo was transported via two C-17 Globemaster IIIs Feb. 21 to Kabul Air Base, Afghanistan. The 23 pallets and five trailers of cargo consisted of uniforms and equipment for the Afghan army to use in the war on

  • Test squadron demonstrates Sniper pod capability

    Members of the 419th Flight Test Squadron here recently completed its initial developmental testing of the Sniper pod installed on a B-1B Lancer, designed to increase the aircraft's self-targeting capability. The Sniper pod, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is an advanced targeting pod with

  • Feb. 28 airpower: Tankers provide air bridge

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 28.In Afghanistan Feb. 27, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support to coalition forces receiving heavy machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire from enemies on a ridgeline near Energay. The B-1

  • RED HORSE logistics hub supports Airmen uprange

    An Air Force horse has been making tracks throughout Southwest Asia as this mobile force is making a difference in the war on terrorism.The Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, or simply RED HORSE, supports contingency and special operations missions with mobile,

  • Pararescue Airmen mission ready for search, rescue

    "That others may live" is the motto for the Air Force's pararescueman.Pararescue jumpers, or PJs, make up an elite corps of pararescuemen responsible for combat search and rescue missions.This team of highly trained pararescuemen performed a combat search and rescue training mission Feb. 24 in

  • Andersen Airmen response group hone combat skills

    In the former housing area known as Andersen South, a team of Airmen patrol the abandoned, rundown facilities. They scan the front and back of the patrol, looking for anything or anyone out of the ordinary. The Airmen are members of Andersen Air Force Base's 36th Contingency Response Group; this

  • Feb. 27 airpower: tankers fuel fighting force

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 27. In Afghanistan Feb. 26, an Air Force B1-B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31 joint direct attack munitions on enemy rocket positions near Musa Qal'eh. The B1-B pilot observed 30 to 40 enemy insurgents firing

  • Hydrant vehicles refuel Air Force fleet faster

    The 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels flight recently received three R-12 hydrant servicing vehicles that will significantly increase refueling capabilities. In conjunction with the recently commissioned hydrant fueling system and arrival of the HSVs, the hydrant fueling

  • Air Force Reserve wing at Scott receives first C-40 aircraft

    The Air Force Reserve Command's 932nd Airlift Wing here welcomed a new aircraft into its inventory Feb. 26 with the arrival of its first of three C-40Cs. The wing, the only Air Force Reserve unit in the state of Illinois with a flying mission, will use the aircraft to augment its mission of

  • Airmen help Kyrgyz K-9 corps take shape

    Airmen of the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here are training a new breed of fighters for the war on terrorism. The Airmen normal protect the members of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, but are now helping train a Kyrgyz military working dog

  • Anthrax vaccine program becomes mandatory for some

    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. Implementation of the AVIP begins March 19, in

  • Spangdahlem Airmen, a force behind ground support

    In the hangars along the flightline here, Airmen load up the 81st Fighter Squadron's A-10 Thunderbolt IIs with munitions.Having recently returned from training in Portugal, the 81st FS is back in Germany and the training hasn't stopped. While the pilots of the 81st FS are honing their skills behind

  • Top teams can vie for excellence award

    For more than 14 years, the Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards, sponsored by the Air Force chief of staff, have been recognizing those Airmen who use a systematic approach to enhance mission capability, improve operational performance and create sustained results. For 2007, the Air Force's goal

  • Feb. 26 airpower: F-15Es provide show of force

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 26.In Afghanistan Feb. 25, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided shows of force for a convoy receiving small arms fire in Pashsbad. A joint terminal attack controller reported that two individuals were firing at

  • Tax credits, deductions save Air Force members money

    It's tax season again and new tax codes have changed some credits and refunds. Knowing what credits and deductions to claim allows Airmen to keep more of their own money. The Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities, or HERO Act signed by President George W. Bush May 29, 2006 allows military members

  • 'Man's best friends' help fight war on terrorism

    More than 2,000 military working dogs currently serve at military bases around the world. But for the 65th Security Forces Squadron at Lajes Field, their hearts belong to two of those dogs. Dan and Rex, both adult German Shepherds, arrived at Lajes Field straight from the 120-day rigorous training

  • Medical professionals win team of the year

    Air Force and Air Force Association officials have named Air Force expeditionary medics, or EMEDS, as the 2007 Team of the Year. Each year, AFA officials, working with major command-level command chief master sergeants and the Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, select a specific

  • Afghan officers exchange ideas with Air Force counterparts

    Eight Afghan army air corps officers recently visited the 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group here. The group came to exchange ideas with their Air Force counterparts. "They learned a lot," said Capt. Tommy Butler, who is an air corps advisory group mentor. "The Afghans don't have a complete

  • '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 exclusive on Air Force Link provides visitors ten photos that feature Airmen at war. It is a brief but

  • Feb. 25 airpower: F-16s provide watch

    In Afghanistan Feb. 24, at the direction of a joint terminal attack controller, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a guided bomb unit-38 joint direct attack munition and GBU-39 small diameter bombs on single-story buildings being used by the enemy as small arms fire positions near Qurya. The air

  • Sergeant's desire to serve aids recovery

    Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro continues talking to Airmen about his experiences in Afghanistan even as he struggles to recover from burns he received in combat. The tactical air controller is fighting to stay in uniform so he can continue serving his country. The sergeant suffered severe burns over 80

  • Chairman of Joint Chiefs speaks to Airmen

    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace spoke to Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, during a town hall meeting Feb. 23. The main message of his speech was only two words. "We came a long way to say, basically, two words to you and

  • Feb. 24 airpower: Bombers on patrol

    In Afghanistan on Feb. 23, an Air Force B-1B Lancer was assigned to observe a compound for possible insurgent targets near Musa Qal'eh. Coalition forces were taking small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades from insurgents in the compound. The B-1B pilot surveyed the compound and reported

  • Pope unit begins transition to Little Rock

    For 36 years, 41st Airlift Squadron Airmen have called Pope Air Force Base home, but Feb. 23's realignment ceremony marked a new beginning as the unit heads to Little Rock AFB, Ark. The 41st AS will stand up at Little Rock AFB April 5 under the command of Lt. Col. Dan Tulley, and is a significant

  • Feb. 23 airpower: Airlifters move people and cargo daily

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 23. In Afghanistan Feb. 22, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles were assigned to drop guided bomb unit-12s on an enemy compound near Now Zad. One of the F-15E successfully dropped a GBU-12 laser guided bomb on the

  • Married couple share life, Air Force mission

    Most couples spend anniversaries, birthdays and Valentine's Day together enjoying a candlelit dinner. Captains Dan and Sarah Santoro however, are a little different; they usually spend their big days together in deployed locations throughout Southwest Asia. Since they started flying for operational

  • Vice president praises troops during Guam stopover

    Vice President Richard Cheney rallied servicemembers during a Feb. 22 stopover at Guam while en route from Japan to Australia. The vice president spoke to more than 2,000 Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Coast Guardsmen and Guam dignitaries, emphasizing the critical role Guam's position in the Pacific

  • Airmen continue training for quick response

    When a tsunami devastated parts of Southeast Asia in 2005, Airmen from a special Air Force unit were ready to help. It's the job of the Airmen of the 615th Contingency Response Wing at Travis AFB to respond to crisis situations around the world at a moment's notice. They establish an aerial port,

  • 'New Horizons' mission improves Nicaraguans' lives

    The sun pounds the ground as Airman 1st Class Jean Colas wipes his forehead clean of sweat and Nicaraguan soil. He stands, eyes squinted, surveying the fresh concrete he just helped pour -- the foundation for a five-room medical clinic here. He and about 16 other 820th Expeditionary Red Horse

  • Feb. 22 airpower: F-15s stop sniper fire

    SOUTHWEST ASIA -- In Afghanistan Feb. 21, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops receiving sniper fire near Now Zad. A joint terminal attack controller, or JTAC, gave coordinates of a compound where the sniper fire

  • Services unite, leading logistics' way in Spain

    The first two months of 2007 have been busy at Naval Station Rota. The task was to move over 100 Army helicopters to and from the Central Command theater using Air Force planes and Navy ships. With a mission this big, Rota's strategic location proved valuable."It's almost perfectly located between

  • Air Force general receives analysis award

    The Air Force Heritage to Horizons focus was highlighted recently when the Air Force vice chief of staff received the Lt. Gen. Glenn A. Kent Leadership Award here. Gen. John D.W. Corley was recognized for his long-term vision and leadership in guiding the Air Force to set the standard for Department

  • Willow Grove has best family readiness program

    Members of the 913th Airlift Wing at Willow Grove Air Reserve Station, Pa., received the 2006 Reserve Family Readiness Award at a Feb. 16 ceremony in Washington, D.C. Terry Jarrell, the 913th's family readiness director, and Master Sgt. Bernadette Tate-Dunlap, the family readiness superintendent,

  • Wilford Hall takes step forward in BRAC process

    Brooke Army Medical Center and Wilford Hall Medical Center take another step toward base realignment and closure. Effective March 1, the two medical centers will combine their Travel Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Henry M. Jackson Foundation clinics' outpatient services. The combined services, to

  • Working dog teams search, patrol together

    Ensuring the safety of everyone at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here rests upon a group of Airmen and their highly trained four-legged partners. The 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog Section has several certified teams made up of handlers and their explosive

  • Feb. 21 airpower: B-1B hits enemy communications compound

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 21. In Afghanistan Feb. 20, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops surrounded by enemy forces and vehicles preparing for an ambush near

  • Air Force, British firemen dampen off-base blaze

    Air Force firefighters here joined British firefighters from the town of Mildenhall in response to an off-base fire Feb. 21. The 11 firefighters and one on-scene commander from the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department responded to the West Row fire after receiving a call from an on-base

  • Air Force builds new houses at overseas bases

    As the Air Force undergoes constant transformation from deployments to manning issues, the importance of Airmen's quality of life hasn't changed. One quality-of-life improvement was the $1 billion the Air Force spent upgrading base housing in various overseas locations in Korea, the United Kingdom

  • First JPADS improved system airdrop over Iraq a success

    Eight aircrew members from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron used the Joint Precision Airdrop System, or JPADS, mission planning software for the first time over Iraq Feb. 16 to deliver six 1,200-pound Improved Container Delivery System, or I-CDS, bundles. The

  • Reserve pararescuemen help rescue Mount Hood climbers

    Air Force Reserve pararescuemen from 304th Rescue Squadron, Portland International Airport, Ore., were called Feb. 18 to assist in the search and rescue effort for three stranded climbers. While attempting to descend Mount Hood, Ore., the three people and a dog, who were roped together, fell through

  • Bagram unit opens new bridge, road

    When local contractor Asil Khan first thought of building a bridge over the Gogamanda River, he was knee-deep in it, evading the Soviet army on a trip to Pakistan to procure weapons for the mujahedeen. More than 15 years later, that idea became a reality, as Gov. Jabar Taqwa officially opened the

  • General swears in new Airmen at Daytona 500 race

    Airmen, start your engines! Thirty six delayed-entry-program recruits were sworn into the Air Force Feb. 18 by Gen. Ronald Keys, Air Combat Command commander, before the NASCAR Daytona 500 race. The event took place outside the track at the Air Force recruiting booth, which featured large scale

  • Pope Airmen to honor fallen member

    Airmen at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., are preparing to honor a pararescueman assigned to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron who was among those killed in an MH-47 special operations helicopter crash Feb. 18 in Afghanistan. Tech. Sgt. Scott E. Duffman, 32, of Albuquerque, N.M., and seven others were

  • Feb. 20 airpower: Coalition tankers refuel the fleet

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 20. In Afghanistan Feb.19, Air Force F-15 Eagles conducted a strike against an enemy staging point in a cave near Pech. The F-15s dropped guided bomb unit-31 joint direct attack munitions one meter above the cave

  • Hill supports warfighters with software products

    Simulated warfare found in popular video games can take months of detailed planning and encoding. In the real world, the lives of American warfighters rely on quality software products. Factoring in the Department of Defense's need for flawless systems management in support of the real deal gives