Charleston members aid injured Airman

A Charleston Air Force Base senior NCO will be welcomed home soon after spending more than nine months in the hospital after a serious motorcycle accident with a gift from the hearts and hands of base members.Master Sgt. Don Eagle of the 17th Airlift Squadron was struck by another motorist while

Air Force allergist receives national award

Maj. (Dr.) Christopher Calabria, officer in charge of the Wilford Hall Medical Center Immunizations Clinic, was selected to receive an American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Award. The award recognizes outstanding research published in the "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology," or

Official thanks military blood donors

As Armed Services Blood Program officials join with the rest of the nation in observing National Blood Donor Month, the program's director expressed gratitude for the more than 165,000 donations from Defense Department military, civilians and their families in 2008. "January is designated every year

NFL, military continue Super Bowl traditions

From fighter jet flyovers to military performances at halftime shows, the National Football League and U.S. military have shared more than 40 years of Super Bowl history. The tradition continues Feb. 1 in Tampa, Fla., during Super Bowl XLIII, with Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S.

Airman's Roll Call: Military training instructors

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the Air Force's need for more military training instructors to meet the demands of increasing end strength. Air Force officials will recruit about 4,000 additional enlisted Airmen per year during the next two years to boost manning to 332,700. Currently, the

Air Force officials complete coal-to-liquid plant analysis

After a thorough review of project requirements and information submitted by a team of functional experts, Air Force officials have determined proposals received for a coal-to-liquid synthetic fuel plant on Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., are not viable and will no longer pursue possible

'Scholarships for Military Children' application deadline nears

For military parents who have children about to enter college or already attending, the opportunity to apply for a $1,500 scholarship through the Defense Commissary Agency's Scholarships for Military Children Program is ending Feb. 18. Applications are available in commissaries worldwide. You may

Tricare grants extension for overseas claims filing

Tricare Management Activity officials have extended the "timely filing waiver" for dates of service before Dec. 31, 2007, to allow providers, beneficiaries and others living overseas additional time to submit overdue claims for reimbursement. The original deadline was Dec. 31, 2008, for services

Chief of staff keynoter at Vance pilot graduation

Student pilot Class 09-04 here had a special visitor at their graduation ceremony Jan. 23.  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz attended the ceremony and presented the keynote address."The American people place a very special trust in those of us who wear the uniform," the general told the

Jan. 29 airpower summary: A-10s relieve friendly forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a coalition aircraft struck several anti-Afghan fighting

Kadena Airmen visit orphanage in Philippines

Kadena Air Base Airmen visited an orphanage in Angeles City, Pampanga in the Philippines Jan. 19 before returning home from an overnight mission supporting U.S. Army forces deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines. Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group, 17th Special Operations

Malmstrom captain found guilty of wrongful sexual contact

A Malmstrom Air Force Base captain was sentenced after being found guilty of wrongful sexual contact and conduct unbecoming an officer in a court-martial held Jan. 29 here. Capt. Adam Pitman, assigned to the 12th Missile Squadron, was sentenced to six months confinement and a dismissal from the Air

Airmen support Iraqi elections, see history in making

Joint Base Balad Airmen are engaged in the Iraqi sky as Iraqis get ready to participate in their country's electoral process Jan. 31, the first time since 2005. "U.S. and coalition airpower is uniquely qualified to provide non-intrusive security support to the government of Iraq as it conducts this

A venerable C-130 makes its final run

After 47 years of service without a single hit, a C-130 with the 386th Expeditionary Operations Group here has flown its last combat mission and will be retired to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Airmen in the 386th EOG and 386th

Osan Airmen train to fight

Osan Air Base Airmen train throughout the year to survive and operate in war, and members of the 51st Security Forces Squadron here ensure the base is properly defended. Upon arrival to Osan AB, officer and enlisted security forces members go through a six-day combat readiness course to get Airmen

Entertainers join Elmo to help military families find 'new normal'

Sesame Workshop will air a PBS special Apr. 1 aimed at helping military families cope with changes. Actor/singer Queen Latifah and singer John Mayer will join Elmo to present, "Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change." The special carries a message for children whose parents suffered a

President to meet with senior enlisted advisers

President Barack Obama is scheduled to meet Jan. 30 with the U.S. military's senior enlisted advisers at the White House, a senior Defense Department official said. The armed services' enlisted advisers are the senior noncommissioned officers for the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The

Upgraded airborne firefighting system approved

A long anticipated upgrade to the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) that's used to battle the nation's wildfires was recently approved for operational use, months before the next fire season.MAFFS II was approved for use on the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing C-130J

Country band entertains Airmen, Soldiers in Iraq

Country music group Lonestar rocked a crowd of hundreds of Soldiers, Airmen and civilians Jan. 24 at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. Comedian Greg Vaccariello led the night's entertainment with his one-man stage act featuring impersonations of Robert Di Niro and colorful humor about

Jan. 30 airpower summary: F-15E destroys enemy position

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations January 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle destroyed an

'Today's Air Force' features training

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Airmen continue train their counterparts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. And another type of training, one that is credited with making the Air Force the premier air and space force in the world is human performance training. See how science is

Jan. 31 airpower summary: A-10s strike mortar team

Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II targeted anti-Afghan

Feb. 1 airpower summary: B-1B pounds target

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet dropped guided bomb unit -38s

Alaska-based aircraft fly south as precaution to volcano

Airmen at McChord Air Force Base are receiving a precautionary redeployment of Air Force aircraft from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. The aircraft and approximately 200 Airmen who operate and maintain them are being temporarily relocated due to increased activity associated with Mount Redoubt, a volcano

Program office makes first FAB-T delivery this week

This week, officials here provided the first of a new family of satellite communication terminals to the B-2 bomber program office, making it easier to move large amounts of voice, data, imagery and video to and from the platform. This iteration of the Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight

Academy superintendent to retire

Air Force officials announced Feb. 2 that Lt. Gen. John F. Regni, the Academy's 17th superintendent, will retire from active duty later this year. The general entered the Air Force in June 1969 as a cadet at the Academy. No retirement date has been announced, however, General Regni will preside over

NASA astronauts touch down at Manas Air Base

Six crewmembers of the Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-126 mission, who spent 16 days in space, launched a tour of Southwest Asia with a two-day visit to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, Jan. 28-29. The visit kicked off a tour of deployed bases to visit U.S. and coalition servicemembers supporting operations

Thunderbirds perform Super Bowl flyover

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds thrilled more than 70,000 spectators at Super Bowl XLIII by performing a flyover at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., Feb. 1. The contest which pitted the National Football League's Pittsburgh Steelers versus the Arizona Cardinals was

Officials work on Pentagon's need for space capabilities

Adapting new capabilities within the rapidly changing military space environment is increasingly important to national security, and Defense Department officials in the Operationally Responsive Space office are working to meet the Pentagon's needs for space capabilities rapidly. ORS requires current

NASCAR driver gets flight of life

NASCAR driver Reed Sorenson got the ride of his life in an F-15 Eagle as part of the Air Force's new partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports Jan. 23 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The incentive flight piloted by Capt. Dustin Ripley of the 95th Fighter Squadron was part of an effort by Air Force

Airmen aid in Iraqi election ballot transport

Members from the 321st Air Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here did their part in assisting Iraq in the election process Feb. 2. Maj. Scott Volk and Capt. Chris Dickens, both C-130 Hercules evaluation pilots and aviation advisers for the Iraqi air force, and Master Sgt. Louis Carter, a 321st AEAS

Feb. 2 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 Feb. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet dropped a guided bomb unit-38,

Camp Bucca Airmen make difference with smiles

Every day as the dawn breaks over the Iraqi desert, hundreds of Iraqis line up to visit their relatives at the Theater Internment Facility at Camp Bucca that holds more than 10,000 detainees. Every day before that sun rises, Airmen from the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron prepare for

New Air Guard director promoted in Pentagon ceremony

Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III became director of the Air National Guard and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general in a ceremony held Feb. 2 at the Pentagon. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, pinned General Wyatt's

Air Guardsmen, Coast Guardsmen train then save together

After wrapping up a day of training with Coast Guardsmen Jan. 29, the aircrew of Jolly 91, an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, were ready to head to Moffett Airfield, home to the 129th Rescue Wing. The Jolly 91 Airmen were dropping off their rescue brethren, members of the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime

Airmen keep B-1B ready for bombs on target

Keeping B-1B Lancers constantly ready to help coalition forces defeat terrorists are Airmen assigned to the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Unit here. With its ability to carry the largest payload of any aircraft in the U.S. inventory and flying in excess of 900 mph while fully loaded, maintainers work 24

MQ-1B Predator accident report released

An ignition module failure caused the crash of an MQ-1B Predator east of Ali Base, Iraq, May 2, according to an Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released Feb. 3. The $3.8 million Predator was assigned to the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. There were no injuries or

Education activity asks parents, students for feedback

Defense Department Education Activity officials are asking parents and students to share their thoughts about what works and what doesn't in its schools through a customer-satisfaction survey. "DODEA is firmly committed to continuous improvement and highest student achievement," said Sandra D.

Bagram Airmen recover crippled aircraft

More than 120 Airmen, Defense Department civilians and contractors removed a crippled C-17 Globemaster III from the runway Feb. 2 at Bagram Airfield after receiving damage while landing Jan. 30.Emergency response crews sprang into action shortly after the aircraft screeched to a stop and base

Academy officials explain National Letter of Intent signings

Due to the U.S. Air Force Academy appointment process, names of recruited student-athletes will not be released until they arrive on campus this summer. Many high school student-athletes will participate in signing days and appear to sign a National Letter of Intent with the Academy, but they are

Feb. 3 airpower summary: A-10s provide top cover

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed an anti-Afghan bunker near

Airmen train Afghan officers on command, control

American Airmen graduated 16 senior Afghan air corps officers following a four-week-long course on command and control operations Jan. 24 at the Kabul International Airport. Air Force advisers from the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing and the 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group taught the Afghan

Elmendorf officials prepare for possible volcano eruption

With the threat of an eruption at Mount Redoubt located 106 miles southwest of Anchorage, people throughout Elmendorf Air Force Base are preparing for the possibility of volcanic ash fall. Preparations began after officials from the Alaska Volcano Observatory and the U.S. Geologic Survey issued a

Blue Coach improves security forces Airmen tactics, training

Airmen from the 5th Security Forces Squadron are participating in a series of training classes, which began Jan. 5, in an Air Force-wide initiative to improve the tactics, awareness, vigilance and survivability of security forces here. "This training better prepares us for any situation we may come

Personnel officials to test new civilian recruitment toolkit

Often, finding the right person for the right job isn't an easy task. With a significant increase in new Air Force civilian hiring due to contractor conversions, joint basing and end strength growth, the need to market job opportunities also increases. To help bases better market civilian job

Ramstein Airmen show C-130 capabilities to Polish military

As the U.S. and Polish celebrate 90 years of diplomatic relations this year, members of the two countries' air forces strengthened their bonds by way of the C-130 Hercules in late January here. Members of the 86th Airlift Wing from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, visited Powdiz Air Base by way of Warsaw

Idaho Guard supports Special Olympics

About 200 Airmen and Soldiers from the Idaho National Guard are on duty Feb. 4  to prepare for the 2009 Special Olympics Winter World Games being held here from Feb. 7-13. More than 2,500 athletes and delegates from more than 100 countries will converge on the state to participate in athletic events

Shuttle Endeavour crew visits Kyrgyzstan village school

Six astronauts from the Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-126 mission made a special visit to a Kyrgyzstan village's school Jan. 29 near Manas Air Base. Even though the Jany-Pakhta village school was closed for the season because there was no electricity or heat, about 30 children aged 6 to 18 gathered in

Air Force to save millions by prepositioning weapons

A new U.S. Air Forces Central logistics program is set to save the Air Force about $1.2 million every four months. More than 3,000 Airmen who departed Iraq, Afghanistan and other U.S. Central Command-area nations in January or will depart in February were directed not to bring their M-16s or M-9s

Potential closure of Manas Air Base won't disrupt operations

Senior U.S. officials hope to continue operations at Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan, but would use other means to support troops in Afghanistan if the Kyrgyz government goes through with plans to close it, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said Feb. 4. Neither the State Department nor the Defense

Deployment history to be removed from promotion briefs

Air Force officials here recently announced that deployment history data will be deleted from duty qualification briefs for officer selection and preselection and from senior noncommissioned officer evaluation briefs. This total-force initiative will apply to all active-duty members, Reserve and

Feb. 4 airpower summary: C-130s support vital airlift missions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet targeted an anti-Afghan bunker

'Military Saves' campaign battles debt

Servicemembers have been lulled into a false sense of financial security by marketing campaigns that encourage them to overspend. It's a real David vs. Goliath battle that Chaplain (Maj.) Sarah Shirley is all too familiar with. "We're this little guy with a slingshot up against this big giant and

Air Force officials offer recall program for rated officers

The rapid expansion of unmanned aircraft systems and other emerging missions as well as rated officer requirements has created an Air Force demand for experienced rated officers. To meet these critical shortages, the secretary of the Air Force has initiated a Voluntary Retired Rated Recall Program.

Manas members continue to support coalition operations

Coalition personnel continue to perform their daily air mobility and aerial refueling missions at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, despite press reports that an announcement is pending from Kyrgyz leaders about the future of the base. "Until we are told that our mission has changed, we will continue to

Heavy metal

Joint basing efforts under way at 3 AMC bases

Three Air Mobility Command bases are in the process of merging with two Army posts and a Naval Air Station as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission which identified that these military facilities could be combined to streamline operational efficiency and save taxpayers' money.

Weather-center forecasts now just a click away

The latest, up-to-date weather forecasts from around the globe are now just a few mouse clicks away thanks to the staff at the American Forces Network Weather Center here. AFNWC personnel recently updated their Web site to include daily weather forecasts for Europe, Southwest Asia and the Tropics.

AFSO 21 project yields award payload

An AFSO 21 project prompted by Col. Jeffrey Glass, 507th Air Refueling Wing commander, has resulted in a payload of Air Force awards for wing members. "I have known for a long time how some Airman may go 15 to 20 years without receiving an Air Force award," Colonel Glass said. "It's appalling how

Captain explains SARC program to House subcommittee

Capt. Daniel Katka was on Capitol Hill Jan. 28 to discuss how the Air Force helps victims of sexual assault. Captain Katka, a sexual assault response coordinator at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, joined a panel of sister service representatives to answer questions from the Military Personnel

Feb. 5 airpower summary: F-15Es provide armed overwatch

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II destroyed an anti-Afghan

Student's AF-funded research to work complex problems

A doctoral student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is designing Air Force Office of Scientific Research-supported computer models that can describe the pattern of complicated scenarios ranging from finding oil underground to pinpointing suspicious behaviors in urban settings. Emily

Record of Decision signed on beddown of Joint Strike Fighter

Air Force officials have decided to bed down 59 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and to allow associated construction at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., to begin, implementing a BRAC 2005 decision. The decision also imposes temporary operational limitations on JSF flight training activities both to

KC-135 crew airlifts wounded from Afghanistan

A few Airmen from the 931st Air Refueling Group spent their Super Bowl weekend resting from a 12-day aeromedical evacuation mission in Afghanistan. Eight reservists from the 931st manned a specially equipped KC-135 Stratotanker that made four back-to-back trips to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, to

Silver Flag

Constructing an air corps from the ground up

Airmen from the U.S. Air Force and the Afghan National Army Air Corps are working side-by-side to provide an airpower capability to the nation of Afghanistan. The Afghan Army was created six years ago with the air corps element subsequently created four years later. The training mission to grow

AFOTEC announces mission realignment

The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center has begun realigning its mission capability to support cyber operations. This realignment will shift about 70 personnel during the next 18 months from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., to three other AFOTEC Detachments located in California, Colorado

Iraqi and American pilots learn from one another

Maj. Terry Bloom returned from his deployment at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, in October 2008 with a stronger appreciation for not only the security and freedom America provides its citizens, but also for Iraqis' determination to restore their country to its former grand status in

Gen. Schwartz addresses top ROTC cadets

The top Air Force ROTC cadets from around the country gathered in the nation's capitol and met the top uniformed Air Force officer as guests of the George C. Marshall Foundation while attending a leadership and networking seminar Jan. 30 through Feb. 1. The cadets each were the recipient of the

Predator crashes in Afghanistan

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft crashed in southern Afghanistan Feb. 8 at approx 11:35 a.m. local time. The aircraft is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. The MQ-1's primary mission is conducting armed reconnaissance. A board will be convened to investigate

Feb. 7 Airpower Summary: A-10s deter enemy actions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Feb. 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, a coalition patrol called in Navy F/A-18F Super

Feb. 6 Airpower Summary: F-15Es target enemy positions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Feb. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs targeted multiple

Feb. 8 airpower summary: KC-135s refuel coalition aircraft

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets dropped a guided bomb unit-38 on an

Airmen train firefighter managers, Iraqis graduate

The Iraqi air force took another step toward becoming more independent Feb. 4, this time in the form of firefighting capability, thanks to the joint training effort from the U.S. Air Force, the Iraqi air force and the Army National Guard. Seventeen civilian defense and Iraqi air force members

Operational weather squadron picks up new responsibilities

The 15th Operational Weather Squadron here will assume short-term back-up responsibilities for the National Weather Service's Aviation Weather Center and Storm Prediction Center on April 1. AWC provides aviation warnings and forecasts of hazardous flight conditions at all levels within domestic and

'Today's Air Force' features Iraqi election support

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the security help Airmen provided during the Iraqi elections. Jan. 31 marked the first elections for the people of Iraq since 2005. And February is a time when we, as a nation, celebrate the accomplishments that African Americans have made throughout

Military partnerships important in preventing future calamities

The development of international, military-to-military relationships built through the National Guard's State Partnership Program will become vitally important in preventing future world calamities, a senior National Guard official said Feb. 5. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard

AFMC commander visits Southwest Asia

Gen. Donald Hoffman, Air Force Materiel Command commander, visited the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Feb. 9 as part of a multi-base tour of bases in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The trip is the general's first to the AOR since taking command of AFMC in November. "I'm here to

Medical team hikes into mountains to care for children

During a two-week exercise in early February, a team of 16 medical doctors, nurse practitioners, dietitians and medical students conducted pediatric nutrition evaluations for families without the means or access to regular medical care in the remote mountains near Marcala, Honduras. The team

Air Force clean up gives former Griffiss AFB new life

The Air Force's environmental clean-up program is hitting a high-water mark as Environmental Protection Agency officials consider removing more than 2,900 of 3,552 acres at the former Griffiss Air Force Base, N.Y., from the list of potentially hazardous sites. After more than two decades and $138

Airmen demonstrate JTAC training, equipment for Congress

Airmen from the Warrior Preparation Center were on Capitol Hill last week to demonstrate to Congress how Airmen work with joint partners to provide close-air support for troops on the ground. Specifically, the Airmen displayed their simulation training gear used to train joint terminal attack

Air Force Space Command puts AFSO 21 to work

Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century is an Air Force initiative that challenges Airmen to look at all ways to accomplish the Air Force mission more effectively and efficiently without sacrificing quality.In order to alleviate challenges from new and evolving mission requirements,

Cope North 09-1

31 Airmen selected for Tops in Blue team

Thirty-one Airmen were recently chosen for the Tops in Blue team for 2009. For 10 days, 80 Air Force singers, dancers, musicians and comedians competed for the Tops in Blue slots during January's Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. After completing a training

Tricare reps reach out to providers during National Conference on Autism

Officials from Tricare's regional offices and managed care contractors were among the exhibitors at the 2009 Autism Conference Feb. 6 to 8 in Jacksonville, Fla. Their mission was to educate attendees about the Tricare Autism Demonstration Project. Representatives from Tricare's managed care support

U.S. military to participate in Aero India 09

The United States military will be represented at the Aero India 09 air show at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bangalore, India, Feb. 11 to 15. A cross-section of U.S. military aircraft and equipment will be present, including the C-17 Globemaster III, C-130J Hercules, F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135

Feb. 9 airpower summary: B-1Bs protect ground forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed an enemy mortar position

Tricare officials launch beneficiary bulletin podcast

As part of a continuing effort to keep beneficiaries informed, Tricare officials have added a news podcast to the Tricare Web site. The Tricare Beneficiary Bulletin brings listeners the latest news about their benefits every week in a quick, easy-to-digest format. The debut podcast contains updates

Joint self-nomination system achieves success

A Web-based self-nomination system officers can use to have their war zone or other experiences evaluated for joint-service qualification has proven to be highly successful, a senior U.S. military officer said here Feb. 10. "We are truly a joint warfighting force now, and this [self-nomination

ESC group delivers operational comm need on-time, on-cost

The 751st Electronic Systems Group here has now completed an effort to provide operators at workstations onboard the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System the ability to chat, e-mail and browse the Defense Department's secure Secret Internet Protocol Router Network from any location. The

Guard Bureau chief visits Soldiers in Balkans

The National Guard's support of NATO peacekeeping operations in southeastern Europe is making an important contribution in helping the citizens of Kosovo, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said here Feb. 4. Gen. Craig R. McKinley visited Missouri National Guard soldiers deployed to

2008 Air Force Medical Service awards announced

The Air Force surgeon general's medical force development directorate has announced the winners of the 2008 Air Force Medical Service award competition. The Air Force Recognition Ribbon is authorized for individual award winners only, according to Air Force Medical Service officials.  They recommend

JASDF redeployment group bids final farewell

The last of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force redeployment group members lowered their colors for the last time before departing for Japan Feb. 10, bringing an end to the final chapter of the JASDF's Iraq Reconstruction Support Airlift Wing mission after almost five years. More than a hundred

NASCAR crew learns what drives basic training success

NASCAR driver Reed Sorenson, who drives the No. 43 Air Force-sponsored car, and his crew got a taste of a basic military trainee's life during a recent two-day visit to Lackland Air Force Base. The tour was part of an effort by Air Force Recruiting Service officials to prepare Mr. Sorenson and the

Air Forces Africa officials engage on Nigerian air safety, security

Statistically, traveling by air is often cited at the safest way to travel. While taking to the sky has some inherent risk, advances in technology, coupled with stringent maintenance requirements and rigorous training procedures for aircrews have contributed to a safe aerial environment in most

Officials host first Nuclear Surety Inspector's Course

Inspectors throughout the Air Force attended the first Nuclear Surety Inspector's Course from Feb. 2 to 6 at the Air Force Inspection Agency, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. As Air Force leaders reinvigorate the nuclear program, the implementation of this class was a top priority. The objective of the

Malmstrom completes Limited Nuclear Surety Inspection

Much progress has been made, but you can't stop here was the message from Col. Michael Fortney, 341st Missile Wing commander, at the Limited Nuclear Surety Inspection outbrief held Feb. 9. "Our Airmen at the 341st Missile Wing performed in an exceptional manner during this re-inspection," said

Spirit of Global Reach lands at Dover

The Spirit of Global Reach arrived at Dover Air Force Base Feb. 9, putting itself in the history books as Team Dover's first C-5M Super Galaxy. The Spirit of Global Reach is the first of three C-5Ms Dover will receive for operational testing and evaluation. "Today we see the fruits of a long-term

Night operations at Red Flag

Deadline approaching for Air University's online master's program

If you've been toying with the idea of getting your master's degree, time is running out on one of the best deals around and it is virtually free. The Air Command and Staff College is offering a distance learning master's program in Military Operational Art and Science for a select number of