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  • Deep Freeze Airman given Christchurch civic award

    Fresh off the successful night-time landing of a C-17 Globemaster III on the cold Antarctica ice, a 12-year veteran of Operation Deep Freeze missions has become the first American to receive the Christchurch Civic Award. Lt. Col. Jim McGann, 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron commander, received

  • New course trains medical teams in Pacific

    Critical care specialists from the Air Force, Army and Navy are training on moving seriously ill patients in the Pacific theater at a Sept. 29 through Oct. 3 course being held here. The aeromedical evacuation regulating organization for U.S. Pacific Command, 13th Air Force's Theater Patient Movement

  • Defense contributions help NASA's 50-year legacy

    As the men and women of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration celebrate its 50th anniversary this week, Defense Department personnel also can take a bow for the key role they have played in lending technology and expertise to NASA's space exploration and research mission.NASA began

  • Provisional team prepares for cyber mission assurance

    The Air Force Cyber Command (Provisional) staff here has spent a year defining and shaping the future of the service's cyberspace operations. There have been numerous contributions from the team that will assist the Air Force as it decides how it will "fly, fight and win" in the cyberspace domain,

  • Sept. 30 airpower summary: C-130s support airlift missions

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-38s

  • MH-53s fly final combat missions

    Aircrews flew the remaining six MH-53 Pave Low helicopters on their last combat missions in support of special operations forces Sept. 27 in Southwest Asia. The last mission, a SOF logistical resupply and passenger movement throughout central and southern Iraq, marks their last combat mission before

  • Officials identify pilot missing from Vietnam War

    Officials with the Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced Sept. 30 that the remains of a U.S. Airman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is Col. David H. Zook Jr., of West

  • Kadena Airmen aid injured mariners

    Kadena Air Base Airmen provided medical assistance to two injured mariners aboard a Panamanian freighter Sept. 27 750 nautical miles north of the island of Saipan in the Pacific Ocean. Pararescuemen and members of the 320th Special Tactics Squadron left around 2:30 p.m. aboard an MC-130 flown by the

  • Air Force, Navy officials agree upon F-35 depot workload

    Air Force and Navy officials here signed a memo Sept. 16 identifying a new process for allocating F-35 Lightning II depot repair workloads. The new process takes into account service competency and experience in determining workload allocation. "This was truly a joint effort on the part of the Air

  • Iraqi training wing soars to 3,000th hour

    The Iraqi air force Flying Training Wing has reached yet another goal, one that may have seemed impossible a year ago, with the help of Airmen from the 52nd Expeditionary Flying Training Squadron. This partnership enabled Iraqi pilots to reach the 3,000th flying training hour milestone here Sept 23.

  • Sept. 29 airpower summary: F-15Es provide overwatch

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet dropped a guided bomb unit-38 and

  • Air Force climate survey begins Oct. 1

    Air Force leaders want to know what to know what's on the minds of Airmen. The Air Force launches its 2008 climate survey Oct. 1 via an e-mail invitation to every Airman across the total force, including civilians. The survey covers home life, work environment, leadership and morale issues. It will

  • New Air Force chief scientist has AFMC ties

    Dr. Werner J.A. Dahm will begin his assignment as the new Chief Scientist of the Air Force in October, replacing Dr. Mark Lewis. While his post will be at the Pentagon, Dr. Dahm has a connection with Air Force Materiel Command. Dr. Dahm was a research engineer from 1979 to 1981 at the Arnold

  • Troops complete disaster relief mission in Haiti

    The USS Kearsarge departed Haiti Sept. 29 after completing a 19-day disaster relief mission in the storm-ravaged Caribbean nation.  The humanitarian effort included robust helicopter and sealift support to U.S. relief efforts led by the U.S. Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign

  • Little Rock Air Force Base shifting focus

    Officials from the 19th Airlift Wing will accept operational control of Little Rock Air Force Base Oct. 1 from 314th AW officials to become the base's host wing here. The 19th AW is an Air Mobility Command wing and the 314th AW is an Air Education and Training Command wing.   With an AMC wing taking

  • Airmen train at Fort Bragg for 'outside the wire' deployment

    More than 175 Airmen from 55 different bases around the world are training here with an "outside the wire" mindset as they prepare for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.The Airmen will be part of Provincial Reconstruction Teams on 270-day deployments to help rebuild the infrastructure and

  • Servicemembers prepare for Afghan deployments

    Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers formed 12 Provincial Reconstruction Teams and are receiving training here as part of a 270-day rotation to Afghanistan in an effort to help rebuild the infrastructure and legitimize the Afghan government. Each PRT, consisting of a main body of Airmen or Sailors and an

  • 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.

  • Airman immerses into language for deployment

    An Airman deploying soon to Afghanistan as part of a Provincial Reconstruction Team will be able to use a hobby of his to help make his deployment easier for himself and his team. Senior Airman George Williams joined the Air Force almost four years ago in hopes of being a linguist specializing in

  • Sept. 27 airpower summary: A-10s deter insurgent activities

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force

  • New organization changes how to get info, entertainment

    The Oct. 1 establishment of the Defense Media Activity will change the way Defense Department members get news, entertainment and information to servicemembers and their families. Servicemembers will not immediately notice a change: the Armed Forces Network will still broadcast football games and

  • Airmen support new Hollywood movie 'Eagle Eye'

    Members of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations will get ready for its close-up Sept. 26 as the movie "Eagle Eye" will be released to selected theaters around the country. The movie stars Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan and is directed by D. J. Caruso."This was a great opportunity for

  • Sept. 25 airpower summary: F-16s deter anti-Afghan militia

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-16A Fighting Falcon fired cannon rounds and a

  • International Space Station conducts tests for Air Force

    Air Force Research Laboratory officials here recently partnered with NASA to conduct materials experiments aboard the International Space Station. The project incorporates 500 materials samples into two suitcase-like containers attached to the exterior of the International Space Station. The

  • Senior leaders held accountable for nuclear enterprise missteps

    Air Force leaders released details today about administrative actions being taken against 15 officers in connection with deficiencies outlined in a report reviewing elements of the service's nuclear enterprise. "The Air Force has no more solemn obligation than the security and reliability of the

  • 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

  • U.S. troops help build Afghan air corps

    A team of 170 U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines have been tasked with recruiting, training and equipping the Afghan National Army Air Corps. "Our goal is to develop this Air Corps to be fully independent and fully operational, capable to meet (the) security requirements of Afghanistan," Air

  • Iraqis learn, overcome challenges of helo operations

    Iraqi helicopter aircrews are increasingly in demand as Iraqi security forces assume responsibility of their nation's security from their American counterparts. These crews are trained at Taji Air Base, Iraq, using UH-1 Hueys and Mi-17 Hips, where they learn the ins and outs of helicopter

  • Military leaders discuss National Guard role

    Air and Army Guardsmen from across 54 U.S. states and territories met to discuss current and future plans at the 130th conference of the National Guard Association of the United States Sept. 20 through 22 here. Some 2,000 citizen-Soldiers and citizen-Airmen heard from key military leaders including

  • Gen. Schwartz outlines future role, relationship with Guard

    The Air Force chief of staff reached out to National Guard leaders, inviting collaborative planning and support of the total force as he spoke at the National Guard Association of the United States Conference Sept. 22 here. Gen. Norton A. Schwartz addressed 2,000 citizen-Soldiers and citizen-Airmen

  • Airpower integral to Kajaki Dam turbine delivery

    Coalition airpower focused on a critical part of southern Afghanistan from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2 to protect more than 4,000 ground forces and to support the delivery of an electric turbine for the 30-year-old hydroelectric Kajaki Dam in the Helmand Province. The new turbine, part of a U.S.-funded

  • New battle gear improves capabilities for combat Airmen

    Battlefield Airmen will soon receive a new equipment item that will improve their ability to execute their combat duties. The new airman battle system-ground is a tactical ensemble, or equipment item, for Airmen who perform their mission outside the wire in close coordination with ground forces. "It

  • Bystander intervention vital in preventing sexual assault

    Air Force officials here are developing a bystander intervention training program for the annually-required Sexual Assault Prevention and Response training to enhance the annual training Airmen receive. The new training, geared for small groups and interactive skills development, helps train Airmen

  • Air Force Association honors AFMC during conference

    Air Force Association officials presented awards to six individuals and one team from Air Force Materiel Command during AFA's 24th Annual Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition. The conference took place Sept. 15-17 in Washington, D.C. The commander of AFMC, Gen. Bruce Carlson was

  • Airmen to deliver 10,000th MRAP to troops

    The 10,000th mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle is scheduled to be delivered to troops supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom Sept. 25 by Air Mobility Command Airmen.MRAPs were introduced in 2007, and AMC Airmen have been working around-the-clock planning, coordinating and executing

  • Civilian leaders learn strength of U.S. airpower in Europe

    Civilian business and community leaders got firsthand and sometimes hands-on exposure Sept. 23 to U.S. Air Forces in Europe's multiple missions of supporting warfighters, building partnerships and strengthening its historic NATO ties. U.S. Air Forces, Europe, or USAFE, is as critical to U.S.

  • Conference speakers say users' needs matter most

    Speakers at the sixth annual Network Centric Operations Conference held here Sept. 22 offered various perspectives on the pathways to achieving "net-centricity," but all agreed on the goal. It's about better serving the people whose missions -- and sometimes lives -- depend on receiving timely and

  • New Weather Agency facility sets gold standard

    The Air Force Weather Agency headquarters facility here recently became the first facility in the Air Force to earn a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold rating by the U.S. Green Building Council. The Lt. Gen. Thomas S. Moorman facility earned its gold rating in the Version 2.1 LEED

  • 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

  • Sept. 23 airpower summary: A-10s deter insurgent activities

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb

  • Brothers meet at 20,000 feet

    Family reunions are always special, but for two brothers stationed at different bases in Southwest Asia their meeting at 20,000 feet over a combat zone is even more memorable. During the encounter Sept. 10, Capt. Jason Moraes, a KC-10 Extender pilot for the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, refueled his

  • Holographic research could enhance aircraft antennas

    Air Force-funded researchers at HRL Laboratories in Malibu, Calif., are working on holographic impedance surfaces for antennas that will give aircraft improved aerodynamics. The team is using a design technique that is similar to how people make holograms, said Dr. Daniel Sievenpiper, the lead

  • Tinker civilians provide communications support to Iraqis

    Seven members from the 38th Engineering Installation Group's Systems Telecommunications Engineering Managers are helping to rebuild Iraq's air force by designing the entire communications infrastructure. The lead engineer for the coalition air force training team and 38th EIG STEM manager, Mike

  • Air Force officials announce team excellence awards

    Air Force officials here recently announced the five teams selected for the 2008 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards. The awards recognize teams that used a systematic approach to enhance mission capability, improve operational performance, and create sustained results. Improvements made by the

  • Joint unmanned aircraft system mission crosses Atlantic

    An Air Combat Command RQ-4A Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., made a trans-Atlantic flight Sept. 20 with the assistance of Navy officials. The 19-hour flight from Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., to Southwest Asia had Air

  • Special Operations Command earns multiple AFA awards

    Air Force Special Operations Command officials here took home four awards during the Air Force Association's annual Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition held from Sept. 15 to 17 in Washington, D.C. Each year, AFA officials honor the outstanding achievements of men and women throughout

  • STRATCOM leader charts nuclear path for American military

    The U.S. Strategic Command commander here recently laid out his vision for the future of America's strategic deterrence mission and the importance of nuclear stewardship. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton also outlined the necessary measures to correct the accountability and day-to-day management issues with

  • 'Perspective' goes outside the wire

    In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman discusses how Airmen in conventional and uncoventional taskings all contribute to the fight against terrorism. "Our Airmen are warriors. We come from a proud heritage of warriors, and today we continue our combat tradition by

  • Ramstein Airman killed in Pakistan

    An 86th Airlift Wing major from here was killed after a Sept. 20 explosion in Islamabad, Pakistan. Maj. Rodolfo Rodriguez, 34, of the 86th Construction and Training Squadron, was deployed to the area in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. "Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends

  • Reserve C-130s begin aerial spraying in Louisiana

    An Air Force Reserve C-130 Hercules aircraft and 10 reservists from the 910th Airlift Wing are scheduled to begin aerial spray missions in Louisiana from here Sept 22. Barksdale AFB was chosen as the base of operations for the aircrews and maintenance personnel because of its proximity to the spray

  • Iraqi airmen keep helicopter fleet flying

    An American Airman assigned to the 770th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron at Taji Air Base is helping Iraqi airmen learn how to be aircraft maintainers as the Iraqi air force takes steps to take off on their own.Tech. Sgt. Lee Everhart, an Mi-17 air adviser with the 770th AEAS, is part of the

  • Football: Utah downs Air Force 30-23

    The University of Utah scored on a 9-yard game-winning touchdown with 58 seconds to play giving them a narrow 30-23 win over the U.S. Air Force Academy Sept. 20 here. The Air Force appeared to have the momentum when they scored on a 1-yard touchdown run by Savier Stephens that tied the game at 23

  • 'Today's Air Force' features an Antarctica ice landing

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" the Air Force reaches new heights on ice and in the air in Antarctica. Also, Airmen offer their assistance to provide medical relief to people in Zabul, Afghanistan. Finally, see how security forces Airmen deploy to Iraq to take on ground security. The 30-minute,

  • 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

  • Disabilities don't stop marathoners

    A paralyzing injury from a motorcycle crash at age 20 took away Andy Houghton's ability to use his legs, but he still finished his first marathon Sept. 20. Mr. Houghton from Hollywood, Fla., completed the 26.2 mile 12th annual Air Force Marathon piloting a sleek handcycle equipped with a derailleur

  • Air Guard has 'turned the corner' after BRAC

    Three years after the Base Realignment and Closure rulings, the Air National Guard is finally starting to settle down, the director of the Air National Guard said Sept. 17 here. "We're actually at a point in history where things have turned the corner," Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley told a crowd at the

  • Leaders pledge support to bring missing servicemembers home

    On a small parade field at the steps of the Pentagon and across the river from the skyline of the nation's capital, top military and political leaders today pledged to continue looking for missing servicemembers no matter the cost. "Over the past 230-plus years, a promise has been made to the men

  • Record field runs in 12th Annual USAF Marathon

    Nearly 7,400 runners came out beneath clear sunny skies for the 12th Annual running of the U.S. Air Force Marathon here. Nathan Peters of Grayling, Mich., was the overall winner of the full marathon posting a time of 2:30:47. Gone were the damaging winds, remnants of Hurricane Ike that rocked the

  • USS Nassau delivers critical help to Galveston

    Military heavy equipment and teams began arriving onshore here Sept. 18 as part of a tremendous assistance effort for an area devastated by Hurricane Ike. Teams from the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau began the process of bringing supplies, equipment and people ashore to help with cleanup

  • Policy changes benefit Airmen deploying for 365 days

    Effective Oct. 1, Air Force officials here will implement policy changes to improve sourcing efficiency of 365-day deployments and ensure Airmen receive adequate notification prior to deployment. The new policy sets the deployment "accept or decline" option at three calendar days, streamlines the

  • Airman gives aid at 37,000 feet

    Today's Air Force prepares Airmen to be ready for any contingency, and often emergency situations arise at the most unexpected times. For Capt. Sam Millar, the 18th Operations Group Aeromedical Evacuation Branch chief, that situation arose about eight hours into a flight from Narita, Japan, to

  • 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

  • JPAC teams serve on front lines of recoveries

    Tech. Sgt. Valda Wilson is an Air Force photographer. But last month in a harvested wheat field in the village of Strass near Germany's Hurtgen Forest, she spent most of her days with her hands full of dirt. Sergeant Wilson is one of about 10 members of a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command team who

  • American Language Course graduates first class

    Eighteen Iraqi airmen have accomplished one of the top training requirements for the Iraqi air force -- learning the English language. These airmen were the first to graduate from the American Language Course during a ceremony here Sept. 10. Because English is the international language for

  • CMSAF McKinley highlights 61 years of airpower

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley spoke to Airmen at the Air Force 61st Birthday Celebration at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., Sept. 18. Chief McKinley opened the celebration with a speech, highlighting events involving Airmen and the Air Force that happened since last year's

  • Chiefs discuss issues at AFA symposium

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley and five command chief master sergeants from the major commands answered a variety questions during a Command Chief Master Sergeant Forum Sept. 16 at the 24th Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition. A few of the topics covered

  • Hanscom Airmen learn how to identify drugs to fight crime

    Airmen of the 66th Security Forces Squadron here learned to recognize drugs and drug paraphernalia in the event they encounter them during their day-to-day duties during Sept. 17 and 18 training.Detective James Donovan, a narcotics officer with the police department of Saugus, Mass., showed Hanscom

  • Wilford Hall Airmen aid Hurricane Ike evacuees

    Approximately 100 medics from Lackland Air Force Base worked around the clock Sept. 12 through 14 to assist with Hurricane Ike evacuees from the Gulf Coast region who arrived at Port San Antonio. Wilford Hall Medical Center members assigned to the 59th Medical Wing staff helped move 137

  • Chairman salutes Air Force on 61st birthday

    Adm. Michael G. Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sends his greetings to all Airmen on the 61th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force. "Leonardo DaVinci said, "Once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward." When it comes to flying and fighting, no

  • Secretary Gates examines close-air support at Bagram

    Avoiding civilian casualties is a high priority for U.S. aircrews, the Defense secretary said Sept. 17 at Bagram Airfield. Secretary Robert M. Gates came to Bagram Airfield to get a full picture of the American aviation effort in Afghanistan. Civilian casualties from American and NATO bombing

  • Sept. 17 airpower summary: F-15Es deter enemy activity

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb

  • Sept. 16 airpower summary: A-10s perform shows of force

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a guided bomb

  • Donley, Schwartz send birthday message

    In a  joint Letter to Airmen, the acting secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff present the 61st Air Force birthday message for all Airmen."On Sept. 18, 1947, our nation established the United States Air Force, signifying the commitment of the American people to leverage the

  • Louisiana Guard clears devastation in Cameron Parish

    A military response team arrived here Sept. 15 to begin cleanup operations in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Members of the Louisiana Army National Guard's 528th Engineer Battalion, 921st Engineer Company, from Windsboro, La., arrived in Cameron Parish to begin the task of returning the area to a

  • Willow Grove unit completes last A-10 deployment

    The Pennsylvania Air National Guard unit stationed at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, Pa., will be transitioning to a joint interagency installation as a result of the Department of Defense's 2005 Base Realignment and Closure recommendations. With the new mission coming onboard,

  • Air Force officials honor 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    Air Force officials here recognized the service's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year at an awards dinner Sept. 15 during the Air Force Association's 24th Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here. The 2008 award recipients were drawn from 33 people representing major commands,

  • AF's top pastor discusses role of 'combat' chaplains

    The Air Force's top chaplain said military chaplains are working hard in deployed environments to help ensure servicemembers have their constitutional right to worship God in their own way. Maj. Gen. Cecil Richardson, Air Force chief of chaplains, addressed attendees of the 2008 Air Force

  • Aerial spray team deploys to Louisiana

    Ten reservists and an Air Force Reserve C-130 Hercules from here flew to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Sept. 17 to begin aerial spray missions throughout that state in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Another three specially equipped C-130s will deploy to Barksdale AFB Sept. 18. The base in Shreveport,

  • ACC runners seek 'niki' at Air Force marathon

    Your heart feels like it's beating in your throat. Your shirt is soaked, and as you come around that last turn on the track, you feel great as you conquer your annual 1.5 mile fit test run. Now picture doing that 17 more times. On Sept. 20, several members of Air Combat Command will be doing just

  • AF leaders to host nuclear summit

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Norton A. Schwartz will host a nuclear summit Sept. 18 at Bolling AFB, D.C. Discussions will center on structure, process and cultural issues vital to improving Air Force stewardship of its nuclear enterprise, which

  • AAFES supports troops bringing relief to Ike victims

    As troops bring help to the Houston area in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, Army & Air Force Exchange Service officials are currently doing their part to support them with a Mobile Field Exchange.A MFE is a retail store in a 53-foot trailer that carries merchandise such as snacks, drinks and

  • Guard unit makes final preparations for Predator flights

    Members of the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing here are now ready to begin training the Airmen on the MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft system. March Air Reserve Base officials expect to fly its first "live" training sortie in January from the former George Air Force Base, now known as Southern California

  • Gen. Schwartz addresses Air Force future

    The chief of staff of the Air Force addressed Air Force Association Air and Space Technology Convention delegates Sept. 16 here to share his vision for the future of the service. "The work we must accomplish is serious stuff," Gen. Norton A. Schwartz said, "but I know we are up to the task." Part of

  • General Odierno takes command of forces in Iraq

    Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno assumed command of Multinational Force Iraq from Army Gen. David H. Petraeus during a ceremony at al Faw Palace here Sept. 16. The change of command occurs after incredible progress in the country, said Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, who traveled to Baghdad to

  • Acquisition official outlines challenges for ISR community

    Command, control, computers, communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, collectively referred to as C4ISR, is a very large business, Martha Evans told a government-industry crowd that assembled here Sept. 11. "When you look at the portfolio for C4ISR, it's only slightly smaller

  • Air Force, Air National Guard partner for new mission

    The Air Force and Air National Guard officials have agreed to establish a temporary mission qualification training detachment for the RC-12 aircraft at Key Field in Meridian, Miss. This mission, conducted by the Mississippi Air National Guard, will help bolster the Department of Defense's

  • Joint patrol provides Airmen with valuable knowledge

    It's been more than 30 years since the Vietnam War ended and since the Air Force has been solely responsible for a base's defense in a war zone, but that's all about to change at Joint Base Balad by the end of September. The Air Force is taking responsibility for base defense from the Army, and to

  • 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

  • AF leaders issue joint mission message

    In their first joint Letter to Airmen, the acting secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff focus on the Air Force mission to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace.  "The mission statement reflects our rich heritage and continuing commitment to provide decisive air and

  • Air Force develops plan for filling unmanned aircraft system positions

    Air Force leaders are taking a two-pronged approach to address the increasing need for pilots of unmanned aircraft systems in Afghanistan and Iraq, an Air Force official said recently. The first approach will use a small percentage of undergraduate pilot training graduates for the short term. The

  • General Schwartz kicks off AFA convention

    The Air Force Association's 24th Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition got underway here Sept. 15. In remarks to open the conference, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz said service leaders will work to regain America's trust by improving its performance, citing work

  • Acting Secretary Donley speaks at AFA conference

    From uniforms to deployments, nuclear priorities and the service's future, acting Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley spoke of a variety of topics at the Air Force Association convention here Sept. 15. "We are providers of tremendous capability of air and space," Secretary Donley said. "All

  • Sept. 15 airpower summary: C-17s transport troops, cargo

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18C Hornets dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto

  • Northern Command commander surveys damage from Ike

    The commander of U.S. Northern Command and other senior military leaders surveyed the Gulf Coast areas affected by Hurricane Ike Sept. 15 from HH-60G Pave Hawks. "We've seen an integrated team that has worked together pre-landfall and post-landfall to provide whatever Texas might need in terms of

  • Father & son take to the air

    It's not every day a father gets to dogfight against his son in a high-performance fighter aircraft, 20,000 feet over the Pacific Ocean. It's even rarer when the aircraft being flown by the son is the same tail number that the father flew almost thirty years earlier. That's exactly what happened

  • The 2008 AF Climate Survey launches Oct. 1

    Have you ever wished you could tell your leaders what you think? That power will soon be at your fingertips with the launching of the 2008 Air Force Climate Survey Oct. 1-8. During that time, individual e-mail invitations will be sent out Air Force-wide that will include a survey link and

  • Phoenix Raven training highlights capabilities of security forces Airmen

    For Staff Sgt. Ian Martin, the figure 1709 is more than just a number, it's the beginning of a new life.The number means the staff sergeant, who is from the 121st Security Forces Squadron at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, is the 1,709th person to become a Raven. Air Force security

  • Reservists fly Operation Deep Freeze Springfly missions

    Ten reservists from the 446th Airlift Wing deployed Sept. 4 to Christchurch, New Zealand in support of Operation Deep Freeze, 2008-2009 Springfly. Springfly is the ODF ramp up phase to prepare buildings and equipment, as well as pave the overland traverse to the South Pole, in preparation for the

  • Ex-fighter pilot-led team trains flyers on data link network

    A team of former fighter pilots and other experts are making sure F-15 and F-16 squadrons are fully prepared to use a sophisticated communication network critical to operational success across the globe. No U.S. fighter squadron can deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan without the critical data link

  • 'Today's Air Force' features key milestones

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Air Force milestones in the war again terrorism and features the MQ-1 Predator passing 400,000 flight hours. Also, see how the Air Force continues to dominate airpower worldwide. In addition, witness how members of the Guard, Reserve and active units