General counsel honors AFMC Ethics Program Office

Members of the Air Force Materiel Command's Ethics Program Office received the Air Force General Counsel's Excellence in Ethics Program Award for 2007 during a presentation ceremony June 11 at the General Counsel's Acquisition Conference in Dayton, Ohio. Mary L. Walker, the Air Force general

Chronic Critical Skill career fields offer opportunities

Enlisted Airmen serving in certain career fields have a greater opportunity for promotion through an annually updated Chronic Critical Skills Program list. A number of factors are considered before certain Air Force Specialty Codes are put on the list. For one thing, the AFSC must have manning

Procurement mission at Hill transfers to DLA

A June 17 activation ceremony at the Hill Aerospace Museum marked the transfer of 43 Air Force employees to the Defense Logistics Agency here. The employees, mostly contracting officers from the 448th Supply Chain Management Group, procure depot-level reparable aviation parts for Ogden Air Logistics

ACC commander speaks at Joint Warfighting Conference

Gen. John Corley, Air Combat Command commander, gave the plenary address here June 20. General Corley addressed dominance, relevance and readiness during the third and final day of the Joint Warfighting Conference 2008. On this date in 1944 the battle of the Philippines Sea, a major battle during

Air Force-funded scientists earn DOD fellowships

The Department of Defense officials have selected four Air Force Office of Scientific Research-funded professors to be among the first class of six scientists with the National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellowship program. DOD officials launched the fellowship program last year to

SECAF bids farewell to Airmen

In his final Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force salutes all Airmen for their dedication, motivation and commitment to the nation. "You are America's sword and shield, defending the United States and its global interests by delivering sovereign options in air, space, and

Senior leaders discuss need to control cyber domain, build new command

In separate speeches June 18 during the second annual Air Force Cyberspace Symposium in nearby Marlborough, Mass., two senior leaders explained the critical need for the Air Force to control the cyberspace domain and reasons why a new command is needed to do so. First to speak was Lt. Gen. Robert J.

AF nominates 114 officers for astronaut training

The Air Force Astronaut Nomination Board has forwarded 114 nominations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for consideration in the pilot and mission specialist categories. The board was held May 13 to 15 and the medical screening panel was held May 20 to 22. More than 200 noninees

Ramstein C-130s participate in NATO airdrop demonstration

Two C-130 Hercules aircraft from Ramstein Air Base recently participated in a NATO-sponsored Precision Airdrop Capabilities demonstration at the Centre d'Essais Lancement de Missiles at Biscarrosee and at Cazaux Air Base, France. "Over three days we conducted four to six drops a day with different

Bombers drop sea mines to end deployment

B-52 Stratofortress bombers dropped 162 inert sea mines 80 miles off Guam's south coast during a recent training exercise to finish a four-month rotation to the Pacific island. Aircrews from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron dropped the MK-62 sea mines on strategic spots to deter "enemy forces"

New radar facility to open

Officials from the Ellsworth Air Force Base and Minot AFB, N.D., Radar Approach Control Facilities are preparing to open the Dakota Air Traffic Control Facility this summer here.The facility will be a noncontiguous, co-located RAPCON and will service both bases and the region. "The current Ellsworth

Strike Eagles roar above the Pacific

Eighteen F-15E Strike Eagles and more than 400 Airmen from the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, arrived June 4 here to help maintain deterrent capabilities in the Pacific. The mission is part of a scheduled air expeditionary force rotation for the 389th EFS,

Academy glider lands on Colorado golf course

A U.S. Air Force Academy TG-15 glider landed safely on the Garden of the Gods Golf Course June 18 in Colorado Springs, Colo. The pilot, Cadet 1st Class Kurt Cloutier, landed the aircraft near the western-most hole of the golf course in a manner preventing injury to pedestrians and damage to private

Secretary Wynne speaks at cyber symposium

While the Air Force has made great strides in cyberspace during the last three years, it remains an arena that will require the continued efforts and innovation of all Airmen and warfighters, said Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne to attendees at the second Air Force Cyberspace Symposium

Cadets learn mission through Operation Air Force

Eighteen U.S. Air Force Academy cadets visited McChord Air Force Base June 13 to experience operations and day-to-day experiences in the Air Force.The cadets visited McChord AFB during the first phase of Operation Air Force, a career-broadening program, and then flew on board a C-17 Globemaster III

Air National Guard works to corral Mississippi

The men and women of the 185th Air Refueling Squadron from Sioux City, Iowa, are teaming with local farmers to maintain the 20 miles of levees, keeping the flooded Mississippi from inundating the 14 thousand acres of homes and farmland here. The river is flowing 23 feet over flood levels and 20 feet

AF officials comment on GAO tanker bid decision

Government Accountability Office officials announced their findings June 18 and sustained portions of the Boeing protest of the KC-45A aerial refueling tanker competition. The contract, originally awarded to Northrop Grumman, is for the development and procurement of up to 179 tanker aircraft for

Air National Guard's Airmen of the Year announced

Air National Guard officials identified six Airmen as their Airmen of the Year for 2008 following their arrival here June 15 for a week-long celebration and tribute to their achievements. This year's Airmen of the Year were chosen through a process of unit, state and national selection panels and

Master, technical sergeant promotion rates announced

Air Force officials here selected 5,404 of 24,223 eligible technical sergeants for promotion to master sergeant, and 7,110 of 38,324 eligible staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant in a list that will be released June 26.The master sergeant selection rate, 22.31 percent, decreased 2.58

JTACs train in complex art of coordinating close-air support

Exercise Atlantic Strike VII kicked off June 14 in the swampy pinegroves of the Avon Park Air Ground Training Complex as more than 800 joint and coalition warfighters from around the world gathered to practice and train in the complex art of coordinating close-air support for ground maneuvers. The

Contracts awarded to recapitalize special-mission C-130s

Air Force officials announced the award of two contracts to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company-Marietta, Ga., June 13 for the procurement of six modified KC-130J aircraft, and non-recurring costs associated with modifying the KC-130J. The modified KC-130Js meet the unique mission requirements of

Wind tunnel tests contribute to first flight of F-35

The June 11 completion of the first flight of the short takeoff/vertical landing version of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter resonated with Air Force engineers at the Arnold Engineering Development Center here. "A number of us at AEDC can take pride in the part we played in supporting this

Air Force officials name 2008 LULAC award winner

Air Force officials have selected Capt. Elisa Valenzuela from the Air Force Materiel Command as the winner of the 2008 League of United Latin American Citizens Excellence in Military Service award. The award recognizes members who have made significant contributions to the advancement of minority

Airman found guilty, sentenced in court martial

Airman Basic Justin M. Rosado was found guilty by a military judge of 16 violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Airman Rosado, who is not a cadet, is a member of the10th Security Forces Squadron here.The violations included failing to obey orders, dereliction of duty, making false

Airman's Roll Call: Air Force offers benefits to Airmen

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the various benefits the Air Force provides many Airmen and their families so they can continue to serve. Among the many benefits the Air Force offers, the convenience of on-base shopping and availability of child care can make life easier for Airmen and

Aircrew flight equipment award winners announced

Air Force officials announced the 2007 Outstanding Air Force Aircrew Flight Equipment career field award winners June 17. The 2007 Aircrew Flight Equipment award winners are: -- Headquarters Staff Member of the Year is Master Sgt. Troy J. Bauerbach, Hurlburt Field, Fla. -- Officer of the Year is

Computational analysis improves I-500 warhead survivability

Air Force Research Laboratory engineers here conducted dynamic computational analysis geared toward improving the survivability of a proposed I-500 warhead design. Ongoing computational analysis suggests that resulting changes should significantly increase the warhead's structural survivability

Special concert given for some special children

The U.S. Air Forces Central Band Falcon gave a special performance to some special children at the Belvodosky Orphanage June 14 in Kyrgyzstan. The band members, who are deployed from the Heartland of America Band at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., sang about a dozen songs for about 80 children. The

Air turbulence research could lead to safer flights

Air Force Research Laboratory officials are funding scientists who are researching ways to identify and predict turbulence through the detection of underlying air patterns. Researchers believe the detection of these underlying structures will make it possible to forecast clear-air turbulence. This

Air Force history award winners announced

Air Force History and Museums Program officials annually recognize excellence in history programs, historical publications and heritage projects, and award commendable work by military and civilian personnel for outstanding performance or achievement, both as individuals or teams. Two Excellence in

Air War College to launch revised distance learning program

The Air War College will make significant changes to its distance learning program this summer and discontinue the previous 16th edition. The revised distance learning program that closely parallels the resident course will soon be available to senior military officers and equivalent civilian

Nurse commissioning program selectees announced

Officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here selected 31 enlisted Airmen to attend the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program beginning in either fall 2008 or spring 2009. Those attending fall 2008 are: Tech. Sgt. Meki Bocage Tech. Sgt. Michele Bortvit Tech. Sgt. Samuel Cash Tech. Sgt. Samuel

ARPC announces major, lieutenant colonel promotions

Air Reserve Personnel Center officials here announced results for the fiscal 2009 Air National Guard line and nonline lieutenant colonel and major and the fiscal 2009 Air Force Reserve chaplain and line of the Air Force-judge advocate major and lieutenant colonel promotion selection boards June

Sather Airmen foster relationships with local community

The sounds of children laughing fill the air as they run across the dusty soccer field. Despite the heat and dirt, parents and friends cheer and join in to play from time to time. Yet, this scene isn't from a typical Saturday afternoon in suburban America. This is Iraq and another example of how

AF engineers create thermal control system for space use

Air Force Research Laboratory engineers here have successfully integrated two existing technologies to create a thermal emission management system suitable for space use. Achieving operationally responsive space capabilities requires versatile satellites that can adapt as needed to accomplish

Robins implements philosophy to help maintainers

Maintainers here are implementing a new philosophy that allows them to complete maintenance and get aircraft out to the fight faster, thanks to innovative changes suggested by members of the high velocity maintenance high performance team. The search for a change began because Warner Robins Air

Restraint system improves aircrew safety

A new restraint system based on the same technology that brings speeding roller coasters to a smooth stop may soon help save warfighter lives and reduce military mobile aircrew injuries. Air Force Research Laboratory engineers teamed with Wolf Technical Services, Inc., under a Small Business

Renamed U.S. military base in Iraq reflects joint status

The home of the Air Force's only wing in Iraq and the Army's logistical headquarters for supplies and shipments in the country has been renamed to reflect the dual nature of the base. Joint Base Balad is the new name for what used to be called Balad Air Base by the Air Force and Logistics Support

Air Force scientists develop transparent transistors

Air Force Research Laboratory scientists have demonstrated world-record performance of transparent transistors created from thin-film nanocrystalline zinc oxide which can function, undetected, on clear surfaces such as glass or plastic. Lead investigator Dr. Burhan Bayraktaroglu of AFRL's Sensors

Changes to current Course 12, 14 enrollments announced

Before senior NCOs are eligible for a senior rater endorsement, there are certain educational requirements that must be met. The first is a Community College of the Air Force degree, and the second is completion of either Course 12 or 14, which are senior NCO professional military education distance

Technology, training force multiplier for security forces Airmen

While security forces members receive training in technical school, the multiple threats faced by members today requires continual sharpening of their skills. Airmen from the 354th Security Forces Squadron here participate in daily flight-level exercises as well as mandatory squadron training. The

Air University officials reflect on ABC enlisted degree program's success

It's been a year since the Community College of the Air Force launched the Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative program for enlisted Airmen and Air Force officials are pleased with the program's results thus far. When the program started June 15, 2007, Air University officials

Indiana Guard begins next mission -- recovery

Some Indiana National Guardsmen began returning to their homes on June 15, while others began the next phase of their flood duty in the southwest part of the state -- recovery. Joint Task Force - 81 will have 60 of its 1,300 deployed Soldiers stay behind in the vicinity of East Mount Carmel and New

Air Force honored with environmental awards

The Air Force was recently honored with several environmental awards for its efforts in ecological responsibility. The recipients of the 2007 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards were: - Hill Air Force Base, Utah, -- Environmental Quality Individual/Team category - Robins AFB, Ga., -- Pollution

VA reaching out to vets with mortgage problems

Many home owners have found it difficult recently to pay their mortgages, but quick intervention by loan counselors at the Department of Veterans Affairs has actually reduced the number of veterans defaulting on their home loans. "VA is reaching out to veterans, both those who use our home-loan

National Guardsmen in two states prepare for flooding

More than 600 National Guardsmen in Illinois and Missouri will continue sandbagging operations along the Mississippi River June 16 in an effort to thwart the floodwaters that are subsiding in Iowa. The Illinois and Missouri rivers flow into the Mississippi north of St. Louis. Unlike 1993, flooding

Citizenship path for Airmen now a total-force reality

In support of Total-Force integration, U.S. citizenship application forms, checklists and other supporting documents recently became available to Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members through the virtual Personnel Center-Guard Reserve link on the Air Reserve Personnel Center Web

12 Airmen live among thousands of Iraqi Soldiers

Twelve Airmen working together for the past nine months at the remote Iraqi Military Training Base of Kirkush, located in the Diyala Province just over 10 miles from the Iranian border, are hoping to work themselves out of a job.As the only Americans living among thousands of Iraqi Soldiers and

Small idea making a big difference in Afghanistan

Provincial Reconstruction Teams are engaged daily in large-scale projects building roads, bridges, schools and medical facilities to help the Afghan government develop its infrastructure. They also contribute small ideas that have the potential for large-scale impact. One such idea was to design and

Air National Guard shores up as flood recedes

One hundred-fifty Air National Guardsmen from the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, Iowa, landed at The Eastern Iowa Airport June 15 to augment the 295 already working with Army National Guard and state agencies in Cedar Rapids as flood waters recede from what is being called the 500-year

'Today's Air Force' features the service's heritage

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" focuses on the service's heritage with a visit to the National Museum of the USAF  where a Peacekeeper Missile exhibit dedication took place.  During the ceremony, it was announced that Air Force officials were bringing back the old ICBM missile crewmember

Air, Army National Guard battle floods in Iowa

More than 2,500 Air and Army National Guardsmen are teaming with agencies from across the state to battle what has been called the 500-year flood in Central and South Iowa in mid June. More than 1,000 guardsmen are expected to arrive in areas from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City June 15 to augment the

Guard units provide real-time video of flood damaged areas

Flying at 8,000 feet above flood ravaged Wisconsin, members of the Wisconsin Air National Guard with assistance from Air Guard units from Arkansas and Mississippi provided emergency management officials with "eyes in the sky" to help with disaster relief efforts. Recent heavy rains have left

Air Guard plane provides documentation of flood damage

Indiana National Guard officials here have received live footage of flood damage throughout the state from an advanced Air National Guard counterdrug aircraft. The footage will assist with missions and help local governments plan to repair the damage. "It can show officials where roads are washed

192nd first Air Guard unit to fly F-22 for Operation Noble Eagle

The Virginia Air National Guard's 192nd Fighter Wing here is the first Air Guard unit to fly the F-22 Raptor in support of Operation Noble Eagle. Operation Noble Eagle was established by President George W. Bush to protect the American homeland following the terrorist attacks in September 2001.

Marathon registration figures on pace to shatter '07 record

If current figures are an accurate predictor, the 2008 U.S. Air Force Marathon appears well on its way to shattering last year's registration record of more than 6,700 runners and could approach the 10,000 mark. As of June 13, the total number of runners registered for the 12th annual event stood at

Sergeant named Air Force Ophthalmic Technician of Year

An NCO here has been named the 2007 Air Force Ophthalmic Technician of the Year. Staff Sgt. Adam Smith, who currently works at the Reid Clinic, is a member of the 37th Aerospace Medicine Squadron.Sergeant Smith has been stationed at Lackland for five and a half years and has seen patients for a wide

Military Channel to present air combat documentary June 15

The Military Channel premieres Showdown: Air Combat June 15 at 10 p.m. and features an F-22 Raptor pilot as host. The series consists of 10 episodes shown over the course of several weeks, hosted by Maj. Paul Moga. While he's accustomed to presenting the newest fighter to air show crowds, this will

101 Critical Days of Summer, 365 days a year

In the continental United States, Air Force members are in the full swing with the "101 Critical Days of Summer" safety campaign. Here, however, those 101 days are 365. Temperatures reach 100 degrees in March and continue to rise through October. Sandstorms, high humidity, and 12-plus-hour work

Soviet kitsch gets 'Aggressors' into bad-guy role

The walls are decorated with old Soviet Union propaganda, urging admirers of the art to note a "Glory to the Soviet People -- The Creator of Powerful Aviation", and Union of Soviet Socialist Republics flags with the infamous hammer and sickle graphic are spread throughout the building. However,

Deployed fathers find ways to keep in touch with families

This Father's Day, many deployed servicemembers have mixed feelings about being away from their children and having their "area of responsibility" shift from the home front to the war front. But many fathers in the AOR feel their commitment to their families is also a big part of their identity

Predator crashes in Afghanistan

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator crashed following takeoff at approximately 2 a.m. local time June 12 here. The aircraft was approximately six miles south of Kandahar Airfield. The aircraft is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. The MQ-1's primary mission is conducting armed

EOD facility at Hickam named in honor of fallen Airman

The 15th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal facility was dedicated in memory of a fallen Airman before family, friends and other military servicemembers June 7 at Hickam Air Force Base.Senior Airmen William Newman was 23 and on his 98th combat mission when a projectile he was

Air Force charts new course for 2009 force shaping

Air Force officials here currently are deciding how to carry out force shaping plans in the coming year following an announcement by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Monday to halt personnel cuts. Active-duty end strength was projected to decrease from 328,600 to 316,600 by the end of fiscal 2009.

Airman, Sailor save Peruvian soldier

An Airman and Sailor saved the life of a Peruvian soldier supporting Task Force New Horizons-Peru 2008 June 8 here. Tech. Sgt. Christopher Clark, a medical technician for Task Force New Horizons, and Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brennen Lawson helped care for the Peruvian soldier who suffered from

Osan gets technologically advanced protective masks

Osan Air Base Airmen began receiving their new M-50 protective masks, replacing the MCU 2 protective mask, during a mass re-issue process June 9. The M-50 mask is one of the latest initiatives in fielding "joint" equipment, said Tech. Sgt. Peter Garcia, who is with the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron

Guard unit welcomes Predator, reconnaissance mission

Members of the 147th Fighter Wing here said goodbye to their F-16 Fighting Falcons and made room for the MQ-1 Predator as the Air National Guard unit became the 147th Reconnaissance Wing June 7.The Predators at the Houston Air National Guard Base are expected to enhance both U.S. military

TPS confers its first master's degrees

The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School achieved a milestone May 27 by officially receiving accreditation to present its graduating students with a master's degree. Eighteen students from Class 07B were the first to be granted a Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering during a graduation ceremony

Ceremony honors 241 medical graduates

Dr. Kenneth Torrington, dean of the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, honored 241 physicians and allied health care providers during the annual SAUSHEC awards and graduation ceremony June 6 in the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio auditorium. SAUSHEC

World's largest, oldest aviation museum preserves history

Skilled artisans at the National Museum of the United States Air Force on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, work diligently to return aircraft to their original form with no embellishments. "We are here to preserve history," said Dave Lazzarine, the Collection Management Division

Air Force launches NASA gamma ray study

The Air Force successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Delta II booster carrying NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, satellite into space at 12:05 p.m. June 11 from the Space Launch Complex here. The launch will deliver the GLAST observatory into a circular orbit around the

Trip was gesture of respect to Airmen, Gates says

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' trip to Langley Air Force Base, Va., Peterson AFB, Colo., and Scott AFB, Ill., was a gesture of respect and confidence in Airmen following a rough week for the Air Force. On June 5, Secretary Gates asked for and received the resignations of Air Force Secretary

Airman's Roll Call: Leadership change, mission focus

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses recent leadership changes and Airmen continuing on with a renewed focus on the mission. During times of change, Airmen must continue to pay attention to detail and when necessary, make course corrections along the way to ensure the mission is completed with

Airmen teach Iraqis Western-style command, control

As part of an ongoing process to stabilize Iraq, Airmen are teaching command and control techniques to their counterparts at the Iraqi air operations center at Camp Victory near Baghdad's international airport. The operations center is the hub that controls all Iraqi air force missions, where

Medical team returns from Honduras mission

A team of pediatricians, nutritionists and linguists from Wilford Hall and Brooke Army medical centers in San Antonio; Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, Va.; and South Dakota State University, S.D, recently returned from a 12-day expedition in Honduras. The San Antonio Military Pediatric Center team

CSAF sends letter to all Airmen

Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the Air Force's 18th chief of staff, addresses members of the "strongest and finest Air Force the world has ever known," in his Letter to All Airmen.  LETTER TO ALL AIRMEN It has been my highest honor to serve our great country as an Airman for almost 37 years. In peace and

Airman take part in Pacific Partnership 2008

Safety video promotes driving, recreation safety

The top Air Force safety officer appears in a video for the service's annual "101 Critical Days of Summer" safety campaign, which started May 23 and ends Sept. 2. In the production, Maj. Gen. Wendell Griffin, the Air Force chief of safety and commander of the Air Force Safety Center at Kirtland AFB,

Gates hammers home importance of Air Force nuke mission

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates gave a very quick synopsis of the goals of his tenure in office June 10 at Scott Air Force Base. "We are damn sure ... going to spend and do everything necessary to win the wars we are in, to care properly for our wounded, and to restore excellence in our nuclear

In his honor: Street named for Airman killed in action

Approximately 400 servicemembers gathered June 10 here to honor a vehicle operator who died June 10, 2007, as result of an improvised explosive device attack.Airman 1st Class Eric Barnes, 20, of Lorain, Ohio, was deployed from the 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base,

New video focuses on cyberspace

The Air Force Institute of Technology's Center for Cyberspace Research has produced a new  video that delves into the importance of cyberspace, the third domain of the Air Force in addition to air and space. The video, New Domain - New Warrior, can be viewed on the CCR Web site. The Center for

Gates: Nuclear mission shortcomings caused dismissals

If it were not for the serious decline in the Air Force's nuclear mission focus and performance, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here June 9, he would not have felt the need to replace the Air Force leadership. Secretary Gates asked for and received the resignations of Air Force Secretary

Secretary Gates cites Air Force's value in war on terrorism

America's war on terrorism would grind to a halt without the contributions of the Air Force, said the Defense secretary June 9 at Langley Air Force Base. "Every day, amazing Airmen are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan," Secretary Robert M. Gates said. "Beyond that, you support all the services

Defense secretary: Increase focus on nuclear mission

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates spoke candidly to Air Force Space Command members here June 10 about the resignation of top Air Force officials and problems of leadership and accountability in the control of nuclear assets. He charted a new course for the Air Force leaders at all levels. "The

Indiana's Air, Army Guard respond to regional flooding

Members of the Indiana Air National Guard's 181st Intelligence Wing and the Army National Guard's 519th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion came to the aid of their communities as more than six inches of rain fell onto Indiana's Wabash Valley June 6 and 7.When the call for assistance came in, the

'Perspective' focuses on excellence

In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman discusses how maintaining  the Air Force core values will ensure continued success in today's turbulent times. "Each and every job is critical and Airmen must remain focused on the job at hand. We must give every task our most

SECDEF praises Airmen, discusses leadership changes

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates reassured Airmen of their value and contributions, and presented a way ahead to ease wartime strain during a visit to Air Combat Command here June 9. In describing the Air Force's oft un-acknowledged efforts in the war on terrorism, he said he realized the costs of

Altitude in Peru presents challenges, won't stop mission

The air is a bit thinin the mountainous region of Ayacucho, Peru, where Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine servicemembers are participating in New Horizons-Peru 2008, a humanitarian mission set on improving the quality of life of underprivileged Peruvians. The altitude in Huamanga is more than 9,000

Final record scan moves AFPC closer to total virtual service

Blanca Rubio, a contract scanning team leader at the Air Force Personnel Center here, performed an electronic scan of the Air Force's last paper unit personnel record June 3.  This was an important digital milestone because it completed the paper conversion to a Web-based, around-the-clock "virtual

Pave Low pilot named Kolligian Award recipient

An Air Force helicopter pilot was named the 2008 recipient of the service's top safety award June 9. Lt. Col. Eugene V. Becker from the 20th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., was presented the Koren Kolligian Jr. trophy during a ceremony at the Pentagon. Vice Chief of Staff

Air Force announces Reserve F-22 squadron at Holloman

Air Force Reserve Command officials announced June 6 that a second F-22 Raptor fighter squadron will be established at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Reserve officials will relocate the 301st Fighter Squadron from Luke AFB, Ariz., to Holloman AFB and form a classic association with the active duty's

Forum draws senior Air Force leaders

Air Force senior leaders came together here for a quarterly Process Council meeting to discuss issues facing the service today and in the future. A highlight of the June 2-3 forum was the review of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiatives designed to help provide substantive

Afghan soldiers master driving Humvees

Humvees will soon become the Afghan National Army's vehicle of choice on the battlefield, but not until every soldier is qualified to safely operate them. For this reason, Air Force Capt. Todd Klusek and Army Capt. William Snyder, combat service support senior mentors assigned to the Combined

Improvements target morale for troops in Afghanistan

A genuine caring attitude drives the morale, welfare and recreation Airmen who continuously work to improve the MWR facilities and events for Airmen and Soldiers here. Assigned to the Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team, two of the three MWR Airmen arrived in March to discover a facility

AFOSI is 2008 AFA Team of the Year

It wasn't exactly the welcome he was expecting, but Special Agent Timothy Rivera said it was pretty unforgettable as he stood in line to in-process at Balad Air Base, Iraq, during his deployment in 2006. "It was my first day, not even my first hour on the ground, and we were getting incoming

Airmen keep servicemembers, families connected

Staying connected to their loved ones back home is a priority for the more than 24,000 Airmen deployed throughout Afghanistan, Iraq, Southwest Asia and the Horn of Africa. Hoping to make that easier, a group of 17 Airmen from the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer, Communications and Force Support

Airmen help graduate Afghan's newest firefighters

Eleven members of the Afghan National Army Air Corps recently became the first graduates of the Air Corps Firefighting School May 29 at Kabul. The graduates completed four months of class work, countless hands-on exercises extinguishing various types of fires and practicing lifesaving techniques

SECDEF makes Air Force leadership recommendations

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today recommended to President Bush his nominations for the top civilian and military leadership positions in the Air Force. Secretary Gates recommended Michael Donley to serve as secretary of the Air Force and Gen. Norton Schwartz to serve as chief of staff. Mr.

Wing units take on Red Flag

Aircrews from the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron departed Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 3 on their way to Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, to participate in the second Red Flag exercise this year. The air controllers joined other Kadena units including the 909th Air Refueling Squadron and the

SECDEF to speak to Airmen today

The Pentagon Channel will broadcast a speech by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates at 3:30 p.m. EST today. Secretary Gates will address nearly 400 members of Air Combat Command during the visit, his first of three stops at Air Force bases in the next two days. To watch Secretary Gates' presentation