HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Airman’s American journey spans 13 years, two countries

    “My parents told us we were going to Disneyland, but they told me not to bring any clothes or toys because they would buy us new ones.”That was how Senior Airman Jesus Espinoza Ogarcia, now assigned to the 14th Medical Operations Squadron, was persuaded to leave his home in Puebla, Mexico, when he

  • Active-duty, reservists combine forces in Afghan sky

    In the Afghanistan sky, the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron has a “rainbow” effect. Air Force Reserve and active-duty pilots have teamed together for an air and space expeditionary force deployment here to protect U.S. and coalition people from attackers whose aim is to disrupt the national

  • Thrift Savings Plan kicks off open season

    The federal government's Thrift Savings Plan kicked off its 2004 "open season" Oct. 15 with slogans to remind servicemembers and civilian government employees that they can increase their retirement coffers substantially by investing in TSP, a 401K-type savings program.Open season -- the period when

  • Internet coupons stretch commissary customers' savings

    Commissary shoppers are among the top coupon clippers in the world, but the "clipping" part may someday be history. The Defense Commissary Agency is helping customers increase their savings by making Internet coupon links available on the agency's Web site."Although we sell groceries at cost, we

  • Family support centers target programs

    Family support centers around the Air Force are changing the way they do business to better serve the needs of communities.“Traditionally, we served customers who came into the center,” said Linda Olivia Smith, chief of Air Force family matters. “Now we’re doing more outreach -- going to the

  • Reserve unit begins deactivating

    Already hard-pressed aircrews at this active airlift hub will be even busier starting in December when two Reserve squadrons begin deactivating after two years on active duty.The 97th and 728th Airlift Squadrons, of the Air Force Reserve’s 446th Airlift Wing here, mobilized in February 2003. Both

  • Relationship, money issues face some returning combatants

    Money, intimacy and re-establishing their relationship as a couple and with their children are some of the challenging issues facing families when servicemembers return after months away in Iraq or Afghanistan. A team of mental-health professionals from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress,

  • LOEs now mandatory for some deployed commanders

    With the continuing emergence of increased expeditionary mission requirements, Air Force officials are implementing a policy that will complement officer evaluations by ensuring performance in key leadership positions at deployed locations is documented.Beginning with the current air and space

  • Muslim holy month begins

    Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide, began Oct. 15The observance, with its emphasis on inner reflection, fasting and prayer, takes on special significance to U.S. servicemembers deployed to Southwest Asia, and also to an estimated 7,000 Muslims in the U.S. armed

  • Airfield team stays busy at deployed location

    Airfield management at one forward-deployed air base in Southwest Asia involves doing more than just filing flight plans and telling pilots where to park.Master Sgt. Carlos Marrero, the chief of airfield management, and his staff also ensure the smooth and efficient movement of aircraft in the area

  • New law sinks 'check floating' practice

    The practice of “floating” a check until payday will become a thing of the past Oct. 28 when the new federal Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, also known as Check 21, goes into effect.“Check floating” occurs when people write checks a few days before payday, figuring that by the time their

  • New government Web site offers one-stop financial education

    The Defense Department is part of a multiagency effort that resulted in the debut of a federal government Web site devoted to financial education Oct. 12.The mymoney.gov site has been in the works since March, with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission taking the lead role in its development, DOD

  • C-141 schoolhouse closes at Wright-Pat

    Air Force Reserve Command officials shut down the C-141 Starlifter schoolhouse here Oct. 14.A ceremony marked the closing of the school, officially called the C-141 Formal Training Unit. It was managed by the 445th Airlift Wing. Use of the facility, the only one of its kind in the Air Force, ended

  • New Mexico shuts out Air Force, 2-0, in men’s soccer

    Two early second-half goals by Jeff Rowland led the third-ranked University of New Mexico men’s soccer team to a 2-0 victory over the Air Force Academy here Oct. 14. With the victory, New Mexico remains the only unbeaten and untied team in the country at 10-0 overall and 4-0 in Mountain Pacific

  • Officials allowing more wounded troops to remain on duty

    Defense Department officials have long been leaders in providing employment opportunities to people with disabilities; however, they have taken a major step forward by allowing disabled troops to remain in the military if they want to and can continue to perform, DOD's disability program manager

  • Name change heralds new era at AF museum

    A dramatic era of change and growth continues to unfold at the Air Force's national museum with the institution launching a formal name change.Officials announced the name change from the U.S. Air Force Museum to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force during a ceremony Oct. 14. "The Air Force

  • Berlin Airlift vets return to Rhein-Main

    Forty-nine Berlin Airlift veterans visited here Oct. 13 to recognize the 55th anniversary of one of the end of the largest humanitarian airlift missions in the history of the U.S. Air Force.The visit culminated in a dinner where Lt. Gen. Arthur Lichte, U.S. Air Forces in Europe vice commander,

  • Helmet upgrades enhance air power

    F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots here can now look, lock and launch on an enemy target in the blink of an eye. Because split seconds can mean the difference between life or death for a pilot in combat, the 52nd Fighter Wing here adopted an advanced approach to high-tech man-machine interaction with the

  • Roche, Jumper ‘wear test’ Osprey

    The Air Force's top two leaders got up close and personal Oct. 8 with what may become the service's latest special operations asset. Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper flew in a Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey. General Jumper served as pilot of

  • Air Force volleyball team falls in three to New Mexico

    The Air Force Academy women’s volleyball team dropped a 3-0 match to visiting University of New Mexico on Oct. 8. With both teams looking for their first conference win of the season, it was the Lobos who pulled out the 30-25, 31-29 and 30-23 victory. With the loss, Air Force moves to 4-11 on the

  • Services serves up thousands of feasts

    The days of the chow hall are gone. They have been replaced by a new trend, which sets the Air Force apart from other branches of the military; friendly customer service and out-of-this world food, even while deployed.But for the people at a forward-deployed services squadron, making the food taste

  • AETC civilians testing new finance system

    Civilian employees in Air Education and Training Command will soon begin testing a new finance system. It allows employees a chance to get answers to their leave and earnings statement questions without calling or visiting a civilian personnel office.The AETC test will last two pay periods, and

  • Reserve magazine changes Web address

    The official magazine of the Air Force Reserve has a new Web address.Citizen Airman's new address is www.afrc.af.mil/news/citizenairman/index.htm.Besides moving to a new Web home, Citizen Airman, published for more than 76,000 reservists worldwide, is getting a new look. The changes, which take

  • Now showing: Oct. 11 edition of AFTV News

    The continuing Air Force role in Operation Enduring Freedom highlights the latest edition of Air Force Television News. Tech. Sgt. Joy Josephson explains the resupply mission by Air National Guard C-130 Hercules units operating from Uzbekistan. Another aspect of the service’s contribution to peace

  • Air Force women’s soccer falls at New Mexico

    Air Force Academy women’s soccer lost a Mountain West Conference soccer match 2-1 to the University of New Mexico here Oct. 10.The Falcons fall to 3-9-1 overall and 0-2-0 in the conference.Bridgette Sanchez scored the first goal for the UNM Lobos (5-6-0, 1-0-0 MWC) on a penalty kick in the 75th

  • POL Airmen fuel the wing

    “Without fuel, pilots are pedestrians.” This is a phrase uttered by many fuels specialists over the years. At a forward-deployed location, it is no different; except the phrase should be expanded to people who drive vehicles and use air conditioners, generators and anything else not

  • William Tell competition resumes after eight-year break

    The Air Force’s first William Tell air-to-air competition in eight years takes flight at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Nov. 8 to 19.William Tell 2004 will test aircrew performance in the air dominance and air sovereignty missions, while evaluating weapons use and the tactics used. The meet also

  • Air Force receives top DOD-level award

    The U.S. Air Forces in Europe communications and information directorate, which oversees the Air Force's communications and information-management effort in the European theater, was given top honors in the chief information officer awards team category Oct. 7.Defense Department officials honored

  • Uniform board incorporates feedback, alters design

    Based on feedback from the six-month wear test, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper decided to expand the current test program to include a pixelated tiger-striped pattern in a new color scheme on the proposed utility uniform.The expansion does not involve a full test; instead, there will

  • Escorts keep watch over foreign workers

    Help wanted: Critical job working outside in sandy, arid 110-degree heat. Must leave comforts of home, family and friends for four months. Will provide perimeter security during increased threat levels and escort third-country and local nationals to job sites. Free travel!If someone read that ad

  • Life-support Airmen offer keys to survival

    Like James Bond being led through a showroom of new gadgets, a pilot is introduced to the latest and greatest gizmos that will get him out of a jam.In the back corner of the 17th Special Operations Squadron here is a hi-tech superstore that supplies special operations Airmen in the Pacific with

  • 'Master problem solver' wins Air Force award

    The challenge of keeping his computer customers connected is what drives Tony Bufford, winner of the Air Force’s Outstanding Employee with a Disability Award for 2004.Mr. Bufford, system administrator for the 81st Supply and Transportation squadrons, was also Keesler’s nominee for the award in 2000

  • Junior ROTC expands, seeks retirees to teach at new units

    Airmen planning to retire within the next couple of years and Airmen who have retired within the past five years may want to look to Junior ROTC before storing their uniforms, said Jo Alice Talley. She is the Air Force Junior ROTC instructor management chief.Air Force Junior ROTC will add 201 units

  • Edwards system monitors SpaceShipOne during flights

    As SpaceShipOne rocketed over the Mojave Desert on Oct. 4 to claim the famed Ansari X Prize, a team of engineers here collected data about the spacecraft’s trajectory thanks to the spaceport arrival and departure safety system.In a partnership between the California Space Authority and the Air Force

  • General Martin withdraws PACOM nomination

    Gen. Gregory S. Martin requested his nomination to be commander of U.S. Pacific Command be withdrawn hours after his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing Oct. 6.A Pentagon statement said General Martin “has requested that his nomination by the Bush administration to be the new U.S.

  • Air Force still needs health professionals

    The Air Force exceeded its enlisted recruiting goal by sending 34,362 people to basic military training in fiscal 2004, but the service was unsuccessful in finding enough physicians, dentists and nurses to meet its health professions goal.The Air Force had an enlisted recruiting goal of 34,080.

  • Official: New adenovirus vaccine 'top priority'

    Defense Department officials are working to field a new vaccine designed to combat a virus that has plagued military basic training since World War II, DOD's senior medical official said Oct. 5.The development of a new adenovirus vaccine is a "top priority," Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr. said. The

  • Officials unveil new space badge

    Air Force Space Command officials unveiled a new space badge at the Strategic Space 2004 Convention in Omaha, Neb., on Oct. 7. The new badge replaces the current space and missile functional badge worn by space and missile operations professionals, said Gen. Lance W. Lord, AFSPC commander. It is

  • Airmen train with NATO allies during exercise

    Airmen from Aviano Air Base, Italy, joined forces with NATO’s newest member Oct. 4 to 7 to improve the way they rescue downed pilots.The training was part of Adriatic Rescue 04, a U.S.-Slovenian combat search-and-rescue exercise.While Slovenia conducted similar training with the United States

  • Force shaping opportunities expand in 2005

    Air Force personnel officials encourage more Airmen to seek opportunities to exit the service under an expanded force-shaping program in fiscal 2005.Planners have opened more career fields for force-shaping eligibility by dropping from a 100-percent sustainment level to 95 percent. This increases

  • Myers: Changing military culture key to transformation

    The most important area for transformation is the space "between our warfighters' ears," said the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.During an interview, Gen. Richard B. Myers addressed the need for servicemembers and Department of Defense civilians to transform the way they think. He said DOD

  • Drum line teaches leadership

    Hearts race as walls pulsate, surrounded by the deafening beat of drums. The audience sits on the edge of its seat as quickening tempos bring the rhythm to new heights.This may be a common scene at any rock ‘n’ roll concert, but there are no paid performers laying down the beat. They are just

  • DEET first line of defense against insects

    Whether hiking in the woods at home or serving in the sands of the Middle East, Airmen need a repellent to shield themselves from biting insects.The active ingredient in most skin-applied repellents is commonly referred to as DEET. It is a must on almost every deployment checklist and for good

  • B-52 aircraft to use AFRL hydraulic fluids

    A fire-resistant hydraulic fluid Air Force Research Laboratory experts here developed will now be used in more than 90 percent of B-52 Stratofortress bomber components, increasing the aircraft's survivability and operational safety.In the past, B-52s used a flammable, petroleum-based hydraulic

  • McConnell firefighter saves eight lives

    A fire department emergency medic here helped save eight people after a rush-hour collision recently.Bradford Voorhees, of the 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron, was taking his two children to his brother’s house when he saw cars slowing down and dust and smoke rising across a local highway.He discovered

  • Kirkuk kicks into shape with Tae Bo

    The inventor of the Tae Bo fitness system, Billy Blanks, and his daughter, Shellie Blanks-Cimarosti, visited here Sept. 28 to conduct three Tae Bo classes with the troops during their Spirit and Body Tour.Mr. Blanks said he was excited to visit with the people deployed here supporting Operation

  • New chief scientist eyes, ears for AF leaders

    Operationalizing space is the top goal of the Air Force’s new chief scientist.“As the Air Force’s chief scientist, I am the technical eyes and ears for the chief of staff of the Air Force and the secretary of the Air Force, advising and alerting them to key issues,” said Dr. Mark J. Lewis, the

  • Memphis Belle to find new home at AF Museum

    Air Force officials announced plans Oct. 4 to relocate the World War II B-17 "Memphis Belle" to the Air Force museum near Dayton, Ohio.No date has been set, but officials said they expect the move to occur before the end of the year in conjunction with activities planned to observe the 60th

  • Interagency team checking for H-Bomb lost in 1958

    A team of experts is looking into whether a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel may have located a hydrogen bomb missing off the coast of Georgia since 1958. Air Force officials said there has never been a danger of a nuclear explosion from the weapon because the bomb has no arming capsule. The

  • AFRL technology flies on SpaceShipOne

    Cutting-edge technology developed by experts at Air Force Research Laboratory’s human effectiveness directorate is being used with SpaceShipOne. The privately manned spaceship reached 328,491 feet (62.2 miles) for the second time in five days Oct. 4. The spaceship crew used an attenuating custom

  • Air Force revises CJR 'wait list'

    The Air Force has revised the career job reservation list to meet end-strength goals under force shaping.While five new Air Force specialties have been identified as constrained, another six have been released from the list. All constrained Air Force specialties receive quotas and have a ranked

  • AMC officials recognize civil reserve employees

    Air Mobility Command officials have begun awarding hundreds of Aerial Achievement Medals and thousands of certificates of appreciation to the employees of commercial air carriers called to duty during the Civil Reserve Air Fleet activation in 2003.The fleet of commercial passenger and cargo aircraft

  • Airmen use GBU-38 in combat

    During one particular night shift recently, a team primarily composed of Air National Guardsmen conducted the first successful drop of a GBU-38 bomb in combat.The majority of the people connected to the effort came from the Alabama Air National Guard and were supplemented by Airmen from Illinois and

  • Patient support pallet used for first time on KC-10

    Air Mobility Command supports more than 24,000 worldwide patient movements on nearly 2,500 aeromedical-evacuation missions annually, yet none had been scheduled on a KC-10 Extender mission until now.In a special request by South Korean officials to the U.S. State Department, a South Korean college

  • Reserve pilots not reserved when protecting ground troops

    Ammunitions troops here charged with reloading a wingman’s A-10 Thunderbolt II Gatling gun had a busy night recently, following his return. New Orleans Air Force Reserve pilots proved that they are anything but reserved when it comes to protecting U.S. ground troops in Afghanistan. In defense of a

  • Upcoming summit shapes new sexual-assault policies

    Decisions made at a senior-leader summit are expected to have a sweeping effect on the Defense Department's sexual-assault prevention and response efforts, said the task force commander charged with turning the group's recommendations into DOD-wide policies.The Oct. 6 summit, made up of senior

  • WAF Band still making music

    A military band that was formed when the Air Force was just 4 years old performed four concerts here, more than 40 years after the group’s deactivation.The Women in the Air Force Band, in conjunction with its annual reunion, gave back to the nation in the Lone Star State. After three days of

  • Air Force golfers finish 17th at Tucker Invitational

    Despite a solid showing by Tyler Goulding, the Air Force golf team struggled Oct. 2 to finish 17th at the William H. Tucker Invitational, held by University of New Mexico at their 7,354-yard, par-72 course here. Arizona won the tournament with a 9-under-par 855, while University of Nevada-Las

  • Air Force takes 16th place at NorCal water polo tournament

    The 19th-ranked Air Force Academy water polo team recorded a pair of losses Oct. 3 to end its long weekend at the NorCal Tournament here. The Falcons started with a narrow 8-6 loss to No. 12 California State University-Long Beach before falling to ninth-ranked Pepperdine University, 8-3, in the

  • AF women’s soccer ties Davis, falls to Riverside

    Air Force Academy battled University of California-Davis to a 1-1 double-overtime tie, but fell to UC-Riverside, 3-2, during nonconference women’s soccer action. The Falcons end the nonconference portion of their season at 3-7-1.UC-Davis Aggies (3-6-1) took an early 1-0 lead Oct. 1 at the

  • Airmen brace for new fitness test

    The Air Force chief of staff fired a shot across the bow in July 2003 that got the attention of Airmen everywhere.Gen. John P. Jumper forewarned that a new fit-to-fight program would replace the cycle ergometry test and encouraged everyone to get ready. Staff Sgt. Kurt Hartmann did not, and he paid

  • Academy Airmanship operations take flight under AETC

    The U.S. Air Force Academy’s airmanship operations realigned under the Air Education and Training Command as the newly named 306th Flying Training Group on Oct. 1.The operations are elective courses at the academy and are aimed at giving cadets firsthand knowledge and understanding of the flight

  • Air Force ROTC detachments remain open

    Five Air Force ROTC detachments previously identified for closure will remain open on a two-year period of evaluation, as recently approved by Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche.The detachments are at the University of Memphis in Tennessee; University of Cincinnati in Ohio; Wilkes

  • Nutrition not fast claim, but way to go

    The low-carb diet. The low-fat diet. The cabbage soup diet. The grapefruit diet. The shake diet.There are “miracle” pills that claim weight loss without ever stepping foot in a gym. And there are all the herbal supplements for the Earth- and body-conscious consumers.It is all enough to make a

  • October issue of Airman available

    Read about how Airmen are becoming “fit to fight,” learn how two Air Force recruiters survived an explosion in Iraq, and discover how one correctional-custody program keeps Airmen from crossing out of the blue. These features and more highlight the October issue of Airman magazine, now available in

  • Navy boots AF out of trophy bid

    Air Force Academy’s chances to regain the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy got booted by the “worst kicker in college football” Sept. 30 when a Navy field goal handed the Falcons a 24-21 loss here.During the game, ESPN commentators referred to Midshipman place-kicker Geoff Blumenfeld’s 0-4 track record

  • Memo improves job protection for guardsmen, reservists

    Attorney General John Ashcroft and Labor Secretary Elaine Chao have signed a memorandum of understanding to ensure employment rights of people returning from military service are vigorously protected.The memorandum streamlines and strengthens enforcement of the Uniformed Services Employment and

  • Tornado damages ANG aircraft, buildings in Delaware

    Many people from the Delaware Air National Guard’s 166th Airlift Wing here witnessed C-130 Hercules aircraft “dancing like ballerinas,” as a tornado struck here Sept. 28.The surprise funnel cloud touched down in the late afternoon at New Castle County Airport, damaging several of the wing’s

  • Missile crewmember deploys with refuelers

    Most Air Force missile crewmembers spend the majority of their time in an underground launch control center monitoring intercontinental ballistic missiles. But one missileer experienced deployed life in the flying world.First Lt. Joe Page, a missile combat crew commander from Minot Air Force Base,

  • Hockey team participates in Air Force survival training

    A water-survival class normally held for aircrew members here was turned into a day of cross-training for American Hockey League players Sept. 23.The Philadelphia Phantoms participated in an all-day Air Force water-survival training exercise in hopes to build core strength and a “little mental

  • WC-130J team tracks hurricanes with improved radar system

    Experts here battled 155-mph winds and penetrated two hurricanes 15 times recently to put the WC-130J Hercules’ improved weather-radar system to the test.Together with Air Force Reserve Command's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., joint test team experts flew

  • ‘Eyes of the North’ steady as AF moves mission to Guard

    Defending the homeland is one of the key missions of the Air National Guard, and Oct. 1, the Alaska Air National Guard will officially assume operations of the Air Force’s regional air operation center here. The center’s mission is to provide ready teams to operate and maintain North American

  • Guardsmen, aircraft wow South African crowd

    They were daunted by the size of the C-5 Galaxy transport and KC-135 Stratotanker, and mesmerized by the sleek, bold designs of the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter and F-16 Fighting Falcon.So it was easy for crowds of children and military enthusiasts to swarm to New York Air National Guardsmen

  • Academy town hall meeting reaches worldwide audience

    The Air Force’s three top leaders opened a town hall meeting here Sept. 27 by speaking about the service’s force size and its future in space.Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper explained the current force management is “not a cut” but designed to reshape the force. “It is getting us down to where

  • Air Force wins 10th-straight Service Academy Golf Classic

    The Air Force Academy golf team extended its winning streak to 10 on Sept. 26 and 27 at the annual Service Academy Golf Classic, as the Falcons finished four strokes ahead of Army with a three-round total of 1,107. Navy was third in the team standings (1,132), while the Merchant Marines came in

  • McGuire welcomes first C-17 Globemaster III

    People here welcomed the nation’s newest, most modern airlifter Sept. 24 during a special arrival ceremony.“The Spirit of New Jersey” is the first of 13 C-17 Globemaster IIIs McGuire will eventually receive.“It is just a wonderful day for McGuire,” said Gen. John W. Handy, commander of U.S.

  • Tennessee Guard moves, prepares for C-5s

    Air Force officials signed a land-exchange agreement with the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority on Sept. 20 allowing the Tennessee Air National Guard’s 164th Airlift Wing more space to convert from C-141B Starlifters to C-5 Galaxys.Fred Kuhn, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for

  • Air Force wins 2004 Armed Forces Golf Championship

    The Air Force golf team won the 2004 Armed Forces Golf Championship at Fort Carson, Colo., Sept. 21 to 25.The host Army team jumped to a three-stroke lead over the Air Force (731-734) after the first day of play. Team’s scores are determined by adding the 18-hole stroke total of the six men and

  • Service launches online pay enhancements

    The online pay account information system of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, myPay, is offering new enhancements and upgrades for all users.All myPay users can now assign a restricted access personal identification number to a designated individual to view pay information; however, the

  • Trial ends for Air Force translator

    Senior Airman Ahmad al-Halabi, a supply clerk who served as a Guantanamo Bay translator, was found guilty of three charges and four specifications of violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The trial ended here Sept. 23.Col. Barbara Brand, the military judge for the case, sentenced

  • Deployed Airmen visit South Korean orphanage

    More than a dozen Airmen deployed to the 3rd Air Expeditionary Group here joined their South Korean counterparts for a visit to a local orphanage Sept. 24.Airmen witnessed the smiles, laughter and boundless energy of more than 80 children.“This was a wonderful opportunity to join with our (South

  • U.S. military supports South African trade show

    U.S. military equipment and Airmen from the New York Air National Guard are here for the Aerospace Exhibition.The event marks the first time aircraft and guardsmen from New York have participated in a South African air show, officials said.Visitors will get a close-up look at four static displays:

  • Families of students using assignment deferment program

    Sixty-three Air Force families with a child who entered his or her senior year of high school this year will get to stay additional time at their current duty stations.The High School Seniors Assignment Deferment Program allows senior master sergeants and below, and officers up through the rank of

  • Number of officers receiving command pay reduced

    Command Responsibility Pay now received by some field-grade officers in command positions will end in October.In a Sight Picture titled, “Recognizing the Responsibility of Command,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper announced the Air Force would reduce the number of command positions that

  • Some Airmen can carry over 'use or lose' leave

    Active-duty Airmen who were unable to take leave because they supported contingency operations may be allowed to accumulate more than the normal 60 days after the fiscal year ends.Those affected can retain up to 120 days of leave until Sept. 30, 2005, said Air Force Personnel Center officials here.

  • New joint command stands ready to defend capital

    A new headquarters here will concentrate the military mission to help defend the nation's capital.The Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region will guard America's "center of gravity," said Army Maj. Gen. Galen Jackman, the new organization's commander.The command unites all Defense

  • Air Force continues efforts to locate POWs, MIAs

    People of the missing persons branch at the Air Force Personnel Center here continue their efforts to account for Air Force prisoners of war and those missing in action. Their work goes on even after the annual National POW/MIA Recognition Day commemoratives have ended.Master Sgt. Cheryl Wells and

  • Airborne network takes 'wireless' to new heights

    Leaders at all levels can soon access information from their home stations regardless of where they are in the world thanks to an airborne local-area network.Engineers at the 412th Flight Test Squadron here and the Air Force systems networking program office at Gunter Annex, Ala., developed and

  • AFRL tests new firefighting technology

    A new method of extinguishing fires is currently being tested and may revolutionize the way the Air Force and the nation fight fires.The Air Force Research Laboratory’s deployed base systems branch here has been developing new firefighting technology for nearly two years. Dubbed the ultra-high

  • Duke Field aids relief efforts after hurricanes

    Duke Field picked up a new mission after Hurricane Ivan passed through northwest Florida with 140-mph winds and deadly tornadoes that caused billions of dollars of damage and at least 18 U.S. deaths.Duke Field became a logistical staging area for 40 people from the Federal Emergency Management

  • ATOC keeps troops, supplies moving

    Get ‘em in, get ‘em out. From troops to supplies, the Airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron’s air terminal operations center here take care of it all, ensuring aerial transport lines keep flowing smoothly.With only about one-fifth the number of people with which the aerial

  • Special ops maintainers team up on Kadena's tiny troubles

    Ehren Wahl and Wesley Brown are both staff sergeants, they are assigned to the 353rd Maintenance Squadron, and they each have spent most of their careers here on Okinawa, a tiny island in southern Japan. That is where the similarities end.Sergeant Wahl is an outspoken, 24-year-old from New York who

  • Dental technician becomes U.S. citizen

    American citizenship for many people comes with birth in this country, while others choose it later on in life. For one Airman here, the teenage dream of American citizenship started by leaving the country of his birth, was realized Sept. 16 in a federal courtroom ceremony where he took the oath of

  • Reserve hands off Operation Deep Freeze missions

    Air Force Reserve Command C-141 Starlifter aircrews will stop flying Operation Deep Freeze airlift missions to Antarctica in February.When the new season starts in August 2005, mission responsibility will revert back to the 62nd Airlift Wing at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. The Reserve took on the

  • Airmen remain in control of their futures

    In spite of the Air Force’s force-shaping measures, Airmen are learning they remain in control of their futures, even in over-manned career fields.There are choices for those whose re-enlistments are coming up soon: retrain, join the Guard or Reserve, join the Army with “Operation Blue to Green” or

  • AFRL experts supporting C-5A evaluation program

    Scientists and engineers here are literally putting parts of a C-5 Galaxy under a microscope to help Air Mobility Command officials determine the cargo giant's current condition and future needs.Materials integrity experts from the Air Force Research Laboratory's materials and manufacturing

  • Deployed contracting makes it happen

    It is hard to believe that a stroke of a pen can cost the Air Force hundreds of thousands of dollars; it is even harder to believe that it is a staff sergeant’s pen that does this nearly every day.Such is the job of 379th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron Airmen at a forward-deployed location.

  • Airmen evacuate injured Russian sailor

    Two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters from the 56th Rescue Squadron raced 230 miles to evacuate an injured 19-year-old sailor from a Russian destroyer Sept. 14. The mission off the southern coast of Iceland began after squadron officials were notified of the situation at 1:25 p.m. “We always keep one

  • Virginia Air Guard responds to Florida storms

    Nearly 50 Virginia Air National Guardsmen responded to hurricane relief efforts in Florida, making it the first time their unit has deployed to Florida for a natural disaster.The 203rd Red Horse Squadron from Virginia Beach deployed to assist in the clean-up efforts after Hurricane Frances and wound

  • Air Force medics take control of combat hospital

    Troops with emergency medical needs will now visit the Air Force Theater Hospital while deployed to Iraq.Central Command Air Forces officials announced that Sept. 20, Air Force medics took control of the base hospital, formerly known as the 31st Combat Support Hospital.The decision to transfer