NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 27

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 27.In Afghanistan Oct. 26, an Air Force B1-B Lancer and A-10 Tunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

  • Boom uses steady hand to keep aircraft fighting

    "It's more like trying to knock a melon off a post by pushing a 20-foot pole through a chain-link fence on a windy day." Senior Airman Jered Danielson compared operating the boom at nearly 5 miles above Iraq to a video game, but there's more to it than just playing a game.Airman Danielson, a 340th

  • Combat Comm readies Airmen for deployments

    Driving convoys, building defense fighting positions and throwing elbows in hand-to-hand combat were all incorporated into the combat readiness course here Oct. 20 to 27. The 1st Combat Communications Squadron trained 33 newcomers at the mandatory course, which prepares the Airmen for hostile

  • Fairchild unit saves woman in Idaho

    A woman missing in the Harvard, Idaho, area since the afternoon of Oct. 24 was found Oct. 25 by the 36th Rescue Flight here. The Latah County Sheriff's Office requested the Air Force's help early on Oct. 25, said Capt. Kevin Burns, a pilot with the 36th RQF. A UH-1N Huey helicopter took off from

  • Three plead guilty to BAH fraud in separate cases

    Three Airmen were found guilty of defrauding the government through false claims for basic allowance for housing during separate court martials here last week. All three faced a military judge alone and pleaded guilty to the charges. Senior Airman Wayne Williams signed an official document stating

  • California Air Guardsmen save life in Mexico

    Air Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing here conducted a successful medical evacuation of a U.S. citizen in La Paz, Mexico, Oct. 24 while Tropical Storm Paul brewed off the southern coast of the Baja Peninsula. Responding to the call from the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center based out of

  • Nellis rescue team saves hiker

    A combat search and rescue team stationed here rescued a hiker missing in Zion National Park, Utah, Monday. The team consisted of Airmen from the 58th and 66th Rescue Squadrons. The pararescuemen on the mission were Tech. Sgt. Dana Vaughan and Staff Sgts. Jeremy Diola, Ted Rajala and Eric Kelly, all

  • Virtual weapons give realistic training at Emerald Warrior

    The first integration of live and virtual net-centric weapons in special operations forces occurred as part of Emerald Warrior 07 on Oct. 25. Airmen participating in the exercise benefit from the simulation technology, which lets them experience near-realistic combat training. In the last few years,

  • Green Lightning exercise strengthens U.S., Australian ties

    Two B-52 Stratofortress bombers of the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron completed a long-range training sortie from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to Australia's Delamere Air Weapons Range in the Northern Territory Oct. 24. This "Green Lightning" sortie is only the second of its kind, continuing a

  • Duty brings out best in Balad hospital volunteers

    A patient being rolled into Balad Air Base's Air Force Theatre Hospital should not be surprised if the Airman holding the IV bag is an F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief.And, if the patient is a little uneasy about that, there likely is an air traffic controller or an administrative specialist standing

  • Charleston Aerial Port Squadron 'Leans' forward

    Members of the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here have leaned forward to streamline processes to save money while getting vital equipment to the warfighter faster. Using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century, 437th APS officials re-evaluated several of their workflow processes and developed

  • Industry Days emphasize Air Force need for new tanker

    Nearly 100 people from industry and the government attended the Oct. 24 kick off of Tanker Industry Days in nearby Dayton, Ohio. Sponsored by Aeronautical Systems Center's 653rd Aeronautical Systems Squadron at Wright-Patterson AFB, Industry Days enhanced competition through communication with

  • Misawa units strengthened by Total Force

    Air National Guard and Reserve Airmen support various missions throughout the Air Force, and it is no exception here.In units like the 35th Security Forces Squadron, the active duty strength is complemented by Air Guard or Reserve support. "The Guard and Reserve members currently attached to

  • Emerald Warrior kicks off at Hurlburt Field

    Emerald Warrior '07, Air Force Special Operations Command's first joint coalition exercise focused on training Air Force, Army and allied units in missions directly related to the war on terrorism, kicked off here Oct. 24. Emerald Warrior '07, the first exercise completely planned by AFSOC, is also

  • Officials announce C-130J contract conversion

    Air Force officials announced today the multi-year procurement contract Oct. 25 for the C-130J Hercules has been converted from a Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 12 to a FAR Part 15 contract. In order to comply with the fiscal 2006 National Defense Authorization Act, the C-130J contract has been

  • Randolph NCO selected as senior enlisted aide of year

    The Air Education and Training commander's aide here was selected as the top senior enlisted aide during a ceremony Oct. 12 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C.Master Sgt. Roy Bowser is the winner of the 2006 Enlisted Aide of the Year Award for the Senior-Aide Category. Sergeant Bowser is an enlisted

  • NFL team welcomes home warfighters

    Homecomings are times of celebrations to honor those coming back from a time away from those who care for them. The NFL Carolina Panthers organization and players gave returning servicemembers the ultimate fan experience with Operation Welcome Home Oct. 24 at Bank of America Stadium here. Two

  • Air Force maintainers give Australians peek into their future

    Maintainers from the Amberly Royal Australian Air Force Base's 36th Squadron are working alongside Air Force counterparts learning the ins and outs of the C-17 Globemaster III. Currently Australia doesn't have a heavy airlift capability and must rely on outside sources for services. This assistance

  • Minot event supports breast cancer research

    About 200 Airmen and family members gathered here to raise awareness of breast cancer during an event in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Oct. 24. The event, titled "Voices of Breast Cancer: Inspiring Hope, Supporting a Cure," included a health fair, lunch, the touching testimony of

  • Family reunion caps boating rescue for rescuers

    Floating alone in the open water of the Atlantic Ocean for more than 24 hours with nothing more than an orange life vest left Clinton Daughtry nothing but time to think about his life, a life which the 27-year-old now credits to the 920th Rescue Wing. Crews from the Air Force Reserve Command

  • AIA names 'Best of the Best' during Sensor Olympics

    The Air Intelligence Agency's 27th annual Sensor Olympics was held at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Oct. 19. During the banquet, the top three enlisted technicians from each of the 23 career fields within AIA were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals. "Each year, we come together as an

  • Maxwell NCO selected as top junior enlisted aide

    The Air University commander's aide here was presented the 2006 Air Force Junior Enlisted Aide of the Year award during a ceremony Oct. 12 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley and Gen. William R. Looney III, Air Education and Training Command commander,

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 24

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 23. In Afghanistan Oct 23, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

  • Atlantic Strike provides joint training for interdependent warfighters

    Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Sailors started joint training for air and ground operations as part of Atlantic Strike IV at Avon Park Air Force Range, Fla., Oct. 23. The U.S. Central Command Air Forces semiannual training event takes place on the 106,000-acre bomb range in south central Florida to

  • 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron thinks lean, saves money

    When Lt. Col. Anthony Krawietz, the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron commander, charged incoming troops to think smarter and leaner, a group of aerial porters took it to heart. "One of the first things we looked at was how C-17 (Globemaster III) tires were palletized," said Staff Sgt. Michael

  • Centralized repair facility saves time, money

    Maintainers measure an aircraft tire's usability by inspecting for wear and visible cords. "A good tire will last up to 120 landings," said Master Sgt. Charles Miller, a shop chief assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron. "After that, it's time to get it replaced, or the tire treads

  • Pressure sensitive paint could save millions of dollars

    The Arnold Engineering Development Center has reached a milestone with its pressure sensitive paint system. A recent demonstration test was conducted on the F-35 Lighting II joint strike fighter model installed in the center's 16-foot transonic wind tunnel. PSP applied to a joint strike fighter

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 23

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 23.In Afghanistan Oct. 22, an Air Force B-1 Lancer and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

  • CSAF: Today's Air Force best in service's history

    Today's Airmen make up the best air and space force in the world, said the Air Force's top general during a speech here Oct. 20. Speaking at the 42nd Air Force Villages Chairman's Dinner, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said he is proud to wear the same uniform and serve alongside

  • COMUSAFE builds on U.S.-Romania relationship

    The road ahead for the partnering of U.S. and Romanian air forces continues on the fast-track after a visit Oct. 19 and 20 by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, who met with key Romanian officials. Gen. Tom Hobbins traveled to Romania for a firsthand look at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, where

  • DOD celebrates 2006 Red Ribbon Week

    Department of Defense officials will celebrate the 2006 Red Ribbon Week beginning Oct 23 with an 11 a.m. awards ceremony in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes. John P. Walters, the director of the national drug control policy, will present Gordon England, the deputy secretary of defense, the award for

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 21

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for Oct. 21.In Afghanistan Oct. 20, U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Shem Kheyl and Musa Nikeh Ziarat.

  • Training comes first for pararescue Airmen

    Air Force pararescue is an elite force, but before its Airmen are PJs they're trainees. And sometimes PJ training brings them here before they join the world of combat rescue. Thirteen instructors and 20 pararescue trainees with the 342nd Training Squadron traveled from Kirtland Air Force Base,

  • Wilford Hall receives national honors

    The Wilford Hall Medical Center staff here earned the U.S. Health and Human Services Medal of Honor Oct. 20. The medal is awarded to hospitals that have achieved at least a 75 percent donation rate as part of the national organ donation initiative launched in April 2003. The national average

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 20

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 20.In Afghanistan Oct. 19, a U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Sangay Ghar. The B-1 expended

  • Museum adds British Bristol Beaufighter to gallery

    An aircraft that once filled the need for an effective night fighter in the U.S. Army Air Forces until an American aircraft could be produced was placed on display during a special ceremony on Oct. 18 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The newly restored British Bristol Beaufighter first

  • Balad Airman earns national air traffic control honors

    When the Air Traffic Control Association announced its annual air traffic control awards earlier this month, one of Balad AB's own was acknowledged. Senior Airman Joshua Matias, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron air traffic control apprentice, was named the 2006 ATCA Lingiam Odems

  • First F-22 slated for Pacific rolls out

    Lockheed Martin rolled out the first combat-capable F-22 Raptor Oct. 16 destined for basing and operations in the Pacific Rim.Raptor 5087 completed its final assembly, with Air Force leaders from Alaska and Lockheed Martin employees on hand to mark the event outside the production line in

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 18

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 18.In Afghanistan Oct. 17, Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Gereshk. The GR-7s expended rockets on enemy targets. RAF GR-7s provided close-air support to

  • President signs 2007 Defense Authorization Act

    The fiscal 2007 National Defense Authorization Act provides more than $530 billion to maintain the military in the shape it must be to win the war on terrorism.President Bush signed the bill, officially called the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, during a small

  • Airman killed in racing accident

    Staff Sgt. Donovan Whitehurst, 27, was killed Oct. 14 when his vehicle crashed into a dirt embankment at the Outer Banks Speedway in Creswell, N.C.According to a base spokesman, Sergeant Whitehurst worked as a dispatcher for the 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base,

  • A-10 upgrade effort transforms Warthog capabilities

    The A-10 Thunderbolt II, also nicknamed the Warthog, is sharpening its teeth with a $168 million upgrade effort for the entire fleet. Managed by the 642nd Aeronautical Systems Squadron at Aeronautical Systems Center here, the A/OA-10 is in the early stages of a five-year upgrade for all 356

  • AFRL awards $6.4 million contract to HNC Software

    The Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate has awarded a $6,462,270 contract to HNC Software LLC, Advanced Technologies Group, of San Diego for research to improve the capabilities of U.S. intelligence analysts around the world. Under the 52-month award, HNC will develop, test,

  • Ellsworth energy team saves money, earns award

    A five-person Ellsworth AFB team saved the base $470,000 in total energy costs for fiscal 2005 and received a 2006 Federal Energy and Water Management Award Oct. 5 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. This U.S. Department of Energy award recognizes the annual achievements in the category

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 17

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 17.In Afghanistan Oct. 16, Navy F/A-18 Hornets conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Band-e Kajaki. The F/A-18s expended Guided Bomb Unit-12s on enemy targets. Navy F/A-18s provided close-air support

  • Team makes breakthrough in hypersonic research

    An Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate science and engineering team has made a significant breakthrough in its hypersonic computational research, which could lead to new warhead technologies. Funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research here, the team is studying the

  • Energy, water efficiency earn Air Force bases awards

    Saving energy and money, while helping the environment, earned the Air Force several Federal Energy and Water Management Awards for 2006. The awards, sponsored by the Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program, are given annually to recognize outstanding contributions toward increased

  • DOD to resume anthrax vaccinations

    The Department of Defense announced Oct. 16 a resumption of the mandatory Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program (AVIP) for military members, emergency-essential DOD civilians and contractors, based on defined geographic areas or roles. For the most part, mandatory vaccinations are limited to military

  • AMC declares C-130J operational

    Air Mobility Command officials declared Initial Operational Capability for the C-130J, the Air Force's premier intratheater airlifter. The October declaration is the result of an extensive effort by the total force team to meet specific IOC criteria.Some of the specific requirements for the C-130J

  • Airman killed during combat operations in Iraq

    Airman First Class Leebernard E. Chavis, assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, was killed by enemy gunfire Oct. 14 in the vicinity of Baghdad, Iraq. Airman Chavis, age 21, was performing duties as a member of a U.S. military police training team supporting Iraqi police at the

  • CENTAF airpower summary for Oct. 16

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 16. In Afghanistan Oct. 15, French Mirage 2000Ds and an Air Force B1-B Lancer provided close air support to International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Gangikhel. The

  • CENTAF airpower summary for Oct. 15

    In Afghanistan Oct. 14, Navy F/A-18Cs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Band-e Kajaki. The F/A-18Cs dropped a Guided Bomb Unit-38 and GBU-12s on enemy positions. A B-1B Lancer provided close-air support to

  • President, military leaders dedicate Air Force Memorial

    On behalf of a grateful nation, the president of the United States accepted the Air Force Memorial in a dedication ceremony here attended by military leaders of the past and present, political and business representatives and thousands of ordinary citizens and Airmen alike. "A Soldier can walk the

  • CENTAF airpower summary for Oct. 14

    In Afghanistan Oct. 13, U.S. Navy F/A-18s provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support to ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Anbar Tappeh.

  • Air Force Memorial: Former Airman contributes to dedication

    The Air Force has always played a large part in Douglas Landgraf's life. So, he sees it as only fitting that he is now playing an important role in the dedication of the Air Force Memorial. Mr. Landgraf served 11 years as an active duty Airman and he now works as an aircraft mechanic and ramp

  • Air Force Memorial: Inspiration leads to future success

    The Air Force Memorial was designed by the Air Force Memorial Foundation to represent different things to different people. For Staff Sgt. Paul Piper, it's simple inspiration. The sergeant can remember in the eighth grade when he was first inspired to serve his country during a visit to the D.C.

  • HARM targeting system ready ahead of schedule

    The delivery of 15 Revision-7 pods in September to the Air Combat Command by the 693rd Armament Systems Squadron's High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile Targeting System Program is more than two months ahead of Raytheon's contract requirement date. The pod is mounted to the side of an F-16 aircraft and

  • Logistics officers given challenge at conference

    The commander of the Air Force Materiel Command took the stage at the Logistics Officer Association National Conference Oct. 10 to tell 1,350 logistics officers to get lean and expect to be in a long war.Gen. Bruce Carlson gave the officers an overview of the enemy and how it exploits Islam and uses

  • Air Force Memorial: Airman keeps dedication VIPs safe

    In an average day, an Airman will do his or her part to make sure the mission is accomplished. For Staff Sgt. Joseph O'Donnell, the average day could mean saving the president's life. As a member of the Protective Services unit of the 316th Security Forces Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.,

  • Patriot battalion arrives at Kadena

    The arrival of Soldiers, equipment and vehicles here over the last two weeks pave the way for the first deployment of a Patriot Advanced Capability 3, or PAC-3, battalion to the island. The 1-1 Air Defense Artillery Battalion, commanded by Army Lt. Col. Matthew Michaelson, moved here from Fort

  • Air Force Memorial: Sergeant brings spirit of volunteerism to dedication

    Volunteering is a large part of Tech. Sgt. Donald Jones' job. "It just comes with the territory," he said. He works as the executive assistant to the Air Force District of Washington, D.C.'s command chief, and he's learned that what he doesn't volunteer for himself, he will eventually find himself

  • America Soars on Air Force Wings

    The United States of America depends on its Air Force to defend the population, deliver global effects and jointly accomplish national objectives to an extent unseen in the history of mankind. In my 35 years of service, many things have changed. Yet, what has remained constant is the extraordinary

  • AF Memorial: Leadership always at head of the bus

    To lead by example is a critical component of leadership and especially important to 1st Lt. Shaenan Jett who joined the Air Force three years ago for the leadership opportunities. The vehicle operations assistant flight commander with the 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron on Andrews Air Force

  • ACC assists maintainers with AFSO 21

    Moody AFB officials recently welcomed a delegation of Air Combat Command facilitators for a five-day Rapid Improvement Event to assist the base with its Air Force Smart Operations 21 initiatives. The visit was designed to assist maintenance leadership on procedures that can save the Air Force time

  • Reservist gets 'fit to fight'

    An Air Force reservist at Tinker AFB is taking the charge to be "Fit to Fight" seriously. Master Sgt. Matt Thomas, a jet engine mechanic for the 513th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, has used the program to get himself not only fit, but also into outstanding health as well. In 14 months, Sergeant

  • New era in flight training begins Oct. 13

    Air Education and Training Command officials formally usher in a new era in flying training when Initial Flight Screening operations begin at Pueblo Memorial Airport Oct. 13 as the first students report for the class. The Initial Flight Screening program evaluates candidates hoping to enter Air

  • AF Memorial: Opportunity name of the game

    When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity came around the corner, Staff Sgt. Ashanta Gamble jumped to do her part for the Air Force. Coordinating the Pentagon and Federal Aviation Administration approvals for the aircraft flying during the Air Force Memorial Dedication ceremony and Air Force Open House

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 13

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 13. In Afghanistan Oct. 12, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in

  • Red Flag kicks off at Nellis

    Nearly 60 aircraft and nine units, supported by 1,000 Airmen from across the United States and Belgium are taking part in the first Red Flag exercise of fiscal 2007, which began Oct. 10 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The exercise that runs until Oct. 20 tests aircrews' warfighting skills in

  • Navy officer leads AF squadron; celebrates Navy birthday

    Oct. 13, 1775, holds a special meaning for the nation; it was the date the Continental Congress authorized the procurement, fitting out, manning and dispatch of two armed vessels to cruise in search of munitions ships supplying the British Army in America. This Oct. 13, the Navy's birthday will be

  • Memorial dedication to launch AF's 60th Anniversary observance

    The nation's youngest military service kicks off its 60th anniversary observance this weekend with the official dedication of the Air Force Memorial at Arlington, Va. The memorial, composed of three bold and graceful spires soaring skyward to a height of 270 feet, will be dedicated and given to the

  • Air Force focused on three priorities

    Amidst fighting the war on terrorism, the Air Force remains focused on its top three priorities. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said the Air Force is concerned primarily with fighting and winning the long war against global terrorism and militant extremism, taking care of our

  • Bases awarded federal money to combat underage drinking

    To combat underage drinking, five Air Force bases have been selected to receive a total of more than $1 million from the Department of Justice. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Luke AFB in Arizona, Malmstrom AFB, Mont., Hickam AFB, Hawaii, and Beale AFB, Calif., were selected to receive the grants

  • NORTHCOM officials reacted immediately to NYC aircraft Incident

    When Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating first heard that a plane had hit a high-rise building in New York Oct. 11, his first thought was: "Let us get busy as quickly as we know how to make sure it's not another 9/11." Admiral Keating, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. 

  • San Antonio hospitals team for military PTSD study

    A proposed pilot investigation linking three of San Antonio's military research hubs is slated to treat and study servicemembers with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The Prolonged Exposure for Combat-Related Stress Disorders study links Wilford Hall Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 12 and monthly airpower overview

    In Afghanistan Oct. 11, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Lwara Dasta. The F/A-18s expended a guided bomb unit-12 on an enemy position. Navy F/A-18s and Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt

  • RED HORSE breaks ground on new training field

    Airmen broke ground on the Northwest Field Expeditionary Training Campus here Oct. 11. The 554th Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operations Repair Squadron Engineers will accomplish $20 million in construction over the next five years. "Right now we are only 74 strong, but we'll have our full

  • Air Force members earn Department of Energy awards

    Saving energy and money while helping the environment earned the Air Force several Federal Energy and Water Management Awards.The awards, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program, are given annually to recognize outstanding contributions toward increased energy

  • NORAD fighters on alert over U.S. and Canada

    Within minutes of a small aircraft crashing into a New York apartment building, military fighter aircraft were flying over cities in the United States and Canada. However, "every indication is that this was an accident," North American Aerospace Defense Command officials stated in an official

  • Guard has banner year for recruiting, retention

    The National Guard recruited 19,000 more citizen-Soldiers and Airmen in 2006 than it did during the previous year and exceeded its retention goals by record numbers, Guard officials reported in early October. Concerted efforts to recruit new people into the Army and Air National Guard during the war

  • Nighthawk achieves 100 percent mission capable

    The F-117 Nighthawk recently hit its 25th anniversary and is still achieving great accomplishments. From Sept. 28 to Oct. 1, the entire F-117 fleet at Holloman AFB was 100 percent mission capable. "It is unusual for a fleet of any size to go to 100 percent mission capable," said Col. Gary Bryson,

  • 4 Lakenheath Airmen injured in car crash

    Four NCOs are in serious or critical condition after their car slammed into a tree in a village near Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. Injured in the Oct. 7 crash were:Tech. Sgt. Michael Schoenly of the 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron,Tech. Sgt. Will Stimpson of the 56th Rescue Squadron, Tech.

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 11

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 11.In Afghanistan Oct. 10, Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The F/A-18s expended guided

  • Academy cadet named MWC runner of the week

    Air Force Academy sophomore Scott Balcao was named the Mountain West Conference men's cross country athlete of the week, league officials announced Oct. 10. Balcao, from Stockton, Calif., was the first Falcon to cross the finish line at the Fort Hays State Tiger Invitational Oct. 7, leading Air

  • MUTES trains deployed electronic warfare officers

    Deployed Guardsmen from the 266th Range Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, are helping B-52 Stratofortress electronic warfare officers quickly identify potential aircraft threats at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of the Air Force's continuous bomber presence in the Pacific. The

  • DeBerry in contention for coach of the year award

    Air Force Academy head football coach Fisher DeBerry is in contention for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award, given annually to the college football coach who best exemplifies responsibility and excellence on and off the field. Coach DeBerry is in his 23rd season at the academy, and is the

  • Outstanding enlisted aircrew members announced for 2005

    The recipients of the 2005 Staff Sgt. Henry E. "Red" Erwin Award for the outstanding enlisted aircrew members of the year have been announced. The awards recognize career enlisted aviators for outstanding job accomplishments, demonstration of leadership and sustained self-improvements in support of

  • Gallery highlights Cold War, development of space

    The Air Force's key role in Soviet containment and strategic deterrence during the Cold War, along with its historical role in the development of space, is now highlighted in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force's Missile and Space Gallery here. Resembling a missile silo in its award-winning

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 10

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 10.In Afghanistan Oct. 9, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Garmsir. The B-1B expended guided

  • 'Spirit of McChord' gives Canadians a lift

    Normally they move people, humanitarian supplies, troop rations and equipment, but Airmen with the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron's Detachment 1 here were tasked Oct. 7 to move different equipment -- several 30-foot, 100,000 pound Canadian tanks.The C-17 Globemaster III "Spirit of McChord" and

  • Cleanup program on fast track

    When Andrews Air Force Base, Md., was placed on the Environmental Protection Agency's National Priorities List of contaminated sites in 1999, environmental restoration program managers estimated it would take until 2014 and millions of dollars to remedy the sites.With 23 sites and 10 areas of

  • Deployed B-52 maintainers achieve perfect record

    Since deploying here, B-52 Stratofortress maintainers with the 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron have achieved a 100-percent mission effectiveness-rate and 100-percent weapons-release rate for every sortie flown during September. The percentages reflect almost 50 sorties, accumulating

  • Land mobile radio team doubles the distance

    "Ground-to-air communication is critical to the success of any flying mission," said Master Sgt. Francis A. Scott, NCO in charge of the 379th Expeditionary Communications Squadron land mobile radio team. "When we found out the Singaporean Air Force wasn't communicating directly with its aircrew

  • Deployment presents challenge for firefighters

    The sandy desert terrain and base infrastructures in Southwest Asia pose new challenges to Airman 1st Class Eric Theer, a firefighter deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif. "I'm used to fighting grass fires back home," said the 20-year-old Airman assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Civil

  • Joint system training enhance situational awareness

    Airmen operating the global command and control system here are providing combatant commanders a visual map of servicemembers on the battlefield via satellite."Basically, you can view everything in the (area of responsibility)," said Staff Sgt. Michael Harvell, an instructor for the system. "You

  • CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Oct. 7 and 8

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 7 and 8 Oct. 7 In Afghanistan Oct. 6, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers conducted strikes against enemy forces near Now Zad. The GR-7s expended a general-purpose 500-pound bomb on an enemy position. An Air Force B-1B

  • Navy sinks Air Force's return to dominance, 24-17

    The Air Force football team learned a painful lesson Oct. 7 from service academy rival Navy: the Falcons' preseason team motto, "Return to Dominance," will be easier said than done. In the process, the coveted Commander-In-Chief's Trophy, symbolic of interservice football supremacy, will belong to

  • Sergeant soars to greater heights

    Standing a towering 6 feet 11 inches tall, the sergeant is closer to the clouds than the average person, but today he soars to even greater heights. Staff Sgt. Bill Manus an electronic warfare journeyman with the New Mexico Air National Guard's 150th Fighter Wing, pilots his hot-air balloon today

  • Army Air Corps weatherman honored for D-Day contributions

    A former member of the Army Air Corps was honored here Oct. 6 by members of the Air Force weather community for his contributions to the World War II D-Day invasion. Dr. Eugene Levine was 18 years old when he was drafted into the Army. During his time with the Army, Dr. Levine served as a combat