Thrift Savings Plan provides retirement nest eggs

About 614,000 servicemembers are saving for retirement in the federal Thrift Savings Program, which was opened to military members in 2002, a senior Pentagon official here said March 19. The TSP, explained Chuck Witschonke, assistant director of military compensation for economic analysis, is a U.S.

Deterrence still key to national security, general says

Deterrence remains as central to America's national security as it was during the Cold War, U.S. Strategic Command's top officer told the Senate Armed Services Committee March 19. "Our unique global perspective has given us a good platform for advocating for the nation's needs for missile defense;

Top doctor: Medical infrastructure affects readiness

The more than 1,000 major facilities that make up the Defense Department's medical infrastructure are key strategic national assets, the department's top medical official told Congress March 18 here. Dr. S. Ward Casscells, the assistant Defense secretary for health affairs, told the House Armed

Explosive ordnance disposal chosen Air Force Team of Year

Officials from the Air Force and the Air Force Association named explosive ordnance disposal as the 2009 Team of the Year March 20 here. Each year, the AFA, working with major command-level command chief master sergeants and the Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, selects a

March 19 airpower summary: B-1B destroys enemy positions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-15E Strike Eagles

B-2 aircrew participates in exercise in Pacific

Airmen aboard a B-2 Spirit tested their endurance in a 24-hour, 8,000-mile mission to Alaska and back to Guam March 12 in an exercise showcasing U.S. commitment to peace and stability throughout the Pacific region. Four B-2s and 270 Airmen from the 13th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron are deployed to

Sniper pod improves capabilities, lethality of B-1

The B-1 Lancer, one of the most versatile aircraft in the Air Force arsenal, is now even more lethal. This lethality is not due to bigger bombs in its bomb bay, but to a small torpedo-shaped pod stuck to the plane's underbelly. Called the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod, this device enables the B-1's

Osan exercise optimizes communication between forces

More than 2,000 Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors participating jointly with South Korean air force members in Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle in mid-March here have learned the key to success is communication.Despite some language barriers, the key players smoothly conduct the air and space

Patriot 7 course combines ISR with mission

Troops on the frontlines are armed with pistols, rifles and grenades, but their most potent weapons might actually be flying overhead. A course called Patriot 7 trains people to use intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tools at the tactical level to be successful at their mission.

Navy-led Arctic Care team returns to Western Alaska

Personnel here were part of a team that participated in a joint Air Force, Army and Navy medical and dental exercise in 11 of Western Alaska's most remote villages March 6 through 15.The purpose of  the exercise, the 15th annual Operation Arctic Care, was to enable medical personnel to operate in a

Manas KC-135s revolutionize combat operations

The 376th Air Expeditionary Wing's fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers here delivers more than fuel to the fight in Afghanistan these days as it is revolutionizing the way war is fought by serving as a data network relay high above the battlefield. At first glance, the cluster of cases mounted in the back

Pay incentives help military avoid nursing shortage

Army, Navy and Air Force nurse corps members are highly trained, capable and critical to the wartime mission of each service, the corps' leaders told a congressional committee this week here. The Senate Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee heard testimony March 18 from the services'

Just the right fit

Stimulus package to aid Airmen

Improvements in dormitories, child development centers and energy conservation plans will come to fruition as the Air Force receives about $1.7 billion in Defense-related appropriations through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, military finance officials said. "The Air Force fully supports

Joint training exercise strengthens AF, civilian partnerships

Law enforcement officials from Lexington, Mass., teamed up with 66th Security Forces Squadron personnel here March 16 for a joint training exercise conducted by members of the Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations team, otherwise known as STOP. The training combined classroom

AAFES officials ask shoppers to make a scene

Aspiring filmmakers in the military community have the chance to flex their creative muscle and play a part in "It's My Benefit 2," the sequel to the Army and Air Force Exchange Service's inaugural 2008 video contest. With a theme of "Rediscover the Values of AAFES," this year's contest is looking

'Today's Air Force' features joint warfighting

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the importance of joint warfighting and the building of a joint force. Also featured is Operation Arctic Care 2009 which takes place in Alaska and brings much needed medical care for local villagers. The Air Force's newest fighter, the F-22 Raptor, is

National Guard Airmen augment Misawa maintenance

Thirty-one Air National Guard Airmen volunteered to leave the United States in late February to help members of the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here recover and maintain F-16 Fighting Falcons returning from Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Members of the 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, who returned

March 20 airpower summary: Tankers fuel the fight

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations March 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a Hellfire

March 21 airpower summary: F-15Es target anti-Afghan forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations March 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and A-10 Thunderbolt

Airmen help aircrews return if all goes awry

When Staff Sgt. Eric Zwoll presents his briefing, aircrew members preparing for a mission listen carefully because they know if a mission goes awry then their lives will depend on his every word. Sergeant Zwoll is one of a handful of survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists here who

Airmen provide medical, dental care in Thailand

Members from medical groups all over the Pacific Air Forces teamed up with Thai and Singaporean dental and optometry teams to dedicate their time and skills setting up a make-shift clinic at the Barr Lum Nong Kaew, a village grade school here.  "We're treating those who are in need and might not

ISR operations: 'Eye in the sky'

"Complete adaptation to environment means death. The essential point in all response is the desire to control environment." These words from the American philosopher and reformer John Dewey make the point that as conditions change, one must not simply adapt to them, but instead endeavor to control

Mail must be addressed to specific servicemembers

A recent increase in mail addressed to "Any Servicemember" has prompted the Military Postal Service Agency to remind the general public not to send mail or care packages addressed in such a manner. "Mail to 'Any Servicemember/Any Wounded-Recovering Warrior,' deposited into a collection box and

'One Voice' coordinates Air Force positions on joint and interagency issues

Air Force officials recently announced the establishment of a new Headquarters Air Force capability devoted to providing Air Force leaders with coordinated Air Force positions for use in communicating with non-Air Force entities. This new capability is called "One Voice." "Each day, members of the

Air Force 'Switching Seats' with NASCAR campaign

The Air Force, along with its contract advertising agency GSD&M Idea City, launches the multimedia marketing campaign "Switching Seats" March 23 in support of its NASCAR partnership. The campaign centers on the parallels between Air Force and NASCAR high-performance jobs, and focuses on No. 43

SOS 'blends' training model incorporating new technology

Academic and military researchers are introducing and proposing new approaches on leadership and teamwork training at the Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Officials with Air Education and Training Command, the sponsor organization, partnered with researchers at the University

Senior leaders meet for high-level 'Warfighter Talks'

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Air Force leadership hosted Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead and senior naval leaders for the Navy-Air Force Warfighter Talks March 18 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. About 35 flag and general officers from both services gathered for a

Senior leaders speak out on diversity, equal opportunity

Officials in the Air Force Equal Opportunity Office and the Strategic Diversity Integration Office joined forces to produce a video that demonstrates the commitment of senior Air Force leaders to diversity and equal opportunity programs. In the video titled "Diversity and Equal Opportunity in Our

Total force keeps air mobility in the fight

Airmen of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve have sustained the hub for directing global airlift, air refueling and aeromedical evacuation operations since the onset of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom here.The 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center manages a daily average of 900

American servicemembers provide battlefield forensics

When an improvised explosive device is detected, most people run and take cover but the weapons intelligence team here heads to the site to start the crime scene investigation. The Airmen, Soldiers and Sailor of the weapons intelligence team provide counter IED intelligence through collection,

March 22 airpower summary: A-10s hit targets

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15Es blew up a cave being used by

Airmen train Iraqi maintainers

Two maintenance Airmen took three Iraqi air force members from here to Camp Taji, Iraq, March 24 to help fix one of Iraq's C-130s In an attempt to help members of the Iraqi air force better cross utilize their resources and assets. Technical Sergeants Jim Grifasi and Bobby McKenzie, advisers with

Lackland conservation efforts equal big rebate

Lackland Air Force Base officials received the largest rebate ever awarded by CPS Energy March 17 here after creating a win-win situation for the base and the city-owned utility company. Brigadier Gen. Leonard A. "Len" Patrick, the 37th Training Wing commander, received a rebate check for

March 23 airpower summary: C-130s provide support

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles bombarded an anti-Afghan

Equal opportunity crosses service lines

Equal opportunity advisers from the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command and surrounding Army units here are currently hosting their quarterly Equal Opportunity Leader's Course here. The classroom is filled by more than 40 Soldiers from across Iraq with one exception: Master Sgt. Joe Newton, the

Push-Pull to test real-world Air Force capabilities

Push-Pull 2009 may sound like a new type of fitness regimen to some, but to about 150 regular Air Force retirees it will be a mobilization exercise of a different kind April 6 through 10 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The Push-Pull 2009 exercise is designed to exercise and evaluate mobilization

Feeding the force

Innovative brain therapies offer hope to injured troops

Innovative therapies that have assisted previously comatose patients regain consciousness may be incorporated on a greater scale to treat troops diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries, a brain injury expert said here March 23. Dr. Philip A. DeFina, chief executive and scientific officer at the

Environmental symposium held in St. Louis

More than 1,000 Airmen, Air Force civilians and personnel from other government agencies from all over the world gathered for the annual Environmental, Safety and Operational Health Symposium March 9 through 13 in St. Louis. Started in 1993, the symposium features more than 500 classes tailored to

Airmen simplify with AFSO 21

Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century is enabling some Kadena Airmen to spend more time with family rather than extra hours on the job. The intent of AFSO 21 is to improve operations by simplifying processes, some of which may already be in place. Additionally, it aims to generate

379th Airmen host Navy F/A-18s

Airmen with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing recently played host to Sailors from the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt who were participating in Exercise Eastern Angler. The bilateral coalition exercise consisted of five days of flying operations, giving the Navy F/A-18 Hornet pilots a chance to train with

Airman's Roll Call: Stimulus package to aid Airmen

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the $1.7 billion in Defense-related appropriations through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and what effect it will have on the Air Force.With a focus on Airmen care, families and environmental stewardship, the Air Force's portion of the stimulus

Servicemembers teaching others while deployed

Education is something the military encourages servicemembers to seek whenever they can, as long as it doesn't interfere with the mission. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get university teachers to deployed areas, but that's where certain deployed personnel, all of whom have at least one

NCOs selected for Enlisted-to-AFIT program

Air Force officials selected nine enlisted Airmen to continue their education through the Enlisted-to-Air Force Institute of Technology Graduate Degree Program. "The Air Force has a strong tradition of valuing education," said Lt. Col. Douglas Wall, Air Force Personnel Center's chief of

Airmen destroy Iraqi weapons for base security

Approximately 30 Iraqi weapons were destroyed here March 18 to enhance base security, including many AK-47s; a Browning 9 mm pistol; a World War II-era .50 caliber anti-aircraft gun; an RPG 5 and 7; 61 mm and 81 mm mortars; and a 122 mm howitzer artillery piece. "We destroy these weapons, so the

Intel system gains warfighting role

Whether fighting the flames of California wildfires or detecting floating threats off coasts, officials from the 950th Electronic System Group are using a key imagery collection system known as Eagle Vision to transition victories from homeland defense into capabilities for warfighters use around

C-17 arrives in New Zealand

A C-17 Globemaster III crew of 14 from the 517th Airlift Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, arrived here March 18 for the 2009 Whenuapai Air Show. This is the first time since 1981 that a U. S. asset is participating in the yearly event, which began March 21, said U. S. Navy Chief Warrant

Airmen dedicate time, energy to flood preparations

Emergency preparations began when Govs. John Hoeven, North Dakota, and Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota, declared a state of emergency in the Red River Valley recently after waters began rising at a record rate. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds began working around the clock to mitigate flood damage

F-22 crashes in California

An Air Force F-22 Raptor from Edwards Air Force Base crashed about 10 a.m. March 25 approximately 35 miles northeast of the base.  The condition of the pilot is unknown at this time. The aircraft was on a test mission at the time of the accident. A board of officers will investigate the accident. As

Career enlisted aviator positions open

The Air Force has immediate openings for in-flight refueling specialists, flight engineers, loadmasters, airborne mission systems specialists, airborne operations specialists, flight attendants and aerial gunners. First term Airmen who have completed half of their initial enlistment may apply for an

Airmen demonstrate unmanned aircraft not merely 'drones'

The door to the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron features a drawing of an MQ-1 Predator armed with Hellfire missiles underscored with the words "We're not drones - we fire back." Often referred to by reporters as "drones," unmanned aircraft like the MQ-1 Predator and RQ-4 Global Hawk are

F-22 crash claims life of Edwards pilot

An Air Force F-22 Raptor crash March 25 near here claimed the life of an Air Force veteran and Lockheed Martin test pilot. David Cooley, 49, of Palmdale, Calif., died when the F-22 he was piloting crashed northeast of the base here. Mr. Cooley worked as a test pilot with Lockheed Martin, and was

Minot Airmen render aid to flood efforts

Eight Airmen on two UH-1N Huey helicopters loaded with rescue equipment here deployed March 25 to support state authorities in flood efforts in Bismarck, N.D, after President Barack Obama declared the state a federal disaster area. An ice jam north of Bismarck broke, which sent flood waters from the

AFPC automates notifications for probationary periods

In AFPC's ongoing effort to improve consistency and efficiency across the Air Force, supervisors will now receive an e-mail notification when one of their civilian employees is within 90 days of completing a probationary period. New employees and new supervisors serve an established probationary

Space operations units assume control of new GPS satellite

The 2nd and 19th Space Operations Squadrons here assumed control of the Air Force's newest GPS satellite shortly after its launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., March 24. The satellite, named GPS IIR-20(M), is the 34th satellite in the GPS constellation, which provides precise

Yokota lab earns prestigious accreditation

You're in good hands when it comes to the service provided by the 374th Medical Group clinical laboratory, and they have the paper to prove it. The College of American Pathologists awarded an accreditation, based on a recent on-site inspection, to the medical group laboratory. The lab, noted for

Course trains intelligence analysts in ground operations

Air Force intelligence analysts have been trained to focus on air threats since they first entered the service. There's now a need for them to be trained to provide support for world-wide ground combat and force protection operations. The Air Force Force Protection Intelligence Formal Training Unit

Changes make Letter of Evaluation more effective

The Air Force Personnel Center recently introduced several changes to Air Force Form 77, Letter of Evaluation, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve and refine its processes.Some of the specific improvements included upgrading the form's layout and usability, creating dropdown boxes to eliminate

Fire muster challenges Airmen

Airmen and Soldiers were put to the test in the air and space expeditionary force rotation 7/8 fire muster March 21 here. A fire muster is a fire department competition consisting of several different events from a dummy drag, putting out a "fire" using a bucket brigade, rolling up a hose, and

March 25 airpower summary: B-1B protects coalition forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s

March 24 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18-E and -F Super Hornets carried out shows of

March 26 airpower summary: F-16s provide cover

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft employed a guided bomb unit-12 and

Amputee pilot completes third deployment

What sets Maj. Alan Brown apart from other Airmen in the gym at Bagram Airfield's Camp Cunningham isn't his workout routine, it's his right leg. "When people see me in shorts at the gym there's definitely a pattern," said the 42-year-old mobility pilot of Pine Bluffs, Wyo. "They glance at my eyes,

2 AF units named top supporters of minority institutions

The Air Force Research Laboratory and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research were named the 2009 Top Supporters of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and minority-serving institutions by U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine officials announced in mid-May. The deans of

Air Force officials deliver first C-130 to Polish military

American and Polish airmen delivered the first of five refurbished C-130E Hercules military transport planes and spare parts March 24 to the Polish air force at Powidz Air Base, Poland. "It's a great day for them to celebrate the arrival of the Hercules. It's vital to them being able to -- own their

Updated Professional Development Guide available online

The latest version of the Air Force Professional Development Guide is now available online for all Airmen. The 500 page, 30.8 MB document is of particular interest to enlisted Airmen in the ranks of staff sergeant through senior master sergeant who want to begin studying for their next promotion

Airmen poised to support humanitarian operations in N.D.

Air Mobility Command officials here are poised to support humanitarian relief operations in response to record-setting floods that have forced hundreds of North Dakota residents to evacuate their homes. The 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center staff -- AMC's hub for global airlift, air refueling and

Airmen provide show of force

The use of show of force is intended to warn or intimidate an opponent and to demonstrate capability or the will to act if provoked. For two female Airmen here the showing of force is more than just a term, it's a way of life. For Senior Airman Elizabeth Gonzalez and Staff Sgt. Vida Reveles, 447th

Spangdahlem Airmen to support Canadian troops

The Canadians are coming to Spangdahlem Air Base.Canadian officials accepted a U.S. Air Force offer to use the base as the springboard to support to its deployed troops throughout Southwest Asia. Under an agreement with close allies Germany and the U.S., Canada has begun to implement a plan to use

Advanced field hospital put to test in Puerto Rico

The earthquake and tsunami that struck here left a streaming mass of civilians requiring medical attention, and Arizona Air National Guard members flew here to render assistance. Or, at least, that's the scenario. In Exercise Vigilant Guard, Airmen from the 161st Medical Group of the Arizona

Servicemembers honored at annual USO-Metro gala

The United Services Organization honored military heroes with a black-tie gala at the Ritz-Carlton March 25 here. The Metropolitan Washington Annual Awards Dinner recognized 36 of the nation's 98 living Medal of Honor recipients and other battlefield heroes from each branch of service, including

March 27 airpower summary: F-15Es protects friendly ground forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations March 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a United Kingdom Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier

March 28 airpower summary: A-10s show coalition power

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations March 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a United Kingdom Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier

Revised 'Little Brown Book' now available

Air Force officials here recently revised Air Force instruction 36-2618, The Enlisted Force Structure, also known as "The Little Brown Book," and the electronic version is available now with hardcopies expected to be available in May. The guide has long been a staple of establishing expectations and

Minot Airmen continue North Dakota flood support

Two Air Force helicopters relocated from the Bismarck, N.D., flood area to Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., March 27 in support of flood relief efforts along the Red River. Officials from the 91st Missile Wing from Minot AFB sent two hoist-equipped UH-1N Hueys from the 54th Helicopter Squadron to

Air Force officials begin Phase II of NCO retraining program

Two deadlines are quickly approaching for Airmen identified for retraining under Phase II of the Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Retraining Program. These Airmen must submit a retraining request by April 6 and must also complete a retraining package by April 29 for the Air Force specialty code

Auxiliary officials play important role in North Dakota floods

Critical integration of efforts and resources from Air Force Auxiliary officials has helped the citizens of North Dakota during the recent flooding that hit that region in the past several days. The Air Force Auxiliary is the official federal aviation arm of the Civil Air Patrol that provides

Airmen get fallen warriors home

Two Services Airmen at this air base in Southwest Asia would probably be happier if they never had to complete their primary duties, but are honored to do them when they have to. As members of the 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron Mortuary Affairs Office and Readiness Office, Master Sgt.

AF officials announce new discrimination hotline number

The Air Force Discrimination Hotline has a new toll free number that will serve all active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian Airmen. The hotline number will ensure all unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment concerns are quickly identified and addressed. "The Air Force is committed to ensuring

ARPC officials announce captain, lieutenant promotions

Air Reserve Personnel Center officials here announced the second half of fiscal 2009 line and nonline captain and the second half of the fiscal 2009 first lieutenant promotions. There were 299 Air National Guard and 299 Air Force Reserve officers selected for promotion to captain, and 252 Air

AMC goes green with aircraft engine washes

Air Mobility Command bases are using a new aircraft engine wash system that's not only better for the plane, but also it is better for the environment. The EcoPower Engine Wash System is a system that uses atomized water, collects the effluent water and purifies it for recycled use. EcoPower

Scholarships available for chaplaincy students

In an effort to better provide spiritual care to Airmen, Air Force officials are offering scholarships for individuals who want to become service chaplains. The religious professional scholarship program is designed to help fill manning shortfalls within the chaplaincy for underrepresented faiths

Wilford Hall officials to participate in smoking cessation study

Air Force smokers who want to kick the habit may benefit from a smoking cessation study and program that will be conducted from Wilford Hall Medical Center here. The National Institutes of Health recently awarded a $3.6 million grant to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis to

6 states send troops to flood duty in North Dakota

Governors in six upper Midwestern states have sent more than 2,400 National Guard members and some much-needed equipment to help fight flooding for a second week in North Dakota. North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven said March 28 that his state continues to fight rising waters in Fargo and at other

C-17s invade Edwards sky

A Global Reach Combined Test Force test team recently conducted a special formation test with six C-17 Globemaster IIIs.  The aircraft were equipped with a formation flight system that enables the pilot to monitor and fly the aircraft in formation with other C-17s."The C-17 has a basic mission

Who you gonna call?

Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program reaches milestone

The advisory board of a new program mandated by the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act held its inaugural meeting here March 30. The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program fulfills the requirement of establishing a national combat veteran reintegration program. The program's goal is to prepare

Top Air Force leaders discuss top Air Force issues

Air Force senior leaders discussed key issues facing the service during Corona South March 27-28 at Bolling Air Force Base here. Corona meetings, hosted by the secretary of the Air Force and Air Force chief of staff, are held several times a year to bring together major command commanders, Air Staff

'Space as a contested environment' debuts

A new special area of emphasis, or SAE, titled "Space as a Contested Environment," was introduced by U.S. military officials here March 30 at the 25th National Space Symposium. SAEs are established by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff  to address topics of great importance to the joint

Command chief discusses Women's History Month

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe command chief talked to Royal Air Force Lakenheath Airmen about how women have played a large part in history, which is especially true in the military.Chief Master Sgt. Pamela Derrow visited RAF Lakenheath and spoke to base Airmen about the significance of Women's

Yokota Airmen train with Japanese police

Members of the 374th Security Forces Squadron here conducted a joint response training exercise with members of the Japanese National Police-Fussa Division March 26 here. Fussa officials came up with idea of a joint unexploded ordnance response and investigation exercise to educate new police

Airmen deliver clean water to island community

Airmen are on a mission to provide clean drinking water to the residents of Roi-Namur, an island approximately 3,900 kilometers southwest of Hawaii. Three Airmen from the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron from Kadena Air Base along with three Airmen from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, are at the second

March 29 airpower summary: Tankers refuel 199 aircraft

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations March 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets employed guided bomb

Airmen create control center to support N.D. flood operation

As the Federal Emergency Management Agency teams with the military to fight the Red River flood in North Dakota, Grand Forks Air Force Base officials continue to support the effort as the National Logistics Staging Area. Twenty-three aircraft, from the Army, Coast Guard, Army National Guard and

Red Flag-Alaska begins 2009 season

Approximately 1,400 U.S. and foreign participants will be arriving at Eielson and Elmendorf Air Force bases beginning April 13 to participate in Red Flag-Alaska 09-2, scheduled for April 16 to May 1. Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises for U.S.

Spangdahlem comm facility earns top award

Striving for excellence is standard for the people at the Global Information Grid facility here.  They have placed no lower than runner-up in the Europe Defense Information Systems Agency annual awards since 2001. They garnered a first place finish once again, capturing the DISA Outstanding GIG

VA secretary opens Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki opened the 23rd annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic here March 29, encouraging more than 400 participants he said had found their way "to the top of the mountain in search of miracles." "Thank you for your service. Thank you for your

Ukrainians, Danes, Americans resupply remote outpost

Thule Air Base was the scene of an historic event of multinational cooperation between three countries that less than 20 years ago glared at each other across the Cold War's Iron Curtain. American, Danish and Ukrainian air forces successfully completed Operation Brilliant Ice 2009 March 26 after

March 30 airpower summary: Predator strikes enemy forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and an MQ-1 Predator