HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Officials detail global posture realignment process

    The realignment of U.S. forces in the world will mirror the changing threats and be a result of a fundamental shift in national security, the DOD undersecretary for policy told the House Armed Services Committee on June 23.Douglas Feith said that the effort now under way thinks through how U.S.

  • UAV Battlelab stands up at Indian Springs

    Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field near here is entering a new era in providing unmanned aerial vehicle support to the combat air force.Currently the only installation with a fleet of operational remotely piloted aircraft, Indian Springs is now also the home of the Air Force’s Unmanned Aerial

  • Manpower, personnel functions merging

    Manpower, personnel, and education and training functions will merge and realign under mission support squadrons at installations throughout the Air Force beginning July 1."Manpower and personnel have been separate disciplines throughout the Air Force's history," said Col. Douglas V. Bell, Air

  • Airmen work to open own club

    A dozen Airmen here sacrificed a couple rare sunny days off to help renovate a facility geared toward young enlisted Airmen.The volunteers are working on a self-help project at the old community center, which will be the home of the new airmen’s club. The Airmen spent several hours June 19 and 20

  • Nature center brings children joy, education

    Sharon Batchelder said some days she feels like she works in a zoo.But she has a good reason. As a recreation aid at the Spalding Nature Center here, she spends her time working in the only Air Force facility that is home to snakes, rabbits, turtles, a variety of birds and even a couple of

  • NCOs help with air cover

    More than 200 noncommissioned officers are helping the Army by providing air cover for patrols protecting convoys, performing raids, responding to mortar and road attacks, and training Iraqis to provide their own security.They are part of a tactical air control party, which is a self-supporting team

  • ARPC call center improves customer service

    Beginning June 28, all toll-free calls to the Air Reserve Personnel Center here will be channeled through the customer call center, officials announced June 21.ARPC officials said the new step continues efforts to provide one-stop shopping to the more than 950,000 customers that they

  • Shop reorganizes, reduces maintenance-flow days

    Maintainers here are promising to cut nearly two months off Common Configuration Improvement Program efforts on Air Force fighter aircraft by rearranging work spaces and making the flow smoother.Program modifications are being done here to enhance the cockpit, avionics and combat capability of about

  • IMAX returns to Nellis for final shoot

    A production crew filming an IMAX movie on the Air Force returned here June 14 to 18 to continue work on the 43-minute action documentary about Red Flag exercises.Filming for the production began here in June 2003, and this is scheduled to be the crew’s last visit. Besides their initial visit,

  • Airmen attend Coast Guard academy

    For a few select senior noncommissioned officers, attending the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy in Petaluma, Calif., is an opportunity to embody the school’s motto, “Altus Tendo -- I Reach High.” It is also a chance to teach their classmates about the mission and expeditionary nature

  • C-5 workers take to sky

    A group of C-5 Galaxy production workers recently took to the sky to become more familiar with the huge aircraft they work on every day.The flight was the first of a series of familiarization flights maintenance officials have scheduled to show workers how important their jobs are.“The organization

  • Now showing: June 21 edition of AFTV News

    The last active-duty Airman who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, and his trip back to the country of his captivity highlights the June 21 edition of Air Force Television News. Tech. Sgt. Bill Scherer went along as Maj. Gen. Ed Mechenbier flew the famed “Hanoi Taxi” to the Vietnamese capital. The

  • Cadets get ‘constructive’ engineering experience

    Cadets exchange computers, backpacks and books for hard hats, lumber and a bulldozer when they sign up for a summer civil engineering course.The entry-level course takes place in the academy’s Jacks Valley at the field engineering and readiness laboratory. The five-week program acquaints 60 cadets

  • Mechanics finish six-year F-15 engine upgrades

    Jet engine mechanics have turned the final wrenches on a unique F-15 Eagle engine upgrade program here, saving the Air Force more than $100 million, officials said. For the last six years, more than 100 jet engine mechanics with the 18th Maintenance Group have been converting F-15 engines. They

  • Officials announce OTS selections

    Air Force officials here announced June 18 that 17 enlisted Airmen have been chosen to attend Officer Training School and trade their stripes for gold bars. Air Force Recruiting Service officials conducted OTS Selection Board 0405, which met here May 11 to 14. The board considered 392 applications,

  • Myers named ‘father of the year’

    Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has been named the 2004 National “Father of the Year” by the National Father’s Day Council.The award was presented in New York City on June 17.

  • Airmen survive terrorist attack by being fit to fight

    In the early morning hours of May 30, an Airman lay in a dusty maintenance room of a building in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, with a tourniquet around his arm, struggling to stay alive.The morning before, Lt. Col. James Broome III and a colleague, Lt. Col. Ed O’Neal, both assigned to the U.S. Military

  • T-ballers make a hit on White House lawn

    What could be better than playing Little League baseball on a pleasant Sunday afternoon where no score is kept, everyone on the team gets to bat and a good time is had by all? Playing at the White House in the company of the president and first lady, that's what. Representing the Air Force, 14

  • Project upgrades quality of life at Bagram

    Innovation and initiative by 455th Expeditionary Operations Group Airmen upgraded a temporary living area into a cheery, hospitable cyber café.“Our new café projects a welcoming feeling,” said Staff Sgt. Tina Ross, a services representative with the 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Squadron and

  • Laughlin Airmen get fit during 'adventures'

    “Are you fit to fight?” That is the question Air Force officials are asking Airmen these days, and it is the catch phrase for the new fitness focus.One squadron here upped the ante among its Airmen recently asking, “Are you fit to race?”More than 100 Airmen from the 86th Flying Training Squadron

  • Utility uniform feedback survey, PT gear coming

    The Air Force’s first physical training uniform will hit the street later this year, and a Web site for Airmen to provide feedback on the proposed utility uniform will be online July 1.Feedback on the proposed utility uniform has been excellent so far, but an Internet survey will give all Airmen a

  • Long-term care insurance still available

    Active-duty Airmen, some reservists, appropriated-fund civilian employees, retirees and qualified family members can still apply for the Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program.The program is a benefit authorized by Congress to help federal employees defray the costs of in-home care, nursing-home

  • Air Force family fights fire with generosity

    A first-term Airman from the 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here, her husband, and their two small children were left homeless when an unexplained fire destroyed everything in their base housing unit recently.Out of the ashes of this tragedy, however, rose an unexpected phoenix. The Vazquez's

  • DOD wasn't geared to internal threats Sept. 11, panel told

    National policy that geared the Defense Department toward external threats was part of the reason DOD officials could not do more to prevent some of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the 9-11 commission here today. "Our military posture on 9-11, by law,

  • Airmen keep deployed Soldiers healthy

    Being responsible for the healthy living environment of 60,000 Soldiers at eight different camps is no small job, but that is exactly what Airmen of the 2nd Preventive Medicine Team Air Force have been doing since mid-March.This team of nine enlisted and two officers has conducted more than 2,000

  • Bush speaks from MacDill

    With the transfer of sovereignty two weeks away, the future of a free Iraq is coming into view, President Bush told a worldwide military audience and servicemembers assembled at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., on June 16.U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command have their headquarters

  • Officials take second look at ‘code-C’ limitations

    Following a review of the new force-shaping policy, Air Force officials rescinded the enlisted date-of-separation rollback for Airmen with an assignment limitation code “C.”“The secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force decided we should take a harder look at code-C limitations, and the medical

  • New focus puts future training over the 'edge'

    Department of Defense servicemembers participating in Northern Edge '04 have a new focus this year, joint warfighter training, as well as a different focus in 2005, homeland defense.Pacific Command and Northern Command officials have agreed to share Alaska Command's premier joint exercise.In

  • Academy graduate named to academic all-American team

    A 2004 academy graduate was named to the Academic All-American At-Large Team by the College Sports Information Directors of America on June 15. Second Lt. Mike Polidor is the third hockey player from here to earn the honor in the past five years.Lieutenant Polidor, a goaltender from Imperial,

  • Morón keeps aircraft moving, projects expeditionary air power

    About halfway between the United States and the Middle East, the runway here was recently labeled by Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche as “the irreplaceable gateway” for aircraft, cargo and troops headed for central and Southwest Asia . U.S. Air Forces in Europe leaders visited here

  • Academy aircraft resume flight

    Officials here have directed academy aircraft back into service starting June 15. Flight operations here were suspended April 2 following a safety review. Since that time, numerous actions have been taken to resolve all concerns expressed by academy leaders. Major actions taken include a detailed

  • Web site explains National Security Personnel System

    Department of Defense officials launched a Web site to educate civilian employees about the new National Security Personnel System. NSPS will make changes in the way the department hires, pays, promotes, disciplines and fires civilian employees.The site is meant to help DOD employees understand the

  • Flag has been powerful symbol, rallying point

    It was not all that long ago that everyone seemed to be flying an American flag.In the days and weeks after the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, American flags sprouted from everywhere.At the World Trade Center site, New York firemen hoisted an American flag amid the rubble. At the

  • Airmen play ‘bad guys’ in Alaska

    Almost every military exercise needs "bad guys," and Airmen from the 390th Fighter Squadron are playing that role for Alaska Command's premiere joint training event, Northern Edge '04.More than 160 Department of Defense aircraft are involved in the exercise, including F-15 Eagles from the 390th FS

  • Reagan makes first, last flight in jet he ordered

    The blue-and-white presidential jet that brought the flag-draped coffin of former President Ronald Reagan to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on June 9 is an aircraft he ordered before he left office, but this was his first ride in it.President Reagan ordered two identical Boeing 747s to replace the

  • Airman, Scouts save lives

    Local Boy Scouts embarked on a whitewater canoe and kayak trip recently on nearby Chattooga River. Little did they know their recreational adventure was about to turn into a lifesaving rescue.At the end of their five-and-a-half-hour river ride, the Scouts were in the process of docking and packing

  • AMC musicians among those honoring President Reagan

    Four Airmen of the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America here will perform during a ceremony honoring former President Ronald Reagan at his presidential library and museum in Simi Valley, Calif., on June 11.President Reagan, 93, died June 5 from pneumonia after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

  • Airman carries his American flag everywhere

    When some people say they carry the American flag close to their heart, it is usually just a figure of speech.However, when one 455th Expeditionary Operations Group Airmen here said that, he meant it -- and he has the flag to prove it.“My grandfather gave me a 3-foot by 5-foot flag when I was 12,”

  • New technology worth its weight in chrome

    A powdered blend of tungsten carbide and cobalt used to coat jet engine parts, and new thermal-spray technology used to apply it are being tested by people at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center here.The powdered blend is emerging as the military’s best bet for replacing cancer-causing chrome,

  • Patient safety year-round process

    Although the National Patient Safety Foundation celebrates Patient Safety Awareness week in March, Air Force Medical Service officials take it on as a year-round process.“Delivery of safe and effective patient care hinges on the integration of a continuous process designed to detect, assess,

  • Upgrade brings resume writer offline

    People will be unable to complete or update online resumes for Air Force civilian employment June 18 to 26 because of a computer system upgrade.New job vacancies will not be posted during this time, and deadlines for those already posted will be extended. People will not be able to volunteer for

  • If you break it, they will come

    Outside, there is a simple, painted sign: “If you break it, we can make it.” Inside, there is an array of equipment, somewhat reminiscent of a high-school machine shop.On either side, the fabrication branch Airmen here have a vital mission: To fix or make the parts and tools needed to keep the

  • Airmen get direct flights into AOR

    Airmen assigned to Pacific Air Forces now have a dedicated flight to take them directly into U.S. Central Command theater when they leave to fill their air and space expeditionary force responsibilities.About 200 Airmen from Yokota and Kadena Air Bases in Japan took the first direct flight into the

  • Cadet’s court-martial ends with reprimand, fine

    The general court-martial of Cadet 3rd Class Douglas Meester ended June 8 with a guilty plea to three charges, and a sentence of a reprimand and fine of $2,000.Original charges were preferred against Cadet Meester on May 13, 2003, for violations of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. The

  • Total-force effort supplies OEF

    Every day, between 50 and 100 tons of equipment and supplies arrive here, flown in around the clock by a constant stream of cargo aircraft.Since this is a combat environment, getting the aircraft down, unloaded and quickly off the ground again is extremely important. Keeping that logistical

  • Combat exercise showcasing proposed uniform

    As the Air Force continues its wear test of the proposed new utility uniform, its sister services are getting a chance to get an up close and personal look at the uniform during exercise Northern Edge '04."There are a total of 90 Airmen on base participating in the wear test of the new blue, green

  • Air National Guard experiencing transformation process

    The Air National Guard has developed its own way of transforming its forces to meet “The Way Ahead” initiatives of Army Lt. Gen. Steven Blum, chief of the National Guard Bureau, and to remain relevant to the active Air Force.Air National Guard officials call it “Vanguard,” the long-range

  • Flexibility helps 497th CTS Airmen succeed in Singapore

    Col. John Rogers Jr. credits being able to “think outside the box” to the success of his Airmen who successfully perform their daily mission here. Colonel Rogers is commander of the 497th Combat Training Squadron, a 36-person group comprising the basic functional elements of a small-scale fighter

  • Servicemembers honor former commander in chief

    Servicemembers nationwide are working to honor a former commander in chief this week.The death of former President Ronald Reagan on June 5 set into motion a plan that will end up involving countless servicemembers from all the armed forces.As a past commander in chief, President Reagan is being

  • Jumper shares view on AEF cycle length extension

    The Air Force chief of staff announced the extension of the baseline for deployments from 90 to 120 days and the change of the air and space expeditionary force cycle from 15 months to 20 months. The changes will take place beginning with AEF Cycle 5 in September, said Gen. John P. Jumper in his

  • Now showing: June 7 edition of AFTV News

    The continued increase in an Air Force presence in the Pacific region spotlights the latest edition of Air Force Television News. Tech. Sgt. Rusty Barfield reports on the planned addition of a C-17 Globemaster III unit at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, that will complement a buildup of air and

  • Veterans reflect upon D-Day, turning tide of war

    They are known as “the greatest generation.” On D-Day, they proved it. Before dawn June 6, 1944, Airmen of the 398th Bombardment Group awoke to a day that would turn the tide of the war in Europe and end with 3,000 Americans dead. Like most in the Army Air Forces, 1st Lt. Ike Alhadeff trained for

  • June issue of Airman available

    Read about Airmen chasing Olympic dreams, learn about the Army Air Forces involvement in D-Day and take a look at how one base is working to create happy trails for tiny lizards. These features and more highlight the June issue of Airman magazine, now available in print and online at

  • Vehicle maintainers keep operations rolling

    The flightline here is a hive of activity as vehicles swarm about accomplishing various tasks: a jammer carries bombs here, a loader removes cargo from a C-17 Globemaster III over there.Should one of those vehicles break, it could have catastrophic consequences for the mission, so ensuring that does

  • America, France pay tribute to airborne heroes

    As the United States and France paid tribute to those killed in airborne operations during the Normandy invasion, everyone was brought close to tears and every person's chest swelled with pride here June 5.Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, saluted the World War II

  • Air Force expands space-A lodging window

    The Air Force Services Agency director here announced recently an expanded space-available reservation policy designed to maximize occupancy at lodging facilities.Under the new system, lodging officials can accept and confirm space-A lodging reservations up to 30 days in advance based on low

  • Standard AEF deployment length stretches to 120 days

    Most Airmen scheduled to deploy in upcoming air and space expeditionary force packages will see their orders expand from 90 to 120 days. The change in deployment length will begin with AEF cycle 5 in September. Those who deploy as part of AEF 1 and 2 should prepare for a 120-day deployment. Air

  • ‘Integration’ theme of JEFX 04 Spiral 3

    With the successful conclusion of Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment Spiral 3 recently, the stage is now set for the largest battle management command and control experiment ever.JEFX ‘04, the Air Force’s premier experimental venue for groundbreaking command and control technology and processes,

  • Commanders must lead efforts to combat sexual assaults

    The Air Force director of manpower and reserve affairs testified June 3 before Congress during a hearing on sexual-assault prevention and response within the armed forces.Michael Dominguez told members of the House Armed Service Committee total force subcommittee about efforts the service had made

  • ANG crew rescues climber from Nabesna Glacier

    When you are a pararescuemen with the Alaska Air National Guard’s 210th Rescue Squadron, a day at the office does not take on its usual meaning, and June 2 was no exception.The Rescue Coordination Center here was notified early that morning that a young woman with the National Outdoor Leadership

  • Keesler civilian makes music at home

    For most people, making music means strumming a guitar, playing a keyboard, drumming a beat or singing a song.When Fred McMichael makes music, he often makes the instrument himself. After creating more than 50 violins and 20 guitars in the past 30 years, he tackled his biggest challenge yet: a

  • New inspection tool saves time, money, environment

    Air Force officials here are implementing a new inspection device to be used on aging aircraft that will speed repair, return them to operations for improved mission readiness and save $18 million in the process.The new system, called multiaxis X-ray, or MAX, uses noninvasive technology to detect

  • Bush: 'We will take the fight to the enemy'

    President Bush refused to back down to terrorists, despite continued violence in Iraq just 28 days before the handover of power to an interim government. The United States and its allies would continue to "take the fight to the enemy," President Bush said in his commencement address to the U.S. Air

  • New procedures to speed overseas absentee balloting

    Absentee ballots from servicemembers overseas will move faster and with greater control for the 2004 elections, Department of Defense and U.S. Postal Service officials said June 2.Charles S. Abell, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, and Paul Vogel, the Postal

  • Air Force offers new incentive for South Korea duty

    Airmen who volunteer to extend their tours of duty in South Korea may be eligible for an extra $300 per month.The assignment incentive pay program is designed to reduce permanent-change-of-station requirements, encourage longer tours, provide further stability and improve readiness on the peninsula,

  • Technology connects sisters for promotion

    Ver and Josie Param were in for a surprise May 27 when they arrived at 3rd Air Force headquarters here to witness their youngest daughter’s promotion to captain. Moments before the ceremony began, 1st Lt. Joy Param, a 3rd Air Force intelligence officer, escorted her parents and brother, Vince, into

  • Bush dedicates memorial

    President Bush officially dedicated the National World War II Memorial on May 29 during a ceremony that featured more than 100,000 military veterans and guests."We will raise the American flag over this memorial that will stand as long as America itself," the president declared to the audience, many

  • DOD begins Tricare Retail Pharmacy

    Department of Defense officials announced that on June 1 the new Tricare Retail Pharmacy contract takes effect for Tricare beneficiaries located in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam.The contract has about 53,000 civilian pharmacies in the

  • Recruiting numbers decrease with force shaping

    Air Force recruiters will be searching for about 11,000 fewer people in fiscal 2005 as a result of the service’s force-shaping efforts, officials here announced May 28. Phase II of the Air Force’s force-shaping program calls for enlisted accessions to drop by about 11,000 to reach authorized end

  • Airmen train together during Commando Sling

    Airmen from the 36th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea, are here to train with Singaporean Airmen during exercise Commando Sling 04-3. The exercise runs until June 14 and provides a U.S. presence in Southeast Asia and realistic dissimilar aircraft air-to-air combat training for forces

  • June issue of Citizen Airman available

    The June issue of Citizen Airman, the official magazine of the Air Force Reserve, is now available in print and online at www.afrc.af.mil/HQ/citamn/. Extra Hands -- When a group of people is carrying a load and the weight increases, a few extra hands can help relieve some of the burden of the

  • Airmen give Nepalese disaster-response training

    A small country nestled between China and India, Nepal may be best known for Mount Everest.The Himalayas cover more than 80 percent of Nepal, presenting a challenge to mountain climbers and to the Nepalese in the event of a natural disaster.Nepal is predisposed to monsoons, earthquakes and

  • American, Korean engineers ‘cement’ friendship

    Two old friends got together on the flightline here recently, and the result is an expanded strategic airlift ramp that will significantly enhance current operations. It will also serve as a key enabler for a major airfield military construction, refurbishment and replacement project that will

  • Future total-force concept aims to increase combat capability

    Active-duty Airmen, guardsmen and reservists working together to support the Air Force mission in a war zone such as Iraq or Afghanistan is not unusual. However, in a concept being studied at the Air Warfare Center, Airmen from all components will work together supporting the Air Force's RQ/MQ-1

  • Guard officials stress physical fitness

    Qatar is not as hot in November and December as it is in July and August; but the 80- to 90-degree days and the 40-degree nights in that small desert land between Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf can raise havoc with people who are not physically fit.That is a lesson some Airmen of the New York Air

  • Falcons eliminated from baseball championships

    An eight-run first inning was more than enough for the University of New Mexico, as the second-seeded Lobos downed sixth-seeded Air Force Academy 23-2 here May 27. The loss eliminated the Falcons from the 2004 Mountain West Conference Baseball Championships ending their season with a 6-49

  • Air Force officials approve force shaping Phase II

    As personnel officials review the last remaining applications for retirement or separation under the force-shaping program, a more extensive second phase of the plan has begun.The new initiatives include expanded waivers for a number of programs including active-duty service commitments and

  • F-16 technology links allied nations' aircraft

    Warriors in future conflicts will see United States and coalition nations sharing more of the battlefield load thanks to U.S. and allied countries' F-16 Fighting Falcons getting an upgraded software program.The U.S. version of the software underwent large-force operational testing during a recent

  • Pro baseball player spends day as Airman

    Major League Baseball pitcher Al Leiter swapped his New York Mets uniform May 24 for an Air Force flight suit to become a boom operator here for a day.While here, the left-hander who has played in three World Series and has 146 career wins, learned the ropes of refueling from Senior Airman Chardo

  • New system saves money, manpower

    Air Force Materiel Command experts are replacing decades-old instrument landing systems at six locations with state-of-the-art equipment.The new systems will save money and manpower and allow quicker maintenance. They work off circuit cards and computers rather than tubes and older hardware

  • Air Force takes 5-3 win over BYU

    Sixth-seeded Air Force Academy advanced to the second day of the 2004 Mountain West Conference Baseball Championships after snapping a 34-game losing streak. A solid pitching performance from Clayton Couch clenched a 5-3 win over fourth-seeded Brigham Young University here May 26. Couch improved

  • Airmen ride to nation’s capital for Memorial Day

    Fifteen motorcyclists from here started a three-day road trip May 26 to participate in Memorial Day activities at the nation’s capital. The team will join thousands of other riders paying tribute at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. They will be part of the annual Memorial Day “Rolling Thunder”

  • Military, civilian medics join forces

    About 400 civilian and military medics joined together here recently for a high-level medical conference held by the Air National Guard’s medical service.The Readiness Frontiers Medical Conference explored, among other matters, the relationship between the civilian and military medical

  • Airmen help rural Thai preschool

    More than 12 Airmen from Kadena Air Base, Japan, helped a preschool near here May 19, offering supplies, building materials and a playground renovation.Airmen from the 353rd Special Operations Group arrived at the rural school, located 30 miles south of here, at about 10 a.m. They began

  • Airmen make drops in Thailand

    “Kanto 95, winds are light, you’re cleared to drop.” As the C-130 Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, rumbled overhead at 600 feet, the cargo was released and floated under a full canopy into a dormant rice paddy.Five people from the 353rd Operations Support Squadron’s

  • Airman makes children smile in Cambodia

    Children here have already figured out that if they stop by the hospital here in the afternoon, they are almost sure to be in for some type of treat. The first day it was coloring books. Then it was lollipops and high-fives. May 23 it was clothes. But while the handouts have been random, there is

  • Now showing: May 24 edition of AFTV News

    The affect of extended activations on Air Force reservists, Air National Guardsmen, their families and employers, spotlights the latest edition of Air Force Television News.Tech. Sgt. Bill Scherer travels to Pennsylvania to profile Jillian Mentkewicz, a senior airman in the Air Force Reserve who is

  • NCO loses leg, doesn’t miss a step

    He wishes he could be out on the flightline supporting the maintainers who work on F-117A Nighthawks, like he did before he lost his leg.With his right leg amputated below the knee and using a prosthetic, his stump is still not strong enough to allow him much time there.“I’m proud of my

  • Last Randolph T-38A simulator shut down

    After 26 years of training thousands of pilots, the last full-motion T-38A Talon simulators here was retired. The once state-of-the-art equipment is being replaced by virtual reality trainers designed to reproduce the cockpit of the new T-38C aircraft. Ron Hamada, now a training manager at the Air

  • Airmen, Iraqis dig up ancient site

    An ages-old mystery is being unearthed here thanks to some amateur archeologists serving with the 506th Air Expeditionary Group.Iraqi archeologists have determined the air base has at least one site with artifacts dating back to between 1200 B.C. and 2600 B.C., possibly predating the ancient

  • AF commercials begin filming

    Air Force officials want potential recruits to know “we’ve been waiting for you.”That is the message of four new commercials under production at various locations in California.In filming May 19, three Airmen from Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., floated for seven hours with the aid of cable

  • Three Airmen participate in dog-sled expedition

    It is one thing to appreciate the hardened life of the Inuit; it is another to actually live it. Three tenderfoot Airmen, 1st Lt. Lance Brenneke, Tech. Sgt. Dan Rea and Staff Sgt. Chris Knabe, got a taste of arctic frontier life while on a six-day dog-sledding expedition from Qaanaaq to Siorapaluk

  • AF family gives two Chernobyl children health, hope

    On April 26, 1986, the world’s worst nuclear power accident occurred at Chernobyl in the former Soviet Union, now the Ukraine.Plant workers noticed something drastically wrong with a reactor and began an emergency shutdown -- a procedure that only takes 20 seconds. Unfortunately, that was 13

  • Civilian guards tapped to control base gates

    People entering the gates at 11 Air Force bases are being greeted by some new faces. About 400 contracted civilian guards began providing entry controller services at selected active-duty bases May 18. The bases gaining civilian guards are Andrews Air Force Base, Md.; Bolling AFB, D.C.; Hill AFB,

  • Air Force wins women’s soccer championship

    The Air Force team won the 2004 Armed Forces Women’s Soccer Championship in a double round-robin championship at Fort Eustis, Va., May 8 to 15. The first game of the tournament saw the Army team defeat the Navy team, 3-1. The goal by the Navy team later proved decisive in determining the

  • Geocaching: ‘X’ marks the spot

    Pirates sailed the high seas looting ships and left the bounty for future treasure hunters: Indiana Jones, Lara Croft and geocachers. What do all these have in common? Well, if “X” marks the spot, then buried treasure is the answer. Techno junkies have reinvented the wheel with geocaching,

  • Airmen complete Marine Corps martial arts training

    Staff Sgt. Eric Earp does not necessarily consider himself athletic, but that did not keep him from completing a “grueling” weeklong Marine Corps martial arts training program. “I wanted to see if I could complete a Marine Corps program,” said Sergeant Earp of the 735th Expeditionary Communications

  • Yokota mail detachment is largest, busiest

    Detachment 2 of the Air Postal Squadron here operates the Air Force’s largest and busiest central mail processing activity. Its 48-person team of Airmen and local Japanese workers oversee the movement, sorting and distribution of more than 50 million pounds of mail annually.Det. 2 also has remote

  • Medics help with war stress

    Their stories and experiences are harrowing: improvised explosive devices and small-arms fire attacks, comrades killed and injured in action and near-death experiences. It is the unfortunate reality of a combat environment that many U.S. servicemembers are confronted with daily throughout Iraq.

  • Access to pay information gets easier

    Defense Finance and Accounting Service officials announced May 12 that Airmen can receive personal identification numbers for myPay through their official Air Force e-mail accounts.Airmen can expect to receive a new or updated PIN within two hours of requesting it on the myPay Web site.The e-mail