Veterans reflect on Veterans Day meaning

As Airmen around the world honor the service, dedication and sacrifices of veterans today, America's veterans are thankful. "We are all very grateful for our troops our seas," said retired-Maj. John Yingling. "I wish I had something more uplifting to say, but it's just that simple." Mr. Yingling is

Spangdahlem Airmen honor veterans

Despite the rainy weather and the chill in the air, men and women of all ages gathered at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial Nov. 11 to honor past and present military veterans during a Veterans Day ceremony. "Being here is a reminder of a generation of sacrifice to ensure the freedom of

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 11

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 11.In Afghanistan Nov. 10, an Air Force Predator conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The Predator expended Hellfire missiles on enemy targets.Air Force A-10 Thunderbolts and a B-1B Lancer

Three brothers complete Air Force basic training together

Three brothers from Fort Worth, Texas, will be "doing something amazing" for the Air Force in the coming years after graduation from Basic Military Training Nov. 10. Twins Chaz and Logan Hatcher, 22, and their younger brother, Derek, 19, completed the 6.5-week course while assigned to three

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 10

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 10. In Afghanistan Nov. 9, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Khvajeh Khezar. The B-1B expended guided bomb unit-31s on enemy targets. Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers and U.S.

Raptor wing does not forget its past on road to future

Though a unit's past might be dotted with a book full of famous Air Force firsts, over the decades, its Airmen tend to forget that. And sometimes, living up to a fabled heritage is just not an easy thing to do. That is one reason Brig. Gen. Burt Field does not let the people of the 1st Fighter Wing

ASC plays critical role in replacement helicopter contract

Air Force officials announced Nov. 9 the award of a contract potentially valued at $4.1 billion to The Boeing Co., for the Air Force's number two acquisition priority, a replacement combat search and rescue, or CSAR, helicopter. The program will take place in two parts. The first increment, Block 0,

1st Fighter Wing units have traveled the world

The units of the 1st Pursuit Group and 1st Fighter Wing have been assigned around the world in their nine-decade history.Groups and Date Assigned Toul, France, May 5, 1918 Touquin, France, June 28, 1918 Saints, France, July 9, 1918 Rembercourt, France, Sept. 1, 1918 Colombey-les-Belles, France, Dec.

Shield's history dates back to 1924

The emblem of the 1st Pursuit Group, designed with the unit's history in mind, was approved on Jan. 21, 1924, by the Adjutant General.The green and black colors represented the colors of the Army Air Service. The five stripes signified the original five flying squadrons, and the five crosses

Langley home of 1st Fighter Wing

As the host unit here, the 1st Fighter Wing operates and maintains one of the largest fighter bases in Air Combat Command. The wing flies the F-22A Raptor and F-15 Eagle. The 1st FW's mission is to: "Train, organize and equip expeditionary Airmen; deploy, fight and win; provide world-class support

Wing boasts long, proud lineage

The 1st Fighter Wing and its predecessor, the 1st Pursuit Group, have been in existence since 1918.1st Pursuit GroupMay 5, 1918 -- Organized as 1st Pursuit Group at Gencoult, FranceDec. 24, 1918 -- Demobilized at Colombey-les-Belles, France Aug. 22, 1919 -- Organized as 1st Pursuit Group at

Reservist named top Air Force female athlete

Air Force Services selected an individual mobilization augmentee as the Air Force Female Athlete of the Year for 2006. Capt. Linda Jeffery is a services officer in the 314th Services Squadron at Little Rock AFB, Ark., and the award recognizes her accomplishments in golf from Oct. 1, 2005, to Sept.

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 9

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 9. In Afghanistan Nov. 8, an Air Force RQ-1 Predator flew an air strike against Taliban extremists near Oruzgan. The Predator fired a Hellfire missile on an enemy target. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided

1st Fighter Wing lays claim to numerous accomplishments

The name says it all -- 1st Fighter Wing. As the first air combat unit organized under the U.S. Army air arm 80 years ago, the wing can make claim to many historic accomplishments.The study of the 1st FW's history is comparable to examining the history of air power itself. The groaning of wooden

'Dirtboyz' keep Balad airfield operational

Every day, aircraft fly in and out of Balad AB to provide vital support for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Whether F-16 Fighting Falcons, C-130 Hercules or HH-60 Pave Hawks, the airframes are able to approach and depart because of fully operational, well-maintained runways. Better known as "dirtboyz,"

AFSO 21 process gets weapons to warfighters faster

When the AIM-120D production program manager was asked to be team leader on an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century rapid improvement event, he was a little skeptical. "We had a very sound and fundamentally strong (acquisition) process going and I really pushed back at the idea," said

Storied leaders have led mighty 1st

The list of commanders of the 1st Pursuit Group and 1st Fighter Wing reads like a "Who's Who of the Air Force," and includes aviation pioneers, wartime heroes and future Air Force chiefs of staff.Group Commanders and Dates Assigned Maj. Bert M. Atkinson, May 5, 1918 Maj. Harold E. Hartney, Aug. 21,

NORAD commander: Air Force role vital to homeland security

Homeland defense has come full circle since the events of 9/11. America now faces a new and constantly evolving threat -- the threat of terrorism. Dealing with this threat is the task of the men and women of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, a bi-national U.S. and Canadian

Firsts of the 1st Fighter Wing

During its nine decades of service, the 1st Fighter Wing carved its niche in U.S. air history.For its part, the 1st FW was:-- The first U.S. group-level unit to enter air combat.-- The first U.S. unit to destroy an enemy aircraft in World War I. -- The parent unit of the first recipient of the Medal

1st Fighter Wing's battle honors numerous

The campaign participation credits and battlefield honors for the 1st Pursuit Group and 1st Fighter Wing are numerous.World War I Battle Honors Awarded to the 1st Pursuit Group Lorraine (defensive sector) Champagne (defensive sector) Champagne-Marne, July 15-18, 1918 Aisne-Marne, July 18 to Aug. 6,

Waste-eating bacteria explored as power source

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research here recently awarded a five-year grant to the University of Southern California worth approximately $4.5 million to lead a study on bioengineered fuel cells. Bioengineered fuel cells are bacteria capable of producing electrical energy simply through the

DOD committed to taking care of military families

The one overiding lesson of the all-volunteer force is the importance of the military family, a top Defense Department official said here Nov. 7. And DOD has learned the lesson, said Michael Dominguez, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.November is Military Family

Former technical director for C-17 earns DOD award

The former technical director for the Aeronautical Systems Center's C-17 Globemaster III program has won a Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award for 2006. Lawrence Fielding is one of eight this year to win the award, which recognizes exceptional achievements that benefited the

Remains identified as Air Force reservist

Remains discovered off the California coast in September have been positively identified as that of an Air Force reservist and passenger on an HC-130 cargo aircraft, call sign King 56, that crashed into the Pacific Ocean 10 years ago. Staff Sgt. Jonathan R. Leonard was on board King 56 when it went

Combat skills training is a must for today's Airmen

Since Airmen are taking on more non-traditional rolls and missions in deployed locations, the need for individual combat skills is imperative. Airmen selected to deploy for Air Expeditionary Force Cycle 5 and 6 from the 15th Airlift Wing recently took the three-day Expeditionary Combat Skills

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 8

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 8 In Afghanistan Nov. 7, Navy F/A-18 Hornets and Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

Falcons, Irish salute fallen Airmen

When Air Force and Notre Dame football players butt heads Saturday afternoon in front of a sellout, Veterans Day crowd in Colorado Springs, and a national television audience on College Sports TV, their helmets will sport a tribute to Airmen past and present who've sacrificed for freedom.

C-130 crew honored with Mackay Trophy

Five C-130 Hercules crewmembers were recognized during a ceremony in Arlington, Va., Nov. 6 by the Air Force and the National Aeronautic Association when they were presented with the 2005 Clarence Mackay Trophy. Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. John D. W. Corley presented the trophy to Maj.

Air Force adopting new news-delivery method

The ongoing reduction in the number of Air Force people will mean changes in the way people get Air Force news. Public affairs staff members, who produce newspapers at most Air Force installations, are shifting their focus for news delivery to the World Wide Web. Printed newspapers will still be

Rescuers learn to make order out of chaos

In August 2003, a truck bomb exploded at the United Nations headquarters in downtown Baghdad, collapsing three floors of the four-story building. Hundreds of people died. Hundreds more were trapped under collapsed rebar, steel and concrete. Tech Sgt. Andrew Canfield, lead Air Force Reserve Command

Exchange program enhances coalition operations

Northwest Florida is gaining worldwide recognition through a program that makes local Air Force bases the training grounds for covert coalition aircraft operations.The program, known as Combined Special Operations Forces Subject Matter Expert Exchange, is a concept that came to life on a large scale

Mountain Home newspaper going virtual

An era will come to an end Dec. 22 when the base newspaper here, The Gunfighter, hits the streets for the last time. The public affairs staff will become one of the first bases to transition from a traditional newspaper to a Web-based product. The transition decision is primarily in response to

Veterans Day special: Veterans share war experiences

The year was 1967. First Lt. Marko Milakovich stood on the side of Budda Mountain, about 10 miles from Quang Nhia in South Vietnam. The 25-year-old was on a site survey and had a weapons carrier and six Army bodyguards for safety. As he stood on the mountainside, leaflets fluttered to the ground

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 7

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 7.In Afghanistan Nov. 6, Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Qanat-e Hazrat. The F/A-18s expended

Air Force leader praises Hill for Lean, AFSO 21 efforts

The special assistant to the secretary of the Air Force for Air Force Smart Ops for the 21st Century, or AFSO 21, said during a late October visit here that Air Force leadership would embrace the Lean concept due in large part to the success of Air Force Materiel Command's air logistics centers. Dr.

Lean principles reduce antenna repair times

Since adopting Lean principles, the F-16 Antenna Shop here has improved efficiency, cut costs and enabled F-16 pilots to fly without worrying about their radar. When an F-16 antenna shows signs of failure, it is replaced with a spare and the defective antenna sent to the shop for repair. Using Lean

Pope Airmen get heart-warming welcome home

It was the best present a little girl could hope for when Sarah Beam's daddy arrived back home from a deployment on her 6th birthday. More than 180 Airmen who supported operations in Afghanistan and Iraq were welcomed home by family and friends at Green Ramp Nov. 2. Despite the late evening arrival

Active associate unit to be established at Scott AFB

As part of the Air Force Total Force Integration initiatives, an active associate unit will be established with Air Force Reserve Command's 932nd Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., in 2007. The Air Force Reserve unit will receive three C-40 aircraft the same year. Under the active associate

Being bilingual helps Air Force recruiters in Hispanic communities

For Master Sgt. Ruben Perez, communicating with potential recruits involves much more than simply promoting careers in the Air Force. The 341st Recruiting Squadron recruiter's ability to "habla Espanol" with San Antonio's inner city youth and surrounding small-town Mexican-Americans helps him

Medal of Honor recipients share stories of inspiration

For Staff Sgt. Shafinah Rosauro, learning stories of true heroism moved her. For Tech. Sgt. Theresa Petelo, it was the message of assurance that people back home support her. For Col. Kurt Kaisler, hearing themes of commitment to service and country inspired him. Listening to Medal of Honor

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 6

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 6.In Afghanistan Nov. 5, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and a B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Gereshk.

Web site works with Airmen to deliver care packages

In August 2003, a Maryland family started the AnySoldier.com Web site as a way for people to support deployed Soldiers. Two years later, the family created separate sites to help those in the sister services. Their site for those in the Air Force, AnyAirman.com, lists Airmen who volunteered as

Eyes on roof watch over air show

 His eyes scan the crowd looking for the person who doesn't fit in. Master Sgt. Greg Palmer of the Air National Guard's 188th Security Forces Squadron used his skills as a sharpshooter to assist base security during the Little Rock Air Show Nov. 4. Sergeant Palmer, who teaches three classes a year

Guard, Manas crews exemplify total force integration

The 141st Air Refueling Wing unit from the Washington Air National Guard rotated home this week after a successful two and a half week tour here. Although their stay was short, the mission accomplishments speak for themselves, said Lt. Col. Michael Gaal, 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron

Delta IV launch successful

A Delta IV evolved expendable launch vehicle carrying a Defense Meteorological Satellite Program satellite was launched from the Space Launch Complex-6 here Nov. 4 at 5:53 a.m. "I'm extremely proud of the precision with which the base and Vandenberg launch team planned and executed this Delta IV

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 4

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 4. In Afghanistan Nov. 3, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and B-1B Lancers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Gangikhel. The B-1Bs

Sergeant is one of a kind

When this sergeant says he is one of a kind he really means it. Master Sgt. Daniel Norwood is the Air Force's only military gunsmith and is the shop supervisor of the Army and Air National Guard marksmanship unit here. The Air National Guard has one position for a gunsmith and since 1991 it has been

Ellsworth first base to enter environmental program

Ellsworth Air Force Base has become the first Air Force-owned installation to accept membership into the Environmental Protection Agency's Performance Track program. During a special ceremony Oct. 31, Robert Roberts, EPA regional administrator, in presenting Ellsworth officials with Performance

Airmen receive trophies for maintenance excellence

Two Airmen earned trophies and praise here for their abilities to keep Air Force aircraft flying and munitions ready for the mission.Master Sgt. Timothy Kellner, 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, and Capt. Abigail Ruscetta, 16th AMXS, Hurlburt Field, Fla., were honored with

109th Airlift Wing commemorates first South Pole landing

An LC-130 Hercules from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing touched down at the South Pole on Oct. 30 to commemorate the first plane landing there 50 years ago. On Oct. 31, 1956, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Gus Shinn landed a ski-equipped R4D-5 (a Navy version of the DC-3) named "Que Sera Sera"

Unified Engagement 2006 kicks off

In a welcoming speech to more than 300 military members and civilians at the Battle Command Training Center here, Gen. Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander, kicked off Unified Engagement 2006. Participants from the United States, Great Britain, Canada and Australia are here from Nov. 1 to 8

Kunsan Air Base at forefront of readiness

It's not uncommon for Airmen here to be awakened at 5 a.m. from deep sleep to hear a thunderous loudspeaker voice announcing an invasion. They jump out of bed, grab their chemical warfare gear and rush to work. When the neighboring enemy could possibly invade at any moment, training exercises like

Luke shows off energy conservation program

The Luke community showcased its energy conservation programs to the Air Force assistant secretary for installations, environment and logistics Oct. 26. William C. Anderson visited here as part of October's Energy Awareness Month. He got a first-hand look at the base's energy and conservation

Mountain Home may help train Singapore Airmen

Air Force and Singapore officials are negotiating to bring up to 10 Singapore F-15 Eagles to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, and establish a training squadron there. Stand-up of the squadron depends upon the successful completion of an environmental analysis required under the National

Airmen work, live with Iraqi Army at remote desert base

Tucked in a valley between the Euphrates River and some of the most dangerous territory in Iraq is an oasis in the middle of the desert -- Camp Habbaniyah. The British operated at this location from 1934 through 1959, when it was known as Royal Air Force Habbaniyah. Forty-seven years later, the

Airman accused in stabbings returns to work Nov. 2

Senior Airman Stephen Lloyd reported to duty at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Nov. 2 following his arrest in connection with the stabbing of three other Airmen Oct. 28 at an off-base bar.The 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron maintenance technician was released on bail Nov. 1 and faces three

Training Is essential, even downrange

An old military adage states that troops must train like they fight. This remains true, even while deployed to austere environments and in less-than-favorable conditions. Service members assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa train almost daily to hone their skills in use of weapons,

Students can apply for DeCA scholarships at commissaries

The Scholarships for Military Children Program applications, sponsored by the Defense Commissary Agency, are now available for 2007.Applications for the $1,500 scholarships are available at 264 commissaries worldwide, or can be downloaded through links at www.commissaries.com,

Army praises AFMC units for future battlefield improvements

Two Air Force Materiel Command units -- the Air Force Research Laboratory's Human Effectiveness Directorate and the Aeronautical Systems Center Special Operations Forces Systems Group -- recently teamed with the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center's Future Force Warrior Advanced Technology Demonstration

PCS policy could extend officer assignments to four years

Some officers now could spend as many as four years at a duty station before getting a new assignment. Air Force officials are looking for ways to reduce the number of permanent change-of-station moves for officers, particularly for those in the United States. By extending the average assignment

Compass Call continues to 'Jam' enemy

In two years, aircrews in the 41st Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron have flown 5,000 combat hours in support of the war on terrorism. The squadron has flown more than 940 sorties supporting ground troops here. This milestone reflects the longest deployment in the squadron's history, said

Military Families Appreciation Month highlights service, sacrifice

Nov. 1 kicks off Military Families Appreciation Month, an annual tribute to the family members who, President Bush and other U.S. and military leaders frequently recognize, serve the country alongside their loved ones in uniform. The month-long observance, with events planned at Air Force, Army,

2006 election message from secretary of defense

The following is an election message from Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld:On Nov. 7, Americans will elect 33 U.S. senators, the entire U.S. House of Representatives, 37 state governors and thousands of state and local officials. All eligible citizens can participate. You don't have to be

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 1

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 1. In Afghanistan Oct. 31, an Air Force Predator conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The Predator expended a Hellfire missile on enemy targets. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided

19-year-old Airman earns CCAF degree in 9 months

At 19 years old, Senior Airman Sharon Hawley is the youngest of more than 9,100 graduates earning their degrees in October at the Community College of the Air Force here. The integrated avionics mechanic, assigned to 412th Maintenance Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., completed the

Hickam testing new deployable hydrogen refueling station

As the Air Force continues to look for ways to reduce energy consumption in its facilities, vehicles and aircraft operations the 15th Airlift Wing will be doing its part by serving as a test bed for a new modular deployable hydrogen refueling station. Awarded the contract two years ago, HydraFLX

Reserve to expand associate role with Shaw F-16 unit

As part of the Air Force Total Force Integration initiatives, Air Force Reserve Command is teaming up with Air Combat Command to expand its associate presence with additional F-16 pilots at the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., in fiscal 2008. Air Combat Command's 20th FW flies three

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 31

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 31.In Afghanistan Oct. 30, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The A-10s expended

Flight fends off diseases in desert

Attention Garfield, Felix, Heathcliff, Sylvester and Tom: Cancel your spot on the USO tour coming to Southwest Asia. Fast. Your agent should have told you: You don't want to be mistaken for a feline of mass destruction. For the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's entomology flight, work is

Manas medics provide training to Bishkek hospital employees

Three local hospitals in Bishkek are getting more than $10 million in medical supplies and equipment from the U.S., and members of the 376th Expeditionary Medical Group here are assisting in the effort by training hospital personnel to use some of the new equipment. Col. Howard Hayes, 376 EMDG

Air Force garners 17 Presidential Rank Awards

Winners of the 2006 Presidential Rank Awards were announced by the White House Oct. 30. The seventeen Air Force recipients of the Presidential Rank Award will be honored at a ceremony next April. Winners of the awards are strong leaders, professionals and scientists who achieve results and

Fallen Moody AFB Airman honored at memorial service

Members from various groups and squadrons here gathered Oct. 19 to honor the life and sacrifices of Airman 1st Class Lee Bernard Chavis at the base chapel here. Airman Chavis, a member of the 824th Security Forces Squadron, was killed Oct. 14 in the line of duty while performing duties as a turret

Maintenance unit moves fuel on time

Delivering fuel to the warfighters in Afghanistan takes on a personal meaning for the 376th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's KC-135 Aircraft Maintenance Unit Airmen. "We know how important fuel is to the fight," said Tech. Sgt. John Lipkea, KC-135 AMU specialist expeditor. "You can't

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 30

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 30. In Afghanistan Oct. 29, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kajah Ulva. The A-10s

Airmen work to provide security for incoming vessels

Before a U.S. naval vessel is secured to a pier in Djibouti City's port, a joint team has already been at work preparing a safe berthing. The planning begins with the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa's Anti-terrorism/ Force Protection Office coordinating with the U.S. Embassy, the Djiboutian

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 29

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 29. In Afghanistan Oct. 28, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Payendi. The A-10s dropped

President Bush visits Charleston, rallies military

President George W. Bush met and spoke to a crowd of more than 4,000 servicemembers and families as he praised the military for their efforts fighting the war on terrorism Oct. 28 at a rally on the Charleston AFB flightline. The president's visit follows an Oct. 27 stopover by Vice President Dick

Reserve, active duty seamlessly maintain aircraft

At first glance, one cannot tell a difference between the two. A more in-depth analysis finds the two dress alike, have the same training and work side by side, capable of doing any task just as well as the other.It is only with a keen eye that one can find a variation in the two -- the patches on

F-117: A long, storied history that is about to end

After 25 years of storied service, the F-117 Nighthawk, the Air Force's first stealth fighter, is about to retire. The technology that once made it a unique weapon system has now caught up to it and newer fighter aircraft are now joining the fleet. Still, the Nighthawk was the first of its kind, a

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 28

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 28. In Afghanistan Oct. 27, a U.S. Air Force B-1B provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Gangikhel. The B-1B dropped Guided

DoD selects Air Force civilian for disabled employee award

The beginning of the award reads, "outstanding DoD employee," defining a career marked by a strong work ethic and many achievements before mentioning the life-threatening injury that changed his world 11 years ago. Paul Gabriel, an electronics engineer at Aeronautical Systems Center's Engineering

Delta II STEREO launches from Cape Canaveral

Two NASA observatories called "STEREO" blasted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Oct. 25 starting a two-year mission to study solar flares. A Delta II booster carried these spacecraft from Space Launch Complex 17B, lighting up Space Coast skies and the spirits of launch team members

Couple honored with Fisher award

A husband and wife have been honored for their support of the military in Bangor, Maine. Harry and Sharon Rideout are the 2005 recipients of the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award. The two were honored during a ceremony at the Pentagon Oct. 26. Together, the

Air Force recognizes outstanding real estate professionals

At the annual Air Force Real Estate Awards ceremony held during the Air Force Real Estate Workshop on Oct. 19, two Air Force real estate professionals and one real estate office were recognized for their accomplishments. Karen Pate, a real property accountable officer from Cannon Air Force Base, N.

Air Force major works 'down under' in support of mission

While the air show here ended Oct. 22 and the C-17 Globemaster III crew from Hawaii headed back to their home at Hickam Air Force Base, one U.S. Airman remained -- not because he missed the flight home, but because he's already home.Maj. James Hearn, commander of Detachment 1 of the 735th Air

Deployed group tightens bonds as deployed squadron

The Airmen of the 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadron have an advantage when it comes to treating casualties -- they are all from the same home team. Deployed here from the 48th Medical Group at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. the doctors, nurses and technicians who have spent the last six

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,

Air Guard unit shows off its 'Steel City Pride'

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