Unit becomes Cyberspace Technical Center of Excellence

The Air Force Institute of Technology and the Center for Cyberspace Research here were designated as the Air Force's Cyberspace Technical Center of Excellence June 19 by the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force. The Cyberspace Technical Center of Excellence, or CyTCoE, is chartered to be

Servicemembers begin medical mission in Peru

American servicemembers kicked-off medical mission New Horizons-Peru 2008, a U.S. and Peruvian humanitarian initiative scheduled through Aug. 31 to provide relief to underprivileged Peruvians.The humanitarian medical mission, currently staffed by 35 Air Force medics, will provide free medical care

Reserve C-130s called in to fight California wildfires

The Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing here is scheduled to deploy two firefighting C-130 Hercules aircraft June 25 to battle raging wildfires in California. The Modular Airborne Firefighting System, or MAFFS, configured C-130s will be in place and fully-operational at Chico Municipal

AFCYBER headquarters staff to operate virtually

Air Force Cyber Command officials announced their intent to spread out headquarters staffing among nine locations so it can meet the 45 percent manning requirements needed for initial operations. "Normally, a major command headquarters will house all its staff functions at one place, but because the

Stenner takes reins of Air Force Reserve

Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr. assumed command of the Air Force Reserve and its 68,000 members June 24 in a ceremony at the Air Force Memorial here. He succeeds Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, who held the post since 2004. "I'm excited to lead the finest group of warriors I have ever known," General

Guard aircraft, aircrews battling California wildfires

Army and Air National Guardmembers from California and North Carolina were supporting firefighting efforts in Northern California June 24 following a state active duty call up by Gov. Arnold Schwarznegger and a request for airborne firefighting assets by the Interagency Fire Center. The governor's

Iraqi airmen reach maintenance goals, keep fleet soaring

While Iraqi air force pilots continue flying sorties to aid stability in their nation, Iraqi maintainers on the ground here have recently achieved important benchmarks to keep their fleet in the air. Airmen with the Iraqi air forces' 3rd Squadron took over a wide variety of maintenance duties on the

Mullen urges Joint Staff to speed up warfighter support

The nation's top military officer called on the Joint Staff today to speed up efforts to get new capabilities to warfighters and to focus on building capabilities needed to win not just the current war, but future wars as well. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told

Eglin team prepares Small Diameter Bombs for warfighters

Guided munitions such as the Small Diameter Bomb have helped change the way wars are fought. SDBs, prepared by 681st Armament Systems Squadron members here, give aircrews the ability to destroy targets that would normally be passed over due to the proximity of friendly troops, civilians, structures

President nominates woman Army general for fourth star

President Bush nominated Army Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody for promotion June 23, which, pending Senate approval, would make her the first woman to be a four-star officer in U.S. history. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced the president's nomination of General Dunwoody as the commander of Army

Cadets experience real-world deployment

Nineteen cadets from the senior class of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., are visiting the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here during the month of June to experience an active-duty deployment as part of the academy's Operation Air Force program, which allows students to visit bases

Chairman calls homeless veterans 'hugely important issue'

Calling the issue "hugely important," the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here June 23 that the nation must fully integrate efforts to help homeless veterans. "How do we reach out to them, and how do we create opportunities?" Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen asked an audience of about 200

Strategic Command units win awards

Three U.S. Strategic Command units have been selected recently for the Omaha Trophy, which is presented annually to units demonstrating the highest standards of performance. Selection for the award is based on formal evaluations, meritorious achievement, safety, and other factors such as community

June 23 airpower summary: Tankers provide fuel

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-31s

'Today's Air Force' features deployments

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" focuses on Air Force deployments and ways to better prepare for them. The previous system was based on four-month deployments with some Airmen deploying earlier and longer than expected. The new Air and Space Expeditionary Force system splits the force into

Global Mobility Wargame explores future of air mobility

Wartime planners from across the Air Force, Army and coalition nations investigated future concepts in air mobility through Global Mobility Wargame 2008 from June 16 to 20 at the Air Force Expeditionary Center here. First held in 2002, Global Mobility Wargame, or GLOMO, is an annual event bringing

New leaders take helm as Air University reorganizes

Air University officials welcomed their new commander as well as one of the organization's newly minted centers of excellence also installed its new leader in a dual change-of-command ceremony June 23 at Maxwell Air Force Base's Air Park. The ceremony, which involved three successively-higher

Firefighters saving lives, money

Kadena Air Base is now home to a rescue technician course designed to help Pacific-region firefighters save lives and at the same time save the Air Force dollars. The three week course is offered by Detachment 1, 554th Red Horse Squadron, who teaches firefighters how to manage personnel and

How, when to begin filling a civilian vacancy

One way to cut down on the time needed to fill a civilian vacancy is to begin earlier, said Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently. "Supervisors can submit a request for personnel action at any time to their local civilian personnel office," said Cathy Smoak, a human resource specialist

Air Force prepared for largest virtual promotion release

Air Force Personnel Center officials here will post selection lists for technical and master sergeant promotions on the Air Force Portal and AFPC public and military Web sites June 26 at 8 a.m. CDT. This will be the third major enlisted promotion release using the new Web-based process, and by far

F-16 accident investigation complete

Air Force officials here completed its investigation June 20 of the April 2 F-16 Fighting Falcon accident at Gila Bend Auxiliary Airfield, Ariz., and the accident investigation board determined the cause of this mishap to be pilot error.The accident resulted in substantial damage to an aircraft when

Airman teaches CPR to Afghan medical providers

Six Afghan medical providers learned basic lifesaving skills at a Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team CPR course held June 18 at the Rokha Clinic in Rokha. Staff Sgt. Janine Duschka, a PRT medical technician deployed from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., taught the course. "It is important to teach

June 22 airpower summary: F-15Es bomb enemy forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer, F-15E Strike Eagles and A-10

June 21 airpower summary: A-10s target anti-Afghan forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-31 and

June 20 airpower summary: F-16s in the fight

Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and A-10 Thunderbolt

AFIT Class of 2008 graduates

Seventy-two scientists, engineers and management specialists are the recipients of graduate and doctoral degrees from the Air Force Institute of Technology.  AFIT's Graduate School of Engineering and Management held its June 2008 graduation ceremony June 19 at the National Museum of the United

UPDATED - SECAF salutes Airmen during ceremony

Beneath the spires of the Air Force Memorial erected under his watch, the secretary of the Air Force bid farewell to Airmen June 20, his last day as their senior civilian official. Secretary Michael W. Wynne addressed the crowd of Airmen, civilians and media in a ceremony at the memorial, speaking

Air Force aims to improve electronic warfare capabilities

Controlling the electromagnetic spectrum to deny or attack an adversary -- that is electronic warfare, and the Air Force is in search of ways to maximize that capability. Air Force leaders started the Electronic Warfare Life Cycle Management Group to establish a uniform approach to the research,

Second SBIRS payload completes early on-orbit checkout

Air Force officials have successfully completed the early on-orbit checkout of the second Space Based Infrared Systems sensor operating in a highly-elliptical orbit over the northern hemisphere. The second sensor is known as SBIRS HEO-2. "The successful launch and checkout of HEO-2 is a further

3-D imaging to help A-10 integrate latest weapons

The A-10C Thunderbolt II is undergoing state-of-the-art 3-D measurement here through June 20 to help the close-air support aircraft carry the latest in smart weapons technology. The 46th Test Wing's Air Force Seek Eagle Office, Computerized Physical Fit team is collecting approximately 100,000 3-D

Wilford Hall team treats ENT patients in Honduras

A 14-person medical team from Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, completed a two-week readiness training mission in Honduras June 19, after performing numerous ear, nose and throat procedures. The surgical team accomplished 240 patient evaluations and more than 40 surgeries and a

JCS vice chairman: break service barriers

Nattily attired in his khaki-and-olive uniform, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. James E. Cartwright squinted through the stage light glare before beginning to speak at the second annual Air Force Cyberspace Symposium here June 19. Looking out at a sea of blue uniforms and business

Illinois Air National Guard gathers to help save town

More than 300 Air National Guard members from across Illinois gathered June 19 to help save a small farming community from the swelling Mississippi River here. A collective group from the 126th Air Refueling Squadron at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., the 183rd Fighter Squadron at Springfield, Ill., and

Korea, U.S. join forces for Exercise Max Thunder

Airmen and aircraft from units across the Pacific Air Forces descended June 16 to participate in Exercise Max Thunder here. Hosted by Kunsan Air Base officials, Max Thunder is a bi-lateral training exercise intended to increase interoperability between Korean and U.S. forces. The exercise will

Vandenberg Airmen launch Delta II rocket

Vandenberg Air Force Base officials successfully launched a Delta II rocket from Space Launch Complex-2 at 12:46 a.m. June 20 here. The rocket carried the OSTM/Jason-2 Satellite into an 830-mile near-circular orbit. Col. Steve Tanous, the 30th Space Wing commander, was the spacelift commander for

Chronic Critical Skill career fields offer opportunities

Enlisted Airmen serving in certain career fields have a greater opportunity for promotion through an annually updated Chronic Critical Skills Program list. A number of factors are considered before certain Air Force Specialty Codes are put on the list. For one thing, the AFSC must have manning

Procurement mission at Hill transfers to DLA

A June 17 activation ceremony at the Hill Aerospace Museum marked the transfer of 43 Air Force employees to the Defense Logistics Agency here. The employees, mostly contracting officers from the 448th Supply Chain Management Group, procure depot-level reparable aviation parts for Ogden Air Logistics

ACC commander speaks at Joint Warfighting Conference

Gen. John Corley, Air Combat Command commander, gave the plenary address here June 20. General Corley addressed dominance, relevance and readiness during the third and final day of the Joint Warfighting Conference 2008. On this date in 1944 the battle of the Philippines Sea, a major battle during

Senior leaders discuss need to control cyber domain, build new command

In separate speeches June 18 during the second annual Air Force Cyberspace Symposium in nearby Marlborough, Mass., two senior leaders explained the critical need for the Air Force to control the cyberspace domain and reasons why a new command is needed to do so. First to speak was Lt. Gen. Robert J.

AF nominates 114 officers for astronaut training

The Air Force Astronaut Nomination Board has forwarded 114 nominations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for consideration in the pilot and mission specialist categories. The board was held May 13 to 15 and the medical screening panel was held May 20 to 22. More than 200 noninees

Bombers drop sea mines to end deployment

B-52 Stratofortress bombers dropped 162 inert sea mines 80 miles off Guam's south coast during a recent training exercise to finish a four-month rotation to the Pacific island. Aircrews from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron dropped the MK-62 sea mines on strategic spots to deter "enemy forces"

New radar facility to open

Officials from the Ellsworth Air Force Base and Minot AFB, N.D., Radar Approach Control Facilities are preparing to open the Dakota Air Traffic Control Facility this summer here.The facility will be a noncontiguous, co-located RAPCON and will service both bases and the region. "The current Ellsworth

June 18 airpower summary: F-16s perform shows of force

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier conducted a show of force over

Strike Eagles roar above the Pacific

Eighteen F-15E Strike Eagles and more than 400 Airmen from the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, arrived June 4 here to help maintain deterrent capabilities in the Pacific. The mission is part of a scheduled air expeditionary force rotation for the 389th EFS,

Academy glider lands on Colorado golf course

A U.S. Air Force Academy TG-15 glider landed safely on the Garden of the Gods Golf Course June 18 in Colorado Springs, Colo. The pilot, Cadet 1st Class Kurt Cloutier, landed the aircraft near the western-most hole of the golf course in a manner preventing injury to pedestrians and damage to private

Secretary Wynne speaks at cyber symposium

While the Air Force has made great strides in cyberspace during the last three years, it remains an arena that will require the continued efforts and innovation of all Airmen and warfighters, said Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne to attendees at the second Air Force Cyberspace Symposium

Cadets learn mission through Operation Air Force

Eighteen U.S. Air Force Academy cadets visited McChord Air Force Base June 13 to experience operations and day-to-day experiences in the Air Force.The cadets visited McChord AFB during the first phase of Operation Air Force, a career-broadening program, and then flew on board a C-17 Globemaster III

Air National Guard works to corral Mississippi

The men and women of the 185th Air Refueling Squadron from Sioux City, Iowa, are teaming with local farmers to maintain the 20 miles of levees, keeping the flooded Mississippi from inundating the 14 thousand acres of homes and farmland here. The river is flowing 23 feet over flood levels and 20 feet

Air National Guard's Airmen of the Year announced

Air National Guard officials identified six Airmen as their Airmen of the Year for 2008 following their arrival here June 15 for a week-long celebration and tribute to their achievements. This year's Airmen of the Year were chosen through a process of unit, state and national selection panels and

JTACs train in complex art of coordinating close-air support

Exercise Atlantic Strike VII kicked off June 14 in the swampy pinegroves of the Avon Park Air Ground Training Complex as more than 800 joint and coalition warfighters from around the world gathered to practice and train in the complex art of coordinating close-air support for ground maneuvers. The

Contracts awarded to recapitalize special-mission C-130s

Air Force officials announced the award of two contracts to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company-Marietta, Ga., June 13 for the procurement of six modified KC-130J aircraft, and non-recurring costs associated with modifying the KC-130J. The modified KC-130Js meet the unique mission requirements of

June 17 airpower summary: F-15Es deter enemy activities

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto

Air turbulence research could lead to safer flights

Air Force Research Laboratory officials are funding scientists who are researching ways to identify and predict turbulence through the detection of underlying air patterns. Researchers believe the detection of these underlying structures will make it possible to forecast clear-air turbulence. This

Air Force history award winners announced

Air Force History and Museums Program officials annually recognize excellence in history programs, historical publications and heritage projects, and award commendable work by military and civilian personnel for outstanding performance or achievement, both as individuals or teams. Two Excellence in

Air War College to launch revised distance learning program

The Air War College will make significant changes to its distance learning program this summer and discontinue the previous 16th edition. The revised distance learning program that closely parallels the resident course will soon be available to senior military officers and equivalent civilian

June 16 airpower summary: A-10s strike anti-Afghan forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds and

AF engineers create thermal control system for space use

Air Force Research Laboratory engineers here have successfully integrated two existing technologies to create a thermal emission management system suitable for space use. Achieving operationally responsive space capabilities requires versatile satellites that can adapt as needed to accomplish

Robins implements philosophy to help maintainers

Maintainers here are implementing a new philosophy that allows them to complete maintenance and get aircraft out to the fight faster, thanks to innovative changes suggested by members of the high velocity maintenance high performance team. The search for a change began because Warner Robins Air

Restraint system improves aircrew safety

A new restraint system based on the same technology that brings speeding roller coasters to a smooth stop may soon help save warfighter lives and reduce military mobile aircrew injuries. Air Force Research Laboratory engineers teamed with Wolf Technical Services, Inc., under a Small Business

Renamed U.S. military base in Iraq reflects joint status

The home of the Air Force's only wing in Iraq and the Army's logistical headquarters for supplies and shipments in the country has been renamed to reflect the dual nature of the base. Joint Base Balad is the new name for what used to be called Balad Air Base by the Air Force and Logistics Support

Air Force scientists develop transparent transistors

Air Force Research Laboratory scientists have demonstrated world-record performance of transparent transistors created from thin-film nanocrystalline zinc oxide which can function, undetected, on clear surfaces such as glass or plastic. Lead investigator Dr. Burhan Bayraktaroglu of AFRL's Sensors

Technology, training force multiplier for security forces Airmen

While security forces members receive training in technical school, the multiple threats faced by members today requires continual sharpening of their skills. Airmen from the 354th Security Forces Squadron here participate in daily flight-level exercises as well as mandatory squadron training. The

Indiana Guard begins next mission -- recovery

Some Indiana National Guardsmen began returning to their homes on June 15, while others began the next phase of their flood duty in the southwest part of the state -- recovery. Joint Task Force - 81 will have 60 of its 1,300 deployed Soldiers stay behind in the vicinity of East Mount Carmel and New

Air Force honored with environmental awards

The Air Force was recently honored with several environmental awards for its efforts in ecological responsibility. The recipients of the 2007 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards were: - Hill Air Force Base, Utah, -- Environmental Quality Individual/Team category - Robins AFB, Ga., -- Pollution

National Guardsmen in two states prepare for flooding

More than 600 National Guardsmen in Illinois and Missouri will continue sandbagging operations along the Mississippi River June 16 in an effort to thwart the floodwaters that are subsiding in Iowa. The Illinois and Missouri rivers flow into the Mississippi north of St. Louis. Unlike 1993, flooding

Citizenship path for Airmen now a total-force reality

In support of Total-Force integration, U.S. citizenship application forms, checklists and other supporting documents recently became available to Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members through the virtual Personnel Center-Guard Reserve link on the Air Reserve Personnel Center Web

12 Airmen live among thousands of Iraqi Soldiers

Twelve Airmen working together for the past nine months at the remote Iraqi Military Training Base of Kirkush, located in the Diyala Province just over 10 miles from the Iranian border, are hoping to work themselves out of a job.As the only Americans living among thousands of Iraqi Soldiers and

June 15 airpower summary: B-1Bs bomb enemy compound

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-31 to

Small idea making a big difference in Afghanistan

Provincial Reconstruction Teams are engaged daily in large-scale projects building roads, bridges, schools and medical facilities to help the Afghan government develop its infrastructure. They also contribute small ideas that have the potential for large-scale impact. One such idea was to design and

Air National Guard shores up as flood recedes

One hundred-fifty Air National Guardsmen from the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, Iowa, landed at The Eastern Iowa Airport June 15 to augment the 295 already working with Army National Guard and state agencies in Cedar Rapids as flood waters recede from what is being called the 500-year

Air, Army National Guard battle floods in Iowa

More than 2,500 Air and Army National Guardsmen are teaming with agencies from across the state to battle what has been called the 500-year flood in Central and South Iowa in mid June. More than 1,000 guardsmen are expected to arrive in areas from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City June 15 to augment the

June 14 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb

June 13 airpower summary: Refuelers extend global reach

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted shows of force in

June 12 airpower summary: F-15Es provide close-air support

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and a B-1B Lancer dropped a

Guard units provide real-time video of flood damaged areas

Flying at 8,000 feet above flood ravaged Wisconsin, members of the Wisconsin Air National Guard with assistance from Air Guard units from Arkansas and Mississippi provided emergency management officials with "eyes in the sky" to help with disaster relief efforts. Recent heavy rains have left

Air Guard plane provides documentation of flood damage

Indiana National Guard officials here have received live footage of flood damage throughout the state from an advanced Air National Guard counterdrug aircraft. The footage will assist with missions and help local governments plan to repair the damage. "It can show officials where roads are washed

192nd first Air Guard unit to fly F-22 for Operation Noble Eagle

The Virginia Air National Guard's 192nd Fighter Wing here is the first Air Guard unit to fly the F-22 Raptor in support of Operation Noble Eagle. Operation Noble Eagle was established by President George W. Bush to protect the American homeland following the terrorist attacks in September 2001.

Marathon registration figures on pace to shatter '07 record

If current figures are an accurate predictor, the 2008 U.S. Air Force Marathon appears well on its way to shattering last year's registration record of more than 6,700 runners and could approach the 10,000 mark. As of June 13, the total number of runners registered for the 12th annual event stood at

Sergeant named Air Force Ophthalmic Technician of Year

An NCO here has been named the 2007 Air Force Ophthalmic Technician of the Year. Staff Sgt. Adam Smith, who currently works at the Reid Clinic, is a member of the 37th Aerospace Medicine Squadron.Sergeant Smith has been stationed at Lackland for five and a half years and has seen patients for a wide

101 Critical Days of Summer, 365 days a year

In the continental United States, Air Force members are in the full swing with the "101 Critical Days of Summer" safety campaign. Here, however, those 101 days are 365. Temperatures reach 100 degrees in March and continue to rise through October. Sandstorms, high humidity, and 12-plus-hour work

Soviet kitsch gets 'Aggressors' into bad-guy role

The walls are decorated with old Soviet Union propaganda, urging admirers of the art to note a "Glory to the Soviet People -- The Creator of Powerful Aviation", and Union of Soviet Socialist Republics flags with the infamous hammer and sickle graphic are spread throughout the building. However,

Deployed fathers find ways to keep in touch with families

This Father's Day, many deployed servicemembers have mixed feelings about being away from their children and having their "area of responsibility" shift from the home front to the war front. But many fathers in the AOR feel their commitment to their families is also a big part of their identity

Predator crashes in Afghanistan

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator crashed following takeoff at approximately 2 a.m. local time June 12 here. The aircraft was approximately six miles south of Kandahar Airfield. The aircraft is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. The MQ-1's primary mission is conducting armed

June 11 airpower summary: B-1B supports war

Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force to

Djibouti mission tests search, rescue members

EOD facility at Hickam named in honor of fallen Airman

The 15th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal facility was dedicated in memory of a fallen Airman before family, friends and other military servicemembers June 7 at Hickam Air Force Base.Senior Airmen William Newman was 23 and on his 98th combat mission when a projectile he was

Air Force charts new course for 2009 force shaping

Air Force officials here currently are deciding how to carry out force shaping plans in the coming year following an announcement by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Monday to halt personnel cuts. Active-duty end strength was projected to decrease from 328,600 to 316,600 by the end of fiscal 2009.

Airman, Sailor save Peruvian soldier

An Airman and Sailor saved the life of a Peruvian soldier supporting Task Force New Horizons-Peru 2008 June 8 here. Tech. Sgt. Christopher Clark, a medical technician for Task Force New Horizons, and Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brennen Lawson helped care for the Peruvian soldier who suffered from

Osan gets technologically advanced protective masks

Osan Air Base Airmen began receiving their new M-50 protective masks, replacing the MCU 2 protective mask, during a mass re-issue process June 9. The M-50 mask is one of the latest initiatives in fielding "joint" equipment, said Tech. Sgt. Peter Garcia, who is with the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron

Guard unit welcomes Predator, reconnaissance mission

Members of the 147th Fighter Wing here said goodbye to their F-16 Fighting Falcons and made room for the MQ-1 Predator as the Air National Guard unit became the 147th Reconnaissance Wing June 7.The Predators at the Houston Air National Guard Base are expected to enhance both U.S. military

TPS confers its first master's degrees

The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School achieved a milestone May 27 by officially receiving accreditation to present its graduating students with a master's degree. Eighteen students from Class 07B were the first to be granted a Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering during a graduation ceremony

Air Force launches NASA gamma ray study

The Air Force successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Delta II booster carrying NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, satellite into space at 12:05 p.m. June 11 from the Space Launch Complex here. The launch will deliver the GLAST observatory into a circular orbit around the

Trip was gesture of respect to Airmen, Gates says

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' trip to Langley Air Force Base, Va., Peterson AFB, Colo., and Scott AFB, Ill., was a gesture of respect and confidence in Airmen following a rough week for the Air Force. On June 5, Secretary Gates asked for and received the resignations of Air Force Secretary

Airman's Roll Call: Leadership change, mission focus

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses recent leadership changes and Airmen continuing on with a renewed focus on the mission. During times of change, Airmen must continue to pay attention to detail and when necessary, make course corrections along the way to ensure the mission is completed with

Airmen teach Iraqis Western-style command, control

As part of an ongoing process to stabilize Iraq, Airmen are teaching command and control techniques to their counterparts at the Iraqi air operations center at Camp Victory near Baghdad's international airport. The operations center is the hub that controls all Iraqi air force missions, where

Medical team returns from Honduras mission

A team of pediatricians, nutritionists and linguists from Wilford Hall and Brooke Army medical centers in San Antonio; Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, Va.; and South Dakota State University, S.D, recently returned from a 12-day expedition in Honduras. The San Antonio Military Pediatric Center team

June 10 airpower summary: C-17s support SWA operations

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force to

CSAF sends letter to all Airmen

Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the Air Force's 18th chief of staff, addresses members of the "strongest and finest Air Force the world has ever known," in his Letter to All Airmen.  LETTER TO ALL AIRMEN It has been my highest honor to serve our great country as an Airman for almost 37 years. In peace and

Gates hammers home importance of Air Force nuke mission

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates gave a very quick synopsis of the goals of his tenure in office June 10 at Scott Air Force Base. "We are damn sure ... going to spend and do everything necessary to win the wars we are in, to care properly for our wounded, and to restore excellence in our nuclear

In his honor: Street named for Airman killed in action

Approximately 400 servicemembers gathered June 10 here to honor a vehicle operator who died June 10, 2007, as result of an improvised explosive device attack.Airman 1st Class Eric Barnes, 20, of Lorain, Ohio, was deployed from the 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base,