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U.S. Air Force News

  • 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,

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

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

  • Duty brings out best in Balad hospital volunteers

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

  • Charleston Aerial Port Squadron 'Leans' forward

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

  • Industry Days emphasize Air Force need for new tanker

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

  • Misawa units strengthened by Total Force

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

  • Emerald Warrior kicks off at Hurlburt Field

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

  • Officials announce C-130J contract conversion

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

  • Randolph NCO selected as senior enlisted aide of year

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

  • NFL team welcomes home warfighters

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

  • Air Force maintainers give Australians peek into their future

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

  • Minot event supports breast cancer research

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

  • Family reunion caps boating rescue for rescuers

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

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

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

  • Maxwell NCO selected as top junior enlisted aide

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

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 24

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

  • Atlantic Strike provides joint training for interdependent warfighters

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

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

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

  • Centralized repair facility saves time, money

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

  • Pressure sensitive paint could save millions of dollars

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

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 23

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

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

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

  • COMUSAFE builds on U.S.-Romania relationship

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

  • DOD celebrates 2006 Red Ribbon Week

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

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 21

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

  • Training comes first for pararescue Airmen

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

  • Wilford Hall receives national honors

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

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 20

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

  • Museum adds British Bristol Beaufighter to gallery

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

  • Balad Airman earns national air traffic control honors

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

  • First F-22 slated for Pacific rolls out

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

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 18

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

  • President signs 2007 Defense Authorization Act

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

  • Airman killed in racing accident

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

  • A-10 upgrade effort transforms Warthog capabilities

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

  • AFRL awards $6.4 million contract to HNC Software

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

  • Ellsworth energy team saves money, earns award

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

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 17

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

  • Team makes breakthrough in hypersonic research

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

  • Energy, water efficiency earn Air Force bases awards

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

  • DOD to resume anthrax vaccinations

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

  • AMC declares C-130J operational

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

  • Airman killed during combat operations in Iraq

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

  • CENTAF airpower summary for Oct. 16

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

  • CENTAF airpower summary for Oct. 15

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

  • President, military leaders dedicate Air Force Memorial

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