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U.S. Air Force News

  • CMSAF discusses need for strengthened resiliency at symposium

    The Air Force's senior enlisted leader discussed the importance of resiliency and its impact to the service Feb. 17 here during the Air Force Association's Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy spoke candidly about the repercussions of a

  • Vice CSAF: Air Force must prepare for more complex, varied ops

    The Air Force is working to balance today's needs and tomorrow's challenges while operating under intense fiscal pressures, the service's vice chief of staff said here Feb. 17.During remarks at the Air Force Association's 2011 Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition, Gen. Philip M. Breedlove

  • Results of command, control training study show roadmap ahead

    Standardizing command and control, or C2, training across air, space and cyber domains and consolidating training here were the main recommendations of a recent independent study completed for Air Combat Command.Results and proposed priorities of the study examining Air Force operational-level C2

  • Lynn gains IT industry's cybersecurity perspective

    Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III returned Feb. 15 from a two-day cybersecurity-focused trip here that included a keynote speech and meetings with industry leaders.Throughout his visit, Mr. Lynn focused on communicating with information technology professionals, whom he terms critical to

  • DOD must train for 'degraded' environments, official says

    The military needs to do a better job of training to conduct operations in less-than-perfect conditions, the chairman of the Defense Science Board said here Feb. 9.Paul G. Kaminski said that given the cyber and space threat environment that exists today and likely will grow in the future, commanders

  • ISOC class helps turn Airmen into air commandos

    They all come from different careers fields, but have one thing in common -- they work in, or with, special operations. More than 1,200 students fill the U.S. Air Force Special Operations School auditoriums annually to participate in the Introduction to Special Operations course. Students spend

  • AOC Weapon System moves toward single computing environment

    Electronic Systems Center officials recently put out a request for proposal to modernize the Air and Space Operations Center Weapon System."We're looking to have a single computing environment for the AOC Weapon System," said Lt. Col. John Barrette, AOC WS 10.2 program manager. "Right now, there are

  • Hickam C-17 drops a Navy boat over Pacific

    It was 'zero-dark-thirty' and only the blue line of runway lights met the joint Air Force and Navy crew under the wings of a C-17 Globemaster III.A 535th Airlift Squadron aircrew from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Navy Special Warfare Unit One from Guam teamed up to drop a

  • Legends Panel links past, present communications Airmen

    Air Force Network Integration Center Airmen had a unique opportunity to meet with and ask questions of some of the organization's past commanders and members of the Communications and Information Hall of Fame during the AFNIC Legends Panel session here Jan 26.The panel was part of a two-day heritage

  • Kehler succeeds Chilton as commander of Strategic Command

    Air Force Gen. Kevin P. Chilton passed the flag of U.S. Strategic Command to Air Force Gen. C. Robert Kehler Jan. 28, giving the nation's nuclear deterrent mission a new commander.General Chilton, a pilot who served 10 years with NASA and flew three space shuttle missions, retired after 34 years of

  • High-tempo training prepares maintainers for war

    Aircraft maintainers are working day and night during Red Flag 11-2, so pilots can fly the missions needed to prepare for aerial combat, but not only aircrew members benefit from the Red Flag experience.The high-tempo mission requirements of Red Flag provide maintainers an environment that

  • Air Force chief of staff releases 2011 reading list

    The Air Force chief of staff announced his latest professional reading list Jan. 21. "Effectively operating within our increasingly dynamic, interconnected and complex world requires steadfast commitment to personal and professional growth," Gen. Norton Schwartz said in a letter to

  • McChord crew chiefs 'get the job done'

    Maintainers here say no airlift wing can provide global airlift for America without ready and available aircraft. No aircraft can deliver global airlift without proper maintenance. The 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chiefs here ensure the 62nd Airlift Wing's C-17 Globemaster IIIs are safe,

  • Gates: Chinese taking strategic dialogue proposal seriously

    The Chinese are taking an American proposal to hold a strategic dialogue between the two countries seriously, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here Jan. 11.Secretary Gates met with President Hu Jintao at the Great Hall of the people and with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Jan. 11. The meetings

  • Air Force officials lift rated requirement for air liaison officers

    Air Force officials announced here Jan. 7 the removal of the air liaison officer rated requirement, allowing any company grade officer, accession candidate or enlisted Airman the possibility of a career change.ALOs, once drawn strictly from fighter, bomber and air battle manager communities, now

  • Royal Air Force aircrews to train at Offutt

    Whether it's performing strategic bombing missions in World War II, defending Europe during the Cold War, monitoring Iraqi no-fly zones, or battling the Taliban in Afghanistan, the U.S. Air Force and the U.K. Royal Air Force have been close allies for many years.Recently, this partnership was

  • Networthiness sets standards for DOD, AF networks

    The Air Force soon will have a relatively new term to add to its network operations lexicon: "Networthiness." Air Force Network Integration Center officials recently led efforts to develop the Department of Defense's networthiness concept, an operational assessment that goes well beyond information

  • Nellis Airmen, joint partners prep Marines for Afghanistan

    U.S. Joint Forces Command joint fires experts joined Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group and other joint enablers during a mission rehearsal exercise here to prepare Marine Corps Regimental Combat Team-8 for its upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.Exercise Spartan Resolve, led by MCTOG

  • Officials seek bilingual officers for training school

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations from bilingual officers to participate in the 2011 Inter-American Squadron Officer School Program. This program focuses on inter-Americanism and developing Latin American regional affairs specialists for the Air Force.Captains from all Air Force

  • USAFE vice commander discusses Air Force operations

    More than 100 business and military professionals gathered here recently to hear the U.S. Air Forces in Europe vice commander's perspective on Air Force operations and what it means as Air Force communications and information Airmen transition from a support role to an operational cyberspace

  • DARPA goal for cybersecurity: change the game

    Self-proclaimed "technogeeks" at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, after determining the nature of the cybersecurity threat, have devised programs to tackle the problem and, most importantly, surprise their adversaries, DARPA's deputy director said.Kaigham Gabriel spoke here at the Dec.

  • 300 take part in virtual battle

    More than 300 joint warfighters converged in a virtual battlespace for a four-day exercise ending Dec. 16.Participants from 18 locations joined forces to defeat the simulated threat in Virtual Flag 11-1. The 705th Combat Training Squadron here executes four VFs each year. It's the largest Air Force

  • Pentagon spokesman addresses strategy review, budget

    The U.S. Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy is yielding results that are "trending in the right direction," Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said Dec. 17.During an MSNBC television interview, Mr. Morrell responded to questions on Pakistan's role in establishing regional security, the purpose of the

  • Gates urges Congress to pass omnibus appropriation bill

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urged Congress Dec. 16 to approve an omnibus appropriation bill rather than requiring the Defense Department to operate under a year-long continuing resolution."To do otherwise would leave the department without the resources and flexibility needed to meet vital

  • Air Force Research Laboratory engineer receives Harold Brown Award

    A senior scientist from Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., received the 2010 Harold Brown Award Dec. 15 for her breakthrough research in pioneering new infrared technology that will augment aircraft defense and impact numerous Defense Department systems .Dr. Candace Lynch strengthened aircraft

  • Cross-country training pools experience, skills

    Members of the 100th Air Refueling Wing united with their Royal Air Force counterparts to build cross-service relationships and military skills during Leadership, Ethos and Air Power Day here Dec. 6.Participants in station LEAP Day were taken from all sections of Royal Air Force Marham and

  • ACC commander visits Kirtland AFB prior to start of virtual exercise

    Gen. William M. Fraser III, the Air Combat Command commander, visited the 705th Combat Training Squadron here Dec. 7, prior to the start of Virtual Flag.Virtual Flag exercises are part of the 505th Command and Control Wing's mission at Hurlburt Field, Fla., and are intended to improve warfighter

  • Combat rescue officers celebrate 10-year anniversary

    Officials celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the creation of the combat rescue officer career field Dec. 8."Our personnel recovery forces need to be organized, trained and equipped to operate across the full range of military operations, including humanitarian operations, irregular warfare and

  • Senior DOD leaders share perspectives on future warfighting

    A panel of senior Department of Defense and service component leaders acknowledged that an uncertain, fluid international security environment demands new thinking and approaches to meeting training and simulation requirements for future joint warfighters. The panel met during the

  • 24th AF becomes AFCYBER

    Air Force officials announced that 24th Air Force changed from Air Forces Strategic to Air Forces Cyber Dec. 7. The change better reflects the mission the numbered Air Force performs for the Air Force and the Department of Defense."The name change will not impact the 24th Air Force's mission," said

  • First cyber class graduates

    The Air Force took a significant step forward in its cyberspace training transformation Dec. 6, as 15 officers graduated from the first undergraduate cyberspace training course at here."It's time to leave here and provide the Air Force, and the nation, with real options and opportunities based on

  • Modeling and simulation conference shaping future warfighting

    The new commander of Air Education & Training Command challenged developers of modeling and simulation technologies to work together to develop new and improved training systems to meet the full spectrum of threats joint and coalition warfighters may face in the future during a conference here Nov.

  • Communications and information service consolidation eases MAJCOM workloads

    The transition of common communication and information workloads from major commands to the Air Force Network Integration Center is complete, enabling MAJCOM communications and information staffs to further focus on core warfighting missions and information needs.The transfer centralized 10 services

  • Mullen: North Korea's unpredictability endangers region

    The only thing predictable about the North Korean regime is its unpredictability, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a television broadcast Nov. 28.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il is trying to assure the transition of leadership to his son, Kim Jong-un. He

  • Leaders provide update, vector on Air Force space efforts at symposium

    Senior Air Force leaders, servicemembers and industry partners gathered for the Air Force Association's annual Global Warfare Symposium Nov. 18 through 19 here. This year's symposium focused on innovation, operating under financial constraints, building partnerships and managing space acquisition.

  • Airmen prepare for Antarctic climb

    Two Hurlburt Field Airmen are putting the 1st Special Operations Wing motto to the test.While most of their friends and colleagues are indulging in the family, food and football of the Thanksgiving holiday, Capt. Rob Marshall, with the 8th Special Operations Squadron, and Capt. Graydon Muller, with

  • Network Integration Center team shapes future of AF cyberspace operations

    The Air Force Network Integration Center may be an organization that many Airmen aren't familiar with, but it has a very significant charter that ultimately affects every Airman, every day.The center, located here at Scott Air Force Base, is a direct reporting unit of Air Force Space Command at

  • STRATCOM nominee cites multiple security challenges

    The United States is confronting security threats that are complex, unremitting and compelling, Gen. C. Robert Kehler told the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing Nov. 18.General Kehler is President Barack Obama's nominee to become the chief of U.S. Strategic Command,

  • Cyber attacks present 'huge' threat, Gates says

    Leaders are taking steps to bring defense industrial and domestic partners under an umbrella of protection from cyber attacks, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Nov. 16."There is a huge future threat and there is a considerable current threat (from cyber attacks)," Gates said during a

  • AETC commander to retire after 37 years of service

    The commander of Air Education and Training Command, Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, will retire in the grade of general effective Jan. 1, 2011, Air Force officials have announced, culminating more than 37 years of commissioned service. His retirement ceremony is Nov. 17.Among his many accomplishments as

  • Exercise introduces Navy expertise to air-centric operation

    Participants from several federal, state and local agencies from across the United States and Canada participated in Vigilant Shield '11, an exercise geared at training and evaluating tactics, techniques and procedures to ensure interoperability of Department of Defense assets in support of the

  • Officials take steps to defend cyber domain

    In a "DOD Live" bloggers roundtable yesterday, the vice commander of Air Force Space Command discussed the Air Force's cyberspace mission, cybersecurity and the training and education the Air Force is providing to Airmen in the field.Maj. Gen. Michael J. Basla said the Air Force's mission emphasizes

  • Jordan, US conduct exercise in Southwest Asia

    Falcon Air Meet 2010, held at Azraq Royal Jordanian Air Base, Jordan, brought men and women from various countries together to share their different cultures, reinforce standards, and build relationships, trust and respect. A friendly competition was a highlight that provided a training experience

  • Officials stand up enlisted cyberspace defense operations career field

    Air Force officials added a new enlisted career field for cyberspace defense operators Nov. 1.The new specialty code, 1B4X1, is a retrain-in only specialty focused on computer network operations. The initial 1B4X1 cadre will comprise Airmen who are retraining from intelligence and cyberspace support

  • AFIT graduates first class of cyberspace warriors

    Officials with the Air Force Institute of Technology and the Air Force Cyberspace Technical Center of Excellence conducted the first Cyber 200 and 300 course graduation here Oct. 28. Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander of Air Force Space Command, served as keynote speaker for this first class of

  • New capability brings live JTAC training closer to the real thing

    A new capability to broadcast a combined live, virtual and constructive, or LVC, picture using distributed models and simulations brings live training for joint terminal attack controllers closer to training like they fight.The new capability was developed by members of the Air Force Agency for

  • 460th Space Wing wraps up first Cyber Lightning exercise

    Working under a carefully planned and escalating contested cyber environment on Oct. 15, members of the 460th Space Wing here successfully completed their first exclusively cyber-focused exercise."Exercise Cyber Lightning" was designed to test the wing' s capability to operate in a contested cyber

  • Air Force school focuses on cybersecurity

    "The wars of the future will be fought in the cyber domain" sounds like a bad movie tagline from 20 years ago, but it's becoming truer by the day, and the Air Force is readying troops for that battle.Brig. Gen. Walter D. Givhan, the commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology at

  • Expeditionary Center Airmen honor Air Force's first female chief

    Every Airman should know the name Grace A. Peterson. She is the first woman to ever hold the rank of chief master sergeant.For the 200 people in attendance at the Expeditionary Center here Oct. 18, the first woman to be promoted to chief master sergeant 50 years ago sat in the front row of the hall

  • Command, control wing adds joint digital integration mission

    A new mission was added to the 505th Command and Control Wing here Oct. 15.The 505th Operations Group at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., took over Joint Digital Integration for Combat Engagement, or JDICE, from the Air Force Command and Control Integration Center. The JDICE capability complements the

  • Joint STARS demonstrates key network-enabled weapons capability

    An Electronic Systems Center team is wrapping up work on a demonstration here aimed to greatly improve network-enabled weapons capabilities for joint forces. The Battle Management Directorate's E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System Modernization Branch has been participating in the Joint

  • Jordan, U.S. commence exercise in Southwest Asia

    Falcon Air Meet 2010 officially kicked off Oct. 19 at Azraq Royal Jordanian Air Base in the country of Jordan. The two-week exercise brings servicemembers from various countries together to share doctrine and procedures, strengthen relationships, and improve regional security. A friendly competition

  • Cyberspace is the new domain of warfare

    With the creation of the U.S. Cyber Command in May and last week's cybersecurity agreement between the departments of Defense and Homeland Security, DOD officials are ready to add cyberspace to sea, land, air and space as the latest domain of warfare, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III

  • Secretary Donley addresses challenges ahead during Kirtland visit

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited Kirtland Air Force Base Oct. 13 and 14 to meet with base leaders, speak with Airmen serving here and address members of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.During his visit, Secretary Donley visited numerous base organizations, including the

  • Top enlisted Airman visits Horn of Africa

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force spent a day here to see firsthand the role Airmen play in the mission of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and throughout the U.S. Africa Command theater.During the Oct. 13 visit, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy visited Airmen in

  • Defense Cyber Crime Center officials host challenge

    Airmen and civilians are now able to submit solutions for the 2010 Defense Cyber Crime Center Digital Forensics Challenge to compete against more than 975 teams for a chance to win 11 different prizes.The DC3 Digital Forensics Challenge is a public, online, and international Challenge held annually

  • Basic trainees begin cyber training

    The importance of defending cyberspace was taken to a new level when cyber training became a permanent fixture of the Air Force basic military training curriculum.The first trainees attended a four-hour course devoted to defending the Air Force networks and operations in cyberspace Oct. 4. The

  • C2 conference addresses future structure, training

    The 505th Command and Control Wing hosted its semi-annual Commander's Conference here Oct. 12 through 14.Thirty-one commanders, deputy commanders and superintendents from seven locations across the U.S. converged on Hulburt to discuss command and control, or C2, issues affecting operational-level

  • Officials publish cyberspace operations doctrine

    The LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education approved and published the newly developed Air Force Doctrine Document 3-12, Cyberspace Operations.Maj. Gen. David S. Fadok, the LeMay Center's commander, said cyberspace operations are critical to effective operations across the range of

  • Officials launch two advanced cyberspace courses

    Officials at the Air Force Cyberspace Technical Center of Excellence here are conducting the first official Cyber 200 and 300 courses beginning Oct.12. On Oct. 28, more than 100 students will graduate from the Air Force Institute of Technology's newest educational courses designed to develop the Air

  • Busy Afghan mission leads to recognition

    A 919th Special Operations Wing aircrew recently was selected for the Air Force Association's Brig. Gen. Ross Hoyt Award for their efforts on a mission over Afghanistan in 2009.At that time, the 10-man MC-130E Combat Talon aircrew led by pilot Maj. Michael Black, then with the 711th Special

  • Top chief discusses training, wingmanship during Academy visit

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited with the Air Force Academy's enlisted cadre Oct. 1 and talked about the way ahead for the Air Force, professional military education and taking care of Airmen and families.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy was in Colorado

  • President Obama proclaims Cybersecurity Awareness Month

    Americans everywhere prosper because of the nation's digital infrastructure, and therefore all citizens must defend it, President Barack Obama said Oct. 4.October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and in a proclamation released, President Obama said all Americans must understand they have a

  • Clues in cyberspace catch criminals in the real world

    For many, cyberspace is a vast and intangible place. A land of green ones and zeros floating on a sea of black, where an e-mail originated in Switzerland can travel to a server in Mozambique within a matter of seconds. In the ever-changing landscape of cyberspace, information can be hidden anywhere

  • 24th Air Force achieves full operational capability

    The commander of Air Force Space Command declared full operational capability for 24th Air Force Oct. 1.The criteria to reach FOC, established in Air Force Program Action Directive PAD 07-08, required 24th Air Force, headquartered at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to be able to perform all

  • Gates praises service, sacrifice of all-volunteer force

    The American people are losing contact with those who make up its military, and the nation needs to understand the service and sacrifices that U.S. military personnel and their families make, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said at Duke University's Page Auditorium Sept. 29.The secretary spoke to

  • ACE Cyber Security Boot Camp prepares future officers

    With constantly evolving threats to cyberspace affecting national security, the Air Force is coming up with new ways to enhance cyber security. Educating the force is one way to face the challenges of keeping cyberspace secure, and future officers are receiving this education before they earn their

  • Net-centricity transcends the network, experts say

    Several high-level Air Force, joint service and industry speakers discussed the powers and perils of operating in a net-centric environment at this year's Net-Centric Operations Conference at the Wentworth Hotel and Conference Center here Sept. 20.Sponsored by the Patriots Roost Chapter of the

  • Filling civilian vacancies easier with advanced recruiting, online resources

    As Air Force officials work to streamline and expedite the hiring process for the civilian workforce, they are encouraging hiring managers to initiate the recruitment process prior to an incumbent's departure.If the position being vacated is already funded, properly classified and serviced by the

  • Outstanding Airmen honored at dinner

    Air Force Association officials held a formal dinner honoring the 2010 Outstanding Airmen of the Year was held at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 14 during the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition."This is a proud moment for our honorees," said

  • 'Flying classroom' retires after 37 years of service

    The last combat systems officer training aircraft was retired from service in a ceremony here Sept. 17.The T-43, also known as the 'Gator,' is a version of the Boeing 737, and has served as a training platform for navigators, now known as combat systems officers, since 1973."We call it the flying

  • Combat Air Force Airmen integrate into new plan

    Combat Air Force officials released the 2010 CAF Strategic Plan Sept. 15, a document that focuses on the development, planning and employment of integrated combat capabilities."The Combat Air Force is a group of eight major commands and the Airmen that work in those commands across our Air Force;

  • Leaders say happy birthday, Air Force

    The Air Force's top leaders send a message to the total force to celebrate the Air Force's 63rd birthday and to remind them to remember the commitment and sacrifice of all the Airmen deployed around the globe.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • Air Force leaders discuss challenges, achievements

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz hosted a multi-command panel of generals to address issues from the audience at the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 15.The panel discussion, which also featured Chief

  • Chief of staff highlights contributions of Airmen to national security

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz spoke on the state of the Air Force during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 14. His comments highlighted the contributions of Airmen to national security in the

  • Space Command Inspector General: 24th Air Force ready for full operations

    The Headquarters Air Force Space Command Inspector General team concluded a four-day, full operational capability assessment of 24th Air Force units here today with a briefing to the commander stating that the numbered Air Force and its subordinate units are "ready" to be declared fully

  • New ISR group supports cyber operations

    The 659th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group was activated Sept. 8 during a ceremony here.The mission of the 659th ISR Group, commanded by Col. Peter Lambert, is to provide direct ISR support to the 24th Air Force, which contributes to U.S. Cyber Command's mission. Members of the

  • Cyber Task Force passes mission to Cyber Command

    After spending the better part of the past decade defending the Defense Department's computer networks, the Joint Task Force Global Network Operations command cased its colors.The task force was deactivated in a ceremony Sept. 7 here at the Defense Information Systems Agency. The task force's people

  • Department joins in call for innovative solutions

    Defense Department officials are putting some of their most vexing challenges on the Internet for the public to help solve as part of a new initiative to invite creative solutions to government problems.Pentagon officials submitted four challenges to the Challenge.gov website that launched today.

  • Airmen assist BLM during wild horse round-up

    Members of the 366th Operations Support Squadron and 266th Range Control Squadron recently supported the Bureau of Land Management during its emergency gathering of 198 wild horses after a wildfire charred the land the animals usually roam. To perform this rescue mission, BLM officials needed access

  • Chief scientist describes future technology

    "Humans today are still more capable than machines, but by 2030 that is absolutely not going to be the case anymore," said Dr. Werner Dahm, the Air Force Chief Scientist, in describing one of the conclusions he reached during the Air Force's first in-depth look at future technology in more than a

  • Net-Centric Ops Conference to examine changing environments, apps

    The theme for the eighth annual Net-Centric Ops Conference, to be held Sept. 20 at the Wentworth-by-the-Sea Hotel and Resort in New Castle, N.H., is "Changing Environments -- Changing Applications." Organizers of the conference say discussions will be focused on fully realizing net-centric

  • Three spouses of Airmen in Norway earn citizenship

    Three spouses of Airmen stationed at the NATO Joint Warfare Center and the 426th Air Base Squadron took their oath of allegience to become U.S. citizens Aug. 19 in Stavanger, Norway.A complex process for new citizens, Andrea Rodriguez-Sanchez, Rowena Jarman and Cornelia Jude, was made simpler thanks

  • Air Force family, strategic balance among top SecAF priorities

    At the Air Force Sergeant's Association Professional Airmen's Conference here Aug. 18, the Air Force secretary emphasized his commitment to Airmen and their families, and a focus on strategic balance to best support current and future operations.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed

  • 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron Airmen participate in ISR demo

    In late July and early August, members of the 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron participated in Empire Challenge 10, a live intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance interoperability demonstration. The annual endeavor, sponsored by the undersecretary of Defense for intelligence, aims to enhance

  • Photo essay: Moody gets ready for desert warfare training exercise

    A-10C Thunderbolt II pilots and maintainers here prepare for desert warfare training at the Enhanced Mojave Viper Exercise in Arizona Aug. 13. The preparation ensures that the A-10Cs will provide close air support for the U.S. Marines and Navy during the event. View the slideshow.

  • Air Force officials reviewing command, control training infrastructure

    Air Force officials awarded an independent-study contract to DP Technology Services Inc., Aug. 16, for studying the development of an advanced operational-level C2, or command and control, training campus. "This study is the first step in developing a solution which will benefit Air Force C2 in the

  • Air Force team launches first advanced satellite

    A team from the 45th Space Wing successfully launched the first Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite onboard an Atlas V launch vehicle from Launch Pad 41 here Aug. 16 at 7:07 a.m. "This is an historic launch of an important asset to our nation's military and our allies," said Undersecretary

  • Gates strives to change Pentagon's culture

    The initiative to reduce Defense Department overhead and to eliminate duplicative capabilities is part of a larger thrust to change the culture of the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here Aug. 9.The department must be more frugal with the taxpayers' money and must put what money it

  • Senate confirms Mattis for top CENTCOM post

    The Senate unanimously confirmed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as commander of U.S. Central Command.General Mattis, who previously served as NATO supreme allied commander for transformation and commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Va., received the Senate nod Aug. 5.In his new

  • Fightin' Fifty-Fifth on the cusp of historic milestone

    Historic, monumental and simply incredible are just a few ways to describe the milestone soon to be attained by the men and women of the 55th Wing.On Aug. 9, the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth will surpass 20 years of continuous deployment to U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility by its personnel and

  • Defense panel calls for more force structure changes

    Defense Department officials must plan to maintain recent additions to the ground forces for the foreseeable future and boost their long-range strike, maritime and cyber capability to confront global trends and threats, the Quadrennial Defense Review Independent Panel told Congress Aug. 3.William

  • Combat communications team supports New Horizons Panama 2010

    An 11-person team from the 32nd Combat Communications Squadron from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is deployed to Meteti, Panama, to bring phone and data service to engineers and support personnel participating in New Horizons Panama 2010.New Horizons Panama 2010 is a U.S. Southern Command sponsored

  • Maintainers resurrect F-16s that will become targets

    Maintainers are towing F-16 Fighting Falcons out of retirement from the "boneyard" here July 29 and preparing them to become the Air Force's newest platform for target training. Specialists with the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group are regenerating F-16s so they can be flown to a

  • Senior Indian air force leaders visit Kirtland AFB

    Senior Indian air force leaders visited the 705th Combat Training Squadron here July 26 and 27. The IAF leaders were here to learn how the U.S. Air Force operators use simulators for different aircraft and how to do distributed mission operations, according to Maj. Mark Hadley, 705th CTS assistant

  • Electronic Systems Center enhances Air Force network

    The Cyber/Integration Division, formerly known as the 753rd Electronic Systems Group, has recently improved the way information flows to and from Air Force computers worldwide, saving approximately $24 million in the process. This was accomplished through modernization projects that upgraded both

  • Air Force agency participates in national veteran small business conference

    The largest conference for veteran-owned small businesses took place here July 19 through 22.The 6th annual National Veteran Small Business Conference and Expo brought together more than 3,000 federal government and private sector attendees from across the nation. The theme of the conference was

  • Squadron provides 'electronic armor' to global warfighters

    Approximately 170 professionals at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, use complex systems and produce information to arm warfighters with the knowledge needed to safely perform their duty. Providing electronic warfare analysis and support down range to joint and coalition warfighters is the mission of