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NATO Air Policing operations — U.S. Air Force News

March 3, 2025
Air Force designates two Mission Design Series for collaborative combat aircraft

The U.S. Air Force announced the designation of two Mission Design Series within its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program today: the YFQ-42A (General Atomics) and the YFQ-44A (Anduril).
March 3, 2025
Hegseth directs civilians to prepare 5 bullet points on weekly work

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum to all Defense Department civilian employees directing them to prepare five bullet points detailing their work accomplishments from the prior week.
March 1, 2025
Department of the Air Force releases memorandum on hiring freeze

The Department of the Air Force released the memorandum Department of the Air Force Hiring Freeze pursuant to Secretary of Defense Memorandum “Immediate Civilian Hiring Freeze for Alignment with National Defense Priorities.”
March 1, 2025
The Department of the Air Force implements Deferred Resignation Program

The DAF began implementing the Deferred Resignation Program.
Feb. 28, 2025
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Feb. 28, 2025
Around the Air Force: Bomber Task Force 25, Minuteman III Test Launch, Weapons and Tactics Conference

In this week’s look Around the Air Force, BTF missions demonstrate force projected capabilities, an unarmed Minuteman III launch ensures a credible and effective deterrent, and WEPTAC offers the opportunity to develop, refine and validate tactics, techniques and procedures for Air Combat Operations.
Feb. 28, 2025
Hurlburt Field gains 711 SOS, 919 SOMXG

The Department of the Air Force selected Hurlburt Field, Florida, as the preferred and final location to host the 711 Special Operations Squadron and 919 Special Operations Maintenance Group.
Feb. 21, 2025
Hegseth addresses strengthening military by cutting excess, refocusing DOD budget

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed his priorities of strengthening the military by cutting fiscal fraud, waste and abuse at DOD while also finding ways to refocus the department's budget.
Feb. 21, 2025
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Feb. 21, 2025
Airmen, Soldiers evacuate 296 people stranded by floods in Kentucky

Airmen and Soldiers from the Kentucky National Guard evacuated 296 residents from two housing complexes surrounded by floodwaters in Martin County, Kentucky, on Feb. 17.
Feb. 21, 2025
Around the Air Force: Strength through Bamboo Eagle, A New Era of Pilot Testing, AETC Launches New Flying Risk App

BE 25-1 kicks off focusing on ACE with joint and allied forces, the USAF Test Pilot School collaborates with Stanford University for AI driven systems that will define future warfighting capabilities, and AETC deploys a ground-breaking app to retool how aircrews assess risk prior to every flight.
Feb. 21, 2025
Hawaii Air Guard’s Sentry Aloha exercise boosts readiness

Approximately 800 joint personnel, including Guardsman, Reservists, locally based active-duty partners from the 15th Wing, Sailors and Marines and nearly 30 aircraft from six states participated together in exercise Sentry Aloha 25-1.
Feb. 21, 2025
Innovative RFID technology enhances inventory management at 52nd LRS

The 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron is embracing a new Radio Frequency Identification system to revolutionize inventory management for individual protective equipment and material management.
Feb. 20, 2025
C3BM adopts Integrated Product Team construct to enhance collaboration, efficiency

The Department of the Air Force’s Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management is enhancing its approach to delivering the DAF BATTLE NETWORK with the adoption of an Integrated Product Team construct.
Feb. 19, 2025
Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of US nuclear force’s safe, effective deterrent

A joint team of AFGSC Airmen and Vandenberg SFB Guardians launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a single telemetered joint test assembly re-entry vehicle from Vandenberg SFB.
Feb. 18, 2025
Bamboo Eagle 25-1 tests forces in a combat representative environment

The U.S. Air Force Warfare Center recently wrapped up Bamboo Eagle 25-1, concluding a series of coordinated operations that involved more than 10,000 personnel from multiple Air Force major commands, joint services and allied air forces.
Feb. 15, 2025
Bamboo Eagle, Red Flag exercises reinforce Mission Ready Airman training in 388th Fighter Wing

Maintainers from the 421st Fighter Generation Squadron are gaining valuable training and experience while they are deployed to provide F-35A Lightning II sorties for Bamboo Eagle 25-1.
Feb. 15, 2025
Bamboo Eagle 25-1 strengthens F-35 pilots' skills

Pilots from the 388th Fighter Wing’s 421st Fighter Squadron, flying the F-35A Lightning II in Bamboo Eagle 25-1, are gaining vital experience with every sortie.
Feb. 15, 2025
TACP conduct Target Acquisition, Distributed C2 Operations during exercise Bamboo Eagle 25-1

Special Warfare TACP teams from the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing enabled critical C2 and sensing capabilities for exercise Bamboo Eagle 25-1 across America and islands in the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 10-14.
Feb. 14, 2025
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Feb. 13, 2025
Face of defense: Airman helps save skier's life

On Jan 17., Senior Airman Sebastian d’Alton assisted in the life saving measures of a skier by applying a tourniquet and packing the skiers wound until a helicopter arrived to airlift the skier to a local hospital.
Feb. 13, 2025
388th Fighter Wing participates in Bamboo Eagle 25-1

Airmen from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings at Hill Air Force Base deployed to Naval Air Station North Island over the weekend with a number of F-35A Lightning as part of Bamboo Eagle 25-1.
Feb. 12, 2025
USAF adjusts WAPS testing dates for 25E6 cycle

The upcoming 25E6 promotion testing cycle was scheduled to begin on Feb. 15 and conclude on April 15, however, the testing cycle has been delayed and will now begin on March 3 and conclude on May 1.
Feb. 12, 2025
Launching the mission: The importance of 48FW crew chiefs

Crew chiefs and Airmen keep the mission going at RAF Lakenheath.
Feb. 12, 2025
36th AS flexes agility, conducts airdrop operations under limited visibility

Four C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron revved engines in preparation for a routine, yet convincing, demonstration of world-class agility, Feb. 6.
Feb. 12, 2025
352nd SOW, Finnish Utti Jaeger Regiment strengthen NATO’s interoperability in austere weather environments

The training included airdrop operations in cold weather conditions utilizing the 352nd SOW’s MC-130J Commando II.
Feb. 11, 2025
A new era in testing: USAF TPS partners with Stanford, Silicon Valley for AI, emerging technologies course

This historic collaboration marks the school’s first major engagement with academia in recent memory and is part of a broader effort to prepare future military test leaders for the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, data-driven systems, and autonomous technologies.
Feb. 11, 2025
Department of the Air Force releases memorandum DAF Family Days

The DAF released guidance dealing with the evaluation of Family Days.
Feb. 10, 2025
ShOC-N Capstone, Human-Machine Teaming experimentation to optimize the kill chain

The 805th Combat Training Squadron, also known as the Shadow Operations Center – Nellis, or ShOC-N, executed its bi-annual capstone event at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
Feb. 10, 2025
DAF releases memorandum Updated Telework Agreements to Comply with Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work

The DAF released a memo providing guidance on the use of telework and remote work.
Feb. 10, 2025
US, allied air forces, joint partners strengthen readiness in Bamboo Eagle 25-1

The U.S. Air Force Warfare Center kicked off Bamboo Eagle 25-1—a combined exercise featuring the U.S. Air Force alongside the joint force and allied forces.
Feb. 8, 2025
Heritage lays foundation for Air Force BMT

During the first week of training called Zero Week, Air Force basic military training introduces trainees to "Airmindedness," a fundamental lesson showcasing the rich heritage and achievements that have shaped today's Air Force.
Feb. 7, 2025
Air Guard conducts Sentry South-Southern Strike exercise

Exercise Sentry South-Southern Strike, a joint military partnership, strengthened contingency response operations, joint coordination, and combat employment skills during a two-week training event.
Feb. 7, 2025
FEBEX 25 prepares ANG for global challenges

The exercise replicated challenges in the Indo-Pacific theater, preparing units for potential island-hopping missions and decentralized command structures necessary for modern conflict environments.
Feb. 7, 2025
DAF announces Spark Tank 2025 finalists

DAF leaders announced the finalists of the 2025 Spark Tank competition made up of premier innovation ideas by Airmen and Guardians seeking sponsorship to bring their concepts to life.
Feb. 7, 2025
DAF releases memorandum on Revocation of Officer Source of Commission Applicant Pool Goals

Memorandum on Revocation of Officer Source of Commission Applicant Pool Goals.
Feb. 7, 2025
Department of the Air Force releases memorandum DAF Initial Return to In-Person Work Data for the DoD Implementation Plan

Department of the Air Force releases the memorandum DAF Initial Return to In-Person Work Data for the DoD Implementation Plan.
Feb. 6, 2025
Davis-Monthan Airman awarded Red Cross Certificate of Merit for saving life

Staff Sgt. Christopher Rickenbach, a 355th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, was awarded the Red Cross Certificate of Merit for administering life-saving actions.
Feb. 6, 2025
DAF releases memorandum on Limited Facilities-Based Exemption for Return to In-Person Work

Memorandum on Limited Facilities-Based Exemption for Return to In-Person Work in compliance with Secretary of Defense Memorandum Initial Department of Defense Implementation Guidance, Return to In-Person Work.
Feb. 6, 2025
Ninth Air Force’s largest-ever RADR exercise executed by 379th ECES

The multi-day exercise played a part in the broader Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) directed operation Agile Spartan 25.1.
Feb. 6, 2025
908th FTW connects with next generation of innovators during Maxwell Robotics Competition

The 908th Flying Training Wing supported a robotics competition at Maxwell Air Force Base, showcasing a MH-139A Grey Wolf aircraft and providing interactive education to high school students about STEM applications and career opportunities.
Feb. 6, 2025
51st Fighter Wing completes readiness exercise, ACE dispersal despite heavy snowfall

Wing exercises are a necessary and recurring requirement in Korea, where continuous robust readiness is vital to deterring aggression and maintaining stability in the region.
Feb. 5, 2025
Crew chief ensures mission readiness during exercise Spears of Victory

Airman 1st Class Garrett Holloway, 378th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron dedicated assistant crew chief, works tirelessly to ensure his F-16 is ready for daily training missions alongside coalition forces during exercise Spears of Victory.
Feb. 5, 2025
B-1B Lancers conduct training mission in support of BTF 25-1

B-1B Lancers assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron participated in support of Bomber Task Force 25-1, at Andersen Air force Base, Guam, Feb. 4. BTF missions demonstrate lethality and interoperability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Feb. 5, 2025
F-35 hot turns: enhancing survivability, lethality

The 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron exercised rapid aircraft regeneration and employment procedures on the F-35 Lightning II at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
Feb. 5, 2025
35th FW leads bilateral CBRN training with JSDF

The 35th Civil Engineering Squadron Office of Emergency Management conducted bilateral chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear small team operations training with Japan Air Self-Defense Force
Feb. 4, 2025
DAF releases memorandum on implementation of Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism, Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government

The DAF released guidance on defending women from gender ideology extremism and restoring biological truth to the federal government.
Feb. 4, 2025
The Department of the Air Force Releases Memorandum on Supplemental Guidance - Initial Return to In-Person Work Implementation Plan

The Department of the Air Force released a memorandum Supplemental Guidance - Initial Return to In-Person Work Implementation Plan.
Feb. 4, 2025
DAF releases memorandum on Reestablish Travel for Non-Covered Assisted Reproductive Technology

The DAF released guidance on reestablishing travel for Non-Covered Assisted Reproductive Technology.
Feb. 3, 2025
Cope North 25 send-off

The 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron and the Traffic Management Office are preparing cargo shipments for the upcoming Cope North 25 exercise in Guam, a multinational training event that enhances interoperability and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
Feb. 1, 2025
Department of the Air Force releases memorandum on initial return to in-person work implementation plan

The Department of the Air Force released a memorandum on Initial Return to In-Person Work Implementation Plan.
Jan. 31, 2025
Tactical Leadership Course emphasizes Agile Combat Employment

Airmen attended a Tactical Leadership Course in efforts to push the Mission-Ready Airman concept, equipping Airmen from various career fields to train in a multitude of skills necessary for Agile Combat Employment.
Jan. 31, 2025
Air Force kicks off roadshow, prepares Airmen for ‘Units of Action’ implementation

This structural change increases the ability for commanders to focus on their mission and enables the creation of an Air Force "Unit of Action" capable of deploying as a cohesively trained and highly effective team of warrior Airmen.
Jan. 31, 2025
Air Force Wargaming Institute hosts tabletop exercise for the Department Level Exercise series 2025

The Department Level Exercise series, part of the DAF’s Reoptimization for GPC, is the integration of several disparate major command exercises, intended to synchronize and evolve operations to deter competitor aggression where able, and to defeat threats to national security when necessary.
Jan. 31, 2025
Air Force provides airlift support for NORTHCOM border mission

This effort aims to enhance security and logistical capabilities as border enforcement agencies manage evolving challenges to protect the sovereignty of the U.S.
Jan. 30, 2025
DAF releases memorandum on Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Equal Opportunity programs continuation in compliance with executive orders and federal laws

The guidance provides clarity on and reaffirming the Department of the Air Force’s commitment to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination.
Jan. 30, 2025
United Operational Test Team conducts first dual, external GBU-54 release

The United Operational Test Team conducted the first ever dual, external release of a GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition from an F-35.
Jan. 29, 2025
AF/SG updates medical shaving profile guidance: Improving education and aligning standards

The Department of Air Force updated a medical guidance memorandum, Jan. 24, 2025, to offer healthcare providers additional guidance when evaluating Airmen and Guardians for a Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) diagnosis.
Jan. 29, 2025
Department of the Air Force releases memorandum on Remove Travel for Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care Services

The memorandum provides guidance on travel for Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care Service.
Jan. 29, 2025
Department of the Air Force releases memorandum on Remove Travel for Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care Services

The memorandum provides guidance on "Remove Travel for Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care Services” in accordance with Executive Order, Enforcing the Hyde Amendment, removing Joint Travel Regulations.
Jan. 29, 2025
CSAF Letter to Airmen on Standards

CSAF Allvin released a video explaining why our service is reviewing certain policies and standards to ensure they are easy to understand, easy to comply with, and easy to enforce across our entire Air Force. Today, he is following through on his promise to swiftly distribute updates.
Jan. 29, 2025
Air Force Standards Update - Tabs

CSAF Gen. David Allvin explains policy updates on duty identifier tabs.
Jan. 29, 2025
Air Force Standards Update - Shaving Waivers

Air Force Surgeon General Lt. Gen. John DeGoes explains policy updates on shaving waivers.
Jan. 29, 2025
DAF Safety announces next generation safety reporting

The next iteration of digital safety reporting is here with the release of the new SAFEREP App.
Jan. 28, 2025
Belgian air, space commander visits Luke AFB

As Belgium prepares to transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the F-35A Lightning II, the nation is focused on ensuring its pilots and maintainers are fully equipped to operate and sustain the fifth-generation aircraft effectively.
Jan. 27, 2025
DoD augments USCPB in removal flight efforts

Under the direction of U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Transportation Command is supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement removal flights by providing military airlift.
Jan. 27, 2025
USAF transports military police, supports USCBP's Southern Border mission

U.S. Northern Command is working together with the Department of Homeland Security to augment U.S. Customs and Border Protection along the southern border with additional military forces.
Jan. 27, 2025
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Begins 'Most Important Deployment of My Life'

Secretary Pete Hegseth was sworn in as the 29th Secretary of Defense.
Jan. 27, 2025
CSAF Statement on Faithfully Implementing Executive Orders

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin releases a statement on Faithfully Implementing Executive Orders.
Jan. 24, 2025
Department of the Air Force releases memorandum on federal civilian hiring freeze

The guidance outlines normal hiring actions and onboarding may continue under an exemption given by the Office of Personnel Management to the Department of Defense.
Jan. 24, 2025
Secretary of Defense releases memorandum on the implementation of Return to Work

The guidance effectively ends regular telework and remote work arrangements.
Jan. 24, 2025
Secretary of Defense releases guidance memorandum on Return to Work

The Secretary of Defense released guidance on the Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work.
Jan. 24, 2025
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Jan. 24, 2025
Around the Air Force: Real ID Ready, C-17 Fuel-Saving Tech, Training Aircraft Update

In this week’s look Around the Air Force, visitor access to military bases and some federal installations will be required to present Real ID credentials, microvane drag technology will modernize the C-17 Globemaster III fleet, and updates for the T-7A Red Hawk training aircraft.
Jan. 23, 2025
Air Force releases latest field grade officer promotions

The Air Force selected 52 active-duty majors for promotion to lieutenant colonel.
Jan. 23, 2025
CSAF Leadership Library: January 2025

Summary: Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin presents five new additions to the CSAF Leadership Library.
Jan. 23, 2025
Air Force doctrine realigns to create a more lethal, resilient force

The U.S. Air Force has released three doctrine publications to emphasize reoptimizing for Great Power Competition efforts: Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-0, Operations; AFDP 3-0.1, Command and Control; and AFDP 5-0, Planning.
Jan. 23, 2025
ANG, USNORTHCOM supports southwest border mission

U.S. Northern Command and Alaska Air National Guard Airmen worked with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to secure the Southern border of the United States.
Jan. 22, 2025
Department of the Air Force releases memorandum on the removal of all outward facing media of DEIA offices

The Department of the Air Force released a memorandum, Jan. 22, directing the department to remove all outward facing media of DEIA offices.
Jan. 21, 2025
First F-15E Strike Eagles equipped with Advanced EPAWSS system arrive at Liberty Wing

Two F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft equipped with the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System arrived at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, marking the delivery of the first F-15E Strike Eagles integrated with one of the world’s most advanced electronic warfare suites.
Jan. 20, 2025
Department of the Air Force releases memorandum on Barrier Analysis Working Groups

The DAF released a memo on the disestablishment of DAF BAWG.
Jan. 17, 2025
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Jan. 17, 2025
CMSAF visits MAKOS

CMSAF Flosi visited Homestead Air Reserve Base to discuss how the Air Force is reoptimizing for Great Power Competition and the importance of national security objectives.
Jan. 17, 2025
Around the Air Force: Selective Retention Bonus List, Missile Defense Breakthrough, Air Force JROTC Scholarships

In this week’s look Around the Air Force, the Selective Retention Bonus List was released in an effort to retain highly skilled enlisted personnel, a recent missile intercept experiment in Guam, and JROTC cadets receive scholarships to a private pilot training program.
Jan. 16, 2025
Department of the Air Force bids farewell to SECAF 26

Frank Kendall departed the Pentagon for the last time as the 26th secretary of the Air Force.
Jan. 15, 2025
The quiet heroes: 316th CES works round the clock to ensure airfield is clear from snow, ice for Carter state funeral

The 316th Civil Engineer Squadron was responsible for clearing the snow and ice from the airfield the day before the state funeral procession for former President Jimmy Carter was scheduled to arrive, ensuring the flight could land safely..
Jan. 15, 2025
Wyoming, Nevada Guard aircrews assist California firefighters

Three C-130 Hercules traveled to Channel Islands Air National Guard Base in California to assist the state’s firefighting apparatus.
Jan. 15, 2025
Air Force updates T-7A acquisition approach to field operational capability

A framework to adjust aspects of the T-7A Red Hawk acquisition approach to meet AETC's operational needs and deliver a platform that is safe, suitable, and sustainable to replace the aging fleet of T-38C Talon has been agreed upon.
Jan. 15, 2025
National Guard Bureau chief thanks firefighting guardsmen

National Guard Bureau senior leaders visited guardsmen supporting firefighting efforts in Southern California.
Jan. 14, 2025
Kendall offers vision for the Air Force, Space Force of 2050

SECAF Kendall offers his vision for the security challenges the Air Force and Space Force could face in 2050 and what is needed to properly respond.
Jan. 14, 2025
America’s Airfield honors President Jimmy Carter during State Funeral

Joint Base Andrews played a pivotal role in enabling Special Air Mission 39 during the State Funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, Jan. 2-9, 2025, despite a historic winter storm just days before.
Jan. 13, 2025
California, Nevada, Wyoming Guard join firefighting battle

More than 1,850 Guard members from California, Nevada and Wyoming are activated in assisting air and ground firefighting efforts in California.
Jan. 10, 2025
Olympic athlete graduates BMT

After winning a silver medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Airman Alvarez made her way to the 737th Training Group to complete 7.5 weeks of BMT.
Jan. 10, 2025
Around the Air Force: Installation Re-Optimization Plan, New Prescription Refill System, Updated Waiver Policies

In this week’s look Around the Air Force, the Installation Infrastructure Action Plan helps bases adapt to challenges of GPC, Defense Health Agency is upgrading prescription refill system, and the DAF expands medical waiver considerations.
Jan. 8, 2025
Air Force partners with academia, industry to test future pilot production model

AETC has partnered with the University of North Dakota Aerospace Foundation to test a new Initial Pilot Training model that enables students to earn essential certifications such as a private pilot’s license, instrument rating, and multi-engine rating.
Jan. 6, 2025
Air Force releases FY25 Selective Retention Bonus list

The U. S. Air Force released the Fiscal Year 2025 Selective Retention Bonus list, effective Dec. 16, 2024. The FY25 SRB program consists of 89 Air Force specialty codes, reflecting the Air Force’s ongoing commitment to retaining highly skilled enlisted personnel.
Jan. 3, 2025
Around the Air Force Year in Review: Great Power Competition, Realignment for Readiness, and Housing Feedback System

In this week’s look around the Air Force, we look back at three significant stories from 2024: SECAF highlights key accomplishments and emphasizes GPC, the Air Force realigns to maintain future competitiveness, and the DoD launches a new online housing feedback system to improve quality of life.
Jan. 2, 2025
Flying the Jayhawk into the sunset

The 86th Flying Training Squadron's T-1A Jayhawk made its final departure from Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.
Dec. 31, 2024
Navigating change: US Air Force, Space Force surgeon general discusses transformative leadership

Lt. Gen. John DeGoes discusses transformative leadership and how it is rooted in purposeful communication, adaptability, and a commitment to the Air Force core values.
Dec. 31, 2024
AF Year in Photos

This year's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This annual feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.