FOL Manta firefighters assist local firefighters

Members of the Forward Operating Location Manta Fire Department and medical team responded to a fishing boat fire Sept. 26 here at the request of the local authorities. The boat, which is owned and operated by a local company here in Manta was only a few miles off shore near FOL Manta when the

Chief of staff addresses future of airpower at conference

The Air Force chief of staff wrapped up the three-day Air Force Association's 2007 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition with an address before a crowd of several hundred Sept. 26 here. In his address, titled "To fly, fight and win in the 21st century," Gen. T. Michael Moseley drove

Flag officers complete warfighting course

Flag officers from four of the military services and a senior civilian recently gathered here to prepare for their future roles as senior warfighting planners. The senior leaders took part in Air University's two-week Joint Flag Officer Warfighting Course, and had the opportunity to talk with

Air University working with Congress to offer new degrees

Air University officials are working with members of Congress for authorization to grant three new degrees. U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Mobile, recently proposed an amendment to the defense authorization bill that will give the university degree-granting authority for a doctorate of philosophy in

AFA honors 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

The Air Force's top 12 enlisted Airmen were treated to a gala affair Sept. 24 during the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here. Each year, the AFA honors the 12 Airmen at its annual convention in Washington, D.C. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J.

Gen. Chilton confirmed to head USSTRATCOM

The commander of Air Force Space Command received Senate confirmation Sept. 28 to be the new commander of U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb."I am humbled by the confidence that the secretary of Defense and the president have put in me with the nomination, and humbled by (the

F-22 performs first drop of small diameter bomb

The F-22 Raptor Combined Test Force staff conducted the first airborne separation of a small diameter bomb from the internal weapons bay of an F-22 during a September test mission here. "This is a major milestone for the F-22 modernization roadmap," said Lt. Col. Daniel Daetz, the 411th Flight Test

C-5 lands at Bagram, opens galaxy of capabilities

The Sept. 22 landing and launching of one of the Air Force's largest aircraft at Bagram Air Base promises to bring "tremendous" capability for the movement of critical cargo across the region, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing officials said here. The Air Force's C-5 Galaxy landed here without

Session advances Tinker efforts to realign supply processes

In preparation for the transition of part of the 776th Maintenance Support Squadron here to the Defense Logistics Agency in February 2008, Air Force and DLA officials conducted a kickoff session here in mid-September. The support squadron, part of Tinker's 76th Maintenance Wing, is one of the

Data shared across systems, services, intel communities

By providing interoperability among 19 systems, four security domains, four networks, six countries and three continents, members of the Electronic Systems Center here recently demonstrated a level of connectivity some previously thought impossible. When the 950th Electronic Systems Group's DIB

F-16 airstrike kills 3 terrorist leaders

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped precision munitions near Al Nussayyib, Iraq, Sept. 25 killing Abu Nasr al-Tunisi and two other al-Qaida Iraq operatives, according to Air Force officials. They were killed when the aircraft, assigned to U.S. Central Command Air Forces, dropped two

New ramps provide Bagram increased airpower capability

Two new flightline ramps opened Sept. 27 at Bagram Air Base and brings new capabilities to coalition air operations, NATO and Air Force officials said. The $9.3 million joint venture between the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency and the Yuksel Construction Co. provides significantly more parking

Air chiefs conference comes to close

Strengthening partnerships with coalition and allied air forces is one of the Air Force's strategic goals and this week's Global Air Chiefs Conference was an effort to accelerate progress toward achieving that goal, said the Air Force's top officer. "We aimed this conference at establishing and

Aerial intercept training prepares warfighters

F-16 Fighting Falcon crews practiced rapid response situations during aerial intercept training held Sept. 24 at Andersen Air Force Base.The training took advantage of deployed airframes present on the island, and the "hostiles" in the exercise were deployed KC-135 tankers simulating enemy

Foreign air force members learn about C-130 programs

Members of the Kazakhstan Republic air force visited here this month in an effort to learn more about how the U.S. Air Force takes care of business. The seven-person group visited the C-130 Hercules combat loss replacement program, where modifications are made to enable C-130s to be combat ready to

Underwing platform aids C-17 maintainers

A new underwing maintenance platform will help C-17 Globemaster III maintainers continue their mission safer and more effectively, said base officials here.The advent of the platform was made possible by the combined efforts of the Boeing Company and the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center. The

Air Force announces team-excellence awards

Five teams have been recently selected for the 2007 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards during a Sept. 25 ceremony in Washington, D.C. Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, the Air Force vice chief of staff, recognized the teams for their use of a systematic approach to enhance mission capability, improve

Attack controllers receive 2,000th remote receiver

Officials from U.S. Central Command Air Forces recently received the 2,000th remotely operated video enhanced receiver, a small laptop with an external antenna that allows joint terminal attack controllers on the ground to coordinate more accurate air strikes. The device is rapidly gaining

Dover manager garners DOD antiterrorism award

A Dover Air Force Base employee was recently named the Department of Defense Best Antiterrorism Program Manager for 2007. Michael Mendoza of the 436th Airlift Wing earned the DOD-level recognition for surpassing the antiterrorism-management capabilities of every other U.S. military installation in

Bagram Airman makes difference on 2 fronts

An Airman deployed to Bagram Air Base is not only making a difference in the war on terrorism, but also in his Louisiana hometown. Tech. Sgt. Bruce BeeJay Johnson, an information manager from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and deployed with the 755th Air Expeditionary Group, has been positively

ACC commander receives top AFA award

The commander of Air Combat Command received the Air Force Association's most prestigious annual award during the National Aerospace Awards and Air Force Anniversary Dinner Sept. 26 here. Gen. Ronald E. Keys earned the H. H. Arnold Award as the military member who has made the most significant

Air Force claims gold in women's softball

The Air Force Women's Softball Team took home gold medals as they won the 2007 All-Armed Forces Women's Softball Championships with a record of 7-2 held Sept. 18 to 20 at Hill Air Force Base. For the second time in three years, the Air Force won the tournament with power hitting and solid defense.

Cyberspace expert briefs AFA conference attendees

"The first battle in the wars of the future will be over the control of cyberspace," said Dr. Lani Kass at the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 26 in Washington. Ms. Kass, a special assistant to the Air Force chief of staff, has long been an expert on

Intel deputy highlights ISR transformation progress

The transformation of Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance was among the airpower topics highlighted during the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here. "We've spent the last 100 years figuring out how to hit any target anywhere on Earth --

Ohio mayor applauds Air Force heritage

Government officials from Ohio continue to honor the Air Force as part of Air Force Heritage Week activities here.  The latest activity occurred Sept. 25 when Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman joined Lt. Gen. John L. Hudson, commander of Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force

AF leader addresses cyberspace defense at conference

Defending air and space is what the Air Force has done admirably for 60 years, and it will protect information in the cyberspace domain in the future with the establishment of the Air Force Cyber Command. "The mission of the Air Force is to provide sovereign options for the defense of the nation and

AMC commander cites successes, needed upgrades

The commander of Air Mobility Command briefed attendees from across the globe Sept. 26 on the command's past, present and future contributions to the nation's defense during the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here. "It takes bravery and courage to do our

Top Air Force generals address Airmen's concerns

Recapitalization, creation of an Africa Command, unmanned aerial vehicles and deployed Airmen were just a few of the key issues discussed during a four-star forum at the Air Force Association 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 24. Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the Air

Global Air Chiefs Conference hosts second air chiefs forum

Air chiefs from three countries offered presentations at the second air chiefs forum held Sept. 25 as part of the Global Air Chiefs Conference in Washington. Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, Maj. Gen. Ng Chee Khern and Gen. Ricardo Ortego Perrier presented their observations and concerns for air

Air Force energy initiatives focus on fuel, beyond

Leaders of Air Force energy policy and programs convened here Sept. 25 to discuss the Air Force's direction and initiatives in the realm of renewable and alternative energy sources. William C. Anderson, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics and senior

Air Mobility Battlelab casts a BrightEye

Members of the Air Mobility Battlelab here recently demonstrated a unique lighting system that is versatile, economical and portable for U.S. expeditionary forces. The BrightEye Portable Solid-State LED Lighting System is an advanced, portable, battery-powered, visible and covert lighting system

Dyess Airmen, aircraft arrive at Ellsworth

Air Force leaders discuss need to control cyberspace

Military and industry leaders who gathered here this week spoke about the tremendous warfighting value of controlling cyberspace, but they were just as clear about the inherent threats. "If we lose our ability to use cyberspace, we lose our ability to war-fight," said. Col. Tony Buntyn, director

Airman's Roll Call looks at AF past, future

This week's Airman's Roll Call highlights Air Force leaders' views about the past and future. Air Force leaders are meeting at the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition in the nation's capital to discuss the future of the service  One of the highlights of the AFA

Pacific conference builds enlisted forces

Officials from the 13th Air Force hosted a 17-nation conference here this week focusing on aviation safety and mishap prevention. The 13th AF Pacific Rim Airpower Symposium, formerly the PACRIM Director of Operations Conference, brought together representatives from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei,

AFSO 21 helps Hurlburt Field save millions in training costs

Members of the 505th Training Squadron here used Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century initiatives to save almost $1.5 million in training costs.Unit members saved the money by finding new ways to manage government funds associated with sending students to formal training courses while

Air Force Space Command general speaks at AFA conference

General Kevin Chilton, Air Force Space Command commander, addressed hundreds of military members and civilians at the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 25. The general, nominated to become the head of U.S. Strategic Command, expounded on the history of

Combat controller recounts battle for AFA audience

A combat controller assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., brought an Air Force Special Operations Command perspective on the war on terrorism to attendees at the Air Force Association's 2007 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 24. "You will

Global air chiefs gather for conference

Top leaders from air forces around the globe gathered Sept. 24 to discuss airpower issues during the Global Air Chiefs Conference Forum held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington.Keynote speaker retired Gen. Joseph W. Ralston asked audience members, "Why is it that Airmen do not have a

AFA convention features command chiefs forum

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley and command chiefs from five Air Force major commands joined to answer Airmen's questions during a forum at the Air Force Association's 2007 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 24. The forum provided Airmen in attendance

Air Force Heritage Week soars in Ohio

Ohio officials honored the Air Force when the lieutenant governor proclaimed Sept. 24 to 30 as Air Force Heritage Week in a ceremony held Sept. 24 at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher thanked Ohio's men and women currently serving in the Air Force, and extended his

Wing supports Operation Deny Flight

Nestled near the foothills of the Alps, the scenery at Aviano Air Base, Italy, is nothing short of spectacular. The location? A tourist's dream: By train, the base is an hour away from Venice, one of the world's most romantic cities. Via car, it's a short 45 minutes to the beach, or 35 minutes to

SECAF addresses Air Force Association conference

"The Air Force Association is the preeminent wingman and our strongest supporter," Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne told the audience during the opening day of the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition event Sept. 24. Secretary Wynne directly addressed

Luke team takes Air Force baseball tourney

The Luke Air Force Base Falcons swept the competition to take home their first Air Force Bash championship to win the service's varsity baseball tournament held in September in Virginia. The Luke AFB men's varsity baseball team fended off three Air Force teams during the playoffs -- Tinker AFB,

Aviano undergoes Renaissance

It once had an uncertain future. But the huge Aviano 2000 construction project is proof this base has a life that's being cast in concrete.  (Note: This article reprinted from Airman magazine, November, 2000.)Once upon a time, there was a small Air Force base at Aviano. It was tucked-away in a lush

'Today's Air Force' highlights medical care, Air Force birthday

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights one of the Air Force chief of staff's priorities: medical care. Also featured in this edition are weapons training and the Air Force's 60th Birthday. The 30-minute, weekly news show can be seen every day on The Pentagon Channel, American Forces

After one year, Phoenix Warrior course soaring high

Airmen at the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's 421st Combat Training Squadron have finished their first year of teaching the Phoenix Warrior Training Course, and all signs point to the fact it is helping prepare security forces for their wartime mission."Phoenix Warrior, from inception, has

Falcons eye history, redemption after BYU loss

There was no way to sugar coat Air Force's first loss of the year, 31-6, to defending Mountain West Conference champion Brigham Young University, Sept. 22, before a sellout crowd of 62,502 at Lavell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. The Cougars (2-2, 1-0 MWC) got the upper hand, scoring a touchdown on

General Moseley kicks off AFA conference

The Air Force chief of staff spoke at the opening ceremonies for the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 24. "This is a celebration of being a separate service with a primary mission of flying and fighting and defending our country," Gen. T. Michael Moseley

Deployed gunners have eagle eyes with safer turret system

Security forces Airmen here are now training with a new high-technology weapons system currently being used during outside-the-wire patrols in Iraq. Instructors from the Army's Military Police School from Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., trained members of the 820th Security Forces Group in the effective use

Airmen tee off to represent Air Force

The best Air Force golfers competed in the All Air Force Training Camp/Championship Sept. 16 through 19 at Carolina Lakes Golf Course on Shaw Air Force Base. A total of 38 players from Air Force bases all over the world competed in a four-round golf tournament to determine who would represent the

Shaw pilots hear better with new earpiece

Pilots from Shaw Air Force Base are now being fitted with the new Attenuating Custom Communication Earpiece System, which clarifies communication and provides better hearing protection than they currently receive. The Attenuating Custom Communication Earpiece System, or ACCES, earphone is the shape

Worldwide Talent Contest applications due by Oct. 26

If you have talent, the Air Force has a place for you to showcase it -- the Worldwide Talent Contest -- and applications are due by Oct.. 26. This year the contest runs from Dec. 2 to 10, and if you can sing, dance or play a musical instrument, you could find yourself as a member of the Air Force's

Legal assistance helps Airmen manage stress

Earlier this year, Air Force officials introduced a year-long campaign that highlights monthly initiatives to help Airmen and their families manage stress. The initiative for the month of September is "legal assistance." "Legal assistance is an incredibly valuable resource available to all Airmen

5th Air Force celebrates 66 years

Members of 5th Air Force celebrated its 66th anniversary in a Sept. 21 ceremony at Yokota Air Base. Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Wright, the U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, led the ceremony."Today, 5th Air Force directs its focus on a bilateral approach to maintaining a robust and integrated

Kadena Airmen shine on 'Jeopardy!'

The answer is, "Video clues taped at Kadena Air Base." The question is, "What will be featured on the Sept. 27 episode of the long-running game show 'Jeopardy!'?" The show will honor the Air Force's 60th anniversary with video clues and an Air Force questions panel who will highlight current Air

AFPC streamlines retirement, separation actions

As the result of processes developed under the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21 century initiative, retired or separated Airmen seeking corrections to their Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty -- commonly referred to as a Defense Department Form 214 -- will get a response in

Air Force drops 1-0 match to Idaho State

The Air Force women's soccer team lost a 1-0 match to Idaho State Sept. 23 at the Idaho State Tournament at Davis Field. The Falcons fall to 1-5-2 on the season while the Bengals improved to 4-3-1. Natalie Graham scored the lone goal of the match in the 77th minute on a penalty kick. Air Force was

Transfer ceremony reunites Flying Tigers heritage

Two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs carried a piece of Flying Tigers heritage away from Peterson Sept. 21 as part of an effort by Air Force officials to reunite three pieces of a historic World War II legacy. During the transfer ceremony, 76th Space Control Squadron officials here gave the squadron's piece of

Pacific nations meet to enhance airpower cooperation

Forty-three participants from 17 nations met here for four days of discussion and interaction Sept. 17 to 21during the Pacific Rim Airpower Symposium. PACRIM endeavors to build and enhance cooperation among the air forces of Pacific nations. Hosted by Pacific Air Forces' 13th Air Force, this year's

AIrfield inspection reveals excellence

Eielson Airmen recently established themselves as being among the best in the Air Force during the 2007 Air Traffic System Evaluation Program and the Air Force Weather Standardization and Evaluation Program inspection. According to Capt. Jeffery Byman, 354th Operations Support Squadron airfield

POW/MIA Day: Remembering those who are not home

Retired Lt. Col. John Yuill looks forward to National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day every year. Not because he longs to relive his time in a Vietnamese prison camp, but because he understands how important it is to remember those who have still not made it home. "I love this

Strolling Strings awaken young minds

Members of the U.S. Air Force Strolling Strings played a mini-concert for the string orchestra class at Kalani High School here Sept. 14 as part of the Air Force's 60th anniversary celebration during Air Force Week Honolulu. The Strolling Strings is a key element to the United States Air Force Band

Bold Quest exercise wraps up

The last mission complete, U.S. Joint Forces Command officials now have the task of assessing all the data collected during the Coalition Combat Identification Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration, known as Bold Quest.The nine nation coalition operational exercise took place at Nellis Air Force

AFSO 21 initiative speeds up aircrew training process

Members of the 92nd Operations Support Squadron here have reduced the amount of training time required to get aircrews mission-ready and deployable through an AFSO 21 initiative. The Fairchild Air Force Base AFSO 21 team came up with a plan that reduces the previous four-month training process to

NORTHCOM commander shares joint, interagency experience

No service or nation can operate independently in (today's) global environment. Said the Northern Command's top official Sept. 20 during a visit to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala."We've got to find ways to take advantage of our sister services and benefit from what other nations bring to the fight,"

Schriever Airmen transition to new GPS control system

Space systems experts with the 2nd Space Operations Squadron here reached a crucial milestone in deploying the $800-million Architecture Evolution Plan ground control system Sept. 14. The transition from legacy to Architecture Evolution Plan, called AEP, was conducted seamlessly in real time without

Dover medical officer selected for 'Why We Serve'

A medical nurse practitioner from the 436th Medical Dental Operations Squadron here was selected Sept. 19 to participate in the Department of Defense's national civic outreach program 'Why We Serve' and share her war-related story with the American public.During her deployment, Major Potter served

Air Force officers have alternate path to joint qualification

The Air Force will adopt a more flexible process for officers to gain joint qualification beginning Oct. 1. Previously, only officers who were assigned to a joint-duty assignment could become joint qualified, but this criteria will change as a result of the National Defense Authorization Act of

Kyrgyz controllers see stateside air traffic operations

Kyrgyz controllers from Manas Air Base got the chance to see air traffic operations on a whole new level with an orientation trip to the United States Sept. 3 to 17. Seven Kyrgyz air navigation controllers spent nearly two weeks touring the training and advanced operations sites that comprise the

Officials announce open registration to Air Force symposium

Air University officials here recently announced open registration to the 2007 Air Force Heritage to Horizons Women's Training Symposium scheduled for Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. The symposium at the Waterford Receptions in Springfield, Va., is open to women and men who have served or are serving in the U.S.

International air chiefs to meet in Washington

The Air Force chief of staff will host air chiefs of more than 80 international air forces during the third Global Air Chiefs Conference here Sept. 21 to 28. The gathering provides a forum where defense leaders from the nations can develop personal relationships while talking about issues of mutual

Ohio's capital begins heritage observance Sept. 24

The Ohio lieutenant governor is scheduled to proclaim Sept. 24 to 30 as Air Force Heritage Week in a Sept. 24 ceremony at Columbus's Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher will invite the public to join in "a time of remembrance and recognition for the 60th anniversary

B-52s demonstrate global reach, power

Airmen of the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron here flew to the Pele Bombing Range in Hawaii to drop inert weapons as part of Exercise Koa Lightning Sept. 16 and 17. Different from previous Koa Lightning exercises, bomber aircrews dropped ordnance as they were talked into the targets by joint

Housing privatization to begin at 6 bases

Improved living conditions for Airmen and their families at six Air Education and Training Command bases will become a reality Oct. 1. That's when Pinnacle-Hunt Communities, LLC, as the selected housing developer for the AETC Group II Housing Privatization program, will take charge of the design,

Avalanche breaks the ice at Academy

More than 3,000 hockey fans shoehorned into the 2,502-seat Cadet Ice Arena to watch the National Hockey League's Colorado Avalanche skate in their 8th annual Burgundy and White intra-squad scrimmage Sept. 16 at the U.S. Air Force Academy. It marked the first time a professional hockey team played at

Agency activates 2nd Weather Group

In streamlining the way the Air Force Weather Agency functions, the 2nd Weather Group activated Sept. 19 at the Bennie Davis Maintenance Facility here. The ceremony marked the culmination of an AFWA reorganization that began in May 2006 with the standup of the 1st Weather Group. The 2nd WXG is made

Air Force secretary announces provisional Cyber Command

The secretary of the Air Force announced the Air Force is officially standing up a provisional Cyberspace Command during his address at the Air Force 60th anniversary celebration Sept. 18 at the Pentagon. Secretary Michael W. Wynne said the provisional command, called AFCYBER (P), will be located at

Women Airforce Service Pilots join in Air Force 60th anniversary celebration

Three World War II veteran Women Airforce Service Pilots were among the distinguished guests at the Air Force 60th anniversary celebration Sept. 18. The pilots, 1st Lts. Lorraine Rodgers, Velta Benn and Elaine Harmon were part of the Army Air Forces program, called "WASP," in which the military

Air Force awarded 'best of best' for ozone sustainment

The Air Force received the Best-of-the-Best Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award for outstanding leadership in stratospheric ozone protection from the United Nations Environmental Programme and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The award was part of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the

Air Force will not cut special duty assignment pay in 2008

Air Force officials here recently announced that previous plans to reduce special duty assignment pay are being rescinded. Initially, reductions to fiscal 2008 special and incentive pay called for officials to consider reductions in existing special duty assignment pay; however, after considering

CENTCOM commander visits 380th AEW Airmen

The commander of U.S. Central Command visited Airmen from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Sept. 17 at their forward deployed location in Southwest Asia.Adm. William J. Fallon was greeted by Brig. Gen. Lawrence Wells, 380th AEW commander; Col. Bruce VanSkiver, the 380th AEW vice commander; Chief

Airmen make AFSO 21 successful

The Air Force's top Smart Operations for the 21st century leader said Airmen and their ideas are critical to the success of the service's efforts to improve efficiency during a visit Sept. 17 here. "Individual Airmen are incredibly important to the success of AFSO 21," said Dr. Ronald Ritter,

Civilian pay raises become more performance-based

Department of Defense officials will use half of a January 2008 government-wide pay increase to adjust base salaries for eligible National Security Personnel System employees. Remaining funds will be distributed by pay pools based on an assessment of individual employee performance in meeting

Air Force celebrates 60 years

A lineup of top military officials, musical entertainment and the chance to meet those who made early Air Force history drew representatives from each service to the Air Force's 60th anniversary celebration Sept. 18 in the Pentagon courtyard.Members of the Air Force entertainment organization Tops

Celestial Eagle: Historic anti-satellite mission remembered

The F-15 Eagle test pilot settled into the cockpit of the fighter jet at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., awaiting takeoff with a 2,700 pound, 18-foot long missile mounted to the jet's centerline. The mission, dubbed the "Celestial Eagle Flight," called for a nearly vertical ascent to 35,000 feet and

Air Force leaders gather at memorial for anniversary

The Air Force's three top leaders laid a wreath at the Air Force Memorial Sept. 18 to commemorate the service's 60th anniversary. "The memorial gives (us) a home to honor the service and sacrifice of men and women of the Air Force and its predecessors, and so it is right that we lay this wreath here

Robins Breakout program benefits Air Force, local businesses

The Robins Air Force Base U-2S program is "breaking out" and saving time, energy and money by using the expertise of local businesses. The 560th Aircraft Sustainment Group, which maintains the U-2 program, has been using the Breakout program since 1985, and base officials said the program has saved

Air Force to hold industry forum for energy projects

Air Force officials will host an Energy Enhanced Use Lease Industry Forum Sep. 26 and 27 in California to give private industry and community stakeholders an opportunity to learn how the service intends to use energy projects, both renewable and conventional. During the two-day forum, which will be

Illinois town dedicates park to local war hero

A warrior of three American wars who exemplified Air Force core values before they were written received a hero's tribute at the dedication of the Kasler-Momence Veterans Park Sept. 15 here. More than 300 local residents, city and state representatives, and servicemembers came to honor retired Col.

Aviano F-16 crashes in Italy

An Aviano Air Base pilot successfully ejected from an F-16 Fighting Falcon while on a routine high-altitiude training mission Sept. 18 here. Initial reports indicate the pilot, Maj. Timothy Palmer, assigned to the 510th Fighter Squadron, is in good condition pending further evaluation at a medical

Band rocks Pentagon on Air Force's 60th birthday

The Air Force's birthday celebration at the Pentagon will be rocking as an Atlanta rock band is scheduled to perform Sept. 18 in the courtyard here.The band, Five Star Iris, will play several original songs for members assigned to the Pentagon as part of the Air Force's 60th birthday celebration.

1 woman, 1 big award

An Air Force colonel received the National Aeronautic Association's Katharine Wright Award Sept. 15 at a conference of the Ninety-Nines in Boulder, Colo. Col. Catherine A. Chilton, senior mobilization assistant to the commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, at Wright-Patterson Air Force

Deployers help support coastal cleanup in Guam

Eight members of the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron here left their B-52 Stratofortress' idle Sept. 15 and volunteered their off-duty time to participate in Guam's 13th annual coastal cleanup. The 20th EBS' cleanup target was in the village and diving area near Agat, Guam. Their time was well

Drill team begins 'Birthday Tour'

The Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team is celebrating the service's 60th anniversary with their "Birthday Tour" in communities across the United States.The team performed Sept. 14 at New Mexico's all-state Air Force Ball for services members from Holloman, Cannon and Kirtland Air Force bases. Next,

Balad Airmen celebrate Air Force's birthday

Airman's Roll Call honors 60 years of air, space power

This week's Airman's Roll Call commemorates the past 60 years of the Air Force's supremacy of air and space power. September is the birth month of the Air Force, and for the past 60 years the men and women of the Air Force have continually defended America and freedom around the world. This week's

Chairman salutes Air Force on 60th anniversary

Gen. Peter Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sends his greetings to all Airmen on the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force."On Sept. 18, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the United States Air Force. From its infancy, air power has proven itself vital to America's ability to

Secretary, chief send Air Force birthday message

The following is a message from Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley on the Air Force's 60th birthday Sept. 18. "Sixty years ago today the Air Force became an independent service. Three days before becoming the first secretary of the Air

Bagram medical staff 'Smooth Operators'

The Task Force Med operating room staff at the Craig Joint Theater Hospital display the true meaning of teamwork, as they care for wounded American and Afghan patients here. Nicknamed the "Smooth Operators," the team arrived in May and made the surgical suite mission-ready in less than 48 hours.