'Today's Air Force' features AF Personnel Center

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights a 21st-century administration facility. With the advancement in technology; the Air Force Personnel Center has facilitated the move of many administrative issues making it easier for Airmen to access important information. While Air Force people

Defense forum highlights need for scientists, engineers

Air Force and U.S. officials forecast a serious shortage of scientists and engineers. That assessment was made by Joe Sciabica, executive director of the Air Force Research Laboratory, during a Regional Defense Forum here May 6. About 370 business and government leaders attended the event to foster

Guardian Challenge competition kicks off with spirit

Guardian Challenge, the only space warfighter competition in the Air Force, is 17 years old and going strong. The competition pits the best-of-the-best space warfighters against each other, determining the top space wing teams in the Air Force. About 500 participants, supporters and local

AF Marathon officials spread word about upcoming event

Officials from the U.S. Air Force Marathon office made a stop at the Pentagon May 6 and 7 to increase awareness for the Sept. 20 event held at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. This is the twelfth year for the annual marathon, and officials hope to make it the biggest year yet. "Our

Air Force units poised to support Pacific disaster relief

Air Force assets are in place at Utapao Air Base, Thailand, to support a potential relief mission in Burma. Forty-five members of the 36th Contingency Response Group from Andersen Air Base, Guam, stand ready to deliver food and a water purification system as well as medical and engineering

New wings to secure A-10 longevity

New wings are the answer to Air Force concerns on the aging A-10 Thunderbolt II, an airframe flying since 1975. Air Force officials awarded a contract to Boeing last year requiring 242 new A-10 wings constructed and delivered to depots for installment on the thin-skinned airframes by 2011. Not all

Fitness 'In Training' program helps runners achieve goals

Air Force fitness has a new program that may improve Airmen's running goals. The "In Training" program, accessible from the Air Force Fitness Web site, www.usafsports.com, has guides for runners of all fitness levels. New runners can use the program to learn how easy it is to start a training

Generals address Minot Airmen

Two Air Force generals spoke to more than 1,000 5th Bomb Wing Airman May 2 here to remind them of their mission's importance to the nation and to motivate them for an upcoming Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, and Gen. John D.W.

Pentagon seeks to fund research in national security

Defense Department officials here are developing a proposal to finance university research on national security-related issues, a senior Pentagon official said May 7. The Minerva Consortia, as it's called, would have the academic and intellectual communities focus on certain physical and social

AFPC Airmen help wounded warrior improve quality of life

Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro's injuries from Afghanistan wouldn't allow him to build the gate he needed at his home in Cibolo, Texas. Instead, he turned to Operation Homefront, which asked volunteers from the Air Force Personnel Center here to make the needed changes to his home April 30. Operation

Portable electronic power initiative energizes possibilities

An Air Mobility Battlelab initiative could "energize" new possibilities for aeromedical evacuations in the future. Termed the Portable Electronic Power Supply for Aeromedical Evacuations, or PEPSAE, initiative, it addresses a problem of heavy and cumbersome avionic frequency converters used to power

2007 Chaplain Service Award winners announced

The chief of Air Force chaplains has announced the winners of the annual Air Force Chaplain Service Awards program for 2007. Winners were recognized in individual categories for both active and Reserve components, and Airmen at three chapels earned recognition as the Chaplain Service's most

Servicemembers support El Salvador disaster relief exercise

A forward-deployed team of more than 20 Joint Task Force-Bravo Airmen and Soldiers set up shop here May 4 to support a regional disaster relief exercise involving military and civilian agencies from throughout the Western Hemisphere. Designated Fuerzas Aliadas Humanitarias 2008, the U.S. Southern

Hill environmental team earns DOD award

A team of environmental specialists here has been named the best Environmental Quality Team in the Department of Defense. The 21-member group, part of the 75th Civil Engineer Group Environmental Division, includes biologists, an archaeologist, several engineers and other managers who oversee Hill

Airmen fight to reduce flight delays for troops coming home

Airmen of the 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center here recently have eliminated most flight delays resulting from the loss of commercially contracted airlift support to Air Mobility Command from ATA Airlines Inc., a member of a Federal Express team. "18th Air Force and AMC have pulled out all the

Workforce cuts drive shift in personnel services delivery

Personnel Services Delivery and Program Budget Decision 720 are two key programs that continue to push significant transformation in the Air Force. One of the newest changes making its way here is a product of both the streamlined personnel processes and increased manpower cuts resulting from PSD

Letter to Airmen highlights attention to mission

In the latest Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force reflects on how attention to the mission allows Airmen to meet the demanding air, space and cyberspace challenges of today. "At every level of action, mission success requires clear goals, defined objectives, and an innate grasp of how

New Joint Staff team evaluates wounded warrior programs

A joint team formed by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is looking at the broad range of care and support services for wounded warriors to find any gaps and tap into best practices to share across the force. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen stood up the Joint Staff Wounded Warrior Integration Team in

Air Force, military photographers recognized with special exhibit

Several Air Force photographers recently found themselves in an unfamiliar position: In front of the cameras. The photographers, whose work is featured in a new exhibit,  "On the Other Side of the Lens ... Military Photographers in Action," were special guests at the opening May 1 at the National

Medal of Honor recipient receives diploma

Don't let the education office fool you; there are some people out there who have become commissioned officers without having their bachelor's degrees. Retired Col. Bernard Francis Fisher, a Medal of Honor recipient, received his diploma in fine arts from the University of Utah during a

15th generation rabbi: Helping servicemembers keep faith

The candle flame danced a slow mesmerizing dance as it flickered from one side of the wick to the next. The light softly illuminated his face as his silhouette became a portion of the projection behind him -- images of Holocaust victims. Soft-spoken yet with a stern demeanor, Rabbi (Capt.) Raphael

Airman's Roll Call: Airmen can now travel in utility uniforms

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on Airmen traveling while wearing their utility uniforms. Air Force officials recently authorized wear of the airman battle uniform, battle dress uniform and desert camouflage uniform for commercial travel in an official capacity throughout the continental

Air Force's only UAV wing marks one year in the fight

Lt. Gen. Norman Seip, the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander, congratulated Airmen at Creech Air Force Base May 6 as the 432nd Wing marked its first year as the Air Force's only MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle wing. "The 432nd Wing has grown exponentially over the

Bush, Gates honor military spouses at ceremony

President Bush and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates paid tribute May 6 to about 1,100 military spouses who gathered for a Military Spouse Day celebration at the White House, where President Bush promised to continue pushing for more benefits for military families. Following a tradition President

Today Show features Malmstrom Airmen, mission

Normally, seeing Airmen scramble around an intercontinental ballistic missile wing might make you think it's time to run for cover. This time, however, the wing's hustle centered on being featured live on a national news program. NBC's Al Roker and the Today Show broadcast live from the 341st Space

Accident investigation board convenes for fatal T-38 crash

General William R. Looney III, commander of Air Education and Training Command, has convened an accident investigation board to investigate the T-38C Talon crash that killed two Airmen at Sheppard Air Force Base May 1. Col. Richard Haddad of 23rd Air Force, Hurlburt Field, Fla., will chair the

Air Force participates in pro cycling event

The U.S. Air Force Cycling Classic sped off to a start with more than 300 amateur and professional cyclists against a backdrop of the Air Force Memorial and the Washington Monument May 4 here. This was the second year the Air Force hosted the event, formerly the Crystal City Classic, as part of

Study of Iraqi birds to help reduce aircraft mishaps

One of the Air Force's greatest airpower adversaries doesn't wear the uniform of another country; it wears feathers. Both deadly and expensive, aircraft accidents and mishaps caused by collisions with birds have cost the service approximately $35 million each year since 1985, according to Air Force

Predator combat air patrols double in 1 year

A significant milestone was reached more than two years ahead of schedule May 1 with the beginning of the 24th MQ-1 Predator combat air patrol in the war on terrorism. This combat air patrol doubles the 24/7/365 Predator capability of last year, and is two years ahead of the Department of Defense

Air University transformation unifies all officer PME

After several months of reformation planning, Air University Commander Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz activated the Spaatz Center for Officer Education April 29. The Spaatz Center is now the umbrella organization unifying the continuum of all Air Force officer professional military education, from the

Afghan air corps soars again

Graduates completed the first orientation course for the Afghan National army air corps April 30  at the Kabul Air Corps Training Center here. The four-week inaugural course laid the foundation for the air corps soldiers as they began their careers in the ANAAC. "This is an exciting new age," said

First Virtual Uniform Board attracts Airmen response

The first Air Force Virtual Uniform Board received about 800 uniform change requests via the IDEA Program Database System since its release in March. Airmen were able to submit uniform change requests via the IPDS between March 5 and April 14. The Uniform Enterprise Working Group -- acting as

Japanese NCOs visit Kadena

Sixty-seven Japan Air Self Defense Force airmen participated in a bilateral exchange program April 23 at Kadena Air Base. The Japan Air Self Defense Force airmen visited the Erwin PME Center, Marshall Dining Facility, living quarters for both Airmen and NCOs, the physiological training facility, and

Airmen set up communication lines for exercise in Croatia

Members of the 1st Combat Communications Squadron based out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, began arriving in late April into Croatia to prepare network and phone systems for participants of the Medical Training Exercise in Central and Eastern Europe 2008 here.The 1st CBCS Airmen linked the more than

Distribution center saves lives, makes travel easier

Not many servicemembers ducking into foxholes stop to think about where their body armor comes from or how each strap of it was sewn together. What they may think about after the air clears is how thankful they are to have it. Members of the Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center, part of the

Special operations Airmen reach out to Bangladesh school

Adults and children alike were all smiles during a special delivery of school supplies at Eglal's ABC School April 27 here. Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group handed out school supplies to all 60 students as part of their community outreach program during Exercise Teak Buffalo, a

'Perspective' highlights first sergeants

In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman discusses the  opportunities and fulfillment of being an Air Force first sergeant. "The job isn't an easy one; it's 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and yet one of the most fulfilling positions a senior enlisted Airman can hold

Airmen, Soldiers honor fallen comrade

Airmen and Soldiers from Bagram Air Base honored an Airman who paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country during a memorial ceremony May 1 here. Senior Airman Jonathan A.V. Yelner, a convoy driver assigned to the Kapisa and Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team, died of wounds suffered when his

'Today Show' to feature Space Command Airmen, mission

NBC's "Today Show" is set to broadcast live May 6 from a wing in Air Force Space Command as part of their "Access Granted" series, which puts cameras in high-security places. The "Today Show" airs 7 to 11 a.m. EST.  Check listings for local broadcast times. For more information on Air Force Space

Air Force pilot breaks own world aviation record

An Air Force Reserve pilot deployed here broke his own world record for hours spent flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon when he surpassed the 6,000-hour milestone May 2. Lt. Col. Michael Brill, a pilot assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, has been breaking world aviation records since

Engineers save Air Force millions with F100 engine test plan

Collaboration between the F100 engine program office at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and test personnel at the Arnold Engineering Development Center here along with engine manufacturer Pratt and Whitney has led to reduced test costs for component improvement verification testing at AEDC facilities.

Intel system transitions analysts into net-centric era

The era of analysts who navigated through the world of intelligence data equipped with sticky notes and spreadsheets is being shelved to make room for a new set of tools that make use of Web-based applications. That's what the 950th Electronic Systems Group, part of the Electronic Systems Center

SERE 100 training requirement for all Airmen

All active-duty Airmen are now required to complete Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape Computer Based Training on the Advanced Distributed Learning System by June 30. Air Force officials said the training is to ensure Airmen are equipped for the challenges faced on the battlefield as they find

Holloman prepares for Raptor

After retiring the F-117A Nighthawk, officials here are now preparing for the arrival of the F-22A Raptor. With the new aircraft come many transition projects."One of the projects we have going on is phasing out tools used exclusively for the F-117," said Chief Master Sgt. James Harris, chief of the

Financial management, services to Airmen evolving

The assistant secretary of the Air Force for financial management and comptroller described a bright future for financial services during a visit with Air Mobility Command  financial management officials here April 28. John H. Gibson II said current and pending enhancements allow Airmen to work

B-52 simulators receive overhaul

With 19 years and more than 3,000 flying hours piloting the B-52 Stratofortress, Lt. Col. Tom Silvia is the right person to ensure the bomber' s simulator is realistic as overhauls are completed to bring it up to date.Realism was lacking previously in the simulators, the colonel said. The view of

Northern Edge '08 to kick off

The largest military training exercise in Alaska, Northern Edge 2008, begins May 5 with about 5,000 U.S. active duty, national guard, and Reserve component Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. Alaskan Command hosts the air-centric exercise, which will involve more than 120 Air Force, Army, Air

RED HORSE Squadron returns from deployment

More than 180 Airmen from the 819th RED HORSE Squadron touched down at the Great Falls International Airport, Mont., at 11 a.m. April 14 after being deployed for more than six months in support of the war on terrorism. The Airmen were greeted by Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, Col. Sandra Finan,

With troops' freedom to choose beneficiaries comes greater responsibility

Starting in July, servicemembers can choose to whom a $100,000 death gratuity will be disbursed if they are killed in action. Currently, troops can assign half the posthumous payment to recipients of their preference, with the remainder paid according to a hierarchy determined by the Defense

Dashboard takes on AFCENT's coordination battle

Air Force communicators assigned to U.S. Air Force Central Command communications have taken on a monumental cyber battle and are showing signs of victory with the roll out of Commander's Dashboard recently. The CC's Dashboard is the knowledge management system created by USAFCENT communicators to

Thais, Americans join forces for Exercise Teak Torch training

About 130 Airmen from the 353rd Special Operations Group from Kadena Air Base, Japan, traveled to Udon Thani AB, to join forces with the Royal Thai air force for Exercise Teak Torch. "The joint combined exercise training events are designed to enhance U.S. military training and are conducted in many

AF Office of Special Investigations named team of the year

Air Force and Air Force Association officials have named Air Force Office of Special Investigations as the 2008 Team of the Year. Each year, the AFA, working with major command level command chief master sergeants and the Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, selects a specific Air

Precision landing system ready for take off

After many years of technology refinement, the Electronic Systems Center-led land-based increment of the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System is poised to progress to the system development and demonstration phase. Known as JPALS, the system uses the Global Positioning System, or GPS, to

Revamped Airman online now available

Airman online has a new look -- and will feature Airmen at war. The magazine's new Web page went online May 1, along with the special May-June issue of the magazine dedicated to profiling some of America's Airmen at war. The Web page change brings the magazine in line with the rest of the Air

Bagram Airmen provide training to Afghan police

Approximately one dozen Afghan National Police from several districts gathered in the Processing Coordination Center at the Parwan Provincial ANP Headquarters in the Charikar district April 22 to receive training. Airmen assigned to the Bagram Police Technical Advisory Team provided the training

Vice chief honors World War II Airmen, heroes

The Air Force vice chief of staff paid tribute to members of the Air Forces Escape and Evasion Society April 26 during the society's 44th annual reunion near Savannah, Ga. The AFEES primarily comprises Air Force World War II veterans who were forced down behind enemy lines and avoided or escaped

Airman's Roll Call: how the Air Force buys weapon systems

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on how the Air Force purchases new weapon systems. In recent months there has been lots of talk about the Air Force and its efforts to replace the Eisenhower-era KC-135 Stratotanker. The Air Force uses a detailed acquisition process for its purchasing needs.

Airmen master Soldier skills training

Qualified Airmen can request Afghan, Iraq campaign medal stars

A recent memorandum from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense provides guidance on the wear of campaign stars on both the Afghanistan and Iraq campaign medals. The campaign stars recognize servicemembers for participating in designated campaign phases within the areas of responsibility for

AF officials select Airmen for AFIT graduate program

Air Force officials recently selected six enlisted Airmen to continue their education through the Enlisted to Air Force Institute of Technology Graduate Degree Program. "My congratulations go out to these fine Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. "We had a number of

Airmen add color to deployed environment

When the Taliban took power in 1996, they imposed a new way of life and removed basic freedoms for the people of Afghanistan. Among those freedoms was the banishment of art. For more than a decade, art has been missing from this society. So a group of 39 artists from Task Force MED wanted people to

Sesame Street coaches kids through parent's deployments, returns

Following a workshop that helped children cope with a military parent's deployment, the familiar, furry denizens of Sesame Street are starring in a new program focusing on multiple deployments and on family adjustments upon a parent's return. Sesame Workshop, the makers of Sesame Street, have

AFCENT command chief discusses wartime operations

The command chief master sergeant of 9th Air Force and United States Air Forces Central closed out a tour through Southwest Asia April 25 with a visit  to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. The bulk of Chief Master Sgt. Scott Dearduff's visit here was spent meeting Airmen and seeing first-hand what

Moody Airmen rescue Cuban migrants found at sea

Airmen from the 23rd Wing at Moody AFB performed a maritime rescue in the Gulf of Mexico April 25 that saved six lives. Moody Airmen responded by providing two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters from the 41st Rescue Squadron, a 71st RQS HC-130P King and pararescue assets from the 38th RQS. The wing

KC-135 wing moves from Michigan to Florida

Air Force Reserve Command's 927th Air Refueling Wing transferred to MacDill AFB April 27, forming a classic associate unit partnership with Air Mobility Command's 6th Air Mobility Wing. Before the move, the 927th ARW was at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., where it flew and maintained its

AF officials select 37 Airmen for physician assistant training

The Air Force officials selected 37 Airmen to attend the Tri-Service (Phase I) Physician Assistant training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The April 2008 Physician Assistant Board met at the Air Force Personnel Center in San Antonio to consider 61 applicants. In addition to those selected to attend

DOD officials announce new relocation tool for families

It's almost peak moving season again for military families, and Defense Department leaders want families to know new resources are available to help. "Plan My Move," soft-launched in late summer, is the next generation of DOD's MilitaryHomefront tools to provide an integrated "e-moving" solution,

Air Force trains Coast Guard students in altitude chamber

Coast Guard aircrew students completed altitude-chamber training taught by the 1st Fighter Wing Airmen here April 23.The base provides training for all Coast Guard members and the instructors tailor the class specifically to them, said Master Sgt. Rodney Morris, the 1st Aerospace Medical Squadron

Airmen help restore Berlin Airlift memorial

Approximately 30 Airmen from Ramstein Air Base volunteered approximately 260 total man-hours to help restore the Berlin Airlift Memorial site at the former Rhein Main AB near Frankfurt International Airport in Germany April 22-24. Airmen teamed up with volunteer employees from Luftansa Technik, the

PERSCO: Keeping tabs on the ins and outs of troop movement

The shuffling of duffle bags and backpacks belonging to more than 70 Airmen and civilian contractors echoes through the patio as the morning sun's rays start to push back the night's cover. While some are nearing the end of their deployment to Southwest Asia and others are just beginning, one thing

Smithsonian puts UAVs on display

Officials at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum unveiled a new exhibit April 24 of military unmanned aerial vehicles representing each branch of service. Of the six UAVs on display, three artifacts came from the U.S. Air Force: - MQ-1L Predator A - RQ-3A Darkstar - X-45A

Air Force officials announce OTS selection board results

More than 270 men and women from across America have earned an opportunity to become Air Force leaders following their selection for an officer's commission, officials at Randolph AFB released April 25. Air Force Recruiting Service officials considered 579 applications as part of Officer Training

VA to call combat veterans with info on care, benefits

Representatives of the Department of Veterans Affairs will begin contacting nearly 570,000 recent combat veterans May 1 to ensure they know about VA's medical services and other benefits. "We will reach out and touch every veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom to let them

SECAF discusses alternative energy initiatives at conference

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne championed Air Force alternative energy initiatives at the Third Aviation and Environment conference on Apr. 22. Speaking on a panel on carbon emissions with senior leaders in the aviation industry, Secretary Wynne described the problems faced by the Air

Container management initiative saves money

In an effort to not only improve the aesthetics of the installation but also save the Air Force hundreds of thousands of dollars, the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Group and Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's traffic management flight have joined forces to combat extraneous shipping

Air Force training records go digital

Air Force officials are fielding two systems currently available through the Air Force Portal that make it easier to keep on-the-job training records up-to-date, saving time and money. Each Airman's Air Force Specialty Code will determine if their records will be maintained in one of these two

Conference focuses on challenges facing acquisition workforce

Air Force and industry leaders gathered at Wright-Patterson AFB April 22-23 to chart a course to speed the development and delivery of a new crop of revolutionary weapon systems to joint warfighters. Nearly 500 government and industry professionals attended the Defense Acquisition University's

2008 AF Community Assessment Survey has arrived

Officials with the Air Force Integrated Delivery System and Community Action Information Board are sponsoring the 2008 Community Assessment Survey. This survey continues to be a critical tool for senior leaders in determining the strengths and needs of Air Force communities and informing community

Academy football coach shares playbook for success

Luke AFB Airmen received advice from the head football coach of the U.S. Air Force Academy during a visit to Luke AFB April 18. Troy Calhoun returned to the Academy as the head coach in December 2006, after a 10-year absence from the Falcon coaching staff. He replaced Fisher DeBerry, who was the

The contributions of America's Airmen

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley have issued the following letter highlighting the contributions of America's Airmen:Airmen, This past Monday, the Secretary of Defense delivered an address at Maxwell AFB to the students of our

Distributed learning initiative delivers training anywhere, any time

Every seven seconds, someone within the Defense Department completes an online training course through a program that's become the gold standard for delivering education and training anywhere, any time.The Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative, ADL for short, has grown by leaps and bounds since

Security forces fire with precision

When Air Force battle requirements call for Airmen to observe, report and engage a target from close proximity, without being seen, they call for their sharpshooters. A sharpshooter's job is to deliver discriminatory, highly accurate rifle fire against enemy targets that otherwise could not be

Air Force family helps Purple Heart recipient, wife

Staff Sgt. Matthew Slaydon lay motionless on a dusty road in Iraq, his body riddled with shrapnel after an improvised explosive device exploded about 2 feet from his face. His left arm hung by a couple of tendons and his face was unrecognizable. His friends worked frantically to save him from an

Spangdahlem Airmen ready to save lives, defend the base

The day began with a bang, or, to be more precise, a mortar attack, kicking off Operation Saber Crown 08-06 at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 22. The exercise tests Airmen's ability to carry out operations and accomplish missions while in a war environment . "We are trying to refresh the minds

Top AF trainer receives feedback from ILO Airmen

The commander of 2nd Air Force, responsible for the development, oversight and direction of all operational aspects of basic military training and technical schools for enlisted and support officers, kicked off a theater-wide tour April 22 at an air base in Southwest Asia. Maj. Gen. Michael Gould's

Predators of the mountains

In an environment where the enemy troops conceal themselves among civilians and mountainous terrain, Airmen in the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron provide the warfighter real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data to combat that enemy. The weapon of choice: the MQ-1

Airman's Roll Call highlights SERE 100 online training

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the training Airmen need to perform duties in non-traditional roles. Airmen are increasingly finding themselves in exceedingly dangerous environments. To ensure Airmen are equipped for the challenges they face on today's battlefield, Air Force leaders are

Secretary Gates praises Air Force for support of war on terrorism

During a press conference April 23 at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates recommended Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, currently commander of Multinational Force Iraq, to be the next U.S. Central Command commander. It was at this press conference that a reporter asked him about what the

AFPC, AFMC temporarily collaborate to staff AFMC vacancies

Air Force Personnel Center and Air Force Materiel Command officials are partnering to reduce the number of Air Force civilian personnel actions currently in the system. Four AFMC bases temporarily will assume responsibility for all AFMC civilian fill actions. The large civilian centers at Hill,

Honor Guard officials seeking experienced NCOs

The Air Force Honor Guard, located on Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C., is a small, selectively manned unit of just over 200 people, most of whom are young Airmen straight from basic training. Its primary mission is to render final military honors to Airmen and their family members in

Iron Flow program concludes at Kadena

With the departure of the final three F-15C Eagles from Kadena Air Base April 23 to Air National Guard units in the United States, the 18th Wing concluded Kadena AB's role in the Pacific Air Forces Iron Flow program. Begun in 2005, the Iron Flow program was a process to exchange Kadena's aging F-15

Voluntary Protection Programs continue to make strides

Defense Department officials participated in a conference here April 21 with an eye on reducing the department's estimated $10 billion in annual losses caused by preventable injuries and accidents.Keith Eastin, assistant secretary of the Army for installations and environment, kicked off the

Airmen donate wheelchair, ramp for Ecuadorian girl

On April 18 Airmen from Forward Operating Location Manta conducted their final inspection of a wheelchair ramp they designed and funded for 11-year-old Kelly Yuleisy Arcentales. The completion of the wheelchair ramp from Kelly's home to the city sidewalk finalized a three month project to provide

AMC team assesses VPP implementation

An Air Mobility Command team traveled to Charleston AFB April 14 to conduct a week-long assessment to start the implementation of the Voluntary Protection Program. "The VPP is an Occupational Safety and Health Administration program that recognizes organizations with superior performance in safety

Aircraft maintainers key to sorties milestone

If there was ever a question as to what the Air Force has contributed to the war on terrorism, it was answered this week. The Air Force just marked a historic milestone -- 1 million sorties, operational military flying missions, flown in support of the war on terrorism. Airmen at Balad Air Base,

Pitsenbarger rehonored at Moody after 42 years

A fallen pararescueman was recognized for his heroic actions more than 42 years earlier during a Medal of Honor rededication ceremony April 18 at the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Monument Park at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Airman 1st Class William Pitsenbarger, known as "Pits" to his friends,

Airmen celebrate Earth Day 2008

Airmen around the world are celebrating Earth Day with the knowledge that they play an important role in keeping the world green. Earth Day officially started in 1970 by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson in the belief that people needed a day to recognize environmental concerns. Air Force officials

2008 Hennessy Trophy winners announced

Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Duncan J. McNabb has announced the winners of the 2008 Hennessy Trophy awards. The Hennessy Trophy is an annual award presented to Air Force installations with the best food-service programs. This year marks the 52th anniversary of the single- and multiple-facility

Deployed emergency managers gather to hone skills

They looked liked they were extras in a low-budget, sci-fi movie walking in slick green chemical suits with what looked like scuba-diving air tanks strapped to their backs. A massive dust storm added to the ambiance of the scene by casting a strange orange hue to the already odd-looking clan walking

Doctors break ground with new voice recognition medical capabilities in Iraq

The average professional types 50 to 70 words per minute. Lt. Col. (Dr.) John Mansfield, a urologist at the Air Force Theater Hospital here, claims he falls within that range. "Not bad, but I can talk at about 120 words per minute," Doctor Mansfield said, wearing a headset that he carries with him