Falcons fly high in NIT debut

The Air Force Academy Falcons didn't let the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament snub on March 11 sidetrack them in their National Invitation Tournament debut three days later. In a statistical rarity, all five Air Force starters -- Matt McCraw, Tim Anderson, Jacob Burtschi, Dan Nwaelele and Nick Welch

Emergency airdrop sustains combat ops in Afghanistan

When coalition ground forces fighting Taliban extremists in southern Afghanistan needed fuel in a hurry March 12, coalition air power answered the call, filling the 9,000-pound full airdrop order in less than eight hours. The 1st Battalion of the 508th Parachute Infantry Division was engaged in

New tower cab opens at Ramstein

After two-and-a-half years of planning and construction, Ramstein Air Base's new tower cab is finally open for business.The new cab is vital for mission success, since Ramstein has taken on more air traffic control responsibility with the closing of Rhein-Main Air Base. Among the new improvements to

First MQ-9 Reaper makes its home on Nevada flightline

The MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle's  younger, yet larger and stronger, brother, the MQ-9 Reaper arrived March 13 at its new home at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The remotely piloted aircraft completed initial testing in California, then flew more than 250 miles in two hours to land here. The

'In lieu of' Airmen learn Soldier skills at Fort Bragg

Several hundred Airmen from varied skill sets are in the midst of three months of training at Fort Bragg, N.C., in preparation for a future deployment to Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan. The training is designed to teach basic Army ground maneuver skills. The Airmen from around the

March 14 airpower: B-1 Lancers provide show of force

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 14.In Afghanistan March 13, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on enemy buildings near Sangin. The B-1B strike came after coalition forces received mortar and machine gun fire. A joint terminal

General discusses options for growing USAFE mission

As the Air Force evolves to meet and defeat future challenges, the Airmen of U.S. Air Forces in Europe are also expanding their mission toward the future. During a visit to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Gen. William T. Hobbins discussed expanding operations in Africa and new NATO countries. "The

What's on the Chief's Scope?

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley launched a new Web feature March 14 to tell Airmen what is of special interest to him. Known as "The Chief's Scope," it is designed to briefly highlight current topics General Moseley feels are important to America's Airmen. "The issues on my scope

Virtual Flag exercise hosted at Pentagon

The Air Force's C4ISR Visualization Center at the Pentagon, along with the 705th Combat Training Squadron from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., hosted a simulation exercise March 7 to help joint tactical air controllers experience the challenges of calling in air strikes to enemy targets

Air Guard crew flies mission to save Soldier's life

They flew at night and into the next day from Iraq nonstop to the United States. Fifteen hours and 10 time zones later, they handed over their precious cargo in Maryland: a Soldier who had been wounded in combat. Then, to the hum of jet engines, they packed their gear and returned to fly similar

Golf: Air Force finishes in tie for 13th

Shooting a 304 in the final round, the Air Force golf team finished tied for 13th place at the USF Triumph, being held at the par-71, 7,077-yard Pauma Valley Country Club. St. Mary's, led by individual medalist Mike McRae, took the team championship, finishing at 853 (+1). The Falcons tallied a

Eielson powers its own mission

Every morning, as Airmen here drive onto base, they are greeted by friendly waves -- waves of billowing steam stretching into the crisp morning sky. This steam is more than just hot air. It is the life's blood of the base, and it comes from the central heat and power plant here. "It is unique," said

Aviano Airmen put operations support to test

A recent inspection here is showing how Airmen are prepared to support operations during the war on terrorism. NATO exercise evaluators travel across Europe to assess how well a country's military is able to handle certain scenarios they may face during war time. More than 100 NATO inspectors are

Nellis F-16 crashes on approach to test range

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 16th Weapons Squadron from the U.S. Air Force Weapons School here crashed March 12 at 8:50 p.m. near the end of the runway while on approach to the Tonopah Test Range Airfield, approximately 20 miles southeast of Tonopah, Nev. The pilot ejected safely and

Data links give Airmen attack controllers 'big picture'

A small group of Airmen are having a dramatic effect on the battlefield. They're in demand from everyone from Army squads and platoons to large defense contractors. Everyone wants a joint terminal attack controller on their team -- and with good reason. They are crucial to putting air force bombs on

Air Force continues giving 100 percent

Strong Air Force recruiting numbers in 2007 show that "crossing into the blue" remains a popular avenue for Americans to serve their nation, gain technical skills and continue their education. In February, 2,277 people joined the Air Force while another 2,552 signed on to "Do Something Amazing" in

March 13 airpower: Tankers keep coalition fighters flying

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 13. In Afghanistan March 12, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on enemy buildings near Sangin. The B-1B strike came after coalition forces received mortar and machine gun fire. A joint terminal

'Abort Court' gets to bottom of Moody's mission scrubs

The 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron recently began taking broken jets "to court" as a way to discover the root cause of mission-scrubbing system failures. The "abort court" which began in January, examines all lost sorties from the previous month and analyzes their causes by looking at the 'big

Senior Air Force medics provide testimony

Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense March 7, two Air Force leaders provided key testimony, informing the Senators on how the service takes care of its people. Lt. Gen. (Dr.) James Roudebush, Air Force surgeon general, and Maj. Gen. Melissa Rank, assistant

Life-saving turret prototype stems from Airman's death

Less than 80 days after Airman 1st Class Leebernard Chavis was felled by a sniper's bullet near Baghdad, Airmen in Iraq were testing an improved turret that designers hope will offer service members better protection. Airman Chavis, of Hampton, Va., was killed by enemy gunfire Oct. 14 while

Dover Reserve squadron flies final C-5 flight

The 326th Airlift Squadron, a unit in the Air Force Reserve Command's 512th Airlift Wing here, flew its final C-5 Galaxy flight March 10. The squadron converts to the C-17 Globemaster III mission April 1. The base's first C-17 arrives in June and it will receive 12 more of the aircraft over the

Golf: Air Force concludes opening day

Following the completion of two rounds, the Air Force golf team is tied for 13th place at the USF Triumph, being held at the par-71, 7,077-yard Pauma Valley Country Club. St. Mary's sits atop the team leaderboard at 573, while Wisconsin's Pat Duffy and Loyola Marymount's Jason D'Amore are tied for

Hockey: Cadet named Atlantic defensive player of week

A U.S. Air Force Academy goaltender was named the Atlantic Hockey Association Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the AHA quarterfinal victory over Holy Cross March 10. Ben Worker, from Thief River Falls, Minn., recorded his third shutout in the last 12 games in the academy's 3-0 win

Air Force's satellite-loaded Atlas V is 50th launch success

The Air Force marked its 50th consecutive successful launch March 8 with an Atlas V loaded with six experimental satellites. Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles AFB, Calif., successfully launched the rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., with the 45th Space Wing spacelift

CENTAF leaders visit Airmen deployed to Mehtar Lam

The U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander visited Airmen serving in Afghanistan March 7-10, making stops here, at the Mehtar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team and Kandahar Airfield. Speaking to Airmen at Mehtar Lam, Lt. Gen. Gary North praised the work the PRTs are doing to improve the lives of

Soldiers team with combat aircrews to engage enemy

Joint combat environments don't just exist on the ground, but also exist in the sky above Iraq. U.S. Army Soldiers serve as crewmembers on the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft. An Army deputy mission crew commander and two enlisted personnel form a team of three soldiers

Ramstein prop shop keeps blades turning

The C-130 Hercules plays a role in many of the most versatile missions in the Air Force, such as relief efforts and combat operations. With the high operations tempo in Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, maintenance is key to keep the missions going. The 86th Maintenance Squadron's C-130

Future is bright for Air Force space assets

The Airmen of Air Force Space Command are tracking a lot more than the man-made space junk that orbits the Earth. Space operators are troubleshooting the way they do business. They're focusing on getting their capabilities -- the ones most Americans know little about -- to the forefront of the

March 12 airpower: Globemasters sustain operations

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 12.In Afghanistan March 11, a B-1B Lancer performed a show of force to protect four coalition vehicles near Worzhanah Kalay. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed the show of force was successful and no

Airmen hold discussion group with Kyrgyz students

Airmen from the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing and U.S. Embassy staff visited School 13-Lyceum in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, March 7 to conduct the first English Discussion Group with about 30 students. The purpose of the visit was to establish the program in the school, which focuses on teaching the

F-16 crashes in Florida Straits

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the Air Force Reserve Command's 482nd Fighter Wing here crashed about 11:05 a.m. today approximately 75 miles south-southeast of Homestead in the Florida Straits. The aircraft was from the 93rd Fighter Squadron. At the time of the accident, it was flying a routine

PRT turns best practice into Afghan community favorite

A best practice program developed by the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team has become a community favorite here. The program provides construction materials to Afghan locals to complete or repair their own projects. Initially started as a way to encourage villagers to take a more active role

Hockey: Air Force blanks Holy Cross, 3-0

Ben Worker stopped all 17 shots he faced as Air Force blanked Holy Cross, 3-0, in the Atlantic Hockey Association quarterfinal game at the Air Force Academy's Cadet Ice Arena, Saturday, March 10. With the win, Air Force advances to the AHA Final Four in Rochester, N.Y., March 16-17 at the Blue Cross

Basketball: Falcons No. 1 seed in NIT West Region

Air Force hosts the Austin Peay Governors in the first round of the 2007 Mastercard National Invitation Tournament March 14 at 9 p.m. (MT) here at Clune Arena. The game will be televised nationally by ESPN2.The Falcons are the No. 1 seed in the West Region of the 32-team tournament. Air Force

Gymnastics: Men's team improves season-best score

Highlighted by a pair of first-place finishes from junior Greg Stine of Houston, the No. 16 Air Force men's gymnastics team improved its season-best score for the second straight meet. The Falcons tallied a combined score of 196.500 to finish second to No. 14 Illinois-Chicago here March 11.

March 3-9: The week in airpower

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 3-9. In Afghanistan this week 330 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Sixty Air Force and

Drill Team performs at NASCAR Busch Series

The United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performs at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas March 10. The Drill Team is the traveling component of the Air Force Honor Guard and tours Air Force bases world wide showcasing the precision of today's Air Force to recruit, retain, and inspire

Lacrosse: Falcons fall to Yale at First 4

Unable to answer a 6-0 run by the Bulldogs, the Air Force lacrosse team dropped a 12-9 decision to No. 18 Yale March 10 in the opening game of the First 4, held at Torero Stadium on the campus of the University of San Diego. The Falcons drop to 1-3 on the season, while the Bulldogs remain undefeated

CMSAF McKinley visits Airmen at Hurlburt Field

Enlisted Airmen here gained the opportunity this week to meet and hear from Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. During his three-day stay, Chief McKinley immersed himself in the Air Force Special Operations Command mission. "I've been fully impressed since day one with

2 Air Force Mentor-Protégé teams capture DOD awards

Two U.S. Air Force Mentor-Protégé company teams captured Nunn-Perry awards March 7 at the annual Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé Conference here. The awards recognize outstanding efforts by DOD prime contractors, or mentors, and their protégé small businesses. The Air Force mentor-protégé

March 10 airpower: ISR missions critical in war on terrorism

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 10. In Afghanistan March 9, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets successfully conducted a leaflet drop over a designated point near Washir. The F/A-18s also provided reconnaissance and a noise presence over a village for

Gymnastics: Men set season-best team score

Backed by top three finishes from junior Greg Stine of Houston and sophomore Josiah Loeser of Alvin, Texas, the No. 16 Air Force men's gymnastics team set a new season-best team score of 194.850 in a dual meet with No. 14 Illinois-Chicago March 9. UIC won the meet with a score of 203.100, but the

Logistics officials discuss Stratotanker sustainment

"Air Force and Defense Logistics Agency partnership is critical to success." That's the message Michele Rachie, deputy director of the 827th Aircraft Sustainment Group at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., focused on during her visit here March 1. Ms. Rachie met with members of Defense Supply Center

Airmen's heroic actions highlighted on 'Portraits in Courage'

Maj. Troy Gilbert gave his life protecting others. The F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot died in November 2006 strafing enemy combatants in Iraq while protecting coalition forces under attack on the ground.The story of Major Gilbert's sacrifice, along with the courageous actions of 14 other Airmen who are

NORTHCOM nominee regards command position 'sacred honor'

The nominee to lead U.S. Northern Command and North America Aerospace Defense Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee here March 8 that he realizes the missions of both organizations are demanding and challenging, but that he would consider leading them to be a "sacred honor." Air Force Lt.

Baseball: Wright State downs Air Force, 13-3

Wright State pounded out 14 hits to down Air Force 13-3 in a non-conference baseball game March 9 at Falcon Field. The loss drops the Falcons to 5-12 and improves the Raiders to 3-4. Ross Oeder and Gerald Ogrinc led the way for Wright State as both went 3-for-5. Oeder scored two runs and doubled

Air Force continues vital missions at NATO-run Kandahar

Even though NATO took operational control of Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, last August, the Air Force still maintains a presence at the base. After Kandahar was turned over to NATO, the Air Force continues to play an important role in the war on terrorism and the joint environment. The biggest

Air Force-funded researcher among top 50 technological leaders

A researcher funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research is included in the "2006 Scientific American List of 50 Leaders in Science and Technology" for building circuits using light at nanometer scales. Dr. Nader Engheta, professor of electrical and systems engineering and professor of

Airmen upgrading 'Giant Voice' systems in England

Airmen from the 1st Communications Maintenance Squadron at Kapaun Air Station, Germany, are installing giant voice systems throughout the United Kingdom. The 'Giant Voice' is a 2,000-watt speaker that alerts people on base of danger, whether from natural disasters or terrorist attacks. "Most people

'Week in Photos' highlights Airmen around the world

Airmen are deployed around the globe every day to support operations ranging from humanitarian missions and coalition exercises to fighting terrorism with airpower. The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors photos that feature the Air Force's missions. A brief view of this

Curator an example of base's close community tie

With 140 years of military history at her disposal, the museum director has a lot of information to share with visitors at the Warren ICBM/Heritage Museum. Paula Taylor describes herself as a fifth-generation local ranch daughter. She said her family has had a long tradition of working with F.E

Airmen Against Drunk Driving program saving lives

Airmen Against Drunk Driving program, or AADD, and programs similar to it are potentially saving military members' lives. Every Friday and Saturday night, Airmen volunteer their time here to ensure other Airmen who have been drinking make it home from bars, restaurants, and parties safe. Since

Wing has long heritage of serving others

The 59th Medical Wing is the Air Force's premier medical unit, located here in San Antonio.  The 59th MDW operates Wilford Hall Medical Center. The wing provides global medical readiness capability and comprehensive peacetime healthcare benefits through education, training and research. There are

March 9 airpower: F-16s provide show of force

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 9. In Afghanistan March 8, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions on an enemy compound near Qurya. A joint terminal attack controller on-scene observed good hits on the

Secretary Gates: Care for America's returning wounded warriors

When I was nominated to take this post just over three months ago, I said that the patriots who have volunteered to serve in our armed services have no equal in the world. I made a solemn commitment to the Congress, to the nation, and to you to keep the welfare of men and women in uniform uppermost

Wing's shield symbolizes medical mission

The 59th Medical Wing shield symbolizes the unit's mission and its present vision. In 1993, when the wing became a numbered medical wing, the shield of the 59th Fighter Wing, formerly the 59th Observation Wing, was acquired. Its use was approved for the 59th Medical Wing Feb. 3, 1995. Wilford Hall

Yokota tests non-combatant evacuation operations

A C-130 Hercules filled with non-combatant evacuation role-players from Kunsan Air Base, Korea arrived at the flight line March 6 to participate in the Yokota Air Base's operational readiness inspection. The passengers were acting as non-combatants for the purpose of the exercise scenario. There are

Lajes civil engineers fix beacon on air traffic control tower

Members from the 65th Civil Engineer Squadron's electrical shop recently fixed the beacon that rests atop the air traffic control tower at Lajes Field. The beacon is vital for pilots landing at Lajes to recognize that it is a military flight-line and to help guide them safely during inclement

Air Force falls to Wyoming in MWC tournament

The third time was a charm for the Wyoming Cowboys, as they made up for two regular-season losses to Air Force by beating them March 8 in the Mountain West Conference tournament 67-62. The loss dropped the Falcons all-time MWC tournament record to 0-8 and puts their NCAA tournament prospects in

Basketball: Cowboys upset Falcons in MWC tourney

The Wyoming Cowboys upset the Air Force Falcons, 67-62, in the opening game for both teams in the Mountain West Conference Tournament March 8. For the complete story, visit the academy sports Web site at www.goairforcefalcons.com. (The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the

Reserve Airmen contribute to medical mission in Iraq

Air Force Reservists from the 920th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., found themselves integral to the success rate of the Air Force Theater Hospital here. Nine Airmen from the 920th ASTS, part of the Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing, are deployed here working for the 332nd

Fort Sam commemorates first military flight

Three vintage Stearman aircraft flew over Fort Sam Houston's parade ground March 2 to commemorate the 97th anniversary of the first military aerial flight.  It was here U.S. Army Lt. Benjamin Foulois boarded the "Signal Corps 'Aeroplane' No. 1" in 1910 and circled Fort Sam Houston's MacArthur Parade

Edwards launches first base-focused video podcast in DOD

More than 16 months after Edwards launched its first audio podcast, the base launched base-focused video podcasts on its public Web site Feb. 28, the first such podcasts in the Department of Defense. Podcasting is an Internet publishing technology that allows users to subscribe to an automatic feed

Travis medical center recognized by California legislature

The accomplishments of the staff of David Grant U.S. Air Force Medical Center were recognized by the California legislature in a ceremony here March 1. California State Senator Jeff Denham, (R-Merced), presented Senate Concurrent Resolution 122 to Col. Steve Arquiette the 60th Air Mobility Wing

Warfare center is now U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center

The Air Mobility Warfare Center flag was rolled up and a new flag bearing the name "United States Air Force Expeditionary Center" was unfurled March 5 during a re-designation ceremony here. "If you want to know why you've become the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, it's because you earned it,"

March 8 airpower: F-15Es provide close-air support in Afghanistan

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 8. In Afghanistan March 7, a B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s and GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions on enemy personnel and a building near Garmsir, in support of Operation Achilles. The on-scene joint

Officials announce Air Force Safety Awards for 2006

Air Force safety officials have announced the winners of the 2006 Safety Awards. They are: Secretary of the Air Force Safety Award: Category I -- Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Fla.   (No Category II listed)Maj. Gen. Benjamin D. Foulois Memorial Award: Air Force Special

Gymnastics: Cadet named gymnast of the week

Weekly honors continue to accumulate for Air Force junior Greg Stine, who was named the Collegiate Division Gymnast of the Week by the Collegiate Gymnastics Association March 7. This award, which is voted on by the men's gymnastics coaches, comes just one day after he was named the Mountain Pacific

Medics learn combat environment skills

Even the setting is realistic. Men and women dressed in field and camouflage uniforms, military vehicles and helicopters in evidence everywhere, officers and Airmen hunched over topographical maps and the usual good-natured complaints about the C-rations forming a buzz of background

A hospital wing and prayer: Lackland medical team cares for AF family's tiniest members

As Doctor (Maj.) Steve Messier pushes through what was shaping up to be an 80-hour work week, his face looks understandably tired. But despite the long hours, the neonatology fellow at Wilford Hall Medical Center's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit never fails to forget the needs of the premature babies

Eielson Airmen get aggressive about training

Maj. Robert Kelly is getting ready to try and shoot down Air Force aircraft. But, the weapons officer from the 353rd Combat Training Squadron is not an enemy. He is becoming what is known as a Red Flag aggressor pilot, an invaluable training asset for any Red Flag exercise. "As far as becoming an

Two former top Air Force chiefs visit Keesler Airmen

Two retired chief master sergeants of the Air Force addressed a capacity crowd March 2 as guest speakers at the 81st Training Wing's annual awards banquet. The first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Paul Airey, and eighth, Sam Parish, took the opportunity earlier in the day to tour several

Keep up Air Force records, personal info for promotion sake

The one constant among Airmen is the desire to be promoted. There are many things Airmen can do to affect their chances for promotion, but perhaps the most important is ensuring their personal information is correct. Missing or inaccurate enlisted or officer performance reports, decorations, awards

Raptor, precision strike bomb integration testing begins

The 411th Flight Test Squadron began integration testing of the F-22A Raptor and the GBU-39/B Small-Diameter Bomb here in February. The weapon is a low-cost, stand-off, next generation precision strike weapon, capable of flying autonomously. The bomb is guided by an inertial navigation system with

March 7 airpower: C-130s provide in-theater tactical airlift

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 7.In Afghanistan March 6, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares, for coalition forces who sustained casualties from small-arms fire near Sangin. A joint terminal attack

Operation Deep Freeze ends record-setting season

Ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs redeployed from Christchurch, New Zealand, wrapped up the 2006-2007 season of Operation Deep Freeze in late February. This unique joint and total force mission has supported the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program since 1955

Academy cadet has hoop dreams

When Cadet 1st Class Matt McCraw was growing up, he had dreams of playing basketball during March Madness as part of an NCAA team."Every kid really grows up wanting to play in March Madness and the NCAA tournament and also go on to the NBA," Cadet McCraw said. "But it's definitely a great feeling

Expeditionary wing supports war efforts in many ways

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing directly supports the war on terrorism on many different levels. Combat sorties are flown daily, and multitudes of U.S. servicemembers and coalition partners, equipment and supplies are transported in and out of theater. Other missions are not quite as visible. Many

Basketball: Air Force knocks off Colorado State

Hitting the game-winning layup with 0.7 seconds left on the clock, junior Alecia Steele helped lead the Air Force women's basketball team to a 47-46 victory over Colorado State in the first game of the Mountain West Conference Championships, March 6 at the Thomas & Mack Center. With the win, the

Air Force program reconnects Airmen to heritage

Air Force History Office officials are launching a new program to help unite Airmen, past and present, commemorate and preserve their shared heritage. During this year, in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the Air Force, history office staff members are reaching out to those involved in

Operation Achilles: Leaflet airdrop delivers message to Taliban

The message was clear and well delivered. A C-130 Hercules airdrop mission dropped 30,000 warning leaflets over the mountainous terrain of southeastern Afghanistan March 6 to deter the insurgent activity of the Taliban. The warning leaflet airdrop mission was in direct support of Operation Achilles

March 6 airpower: C-130s support Afghan operations

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 6.In Afghanistan March 5, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets conducted air reconnaissance for suspected anti-coalition firing positions near Musa Qal'eh. Other Navy F/A-18s also provided reconnaissance for suspicious

Motivational program ending at Ramstein

After three years of helping Airmen get back on track, the Ramstein Area Motivational Program, or RAMP, correctional custody facility is closing its doors. More than 200 Airmen have come through the program, with a huge majority of them successfully completing the training. RAMP opened its doors

Better intel boosts Air Force munitions drops, sorties flown

In 2006, the Air Force dropped more than 1,700 munitions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. A year earlier, the Air Force dropped only 176 munitions as part of that same operation. The increase is due to better intelligence, said Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, the U.S. Central Command Air Forces

Demonstration team excels at Heritage Conference

Michigan Air Guard returns from Iraq deployment

Approximately 250 members of the Michigan Air National Guard returned home in March after supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom at Balad Air Base, Iraq.About 40 of the Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons returned home March 2, while the rest of the group returned here March 5 to frigid temperatures at

Cadets research fuel line bacteria

Bacteria that can survive on jet fueI is not something one might think about. But, that same microscopic bacteria can bring down a multi-million dollar aircraft. Cadet 1st Class Jonathan Stralka peers at a small tube filled with jet fuel. Inside is the culprit responsible for fouling jet engines

Airborne emergency room serves Operation Northern Watch

On a short electronic leash, their beepers went off, and five members of the medical team sprung into action, racing through hospital halls to gather deployment gear. Simultaneously, the crew of an HC-130 aircraft was alerted and prepared for takeoff. This crew was deployed from the 347th Rescue

Airmen receive cutting-edge satellite training

As a satellite systems crew chief, Staff Sgt. Lori Browning has a job that is out of this world. She is currently receiving training on the Space Based Infrared Systems, or SBIRS, that is scheduled to become operational sometime next year. Sergeant Browning is part of the first class that is being

Track & Field: Walsh selected to NCAA championships

Senior Brian Walsh was selected to participate in the heptathlon at the 2007 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, the NCAA selection committee announced March 5. This will be the second straight season that Walsh advanced to the national meet. Walsh set a NCAA provisional qualifying score

Andersen bombers participate in Koa Lightning exercise

The low rumble of B-52s shook the normally quiet evening sky above Andersen Air Force Base as the Stratofortresses of the 36th Operations Group participated in Pacific Command's Koa Lightning exercise over the islands of Hawaii. For the men and women of the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, the

Spangdahlem, Incirlik Airmen unite in training

The cooperation between Airmen from Incirlik AB and Spangdahlem AB, Germany, has improved the development of the 39th Maintenance Squadron ammunition members through high-fidelity training opportunities. As aircrews from two F-16 Fighting Falcon squadrons from Spangdahlem AB train in a different

Fuel tests keep Misawa moving

The fuel military bases receive goes through a series of treatments before it is usable in machinery. It is the job of the Fuels Laboratory Airmen in logistics readiness squadrons to check the condition of all fuel before it's put to use. Most importantly, certain additives need to be present to

Air Force heroes: 20 fallen Airmen honored in Afghanistan

The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing here held a formal retreat March 4 to honor the 20 Air Force members who have died in Afghanistan since Operation Enduring Freedom began in 2001. Route 56, the wing's NCO advisory council, planned the retreat. The council wanted "to remind everyone of the pride and

Brooks training program integrates medical processes

The U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine here has established a realistic, in-depth training program that marries up two processes to provide essential training to medics who, in many cases, are deployed and doing this very same mission within one to two months. The program ties Expeditionary

March 5 airpower: Pave Hawks fly rescue missions

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 5. In Afghanistan yesterday, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s on a building near Sangin containing anti-coalition insurgents. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed a direct hit. The

General encourages AFSO 21 mind-set for PACAF successes

The Pacific Air Forces director of logistics outlined changes in the Air Force and what those changes mean to the logistics community within the command during a recent visit to Kadena. "In regards to our mission in the Pacific, our number one challenge is maintaining regional stability out here in

Security forces Airmen protect Iraq's airpower hub

Although it is distinctly a guard mount formation with defenders intently listening to the towering flight chief, one may liken the experience to a press conference. Notes from the previous shift's reported activities and expected trends for the new shift are jotted onto worn, hand-fitted

Academy boxing coach teaches valuable lessons

A plaque on the wall in the boxing gym reads, "Tough times don't last, tough people do." It's a quote that lends itself to the person who spoke those words. Ed Weichers Jr. became the U.S. Air Force Academy's boxing coach more than 30 years ago. As a testament to his success, the gym displays

Manas Airmen train with Kyrgyz firefighters

Airmen of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing fire department here have worked and trained side-by-side with Manas International Airport firefighters for five years. With each new Air Expeditionary Force rotation, a new crew of Airmen arrives and trains with the Kyrgyz firefighters of the MIA to stay