Chief's strategy white paper unveiled

"Transformation is an enduring part of our culture as Airmen," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff.  "We are forever looking for an edge to strengthen our ability to deliver combat power for the nation." General Moseley spoke to members of Air University's professional military

Lunar New Year event strengthens ties, cultural awareness

Members of the South Korea air force's 38th Fighter Group hosted Airmen from the 8th Fighter Wing for a Korean Lunar New Year celebration Feb. 5 here. Airmen from the 38th FG hosted a variety of events to include a traditional bowing ceremony, food and games. The Korean Lunar New Year or "Seollal,"

Powered flight returns to Air Force Academy

Air Education and Training Command officials currently are testing a program designed to return powered flight to the Air Force Academy's curriculum. Called "Jump Start," the test marks the beginning for a program meant to enhance the Academy's focus on airmanship in its curriculum. Traditionally,

SECAF declares new complex officially open

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne took part in the grand-opening ceremony Feb. 5 of the Blatchford-Preston Complex, a $106.9 million construction project including improved recreational facilities and the bases' first permanent dormitories, in Southwest Asia. Opening the Blatchford-Preston

Air Force working to build cyber warrior career fields

Ever since the Air Force deemed cyberspace a warfighting domain, it's been busy preparing for a new command that will have the right technology, systems and resources required to fight in this realm. The Air Force Cyber Command, which is in a provisional status until this fall, is also working to

Three generations honor, remember the 'Forgotten War'

Imagine being surrounded by enemy forces and having orders to retreat through a foreign land, fighting through the mountainous terrain in frigid temperatures for 78 miles, with little or no food, water and supplies. Many Korean War veterans experienced this and more in what has become known as the

Active duty, Guard, Reserve: One awesome force

The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. T. Michael Moseley, recently said, "You can't look at an Airman and tell if he or she is active, Guard or Reserve. We all wear the same uniform, do the same jobs and help make this Air Force the best in the world." Nowhere is that more appropriate than here,

Airman's Roll Call focuses on personal finances

This week's Airman's Roll Call highlights ways Airman can improve their personal financial management. Supervisors can direct struggling enlisted servicemembers to various organizations on the base to counsel Airmen on how to control spiraling debt.  Every base has beginner financial management

Manas NCO donates art to fund surgeries for needy children

Where most just see trash, Tech. Sgt. Robert Sommers sees possibility. On any given day, the 376th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron operations management NCO in charge can be found sorting through leftover wood scraps in his shop, which he paints on his off-duty time. The artworks he creates

Threatening dust storms can't stop the mighty Herc

The C-130 Hercules touched down on an unremarkable stretch of dirt in central Africa Jan. 28. Less than four minutes later the aircraft was accelerating and airborne, climbing away from the landing zone and setting a southeasterly course toward civilization. The mission was over for the C-130 crew

Air Force Honor Guard holds annual training at Maxwell

Maxwell Air Force Base is now the new home for annual training of the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. The team spent the past month learning its 2008 routine here. The team is a branch of the Air Force Honor Guard based out of Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. For the past 12 years, the group learned

Texas team teaches expeditionary medical techniques in Hawaii

The Republic of Moku is a fictitious Pacific island chain, but during exercise Pacific Lifeline it is home to real-world training as more than 90 medical Airmen assigned to Pacific Air Forces practice how to deploy and provide critical services following a natural disaster. Assisting them is a

Deployed AWACS aircrews overcome unique challenge

E-3 Sentry aircrews deployed here in support of Exercise Cope Tiger 2008 performed a quick turnaround and still completed a mission on time Feb. 3. A rare challenge, the E-3 was flying a mission during the exercise's large force employment  when a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling

Service still seeking special compensation claimants

The approval rate of claims for Combat-Related Special Compensation is currently running 66 percent, but one-third of the eligible retirees still have not applied for the program. Air Force Personnel Center officials expected an increase in claims when the benefit was expanded to include all combat

Air Force claims center proves efficient

One year after opening the Air Force Claims Service Center near Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Air Force leaders are proud to announce its successes in handling legal claims for all Airmen. Not only are Airmen paid quickly under the new system, that money is recovered from negligent moving

Aircraft travels faster than six times the speed of sound

Tests are under way at the Benefield Anechoic Facility here on the X-51 Scramjet-Waverider's antennas to ensure all of the X-51's antennas and communication systems are working properly. The X-51 is an autonomous vehicle with a scramjet engine enabling the aircraft to travel at a hypersonic speed --

Air Force races into NASCAR season at Daytona

The Air Force enters its eighth year of sponsorship in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series when its No. 21 car begins the 2008 season Feb. 9 at the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway, Fla. The Air Force is both a primary and associate sponsor of the No. 21 car, which is owned by Wood

Fueling the Air Force arsenal, its people

Airmen and Soldiers living in tent city here are eating well thanks to active-duty and Air National Guard services specialists from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and Kadena Air Base, Japan. Deployed to the Kona International Airport, the services team set up a single pallet expeditionary kitchen to

New earned income credit rules lucrative for some Airmen

Filing his family's taxes each year online, Master Sgt. Ron Przysucha says he normally receives about $3,000 in tax returns. This year however, he was taken by surprise when the same Web site he traditionally uses calculated his return at nearly $8,000. "I immediately thought it was a mistake and I

SECAF thanks Airmen for their service, dedication

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne stopped to talk with deployed Airmen during a luncheon and Airmen's call held at Balad Air Base Feb. 2. During his visit, Secretary Wynne discussed topics including in-lieu-of taskings, the medical miracles of Iraq and current and future changes on the

Airman 'The Book' 2008 available online

The 2008 almanac version of Airman magazine is now available online. "Into the Wild New Yonder" is the theme for the issue, traditionally called "The Book." The issue focuses on important facts and provides insight into today's Air Force. Data in the magazine highlights the service's major commands

Media event showcases Air Force airpower

The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing hosted four major media outlets, three print and one television, in an unprecedented media event here Jan. 30. The event was the first time major media outlets visited the base for one specific event. NBC news, The Associated Press, New York Times and Los Angeles

Air Force officials release budget request for 2009

As part of the president's fiscal 2009 budget, the Air Force officials are requesting Congress' approval for $143.9 billion, nearly more than $9 billion more than in fiscal 2008. Of the $143.9 billion request, $117 billion are funds directly controlled and managed by the Air Force. The remaining

PACAF Airmen combat-train with Thailand, Singapore

Aircraft from Pacific Air Forces began flying combat sorties here Feb. 1 alongside its ally nations Thailand and Singapore, in support of Exercise Cope Tiger 2008. The PACAF aircraft and those from the Royal Thai air force and the Republic of Singapore air force are participating in the four-day

SECAF addresses deployed Airmen

"On behalf of the president of the United States and the American people, we salute you," Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne told more than 400 Airmen during his visit to an air base in Southwest Asia Feb. 1. "You are the front lines of freedom." Secretary Wynne addressed Airmen in an open

Leaders ensure wartime logistics, maintenance success

Sustaining combat-ready aircraft during the high operations tempo presented by the war on terrorism is a tough business in today's expeditionary environment. Continuous challenges in logistics, maintenance, contracting, and supply must be overcome to ensure the Air Force can fly, fight and win in

Recruiters discuss challenges with Senate subcommittee

Two Air Force recruiting representatives answered questions for members of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Personnel Jan. 31. Senators questioned Air Force Recruiting Service commander Brig. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot and Master Sgt. Dave White, flight chief for the 341st Recruiting

RC-135 outlasts 1960's contemporaries

In the year 1962, The Beatles recorded their debut single, "Love Me Do," "The Beverly Hillbillies" premiered on television, a ticket to the movies cost 50 cents and the first RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft rolled off the Boeing assembly line. Now, nearly a half a century later, The Beatles haven't had

'Today's Air Force' highlights recapitalization, modernization

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the recapitalization and modernization of the Air Force. While the Air Force is undergoing a force-shaping process to reduce and merge its resources, a special focus is on the restructuring and utilization of available assets which are essential

Airmen mentor Afghan National Police

Airmen assigned to the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team conducted a training class Jan. 25 for Kohistan II district Afghanistan National Police in the Parwan and Kapisa Provinces. "Working with ANP in the different districts is more than part of our mission; it is a great opportunity for all

Team trains to improve patient's condition during flight

Providing medical care while moving very ill patients over long distances in a short period of time, is the skill being practiced by three Air Force Reserve Command Airmen as they take part in Pacific Lifeline. A doctor, a nurse, and a respiratory therapist from the 446th Aeromedical Staging

PACAF team donates to Thai school

Pacific Air Forces Airmen, Royal Thai air force members and Republic of Singapore air force military members donated school supplies and equipment Jan. 30 to a local school in a rural village outside of Korat, Thailand. Historically a part of the humanitarian portion of Exercise Cope Tiger, the

Servicemembers spend special time with orphans

Airmen assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, along with fellow servicemembers and coalition forces, are known for supporting projects that include military-to-military training, civil military operations and senior leader engagements. Missions are also in place to protect

Scientist demonstrates bendable electronics

Air Force Office of Scientific Research officials here recently have provided research funding for fast, bendable electronics to attach to unevenly shaped objects like airplane bodies or engines. A research team led by Dr. Zhenqiang Ma of the University of Wisconsin-Madison has developed

Officials move ROTC field training to Maxwell

Air Force officials here recently announced all ROTC field training is moving to Maxwell Air Force Base beginning the summer of 2008. Last summer's ROTC schedule included three encampments here and three encampments at Ellsworth AFB, S.D., but this year will mark the first time all encampments will

F-22 Raptor crew chiefs begin training

The first class of F-22 Raptor crew chiefs began training Jan. 29 at the $21 million Raptor Maintenance Training Facility at Sheppard. Seven Airmen new to the Air Force, and one cross-trainee from the Virginia Air National Guard, are the first to undergo initial skills training on the F-22. "Thank

AETC releases vision of future learning

Air Education and Training Command officials here released a vision for the years between 2008 and 2030 when they unveiled "On Learning: The Future of Air Force Education and Training," a 29-page white paper Jan. 31. The Air Force must transform its training and education system of today into a

PIT crew brings realism to Pacific Lifeline exercise

Airmen from the 446th Aerospace Medicine Squadron and 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron aren't being graded on the test, but their work impacts those involved with the Pacific Lifeline exercise. Known as the PIT crew, 16 reservists from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., will add realism to the

Military working dog teams fine-tune relationships

It's a simple, age-old act of classical conditioning, the dog finds what the master desires and the dog is rewarded. In the case of Tommy, a three-year-old Belgian Malinoise assigned to Joint Task Force-Bravo Joint Security Forces here, the softball-sized round rubber toy is about all the reward he

Chief of staff of Air Force announces new reading list

The chief of staff of the air force announced his new reading list. "Developing Airmen remains one of my key priorities" said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, "Victory -- whether on the front lines of today's Long War or in the air, space and cyberspace surrounding tomorrow's foes -- will be determined in

7th Air Force, Air Forces Korea redesignated

Osan Air Base Airmen began a new chapter for the primary combat air force provider to South Korea as the Pacific Air Forces commander uncased the 7th Air Force, Air Forces Korea flag Jan. 30 here.Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler appointed Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Wood as the 7th Air Force, Air Forces

Edwards Airman flies high as first military F-35 pilot

A pilot from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., became the first Air Force and government test pilot to fly the F-35 Lightning II during a test sortie at the Lockheed Martin facility Jan. 30 at Naval Air Station Fort Worth. Lt. Col. James Kromberg, the director of operations for the 461st Flight Test

Equipment provides advanced blood testing at Wilford Hall

Wilford Hall Medical Center officials here recently advanced its blood-testing abilities with the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical equipment. The STA-R Evolution machine performs coagulation testing, in which blood-clotting factors are analyzed and compliance with therapeutic ranges for

First aerial bombing mission completed at Kwajalein

On Jan. 23, the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed here with their B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., completed the first aerial bombing mission at the U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site . The Kwajalein Atoll is home to

New assistant secretary sworn in

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne swore in the Air Force's new assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs in a ceremony at the Pentagon Jan. 24. Craig Duehring, a 28-year Air Force veteran, is a political appointee, heading a four-division department that deals

Hondurans, Americans team for combined jump

More than 250 Honduran soldiers took their first step toward Airborne readiness when they leaped from the back of a U.S. Army helicopter Jan. 24 in a combined training jump with U.S. Soldiers here. Joint Task Force-Bravo member's involvement enhanced relations between the two nation's militaries by

Summit solidifies operational, strategic doctrine

More than a dozen active duty and retired general officers formulated doctrine to support joint warfighting operations through the construct of a critical liaison to Air Force commanders called an Air Component Coordination Element Jan. 23 and 24 at Maxwell Air Force Base.The two-day "Gathering of

Pacific medical team provides care in Thailand

A Pacific Air Forces medical team provided medical and dental care to about 150 Thai men, women and children Jan. 29 in a rural community outside of Korat, Thailand. The medical mission was the first of two Medical Civic Action Programs, or MEDCAP, missions led by the 13th Air Force Surgeon General

OTS starts unarmed combat training

Officer Training School trainees completed the school's first combat skills training class Jan. 29 as part of the effort to expand the expeditionary officer training curriculum here. The course is part of the more than 70 hours of expeditionary skills training now being taught to Officer Training

Airman's Roll Call highlights knowledge of benefits

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on empowering Airmen with information about their benefits. Air Force supervisors are responsible for providing counseling and feedback to the Airmen they supervise. Part of this is ensuring Airmen are equipped with the necessary knowledge to make informed

McChord Airmen provide lifeline in Pacific

More than 140 Airmen from 446th Airlift Wing here are participating in the Pacific Lifeline exercise Jan. 26 through Feb. 9 in Hawaii. Pacific Lifeline is a total-force exercise designed to exercise the military's ability to rapidly arrive and leave a trained, equipped team anywhere in the Pacific

Air Force officials activate first air ground operations wing

The unit activation and assumption of command of the Air Force's first wing solely dedicated to supporting battlefield Airmen took place during a ceremony here Jan. 25. The activation of the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing marked the first of its kind for the Air Force and added another volume to

Troops to receive retroactive pay next month

Active duty troops will receive retroactive earnings next month, followed weeks later by a supplemental payday for non-active personnel, a Pentagon official said today. The National Defense Authorization Act signed into law Jan. 28 by President Bush stipulates a 3.5 percent military pay raise. This

Latest 'Perspective' focuses on heritage

In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman highlights the importance of heritage and honoring the contributions and sacrifices of Airmen to fulfill the Air Force mission."Even before our current fight to win the Global War on Terror, more than 52,000 brave Airmen gave

Pope Airman works with reconstructive team in Afghanistan

A Pope Air Force Base Airman has made an impact on working relationships with key leaders in Afghanistan almost a year into his tour on a provincial reconstruction team. Lt. Col. Robert Ricci from Pope's 43rd Operations Support Squadron is deployed as commander of a multiservice NATO International

Abused Afghan woman to receive plastic surgery

A 16-year-old woman brutally attacked by her husband in December is set to receive plastic surgery in Kabul following close coordination between the Afghan government and Provincial Reconstruction Team Qalat, a joint U.S. Air Force and Army unit here. Nazia Hookum Darr was beaten and disfigured by

Airmen help wounded troops survive journey home

The Air Force Theater Hospital's 98 percent survivability rate for injured U.S. servicemembers would be meaningless if the wounded were unable to survive their journey out of the combat zone. Four years into the war, the process of saving lives and then safely transporting critically injured and ill

Squadron commanders, first sergeants meet senior leaders

Squadron commanders and first sergeants had an opportunity to meet with the chief of staff of the Air Force during a conference here Jan. 24 and 25.  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley called in Airmen from around the Air Force to get a candid perspective from the field while sharing

Wrestling: Air Force picks up three wins at Borah Duals

Finishing six matches in two days, the U.S. Air Force Academy wrestling team went 3-1 at the Borah Duals hosted by Western State Jan. 26. After falling to the host Mountaineers, the Falcons, who switched their lineup throughout the day, rattled off victories over Grand Canyon, Mesa State and New

Airman attends presidential address

An Air Force Reserve Airman attended President George W. Bush's final state of the union address here Jan. 28. Senior Airman Diane Lopes represented the service, sitting in the audience with the first lady and other special guests. Airman Lopes, a security forces specialist with the 920th Rescue

Lakenheath weapons sections merge, improve maintenance

Airmen from two F-15E Strike Eagle weapons sections here recently consolidated as part of an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century initiative to become one of the largest weapons section in U.S. Air Forces in Europe. The merger has driven down overdue equipment by 80 percent and reduced

CMSAF focuses on Airmen development

The Air Force's top enlisted leader emphasized the importance of each Airman's contributions, as well as their responsibilities in the development of their Airmen and their own careers during a Jan. 18 enlisted call at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Echoing the sentiments of the three Air Force

Tyndall squadron prepares for 'pipeline' Raptor pilots

Opportunities to train on the F-22 Raptor are highly competitive, and pilots picked to fly the world's premier fighter have been chosen from the ranks after logging years on other airframes -- until now. Four first lieutenants currently at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., have been selected as the first

CENTAF commander applauds theater hospital Airmen

The U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander and command chief had high praises for the Airmen manning the Air Force Theater Hospital during their tour here Jan. 26. Lt. Gen. Gary North and Chief Master Sgt. Richard Small recognized several of the hospital's top performers and showed their

Manas center helps Airmen return home quicker

Members of the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center here tested a new process to help Airmen deployed for "in lieu of" taskings for the Army return to their families faster. "Air Force teamwork streamlined all processes that ensured inventory,

Air Force general praises joint success

Air Force and Army officials synchronized to eliminate threats to ground forces in southern Iraq in what was called a "relentless pursuit of the enemy" during Operation Marne Thunderbolt in January. Aircrews of F-16 Fighting Falcons, B-1B Lancers, Navy F/A -18 Hornet pilots, Army 3rd Infantry

Airmen train with Humvee simulator

Rollover, rollover, rollover!!! Egress, egress, egress!!! These words were constantly echoed to a group of 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen during the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer training here Jan. 25. The training, conducted by 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, consisted of 45

Manas Airmen improve on community legacy

Airmen of the 376th Expeditionary Mission Support Group and Security Forces Squadron here donated $1,403 Jan. 23 for infrastructure improvements in their near-by adopted village Oktyabrskoye. Village mayor Galina Tereschuk met with visiting Manas AB Airmen and invited a small gathering of villagers

Holloman weapon loaders compete for last time on F-117

The final F-117 Nighthawk Weapons Load Crew of the Year Competition put Holloman Air Force Base Airmen to the test Jan. 18. The competition placed 2006's quarterly winners against each other to determine which crew is the best of the year. The competition consists of a consolidated tool kit

ACC pilot hearing protection combines with headset

Air Combat Command pilots are now using a new customized hearing protection system that not only protect the pilots' hearing but also provides a platform for radio communication. The ear plugs, known as Attenuating Custom Communications Earpiece System, are used by pilots in the cockpit and on the

AFPC civilian retires after 57 years service

When Bill Ward first raised his hand to enlist in the Air Force, Harry S. Truman was president of the United States. Now, 58 years and 10 presidents later, he will retire Jan. 31. Mr. Ward, an assignments adviser at the Air Force Personnel Center here, developed an extensive personnel resume through

8 fuels Airmen surpass million-gallon mark in 4 months

Eight Airmen in the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Management Flight here each pumped more than 1 million gallons of JP-8 jet fuel in just four months. Fuels Airmen fill up aircraft ranging from C-5 Galaxies to the Army's UH-60 Black Hawks and everything in between. "That's a

Children, parents get fit together

Do you want to get your kids away from the television, and get a workout in for yourself? Parents and children in the Kaiserslautern Military Community, Germany, have new fitness programs that help them do just that. Renee Champagne, a physical trainer who has worked with kids for more than 16

Service demographics offer snapshot of force

The Air Force Personnel Center here recently published its demographics report offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force, as of Dec. 31. More information can be found at the center's analysis branch website: http://wwa.afpc.randolph.af.mil/demographics/. Statistics rounded

CENTAF's top enlisted Airman discusses war

The command chief master sergeant of 9th Air Force and United States Central Command Air Forces kicked off a theater-wide tour Jan. 24 at a Southwest Asia air base. Chief Master Sgt. Todd Small spoke with Airmen at two Enlisted Calls about key accomplishments made by today's Airmen who are filling

Airmen are 'bombarded'

Randolph, Civil Air Patrol kick off new support program

A new pilot program between the Air Force and Civil Air Patrol officials is set to kick off with a meeting and orientation tour Jan. 28 at Randolph Air Force Base. "The new program called Volunteer Support to the Air Force will provide greater opportunities for citizens through the CAP while

Surf the Internet, discover benefits

Military beneficiaries can find the latest information at their fingertips at the Defense Commissary Agency's new and improved Web site.DeCA has retooled its Internet site to include fresh new graphics that change with each season and a new section that promotes health and wellness. The single

Mother replaces son on Kirkuk's front lines

As many parents anxiously await the next phone call from their sons and daughters fighting the war on terrorism in Southwest Asia, one mother journeyed across the Atlantic to not only see her child, but also to replace him on the front line. Staff Sgt. Tammi Johnson, a reservist with the 507th

AF team addresses local province women's needs

The needs and issues of the Afghan women of the Kapisa Province were addressed for the first time Jan. 22 in an unprecedented meeting with the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team. More than 20 women representing six districts in the province traveled various distances to not only bring their

Elmendorf Airmen move toward initial operational capability

Airmen in the 90th Fighter Squadron are completing steps to declare initial operational capability, with the overall goal of declaring full operational capability. The 90th FS and 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit exercised a mock bomb drop over the Alaska training range Jan. 16. "This was an excellent

General shares successes, challenges of Afghan air corps

The Afghan army air corps is going through rapid growth, but it will take eight years for the force to be self-sustaining and independent, the commander of the Combined Air Power Transition Force said from his headquarters in the Afghan capital of Kabul Jan. 24. Brig. Gen. Jay H. Lindell told

TV chef cooks up a winner for Sheppard Airmen

It took him 10 grueling hours of work, a frantic trip to a Wichita Falls retailer for ingredients, and the help of dozens of Airmen, but Chef Robert Irvine fed 1,000 people at the Air Force's 60th Anniversary banquet at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. In an episode of the Food Network's hit series,

Dover housing to claim award

The 436th Civil Engineer Squadron housing management team here and the civilian partners of Pinnacle and Hunt Development Group were selected as the 2007 Professional Housing Management Association Outstanding Housing Installation Team Award winners and are scheduled to receive the award Jan. 31 in

Air Force develops friend vs. foe identification system

Air Force Research Laboratory officials here recently have developed a technology that helps identify friendly forces during combat exercises. Working with Lumitex Inc. of Strongsville, Ohio, members of AFRL's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate developed and fielded the Target Recognition

Air Force funds research into oil repellent surfaces

Air Force Office of Scientific Research officials here currently are funding investigations into super oil repellent surfaces because of their potential utility in cleaning up jet fuel spills and protecting aircraft or rocket parts from fuel absorption. Drs. Gareth H. McKinley and Robert E. Cohen,

Center's core mission remains constant during the years

By the time the Air Force Flight Test Center was established here on June 25, 1951, Edwards AFB had already become well known as the place where "the rubber meets the ramp" and the de facto center of American flight research, development, test and evaluation. The turbojet revolution in America had

Brooks to serve as initial venue to test fit new service coat

About 150 Airmen from Brooks City-Base, Lackland and Randolph Air Force Bases in Texas, will participate in a fit test of the new Air Force Heritage service dress coat here Jan. 28 - Feb. 1. Subsequent fit tests in February and March are slated for the Air Force Academy and Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala.

Ammo keeps fighters supplied in quest for Iraqi freedom

Airmen can fly, fight and win in any wartime situation, but being able to do that is only possible if pilots are properly equipped with the right munitions for their target. Ensuring there is no shortage of munitions for combat aircraft are the Airmen here in the 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance

Mobile readiness team gets pallets back into the system

The Airmen assigned to Task Force 586 here recently took on an additional tasking to redistribute equipment and supplies for the Army. Mobile redistribution teams go to forward-operating bases throughout Iraq to collect excess supplies, and the Airmen searched for pallets crucial for the air

Aviator pay details to be released

Details on the retention bonus offered to experienced aviators should be released soon, Air Staff officials here said. The aviator continuation pay incentive is in the final coordination stages and once Congress finalizes and the president signs this year's annual National Defense Authorization Act,

Airman's Roll Call highlights recognizing Airmen

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on ways to recognize Airmen and their accomplishments. Recognition can come in a variety of ways. A supervisor who takes the time to submit his or her Airmen for local awards, an Airman who points out a job well done at an office meeting, a commander or chief

Cope Tiger set to kick off in Thailand

More than 100 Airmen from across Pacific Air Forces are gearing up for the field training exercise Cope Tiger 2008 set to kick off Jan. 26 here and at Udon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand. Members of the 18th Communication Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and Airmen from the 35th Communication

Predators keep vigilant eye on Iraq

Taking center stage in helping win the war on terrorism in Iraq are unmanned aerial vehicles such as the MQ-1 Predator. Although the plane is small compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, it packs a punch with its vigilant purpose and silent victories. Since October 2007, the 361st Expeditionary

Air Force band kicks off tour in Djibouti

The nine-piece U.S. Central Command Air Forces Band Live Round kicked off their tour in Africa with a one-hour show for American servicemembers and local law enforcers Jan. 22 at Djibouti's national police academy. The ensemble performed before about 100 members of the nation's police force and

Defense authorization bill impacts potential degree programs

With the finalization of the 2008 defense authorization bill, Air University will have the authority to grant a new master's degree in flight test engineering to graduates of the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. That program, which already resembled an academic degree

Airmen compete for spot on Air Force boxing team

The Air Force Box-Off  was held at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 18 and 19 at the Bennett Fitness Center. Matches featured 16 Air Force members hoping to make the Air Force Boxing Team, which will compete in the Armed Forces Boxing Championship. The main event featured Rodney Ellison

Providing shelter is a BEAR

Air, water, food and shelter are the basic essentials for life. But when Airmen deploy to an environment where no one has lived before, these essentials need to be brought in. Anywhere in the world and within a matter of days, a Base Expeditionary Airfield Resource, commonly referred to as a BEAR

Coalition forces pound al-Qaida stronghold in Iraq

Aircrews of B-1B Lancers, Navy F/A -18 Hornet pilots, Army 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers and Iraqi forces cleared out an al-Qaida stronghold 30 miles southeast of Baghdad late night Jan. 20 and early morning Jan. 21. Coalition aircraft dropped more than 30,000 pounds of bombs on former al-Qaida

Total force provides seamless airlift support

Nearly 60 Air National Guardsmen finished a 10-week tour of duty Jan. 11 with the 38th Airlift Squadron here where they'd collectively hauled more than 283 tons of cargo throughout Europe in 109 sorties on C-130 Hercules aircraft.Their mission was a testament of how seamlessly Guard, Reserve and