State-of-the-art battlefield system to integrate controllers

Construction is scheduled to begin this month on a facility to house a state-of-the-art battlefield command and control system that will integrate air traffic management throughout Iraq. The $30 million Battlefield Command and Control CENTAF, or BC3, will house air traffic controllers from the

Active duty, retired Air Force leaders gather

Air Force leaders met with retired senior Air Force leaders at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., this past week to discuss important issues facing the Air Force. "The Air Force is at a critical moment in history," Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne said. "Our nation needs to be proud of our

Tactical airlift key to winning war on terrorism

For every 24 tons of cargo airlifted in Iraq, a supply truck and two troops are spared a trip on a dangerous road. For every 50 passengers airlifted, one more busload of servicemembers is also spared from Iraq's dangerous roads. Members of the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron moves everything

All active services meet December recruiting goals

All four services met or surpassed their monthly active-duty recruiting goals for December, and five of the six reserve components showed similar success, Defense Department officials announced Jan. 10. The Air Force met its December goal of recruiting 1,772 active-duty Airmen and 561 Air Force

Bagram security forces Airmen pass torch as unit inactivates

Airmen of the 755th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron stood together for the last time Jan. 11 to bid farewell to their squadron as the unit was inactivated during a formal ceremony at Bagram Air Base. The 755th ESFS was originally formed in December 2005 in response to an Army request for

Dover exercise tests Airmen's combat environment skills

Once fine tuned and sharpened with razor-edge precision, an ordinary axe became something magnificent during the Middle Ages. The battleaxe, a choice weapon due to its inexpensive cost and abundant availability, was a dangerous weapon on the battle fields of long ago. The methods of warfare have

January-February Airman available online

Air Force depot maintenance workers, like those at the Ogden Air Logistics Center at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, keep Air Force aircraft flying in the war on terrorism. These mostly civilian home-front warriors, though half a world away from the front lines, play a vital role in the Air Force's

Eielson maintainers use AFSO 21 to improve performance

Members of the 354th Maintenance Squadron's Aerospace Ground Equipment Flight here recently implemented Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century initiatives to reorganize the unit to save resources and manpower.The flight reorganized into five cells for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance

South Korean civic leaders gain insight on Air Force mission

Gunsan civic leaders received a firsthand look at how the United States and South Korean air forces work together to maintain peace and stability in the region Jan. 7 during a tour of Kunsan Air Base. Officials from the 8th Fighter Wing hosted 15 leaders from the local community including Gunsan

Air Force maintainers help improve future for Afghans

The efforts of a trio of Airmen here are helping ensure success for a mission bringing self-governance, security and economic growth to the people of Afghanistan's Paktya and Logar provinces. Vehicle maintainers Tech. Sgt. Kendrick Ouzts, Staff Sgt. Andrew Hawley and Staff Sgt. Russell Achee enable

Medical capability grows in Afghan province

A joint Air Force and Army team helped build Afghanistan's medical capability as five men from the Zabul Province completed a three-month basic emergency medical technician training course Jan. 8 here. The course was facilitated by Provincial Reconstruction Team Qalat members and is similar to a

Airman's Roll Call highlights new enlisted career tool

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on a new enlisted tool Airmen can use to plan their careers. The My Enlisted Development Plan, or MyEDP, is designed to help Airmen track their own careers and the careers of those they supervise or mentor. The one-stop website allows Airmen to play a bigger

Civilian personnel system offers workers opportunities, officials say

In its second year of implementation, the Defense Department's new civilian personnel system is meeting its goal of shifting the department to a performance-based pay system while giving employees the power to boost their own careers, two officials with the program said here Jan. 7. The National

Ramstein Airmen help Burundi military deploy

Members of the 86th Contingency Response Group here deployed to Burundi Dec. 1 to train the country's military for its deployment to support the United Nations. In order to make the deployment successful, the 86th CRG deployed mobility experts to assist with deployment planning, processing, and

Virtual enlisted promotion release proving successful

Since its introduction in November, the new virtual enlisted promotion release system has received positive reviews from the field.  And, while it may be a bit of a culture shock for some, the new system provides several benefits for Airmen of all grades. "The new process resolved several challenges

Airmen, Soldiers aid local beach in oil spill clean-up

The smell of crude oil was still evident as 45 Airmen and Soldiers from Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, joined more than 150 workers and volunteers in another day of beach clean-up Jan. 4 following the nation's worst oil spill, which occurred almost one month ago at Mallipo Beach. South Korean coast

Pararescueman raises money for AIDS awareness

An Airman battled body, mind and social stigmas to raise awareness about AIDS and HIV testing for African Americans by running from San Francisco to Los Angeles in 14 days in December, which was approximately 26 miles a day for two weeks. Tech. Sgt. Lejon Boudreaux, a California Air National Guard

Humvee egress training increases survival in combat

Airmen from the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron are receiving Humvee egress assistance training to increase their survival in combat.  More than 260 Airmen were trained recently over a four-day period. "The purpose of the training is to teach combat Airmen the proper procedures to

AMC commander visits Airmen in Southwest Asia

Deployed Airmen need modern aircraft and equipment to continue to effectively prosecute the war on terrorism, the commander of Air Mobility Command said in January during a recent tour of Southwest Asia air bases. Gen. Arthur J. Lichte made his first trip downrange since taking command of AMC in

'Letter to Airmen' focuses on achievement

In the latest Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force focuses on how Air Force people need to set personal and organizational goals for 2008. "I encourage each of you to set personal goals that will take care of your mind, body and your family so you are ready to defend our great nation

General Brady offers parting thoughts

To many below the headquarters and major command levels, the title "AF/A1" may not mean much, but it should. AF/A1 is the office of the Air Force's senior officer in charge of all personnel issues from force shaping to education and training, and for nearly four years, Lt. Gen. Roger A. Brady has

Air Force funds fiber laser research, considers applications

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research officials have recently funded a project that creates fiber-lasers as thin as a human hair. The ultra-fast fiber laser development will provide compact and cost effective solutions across a number of technologies of direct relevance to the Air Force.

Commercial flights move servicemembers around Africa

The secretary of defense recently granted a waiver to allow Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa members to partner with a civilian contractor to take American servicemembers from major cities in the area of operation and fly them to smaller, remote locations.Secretary Robert M. Gates approved

Wind tunnel helps determine impact of hypersonic speeds

Funding provided by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research has resulted in the world's only quiet hypersonic wind tunnel, which researchers are now using to test the performance of vehicles traveling at hypersonic speeds, or approximately 4,000 mph. A team of researchers at Purdue University,

Airmen design everything from bridges to buildings for Army

Airmen here are helping their Army brethren everyday in different parts of Iraq, improving their quality of life by creating the blueprints for what may be the next place the Soldiers rest. Those Airmen are the engineering assistants of the 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Det. 6. They're

Reintegration begins now for Airmen returning home

Long before bags are packed, replacements are in place and final out-processing is complete, redeployment preparations begin for Airmen. Redeployment preparations here help with reintegration at home station, said Chaplain (Capt.) Cliff Jones."Our focus is continuity of care," he said. "We want to

Academy seeks enlisted applicants

Enlisted Airmen interested in attending the U.S. Air Force Academy this entry year must submit completed forms no later than Jan. 31. There are 135 slots available for enlisted Airmen each year through the Leaders Encouraging Airman Development program. "The LEAD program is an ongoing effort to give

New analysis tool boosts AF's wartime mission

The Air Force has developed a new tool for personnelists and functional area managers that provides a complete and accurate accounting of deployment assets. For the first time, FAMs at the Air Force headquarters and major command level can look at their Air Force specialty codes and make accurate

2007 a time of reflection, success

The year 2007 was a time for reflection as Air Force people celebrated the service's 60th anniversary, but it was also a time of great success as Airmen across the world defended their nation through air, space and cyberspace. In celebration of the 60th anniversary, six locations across the country

Emergency airdrop rescues stranded ship

Teamwork, flexibility and airpower were used to deliver critical repair parts to a stranded British fishing vessel, the Argos Georgia, and its 25-person crew Jan. 4. The vessel had lost all main power and been frozen in the ice flow off the Ross Ice Shelf since Christmas Eve, New Zealand

First phase of legal complex nears completion

The first phase of a $10.2 million project to construct the expeditionary legal complex here inches closer to completion as Air Guard civil engineers put their finishing touches on its various structures. With a scheduled phase one completion date of Jan. 15, Lt. Col. James Starnes, commander of the

Project promises economic boost for Afghans

A recently-approved $300,000 construction contract promises economic growth for Afghans here, according to the Airman leading engineering efforts for the Mehtar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team. The contract for the construction of four new agricultural buildings in the Mehtar Lam agricultural

Reserve Command Recruiting Service seeks applicants

The Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting Service is now seeking applicants to fill recruiting positions in locations across the globe. In addition to finding qualified applicants for careers in the Air Force Reserve, a recruiter interacts with the community and serves as a representative of the

Air Force cartoonist publishes book while deployed

It's hard being only a figment of someone's imagination. Just ask 1st Lt. Kenneth Dahl, an F-15 Eagle fighter pilot with the imaginary 809th Fighter Squadron. Lieutenant Dahl, call sign "Barbie," is the star of the online Web comic Air Force Blues, and a hero, of sorts, to his Internet following.

Balad radar air traffic controllers run skies of Iraq

It looks simple in theory. All you have to do is keep little blips on a screen from bumping into each other. Now consider that those blips represent billions of dollars of government assets and hundreds of lives, all relying on one person's ability to control air traffic. This is the job of the

Air Force officials recognize top cadet

Air Force officials honored the 2007 Cadet of the Year in a ceremony Jan. 3 at the Pentagon. The Cadet of the Year Award recognizes the most outstanding cadet in an Air Force commissioning program. Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Duncan McNabb presented the award to U.S. Air Force Academy

U.S., Afghan partnership to bring prosperity to region

"I make promises and my job is to fulfill these promises," Laghman Provincial Governor Gulab Mangal told more than 200 tribal elders during a shura, or tribal council, held here recently. Six weeks later, that declaration came true with the Dec. 31signing of an $8 million contract between the

Trio of deployed Airmen get holiday surprise

Three Airmen deployed here from the 110th Fighter Wing at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Mich., received a welcome holiday message recently. Staff Sergeants Bryce Moore, Kevin Rynbrandt and James Liston received word on Dec. 21 that they all were selected for pilot training. "Our supervisor

Airman participates in Marine Corps martial arts program

An Airman deployed to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa received the Marine Corps martial arts program green belt Dec. 28 here. Airman 1st Class Joseph Cawood, an 81st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron aerospace ground equipment technician, is participating with more than 30 Marines assigned to

Road warrior: Airmen honor fallen comrade

One Airman's commitment to a fallen comrade came full circle with the dedication of "Master Sgt. Randy Gillespie Way," here Jan. 1. The road was dedicated in honor of Sergeant Gillespie, a career fuels specialist who died July 9 from wounds sustained during small arms fire near Herat, Afghanistan.

Calendar provides troop-support ideas

New Year's resolutions frequently include good intentions, such as joining a gym, calling parents or organizing closets. But through its America Supports You program, the Defense Department is helping Americans resolve to support the nation's servicemembers throughout 2008. America Supports You is a

'Wheel' saves lives in Afghanistan

Days after deploying here, Tech. Sgt. Stephen Thackery saw first-hand the cost of the Taliban's war on the Afghan people, and responded as he was trained, by saving lives. The Hamilton, Va., native was on alert when the call came in to the 33rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron. A suicide bombing had

Airmen, Soldiers deliver wheelchairs to Hondurans

A Civil Military Operations team from Joint Task Force-Bravo delivered 100 donated wheelchairs to disabled villagers along the Miskito Coast of Honduras Dec. 28. The Alabama non-profit organization Missions Unlimited contacted the U.S. Agency for International Development to coordinate the donation.

Air Force nurse helps save lives in rural Kansas

Christmas is the season for giving. But giving is a year-round job for Air Force nurse Maj. Randy McBay. It's a given that things happen when we least expect it. And so is the case with Major McBay, an operating room nurse assigned to the Air Force's largest training hospital in the world, Wilford

Certain officer, enlisted bonuses expired Dec. 31

Certain bonus programs for Reserve and active duty officer and enlisted personnel expired Dec. 31 due to the president not signing the fiscal 2008 National Defense Authorization Act and returning it to Congress for changes. All reenlistments for eligible Airmen in Air Force Specialty Codes with a

Operation Iraqi Child donations packed, ready

More than 50 Airmen from across the 407th Air Expeditionary Group came together here  Dec. 22 to help sort through thousands of school supplies items, toys and more for children in southern Iraq. Hundreds of boxes filled with donations were gathered to support the Operation Iraqi Child project. "We

'Today's Air Force' features the F-22 Raptor

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the F-22 Raptor.  Also featured are an air combat training exercise called "Red Flag" and the F-35 Lightning II. The F-22 reached initial operational capability two years ago, but until recently that operational presence was restricted to the

Enhanced health information sharing supports warriors

Department of Defense officials here recently announced the organization-wide release of enhancements to share electronic health information with the Department of Veterans Affairs.DOD information will be shared through the Bidirectional Health Information Exchange and the Clinical Data

Deployed Airmen find ancient artifacts at Iraqi air base

An Airman and his team discovered fragments of pottery, possibly dating back as far back as 2,000 years during a recent job at Kirkuk Air Base. Tech. Sgt. Kelly Wayment, a heavy equipment operator with the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron here, was carrying out a routine operation near a

Time, and softball, heal old wounds

Players from two senior softball clubs met here recent to play a historic game. The Kids & Kubs senior softball team from St. Petersburg, Fl., and the Over the Rainbows senior softball team from Japan played a game at Hans L'Orange Park in Waipahu.The players ranged in age from 75 to 88 years old,

Malmstrom Airmen replace missile guidance systems

Missile maintenance Airmen installed the final replacement to the missile guidance system at each missile launch facility of the base's Minuteman III fleet Dec. 4 at Malmstrom Air Force Base. The NS-20 system has been replaced with the NS-50 system through the Guidance Replacement Program. The GRP

Tricare can help make New Year's resolutions reality

Saving money, tobacco use and fighting the battle of the bulge are among the hot topics on most people's New Year's resolution lists, but this year Tricare officials can help. Saving money on regularly used prescriptions got a lot easier in 2007 with the new Member Choice Center.The MCC can save a

Bagram Airmen celebrate season

Airmen in Afghanistan found ways to celebrate the holiday season while providing continuous airpower and combat support for U.S. and coalition forces throughout the country. While family and friends back home marked the holiday season with gifts and celebrations, deployed Airmen in Afghanistan

Deployed Airmen enjoy holidays

Kadena Airmen aerovac patients in need

Airmen from the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron here aerovaced a patient on a KC-135 Stratotanker Dec. 18 from Yokota Air Base, Japan. Members of the 18th AES travel throughout the Pacific picking up critical patients and transporting them to hospitals that can meet their needs.Every week a

B-2 mission shows bomber flexibility

Members of the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed here with B-2 Spirits from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., took off on a two-ship exercise destined to Alaska Dec. 18 when one bomber was diverted to a global power sortie. Global power missions, which are more than 20 hours long, demonstrate

DOD identifies Air Force casualty

Department of Defense officials here announced Dec. 26 the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Senior Airman Nicholas D. Eischen, 24, of Sanger, Calif., died in a noncombat related incident Dec. 24 at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 60th Medical

Maxwell trainers develop Iraqi air force officers

Four Officer Training School instructors returned here recently after spending the past several months in Iraq building the country's air force officer training program from the ground up. Maj. Scott Bergren and Capt. Michael Powell worked at Taji Air Base, Iraq, to establish a stand-alone officer

Comm team prepares Kadena for cyber war

"Intruders" from cyberspace are trying to hack into the Kadena Air Base network and steal information from unsuspecting e-mail users. The intruders are not hackers, though they pretend to be to gain access to information they would need if they wanted to cripple the mission here. Fortunately, they

American servicemembers deploy to Costa Rica

More than 600 patients were seen during a two-day medical readiness training exercise Dec. 18 and 19 in Costa Rica by Joint Task Force-Bravo American servicemembers from Soto Cano, Honduras. The team, made up of 28 Airmen and Soldiers spent two days in the village of Piedra Mesa operating a

Comfort group takes care of servicemembers

Needles, thread, cookies and warm hearts surrounded two folding tables covered in fabric. Holiday carols, cheerful voices and the low whir of sewing machines filled the room. Several women sat chatting and sewing what some may consider "irregular" articles of clothing. Members of the Sew Much

Delta II with GPS payload successfully launches

Air Force space technicians successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Delta II booster Dec. 21 carrying the fifth modernized NAVSTAR Global Positioning System satellite into space. The NAVSTAR GPS was launched at 3:04 p.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 17A here. The satellite will join the

C-17 polar airdrop capability successful

During the winter season at the South Pole, temperatures often dip as low as minus 100 F and can paralyze an aircraft's hydraulic systems, crystallize the fuel and solidify lubricants. However, freezing temperatures did not deter Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica Operation Deep Freeze crews

Airmen, Sailors complete interservice air combat training

Forty Kunsan Air Base Airmen returned here Dec. 20 after completing an 11-day training exercise for air combat training with Sailors at Atsugi Naval Air Facility, Japan. During the training exercise, pilots received training on different basic fighter maneuvers as F-16 Fighting Falcons and F-18

Servicemembers celebrate school dedication in Djibouti

American Servicemembers from the 486th Civil Affairs Battalion and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa were greeted with a traditional Djibouti dance by the students and community members of Kouta Bouya Dec. 17 as part of the school dedication ceremony here. During the five months of

McChord combat controllers receive medals

Twenty-five medals were presented to 15 combat controllers and special tactics officers by the Air Force Special Operations Command commander during a Dec. 18 ceremony at McChord Air Force Base. Lt. Gen. Donald C. Wurster presented a Silver Star, seven Bronze Stars with Valor, three Bronze Stars,

AWACS' special mission: Track Santa

Airmen from the 552nd Air Control Wing here will once again track the man in red and keep a watchful eye as he and his reindeer fly through the night to deliver presents to children all over the United States. Just before midnight on Christmas Eve, an E-3 Sentry and crew will leave Tinker Air Force

CSAF announces selectees for new senior officer program

Seven senior officers were recently selected to be part of a new program directed by Chief of the Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley. As part of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Fellows program, these select officers will work directly for the chief of staff in lieu of serving as a

Behind the scenes, Airmen help to open hospital

Airmen on a medical mentoring team have been working hard to ensure the successful opening of an Afghan national army hospital here for the past several months. The team's original mission was to mentor their ANA counterparts and teach them the necessary medical skills to treat Afghan military and

Defense secretary sends holiday message

Citing the many gains achieved by the military over the past year, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates thanked America's men and women in uniform for their service in a holiday message released Dec. 20. "The holidays offer a special time to remember our many blessings as Americans.  Perhaps chief

Cooperative effort nets C-130 wing for hands-on training

Robins Air Force Base units joined forces recently to help officials of the 373rd Training Squadron Field Training Detachment here obtain a C-130 Hercules wing so students of the school could have hands-on training.With the wing, instructors can now demonstrate fuel systems repairs and allow the

Pope Airmen make wishes come true for foster children

Air Force security forces members donated gifts to local foster children Dec. 18 as a way to spread a little holiday cheer this season. Tech. Sgt. John Searor, who is with the 43rd Security Forces Squadron here, recruited Tech. Sgt. Steven Kennedy to help him gather gifts for local children in the

'Today's Air Force' features security forces

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights security forces, including a simulator that does more then just prepare Airmen for qualifying on the range.  The second segment features building and maintaining international relationships and the roles Airmen play as diplomats to other

Airmen revamp Iraqi police training facility

For Iraqi police to succeed in securing their nation from the hands of insurgents, they need proper training and equipment, and they get help from American servicemembers at the 732nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, Det. 6.In five days, Airmen from the unit built a classroom, mock

Flight safety office brings Balad bird strikes down 30 percent

With the help of volunteers from around the base, the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing flight safety office reduced the number of bird strikes on aircraft by 30 percent here in November. They accomplished this through the Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard program, which uses awareness and proactivity to

New eye exam technology improves productivity

Air Force Materiel Command officials provided the 72nd Medical Group here with an early Christmas present, a new piece of optometry equipment that is saving the Air Force lost man-hours. The Optos 2000, a low-powered scanning laser ophthalmoscope, is eliminating the need to dilate a patient's eyes

AF officials set new course in future support operations

When it comes to people programs, community support and quality of life, there will soon be one organization on base that will handle it all -- the Force Support Squadron. The new organization is the result of an ongoing Air Force-wide merger of Mission Support and Services Squadrons and is expected

Airmen help bring gift of freedom to Afghans

Airmen of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing recently helped give the gift of freedom to the citizens of the Afghan village of Musa Qalah. Afghan national security forces, backed by coalition forces, were able to defeat the Taliban insurgents that had controlled the town since February and freed its

vMPF adds officer voluntary separation process

Self-service officer voluntary separation will be added to the Air Force Personnel Center's virtual Military Personnel Flight Web site Jan. 7. Web-based processes and 24/7 customer service support are the core of AFPC's commitment to personnel transformation, referred to as personnel services

Cookie drive delivers holiday warmth during Alaskan winter

Volunteers gathered more than 5,500 cookies for the single Airmen living in the dormitories Dec. 14 during Operation Cookie Crunch at Eielson Air Force Base. "The importance of the cookie drive is for morale building," said Jeanette Pauer, OCC project coordinator and wife of Lt. Col. Brett Pauer, a

JCS chairman sends holiday message

The following is a holiday message from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen."Whether this holiday season finds you celebrating Christmas, Hanukah or Kwanzaa, I offer my very best wishes for a season filled with joy. "The holidays are a time to reflect on the past

Airman's Roll Call highlights family during holidays

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on taking care of the whole Air Force family, which includes Airmen's families, wingmen, subordinates and subordinates' families. Taking care of Airmen is one of the Air Force priorities. Airmen are encouraged to reach out to their extended Air Force family, to

Linebacker II anniversary marked in memorial ceremony

Servicemembers, congressional representatives, civil leaders and their families paused December 18 to recognize the 35th anniversary of Linebacker II in a memorial ceremony at Arc Light Park here. Linebacker II was an intensive bombing campaign in December 1972 ordered by President Richard Nixon to

CAP members place wreath at Air Force Memorial

Members of the Civil Air Patrol paid their respects to fallen Airmen at a wreath laying ceremony at the Air Force Memorial here Dec. 15. CAP Brig. Gen. Amy Courter, national commander, joined the Hagerstown, Md., unit at the memorial to "offer support in the spirit the Civil Air Patrol always has."

Langley Winds spread holiday cheer

Wearing battle dress uniforms with red Santa hats on, the Langley Winds from the Heritage of America Band spread holiday cheer Dec. 13 to Pope Air Force Base members. The band from Langley AFB, Va., toured around the base and sang songs such as "Jingles Bells," "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,"

Travel policy change benefits military families

Military families now can access military-supplied air transport to travel to their official "homes of record" located outside the continental United States when their sponsors are deployed for 120 days or more, thanks to a recent policy change, a military official said today. Before the change,

'Today's Air Force' features cyberspace domain

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the Global Cyberspace Integration Center or GCIC at Langley Air Force Base. Also featured is TRICARE's new Web site for beneficiary enrollment and one of the most unique careers in the Air Force, Tops in Blue. See how the talented uniformed

Immunology laboratory named Center of Excellence

The newest Center of Excellence for radioallergosorbent, or RAST, testing in the Air Force Medical Service lies within the Diagnostic Immunology laboratory at Wilford Hall Medical Center here. RAST testing is the process of using a patient's extracted blood to detect the antibodies associated with

Council co-chairmen send holiday message to retirees

The following is a holiday message from Air Force Retiree Council Co-Chairmen retired Lt. Gen. Donald L. Peterson and retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray: As another year draws to a close, and our friends and family gather to celebrate during this holiday season, we offer

C-17 uses synthetic fuel blend on transcontinental flight

The Air Force marked the 104th anniversary of powered flight Dec. 17 by completing the first transcontinental flight of an aircraft using a blend of regular aviation and synthetic fuel. A C-17 Globemaster III using the synthetic fuel blend lifted off shortly before dawn at McChord Air Force Base,

AFPC retools personnel services delivery

Immediate access and ease of use form the foundation of the Air Force Personnel Center's ongoing efforts here to refine its personnel products available for Air Force customers. In the wake of significant cutbacks to the personnel career field, the center has leveraged technology to improve customer

U.S. team opens shelter for Afghan women

Officials of the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team unveiled a new women's shelter during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 13 in Kapisa Province.Khuweja Abubaker, the Kapisa Provincial governor; Safura Kohistani, the director of women's affairs for Kapisa Province; and members of the PRT were on

USO group visits servicemembers in Southwest Asia

More than 3,000 U.S. and coalition forces servicemembers were treated to a United Service Organizations show featuring Lance Armstrong, Lewis Black, Kid Rock, Robin Williams and Miss USA Rachel Smith Dec. 17 in Southwest Asia. Brig. Gen. Charles W. Lyon, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing commander,

Air Force names 2007 Sijan award recipients

Air Force leaders recognized four Airmen with the service's 2007 Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award. The Sijan award annually recognizes Airmen who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities. The Senior officer category winner is Lt. Col. Laura A. Soule, who is assigned to Lackland Air

Aircrews bring joy to Western Pacific during Christmas Drop

Visiting aircrews and several base Airmen pulled together Dec. 14 through 18 to initiate Operation Christmas Drop from Anderson Air Force Base. This operation is possible because of the Air Force's unique capability to deliver palletized warfighting supplies from the air to any place on the

Balad aerial port bests cargo movement record

The 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Aerial Port Flight broke the single-day cargo-movement record here Dec. 6. The aerial port Airmen surpassed the previous record set in 2006 by more than 100 tons, moving 930 tons of cargo from 77 aircraft. "It's not surprising we broke the record,

Wounded Warrior program delivers cookies

Wounded American servicemembers aeromedically evacuated out of Ramstein Air Base every Tuesday leave Germany with home-baked goods made by base spouse group volunteers. The program, called Wounded Warrior, is sponsored by spouse groups in the 86th Operations Group and occurs every Tuesday throughout

Airmen deliver Christmas to South Korean orphanage

Program offers cash, advanced assignment consideration

Airmen selected for assignment to South Korea who apply for the Korea Assignment Incentive Pay Program can earn $300 a month and apply for advanced assignment consideration. The incentive program authorizes the monthly payments to Airmen who sign a written agreement to serve the prescribed tour

Air Force dental team cares for Iraqi counterparts

The Airmen deployed with a purpose -- to advise and train Iraqi military dental specialists to care for their own -- but they're redeploying home with a reward -- the experience of lifetime. Airmen of the 732nd Air Expeditionary Group Special Operations Iraqi Transition Team, or SOITT, came to Iraq