Airman's Roll Call highlights personal websites, blogging

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on Airmen's public Web responsibilities to the Air Force, each other and the American public. To conduct day-to-day missions, Air Force people use new technology, which has carried over into the personal lives of Airmen. Today's Airmen are able to send messages

AF building bridges on energy, environment

The Air Force's top energy and environmental steward wrapped up a week-long mission to Europe, building an energy awareness consortium among key air force and commercial aviation leaders Nov. 16. "Our goal was to connect with our counterparts in the French and British air forces, to build a

CCAF officials launch new Web-based tool

Community College of the Air Force officials have launched a new Web-based tool that provides students education and national certification information related to Air Force occupational specialties. The Credentialing and Education Research Tool, or CERT, is an online research tool that links CCAF

Pump it up: Airman goes with the flow

Warriors with mild to moderate injuries stay near the fight

Warriors wounded in war with mild to moderate injuries are being sent to the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group where they can be treated, recover and returned to duty. There are seven nurses on staff, which includes three intensive care unit nurses, who deal with a lot of different injuries or

Air Guard officials break ground for new readiness center

Officials broke ground on a $52 million Air National Guard Readiness Center expansion here Nov. 19. When completed, the four-story complex will unite the existing ANGRC here with its Air Guard offices in Arlington, Va. Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, Air National Guard director, said the expansion on

Airmen, Afghan police set example

The Afghan National Police have been working to better their country with the help of some Airmen here. Special Agents from the Office of Special Investigations Expeditionary Det. 2405 and the ANP regularly partner together on a broad range of missions related to humanitarian assistance and

Over land or sea: B-2 Spirit participates in Koa Lightning

B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron simulated attacking naval vessels in their home port while over Hawaii Nov. 15 on a Koa Lightning exercise mission.These sorties, which are well over 20 hours in duration, tout the Air Force's unique capability to send long range

Logistics innovations impact warfighters

The commander of Air Mobility Command thanked members of his organization in attendance Nov. 14 here at the national conference of the Logistics Officer Association, noting their initiatives are resulting in needed fuel and equipment being delivered to warfighters faster and more efficiently. "In

New 400-hour phase inspection equates to lives saved

F-15E Strike Eagle maintainers here recently became the first in the Air Force to implement a new inspection process that promises greater airpower capability throughout Afghanistan. Shortly after becoming the first deployed F-15E unit in the Air Force to return to full operational capability

Americans text 'Thanks' to troops

For those seeking a quick way to show appreciation for troops' serving far from home this holiday season, look no further than "Giving Thanks," a new initiative from the Defense Department's America Supports You program. America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel

New IO course expands technology knowledge

Recent studies indicate more than one billion people worldwide digest information through the Internet alone. The Air Force Doctrine Development and Education Center brought together 12 flag officers from across the defense department and governmental agencies Nov. 6 through 9 to learn how to

Gen. Hobbins honored with Order of the Sword

With all the pomp and circumstance the U.S. Air Forces in Europe enlisted corps could muster, some 800 guests witnessed the induction of Gen. William T. Hobbins, USAFE commander, into the Order of the Sword here tonight. The Order of the Sword is the highest honor enlisted Airmen can bestow on an

Air Force sharpshooters help commanders see the future

When servicemembers go outside the wire here, they occasionally have an extra set of eyes watching over them. Concealed, the members of the 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's Close Precision Engagement Team observe, provide intelligence and, if necessary, neutralize threats. The CPET

8th FW commander, ROKAF fly in training mission

Airmen of the 8th Fighter Wing and the Republic of Korea Air Force's 38th Fighter Group flew in a combined training mission Nov. 14. The mission led by Col. CQ Brown 8th Fighter Wing commander, was designed to enable the different units to work together and share their experiences. This was also the

'Today's Air Force' features homeland defense

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the combat alert cell and the Airmen responsible for watching and intercepting any perceived threat; and the Distinguished Flying Cross medal -- a surprised presentation from a father to his son. The 30-minute, weekly news show can be seen every

EagleCash lands at Ali Base

An Air Force EagleCash Card program team has been flying throughout the area of responsibility for the past six months implementing a time- and money-saving technology in southern Iraq. The three-person team, which included a member of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and two members from U.S.

'In-lieu-of' Airmen keep Army rolling along

A team of Air Force professionals is keeping the Army rolling and the mission moving every day over the rugged terrain of Afghanistan. Deployed on a year-long "in-lieu-of" tasking to a forward operating base near the city of Qalat, Afghanistan, four Airmen keep more than 30 vehicles mission-ready

Luke maintenance group takes home DOD award

Airmen from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., took home their trophy Nov. 15 after being named one of the Defense Department's top maintenance units at a ceremony in Orlando, Fla. "This is an amazing achievement for the men and women of Luke (AFB)," said Col. Algene Fryer, the 56th Maintainance Group

SECAF honors international affairs office with award

The secretary of the Air Force presented members of the deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for international affairs office with the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award November 15. "Air Force International Affairs has been recognized over the years as one of the premiere organizations

Wingmen save fellow Airman's life at Kunsan

When Pacific Air Forces officials sent out guidance for all the Pacific bases to have a Wingman Day, no one could have thought that during the day three wingmen would come to the aid of another Airman saving his life. At approximately 8:40 a.m. Nov. 13, as Kunsan Air Base members were gathering in

Honorary commanders program in full swing at Kunsan

More then 60 honorary commanders held a friendship day for about 400 Wolf Pack Airmen to increase relationships between the base and local community Nov. 12. "The honorary commanders program is a win-win situation for Kunsan's good neighbors and Wolf Pack Airmen," said Col. CQ Brown, 8th Fighter

Officials announce new selective reenlistment bonus list

Following a selective reenlistment bonus review, Pentagon officials have released the latest SRB list, effective Dec. 15, containing 43 Air Force specialties. "Our SRB analysis process proved invaluable, and we were able to modify the list to apply bonuses to our most critical needs," said Senior

Close-air-support exercise tests Atlantic Strike participants

The cool evening was still as three camouflaged insurgents watched an Army patrol approach their village. Unbeknownst to the saboteurs, an Air Force targeting pod was closely watching their position and relaying information to the ground commander. Suddenly, a deafening explosion drowned out all

AFOSI commander: 'Can do' attitude makes agents stand out

Constantly on the hunt, Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents listen carefully and watch for clues, gathering information that will help them zero in on the insurgents they seek. They're after the improvised explosive device directors, makers and planters, and cell leaders who are

'Gifts from the Homefront' routes support to 'Any Servicemember'

When issuing suggested holiday mailing deadlines for military care packages, the Unites States Postal Service made sure to highlight that "all packages and mail must be addressed to individual service members, as required by U.S. Department of Defense regulations." Since DOD suspended mail addressed

U.S. military showcased at Dubai Air Show

More than 325 American servicemembers participated in the 10th Dubai Air Show Nov. 11 through 15 here. Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers provided logistics, force protection and maintenance support to the various U.S. aircraft on display and performing aerial demonstrations. The Dubai Air Show is

Officials begin to clear F-15Es to full-mission status

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft are now undergoing a safety inspection that will return them to flying status according to an order issued Nov. 11 by Gen. John Corley, the commander of Air Combat Command. Each of the 224 E-model aircraft require the completion of a 13-hour time-compliance

44-year-old C-130 flies final combat mission, ends service

After 44 years of service and more than 29,500 flying hours, a C-130 Hercules flew its final combat mission Nov. 13 from Southwest Asia and will next be heading to the boneyard. Aircraft 63-7865 from the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and currently assigned to the 386th Air

AFRICOM helps partners confront stability challenges

The U.S. military's unified command responsible for operations across Africa will help nations there confront poverty, disease, terrorism and other challenges that affect regional security and stability, U.S. officials said here Nov. 14.However, U.S. Africa Command-sponsored initiatives will

Personnel center to deployers: Don't leave without guide

Most Air Force members being deployed to a foreign country have little knowledge of the culture they'll work in for the next four to 12 months. They don't know a Hijab from an Abaya or a Dishdasha from a Gutra. How many times a day can you say hello to someone in Kyrgystan? Why can't you eat with

U.S., Australia share new communications satellites

Representatives from the U.S. Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force met at the Australian Embassy here to sign a memorandum of agreement that will provide both nations assured access to the Wideband Global SATCOM system, expanding the WGS constellation to six satellites. The expansion will

UAV detachment stands up at Creech

A new detachment has been established at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., to manage MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle operational test and evaluation and force development evaluation for Air Combat Command. The Airmen assigned to Det. 4, a unit of the 53rd Test Management Group based

Fallen Airmen, Soldiers honored at Aviano

Aviano Air Base officials held a memorial service Nov. 15 to honor the lives of four Airmen and two Soldiers who were killed when an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter attached to the 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment here crashed Nov. 8. Friends and family members gathered to pay their respects

AF top JAG: 'Rule of law' critical for success in Iraq

A fair justice system, which holds people accountable for their actions, is vital in stopping the violence in Iraq, said the Air Force's top judge advocate general recently during a tour of Southwest Asia. Maj. Gen. Jack L. Rives visited the men and women of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing during a

Wing's emblem symbolizes the 'first'

The shield of the 509th Bombardment Wing is rich in tradition as each symbol on the shield represents some part of the past.  The wing's emblem was approved July 10, 1952 and has remained unchanged for 55 years. The yellow shield has a representation of an atomic cloud between a pair of blue

Air Force Reserve to operate with fewer reservists

Air Force Reserve Command will operate with a smaller force in 2008. The fiscal 2008 Defense Appropriations Act signed by President George W. Bush Nov. 13 funds an end-strength of 67,500 reservists. Last year the projected end strength was 74,900. The new legislation also approves 9,999 full-time

New initiative offers education, training funds for military spouses

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates joined Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Nov. 14 in supporting a new initiative to help military spouses get the education and other credentials needed to pursue careers in high-demand, high-growth occupations.Secretary Gates praised the new Military Spouse Career

Servicemembers deliver medical relief following storm

A medical team from Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, set up a makeshift clinic to provide medical relief to the local population Nov. 13 from a school here following the destruction caused by Tropical Storm Noel to the region. As of Nov. 12, American and British aircrews had delivered more than 241,000

Officials seek 10 enlisted for AFIT degree program

Air Force Institute of Technology officials are offering 10 noncommissioned officers the opportunity to pursue an advanced science, engineering or management degree at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Ten NCOs from around the Air Force will be selected in February to attend the

Not just another day at the office

Staff Sgt. "Dean" was having a bad day at the office. As an Air Force Joint Terminal Attack Controller embedded with ground forces, his job was to serve as liaison between the ground commander and aircrews. On the afternoon of Oct. 27, the ten-vehicle convoy he was traveling with in Southern

Book offers lessons on fighting terrorism with airpower

Airpower is a valuable weapon in the fight against terrorism but only if it is applied with discrimination and care, according to a new study of the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War published by Air University officials. Widespread criticism of Israel for relying on its air force to attack Hezbollah

Airman's Roll Call highlights promotion notification

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on fielding a new web-based, virtual enlisted promotion release system. As one of America's leaders in technological development, innovation and process improvement, it is important the Air Force uses innovation in every aspect of operations to benefit all

Honor Guard drill team performs for special-needs students

Though the usual cheering and applause was muted, the excitement was palpable as the Air Force Honor Guard drill team performed for a special audience Nov. 8 in Las Vegas. The drill team, in Las Vegas to perform for the Air Force's 60th Anniversary Air Force Week at Nellis Air Force Base, put on a

New Tricare beneficiary Web site available

Tricare Prime and Prime Remote beneficiaries in the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, can enroll online with the new beneficiary Web enrollment, known as BWE. "The new online system may be one of Tricare's most convenient tools to date," said Army Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, the deputy director of

Kunsan Airmen show Thanksgiving spirit with South Koreans

Kunsan Air Base members hosted approximately 60 disabled South Koreans for a traditional Thanksgiving meal here Nov. 10. More than 20 volunteers from the Kunsan AB Company Grade Officers Council, Team 5/6 and other volunteers from across the 8th Fighter Wing hosted the South Koreans for a day of

Airmen, 'Great Patriots' celebrate Veterans Day

It isn't very often that Mark Pavlovich Polushenko, an 83-year-old retired infantry lieutenant colonel with the former Soviet Union Army, has occasion to put on his military service dress uniform. The opportunity came again Nov. 12 during a special Veterans Day event here. Colonel Polushenko was

Airmen show their edge during Keen Sword

Over the next two weeks, 300-plus Airmen will be participating in the largest bilateral field training exercise in Japan, designed to practice defending Japan against foreign aggression. The goal of Exercise Keen Sword is to improve interoperability between the Japanese Air Self Defense Force and

Medical mission becomes primary focus following Noel

Military members deployed to the Dominican Republic to assist the island nation recover from Tropical Storm Noel are gearing up for a new, more focused mission. A team of 13 servicemembers from Joint Task Force-Bravo's Medical Element, based at Soto Cano Air base, Honduras, arrived Nov. 8 to provide

'Today's Air Force' features mentoring Afghan airmen

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the mentorship of the new Afghanistan air corps with the help of Air Force English, academy and mission mentors. Also featured is the California fires and the role the C-17 Globemaster III played in the by hauling people, supplies, and equipment

Postured to help: 3rd Air Force ready

Third Air Force officials have developed a new, quick-response humanitarian assistance capability to support the European theater, and Nov. 5, they launched a 36-hour Humanitarian Relief Operation 9-1-1 exercise to test it. The exercise scenario challenged the ability of Airmen at Ramstein to

Travis firefighters become four-time world champions

Under the lights of the original Las Vegas strip, firefighters from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., won a fourth consecutive Scott World Firefighter Combat Challenge here. In a time of 4 minutes, 37.89 seconds, the Travis team earned the right to keep their trophy another year. "It was amazing to win

Airmen in Afghanistan honor veterans with silent vigil

Airmen here honored veterans past and present with a 10-hour silent vigil Nov. 11. Following a formal wreath-laying ceremony, teams of two airmen -- a total of 80 in all -- stood at "parade rest" near the flagpole of Camp Cunningham here as a constant reminder of the significance of Veterans Day.

Air Force officials identify victims in helicopter crash

Four Airmen were killed and three were injured when a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter attached to the 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment, crashed at approximately noon Nov. 8, 22 miles southwest of Aviano, Italy. Staff Sgt. Robert D. Rogers, Staff Sgt. Mark A. Spence and Senior Airman

Secretary and chief of staff send Veterans Day message

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley send this Veterans Day message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force: On Veteran's Day, our nation honors the great Americans who have stood ready to give life itself on behalf of freedom in

Cyber Airmen fight in America's newest battlefront

A key component in the world's most lethal air and space force is the ability to protect sensitive communication and computer systems from the bad guys. A group of highly trained Airmen here take that fight head on every day in the far-reaching realm of cyberspace. Senior Airman Jonathan Odum,

Airmen show respect to fallen servicemembers through community service

To show their support of fallen servicemembers from wars past and present, a small group of Airmen volunteers worked to ensure their brethrens' headstones were in proper formation for Veterans Day. The Airmen, assigned to the Air Force News Agency, straightened and reset the gravesite markers at the

Vietnam wall speaks to both present and past

At a time when wounds and memories of a long and bitterly protested war were still open and raw, when veterans were treated as villains instead of heroes, an Army veteran by the name of Jan Scruggs conceived the idea of building a memorial to honor those who served in Vietnam. Facing more opposition

Six servicemembers die after helicopter crash

Six U.S. servicemembers have died of injuries sustained when a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter attached to 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment crashed at approximately noon Nov. 8, 22 miles southwest of Aviano. Five died in the crash and one died later that evening.Eleven U.S. Airmen and

Formal training scheduling to centralize

Scheduling of all Air Force-directed formal training historically accomplished by major command personnel and manpower directorates is being centralized at the Air Force Personnel Center here to streamline services and make maximum use of Air Force resources. Formal training includes all Air

AF announces virtual selections to chief master sergeant

For the first time, 416 senior master sergeants will soon learn of their promotion to chief master sergeant online as the Air Force moves to virtual promotions notification. The complete select list will be available Nov. 14 at 8 a.m. CST on the Air Force Personnel Center public Web site. Virtual

'Letter to Airmen' highlights leadership

In the latest Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force focuses on how Air Force people and the exchange of ideas are integral to the goals he laid out earlier this year. "Whether deploying in combat or executing day-to-day missions, Airmen must understand how each decision they make or task

Chief McKinley updates Airmen on Air Force priorities

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley recently reaffirmed the Air Force's three top priorities as winning the war on terrorism, developing and caring for Airmen and their families, and recapitalization and modernization. The Air Force's top enlisted Airman then spelled out where the

Crew chief meets childhood hero at Hill

"Okay buddy, how do you read me?" That simple phrase may not mean a lot to the average person, but for Airman 1st Class Jeremy Meyers, hearing it from his hero was unforgettable. "It's such a small world. Not in my wildest dreams did I think I would be stationed with one of my heroes," Airman Meyers

Whiteman home to Cold War reminder

Whiteman is the only missile base that has a intercontinental ballistic missile launch control facility (known as Oscar-01) located on base. From 1963 to 1995, Whiteman was home to the 351st Strategic Missile Wing, which operated the Minuteman II ICBM weapon system. The wing consisted of the 508th,

Service-disabled veterans key to meeting military missions

Three Air Force winners were among 19 organizations and individuals honored at the first Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Awards Ceremony Nov. 5 at the Pentagon. The group of entrepreneurs and department acquisition officials earned praise from Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England

Warfighters gather to train for close-air-support operations

More than 200 warfighters from around the world gathered to combat a simulated enemy force comprised of insurgent groups, roadside bombs and hidden snipers Nov. 6 through 9 at the Avon Park Military Training Complex in central Florida. Atlantic Strike VI, a semi-annual training event sponsored by

3rd Air Force commander, 24 Airmen visit Normandy

Airmen from 3rd Air Force here relived history by retracing the footsteps of American Soldiers in Normandy who orchestrated one of the most epic battles in U.S. history -- the D-Day invasion. Lt. Gen. Robert D. Bishop Jr., the 3rd Air Force commander, and 24 Airmen from 3rd Air Force walked the

Subterranean bunker converted to historical display

On the surface, Oscar One appears innocent. Underground, well, that's another story. The nondescript single-story building seems like any other on Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster, Mo. Just 50 yards away from "O-1," families stroll through Ike Skelton Park, picnicking, flying kites and feeding

2nd 'Portraits in Courage' features warrior Airmen

Over trouble spots or on the ground, today's Airmen demonstrate their mettle in the face of danger -- that's the underlying message of the 2nd edition of the chief of staff's Portraits in Courage Gen. T. Michael Moseley said that the 13 Airmen chosen for this edition represent a small sampling of

Mobile readiness team supports Army in Iraq

Members of the 732nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Mobile Readiness Team are deployed here "in-lieu-of" Army forces and support the American Soldiers by recovering government assets that have been damaged, misplaced or unaccounted for in Iraq. The team recently deployed to Camp

AFRL wins workforce development award

The Air Force Research Laboratory's director of personnel is excited about winning a highly coveted award, not just for her own organization, but because of what it says about the entire lab. "This is an AFRL award, an enterprise-wide effort, that says AFRL cares about its people," said Personnel

Space Command striving for improved field communications

Airmen of Air Force Space Command's Space Innovation and Development Center were on hand in Warren's AFB Quebec flight area recently, but they weren't looking to the area's Peacekeeper past; they were demonstrating the future. "We're here to continue demonstrations of the combat airborne network,"

Airman takes next step toward her American dream

One Airman's version of the American dream includes some children and a bakery of her own. It is a dream Airman 1st Class Olga Bilobol now has as a brand-new American citizen following a Nov. 6 naturalization ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base. "It means so much to me that I have a hard time

Upgraded A-10s prove worth in Iraq

A new version of the A-10 Thunderbolt II has been flying over Iraq providing close-air support for the ground troops from Al Asad Air Base for nearly two months. As part of the Precision Engagement Upgrade Program, the Maryland Air National Guard's 175th Wing has been converting it's A-10s from A to

Airman's Roll Call highlights Veterans Day

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on Veterans Day and recognizing American veterans -- past and present. This year on Nov. 11, the nation pauses on Veterans Day to remember those who have given so much in the defense of American freedoms and ideals. Americans can reflect on the foresight,

Squadron demos LITENING pod visual feed

The 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron worked with Airmen from Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., for a demonstration in October. The event showcased how airborne video through the LITENING targeting pod from a B-52 Stratofortress can be uploaded to a communications network. During the demonstration,

Boxing: Air Force earns 6-4 decision over Army

The Air Force boxing team earned a hard-hitting 6-4 victory over Army in the annual dual meet between the two programs, Nov. 2, in the Academy's upper boxing room. The Falcons, who opened the night with a pair of victories in front of the packed house, took the final three matches to secure the team

Mission continues during grounding of F-15s

Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, U.S. Central Command's Combined Forces Air Component commander is maintaining assigned F-15E Strike Eagles on ground alert and will accomplish all assigned missions with a variety of fighter, attack and bomber aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles, under his command and

Live-fly exercise trains Airmen for combat mission

More than 100 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern Airmen will train the way they fight as they participate in Mesa Fury 2007, a large force exercise Nov. 5 to Nov. 9. Mesa Fury 2007, a joint forces exercise, is designed to allow Airmen and participating Department of Defense combat units an

Football: Falcons ride record-breaker Hall over Army

The way Air Force's Chad Hall gains ground would normally make an infantry soldier proud. Instead, the Falcon z-back broke the spirit of some future ground troops when he ran wild for 275 yards, leading the bluesuiters to a convincing 30-10 win over inter-service rival Army, before a season-high,

Partnership offers Airmen better business support

Building on the service's efforts to educate Airmen on consumer-related issues, the Air Force began an official partnership with the Council of Better Business Bureaus recently. The partnership encourages Airmen and their families to use the bureau's free programs, services and materials while

Injured servicemembers get away from hospital to fish

A bad day fishing is a whole lot better than a good day at work, said one Soldier here. For 38 injured servicemembers from the Warrior Transition Unit from the Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, a day of free fishing meant a day away from treatment to have some fun on this south

B-2 arrives at Whiteman AFB

When 15-year John H. Belanger took his first flying lesson in Menominee, Mich., little did he realize he'd be making aviation history 27 years later by co-piloting the B-2 bomber during arrival ceremonies at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Nor did this lieutenant colonel realize exactly what he was

JTF-Bravo deploys to support Tropical Storm Noel relief

A team of 19 Airmen and Soldiers and two helicopters from Joint Task Force Bravo departed here Nov. 5 heading for the Dominican Republic to assist with recovery efforts in the wake of Tropical Storm Noel. The 19 servicemembers and two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters were loaded on a C-5 Galaxy from the

AETC wins inaugural marathon major command trophy

Air Education and Training Command, headquartered at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, is the Air Force's first recipient of the USAF Marathon MAJCOM Challenge Commander's Trophy. The announcement was made Nov. 2 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., by Gen. Bruce Carlson,

DLA-Warner Robins shop humming along following transition

At a glance, you can't differentiate between Defense Logistics Agency employees and Air Force civilians in the F-15 Eagle wing shop here. Yet work continues to run smoothly following the mid-October activation of DLA-Warner Robins here in which DLA gained 240 employees from the Air Force. The new

Combat rescue officers ready for field

Nineteen men began their Sunday morning Oct. 21 with a three-mile run and 1,500-meter swim here. The intensive physical training test set the stage for six days of grueling workouts and evaluations -- so demanding, in fact, that by Friday only eight men were left. Those eight men are now combat

Nov. 4 airpower summary: Airdrop is key to resupply

Coalition ground forces are able to keep the enemy on the run in Afghanistan's mountainous terrain where roads are extremely limited or simply don't exist because aircrews are able to to get much needed supplies right where they need to be. For six days, from Oct. 25 to Nov. 1, Airmen achieved more

'Perspective' comments on promotion release system

In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman comments on the new way to release promotion results which will resolve several issues with the current notification process. "The new process has been extensively tested, and we'll begin using this promotion release avenue

Thunderbirds receive first upgraded F-16

Hill Air Force Base officials rolled out the first of 11 configured F-16 Fighting Falcons for the Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team.During a ceremonial hand over Oct. 24, attended by incoming 2008-2009 Thunderbirds commander and lead pilot Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, and a full house of

Firefighters bring 'burning' passion to training mission

Fighting fires is a dangerous job, especially when working with insufficient equipment and inadequate training. But a pair of Air Force firefighters deployed to Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, are hoping to change that. Master Sgts. Timothy Rickard, deployed from Anderson Air Force Base,

Airmen visit Tok Mok orphanage

Candy and chocolates are quickly eaten, toys and games eventually lose pieces or break, and clothes and shoes are outgrown over time. But the one gift all of these material things bring that lasts a lot longer, perhaps even a lifetime, is the knowledge that somebody genuinely cared enough to help

'Today's Air Force' features deployed Airmen

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights an Airman whose split-second decision saved lives and earned him a medal. Also featured is an air traffic control tower simulator that can be programmed to create emergencies and air traffic scenarios. The 30-minute, weekly news show can be seen

Fallen OSI agents honored

A memorial service was held here Nov. 4 to honor the lives of three Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom. Airmen and Soldiers gathered to pay their respects and celebrate the lives of Master Sgt. Thomas A. Crowell, 36, of Neosho,

Pachyderm PCS: Elephant finds new home courtesy of Air Force

As the sun crested over the foothills of San Andreas, Calif., and the compound's gate opened, she knew she was home. Maggie, the Alaska Zoo's only elephant, arrived at the Performing Animal Welfare Society's ARK 2000 Wildlife Sanctuary Nov. 2, exiting her crate some 15 hours after leaving

New legislation affects Tricare supplements

Many Tricare beneficiaries are getting letters from their employer stating they will no longer offer Tricare supplements as an employer-sponsored medical option effective January 1, 2008. Tricare beneficiaries should look closely at their health care options. A provision of the John Warner National

Nov. 3 airpower summary: A-10s provide airpower

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fired on enemy combatants

Air Force agents killed in the line of duty in Iraq

Special Agents Thomas Crowell, David Wieger and Nathan Schuldheiss from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations were killed Nov. 1 in the line of duty in Balad, Iraq. Defense officials announced the death of two Airmen and a Department of the Air Force civilian who were deployed in support of

AF leaders meet at CORONA Fall

Air Force senior leaders have just concluded the two-day CORONA Fall conference at the United States Air Force Academy. The goal of this CORONA summit was to ensure planning for tomorrow is not compromised by concentrating on today's fight. "Our current mission focus is waging and winning the long