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U.S. Air Force News

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 30

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 30.In Afghanistan Nov. 29, Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Orgun-e. The F/A-18s expended guided

  • Kunsan F-16 fleet prepped for 'Falcon STAR'

    The Block 30 F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron here are set to enter upgrade in the Air Force's Falcon Structural Augmentation Roadmap program aimed at extending the service life of the aircraft. The improvement to the fleet follows previous air-to-ground dominance to

  • Moment of silence Dec. 1 to honor CAP 65th

    Civil Air Patrol members and advocates nationwide plan to honor the volunteer organization's 65th anniversary with a nationwide moment of silence Dec. 1 at noon Eastern time. The moment of silence is part of the yearlong celebration of CAP's anniversary, punctuated with events both national and

  • Tops In Blue needs horn players to complete group

    The Tops In Blue 2007 entertainment group is almost complete, but has some important vacancies that talented Air Force Airmen can fill, and fill quickly. "We need horn players," said Jeri White, Tops In Blue production coordinator at Air Force Services Agency, "trumpets, trombones and saxophones,

  • GM-3 vehicle deploys aboard C-17 first time

    The 4th Space Operations Squadron's Ground Mobile-3 vehicle made history Nov. 25 with its first deployment aboard a C-17 Globemaster III. The GM-3 and a crew of 4th SOPS Airmen at Schriever AFB deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to set up deployed mobile satellite command-and-control

  • Today's security forces are expeditionary combat Airmen

    They work 12-hour patrols in 100-plus degree temperatures, sandstorms whipping into their faces. They drive convoy operations across the desert. They provide personal security details for four-star generals. Today's security forces career barely resembles its own Air Force specialty code from a

  • Career fields meld expertise in recovery missions

    Airmen from three career fields have worked for the past five years to bring the guardian angel weapon system, or GAWS, online for the Air Force to provide rapid recovery of servicemembers. Made up of survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists, pararescue jumper called PJs, and combat

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 29

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 29.In Afghanistan Nov. 28, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Lashkar Gah. The GR-7s

  • C-37A arrives at Hickam AFB

    The arrival here of the Navy's Executive Transport Detachment from nearby Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station Nov. 25 signals the successful integration of flying missions between two services. The Navy C-37A business jet replaces the modified P-3 aircraft the unit used to fly. The reception of the

  • Region Air Force commander visits Kadena

    The importance of the 18th Wing's mission in fighting the war on terrorism and its peace-keeping efforts in the Pacific region were key topics of discussion by the commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force during his visit here Nov. 15. Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, visited the base for an in-depth

  • Air Force pharmacist receives award for excellence

    An Air Force pharmacist was honored by the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States with their 2006 Award for Excellence in Clinical Pharmacy Practice during their 112th annual meeting held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. Competing for the award were clinical

  • Science, engineering, technology achievements lauded

    Air Force officials recognized the service's top performers in science, engineering and technology during an awards banquet at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Award winners received a plaque and a certificate recognizing their

  • Balad 'Port Dawgs' help limit ground convoys

    With each pallet pushed onto an aircraft flying out of Balad, another dangerous convoy mission is avoided and lives are potentially saved. The "Port Dawgs" assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Aerial Port Flight, ensure assets are delivered to forward-operating locations

  • PRT delivers supplies to Afghan schools

    Soldiers and Airmen from the Methar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team delivered nearly a ton of much-needed supplies to two schools Nov. 21in the capital city of Laghman Province of Afghanistan.The PRT distributed 1,300 backpacks, teacher's kits, hygiene products, soccer balls, notebooks, pens,

  • U.S. Airmen help Iraqis take flight again

    The new Iraqi air force have returned to the sky, performing a variety of missions throughout the country, thanks to training and support from U.S. and coalition advisors. At Kirkuk Regional AB, American advisors are helping Iraqi military members of Squadron 3 train for their intelligence,

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 28

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 28.In Afghanistan Nov. 27, French M2000D Mirages and Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Orgun-e. An

  • Officials to conduct foreign language skills survey

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley recently approved a survey to identify the foreign language capability inherent in the Air Force. The purpose of the on-line survey is to allow Air Force officials to get a better understanding of the foreign language skills already in the force, so

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 27

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 27. In Afghanistan Nov. 26, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Musah Qal'eh. The GR-7s

  • Academy icemen skate past Robert Morris, 4-3

    Brian Reese scored the game-winning goal with 1:18 left in the third period as Air Force came from behind for a 4-3 win over Robert Morris Nov. 26 at the academy's Cadet Ice Arena. Air Force improved to 8-7-1 overall. Robert Morris fell to 4-8-0 this season. The Falcons ended a six-game losing

  • Depot liaison engineers support aircraft maintenance units

    Growing up in Arizona was practically like having a desert as a backyard. That backyard served as the perfect place for mountain biking -- a passion of 14-year-old Mark Eilertsen. For an avid biker, an ideal choice for a career would be doing something with mountain bikes. So the teenager did his

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 26

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 26.In Afghanistan Nov. 25, Navy F/A-18Fs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Musah Qal'eh. The F/A-18Fs expended Guided

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 25

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 25. In Afghanistan Nov. 24, Navy F/A-18 Hornets and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

  • Snow, sub-freezing temps no match for Manas team

    One key to successful mission completion for the coming months will be how the wing prepares and adjusts to winter weather. The mission priority every day and even more so during adverse weather is to deliver fuel, people and cargo in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This week brought the

  • Relatives support deployments together

    Servicemembers often cite missing family as one of the main hardships of deployments. For at least three sets of family members at Balad Air Base, missing family might not be quite as difficult for the duration of this Air Expeditionary Force rotation. Staff Sgt. Coy Hixson, 732nd Expeditionary

  • Hockey: Denver holds off Air Force, 2-1

    Denver, ranked 11th nationally, scored two special teams goals in the second period and then held on for a 2-1 win over Air Force in a non-conference college hockey game Nov. 24 here at Magness Arena. Denver improves to 8-4-1 overall while Air Force falls to 7-7-1. An up-tempo first period saw very

  • Western Air Defense Sector ops center opens

    With the snip of a fiber-optic ribbon, the Western Air Defense Sector opened its multi-million dollar operations center here Nov. 20. The opening culminated an 18-month effort that now stands WADS as a significant, technically advanced deterrent against asymmetrical threats over a significant

  • Technology transfers benefit warfighter, first responders

    The Defense Department's technology transfer program, which shares newly developed DOD technologies with civilian first responders, benefits both communities in cost effectiveness and mission accomplishment, the DOD official in charge of the program said here Nov.21. Congress mandated the technology

  • Mission Monster Mash builds camaraderie

    A pilot who has been shot down and injured during a combat situation relies on the skills of an Air Force pararescueman to save his life and get him to safety. Known as PJs, these elite military men train to dodge bullets while protecting the people they rescue. To help prepare them for the

  • Dirt runway testing increases C-17 safety, agility

    In an effort to expand the capability of the C-17 Globemaster III, about 40 people from the C-17 Integrated Test Force are in the midst of a four-phase test program to determine the C-17 takeoff and landing performance on non-paved surfaces. Engineers and pilots are testing the aircraft in extreme

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 24

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 24.In Afghanistan Nov. 23, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Asadabad. The F/A-18s expended

  • English chaplains help Americans give thanks

    Chaplains from Royal Air Force Mildenhall set up a night of giving thanks at the historical Cathedral of Ely, which was built in 673 A.D. Although Thanksgiving wasn't celebrated until almost 950 years after the cathedral was built, the end of World War II gave the allies common ground to be

  • Misawa Airmen build winning deployment team

    Airmen in the 14th Fighter Squadron are preparing to meet the challenges of their air expeditionary force deployment this winter and they are "fired up" to contribute to the war on terrorism. The 14th FS will deploy F-16 Fighting Falcons, pilots and support people to Operation Iraqi Freedom where

  • Keesler, industry set new standard for telephone service

    With the cutting of a telephone cable Nov. 15, officials here culminated a six-month project to upgrade communications technology and "dialed in" to a new level of disaster preparedness. The date marked the official implementation of the new Voice Over Internet Protocol, or VOIP, solution for

  • Retired chaplain's life shining example of duty, faith

    On June 23, 1943, tragedy struck the small airfield at Royal Air Force Ridgewell, England, home of the 381st Bomb Group. As ground crews armed one of the unit's many B-17 Flying Fortress bombers, 11 on-board explosives detonated, killing 23 American servicemen and one British civilian. One man, an

  • Air Force training makes Airmen safer, more aware

    Staff Sgt. Jason Lowery knows that preparing for combat duty is something many Airmen do not know much about. But training Airmen to be safer and more aware of the dangers they face around the world is not a new concept. Air Force Combat Skills Training is just the newest method of providing today's

  • Air Force wins men's armed forces basketball championship

    The 2006 Armed Forces Men's Basketball Championship opened here Nov. 5 with the Marine Corps upsetting the defending champion Navy team in an extremely competitive 85-81 double overtime game. The Air Force then beat the Army 104-91.Tysen Pina of Robins Air Force Base, Ga., gave notice to the

  • 18th Wing key component in war on terrorism

    The importance of the 18th Wing's mission in fighting the war on terrorism and its peacekeeping efforts in the Pacific region were the key topics discussed by the U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander here Nov. 15.Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Wright visited the base for an orientation tour of the wing

  • Life at Incirlik means getting involved

    Incirlik is known affectionately by its residents as "the small community with the big heart." Senior Master Sgt. Raul Ruiz, the 39th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant, embraces this small-town environment by being an active member of the community. "My family and I are involved in everything

  • People should get annual flu shots, DOD official says

    All people, particularly very young and older citizens, should obtain an annual flu shot, a top Department of Defense health official said here Nov. 21. The influenza virus is a contagious respiratory illness that annually kills about 36,000 Americans and hospitalizes 200,000, Dr. David N. Tornberg,

  • U.S., Turkish forces team up in Anatolian Eagle

    The 22nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, deployed F-16 Fighting Falcons and more than 200 Airmen here for a two-week exercise called Anatolian Eagle.The exercise provided an opportunity for Turkish and American forces to work side-by-side and learn from each other.

  • Preparing Thanksgiving feast no easy feat

    An American Thanksgiving kitchen is often a loud, clattering commotion of cooks, noise, smells and relatives arguing about what time the Dallas Cowboys' game starts. By the time the chaos settles onto polished dining room furniture, all that's left are the clean-up, naps and a good game of bid

  • Yokota mission essential for global reach

    The commander of Air Mobility Command recently met with the men and women of the 730th Air Mobility Squadron and other senior officials. As part of a nine-day tour of air mobility operations across the Pacific region last week, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb hosted a commander's call, toured the AMC

  • Global Hawk flies first Beale ACC sortie

    A newly-arrived RQ-4 Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle made its first operational Air Combat Command flight from here Nov. 21. The first Global Hawk flight from Beale signifies the end of the base's and communities' five-year wait for the aircraft, and the beginning of local training flights as

  • Colonel receives Bronze Star during Alabama-Auburn game

    An instructor from Maxwell Air Force Base's Air War College was honored at his Alma Mater during the University of Alabama rival football game Nov. 18, against Auburn University Saturday.Col. Duane Lamb was presented the Bronze Star medal by his former commander, Brig. Gen. Frank Gorenc, who served

  • Air Force Honor Guard beefs up 2007 routine

    Throw, flip, twist, turn, roll, swing, catch. As the routine drives home and the final rifle hits, the team is welcomed back with an overwhelming reception. Only when their nerves settle do they see the people and hear the applause, they can finally relax and appreciate the reception. After a month

  • Security forces Airmen awarded Purple Hearts

    Staff Sgt. Rory Sturm and Airman Kevin Perez Glazer were presented Purple Hearts in a ceremony here Nov. 14 for injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device ripped through their Humvee. While receiving the medals is a memorable event, both members of the 586th Expeditionary Security Forces

  • Academy conducts Commandant's Challenge 2006

    The Air Force Academy cadet wing completed the annual Commandant's Challenge here Nov. 19. The three-day challenge was their culminating fall semester training event. The training event serves as the cadet wing's operational readiness inspection and tests leadership skills, physical fitness and

  • Academy cadets capture scholarship trifecta

    Three Air Force Academy cadets have captured the trifecta of prestigious graduate scholarships. Cadet 1st Class Nicholas Shelly has been named a Rhodes Scholar and plans to spend his two years at Oxford University in England studying international relations. He is the academy's 34th Rhodes

  • Capitol Christmas Tree visits Wyoming base

    The 2006 Capitol Christmas Tree stopped here Nov. 20 on its way from Washington State to Washington, D.C.This year's tree, a 65-foot tall Pacific silver fir, is a gift from Washington state and was selected by Ted Bechtol, deputy superintendent of Capitol Grounds, from Washington's Olympic National

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 22

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 22.In Afghanistan Nov. 21, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers and Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

  • USAFE commander reviews past year in command

    Allied and coalition relationships, operations south and east, Airmen's accomplishments and improving efficiency were at the forefront during the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander's Nov. 20 discussion of the past year in command. Since Gen. William T. Hobbins took command Dec. 5, he has traveled

  • Army trains Airmen for 'outside the wire' mission

    Volunteer security forces Airmen from 65 bases completed Army training here, giving them the skills to perform a unique mission in Iraq.Fort Hood provided 182 Air Force security forces members with general and advanced combat skills via Army instruction to prepare them for their new mission.The

  • Maintainers turn Rivet Joint

    A sergeant sits at the end of a table reviewing maintenance records. In the background, Airmen play video games as a college football game blares on a television. The call that the RC-135 Rivet Joint is 30 minutes out comes down, and in an instant everyone drops what they are doing. It's time to

  • Ellsworth cops take to the skies

    In the remote forward-operating locations of Afghanistan and surrounding areas, Air Force aircraft often have to land on dirt-strip runways. Air Force aircraft might look like the proverbial sitting duck to an enemy combatant or rogue insurgent, but nothing could be further from the truth. Should a

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 21

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 21. In Afghanistan Nov. 20, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

  • Air Force leaders address quality of life issues, changes

    Airmen can still expect high-caliber quality of life programs that will take care of them and their families despite the changes being made within the service, leaders here assured recently. "Quality of life continues to be one of our top three priorities," said Lt. Gen. Roger Brady, Air Force

  • Passing of one mission leads to transformation of center

    After more than 37 years of monitoring America's airways, the flip of a ceremonial switch Nov. 17 marked the close of operations here for the Southeast Air Defense Sector. More than 100 members of the tight-knit SEADS fraternity looked on as Continental U.S. NORAD Region leaders marked the passing

  • Aircrews fly scientists, equipment to Antarctica

    A McChord Air Force Base, Wash., jet touched down on a sheet of sea ice here Nov. 16 as part of Operation Deep Freeze. The C-17 Globemaster III, loaded with National Science Foundation staff members, supplies and equipment along with members of the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings, landed on the ice

  • ASC leaders tackle requirements, acquisition processes

    Starting new programs correctly, ensuring customers have realistic expectations, and ending the "shoot-the-messenger" mentality were among the initiatives Aeronautical Systems Center leaders considered at a November off-site meeting. Lt. Gen. Jack Hudson, the ASC commander, along with senior leaders

  • Security forces member receives Bronze Star

    An Airman from the 18th Security Forces Squadron here was awarded the Bronze Star during a ceremony Nov. 15 for actions while on a 365-day deployment to Al Kasik Military Training Base, Iraq. Capt. Russell Waight, 18th SFS officer in charge of plans and programs, served as adviser at the base

  • Defense agency delivers logistics support to warfighters

    Whether it's an infantryman in Iraq needing a new firing pin for his rifle or a fighter pilot on a carrier in the Persian Gulf who needs to replace a cracked landing strut, the Defense Logistics Agency stands ready to support warfighters worldwide, the organization's director said in a recent

  • Interagency cooperation improves space com

    Air Force Space Command and the National Reconnaissance Office put into motion a plan to improve interagency cooperation between space agencies by conducting a senior officer and a senior civilian exchange between AFSPC Headquarters here and the NRO Headquarters in Chantilly, Va. The nation's space

  • Roadside bombs don't stop NCO from rolling on

    He had pieces of glass in his mouth and ears, six broken teeth, facial lacerations and a badly torn up vehicle."I just looked up and 'Boom!'" said Staff Sgt. Chris Lelm, 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron from Grand Forks AFB who was driving in a convoy while deployed to Iraq. "I don't remember

  • 379th AEW supports flood relief operations in Ethiopia

    For Airman 1st Class Daniel Stone, it was an amazing adventure. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be flying into the heart of Africa, helping flood victims," said the loadmaster assigned to the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here. "It's something I'll never forget." Deployed to

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 20

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 20. In Afghanistan Nov. 19, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kandahar . The A-10s

  • Joint tactical radio system fielded soon

    The Air Force is about to enter a new era in communications technology. Officials at the Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., have signed a $7.8M contract with Thales Communications, Incorporated, for the delivery of the first Joint Tactical Radio System radios to the Air

  • Section keeps security forces equipped, rolling

    They're not your typical cops packing heat and patrolling the flightline. Without them, the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron mission would screech to a halt. The 379th ESFS training and resources section, better known as S-4, provides critical support to the security forces Airmen

  • 'Lightning' strikes 1st Pursuit Group

    During July 1941, the 27th Pursuit Squadron had the honor of receiving the first P-38 Lightning delivered to the Army Air Force. This aircraft, described as "one of the most radical departures from tradition in American fighter development," evolved into the workhorse for the 1st Pursuit Group

  • Nellis kicks off first Aggressor 101 class

    Thirty-five new Air Force "aggressors" graduated Nov. 17 from the first Aggressor 101 training course conducted by the 57th Adversary Tactics Group here. The two-week course provides a baseline understanding of the aggressor mission and philosophy, 57th Wing and 57th ATG organization, and threat

  • Wrestling: Falcons wrap up Kaufman-Brand Open

    The Air Force wrestling team continued its 2006-2007 season Saturday at the Kaufman-Brand Open, hosted by Nebraska-Omaha. Freshman Tyler French, native of Malta, Mont., led the Falcons with a fifth-place finish at 174 pounds in the Amateur Division. French opened the day with a 9-2 decision over

  • Air Force swim teams wrap up Speedo Cup

    The Air Force swim teams completed their final day of action at the 2006 University of California at Irvine/Speedo Cup on a strong note Nov. 19 at the Belmont Plaza here. Three Falcons women finished in the top five in their swim events leading the team to finish 11th, while the men's team placed

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 19

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 19.Afghanistan Nov. 18, U.S. Navy F/A-18Cs and F/A-18Es provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The F/A-18Cs expended a guided

  • Football: Falcons drop heartbreaker to Utes

    Utah ruined Air Force's senior night by beating the Falcons 17-14 on the last play of the game. Louie Sakoda nailed a 37-yard field goal with no time left on the clock to give the Utes the win in front of 27,611 fans Saturday night at Falcon Stadium. The loss put a damper on the final home game for

  • Water polo: Air Force faces Redlands in 7th-place game

    After dropping its first game of the 2006 WWPA Championship to 17th-ranked Santa Clara, the No. 16 Air Force water polo team went 1-1 on day two of the tournament. The Falcons now sit at 13-17 on the season with one game remaining. Facing the Broncos in the first game of the tournament on Friday,

  • AFSPC vice commander receives space trophy

    The vice commander of Air Force Space Command is the recipient of the 2006 Gen. Thomas D. White U.S. Air Force Space Trophy. Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz received the award Nov. 17 during the Air Force Association's National Symposium on Space and Air Force Ball here. "I'm proud to represent nearly 40,000

  • Falcons skate to 6-1 win over AIC

    Senior Andrew Ramsey scored a career-best four goals to lead the Air Force to a 6-1 win over American International College Nov. 17 at the Cadet Ice Arena. The Air Force evened its record at 6-6-1 overall and 4-2-1 in the Atlantic Hockey Association. AIC fell to 0-10-0 and 0-8-0 in the AHA. Ramsey

  • AF picks up 72-59 hoops victory over Northern Colorado

    Scoring 14 of her career-high 22 points in the first half, junior Alecia Steele led the Air Force women's basketball team to a 72-59 road victory over Northern Colorado Nov. 17 at the Butler-Hancock Sports Pavilion.The Falcons improve to 1-1 on the season, while the Bears fall to 0-3. The U.S. Air

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 18

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 18. In Afghanistan Nov. 17, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The A-10s

  • Manas Airmen build swing set, relationship

    A team of Airmen here finished work on a new swing set for children at the Solnyshko Kindergarten School near the village of Vinogradnoe Nov. 16. The swing set, which was built by the previous rotation, still had to be cemented into the ground and painted before turning it over to the youngsters.

  • Air Force launches Delta II/GPS Mission

    The Air Force successfully launched a Delta II booster from Cape Canveral, Fla., Nov. 17. The joint government and industry launch was carrying the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System satellite. This launch was led by the 45th Space Wing. The satellite launched is the third of the modernized GPS

  • Heritage to Horizons celebration highlights CV-22 Osprey

    The first operational CV-22 Osprey stole the show during an air power demonstration at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Nov. 16, commemorating the Air Force's 60th anniversary. As special operations forces simulated a behind-the-lines mission with Air Force Special Operations Command AC-130 gunships firing

  • Guard, Reserve troop rotations haven't changed, official says

    The National Guard and Reserve are still operating under the same rules for mobilization length, and no troops have been mobilized for longer than the allowed 24 cumulative months, the top Defense Department official for Reserve affairs said here today. The current law actually allows President Bush

  • On-orbit checkout of SBIRS payload confirmed

    The Air Force successfully completed initial early on-orbit checkout of the first Space Based Infrared System payload. SBIRS will deliver a new generation of space-based satellites providing missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness to combatant

  • America Supports You: Send packages to troops, families

    Just in time for the holidays, Operation Homefront has launched "eCarePackage," an online service that allows citizens to send care packages to deployed troops and their families. Operation Homefront is part of CinCHouse.com, a community for military wives, and is a team member of America Supports

  • Communications construction crew makes mission happen

    In the face of mortar attacks, gun fights, restricted movement and a heavier than normal workload, Airmen pressed on to finish a mission paving the way for enhanced communications for servicemembers throughout the AOR. These Airmen, assigned to the A67, the engineering and installation arm of the

  • Air Force, industry must partner to create synth-fuel demand

    The Air Force must partner with the civilian aviation industry to create a stronger demand for alternative fuel sources. During a conference of defense industry representatives here Nov. 14, Michael Aimone, Air Force assistant deputy chief of staff for logistics, installations and mission support,

  • Readiness troops train for the future

    Civil engineering readiness troops from around the Air Force are getting some advanced training here, learning new techniques for dealing with chemical, biological and radiological threats. Instructors teaching the classes are creating a realistic environment for students, whose career field could

  • Unmanned vehicle provides reusable test capabilities in space

    The Air Force is working on a space vehicle that will allow government scientists to transport advanced technology into orbit, test its capability there, then bring it home to see how it fared in the harsh environment of space. The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle is similar to the space shuttle, except

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 17

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 17.In Afghanistan Nov. 16, Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The GR-7s expended

  • New aggressor units expand training capabilities

    Unit changes at Nellis and Eielson Air Force bases have resulted in two wings that, together, create better opportunities for Air Force pilots to train for combat against potential adversaries. In January, the 65th Aggressor Squadron was reactivated under the 57th Adversary Tactics Group at Nellis

  • 3 graduate from new C-5 schoolhouse at Lackland

    Three Airmen walked away from Kelly Field here secure in the knowledge that they were each the first in their class -- the first to complete training at this new C-5 Galaxy Formal Training Unit Complex. The new aircrew members consisted of flight engineer Senior Airman Raymond Montanino, and pilots

  • Portland reservists remember King 56 crew

    The Air Force Reserve has found a new home for a memorial created in honor of 10 former Portland reservists. Officials from the 939th Air Refueling Wing will re-dedicate the memorial in a ceremony Nov. 17 at Willamette National Cemetery. The black granite marble stone monument was dedicated to the

  • Airmen awarded new readiness occupational badges

    All of the Airmen graduating from the Civil Engineer Readiness Apprentice Course recently were first in their class. The Air Force's newest 3E931s were the first graduates to receive the civil engineer readiness occupational badge. The badges were presented during their graduation ceremony at the

  • Holiday shopping can lead to mountains of debt

    For some the idea of holiday shopping brings excitement and joy. For others it's the bane of their existence. However, there is one thing no one looks forward to -- the after-holiday debt. According to the National Retail Federation, the average shopper will fork over approximately $790 during

  • General, spouse receive O'Malley award

    Though dozens of people attended the 2006 General and Mrs. Jerome O'Malley Award ceremony here at the Pentagon Nov. 15, there were four names left off the guest list. "Dennis, Ivan, Katrina and Rita couldn't be here today," joked Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley, who presented

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 16

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 16.In Afghanistan Nov. 15, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Oruzgan. An Air Force B-1

  • Great American Smokeout battles wage

    "D-Day" usually evokes memories of the World War II battle on the beaches of Normandy, but the term also generally applies to the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. It make sense then that the first Great American Smokeout observation in the 1970s was called "D Day,"

  • Air logistics center upgrades center wing boxes on C-130s

    Workers here began a three-phase project in November to ensure the viability of the C-130 Hercules fleet through the year 2030 and beyond. Center wing boxes on C-130s have been showing cracks earlier than expected. As a result, members of the 402nd Aircraft Maintenance Group have removed the center

  • Cyber Summit begins at Pentagon Nov. 16

    Air Force leaders will gather at the Pentagon Nov. 16 to discuss the way ahead for the Air Force's role in cyberspace. During the Cyber Summit, leaders from the Air Force intelligence, space, communications, combat air forces and other communities will discuss the way ahead as the Air Force