Vehicle maintenance keeps Balad on the move

With a turn of a screwdriver or a crank of a wrench, a 60-K loader can quickly resume loading cargo onto an aircraft because of the vehicle maintenance flight's efforts here. The 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Support Squadron's vehicle maintainers are responsible for the base's Air Force vehicle

AFSO 21 driven by Airmen ingenuity

Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century took another step forward at Headquarters Air Mobility Command in October. A mobility air forces strategy team of nearly two dozen military and civilian subject matter experts identified a number of overarching processes that could be streamlined. AFSO

AF rugby team wins third straight Armed Forces title

The Air Force rugby team dominated the Marine Corps in the muddy and rainy championship match of the Armed Forces rugby tournament here, winning 38-3 to continue the Air Force's dominance of the tournament. "We are fortunate to come away with a well-earned win," said Lt. Col. Kenneth Holliday, head

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 15

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 15. In Afghanistan Nov. 14, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad and Qalat. The

Air Force awards $1.4 million contract to Virginia firm

The Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate awarded a $1,465,002 contract Nov. 13 to Active Computing Inc. of Herndon, Va. The three-year agreement, "Assessing and Operationalizing COORDINATORs," is funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, of Arlington, Va.,

Travis firefighters crowned world champs third straight year

Not even a rain-slick course could stop Travis AFB firefighters from winning a third consecutive World Firefighter Combat Challenge held Nov. 7 to 11 in Henderson, Nev. The challenge, which attracted hundreds of U.S. and Canadian municipal fire departments from more than 25 locations, encouraged

Squadron dedicates kennel in memory of fallen Airman

Base officials, family members and friends gathered here Nov. 7 to remember a fallen NCO and participate in a dedication ceremony. The Tech. Sgt. Jason Norton Military Working Dog Facility was dedicated in the base's security forces complex. Sergeant Norton was killed Jan. 22 while deployed in

A-10s get attention after returning from combat

When Air Force reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing arrived home from a four-month deployment to Afghanistan in September, they were given time-off to recuperate and adjust to life back home. The Air Force calls this time-off period "reconstitution." The same is true for the wing's A-10

Boeing X-45A unmanned combat vehicle on display

The Boeing X-45A unmanned combat air vehicle was officially inducted into the National Museum of the United States Air Force collection during a ceremony Nov. 13. "The X-45A is a prime example of an air vehicle that points to the future of our Air Force," said retired Maj. Gen. Charles D. Metcalf,

Task force delivers aid to Ethiopian flood victims

Air Force planes transported 48 tons of relief supplies Nov. 10 to the eastern part of Ethiopia, an area hard hit by floods since August. The C-130 Hercules crews picked up relief supplies at Dire Dawe and Addis Abbaba and delivered them to the city of Gode. More missions are planned, U.S. Central

Poland receives first F-16s

The first F-16 Fighting Falcons acquired by the Polish air force arrived at the 31st Air Base here Nov. 9 and were featured at a special roll-out ceremony. Gen. Tom Hobbins, Allied Air Component commander and U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, represented the Air Force chief of staff at the event

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 14

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 14. In Afghanistan Nov. 13, Navy F/A-18 Hornets conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Oruzgan. The F/A-18s expended guided bomb unit-12s on enemy targets. Navy F/A-18 and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers

Turkey-based Airmen saving troops' lives in Iraq

Hundreds of miles away from the war zone, the efforts of Airmen here are helping keep Iraq-based troops off dangerous convoy routes that are plagued with roadside bombs and sniper attacks. By flying critical supplies via C-17 Globemaster III from this eastern Turkey air base directly to

Air Force declassifies elite aggressor program

After decades of secrecy, Air Force officials acknowledged Nov. 13 that Communist-built fighters were flown at the Tonopah Test Range northwest of Las Vegas, Nev. From 1977 through 1988, the program, known as Constant Peg, saw Air Force, Navy and Marine aircrews flying against Soviet-designed MiG

Air Force, Navy wrap up joint mine exercise

B-52 Stratofortress aircrews assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and Sailors with the Navy's Mobile Mine Assembly Unit 8 completed a week-long joint sea mine-laying exercise here Nov. 3. The 10-sortie exercise marked the largest number of weapons released by B-52s since they

Airman at heart of remembrance ceremony

More than 300 U.S. military members and multinational partners gathered by the base flagpole Nov. 10 to honor U.S. veterans, specifically Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson. Airman Jacobson was killed while on a convoy near Camp Bucca, Iraq, Sept. 28, 2005, when her vehicle was hit by an improvised

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 13

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 13.In Afghanistan Nov. 12, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The Predator expended Hellfire missiles on enemy targets. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and Royal

Lean principles contribute to missile success

The members of the 309th Missile Maintenance Group completed assembly of Minuteman booster No. 75-939 Nov. 7, marking two years of early or on-time deliveries by the unit. The unit has maintained its completion and delivery record by using Lean principles, which helped organize work areas and remove

Marine Corps celebrates 231st birthday

The United States Marine Corps celebrates its 231st birthday today. Originally founded on Nov. 10, 1775, the Marine Corps was composed many of infantrymen serving aboard Navy ships. They were primarily responsible for the security of the ship, offensive and defensive boarding parties. They also

Hockey: Golden Griffins catch Air Force short-handed

Canisius scored two short-handed goals in the second period en route to a 4-1 victory over Air Force in an Atlantic Hockey Association game here today at the Buffalo State Sports Arena. The Golden Griffins scored three special teams goals in the game as the teams split the two-game series. AFA falls

Wrestling: Academy Falcons in Cowboy Open

With 22 Falcons competing, the Air Force wrestling team got the 2006-2007 season off to an official start Saturday at the Cowboy Open, hosted by Wyoming. Sophomore Jordan Tribble, Midwest City, Okla., took second place for the Falcons in the 184-pound category in the Amateur (20 and under) Division.

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 12

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 12. In Afghanistan Nov. 11, Navy F/A-18Cs and F/A-18Fs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The F/A-18Cs expended

Football: Irish trounce Air Force 39-17

Forget about the luck of the Irish -- Notre Dame didn't need any. The No. 9 and 8 ranked team in the land (depending on poll preference) let their superior playmaking ability take over. Heisman Trophy candidate Brady Quinn threw four touchdown passes to four different receivers, including one on the

Research lab tests, certifies synthetic fuels

As an integral partner in the Office of the Secretary of Defense Assured Fuels Initiative, the Air Force Research Laboratory is leading the investigation for suitable, domestically produced alternative fuels for military use. AFRL is certifying suitable fuels for the Air Force fleet as part of the

Hockey: Air Force comes from behind for 5-3 win at Canisius

Air Force came from behind with three third-period goals for a 5-3 win over Canisius in an Atlantic Hockey Association game Friday night at the Buffalo State Sports Arena in Buffalo, N.Y. With the win, Air Force improved to 5-5-1 overall and 3-1-1 in the AHA. Canisius fell to 1-9 overall and 1-5 in

Spangdahlem Airmen honor veterans

Despite the rainy weather and the chill in the air, men and women of all ages gathered at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial Nov. 11 to honor past and present military veterans during a Veterans Day ceremony. "Being here is a reminder of a generation of sacrifice to ensure the freedom of

Air Force pilot missing from Vietnam War is identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced Nov. 9 that the remains of a U.S. Air Force officer missing in action from the Vietnam War have been identified. The remains of Col. Charles J. Scharf are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors. His funeral

PRT provides electricity to Afghan community

Villagers near Rayn, Afghanistan, are benefiting from the opening of a new micro-hydroelectric plant capable of providing electricity to 300 homes in the area.The 25-kilowatt power-generating facility next to the Alishang River in the Alishang District of Laghman Province is the first of its kind to

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 11

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 11.In Afghanistan Nov. 10, an Air Force Predator conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The Predator expended Hellfire missiles on enemy targets.Air Force A-10 Thunderbolts and a B-1B Lancer

Doolittle Raiders visit Washington Airmen, memorials

Five former Army Air Forces members who were part of a famed World War II bombing mission traveled to the nation's capital to participate in many Veterans Day events, including wreath laying ceremonies at the Air Force and Navy Memorials Nov. 10. Known as the "Doolittle Raiders," the surviving

Basketball: Lady Falcons fall to Wisconsin in season opener

Unable to overcome a 28-point halftime deficit, the Air Force women's basketball team suffered a 91-58 loss to Wisconsin Nov. 10 in Clune Arena. This was the first game of the season for both teams. Wisconsin took the lead from the opening tip and never looked back, leading by as many as 29 points

Family, military energize disabled veteran through marathon

She may have been one of 50 Achilles Freedom Team "wounded warriors" for her third New York City Marathon, but Monica Szymanski was a steel link in the chain. She was as determined as the others to cross the finish line. The former Air Force Reserve senior airman was diagnosed with cancer in early

Three brothers complete Air Force basic training together

Three brothers from Fort Worth, Texas, will be "doing something amazing" for the Air Force in the coming years after graduation from Basic Military Training Nov. 10. Twins Chaz and Logan Hatcher, 22, and their younger brother, Derek, 19, completed the 6.5-week course while assigned to three

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 10

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 10. In Afghanistan Nov. 9, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Khvajeh Khezar. The B-1B expended guided bomb unit-31s on enemy targets. Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers and U.S.

Humble chief gains national attention

All of the attention embarrasses him, but as this chief master sergeant learned recently, a lifetime of caring and good deeds is bound to catch up with you eventually. Chief Master Sgt. John Gebhardt, superintendent of the 22nd Wing Medical Group here, recently gained worldwide attention for a photo

Raptor wing does not forget its past on road to future

Though a unit's past might be dotted with a book full of famous Air Force firsts, over the decades, its Airmen tend to forget that. And sometimes, living up to a fabled heritage is just not an easy thing to do. That is one reason Brig. Gen. Burt Field does not let the people of the 1st Fighter Wing

ASC plays critical role in replacement helicopter contract

Air Force officials announced Nov. 9 the award of a contract potentially valued at $4.1 billion to The Boeing Co., for the Air Force's number two acquisition priority, a replacement combat search and rescue, or CSAR, helicopter. The program will take place in two parts. The first increment, Block 0,

Officials select developer for combat search and rescue replacement vehicle

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne announced the selection of Boeing Helicopter of Ridley Park, Pa., to provide the new combat search and rescue replacement vehicle, known as CSAR-X. The Nov. 9 announcement comes at the end of a fair and open competition, and thorough evaluation of multiple

Langley home of 1st Fighter Wing

As the host unit here, the 1st Fighter Wing operates and maintains one of the largest fighter bases in Air Combat Command. The wing flies the F-22A Raptor and F-15 Eagle. The 1st FW's mission is to: "Train, organize and equip expeditionary Airmen; deploy, fight and win; provide world-class support

Reservist named top Air Force female athlete

Air Force Services selected an individual mobilization augmentee as the Air Force Female Athlete of the Year for 2006. Capt. Linda Jeffery is a services officer in the 314th Services Squadron at Little Rock AFB, Ark., and the award recognizes her accomplishments in golf from Oct. 1, 2005, to Sept.

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 9

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 9. In Afghanistan Nov. 8, an Air Force RQ-1 Predator flew an air strike against Taliban extremists near Oruzgan. The Predator fired a Hellfire missile on an enemy target. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided

AMC reduces costs through fuel efficiency

Energy costs are a significant part of the Defense Department operating budget, and Air Mobility Command uses 54 percent of the U.S. military's consumption of aviation fuel. Not surprisingly, efficient use of this resource has always been an AMC goal, and while fuel costs remain high, command

1st Fighter Wing lays claim to numerous accomplishments

The name says it all -- 1st Fighter Wing. As the first air combat unit organized under the U.S. Army air arm 80 years ago, the wing can make claim to many historic accomplishments.The study of the 1st FW's history is comparable to examining the history of air power itself. The groaning of wooden

Officials promise seamless defense secretary transition

DOD personnel will work diligently to ensure a seamless transition between outgoing Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and Robert M. Gates, Pentagon officials said today. President Bush accepted Secretary Rumsfeld's resignation Nov. 8 and announced he was appointing Mr. Gates to succeed him. DOD

'Dirtboyz' keep Balad airfield operational

Every day, aircraft fly in and out of Balad AB to provide vital support for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Whether F-16 Fighting Falcons, C-130 Hercules or HH-60 Pave Hawks, the airframes are able to approach and depart because of fully operational, well-maintained runways. Better known as "dirtboyz,"

Secretary Wynne: Rumsfeld helped reshape Air Force

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne said Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld changed the way the military thinks about defense during his six years at the Pentagon. Secretary Wynne worked with Secretary Rumsfeld three times at the Department of Defense and in his current job. "In each case

AFSO 21 process gets weapons to warfighters faster

When the AIM-120D production program manager was asked to be team leader on an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century rapid improvement event, he was a little skeptical. "We had a very sound and fundamentally strong (acquisition) process going and I really pushed back at the idea," said

NORAD commander: Air Force role vital to homeland security

Homeland defense has come full circle since the events of 9/11. America now faces a new and constantly evolving threat -- the threat of terrorism. Dealing with this threat is the task of the men and women of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, a bi-national U.S. and Canadian

Waste-eating bacteria explored as power source

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research here recently awarded a five-year grant to the University of Southern California worth approximately $4.5 million to lead a study on bioengineered fuel cells. Bioengineered fuel cells are bacteria capable of producing electrical energy simply through the

DOD committed to taking care of military families

The one overiding lesson of the all-volunteer force is the importance of the military family, a top Defense Department official said here Nov. 7. And DOD has learned the lesson, said Michael Dominguez, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.November is Military Family

Former technical director for C-17 earns DOD award

The former technical director for the Aeronautical Systems Center's C-17 Globemaster III program has won a Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award for 2006. Lawrence Fielding is one of eight this year to win the award, which recognizes exceptional achievements that benefited the

Combat skills training is a must for today's Airmen

Since Airmen are taking on more non-traditional rolls and missions in deployed locations, the need for individual combat skills is imperative. Airmen selected to deploy for Air Expeditionary Force Cycle 5 and 6 from the 15th Airlift Wing recently took the three-day Expeditionary Combat Skills

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 8

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 8 In Afghanistan Nov. 7, Navy F/A-18 Hornets and Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

Falcons, Irish salute fallen Airmen

When Air Force and Notre Dame football players butt heads Saturday afternoon in front of a sellout, Veterans Day crowd in Colorado Springs, and a national television audience on College Sports TV, their helmets will sport a tribute to Airmen past and present who've sacrificed for freedom.

C-130 crew honored with Mackay Trophy

Five C-130 Hercules crewmembers were recognized during a ceremony in Arlington, Va., Nov. 6 by the Air Force and the National Aeronautic Association when they were presented with the 2005 Clarence Mackay Trophy. Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. John D. W. Corley presented the trophy to Maj.

Afghan PRT treats patients, prepares village for winter

Twenty-four members of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team, the 405th Civil Affairs Battalion and Task Force Tiger made the four-hour trek to the northernmost district here to assist the province's most impoverished population. A cooperative Medical Civic Action Program, or MEDCAP, was

Rescuers learn to make order out of chaos

In August 2003, a truck bomb exploded at the United Nations headquarters in downtown Baghdad, collapsing three floors of the four-story building. Hundreds of people died. Hundreds more were trapped under collapsed rebar, steel and concrete. Tech Sgt. Andrew Canfield, lead Air Force Reserve Command

Exchange program enhances coalition operations

Northwest Florida is gaining worldwide recognition through a program that makes local Air Force bases the training grounds for covert coalition aircraft operations.The program, known as Combined Special Operations Forces Subject Matter Expert Exchange, is a concept that came to life on a large scale

Mountain Home newspaper going virtual

An era will come to an end Dec. 22 when the base newspaper here, The Gunfighter, hits the streets for the last time. The public affairs staff will become one of the first bases to transition from a traditional newspaper to a Web-based product. The transition decision is primarily in response to

Veterans Day special: Veterans share war experiences

The year was 1967. First Lt. Marko Milakovich stood on the side of Budda Mountain, about 10 miles from Quang Nhia in South Vietnam. The 25-year-old was on a site survey and had a weapons carrier and six Army bodyguards for safety. As he stood on the mountainside, leaflets fluttered to the ground

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 7

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 7.In Afghanistan Nov. 6, Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Qanat-e Hazrat. The F/A-18s expended

COMUSAFE visits Film City's Kosovo Airmen

U.S. Air Forces in Europe Commander Gen. William T. Hobbins visited Film City at Headquarters Kosovo Forces in Pristina, Kosovo. During his Nov. 6 visit, General Hobbins met with more than 40 Airmen assigned to Film City and Camp Bondsteel. Upon his arrival, the KFOR commander, German Lt. Gen.

Nothing can stop Headquarters U.S. Air Force

In early November, Headquarters Air Force personnel will participate in exercise Blue Raven, another in a series of continuity-of-operations exercises that tests the capability of HAF personnel to continue mission essential functions during a crisis. "Sept. 11, 2001 reinforced the need to be

Mission by moonlight

Lean principles reduce antenna repair times

Since adopting Lean principles, the F-16 Antenna Shop here has improved efficiency, cut costs and enabled F-16 pilots to fly without worrying about their radar. When an F-16 antenna shows signs of failure, it is replaced with a spare and the defective antenna sent to the shop for repair. Using Lean

Disabled veterans recharge lives in New York City marathon

Of the 38,000 runners in the New York City Marathon Nov. 5, 50 disabled veterans ran on the Achilles Freedom Team of 'wounded veterans'.While most runners push themselves to exhaustion through the 26.2 miles of urban roads, Monica Szymanski took on the marathon to re-energize her life. "I'm still in

Pope Airmen get heart-warming welcome home

It was the best present a little girl could hope for when Sarah Beam's daddy arrived back home from a deployment on her 6th birthday. More than 180 Airmen who supported operations in Afghanistan and Iraq were welcomed home by family and friends at Green Ramp Nov. 2. Despite the late evening arrival

Being bilingual helps Air Force recruiters in Hispanic communities

For Master Sgt. Ruben Perez, communicating with potential recruits involves much more than simply promoting careers in the Air Force. The 341st Recruiting Squadron recruiter's ability to "habla Espanol" with San Antonio's inner city youth and surrounding small-town Mexican-Americans helps him

Medal of Honor recipients share stories of inspiration

For Staff Sgt. Shafinah Rosauro, learning stories of true heroism moved her. For Tech. Sgt. Theresa Petelo, it was the message of assurance that people back home support her. For Col. Kurt Kaisler, hearing themes of commitment to service and country inspired him. Listening to Medal of Honor

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 6

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 6.In Afghanistan Nov. 5, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and a B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Gereshk.

Air Force drops exhibition to Metro State, 65-60

Shooting just 50 percent from the free throw line, the Air Force women's basketball team suffered a 65-60 exhibition loss to Metro State Sunday afternoon in Clune Arena. The Falcons led 20-14 with just over four minutes remaining in the opening period, but the Roadrunners went on a 10-1 run to close

Air Force, RIT skate to 4-4 overtime draw

Air Force winger Josh Frider scored with 39 seconds left in the third period to force overtime as the Falcons and RIT skated to a 4-4 overtime tie in an Atlantic Hockey Association game Nov. 4 at the Academy's Cadet Ice Arena. Air Force is now 4-5-1 overall and 2-1-1 in the AHA. The Rochester

Efforts in Iraq bring British honors for Airman

The volunteer efforts by an Air Force captain while deployed to Iraq last year has earned her the honor of being the first American to march with a British regiment at The Cenotaph war memorial Nov. 12 in London's Whitehall. Capt. Jutta Cortes, the deputy director of security forces for the 20th Air

No. 16 Falcons split contests

On the first day of its final weekend of regular season action, the No. 16 Air Force water polo team went 1-1 against conference foes Loyola Marymount and Redlands Nov. 4. The Falcons fell to No. 7 LMU 11-4 before downing No. 19 Redlands 9-4. With two more contests remaining this weekend, Air Force

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 5

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 5. In Afghanistan Nov. 4, French Air Force M2000s provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Arandu. In total, 33 close-air support

Eyes on roof watch over air show

 His eyes scan the crowd looking for the person who doesn't fit in. Master Sgt. Greg Palmer of the Air National Guard's 188th Security Forces Squadron used his skills as a sharpshooter to assist base security during the Little Rock Air Show Nov. 4. Sergeant Palmer, who teaches three classes a year

Responsive space demonstrator ready to roll

Officials are saying the December launch of a tactical satellite, dubbed TacSat-2, will serve as the predecessor for rapid satellite production, launch and operation. Managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate here, TacSat-2 has evolved into a responsive space

Guard, Manas crews exemplify total force integration

The 141st Air Refueling Wing unit from the Washington Air National Guard rotated home this week after a successful two and a half week tour here. Although their stay was short, the mission accomplishments speak for themselves, said Lt. Col. Michael Gaal, 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron

Delta IV launch successful

A Delta IV evolved expendable launch vehicle carrying a Defense Meteorological Satellite Program satellite was launched from the Space Launch Complex-6 here Nov. 4 at 5:53 a.m. "I'm extremely proud of the precision with which the base and Vandenberg launch team planned and executed this Delta IV

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 4

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 4. In Afghanistan Nov. 3, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and B-1B Lancers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Gangikhel. The B-1Bs

Falcons roll over Army, 43-7

Prior to the 41st renewal of the Air Force/Army football rivalry, Falcon quarterback Shaun Carney was asked by a local West Point, N.Y., newspaper to predict the final score. The junior signal caller said the bluesuiters would win 49-7. His teammates nearly made him a prophet. Air Force converted

Sergeant is one of a kind

When this sergeant says he is one of a kind he really means it. Master Sgt. Daniel Norwood is the Air Force's only military gunsmith and is the shop supervisor of the Army and Air National Guard marksmanship unit here. The Air National Guard has one position for a gunsmith and since 1991 it has been

Ellsworth first base to enter environmental program

Ellsworth Air Force Base has become the first Air Force-owned installation to accept membership into the Environmental Protection Agency's Performance Track program. During a special ceremony Oct. 31, Robert Roberts, EPA regional administrator, in presenting Ellsworth officials with Performance

Airmen receive trophies for maintenance excellence

Two Airmen earned trophies and praise here for their abilities to keep Air Force aircraft flying and munitions ready for the mission.Master Sgt. Timothy Kellner, 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, and Capt. Abigail Ruscetta, 16th AMXS, Hurlburt Field, Fla., were honored with

109th Airlift Wing commemorates first South Pole landing

An LC-130 Hercules from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing touched down at the South Pole on Oct. 30 to commemorate the first plane landing there 50 years ago. On Oct. 31, 1956, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Gus Shinn landed a ski-equipped R4D-5 (a Navy version of the DC-3) named "Que Sera Sera"

Unified Engagement 2006 kicks off

In a welcoming speech to more than 300 military members and civilians at the Battle Command Training Center here, Gen. Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander, kicked off Unified Engagement 2006. Participants from the United States, Great Britain, Canada and Australia are here from Nov. 1 to 8

Lab teams prepare for show stopper demonstrations

Two, six-member Junior Workforce Challenge Project teams working on non-lethal, vehicle-halting prototypes for deployed area checkpoints will display their efforts at an upcoming competition. Each team consists of Air Force junior officers and civilians. They have been working on ideas since June,

Air Force "road show" ensures senior leaders share common message

Air Force senior officers and enlisted leaders are taking the Air Force story on the road across the country. Recently, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley said that by actively engaging civilians and the press, senior leaders could help Americans better understand the Air Force

Kunsan Air Base at forefront of readiness

It's not uncommon for Airmen here to be awakened at 5 a.m. from deep sleep to hear a thunderous loudspeaker voice announcing an invasion. They jump out of bed, grab their chemical warfare gear and rush to work. When the neighboring enemy could possibly invade at any moment, training exercises like

8th Air Force to become new cyber command

During a media conference here Nov. 2, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne said the 8th Air Force would become the new Air Force Cyberspace Command. "I am announcing the steps the Air Force is taking towards establishing an Air Force Cyberspace Command," the secretary said. "The new

Luke shows off energy conservation program

The Luke community showcased its energy conservation programs to the Air Force assistant secretary for installations, environment and logistics Oct. 26. William C. Anderson visited here as part of October's Energy Awareness Month. He got a first-hand look at the base's energy and conservation

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 3

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 3. In Afghanistan Nov. 2, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Hajji Musa. Air Force A-10

Airmen work, live with Iraqi Army at remote desert base

Tucked in a valley between the Euphrates River and some of the most dangerous territory in Iraq is an oasis in the middle of the desert -- Camp Habbaniyah. The British operated at this location from 1934 through 1959, when it was known as Royal Air Force Habbaniyah. Forty-seven years later, the

Transition workshop valuable to vets, labor officials say

All separating servicemembers should know about Transition Assistance Program workshops, Labor Department officials said here Nov. 2. The Labor Department teams with DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer these workshops to transitioning servicemembers, Charles S. Ciccolella, assistant

Open season begins Nov. 13 for civilian health insurance programs

The Office of Personnel Management has announced an open season will be held Nov. 13 through Dec. 11 for three civilian benefit programs. The three programs are the Federal Employees Health Benefits, or FEHB, program; the Federal Flexible Spending Account, or FSAFED, program; and the new Federal

Air Force officials announce new PCS guidelines

In an effort to meet budget mandates, Air Force leaders have directed several assignment related initiatives to reduce the permanent change of station budget deficit. The new guidelines include changes to assignment availability Code 50 maximum stabilized tours, the standard time on station for

Training Is essential, even downrange

An old military adage states that troops must train like they fight. This remains true, even while deployed to austere environments and in less-than-favorable conditions. Service members assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa train almost daily to hone their skills in use of weapons,

Exercise Atlantic Rescue tests search, rescue pros' skills

In a worst case scenario for pilots or warfighters in hostile territory, one thing is constant -- the Air Force will not leave a person behind. Securing that promise are combat search and rescue professionals from across Air Combat Command who practiced together in Exercise Atlantic Rescue Oct. 30

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 2

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 2.In Iraq Nov. 1, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle and Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets conducted strikes against anti-Iraqi forces near Ramadi. The Predator expended a Hellfire missile and the F/A-18s

Automation efforts to aid disaster response teams

Aeronautical System Center's Enterprise Knowledge Management experts may have found a way to help Air Force initial response forces and similar groups respond to disasters faster and more effectively. The team is working to automate some of the functions of Air Force command posts, battlestaffs and