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U.S. Air Force News

  • Around the Air Force: June 11

    On this look Around the Air Force we talk with Warrior Games athletes and the Afghan Air Force conducts its first emergency combat airdrop. Hosted by Airman 1st Class Angelo Rosario.

  • Airmen trust training, save child

    It was chaotic. People were screaming. There was smoke coming out of the large sports utility vehicle that was smashed against a tree at the in front of a forest. A frantic woman clenching a child panics and cries for help near the vehicle.Miraculously, three Moody Airmen with life-saving medical

  • Retired Airman meets biological sister at DoD Warrior Games

    She’s competing in track and field and indoor rowing, but retired Senior Airman Karah Behrend couldn’t concentrate on training yesterday for the 2018 Department of Defense Warrior Games at the U.S. Air Force Academy.For the first time, Behrend was going to meet her 19-year-old biological sister,

  • Warrior Profile: Lt. Col. Audra Lyons

    Lt. Col. Audra Lyons, Headquarters Air Force branch chief of policy integration, joined the Air Force June 26, 1997. She attended the Air Force Academy, graduated in 2001, and got married the next day.

  • CSAF presents French medal to WWII Army vet, AF civilian

    At a ceremony overlooking the Department of Defense Warrior Games at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, June 2, 2018, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein presented the French Legion of Honor to a World War II Army veteran for his efforts to liberate Western Europe in

  • 9th MUNS AFCOMAC’s warfighting contributions

    Warheads on foreheads is a common expression heard across the Air Force, but without all of the skill and expertise of ammo Airmen throughout the career field, dropping munitions on our enemies wouldn’t be possible. Maintaining proficiency in their craft is important, which is why all ammo troops in

  • Vehicle Management welds fuel tanks back to life

    Without fuel, the world’s greatest Air Force doesn’t get aircraft in the air. When the trucks that deliver that fuel start to leak, a multi-team effort is needed to get them fixed and back to delivering fuel to the fight.

  • Around the Air Force: June 1

    On this look around the Air Force the Department of Defense Warrior Games are underway, combat search and rescue Airmen get realistic training during exercise Red Flag Rescue, and a new security-plus course is helping train network security Airmen.

  • Airmen partner toward quicker deployments

    Rescue Airmen from the 23rd Wing visited the Devil Raiders of the 621st Contingency Response Wing, May 21-23, 2018, to better understand the essential assets to stand up rescue operations from bare-base situations.Although the 23rd Wing’s mission to organize, train, equip and maintain combat-ready

  • Around the Air Force: May 30

    On this look around the Air Force Officer Training School cadets hit the ground running with a new prerequisites course, the Air Force is looking for a few good retired Airmen, and a new database makes it easy to look up medals and awards.

  • 74th FS pilots receive DFC

    Two Airmen received the Distinguished Flying Cross May 23, 2018, in recognition of their actions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.Maj. Matthew “Chowder” Cichowski and Capt. William “Archer” Dana both, 74th Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II pilots, risked life and limb while deployed to

  • RAF Warrant Officer leads renovation of 1st Lt. Jarvis Offutt’s grave

    The recent restoration of 1st Lt. Jarvis Offutt’s grave was sparked when a Royal Air Force rivet joint specialist, assigned to RAF Waddington’s 56 Squadron visited the grave to pay respects to the former squadron member in December 2017, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Nebraska.

  • Air Force Cross Airman honors Intelligence Squadron legacy

    Heritage. It doesn’t have to be something tangible handed down, it can also be something that gives a sense of pride and belonging. In September 1944, the 11th Photographic Technical Unit was constituted, and on May 18, 2018, an Air Force Cross recipient, Master Sgt. Robert Gutierrez Jr., assisted

  • Memphis Belle opens at National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

    Seventy five years ago on May 17, 1943, the crew of the B-17F Memphis Belle completed their 25th combat mission in Nazi-occupied Europe. They overcame insurmountable odds by becoming the first U.S. Army Air Forces heavy bomber to complete 25 missions and return to the U.S. Exactly 75 years after

  • AF Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • Retired Air Force rated officers welcomed back on active duty

    Retired Air Force rated officers with Air Force Specialty Codes 11X-pilot, 12X-combat systems officer or 13B-air battle manager are encouraged to apply for the Voluntary Retired Return to Active Duty Program to help alleviate manning shortages within the Air Force rated community.

  • Education opportunities in Air Force IT

    Two 53rd Computer Systems Squadron Airmen recently shared how the Air Force opened wide the doors of educational opportunity, and how they set themselves up for success in both the military and civilian worlds.

  • Small chapel team praised as best in Air Force for 2017

    After being honored with the best small chapel award for Air Combat Command two times, it has finally happened. The 70th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing Chapel has been named the Air Force’s Best Small Chapel of the Year for 2017.

  • I-WEPTAC delivers innovations to Air Force leaders

    Innovation was alive here this week, as senior leaders heard proposals May 16, 2018, to address some of the greatest challenges facing the agile combat support community at the conclusion of the 2nd Annual Installation and Mission Support Weapons and Tactics Conference, hosted by the Air Force

  • Thunderbirds show season to resume at JBLE

    Gen. Mike Holmes, Air Combat Command commander, has authorized the resumption of Thunderbird performances starting at Air Power Over Hampton Roads at Joint Base Langley-Eustis May 19 to 20, 2018.

  • 6th ARS in-flight refueling section recognized as best in Air Force

    At the 39th Annual Boom Operator’s Symposium at Altus AFB, Oklahoma, the section received the 2017 Senior Master Sgt. Albert L. Evans Trophy. The award is given to the most outstanding air refueling section in the Air Force each year. The 6th ARS received the honor for the sixth time, more than any

  • Around the Air Force: May 16

    On this look around the Air Force, Air Force leaders announced the move to the Operational Camouflage Pattern, or OCP, and the 80th Flying Training Wing at Sheppard AFB, Texas, developed a new way to help student pilots succeed. Hosted by Airman 1st Class Angelo Rosario.

  • 24 Airmen awarded DFCs at Hurlburt Field

    There were 808 lives that hung in the balance as terrorists launched coordinated attacks against friendly forces. Joint special operations teams were exposed and under duress as AC-130U Spooky Gunship crews circled above, pushing the limits of gun barrels to the melting point and providing precision

  • Embedded care teams work to improve Airman resiliency

    For Airmen at the 363rd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, stress is an occupational hazard. Pressing deadlines, a heavy workload and constant pressure are requirements of the mission.They are also one of a growing number of units combating those stressors with an embedded care

  • Air Force transitions to a single combat uniform

    Air Force leaders announced the service will move to a single combat utility uniform, adopting the Operational Camouflage Pattern, or OCP, already in use by the Army and Airmen in combat zones and in certain jobs across the Air Force.

  • NATO provides "eye in the sky" for Red Flag

    The air war is underway at Red Flag-Alaska 18-1. But fifty miles southwest and ten thousand feet above the dog fighting, a NATO E-3A Component jet circles in its flight pattern, soaking up signals and squawks about the fluid battle space below and providing friendly forces a watchful "eye in the

  • Kessel Run hits hyperdrive

    Thirty active duty Airmen, Air Force civilians and contractors gathered in a shared workspace downtown May 7, 2018, for the opening of the Kessel Run Experimentation Lab, where they will build the next generation of combat software.

  • Air Force awards first ESPC of 2018

    Recently, the Defense Logistics Agency awarded a $42 million energy savings performance contract,or ESPC, to be executed and maintained by Energy Systems Group, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. This represents the Air Force’s first such awarded contract of 2018.

  • RAF, RSAF observe Cerberus Strike

    Distinguished visitors from the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force and the Royal Saudi Air Force visited Travis Air Force Base April 26 through May 2, 2018, to get a first-hand experience of the 821st Contingency Response Group capability to provide expeditionary mobility support.

  • Air Force CTCS’s win DoD combat camera titles

    Teams from Joint Base Charleston’s Combat Camera Total Force Initiative squadrons took two of the top three placings at the 2018 Specialist Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition. Four teams of two from the active duty 1st Combat Camera Squadron and the reserve 4 CTCS participated in the

  • Reserve Airmen earn Rescue Mission of the Year award

    Thirty-three 920th Rescue Wing Reserve Airmen were recently honored with the 2017 Jolly Green Association Rescue Mission of the Year award for their actions July 7, 2017 in saving two German sailors stranded in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 500 miles off the coast of Florida.

  • Air Force ramps up flying ICU teams

    When the U.S. military needs to transport critically injured patients by air, it calls on Air Force Critical Care Air Transport Teams. The Air Force is increasing CCATT capabilities to meet the needs of the warfighter.

  • LIFTx: Leaders Inspiring for Tomorrow

    Ten diverse speakers shared their stories of leadership, inspiration, innovation and resiliency during the first Leaders Inspiring for Tomorrow, or LIFTx, seminar hosted by MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 19, 2018.

  • BLUE Episode 24: The Bombers

    FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) – With the ability to carry almost any weapon the Air Force has to offer, Strategic bombers are a mainstay in the U.S. arsenal. Just the threat of using one can be enough to change the enemy's mind. In this edition of BLUE we find out how the Air Force uses strategic

  • AFPC adopting innovative officer assignment system IT platform

    Talent Marketplace is an innovative technological platform supporting the officer assignment system that aims to increase flexibility and transparency for officers and commanders. It is the final piece of the revised officer assignment system triad, which includes advanced assignment notification to

  • 621st CRW Airmen enable Rapid Global Mobility during JRTC exercise

    Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing stationed at Travis Air Force Base, California, conducted joint training with Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, to provide direct air-land support for safe and efficient airfield operations during the Joint Readiness

  • Service Dog lends war veteran a helping paw

    While searching online for answers or others who might be going through the same problems, Jones found the link to a website for service dogs. He reached out to Carol Borden, founder and executive director of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs in Williston, Florida, hoping he could find the answer

  • Leaving the AOR on their own terms

    Eight wounded warriors, who have visible and invisible injuries from combat, were on a mission to find closure by returning to the place of their traumatic incident through Operation Proper Exit, April 4-8, 2018.

  • SecAF stresses Hanscom importance at town hall

    Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson emphasized the priorities demanded by the new National Defense Strategy and Hanscom Air Force Base’s vital role in meeting them during a town hall here April 5, 2018.

  • Air Force offers several paths from stripes to bars

    Our military offers many opportunities for military members to receive world class training that prepares them for a future in the military with skills and educational benefits that also prepare them for the civilian workforce. We ensure service members have the expertise and skills they need to

  • Ops support assists with KC-135 mission during Red Flag 18-2

    Airmen from the 92nd Operations Group from Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, 6th OG from MacDill AFB, Florida and 931st Operations Support Squadron from McConnell AFB, Kansas, flew to Nellis AFB in support of the KC-135 Stratotankers’ role in exercise Red Flag 18-2.

  • 2018 U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School applications due May 27

    Test pilots aren’t born; they're trained to be the best of the best by the USAF Test Pilot School. The TPS selection board is accepting applications until May 27, 2018 from eligible Total Force officers and current Air Force civilians

  • 2018 AF Warrior Games team announced

    The U.S. Air Force Wounded Warrior Program is proud to announce the 2018 Air Force Warrior Games team. Forty primary and ten alternates were selected by a team of coaches and staff at the 5th Annual Air Force Trials at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, in late February 2018. The 40-person team will

  • JBLE Airman overcomes struggle by paying it forward

    U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Svoleantopoulos, 497th Operations Support Squadron weapons tactician, returned from the U.S. Air Force Pararescue Indoctrination Course much sooner than he anticipated. Svoleantopoulos spent the previous three years mentally and physically training for his goal to

  • 19th Air Force experts transform flying training syllabi

    Maj. Gen. Patrick Doherty, 19th Air Force commander, asked his team to deliver a redesigned Undergraduate Pilot Training syllabi “that embraced common sense and held ideas from the leaders and instructor corps to produce more pilots, higher quality pilots with agility and speed.” The homework

  • Physical therapist strengthens EOD mission readiness

    For some Air Force careers, everyday physical demands can have a significant impact on an Airman’s comprehensive fitness in a big way. Explosive ordnance disposal Airmen at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, are working with the 39th Medical Operations Squadron to help reduce the stress that comes with

  • Test pilot briefs T-6 nation

    An F-16 Fighting Falcon’s sustained 9 g-force break turn is no small matter on a normal day. Imagine yourself there. Your head weighs 180 pounds and your arms are pinned to the stick and throttle; let go of your breath the wrong way, and you watch the world fade from gray to black in an instant. Now

  • First-ever blood test for detecting brain injury cleared by FDA

    Brain injuries can happen from a fall, while in combat or during training exercises. Thanks in part to research funded by the Defense Department and the Army, Banyan Biomarkers has created the first-ever brain trauma blood test. On Feb. 14, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration cleared marketing of

  • Airmen participate in joint rescue mission

    Rescue Airmen from the 23rd Wing recently participated in a joint rescue operation alongside other Air Force and Marine Corps assets, approximately 675 nautical miles off the coast of California.

  • Should we really “pin them where they win them”

    Active duty Air Force members who have changed stations in the recent past (approximately the last ten years or so) are likely to have experienced a push to get their PCS decoration written and awarded before PCSing so that their shop, or even their commander, can present the medal prior to the

  • Airman earns medal for rescuing double amputee from flood

    In total darkness, with temperatures only in the high 30s and in the midst of a monstrous rainstorm, Tech. Sgt. Phillip Dyer waded into rapidly-moving, chest-deep-and-rising waters to save a trapped flood victim on the verge of hypothermia and drowning.

  • Hearts of strength

    She heard the dull and tiresome beep from a heart monitor in a dark hospital room in the Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan, Alabama, on March 12, 2014. Light cut into the room as the door opened and a doctor walked in, waking her and her husband, Kyle Kramer.

  • Fairfield to the front lines: Honoring Air Force heritage

    The aircraft was a C-5M Super Galaxy assigned to the 22nd Airlift Squadron, and its 11-person crew was all African-American. This historic mission was created to honor the heritage of the Tuskegee Airmen and to showcase the capability of Travis AFB to deliver cargo from the U.S. to the front lines

  • Airmen code for combat in Cambridge

    Six teams of Airmen hung up their camo and dress uniforms to don hoodies and Star Wars apparel before traveling to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where they work with civilian software coders to build combat applications. The group of Hanscom Air Force Base Airmen are participating in the Air Operations

  • ACC commander discusses the warfighter's edge

    The commander of Air Combat Command, Gen. Mike Holmes, discussed the importance of taking the lead in warfighting through innovation at the 2018 Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 23, 2018.

  • SOST members earn Bronze Star Medals

    The brightly lit, inviting atrium of the University of Alabama Hospital is a far cry from the two room, concrete-walled farmhouse in the Middle East where the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Surgical Team, based out of the UAB, deployed in 2016. During their four-month tour at that casualty

  • Sunsetting the MQ-1 Predator: A history of innovation

    The MQ-1 Predator is a remotely piloted aircraft flown by aircrew assigned to the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Creech Air Force Base and units around the world. It has contributed to the U.S. warfighting efforts in unprecedented ways and is scheduled to sunset on March 9, 2018, as the

  • Air Force members win Black Engineer of the Year Awards

    Senior leader officials recognized two Air Force members at the 32nd Black Engineer of the Year Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Global Competitiveness Conference, Feb. 9, 2018, in Washington, D.C., for exceptional achievements in STEM career fields.

  • Medal of Honor recipient, former POW laid to rest

    As a Medal of Honor recipient and former Prisoner of War, retired Col. Leo Thorsness’s life mantra after returning home from the Vietnam War was “Faith, Family, Friends and Fun.”With the support of Air Force senior leaders, his wife, Gaylee, and daughter, Dawn, kept those words close as they said

  • Military working dog revived by vet tech

    The dog lay on the table struggling to breathe in the throes of a severe heat stroke. Pako, 96th Security Forces Squadron military working dog, thrashed around wildly. His vital signs were fading fast. At one point, his pulse vanished. Pako’s heart stopped.

  • 122nd FW takes joint training to new heights

    The 122nd Fighter Wing recently completed Operation Guardian Blitz during a two-week joint training exercise at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, which included air-to-air refueling, training alongside Navy rotary assets and joint terminal attack controllers.

  • Dover AFB partners with AFRL to innovate in fuel efficiency

    The Air Force Research Laboratory's Advanced Power Technology Office from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, collaborated with Dover AFB Airmen and private companies on programs to make the entire C-17 Globemaster III fleet lighter, safer and more fuel efficient Jan. 30, 2018.

  • Air Force announces next steps in light attack experimentation

    Following the Light Attack Experiment conducted in August 2017, the Air Force announced its intention to continue experimenting with two non-developmental aircraft, the Textron Aviation AT-6 Wolverine and the Sierra Nevada/Embraer A-29 Super Tucano, from May to July 2018 at Davis-Monthan Air Force