Flood protection wall will improve Afghan quality of life

A contract worth more than $75,000 to begin the construction of a flood protection wall was signed here recently. The contract between provincial reconstruction team officials and the New Sahak Construction Company provides for all the necessary labor, equipment and materials to construct a

Pilot crusades for safer skies

One man's personal mission to help improve flight safety is making headway through the aviation community. Lt. Col. Ned Linch, 12th Air Force chief of flight safety, is an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot with more than 4,000 hours in the cockpit of the F-16, experimental aircraft and airliners. He is

Latest 'Today's Air Force' highlights efficiency, management

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Airmen at bases around the world are continually looking for ways to help the Air Force become more efficient. The war on terrorism has Airmen all around the world doing their part, whether in Iraq, Afghanistan or anywhere around the globe.

Ceremonies mark official start for Air Mobility Rodeo 2007

The head of Air Mobility Command welcomed more than 2,500 competitors and observers from the U.S. and 34 other countries July 22 to the largest Air Mobility Rodeo in history. "The fact that we had so many allies and friends that came to join us in this great competition, I can't tell you what that

Enlisted leaders hit the road to set example

They stretched, did push-ups, sit-ups, formed up, then literally hit the road to make examples of themselves. Nearly 400 senior enlisted leaders at the first Senior Enlisted Leader Summit, including instructors and students at the Air Force First Sergeants Academy, exercised and ran one-and one-half

Bagram hospital staff saves baby after IED blast

A blast from an improvised explosive device claimed the lives of two Afghan parents, however, their 9-month-old daughter, Salma, survived the attack and is recovering at the Craig Joint-Theater Hospital here. After more than two weeks of fighting for her life, Salma, which means "protected" in

English a common denominator at Red Flag-Alaska

Speaking in English is the common denominator for all players at Red Flag-Alaska, but for those whose native tongue is not English, this proves to be a challenge. Non-English speaking pilots quickly become task-saturated as they process a large amount of information in a different language. More

'Living Legends' offer Airmen historical perspective

The three-part "Living Legends" series concluded at the Pentagon Conference Center July 19. The "Living Legends" series included three seminars featuring panels of past and present Air Force leaders who discussed advancements in air power from World War II to the present day war on terrorism. The

First Senior Enlisted Leader Summit to convene

The Air Force's senior enlisted leader convenes the first Senior Enlisted Leader Summit at Gunter Annex here July 22 to 27. This year, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley expanded the list of invitees to include professional military education commandants, career field managers

Wranglers make Rodeo 2007 shine

For the more than 200 "Wranglers" -- the team of Airmen here who work behind the scenes at Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 -- there are no shiny trophies or recognition at the event's closing celebration for a job well done. They're a group of unsung heroes who work long hours at tough jobs, all

Art exhibit draws crowd to Air Force heritage

A collection of art illustrating Air Force heritage since before the service's beginning through today's expeditionary operations was the spotlight for local military, civic and business leaders during a gathering July 18 in honor of the Air Force's 60th Anniversary. The exhibit, titled "Heritage to

Drink up: Tigris River is life for troops in Baghdad

It is no different now than it ever has been in Baghdad; life is sustained by the Tigris River. This 1,150-mile-long channel of water is known for its swift flow and ancient history -- and every bottle of water in the Victory Base Complex is filled to the brim from this river. The VBC is home to

Defense leaders build on strong relations in Hawaii

Defense officials are working to make Hawaii a better place for military members and their families to live. Navy Adm. Timothy Keating, the commander of U.S. Pacific Command, met here with Dr. David Chu, under secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, this week to discuss key issues. Solid

AU provides curriculum, manpower for Iraqi officer training

When Air University officials received a request in November to develop a curriculum for two Iraqi air force officer training schools, it produced the material in less than three months. "It took 79 days from beginning to end," said Dr. Charles Nath, director of curriculum at the Air Force Officer

International teams build relationships at AMC Rodeo

A record-breaking international presence here marks this year's Air Mobility Command Rodeo, under way now through July 27. The last of nine international teams touched down here July 17, with observers from 25 additional countries arriving by the end of the week.In total, 296 international guests

Singer encourages new recruits to stay focused

A rising country music singer and a former Air Force pararescueman recorded two public service announcements to encourage servicemember July 17 at the Air Force Recruiting Service here. Donovan Chapman, who served in the Air Force for 11 years, recorded one message that saluted Air Force

Air tactics evolve to achieve effects for war on terrorism

Achieving airpower objectives more effectively is what more than 200 of the most proficient expeditionary Airmen gathered recently to discuss at the quarterly Weapons and Tactics Conference in Bahrain in July. The Weapons and Tactics Conference is a venue for Air Force weapons officers along with

Unexpected delivery made at Ramstein's gate

Three-week-old Jordan Christina Dixon doesn't know it, but she made Ramstein Air Base history. At 5:18 a.m. July 1, 6-pound, 15-ounce Jordan Dixon was the first baby born into the hands of the 435th Civil Engineer Squadron fire, crash and rescue team at Ramstein AB's West Gate."It was amazing to be

Yokota Airmen aid Japan after earthquake

Airmen from the 374th Airlift Wing flew a C-130 Hercules with 10,000 pounds of water and 100 air-conditioning units to Niigata Prefecture July 18 from here to support victims of an earthquake that shook the northwest side of Japan July 16. The C-130 assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron left with

ROTC cadets complete inaugural 'Props and Wings Challenge'

More than 330 ROTC cadets were pushed to their mental and physical limits during Air University's first Props and Wings Challenge here July 17. The challenge culminated nearly four weeks of rigorous field training for incoming junior classmen at universities nationwide who plan to get their Air

New service coat to better represent Airmen set for testing

Air Force officials are now set to begin fit and wear tests of the new service coat to better establish a dress uniform that fits the "warrior ethos" Airmen have today. It's important for the uniform to represent the roles and accomplishments of Airmen, said Brig. Gen. Floyd L. Carpenter, the Airmen

Guide helps leaders manage people in distress

Air Force officials introduced 12 monthly initiatives in April to help Air Force members effectively manage stress, and July's initiative is "The Leader's Guide to Managing Personnel in Distress." The guide was created to help supervisors, first sergeants and commanders recognize distress-related

New communications platform helps EOD save lives, time

Explosive ordnance disposal teams deployed to the areas of responsibility throughout Southwest Asia now have one more tool to help them fight the war on terrorism. The very small aperture terminal, or VSAT, is a computer system that gives EOD teams the capability to make DSN calls and send and

Polish president visits Vandenberg's missile sites

The president of Poland came to Vandenberg Air Force Base July 17 to tour missile defense facilities located on the base and meet with Missile Defense Agency officials. The visit followed President Lech Kaczynski meeting with President George W. Bush July 15 to discuss the U.S. proposal to emplace

Center has key role in Integral Fire 2007

When Exercise Integral Fire 2007 kicks off July 23 here and at 14 other sites across the country, the Global Cyberspace Integration Center will provide the necessary command and control systems and expertise to link the various simulations being tested. Integral Fire 07, an Air Force integrated

Air Force museum wins heritage award

The National Museum of the United States Air Force recently was awarded the 2007 Air Force Heritage Award by the USAF History and Museums Program for its exhibit, "Return with Honor: American Prisoners of War in Southeast Asia." The exhibit, which opened in May 2006, features reproductions of three

Air Force Honor Guard visits Air Force Enlisted Village

Residents at the Air Force Enlisted Village here were treated to a special visit from the Air Force Honor Guard drill team July 13. The team was in Florida for a recruitment tour, and during their visit to nearby Hurlburt Field, the Airmen asked about the possibility of performing at the Air Force

Save money if you register now for the Air Force Marathon

Attention all marathoners and half-marathoners: If you've put off early registration for the 11th annual U.S. Air Force Marathon, Sept. 15, your time for procrastinating is running out.If you haven't logged onto www.usafmarathon.com and registered for your race by the time the clock strikes midnight

Program helps disabled vets get defense business contracts

Thousands of disabled military veterans have enrolled in a governmentwide program that's designed to help them succeed in new careers as business owners, a Defense Department official said here July 18. The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Office was established at the Pentagon by an

Tyndall to receive damage prevention project

Base officials are converting more than 19 miles of electrical overhead power lines and enhancing Tyndall Air Force Base 's electrical grid reliability and aesthetics to prevent damage from catastrophic storms, a base official said.Tarone Watley, a 325th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical engineer,

Latest Roll Call addresses performance forms

This week's Roll Call discusses streamlined officer and enlisted performance report forms.Air Force officials have already approved new forms incorporating fewer lines and a section to document annual fitness scores to better reflect a warrior ethos. Changes include new lables identifying

Agency helps expedite C-130 sale to Norway

A quick turnaround by Air Force Security Assistance Center officials and other Air Force Materiel Command Foreign Military Sales organizations helped strengthen the tactical airlift capability of the Norwegian air force by arranging for the sale of four C-130J Hercules aircraft. The $516 million

New prosthesis could help keep troops in the fight

A new prosthesis under development will give servicemember amputees more flexibility and help them better perform their military jobs if they choose to stay on active duty. A preview of the new technology July 17 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here drew key staff and several servicemember

Air Force and Better Business Bureau partner

Representatives from the Air Force and the Council of Better Business Bureaus signed a memorandum of understanding July 16 at the Pentagon that will benefit Airmen and their families. Tim Beyland, assistant deputy chief of staff for Manpower and Personnel, and Steven Cole, chief executive officer of

Exercise Angel Thunder trains combat search, rescue

About 200 Davis-Monthan Airmen from the 563rd Rescue Group, the 943rd Rescue Group, the 355th Operations Group and the 55th Electronic Combat Group, along with the 12th Air Force Plans Shop and Personnel Recovery Coordination Center, are participating in Exercise Angel Thunder July 9 to 20 here. The

Air Force 60th anniversary recognized at air tattoo

Capt. Andy Gilbert and his fellow Airmen in the 494th Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath enjoyed a change of pace from their usual mission. Captain Gilbert, an F-15E Strike Eagle weapons system officer, took part in the Royal International Air Tattoo held here July 14 and 15.  The air tattoo,

Fairchild security forces team trains for Rodeo

It's 9 a.m. and already getting warm as three security forces Airmen run to the first of nine checkpoints in a multi-stage field training exercise July 13 at Fairchild Air Force Base. The 92nd Security Forces Squadron's Air Mobility Command Rodeo 2007 team is training for the competition, which runs

Changing with the Guard

Seventy Air National Guardsmen are slated to begin working at the Air Reserve Personnel Center later this year for the first time in its history. The new Guardsmen are a result of the center taking on personnel services for the Air National Guard, increasing the ARPC's workload to nearly one million

Air Force Cyber Command online for future operations

The Air Force's soon-to-be newest major command, Air Force Cyber Command, is still on track, or rather still online. Air Force Cyber Command is creating a foundation now for the combat Airmen of today and tomorrow, said Lt. Gen. Robert J. Elder Jr., commander of 8th Air Force here and the joint

Air Force uses new technology in cleanup

Air Force officials plan to use an innovative technology to clean up contamination at a former plating shop at the former Kelly Air Force Base in Texas. Speeding up the cleanup process at former bases fulfills an Air Force-wide goal of accelerated environmental resolution, and allows Air Force

Japanese forces arrive for Red Flag-Alaska

Airmen from the Land of the Rising Sun arrived in the Land of the Midnight Sun July 11 in preparation for the Red Flag-Alaska air combat training exercise. After a seven-hour flight across the Pacific Ocean, six Japanese F-15s from Hyakuri Air Base near Tokyo and a U.S. KC-10 Extender carrying 21

Excercise tests Reserve C-130 unit's re-supply capabilities

Airmen in the Air Force Reserve Command's 911th Airlift Wing here conducted Exercise Bold Effort July 14 to hone their transport and re-supply skills vital during a time of war.The exercise began when eight C-130s departed the airfield here and headed for Rickenbacker International Airport

Latest 'Today's Air Force' addresses modernization

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Air Force initiatives to modernize the force through the introduction of new aircraft and the retirement of designated older models like the F-117 Nighthawk, the world's first stealth aircraft. And learn how Hollywood producers work to maintain a

CENTAF chaplain visits Djibouti orphanages

The U.S. Central Command Air Forces command chaplain visited Camp Lemonier July 10 to 13 to meet with servicemembers and spent time at two local orphanages where he and members of the Alaska Air National Guard joined the boys in a basketball game.Chaplain (Col.) Gregory Tate also looked at the

Letter to Airmen focuses on energy consumption

In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne discusses how the Air Force is using technology to reduce its energy consumption. "We are also working innovatively on the supply side, whether it is putting the largest solar panel field to work out at Nellis (Air Force

Afghan military leader visits Randolph

The top air boss for the Afghanistan military visited Randolph Air Force Base July 9 as part of a tour to see how the U.S. Air Force can be an example for his country's efforts in creating a proficient training model and establishing an independent air force.  Maj. Gen. Mohammad Dawran, the Afghan

Airmen cross into Navy blue

The Philippine segment of Pacific Partnership on the USS Peleliu was completed July 7 with the help of some unlikely "Sailors." Air Force medical professionals joined the four-month humanitarian mission and according to them, have adjusted well to their new nautical working environment. "It's very

Air Force chief of staff initiates MQ-1 Predator plus-up

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley is accelerating delivery of the Defense Department's December 2009 goal of 21 daily MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle combat air patrols, or CAPs, by one year.At the chief of staff's request, Air Force officials coordinated deployment actions with

Airmen support Afghan presidential mission

A Phoenix Raven security team with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia provided security for a C-17 Globemaster III and its crew July 11during an Afghan presidential support mission at a remote airstrip here. Staff Sgt. Mike Kincaid and Airman 1st Class Joseph Celata made up the

Air Guard opens new combat training runway

It's a 3,500-foot-long stretch of cement with a few hundred feet added on, just in case. That's not much space on which to safely land a heavily loaded, half-million pound cargo plane, but officials here say it's the perfect runway for Mississippi Air National Guard pilots to train on. Mississippi

AETC Symposium set for Sept. 5 to 7 in San Antonio

The 2007 Air Education and Training Command Symposium giving insight into today and tomorrow's Air Force is scheduled for Sept. 5 through 7 at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in San Antonio.The symposium offers attendees the chance to ask a panel of commanding general officers a question

Airmen hold munitions exercise at Kunsan

Airmen from across the Air Force are participating in the annual Combat Ammunition Production Exercise July 10 through 13 here. CAPEX is a three-day non-rated exercise that provides Pacific Air Forces and Air Combat Command units with training in mass-munitions assembly in support of aircraft sortie

Mobility team answers call for critically injured Soldiers

Airmen of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing turned a typical transport mission into a lifesaving effort for a critically injured Soldier where time was of the essence and there was no room for error. Airmen from across the area of responsibility -- a C-17 Globemaster III aircrew, two KC-135

Air Force officials discuss new e-mail accounts

Air Force officials began sending notifications to the workforce this month about the new E4L, or "E-Mail for Life" accounts.  Everyone is receiving a new @us.af.mil address that will be used for the duration of his or her employment. This has led people to misunderstand that they must somehow start

Luke officials release statement on fallen Airman

A Luke Air Force Base Airman died July 9 after succumbing to wounds sustained as a result of small-arms fire while deployed with the 755th Air Expeditionary Group in support of Operation Enduring Freedom outside of Camp Stone, a forward operating base near Herat, Afghanistan.Master Sgt. Randy J.

Air Force streamlines officer, enlisted evaluation forms

Air Force officials are introducing new officer and enlisted evaluation forms as it transforms its personnel processes. The major part of this effort has been directed at reducing the workload associated with preparing officer and enlisted performance reports while ensuring the evaluation process

General brings Air Force story back home

A once-young usher who worked at Busch Stadium, home of the World Series multi-champion Cardinals, is a man who now ushers in technologies which go way out of the ballpark. Nearly 40 years after his days of escorting people to the stands at Busch Stadium, Maj. Gen. Thomas F. Deppe, the 20th Air

Fairchild Airmen train for Rodeo 2007

Airmen who will represent Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., at the bi-annual Air Mobility Command Rodeo 2007 teamed up with their counterparts from McChord AFB, Wash., for four days of training recently at the Grant County International Airport here. This year's "Rodeo," the name given to the major

Airmen lead multinational effort for Iraqi bombing victims

Airmen from the 506th Air Expeditionary Group here coordinated and carried out a multinational effort to receive and airlift 21 injured Iraqi civilians for treatment in Turkey July 8. The civilians, ethnic Iraqi Turkmen, were victims of the July 7 market bombing in Tuz Khurmato, Iraq, which

Latest Roll Call discusses contacting Airmen directly

This week's Roll Call discusses how the Air Force chief of staff wants to expand on the information receiving process through a direct e-mail program. E-mails from "CSAF@us.af.mil" come directly from Gen. T. Michael Moseley. Airmen are encouraged to discuss these messages with fellow Airmen and

CMSAF observes USAFE missions, visits wounded troops

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force completed an aeromedical evacuation mission from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., to Ramstein Air Base and back July 7 through 10 to observe the process firsthand. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley wanted to experience step by step what the

Air Force recognized for awarding veterans contracts

The Department of Veterans Affairs recognized 23 Air Force bases for achievement under the Champions of Veteran Enterprise program during a conference June 27 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The 3rd Annual National Veteran Small Business Conference and Expo honored installations with the Federal

Medical program keeps scoring high

The Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Wilford Hall Medical Center scored in the top three percentile in the nation in June. Out of 152 emergency residencies across the country, the emergency residency at Wilford Hall scored above 97 percent of the other residencies on in-service training exams

President picks Army general to lead new command

President Bush named Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward July 10 to help stand up U.S. Africa Command as its first commander.General Ward has served as deputy commander of U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, since May 2006. In that role, he has been responsible for the day-to-day activities for

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights unmanned aerial vehicles, including the Air Force's latest unmanned vehicle and first hunter-killer UAV, the MQ-9 Reaper. More powerful than the MQ-1 Predator, the MQ-9 is designed to go after time-sensitive targets and can destroy or disable

Manas fuels team gets high praise

When the 40 Airmen from the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's Fuels Management Flight pulled back on the huge 4,000 pound fuel bladder to put it in to place on July 9, they were actually leaning forward. For the second time in just over two weeks, the fuels Airmen replaced one of

Active-duty unit marks first year under Guard wing

Airmen of the 153rd Airlift Wing celebrated the first anniversary that marked the assimilation of active-duty Airmen into the Wyoming Air National Guard July 7 here. One year ago, active-duty Airmen reported to Cheyenne Regional Airport as the 30th Airlift Squadron stood up as Air Mobility Command's

Robins Airman selected as top firefighter of the year

Master Sgt. Shawn Ricchuito from the 778th Civil Engineer Squadron here has been named the Air Force Military Fire Officer of the Year. He will represent the Air Force at the Department of Defense level. Sergeant Ricchuito learned about the honor when Robins Fire Chief Donald Striejewske entered a

Navy admiral takes helm of U.S. Special Ops command

Adm. Eric T. Olson became the first Navy SEAL to command U.S. Special Operations Command during a ceremony here July 9. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates presided as Admiral Olson assumed command from Army Gen. Bryan Brown. General Brown had led the command since September 2003. Two of the more

RED HORSE Airmen support Army in southern Baghdad

In the midst of the ongoing security surge around Baghdad, a team of Airmen with heavy construction skills and expertise are helping fortify the Army's presence at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, south of the city. It's a dynamic situation for the Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair

Airmen take the fight to the terrorists

Airmen of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here provided air power support for Army, Marine and coalition ground troops as Operation Arrowhead Ripper took the fight to the terrorists throughout the Diyala Province in Iraq in late June and early July. The 332nd AEW's F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10

Medics bring relief to Senegal

Airmen provided medical care to more than 4,400 people here as Airmen, Marines, Sailors and Soldiers formed Task Force 225 and conducted joint training during Exercise Shared Accord June 16 to 28 in Senegal. Fourteen Air Force Reserve Command medics teamed up with a battalion of Marine reservists

General McNabb enlists city's future heroes

For 40 women and men at the Cardinals vs. Giants baseball game July 7, their thoughts may not have been focused on whether Barry Bonds would break Hank Aaron's lifetime home-run record. Right hands raised, this young group, standing at Busch Stadium home plate in front of a huge crowd, was sworn

Army medics save Air Force broadcaster's life

The quick actions of Army medics following a June 28 mortar attack here proved critical in helping save an Air Force broadcaster's life.Tech. Sgt. Jeramie Brown, an Air Force broadcaster with a news team at Forward Operating Base Murray was injured from shrapnel from a mortar and two Soldiers

Medical element helps Honduran village

Approximately 40 American and Honduran servicemembers from the medical element at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, provided medical care for more than 1,000 people during a two-day Medical Readiness Training Exercise in the village of El Horno, Honduras. Airmen and Soldiers of the medical

Airman flies to Soldier's aid, earns valor award

An Airman attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with a "V" Device for Valor June 8 for his actions that led to the saving of a Soldier's life. Special Agent Travis Guthmiller, a member of Weapons Intelligence Team 10 of Task Force Troy was

Music venue sheds spotlight on Air Force

People were on their feet for the Air Force here July 6 during Air Force Week St. Louis as Tops in Blue 2007 performed a musical "fly-by" of the past 60 years. Drawing a crowd of nearly 1,500, outside the Saint Louis Science Center, the Air Force's own "expeditionary entertainers" danced and sang

Chief Pfingston laid to rest at Arlington

Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gary Pfingston was laid to rest July 6 at Arlington National Cemetery. The 10th CMSAF, an Evansville, Ind., native, lost his battle with cancer June 23. He served as the highest ranking enlisted Airman from August 1990 to October 1994. "Chief Pfingston

Air Force chief discusses upcoming senior enlisted summit

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley paid a visit here June 27 and spoke to students at the Air Force Senior NCO Academy and Air Force First Sergeants Academy at Gunter Annex about Air Force priorities and issues that affect enlisted members. He also took a few moments to field

Dover C-17 supports Air Force-Navy exercise

A Dover C-17 Globemaster III teamed up with Air Combat Command and Navy fighters in a joint Air Force-Navy training operation June 29 at Naval Air Station Key West, Fla. The large transport, which 436th Airlift Wing officials received June 21, teamed up with F-15 Eagles from Eglin Air Force Base,

Controllers call in air strike to disrupt enemy

Situated in a dusty Army headquarters tent at this forward operating base south of Baghdad, a team of joint tactical air control party Airmen orchestrated the destruction of an explosives-laden roadway recently, stopping the flow of ordnance and weapons into Iraq's capital. By calling in the air

Expeditionary Wing celebrates Independence Day

Just a few miles off the Persian Gulf, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing bustled with more than 8,000 servicemembers hard at work, but also taking the time to honor America's independence.For a moment, expeditionary Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians felt like they were back home, where

Enlisted Heritage Research Institute honors WWII gunner

The director of the Enlisted Heritage Research Institute here described July 3 as a grand day because Enlisted Heritage Hall museum officials had inducted retired Master Sgt. James Traylor into its ranks.He joins the many enlisted members the museum honors who have made major contributions to the

Airmen join forces for Talisman Saber

More than 270 Airmen here deployed to Australia to conduct the field training exercise portion of Talisman Saber 2007.  The exercise ran from June 18-26 and was followed by combined training with the Royal Australian Air Force. During the exercise, 37 Airmen from the Maj. Richard Bong Air and

DOD officials offer $1 million prize for wearable power innovations

A typical dismounted troop going out for a four-day mission carries as much as 40 pounds of batteries and rechargers in his pack. Defense Department officials want to reduce that load significantly, and they're dangling a $1 million carrot to entice people to help them do it. They launched their

Hill reservists say goodbye to last of F-16s

The last of the 419th Fighter Wing's F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft left here June 28, signifying an end of an era and a beginning of another for the unit. The pilots and maintainers from the Air Force Reserve Command wing will now team up with Hill's active-duty 388th FW to carry out a joint flying

Concrete barriers save lives

A simple slab of concrete is the difference between life and death at the Victory Base Complex here in Baghdad. Concrete walls surround everything, serving as a daily reminder of insurgent hostilities. The barriers are more than 12 inches thick and reinforced with steel rods. They are designed to

Air Force Week strikes a chord with America's heartland

As Americans reflect on the nation's freedoms this Independence week, events throughout the St. Louis region are putting special emphasis on the Air Force. During the second day of weeklong events here celebrating Air Force Week St. Louis, a concert was held July 3 at Jefferson Barracks County Park

Latest Roll Call discusses ancillary training requirements

This week's Roll Call discusses the decision by Air Force leaders to reduce the amount of ancillary training Airmen will perform each year. The numerous training briefings Airmen are required to attend annually will be combined into a new "block instruction" plan, which will be arranged to more

North Dakota ANG unit flies first unmanned mission

Members of the 119th Wing flew its first unmanned aircraft system mission as an MQ-1 Predator flew July 2 from Fargo. Airmen of the North Dakota Air National Guard squadron is flying the Predator after converting in January to new missions of unmanned aircraft and the C-21 cargo aircraft.The

Wright-Patterson Airmen take over Hickam air operations

Airmen of the 87th Aerial Port Squadron from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, flew into Hickam AFB and took over air operations here. For two weeks, Reserve Airmen from the 87th APS will be responsible for running the air terminal operations center, freight, fleet, passenger services,

Aircrews depend on these Airmen

Airmen honor 30 years of AWACS

The 552nd Air Control Wing here celebrated the 30th anniversary of the E-3 Sentry, also known as the Airborne Warning and Control System, or AWACS, June 29 through July 1, with 552nd commanders and Airmen, past and present, coming from around the globe to share their stories. "The AWACS heritage is

Air Force leaders send Independence Day message

The following is an Independence Day message from Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. "To the Airmen of the United States Air Force: "On July 4, 1776, 56 men signed a document that established the foundation for new nation where "all men

'Transformers' put Airmen, aircraft on big screen

More than 300 Airmen and numerous aircraft will be seen around the world in the latest DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures film, "Transformers" being released to theaters July 4.The movie combines the use of live action with computer-generated imagery to enhance the story as Airmen served as extras in the

St. Louis celebrates Air Force Week

For the second year in a row, Air Force Week St. Louis has kicked off with a flying start. From July 2-8, the Air Force will be the talk of the town in this gateway city. Events honoring Air Force servicemembers will be happening on both sides of the "Mighty Mississippi," from minor and major league

VA guarantees home loans for servicemembers

Servicemembers returning to the states from overseas can now take advantage of a valuable home buying guarantee from the Department of Veterans Affairs.Contrary to what some may think, the VA does not offer home loans, instead they offer a home-loan guarantee, said Tan Johnson, a VA representative. 

Summer 2007 Airman magazine now available

Coalition forces fighting terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan can't get enough of the Air Force's unmanned aircraft, the MQ-1 Predator. The persistent Predator gives commanders an unparalleled, bird's-eye view of the battlefield. And the real-time intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance

AFSOUTH outlines U.S. cooperation with South America

The Air Forces Southern commander outlined how American Airmen interact with South American nations to build understanding between the nations. "Military-to-military relationships are only the beginning of our mission," said Lt. Gen. Norman R. Seip. "AFSOUTH Airmen are actively engaging our South

C-21 makes final flight at Yokota

After more than 62,000 mishap-free flying hours and 21 years of service, Yokota Air Base's C-21 transport jet ended its service here as base officials held a ceremony honoring the final departure of the C-21 June 29. The base's four C-21s with the 459th Airlift Squadron have been replaced by three