Redesigned Tricare Web site will make getting info easy

Getting information is going to get easier for the 9.1 million Tricare beneficiaries. Soon they will be able to access Tricare information tailored for them through the new My Benefits portal.In addition to simplified navigation, beneficiaries will be able to compare plans, get detailed information

Air Force units promo August Air Force Week event

Air National Guard, active-duty and Reserve units from across New England teamed up June 6 to demonstrate and highlight aerial refueling as a way to kick off a summer-long celebration of 60 years of Air Force history.   The celebration promotes Air Force Week New England which will take place in

Combat photographer braves bullets to tell stories

An award-winning Air Force photographer routinely braved bullets and bombs to tell the military's story through the lenses of his cameras to be named the Defense Department's Military Photographer of the Year for 2007. Combat photographer Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Lock also earned that honor in 2002 and

First Air Force Combat Action Medals to be presented

The Air Force chief of staff is scheduled to present the first Air Force Combat Action Medals to six Airmen during an 8 a.m. ceremony June 12 at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. Gen. T. Michael Moseley will award the new medals to recognize Air Force members who were engaged in air or ground

Airmen deployed with Army return home

Allies team up for joint exercise at Kunsan

Members of the 8th Fighter Wing and the Republic of Korea air force have teamed up for a joint training exercise June 8 at Kunsan Air Base. Two South Korean F-16s from the 111th Fighter Squadron, two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 35th Fighter Squadron, Airmen of the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Unit

Marines play along in Red Flag

Marine Corps aircrews from the Yuma, Arizona-based 513th Marine Attack Squadron traded their desert landscape for Alaska's "last frontier" and found themselves players in a whole new game at this year's Red Flag-Alaska June 4. Joining fellow pilots from the U.S. and several allied nations, Marine

Latest 'Vector' focuses on wingmen for life

The Air Force chief of staff released his latest vector for Airmen and it focuses on the importance of being a wingman for your fellow Airmen. The wingman concept reflects the ultimate confidence we all must have in our fellow Airmen -- we trust each other, quite literally, with our lives, Gen. T.

Saving servicemembers' lives one flight at a time

Some might say doctors don't make house calls anymore, but that's exactly what the Airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, do on a daily basis. They bring the hospital to the wounded. A typical aeromedical evacuation, or AE, crew turns

Misawa squadrons swap out Iraqi mission

Two F-16 Fighting Falcons flying thousands of feet in the air track a pair of vehicles full of known al-Qaida insurgents on the ground. The vehicles stop at a location free of collateral damage, and command officials make a decision. The F-16s drop precision-guided munitions and destroy the

Travis unit marks 8 years of being DUI free

Airmen of the 6th Air Refueling Squadron at Travis Air Force Base recently marked their eighth year without a driving under the influence incident. "From the day an individual arrives at the squadron, friends and supervisors mentor (new arrivals) on our program," said Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Zahn,

Tops in Blue entertains at Air Force Week

The Air Force's premiere entertainment group Tops in Blue sang and danced for the Sacramento community as part of Air Force Week during a June 5 performance at the Radisson Hotel here. The performance was one of several events the group will do throughout the local area as part of Air Force

Defense secretary, servicemembers reflect on D-Day heroism

The defense secretary was among hundreds of people who walked above the windswept cliffs and paused among fog-shrouded headstones here June 6 to honor those who died during the D-Day invasion 63 years ago. Secretary Robert M. Gates took a private moment in the American Cemetery, reflecting on row

'FOX and Friends' to broadcast live June 8 from Wright-Patt

The FOX News Network's "FOX and Friends" morning program will broadcast live from 7 to 9 a.m. Eastern time June 8 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as the show makes its third Air Force stop on its Salute to the Troops Tour. Co-anchor Brian Kilmeade will be on location telecasting reports to his

MegaPub offers one-stop shopping for Air Force doctrine

The Air Force Doctrine Center has unveiled a new tool, making it easier than ever to reference and search operational-level doctrine. Known as MegaPub, the one-stop shopping solution offers easy access to the complete library of Air Force Doctrine Documents, or AFDDs."As Airmen, we should advocate

U.S., Japanese Airmen meet for cultural exchange

Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force officers came together at the JASDF's Meguro College here May 31 for an English language cultural exchange. During the year-long Command and Staff Course at the college, JASDF majors and captains learn the necessary skills to take on future challenges. One

Incirlik medics train with new decon field equipment

Air Force medics have a vital mission in the event of a chemical or biological attack as they must be able to decontaminate large groups of people quickly and effectively in the event of an attack.Incirlik Air Base Airmen are prepared for such an attack and the base is one of only two Air Force

Tanker Task Force keeps Red Flag flying

KC-135 Stratotankers, aircrews and maintainers are providing air refueling support to aircraft from Alaska's Eielson and Elmendorf Air Force Bases to ensure Red Flag-Alaska meets its training goals. More than 1,400 military members from the United States, Singapore and Australia are in Alaska to

Airman's Roll Call: Government travel card a benefit

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the government travel card, a benefit available to Department of Defense employees with the understanding it will not be abused or misused in any way.Use of the card is a benefit, not an entitlement, and Air Force leaders remind card holders that

'Life skills' renamed 'mental health'

All Air Force "life skills support centers" will be renamed "mental health clinics" effective immediately.After a poll of subject matter experts, first sergeants, command chief master sergeants and mental health patients, it was determined that the name "life skills" was confusing and did not

Air traffic controller honored by FAA

Capt. Todd Lobato, chief air traffic control trainer for the Utah Air National Guard's 299th Range Control Squadron, was honored recently by the Federal Aviation Administration as the FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year. Captain Lobato received this award for his role as the aviation safety

Air Force Week begins in Sacramento

The California governor officially declared here June 4 the start of Air Force Week, which is designed to inform and educate the public about the important roles the Air Force plays in support of the nation's defense. There are numerous events scheduled throughout Air Force Week, which runs through

Being Red Cross ready helps during emergencies

Being prepared for emergencies is crucial at home, school, work and in the community, but how does someone prepare for something as devastating as an earthquake or tsunami? The best way to stay "Red Cross Ready" is to have a kit, make a plan and be informed, said Jane Dustman of the Yokota Air Base

Checkmate: Strategic studies group supports leaders

The Air Force chief of staff announced June 4 the establishment of a new Air Force strategic studies group at the Pentagon that will carry a familiar name -- Checkmate. The new Checkmate will act as a catalyst for strategic initiatives and directly support the chief of staff and Air Force leaders

Exercise tests fast-response unit's capabilities

Members of the 615th Contingency Response Wing at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., are here conducting a weeklong exercise that will test the unit's ability to set up operations at a seized air field. Called Operation Hydra, the training is taking place at the Castle Airport and Aviation Development

2006 Super Bowl champs visit Randolph

Champions know about the importance of quality teamwork and the Super Bowl XLI champion Indianapolis Colts are no exception. To help improve their teamwork relationship with the Air Force, members of the Colts championship team visited Randolph Air Force Base June 1 to gain a better understanding

New Pentagon Channel show helps troops get 'Fit for Duty'

Hosts of a new show coming to the Pentagon Channel want to make troops hurt, sweat and push them to their limits, but most of all the new show aims to ensure members of the U.S. military are "Fit for Duty." "Fitness is as much a part of the military as the uniform," said retired Master Sgt. Jim

Weather flight keeps pilots safe

When planning a mission, Airmen must consider equipment, manpower and cost; however, there is one element that could have a serious impact if not properly planned for -- the weather. Because of Lajes Field's location as the mid-point between the United States and Europe, military flights regularly

Preparing for unexpected keeps vacation worry-free

Many Airmen stationed overseas have family and friends travel thousands of miles to visit, but sometimes they forget to be ready for to the unexpected like a potential medical emergency. A quick check of a person's insurance and being prepared medically and financially can prevent a vacation turning

Air operations center opens at Tyndall

First Air Force celebrated the opening of the 601st Air and Space Operations Center here June 1 with a ceremony and tour of the 37,000-square-foot, $30 million combat center. First Air Force, which also serves under the North American Aerospace Defense Command as the continental U.S. NORAD Region,

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights a device called the targeting pod, whicht ensures pilot accuracy and minimizes collateral damage on the battlefield. Also in this edition, experience how Airmen co-exist alongside Soldiers, Sailors and Marines performing their duties as joint

Airmen, Sacramento team up for Air Force Week

The second Air Force Week of 2007 kicks off June 4 as Airmen from Air Combat Command and Beale Air Force Base share the Air Force story with the community of Sacramento Calif.  Air Force Week is part of a proactive approach designed to increase public awareness of the Air Force's mission, heritage,

Joint forces combine for Red Flag-Alaska exercise

More than 1,400 military members from the United States, Singapore and Australia have converged on Alaska to sharpen their collective warfighting edge in Red Flag-Alaska 07-2, which runs from May 31 to June 15. Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training

Bird avoidance job going to the dogs

Officials  from the 459th Air Refueling Wing hired a new member to the wing staff.What makes this new employee different is the recent wing addition is a four-legged member who answers to the name Jackson. Nearly seven months old, Jackson is the only dog hired in the history of the 459th ARW. Owned

SECAF: Dominance in cyberspace is not optional

The Air Force's senior leader's message was clear: dominance in cyberspace is not optional.  He made that case to attendees May 23 at the inaugural 55th Wing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Symposium in Omaha. "Our own nation's neural network resides in cyberspace," Secretary of the

Aviano Airmen put brakes on travel

After logging more than 20,000 miles per year, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron supply warehouse personnel here realized they needed to do something to improve efficiency. As an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiative, the supply Airmen rearranged their warehouse to cut down on

'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: In Alaska, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot fires the aircraft's 30mm Gatling gun May 29 during Red Flag-Alaska 07-2 over the Pacific Alaska

Dover to receive its first C-17

With much anticipation, a combined flight crew from the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings departed Dover Air Force Base May 29 for Long Beach, Calif., where they assumed ownership of the base' s first C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from Boeing May 31. After years of planning and preparation, the addition

Air Force officials promote sustainability

In general terms, it's development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the Air Force, it's the capacity to continue the mission without compromise. In a word, it's sustainability. Without it, operations are diminished

Joint forces combine for Red Flag-Alaska exercise

More than 1,400 military members from the United States, Singapore and Australia converged on Alaska May 31 to sharpen their collective warfighting edge in Red Flag-Alaska 07-2, which runs through June 15. Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises

Small business award winners chosen

The 2006 Secretary of the Air Force Small Business Awards were presented by the under secretary of the Air Force in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. "It is a pleasure to recognize these Air Force members and teams who have excelled in this important area," said Dr. Ronald M. Sega. "Their efforts play

Fallen Airmen memorialized at Hurlburt

Members of the 720th Special Tactics Group dedicated a state-of-the-art training center and an adjacent roadway here May 30 in honor of four air commandos killed in the line of duty in recent operations. An Iraqi Air Force SL7 light aircraft crashed May 30, 2005, about 80 miles northeast of Baghdad,

Environmental center gets new name, added responsibilities

The Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence, with headquarters here, has been renamed the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment, Air Force officials announced May 31. The agency's acronym, AFCEE, will remain the same. Its new designation "more accurately reflects the

AFSC eligibility for RIF updated

New vulnerability charts for force shaping have been released on the Air Force Personnel Center Force Shaping Web site, removing eight officer career fields from the reduction in force. Based on current Air Force projections for operational stress and strong voluntary separation rates, officers with

New scam targets military spouses

The American Red Cross is warning military spouses about a new identity-theft scam that targets family members of deployed troops.The Red Cross was alerted of the scam earlier this month, said Devorah Goldburg of the Red Cross. The scam involves a person with an American accent calling a military

Tops in Blue Airmen strut their stuff

CENTCOM leader visits Oman, builds relationships

Continuing to build long-term relationships throughout the Middle East, the commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces visited Oman and Omani Air Force senior leaders to discuss cooperative interaction between their respective countries. As part of continuing and ongoing CENTCOM theater security

Academy graduates challenged to serve with honor

 "Willingness always to take the right path, even if it is the hard path, is called character," Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates told the 977 graduating members of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2007. The challenges graduates will face will test both their spirit and resolve, Secretary

Wright Flight program takes youths to new heights

Members of the 442nd Fighter Wing's Human Resources Development Council here are helping to motivate young people to do better in school with the Wright Flight program. Wright Flight is an aviation-themed youth mentoring program that uses manned flight's notable pioneers, such as Orville and Wilbur

Early American combat aviators memorialized

Underneath the decorative arch of a recently refurbished monument built in 1928, several hundred American and French citizens as well as military personnel, tourists, and dignitaries came to pay their respects to 38 all-volunteer American aviators -- known as the Lafayette Escadrille -- who flew

Airmen put C-130 back in the fight

A C-130 Hercules team flying a mission over Afghanistan had problems with engine No. 2 and was forced to land at an abandoned air strip in May outside Shindand, Afghanistan, but they were not left alone for long. In less than 50 hours, maintenance repair teams from Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, and

Creek Defender preps security forces for potential battle

A Humvee drives down a seemingly quiet street, when from nowhere, gunfire erupts leaving a haze of smoke and empty shells. With little response time, the convoy reacts, spraying round after round at a target whose only objective, is to eliminate the American threat. But this is no war zone; rather,

Airmen involved in Grand Forks shooting

An Airman assigned to Grand Forks Air Force Base has been arrested in conjunction with a shooting May 28 in Grand Forks. The victim of the incident is also assigned to the base. Airman Terrance Anderson is accused of shooting Senior Airman Terence Murray. Airman Murray was treated and is listed in

Airman's Roll Call focuses on redeployment responsibilities

This week's Roll Call focuses on keeping records updated prior to deploying. The Air Force mission means being ready to fly, fight and win any time, any place, so Airmen must be prepared to deploy at a moment's notice. Taking care of personal records is a major part of being ready to go. When

Airmen save lives in Africa with medical team visit

For residents of two remote Kenyan villages where common colds and cuts can have deadly outcomes, a mobile U.S. military medical team recently brought more than just healthcare -- it brought life. Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa servicemembers conducted a Medical Civic Action Program in

Officials announce 2006 command post awards

Air Force officials have announced the winners of the 2006 command post annual awards. They are: -- Unit-Level Command Post Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Jonathan V. Taylor, 573rd Global Support Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Calif. -- Unit-Level Command Post NCO of the Year: Staff Sgt. Brett

Health study uses data from war on terrorism

When a landmark Defense Department-sponsored health study was launched six years ago, one of its goals was to evaluate the impact of future deployments on long-term health. The investigators did not know how timely the project would be.Today, the Millennium Cohort Study has enrolled tens of

USAFE leader honors fallen heroes at Flanders Field

The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Airmen and Soldiers stationed in Europe paid tribute over the Memorial Day weekend to 368 U.S. servicemembers buried here who died on the battlefield while liberating Belgium during World War I. Gen. William T. Hobbins said no amount of time should ever

Honoring a fallen Airman

Airman in Afghanistan weds over video teleconference

An Airman fighting the war on terrorism from Bagram Air Base said "I do" to his bride May 26 over a video teleconference at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.The VTC wedding connected Senior Airman Carlos Moreno of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron with his new wife, Carolina, from

Airmen in Baghdad keep convoys off the road

The first thing arriving and outgoing cargo aircrews are likely to see on the Baghdad flightline is the aerial port team doing push-ups behind their aircraft. "The aircrews usually laugh when they open the back ramp and see us," said Capt. Andrew Stewart, the 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness

Balad Airmen honor fallen on Memorial Day

About 300 Airmen here gathered May 28 to honor the servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice defending freedom. They also added a 33rd name to the Fallen Airman Memorial. The ceremony opened with the posting of the colors, the National Anthem and a chaplain invocation. For most people, Memorial

Changes on horizon for Air Force pilots

The Air Force recently announced there are changes forthcoming in aircrew management. A new process called Transformational Aircrew Management Initiatives for the 21st Century, or TAMI-21, is intended to account for force structure changes that have caused imbalances in pilot inventory distribution

Airmen deliver strategic aid to Lebanese military

C-17 Globemaster III crews of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron delivered bullets to Beirut as part of a short notice ammunition re-supply tasking in support of the Lebanese military. The 816th EAS, a tenant unit of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing based out of Southwest Asia, was given the

'Today's Air Force' highlights global operations

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights one of the major elements in the success of global U.S. Air Force operations, the help and cooperation of allied nations like Romania.Featured is a segment showing how 42 countries come together in the largest communication exercise in the world

Incirlik Airmen remember those who gave ultimate sacrifice

Before 39th Air Base Wing members began their Memorial Day weekend, they took a few minutes to remember the reason for the holiday. "It is not about the beach, nor is it about cooking out. It is all about duty, honor, country and the ultimate sacrifice," said Col. Tip Stinnette, wing commander.

Week in Photos features Airmen around the globe

The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: At Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, firefighters battle a blaze as part of a training exercise. During the 101 Critical Days of Summer,

Commanders keep 'eyes in the sky'

The 32 commanders of the 552nd Air Control Wing and its predessors have led Airmen to be the watchful eyes in the sky for more than 50 years.  From flying the EC-121 Constellation to today's E-3 Sentry, wing commanders have adapted the mission of the wing to grow and change. Commanders for the 552nd

Air Force leaders call attention to Memorial Day significance

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley have signed a letter reminding Airmen that Memorial Day means much more than "merely a three-day weekend."The leaders wrote that "Memorial Day is an opportunity for Americans to pay homage to those who died

Solar energy helps power base

Solar energy panels in use here are saving base officials money while protecting the environment. The photovoltaic array project became fully operational May 17.The goal of the project is to cut power costs, reduce energy consumption and comply with the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Base civil

African air chiefs discuss cooperation, challenges

Leaders from 14 African nations' air forces gathered here this week to discuss cooperation and challenges affecting the African continent. The African Air Chiefs Conference provided an opportunity for nations to come together and candidly discuss a wide array of important issues, said Brig. Gen.

Language, cultural studies gain more focus at service academies

Gen. George Washington would probably roll over in his grave if he knew the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. -- the school he advocated to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign military expertise -- is increasingly sending its cadets overseas to learn with and from their foreign

Airmen drop 80,000 leaflets over Afghanistan

Crewmembers with the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here participated in a leaflet drop over Afghanistan May 21 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The crew from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, dropped 80,000 leaflets on four parts of the area of responsibility known to be inhabited by the

Hawaii honors servicemembers

Members of the Oahu, Hawaii, community recognized members from all branches of the armed forces May 24 with a luncheon and the commander of Pacific Air Forces was the keynote speaker. Gen. Paul V. Hester spoke at the 22nd annual Military Appreciation Month Luncheon put on by the Honolulu Chamber of

Eglin Airmen return from deployment

Family members gathered here May 24 to welcome home more than 175 members of the 728th Air Control Squadron from a deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They arrived by plane on the runway here and were carried by bus to their anxiously awaiting families. As the buses

Portrait preserves pilot's legacy

Some see a handsome pilot gazing into the horizon. Others see a war hero, poised for combat. She sees her father, as strong and proud as she always remembered him. Although Carol Ready had seen the portrait on magazine covers, heritage posters and military advertisements throughout the years,

Total force unit controls sky over combat theater

Seventy Airmen, Soldiers and guardsmen of the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron operate the Control and Reporting Center here and watch the sky for theater ballistic missiles or other aerial threats every second of every day. Led by the Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Air Control Squadron

Military members help secure bases with Eagle Eyes

With a limited number of Office of Special Investigations agents and Security Forces members, it is up to Airmen and their families with Eagle Eyes to help make sure the area they live in is safe. The Eagle Eyes program provides a single point of contact to report suspicious activity at Ramstein Air

Plans unveiled for Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center

At a Capitol Hill news conference May 23, exhibition designer Ralph Appelbaum provided a first glimpse of the exhibits planned for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center, an underground facility slated for the National Mall near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, also known as The Wall. "The center will

New service allows transportation for whole family

Traveling to Misawa Air Base is a long flight from the states for families, but now members of the 35th Services Squadron here have started a new service so pets can ride a special bus with their families once they arrive in Japan instead of getting onto another plane.For people being stationed at

Help desk first stop for most computer issues

Computers play a vital role in everyday business, and now computer help for Airmen in U.S. Air Forces in Europe is just a call away to the Consolidated Help Desk at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. For issues such as deleting and creating user accounts, unlocking accounts, installing patches, loading

Air Force artist depicts C-17 in 'Waikiki Sunrise'

When the "Spirit of Hawaii Ke Aloha" landed on the flightline here in February 2006, it symbolized a new era in airlift for the Pacific. That first jet has since been joined by seven others, comprising the first C-17 Globemaster III squadron based outside the continental United States. Artist Keith

Biological team protects Balad Airmen from bioterrorism

Two lab technician Airmen team up as a pair of modern "CSI-type" technicians, using test tubes, centrifuges, and other sophisticated testing equipment to keep Balad Air Base Airmen safe. Maj. Thomas Shaak and Staff Sgt. Raul Gutierrez are assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group's

Yokota hosts Pacific Global Air Mobility Seminar

U.S. Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force personnel gathered at Yokota Air Base May 17 and 18 to discuss the roles of air mobility and mission capabilities the countries provide to the Pacific region. The Pacific Global Air Mobility Seminar is an office of the

Bombers rotate at Andersen

Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing's 20th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., arrive here May 26 to begin a four-month deployment. The Louisiana-based aircraft, aircrew, support and maintenance members will replace their fellow Barksdale Airmen from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, who

Personnel officials improve four Airman assignment programs

Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently improved four Airman assignment programs to further streamline Web-based personnel processes in support of Personnel Services Delivery and personnel transformation initiatives. The four programs include the Career Airman Base of Preference Program,

Air Force accessions program celebrates 10 years

Three of the Air Force's leadership training programs -- ROTC, Officer Training School and Junior ROTC -- were joined together in 1997 to create what is now the Air Force Officer Accessions and Training Schools, or AFOATS. Earlier this month, members of the AFOATS staff celebrated their

Latest 'Vector' remembers Berlin Airlift

The latest Chief of Staff's Vector remembers the Berlin Airlift and discusses how today's mobility Airmen are following the examples of Airmen past as visible signs of U.S. compassion and resolve."Day or night, operating from pavement or dirt, our Airmen deliver the goods, the gas and the

Maintainers increase combat capability of B-1

Airmen at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing proved just how crucial it is to be trained and work efficiently while responding to a "catastrophic" hydraulic system failure during a B-1 Lancer combat mission. The aircrew had to perform an emergency gear extension upon returning to base due to the

Airman's Roll Call focuses on 101 Critical Days

This week's Roll Call focuses on a critical time for all Airmen -- the 101 Critical Days of Summer. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Air Force has an increased number of off-duty injuries and fatalities. It is during this time Air Force leaders want Airmen to be even more aware of safety. Over

Finance officer wins DOD-level award

An Air Force financial management officer here won the Best in Department of Defense award for Financial Management Initiative May 22. Lt. Col. Robert Bickel, the deputy director of the Air Force's new Financial Management Center of Expertise was named the individual contributor category winner by

Lajes Airmen can stop a speeding plane

Military planes flying across the Atlantic come to Lajes Field to refuel and recuperate, but if a fighter aircraft can't stop due to brake or engine failures, Lajes Field Airmen are standing by with barrier arresters to stop the plane safely. Base civil engineer Airmen have to be ready for anything

'Battlefield docs' converge in Iraq to hone skills

More than 40 "battlefield docs" -- surgeons and physician assistants from around Iraq -- converged at Air Force Theater Hospital May 21 here to hone their already razor-sharp surgical skills at the Tri-Service Extremity War Surgery Symposium. Battlefield medicine has greatly improved since the

PACAF command chief speaks about road ahead

The Pacific Air Forces top enlisted adviser visited Elmendorf Air Force Base May 15 to 17 and spoke to Airmen about what it will take to succeed in the Air Force. Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Bishop, the PACAF command chief master sergeant, returned to Elmendorf AFB for the second time in six months to

Two from Robins earn Bronze Star Medals

Two people assigned here were recognized for their combat heroism and meritorious service during presentations May 14.Master Sgt. Gary Chelette and Bryan Braud received Bronze Star Medals for their actions in Iraq. Sergeant Chelette, a C-130 Hercules crew chief with the 653rd Combat Logistics

Top intel officer gets firsthand look at downrange operations

The deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance recently visited the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing to talk to intelligence Airmen and ISR squadron members about the importance of their mission and to learn about new processes in the area of responsibility. Lt. Gen. David

CSAF's Scope highlights air dominance with F-22, F-35

The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen. Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues this month is the Air Force's air dominance in the future. Two key parts of the Air Force's future success in air dominance focuses on

New book captures solemnity, ceremony at Arlington Cemetery

A black and white photograph with Arlington National Cemetery as the somber yet sublime backdrop captures a lone mourner kneeling before a headstone among seemingly endless rows of pale grave markers. This poignant image and others are spread across the pages of "Where Valor Rests: Arlington

Ramstein security forces honor fallen comrades

Security forces Airmen assigned here gathered in formation on the flightline May 16 to honor their fallen brethren. The ceremony known as "The Final Guard Mount," is held in conjunction with National Police Week to remember four security forces members who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the

'Perspective' discusses physical fitness standards

In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman focuses on the importance of physical fitness and discusses how meeting current fitness standards are individual Airman responsibilities."With every Airman critical to completion of Air Force air, space and cyberspace