May 16 airpower summary: Lancer turns back enemy forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, a firefight near Morghab prompted Air Force F-15E Strike

AF.mil unveils new design

Air Force officials unveil a new look for the service's official Web site, AF.mil. For frequent visitors to AF.mil some of the changes will be obvious at a glance. The redesigned site features a larger layout, larger photos, new technology and less clutter. It offers users new content types with the

ESC group works to meet Iraqi air traffic control needs

An Electronic Systems Center group here is helping Iraqi air force officials rebuild their military air traffic control capabilities through a comprehensive foreign military sales effort. An 853rd Electronic Systems Group team initiated their efforts with an FMS case that began in January 2007.

Defenders honored during National Police Week

The 386th and 387th Expeditionary Security Forces squadrons here commemorated National Police Week with a variety of events at an air base in Southwest Asia beginning May 10. The week began with a march to the various memorials of fallen security forces Airmen located around base followed by a

Air Force leaders testify on infrastructure budget

The four pillars of the Air Force budget strategy--people, readiness, infrastructure, and modernization were the main topics May 12 when the deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Ms. Kathleen Ferguson, flanked by Brig.

Switching Seats campaign going strong

Air Force officials here launched the final three Webisodes of its multimedia marketing campaign, "Switching Seats," May 15. The online campaign centers on the parallels between Air Force and NASCAR high-performance jobs and focuses on No. 43 driver Reed Sorenson and crewmembers engaged in each

President issues Armed Forces Day proclamation

President Barack Obama signed and issued a proclamation May 14 designating May 16 as Armed Forces Day. Here is the presidential proclamation: On Armed Forces Day, 1961, President Kennedy connected civic engagement and our nation's security. He stated, "The strength of our armed forces rests not

New club members get 3 month free membership

 All eligible personnel who join any Air Force club between June 15 and Aug. 15 will automatically receive three months of free dues as part of the Air Force's 2009 club membership campaign. New members also will receive the benefits of a free cash-back rewards program and a six-month, zero-percent

Biden announces housing assistance program expansion

Vice President Joe Biden May 14 announced the Defense Department's plan to expand its housing assistance program with $555 million devoted to servicemembers forced to sell their homes at a loss due to the country's struggling housing market. The financial support comes from President Barack Obama's

Air Force leaders chart way forward for service

The Air Force has made tough choices and some prudent trade-offs to balance the service across the spectrum of capabilities needed for the future, Air Force leaders said.Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz discussed the service's efforts to balance

CSAF reflects on importance of PACAF

The chief of staff of the Air Force wrapped up a week-long, four-base tour of Pacific Air Forces here May 13 on his first visit to the region since becoming the nation's top-ranking uniformed Airman last August. Gen. Norton Schwartz said the United States has a vested interest in the Asia-Pacific

Air Force officials standardize informal uniform

As a result of the 96th Air Force Uniform Board, a standardized informal uniform is now authorized for wear. The informal uniform will be mandatory for wear by all applicable Air Force personnel starting Jan. 1, 2011. The Air Force Chief of Staff directed review of the informal uniform to help

CSAF speaks candidly at Yokota Airmen

"In the end what it's all about is performance," said the senior Air Force officer responsible for organizing, training and equipping nearly 700,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces. "If the United States Air Force performs, we don't need to advertise ourselves and proclaim how good

Predator crashes in eastern Afghanistan

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft crashed May 14 in eastern Afghanistan. The crash was not due to hostile fire. The aircraft is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. The Predator's primary mission is conducting armed reconnaissance. A board of Air Force officials

Lackland chosen as cyber numbered Air Force headquarters

Air Force officials here announced May 15 that Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, is the preferred alternative for the permanent location of 24th Air Force, a new numbered Air Force headquarters focused on the cyber mission. Although Lackland AFB has been identified as the preferred alternative, a

Sheppard T-38 veers off runway

A Sheppard Air Force Base T-38 Talon veered off the runway during takeoff at about 2:10 p.m. CDT May 14 here. The crew of two experienced minor injuries and are receiving treatment. The T-38, assigned to the 80th Flying Training Wing, is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer.The

Air Force Week in Photos

This week's photo highlights cover Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force who fly, fight and win ... in air, space and cyberspace. View Week in Photos slideshow.

Ramstein Airmen support NASA shuttle launch

Ramstein Air Base Airmen teamed up with New York Air National Guard members to support NASA's launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis in May here. Members of the 37th Airlift Squadron, 1st Combat Communications Squadron and the Guard's 101st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron loaded rescue cargo into two C-130

Airman spots aircraft fuel leak at 35,000 feet

Most of us hear stories of Airmen saving lives in combat, but an Airman who saves the lives of more than 300 passengers is definitely a story worth hearing. A fuel leak on a civilian aircraft caught the attention of Staff Sgt. Bartek Bachleda, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, during a

Airmen take heed for those in need

Ten Airmen from Manas Air Base visited the Umut-Nadjeshda Children's Rehabilitation Center in Bishkek May 9 to help fix the center for more than 60 local children. The off-duty Airmen painted playground equipment, installed a new stove and to make other improvements to the center for the youths aged

Academy football team ranks second in academic excellence

In a recent NCAA ranking, the Air Force Academy football team finished second in the nation in Academic Progress Rates following only Stanford University. According to Troy Garnhart, Academy's director of Athletic Media Relations, the NCAA rack and stack considered the overall performance of all 27

Exercise to test aerospace response over Washington

The North American Aerospace Defense Command will conduct an exercise over the nation's capital and its suburbs May 15, Defense Department officials said May 13. Exercise Falcon Virgo tests the aerospace defense of the national capital area. F-16 Fighting Falcon jets, Coast Guard Dolphin choppers

May 13 airpower summary: A-10 strikes enemy positions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted strafing runs

Air Force officials release master sergeant selection stats

Air Force officials here May 14 selected 5,604 of 22,748 eligible technical sergeants for promotion to master sergeant for a selection rate of 24.64 percent. The average score for those selected was 340.41, with an average time in grade and time in service of 4.45 and 16.40 years respectively. The

U.S. pilots train Finns in aerial refueling operations

A group of Airmen with the 100th Air Refueling Wing traveled to Tampere, Finland, May 2 to participate in a week-long exercise with Navy  and Finnish Air Force F-18 Hornet pilots.The Airmen helped teach the Finnish pilots how to refuel in-air from a KC-135 Stratotanker.The exercise marks the first

U.S. Air Force to deploy Raptors to Japan, Guam

The Air Force is deploying two contingents of F-22A Raptors to the Pacific theater this month for approximately 120 days. Current plans call for 12 of the fighters to deploy to Kadena Air Base, Japan, from the 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., and another 12 to deploy to Andersen

New uniforms: Comfortable, functional are goals

Officials from the Uniform Program Office here continue to work for Airmen, researching and purchasing uniforms that provide more function, protection and comfort. The Air Force chief of staff met with office personnel April 21 for an update on clothing issues Airmen face as they support global

AF Honor Guard to post flags at Arlington Cemetery

Officials at Arlington National Cemetery will continue the time-honored tradition of "Flags In" May 21. The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard will join Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Marines from the U.S. Marine Corps Ceremonial and Guard Company, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial

Korean War ace passes away

As an Air Force pilot, Col. Harold E. Fischer Jr. achieved the designation of ace during the Korean conflict and was a high-profile prisoner of war. Colonel Fischer died April 30 in Las Vegas, Nev. He was 83. Originally from Iowa, he joined the Navy after graduating from high school in 1944. He

Providing reconstructive assistance, hope to Afghan homeland

The Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team is providing assistance to rebuild Afghanistan, as well as give the local Afghans a chance to overcome incredible odds to achieve a foothold back into the economic forefront. Housed within the walls of a traditional Afghan qalat, a mud and straw compound, on

Test center officials link mobility to 'boots on the ground'

In the Southern Arizona desert, three C-130 Hercules aircraft recently rumbled over the saguaros and airdropped training bundles to a waiting combat controller. The historic drop was conducted digitally with a tactical data link known as the Situational Awareness Data Link, or SADL. It was the first

U.S., Australia, India train to improve medical care in Pacific

Thirty-two critical care specialists from the United States, Australia and India are scheduled to train on the movement of severely-ill patients in the Pacific theater during a course here May 11-15. Thirteenth Air Force's Theater Patient Movement Requirements Center-Pacific, the aeromedical

46th Test Wing integral part of Hubble repair

May 13 is rendezvous time for the crew of the space shuttle Atlantis and the Hubble Space Telescope. But prior to reaching this point, months of preparation work was done for this mission and the 46th Test Wing played a vital role. During the next week, astronauts will go on five spacewalks to

AFCENT officials begin to look at Iraq reposture

More than 80 Air Force, Army and Navy functional experts gathered here May 5 to 8 to lay the groundwork for U.S. Air Forces Central's reposture from Iraq over the next two years. "The conference ensured AFCENT's reposturing and responsible drawdown is synchronized with (Central Command's) guidance

Airmen build on partnership in Rwanda

U.S. Air Forces Africa conducted a military-to-military engagement with Rwandan Air Force air traffic controllers April 20-24 to expand on the two nations' existing partnership here. Seventeenth Air Force planners (AFAFRICA) from the plans and programs directorate organized the theater security

Airmen deliver 30,000 H1N1 prevention kits to Haiti and Central America

An Air Mobility Command C-17 Globemaster III and its crew, operating in conjunction with U.S. Southern Command efforts, delivered 30,000 H1N1 influenza prevention kits to Haiti and five Central American countries May 8 to 10, according to AMC officials. The H1N1 flu virus, first detected in April,

Air Force teams move on in B-Ball championships

AAFES benefit soon to be available in all 50 states

Barely a month before it marks its 114th anniversary, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service will make history as the Department of Defense's oldest and largest general retailer sets up shop at Rhode Island National Guard Air Base, Quonset Point, R.I. "Until the Quonset Point Shoppette's grand

May 12 airpower summary: B-1B strikes enemy facility

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer carried out a planned strike

May 11 airpower summary: C-17s provide heavy airlift

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, a flight of Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs carried out

USAF, ROKAF put Max Thunder into full swing

U.S. and Republic of Korea Air Force personnel began the second 7th Air Force-designed Max Thunder bilateral air training exercise here May 7. The training opportunity aims to test aircrews' warfighting skills in realistic combat situations that combine both ROKAF and USAF flying and maintenance

AFOTEC announces manpower realignment

The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center will begin realigning manpower to improve mission effectiveness. Pending completion of an environmental impact assessment, the realignment will shift personnel from Kirtland AFB to four AFOTEC detachments located in California, Colorado, Florida

General calls for new thinking on cyberspace

The Air Force's top cyber official told a mostly industry-based audience here May 8 that the cyber arena is filled with new business opportunities, and some very hard challenges. "In an Air Force that is a lot of times focused on kinetic activity -- read that as F-16 (Fighting Falcons) and

Enlisted Heritage Hall receives Airey's CMSAF ring

Paul Wesley Airey, the first chief master sgt. of the Air Force, had a close and very special association with Gunter, which he proved by leaving his CMSAF ring to the Enlisted Heritage Hall museum, his son said. "Dad always wanted his ring to come to Gunter because of his association with the

Air Force continues partnership with Professional Bull Riders

Air Force Recruiting Service officials here announced May 11, the continuation of the Air Force partnership with the Professional Bull Riders, Inc., making it the official armed services branch of PBR. "The Air Force is extremely excited about partnering with the Professional Bull Riders again this

New York Air Guard supports shuttle for 100th time

Eight pararescuemen aboard an HC-130 Hercules from the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing were on hand to support NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis as it launched May 11 from Kennedy Space Center, Fla.It was the 100th time Airmen from the Long Island-based rescue wing have watched a space

2009 Senior Enlisted Leader Summit held at Gunter

The Air Force vice chief of staff of the Air Force addressed the third annual Senior Enlisted Leader Summit May 6 at Gunter's Senior NCO Academy. Gen. William M. Fraser III said all Airmen should know and support the Air Force priorities and live by the Air Force core values of integrity first,

Recruiting, retention numbers strong for active, Reserve

All 10 active-duty and Reserve military components met or exceeded their recruiting goals in April, Defense Department officials here announced May 11. For the second consecutive month, the Marine Corps added the highest percentage of active-duty members. The Corps' goal was to add 1,018 new

B-1B makes impact throughout Southwest Asia

Before late 2008, the B-1B Lancer was known primarily as a bomber, but since then the aircraft was modified to include the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod now provides nontraditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to ground forces. "Before the B-1B was equipped with the sniper pod, we

Multinational medical assistance aids Filipino community

Civilian and military medical specialists from Japan, Australia, Indonesia and Papua-New Guinea provided much-needed care to a community May 4 here as part of the 2009 Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum Voluntary Demonstration of Response on Disaster Relief. The ARF-VDR on DR is a

May 10 airpower summary: Airlift brings supplies to troops

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs used 30mm cannons and guided

May 9 airpower summary: A-10s thwart enemy activity

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs responded to an anti-Afghan

May 8 airpower summary: A-10s provide overwatch

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted strikes on

Idea earns maintainer big money

A simple suggestion earned one Misawa maintainer $10,000 and saved the Air Force thousands more. Staff Sgt. Jerome Latham, an engine craftsman with the 35th Maintenance Squadron, suggested a technical order change to the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness, or IDEA, program. His idea

University students learn about cyber mission

A group of students from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La., got a first-hand look at how Air Force men and women conduct cyberspace operations during a tour of Air Force Cyber Command, (Provisional) here May 5. According to Louisiana Tech professor Dr. Brian Etheridge, director of the honors

Working dog, EOD team partner to secure Alaska's interior

The Department of Homeland Security teamed up with Eielson AFB Airmen here in an effort to keep the Fairbanks North Star Borough safer May 5. A military working dog team assigned to the 354th Security Forces Squadron, and an explosive ordnance disposal team from 354th Civil Engineer Squadron swept

Air Force unmanned aircraft featured on '60 Minutes'

CBS correspondent Lara Logan hosted a 60 Minutes segment May 10 on the Air Force's unmanned aircraft systems and featured the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper. During the piece she interviewed Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Col. Chris Chambliss, commander of the 432d Wing and 432d

Air Force leaders send budget message

The top two Air Force leaders released a joint message May 8 regarding the fiscal 2010 defense budget and shifting Air Force priorities. Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz said that the defense budget focuses on three themes:

Aircrews, maintainers gear up for wildfire season

Reserve and Air National Guard Airmen earned their certifications on the Military Airborne Firefighting System during training May 3 through 9 here. C-130 Hercules aircrews flew MAFFS training missions from the Tucson International Airport from sun up to sundown to finalize their annual

Airmen help Florida youth see inner potential

For 10 troubled young men from the Liberty Juvenile Unit for Special Treatment in Bristol, Fla., May 5 was a chance to receive some respite from the confines of juvenile delinquency. Members of the 325th Security Forces Squadron here hosted the teenagers, who ranged from ages 15 to 18, on a tour of

New facility gives junior officers space to learn self-defense

Arms and legs flailed and thrashed in grappling and arm bars as instructors and students demonstrated self-defense tactics for a grand opening ceremony May 1 at the new Expeditionary Training Center here. Combatives are now part of the new warrior-ethos curriculum being developed and integrated into

Military spouses receive recognition for valued service

Five military spouses received recognition for their valued service to the nation at an award ceremony here May 7. The Military Spouse of the Year awards honor individuals that embody the best characteristics of today's military spouse, said Babette Maxwell, a Navy spouse and the co-founder and

Nations work together to help community

Representatives from four countries teamed up to improve the infrastructure and water supply here in early May as part of the 2009 Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum Voluntary Demonstration of Response on Disaster Relief. The ARF-VDR is an activity designed to prepare

U.S. helicopter responds in self-defense

Members of the 129th Rescue Squadron responded in self-defense when they came under hostile fire May 10 during a flying mission out of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan. The 129th Rescue Squadron flies HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters with a primary mission of performing combat search and rescue tasks, including

Air Force officials unveil acquisition improvement plan

Air Force leaders have announced their plan for improving acquisition, which will have far-reaching impacts on the way the service develops and buys defense capabilities for the nation. The Air Force's acquisition improvement plan "will serve as our strategic framework for the critical work of

DOD officials promote 'World No Tobacco Day'

The last Monday in May is Memorial Day, a day set aside to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to their country. Living freedom to the fullest by reducing unnecessary health risks is one way to honor the memories of those who've died, DOD officials say. Just around the corner

'Today's Air Force' features physical fitness changes

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights upcoming changes to the physical fitness test, a special exercise known as Coronet Cactus and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command. To be accepted as a student pilot is just the beginning of an exciting career.  Becoming a full-fledged pilot is another

May 7 airpower summary: F-15Es cover friendly units

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted a show of

Manas hosts symposium for medical partners

A gathering of medical minds met here recently for a coalition medical symposium sponsored by the 376th Expeditionary Medical Group. Guests attending the symposium included personnel from the Spanish coalition medical staff, U.S. Embassy medical unit, Peace Corps medical staff and the Bishkek

Airmen, veterans can now apply for new GI Bill

The Department of Veterans Affairs opened its doors for accepting Post-9/11 GI Bill applications May 1. All Airmen and former Airmen with at least 90 days of active duty service since Sept. 11, 2001, can choose to apply for education benefits, which begin Aug. 1 under the new GI Bill law. To apply

Air Force leaders name next top enlisted leader

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley have announced the Airman selected to be the service's next enlisted leader. Chief Master Sgt. James A. Roy will become the 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force during an appointment

Klotz confirmed to lead Air Force Global Strike Command

Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz received Senate confirmation to become commander of the Air Force's newest major command, Air Force Global Strike Command. "I am honored to have been nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate to lead our Air Force global strike forces," General Klotz said. "I

Airmen, Soldiers make first jump from Ramstein C-130J

As the ramp let down at 3,000 feet and the sunlight slipped into the cargo bay of a new C-130J Super Hercules, Air Force and Army paratroopers stood ready to execute the first jump from Ramstein Air Base's newest aircraft. As Ramstein transitions from the older C-130E Hercules, some 35 Airmen and

Officials test commercial fuel to replace JP-8 fuel

In an ongoing analysis of alternatives to reduce aviation fuel costs, the Air Force Petroleum Agency here has launched an initiative to use commercial jet fuel in place of military standard JP-8 fuel. The Air Force annually uses about 2.5 billion gallons of fuel, resulting in the service's second

Recruiting Service team covers humanitarian mission

An Air Force Recruiting Service team returned to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, in May following a week in the Dominican Republic where they photographed and videotaped Air Force medics providing healthcare during a medical humanitarian mission. The video and images will be used in a new, five-CD

Academy earns 10-year accreditation

The U.S. Air Force Academy here earned a maximum 10-year accreditation after undergoing a comprehensive and intense evaluation by a team of distinguished leaders in higher education April 27 through 29 here. During its visit, the eight-member team representing the Higher Learning Commission of the

May 6 airpower summary: Reaper targets IED emplacers

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle used guided bomb unit-38s to

Officials release Kandahar C-17 accident investigation report

Air Mobility Command officials here May 8 released the results of its investigation into the Dec. 3, 2008, mishap involving a C-17 Globemaster III at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan. Following an uneventful flight from Germany to Kandahar AB, the mishap aircraft entered its final parking spot and the

Air Force officials release C-17 accident investigation report

Air Mobility Command here May 7 released the results of its investigation into the Jan. 30 mishap involving a C-17 Globemaster III that landed with retracted gear at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. The Accident Investigation Board, convened by AMC officials, concluded the primary cause of the mishap

Predator crashes in eastern Afghanistan

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned Aircraft crashed in eastern Afghanistan May 8 in the early afternoon hours. The crash was not due to hostile fire, and there were no injuries or damage to property as a result of the crash. The aircraft is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted

Coaches Tour 2009 takes shape at McConnell

The game plan to bring some of the biggest names in college sports to troops overseas is in full motion at McConnell Air Force Base. Active and Reserve Airmen here are preparing for the upcoming Coaches Tour 2009, a second annual morale-boosting mission featuring head coaching icons of NCAA

Wounded warrior receives surprise promotion

Staff Sgt. Daniel Acosta woke May 7 thinking he was a senior airman. He was surprised to discover that he was promoted to staff sergeant without his knowledge. Lt. Col. Michael Glass, 59th Medical Support Squadron commander, advised Sergeant Acosta that Lt. Gen. Richard Newton, deputy chief of staff

Reserve, Air Guard maintain aerial firefighting certification

Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard crews and aerial firefighters are participating in a week-long annual certification hosted by the U.S. Forest Service to be qualified and prepared to fight forest fires at a moment's notice. About 40 military air crews and aerial firefighters are

Airmen go 'Beyond the Horizon' to help Jamaicans

More than 3,700 Jamaicans were given free medical, eye and dental care April 11 through 26 when 35 Airmen participated in a U.S. Southern Command humanitarian assistance exercise called Beyond the Horizon. The Air National Guard Airmen from Arizona's 162nd Fighter Wing treated Jamaicans as they

Bagram officials stand up 4 new squadrons

Bagram Airfield officials have added four new squadrons to their growing list of units during an assumption of command ceremony here May 5. More than 1,200 joint expeditionary tasking and provincial reconstruction team Airmen deployed to more than 40 forward operating bases and camps throughout

Nellis to stand up new aircraft maintenance squadron

Air Force Reserve Command officials will activate a new aircraft maintenance squadron in a May 15 ceremony here. The 926th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, part of the 926th Group, supports the Air Force Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base. Under the Total Force Integration initiative, the Air

Air Force fiscal 2010 budget reflects rebalanced priorities

Air Force officials here May 7 announced that its portion of the president's fiscal 2010 budget reflects a balanced strategy to prevail in today's joint fight and sustain air, space and cyberspace dominance. The two overarching principles guiding next year's budget are rebalancing the Air Force's

AETC officials to automate entry control

Drivers pulling up at gates on Air Education and Training Command bases will have something new to greet them later this year -- the Defense Biometric Identification System, or DBIDS. The most visible part of DBIDS, which has already been introduced at Air Force bases around the world, is the

Better-equipped National Guard still faces critical shortages

Equipment critical to both domestic and warfighting missions and aircraft essential to guarding the nation's air sovereignty remain areas of concern for the National Guard. That was the message Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, director of the Air National Guard, and Army Maj. Gen. Raymond W. Carpenter,

Military continues to monitor H1N1 flu virus' path

The U.S. military has prepared for years to confront a public health challenge like the H1N1 influenza virus, a senior Defense Department official said May 6 here. "We have been preparing for a situation like this for more than five years and have plans, processes and procedures to respond to a

May 5 airpower summary: A-10s unleash lethal firepower

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, a coalition aircraft and a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier

DOD teacher works to connect educators worldwide

The project has been brewing since January, but within a month, the first 400-plus volunteers will begin to provide feedback to the creator of the Department of Defense Education Activity Teacher-to-Teacher project.It's a virtual networking, learning, growth and development community," said Dorothy

Levitow's pilot lands at Peterson for leadership visit

"I don't need to tell you about character, if you didn't have it, you wouldn't be here," retired Maj. Kenneth Carpenter said to approximately 200 Airmen who gathered in the base auditorium April 28 to support his Year of Leadership program visit here. During his hour-long chat with the audience,

Major motorcycle safety event held at Pentagon

Senior leaders from the military services gathered together in the Pentagon parking lot May 1 to take part in a National Capital Region Joint Service Motorcycle Safety Event, designed to promote rider safety programs throughout the military. The two-day event included motorcycle skills

Regulation changes to allow for longer South Korean tours

Department of Defense officials approved changes to the Joint Federal Travel Regulation that affects the length of military tours in Korea recently. The revised JFTR allows for 24- or 36-month accompanied tours at bases in Pyeongtaek, Osan, Daegu, Chinhae and Seoul, while two additional locations --

Gates lauds U.S. efforts to boost Saudi military capacity

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates here May 6 called the mentorship that U.S. forces are providing the Saudi Arabian military a key factor in maintaining stability in the region and an example of the capacity-building efforts he'd like to see more of elsewhere in the world. Secretary Gates held a

Nellis Airmen locate missing aircraft

An HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue crew from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., found the wreckage an overdue aircraft in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range May 1.The missing aircraft was the subject of the large-scale search by state officials and Civil Air Patrol members, but there were no survivors from the

'Continuum of Service' video promotes total force options

In an effort to retain highly skilled Airmen for a lifetime of service, Air Force leaders recently unveiled a Continuum of Service video that helps to promote seamless changes in duty status in the total force structure. The video, produced by a team from the Secretary of the Air Force Office of

May 4 airpower summary: C-17s provide heavy airlift

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets and an Air Force B-1B Lancer

CDC confirms H1N1 case involving military dependent

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials confirmed one isolated case of the H1N1 flu virus involving a military dependent at Nellis Air Force Base. The dependent, an 11-year-old boy, is one of two cases announced in Clark County by the Southern Nevada Health District May 5. He has fully