Spangdahlem extending medical care to Bitburg Annex

When the Bitburg Annex Hospital closes July 1, the 52nd Fighter Wing will have extended-care clinics using local German hospitals, to care for the medical needs of more than 19,000 servicemembers, civilians and their families. "In all reality, for most of our patients, they will see virtually no

Berlin Candy Bomber meets children of today, yesteryear

The Candy Bomber met children of all ages at an open house here March 22, including a man who received chocolate dropped to him as a child in Germany.Retired Col. Gail Halvorsen received his nickname for dropping candy tied to parachutes from his C-54 Skymaster to children during the Berlin

A-10 modifications speed up to support warfighters

The Air Force will soon benefit from an A-10 Thunderbolt II milestone achieved here in March. Personnel from the 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron completed a precision engagement modification on an A-10 14 days ahead of schedule.The modification gives the A-10 precision weapons capability through

Old windshields new protection for Kirkuk tower guards

The 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron structures department team put their heads together to come up with a better way to protect the Airmen who guard the base. By placing 3-inch thick, 260-pound safety glass with a titanium frame in the windows of the newly designed guard towers, the

Open house showcases military might, yesterday's heritage

Nearly 500 visitors met current-day met warriors and a living legend during the March 22 open house at Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico. Military members and equipment, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol air assets, and an historic C-54 with Berlin candy bomber retired Col. Gail

340th EARS keeps aircraft in fight 24/7

Despite the age of the KC-135 Stratotanker, one of the Air Force's top recapitalization priorities,  the role of the Airmen in the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron to refuel coalition aircraft has proven critical to the U.S. Central Command mission. As enablers, the refuelers make every

Air Force selects developer for Langley privatization

Langley took another step toward privatization when the Air Force announced BLB Family Housing, LLC, as the highest bidder for Langley's Military Housing Privatization Initiative recently. BLB, a venture between Hunt ELP, Ltd. and Pinnacle American Management Services, will be responsible for

Air Force legend Col. Chase Nielsen passes away

Retired Lt. Col. Chase J. Nielsen, one of the famed "Tokyo Doolittle Raiders" who helped boost American morale in the early days of World War II with a surprise air attack on Japan and spent a lifetime as an advocate for American airpower, died March 23 at his home in Brigham City, Utah. Born Jan.

Coast Guard pilot traces roots to Air Force opportunities

An Airman formed a passion for flying after enlisting in the Air Force, and with the educational benefits afforded to him, this former senior airman now flies Coast Guard helicopters here. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Juan Lopez was once an aerospace ground equipment mechanic at Norton Air Force Base in

Airman competes for Miss USA crown

She has been anticipating this moment since being crowned Miss Arkansas USA in October and it is finally here. Second Lt. Kelly George, a resident of Sherwood, Ark., and the deputy chief of public affairs for the 314th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, vies for the title of Miss USA March

Airmen mentor Afghan National Army soldiers

At the Kabul Military Training Center, Airmen among other U.S.military service members are supporting the Afghan National Army's progress into a full, independent military. Nineteen Air Force personnel at KMTC contribute to that effort by mentoring ANA soldiers into professional military members.

NORAD, USNORTHCOM welcome new commander

Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. became the 20th commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and the third commander of U.S. Northern Command in a change-of-command ceremony here March 23. Defending the homeland and providing defense support of civil authorities are top priorities for

AFIT awards 245 diplomas

More than 240 scientists, engineers and management specialists earned graduate and doctoral degrees from the Air Force Institute of Technology.  Diplomas were presented at a graduation ceremony March 22 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.The institute's Graduate School of Engineering and

In-lieu-of Airmen excel in Iraqi provincial reconstruction

More than ever before, Airmen are serving combat deployments traditionally filled by the Army and Marine Corps. Because of sister-service personnel shortages, Airmen are serving in-lieu-of, or ILO, the Soldiers and Marines who would normally execute these combat missions. In Iraq alone, nearly 1,700

Airmen visit Australian primary school

At a primary school about 15 kilometers from this year's Australian International Air Show, a group of Airmen introduced themselves and the U.S. Air Force to local students curious about the airplanes they had seen flying overhead the last few days.During the school visit March 22, the group also

Weather forecaster brings morning show to Luke AFB

Airmen here played host to an early morning show March 22, giving Arizona citizens a look at what the Air Force has to offer, from the comfort of their homes.The live television remote featured Brad Perry, from Channel 3 KTVK. The weather forecaster brought his show to the base so he could telling

'Week in Photos' highlights Airmen in action

The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions. While in Iraq, Senior Airman David Hallmon inspects unused ammunition at Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq. All unserviceable ammo is sent to the explosive ordnance disposal team for detonation.

Barksdale couple donates fuel for Afghan women

Thanks to a donation by two Airmen from here, Afghan women received 1,500 liters of heating fuel critical to help them through the winter.The donation was made by Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Melahn and Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth Melahn, who is deployed as the Afghan National Army Embedded Training

PACAF band entertains at Indian Air Force jubilee

For the Indian Air Force's 75th anniversary, the Pacific Air Forces rock group "Pacific Trends" joined military bands from India, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand to perform at the Indian Air Force Platinum Jubilee Tattoo here March 17. This was one of the final performances of Pacific Trends in

Air Force Claims Service Center opens

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne officially opened the Air Force Claims Center here March 23 with the cut of a ribbon. Now, Airmen stationed around the world have a centralized claims center to file legal claims and it can all be done online. The chief of the Air Force Claims Service

'Que Bien' Air Force Week

The Air Force showcased its assets, capabilities and Hispanic Airmen during Air Force Week to 15 countries around the world March 21-22. Univision reporter Tony Dandrades of "Primer Impacto," a nationally televised, 60-minute Spanish-language news program, told the Air Force story during his time at

Captain earns spot on DOD speakers tour

An officer from the 33rd Fighter Wing is one of two Air Force members selected for a new Department of Defense program. Capt. Michael Frasco, a flight commander in the wing's 33rd Maintenance Operations Squadron, joins representatives from each military service in the "Why We Serve" Speakers

Air Force launches 'E-Mail for Life' initiative

Air Force Communications Agency officials are launching an initiative called E-Mail for Life, or E4L. The program is projected to save money, jumpstart the consolidation of the service's multiple e-mail systems and provide senior leaders the capability to e-mail every Air Force member directly."The

DOD investigates hacking of troops' personal computers

Defense Department officials have launched an investigation into recent computer hackings of servicemembers' home computers that compromised personal information and led to the redirection of funds from their military pay accounts. Over the past eight months, nearly two dozen Defense Finance and

Air Force program delivers a touch of home

Representatives from Armed Forces Entertainment flocked to Austin for the 2007 South by Southwest, or SXSW, music and film festival. Their mission was to recruit new talent for their tours that travel around the globe. The groups are not paid to participate, but all of their expenses are covered and

Virtual tour guides newest addition to airforce.com

The Air Force's official recruiting Web site, airforce.com, unveiled its latest innovation March 22 with the introduction of virtual tour guides on the site's home page. The tour guides are realistic video clips of active-duty Airmen who introduce the site's main features to web users. One of six

Alaska Airmen aid injured British Sailor

Airmen in Alaska came through for a wounded British Sailor March 21 when he was injured during a deadly explosion aboard the Royal Navy submarine HMS Tireless operating in Arctic waters north of Prudhoe Bay. The submarine experienced an explosion of a self contained oxygen generation candle that

SERE instructors attend Army combat lifesaver course

A handful of survival, evasion, resistance and escape instructors were given the opportunity to attend a combat lifesaver course March 19-21at the Army National Guard classroom here. The SERE instructors were invited to attend the course in return for previously giving members of the 396th Combat

Air Force participates in Australian air show

Airmen are taking part in the U.S. exposition at the 2007 Australian International Airshow here in southern Australia. During this six-day event, the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines are on display for an audience of Australian and Pacific regional defense force leaders, government officials and

CMSAF visits Luke Airmen during Air Force Week

Enlisted Airmen at Luke Air Force base were given the opportunity to hear from and have breakfast with the Air Force's top enlisted man during a visit March 21. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley is at Luke supporting Air Force Week, a seven-day event designed to thank the

Stepping up foreign language, cultural awareness for Airmen

Air Force officials are broadening their vision of the expeditionary Airman. Armed with a wide range of combat skills, serving multiple deployments in wartime theaters, this leaner, more agile Airman must now learn to navigate the global cultural landscape. "Our Air Force needs Airmen who can

Joint forces volunteers donate time, goods

Volunteers made a community relations trip to a refugee camp on the outskirts of Afghanistan's capital city and successfully distributed clothes and toys. More than 40 U.S. and coalition servicemembers and Department of Defense civilians donated their time and effort to distribute the goods to

Munitions Airmen on the job

Blue uniforms continue presence in Puerto Rico

Since 1939, an American blue uniform presence has been on Puerto Rico to maintain a military force and to deter enemy forces from here or the homeland. From 1939 to 1973, Air Force bluesuiters were stationed at what was once called Ramey Air Force Base in the northwest corner of Puerto Rico.  When

Med Evac flies first non-stop from Afghanistan to Germany

The first non-stop medical evacuation flight from Bagram Air Base to Landstuhl, Germany, lifted off March 21. The lengthy three- to five-day route from Bagram AB through Kuwait to Landstuhl has been reduced to an approximate 10-hour direct flight to provide faster service to wounded servicemembers

Falcons reach NIT final four in NYC

Air Force handily won its first two games in the National Invitation Tournament, but had to survive a nail biter to advance to the semifinals. Jacob Burtschi's lay up with 7.7 seconds left was the game winner as the Falcons held on for a dramatic 52-51 win over DePaul March 21, in front of an

Track & Field: Korte named MWC athlete of the week

Air Force senior thrower Olivia Korte is the Mountain West Conference Women's Outdoor Track and Field Athlete of the Week, the league office announced March 21.  It is the second such honor for Korte, who joins New Mexico's Anthony Fairbanks, who earned the men's weekly honor. Korte is the top

C-17 missions play vital role in war on terrorism

Sitting on the tarmac here, the "Spirit of Go for Broke," a C-17 Globemaster III from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, looks like any other of its kind.Large, grey, boxy, with expansive wings ending in a curved wingtip, this C-17 is one of eight aircraft jointly maintained and operated by both active

Afghan generals visit Air Force training squadron

Several key leaders from the Afghan National Army toured here March 16 in order to gain a stronger understanding of key communication areas to help their training programs in Afghanistan. Afghan National Army Maj. Gen. Mehrab Ali, Brig. Gen. Baba Mirza and Col. Said Farooq Yosuf Zai came to Keesler

Air Force Week displays highlight airpower

Air Force displays lined the street.  Spectators toured and asked questions, discovering what the Air Force brings to the fight and the amazing things their Air Force is doing around the globe. One Air Force Week event took place outside the Arizona Science Center in Heritage Square in downtown

Air Force fosters "warrior ethos" in all Airmen

Whether it's the recent changes to basic military training, continual preparation for deployments, engaging in combat or new and better uniforms, Air Force leaders are instilling a warrior mindset in Airmen. That warrior ethos -- the foundation of what it means to be an Airman -- traces its roots to

New GPS-guided airdrops aid aircrew accuracy

Mobility aircrews now have a new tool which uses Global Positioning System, or GPS, to help them deliver cargo more accurately and safely in deployed theaters of operation. The Joint Precision Airdrop System, or JPADS, allows airdrops to be conducted from higher altitudes with improved accuracy,

Airman's Roll Call focuses on anthrax vaccinations

The Department of Defense anthrax vaccination program is the focus of this week's Airman's Roll Call.The vaccinations recently became mandatory for Airmen with orders to, or currently in, specific high-threat areas, such as the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility or the Korean peninsula.The

Football: Air Force Academy's 2007 schedule released

The 2007 Air Force Academy football schedule, released March 21 by the Mountain West Conference, features 12 consecutive weeks of play and 11 televised games. Five of the games are nationally televised while six others are regional. The Falcons also will play two Thursday night games, one at home,

Air Force changes leave, special liberty

Airmen may now be granted a special liberty (pass) in conjunction with leave without requiring a duty day between the pass and leave periods. Airmen must be physically present in the local area when departing and returning from leave. If they wish to leave the local area during the pass period and

Hill AFB welcomes deployed Airman at Warrior Welcome

Members of the 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron, friends and family rallied around more than 50 Airmen who recently redeployed from various locations during a Warrior Welcome gathering here March 15. Those at the Warrior Welcome party acknowledged recently returned members from deployment, those

AFSO 21 officials offer 'Views You Can Use'

The Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century office created a new product to keep Airmen informed about AFSO 21. The new "Views You Can Use" is a monthly informational product AFSO 21 officials hope will spotlight useful AFSO21 concepts and successes stories. "Our job as America's Airmen is

Air Force Week kicks off in Phoenix

Several bus loads of Airmen from nearby Luke Air Force Base joined Arizona state officials and Air Force senior leaders at the state's capitol March 19 to kick off this year's first Air Force Week. Air Force Week is designed to increase public awareness of the Air Force's mission, capabilities and

Former CMSAF Murray joining retiree council

A new face will share the head of the Air Force Retiree Council table at its annual meeting May 14 to 18. Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray, who left active duty in October, succeeds CMSAF Frederick J. Finch as council co-chair with Lt. Gen. Donald L. Peterson. The

New Horizons provides aid, strengthens bonds

CSAF's Scope highlights AOR trip

The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the general feels are of special importance to today's Airmen. Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues was his February trip to the Central Command area of responsibility. "All around the world our Airmen are engaged across the spectrum of conflict, from

Air Force NCO enjoys noteworthy exchange

During a 10-day NCO cultural exchange program with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force that ended March 20, one Air Force NCO had a chance to meet some unexpected "brass." While most of the NCOs found their counterpart's jobs were quite similar to their own, there was one noteworthy exception --

Country artist Robison eager to entertain in Iraq, Kuwait

The air crackles with anticipation, as he makes his first move.G,C,C,G,C,C,D,G. The letters are the opening chords of country music artist Charlie Robison's song, "My Hometown," one of the songs he will perform during an Armed Forces Entertainment tour March 18 to 27 to Kuwait and Iraq. He feels the

Falcon forwards march over Georgia in NIT

Jacob Burtschi and Dan Nwaelele are determined to graduate as winners. The Air Force senior forwards combined for 40 points and 16 rebounds to power the Falcons to an 83-52 rout of visiting Georgia in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament, in front of a near-capacity crowd of 5,698

Development teams guide Reserve Airmen's careers

The Air Force Reserve Command is working on a new program designed to maximize the potential of its Airmen as they chart their future careers. It encourages them to forward their desires up the chain of command, and will prepare future air and space leaders to seize the opportunities afforded them

Laughlin begins services, mission support merger

In ongoing efforts to become a more responsive and efficient organization, the Air Force's services and mission support squadrons have begun merging, and the organization is using Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, as the first of six test bases as it rolls out the consolidation. The merger of the

Spangdahlem Airmen evaluated on anti-terrorism measures

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency recently sent an inspection team to evaluate the anti-terrorism measures taking place here."We come in and look at what a terrorist (might) see from the outside looking in." said Army Colonel Mike Sigmund, the chief of Joint Staff Integrated Vulnerability

Airmen streamline F-15 transfer process

Airmen at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., are teaming with their Air National Guard counterparts there to incorporate Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century principles in hopes of speeding the process of transferring F-15 Eagles. As part of the validation and verification process, the unit

Air power purchasing process continues to improve

Air Combat Command's award-winning acceptance team in Marietta, Ga., is setting the precedent on how the Air Force accepts airplanes. Working alongside the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, during production of the F-22A Raptor, ACC's Raptor Acceptance Team is a geographically

Air Guard retirement process goes online

Eligible members of the Air National Guard can now submit retirement applications electronically via the virtual Personnel Center -- Guard and Reserve. This is the second Guard-specific capability added to the 24-hour customer service Web portal operated by the Air Reserve Personnel Center

Air Force officials implement energy initiatives program

Two installations are going to serve as test bases for the Air Force's new energy initiatives pilot test program. Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and McGuire AFB, N.J., were chosen due to their geographic locations and their operational and facility characteristics. Officials will be looking at

Skeletal remains discovered during dig at Mildenhall

As the archeological team from Suffolk County Council was in the middle of a routine dig in the RAF Mildenhall officers' housing area in Beck Row March 12, they knew they'd stumbled across an interesting find when a shovel hit something solid. That  "something solid" turned out to be the skull of a

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's "Today's Air Force" includes features on how the Air Force moves cargo, Airmen providing medical assistance to Cambodians and how maintenance units in the Pacific are saving Air Force money. The long-format, weekly news show tells Air Force stories in more depth. The program is made up

Manas Airmen reunite sister cities Bishkek, Colorado Springs

Airmen from the base, representing the city of Colorado Springs, Colo., paid a visit March 14 to the mayor of its sister city, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The meeting, which included Marie Yovanovitch, U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, took place as a renewal of cultural ties established between the

Airmen, Soldier nutrition specialists work, train together

Army nutrition specialists from the 396th Combat Support Hospital Army at Fort Vancouver, Wash., had the opportunity to join Airmen here this month to share food service tricks of the trade. The Soldiers from the 396th CSH specialize in medical patients' and Soldiers' diets. They worked at the Ross

'Week in Photos' highlights Airmen around the world

The "Week In Photos" Web featured on Air Force Link provides visitors photos that feature the Air Force's missions.Staff Sgt. Irene Noriega assigned to the 62nd Airlift Wing at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., pedals 'til it burns as she participates in a cardiovascular workout spin class March 9 at

Airmen hone advanced contingency skills in manuevers

Airmen practice squad and fire team manuevers March 14 on a Fort Dix, N.J., range with other students as part of a tactics and patrolling class for the Advanced Contingency Skills Training Course. The course, made up of more than 300 students, prepares Airmen for upcoming deployments through

Balad air traffic controllers maintain safer skies for Iraq

With 5,000 air operations per week within a five-nautical-mile radius from surface level to 3,000 feet, the airfield here is the busiest in the Department of Defense. In fact, the runways at Balad Air Base are part of the world's busiest combat operation. At this pace, the 22 Airmen assigned as air

It's never too late to get 'fit to fight'

Peek into the H-6 fitness center any time of the day or night, chances are someone is huffing, puffing and sweating their way to being 'fit to fight.' Air Expeditionary Force 5-6 is well underway, but it's not too late to start working on those push ups, crunches and 1.5-mile run. "The current Air

Academy cadet triumphs over personal tragedies

As part of a church group, Cadet 2nd Class Erik Mirandette felt a need to help other people. His journey would take him more than two years and 9,000 miles across the African continent -- a journey that would cost him more than time and distance. "It was a sense of restlessness that I wanted to make

Airmen train to help Iraqi air force rebuild

Air Force instructors at the Army's Camp Bullis are training Iraq-centric and basic warfighting skills to students from a host of different career fields. The focus of this training is to teach students a unique blend of training techniques so they can help the Iraqi air force rebuild their

Additional charges filed against cadet

Academy officials have filed additional charges against a cadet. Cadet 2nd Class Christopher Wolff, a junior, was charged March 14 with two more violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The new charges are two specifications of violating Article 92 of the UCMJ, failure to obey an order or

New program lets Air Force members speak their minds

A group of Airmen and Air Force civilians are being invited to become the Air Force's Internal Communication Assessment Group, called the ICAG. Internal communication refers to how the Air Force delivers information to Airmen and Air Force civilians. Senior Air Force leaders want to know Airmen's

Aviano Airmen put skills to test

A NATO Tactical Evaluation kicked off here recently to inspect Aviano Air Base's ability to respond to crisis. As part of the TACEVAL the evaluation team tested security forces Airmen with a surprise mob of demonstrators protesting the U.S. military. During the scenario, the demonstrators became

Anthrax program becomes mandatory for some Airmen

 The Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program, or AVIP, mandates Airmen assigned to high-threat areas receive the Anthrax vaccine, while also providing Airmen the choice to continue anthrax vaccines if they are not assigned to a designated high-threat area. Headquarters Air Force sent out an

Five Ramstein Airmen earn Army combat badge

Five Airmen from the 435th Vehicle Readiness Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany received Army Combat Action Badges, for their deployment to Iraq last year in support of the Army. During their time in Iraq all five Airmen were actively engaged in combat. The vehicle operators were deployed to

Letter to Airmen focuses on education, training

In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne recognizes the importance of the training every Airman receives, and credits these knowledge-enabled Airmen with exploring new technologies to get the job done.The secretary said that the training, skill and knowledge of a

Airman's Roll Call focuses on NCO conference

Addressing the concerns of Airmen by the Air Force's top leaders during an NCO conference with is the subject of this week's Airman's Roll Call. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley met with 50 NCOs at Bolling Air Force Base,

Hockey: Academy Cadet a finalist for Hobey Baker Award

Air Force junior Eric Ehn has been selected as a finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, college hockey's most prestigious individual honor. A center from Dexter, Mich., Ehn has led the nation in scoring 14 of the last 17 weeks. He currently leads the nation with 1.68 points per game with 62

Hockey: Two Falcons earn awards

Air Force junior Eric Ehn and senior Andrew Ramsey were honored at the Atlantic Hockey Association banquet March 15, at the RIT Inn and Conference Center in Rochester, N.Y. Ehn was named the league's player of the year and earned first-team all-conference honors. Ramsey was a second-team all-AHA

Air Force chief of staff outlines priorities

The Air Force chief of staff outlined some of the Air Force's priorities during a visit here March 13. During a breakfast with Airmen and also during an interview with local reporters, General Moseley talked about the future of the Air Force, and more specifically, the future of the base in regards

Nature of war requires successful airlift

The commander of United States Transportation Command visited Bagram Air Base March 14 to observe and speak about the airlift mission being performed throughout Afghanistan. Airlift is an important part of Operation Enduring Freedom, said the visiting General Norton Schwartz. Making up the airlift

Airmen learn new perspectives from leadership

Air Force leaders invited more than 50 junior and senior NCOs to the nation's capital March 12 to 13 to discuss Air Force triumphs and challenges with senior leaders. Participants ranged from staff sergeants to chief master sergeants in a variety of career fields and from a variety of locations. The

Airmen choosing to stay true to blue

Since 1965, retention rates for first-term Airmen have been set at 55 percent and today, even with constant deployments, budgetary constraints and force shaping initiatives, those rates continue to exceed. Around the globe, young Airmen are choosing to stay blue. Senior Airman Joshua Ames is a

Ramstein's 50-year-old runway gets makeover

After years of construction on Ramstein's flightline, the end is in sight. First the base got a brand new runway, now construction crews are working on the last segment of a year-long make over to Ramstein's old north runway. "About a year ago we started construction," says Capt. David Vanderburg,

Aerial porters keep the Afghan missions moving

Outside of the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron here sits a rock structure that reads: "We didn't send you here, but we'll get you out." A close-knit team of aerial porters bring this statement to fruition every day. The 8th EAMS' aerial porters provide cargo and passenger support for unit

AMC, 463rd Airlift Group welcome first C-130J

Gen. Duncan McNabb, Air Mobility Command commander, delivered the 463rd Airlift Group' s first combat-ready C-130J Hercules March 13. The aircraft will be used in combat operations around the world. "This is a big day for Little Rock and it is a big day for Air Mobility Command. I'm really excited

New tower cab opens at Ramstein

After two-and-a-half years of planning and construction, Ramstein Air Base's new tower cab is finally open for business.The new cab is vital for mission success, since Ramstein has taken on more air traffic control responsibility with the closing of Rhein-Main Air Base. Among the new improvements to

First MQ-9 Reaper makes its home on Nevada flightline

The MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle's  younger, yet larger and stronger, brother, the MQ-9 Reaper arrived March 13 at its new home at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The remotely piloted aircraft completed initial testing in California, then flew more than 250 miles in two hours to land here. The

'In lieu of' Airmen learn Soldier skills at Fort Bragg

Several hundred Airmen from varied skill sets are in the midst of three months of training at Fort Bragg, N.C., in preparation for a future deployment to Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan. The training is designed to teach basic Army ground maneuver skills. The Airmen from around the

General discusses options for growing USAFE mission

As the Air Force evolves to meet and defeat future challenges, the Airmen of U.S. Air Forces in Europe are also expanding their mission toward the future. During a visit to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Gen. William T. Hobbins discussed expanding operations in Africa and new NATO countries. "The

Military photographers key to training, investigations

Security forces and medical services Airmen respond to the scene of a mock accident. After the victims are taken care of, the scene will be documented for investigative purposes -- that's where the base photographer comes in. Senior Airman Robert Barnett is a photographer with the 35th

What's on the Chief's Scope?

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley launched a new Web feature March 14 to tell Airmen what is of special interest to him. Known as "The Chief's Scope," it is designed to briefly highlight current topics General Moseley feels are important to America's Airmen. "The issues on my scope

Virtual Flag exercise hosted at Pentagon

The Air Force's C4ISR Visualization Center at the Pentagon, along with the 705th Combat Training Squadron from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., hosted a simulation exercise March 7 to help joint tactical air controllers experience the challenges of calling in air strikes to enemy targets

Air Guard crew flies mission to save Soldier's life

They flew at night and into the next day from Iraq nonstop to the United States. Fifteen hours and 10 time zones later, they handed over their precious cargo in Maryland: a Soldier who had been wounded in combat. Then, to the hum of jet engines, they packed their gear and returned to fly similar

Eielson powers its own mission

Every morning, as Airmen here drive onto base, they are greeted by friendly waves -- waves of billowing steam stretching into the crisp morning sky. This steam is more than just hot air. It is the life's blood of the base, and it comes from the central heat and power plant here. "It is unique," said

Preparation critical for EOD Airmen

Explosive ordnance disposal members put their lives on the line each time they run into a building, shelter or area containing a suspicious package or bomb. Training and preparation are critical for every EOD Airmen, down to the clothes they wear. "The suit we wear is designed to help protect us

Base residents play vital role in conserving energy

A 3-percent reduction in energy consumption each year through 2015 as outlined by executive order has the potential to save hundreds of thousands of dollars at each base. For residents here, that energy reduction equates to about $930,000. People who live on base are making a contribution by taking

Aviano Airmen put operations support to test

A recent inspection here is showing how Airmen are prepared to support operations during the war on terrorism. NATO exercise evaluators travel across Europe to assess how well a country's military is able to handle certain scenarios they may face during war time. More than 100 NATO inspectors are

Data links give Airmen attack controllers 'big picture'

A small group of Airmen are having a dramatic effect on the battlefield. They're in demand from everyone from Army squads and platoons to large defense contractors. Everyone wants a joint terminal attack controller on their team -- and with good reason. They are crucial to putting air force bombs on