June 1, 2018 Air Force Band, Honor Guard perform in Memorial Day events across country "On Memorial Day," President Donald J. Trump said in his 2018 proclamation, "we pause in solemn gratitude to pay tribute to the brave patriots who laid down their lives defending peace and freedom while in service to our great nation."
June 1, 2018 9th MUNS AFCOMAC’s warfighting contributions Warheads on foreheads is a common expression heard across the Air Force, but without all of the skill and expertise of ammo Airmen throughout the career field, dropping munitions on our enemies wouldn’t be possible. Maintaining proficiency in their craft is important, which is why all ammo troops in
May 31, 2018 Number of promotion opportunities for exceptional performers to increase Air Force officials have announced changes to the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program, a program designed to promote enlisted Airmen early who demonstrate exceptional potential. The changes will take effect immediately.
May 31, 2018 Command meets its cost-savings objective for second fiscal year in a row Air Force Materiel Command captured more than $2.5 billion in cost savings for fiscal year 2017, the second fiscal year in a row the command has achieved its strategic savings objective.
May 31, 2018 OTS revamps program creating more efficient, effective training environment Over the past year, Air University’s Officer Training School has been revamping its program in order to provide a more efficient and effective training experience for its cadets. One of the major changes the school has made has been the implementation of pre-requisite courses designed to cover
May 31, 2018 Around the Air Force: May 30 On this look around the Air Force Officer Training School cadets hit the ground running with a new prerequisites course, the Air Force is looking for a few good retired Airmen, and a new database makes it easy to look up medals and awards.
May 30, 2018 Instructor pilot shares experience in AFW2 program before competing in Warrior Games The end of an Easter egg hunt in 2017 brought Capt. Hunter Barnhill, 37th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, down to the ground as his body was trapped in a seizure.
May 29, 2018 RAF Warrant Officer leads renovation of 1st Lt. Jarvis Offutt’s grave The recent restoration of 1st Lt. Jarvis Offutt’s grave was sparked when a Royal Air Force rivet joint specialist, assigned to RAF Waddington’s 56 Squadron visited the grave to pay respects to the former squadron member in December 2017, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Nebraska.
May 29, 2018 Air Force strengthens partnerships through International Enlisted Engagements Program The Air Force educates and trains more than 11,800 international partner air force members each year. Historically, enlisted airmen have made up a relatively small subset of this total. But the U.S. Air Force believes there is an opportunity to apply the world-class skills and expertise of the
May 24, 2018 AF announces 2018 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award winners Air Force officials recently named the three winners of the 2018 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award.
May 23, 2018 Retired Air Force rated officers welcomed back on active duty Retired Air Force rated officers with Air Force Specialty Codes 11X-pilot, 12X-combat systems officer or 13B-air battle manager are encouraged to apply for the Voluntary Retired Return to Active Duty Program to help alleviate manning shortages within the Air Force rated community.
May 23, 2018 Air Force releases master sergeant 18E7 promotion cycle statistics The Air Force has selected 6,176 technical sergeants for promotion to master sergeant out of 20,866 eligible for a selection rate of 29.60 percent in the 18E7 promotion cycle.
May 22, 2018 AFPC launches database for special trophies, awards information As the Air Force continues to streamline guidance and target improvements that impact Total Force Airmen in the squadrons, the Air Force’s Personnel Center has implemented an initiative placing all special trophies and award descriptions and eligibility information into a single location for maximum
May 21, 2018 New tool enhances AF safety inspections, assessments and evaluations A new module has been launched through the Air Force Safety Automated System on May 17,2018, arming safety professionals Air Force-wide with a single method to document and track both spot and annual inspections, as well as safety assessments and evaluations at a local and enterprise level.
May 21, 2018 Whole Airman Concept: Leadership development Airmen from the 821st Contingency Response Support Squadron are using the Whole Airman Concept to find innovative ways to incorporate leadership development into their everyday squadron routine.
May 19, 2018 Air Force honors Maj. Ian Holt, Capt. Abby Hall as Athletes of the Year Maj. Ian Holt and Capt. Abby Hall were recently named 2017 Air Force Athletes of the Year.
May 18, 2018 Around the Air Force: Air Force Cyber Mission / Science & Technology 2030 Initiative In this episode of Around the Air Force, Air Force Cyber Teams achieved full operational capability a full four months ahead of schedule and the Air Forces Science & Technology outreach program is looking for visionary ideas on university campuses as part of the Science & Technology 2030 Initiative.
May 18, 2018 Air Force announces Arthur S. Flemming Award winners Air Force officials recently announced the three recipients of the 69th Annual Arthur S. Flemming Award.
May 17, 2018 Air University hosts 65th National Security Forum Air University’s Air War College opened its doors to more than 100 community leaders, representing 39 different states, from May 8-10, 2018, to help solidify bridges and relationships between the military and the civilian sectors through the annual National Security Forum, hosted and sponsored by
May 16, 2018 Air Force soars during 2018 National High School Drill Team Championships The nation’s top Junior ROTC cadets traveled to Daytona Beach, Florida, May 4-6, for the 2018 National High School Drill Team Championships.The high school students showcased their skills in both armed and unarmed categories in front of judges and military training instructors from all branches of
May 16, 2018 Air Force selects 6,176 in 18E7/master sergeant promotion cycle; list posts May 23 Air Force officials have selected 6,176 technical sergeants for promotion to master sergeant out of 20,866 eligible for a selection rate of 29.60 percent.
May 16, 2018 Air Force Science and Technology 2030 campaign: Your ideas will shape the Air Force of tomorrow The Air Force Research Laboratory continues its support of the Air Force Science and Technology 2030 initiative and joined with Indiana University to host a listening forum at the university’s Bloomington, Indiana campus May 10-11, 2018.
May 16, 2018 6th ARS in-flight refueling section recognized as best in Air Force At the 39th Annual Boom Operator’s Symposium at Altus AFB, Oklahoma, the section received the 2017 Senior Master Sgt. Albert L. Evans Trophy. The award is given to the most outstanding air refueling section in the Air Force each year. The 6th ARS received the honor for the sixth time, more than any
May 14, 2018 Air advisors strengthen Partner Nations capabilities Two Airmen from the 621st Air Mobility Advisory Group are making significant contributions in strengthening Air Mobility Command's mobility partnerships with allied nations.
May 11, 2018 Kessel Run hits hyperdrive Thirty active duty Airmen, Air Force civilians and contractors gathered in a shared workspace downtown May 7, 2018, for the opening of the Kessel Run Experimentation Lab, where they will build the next generation of combat software.
May 10, 2018 Air Force awards first ESPC of 2018 Recently, the Defense Logistics Agency awarded a $42 million energy savings performance contract,or ESPC, to be executed and maintained by Energy Systems Group, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. This represents the Air Force’s first such awarded contract of 2018.
May 9, 2018 Additive manufacturing capability could generate future efficiencies and cost-savings Additive manufacturing, a process commonly known as three-dimensional printing, describes technologies that build 3-D objects by adding layers. Team members in the Technology Innovation Branch at Arnold Air Force Base are looking at AM as a way to create efficiencies and cost-savings for the Arnold
May 9, 2018 Air Force and NSF announce partnership in science and engineering research Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson and National Science Foundation Director France Córdova signed a letter of intent May 9, 2018, creating a new partnership for collaboration on scientific and engineering research to bolster national security.
May 9, 2018 F-16 Service Life Extension Program a ‘great deal’ for DoD, taxpayers An Air Force Thunderbird jet is the first of what will be roughly 300 refurbished C and D model F-16’s that will roll off the shop floor of the 573rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here after receiving multiple structure-strengthening modifications.
May 7, 2018 Application deadlines approaching for Air Force youth camps The summer adventure season is about to start, and there’s still time for Air Force youth to apply for more than 20 camps available at locations across the United States.
May 4, 2018 AF plans to accelerate defendable space with Next-Gen OPIR The Air Force announced its intention to award two sole-source contracts for the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared program.
May 4, 2018 Air Force photo contest begins, theme is “Freedom” The 2018 Air Force photo contest, managed by the Air Force Services Activity, officially began May 1, 2018.This year’s theme is “Freedom” with the contest running through May 31.
May 3, 2018 EOD revamps physical training regimen “(Physical training) for them was getting ‘smoked every day,’” said Staff Sgt. Shawn Briggs, 366th Training Squadron explosive ordnance disposal preliminary course instructor.
May 3, 2018 German-American partnership on display during air show The 2018 Berlin Air and Trade Show fell under the same year as the 70th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, in which U.S. and allied forces airlifted supplies into West Berlin following a Soviet blockade of the city.
May 2, 2018 Around the Air Force: May 2 On this look around the Air Force, some changes are made to Enlisted Professional Military Education, Airmen volunteer to clean up areas outside of Latvian children’s centers, and a new acquisition program has the potential to save the Air Force two billion dollars.
May 2, 2018 US F-16s relocate, Misawa Airmen integrate with JASDF Nearly 95 personnel and six F-16 Fighting Falcons from Misawa Air Base soared to Chitose Air Base, Japan, April 23 to 27 to participate in an aviation training relocation program.
May 1, 2018 Research network works to combat number one disability claim among veterans Military service often requires duty in noisy environments that can cause hearing loss and it doesn’t just happen during combat operations at deployed locations far from home station.
May 1, 2018 High School to Flight School Officials at Air Force Reserve Command headquarters, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, are hoping an innovative new program will help the command meet its need for flight engineers.
April 30, 2018 Space and STEM showcased at JB Charleston Air and Space Expo In conjunction with several partners, Joint Base Charleston showcased both STEM and space through various booths and interactive exhibits at the 2018 Air and Space Expo. Some of the booths included robotics demonstrations, electricity exhibits, moon rock samples and more.
April 27, 2018 Strength in recovery: victim becomes advocate It was not the 21st birthday she was expecting. She got off of work at midnight, and her coworker asked her if she wanted to celebrate. Tired, but still wanting to have some fun, she agreed.
April 26, 2018 Air Force courts tech startups An idea that sprang from the minds of four captains at Squadron Officer School led to 10 startup companies pitching their ideas to Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen W. Wilson, April 20, 2018 in Boston.
April 26, 2018 AF aims to save $2B, improve lethality with new acquisition approach A new acquisition program has the potential to help the Air Force save $2 billion and make it a more lethal fighting force, Air Force acquisition leaders believe.
April 25, 2018 WPC executes milestone Air Force-Army integration exercise United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa’s Warrior Preparation Center held exercise Spartan Shield 18-6, April 12-19, 2018. Spartan Shield was a simulated air and missile defense exercise and included members from the 134th Air Control Squadron; 10th Army Air and Missile Defense
April 25, 2018 Mobility Airmen deliver a mission of love to Guatemala The Denton Program is a Department of Defense transportation program that moves humanitarian cargo, donated by U.S. based non-governmental organizations to developing nations to ease human suffering. The approved cargo is transported by DoD land, air or sea assets on a space-available basis and is
April 23, 2018 Airman to attend medical degree prep Staff Sgt. Shane Berger, airborne linguist with the 755th Operational Support Squadron, was one of nine enlisted Airmen selected to attend a medical degree preparatory course.
April 23, 2018 Airman revives JBA designated driver program Airman 1st Class Nala Cormier was 11 years old on the day she heard sudden, frantic noises of hysteria and dismay outside her Church Point, Louisiana, home. She followed the sounds until she found the source – her older sister holding her toddler son in her arms, wailing.
April 22, 2018 Remembering the F-117 Nighthawk It’s been 10 years since the F-117 Nighthawk retired, an aircraft so secret Nevada folklore labeled it a UFO.
April 20, 2018 Alpha Warrior tour returns to Air Force installations The Air Force is continuing its rollout of the Alpha Warrior program with the launch of the 2018 Alpha Warrior Meet and Greet Tour this month.
April 20, 2018 Air Force takes three DOD environmental awards The Air Force took home three top honors in the 2018 Secretary of Defense environmental awards program.
April 20, 2018 Around the Air Force: April 20 On this look around the Air Force the 45th Space Wing supports the launch of an Atlas V rocket, the 688th Cyberspace Wing hosts a mentorship program, and U.S. and Indonesia Airmen talks improve interoperability. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Braden Anderson.
April 19, 2018 Air Force working toward innovative groundwater cleanup solution The Air Force is working closely with leading academic researchers to solve a global challenge: cleaning groundwater contaminated with Perfluorooctane Sulfonate and Perfluorooctanoic Acid, known as PFOS and PFOA.
April 19, 2018 AFPC adopting innovative officer assignment system IT platform Talent Marketplace is an innovative technological platform supporting the officer assignment system that aims to increase flexibility and transparency for officers and commanders. It is the final piece of the revised officer assignment system triad, which includes advanced assignment notification to
April 18, 2018 Airman’s dream becomes reality through Career Intermission Program Former Tech. Sgt. Travis Barrino from Morven, North Carolina, always felt a calling to be a pastor. As an active-duty chaplain’s assistant, however, he didn’t have the necessary education and experience qualifications for his dream job--to be a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force.
April 18, 2018 Service Dog lends war veteran a helping paw While searching online for answers or others who might be going through the same problems, Jones found the link to a website for service dogs. He reached out to Carol Borden, founder and executive director of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs in Williston, Florida, hoping he could find the answer
April 18, 2018 Around the Air Force: April 18 On this look around the Air Force the F-35 program completes the most comprehensive flight test program in aviation history, Vandenberg Air Force Base unveils a solar array project, and cadets learn about their Pathway to Blue. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Braden Anderson.
April 18, 2018 ‘Troops for Teens’ links Airmen mentors, local youth to shape futures The Troops for Teens program is a joint South San Antonio High School and AFCYBER volunteer program that links Airmen mentors with at-risk teens.
April 18, 2018 Air Force opens space training to allies, accelerates Space Acquisition Citing the National Defense Strategy, Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson announced that beginning in 2019 the Air Force is opening its space training to allies during her keynote speech at the 34th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado. April 17, 2018.
April 16, 2018 AETC conducts first-ever squadron command team course Air Education and Training Command conducted its first-ever Squadron Command Team and Spouses Course April 10-13, 2018, with 45 current or incoming commanders, 15 superintendents and 29 spouses participating in the new program.
April 13, 2018 688th CW hosts mentorship program The 688th Cyberspace Wing wrapped up its inaugural mentorship program April 12, 2018.
April 13, 2018 F-35 completes most comprehensive flight test program in aviation history The F-35 program has accomplished the final developmental test flight of the System Development and Demonstration phase of the program.
April 13, 2018 362 TRS Airman receives first-ever Army Instructor Badge For the first time ever, an Airman was awarded the Basic Army Instructor Badge at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, April 9, 2018.
April 12, 2018 An opportunity for multilingual Airmen Do you know one or more foreign languages? You may be eligible for the Language Enabled Airman Program.
April 12, 2018 Thriving in wake of assault is focus of Air Force Academy summit Survivors of sexual assault gathered at the U.S. Air Force Academy this week to collaborate with leaders and subject matter experts on how to not only survive an assault, but to thrive in its wake.
April 11, 2018 Leaving the AOR on their own terms Eight wounded warriors, who have visible and invisible injuries from combat, were on a mission to find closure by returning to the place of their traumatic incident through Operation Proper Exit, April 4-8, 2018.
April 10, 2018 Safety perspective has allowed Human Systems Integration program to thrive When Maj. Shawnee Williams arrived at the Human Systems Integration Directorate, part of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s 711th Human Performance Wing here, she found herself in unfamiliar territory and facing an operationally misunderstood program. So she looked at the programmatics of her
April 10, 2018 FEDVIP brings vision coverage to TRICARE beneficiaries Only half of the 61 million U.S. adults who are at high risk for serious vision loss visited an eye doctor in the past year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Eye exams can help keep your vision strong, diagnose potential issues early, and prevent diseases that may lead to
April 9, 2018 SecAF stresses Hanscom importance at town hall Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson emphasized the priorities demanded by the new National Defense Strategy and Hanscom Air Force Base’s vital role in meeting them during a town hall here April 5, 2018.
April 9, 2018 Cadets learn about their Pathway to Blue Second Air Force held their fourth annual “Pathways to Blue” initiative with more than 280 ROTC cadets representing 15 different colleges and universities here, April 6-7.Throughout the two-day event, ROTC cadets and enlisted personnel traveled through this diverse and inclusive event to better aim
April 5, 2018 Air Force launches new application tool for Airmen athletes Air Force Sports, managed by the Air Force Services Activity, recently launched an online application system to make it easier for Airmen athletes to apply for Air Force sports teams.
April 4, 2018 AFLCMC NDI goes digital on aircraft inspections: saves money, improves operations for Air Force The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center expects to save the Air Force money while protecting the environment and streamlining operations as they roll out their new nondestructive inspection process to inspect aircraft across the service.
April 4, 2018 Air Force offers several paths from stripes to bars Our military offers many opportunities for military members to receive world class training that prepares them for a future in the military with skills and educational benefits that also prepare them for the civilian workforce. We ensure service members have the expertise and skills they need to
April 3, 2018 AFMC supporting analysis of T-6 unexplained physiological events Air Force Materiel Command is playing a lead role in analyzing unexplained physiological events with the T-6 Texan II training platform.
April 3, 2018 Active Duty? Enroll to continue TRICARE coverage after retirement Retiring from active duty, whether a medical retirement or a regular retirement, is a significant life event. You should know before you retire which TRICARE programs best suit your and your family’s needs.
April 3, 2018 AF Fire Emergency Services test fire trucks in extreme cold Air Force fire service professionals at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, recently spent a week in the coldest weather the country has experienced this year to test the discharge systems of firefighting agents on Air Force fire trucks.
April 2, 2018 Application window for in-residence developmental education attendance open to eligible officers in MyVector The window for eligible officers to input their preferences for in-residence Intermediate and Senior Developmental Education using MyVector is April 2 through May 4, 2018.
April 2, 2018 Expanded childcare options support deployed, remote Airmen The Air Force expanded the number of hours it will provide free child care for families of military members deployed or on remote assignments starting April 1, 2018.
March 30, 2018 Air Force Secretary Wilson highlights space mission at AFA breakfast Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson discussed the importance of space pertaining to national security during an Air Force Association Breakfast March 30, 2018, in Washington, D.C.
March 30, 2018 Air Force officer integrates with carrier operations Air Force 1st Lt. Sean Duval, 33rd Maintenance Squadron maintenance operations officer, participated in a maintenance officer exchange program March 16-22, 2018 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72).
March 29, 2018 Air Force Assistance Fund begins 45th year of helping Airmen, families The 2018 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign runs from March 26th through May 4.
March 28, 2018 Air Force implements Housing Early Assistance Tool to ease relocation process The Air Force is scheduled to implement a web-based tool that will enable military members and their families to connect with installation housing offices to inquire about housing options at their upcoming duty assignment.
March 28, 2018 AFIT awards 235 masters and 6 doctorate degrees at graduation ceremony The Air Force Institute of Technology’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management awarded 241 masters and doctorate degrees March 22, 2018, at the National Museum of the Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.
March 27, 2018 2017 Nuclear Deterrence Operations, Nuclear & Missile Operations awards winners announced Air Force officials recently named the winners of the 2017 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Award and the Nuclear & Missile Operations Award.
March 27, 2018 Olmsted Foundation selects five Airmen for scholarships The Air Force has selected five officers for the award of a 2019 Olmsted Foundation scholarship, sponsored by the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation.
March 27, 2018 2018 U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School applications due May 27 Test pilots aren’t born; they're trained to be the best of the best by the USAF Test Pilot School. The TPS selection board is accepting applications until May 27, 2018 from eligible Total Force officers and current Air Force civilians
March 26, 2018 2018 AF Warrior Games team announced The U.S. Air Force Wounded Warrior Program is proud to announce the 2018 Air Force Warrior Games team. Forty primary and ten alternates were selected by a team of coaches and staff at the 5th Annual Air Force Trials at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, in late February 2018. The 40-person team will
March 26, 2018 Air Force selects 686 for promotion to captain The Air Force selected 686 first lieutenants for promotion to the rank of captain during the calendar year 2017D Captain Line of the Air Force, Chaplain, Line of the Air Force – Judge Advocate, Nurse Corps, Medical Service Corps and Biomedical Sciences Corps quarterly selection process.
March 26, 2018 Air Force releases 2018 enlisted to medical degree prep selections The Air Force has selected eight enlisted Airmen to participate in the Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program, or EMDP2, beginning in July 2018.
March 26, 2018 Civilian leadership program accepting nominations through May 1 Air Force officials are accepting nominations for the 2018 Civilian Strategic Leadership Program. Applications are due to the Air Force Personnel Center by May 1, 2018.
March 23, 2018 Air University aims to spark innovation, collaboration with MGMWERX Air University has long been considered the leadership-development center for the Air Force, and it continues its 72-year-long legacy with a new joint venture, named MGMWERX, in collaboration with the City of Montgomery, Montgomery County and the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, to encourage
March 23, 2018 Non-medical care managers dedicated to helping wounded warriors, their caregivers and families Non-medical care managers serve as the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program’s subject-matter experts and actively advocate for more than 3,000 wounded, ill and injured service men and women.
March 22, 2018 JBLE Airman overcomes struggle by paying it forward U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Svoleantopoulos, 497th Operations Support Squadron weapons tactician, returned from the U.S. Air Force Pararescue Indoctrination Course much sooner than he anticipated. Svoleantopoulos spent the previous three years mentally and physically training for his goal to
March 22, 2018 AFCEC, OEA reach new milestone in partnership The Air Force Civil Engineer Center and the Office of Energy Assurance recently attended a historic Energy Savings Performance Contract preliminary assessment kick-off at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.
March 20, 2018 PACE accepting nominations for 2018 Leadership Impact Award The Profession of Arms Center of Excellence, in collaboration with the Air University Leadership Institute, is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Leadership Impact Award.
March 19, 2018 Physical therapist strengthens EOD mission readiness For some Air Force careers, everyday physical demands can have a significant impact on an Airman’s comprehensive fitness in a big way. Explosive ordnance disposal Airmen at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, are working with the 39th Medical Operations Squadron to help reduce the stress that comes with
March 16, 2018 AFPC conducts test of revised Base of Preference program on seven career fields Beginning April 2018, the Air Force’s Personnel Center will launch a test on how it delivers information to Airmen for the Base of Preference program. The test will provide increased visibility of available locations to Airmen in seven Air Force Specialty Codes, to start. If the program proves
March 15, 2018 AFCENT innovation summit fuels thoughtful debate on future Air Force and DoD operations U.S. Air Forces Central Command hosted its second annual innovation summit, March 8-9, 2018, bringing military and academic minds together to brainstorm warfighting challenges and assess progress made in collaboration between the Defense Innovation Experimental Unit and the Combined Air Operations
March 14, 2018 Under Secretary checks in on progress of KC-46 Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Donovan visited the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus production and modification facility in Everett, Washington, March 14, 2018, after the latest announcement of a further delay in the first aircraft delivery to the Air Force.
March 14, 2018 Air Force, NATO works to address pilot shortage The shortage of pilots in the Air Force has been well documented, but the United States isn’t the only member of NATO looking for more people to fill seats.
March 13, 2018 Air Force releases FY17 Air Force acquisition report Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson released the fiscal year 2017 Air Force Acquisition Annual Report March 13, 2018.
March 12, 2018 New partnership encourages kids to explore great outdoors The Air Force Services Activity is partnering with the National Park Trust to bring the Buddy Bison Great Outdoors Challenge to military families at installations.