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U.S. Air Force News

  • Children tune in Air Force Band holiday concert

    The Air Force Band kicked off its holiday season here today with a downtown concert tailored for young concert-goers at the Daughters of the American Republic Constitution Hall. With performances from four of the band's eight ensembles -the hip-hop/pop band Max Impact, the Singing Sergeants choir,

  • USAFE officials reactivate 3rd Air Force

    The 3rd Air Force was reactivated today during a ceremony here. Lt. Gen. Robert D. Bishop Jr. took command. General Bishop has been vice commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe."My last three job titles have begun with deputy, assistant or vice. I am personally delighted and humbled to be here this

  • Florida teaching certification to benefit CCAF instructors

    Qualified instructors from the Community College of the Air Force can now take a state-issued subject-knowledge exam to meet requirements for K-12 teaching certification in Florida, negating the need of additional schooling, after Florida legislators recently amended their educator certification

  • Moody pharmacy team makes AFSO 21 improvements

    The 23rd Medical Group's pharmacy is currently implementing a series of changes to improve customer service and satisfaction. The changes are a direct result of the group's first Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century Rapid Improvement Event. The first change revises the pharmacy hours from

  • Airmen help restore sullied cemetery

    The Golden Rule is "do unto others as you would have them do unto to you." A group of Airmen assigned to the 732nd Regional Support Unit at Camp Habbaniyah, Iraq, have taken that rule to heart. Volunteers here have put in close to 200 hours cleaning up and maintaining of a British cemetery located

  • Moody maintainers take initiative with AFSO 21

    A handful of Moody AFB maintenance professionals brought Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century to the forefront during a meeting Nov. 20 and 21 that reflected on improving inspections for the HC-130P. Sixteen Airmen from the 723rd Maintenance Squadron, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and

  • Thrift investment board ups '07 TSP contribution limits

    The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has announced a $500 increase in regular Thrift Savings Plan contributions to $15,500 for 2007 elective deferral maximum contributions. "TSP is a long-term retirement savings plan, which everyone should consider," said Janet Thomas, a human resources

  • Patrolmen lauded for life-saving response

    A base Airman who attempted suicide is alive today because of the fast reaction of four patrolmen from the 366th Security Forces Squadron here. This month, 366th Fighter Wing officials showed its gratitude by selecting Tech. Sgt. Rich Richardson, Tech. Sgt. Galen Dickerson, Staff Sgt. Tom French and

  • Next generation: A-10C arrives at Davis-Monthan

    The A-10C Thunderbolt II made its official roll-out debut here Nov. 29, revealing its transformation and its enhanced capabilities under the Precision Engagement program.The Precision Engagement program will offer the A-10 the most significant modifications it has ever received in its 30-year

  • U.S. forces to stay in Iraq 'until job complete'

    U.S. leaders will consider all options on moving forward in Iraq, but three tenets of U.S. Iraq policy "remain firm and they're fixed," President George W. Bush said after a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Nov. 30 in Amman, Jordan.He also reiterated that U.S. forces would remain in

  • Area defense artillery battalion stands up at Kadena

    The 1-1 Air Defense Artillery Battalion (PAC-3) stood up during a ceremony Nov. 29 at the 18th Wing Headquarters here. "Today is an important day for our soldiers and our people -- it is a commemoration and an honoring of our personnel and the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in our unit's

  • Sibling tanker pilots connect 7,700 miles from home

    Being in different services, they never thought their military paths would cross, but two Kaysville, Utah, brothers are sharing a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Torbensen family learned Marine Corps Capt. Jason Torbensen and Air Force 1st Lt. Dustin Torbensen would serve together at a

  • Operation Season's Greetings huge smash

    The surrounding mountains here echoed the sounds of rock, blues, country and laughter when national entertainment artists performed for servicemembers Nov. 28 as part of Operation Season's Greetings. Headlining the show was country artist Jamie O'Neal. She is best known for her No. 1 hits "There is

  • Kunsan F-16 fleet prepped for 'Falcon STAR'

    The Block 30 F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron here are set to enter upgrade in the Air Force's Falcon Structural Augmentation Roadmap program aimed at extending the service life of the aircraft. The improvement to the fleet follows previous air-to-ground dominance to

  • AFSO 21 special assistant visits Aviano

    The secretary of the Air Force's special assistant for Air Force Smart Operations 21 visited here Nov. 29. Dr. Ron Ritter is responsible for developing and coordinating the Air Force's AFSO 21 transformational efforts. An early leader in understanding and applying lean manufacturing methods in U.S.

  • Air and Space Power Journal focuses on leadership

    The College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education at Air University here has published and distributed the Winter 2006 English edition of the Air Force's professional journal, Air and Space Power Journal. The journal serves as an open forum for the presentation and stimulation of innovative

  • Tops In Blue needs horn players to complete group

    The Tops In Blue 2007 entertainment group is almost complete, but has some important vacancies that talented Air Force Airmen can fill, and fill quickly. "We need horn players," said Jeri White, Tops In Blue production coordinator at Air Force Services Agency, "trumpets, trombones and saxophones,

  • Stepping out of the blue for Army green

    Change is good, as one Airman in the 16th Electronic Warfare Squadron here finds out as he changes from "Into the Blue" to "Army Strong." Senior Airman Mike Goldman, 16th EWS journeyman, will become Specialist Goldman Dec. 28, as he enlists into the Army through the "Operation Blue to Green"

  • GM-3 vehicle deploys aboard C-17 first time

    The 4th Space Operations Squadron's Ground Mobile-3 vehicle made history Nov. 25 with its first deployment aboard a C-17 Globemaster III. The GM-3 and a crew of 4th SOPS Airmen at Schriever AFB deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to set up deployed mobile satellite command-and-control

  • Defense officials release name of downed F-16 pilot

    Department of Defense officials announced today the identity of an Airman listed as duty status - whereabouts unknown. Maj. Troy L. Gilbert was the pilot of an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon engaged in support of coalition ground combat operations that crashed approximately 20 miles northwest of

  • Today's security forces are expeditionary combat Airmen

    They work 12-hour patrols in 100-plus degree temperatures, sandstorms whipping into their faces. They drive convoy operations across the desert. They provide personal security details for four-star generals. Today's security forces career barely resembles its own Air Force specialty code from a

  • Career fields meld expertise in recovery missions

    Airmen from three career fields have worked for the past five years to bring the guardian angel weapon system, or GAWS, online for the Air Force to provide rapid recovery of servicemembers. Made up of survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists, pararescue jumper called PJs, and combat

  • C-37A arrives at Hickam AFB

    The arrival here of the Navy's Executive Transport Detachment from nearby Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station Nov. 25 signals the successful integration of flying missions between two services. The Navy C-37A business jet replaces the modified P-3 aircraft the unit used to fly. The reception of the

  • Air Force announces 2006 as safest year in aviation

    Fiscal year 2006 was the safest year in aviation ever for the Air Force. The year marked the lowest number of major aircraft accidents and fatalities within the Department of Defense, said the Chief of Air Force Safety Maj. Gen. Stan Gorenc recently. According to the statistics, the Air Force

  • Region Air Force commander visits Kadena

    The importance of the 18th Wing's mission in fighting the war on terrorism and its peace-keeping efforts in the Pacific region were key topics of discussion by the commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force during his visit here Nov. 15. Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, visited the base for an in-depth

  • Airmen 'deal' with Mandel, Leno on 'Tonight Show'

    A group of California's Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen came together for a special military edition of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" Nov. 22 at NBC studios here.Mr. Leno invited the servicemembers to fill the studio audience for the show's Thanksgiving edition to honor

  • Personnel accountability key during emergencies

    A new Air Force Instruction places more responsibility for personnel accountability on the shoulders of individual Airmen. Air Force Instruction 10-218, Personnel Accountability in Conjunction With Natural Disasters or National Emergencies, published Oct. 31, 2006, details how an Airman should go

  • Science, engineering, technology achievements lauded

    Air Force officials recognized the service's top performers in science, engineering and technology during an awards banquet at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Award winners received a plaque and a certificate recognizing their

  • Balad 'Port Dawgs' help limit ground convoys

    With each pallet pushed onto an aircraft flying out of Balad, another dangerous convoy mission is avoided and lives are potentially saved. The "Port Dawgs" assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Aerial Port Flight, ensure assets are delivered to forward-operating locations

  • PRT delivers supplies to Afghan schools

    Soldiers and Airmen from the Methar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team delivered nearly a ton of much-needed supplies to two schools Nov. 21in the capital city of Laghman Province of Afghanistan.The PRT distributed 1,300 backpacks, teacher's kits, hygiene products, soccer balls, notebooks, pens,

  • U.S. Airmen help Iraqis take flight again

    The new Iraqi air force have returned to the sky, performing a variety of missions throughout the country, thanks to training and support from U.S. and coalition advisors. At Kirkuk Regional AB, American advisors are helping Iraqi military members of Squadron 3 train for their intelligence,

  • Officials to conduct foreign language skills survey

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley recently approved a survey to identify the foreign language capability inherent in the Air Force. The purpose of the on-line survey is to allow Air Force officials to get a better understanding of the foreign language skills already in the force, so

  • Snow, sub-freezing temps no match for Manas team

    One key to successful mission completion for the coming months will be how the wing prepares and adjusts to winter weather. The mission priority every day and even more so during adverse weather is to deliver fuel, people and cargo in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This week brought the

  • Relatives support deployments together

    Servicemembers often cite missing family as one of the main hardships of deployments. For at least three sets of family members at Balad Air Base, missing family might not be quite as difficult for the duration of this Air Expeditionary Force rotation. Staff Sgt. Coy Hixson, 732nd Expeditionary

  • Air Force goes 'wild' on GMA

    Wild Blue Country performed live on ABC's "Good Morning America" Nov. 24, as part of the U.S. Air Force Academy Band's week-long tour here celebrating the Air Force's 60th Anniversary.A component of the academy band, Wild Blue Country showcased their talent and played for Ronan Tynan, a world-renown

  • VA, DOD joint venture future of medical care

    As the sound of sledge hammers swinging and bulldozers running fades, a new state-of-the-art medical facility on the north side of San Antonio is poised to open its doors. The new North Central Federal Clinic, the first Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense venture using joint

  • Technology transfers benefit warfighter, first responders

    The Defense Department's technology transfer program, which shares newly developed DOD technologies with civilian first responders, benefits both communities in cost effectiveness and mission accomplishment, the DOD official in charge of the program said here Nov.21. Congress mandated the technology

  • Pentagon Channel 'Recon' program focuses on military children

    "I send him off with a kiss goodbye, although I understand that he may die." Those are words from a poem written by a third-grader named Gloria who lives with her family at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. She concludes her poem this way: "I serve too." That child's sentiment is the subject and title

  • Academy band marches in Macy's parade

    The cold and rain didn't stop the residents of New York City from lining the streets for this year's 80th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nov. 23. The soggy weather also didn't stop the U.S. Air Force Academy Marching Band from participating. "We were here as part of the celebration of the 60th

  • PACAF commander serves Thanksgiving meals

    Osan Airmen were treated to a special guest for Thanksgiving lunch at the Ginkgo Tree dining facility here. Gen. Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander, served Thanksgiving lunch to Airmen here and spent time this holiday season with them. "Since all of us who serve overseas are away from our

  • Operation Homecooking offers a taste of home

    Going through basic military training is always difficult on trainees, especially over the holidays. That is why for the past 31 years, Operation Homecooking has tried to serve up the flavors, family and feelings of the Thanksgiving holiday to hundreds of the Air Force's newest family members --

  • Enlisted aides invaluable to general officers

    It's a unique Air Force career field that has Airmen leaving their homes every morning only to start work at someone else's house. An enlisted aide assists a general officer with accomplishing their primary military and official duties. The position is a voluntary special assignment. "(The Air Force

  • Misawa Airmen build winning deployment team

    Airmen in the 14th Fighter Squadron are preparing to meet the challenges of their air expeditionary force deployment this winter and they are "fired up" to contribute to the war on terrorism. The 14th FS will deploy F-16 Fighting Falcons, pilots and support people to Operation Iraqi Freedom where

  • Keesler, industry set new standard for telephone service

    With the cutting of a telephone cable Nov. 15, officials here culminated a six-month project to upgrade communications technology and "dialed in" to a new level of disaster preparedness. The date marked the official implementation of the new Voice Over Internet Protocol, or VOIP, solution for

  • Performers bring some holiday cheer to Incirlik

    Music, singing, cheering and laughter rang from Hangar 4 on Nov. 22 as more than 1,000 people from around the Incirlik community gathered to enjoy the Operation Season's Greetings traveling troupe. The OSG group performers included a combination of the best performers of the Air Force Reserve Band

  • Retired chaplain's life shining example of duty, faith

    On June 23, 1943, tragedy struck the small airfield at Royal Air Force Ridgewell, England, home of the 381st Bomb Group. As ground crews armed one of the unit's many B-17 Flying Fortress bombers, 11 on-board explosives detonated, killing 23 American servicemen and one British civilian. One man, an

  • Air Force training makes Airmen safer, more aware

    Staff Sgt. Jason Lowery knows that preparing for combat duty is something many Airmen do not know much about. But training Airmen to be safer and more aware of the dangers they face around the world is not a new concept. Air Force Combat Skills Training is just the newest method of providing today's

  • 18th Wing key component in war on terrorism

    The importance of the 18th Wing's mission in fighting the war on terrorism and its peacekeeping efforts in the Pacific region were the key topics discussed by the U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander here Nov. 15.Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Wright visited the base for an orientation tour of the wing

  • U.S., Turkish forces team up in Anatolian Eagle

    The 22nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, deployed F-16 Fighting Falcons and more than 200 Airmen here for a two-week exercise called Anatolian Eagle.The exercise provided an opportunity for Turkish and American forces to work side-by-side and learn from each other.

  • Preparing Thanksgiving feast no easy feat

    An American Thanksgiving kitchen is often a loud, clattering commotion of cooks, noise, smells and relatives arguing about what time the Dallas Cowboys' game starts. By the time the chaos settles onto polished dining room furniture, all that's left are the clean-up, naps and a good game of bid

  • Yokota mission essential for global reach

    The commander of Air Mobility Command recently met with the men and women of the 730th Air Mobility Squadron and other senior officials. As part of a nine-day tour of air mobility operations across the Pacific region last week, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb hosted a commander's call, toured the AMC

  • Academy band performs for students in New York

    In 1984, Tech. Sgt. Stephen Brannen, then 19, heard the U.S. Air Force band "Airmen of Note" play for the first time. He said that one concert changed his entire perception of the military. Now, more than 20 years later, the U.S. Air Force Academy Band "Blue Steel," hopes their Nov. 22 performance

  • Global Hawk flies first Beale ACC sortie

    A newly-arrived RQ-4 Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle made its first operational Air Combat Command flight from here Nov. 21. The first Global Hawk flight from Beale signifies the end of the base's and communities' five-year wait for the aircraft, and the beginning of local training flights as

  • Colonel receives Bronze Star during Alabama-Auburn game

    An instructor from Maxwell Air Force Base's Air War College was honored at his Alma Mater during the University of Alabama rival football game Nov. 18, against Auburn University Saturday.Col. Duane Lamb was presented the Bronze Star medal by his former commander, Brig. Gen. Frank Gorenc, who served

  • Air Force Honor Guard beefs up 2007 routine

    Throw, flip, twist, turn, roll, swing, catch. As the routine drives home and the final rifle hits, the team is welcomed back with an overwhelming reception. Only when their nerves settle do they see the people and hear the applause, they can finally relax and appreciate the reception. After a month

  • Security forces Airmen awarded Purple Hearts

    Staff Sgt. Rory Sturm and Airman Kevin Perez Glazer were presented Purple Hearts in a ceremony here Nov. 14 for injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device ripped through their Humvee. While receiving the medals is a memorable event, both members of the 586th Expeditionary Security Forces

  • Academy conducts Commandant's Challenge 2006

    The Air Force Academy cadet wing completed the annual Commandant's Challenge here Nov. 19. The three-day challenge was their culminating fall semester training event. The training event serves as the cadet wing's operational readiness inspection and tests leadership skills, physical fitness and

  • Academy cadets capture scholarship trifecta

    Three Air Force Academy cadets have captured the trifecta of prestigious graduate scholarships. Cadet 1st Class Nicholas Shelly has been named a Rhodes Scholar and plans to spend his two years at Oxford University in England studying international relations. He is the academy's 34th Rhodes

  • Capitol Christmas Tree visits Wyoming base

    The 2006 Capitol Christmas Tree stopped here Nov. 20 on its way from Washington State to Washington, D.C.This year's tree, a 65-foot tall Pacific silver fir, is a gift from Washington state and was selected by Ted Bechtol, deputy superintendent of Capitol Grounds, from Washington's Olympic National

  • 11 sing, dance their way to Worldwide Talent Contest honors

    Sixty-two active duty Airmen -- singers, dancers, musicians and technicians -- converged on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Nov. 5 through 13 for the annual Worldwide Talent Contest. By the end of the grueling week, 11 emerged as the best, taking home "Roger" awards for first place and "Wilco"

  • President Bush wraps up Pacific economic tour

    President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush touched down here Nov. 20 after completing the last leg of the president's Pacific economic tour. The president's visit to Hawaii capped off eight days traveling in the Pacific Theater, with the president meeting with leaders in Russia, Singapore,

  • USAFE commander reviews past year in command

    Allied and coalition relationships, operations south and east, Airmen's accomplishments and improving efficiency were at the forefront during the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander's Nov. 20 discussion of the past year in command. Since Gen. William T. Hobbins took command Dec. 5, he has traveled

  • Selection records represent Airmen to promotion boards

    With the lieutenant colonel selection board convening in late November and the selective early retirement board and senior master sergeant board coming up in early 2007, eligible officers and senior NCOs must ensure their selection records are up-to-date when meeting these boards. The selection

  • AFPC to conduct force shaping board in March

    The next force shaping board is scheduled to convene March 12 at the Air Force Personnel Center for officers in the 2003 and 2004 year groups. The board will evaluate active-duty line officers in overage career fields in the 2004 accession year group, as well as navigator, air battle manager, space

  • Army trains Airmen for 'outside the wire' mission

    Volunteer security forces Airmen from 65 bases completed Army training here, giving them the skills to perform a unique mission in Iraq.Fort Hood provided 182 Air Force security forces members with general and advanced combat skills via Army instruction to prepare them for their new mission.The

  • Maintainers turn Rivet Joint

    A sergeant sits at the end of a table reviewing maintenance records. In the background, Airmen play video games as a college football game blares on a television. The call that the RC-135 Rivet Joint is 30 minutes out comes down, and in an instant everyone drops what they are doing. It's time to

  • Ellsworth cops take to the skies

    In the remote forward-operating locations of Afghanistan and surrounding areas, Air Force aircraft often have to land on dirt-strip runways. Air Force aircraft might look like the proverbial sitting duck to an enemy combatant or rogue insurgent, but nothing could be further from the truth. Should a

  • Air Force leaders address quality of life issues, changes

    Airmen can still expect high-caliber quality of life programs that will take care of them and their families despite the changes being made within the service, leaders here assured recently. "Quality of life continues to be one of our top three priorities," said Lt. Gen. Roger Brady, Air Force

  • Aircrews fly scientists, equipment to Antarctica

    A McChord Air Force Base, Wash., jet touched down on a sheet of sea ice here Nov. 16 as part of Operation Deep Freeze. The C-17 Globemaster III, loaded with National Science Foundation staff members, supplies and equipment along with members of the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings, landed on the ice

  • ASC leaders tackle requirements, acquisition processes

    Starting new programs correctly, ensuring customers have realistic expectations, and ending the "shoot-the-messenger" mentality were among the initiatives Aeronautical Systems Center leaders considered at a November off-site meeting. Lt. Gen. Jack Hudson, the ASC commander, along with senior leaders

  • Security forces member receives Bronze Star

    An Airman from the 18th Security Forces Squadron here was awarded the Bronze Star during a ceremony Nov. 15 for actions while on a 365-day deployment to Al Kasik Military Training Base, Iraq. Capt. Russell Waight, 18th SFS officer in charge of plans and programs, served as adviser at the base

  • Second C-5M Super Galaxy takes flight

    The second fully modernized Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy test aircraft made its first flight Nov. 17 from Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. This is the second of three aircraft that will comprise the new C-5M test fleet. "The C-5M represents a true recapitalization program for a critical

  • Defense agency delivers logistics support to warfighters

    Whether it's an infantryman in Iraq needing a new firing pin for his rifle or a fighter pilot on a carrier in the Persian Gulf who needs to replace a cracked landing strut, the Defense Logistics Agency stands ready to support warfighters worldwide, the organization's director said in a recent

  • Interagency cooperation improves space com

    Air Force Space Command and the National Reconnaissance Office put into motion a plan to improve interagency cooperation between space agencies by conducting a senior officer and a senior civilian exchange between AFSPC Headquarters here and the NRO Headquarters in Chantilly, Va. The nation's space

  • Roadside bombs don't stop NCO from rolling on

    He had pieces of glass in his mouth and ears, six broken teeth, facial lacerations and a badly torn up vehicle."I just looked up and 'Boom!'" said Staff Sgt. Chris Lelm, 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron from Grand Forks AFB who was driving in a convoy while deployed to Iraq. "I don't remember

  • 379th AEW supports flood relief operations in Ethiopia

    For Airman 1st Class Daniel Stone, it was an amazing adventure. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be flying into the heart of Africa, helping flood victims," said the loadmaster assigned to the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here. "It's something I'll never forget." Deployed to

  • Vandenberg sets pace in base security

    Vandenberg has set the pace for Air Force installation security by implementing a new method of checking identification cards at base access points. A new security scanner now in use here does much more than just check military ID cards. It has the ability to check a wide variety of ID cards,

  • Joint tactical radio system fielded soon

    The Air Force is about to enter a new era in communications technology. Officials at the Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., have signed a $7.8M contract with Thales Communications, Incorporated, for the delivery of the first Joint Tactical Radio System radios to the Air

  • Section keeps security forces equipped, rolling

    They're not your typical cops packing heat and patrolling the flightline. Without them, the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron mission would screech to a halt. The 379th ESFS training and resources section, better known as S-4, provides critical support to the security forces Airmen

  • 'Lightning' strikes 1st Pursuit Group

    During July 1941, the 27th Pursuit Squadron had the honor of receiving the first P-38 Lightning delivered to the Army Air Force. This aircraft, described as "one of the most radical departures from tradition in American fighter development," evolved into the workhorse for the 1st Pursuit Group

  • Nellis kicks off first Aggressor 101 class

    Thirty-five new Air Force "aggressors" graduated Nov. 17 from the first Aggressor 101 training course conducted by the 57th Adversary Tactics Group here. The two-week course provides a baseline understanding of the aggressor mission and philosophy, 57th Wing and 57th ATG organization, and threat

  • Football: Falcons drop heartbreaker to Utes

    Utah ruined Air Force's senior night by beating the Falcons 17-14 on the last play of the game. Louie Sakoda nailed a 37-yard field goal with no time left on the clock to give the Utes the win in front of 27,611 fans Saturday night at Falcon Stadium. The loss put a damper on the final home game for

  • AFSPC vice commander receives space trophy

    The vice commander of Air Force Space Command is the recipient of the 2006 Gen. Thomas D. White U.S. Air Force Space Trophy. Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz received the award Nov. 17 during the Air Force Association's National Symposium on Space and Air Force Ball here. "I'm proud to represent nearly 40,000

  • Manas Airmen build swing set, relationship

    A team of Airmen here finished work on a new swing set for children at the Solnyshko Kindergarten School near the village of Vinogradnoe Nov. 16. The swing set, which was built by the previous rotation, still had to be cemented into the ground and painted before turning it over to the youngsters.

  • Heritage to Horizons celebration highlights CV-22 Osprey

    The first operational CV-22 Osprey stole the show during an air power demonstration at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Nov. 16, commemorating the Air Force's 60th anniversary. As special operations forces simulated a behind-the-lines mission with Air Force Special Operations Command AC-130 gunships firing

  • On-orbit checkout of SBIRS payload confirmed

    The Air Force successfully completed initial early on-orbit checkout of the first Space Based Infrared System payload. SBIRS will deliver a new generation of space-based satellites providing missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness to combatant

  • Communications construction crew makes mission happen

    In the face of mortar attacks, gun fights, restricted movement and a heavier than normal workload, Airmen pressed on to finish a mission paving the way for enhanced communications for servicemembers throughout the AOR. These Airmen, assigned to the A67, the engineering and installation arm of the

  • vPC-GR adds awards, decorations processing

    Reservists will have another capability in their Personnel Service Delivery toolbox Monday when officials release the online awards and decorations function. With the release, Reserve Airmen will submit awards and decorations requests online through the virtual Personnel Center Guard and Reserve

  • Readiness troops train for the future

    Civil engineering readiness troops from around the Air Force are getting some advanced training here, learning new techniques for dealing with chemical, biological and radiological threats. Instructors teaching the classes are creating a realistic environment for students, whose career field could

  • Unmanned vehicle provides reusable test capabilities in space

    The Air Force is working on a space vehicle that will allow government scientists to transport advanced technology into orbit, test its capability there, then bring it home to see how it fared in the harsh environment of space. The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle is similar to the space shuttle, except

  • New aggressor units expand training capabilities

    Unit changes at Nellis and Eielson Air Force bases have resulted in two wings that, together, create better opportunities for Air Force pilots to train for combat against potential adversaries. In January, the 65th Aggressor Squadron was reactivated under the 57th Adversary Tactics Group at Nellis

  • 3 graduate from new C-5 schoolhouse at Lackland

    Three Airmen walked away from Kelly Field here secure in the knowledge that they were each the first in their class -- the first to complete training at this new C-5 Galaxy Formal Training Unit Complex. The new aircrew members consisted of flight engineer Senior Airman Raymond Montanino, and pilots

  • Portland reservists remember King 56 crew

    The Air Force Reserve has found a new home for a memorial created in honor of 10 former Portland reservists. Officials from the 939th Air Refueling Wing will re-dedicate the memorial in a ceremony Nov. 17 at Willamette National Cemetery. The black granite marble stone monument was dedicated to the

  • Airmen awarded new readiness occupational badges

    All of the Airmen graduating from the Civil Engineer Readiness Apprentice Course recently were first in their class. The Air Force's newest 3E931s were the first graduates to receive the civil engineer readiness occupational badge. The badges were presented during their graduation ceremony at the

  • Failure in Iraq would affect region, world

    Failure of the coalition and Iraqi government to create a unified, peaceful Iraq would be catastrophic for that country and the region, and would embolden terrorists throughout the world, the directors of the Central Intelligence Agency and Defense Intelligence Agency said here Nov. 15.Testifying

  • Holiday shopping can lead to mountains of debt

    For some the idea of holiday shopping brings excitement and joy. For others it's the bane of their existence. However, there is one thing no one looks forward to -- the after-holiday debt. According to the National Retail Federation, the average shopper will fork over approximately $790 during

  • Master plan cleanup efforts kick off at BRAC Industry Day

    The Air Force's new approach to managing the environmental cleanup of former Air Force installations was unveiled at the Base Realignment and Closure Master Plan Industry Day Nov. 13 in San Antonio. The event, held jointly by Air Force Real Property Agency and the Air Force Center for Environmental

  • Great American Smokeout battles wage

    "D-Day" usually evokes memories of the World War II battle on the beaches of Normandy, but the term also generally applies to the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. It make sense then that the first Great American Smokeout observation in the 1970s was called "D Day,"