Joint Fires Center of Excellence begins training

The Joint Fires Center of Excellence opened its doors Oct. 17 as the U.S. military’s only Europe-based joint firepower education center. The U.S. Air Forces in Europe-inspired initiative is designed to enhance close air support operations by providing a convenient training environment for

Air Force must stay the course with FTF, AEF

The Air Force must transform through Future Total Force and stay the course with the Air and Space Expeditionary Force concept, said the directors of the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. The Future Total Force concept is the Air Force's plan to better integrate the Air National Guard, Air

DoD web page supports President's plans against pandemic flu

The Defense Department's deployment health officials have posted a Web page as part of President Bush's strategy to combat the possibility of a flu pandemic. Officials said the page includes frequently asked questions, information geared to servicemembers and links to other resources. The president

Officials express confidence in new Civilian Personnel System

Pentagon officials want to emphasize to civilian employees that the changes in their personnel system are all about improving national security. After a two-year process, officials have designed the new National Security Personnel System to be faster, more flexible and more agile, said Michael

Navy maintainer saves life of Air Force medic

For a Navy maintainer and Air Force medic, both stationed at this forward-deployed location, their first meeting was an unforgettable one. Petty Officer 1st Class Jerry Lego, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One structural mechanic, performed the Heimlich maneuver on Lt. Col. Lois MacDonald, 379th

UAVs hunt ponderosa pine parasites

Researchers in the Academy’s Department of Biology here are developing a low-cost solution to detect infected trees using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. There are more than 9,884 acres of woodland forest on the academy, dominated by ponderosa pine trees. Several years of severe drought thinned the forest

USCENTAF air power summary for Nov. 2

U.S. Central Air Force's air power summary for today is: Coalition aircraft flew 34 close air support and armed reconnaissance sorties Nov. 1 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to Coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities, and operations to

Airmen learn Army skills

A new battle cry has been heard around the ranges and barracks here. Instead of the all too familiar ‘HOOAH,’ a strange and new guttural chant is catching on -- ‘AIRRP!’ The men and women who use the new phrase, which means ‘air power,’ are taking part in a joint effort which teaches Army skills to

USCENTAF reports its air power summary

U.S. Central Air Force's report that their air power summary for today is:Coalition aircraft flew 34 close air support and armed reconnaissance sorties Oct. 31 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities, and

Falcons wave goodbye to winning season

One by one, Air Force’s goals for 2005 have come and gone. A Mountain West Conference title, reclaiming the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy and a bowl appearance are all history. Now a winning season got smaller in their rear view mirror thanks to a 62-41 conference beating by Brigham Young University

Maintainers resurrect historic aircraft

A group of Edwards aircraft maintainers recently joined efforts to restore a historic aircraft for the Air Force Flight Test Center museum. A team of 36 maintainers from the 412th Equipment Maintenance Squadron's corrosion control, armament, structural maintenance, inspection flight and fabrication

Enlisted aide career field continues to improve

From preparing meals to arranging official social events, enlisted aides have long proven themselves invaluable to general officers. But over the last three years, their career field has evolved to include better training, recognition programs and the chance to earn a Community College of the Air

Tunnel 9 completes vehicle testing

The Arnold Engineering Development Center's Tunnel 9 facility in White Oak, Md. is playing a crucial role in the ongoing Falcon program, with the completion of mission-critical testing of the Hypersonic Technology Vehicle 1. The Falcon initiative is a joint Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

Tuskegee Airmen come to encourage, leave inspired

It was to deliver a message of inspiration and support that led five members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen to visit the members of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing here Oct. 29. However, during a question-and-answer session here at their last stop in the region before returning home, the Tuskegee

'Open the air base' unit returns from successful desert trial

Say you need to move troops to a war zone in some isolated region or relief supplies to a devastated area, and you need to do it in a hurry. Who do you call? The men and women of the 816th Contingency Response Group have a simple answer: "Call us." From Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to the recent

New space badge wear begins today

Air Force Space Command commander Gen. Lance W. Lord authorized wear of the new space badge to begin today. “We will unify our USAF credentialed space professional community under a single space badge -- a recognizable, distinctive symbol of the unique and challenging space mission and those who

Cheney thanks Robins troops for terror war support

Vice President Dick Cheney traveled to Robins Air Force Base, Ga., Oct. 28 to thank the troops personally for their contributions to the war on terror and recent national disasters around the world. Cheney thanked the troops for meeting their commitment to the nation during what he called "a very

Supporting those outside Balad

The 732nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group Personnel Support for Contingency Operation team has a unique mission here -- to account for Airmen who fill Army and Marine billets. Although the majority of these In Lieu of Forces Airmen are geographically separated from Balad Air Base, they must be

Airman completes mission with pride, satisfaction

As he completes his tour of duty at this small, forward-deployed desert air base, Master Sgt. James Royuela looks back with satisfaction and pride knowing his hard work directly contributed to the overall success of coalition forces fighting the global war on terror. Sergeant Royuela, a 1988

First deployed SARC stationed at Manas

In the continuing effort to ensure that deployed Airmen are as well taken care of as their home station counterparts, the Air Force recently deployed its first sexual assault response coordinator here. The effort is part of the Air Force’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program drive to have

Podcasting becomes another Edwards first

Edwards became the first base to offer news updates through podcasting recently when it launched the service through its public Web site. Podcasting, a method of publishing audio broadcasts via the Internet, allows users to subscribe to a news feed of MP3 files. These feeds deliver audio broadcasts

The AC-130U Gunship program explores viper strike capability

The AC-130U Gunship, managed by Aeronautical Systems Center's Special Operations Forces Systems Group here, is undergoing an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration for a standoff precision-guided munition called Viper Strike. Viper Strike is a small, precision-attack munition with guide/glide

Turtle patrol volunteers give baby sea turtles new life

Fifty eight newly hatched baby green sea turtles got their first taste of life and the Gulf of Mexico after the Eglin’s sea turtle patrol volunteers released them to the wild Oct. 27. While this was deemed a great day of success for the volunteers, the prospects of the baby turtles surviving to see

Air Force depots exceed major maintenance goals

For the second consecutive year, the Air Force's three air logistics centers exceeded their aircraft production goal and met their engine production goal, putting more hardware essential to the global war on terrorism and peacetime training missions into the hands of U.S. warfighters. The overall

Airmen performing non-traditional security

The camp has the look and feel of many Army bases with one exception, the majority of the force protection presence is Airmen -- including the two security forces squadron commanders. Traditionally an Army function, here, Airmen are providing perimeter defense, convoy and area security and security

Web software database allows medics to consolidate forms, keep Airmen up-to-date

A new Medical Screening Program is a cure for what used to be a paperwork nightmare at the medical control center. When using the MSP, medical personnel and wing unit deployment managers can easily verify medical deployment status with a touch of a button. In the past, the medical status of

Combat communications answers the call

They can set up communications to anywhere in the world from anywhere in the world. They can take a strip of land and turn it into an airfield capable of carrying out military or relief missions, but for now, members of the elite 5th Combat Communications Group are at a former Soviet republic making

Eagle Flag 06-1 finishes, but the learning goes on

Being prepared to deploy is the key to success of the Air Force’s expeditionary mission. This is where Eagle Flag comes in. The two-week exercise, held Oct. 18 to 28 here, tested Airmen on a multitude of expeditionary combat support skills. Participants for the exercise are chosen based on their

Air commandos learn martial arts from Marines

Beaten, bloodied and loving it. It’s the best way to describe the 20 battlefield Airmen who went toe-to-toe in hand-to-hand combat here, Oct. 17-28. Air commandos from Air Force Special Operations Command units around the world gathered at the 720th Special Tactics Group here to learn from three of

Base approaches half-million deposited in personal savings program in October

In less than one month, servicemembers here have deposited a record $454,975 in the Savings Deposit Program. “Just for the month of October, members here have put in several times the rest of the (area of respopnsiblity) combined,” said Tech. Sgt. Scott Armstrong from the 386th Air Expeditionary

1st EMS troops build Joint Direct Attack Munitions for first deployment of Langley F/A-22s

When 1,000 pounds of steel and concrete fell a mile and smashed through the back of a truck, it ushered in a new era for the 1st Fighter Wing -- the return of air-to-ground combat. That mission ended in 1975 for the wing.Getting the Joint Direct Attack Munition ready for the mission was no easy

Raptors return with insight, information

The familiar sound of flying Raptors will soon fill the Virginia skies again. The 27th Fighter Squadron returns here Oct. 28 from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, ending two weeks of out-of-town training and bringing the first-ever deployment for the F/A-22 Raptor to a close. “Training like this is

UAV mission

Troops look up to Compass Call

Operation Enduring Freedom has become as much about electrons as about bullets. Providing an umbrella of electronic protection over ground forces has become the role of EC-130H Compass Call aircraft here. But since November 2004, the 41st Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron has taken that role

Airmen help prepare Soldiers for Afghanistan duty

Airmen from around the Air Force helped prepare 10th Mountain Division Soldiers for their deployment to Afghanistan during exercise Unified Endeavor 06 here. The exercise, which ended Oct. 23, prepared members of the division’s headquarters and staff for their upcoming rotation to head Combined

New processor makes Strike Eagle more lethal

When F-15E Strike Eagles starts getting a new core processor next year, they will be more lethal and effective weapons in the war on terrorism and beyond. The Aeronautical Systems Center's F-15 Systems Group here is managing the development, test and acquisition of the advanced display core

Sponsors help form newcomers’ first impressions

Bad first impressions last a long time. That is what William Robinson tries to instill in every person assigned as a sponsor here. Sponsors provide those impressions of the base and the arriving member’s unit, said Mr. Robinson, 39th Mission Support Squadron family support center community readiness

Airmen, Sailors help Soldiers move containers of hope

Airmen and Sailors continue helping Soldiers here provide humanitarian assistance and support to the earthquake-affected people of Pakistan. When they’re not fixing aircraft helping fight the war on terrorism, Air Force EC-130 Hercules and Navy E-6B Intruder maintainers have been helping 82nd

Falcons golfers win 11th-straight Reemtsma Trophy

The U.S. Force Academy golf team captured the Reemtsma Trophy for the 11th-consecutive year  -- continuing their dominance of the annual Service Academy Golf Classic. The Falcons, facing rivals Army and Navy, shot a 5-under-par 355 as a team in the third round Oct. 25, to bring their tournament

Homestead cleans up, stages relief

Just hours after Hurricane Wilma hit this base, the 482nd Fighter Wing had the base airfield open and ready to help with relief efforts. The wing is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Florida Army National Guard and local officials here to send relief supplies to south Florida

Tuskegee Airmen return to war zone

The Tuskegee Airmen know about war. They battled the Nazis abroad and racism at home. Now they've made their way back to the front lines to show their support for Airmen fighting the war on terror. Five members arrived here Oct. 25 to interacting with military members, sharing their stories and

Pod gives Strike Eagles an edge

In today’s war on terrorism, troops have many tools at their disposal. One of best tools -- and friend -- is the F-15E Strike Eagle, with its advanced targeting pod. The pod gives pilots real-time information for targeting. “The pod’s capability is simply staggering and it’s changing the battlefield

Staging facility offers more than air evacuations

Getting troops injured in battle from the war zone to another location where they can receive more definitive care takes careful planning and coordination. Such was the case Oct. 21, when members of the 386th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility at this desert base helped move 16 injured troops

President Bush: Troops depend on family support

All U.S. troops fighting the war on terrorism "rely on the love and support of their families," President George W. Bush told spouses at Bolling Air Force Base here. Military members are deployed worldwide defending "our freedom and our security in the first war of the 21st century," President Bush

Academy gets new reserve squadron

A new partnership between the reserve and active-duty force soared into the Rocky Mountains when the 70th Flying Training Squadron opened for business here. Formed Oct. 25, the new squadron -- formerly known as Detachment 1, 302nd Operations Group -- marks the first time citizen Airmen have had a

Hybrid refueler truck could cut energy use

The Air Force is looking for a way to save fuel and energy, while meeting mission needs. The R-11 hybrid electric refueling truck is one answer. The truck -- which is undergoing a series of tests before its release later this year -- is the first step in a spiral development between the Advanced

Air defense continues during hurricane season

Though it has been busy providing hurricane support over the past 14 months, the 1st Air Force is also busy doing its main job -- protecting America’s skies. The Airmen that work in the combined air operations center continue to maintain the nation’s “steady and robust air defense,” said Col. Kevin

Air Force nation's leading 'green power' user

For the Air Force, winning a 2005 Green Power Leadership Award was a breeze -- literally. Bases like Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, and Fairchild AFB, Wash. -- both which receive 100 percent of their energy from wind or other renewable energy power sources -- helped the Air Force earn the award Oct.

Florida asks Air Force for little hurricane help

Although Hurricane Wilma left a swath of destruction through southern Florida Oct. 24, the state has asked the Air Force for very little assistance. Florida was so well prepared for Wilma that officials there have -- so far -- only asked the military to provided communication packages and helicopter

General Regni takes command of U.S. Air Force Academy

Lt. Gen. John F. Regni became the U.S. Air Force Academy’s 17th superintendent during a change of command ceremony here today. The new superintendent graduated from USAFA with a bachelor of science degree in Biology in 1973. “I am honored and humbled to pick up the torch from General John Rosa,”

Horned Frogs trample Falcons, 48-10

Texas Christian University trampled the Falcons, 48-10. After the Oct. 22 victory, the 7-1 TCU Horned Frogs remain unbeaten in the Mountain West Conference, holding a two-game lead over the second-ranked team. It also leaves the Falcons facing the possibility of a losing season. “They handed us a

Reservists clean house, increase F-16 capability

Desire and motivation drove 14 Reserve Airmen to turn a barely functional back shop into one of two fully functional avionic intermediate shops here. The revamped work center allowed the staff to double the improved avionic intermediate repair capabilities. The reservists deployed here from

Davis-Monthan getting combined air operations center

The Air Force broke ground on a new combined air operations center here. There was the sound of sledgehammers swinging when workers started the conversion of an old ground-launched cruise-missile facility into the new Falconer CAOC facility Oct. 17. The new operations center -- scheduled to open in

Hurricane Wilma makes landfall in Florida

Hurricane Wilma hit Florida's western coast around 6:30 a.m. EDT today with sustained winds of about 125 mph. So far, there have been no reported deaths or injuries in Florida.Waiting for the storm, dispersed throughout the state, are some 2,400 Florida National Guard Airmen and Soldiers, the

Airmen in place for Hurricane Wilma relief

As Hurricane Wilma rips through south Florida, Airmen from 1st Air Force are already in place today to help storm victims. The rest of 1st Air Force is ready to respond, if asked to provide resources for Wilma relief efforts, said 1st AF commander Maj. Gen. M. Scott Mayes. “If we get the call, we’re

Introductory flight training undergoing changes

The introductory flight training program that prepares pilot candidates for specialized undergraduate pilot training will decrease from 50 to 25 hours next fall. The transitional program will bridge the change from the current introductory program to a new program called initial flight screening.

Raptor drops first bomb

“Weapon’s away.” Those two words from Lt. Col. Jim Hecker put the 27th Fighter Squadron into the record books. The squadron commander dropped the first bomb -- a 1000-pound global positioning system-guided joint direct attack munition -- from an F/A-22 Raptor Oct. 18. Eight more bombs followed

Peering through window to world of ‘sniffing’

Security forces military working dog handlers have a unique job. But not every handler gets the opportunity to train with customs agents from a host nation. Military working dog handlers here train with Japanese K-9 agents from Narita and Osaka as part of a joint-training opportunity established

Westover C-5s airlift more Chinooks for earthquake relief

A third C-5 Galaxy aircrew from the 439th Airlift Wing here left Oct. 18 to deliver more help to earthquake-ravaged Pakistan. The giant cargo plane picked up two Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters at Fort Sill, Okla., and delivered them to Pakistan, after a stop in Spain. It was the 13th humanitarian

New Air Force Portal tool gets warfighters parts faster

Armed with a single user ID, password and valid stock number, Airmen can now get parts into the hands of warfighters quicker with a new Air Force Portal application. The Enterprise Solution-Supply online tool gives logisticians the ability to find parts stored in any of the more than 300 Air Force

UAV testing begins at Andersen

Testing being done here will help determine if the tiny Weatherscout unmanned aerial vehicle can track tropical cyclones in the Pacific Ocean. The Weatherscout -- called the WUAV -- flew its first mission from this base’s Northwest Field Oct. 15. That kicked off a six-week testing period by members

Cope Thunder 06-01 challenges end

The first winter Cope Thunder ended here Oct. 20 and aircrews found the weather was their main adversary. But the weather at this remote base -- which grounded many missions -- is exactly why exercise planners picked it to host Pacific Air Force’s premier combat airpower exercise, said Col. Bob

Incirlik moving Pakistan earthquake aid

With the determination of an ant colony, Airmen here are busy moving humanitarian aid cargo bound for Pakistan. Incirlik has played host to an array of international aircraft and provided round-the-clock support since the relief operation started after the Oct. 8 Pakistan earthquake. From Oct. 18 to

Homestead prepares for Hurricane Wilma

The 482nd Fighter Wing is preparing for Hurricane Wilma. Airmen here are evacuating fighter jets and officials are coordinating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for potential hurricane-relief operations. Six F-16 Fighting Falcons evacuated to Dobbins Air Force Base, Ga., and three

General Smith to head U.S. Joint Forces Command

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced Oct. 20 that President George W. Bush nominated Lt. Gen. Lance L. Smith for appointment to the rank of general with assignment as commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command. General Smith is currently deputy commander of U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air

Vandenberg launches final Titan IV

After five decades of service, the Air Force and the Lockheed Martin Corp. launched the last Titan IV B rocket from here Oct. 19. The heavy-lift workhorse thundered off the pad at 11:05 PST to deliver its final payload to space. It carried a critical national security payload for the National

Hurricane Hunters fly into record season

Despite being displaced and working out of a temporary home, the men and women of the Hurricane Hunters are flying missions to track Hurricane Wilma. The Hurricane Hunters,  of Air Force Reserve Command’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, flew a WC-130J into Wilma measuring top sustained winds

Iraqi pollsters receive airlift help

When Iraq took its next step toward democracy -- voting on a constitution -- Airmen and Marines helped ensure the process worked. That included getting 1,320 Iraqi poll workers safely to and from Baghdad International Airport to their polling stations around the country. It was a job that lasted

Moseley: Air Force needs to bolster intelligence cadre

The Air Force can do a better job training and maintaining the Airmen that gather, process and distribute military intelligence, the Air Force chief of staff said. Gen. T. Michael Moseley said there are not enough Airmen working in military intelligence. And the Air Force must do a better job

Laos duty helps sergeant put her job into perspective

An Army Golden Knight parachutist landed at Sheppard’s salute to America’s warfighters air show streaming the familiar black Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag. It was an emotional moment for many of the spectators at the Oct. 15 event. But it was an especially emotional moment for Tech. Sgt.

Air Force continues earthquake support

As the United States enters its second week of humanitarian operations here, Airmen from all over the world continue working to deliver thousands of pounds of humanitarian cargo a day. In the second week following the earthquake in Pakistan, the group handled almost 700 tons of cargo intended for

Bagram getting new passenger terminal

Engineers are building a new $932,000 passenger terminal that will expand operations at this base. Twenty-four Airmen from the 1st Expeditionary Red Horse Group, deployed here from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., began laying the terminal’s foundation earlier this month. The group expects to finish the

Wife's song provides encouragement to spouse, others during separation

Heather Wagner watched intently as the dramatic scene played out on her television screen.A Soldier was deploying. And there by the departure gate, his wife and children hugged and kissed their goodbyes as tears cascaded down their faces. As Heather's gaze drifted from the television to her husband,

Remains of missing World War II Airmen returning home

The remains of three U. S. servicemen, missing in action since 1941, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors. They are Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Augustus J. Allen, of Myrtle Springs, Texas; Staff Sgt. James D. Cartwright, of Los Angeles,

EOD Airmen help destroy old rockets

Airmen and Soldiers joined forces at a former Soviet munitions dump near here to transport and destroy three 5,000-pound rockets. If not destroyed, the rockets could have posed a threat to U.S. and coalition forces serving here as part of the ongoing global war on terrorism, officials said. Lessons

'Makos' in sky help warriors on ground

The sky above Balad Air Base was thick with dust and sand when four F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots completed another mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.They were headed to their deployed home at Balad Oct. 17 when they were eventually diverted here.  Their mission started early that morning,

Honor guard takes national award

The 301st Fighter Wing Honor Guard took center stage -- not as presenter, but as the recipient of the Air Force Association’s the 2005 Citation of Honor. This annual honor -- the association’s highest achievement award -- recognizes outstanding contributions by an individual or group in the

Force shaping board meeting in 2006

A force shaping board will convene in 2006 and continue to meet annually to properly shape the officer corps to meet emerging Air Force needs. Instituted by the Air Force, the board will be a regular aspect of force management and development in the future. Authorized by the Secretary of the Air

Cope Thunder medical team practices mobile medicine

Practicing mobile medicine and leaving a small footprint on a mission is just one the aspects of participating in Cope Thunder 06-01, said a flight surgeon here. Six-year veteran Maj. (Dr.) John Cotton, said he is enjoying his first temporary duty assignment as the Cope Thunder flight surgeon. He

Airmen score triple play on one trip

A C-130 Hercules aircrew picked up earthquake relief supplies in Bahrain and delivered them to Pakistan Oct. 15 -- but their mission did not end there. The crew then flew to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, where it picked up cargo to take to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, to support Operation Enduring

Pacific Command joins Pakistan earthquake relief effort

U.S. Pacific Command Airmen loaded three C-5 Galaxies with helicopters, support equipment and Soldiers bound to help earthquake victims in Pakistan Oct. 16. The Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters are the first command assets to deploy to earthquake-shattered Pakistan. A C-5 can carry two CH-47

C-17s airlift Qatari mobile hospital to Pakistan

An Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transported a Qatari mobile hospital to Pakistan in support of earthquake relief operations Oct. 15. Airmen loaded seven Qatari soldiers and 90,000 pounds of cargo on the aircraft, and flew to Islamabad, Pakistan. The group included two medics, two drivers and three

Airmen help with Guatemala relief

Nine Airmen from Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, deployed here as part of a Joint Task Force-Bravo team supporting Hurricane Stan relief operations in this Central American country. The hurricane, which hit the country Oct. 4, caused massive flooding and land slides and displaced thousands of people.

Memphis Belle at Air Force museum

The "Memphis Belle," is one of the Eighth Air Force's first B-17F heavy bombers to complete 25 successful bombing missions over Europe during World War II, is now at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force here. The move came under the terms of an agreement between the Air Force and the Memphis

Putting food on the plate takes a team

It’s 11:30 a.m. A sergeant pushed back from a table after his meal. “That chicken was actually pretty good today!” he said to no one in particular. In his tone was the sense of satisfaction one might expect from a man who works long, hard hours each day and who takes his job -- and his food --

Antarctica Deep Freeze mission resumes

One of the most difficult Air Force missions -- Operation Deep Freeze -- is about to resume. Deep Freeze is the Air Force’s resupply mission for the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctica operations. Aircrews from the 109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard stopped at here on their

Air Force announces team-excellence awards

Air Force officials announced the five teams chosen for the 2005 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards. The Air Force nominated 15 teams for the awards, which recognize outstanding team performance and promote systematic process improvement. The awards also serve as a means to share best practices

Officers, civilians selected for developmental education

More than 1,100 officers and civilians will attend intermediate and senior developmental education programs during the academic 2006-07 year, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced. The Intermediate and Senior Developmental Education Center Designation Board met Sept. 14-16 to select line

First F/A-22 deployment is for training

The Raptors are leaving the nest for their first deployment. Nearly 170 Airmen left here Oct. 15 on a two-week deployment to Hill Air Force Base, Utah. This may sound like a run-of-the-mill temporary duty assignment. But for the Langley Airmen, it is far from a typical out-of-town operation. It is

Falcons wake up at the right time

Air Force football players, like many athletes, are creatures of habit. So the prospect of playing an early-morning game against the University of Nevada Las Vegas wasn’t exactly greeted with high-fives. But judging by their 42-7 route of the Rebels Oct. 15, the Falcons may want to re-set their

Air Force continues Pakistan aid

The Air Force continues to provide humanitarian aid to Pakistan after it suffered a 7.6 magnitude earthquake Oct. 8. Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs, KC-10 Extenders and C-130 Hercules aircraft have transported more than 630,000 pounds of humanitarian relief, including food, tents, cots, medical

General McNabb takes command of AMC

Gen. Duncan J. McNabb took command of Air Mobility Command during a ceremony here Oct. 14. During the ceremony, the general discussed the importance of the command now and in the future. "It has been six years since I left here as commander of the (Tanker Airlift Control Center)," said General

Healthy children require proactive parents

Eating an apple a day doesn't always keep the doctor away. This is especially true in children from birth to early adolescence, an age group with especially high illness rates, said Maj. Tamara Hall, the 325th Medical Operations Squadron pediatrics flight commander and nurse practitioner here.

VA finding jobs for Iraq, Afghanistan vets

For young men and women fighting the war on terrorism, coming home in good health is a major goal. But coming home to a good job also is a primary concern, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson said during a news conference Oct. 13. He announced a VA jobs program for

SECDEF visits MacDill, addresses military concerns

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld thanked Airmen here Oct. 11 for their involvement in the global war on terrorism and humanitarian efforts at home and abroad. "We fight today so that our children and their children might not have to experience the heartbreak of something like Sept. 11,” he said.

Electric cars cut fuel costs

As gas prices soared this summer, the 37th Mission Support Group here searched for something new to help the it lower the cost of official transportation. “With gas prices approaching $3 per gallon, we were looking for something that would be beneficial over the long haul,” said group commander Col.

Cope Thunder supply mission diverse

As aircraft lift from the flightline and roar into the low-lying clouds, two 353rd Combat Training Squadron supply liaisons are busy helping customers with the supply process. Tech. Sgt. Devandis Smith and Staff Sgt. Normajean Glossan know first-hand that its the behind-the-scene efforts that makes

Lifesaving trauma team provides care within one hour of injuries

Should deployed troops need on the spot surgery, there is a five-person mobile forward surgical team on standby, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice to help them. The team -- an MFST -- can deploy in 24 to 48 hours. It is the smallest forward-deployable surgical team that can do field surgery. The

Airman sentenced to death

The Airman here who was recently found guilty of two specifications of premeditated murder and one specification of attempted premeditated murder, has been sentenced to death by a military panel. Senior Airman Andrew Paul Witt, 23, is now the only Airman to sit on death row. Airman Witt's death

Blood donations still in high demand

The U.S. military always needs blood in war zones and now, more than ever, it is depending on troops at stateside bases to donate. That is because troops that deploy “down range” cannot donate blood for one year after they return home, said Maj. Julie Zwies, officer in charge of the Expeditionary