Airpark dedication honors Tuskegee Airmen

More than 50 Tuskegee Airmen attended an airpark dedication ceremony in their honor Aug. 2 in front of the 944th Fighter Wing headquarters here. The airpark features an F-16 Fighting Falcon static aircraft painted in World War II Tuskegee colors in recognition of the "Red Tail" warriors of the

Space brings invisible power to the fight

When space professionals deploy, they learn how to better provide combat effects, and warfighters learn more about the invisible power space brings to the fight. "It's not good enough to fly satellites from afar," said Lt. Col. John Shaw, the 4th Space Operations Squadron commander. "We need to

Letter to Airman asks Airmen to become communicators

In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne recognizes the importance of every Airman communicating the Air Force story, especially the contribution the Air Force makes to the nation's security.  The secretary said that success of an enhanced strategic communication

New Air Force lieutenant colonels selected for SDE

The lieutenant colonel central selection board held at the Air Force Personnel Center here has identified senior developmental education "selects." Officers identified as selects join a resource pool of officers who will be considered for future attendance at in-residence SDE. SDE enhances the

Reserve personnel center expands news service

Air Reserve Personnel Center news can now be delivered directly to desktops via ARPC's new Really Simple Syndication, or RSS, feeds or to e-mail addresses via the new ARPC news service. "These two new services will serve to enhance our ability to communicate with Air Reserve Component members about

Transformation redefines multi-national exercise

As the Air Force transforms the way it does things, Pacific Air Forces is changing the way it conducts combat training exercises.At the forefront of this effort is PACAF's largest multi-national exercise, Cooperative Cope Thunder, soon to be renamed Red Flag Alaska. The exercise incorporates the

New AFSPC commander touts 'invisible force'

The new commander of Air Force Space Command visited the 90th Space Wing and 20th Air Force July 28 to Aug. 1, touting what he called the "invisible force" with the big hammer. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton said he is excited to leverage the creative talent of the Airmen at all levels of the command and is

PACAF leaders see flash of future in Georgia

Senior leaders from Pacific Air Forces toured the F-22 Raptor production facility here Aug. 3 and got a look at the command's first 5th-generation fighter aircraft. Raptor 4087, bearing "AK" on its tail, is bound for Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. It will be the first of 36 Raptors, in two

Airmen train in ground combat at Camp Shelby

About 170 Airmen have graduated from Camp Shelby, Miss., after four weeks of ground combat skills training in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan to support Army embedded training teams. "Very few of us knew each other when we first got here," said Maj. Brenda Frye, support team commander.

Services unite to patrol Guam's shoreline

The first joint operation involving the Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard security forces set out to patrol the shores of Guam July 26. "This is a joint operation with Coast Guard, Air Force and naval assets all working together as a coordinated team to enhance force protection and overall protection

New structures, names for SMC organization

The Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center has reorganized and renamed its organizations to mirror the traditional Air Force structure in a ceremony July 31. The center activated six subordinate wings, 21 groups, 12 squadrons, 20 divisions, two system offices and the 61st Air Base Wing,

Tyndall spearheads F-22 fighter tactics integration

The 325th Air Control Squadron and 43rd Fighter Squadron here are making significant advances integrating F-22 Raptor fighter tactics with command and control operations, enhancing the capabilities of both. One of the new advances is the ability to send free text messages from command and control

How to catch a falcon by the tail

The tension must be right on, down to a thousandth of an inch. If the measurement is off, it means a multimillion dollar F-16 Fighting Falcon could careen off the runway at nearly 150 mph. And if the system fails completely, that same gray metal beast, filled with jet fuel, and its pilot will meet

Sergeants toy with donations

Two Airmen deployed here are trying to further Iraqis' understanding of Americans through the simplest objects: children's toys. Staff Sgts. Scott Klobucher and Samantha Ross are volunteers at the Air Force Theater Hospital. The sergeants are two of about 600 people who volunteer at the hospital,

Tuskegee Airmen

Air Force leaders sign memorial spire

Two of the Air Force's top leaders signed a segment of the nearly completed Air Force Memorial during a visit to the construction site in Arlington, Va., on Aug. 3. Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley both inked their

PACAF unveils first F-22

Pacific Air Forces' officials got a glimpse into the future of fighter capability during a tail flash unveiling ceremony here today in which PACAF's first F-22 Raptor was unveiled. The aircraft, which is still under construction, will be the first of 36 F-22s assigned to Elmendorf Air Force Base,

'Gateway to the West' embraces Air Force

To honor the men and women of the U.S. Air Force, mayors, administrators and councils in the St. Louis metropolitan area are proclaiming the week of Aug. 7 as "Air Force Week" in their respective cities, villages and towns. St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay will sign a decree Aug. 7 proclaiming the week

Officials prepare for F-22 arrival

As Pacific Air Forces prepares to bring the F-22 to the command next year, the Headquarters PACAF F-22 Program Integration Office is working to ensure no detail is overlooked. The job is not a small task. The integration office staff is responsible for guiding, coordinating and synchronizing the

New AFIT commander focuses on military education system

Brig. Gen. Paula G. Thornhill accepted command of the Air Force Institute of Technology from Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, Air University commander, during a ceremony July 31.  She replaced Brig. Gen. Mark T. Matthews who will become the director of plans and programs at Air Combat Command. "Every

Rescue unit faces moving challenges

It will be a while before the 56th Rescue Squadron fully transitions into operations at this fighter base and begins its new mission in Europe. The combat search and rescue unit arrived here in May from Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, where it served 35 years. It left as part of the U.S.

Airmen provide key support to Soldiers during firefight

Air Force controllers teamed with Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers to successfully conclude a firefight in Mussayib, Iraq, on July 22 where 29 terrorists were killed. Air Force joint terminal attack controllers observed a number of men taking up positions in buildings surrounding a key

Air Force museum launches new Web site

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is getting a new look online. The museum's new site features easy-to-navigate links to nearly 4,000 pages of museum news, exhibits, research information and more. In addition, more than 4,000 photographs will be available to download. The new Web

Academy stands up new cadet squadrons

The Air Force Academy will stand up four new cadet squadrons during an assumption of command ceremony here Aug. 6. Maj. Fred Cunningham will assume command of Squadron 37; Maj. Ryan Plunkett will assume command of Squadron 38, Maj. Phillip Tucker will assume command of Squadron 39; and Maj. Gilberto

Wynne: We are logisticians of information

As does its enemies, the Air Force considers cyberspace a warfighting domain. The Air Force has always been in the business of flying and fighting in the air, and in past decades, has included space in that mission. This year the Air Force expanded its mission to include cyberspace -- the domain of

'Your Guardians of Freedom' site set to scale down

Budget constraints and contract services reductions have forced officials  to make changes to the "Your Guardians of Freedom" Web site starting Oct 1. The Web site enables Air Force members to order pins for employers of activated Guardsmen (E pin), parents (P pin) and spouses (S pin). Pin

Air Force cycling team wraps up RAGBRAI

One hundred Air Force cycling team members finished in two columns of 50 in Muscatine, Iowa, on July 29, dipping their front wheel in the Mississippi River, the traditional end to the ride across the state. The Air Force team participated in the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across

Small-diameter bomb makes F-15E squadron more lethal

When the 494th Fighter Squadron deploys to Southwest Asia later this year, its new small-diameter bomb will make its F-15E Strike Eagles even more lethal. The squadron will be the first to use the Air Force's new Guided Bomb Unit-39 bomb. It is a thin, Global Positioning System-guided 250-pound bomb

Overseas quarterly assignment listing available

The Enlisted Quarterly Assignment Listing for overseas requirements for the April to June 2007 cycle is now available. Airmen need to work through their military personnel flights to update their preferences by Aug. 17. Deployed Airmen must work with their PERSCO representative to update assignment

Air Force announces staff sergeant promotions

The Air Force has selected 13,298 of 37,071 eligible senior airmen for promotion to staff sergeant, a 35.87 percent selection rate. The Air Force will release the promotion list at 9 a.m. CDT on Aug. 9. The complete list of selectees will be posted online at http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil  by 5

ROVER adds extra set of eyes to sky

A demonstration of the Remote Operated Video Enhanced Receiver during field training here on July 28 allowed basic cadets an opportunity to see how an extra set of eyes in the sky is a critical weapon in military arsenals."It's important to take a new group of leaders and have them interface on the

Letter to Airmen focuses on diversity

In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff of the Air Force T. Michael Moseley issue a policy memorandum regarding equal opportunity and diversity in the Air Force and how today's Air Force does not tolerate harassment of any type. "Tolerating

Lajes Airmen refuel U.S. Army tugboat

Airmen from the 65th Air Base Wing at Lajes Field, Azores, provided support for the U.S. Army tugboat Major General Winfield Scott here today before it left for Fort Eustis, Va. The tugboat received more than 28,000 gallons of diesel fuel and other supplies. "The support we've received has been

Analysis system changes name, expands scope

U.S. Joint Forces Command has changed the name of its Joint Warfare System to Joint Analysis System to better reflect the program's capabilities. The program's manager, Navy Cmdr. Gregg Martin, said he is hopeful the use of JAS will expand to support many U.S. organizations outside the Department of

New utility uniform on track for distribution

The new Airman Battle Uniform is moving into production and on track for distribution to deploying Airmen next summer. Patterns have been finalized and are being run through production to ensure sizing and garment construction as well as preparing for assembly-line operations, said Senior Master

St. Louis to host inaugural Air Force Week

Air Force officials have announced the first-ever Air Force Week.  It will begin Aug. 6 in St. Louis, culminating in an open house and air show at nearby Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Aug. 12 to 13, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.The St. Louis metro region was selected by Air Force

Cancer doesn’t stop Air Force cyclists from crossing Iowa

Tears don’t fall lightly from a colonel, especially in front of more than 120 other Airmen. But when Col. John Clarke presented Pamela Vineyard a plaque, representing a weeklong bike ride across the state of Iowa, the tears were evidence of the inspiring and amazing example of her strength and

15th CMSAF takes first look at space

On his first visit here July 28 as the top enlisted servicemember in the Air Force, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley stressed the importance of recognizing, leading and taking care of Airmen. "I want to focus on our junior enlisted to make sure we take care of them," he said.

Aerial port Airmen make own training opportunities

When the flow of aircraft in and out of this base slows, 727th Air Mobility Squadron troops find ways to keep their training current. That means Airmen must mob the C-5 Galaxy or C-17 Globemaster III aircraft that do arrive -- or deploy to other bases in Europe and the Middle East to train. "Our

Changes in weather agency structure improve efficiency

The stage is set for big changes in Air Force weather forecasting across the United States. By aligning stateside weather operations with the Air Force warfighting initiative, Air Force weather is creating a more efficient and effective organizational structure to support the mission and the

Handbook helps weapon systems get to warfighter quicker

The Department of Defense is constantly looking for ways to reduce the time it takes to get new weapon systems in the hands of the warfighter. The acquisition community at Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command here is helping the DOD do just that. The acquisition logistics division recently rolled

New aggressor unit will stand up in Alaska

The Air Force will activate the 18th Aggressor Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.The mission of the 18th AS will be to provide realistic combat adversary training in air, space and information operations. Aggressor squadrons use enemy tactics, techniques, and procedures to give a realistic

Air Force reservists lead trauma care advances

As coalition forces fight to help Iraq transition to democracy, Air Force surgeons here are fighting to save lives with new surgical knowledge that may benefit military and civilian medical care for years to come.Finishing his third tour in combat, Air Force reservist Col. (Dr.) Jay A. Johannigman

Cadets experience 'war' during visit

Cadets from ROTC units across the country finished their three-week visit here by going to "war" with members of the 460th Space Wing. Eighteen cadets, who were here June 25 to July 14 as part of the Operation Air Force program, took part in War Week July 10 to 14. Airmen at Buckley participate

RIMPAC 2006 comes to a close

The 20th multinational Rim of the Pacific Exercise, or RIMPAC, came to an end July 28. The exercise, a month-long simulation of intense warfare operations off the coast of Hawaii, comprised a coalition force of eight nations employing 35 ships, 160 aircraft and 19,000 sailors. RIMPAC 2006 provided

Two F-16s reach milestone

Two F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron passed 6,000 flying hours during two recent Operation Iraqi Freedom combat missions over Iraq. Flown by Lt. Col. Mark Cline, 421st EFS commander, and Capt. Nick Edwards, aircraft numbers 88-0471 and 88-0428 were the first

Lakenheath Strike Eagles return from Bulgaria

Airmen and their F-15E Strike Eagles returned to this base today from Bulgaria with new flying skills and friends in a land they had never visited. About 200 Airmen and 10 jets from the 48th Fighter Wing deployed to Graf-Isnatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, for the two-week exercise Immediate Response that

Refuelers feed the deployed mission

The 908th Air Refueling Squadron Airmen are doing their part in the war on terror, flying missions out of an base in Southwest Asia. "We have one-third of the air refueling assets as far as the aircraft and the crews go, but we provide almost 50 percent of the air refueling fuel in the area of

Air Force Reserve expands associate unit role at Vandenberg

As part of the Air Force Total Force Integration initiatives, the Air Force Reserve Command is expanding its associate unit role with Air Force Space Command at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., to support the Joint Space Operations Center. "The associate unit program which began in 1968 has served

Airmen strike fast during Angel Thunder

Cryogenics course keeps pilots, planes on target

Cryogenics sounds like some future way of recreating life or a search for a cure of an unknown plague. It also sounds like something from "Star Trek" episodes or possibly even "Star Wars." In the Air Force, it means keeping pilots and aircrews alive when they're flying above the 10,000-foot level.

Retirements application process centralized for reservists

Beginning July 31, all eligible members of the Air Force Reserve will submit retirement applications electronically via the virtual Personnel Center Guard and Reserve, a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week customer service Web portal operated by the Air Reserve Personnel Center here. "The ultimate goal is to

Air Force operations and organization doctrine updated, released

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley has approved the latest revision to Air Force Doctrine Document 2, Operations and Organization. It is considered the Air Force's capstone document outlining the operations and organization of air and space power, officials said. The revised document

Maintainers keep B-1 in the fight

Maintainers assigned to the 40th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron are responsible for servicing, inspecting and repairing B-1B Lancers used to drop bombs in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Being in charge of most flightline repair items on a $283 million aircraft that is saving lives in

Balad Air Base now part of Air Force Public Web

Airmen in Iraq supporting the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base can expect to see a new look on their public Web site. The Air Force plan to consolidate and standardize the appearance of its sites has reached deployed bases as part of the Air Force Public Web program. The Secretary of

Green Lightning tests Pacific bomber force

B-2 Stealth bombers, KC-10 Extenders and support personnel are participating in a new exercise here.Exercise Green Lightning is designed to improve the U.S. capabilities and operational familiarity in the region for the Pacific bomber presence and enhance relations with the Australians. "The United

Air Force officials accepting physical therapy applications

Air Force officials are taking applications for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program which begins Dec. 18, 2007 at the Health Science Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Only active-duty Airmen who possess a baccalaureate degree or those who are in the final semester prior to receiving a degree

KC-135: 50 years old and still refueling

Airmen with the Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Maintenance Squadron are servicing a fleet of aging KC-135 Stratotankers here. "I'll read you the number, are you ready?" Tech. Sgt. Phillip Ferriman asked Senior Airman Thom Pialda, both electrical engineers with the 154th MXS. "L-24-6, no, wait.

Public affairs, multimedia functions merge under Strategic Communication

Twenty-four hour news cycles and the demand for real-time data and images dictate an adjustment in how the Air Force is organized in order to better leverage its capabilities and provide timely and focused information to the public, the Air Force chief of staff said recently in a memorandum. "To

Ramstein medics provide humanitarian care

Securing the health of the thousands of U.S. citizens leaving Lebanon has been placed in the hands of a small group of medical personnel from the 435th Medical Group at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. "Our people love helping," said Capt. Chris Kurinec, who is serving as the operations officer here. "We

Falcons cut Mildenhall bird strikes

Keith Mutton and Alan Marenghi roam the flightline at this base in their small blue vans doing a job that is truly for the birds. The father and stepson duo command a squadron of falcons, hawks and owls that help keep away birds that pose a bird-strike threat to aircraft here. But, it is not an easy

Special ops group helps out in Lebanon operations

The 352nd Special Operations Group, from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, is taking part in joint operations to transport American citizens, who are voluntarily departing Lebanon to Cyprus. The group plays an important role in the U.S. State Department operation.Our mission is to assist the

Contracting provides base 'buying power'

When Airmen deploy they quickly find there are differences from how they do their job at their home station. At a deployed location, if something needs to be purchased, built or serviced, chances are the contracting office has a hand in it. According to the 447th Air Expeditionary Group chief of

New radio enhances F-15 capability

A new radio installed in Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles is enhancing the fighter's ability to support the war on terrorism and homeland defense missions by enabling aircrews to communicate more effectively with ground troops and civilian aircraft. The fleet is receiving ultra high frequency/very high

Controlling skies over dangerous territory

Inside their mobile air traffic control tower, the air traffic controllers need only peer outside their windows or listen to their two-way radios to see and hear the war unfold before them. It's like watching TV, except they're in it, and it's real life. "When I see (medical evacuations) happen, and

Exercise strengthens U.S., international combat skills

Cooperative Cope Thunder 06-3 is the largest multi-lateral air combat exercise in the Pacific bringing together about 1,300 participants to train in Alaska.The operations officer for the exercise said Cope Thunder is very air forces centric -- providing realistic training in joint and combined

Creative troops, maintenance keep vintage tankers airborne

Airmen who maintain the fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers at this base fight a constant battle to keep the vintage jets flying their vital refueling missions. At times that can be an around-the-clock struggle because the aging tanker suffers from seasonal maladies, said Col. Mike Saville, the 100th

Joint Chiefs enlisted adviser speaks at Bolling

The first person selected to serve as the senior enlisted adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke recently to some of the Air Force's newest senior NCO about his role and their responsibility as leaders. Invited to be the guest speaker at a recent senior NCO induction ceremony,

Hospital revamps referral appointment system

Air Force Smart Ops 21 initiatives are not just for operational matters. The Referral Management Center at the hospital here is making a difference in the care for all patients requiring the need of a specialist. The hospital caters to more than 21 specialties in 12 separate clinics, according to

Retraining program seeks to fill more than 1,100 positions

The 2007 NCO Retraining Program begins today as the Air Force seeks to fill more than 1,100 shortage career field and special duty positions. NCOs notified of their vulnerability to retrain must submit their shortage career field choices they would most like to retrain into or apply for a special

USAFE Airmen lauded for efforts in Lebanon operations

As approximately 1,800 U.S. citizens passed through here via Air Force aircraft, the U.S. ambassador to Germany paid a visit to meet the transient Americans and to give thanks to the Airmen providing support. "My hats off first of all to General Hobbins and all the people who work with him, but also

U.S. military involvement ending in Lebanon departures

The U.S. military today performed its final scheduled assisted departure for U.S. citizens in Lebanon, a U.S. military spokesman in Cyprus said.The military has worked with the U.S. State Department and the governments of Turkey and Cyprus for the past 10 days to assist U.S. citizens departing from

Long days, flexibility part of tanker crew's life

Air Force tankers refueled fighters over a stretch of the North Sea off England's East Anglia coast Tuesday in support of a joint NATO exercise. The scenario is nothing new for the two KC-135 Stratotanker crews that flew the mission from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. About 100 miles off the

Medical team transports newborn from Puerto Rico

Seth and Stephanie Parker held each other's hands and waited. As the plane touched down at 12:05 a.m. July 22 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, they smiled at each other and looked at their son. Four-day-old Stuart lay across from his parents on a medical cart surrounded by doctors, nurses and

Gen. Moseley: New long-range bomber on horizon for 2018

A new bomber scheduled for operation as early as 2018 will enhance America's long-range strike capabilities, according to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley in a recent Armed Services Committee speech. In a step to develop future long-range strike capabilities, Air Combat Command is

British pilot finishes Raptor training at Tyndall

The first British pilot to complete F-22 Raptor training graduated July 17 at Tyndall Air Force Base. Flight Lt. Dan Robinson, from the Royal Air Force, is assigned to Langley AFB, Va. He has completed two months of training with the 43rd Fighter Squadron as part of an exchange program. In return, a

Missouri Guard helps St. Louis area in recovery

Missouri National Guard citizen Soldiers and Airmen are being mobilized to support storm recovery efforts in the St. Louis area."The Missouri National Guard is proud to help the St. Louis area through this difficult time," said Maj. Gen. King Sidwell, the adjutant general for Missouri National

Academy professor sets swimming world record

An Air Force Academy professor set a world record in long-distance swimming July 23.Lt. Col. Tim Lawrence of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Department of Astronautical Engineering became the first American to swim the 14.8 nautical miles from Britain's Jersey Island to France. In the process, he

Incirlik pulls together as hundreds transit base

Airmen at the 728th Air Mobility Squadron passenger terminal are used to large crowds of people waiting to board an aircraft. They are used to endless piles of paperwork, luggage details and occasional irritable customers. Those are the things they are used to, but they live for events like those

Air Force officials announce 2007 force-shaping initiatives

Air Force officials announced today new force-shaping initiatives to be used to meet the required 2007 fiscal year end-strength numbers. The new initiatives are designed to bring the officer numbers down as the enlisted end-strength numbers are on target for 2007. Officials said more than 8,000

Pit stops in 'hot' zone require quick off-loads

When people deployed to Afghanistan say a location is "hot," it could mean one of two things. Either it feels like the sun is closer than the moon, or the enemy is lurking about. Here, both meanings apply. For pilots, that equates to making quick pit stops here so they can get in and out of this

Departure efforts through Incirlik continue

More than 1,600 American citizens displaced from Lebanon continued to process through Incirlik Air Base today. The Americans boarded the USS Trenton in Beirut Sunday at 5:10 p.m., and headed for the port city of Mersin in Turkey. After arriving in Turkey, they traveled by bus to Incirlik. "Many of

AFSOC making a difference in war on terror

His people are making a difference in the war on terror, the leader of the Air Force's special operations troops told members of Congress on Capitol Hill. These Airmen are taking the fight to the enemy every night and in the spirit of their stealthy mission, it's a fight that goes unnoticed by the

Airmen escort secretary of state to Lebanon

Security forces members battle HEAT

Airmen here are receiving specialized training designed to help them know what to do if their tactical vehicle was to rollover and increase survivability.The training, termed HEAT, encompasses instruction and the use of the Humvee egress assistance trainer. "This is a two-part training exercise,"

MySpace use comes with risks

The online site MySpace offering individuals free membership to create a personalized Web page can also serve as a vulnerability for Air Force people to post personal information that can cause problems or risk operational security.MySpace members can share personal photos and use it to catch up

Panjshir PRT medics visit remote Afghan district

Patients walked as far as six miles and waited as long as eight hours for treatment by Air Force medics from the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team who visited the Paryan District July 15 and 16.The Medical Civic Action Program, or MEDCAP, was coordinated at the invitation of Panjshir director

U.S., Bulgarian air traffic controllers perfect teamwork

Air Force controllers from the 48th Operations Support Squadron have the opportunity to work and build friendships with their Bulgarian counterparts here as part of Exercise Immediate Response 2006.Bulgaria is a new member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and this exercise gives the

Circled insignia, shoulder board change implementation dates announced

Following the Air Force chief of staff's vision of "lasting heritage - limitless horizons," the Air Force uniform board made minor changes to the enlisted uniform. These changes include returning to the U.S. insignia with circle for the service dress uniform and the deletion of the optional shoulder

Incirlik continues helping Americans leaving Lebanon

The new Incirlik Deployment Processing Center officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 30. Just a few weeks later, the facility is serving as a real-world reception center for 1,600 American citizens leaving Lebanon and seeking travel back to the United States. More than 500 Airmen

Mildenhall's tanker services in high demand

The KC-135 Stratotanker crews at this base in the sedate English countryside are refueling aircraft that are helping get Americans out of Lebanon. Transporting Americans from Lebanon is topping world headlines. But for the 100th Air Refueling Wing it is just its latest mission, wing commander Col.

'Check It' campaign to promote mission focus, stewardship

Everyone within the Defense Department makes an important contribution to the overall mission, so it's critical that every member -- military, civilian and contractor alike -- ensures he or she does his or her job right. That's the message behind "Check It," a new Defense Department campaign that

56th Rescue Squadron launches first flight from Lakenheath

The 56th Rescue Squadron launched its first flight out of RAF Lakenheath today at noon."We are very excited to get our local flying started," said Lt. Col. Thomas Greetan, 56th RQS commander. "It's a tribute to all the various groups and squadrons within the wing who have played a significant part

'New' patients make training more realistic

The use of advanced, more lifelike simulated patients at the aerospace medical service apprentice course is enhancing medical training for Airmen here attending technical school with the 882nd Training Group."The purpose of these patient simulators is to have the most advanced equipment that

Airmen work round the clock in humanitarian crisis

Four Airmen from the 352nd Special Operations Group are deployed here to help with the assisted departure of American citizens, which through July 23 totaled more than 7,000, from Beirut, Lebanon, to ports and airports in Cyprus. Having arrived in Cyprus early on July 18 from Royal Air Force

Americans fleeing Lebanon arrive at McGuire

As of today, U.S. efforts to assist in the departure of American citizens from the conflict in Lebanon have led to more than 1,200 displaced people processing through here. American citizens are traveling aboard C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from here as well as from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.,

Researchers conduct workshop on biologically inspired flight

Air Force Office of Scientific Research officials here recently completed a workshop entitled "Biologically Inspired Flight for Micro Air Vehicles" in Denver. Micro air vehicles, or MAVs, are part of a new breed of remotely controlled aircraft that are significantly smaller than currently available

Experience a key training tool at Security Forces Academy

A unit here is taking Airmen's combat experiences and merging them into the training they provide security forces bound for duty "outside the wire" in war zones. The 343rd Training Squadron has added combat experience to their Security Forces Academy to better prepare Airmen to provide air base

Misawa F-16 unit flying high at Cooperative Cope Thunder

Pilots and support staff from Misawa Air Base, Japan, are taking advantage of realistic air combat training here during Cooperative Cope Thunder, Pacific Air Forces' largest joint and bilateral air combat exercise. The 13th Fighter Squadron brought about 40 pilots and support Airmen and 12 F-16

RAM squad exercises ability to rescue coalition forces

Firefighting tends to be a strenuous and dangerous job, requiring its practitioners to place themselves in harm's way to save lives and property.A team of 20 Air National Guard firefighters at Ali Base have volunteered to take that responsibility a step further by working on the Rescue Air Mobility