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  • Air Forces Africa commander shares challenges, concerns

    The 17th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Africa commander discussed Africa operations during the Air Force Association's 2011 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 20.Major Gen. Margaret Woodward emphasized the importance of America's partnership with the people of Africa and the

  • Air Force recommits to green initiatives during pollution prevention week

    One of the best ways to protect the Earth is to not pollute in the first place, a realization that became official American policy in 1990 with the passing of the Federal Pollution Prevention Act. This week, the Air Force joins the rest of the nation in acknowledging a concerted effort to reduce

  • USAFE commander highlights US, NATO partnership

    The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe shared his views on the evolution of the partnership between U.S. and European Airmen during the Air Force Association's 2011 Air & Space Convention and Exposition here Sept. 20.Since World War I and the days of the Lafayette Escadrille, and even before,

  • AFA recognizes 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    The 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2011 were recognized during a formal banquet hosted by the Air Force Association during its 2011 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition, Sept. 19, at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy emceed the

  • CSAF, CMSAF release videos reinforcing resiliency, wingmen culture

    The Air Force chief of staff and chief master sergeant of the Air Force have released public service announcements Sept. 20 to reinforce the importance of resiliency and encourage all Airmen to look out for one another.Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy also

  • Air Force officials announce FY12 voluntary force management measures

    Air Force leaders announced Sept. 9 the continuation of voluntary officer separation measures for fiscal 2012 as part of the services' ongoing force-management initiatives.In 2010 Air Force leaders implemented a tailored, multi-year program  to reduce the number of personnel to operate at the

  • Mobility Air Forces provide wartime capability, humanitarian assistance

    The same mobility machines and personnel that deliver critical capabilities to U.S. joint forces in combat have also proven their mettle in humanitarian missions, said Air Mobility Command's top officer at the Air Force Association's 2011 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept.

  • SECAF delivers address on state of the Air Force

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed hundreds of Airmen, sister service members and industry leaders during the Air Force Association's 2011 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here, Sept. 19.Donley spoke about the state of the Air Force in regards to budget concerns,

  • AF officials announce civilian early retirement, separation incentive options

    The Air Force is implementing civilian Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay programs, Air Force officials announced today."Our goal with these programs is to mitigate the impact of reduced fiscal year 2012 funding on our permanent civilian workforce," said Maj.

  • Senior leaders: B-2 has a bright future ahead

    Senior leaders from across the Air Force visited here last week to discuss the future of the B-2 Spirit bomber.The General Officer Steering Group for B-2 Sustainment met here Sept. 8 to discuss challenges and solutions for keeping the B-2 fleet healthy and operational for years to come.Ann Mitchell,

  • Airmen participate in "Angel" humanitarian operation in Timor-Leste

    The Falintil Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste, U.S. Air Force and Australian International Stabilization Forces are conducting Pacific Angel 11-02: Timor-Leste, a joint humanitarian and civic-military operation, in Baucau and Com.Pacific Angel consists of several concurrent civil-military assistance

  • Air Force Marathon sets attendance record for second year

    The 2011 U.S. Air Force Marathon broke a number of records this year -- first selling out earlier than ever in June and then by lining up 13,000 runners at the starting line on the grounds of Wright State University and the National Museum of the United States Air Force here.This previous record for

  • Enlisted force bestows highest honor on ACC commander

    A gathering of 500 Air Combat Command Airmen assembled in Hampton, Va. Sept. 12, to honor the ACC commander with induction into the Order of the Sword. The Order of the Sword is the highest honor the enlisted corps can bestow on an individual and is steeped in military tradition. Originally begun as

  • Air Force vice chief testifies on GO, SES numbers

    The Air Force vice chief of staff provided the Air Force perspective on general officer and senior executive service civilian authorizations to the Senate Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Personnel here Sept. 14.Gen. Phil Breedlove joined his Army, Navy and Marine Corps counterparts in

  • Possible F-16 buy highlights Iraq's progress

    Iraq's potential purchase of 18 U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons is an encouraging development that benefits both nations, the senior U.S. Air Force component commander in Iraq said Sept 14."I do not have any word yet that a letter of offer and acceptance is signed, but as you probably know, we did have a

  • Air Combat Command welcomes new leader

    Air Combat Command welcomed a new commander in a ceremony Sept. 13 here.Gen. Gilmary Michael Hostage III assumed command of ACC from Gen. William M. Fraser III in front of hundreds of Airmen and others gathered at the 94th Fighter Squadron hangar.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, who

  • CSAF visits 70th ISR Wing Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz attended a chaplain-sponsored dormitory dinner with Airmen from the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing Aug. 31 here.During his visit, Schwartz was given a tour of the wing's dormitory, where he was shown recently-made improvements

  • Department officials seek balanced 'cloud' computing solution

    Defense Department officials are looking to balance efficiency, effectiveness and security while moving away from the department's decentralized network of computer servers and data centers and into "cloud" computing, the DOD's deputy chief information officer said Sept. 7."We must balance all

  • Survivor supports families in wake of 9/11

    It's been a decade since American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, but Bonnie Carroll vividly recalls the aftermath.As a family support volunteer, she spent hours "listening and sharing" with families who were waiting to be notified about a missing loved one.Carroll, the

  • Last baby born at Wilford Hall, labor and delivery moves to BAMC

    Baby Laurel Perez made history on Aug. 28.She was the last baby born at Wilford Hall Medical Center and is now an important part of the 60-year history of labor and delivery here.The Hauth Birthing Center, located on the fifth floor of the nine-story hospital, closed Aug. 29 and will re-open at

  • Los Angeles AFB to go electric

    Air Force officials unveiled a plan Aug. 31 to establish Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., as the first federal facility to replace 100 percent of its general purpose fleet with plug-in electric vehicles. "With gas prices rising and the cost of batteries falling, now is the time to move toward

  • Air Force Iraq mission likely to increase before it ends

    As the American presence in Iraq draws down, the Air Force mission in the nation likely will increase, said Maj. Gen. Russell J. Handy.Handy, the commander of the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force and director of the Air Component Coordination Element in Iraq, discussed the Air Force

  • Air Force celebrates JSF arrival, rolls out nation's airpower future

    Air Force officials said the unveiling of the F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighter was a "historic occasion" during a rollout ceremony here Aug. 26.The F-35A, on display during the ceremony, was delivered here in July by Lt. Col. Eric Smith, the Air Force's first F-35 pilot."This is indeed a new

  • JTAC shot, keeps calling in critical close air support

    American heroes have shone time and time again during the war in Afghanistan, earning accolades from their branches of service and even the president of the United States, but most recently a joint terminal attack controller from the 817th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron proved it yet

  • Guard supports joint response, thousands deploy

    National Guard support to the joint response to Hurricane Irene was in full motion Aug. 27 as thousands of Soldiers and Airmen rolled out in multiple states to support civilian authorities.Guard officials at the National Guard Coordination Center here were tracking the storm and working with other

  • National Guard ready for Hurricane Irene

    National Guard adjutants general along the East and Gulf Coasts are currently awaiting the potential landfall of Hurricane Irene, but are prepared to act if called upon by their governors, Guard officials said Aug. 23.As of 3:30 p.m., the Florida National Guard 125th Fighter Wing, has upgraded to

  • Air Force youth of the year recognized in Pentagon ceremony

    Fifty teens were honored at the 2011 Air Force Youth of the Year Award ceremony Aug. 3 in the Pentagon auditorium here.The annual ceremony, held in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year Program, recognizes Air Force youth for contributions to their installation youth

  • New commander, president takes over Air University

    The change of command ceremony Aug. 12 was unique for Air University, as Lt. Gen. David Fadok became the organization's first president and 29th commander."We produce the future and must never forget how important that mission is," Fadok said after assuming command from Lt. Gen. Allen Peck, who

  • Officials offer peek into officer promotion boards

    Air Force officials offered a peek into the officer promotion board process recently to explain how they are conducted. "The promotion system is clear-cut and extremely fair," said Col. Ramona Dolson, chief of the Air Force Selection Board Secretariat. "The Air Force has done a great job in making

  • Officials conduct study of aircraft oxygen generation systems

    Air Force officials continue to conduct an Aircraft Oxygen Generation study, with members of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board taking the leading role.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley directed the quick look study in the wake of recent F-22 Raptor incidents.Officials seek to identify

  • Upcoming show to display military land, sea, ground robots

    More than 6,000 experts from 30 countries will be gathering here Aug. 16-19 for this year's largest robot and unmanned systems show.Hosted by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, called AUVSI, Unmanned Systems North America 2011 will feature workshops, panels and

  • Smith Hall medical instruction facility dedicated during ceremony

    A new medical instructional facility honoring the United States Air Force's first Sergeant Major for the Air Force Medical Service was dedicated during a ceremony at the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Aug.12.Smith Hall was named after the late Air Force

  • Djibouti medical service corps members tour expeditionary medical facility

    Service members from the Djiboutian Military Medical Service Corps were given an opportunity Aug. 9 to tour the Michaud Expeditionary Medical Facility on Camp Lemonnier.The tour of the facility was conducted as part of an ongoing educational partnership between Djiboutian military medics and their

  • Officials announce civilian workforce hiring freeze

    Air Force officials announced the implementation of a 90-day hiring freeze effective immediately.A firm commitment to keep spending within requested levels led to implement the hiring freeze across the civilian workforce, officials said.In addition to a 90-day hiring freeze, the officials plan to

  • NATO countries land successful jump week

    More than 200 paratroopers from six NATO countries participated in airborne jump operations during International Jump Week Aug. 8 through 11.Paratroopers from Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands and the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Army jumped out of aircraft from Papa

  • DOD releases names of Airmen killed in Afghanistan helicopter crash

    Three Air Force Special Operations Command Airmen died Saturday morning when their aircraft, a coalition CH-47 Chinook, crashed in the Maiden Wardak Province in eastern Afghanistan. They were among 25 U.S. Special Operations Command operators who died in the crash, which also took the lives of five

  • ISAF airstrike kills insurgents who caused helicopter crash

    Coalition forces used a precision airstrike to kill Taliban insurgents involved in the Aug. 6 downing of the helicopter carrying 30 U.S. service members and eight Afghans, the commander of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan said Aug. 10. In a briefing from his headquarters in the Afghan

  • Army general to lead Chinook crash investigation

    Army Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Colt will conduct the investigation of the crash of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in Afghanistan that killed 38 U.S. and Afghan service members, U.S. Central Command officials announced Aug. 9.Colt, deputy commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division, will begin his duties

  • Japanese general tours Hickam

    Japanese Maj. Gen. Jun Nagashima, Director J-4, Joint Staff, Ministry of Defense, toured the Hickam side of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Aug. 1 - 5. The visit included a tour of the C-17 Globemaster simulator, static display, and a command overview briefing. According to Col. Mark McLeod,

  • Airmen help prevent disease in Cambodia, one mosquito at a time

    U.S. Air Force medical specialists are partnering with local experts here to hunt and trap some of the world's most dangerous insects, carrying some of the world's deadliest diseases. In an effort to conduct surveillance and encourage Cambodians to expand their technology and health care, the

  • Air Force Medical Service's first 'Sergeant Major' to be honored

    The late Chief Master Sgt. Raymond T. Smith once told a reporter: "The Vietnam conflict has brought the services closer together. We've got to keep it that way."When he made that remark in 1970, he was serving as the first enlisted senior NCO for the entire Air Force Medical Service. So new was his

  • McKinley: America must preserve Tuskegee Airmen's legacy

    As the accomplishments of the World War II-era Tuskegee Airmen fade into U.S. history, a grateful nation must work to keep their legacy alive, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said at the 40th annual Tuskegee Airmen convention."The reality of human behavior is that the further in time we get

  • Wounded warriors, families deserve best care, Chiarelli says

    The military has made great strides in warrior care over the past decade of war, but much work remains to be done, particularly when dealing with the invisible wounds of war, the Army vice chief of staff said Aug. 8.Speaking at the Warrior Transition Command's Warrior Care and Transition Program

  • Leaders offer condolences in wake of helicopter crash

    Senior U.S. leaders extended condolences Aug. 6 to the families of American and Afghan forces lost in an International Security Assistance Force helicopter crash in eastern Afghanistan Aug. 6.Thirty ISAF service members, a civilian interpreter and seven Afghan commandos were killed when a coalition

  • VA quality data released to public on CMS Hospital Compare website

    Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers are now included in the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services Hospital Compare website, which measures hospital quality based on what matters most to patients, the outcomes of care. "VA is committed to providing veterans and their family members

  • Sheppard innovates Web-based self-inspections

    Innovation in the checklist industry has found its way to the Sheppard Air Force Base Self-Inspection Program through the Management Internal Control Toolset. MICT is a web-based self-inspection software tool used to manage, track and close self-identified work center deficiencies. The days of

  • History, achievements of Tuskegee Airmen celebrated

    "I have a dream," said Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."Before King famously spoke those words from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, more

  • Base mall undergoes changes to save $15M in energy

    Officials at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center here recently started phase II of a cost-saving energy initiative that will save at least $15 million over the course of the building's life.Phase I consisted of removing redundant and unnecessary lighting in and around the KMCC

  • New commander takes reins of Air Forces Central Command

    Lt. Gen. David L. Goldfein took command of U.S. Air Forces Central Command from Lt. Gen. Gilmary Michael Hostage III during a change of command ceremony Aug. 3 in Southwest Asia. Gen. James N. Mattis, the commander of U.S. Central Command, presided.As the air component commander for U.S. Central

  • McChord Airmen recognized for historic Antarctic mission

    The C-17 Globemaster III aircrew members of "Ice 68" from the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings here were recognized by Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., the commander of Air Mobility Command, July 29 for their part in evacuating an ailing government contractor from McMurdo Station, Antarctica, June

  • Top award winners named for Air Mobility Rodeo 2011

    The Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 competition drew to a close here July 29 with the 97th Air Mobility Wing earning the "Best Air Mobility Wing" title during the awards presentation for the air mobility competition.In the closing ceremonies, the Rodeo commander addressed the thousands of people who had

  • Mobile language class makes impression

    With their clipboards and homework packets in hand, students at the Defense Language Institute English Language Center boarded the bus and headed for the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, Texas.However, this is no ordinary field trip. It is a mobile classroom, and the students are

  • New office aims to strengthen families financially

    A government office dedicated to protecting service members and their families from financial predators and pitfalls officially opened for business recently.As the military arm of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Office of Servicemember Affairs is intended to strengthen military

  • Officials say Joint Strike Fighter program is on track

    The Joint Strike Fighter Program Office deputy director expressed confidence in the progress of the JSF program at an Air Force Association breakfast program here July 27.The upgrades and acquisitions, particularly the completion of the new Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., training facility, helps to

  • Air Force leaders laud AFSA, Airmen at gala

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz capped the 2011 Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Airmen's Conference with remarks at an awards banquet here July 27.Donley congratulated AFSA on its 50 years of dedicated service to enlisted

  • Walter Reed's legacy will endure, McHugh says

    Though it's consolidating soon in nearby Bethesda, Md., with the National Naval Medical Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center has built a lasting legacy, Army Secretary John M. McHugh said here July 27 at a ceremony in which the 102-year-old hospital cased its colors.The consolidation in Bethesda,

  • Hiring vets makes positive investment, defense officials say

    Hiring military reservists and veterans is a positive investment for America, the deputy director of U.S. Army Reserve Command told federal hiring officials July 27.Reservists and veterans have a "vast resource of capabilities" that provides a distinct hiring pool for federal civilian jobs, Army

  • Air Force surgeon general lays out future of aeromedical evacuation

    The Air Force surgeon general addressed hundreds of medical professionals from around the world at the International Aeromedical Evacuation/En Route Care Conference at Joint Base Lewis-McChord recently.Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Charles Green was the keynote speaker on the second day of the first U.S.-led

  • Air Force vice chief testifies on force readiness

    The Air Force vice chief of staff provided a total force readiness update to the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Readiness here July 26."I'm pleased to report that America's Air Force continues to provide the nation with unmatched global vigilance, reach and power as a part of this

  • Afghan Airmen expand C-27 medical evacuation support capability

    Afghan air force medics from Kandahar and Kabul worked together recently advancing greater medical evacuation support for Regional Command south and southwest.That support was put to the test as Afghan National Army soldiers were transported by AAF medical airmen to the National Military

  • French award National Defense Gold Medal to pararescue Airmen

    Three 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron Airmen were awarded the French National Defense Gold Medal with bronze star during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Morales-Frazier July 8.French Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Maurin, the Task Force La Fayette IV commander, presented Capt. John Mosier, an HH-60G

  • Caring for People Forum addresses issues facing Airmen, families

    The Air Force's 2011 Caring for People Forum concluded here July 21 with the presentation of several initiatives focusing on a range of issues affecting Airmen and their families.More than 250 attendees from various base-level organizations met to recommend special focus areas to the Air Force

  • Air Force chief of staff visits Cheyenne

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie spent July 22 and 23 here meeting with area Airmen and the Cheyenne community to celebrate Cheyenne Frontier DaysDuring the visit, the general visited members of the 153rd Airlift Wing of the Wyoming Air National Guard and their active

  • Air Force, Navy team up for 21st Century fight

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Phil Breedlove discussed the Air Force's enduring capabilities, the Air-Sea Battle concept and the Long Range Strike family of systems at a Mitchell Institute for Air Power Studies event here July 20.Speaking to members of the Department of Defense, international

  • Air Force works to improve energy efficiency

    The vice chief of staff of the Air Force outlined service energy priorities during a keynote address at the 2011 Army-Air Force Energy Forum here July 20. "The Air Force has developed an energy plan which concentrates on three pillars," Gen. Phil Breedlove said. "We are reducing demand, increasing

  • TRANSCOM, AFMC commanders shed light on energy conservation, measurements

    Military senior leaders provided their perspective on operational energy and its associated metrics during the Army Air Force Energy Forum here July 20. Gen. Duncan McNabb and Gen. Donald Hoffman, the respective commanders of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Force Materiel Command, joined U.S.

  • Air Force further reduces officers eligible for RIF

    Sufficient voluntary separations have resulted in the removal of several competitive categories from the September 2011 reduction-in-force board, according to Air Force officials. In April, Air Force officials announced the removal of chaplains and medical service corps officers from the board.

  • 28 nations begin participation in first international AE conference

    With 28 nations participating, Airmen from across the Air Force and the international committee began the first-ever International Aeromedical Evacuation/En Route Care Conference July 20-21 here.The conference aims to help build on improving the future of aeromedical evacuation throughout the

  • Top civil engineer visits PACAF Airmen

    The Air Force Civil Engineer visited civil engineers across Pacific Air Forces to discuss initiatives pertaining to their career fields.Recently, Maj. Gen. Timothy Byers, visited 374th Civil Engineer Squadron at Yokota Air Base and spoke to Airmen about their vital role in Operation Tomodachi,

  • Medical education, commissioning programs available

    Airmen have the opportunity to apply for Biomedical Sciences Corps training and commissioning programs for fiscal 2012, Air Force officials announced.Applicants interested in the following programs should be U.S. citizens, meet the minimum commissioning age requirements, meet fitness standards and

  • Allen takes reins as ISAF commander

    Marine Gen. John R. Allen assumed command of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force and U.S. forces in Afghanistan here July 18.Allen succeeds Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, who will retire from the Army this summer and then serve as CIA director.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the

  • Officials hope relief will flood in for Minot families

    With water still above flood levels weeks after the natural disaster began in Minot, N.D., Air Force Global Strike Command officials are asking the public for donations to relief and recovery efforts. More than 1,100 Airmen and family members from nearby Minot Air Force Base were displaced from

  • Afghan women pilot candidates serve country, pursue history

    Four young Afghan lieutenants are making history by being the first female pilot candidates from their country to attend the Defense Language Institute's general English course."We should show the world that the women of Afghanistan are strong," said Lt. Sourya Saleh, an Afghan pilot candidate. "We

  • Airmen at Zaragosa Air Base support NASA's final shuttle launch

    Airmen from U.S. Air Forces in Europe provided support at the Transoceanic Abort Landing Site in Zaragoza, Spain, as NASA scientists concluded the shuttle program with the successful launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis July 8. The TAL serves as a safe haven, in the event something goes wrong during the

  • Chief of staff and spouse visit Aviano Air Base

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie visited the 31st Fighter Wing here July 10 to 12, meeting with Airmen and their families while touring the installation and its facilities.During his visit, Schwartz received briefings on the wing's mission and operations, dined with

  • Special agents support the International Contract Corruption Task Force

    Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents are involved in many joint-military and law enforcement endeavors, a practice that is becoming more necessary as operational tempos increase around the world.One such joint endeavor is the International Contract Corruption Task Force, a group

  • Airman missing in action 45 years to be buried at Academy

    An Airman who went missing in action over North Vietnam in 1966 will be buried at the Air Force Academy on July 15 with full military honors.Col. Leo S. Boston of Canon City, Colo., was a member of the 14th Air Commando Wing at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in 1966.  Then a captain, he

  • Sensor network detects nuclear blasts worldwide

    At any time of the day or night, on any day of the year, if a nuclear device explodes anywhere on Earth, a Defense Department network established in 1947 will know about it.That was the year Army Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower directed the Army Air Corps to develop such a capability, and the U.S. Atomic

  • Officials name productivity award winners

    Air Force selected four winners for the Air Force's productivity and excellence awards recently. The awards recognize individuals or groups that provide resource-saving improvements to the Air Force. The Air Force Productivity Excellence Award recognizes individuals and small groups of military and

  • Airman receives General O'Malley Distinguished Space Leadership Award

    The General Jerome F. O'Malley Distinguished Space Leadership Award was awarded to an Air Force Space Command Airman during the sixth annual Space and Cyberspace Symposium June 15 in Keystone, Colo.Brig. Gen. David D. Thompson, the director of air, space and cyberspace operations for Air Force Space

  • White House reverses policy on condolence letters

    President Barack Obama and Defense Department officials will send condolence letters to the families of service members who commit suicide in a war zone.The change is in keeping with administration efforts to remove the stigma of mental health treatment, an administration official said on

  • OREs: being successful from 'StartEX' to 'EndEX'

    An Airman is sitting behind his computer when an operational readiness exercise reminder pops up on his screen. "Another exercise," the Airman exclaims. "The last one was brutal. We were getting written up on everything. I wonder who plans these things and what do we have to do make them easier on

  • Nominees sought for O'Malley award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2012 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award. The O'Malley Award annually recognizes the wing commander and spouse team whose contributions to the nation, the Air Force, and the local community best exemplify the highest ideals and positive

  • Education program promotes relationships, partnerships

    Walk into just about any U.S. professional military schoolhouse, and you're likely to see a surprising number of foreign officers and noncommissioned officers mixed among the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps students.They're a testament to the popularity of the International Military Education

  • Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs gives thanks for Operation Tomodachi

    High-ranking officials from the U.S. Army, Air Force and Navy were invited to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 30 in appreciation of Operation Tomodachi.The State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Yutaka Banno, presented each leader with a shield and bowed deeply in appreciation for

  • Air Force chief of staff announces 2011 'Vector'

    The Air Force's senior military officer released his vision for the future in the CSAF Vector 2011, which highlights the service's unique contributions to national security and also provides updates and the way ahead on the Air Force's priorities."A year ago I presented a vision for our Air Force,"

  • Panetta pledges 'No hollow force' on his watch

    New Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta pledged there will be no hollow force on his watch.The secretary made the commitment in a message to the Defense Department released after he took the oath of office July 1. DOD General Counsel Jeh Johnson administered the oath in the secretary's office. Taking

  • Air Force civilian honored with Zuckert Award

    Retired Maj. Gen. Charles Henderson, the deputy assistant chief of staff for strategic deterrence and nuclear integration at Headquarters U.S. Air Force in Washington D.C., was presented the 2010 Eugene M. Zuckert Management Award by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley during a ceremony at the

  • Gates ends historic term as defense secretary

    Robert M. Gates is the only man to thank two presidents for the privilege of serving as secretary of defense.At the Armed Forces Farewell Tribute June 30 on the Pentagon's parade field, Secretary Gates thanked President George W. Bush for nominating him for the job in 2006, and President Barack

  • Air Force continues on path toward sustainability

    On its journey toward sustainable installations, the Air Force recently released new rules for sustainable design and development.The policy, released by Air Force Civil Engineer Maj. Gen. Timothy Byers, further emphasizes the Air Force's continued focus on installation and environmental

  • Nellis F-16 crash site found

    Air Force officials here announced June 30 that search and rescue teams have found conclusive evidence the pilot of an F-16 Fighting Falcon, which crashed at approximately 5:30 p.m. June 28, did not survive. At the time of the accident, the single-seat F-16, based at Nellis Air Force Base, was

  • Top Pentagon doctor lauds overseas labs

    The Defense Department's overseas medical research laboratories will play a key role in ensuring the readiness of deployed U.S. military forces well into the future, while also contributing to global health and U.S. partnership building around the world, the Pentagon's senior health affairs adviser

  • Air Force issues guidance to streamline environmental reviews

    In order to get "back to basics" and the original intent of National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Air Force recently issued new program guidance entitled "Planning Requirements for the Environmental Impact Analysis Process." The program will help Air Force installations, major commands,

  • Airmen respond, help recover crashed Afghan Mi-17

    Thirteen members of the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing responded to the crash site of an Afghan air force Mi-17 at Forward Operating Base Fiaz in Asadabad in Kunar province.Six members were on board the aircraft and received minor injuries when the Afghan air force helicopter went down during a

  • Guard, Minot Airmen continue support as flood slows

    A press conference held at city hall here June 26 offered a shred of good news for those residents, Airmen and family members impacted by Minot's record-shattering floods during the month of June. The mayor announced that the Souris River measured at 1561.72 feet late in the evening June 25 and

  • Defense Department, services monitor Arctic melting

    With the number of geopolitical hotspots in the world today, the Arctic is not an area that comes quickly to mind for possible defense operations. But it is a place of great national security and strategic importance that the Defense Department and services are monitoring closely.In a report sent to

  • TRICARE officials support National Prevention Strategy

    Recently, the U.S. surgeon general and members of the National Prevention Council, including Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, released the first ever National Prevention Strategy, which provides a plan to shift the nation from a focus on sickness and disease to one based on wellness and