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  • MQ-1 squadron celebrates 100 years

    The 15th Attack Squadron patch depicting a pigeon clutching a telescope harkens to the squadron’s long history of reconnaissance missions. On May 9, 2017, the 15th ATKS celebrated their 100-year anniversary and reflected on the unit’s extensive and honorable heritage, which coincidentally includes

  • AFLCMC awards major long range radar contract

    The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center here awarded the Raytheon Company a $52.6 million contract May 11, 2017, for the three-dimensional expeditionary long-range radar system.

  • Air National Guard senior NCO breaks barriers

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)With multiple deployments and unique assignments during her 29 plus years of military experience as a munitions system specialist, Chief Master Sgt.

  • Nevada ANG chaplain: 'I want people to know Islam is not evil'

    Laura Magee remembers asking her father about religion when she was 8 while innocently combing her hair in front of a large vanity mirror. It was the first time she can remember asking one of her parents about the existence of a God — which she said her father quickly repudiated. Her parents

  • F-35 complete first European training deployment

    Eight F-35A Lightning IIs from the 34th Fighter Squadron, along with supporting units and equipment from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, completed the first F-35A training deployment to Europe, May 7, 2017.

  • First combat MQ-1, MQ-9 wing celebrates 10 years at Creech AFB

    The 432nd Wing celebrated their 10th anniversary at Creech Air Force Base as a combat remotely piloted aircraft wing May 1, 2017. In attendance was Gen. Mike Holmes, the Air Combat Command commander, Col. Case Cunningham, the 432nd WG/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander, and 400 Airmen of the

  • Medal of Honor recipient passes away at 85

    Col. Leo K. Thorsness, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away May 2, 2017, in St. Augustine, Florida, at the age of 85, according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

  • Malmstrom tests Minuteman III missile with launch from Vandenberg

    A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen from the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a single test reentry vehicle May 3, 2017, at 12:02 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time from Vandenberg AFB,

  • Trump presents CINC Trophy to USAFA

    The U.S. Air Force Academy football team received the Commander in Chief’s Trophy from President Donald Trump during a visit to the White House May 2, 2017.

  • Hill F-16s train in NATO exercise

    Eight F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and more than 200 Airmen from the active duty 388th Fighter Wing and Air Force Reserve 419th FW from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, are currently at Albacete Air Base, Spain, to participate in the NATO Tactical Leadership Program through May 19, 2017.

  • Weather flight critical to coalition mission

    Dropping bombs on target in Syria and Iraq during combat missions supporting Operation Inherent Resolve requires a complex array of information, including intelligence gathered well in advance of the combat sortie. Often times, this intelligence is gathered by coalition partners flying out of the

  • EOD Airmen first to graduate Army air assault school

    Two Airmen from the 386th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal unit graduated from the U.S. Army Air Assault School held at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, April 14, 2017. The unprecedented graduation was the first time in history that Airmen, while serving on a contingency operation

  • Around the Air Force: April 26

    On this look around the Air Force, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein awards two Airmen the Air Force Cross and President Donald Trump speaks with astronauts who are onboard the International Space Station.

  • MacDill first in AF to host Alpha Warrior tour

    MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, hosted the Air Force’s first stop for the Air Force Alpha Warrior Tour, April 18-19, 2017. The Air Force Services Activity partnered with the Alpha Warrior team to continue building Comprehensive Airman Fitness through the newly initiated Air Force Alpha Warrior

  • Travis AFB earns DOD environmental restoration award

    Dedication to using green and sustainable remediation technologies and biological processes that breakdown contaminates in groundwater has earned Travis Air Force Base, California, its first Defense Secretary Environmental Restoration Award for Installations.

  • Airmen earn Gen. Lew Allen Jr. Award

    Four Airmen received the Gen. Lew Allen Jr. Award on April 21, 2017, during a ceremony at the Pentagon. Lt. Gen. Jerry Harris, the deputy chief of staff for Air Force strategic plans, programs and requirements, presented the awards on behalf of the chief of staff of the Air Force.

  • Goldfein presents two Air Force Crosses

    A 7-foot bronze statue stood prominently over a sea of multicolored berets, flanked by the 21st chief of staff of the Air Force and the Air Force’s newest Air Force Cross recipients.Two Airmen, whose heroics were separated by 11 years and 100 miles in the same war zone, solidified a special tactics

  • NATO partners conduct close air support exercise

    Today’s fight against terrorism doesn’t rest on the shoulders of one country. It’s a team fight, meaning countries must be interoperable to effectively defeat that threat.To better support the team, members of the German air force’s Air Ground Operations Squadron partnered with the 19th Air Support

  • AF seeks 2017 Gen. Mark A. Welsh III One Air Force Award submissions

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2017 Gen. Mark A. Welsh III One Air Force Award. This Air Force-level award, which recognizes mission success achieved by a team of two or more total force components, will be presented to the top team that demonstrates improved effectiveness,

  • Air Force, Walt Disney Co. receive operations research award

    Members of the Air Force Studies, Analysis and Assessments directorate joined leaders of the Walt Disney Company as co-awardees of the INFORMS Prize at a gala in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 3, 2017, for their pioneering and enduring integration of operations research and analytics programs. The award

  • Wright-Patterson, NMUSAF pay tribute to Doolittle Raid 75th anniversary

    Friends, family and fans from around the country came together to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Doolittle Tokyo Raid April 17-18, 2017, at the National Museum of the United States Air Force located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The April 18, 1942, Doolittle Raid on Tokyo was an

  • America’s cryptologic wing develops cyberspace warriors

    As one of Air Combat Command’s integral assets, the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing is home to several types of cyberspace warriors, including the exploitation analysts (EA) of the 41st Intelligence Squadron.

  • F-35A deployment brings advanced airpower capability to Europe

    This weekend’s deployment of an initial six F-35A Lightning II fighters and several hundred Airmen to Europe demonstrates the aircraft’s readiness to conduct operations with America’s European partners, according to Air Force leaders.

  • Resilience: One Airman’s story of faith, service

    Senior Master Sgt. Jon Rousseaux was like many children who grew up in a military family. The self-described man of faith and service followed his father, a retired chief, into the Air Force -- and after 19 years, he is still at it. In fact, he just re-enlisted for four more years. Rousseaux’s years

  • Airmen earn German proficiency badge; forge relationships

    Twenty-four Airmen from the 19th Air Support Operations Squadron will be sporting new accoutrements on their uniforms after competing for the coveted German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, April 4-7, 2017, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The badge is a military decoration worn by the Bundeswehr, the

  • Persistent surveillance gives squadron its global purpose

    Deep within the walls of a four story structure along Florida’s Space Coast sits a squadron of Airmen whose number one mission is to detect, identify and locate nuclear explosions anywhere in the world.The Technical Surveillance Squadron (TESS), a subordinate unit to the Air Force Technical

  • Pilots take brotherhood to new heights

    Maj. Matthew Shelly, the 23d Wing director of inspections and a pilot with the 74th Fighter Squadron, and his little brother, Capt. Christopher Shelly, the 76th Fighter Squadron chief of standards and evaluations, flew in formation together for the first time, April 8, 2017, over Moody AFB.

  • U.S., South Korean Airmen exercise port opening capability

    Approximately 60 Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, 30 U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 689th Rapid Port Opening Element stationed at JB Langley-Eustis, Virginia, and a few dozen South Korean air force members participated in

  • Military Treatment Facility leadership conference stresses Trusted Care

    If medical error could be classified as a disease, it would rank as the third deadliest disease in America. A medical error is a mistake by a medical provider which results in harm to a patient. For example, misdiagnosis of a condition or administering the improper dosage of a medicine.

  • CSAF Prestigious Captains Ph.D. Program application window open

    The application window is open for active-duty Air Force captains interested in applying for the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Captains Prestigious Ph.D. Program which exposes rising officers to a unique learning experience at a top-tier university.

  • Operation Homefront recognizes 2017 AF Military Child of the Year

    Eighteen-year-old Jamal Braxton has a busy schedule. The high school senior holds various leadership positions with the Red Cross, participates in multiple varsity sport programs and is a lifeguard. He accomplishes all this as a military child and the challenges inherent in military family life.

  • ANG units fly first, last C-130 deployments

    Big changes are in the works for two Air National Guard units deployed to the 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia. The Connecticut ANG has transitioned from the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the C-21 Cougar to the C-130H Hercules, which it is

  • Innovation enhances safety, leads to international recognition

    Air traffic control is serious business. Every day thousands of flights take off and land all across the U.S. Dedicated professionals known as air traffic controllers are responsible for monitoring every flight and coordinating with aircrews and people on the ground.

  • MQ-1, MQ-9 aircrews help liberate Manbij

    In 2016, U.S. Air Force MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper aircrews assisted coalition partners in the reclamation of Manbij, Syria, from Islamic State of Iraq and Syria forces.Pilots and sensor operators assigned to squadrons across the 432nd Wing and the 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing provided the close

  • Intelligence communications systems migrate worldwide

    While protecting the nation and seeking out the enemy, U.S. military forces must exchange sensitive information safely and securely. The Air Force Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System allows multi-media communications between authorized individuals by secure means, and in a timely

  • 250th Air Force Community Partnership signed

    Leaders from Joint Base Charleston and the surrounding community signed the 250th Air Force community partnership agreement last week. This one aims to reduce emergency response time for local military and civilian first responders.

  • 9th AF provides first Rear Mission Support Element training

    Sixty Airmen who completed the first two official Air Force Rear Mission Support Element training courses are participating in War Fighter Exercise 17-4 at Fort Hood, Texas, through April 12. The exercise is part of their deployment training to support operations at Combined Joint Task

  • Freeze-dried plasma to the rescue

    Since hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death in combat casualties, Air Force Special Operations Command is improving access to blood products on the battlefield.

  • MWD retires, reunited with wingman

    In 2012, Staff Sgt. Anthony Despins, a 20th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, met Jony, his first canine partner.Together the two used their individual skill sets to make a formidable team, certified as an explosives detection and patrol unit to keep people around the world safe

  • CSAF shares thoughts, stresses importance of Hanscom work during visit

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein visited Hanscom Air Force Base March 28 to 30, 2017 to learn more about the work done at the base, meet with local civic officials to discuss collaboration, and share his insight about where the Air Force currently is and where it’s headed.

  • Stopping Sexual Assault – Not Just in April

    The truth is, the vast majority of Airmen we serve alongside have never – and will never – sexually assault another person in their lifetime. Let me say it again for the people in the back – the vast majority of our Airmen HAVE NEVER and WILL NEVER harm another person. Hard stop.

  • AF addresses pilot shortage

    Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso, the Air Force manpower, personnel and services deputy chief of staff, testified on the pilot shortage before the House Armed Services subcommittee on military personnel in Washington, D.C., March 29, 2017.

  • AFRL lighting the way for military aircrews

    Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (RX) junior force researchers resolved an issue of critical importance to military pilots and aircrews—portable, reliable and robust temporary landing zone lighting.

  • 11th ATKS paves way with training

    To accomplish flight, two geographically separate aircrews work together: the mission control element and the launch and recovery element. The MCE is responsible for executing the mission, while the LRE conducts takeoffs and landings. While being MCE certified is standard for all aircrews flying the

  • Squadron develops process, trains new mobility Airmen across Europe

    For many new Airmen, completing upgrade training within their career field can feel like an uphill battle. There are career development courses and on-the-job training to complete, all while keeping up with the day-to-day demands of the job.The 721st Aerial Port Squadron at Ramstein Air Base has

  • Next generation coatings booth poised to save Air Force millions in energy

    It only makes sense for the Air Force’s newest, most complex, multi-role fighter to have the most advanced, state-of-the-art sustainment facilities to ensure enduring power for years to come.The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Advanced Power Technology Office is on the front lines of making this

  • Fallen Airman remembered by comrades

    With a packed room of not just people, but also emotion, Staff Sgt. Alexandria Morrow was remembered by colleagues and friends Mar 23, 2017 during her memorial service at her deployed location.Members of her deployed unit, 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, shared stories and memories that

  • 416th FLTS upgrading F-16 radar

    The 416th Flight Test Squadron continually conducts developmental testing to enhance the warfighting capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. One focus of the F-16 testers here is the integration and testing of a new radar as part of the F-16 Radar Modernization Program.

  • Five Airmen awarded Olmsted Foundation scholarships

    The Air Force has selected five officers for the award of an Olmsted Foundation scholarship, sponsored by the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation, which offers outstanding young military leaders the opportunity to become fluent in a foreign language, pursue graduate study at an overseas university

  • Flexible opportunities available supporting Air Force auxiliary

    For Airmen who want to continue serving their country, but can no longer commit to a monthly or annual schedule, the Civil Air Patrol Reserve Assistance Program may be their next career move. The program, CAPRAP, utilizes officer and enlisted Reserve Airmen as liaisons between local CAP squadrons

  • Overcoming the shadow of death: An Airman’s fight against depression

    Staff Sgt. Srun Sookmeewiriya or Sook, as many people know him, may seem like a happy and carefree Airman at first glance. The 313th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron NCO in charge of reports regularly puts forth an earnest effort to keep his unit alive and running, so his dark past and

  • Behind mother’s love: Enlisting for child’s chance

    Hundreds of Airmen erupt into cheers and applause in a hangar after a name is announced. Among the crowd, a young Airman screams in disbelief. With tears of joy streaming down her face, she makes her way onto the stage to shake the commander’s hand.

  • My miles have meaning

    For Senior Airman Michael Hall, a 20th Aerospace Medicine Squadron flight and operation medical technician, the 3.1 miles of this “fun run” are hardly the most difficult obstacle he has faced through the years.

  • From EOD Airman to Silver Star recipient

    Retired Master Sgt. Kristopher Parker, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, received the Silver Star medal March 17, 2017, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas for his courageous actions while deployed to Afghanistan in May 2014.

  • Reutilization program saves millions of dollars

    Master Sgt. Bryan ONeill, a range section chief at the 177th Fighter Wing’s Detachment 1, Warren Grove Bombing Range in Burlington County, New Jersey, determined that he could utilize the Defense Logistic Agency’s Reutilization Transfer Donation database of equipment to acquire pieces of

  • F-15C simulators provide low-cost, critical training

    Projecting unrivaled combat airpower is expensive, which is why one Tyndall Air Force Base unit invested in smarter operations for lower training costs. This unit can launch a jet, fly an unlimited amount of hours and fight thousands of enemies all from a single room.

  • Singapore AF enhances Red Flag 17-2

    As the Singapore CH-47 Chinook’s twin rotors build speed and spin in unison, a loud but calming hum fills the interior of the helicopter. Seven Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape specialists sit with their gear in front of them, parachutes on their backs.

  • Relocation brings ISR cryptologic operator training, aircraft together again

    The 306th Intelligence Squadron made a big move March 6, 2017, from sunny California to the Sooner State. The move, to Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma, aligns with Air Force Special Operations’ effort to colocate the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance active-duty training

  • How mail gets to the AOR

    Deployments have changed over the years. It’s now easier than ever to stay connected with loved ones back at home through video chats and messenger applications, but there still isn’t anything quite like receiving a hand-written birthday card or a care package with a favorite homemade snack. In

  • Immigrant Airmen bring diversity to force

    As a nation founded by immigrants, the U.S. has long drawn its strength through the diversity of its citizens. The complexity of global challenges the U.S. faces today can only be overcome by capitalizing on all the resources at its disposal, including leveraging its greatest strength – its people.

  • O’Malley award winners gain new family members

    The winners of the 2016 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O’Malley Award were recognized before a group of family, friends, coworkers and previous award recipients during a ceremony at the Pentagon March 7, 2017.

  • Scott hosts first jump on new drop zone

    Scott Air Force Base hosted its first airdrop on a new drop zone here March 1, 2017. Eight Airmen from Scott Air Force Base and Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, jumped from an Air National Guard C-130H Hercules assigned to the 180th Airlift Squadron in St. Joseph, Missouri. This jump provided currency and

  • A family within a family

    A family atmosphere has long been rooted in the 145th Airlift Wing and the Dietz family champions this statement. Senior Airman Jonathan Dietz, of the 145th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, is the youngest son of Chief Master Sgt. Susan Dietz of the 145th Medical Group.

  • US KC-135 completes first refueling mission with Romanian F-16

    History was made when the U.S. Air Force and Romanian Air Force made their first air refueling contact Feb. 28, 2017, over Romania. With the help of the U.S. Air Force’s 100th Air Refueling Wing and one of their KC-135 Stratotankers, the Romanian Air Force became certified to refuel from all U.S.

  • Joint medical exercise hits the beach

    The 920th Aeromedical Staging Squadron hosted the fifth annual MEDBEACH, a joint service exercise, to prepare military medical personnel for deployments by offering realistic hands-on scenarios one could encounter during combat. The exercise also provided 920th RQW reservists an opportunity to work

  • Airmen, Marines hone tactical recovery skills

    The thunderous sound of an MV-22 Osprey echoes over an open field as it lands. Emerging from its lowered door is the I Marine Expeditionary Force from Camp Pendleton, California, who advance on the New Mexican desert to fulfill their objective: find the downed aircrew and bring them home safely.

  • Supporting the fight, breaking records

    Air National Guardsmen from the 120th and 182nd Airlift Wings departed for home this week following a four-month deployment at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.During their deployment, the Airmen were assigned to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, where they successfully delivered cargo

  • Air Force seeks 2017 GEICO award nominations

    The Air Force is accepting nominations for the 2017 Government Employees Insurance Company Military Service Awards. These awards annually recognize enlisted active duty, and one Reserve or Guard member from all branches of service for contributions to military or private-sector communities.

  • Maintenance Airmen support Polish mission

    When people think of generating, executing and sustaining combat airpower, ground equipment is not usually the first thing to come to mind.However, the Airmen assigned to the aerospace ground equipment shop at the 407th Air Expeditionary Group ensure mission success every day by providing the

  • Air Commando recognized as Trusted Care Hero

    The day began when Culpan was returning from leave for the drive home. While stocking up on energy drinks and snacks at a gas station in his hometown, Culpan saw clouds of black smoke off in the distance, but thought nothing of it.

  • JBLE welcomes President Trump

    President Donald J. Trump greeted a crowd of service members, their families and friends as he made his first official visit to Joint Base Langley-Eustis and the Tidewater military community, March 2.