First look at Wake: Less damage than feared

Members of the 36th Contingency Response Group from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, completed their initial assessment of Wake Island Sept. 11, finding the island's runway intact and operational with fuel tanks secure, but runway lights are missing and there is minor damage to the fuels transfer

Andersen team prepares Wake Island for aircraft

After Super Typhoon Ioke's 155 mph winds and driving storm surge devastated Wake Island Aug. 31, members of the 36th Contingency Response Group at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, made up the initial assessment team sent to the island. "Prior to the storm the experts were all saying there would be no

Selective Early Retirement Board to convene Jan. 8

In an effort to shape the force to support core and emerging missions, Air Force officials will convene a Selective Early Retirement Board Jan. 8 to balance the excess of officers in the colonel and lieutenant colonel ranks. The SERB will evaluate line of the Air Force and chaplain colonels and

Recruiting, retention remain solid

Five years after military recruiting hit the ceiling after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, recruiting remains solid, with every service meeting its active-duty recruiting goal for the 15th consecutive month. Recruiting and retention statistics for August, just released by the Defense Department,

Dyess welcomes back bomber squadron

Hundreds of family members and friends welcomed home 279 Airmen of the 7th Bomb Wing who returned to Dyess AFB Sept. 13 from a deployment to Southwest Asia. The squadron deployed for several months throughout Southwest Asia in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. "It's all about

Cadet wins class in Junior World Powerlifting Championships

Cadet 1st Class Michael Tuchscherer, from Corydon, Ind., took first place in the 275 pound weight class during the Junior World Powerlifting Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, Sept. 9. He beat the second place lifter by almost 190 total pounds. The six-foot cadet performed a 770-pound squat, bench

Falcons gain respect despite 31-30 loss to Tennessee

The Air Force Academy football team kicked off their 2006 campaign Sept. 9 in Knoxville, Tenn., with a 31-30 last-minute loss to 11th ranked University of Tennessee Volunteers. Despite the loss, the Falcons served notice to the 105,466 spectators who filled orange-bathed Neyland Stadium and future

Officials award $589 million Weapon System Integrator contract

Officials with the Electronic Systems Center's 350th Electronic Systems Group awarded a $589 million contract Sept. 12 to Lockheed Martin Corp. to serve as the Air and Space Operations Center Weapon System Integrator.With this contract, Air Force specialists will be able to aid the government's

Miss America shares message during base visit

Miss America Jennifer Berry spoke to Airmen here Sept. 12, promoting her campaign of building intolerance to drunk driving and underage drinking."It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to host Miss America," said Col. Joseph Schwarz, 61st Air Base Wing commander. "She is dedicated to America just as

Business changes dramatically for air operations center

The way business is done has dramatically changed at the 1st Air Force Air Operations Center here.Five years after 9/11, the AOC, which is responsible for U.S. air defense, has made serious networking and communications upgrades to improve their processes. "Our mission is to watch all the aircraft

California ANG participating in exercises in Ukraine

California Air National Guardsmen and members of California's Emergency Medical Services Authority are participating in a disaster response exercise with civilians and military members from Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Moldova in Odessa, Ukraine, Sept. 13 through 21.Activities will focus on

South Carolina Air Guard trains at Kadena

Bio-based products enhance national security

The use of biological-based products is important to the nation's economy and to national security, because these products help reduce America's dependence on foreign energy resources, the deputy secretary of defense said Sept. 12. The Defense Department is the largest purchaser of products in the

Teams fly to Wake Island to assess damage

A 53-person team of 15th Airlift Wing Airmen, Defense Department employees and contractors arrived here Sept. 12 on a C-17 Globemaster III from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. The team of civil engineers and communications experts came to assess damage caused by Super Typhoon Ioke and report the

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 13

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 13.In Afghanistan Sept. 12, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The aircraft expended Guided Bomb Unit-12s and cannon

Airmen provide medical assistance in Colombia

Fourteen Airmen from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., and Lackland AFB, Texas, arrived at Hospital Toribo Maya, Colombia, Sept. 13 and opened the doors to the hundreds of people who had already gathered outside seeking medical assistance. The team, made up of members from the 55th Medical Group at

USAFE Airmen support Med Flag 2006 in Ghana

More than 50 Airmen from United States Air Forces in Europe arrived in Tamale, Ghana, Sept. 9 to participate in a humanitarian exercise called Med Flag 2006.The group, composed of medical, support and security Airmen from Spangdahlem, Ramstein and Sembach Air Bases in Germany, will spend four days

McGuire Airmen reunited with families on 9/11

On the fifth anniversary of the events of 9/11, approximately 40 Airmen from McGuire Air Force Base's 305th Aerial Port Squadron arrived home after a tour of duty in Southwest Asia.The Airmen were greeted by friends and family at the base passenger terminal after completing their tour as a part of

World War II vets receive Bronze Stars after 62 years

Reunited in a hotel ballroom just outside Washington, D.C., a small group of former Army Air Corps members were presented with long-overdue medals in a ceremony Sept. 9. Gen. Ronald E. Keys, Air Combat Command commander, presented Francis Goldberg, John Bucko, John McCurdy and Eugene Peterson

Tight fit for GM-3 will save $360K per flight

Members of the 4th Space Operations Squadron here successfully loaded their Ground Mobile-3 vehicle onto a C-17 Globemaster III Sept. 10, proving a concept that will save the Air Force more than $360,000 each time the GM-3 deploys. In addition, C-17s are easier to procure and have a greater

Airmen pay tribute to fallen guardsman

Thousands of people in uniform came together Sept. 11 in nearby Saratoga County to pay tribute to Master Sgt. Joseph Longobardo, a member of the 109th Security Forces Squadron here. Sergeant Longobardo was laid to rest after tragically dying while on duty with the New York State Police. As part of

Major receives Asthma Educator Certification

A 59th Medical Wing major here is now one of only 1,600 certified asthma educators nationwide. Maj. James Hurst, the Allergy and Immunizations Flight nurse manager at Wilford Hall Medical Center, recently passed the National Asthma Educator Certification Board exam, a voluntary testing program used

POW/MIA Day set for Sept. 15

Sept. 15 is designated as National POW/MIA Recognition Day for 2006. The observance, established in 1979, was held on different days until the standard practice of celebrating it the third Friday of September was enacted in 1986. The focus of the day is to remember those who sacrificed so much and

Lakenheath Airmen gear up for deployments

More than 800 Airmen assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing here are departing this month to support military operations in Southwest Asia, South America, Africa and Eastern Europe as part of the latest air and space expeditionary force."This is an average-sized deployment," said Capt. Gretchen Yule,

Leaders at all levels must be aware of AFSO 21 efforts

General officers gathered here Sept. 6 to present their plans for streamlining the processes that govern the Air Force. As part of Air Force Smart Operations 21, or AFSO 21, the Air Force Smart Operations Process Council, made up of senior Air Force leaders, guides and integrates the transformation

Spangdahlem Airmen return home

About 250 Spangdahlem Airmen returned home Sept. 9 to their families and friends after a deployment to Southwest Asia. "Since 9/11, a lot of Americans have been serving and sacrificing; these are the latest," said Col. Darryl Roberson, 52nd Fighter Wing commander. "The families and children here

Airman celebrates different KC-135 anniversary

As people here join in the base's 50th anniversary celebration of the KC-135 Stratotanker, many are reminiscing about their own experiences with the aircraft. Few have a story like Chief Master Sgt. Steven and Justine Robinson.Fifteen years ago, they married on a KC-135 somewhere over Indiana. Both

Airmen deploy from Mountain Home AFB

More than 160 Airmen from the 726th Air Control Squadron here deployed Sept. 10 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Their mission is to monitor the airspace over a battlefield and provide military leaders with a clear and accurate picture of that area, allowing commanders to make informed,

Air Force dentist aids Colombian people

On Sept. 11, 2001, Lt. Col. (Dr.) Gary Geracci was in the middle of packing for a TDY when he received a call from his mother saying the World Trade Center had been attacked. "I don't think you'll be going anywhere," she said. Like so many others who witnessed the tragic events of 9/11, Colonel

COMUSAFE forges relations with Latvian officials

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander and staff advisers visited Riga, Latvia, Sept. 11 to meet senior defense and state department officials and tour facilities. During the trip, Gen. William T. Hobbins visited the U.S. Embassy, Latvian Ministry of Defense and Joint Operations Center in Riga. "We

Missouri Air National Guard gets sneak preview of B-2

Missouri Air National Guard Airmen got a peek at a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber when it visited the 131st Fighter Wing here Sept. 9. Col. Greg Biscone, 509th Bomb Wing commander, piloted the B-2 from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., to St. Louis. It gave the Missouri Guardsmen an opportunity to see the

Mechanic snares $10,000 through IDEA program

William Durham was watching an infomercial about a year ago that featured a steamer blasting away caked-on pizza residue from an oven. He was amazed at how easily the steamer cleaned bathrooms, ovens and even barbecue grills. Part of Mr. Durham's job as a mechanic with the 76th Maintenance Wing is

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 12

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 12. In Afghanistan Sept. 11, an Air Force B-1 Lancer conducted a precision strike against Taliban extremist fighting positions and a mortar position in the vicinity of Asadabad. The B-1 expended Guided Bomb

AFMC requests civilians voluntarily provide leave info

Air Force Materiel Command members took part in a joint exercise in May that revealed shortcomings in command officials' ability to contact civil service employees on leave. Ardent Sentry 2006, a two-week U.S. Northern Command exercise, tested service members' response capabilities to crises ranging

Air Force prepares to test synthetic fuel on B-52

A B-52 Stratofortress powered by a mix of synthetic and JP-8 fuel is slated to take its first flight Sept. 19 from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., bringing the Air Force one step closer to reducing its dependence on foreign fuel. "This is an extremely important moment for the Department of Defense,"

Band builds international relations through music

Japanese and U.S. military bands performed here Sept. 9, building good community relations between U.S. Forces Japan and this town in the northwestern corner of mainland Japan that is home to a new military radar site."The way they joined together is a perfect example of the great relationship

Fifth CMSAF puts Air Force evolution into perspective

Evolution and progression have been Air Force standards since the service's creation almost 60 years ago. But a voice from the past reminded Airmen here that the fundamentals of Air Force success are the same now as then. Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert Gaylor, the fifth chief

Five years later Airmen remember 9/11, continue the fight

Sept. 11, 2001, is a day no American will ever forget, and Airmen serving around the world took time this Patriots Day to reflect on events just five years ago.Flags flew at half-staff and Airmen observed moments of silence around the world to commemorate the solemn anniversary. Coalition forces and

Tyndall ceremony honors 9/11 heroes, victims

More than 400 people attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the base chapel here Sept. 11 to honor the victims and heroes of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command sponsored the ceremony. The command's deputy commander, Brig. Gen. Marcel Duval, spoke

Rain doesn't stop San Antonio's Freedom Walk

Off and on rain, symbolic tears, fell upon the more than 1,200 walkers who took part in San Antonio's first Freedom Walk Sept. 11 in remembrance of the tragic attacks that scarred America five years ago. "Remembering the Pentagon, the World Trade Center in New York, and Shanksville, Pa., the America

Beams of light honor those who died at Pentagon

People kept a respectful silence as 184 beams of white light emanated from the Pentagon's center courtyard, rising into the night sky Sept. 10 like lonely wraiths searching for lost loved ones. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England signaled for the lights to be turned on just before 9 p.m., as

Andersen members return from USNS Mercy mission

Members from the 36th Medical Group, 36th Wing and the U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 returned home Sept. 10 following a 72-day humanitarian and civic assistance deployment on the USNS Mercy.While embarked on USNS Mercy, servicemembers and civilians participated in theater security

Internship promotes international relationship

A medical summer internship program between Japan and Misawa Air Base builds bridges between nations, develops professional relationships and improves international health care. "Instead of flying to the states (to experience American medicine), they come to Misawa," said Paul Sayles, 35th Medical

45th Space Wing supports successful shuttle launch

The 45th Space Wing here supported NASA's launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis Sept. 9.The launch occurred at 11:14 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center.The 45th SW's Eastern Range assets such as radar, optical and meteorological instrumentation helped energize a

Thousands trek in 'America Supports You' Freedom Walk

They represented a cross-section of America -- thousands of men, women and children of all ages, races and backgrounds from every corner of the country. They came together Sept. 10 during the second annual "America Supports You" Freedom Walk here to pay tribute to those killed on Sept. 11, 2001. For

Officials announce T-3A Firefly final disposition

Nearly a decade after the Air Force stood down the T-3A Firefly fleet following three fatal accidents, Air Force officials made a final disposition decision to salvage the aircraft in place. Base officials here announced the selection of TOTALL Metal Recycling Inc., of Granite City, Ill., to handle

Searchers 'leaving no stones unturned' in hunt for major

Air Force investigators and Kyrgyz police are still searching for Maj. Jill Metzger, who has been missing from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, since Sept. 5. Major Metzger, deployed as the personnel chief at the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing at nearby Manas Air Base, disappeared during a trip to a shopping

Air Force takes 4th place at Falcon Invitational

Finishing at an even-par 864, the Air Force golf team placed fourth at the Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational held Sept. 9 and 10 at the 7,306-yard, par-72 Eisenhower Blue Course here. Capturing the team title was Xavier University, which turned in a tournament-record 845 (-19), while the Musketeers'

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 10-11

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 10.Sept. 10In Afghanistan Sept. 9, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, a B-1 Lancer, MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicles, Navy FA-18 Hornets and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for

USAFE sets course with AFSO 21

To best meet the challenges of the road ahead, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander assembled leaders throughout the command here to initiate USAFE-wide implementation of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century. "We're going to determine where we're going in the future, and AFSO 21 will

ESC awards $627.8 million task order

The Electronic Systems Center's 554th Electronic Systems Group awarded a $627.8 million task order Sept. 7 to Computer Sciences Corporation for systems integration support.The order includes configuring, deploying and conducting training and change management activities for the Expeditionary Combat

Medics help poisoning victims in Nicaragua

Approximately 20 U.S. military members left here Sept. 10 for Leon, Nicaragua, to provide medical assistance to people suffering from alcohol poisoning.Joint Task Force Bravo servicemembers responded to a request for help from the U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua after more than 30 people died from a toxic

Air Force team to provide medical care in Colombia

An Air Force medical team made up of members from the 55th Medical Group at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., and the 59th Medical Wing at Lackland AFB, Texas, arrived here Sept. 10 to participate in a two-week medical readiness exercise. As part of this medical readiness training exercise, or MEDRETE,

World-class runners to compete in Air Force Marathon

Two running legends will return for the 10th annual U.S. Air Force Marathon. Marathon champions Bill Rodgers and Alberto Salazar will once again have a full itinerary as they arrive the day before the big event. Rodgers will sign autographs and greet marathon participants from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Civic leaders, media help celebrate KC-135's 50th anniversary

A group of 40 Spokane business people helped commemorate the 50th birthday of the Air Force's primary refueling aircraft here Sept. 6.The Boeing Company debuted the KC-135 Stratotanker in August 1956, and it was delivered to the Air Force a year later. The aircraft has supported armed conflict and

Major's family rejoices at her return

The world seemed to stand still for retired Lt. Col. John Metzger as he listened for news of his daughter Maj. Jill Metzger. Major Metzger was reported missing Sept. 5 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and found alive Sept. 8 by Kyrgyz law enforcement officials. Respecting the wishes of his daughter to live

Puerto Rico ANG C-130s in war zone for first time

The Puerto Rico Air National Guard's 156th Airlift Wing deployed here Sept. 8 -- the first time in a war zone in the unit's C-130 Hercules.A few members of the uinit have been deployed to other regions of the world, such as to Bosnia, but they had never deployed as a unit to a war zone until

B-2 bomber excites crowd at Patriots game

A sellout crowd of more than 68,000 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., erupted when a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., did a surprise flyover before the game. "It is a great deal for me as a pilot, especially since I am from here, and I think it is a great

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 9

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 9. In Afghanistan Sept. 8, Navy FA-18 Hornets and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Kandahar . The FA-18s expended

Pentagon crash-site memorial inspires gratitude, emotions

They were young and old, college students and retirees, rural visitors and city natives, government employees and private-sector workers, uniformed military personnel and civilians, black and white, Asian and Hispanic; but they all shared a common sense of purpose. They all wanted to see the

Air Force defeats Saint Mary's at SMC Fall Classic

The U.S. Air Force Academy women's soccer team earned its first win of the season, defeating Saint Mary's 2-1 Sept. 9 at the Saint Mary's College Fall Classic here. The win boosts the Falcons to 1-4-1 on the season and drops the Gaels to 1-5-0. Falcons sophomore Corbin Sanford's goal in the 65th

Missing major in process of returning home

Initial details of the ongoing investigation into the Air Force major reported missing Sept. 5 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and found alive Sept. 8 by Kyrgyz law enforcement officials indicate she may have been abducted, according to a statement by U.S. Embassy officials at Bishkek. The investigation by

Senior Air Force leaders hold space summit

Senior Air Force leaders met Sept. 7 at the Pentagon to discuss space missions and operations at a space summit.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley served as host for the summit, where the primary purpose was to discuss current and future Air Force space issues, to include current

Missing major found

Police in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, found Maj. Jill Metzger alive Sept. 8, four days after she disappeared during a shopping trip there. Bishkek police notified the U.S. embassy in the capital city at 3:15 p.m. EDT that they had found the officer. In Southwest Asia, U.S. Central Command Air Forces

'Treasure Hunters' meet Air Force leaders

A team made up of Air Force Academy grads that recently competed on a reality-television show visited the Pentagon Sept. 7 and met with senior Air Force leaders. They also toured the Air Force Memorial site here. Husband and wife, Matt and Brooke Rillos, and their best friend, Matt Zitzlsperger,

Japanese air defense forces begin U.N. missions

For the first time in their 52-year history, the Japan Air Self Defense Force began its first United Nations mission over Iraq Sept. 6.The first flight of their new mission landed safely at Baghdad International Airport, Iraq, before returning to its forward-deployed location in Southwest Asia later

Charleston C-17 squadron completes deployment

The first full-squadron deployment of C-17 Globemaster III aircrews and leaders at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., came to a close Sept. 1.Lt. Col. Ricky Rupp assumed command of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron from Lt. Col. Lenny Richoux, both from the 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston

Freedom Walks to commemorate 9/11, honor veterans

Tens of thousands of Americans in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are preparing to put on their walking shoes during the next few days as they participate in Freedom Walks to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and to honor veterans, past and

Air Force trains to fill Army deployments

Located about an hour north of Biloxi, Camp Shelby has a reputation for weather that could make the devil sweat. The harsh weather ratchets up the realism of the training that some Air Force people receive before deploying to locations like Iraq and Afghanistan. The camp is one of the

Fall '06 Air and Space Power Journal available

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

Letter to Airmen urges energy conservation

In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne recognizes the Air Force commitment to energy conservation. "As the largest user of energy in the DOD, the Air Force has developed a two-pronged energy strategy to attack this problem. This strategy of assured domestic

Combined forces at leadership school benefit students

Japanese and U.S. military forces have many training opportunities to interact and learn from each other, and that bilateral relationship is carrying over to the military education classroom. Walk into an Airman Leadership School class here and it resembles a coalition headquarters environment, with

Air University offers online language training

Air University officials here are offering an opportunity to active-duty company grade officers to study a foreign language online at no cost. In an effort to fulfill the Air Force chief of staff's guidance to develop culturally and linguistically competent Airmen, Air University will present the

Rising fuel costs tighten Air Force belt

The growing cost of crude oil combined with increasing fuel demands of the war on terrorism are forcing Air Combat Command officials to brace for a budget crisis while looking for future fuel alternatives. The Air Force paid approximately $4.2 billion for petroleum in fiscal 2005 -- almost $1.4

Researchers aim to enhance air vehicle systems

Air Force Office of Scientific Research officials here recently awarded the University of Washington and three partner universities a grant worth approximately $6 million over five years to study the design of air vehicles capable of collecting and storing solar and heat energies. The

Pacific nations enhance airpower cooperation

Forty-nine participants from 19 nations met here during the Pacific Rim Airpower Symposium Sept. 4 to 8 to build and enhance cooperation among the air forces of Pacific nations.Co-hosted by the Indonesian Air Force and U.S. Pacific Air Forces' Kenney Headquarters, this year's event included the most

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 8

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 8. In Afghanistan Sept. 7, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support to coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The A-10s conducted passes, expending cannon rounds and

First wave of Airmen deploy from Ellsworth

The first wave of about 550 Ellsworth Airmen deployed to various locations throughout Southwest Asia to support ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.The majority of the Airmen, from operational and maintenance units, left earlier this week to join the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and serve

Air Force Research Lab names 2006 fellows

Air Force Research Laboratory officials are honoring seven scientists and engineers as new fellows during an annual awards banquet Sept. 19 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Designed to recognize and reward AFRL's most outstanding in-house scientists and engineers, the fellows

Eglin receives award for historic building restoration

The Cultural Resources Branch here has been honored by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation for their efforts in the restoration of one of the two Cape San Blas lighthouse keepers' quarters structures located on Eglin property in Gulf County. According to the trust's Web site, the 2006

Research team reveals increased UAV ability

A Brigham Young University team of scientists and engineers, funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research here, has recently demonstrated increased consensus capabilities among unmanned air vehicles. "This research on cooperative control involves developing methods to enable multiple UAVs

CENTAF releases airpower summary, space support requests for Sept. 7

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have announced the airpower summary and space support requests for Sept. 7.In Afghanistan Sept. 6, Air Force B-1 Lancers provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Asadabad. One aircraft expended a Guided Bomb

Propulsion shops work together, eliminate waste

In the name of increased combat capability, the 388th and 419th Fighter Wing propulsion shops are working side by side to take advantage of expertise from active-duty and Reserve technicians, while eliminating redundancy."The move enables us to work leaner, meaner and more concise, as well as

Dragon phase team provides key link in 'kill chain'

Every successful hit of a target by the Air Force comes at the end of a long line of events commonly referred to as the "kill chain." The team members of 380th Air Expeditionary Wing play various roles as part of nearly all kill chains in this area of responsibility. One critical link in the kill

Teams seek fresh, creative ideas to resolve problems

With violence at deployed military checkpoints a reality, U.S. and coalition forces often have to make tough decisions when drivers ignore warnings to stop. Insurgents often attack these guarded locations, sometimes with car bombs.Maj. Gen. Ted F. Bowlds, the Air Force Research Laboratory commander,

Lackland medics keep steady deployment pace

More than 100 Airmen from the 59th Medical Wing departed Wilford Hall Medical Center here earlier this week for various locations throughout Southwest Asia, including the Air Force Theater Hospital at Balad Air Base, Iraq.Others will follow throughout September, with a final count of more than

Air Force major still missing in Kyrgyzstan

U.S. Air Force special investigators and Kyrgyz authorities are continuing search efforts to locate an Air Force officer missing since Sept. 5, officials said. Maj. Jill Metzger, personnel chief at the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing, was last seen by a group of her coworkers at the Zum shopping center

Armed Forces Voters Week focuses on electronic options

The Defense Department is focusing efforts to ensure servicemembers stationed overseas and in the United States know their options for voting in the 2006 congressional and local elections. Sept. 3-9 is Armed Forces Voters Week. Officials caution that this is the last safe week to submit a Federal

Former KC-135 pilot reminisces about plane's glory days

Retired Lt. Col. Bill Fisher has lived a story that only a few can tell -- he was among the first Air Force pilots to fly the KC-135 Stratotanker. As Tinker Air Force Base prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the KC-135's maiden flight, Colonel Fisher reminisced about the glory days. "I was

Small Diameter Bomb I delivered ahead of schedule

The culmination of more than five years of extraordinary teamwork was realized when the GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb was successfully delivered to the warfighter ahead of schedule and under cost. "This achievement represents an unparalleled team victory for the combined Air Armament Center and

Officer promotion board changes take effect Jan. 1

The secretary of the Air Force has approved changes to the format of the selection brief presented to officer promotion boards to begin Jan. 1. Air Force officials will implement three changes to officer selection briefs, or OSBs; two changes deal with presentation of data related to developmental

Retired chief can't say goodbye to KC-135

Nearly 50 years after retired Chief Master Sgt. Bobby McCasland boarded his first KC-135 Stratotanker, he is still in the KC-135 business. Today, he is a program manager for a team building a Test Tanker 2 KC-135R for the Air Force. Chief McCasland is also honoring his roots and making arrangements

Academy lays MIA grad to rest after 39 years

A 1961 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and missing in action Airman returns home after 39 years in Southeast Asia. A funeral service for Maj. Burke Morgan, a Manitou Springs, Colo., native, will be held Sept. 7 at the Air Force Academy Chapel and Cemetery. Major Morgan, a navigator on a Douglas

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 6

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 6. In Afghanistan Sept. 5, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, Navy FA-18 Hornets and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The

AFMx21 defining, creating future of Air Force maintenance

Maintenance leaders from the Air Staff and major commands met in Dayton, Ohio, to discuss the current state of Air Force maintenance, trends, fiscal realities and vision through the year 2016.Known as "Air Force Maintenance for the 21st Century," or AFMx21, the program is championed by Brig. Gen.

F-35 Lightning II JSF testing marks program milestone

Arnold Engineering Development Center officials just completed aerodynamic testing on two variants of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to support flight testing of the plane later this year. With this latest test, the AEDC staff surpassed 8,000 hours of JSF testing in the center's

Air Force Reserve tops recruiting goal again

For the sixth year in a row, Air Force Reserve Command officials have exceeded the command's recruiting goal.AFRC Recruiting Service surpassed its goal for the 2006 recruiting year Aug. 31 when officials accessed its 8,001st recruit as the number of people signing up continues to climb. Col. Francis

Bush: Terrorists view Iraq as linchpin in global battle

An early U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq would play into terrorists' plans of establishing a new world order of radical Islam, President George W. Bush told members of a military officers' group here Sept. 5. "These evil men know that a fundamental threat to their aspirations is a democratic Iraq

Yokota Airmen deploy throughout Southwest Asia

Approximately 70 Airmen from the 374th Airlift Wing here set out on a 120-day deployment this week in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.Airmen assembled at the Deployment Processing Center here on the Labor Day holiday, spending time with family and friends before departing.

Plan for cyberspace available in near future

Air Force leaders soon will define the service's plan for cyberspace. "I would expect, in a matter of weeks, to see us rolling out what I would call a cyberspace campaign plan on where we are going to go next," said Lt. Gen. Michael W. Peterson, chief of warfighting integration and Air Force chief