KC-135s take on aeromedical evacuation role

While the KC-135 Stratotanker was originally designed to extend the length of other aircrafts' flight times, aircrews at Fairchild are also using the airplane for a completely different mission: to extend medical care to critically injured patients. Tanker aircraft began augmenting the Air Force's

Gateway Grizzlies honor Airmen

Hundreds of servicemembers from all branches of the U.S. military and their families packed the GCS Stadium in Sauget, Ill., Tuesday evening for a special Gateway Grizzlies baseball game that paid tribute to Airmen as a part of the inaugural Air Force Week. Lasting from Aug. 6 to Aug. 13, Air Force

Thrift Savings Plan augments retirement

The Thrift Savings Plan's automatic and matching contributions form a key part of the Federal Employees' Retirement System, or FERS, offering federal civilian employees opportunities to increase their retirement income. FERS civilian Thrift Savings Plan account holders automatically receive a

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Aug. 9

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for Aug. 9.In Afghanistan Aug. 8, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and B-1 Lancers provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from Taliban extremists near Asadabad. The B-1

'Spirit of Solano' arrives at Travis

The much anticipated C-17 Globemaster III, the "Spirit of Solano," arrived home at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., on Aug. 8. Festivities began with a flyover of all three major airframes now based at Travis: the C-5 Galaxy, KC-10 Extender and C-17. The crowd of approximately 2,000 applauded as Maj.

Top chief elaborates on Airman pride

The top enlisted Airman shared his thoughts on Airman pride during his visit here. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley was in San Antonio to check out basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and security forces expeditionary training at nearby Camp Bullis.The chief was impressed

C-17 Globemaster III crew doing its part

A long day of loading and unloading cargo off of the C-17 Globemaster III is nothing new to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron aircrew. On this day the crew was able to fly in more than 80 aircraft pallets full of supplies to Balad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. "The deployed

Band notes Air Force Week fanfare

Royal Air Force pilot makes history in B-2 Spirit

At first glance, he looks like any other Air Force pilot: olive-green flight suit, polished boots and a bluish-gray flight cap with rank insignia prominently displayed. On closer inspection, you realize the little differences.His shoulder boards don't feature bars or leaves, but instead a

Air Guard pilots train in escape, evasion

A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots from the Idaho Air National Guard's 190th Fighter Squadron ascended the mountains here Aug. 6 for a refresher on escaping the enemy and evading capture should they ever be shot down. The training they hope they never have to use is important because, while the United

Bearing assembly failure caused F-16 crash in Utah

A bearing assembly failure caused an F-16 Fighting Falcon to crash in an unpopulated dry area close to Carrington Island in the Great Salt Lake, Utah, during a training mission March 30, according to an Air Force report released Aug. 7. The pilot ejected safely from the aircraft, sustaining minor

Medic discovers more about himself during PRT mission

When a suicide bomber slammed and ignited his missile-laden vehicle into the Humvee in front of Staff Sgt. Eric Mathiasen, the Air Force medic exploded into action. He did not think about his wife or two children, or that there was unexploded ordnance lying about. He just grabbed his medical bag and

Program assists heroes in reaching next level

They gave something that they can never get back, and a group here does its best to ensure these heroes smoothly move on to the next phase of their lives. Palace HART -- Helping Airmen Recover Together -- is a program that assists Airmen injured in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Many

Rescue wing saves 122 people since June 1

The Airmen of the 347th Rescue Wing saved 66 people from potentially fatal injuries and another 56 from critical injuries in Afghanistan since June 1.These numbers not only show deployed Moody Airmen are accomplishing the mission, but that lives are being saved, said Col. Eric Kivi, 347th Operations

NASA, Air Force agree to aeronautics cooperation

NASA and the Air Force have formed an aeronautics research partnership that builds upon and expands on the longstanding relationship between the two organizations.NASA Administrator Michael Griffin and Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne signed a memorandum of understanding Aug. 7 during a

Power pros critical to mission

Eighteen Airmen ensure there is no peace here, because silence at Balad Air Base would mean chaos.The power production team's work is audible and emitted by the drone of 200 Air Force generators fueled by 7,000 gallons of fuel a day and immeasurable amounts of sweat and work hours. "I'm not going to

More programs added to virtual MPF

The Air Force will add the Selective Re-enlistment and Career Job Reservation programs to the Virtual Military Personnel Flight, furthering Personnel Services Delivery Transformation. Beginning Sept. 1, the automated SRP process will e-mail commanders a monthly roster notifying them of their Airmen

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Aug. 8

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Aug. 8.In Afghanistan Aug. 7, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from Taliban extremists near Oruzgan. The B-1 expended Guided

Air Force Week kicks off in St. Louis

The first Air Force Week kicked off here Aug. 6 during the St. Louis Cardinals-Milwaukee Brewers game at Busch Stadium with Airmen participating in the toss of the first pitch and a flyover by Missouri National Guard F-15 Eagles. Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander of U.S. Transportation

KC-10 maintainers keep mission flowing

KC-10 Extender maintainers work long days on the flightline with temperatures reaching nearly 135 degrees on the scorching concrete, and it is even hotter in the KC-10s parked on the ramp. These are the conditions facing the Airmen of the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. The

Avenger Mobile Reserve on the ready at Kunsan

Armored personnel carriers, up-armored Humvees, 50 mm machine guns and Mark-19s are a few of the heavy weapons used by a security forces flight to bolster defense at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea.Avenger Flight is only called out when the commander needs it. Most of the sectors on base have their own

Weather agency employs new forecast model

The Air Force Weather Agency headquartered here took the first steps to use the new Weather Research and Forecasting model, known as WRF, for operational forecasts. The WRF model, the first worldwide fine-scale computer forecasting program in nearly a decade, was created through a collaborative

B-2s provide bomber presence in Guam

A contingent of four bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., is providing both an increase in forces and a security presence to the 36th Air Expeditionary Wing at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam -- making one of the U.S. military's most unique aircraft ready at a moment's notice. "In simpler terms,

Proclamation declares Air Force Week

Vandenberg golfers exploit home course advantage

In a battle of hometown heroes, one Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Airman beats out another in the playoff round of the 2006 Air Force Golf Championship Aug. 4 at the Marshallia Ranch Golf Course here. In the end it was Air Force golf veteran Geoffrey Mann, who won the same tournament in 2003,

Airpark dedication honors Tuskegee Airmen

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

'Ready Elmendorf' will prepare PACAF's F-22s

Pacific Air Forces officials are excited about bringing the F-22 Raptor to the command. Aircraft crews will start their training in Virginia before actually landing on the Alaskan tarmac."Through a concept known as 'Ready Elmendorf,' Alaska's aircraft and pilots will initially operate at Langley Air

Space brings invisible power to the fight

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

Air Force defeats Simon Fraser 72-70

The Air Force Academy women's basketball team wrapped up its four-game Canadian tour with a 72-70 win over Simon Fraser Sunday afternoon at SFU's West Gym. With just 2.1 seconds remaining in regulation, junior Pamela Findlay of Glenview, Ill., drained a pair of free throws to give the Falcons the

Awareness crucial in motorcycle safety

The thrill of motorcycle riding is one that many Americans will experience during these 101 critical days of summer. With gas prices and temperatures rising, many people feel that now is the perfect time to get on their bikes. But before doing so, motorcyclists should consider a few things before

Air Force blue meets Cardinal red

Letter to Airman asks Airmen to become communicators

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

New Air Force lieutenant colonels selected for SDE

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

Reserve personnel center expands news service

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

CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Aug. 6-7

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summaries for Aug. 6 and 7.Aug. 7In Afghanistan Aug. 6, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Musah Qal'eh. The B-1B expended a Guided Bomb Unit-38 on the

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Aug. 5

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Aug. 5.In Afghanistan on Aug. 4, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small arms fire from Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Orgun-E.  The B-1B expended Guided Bomb

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Aug. 4

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Aug. 4. In Afghanistan Aug. 3, a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle conducted a precision strike against Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Kandahar, expending Hellfire missiles on the extremists' location. Also in the

Transformation redefines multi-national exercise

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

New AFSPC commander touts 'invisible force'

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

PACAF leaders see flash of future in Georgia

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

Airmen train in ground combat at Camp Shelby

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

Services unite to patrol Guam's shoreline

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

New structures, names for SMC organization

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

Tyndall spearheads F-22 fighter tactics integration

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

How to catch a falcon by the tail

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

Sergeants toy with donations

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

Falcons down Trinity Western

In the second exhibition game of its Canadian tour, the Air Force women's basketball team defeated Trinity Western, 73-45, Aug. 3 at Mennonite Educational Institution.Junior Pamela Findlay of Glenview, Ill., led the Falcons' balanced offensive attack with nine points. Air Force took an early 4-0

Air Force leaders sign memorial spire

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

PACAF unveils first F-22

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

'Gateway to the West' embraces Air Force

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

Officials prepare for F-22 arrival

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

New AFIT commander focuses on military education system

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

Rescue unit faces moving challenges

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

Airmen provide key support to Soldiers during firefight

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

Air Force museum launches new Web site

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

Academy hoopsters top Canadian college

In the first exhibition game of its Canadian tour, the Air Force women's basketball team defeated University College of the Fraser Valley, 70-55, at UCFV's Student Activity Centre on Aug. 2.Senior Letricia Castillo of Anchorage, Alaska, led the Falcons with 18 points. After a pair of early free

Academy stands up new cadet squadrons

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

CENTAF releases airpower, space support summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower and space support summary for Aug. 3.In Afghanistan Aug. 2, Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Musah Qal'eh. The GR-7s expended an

Wynne: We are logisticians of information

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

'Your Guardians of Freedom' site set to scale down

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

Five personnel centers scheduled for realignment

In an effort to provide and deliver services in the most effective and efficient way for the Air Force, military officials plan to realign about 170 civilian personnel positions to the Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. From the 170 positions, 135 are slated to realign

FAA authorizes Predators to seek survivors

Traditionally tasked to hunt for targets, Air Combat Command's Predators are now authorized to seek survivors during disaster relief operations. A certificate of authorization, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration May 18, allows the MQ-1 or MQ-9 to support relief operations by providing

Ramstein's north airstrip receives makeover

The north runway here is under a nearly $20 million, three-phase construction plan that will extend it 1,000 feet and allow heavier air transports to take off fully loaded."Construction started in mid-April and it's one week ahead of the planned completion date of January 1," said Capt. David

Air Force Association names 2006 Aerospace Award winners

The winners of the 2006 Air Force Association Aerospace Awards have been announced. The AFA-sponsored awards recognized the following Air Force units, civilian employees and military personnel:The Theodore Von Karman Award, for the most outstanding contribution to national defense in the field of

Air Force cycling team wraps up RAGBRAI

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

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

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

Global Hawk passes 10,000 flight hours milestone

The Global Hawk unmanned aerial system continues to prove its utility and effectiveness in the global war on terror, having flown more than 10,500 flight hours by late July. The Global Hawk achieved 10,000 flight hours in June, with its ratio of combat flying hours to non-combat hours increasing to

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Aug. 2.In Afghanistan Aug. 1, a B-1 Lancer and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with anti-coalition forces near Musah Qal'eh. The B-1 expended a Guided Bomb

Overseas quarterly assignment listing available

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

Air Force announces staff sergeant promotions

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

Reserve income replacement begins Sept. 1

The Reserve Income Replacement Program became effective as of Aug. 1. The first RIRP payments for eligible service members will begin in Sept. 1.The RIRP was developed to provide specific payments to eligible members of the National Guard and Reserve who are involuntarily serving on active duty --

ROVER adds extra set of eyes to sky

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

Letter to Airmen focuses on diversity

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

Lajes Airmen refuel U.S. Army tugboat

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

Analysis system changes name, expands scope

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

New utility uniform on track for distribution

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

St. Louis to host inaugural Air Force Week

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

Cancer doesn’t stop Air Force cyclists from crossing Iowa

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

15th CMSAF takes first look at space

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

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Aug. 1.In Afghanistan July 31, the Air Force provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with anti-coalition forces near Musah Qal’eh. In two separate engagements A-10 Thunderbolt IIs expended cannon

Aerial port Airmen make own training opportunities

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

Changes in weather agency structure improve efficiency

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

Handbook helps weapon systems get to warfighter quicker

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

Hawaii air traffic controllers train to fight

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for July 31.In Afghanistan July 30, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small arms fire from Taliban extremists near Khowst. The B-1 expended a guided bomb unit-31 and a GBU-38 against

New aggressor unit will stand up in Alaska

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

CENTAF releases airpower summary for July 30

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for July 30. In Afghanistan July 29, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close air-support for coalition troops taking small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Tarin Kowt. The

Air Force reservists lead trauma care advances

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

Cadets experience 'war' during visit

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

RIMPAC 2006 comes to a close

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

Two F-16s reach milestone

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

CENTAF releases airpower summary for July 29

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for July 29.In Afghanistan yesterday, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small arms fire from Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah. The

Lakenheath Strike Eagles return from Bulgaria

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

Refuelers feed the deployed mission

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

Air Force Reserve expands associate unit role at Vandenberg

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

Cryogenics course keeps pilots, planes on target

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

Retirements application process centralized for reservists

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

Air Force operations and organization doctrine updated, released

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

Maintainers keep B-1 in the fight

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

Balad Air Base now part of Air Force Public Web

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