Shield's history dates back to 1924

The emblem of the 1st Pursuit Group, designed with the unit's history in mind, was approved on Jan. 21, 1924, by the Adjutant General.The green and black colors represented the colors of the Army Air Service. The five stripes signified the original five flying squadrons, and the five crosses

Langley home of 1st Fighter Wing

As the host unit here, the 1st Fighter Wing operates and maintains one of the largest fighter bases in Air Combat Command. The wing flies the F-22A Raptor and F-15 Eagle. The 1st FW's mission is to: "Train, organize and equip expeditionary Airmen; deploy, fight and win; provide world-class support

Wing boasts long, proud lineage

The 1st Fighter Wing and its predecessor, the 1st Pursuit Group, have been in existence since 1918.1st Pursuit GroupMay 5, 1918 -- Organized as 1st Pursuit Group at Gencoult, FranceDec. 24, 1918 -- Demobilized at Colombey-les-Belles, France Aug. 22, 1919 -- Organized as 1st Pursuit Group at

Reservist named top Air Force female athlete

Air Force Services selected an individual mobilization augmentee as the Air Force Female Athlete of the Year for 2006. Capt. Linda Jeffery is a services officer in the 314th Services Squadron at Little Rock AFB, Ark., and the award recognizes her accomplishments in golf from Oct. 1, 2005, to Sept.

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 9

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 9. In Afghanistan Nov. 8, an Air Force RQ-1 Predator flew an air strike against Taliban extremists near Oruzgan. The Predator fired a Hellfire missile on an enemy target. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided

AMC reduces costs through fuel efficiency

Energy costs are a significant part of the Defense Department operating budget, and Air Mobility Command uses 54 percent of the U.S. military's consumption of aviation fuel. Not surprisingly, efficient use of this resource has always been an AMC goal, and while fuel costs remain high, command

1st Fighter Wing lays claim to numerous accomplishments

The name says it all -- 1st Fighter Wing. As the first air combat unit organized under the U.S. Army air arm 80 years ago, the wing can make claim to many historic accomplishments.The study of the 1st FW's history is comparable to examining the history of air power itself. The groaning of wooden

Officials promise seamless defense secretary transition

DOD personnel will work diligently to ensure a seamless transition between outgoing Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and Robert M. Gates, Pentagon officials said today. President Bush accepted Secretary Rumsfeld's resignation Nov. 8 and announced he was appointing Mr. Gates to succeed him. DOD

Air Force releases chief master sergeant list

The promotion list for chief master sergeants was publicly released Nov. 8.  Air Force officials selected 417 chief master sergeants from 2,475 senior master sergeants considered. Complete information is available on the Air Force Personnel Center Web site. Click here for a list of selectees:

'Dirtboyz' keep Balad airfield operational

Every day, aircraft fly in and out of Balad AB to provide vital support for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Whether F-16 Fighting Falcons, C-130 Hercules or HH-60 Pave Hawks, the airframes are able to approach and depart because of fully operational, well-maintained runways. Better known as "dirtboyz,"

Secretary Wynne: Rumsfeld helped reshape Air Force

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne said Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld changed the way the military thinks about defense during his six years at the Pentagon. Secretary Wynne worked with Secretary Rumsfeld three times at the Department of Defense and in his current job. "In each case

AFSO 21 process gets weapons to warfighters faster

When the AIM-120D production program manager was asked to be team leader on an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century rapid improvement event, he was a little skeptical. "We had a very sound and fundamentally strong (acquisition) process going and I really pushed back at the idea," said

Storied leaders have led mighty 1st

The list of commanders of the 1st Pursuit Group and 1st Fighter Wing reads like a "Who's Who of the Air Force," and includes aviation pioneers, wartime heroes and future Air Force chiefs of staff.Group Commanders and Dates Assigned Maj. Bert M. Atkinson, May 5, 1918 Maj. Harold E. Hartney, Aug. 21,

NORAD commander: Air Force role vital to homeland security

Homeland defense has come full circle since the events of 9/11. America now faces a new and constantly evolving threat -- the threat of terrorism. Dealing with this threat is the task of the men and women of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, a bi-national U.S. and Canadian

Firsts of the 1st Fighter Wing

During its nine decades of service, the 1st Fighter Wing carved its niche in U.S. air history.For its part, the 1st FW was:-- The first U.S. group-level unit to enter air combat.-- The first U.S. unit to destroy an enemy aircraft in World War I. -- The parent unit of the first recipient of the Medal

Air showin' off

1st Fighter Wing's battle honors numerous

The campaign participation credits and battlefield honors for the 1st Pursuit Group and 1st Fighter Wing are numerous.World War I Battle Honors Awarded to the 1st Pursuit Group Lorraine (defensive sector) Champagne (defensive sector) Champagne-Marne, July 15-18, 1918 Aisne-Marne, July 18 to Aug. 6,

Waste-eating bacteria explored as power source

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research here recently awarded a five-year grant to the University of Southern California worth approximately $4.5 million to lead a study on bioengineered fuel cells. Bioengineered fuel cells are bacteria capable of producing electrical energy simply through the

Veterans Day particularly significant while nation at war

Observing Veterans Day is especially important this year as America's military members put their lives in danger to protect the country and defend its freedoms, Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson said. "We are a nation at war against an enemy that has openly vowed its desire to destroy

DOD committed to taking care of military families

The one overiding lesson of the all-volunteer force is the importance of the military family, a top Defense Department official said here Nov. 7. And DOD has learned the lesson, said Michael Dominguez, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.November is Military Family

Bush, Rumsfeld agree: 'Timing right for new leadership at Pentagon'

Calling Donald H. Rumsfeld "a superb leader during a time of change," President Bush announced at a White House news conference today that he and Secretary Rumsfeld have agreed the time has come for a change in leadership at the Pentagon. President Bush said he will nominate Bob Gates, former

Former technical director for C-17 earns DOD award

The former technical director for the Aeronautical Systems Center's C-17 Globemaster III program has won a Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award for 2006. Lawrence Fielding is one of eight this year to win the award, which recognizes exceptional achievements that benefited the

Remains identified as Air Force reservist

Remains discovered off the California coast in September have been positively identified as that of an Air Force reservist and passenger on an HC-130 cargo aircraft, call sign King 56, that crashed into the Pacific Ocean 10 years ago. Staff Sgt. Jonathan R. Leonard was on board King 56 when it went

Combat skills training is a must for today's Airmen

Since Airmen are taking on more non-traditional rolls and missions in deployed locations, the need for individual combat skills is imperative. Airmen selected to deploy for Air Expeditionary Force Cycle 5 and 6 from the 15th Airlift Wing recently took the three-day Expeditionary Combat Skills

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 8

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 8 In Afghanistan Nov. 7, Navy F/A-18 Hornets and Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

'Blue to Green' allows Airmen, Sailors to transfer to Army

As the Air Force and Navy continue to transform themselves, the two services are finding they do not need the number of people they once did, but a program called "Operation Blue to Green," gives an option for Airmen and Sailors chosen for separation the chance to transfer to the Army and remain on

Falcons, Irish salute fallen Airmen

When Air Force and Notre Dame football players butt heads Saturday afternoon in front of a sellout, Veterans Day crowd in Colorado Springs, and a national television audience on College Sports TV, their helmets will sport a tribute to Airmen past and present who've sacrificed for freedom.

C-130 crew honored with Mackay Trophy

Five C-130 Hercules crewmembers were recognized during a ceremony in Arlington, Va., Nov. 6 by the Air Force and the National Aeronautic Association when they were presented with the 2005 Clarence Mackay Trophy. Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. John D. W. Corley presented the trophy to Maj.

Air Force adopting new news-delivery method

The ongoing reduction in the number of Air Force people will mean changes in the way people get Air Force news. Public affairs staff members, who produce newspapers at most Air Force installations, are shifting their focus for news delivery to the World Wide Web. Printed newspapers will still be

Afghan PRT treats patients, prepares village for winter

Twenty-four members of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team, the 405th Civil Affairs Battalion and Task Force Tiger made the four-hour trek to the northernmost district here to assist the province's most impoverished population. A cooperative Medical Civic Action Program, or MEDCAP, was

Rescuers learn to make order out of chaos

In August 2003, a truck bomb exploded at the United Nations headquarters in downtown Baghdad, collapsing three floors of the four-story building. Hundreds of people died. Hundreds more were trapped under collapsed rebar, steel and concrete. Tech Sgt. Andrew Canfield, lead Air Force Reserve Command

Exchange program enhances coalition operations

Northwest Florida is gaining worldwide recognition through a program that makes local Air Force bases the training grounds for covert coalition aircraft operations.The program, known as Combined Special Operations Forces Subject Matter Expert Exchange, is a concept that came to life on a large scale

Mountain Home newspaper going virtual

An era will come to an end Dec. 22 when the base newspaper here, The Gunfighter, hits the streets for the last time. The public affairs staff will become one of the first bases to transition from a traditional newspaper to a Web-based product. The transition decision is primarily in response to

Health care for reservists highlights defense bill

In addition to a 2.2 percent across-the-board pay raise, Air Force reservists can look forward to better health care options in 2007. Beginning Oct. 1, 2007, drilling reservists can enroll in the new Tricare Standard for Selected Reserve health plan. They pay 28 percent of the premiums. The federal

Veterans Day special: Veterans share war experiences

The year was 1967. First Lt. Marko Milakovich stood on the side of Budda Mountain, about 10 miles from Quang Nhia in South Vietnam. The 25-year-old was on a site survey and had a weapons carrier and six Army bodyguards for safety. As he stood on the mountainside, leaflets fluttered to the ground

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 7

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 7.In Afghanistan Nov. 6, Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Qanat-e Hazrat. The F/A-18s expended

COMUSAFE visits Film City's Kosovo Airmen

U.S. Air Forces in Europe Commander Gen. William T. Hobbins visited Film City at Headquarters Kosovo Forces in Pristina, Kosovo. During his Nov. 6 visit, General Hobbins met with more than 40 Airmen assigned to Film City and Camp Bondsteel. Upon his arrival, the KFOR commander, German Lt. Gen.

Refuel for the fight

Nothing can stop Headquarters U.S. Air Force

In early November, Headquarters Air Force personnel will participate in exercise Blue Raven, another in a series of continuity-of-operations exercises that tests the capability of HAF personnel to continue mission essential functions during a crisis. "Sept. 11, 2001 reinforced the need to be

Mission by moonlight

Airmen, Bengals and Ravens ... oh my!

President Bush visits Buckley

Air Force leader praises Hill for Lean, AFSO 21 efforts

The special assistant to the secretary of the Air Force for Air Force Smart Ops for the 21st Century, or AFSO 21, said during a late October visit here that Air Force leadership would embrace the Lean concept due in large part to the success of Air Force Materiel Command's air logistics centers. Dr.

Lean principles reduce antenna repair times

Since adopting Lean principles, the F-16 Antenna Shop here has improved efficiency, cut costs and enabled F-16 pilots to fly without worrying about their radar. When an F-16 antenna shows signs of failure, it is replaced with a spare and the defective antenna sent to the shop for repair. Using Lean

Disabled veterans recharge lives in New York City marathon

Of the 38,000 runners in the New York City Marathon Nov. 5, 50 disabled veterans ran on the Achilles Freedom Team of 'wounded veterans'.While most runners push themselves to exhaustion through the 26.2 miles of urban roads, Monica Szymanski took on the marathon to re-energize her life. "I'm still in

Veterans urged to wear military medals on Veterans Day

With National Veterans Awareness Week under way and the national Veterans Day observance on Nov. 11, the Veterans Affairs secretary is urging all veterans to show their pride by wearing their military medals.R. James Nicholson's "Veterans Pride" initiative calls on veterans to wear the medals they

Pope Airmen get heart-warming welcome home

It was the best present a little girl could hope for when Sarah Beam's daddy arrived back home from a deployment on her 6th birthday. More than 180 Airmen who supported operations in Afghanistan and Iraq were welcomed home by family and friends at Green Ramp Nov. 2. Despite the late evening arrival

Active associate unit to be established at Scott AFB

As part of the Air Force Total Force Integration initiatives, an active associate unit will be established with Air Force Reserve Command's 932nd Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., in 2007. The Air Force Reserve unit will receive three C-40 aircraft the same year. Under the active associate

Being bilingual helps Air Force recruiters in Hispanic communities

For Master Sgt. Ruben Perez, communicating with potential recruits involves much more than simply promoting careers in the Air Force. The 341st Recruiting Squadron recruiter's ability to "habla Espanol" with San Antonio's inner city youth and surrounding small-town Mexican-Americans helps him

NFL hosts Air Force Appreciation Day

Flying over Idaho

Medal of Honor recipients share stories of inspiration

For Staff Sgt. Shafinah Rosauro, learning stories of true heroism moved her. For Tech. Sgt. Theresa Petelo, it was the message of assurance that people back home support her. For Col. Kurt Kaisler, hearing themes of commitment to service and country inspired him. Listening to Medal of Honor

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 6

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 6.In Afghanistan Nov. 5, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and a B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Gereshk.

Air Force selects 417 new chief master sergeants

The Air Force has selected 417 senior master sergeants for promotion to the service's highest enlisted rank. The Air Force will publicly release the promotion list Nov. 8, and the complete list of selectees will be available by 5 p.m. CST on the Air Force Personnel Center's homepage. A total of

Web site works with Airmen to deliver care packages

In August 2003, a Maryland family started the AnySoldier.com Web site as a way for people to support deployed Soldiers. Two years later, the family created separate sites to help those in the sister services. Their site for those in the Air Force, AnyAirman.com, lists Airmen who volunteered as

Air Force drops exhibition to Metro State, 65-60

Shooting just 50 percent from the free throw line, the Air Force women's basketball team suffered a 65-60 exhibition loss to Metro State Sunday afternoon in Clune Arena. The Falcons led 20-14 with just over four minutes remaining in the opening period, but the Roadrunners went on a 10-1 run to close

Bush calls Saddam verdict 'milestone'

Without the help of American servicemembers, the verdict against Saddam Hussein would not have been possible, the commander in chief said Nov. 5 in Waco, Texas. President George W. Bush called the trial "a milestone" in Iraq's efforts to replace the rule of a tyrant with the rule of law. Today's

Air Force, RIT skate to 4-4 overtime draw

Air Force winger Josh Frider scored with 39 seconds left in the third period to force overtime as the Falcons and RIT skated to a 4-4 overtime tie in an Atlantic Hockey Association game Nov. 4 at the Academy's Cadet Ice Arena. Air Force is now 4-5-1 overall and 2-1-1 in the AHA. The Rochester

Efforts in Iraq bring British honors for Airman

The volunteer efforts by an Air Force captain while deployed to Iraq last year has earned her the honor of being the first American to march with a British regiment at The Cenotaph war memorial Nov. 12 in London's Whitehall. Capt. Jutta Cortes, the deputy director of security forces for the 20th Air

Saddam Hussein guilty, faces death sentence

An Iraqi court sentenced Saddam Hussein to death Nov. 5 for ordering the execution of 148 men in Dujail, Iraq, in 1982. Thousands of people in Baghdad took to the streets to celebrate the verdict. The Iraqi High Tribunal sentenced two other defendants to death and four to prison and acquitted one.

No. 16 Falcons split contests

On the first day of its final weekend of regular season action, the No. 16 Air Force water polo team went 1-1 against conference foes Loyola Marymount and Redlands Nov. 4. The Falcons fell to No. 7 LMU 11-4 before downing No. 19 Redlands 9-4. With two more contests remaining this weekend, Air Force

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 5

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 5. In Afghanistan Nov. 4, French Air Force M2000s provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Arandu. In total, 33 close-air support

Eyes on roof watch over air show

 His eyes scan the crowd looking for the person who doesn't fit in. Master Sgt. Greg Palmer of the Air National Guard's 188th Security Forces Squadron used his skills as a sharpshooter to assist base security during the Little Rock Air Show Nov. 4. Sergeant Palmer, who teaches three classes a year

Responsive space demonstrator ready to roll

Officials are saying the December launch of a tactical satellite, dubbed TacSat-2, will serve as the predecessor for rapid satellite production, launch and operation. Managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate here, TacSat-2 has evolved into a responsive space

Guard, Manas crews exemplify total force integration

The 141st Air Refueling Wing unit from the Washington Air National Guard rotated home this week after a successful two and a half week tour here. Although their stay was short, the mission accomplishments speak for themselves, said Lt. Col. Michael Gaal, 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron

Delta IV launch successful

A Delta IV evolved expendable launch vehicle carrying a Defense Meteorological Satellite Program satellite was launched from the Space Launch Complex-6 here Nov. 4 at 5:53 a.m. "I'm extremely proud of the precision with which the base and Vandenberg launch team planned and executed this Delta IV

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 4

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 4. In Afghanistan Nov. 3, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and B-1B Lancers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Gangikhel. The B-1Bs

Falcons roll over Army, 43-7

Prior to the 41st renewal of the Air Force/Army football rivalry, Falcon quarterback Shaun Carney was asked by a local West Point, N.Y., newspaper to predict the final score. The junior signal caller said the bluesuiters would win 49-7. His teammates nearly made him a prophet. Air Force converted

Sergeant is one of a kind

When this sergeant says he is one of a kind he really means it. Master Sgt. Daniel Norwood is the Air Force's only military gunsmith and is the shop supervisor of the Army and Air National Guard marksmanship unit here. The Air National Guard has one position for a gunsmith and since 1991 it has been

Holiday radio special features country music stars

Country music stars Vince Gill, Toby Keith, LeeAnn Womack and George Strait share their favorite holiday memories and traditions in a "Red, White and Air Force Blue Christmas" radio special, slated for release this month. Produced and marketed by the Air Force Recruiting Service's Strategic

Ellsworth first base to enter environmental program

Ellsworth Air Force Base has become the first Air Force-owned installation to accept membership into the Environmental Protection Agency's Performance Track program. During a special ceremony Oct. 31, Robert Roberts, EPA regional administrator, in presenting Ellsworth officials with Performance

Airmen receive trophies for maintenance excellence

Two Airmen earned trophies and praise here for their abilities to keep Air Force aircraft flying and munitions ready for the mission.Master Sgt. Timothy Kellner, 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, and Capt. Abigail Ruscetta, 16th AMXS, Hurlburt Field, Fla., were honored with

109th Airlift Wing commemorates first South Pole landing

An LC-130 Hercules from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing touched down at the South Pole on Oct. 30 to commemorate the first plane landing there 50 years ago. On Oct. 31, 1956, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Gus Shinn landed a ski-equipped R4D-5 (a Navy version of the DC-3) named "Que Sera Sera"

Unified Engagement 2006 kicks off

In a welcoming speech to more than 300 military members and civilians at the Battle Command Training Center here, Gen. Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander, kicked off Unified Engagement 2006. Participants from the United States, Great Britain, Canada and Australia are here from Nov. 1 to 8

Lab teams prepare for show stopper demonstrations

Two, six-member Junior Workforce Challenge Project teams working on non-lethal, vehicle-halting prototypes for deployed area checkpoints will display their efforts at an upcoming competition. Each team consists of Air Force junior officers and civilians. They have been working on ideas since June,

Air Force "road show" ensures senior leaders share common message

Air Force senior officers and enlisted leaders are taking the Air Force story on the road across the country. Recently, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley said that by actively engaging civilians and the press, senior leaders could help Americans better understand the Air Force

Kunsan Air Base at forefront of readiness

It's not uncommon for Airmen here to be awakened at 5 a.m. from deep sleep to hear a thunderous loudspeaker voice announcing an invasion. They jump out of bed, grab their chemical warfare gear and rush to work. When the neighboring enemy could possibly invade at any moment, training exercises like

8th Air Force to become new cyber command

During a media conference here Nov. 2, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne said the 8th Air Force would become the new Air Force Cyberspace Command. "I am announcing the steps the Air Force is taking towards establishing an Air Force Cyberspace Command," the secretary said. "The new

U.S. Air Force's top fugitive in custody

A man suspected of the 1994 murder of his wife and unborn child was taken into custody by the Royal Thai Police at approximately 2:30 p.m. Bangkok time today. A former U.S. Air Force sergeant assigned to Travis Air Force Base, Calif., Saner Wonggoun fled the country in January 1994 when authorities

Luke shows off energy conservation program

The Luke community showcased its energy conservation programs to the Air Force assistant secretary for installations, environment and logistics Oct. 26. William C. Anderson visited here as part of October's Energy Awareness Month. He got a first-hand look at the base's energy and conservation

Iraqi students receive school supplies

Mountain Home may help train Singapore Airmen

Air Force and Singapore officials are negotiating to bring up to 10 Singapore F-15 Eagles to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, and establish a training squadron there. Stand-up of the squadron depends upon the successful completion of an environmental analysis required under the National

Officials encourage absentee voters to cast ballots

A letter sent by the National Association of Secretaries of State urges all military and overseas absentee voters to cast their ballots in the upcoming Nov. 7 elections and assures them that their vote will be counted. The letter, sent Nov. 2 by NASS president Deborah Markowitz, reminds U.S.

Hydrogen fueling station now operating at Hickam

State and U.S. Air Force officials gathered here Nov. 2 to unveil Hawaii's and the service's first hydrogen generation and dispensing station. The event marked the completion of a major achievement in a multi-phased alternative fuel vehicle development program that was launched five years ago."From

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 3

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 3. In Afghanistan Nov. 2, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Hajji Musa. Air Force A-10

Bands bring tour to Europe, deployed troops

Guest artists will join up with bands from Air Force Reserve Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe to entertain families and troops in late November. Country music artist Jaime O'Neal, entertainer of the air waves Delilah, John Popper of the platinum-selling group Blues Traveler, and the New England

Airmen work, live with Iraqi Army at remote desert base

Tucked in a valley between the Euphrates River and some of the most dangerous territory in Iraq is an oasis in the middle of the desert -- Camp Habbaniyah. The British operated at this location from 1934 through 1959, when it was known as Royal Air Force Habbaniyah. Forty-seven years later, the

Travis Airmen train Japan's first boom operators

Three members of the Japan Air Self Defense Force completed a four-month training program here, making them the first boom operators in their military. "I'm proud to be one of the first three students from Japan to complete this training," said Tech. Sgt. Masaaki Takahashi. Master Sgt. Randy

Transition workshop valuable to vets, labor officials say

All separating servicemembers should know about Transition Assistance Program workshops, Labor Department officials said here Nov. 2. The Labor Department teams with DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer these workshops to transitioning servicemembers, Charles S. Ciccolella, assistant

Open season begins Nov. 13 for civilian health insurance programs

The Office of Personnel Management has announced an open season will be held Nov. 13 through Dec. 11 for three civilian benefit programs. The three programs are the Federal Employees Health Benefits, or FEHB, program; the Federal Flexible Spending Account, or FSAFED, program; and the new Federal

Airman accused in stabbings returns to work Nov. 2

Senior Airman Stephen Lloyd reported to duty at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Nov. 2 following his arrest in connection with the stabbing of three other Airmen Oct. 28 at an off-base bar.The 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron maintenance technician was released on bail Nov. 1 and faces three

Go Air Force, beat Army

Air Force officials announce new PCS guidelines

In an effort to meet budget mandates, Air Force leaders have directed several assignment related initiatives to reduce the permanent change of station budget deficit. The new guidelines include changes to assignment availability Code 50 maximum stabilized tours, the standard time on station for

Training Is essential, even downrange

An old military adage states that troops must train like they fight. This remains true, even while deployed to austere environments and in less-than-favorable conditions. Service members assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa train almost daily to hone their skills in use of weapons,

Exercise Atlantic Rescue tests search, rescue pros' skills

In a worst case scenario for pilots or warfighters in hostile territory, one thing is constant -- the Air Force will not leave a person behind. Securing that promise are combat search and rescue professionals from across Air Combat Command who practiced together in Exercise Atlantic Rescue Oct. 30

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 2

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 2.In Iraq Nov. 1, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle and Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets conducted strikes against anti-Iraqi forces near Ramadi. The Predator expended a Hellfire missile and the F/A-18s

Automation efforts to aid disaster response teams

Aeronautical System Center's Enterprise Knowledge Management experts may have found a way to help Air Force initial response forces and similar groups respond to disasters faster and more effectively. The team is working to automate some of the functions of Air Force command posts, battlestaffs and

Students can apply for DeCA scholarships at commissaries

The Scholarships for Military Children Program applications, sponsored by the Defense Commissary Agency, are now available for 2007.Applications for the $1,500 scholarships are available at 264 commissaries worldwide, or can be downloaded through links at www.commissaries.com,

Hawaii Guard to airlift supplies to earthquake victims

The Hawaii National Guard is planning to airlift supplies to isolated residents on Maui as soon as their needs are ascertained, a military official said from the state's capital Nov. 1. A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the Hawaiian Islands Oct. 15. No deaths were reported. Besides some broken

AAFES lets customers 'take it home today'

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is expanding its "Take it Home Today!" initiative, which allows servicemembers immediately to enjoy furniture, major appliances, carpeting, mattresses and box springs, and select electronics. The new plan, which was tested at select AAFES exchanges in the