Medical wing stands ready for hurricane response

Commanders at Wilford Hall Medical Center have approved a plan slated to improve medical responses to hurricane emergencies throughout the continental United States. The 59th Medical Wing’s Critical Care Air Transport Team Rapid Hurricane Response Plan was approved and adopted May 26. Hurricane

24/7 personnel services are here

The Air Force is changing in shape and size, and military personnel flights, or MPFs, are part of this change. Their transformation is called personnel services delivery. Phase One of the transformation has seven groups of changes projected to be in place by December 2007. Two recent changes allow

Thunderbirds announce 2007 officers

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, “Thunderbirds,” has announced its new officers for the 2007 demonstration season, the 54th in the team’s history.Joining the team on the left wing position at Thunderbird No. 2 is Maj. Chris Austin from the 57th Wing here. The slot pilot, Thunderbird

Pilot for a day

Air Force family members participate in national spelling bee

Four Air Force families from around the world gathered here to support their children who were participating in the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee May 31 to June 1. These four families formed an unofficial team of support that came from their military connection and shared pride in their

Housing privatization reaches many milestones

The Air Force housing privatization office has reached several major milestones in its seven-year effort to improve base housing for Airmen and their families, an Air Force official said recently. “We are gaining momentum,” said Col. Michael Smietana, chief of Air Force housing. “We’re very close to

Operation Enduring Freedom

Software team finds new mission with C-5

Now that the C-141 Starlifter has officially retired after 43 years of providing strategic global airlift, those who cared for it are left behind to find a new purpose. The 402nd Maintenance Group software support team is filling the void with a new workload -- the C-5 Galaxy. “It’s an engineer’s

No flight plan, no Northern Edge

The echoes of jet engines roaring over the snow-capped Chugach Mountains are a thrilling byproduct of many moving parts comprised of U.S. servicemembers on the ground. The 3rd Operations Support Squadron Airfield Management Office here creates flight plans for more than 70 aircraft a day and

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for June 5.In Afghanistan June 4, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 Lancer responded to coalition forces taking mortar, rocket-propelled-grenade and small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Qalat. The B-1 expended

Heavy-duty gear

Movie project transforms Holloman

What do the Air Force’s first stealth fighter, a toy that has been around since the 1980s, and a director who loves big-budget, special effects-driven movies all have in common? The answer is the DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures project, "Transformers," being filmed here. On May 19, Col. David Moore,

Command and control a 24/7 operation

The Combined Air Operations Center here, also known as the CAOC, is the command and control hub for all air operations within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Staffed and monitored around-the-clock, the coalition professionals working in the CAOC can seamlessly perform command and

Airman $9,000 richer for maintenance suggestion

A $9,000 award was given to a technical sergeant from the 2nd Maintenance Squadron here for his suggestion through the Air Force Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program, known as IDEA.Tech. Sgt. John Biery received recognition for correcting a maintenance problem on F-16 Fighting

SPORT provides eyes for Edwards mission

The room is dark. The only light comes from computer screens and monitors along with blinking lights on various machines. Seven people sit in front of monitors that project green dots and lines. It may look like this group is playing games in an arcade, but in reality they are playing a crucial role

Airmen pitch in for worthy cause in Iraq

Many Airmen deploy to foreign countries for months, never seeing the people whose lives they affect. They are either hundreds of miles from the conflict or are within the safety of their military compound for their entire tours. But for Airmen at Sather Air Base at Baghdad International Airport,

AETC housing privatization on track

Despite delays caused by Hurricane Katrina, Air Education and Training Command is still on track to meet its goal of privatizing 100 percent of military family housing. The Housing Privatization Initiative was approved by the Department of Defense in 1996 as a more timely and cost-effective way to

Predator operations

Hurricane Hunters ready to take on 2006 storm season

It was a quiet opening day of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season. Hurricane Hunters of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron spent the day training and getting ready for what forecasters say will be another active season. Though the season officially began June 1 and ends Nov. 30, last year these

Barksdale major court-martialed for online chat

An officer here pleaded guilty at a general court-martial to two specifications of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman under Article 133, Uniform Code of Military Justice.While on temporary duty at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Maj. Paul McNeme engaged in a sexually explicit online chat

CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for June 2 to 4. June 4In Afghanistan June 3, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, a B-1B Lancer and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s responded to coalition forces taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Gereshk. The A-10s

Aboard the USNS Mercy

Ospreys in flight

Additional voluntary retirements announced for officers

The Air Force is offering additional voluntary retirements to a select group of officers, officials announced today. As a result of the Fiscal 2006 National Defense Authorization Act, the Force Shaping Program Phase II additional measures offer voluntary retirements to officers with at least eight

Secretary Wynne expects Airmen to continue to excel

While visiting various installations in the San Antonio area May 31 to June 2, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne talked about the importance of core values, technology and training facing today’s Airmen and the Air Force. The secretary focused on what the Air Force expects from its Airmen

Three F-16 wings deploy to Korea

Elements of fighter wings from three Air National Guard units have deployed here this week in support of their air expeditionary force rotations. Components of the 150th, 140th and 120th Fighter Wings from the New Mexico, Colorado and Montana Air National Guard, respectively, have been renamed the

Hydraulics shop ‘Leans’ into AFSO 21

By discussing processes during continuous improvement workshops, called Kaizen, the 56th Component Maintenance Squadron is able to develop smarter operations by just using common sense. Industry-proven process improvement programs such as Lean that use techniques like Kaizen are being used to

Academy javelin star adds to her trophy shelf

A 2006 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate was named the Female Field Event Athlete of the Year for the Mountain Region, officials from the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association announced June 1. Dana Pounds, a newly commissioned second lieutenant, will look to defend her national

Weather-savvy Airmen assist with operational success

In a combat environment, knowing what the weather will be can be crucial to the success of operations. A team of Airmen here is dedicated to doing just that.“We provide accurate, mission-specific weather information and products to Ali Base warfighters and coalition forces,” said Master Sgt. Milton

Timely response

Airmen provide support to Indonesian earthquake victims

The 374th Air Expeditionary Group completed its first mission to Indonesia June 1 to deliver relief supplies after a devastating earthquake killed more than 6,200 people and displaced or left thousands homeless. Two C-130 Hercules transport aircraft deployed to Paya Lebar Air Base with approximately

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for June 1. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, a B-1B Lancer and a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle responded to coalition forces taking small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades from Taliban extremists near

Hurricane season is here: prepare yourself

The hurricane season of 2005 was a busy one, and it brought with it many destructive storms and broken records, including records for the most named storms and the most Category 5 storms in a season. In all, 28 named storms formed, 15 of which turned into hurricanes. Seven of those were major

Egress training

Air Guard salutes top Airmen, NCOs

Six Airmen were honored in Washington, D.C., recently as the Air National Guard’s top enlisted members of the year. The honorees are:Airman of the Year: newly promoted Staff Sgt. Saul Soto-Sanchez, 156th Logistics Squadron, Muniz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico.NCO of the Year: Staff Sgt.

NORTHCOM ready to respond

The progress U.S. Northern Command has made since its inception Oct. 1, 2002, to defend the homeland from natural or manmade disasters is "truly impressive," Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said here May 31. Rumsfeld visited NORTHCOM the day before the official start of hurricane season for an

Housing privatization embraces Smart Operations 21

The Air Force housing privatization process is taking a leaner, more efficient approach to getting the job done by developing one central management center, Air Force officials said recently. “The secretary of the Air Force challenged us to find a better way to manage and broker deals and successful

Toby Keith performs for the troops

Remote airstrips are hell on wheels

C-130 maintainers are in a Herculean battle against enemies that have been around since the dawn of time: dirt, rocks and dust.While C-130 Hercules perform the tactical portion of the airlift mission by bringing in troops and supplies to remote locations, called forward operating bases, they have to

Medics make house calls on Afghan nomads

Medics, interpreters and support troops from the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team set up a short-notice medical outreach recently for the nomadic Kuchi people during their spring migration through the Panjshir Valley. Known as a Medical Civic Action Program, or MEDCAP, the event provided

Academy graduates will help secure freedom, Rumsfeld says

The U.S. will triumph over murderous extremists because of the daring and ingenuity of its people and armed forces, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said in his commencement address at the U.S. Air Force Academy May 31."Violent extremists are trying to terrorize and intimidate free people into

Australians learn from U.S. C-17 mission

Two C-17 Globemaster IIIs from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, arrived here last week at the Australian Defense Force’s request. U.S. Airmen are moving Australian forces and equipment to Darwin, Australia, to allow the Australian military to quickly respond to unrest in neighboring East Timor. Each

Doctor named as examiner for national quality award program

An Air Force Reserve Command doctor has been selected to the 2006 Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award. The award, created by public law in 1987, is the highest level of national recognition for performance excellence that a U.S. organization can receive. Col. (Dr.) William B.

Rates change for Foreign Language Proficiency Pay

The Office of the Secretary of Defense recently approved new Foreign Language Proficiency Pay rates that will increase entitlements for eligible and qualified military members beginning June 1, while eliminating FLPP for others. The highest maximum pay rate for a single-language proficiency

Secretary Wynne visits Lackland

PT, desert-style

Air Force Link inaugurates 'Perspectives'

The Air Force Link "Web exclusives" page for the month of June takes a unique look at three separate stories, not only through the lenses of three Air Force News photojournalists, but through their personal narrations as each tells the unique perspective of his story in his own words. Each

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for May 31.In Afghanistan yesterday, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1B Lancer responded to troops in contact near Qalat. The A-10s performed strafing passes, ending the engagement. In total, coalition aircraft flew 23

Rumsfeld voices confidence in academy graduating class

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld told the 879 second lieutenants who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy today that their challenge will be to go beyond a simple change of process. “Our country did not survive and become great through timid responses or aversion to risk,” he said. “Ours

Class of 2006 outstanding cadets recognized

The graduation ceremony for 879 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets took place today at the academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.   Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley were there to celebrate with the cadets and their

Combat mobility element moves cargo quickly, safely

The 15th Airlift Wing at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, sent a pair of its C-17 Globemaster IIIs here to support the Australian Defense Force. U.S. crews are shuttling cargo and Australian military forces to strategic locations within the country.This operation involves moving massive amounts of cargo, and

Pencils and scalpels: Artists help providers illustrate the cure

For many communicators, success is measured by how accurate they are in providing information to help get bombs on target or assist with enemy kills. Yet, there is one group of communication specialists who measure success by lives saved through their ability to illustrate medical procedures.For

Vehicle searches provide first line of defense

During the early morning hours in Southwest Asia, the vehicle search team of the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron doesn’t get out of bed.They’re already at work. They’re up and about in the vehicle search area, or VSA, ensuring vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and other

New fuels system saving Air Force time, money

Airmen here are refueling aircraft faster than ever before and doing it with fewer people, thanks to the next generation of fuels mobility support equipment. The new system is called Fuels Operational Readiness Capability Equipment, or FORCE. This equipment is making life easier for Airmen and

General Moseley knighted for contributions to international relations

Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley was knighted during a ceremony at the British Embassy here May 30. The honorary knighthood, at the suggestion of Queen Elizabeth II, stems from the general's contributions to United States-United Kingdom relations while he served as commander

Operation Vigilant Star

Reserve offers released lieutenants chance to serve

Air Force lieutenants involuntarily separated as a result of force reductions have until Aug. 1 to join the Air Force Reserve to continue their military careers without a break in service. On May 10, the Air Force released the names of 884 lieutenants who are to be involuntarily separated because of

Leaders hold key to AFSO 21 success

A cornerstone of the secretary of the Air Force’s tenure is Air Force Smart Operations 21. He recently said that Air Force leaders hold the key to success for the initiative. "I have told our leaders that we cannot allow AFSO 21 to escape the wing leadership, whether that is the wing commander,

Over the Pacific

From playing fields to battlefields

Sports and the military share a common bond journalistically. It’s not unusual to read about a classic battle, how a player had plenty of fight left, how a team showed a warrior mentality or how they were outnumbered.Sports have liberally borrowed clichés from the GI world for years. Now it’s the

AFSO 21 initiative leads to safer flying at Lakenheath

As Air Force Smart Operations 21 went Air Force-wide this year, the 48th Fighter Wing here jump-started its program with weekly AFSO 21 initiatives briefed at wing stand-up. “I want every Airman, civilian and (Ministry of Defense) employee on this base to understand, first of all, what AFSO 21 is,

Wild Blue Country headed yonder

Ten of the 74 academy bandsmen are traveling to the Middle East in June to provide entertainment support.Wild Blue Country, the country music group, will spend much of June and July traveling to forward operating bases that have never had live entertainment. They are the first musicians from the

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for May 30.In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs responded to coalition troops taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Deh Rawood. The A-10s conducted several strafing passes, ending the engagement. In

Silent vigil

U.S. military responds to Indonesia earthquake

The U.S. military is sending about 100 troops to Indonesia to contribute to international humanitarian relief efforts in the wake of a devastating 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck May 27 near the ancient city of Yogyakarta. The deployment is part of a larger U.S. government response to a request

Loadmasters help reposition Australian Defense Forces

The U.S. Pacific Command is using its strategic airlift capability to help the Australian Defense Force. At the request of the Australian government, two C-17 Globemaster IIIs from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, are moving equipment and troops from the Solomon Islands back to Australia. This will

Airmen train Iraqi soldiers on base defense

When most Airmen think of base defense, they may think about security forces checking ID cards at the gate. However, a U.S. team in Iraq is showing that base defense means much more. A group of five security forces Airmen and their Army commander have combined to form a base defense unit, or

New troop crosswalk

Memorial Day observances

Airmen set sail aboard USNS Mercy for humanitarian mission

Three Airmen from the 374th Medical Group here are deployed to the U.S. Navy hospital ship, USNS Mercy, as it travels through Southeast Asia on a humanitarian mission.The mission is an opportunity for a U.S. team consisting of medical professionals from the Air Force, Army and Navy to work with

Airmen expand horizons through education

The commandant and the superintendent of the Community College of the Air Force recently visited here and shared their views on the importance of pursuing higher education.Col. Thomas Klincar, the commandant, spoke of the bond he felt with the base.“I am especially excited to be here for the (CCAF)

General Hobbins delivers Normandy Memorial Day address

The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe delivered the Memorial Day ceremony address at Normandy American Cemetery here May 28. Gen. Tom Hobbins said that U.S. participation in the ceremony was important. “(Memorial) Day is very memorable for all nations that have participated in ensuring the

AFSO 21 crucial to achieving new vision

Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century will be crucial to achieving the 50th Space Wing’s new vision, said Col. John Hyten, wing commander. “If someone asks you how we can do things smarter, tell them AFSO 21 gives us free rein to cut through red tape,” Colonel Hyten said. “With AFSO 21, we

Postal Service reissues Purple Heart stamp

A new version of a postage stamp commemorating the Purple Heart and all those who have earned it was issued in a ceremony here May 26. At the ceremony, two veterans of the war in Iraq were awarded Purple Hearts by R. James Nicholson, secretary of Veterans Affairs. "(The Purple Heart) celebrates the

Memorial salute

CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials release the airpower summary for May 26 to 29.May 29Coalition aircraft flew 36 close-air-support missions May 29 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The missions supported coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities, and operations to

In remembrance

Unit keeps pesty visitors at bay

One unit here still strives to keep the sky over a portion of Iraq a no fly zone.They also eliminate rats, loose animals and vectors, insects that can transmit diseases to animals and humans. The unit, the 407th Civil Engineer Squadron’s entomology flight provides professional pest control to ensure

National Guard program helps at-risk teens

The Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy is a 22-week program designed to help troubled or at-risk teens. It gives the 16- to 18-year-olds a second chance to focus, get a high school diploma and acquire the skills they will need to lead a productive life. Although the academy uses a

New technology could make target acquisition more accurate

At this moment, above Iraq and Afghanistan, American data sensors are collecting information and intelligence about what is happening on the ground. What happens to the data depends largely on a sensor's owner and its mission. The data could be reviewed immediately, or it could be stored for later

Heritage Flight over New York

Mission of security forces constantly evolving

Through the eyes of Staff Sgt. David Brown, the mission of the security forces has changed since the beginning of the war in Iraq. After all, this is his eighth deployment since Operation Iraqi Freedom started. As a sign of things to come, Airmen from the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron

VA working to prevent future information loss

The Department of Veterans Affairs has begun a thorough examination of policies and procedures after the loss of 26.5 million veterans' personal information, the VA's leader told the House Armed Services Committee May 25. "I've formed a task force ... to examine comprehensively all of our

Senate confirms General Hayden as CIA director

By a 78-15 vote, the Senate today confirmed Air Force Gen. Michael V. Hayden as CIA director. General Hayden, who has served under John D. Negroponte as principal deputy director of national intelligence since April 2005, succeeds Porter Goss. "I commend the Senate for confirming Michael Hayden as

Nation honors fallen during National Moment of Remembrance

On May 29, Americans will pause to remember servicemembers from wars past and present who have given the ultimate sacrifice while defending the nation. The National Moment of Remembrance takes place for one minute each year on Memorial Day, starting at 3 p.m. local time. "The time 3 p.m. was chosen

Air Force leaders send Memorial Day message

The following is a Memorial Day message from Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. "To the men and women of the United States Air Force: "In a time of peace and prosperity, we remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Operational readiness exercise

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary. In Afghanistan May 25, coalition aircraft flew 31 close-air-support missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. These missions included support to coalition and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route

Services career field named Air Force Team of the Year

Each year, Air Force officials evaluate career fields for unity and exceptional performance that warrants recognition by the entire force. In conjunction with the Air Force Association, one career field is recognized with an Air Force-level award. Services, Air Force Specialty Code 3M0X1, was

Controlled detonation

Raptors find new nest in Alaska

After flying more than 3,200 miles over land, ocean, mountains and glaciers, six F-22 Raptors arrived here May 23 from Langley Air Force Base, Va. Though it isn’t the first time the Raptors have flown over snow-capped mountains, it is the first time they have flown outside of the continental United

Launch of weather-tracking satellite successful

The 45th Space Wing supported the successful launch of the NASA GOES-N, a weather satellite launched on a Delta IV booster May 24 from Space Launch Complex 37B here. The wing provided Eastern Range and launch base support to Boeing Launch Services, which provided the satellite and booster vehicle

2007 budget completes dorm recapitalization funding

The Air Force's fiscal 2007 budget request will complete the funding needed to replace inadequate dormitories for Airmen. During recent testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee's subcommittee on military construction and veterans affairs, William C. "Bill" Anderson, assistant secretary

Drawdown at Keflavik

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary. In Afghanistan May 24, a B-1B Lancer and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs responded to coalition forces taking small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades from Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The B-1B expended precision-guided

Air Force reconsiders retention for 192 lieutenants

The Air Force recently notified 844 lieutenants that they would not be retained as a result of the April 2006 Force Shaping Board. An anomaly with some records during the board process means 192 of the lieutenants not selected for retention will have their records reconsidered by a special board

Afghan fortress site of Taliban's last deadly siege

Just a few minutes drive from where an Air Force embedded training team is mentoring Afghan National Army soldiers is the site of the Taliban’s last deadly siege.It is also the location where the first American died in the war against terrorism following Sept. 11, 2001; where John Walker Lindh --

Kenney Headquarters maximizes support to joint warfighters

The Gen. George C. Kenney Headquarters reaches its one-year anniversary June 1. Known as KHQ, the headquarters staff commands air, space and information operations for joint forces throughout the Asia-Pacific region, excluding Korea. Consisting of three elements -- the Pacific Air Operations Center,

Airmen help honor vets at country music awards show

Backstage, the anticipation of the curtains rising was surreal as 40 Airmen and eight veterans waited to make their national television debut during the 41st Academy of Country Music awards program May 23. With a quick nod and a smile from the band to calm their nerves, the director yelled, “We’re

Chaplain team here to serve

Being deployed doesn’t mean an Airman’s spiritual involvement or fellowship with other members of his or her faith has to be neglected. The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing’s base chapel is a source of continued spiritual support of worship opportunities and counseling services for deployed