NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • REDHORSE and Prime BEEF building up ADAB

    The 1st Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group provides theater-wide engineering technical services, light and heavy troop labor construction and repairs within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in order to engineer combat power and establish and sustain combat platforms for USCENTCOM and

  • JB Langley surgical team goes 'purple'

    A joint surgical team comprised of three separate branches assembled at U.S. Air Force Hospital Langley at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, in December 2018 to perform an operation.

  • Innovation in tight spaces

    As Hurricane Michael churned toward the Emerald Coast of Florida, F-35A Lightning IIs from the 33rd Fighter Wing evacuated to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, to avoid the storm’s path and potential catastrophic damage. As Michael passed, narrowly missing Eglin AFB, a different type of storm

  • US, Polish SOF enhance abilities through culmination exercise

    Clouds make way for the first pass of combat controllers from the U.S. and Polish forces as they free fall out of an MC130J Commando during a culmination exercise near Krakow, Poland recently. The joint team is determined to put all their recent training into action as they steer their parachutes

  • First GPS III satellite successfully launched

    The Air Force and its mission partners successfully launched the first Global Positioning Systems III satellite Dec. 23 from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The Lockheed Martin-built satellitewas carried to orbit aboard a Space Exploration Technologies

  • Fighter exercise Sentry Aloha 19-1 completed

    More than 800 Airmen, Sailors and Defense Department civilians from nine states completed exercise Sentry Aloha, a large-scale fighter exercise, , Dec. 19, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

  • Air Force begins work on Tyndall AFB rebuild with PMO

    Following Hurricane Michael, the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center and its partners established a program management office at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, to lead redevelopment and reconstruction efforts.

  • Air Force top leaders thank Al Udeid AB Airmen

    U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright visited Al Udeid Air Base to meet and speak with service members Dec. 19 to 20, 2018.

  • From start to finish: Air Force Reserve MTI's lead BMT total force flights

    Ten Air Force Reserve 433rd Training Squadron military training instructors guided four total force basic military training flights through eight and a half weeks of training and education in preparation for their Dec. 14 BMT graduation at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. It was the first

  • Joining forces: Test team completes fourth Orange Flag of 2018

    In the skies above California, an F-35 Lightning II and F-16 Fighting Falcon from Edwards Air Force Base, are joined by an F-15E Strike Eagle and F-22 Raptor from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron out of Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, along with a Navy F-18 Hornet from Air Test and Evaluation

  • Reserve spouse to memorialize fallen EOD Airman

    Bronze statues can be seen almost anywhere but one rarely hears the amazing stories behind their creation.The spouse of a Reserve Airman here at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, recently sculpted a bust of Senior Airman Daniel Johnson, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal

  • Santa, Elves jump for Operation Toy Drop 2018

    Santa Claus and his elves delivered toys to children via military freefall and static-line jumps as part of the 7th annual Operation Toy Drop event on Alzey Drop Zone, Germany Dec. 11-13, 2018.

  • Super Galaxy: Aeromedical evacuation's biggest ally

    During a cold, gloomy first week of December, total force Airmen teamed up at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, to test the capability of the Air Force’s largest aircraft to perform aeromedical evacuation during a proof of concept event.

  • Brain surgery to bear hugs: One wounded warrior’s story

    Born with a birth defect causing seizures, battling anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and facing divorce and separation from a child, can be a lot for anyone to handle, but with a community of support things can get better.

  • The American Chopper of Aircraft Maintenance

    With the eight 13 hour flights the aircraft of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing have on a daily basis, some parts of the aircraft can wear down, crack or break over periods of time.The 380th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron fabrication flight, also known as “Fab Flight” or the “American Chopper”

  • Not all heroes wear capes

    As U.S. Air Force Airmen, it is our job to meet the Air Force’s priorities of restoring readiness, strengthening alliances, driving innovation and developing exceptional leaders.With innovation and readiness at the forefront of our force, one Airman found a way to use those ideas to aid Incirlik Air

  • AF Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • 421st Fighter Squadron and AMU receive first F-35A

    The 421st Fighter Squadron here received its first F-35A Lightning II Dec. 12. The squadron is the last of three squadrons in Hill Air Force Base’s 388th Fighter Wing to take possession of combat-ready aircraft, bringing the 388th Fighter Wing closer to full strength.

  • Cyber operators host cyber certification training courses for SA youth

    In mid-2016, four Air Forces Cyber operators teamed to create a free cyber certification academy for San Antonio teenagers. Master Sgt. Shaun Herron and Staff Sgts. Charles Hackett, Justin Gonzalez and Austin Ellsworth’s dream became reality when their non-profit, GhostWire Academy, was born. Today,

  • AFIMSC Innovation Office seeks game-changing ideas

    The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Innovation Office will launch a program in the new year to help Airmen implement their innovative ideas. The campaign, open Jan. 1-31, 2019, gives military and civilian members of mission support groups worldwide a chance to fund their ideas and

  • Bunch nominated to command AFMC

    Lt. Gen. Arnold W. Bunch Jr. has been nominated by the president for a fourth star to become the next commander of Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

  • How the Air Force got smarter about its aviation fuel use in 2018

    Did you know the Air Force is the largest consumer of fuel in the Department of Defense? This may not surprise you, if say, you’ve ever watched a sortie of F-35 Lighting IIs complete an aerial refueling, or witnessed a C-5 Galaxy lift (seemingly) effortlessly into the sky. In fact, the Air Force

  • Around the Air Force: Bobsled Airmen / Operation Christmas Drop

    On this look Around the Air Force F-35 Lighting IIs may move to Tyndall Air Force Base, Airmen deliver supplies during Operation Christmas Drop, and two Airmen compete for spots on the USA bobsled team. Hosted by Senior Airman Jasmine Vanderheyden.

  • Dover, Ramstein set standard for AMOW C-5 maintenance training

    More than 30 U.S. Air Force Reserve aircraft maintainers assigned to the 512th Airlift Wing along with a 436th Airlift Wing C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft and crew traveled to Ramstein Air Base, Nov. 23, to assist the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing with vital hands-on, airframe-specific training.

  • Navajo Airman continues family's military legacy at Whiteman

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Airman 1st Class Phillip Rock is part of his family’s legacy of military service – a legacy that, in fact, would not have continued if it weren’t for

  • Grit and determination: AFSOC Airmen slide with Team USA bobsled

    Two Airmen within Air Force Special Operations Command were selected to compete with the USA Bobsled team this year. Capt. Dakota Lynch, a 34th Special Operations Squadron U-28A pilot, and Capt. Chris Walsh, a 24th Special Operations Wing special tactics officer, are push athletes who are ultimately

  • Tracking Santa

    The North American Aerospace Command is responsible for tracking every flight over the U.S. and Canada. They’re so serious about their job that not even Santa gets a free pass when he delivers his gifts on Christmas. Find out how they accomplish this amazing feat.

  • AF Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • Mathematician inducted into Space and Missiles Pioneers Hall of Fame

    Lt. Gen. David Thompson, Air Force Space Command vice commander, presented Dr. Gladys West with the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers award for her decades of contributions to the Air Force’s space program. West was unable to attend the formal induction ceremony that took place Aug. 28, where

  • EOD 134 Memorial Workout

    Airmen assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight hosted the EOD 134 Memorial Workout, Nov. 30.

  • AFIMSC resources team shores up Tyndall AFB

    In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Michael’s devastating trek across Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, a critical mission unfolded: One of a handful of F-22 Raptors that couldn’t be moved before the storm arrived sat under the threat of a destabilized concrete wall.

  • TLP brings it all together

    Above the mountainous landscape of Amendola Air Base, Italy, F-15C Eagle pilots assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron are training side-by-side with NATO allies from Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium in support of Tactical Leadership Programme 18-4.

  • Luke AFB stands up new F-35A lightning II fighter squadron

    The 308th Fighter Squadron was reactivated in a ceremony at Luke Air Force Base, Nov. 30. The squadron will house the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s and the Royal Danish Air Force’s F-35A Lightning IIs, in a training partnership.

  • One step at a time

    Senior Master Sgt. David Snyder put on his physical training uniform and fought the tension inside his chest. It was the day of his annual PT test. Like all his tests before, he had been preparing for months. But this time, he was a lot more nervous.

  • Kentucky Air Guardsmen earn Bronze Star Medals

    Five members of the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron were awarded Bronze Star Medals during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base Nov. 17, for outstanding selflessness and bravery in the defense of the United States.

  • AFCENT publishes October Airpower Summary

    “Our mission is to deliver decisive air and space power on behalf of U.S. Central Command for the security and stability of the region. We do this mission proudly, alongside our international, joint and interagency partners,” said Lt. Gen. Joseph Guastella, Combined Forces Air Component commander.

  • Air Force fields next generation CBRN protective masks

    In November 2018, the Air Force will complete fielding of an improved chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protective mask for aircrew on rotary wing aircraft, allowing operational units to achieve full operational capability.

  • Swedish pilots presented with US Air Medal

    Four Swedish air force pilots received U.S. Air Medals during a ceremony in Stockholm Nov. 28, recognizing their actions that took place over 31 years ago. Until last year the details of their mission remained classified.

  • 36th CRG brings relief, inspiration after devastation

    On Oct. 25, Daverrick Camacho, a firefighter from Saipan, woke-up to a nightmare turned reality. Everything he worked toward was wiped off the face of the earth. The place he called home and held family gatherings was nothing more than darkly twisted debris, scattered across the front lawn.

  • Tyndall AFB rebuilds after Hurricane Michael

    When Hurricane Michael approached Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, last month, Col. Brian Laidlaw, 325th Fighter Wing commander released an evacuation order in an effort to keep the base’s most important assets, its people, safe. With exception of the ride-out team, comprised of nearly 100 Tyndall

  • Integrating SIGINT for multi-domain total force

    The 16th Intelligence Squadron set on a path to become a reserve component partner with the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, Oct. 1, 2014, creating a culture of seamless operations integration between active duty and reserve Airmen.

  • BACN improves communication for deployed troops

    There is an aircraft that is so unique, you can only find it in one place – not even the pilots who fly the aircraft can touch it until they are deployed to this specific location.

  • C-130 aircrew exercises combat airdrop capability

    From food and water to ammunition and equipment, ground forces in the region receive critical assets thanks to C-130 Hercules aircrews like those from the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron stationed at Al Udeid Air Base.

  • Global Hawk testers raise their hand

    At the commander’s call on Edwards Air Force Base, California, Brig. Gen. E. John Teichert stated that “Innovation is an Airmen, at any level, raising their hand to say, ‘I’ve got a better way to do business.’”The 452nd Flight Test Squadron is currently in the process of challenging the way the base

  • Major changes to medical policies good news for Reservists

    When Col. John Buterbaugh took the helm as the command surgeon at Air Force Reserve Command in late summer 2018, he wanted to make some bold changes to improve processes for the 70,000 Reserve Citizen Airmen serving around the world.

  • 380th EMDG: Providing care to the fight

    The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing consists of four groups executing the warfighting mission. One of these groups, the 380th Expeditionary Medical Group, provides various medical care and services supporting more than 3,500 deployed personnel at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates.

  • Revitalizing squadrons efforts cross borders

    The Air Force’s Revitalizing Squadrons team recently joined together with their Royal Canadian Air Force, or RCAF, counterparts in Ottawa, Canada to collaborate and share best practices in their respective missions to strengthen squadrons across both Air Forces.

  • MacDill fab flight: “You break it, we fix it”

    The KC-135 Stratotanker has fueled missions around the globe for more than 60 years. Its long track record is a direct reflection of the tremendous work aircraft maintainers put into the jets, especially the 6th Maintenance Squadron Fabrication Flight at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., who push their

  • LCBP provides enterprise opportunities to lead, learn

    The Logistics Career Broadening Program offers company grade logistics officers the opportunity gain leadership skills and experience in depot, supply, sustainment and development missions through a two-year rotation at an air or defense logistics center. Officers are embedded within the

  • 493rd FS trains during Tactical Leadership Programme 18-4

    F-15C Eagles and an F-15D assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron and support personnel from the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, U.K., are participating in the NATO Tactical Leadership Programme 18-4 at Amendola Air Base, Italy.

  • Airmen test limits at Ranger Assessment Course

    The Air Force Security Forces Center, one of AFIMSC’s subordinate units, hosted the Ranger Assessment Course 19-01. Twelve cadre instructors, all having been through the course and graduated Army Ranger School, as well as Army instructors, put the 29 students through the mind-numbing days and

  • F-35A combat power exercise conducted at Hill AFB

    The active duty 388th Fighter Wing and Air Force Reserve 419th Fighter Wing conducted a combat power exercise Nov. 19, launching dozens of F-35A Lightning IIs within a condensed period of time.

  • More cadets given opportunity to fly

    More than 530 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets from the 2019 graduating class have been matched to attend pilot training pending final qualifications and commissioning. This is a 26 percent increase over the 2018 class.

  • Foreign Naval officers dive into Air Mobility

    Approximately 56 foreign and joint military officers from 52 foreign naval services from around the world visited Joint Base Charleston Nov. 13, 2018, to learn about the mission and capabilities of Air Mobility Command as well as JB Charleston’s role as the gateway to the Atlantic.

  • JB Charleston hosts new leadership course

    Company grade officers and senior noncommissioned officers at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., hosted Flight Commander’s edge, a new flight leadership training program, Nov. 6 to 8, 2018.

  • AFDW hosts first Commanders and Senior Enlisted Leaders Conference

    Air Force District of Washington commanders and senior enlisted leaders from more than 500 locations around the world gathered at the Gen. Jacob E. Smart Conference Center at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, for the first AFDW Commanders and Senior Enlisted Leaders Conference Nov. 15.