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U.S. Air Force News

  • Weather flight critical to coalition mission

    Dropping bombs on target in Syria and Iraq during combat missions supporting Operation Inherent Resolve requires a complex array of information, including intelligence gathered well in advance of the combat sortie. Often times, this intelligence is gathered by coalition partners flying out of the

  • Air Force holds 100th uniform board meeting

    The 100th meeting of the Air Force Uniform Board convened this month to review ideas and recommendations submitted by Airmen in order to improve or change Air Force uniforms, wear policy and grooming standards.

  • EOD Airmen first to graduate Army air assault school

    Two Airmen from the 386th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal unit graduated from the U.S. Army Air Assault School held at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, April 14, 2017. The unprecedented graduation was the first time in history that Airmen, while serving on a contingency operation

  • Do you have what it takes to ‘Hack the Air Force’?

    The Air Force is inviting vetted computer security specialists from across the U.S. and select partner nations to do their best to hack some of its key public websites.The initiative is part of the Cyber Secure campaign sponsored by the Air Force’s Chief Information Office as a measure to further

  • Around the Air Force: April 26

    On this look around the Air Force, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein awards two Airmen the Air Force Cross and President Donald Trump speaks with astronauts who are onboard the International Space Station.

  • Technology of the Future

    Looking much like a handheld vacuum cleaner attached to an extra-large Shop-Vac, the technology that may revolutionize the aircraft structural maintenance shop does not scream “innovation” on first glance. Despite appearances, the capabilities of the neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG)

  • MacDill first in AF to host Alpha Warrior tour

    MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, hosted the Air Force’s first stop for the Air Force Alpha Warrior Tour, April 18-19, 2017. The Air Force Services Activity partnered with the Alpha Warrior team to continue building Comprehensive Airman Fitness through the newly initiated Air Force Alpha Warrior

  • Airmen earn Gen. Lew Allen Jr. Award

    Four Airmen received the Gen. Lew Allen Jr. Award on April 21, 2017, during a ceremony at the Pentagon. Lt. Gen. Jerry Harris, the deputy chief of staff for Air Force strategic plans, programs and requirements, presented the awards on behalf of the chief of staff of the Air Force.

  • Goldfein presents two Air Force Crosses

    A 7-foot bronze statue stood prominently over a sea of multicolored berets, flanked by the 21st chief of staff of the Air Force and the Air Force’s newest Air Force Cross recipients.Two Airmen, whose heroics were separated by 11 years and 100 miles in the same war zone, solidified a special tactics

  • Air Force senior enlisted leaders conduct full EPME review

    More than 40 Air Force senior enlisted leaders and subject matter experts met at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, April 4-5 to perform an extensive review of all facets of enlisted professional military education during the 2017 EPME Triennial Review.

  • The road to recovery; Airman defines true meaning of resilience

    “I can’t feel my legs, I can’t feel anything.”These were the words spoken by an Airman who would soon experience and overcome a road filled with pain, courage and resilience.Second Lt. Ryan Novack, the 36th Munitions Squadron flight leader, always wanted to race dirt bikes. After learning about a

  • NATO partners conduct close air support exercise

    Today’s fight against terrorism doesn’t rest on the shoulders of one country. It’s a team fight, meaning countries must be interoperable to effectively defeat that threat.To better support the team, members of the German air force’s Air Ground Operations Squadron partnered with the 19th Air Support

  • Wright-Patterson, NMUSAF pay tribute to Doolittle Raid 75th anniversary

    Friends, family and fans from around the country came together to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Doolittle Tokyo Raid April 17-18, 2017, at the National Museum of the United States Air Force located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The April 18, 1942, Doolittle Raid on Tokyo was an

  • Rechristening honors Doolittle Raiders’ 75th anniversary

    The 75th anniversary of the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders was commemorated April 17, 2017, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as a B-1 Lancer bomber from Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, was rechristened the “Ruptured Duck”. New nose art was also unveiled on the B-1 in tribute to a B-25 Mitchell bomber flown

  • KMC medics implant AF’s 1st Micra TPS

    The Keesler Medical Center became the first Air Force hospital to implant the world’s smallest pacemaker for patients with bradycardia April 13, 2017.

  • America’s cryptologic wing develops cyberspace warriors

    As one of Air Combat Command’s integral assets, the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing is home to several types of cyberspace warriors, including the exploitation analysts (EA) of the 41st Intelligence Squadron.

  • Resilience: One Airman’s story of faith, service

    Senior Master Sgt. Jon Rousseaux was like many children who grew up in a military family. The self-described man of faith and service followed his father, a retired chief, into the Air Force -- and after 19 years, he is still at it. In fact, he just re-enlisted for four more years. Rousseaux’s years

  • AMC civic leaders learn about global reach execution

    Headquarters Air Mobility Command hosted 30 civic leaders at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, from April 10-12, 2017, to provide an interactive look into what it takes to execute the rapid global mobility mission every day.

  • Persistent surveillance gives squadron its global purpose

    Deep within the walls of a four story structure along Florida’s Space Coast sits a squadron of Airmen whose number one mission is to detect, identify and locate nuclear explosions anywhere in the world.The Technical Surveillance Squadron (TESS), a subordinate unit to the Air Force Technical

  • Immigrant joins Air Force to give back

    Staff Sgt. Fadi Chreim, a 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operations dispatch chief, joined the military to give back to the country that brought him in as an immigrant a decade ago.

  • AF Alpha Warrior program ensures Airmen’s functional fitness

    The Air Force Services Activity, or AFSVA, is teaming with obstacle race specialists Alpha Warrior, using equipment similar to that used on the television competition series American Ninja Warrior, to continue building on Comprehensive Airman Fitness.

  • CSAF discusses readiness

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein addressed rebuilding the Air Force’s readiness during a discussion at the Heritage Foundation April 12, 2017, in Washington, D.C.

  • Pilots take brotherhood to new heights

    Maj. Matthew Shelly, the 23d Wing director of inspections and a pilot with the 74th Fighter Squadron, and his little brother, Capt. Christopher Shelly, the 76th Fighter Squadron chief of standards and evaluations, flew in formation together for the first time, April 8, 2017, over Moody AFB.

  • 90th MW provides unwavering nuclear deterrence

    The 90th Missile Wing conducted a successful Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman test here April 10-12, 2017. The SELM demonstrates the wing’s capability to provide unwavering nuclear deterrence for the nation.

  • Around the Air Force: April 12

    FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) -- This look around the Air Force features Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein testifying on Capitol Hill, Little Rock Air Force Base C-130s deliver aid to Peru and more than 1,000 developmental special duty positions are opened. Hosted by Staff Sgt.

  • Airman battles cancer with leadership support

    In February of 2016, Black was almost finished with her technical training at Beale Air Force Base, California, when she said she began to experience abdominal cramps and unusual bloating. When her symptoms worsened, Black decided to visit a doctor to figure out if something was wrong.

  • Razor Talon provides joint training for air, ground components

    The opposing force scurried around the arid airfield to prepare for an oncoming attack. Without warning, a pair of A-10C Thunderbolt IIs screamed toward the airfield and simulated multiple strafing runs decimating a radar jammer. A Tactical Air Control Party specialist embedded with the 82nd

  • Vice Chief, CMSAF visit 386th AEW

    The Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen W. Wilson and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright visited the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia, April 9, 2017.

  • Cadets learn about AF through Pathways to Blue

    The third annual Pathways to Blue event, designed to help ROTC cadets make their Air Force career choices, was April 7-8, 2017.The diversity and inclusion event, attended by more than 175 ROTC cadets from seven universities, is a 2nd Air Force initiative aimed to help build future leaders in the Air

  • CSAF Prestigious Captains Ph.D. Program application window open

    The application window is open for active-duty Air Force captains interested in applying for the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Captains Prestigious Ph.D. Program which exposes rising officers to a unique learning experience at a top-tier university.

  • 480th ISRG fills training gap

    The transition from technical school to duty station created issues within the intelligence community that couldn’t be addressed with on-the-job training alone.

  • Operation Homefront recognizes 2017 AF Military Child of the Year

    Eighteen-year-old Jamal Braxton has a busy schedule. The high school senior holds various leadership positions with the Red Cross, participates in multiple varsity sport programs and is a lifeguard. He accomplishes all this as a military child and the challenges inherent in military family life.

  • Airmen’s Week: Changing the culture of Airmen

    After the completion of Basic Military Training, but before Airmen depart for their various technical training locations, lies a relatively new, yet crucial program geared toward the betterment of the Air Force: Airmen’s Week. Airmen’s Week is a 31-hour, values-based course with a mission to

  • Innovation enhances safety, leads to international recognition

    Air traffic control is serious business. Every day thousands of flights take off and land all across the U.S. Dedicated professionals known as air traffic controllers are responsible for monitoring every flight and coordinating with aircrews and people on the ground.

  • AMC, industry partner to enhance virtual training

    Canadian Aviation Electronics USA, the primary contractor for the KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew training system, recently received authorization to operate on the Air Force’s Distributed Training Center Network. KC-135 Stratotanker simulators will now be connected to other Air Force mobility platforms

  • Air advising, it’s a family affair

    Growing up watching her father put the uniform on day in and day out motivated her to follow in his footsteps and become an Airman, but she never imagined she would get the opportunity to serve alongside her hero.

  • Goldfein: Continuing resolution detrimental to Air Force

    With the threat of a yearlong continuing resolution lingering, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and his fellow service chiefs called on Congress to approve an appropriation bill for fiscal year 2017 during a hearing on the topic April 5, 2017 on Capitol Hill.

  • 9th AF provides first Rear Mission Support Element training

    Sixty Airmen who completed the first two official Air Force Rear Mission Support Element training courses are participating in War Fighter Exercise 17-4 at Fort Hood, Texas, through April 12. The exercise is part of their deployment training to support operations at Combined Joint Task

  • Freeze-dried plasma to the rescue

    Since hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death in combat casualties, Air Force Special Operations Command is improving access to blood products on the battlefield.

  • Airmen train, advise, assist Iraqi AF

    Airmen of the 370th and 770th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadrons play an important role in assisting the Iraqi military by sending critical cargo and forces downrange to support the fight against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. These Airmen are responsible for advising and assisting the Iraqi air

  • Retired CMSAF connects with Airmen

    Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert Gaylor is no stranger to visiting Airmen worldwide, sharing stories of his time in the Air Force and encouraging the younger generation to take pride in everything they do.

  • MWD retires, reunited with wingman

    In 2012, Staff Sgt. Anthony Despins, a 20th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, met Jony, his first canine partner.Together the two used their individual skill sets to make a formidable team, certified as an explosives detection and patrol unit to keep people around the world safe

  • Wings of Blue train, jump with reservists

    Citizen Airmen from the 701st Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, took to the sky in a C-17 Globemaster III over the Arizona desert early Saturday morning for mission critical training with the Air Force’s Wings of Blue parachute team.

  • CSAF shares thoughts, stresses importance of Hanscom work during visit

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein visited Hanscom Air Force Base March 28 to 30, 2017 to learn more about the work done at the base, meet with local civic officials to discuss collaboration, and share his insight about where the Air Force currently is and where it’s headed.

  • Around the Air Force: March 31

    On this look around the Air Force, Dr. Heather Wilson, the secretary of the Air Force nominee, answers questions from the Senate Armed Services Committee and Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso, the Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services, answers questions from a House Armed Services

  • Stopping Sexual Assault – Not Just in April

    The truth is, the vast majority of Airmen we serve alongside have never – and will never – sexually assault another person in their lifetime. Let me say it again for the people in the back – the vast majority of our Airmen HAVE NEVER and WILL NEVER harm another person. Hard stop.

  • AF addresses pilot shortage

    Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso, the Air Force manpower, personnel and services deputy chief of staff, testified on the pilot shortage before the House Armed Services subcommittee on military personnel in Washington, D.C., March 29, 2017.

  • Wing inspection teams inspect QA programs

    Two wing inspection teams from Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, and Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, visited to assess the 23rd Maintenance Group’s quality assurance program March 20 to 24.

  • 11th ATKS paves way with training

    To accomplish flight, two geographically separate aircrews work together: the mission control element and the launch and recovery element. The MCE is responsible for executing the mission, while the LRE conducts takeoffs and landings. While being MCE certified is standard for all aircrews flying the

  • Joint mission enables patients to receive critical care

    Airmen and Soldiers, along with U.S. and Japanese civilian personnel from six different locations around the world, teamed up to provide the largest aeromedical evacuation ever at Misawa Air Base, for two critical patients March 22, 2017.

  • Everything is listening in the digital age

    Today’s environment is filled with examples of technology designed to connect Airmen to the internet: smart phones, smart watches, and other common personal technology that is always capable of connection. While Airmen grow more connected to the digital world, the connections open the door to

  • Fallen Airman remembered by comrades

    With a packed room of not just people, but also emotion, Staff Sgt. Alexandria Morrow was remembered by colleagues and friends Mar 23, 2017 during her memorial service at her deployed location.Members of her deployed unit, 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, shared stories and memories that

  • Flexible opportunities available supporting Air Force auxiliary

    For Airmen who want to continue serving their country, but can no longer commit to a monthly or annual schedule, the Civil Air Patrol Reserve Assistance Program may be their next career move. The program, CAPRAP, utilizes officer and enlisted Reserve Airmen as liaisons between local CAP squadrons

  • VCSAF: Potential yearlong CR forces $1.3B cuts

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson discussed readiness, force structure and modernization of the Air Force at the McAleese/Credit Suisse “Defense Programs” Conference in Washington, D.C., March 22, 2017.

  • Goldfein: Future of war is networked, multi-domain

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein discussed the Air Force’s role in a networked and multi-domain environment during the Future of War Conference 2017 in Washington, D.C., March 21.

  • Overcoming the shadow of death: An Airman’s fight against depression

    Staff Sgt. Srun Sookmeewiriya or Sook, as many people know him, may seem like a happy and carefree Airman at first glance. The 313th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron NCO in charge of reports regularly puts forth an earnest effort to keep his unit alive and running, so his dark past and

  • Behind mother’s love: Enlisting for child’s chance

    Hundreds of Airmen erupt into cheers and applause in a hangar after a name is announced. Among the crowd, a young Airman screams in disbelief. With tears of joy streaming down her face, she makes her way onto the stage to shake the commander’s hand.

  • From EOD Airman to Silver Star recipient

    Retired Master Sgt. Kristopher Parker, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, received the Silver Star medal March 17, 2017, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas for his courageous actions while deployed to Afghanistan in May 2014.

  • AF invites industry for light attack platform experiment

    The Air Force released an industry invitation to participate today to evaluate the military utility of light attack platforms in future force structure.The invitation is part of a broader Air Force effort to explore cost-effective attack platform options. The live-fly experiment is an element of the

  • Reutilization program saves millions of dollars

    Master Sgt. Bryan ONeill, a range section chief at the 177th Fighter Wing’s Detachment 1, Warren Grove Bombing Range in Burlington County, New Jersey, determined that he could utilize the Defense Logistic Agency’s Reutilization Transfer Donation database of equipment to acquire pieces of

  • Bataan Death March veteran legacy marches on through ISR Airmen

    The year is 1942, and Pfc. Francis Michael Bania of the 10th Signal Service Detachment, and 75,000 other U.S. and Filipino servicemen, marched for several days, about 65 miles, to prison camps in the Philippines. During his grueling journey, Bania had no idea that many years later an Airman would

  • Around the Air Force: March 14

    On this look around the Air Force, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright testifies before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies.

  • Squadron revitalization leads to EPME changes

    The reenlistment and extension ineligibility requirement will be removed from the enlisted professional military education program effective March 15, 2017 according to Air Force officials.

  • How mail gets to the AOR

    Deployments have changed over the years. It’s now easier than ever to stay connected with loved ones back at home through video chats and messenger applications, but there still isn’t anything quite like receiving a hand-written birthday card or a care package with a favorite homemade snack. In

  • ACC welcomes new commander

    Service members of Air Combat Command welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony March 10, 2017.

  • Immigrant Airmen bring diversity to force

    As a nation founded by immigrants, the U.S. has long drawn its strength through the diversity of its citizens. The complexity of global challenges the U.S. faces today can only be overcome by capitalizing on all the resources at its disposal, including leveraging its greatest strength – its people.

  • CSAF Statement on Wingman Conduct

    People are the foundation of our Air Force. Our mutual support for each other is based on dignity, respect and trust ... a Wingman culture. As Wingmen we must continuously demonstrate courage and strength of character to do and say the right things, at the right times, to protect each other ...

  • O’Malley award winners gain new family members

    The winners of the 2016 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O’Malley Award were recognized before a group of family, friends, coworkers and previous award recipients during a ceremony at the Pentagon March 7, 2017.

  • CSAF letter to Airmen

    Fellow Airmen,Below you will find the final paper in my CSAF series. As with the first paper (Revitalizing Squadrons) and the second paper (Strengthening Joint Leaders and Teams), the third paper directly aligns with our strategic documents.

  • Around the Air Force: March 10

    On this look around the Air Force, pilots eject from an A-29A Super Tucano and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein speaks about the importance of the space and cyber mission.

  • Scott hosts first jump on new drop zone

    Scott Air Force Base hosted its first airdrop on a new drop zone here March 1, 2017. Eight Airmen from Scott Air Force Base and Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, jumped from an Air National Guard C-130H Hercules assigned to the 180th Airlift Squadron in St. Joseph, Missouri. This jump provided currency and

  • A family within a family

    A family atmosphere has long been rooted in the 145th Airlift Wing and the Dietz family champions this statement. Senior Airman Jonathan Dietz, of the 145th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, is the youngest son of Chief Master Sgt. Susan Dietz of the 145th Medical Group.

  • Wright: We must put Airmen, families first

    When Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright received the title of the Air Force’s most senior enlisted Airman less than a month ago, he instantly became responsible for advocating the best interests of more than 398,000 total force enlisted Airmen and their families.

  • Reserve mobility aircrew impacts mission in Baltic region

    The Air Force Reserve’s 433rd Airlift Wing C-5M Super Galaxy delivered 207,000 pounds of cargo comprised of three Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, four Army vehicles, and 39 10th Combat Aviation Brigade Soldiers to Latvia Feb. 28 and March 3, in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.