NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Space-A changes affect Europe

    Regular space-available travel from Lajes to Italy and Spain will end Oct. 1, while a new stop finds its way onto the weekly channel route. Although the weekly "Patriot Express" L-1011 will no longer stop at Aviano Air Base, Italy, the aircraft will land at Rhein Main AB, Germany, beginning with the

  • Space-A travel: Did you know?

    Every day hundreds of military and military-contracted commercial aircraft travel the world delivering troops and cargo. These missions allow hundreds of thousands of military personnel, retirees, family members and other Department of Defense-eligible travelers to fly at almost no cost, courtesy of

  • Space-acquisitions policy changes

    Air Force leaders announced a change in space-acquisition policy at a Senate Armed Services subcommittee meeting Nov. 18.Undersecretary of the Air Force Peter B. Teets and Lt. Gen. Brian Arnold, Space and Missile Systems Center commander, testified before members of the strategic forces

  • Space-age coating protecting against terrorism

    With the threat of global terrorist action growing daily, the Department of Defense's vital work force and assets must be adequately protected.In response to this threat, engineers at the Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate developed a method for providing crucial

  • Spads celebrate 94 years of air dominance

    Airmen from the 94th Fighter Squadron burned a piano in a traditional ceremony here Aug. 19, as part of the four-day 94th anniversary celebration that started Aug. 18. Although there are several stories of why the piano was burned, Capt. Jonathan Smith, the 94th FS assistant director of operations,

  • Spang Airmen compete for Mr. Universe title

    Representing the United States and the Air Force two Airmen from Spangdahlem Air Base traveled to Cuxhaven, Germany, to compete in the legendary Mr. Universe competition Dec. 2. Troy Saunders, Men's Class II competitor, and Justin Usery, Men's Class III competitor, were asked to participate in the

  • Spangdahlem AB Airmen launch final A-10 sortie in Europe

    Airmen here launched the final A-10 Thunderbolt II tactical sortie in Europe here May 14.The airframe belongs to the 52nd Fighter Wing's 81st Fighter Squadron, which inactivates in June."I'm proud to be a part of the last sortie," said Lt. Col. Jeff Hogan, the 81st FS director of operations and a

  • Spangdahlem AB hosts USAFE large force exercise

    The exercise focused on aircrew integration of multiple platforms to enhance readiness and increase proficiency needed to maintain a ready force to ensure the collective defense of the NATO alliance.

  • Spangdahlem AB master sergeant wins Spark Tank competition

    Master Sgt. Jonathan Maas assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, was named the 2019 Spark Tank winner during the Air Force’s Spark Tank competition at the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium Feb. 28, in Orlando.

  • Spangdahlem airlift hub still growing

    Nine months after setting up shop at this long-time fighter base, the 726th Air Mobility Squadron continues to set up a key airlift hub. Squadron Airmen are easily handling the sometimes sporadic traffic of heavy transport aircraft that transit through this hilltop base, whether coming from the

  • Spangdahlem Airman describes life with Tops in Blue

    This year, an Airman here was selected and is touring as one of 30 “ambassadors” of music, vocals and dance in the Air Force’s premier performing troupe, Tops in Blue.Airman 1st Class Beverly Sadural, a 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron engineering assistant, will have brought America’s unique brand of

  • Spangdahlem Airmen deploy to fill Army billets

    It is hard to know what to expect on a first deployment. The mystery is even deeper for Airmen deploying as In Lieu Of Forces who are filling traditional Army billets.This was the case for 1st Lt. Ben Taber and Capt. Scott MacNeil of the 52nd Logistic Readiness Squadron as the two volunteered for a

  • Spangdahlem Airmen deploy to Portugal for training

    Airmen of the 81st Fighter Squadron left Germany and flew to Portugal to conduct training Jan. 5 through 31. The winter months at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, do not allow much flying time, so the Portuguese government opened its air space and allowed the 81st FS to conduct low-flying training flights.

  • Spangdahlem Airmen evaluated on anti-terrorism measures

    The Defense Threat Reduction Agency recently sent an inspection team to evaluate the anti-terrorism measures taking place here."We come in and look at what a terrorist (might) see from the outside looking in." said Army Colonel Mike Sigmund, the chief of Joint Staff Integrated Vulnerability

  • Spangdahlem Airmen honor veterans

    Despite the rainy weather and the chill in the air, men and women of all ages gathered at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial Nov. 11 to honor past and present military veterans during a Veterans Day ceremony. "Being here is a reminder of a generation of sacrifice to ensure the freedom of

  • Spangdahlem Airmen reach out to Romanian community

    Members of the 52nd Fighter Wing from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, deployed to Campia Turzii in late October and donated their time and money to help renovate a children's community center dedicated to helping local children with their academic studies. The deployed Airmen provided aesthetic

  • Spangdahlem Airmen ready to save lives, defend the base

    The day began with a bang, or, to be more precise, a mortar attack, kicking off Operation Saber Crown 08-06 at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 22. The exercise tests Airmen's ability to carry out operations and accomplish missions while in a war environment . "We are trying to refresh the minds

  • Spangdahlem Airmen return home

    About 250 Spangdahlem Airmen returned home Sept. 9 to their families and friends after a deployment to Southwest Asia. "Since 9/11, a lot of Americans have been serving and sacrificing; these are the latest," said Col. Darryl Roberson, 52nd Fighter Wing commander. "The families and children here

  • Spangdahlem Airmen return home from OEF

    Airmen from the 606th Air Control Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, returned home Sept. 22 after supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The Airmen were at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, supporting the war on terrorism.And while the Airmen are proud of their accomplishment during OEF, today

  • Spangdahlem Airmen take part in World Day of Peace

    Every year the oldest city in Germany hosts the World Day of Peace -- a festival dedicated to prayer and services focused on healing the rifts between cultures. Military members from Belgium, Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands and the United States attended a prayer service April 26 led by the

  • Spangdahlem Airmen to support Canadian troops

    The Canadians are coming to Spangdahlem Air Base.Canadian officials accepted a U.S. Air Force offer to use the base as the springboard to support to its deployed troops throughout Southwest Asia. Under an agreement with close allies Germany and the U.S., Canada has begun to implement a plan to use

  • Spangdahlem Airmen train with new high-tech weapon

    The sound of gunfire ricocheting off concrete walls is an everyday occurrence for Airmen at the combat arms training and maintenance unit here. At one of the few indoor Air Force firing ranges, the range features a target retrieval system and a hard gel backstop that will soon be replaced by a steel

  • Spangdahlem Airmen, a force behind ground support

    In the hangars along the flightline here, Airmen load up the 81st Fighter Squadron's A-10 Thunderbolt IIs with munitions.Having recently returned from training in Portugal, the 81st FS is back in Germany and the training hasn't stopped. While the pilots of the 81st FS are honing their skills behind

  • Spangdahlem bodybuilder makes professional debut

    A Spangdahlem Air Base Airman made his professional bodybuilding debut at the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation World Championship Nov. 10 in New York City."I went as a representative of the U.S. Air Force, but I also went along with the German team assisting their amateur athletes competing in

  • Spangdahlem comm facility earns top award

    Striving for excellence is standard for the people at the Global Information Grid facility here.  They have placed no lower than runner-up in the Europe Defense Information Systems Agency annual awards since 2001. They garnered a first place finish once again, capturing the DISA Outstanding GIG

  • Spangdahlem cops streamline traffic ticket processing

    Spanghdahlem Air Base security forces members are using the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century process to help streamline their traffic citation process.Security forces Airmen fill their walls with sticky-notes, each one representing a step to process just one traffic citation."When

  • Spangdahlem crew keeps pilots ready for action

    The 52nd Fighter Wing's Saber Control crew at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, has one mission: To enhance the training of pilots stationed there. The unit accomplishes this task by training pilots in an environment that mimics what they see and who they talk to while deployed. "In air time battle,

  • Spangdahlem driver course teaches Airmen to keep control

    New steps toward driving safety are being taken here to keep Airmen in control when behind the wheel.The Spangdahlem Air Base safety office is taking the next step in keeping USAFE Airmen safe on the road by installing the new Skid Monster Driving System on two vehicles they are using as part of the

  • Spangdahlem extending medical care to Bitburg Annex

    When the Bitburg Annex Hospital closes July 1, the 52nd Fighter Wing will have extended-care clinics using local German hospitals, to care for the medical needs of more than 19,000 servicemembers, civilians and their families. "In all reality, for most of our patients, they will see virtually no

  • Spangdahlem F-16 crashes

    A 22nd Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed at 1 p.m. local time Sept. 14 near the town of Oberkail, about 10 miles north of this busy fighter base. The pilot ejected safely and is in good condition, said Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore, a spokesperson for the 52nd Fighter Wing. The aircraft was on

  • Spangdahlem F-16 was in controlled crash landing

    The F-16 Fighting Falcon that crashed near Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, had a landing gear problem that forced its pilot to do a controlled crash landing. The crash was not an accident, 52nd Fighter Wing commander Col. Darryl Roberson said. The colonel held a press conference Sept. 16 near the

  • Spangdahlem gets deployment order

    More than 500 airmen and numerous F-16CJ Fighting Falcons left here Jan. 12 and 16 for a forward-deployed locations to support the unified command as part of a secretary of defense-issued order.The 52nd Fighter Wing was part of the Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's Dec. 24 deployment order,

  • Spangdahlem mechanics fix jet engines on ‘the line’

    Mechanics at this base fix F-16 Fighting Falcon engines on a production line that makes the process of getting engines back in service more predictable. The 52nd Component Maintenance Squadron’s propulsion flight switched to the new maintenance method less than a month ago as part of a lean

  • Spangdahlem named best Air Force installation

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz announced Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, as the 2011 Installation Excellence Award recipient Feb. 15. The base will receive $1 million for quality-of-life improvements."Congratulations to (everyone) -- from

  • Spangdahlem pilots fly missions in Romania

    About 160 Airmen from the 81st Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, recently conducted the first Air Force fighter training mission in Constanta, Romania.The two-week exercise that ended July 31 aligned with Romanian-American Training Exercise 2005, a joint and combined effort with the

  • Spangdahlem refuels BTF bombers with VIPER kit for first time

    Spangdahlem AB employed the VIPER kit by refueling B-1s participating in Bomber Task Force - Europe 22-1, following NATO allied integration during an operation in the Baltic Region. This marks the first time the refueling system was used outside of F-16 Fighting Falcons in the U.S. Air Forces in

  • Spangdahlem tests virtual out-processing initiative

    In an effort to improve quality of life by streamlining base processes, Spangdahlem Air Base is one of four bases worldwide to test the Air Force's new virtual out-processing initiative.Throughout August, select families moving back to the United States will test a customized database system online.

  • Spangdahlem, Incirlik Airmen unite in training

    The cooperation between Airmen from Incirlik AB and Spangdahlem AB, Germany, has improved the development of the 39th Maintenance Squadron ammunition members through high-fidelity training opportunities. As aircrews from two F-16 Fighting Falcon squadrons from Spangdahlem AB train in a different

  • Spangdahlem’s new airlift mission has room for expansion

    The 726th Airlift Support Squadron has not finished moving here from Rhein-Main Air Base, but its new home might have already earned it a bigger airlift mission.On Oct. 1, the squadron starts operations from its state-of-the art facility at this longtime fighter base in Germany’s Eifel region. It

  • Spanish aircrews train with US at Red Flag 16-4

    Since its inception in 1975, Red Flag has served as the pinnacle of air-to-air combat training for the Air Force and its allies. For the Spanish Air Force, Red Flag 16-4 has been the perfect avenue to receive the best training for their aircrews and support personnel, as well as an avenue for

  • Spanish detachment helps with troop movement from Manas

    The Spanish detachment here safely moved about a dozen U.S. Air Force officers to Kabul, Afghanistan, March 3. Manas is known as the “Gateway to Operation Enduring Freedom” because all troops moving in and out of Afghanistan stop here first to transfer to civilian or military aircraft. The Spanish

  • Spare jet scores for PACAF team during William Tell event

    The Pacific Air Forces team put big points on the William Tell scoreboard after a touch-and-go start in their first event Nov. 9 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.The Operation Noble Eagle event simulates the launch of quick-response fighters that must react to an enemy aircraft crossing the border

  • Spark Cell winner solves mid-air refueling problem

    Tinkering with a small communication box in his home garage, recent Spark Cell winner Staff Sgt. Jeremie Anderson, 9th Special Operations Squadron MC-130J Commando II instructor loadmaster, discovered an innovation in mid-air refueling that changed the way loadmasters execute the mission.

  • Spark Tank 2021 finalists announced

    It’s been nearly a year since Master Sgt. Gabrial Valenzuela, Capt. David Coyle and Lt. Adam Treece were selected as co-winners of Spark Tank 2020 for their Smart Weapons Loading Checklist and Low-Cost Threat Emitter concepts.

  • Spark Tank competition announced

    Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson kicked off the Air Force’s Spark Tank competition during the Air Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference Sept. 18, 2017.

  • Sparks fly in metal technology shop

    Sparks fly as Airmen help pieces of metal take form. These Airmen sometimes create something from nothing or improve necessary equipment for squadrons to continue their daily tasks.

  • 'Spartan' aircrew helps bring power to New York

    A C-27J Spartan aircraft crew from the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard, flew power generators and other equipment to New York in support of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts Saturday, Nov. 3. ANG crews from Ohio, Mississippi and Maryland flew the first-ever C-27J domestic operations missions

  • Speakers discuss aging aircraft at summit

    Air Force and civilian industry leaders spoke about convergence between industry and aerospace at the seventh annual Aerospace Summit and Expo June 23 in Oklahoma City. Maj. Gen. Loren M. Reno, the commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center here, did not mince words when talking about the

  • Speakers talk integration, cyberspace at conference

    Nearly 5,000 government and industry officials gathered here at the Auburn University-Montgomery campus Aug. 13 to 15 for the 2007 Air Force Information Technology Conference. Hosted by the 754th Electronic Systems Group in conjunction with the city of Montgomery, the Air Force Information

  • Spear phishers target military members at home, work

    Information warfare was around long before the computer. Even in the days of homing pigeons, adversaries would attempt to intercept each other's messages to gain an advantage. Today, the enemy is still trying to steal our secrets, but they have devised new methods in this age of ones and zeros. One

  • Special agent proves Airmen are 'in the fight'

    A special agent assigned to the Office of Special Investigations detachment here recently received the Bronze Star with Valor for his heroism in Iraq. Special Agent Greg Carmack saved the lives of several individuals near Kirkuk, Iraq, June 14, 2006, when he went one-on-one with a suicide bomber,

  • Special agents protect and serve Airmen

    There are bad guys in this world who live their lives trying to destroy, harm and terrorize innocent people. In response to those who prey on the weak, the Air Force relies on special agents to help counter threats and malicious behavior of bad people.

  • Special agents support the International Contract Corruption Task Force

    Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents are involved in many joint-military and law enforcement endeavors, a practice that is becoming more necessary as operational tempos increase around the world.One such joint endeavor is the International Contract Corruption Task Force, a group

  • Special assignments considered for Airmen in time of need

    Being the parent of a teenager with a bipolar disorder is often a difficult and emotional journey, said an Airman from Randolph Air Force Base recently. "Like any parent of a child with special needs, there's always a concern that the next location will not have the medical or psychiatric facilities

  • Special athletes compete at Yokota

    Pouring rain did not stop about 3,000 volunteers, athletes and spectators from participating in the 25th annual Kanto Plains Special Olympics here May 8 and 9.“It was a little soggy and cold, but seeing the smile and joy on the kids faces makes you feel warm inside,” said Master Sgt. Shari Wicks,

  • Special concert given for some special children

    The U.S. Air Forces Central Band Falcon gave a special performance to some special children at the Belvodosky Orphanage June 14 in Kyrgyzstan. The band members, who are deployed from the Heartland of America Band at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., sang about a dozen songs for about 80 children. The

  • Special delivery delays test mission

    While officials here were preparing to initiate a weapon test mission recently, Jennifer Cheshire and her father, Larry Owens, were on a mission of their own.Mrs. Cheshire, 24, who lives nearby, was in labor and bound for a local medical center. “I told my dad to drive as fast as he could," said

  • Special developmental education opportunities available

    Air Force officers interested in 2009 special developmental education programs must apply for the Olmsted Scholarship, White House Fellowship, Mansfield Fellowship or Information Assurance Scholarship programs by Sept. 15. A completed Air Force Form 3849 and senior rater nomination must be received

  • Special developmental education programs open for application

    Officers with demonstrated leadership and scholarship abilities interested in applying for special developmental education programs for the 2010-2011 academic year, have until Aug. 31 to submit their applications to the Air Force Personnel Center. The four special developmental education programs

  • Special duties require commander nomination

    The selection process for 10 special duty positions now requires unit commander nomination and hiring authority certification, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. The process change implemented this month affects staff sergeant, technical sergeant and master sergeant positions in special

  • Special Duty Assignment Pay increase approved for MTIs

    Pentagon officials recently revised Special Duty Assignment Pay for Military Training Instructors. The revision, effective June 1, increases SDAP levels for MTIs. According to officials, Air Force Basic Military Training has faced a shortage of MTIs since 2007. As an incentive for MTI recruitment

  • Special duty assignment pay now available for EOD Airmen

    Air Force officials recently approved special duty assignment pay for most Airmen in the explosive ordnance disposal career field. Since 2002, the overall retention rates for EOD Airmen has declined by 30 percent because of high operations tempo and the inherent dangers involved in this demanding

  • Special Edition: DOD Warrior Games Week in Photos

    This week's photos features Air Force wounded warrior athletes preparing for and participating in various events at the 2015 Department of Defense Warrior Games, held at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.

  • Special forces join combined planning operation

    Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group, Kadena Air Base, Japan, joined with members of South Korea's Special Warfare Command here recently to plan the critical first few days of a potential conflict on the Korean Peninsula.For two weeks, planners, flight crews and intelligence experts

  • Special hiring program helps AF wounded warriors

    The Air Force's Wounded Warrior Civil Service Employment Program assists combat-related ill and injured Airmen secure Air Force civil service jobs, and since the program's inception in 2006 nearly 120 wounded warriors have joined the Air Force's civilian work force. This employment program assists

  • Special Instruments Training teaches deterrent techniques

    Following Air Education and Training Command priorities, SPINSTRA constructs a ready, resilient and rapidly innovative Air Force, just like their students assemble a hovercraft from spare parts tucked away in the Nova Lab at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas.

  • Special investigators named Team of the Year

    The Air Force's Office of Special Investigations special agents have been named the Air Force Association's 2004 Team of the Year. The association selects a specific enlisted career field annually for recognition. Nominated individuals need only be assigned to the same career field to be eligible,

  • Special leave accrual for service members

    Today, Matthew Donovan, under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, signed a department-wide authorization for service members to accrue and retain an additional leave balance of up to 120 days. The department's actions to stem the spread of COVID-19 has significantly limited the ability

  • Special needs families receive added support

    Thirty-five installations worldwide now have additional staff members to support active-duty Airmen who have family members with special needs.Air Force officials established Exceptional Family Member Program family support coordinator positions at installations with the highest number of

  • Special office aids BRAC-affected communities

    When a Defense Department installation closes, department officials do not just pull chocks and fly off.Officials in DOD's office of economic adjustment work with communities to help them through the base closing process and help them transform.The motto of the office is, "Helping Communities Help

  • Special Olympics brings joy to Yokota volunteers

    More than 700 American and Japanese volunteers helped make the 26th Annual Kanto Plain Special Olympics a rousing success, officials said.But for some of the volunteers, seeing the May 7 and 8 event succeed is not the only reason they came.“I’m so happy to see the joy on the athlete’s faces,” said

  • Special operations ‘uniquely suited’ to fight terrorists

    Special operations forces are deployed worldwide “in the right place at the right time” in the fight against global terrorism, the Defense Department’s top special operations officer told a Senate panel March 1.And whether they are performing civil affairs, reconnaissance, unconventional warfare or

  • Special operations Airmen continue relief efforts at Sendai

    Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan, are continuing to provide support to further relief efforts here. After helping re-open the runway March 16, Airmen from the group also assisted Japanese emergency management and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force officials in

  • Special operations Airmen deploy to Haiti to provide humanitarian relief

    Two MC-130H Combat Talon IIs from the 15th Special Operations Squadron here and multiple teams from the 720th Special Tactics Group deployed to Haiti Jan. 13 in support of humanitarian operations. These teams bring an array of capabilities with them to the country devastated by a 7.0 magnitude

  • Special operations Airmen maneuver through TRADEWINDS25

    The 137th Special Operations Wing, Oklahoma Air National Guard, strengthened critical self-sustaining skills and assessed their ability to operate in multiple expeditionary environments across the Caribbean during TRADEWINDS25.

  • Special operations Airmen reach out to Bangladesh school

    Adults and children alike were all smiles during a special delivery of school supplies at Eglal's ABC School April 27 here. Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group handed out school supplies to all 60 students as part of their community outreach program during Exercise Teak Buffalo, a

  • Special operations Airmen train from the air to the water

    It's 3 a.m. in Panama City Beach, Fla. The bay looks like black liquid glass as the motor boat filled with combat controllers-in-training cuts through the water.The boat comes to the insertion point. The controllers sit on the edge of the boat and when the order is given, they fall backward over the

  • Special operations C-130s, Airmen provide disaster relief in Haiti

    Airmen and C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Air Force Special Operations Command here landed in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the evening of Jan. 13 and are continuing to provide disaster relief to area ravaged by a 7.0 earthquake.MC-130H Combat Talon IIs and a C-130 from the 1st Special Operations Wing

  • Special Operations Command aircrew recognized for meritorious flight

    Every year, an aircrew is selected for the Clarence Mackay Trophy for accomplishing the most meritorious flight of the year. This year, an AC-130U aircrew from Air Force Special Operations Command, which included one of 25th Air Force’s outstanding Airmen, was recognized with the honor.

  • Special Operations Command Airman dies in Afghanistan

    An Air Force Special Operations Command combat control journeyman died Feb. 20 while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. Timothy P. Davis, 28, of Aberdeen, Wash., died near Bagram, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive

  • Special Operations Command celebrates 20 years

    Air Force Special Operations Command Airmen joined personnel from U.S. Special Operations Command to celebrate USSOCOM's 20th anniversary held April 23-27 at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. USSOCOM, made up of about 48,000 Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps special operators, specializes in