NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Squadron aims to reduce use of air-sickness bags

    Even the bravest fighter pilots and toughest medical-evacuation helicopter pilots may occasionally need an air-sickness bag. Air sickness has nothing to do with how tough or strong someone is. It's a complex problem with a variety of causes, which affects many people to varying degrees. For aircrew,

  • Squadron Airmen improve following improvement event

    Airman from the 9th Munitions Squadron hosted a Rapid Improvement Event March 30 thru April 3 as part of the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century here. The event was held to identify key issues with the mobility recovery bin process and to find plausible solutions to help resolve them. By

  • Squadron breathes new life into old aircraft bodies

    Back in 1973, the 1553 multiplex data bus was the wave of the future for military aircraft. It replaced bulky equipment in passing data between sensors, computers, indicators and other aircraft equipment. It reduced weigh and was simpler and more flexible. That was more than 30 years ago. The old

  • Squadron cleans bomb dump, makes area safe

    Munitions airmen are generally proud to tell people they work in the “bomb dump,” the endearing term often used to describe a base’s munitions storage area. An exception, however, might be when the dump is, well, a dump.Upon surveying the weapons storage area upon their arrival here in November,

  • Squadron commander receives Nebraska Admiralship

    A special ceremony for Maj. Dana McCown's promotion to lieutenant colonel Nov. 24 became much more as Nebraska first lady Sally Ganem took to the podium during the ceremony.. The wife of Nebraska governor Dave Heineman bestowed Colonel McCown with an Admiralship in the Great Navy of Nebraska for the

  • Squadron commander saves lives on his way to drill

    A squadron commander, while driving to what he thought would be another routine day at drill, helped rescue four people from a burning vehicle near Moffett Federal Airfield Dec. 7. Lt. Col. Jack O'Neill, 130th Rescue Squadron commander, was driving his car from San Ramon, Calif., to Moffett Federal

  • Squadron commanders play key role in building alliances through LEAP

    However, squadron commanders are the key enablers who make the scholars’ efforts possible by investing in their deliberate language development. While accomplishing their missions, the commanders also are winning the future by strengthening partnerships today through these scholars.

  • Squadron commanders, first sergeants meet senior leaders

    Squadron commanders and first sergeants had an opportunity to meet with the chief of staff of the Air Force during a conference here Jan. 24 and 25.  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley called in Airmen from around the Air Force to get a candid perspective from the field while sharing

  • Squadron continues tradition, honors fallen comrades

    Members from the 1st Special Operations Squadron took off Feb. 26 from Kadena Air Base, Japan, on a MC-130H Combat Talon II to honor fallen brethren that were lost 28 years ago.A 1st SOS MC-130E, call sign Stray 59, crashed during an exercise killing eight crewmembers and 15 passengers Feb. 26,

  • Squadron dedicates kennel in memory of fallen Airman

    Base officials, family members and friends gathered here Nov. 7 to remember a fallen NCO and participate in a dedication ceremony. The Tech. Sgt. Jason Norton Military Working Dog Facility was dedicated in the base's security forces complex. Sergeant Norton was killed Jan. 22 while deployed in

  • Squadron demos LITENING pod visual feed

    The 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron worked with Airmen from Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., for a demonstration in October. The event showcased how airborne video through the LITENING targeting pod from a B-52 Stratofortress can be uploaded to a communications network. During the demonstration,

  • Squadron deployment tests Kunsan's readiness

    A South Carolina-based unit began arriving here Jan. 15 as part of an air and space expeditionary force deployment as a measure to maintain a credible deterrent posture and presence in the Pacific region. The 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, one of three flying squadrons of the 20th Fighter Wing

  • Squadron develops process, trains new mobility Airmen across Europe

    For many new Airmen, completing upgrade training within their career field can feel like an uphill battle. There are career development courses and on-the-job training to complete, all while keeping up with the day-to-day demands of the job.The 721st Aerial Port Squadron at Ramstein Air Base has

  • Squadron highlights capabilities during Afghan rescue mission

    A soldier is wounded during a joint British and Afghanistan National Army patrol in Helmand Province. Shot through both legs, his condition worsens while being cared for by the medics. It is time to call in the professionals to get him off the battlefield and to the hospital. The radios erupt with

  • Squadron hosts 'Buddy-Wing' Program

    Members of the 25th Fighter Squadron here hosted Airmen from South Korea's 15th Composite Wing April 13 to 15 for a "Buddy Wing" exercise and exchange program. The purpose of the program is to introduce and review tactics, exchange ideas and improve interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and

  • Squadron inactivating after 34 years

    Airman 1st Class Travis Reid checks an EC-130 Hercules for potential post-flight fuel and hydraulic leaks. Reid is a member of the 42nd Airborne Command and Control Squadron here which was born during the Vietnam War and is being inactivated Sept. 30. Air Force officials determined the unit's

  • Squadron keeps deployed Airmen in touch with their families

    During World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars, deployed troops looked forward to mail call. This was their primary mode of communication with family and friends. However, letters could take weeks or even months to arrive. Today’s warriors still receive mail, but now they have instantaneous

  • Squadron monitors sky over Afghanistan

    If it’s flying over Afghanistan, Airman 1st Class Kyle Neill will be the first one to notice it. That is, as long as he is on shift as a surveillance technician with the 73rd Expeditionary Air Control Squadron here. Airman Neill's job is to manage data as part of a two-person team in an operations

  • Squadron Officer College staff offers new distance learning courses

    Squadron Officer College instructors here will be offering four new distance learning courses, based on selected competencies from the Air Force Competency List, to company grade officers beginning in 2010.Basing the courses on Air Force competencies is important, said Dr. Norm Wagner, a Squadron

  • Squadron part of rovers' success

    The 45th Space Wing can now put two more historical milestones under its belt -- the successful landings of the twin Mars exploration rovers on the red planet. Opportunity touched down on its target, Meridiani Planum, shortly after midnight Jan. 25, joining its twin, Spirit, which landed on the

  • Squadron provides 'electronic armor' to global warfighters

    Approximately 170 professionals at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, use complex systems and produce information to arm warfighters with the knowledge needed to safely perform their duty. Providing electronic warfare analysis and support down range to joint and coalition warfighters is the mission of

  • Squadron redesignations bolster enterprise contracting support

    In joining other enterprise sourcing squadrons, the new ESSs are positioned as “centers of excellence” for distinct business-line strategic contract support across the enterprise, eliminating duplication of effort and contract execution for the same requirements.

  • 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.

  • Squadron serves as strong link in OIR supply chain

    Aerial porters from the 870th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron worked steadily alongside loadmasters to load and offload aircraft around the flightline of Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, during a busy January afternoon; as they moved cargo and prepared it for its final destination. This constant loading

  • Squadron supports 'Freedom Hangar' mission

    People from the 728th Air Mobility Squadron’s aerial port flight have a hand in servicing just about every aircraft that transits here, whether it is supporting Operation Enduring Freedom or carrying passengers home after a holiday in the United States.While their job may not be as visible or

  • Squadron tests newest F-22s, live-firing of missiles

    F-22s Raptor crews from the 90th Fighter Squadron here deployed to Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 30, to participate in exercise Combat Archer, the air-to-air evaluation portion of the Air Force's Weapons Systems Evaluation Program.90th FS members are training and being evaluated with the

  • Squadron wins DOD maintenance award

    The 74th Fighter Squadron here has been named winner of the 2003 Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award in the small category.The A-10 Thunderbolt II unit was the only Air Force winner out of six units in the small, medium and large categories.The selection panel looked at mission accomplishments,

  • Squadron, group command application process underway

    Development teams from various Air Force specialties will convene between May and September to consider eligible officers for 2014 squadron command, deputy maintenance and deputy mission support group commander positions, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today.Suspense dates for statements

  • Squadron, group command applications due April 18

    Eligible line officers interested in 2015 command opportunities must complete and submit senior rater endorsed statements of intent to the Air Force Personnel Center in time to meet the April 18 deadline, AFPC officials said.

  • Squadrons 'beating heart' of Air Force

    In the Air Force, squadrons are the basic level of operations, its “beating heart” as Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David Goldfein calls them.To better understand how significant the squadron is to the Air Force, it’s also important to know what a squadron is.

  • Squadron's lone female gunner aims high

    Fresh out of training, the only female aerial gunner assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron arrived here.After graduating from East Valley High School in 2010, Airman 1st Class Natasha Libby said she realized she couldn't afford college. She found a job at a sandwich shop where she worked for 11

  • SR-71 pilots, crew relive absolute speed record

    In 1976, it was a different time. The Cold War with the Soviet Union was in full swing and Americans were standing in line to buy gas. That year was also the country’s bicentennial birthday. To celebrate, officials decided to attempt to break some records with an aircraft known as the Lockheed SR-71

  • SrA and below EPR static closeout date to be March 31

    Enlisted evaluation and promotion changes, announced in July, continue with establishment of a March 31 enlisted performance report static closeout date (SCOD) for Regular Air Force (RegAF) senior airmen and below, Air Force Personnel Center officials said Dec. 5.

  • SrA Haley Gilbraith

    Haley GilbraithSenior Airman (Retired)Hometown: Rock Island, ILSport(s): Cycling, track and field, and basketballInjury: Spinal cord injury, T-12 paralysisHow has military health services helped you overcome your injury/disability?Meeting other wounded warriors and building a support network.

  • SrA Jennifer Stone

    Jennifer StoneSenior Airman RetiredHometown: Denver, COSport(s): Volleyball, shooting, swimming, and track and fieldInjury: Chronic post-traumatic stress disorderHow has military health services helped you overcome your injury/disability?I love sports; they have always been a part of my life.

  • SrA Jeremiah Means

    Jeremiah MeansSenior Airman RetiredHometown: Columbus, GASport(s): Cycling, shooting, swimming and basketballInjury: Brain Injury (Susac's syndrome)How has military health services helped you overcome your injury/disability?N/ADownload Printable Player CardsSee more player profiles: A-D | E-K |

  • SrA Kevin O'Brien

    Kevin O'BrienSenior Airman Air National GuardHometown: Chicopee, MASport(s): Cycling, shooting, and track and fieldInjury: Brain tumorHow has military health services helped you overcome your injury/disability?N/ADownload Printable Player CardsSee more player profiles: A-D | E-K | L-R | S-Z

  • SrA Ryan Largeman

    Ryan LargemanSenior Airman RetiredHometown: Covington, GASport(s): ArcheryInjury: N/AHow has military health services helped you overcome your injury/disability?Reintegration into social groups. Brought me back into athletics.

  • SrA Slone La Fountain

    Slone La FountainSenior Airman Active DutyHometown: Colstrip, MTSport(s): Cycling, swimming, and track and fieldInjury: Post-traumatic stress disorderHow has military health services helped you overcome your injury/disability?Military health services has helped me receive any help recovering that I

  • SrA Trent Smith

    Trent SmithSenior Airman (Retired)Hometown: Portland, ORSport(s): Volleyball, shooting, and track and fieldInjury: Post-traumatic stress disorderHow has military health services helped you overcome your injury/disability?Provided the opportunity and equipment for me to overcome barriers within my

  • SRB list drops to 32 specialties

    Air Force officials made significant changes to the selective re-enlistment bonus program as a result of continuing force-shaping efforts. Based on the findings of a review in October, officials have published the latest list, which contains 32 Air Force specialties, down from 62.The new list is

  • SSG will head technology council

    Standard Systems Group experts here will now develop Air Force-wide strategies for buying and managing information technology products as they assume their role as head of the new Air Force Information Technology Commodity Council. The council will stand up in mid-June.John Gilligan, Air Force

  • SSgt Benjamin Seekell

    Benjamin SeekellStaff Sergeant Active DutyHometown: Charlestown, RISport(s): Cycling, shooting, track and field, and basketballInjury: Below-knee left leg amputationHow has military health services helped you overcome your injury/disability?It has given me a new set of goals and provided me with a

  • SSgt Daniel Crane

    Daniel CraneStaff Sergeant RetiredHometown: San Angelo, TXSport(s): Volleyball, shooting, swimming, and track and fieldInjury: Right arm amputation and post-traumatic stress disorderHow has military health services helped you overcome your injury/disability?Still have not overcome all injuries

  • SSgt Edward Newbern

    Edward NewbernStaff Sergeant (Active Duty)Hometown: Navarre, FLSport(s): Volleyball, cycling, shooting, swimming, archery, track and field, and ultimate championInjury: Traumatic brain injuryHow has military health services helped you overcome your injury/disability?The health care and recovery

  • SSgt EPR static closeout dates implemented

    Implementation of a series of changes to the enlisted evaluation and promotion systems announced in July by Air Force senior leaders continues with establishment of the staff sergeant enlisted performance report static closeout date. Effective Oct. 4, all staff sergeant EPRs will close out Jan. 31.

  • SSgt Jason Ellis

    Jason EllisStaff Sergeant (Retired)Hometown: Chicago, Illinois & Midwest City, OklahomaSport(s): Shooting, Track & Field, BasketballInjury: Spinal cord injury with lumbar fusion and moderate sciatic nerve damage, traumatic brain injury with minor balance and memory issues, bilateral total knee

  • SSgt Jeffrey Harper

    Jeffrey HarperStaff Sergeant (Retired)Hometown: Ashington Court House, OHSport(s): Volleyball, cycling and shootingInjury: Traumatic brain injury, fused right ankle, pelvis fracture and nerve damageHow has military health services helped you overcome your injury/disability?They helped me with

  • SSgt Nick Dadgostar

    Nick DadgostarStaff Sergeant RetiredHometown: Felton, DESport(s): Volleyball, shooting, swimming, and track and fieldInjury: Below-knee right leg amputation, left ankle nerve damage, left great toe amputation and left hand and wrist damage.How has military health services helped you overcome your

  • SSgt promotion test rescheduled for April 1-May 16

    To ensure senior airmen selected for promotion to staff sergeant do not meet the enlisted retention board, the Air Force will move the testing window up from May 1-June 15 to April 1-May 16, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today.

  • SSgt Rey Edenfield

    Rey EdenfieldStaff Sergeant (Active Duty)Hometown: Guyton, GASport(s): Volleyball, shooting, archery, and track and fieldInjury: Left leg amputationHow has military health services helped you overcome your injury/disability?N/ADownload Printable Player CardsSee more player profiles: A-D | E-K |

  • SSgt Seth Pena

    Seth PenaStaff Sergeant Active DutyHometown: N/ASport(s): Shooting and archeryInjury: Left leg injury, traumatic brain injury and torn aortaHow has military health services helped you overcome your injury/disability?New bionic prosthetics and helping me to be active with fun events.Download

  • SSgt Sven (Christian) Perryman

    Sven (Christian) PerrymanStaff Sergeant Active DutyHometown: Sport(s): Injury: How has military health services helped you overcome your injury/disability?Download Printable Player CardsSee more player profiles: A-D | E-K | L-R | S-Z

  • SSgt Timothy Babb

    Timothy BabbStaff Sergeant (Retired)Hometown: Selma, ALSport(s): Cycling, shooting, swimming, and track and fieldInjury: Depression, back injuryHow has military health services helped you overcome your injury/disability?Yes, indeed.Download Printable Player CardsSee more player profiles: A-D |

  • SSgt Tino Uli

    Tino UliStaff Sergeant RetiredHometown: Oceanside, CA/ Kalihi, HISport(s): Volleyball, cycling and basketballInjury: Post-traumatic stress disorderHow has military health services helped you overcome your injury/disability?It's helped me break through social barriers, strive to get better each and

  • SSgt Zachary Burnash

    Zachary BurnashStaff Sergeant (Active Duty)Hometown: Schenectady, NYSport(s): Volleyball, cycling, swimming, track and field, and basketballInjury: Shrapnel from a rocket blastHow has military health services helped you overcome your injury/disability?N/ADownload Printable Player CardsSee more

  • St. Elmo's visit

    Capt. Rachel Tukey of the 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron watches a natural phenomenon known as St. Elmo's Fire on the windshield of her KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueler. The KC-135 crew had just refueled a B-52 Stratofortress bomber April 2. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt.

  • St. Louis celebrates Air Force Week

    For the second year in a row, Air Force Week St. Louis has kicked off with a flying start. From July 2-8, the Air Force will be the talk of the town in this gateway city. Events honoring Air Force servicemembers will be happening on both sides of the "Mighty Mississippi," from minor and major league

  • St. Louis to host inaugural Air Force Week

    Air Force officials have announced the first-ever Air Force Week.  It will begin Aug. 6 in St. Louis, culminating in an open house and air show at nearby Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Aug. 12 to 13, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.The St. Louis metro region was selected by Air Force

  • St. Lucia police team with Airmen during Operation Southern Partner

    Nearly 30 members of the Royal St. Lucia police force's special service unit worked with a U.S. Air Force Guardian Angel team here June 1 through 3 to enhance search and rescue efforts for the island nation.The Guardian Angel team deployed for Operation Southern Partner is comprised of a combat

  • Stadium dedicated to fallen Airman

    More than 150 servicemembers from Balad Air Base and Logistics Support Area Anaconda gathered at the base stadium Dec. 15 to remember a fallen comrade.Base leaders officially renamed the stadium Holt Memorial Stadium, in honor of Airman 1st Class Antoine J. Holt. Airman Holt was killed during a

  • Staff sergeant beats cancer

    For many people, Independence Day is all about celebration, spending time with family and watching fireworks light up the night sky, but on July 4, 2014, there was no celebrating for Staff Sgt. Richard L. Johnson.

  • Staff sergeant LEAPs on opportunity to use native tongue

    Born and raised in Nizhnekamsk, Russia, Anastasia Stuart traveled to the U.S. as a young adult with the intention of only staying a year to improve her English. One year quickly turned into two, and before she knew it, she enlisted into the U.S. Air Force.

  • Staff sergeant promotion list slated for Thursday release

    Air Force officials selected 13,448 of 33,060 eligible senior airmen for promotion to staff sergeant, a selection rate of 40.68 percent, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. The list is slated for release Aug. 2.The average score for those selected was 283.30, with an average time in grade of

  • Staff sergeant promotion rates announced

    Air Force officials selected 15,130 of 36,608 eligible senior airmen for promotion to staff sergeant for a selection rate of 41.33 percent, up 5.46 percent from last year. The staff sergeant promotion list will be released at 9 a.m. Central Daylight Time Aug. 15, and score notices will be posted on

  • Stage facility provides aircrews one-stop support

    A management team at this base is helping aircrews spend less time preparing for flying with a streamlined, one-stop approach to en route mission planning. The result is an increase in mission velocity, said Lt. Col. James Kirk, commander of the 726th Air Mobility Squadron. That leads to a more

  • Staging facility offers more than air evacuations

    Getting troops injured in battle from the war zone to another location where they can receive more definitive care takes careful planning and coordination. Such was the case Oct. 21, when members of the 386th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility at this desert base helped move 16 injured troops

  • Staging facility prepares injured warfighters for flight

    For warfighters who are injured in Iraq, the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility at Balad AB is where their road to recovery starts. The CASF is a staging area where patients are prepared for their flight out of Iraq to Landstuhl, Germany. The CASF is staffed by critical care air transport and

  • Staging facility puts wounded warriors on ‘road to recovery’

    What do a bank manager, a school nurse and a Seattle Symphony chorus member have in common? They’re all reservists, they all volunteered to serve at Balad Air Base, Iraq, and they all work at the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility, part of the 332nd Expeditionary Aerospace Medicine Squadron

  • Staging facility takes over where hospital leaves off

    It is 10:30 p.m., and the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group’s contingency aeromedical staging facility here is a flurry of activity. The doctors, nurses and technicians are making their rounds while other Airmen are checking in new arrivals, processing movement paperwork, palletizing bags and making

  • Staging flight sees lull in hectic routine

    The 435th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Flight’s large, 86-bed, open-bay ward was empty, so Staff Sgt. Desiree Wilson busied herself doing chores.The brightly lit ward was eerily peaceful, thanks to an unexpected lull here Aug. 8 in the busy business of aeromedical evacuation. So, all alone in the

  • Stain-resistant boot research under way

    The Air Force Uniform Office, here, continues its research to find a stain-resistant utility boot that retains the low maintenance of the current sage green boot and is composed of material that will not stain nor absorb workplace chemicals. A request for information, or RFI, was posted on

  • 'Stand down' serves homeless veterans in Charleston

    More than 2,068 homeless people, both veterans and civilians, received aid from local volunteers at the 11th annual Stand Down Against Homelessness, Oct. 28 and 29, at North Charleston Armory Park, S.C.More than 300 local military and civilian volunteers supported the event. Sponsored by the Ralph

  • Standard AEF deployment length stretches to 120 days

    Most Airmen scheduled to deploy in upcoming air and space expeditionary force packages will see their orders expand from 90 to 120 days. The change in deployment length will begin with AEF cycle 5 in September. Those who deploy as part of AEF 1 and 2 should prepare for a 120-day deployment. Air

  • Standard federal ID to replace common access cards

    A new, standardized identification card is being developed for all federal employees. The new card will replace the common access cards that military personnel, government civilians and contractors now hold, said Mary Dixon, deputy director of the Defense Manpower Data Center. The new cards will

  • Standardization program announces awards

    Officials from the Defense Standardization Program Office recognized Air Force people and teams with awards for outstanding contributions to the Department of Defense in fiscal 2003. The awards were presented March 16 during a ceremony in Lansdowne, Va.The following received awards:Individuals--

  • Standing guard

    Tech. Sgt. Ken Joy stands guard as firefighters pump water from a stream near Bashur Airfield in northern Iraq. Joy and fellow security forces troops assigned to the 86th Expeditionary Contingency Response Group patrol the base perimeter, provide airfield protection and escort all airmen who leave

  • Standing tall: Amputee Airmen seek to defy odds in therapy sessions

    After a sprint around an indoor track with her prosthetic running blade, Heather Carter stopped, visibly tired. She smiled and began to sprint another lap. The medically retired senior airman once rounded the bases for the Air Force softball team until a freak accident severely injured her left leg

  • Standing vigilant from the top of the world

    Stretching from the confines of Thule Air Base, Greenland, the northernmost U.S. military installation hundreds of miles above the Arctic Circle, a dirt road trails steadily upward and to the northwest. Following the road for about a dozen miles across sparse, barren tundra resembling a moonscape

  • Standing watch

    Airman 1st Class Wednesday D. Brodenburger completes a pre-dawn patrol near one of the interior perimeter fences here. She and other airmen of the 822nd Security Forces Squadron are returning home after serving more than five months supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by

  • Stand-up of training group marks international homecoming

    With an international audience standing watch, Col. Michael Cosby accepted the flag of command for the reactivated 363rd Training Group at an air base in the Persian Gulf region March 26. Though officially listed as an activation, officiating officer, Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Central Command Air

  • Stanley: Pentagon must do better in hiring disabled

    Defense Department officials are doing a "pretty good" job at hiring talented, disabled people for their civilian work force, but they needs to do much better, the Pentagon's top personnel official said Dec. 8 here during his keynote remarks at the 30th annual Disability Awards Ceremony and Forum."I

  • Star Spangled celebration

    A C-47 cargo aircraft highlights the foreground during a Fourth of July fireworks display near the parade grounds of the 37th Training Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The C-47 was one of the workhorses of the Berlin Airlift humanitarian mission shortly after the birth of of the U.S. Air

  • Starbase teaches children how to fly

    On her 11th birthday, Catherine Newcome gripped the yoke of a Cessna airplane and learned a lot about flying. She crashed the first time she tried to land, but quickly regained her composure, paid attention to her coach from the West Virginia Air National Guard, and took off and landed safely on