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  • Pilot becomes Guard's first F-35 instructor pilot

    An Airman became the Guard's first F-35 Lightning II instructor pilot recently at Eglin's multi-service, multi-national F-35 Integrated Training Center.Maj. Jay Spohn, assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing here as the assistant director of operations for the 58th Fighter Squadron and the chief of

  • General Carlisle takes command of Pacific Air Forces

    Gen. Herbert Carlisle took command of Pacific Air Forces from Gen. Gary North in a change of command ceremony here Aug. 3.Presiding over the ceremony, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz praised North's past accomplishments and Carlisle's future potential as the commander of PACAF.Schwartz

  • Air Force has role in Mars Rover success

    As news broke of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) "Curiosity" rover's successful landing on the "Red Planet" Aug. 6, Arnold Engineering Development Complex's (AEDC) Hypervelocity Tunnel 9 Director Dan Marren was watching the live TV broadcast of the event."Last night, after eight months of

  • Rescue Airmen partner with Canadians for search-and-rescue training

    Approximately 30 Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., traveled to Canada July 15-22 to train alongside and strengthen partnerships with Royal Canadian Air Force search-and-rescue technicians, known as SAR techs, and their support personnel. The SAR techs from our

  • AF CSA travel card transitions to GTC

    The terms and conditions for the Air Force's travel charge card are changing, but Airmen can hang on to their blue cards. From Aug. 7 through the end of September, the Air Force Banking Office will e-mail some 300,000 Airmen, informing them that their controlled spend account card will convert back

  • President announces nomination for AF under secretary

    President Barack Obama announced Aug. 1 that he intends to nominate Eric Fanning to be the next Under Secretary of the Air Force.Fanning is the Deputy Under Secretary and Deputy Chief Management Officer of the Department of the Navy, previously holding positions with the House Armed Services

  • Mobility 'ballet' key to rescue of F-16 pilot

    Shortly after an Air Force pilot ejected from his F-16 Fighting Falcon into the North Pacific July 22, he found himself under the watchful eyes of mobility Airmen. These Airmen worked as part of a coordinated behind-the-scenes "ballet" to ensure his dramatic recovery less than six hours later. A

  • Air Force awards massive energy-saving project at Tinker

    Air Force leaders awarded an Energy Savings Performance Contract here Aug. 1.Tinker Air Force Base is Oklahoma's largest single-site employer and the largest Air Force facility energy consumer. "Upon completion, the project will reduce Tinker's energy intensity by 30 percent and save an estimated

  • AFGSC program promotes resiliency

    Fulfilling the call to revitalize the nuclear mission in the Air Force has required Global Strike Command to take innovative approaches. These approaches have combined commander presence, improving mission performance in all areas and a focus on improving the quality of life for Airmen. Command

  • Pacom weighs pre-prepositioning logistics for disaster response

    Along with more rotational deployments, U.S. Pacific Command is eyeing opportunities to pre-position some of the logistics assets being drawn down in Afghanistan to support a future disaster response or other contingency in the Asia-Pacific region.U.S. Marines began serving six-month rotational

  • AF partners with schools, universities to promote STEM

    Teachers from across the U.S. became students for a week during an Air Force-sponsored ASM International Materials Camp July 13 at Howard University, Washington, D.C.ASM started the camps for students in 2000 to make science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fun. After much success, two years

  • Cybercom chief: U.S. unprepared for serious cyber attacks

    The United States is not adequately prepared for a serious cyber attack, the commander of U.S. Cyber Command told the audience at the Aspen Institute's annual security forum today.Army Gen. Keith Alexander, who also serves as the director of the National Security Agency and the chief of the Central

  • Vigilant Eagle board selects 82 command candidates

    The Space and Missile Vigilant Eagle Operations Squadron Commander Selection Board has selected 82 lieutenant colonels and lieutenant colonel-selects as command candidates for projected 2013 vacancies, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. Candidates will be matched to command vacancies at Air

  • Dept. of Energy lauds AF for conservation efforts

    The Air Force's innovative ideas and procedures for saving facility energy and aviation fuel have earned it recognition by the Department of Energy. Each year, the DOE presents a Federal Energy Management Program award to individuals and organizations within the federal government that significantly

  • AFRL scientist recognized by White House

    The White House announced Monday an Air Force Research Laboratory space vehicles directorate scientist has received a Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers. Each year, the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President presents the PECASE

  • Schwartz: Air Force will thrive despite fiscal challenges

    The Air Force has reinvigorated the service's nuclear mission, incorporated unmanned aerial capabilities and made progress in acquisition, the service's chief of staff told reporters here July 24.Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, who finishes a four-year term in office shortly, said he believes the Air Force

  • Airmen deliver compassion, medical care to Peruvians

    A high school physics and chemistry teacher was struck by a second calling about nine years ago: to serve his country as a U.S. Air Force physician. Today, Capt. (Dr.) James Small wakes up in the remote, mountainous region of Huancavelica, Peru, energized to start a full day of patient care in his

  • 'Today's Air Force' looks at guns, planes and more guns

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on July 20.First up, Staff Sgt. Chris Pyles takes look at how the Air Force is saving money through total force integration. Later, Pyles takes viewers to Baton Rouge, La., to the set of "Sons of Guns" to meet an Air Force

  • Harnessing the power of science, technology, engineering and math

    The chair of the U.S. Air Force  Academy's Engineering Division and head of the Aeronautics Department here said the nation faces a crisis in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.To help avert the crisis, Col. Neal Barlow and other Academy officials are developing educational

  • Eglin maintenance NCO named Times Airman of the Year

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presented the 2012 Military Times Airman of the Year award to a digital maintenance supervisor from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., here July 19. Master Sgt. Brandon Lambert, of the 728th Air Control Squadron, was nominated by a Veterans of Foreign Wars post

  • Korean War defining conflict for new Air Force

    While July 27th is one of the lesser-known days of remembrance for the U.S., for the Air Force, recognizing the signing of the Korean War armistice on this day in 1953 marked an era when the service came into its own.The 1950s heralded a decade of innovation, with inventions such as power steering,

  • Comm Airmen in 'high demand' in cyberworld

    Airmen assigned to the 1st Communication Maintenance Squadron are in high demand, providing specialized communication maintenance technicians that support cyberspace systems throughout U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility.In 2012, the 1st CMXS spent more than 5,200

  • Military leaders reflect on fallen warriors

    Air Force leaders here expressed their sympathy for everyone affected by the movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colo., July 20. Among the victims were two Buckley Air Force Base members, Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Childress and Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class John Thomas Larimer. "This tragic event has

  • Total force C-130 operations building opens at Peterson

    With a snip of the ceremonial scissors, Air Force Reserve and active duty Airmen ushered in the opening of a new total force C-130 Hercules operations facility July 17 here.The new $5.6 million facility is the next milestone in the 302nd Airlift Wing's integration with the active duty 52nd Airlift

  • Buckley supports military victims of Aurora shooting

    In response to the shooting incident that occurred at the Aurora Mall Movie Theater in Aurora, Colo., early July 20, Buckley Air Force Base has activated an Emergency Family Assistance Control Center, a Traumatic Stress Response Events Team and several chaplains to assist family members affected by

  • Florida sheriffs give 'fallen heroes' last ride home

    The Hillsborough County Sheriff's office, in Florida, in partnership with members of MacDill Air Force Base, conducted a fallen hero's dignified transfer here for the second day in a row July 18.Over the years, service members have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and, since 2009, the

  • Air Force running goes digital

    Beginning Sept. 1, Air Force medical officials will take new strides to get Airmen running safely.The Air Force Telehealth Office will conduct a six-month study to investigate the outcome and efficiency of online running instruction. The study will examine the effectiveness of a newly developed set

  • Air Force safety also applies to space

    When it comes to safety in the Air Force, much of the focus on mishap prevention goes into preventing and investigating slips, trips and falls. Ground safety applies to every member, regardless of their primary duty, and all can benefit from practicing prescribed safety methods in their everyday

  • Air Force's national museum to receive NASA's Crew Compartment Trainer

    After many months of intensive planning, the first steps have been put in motion to move NASA's first Shuttle Crew Compartment Trainer from Johnson Space Center to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.CCT-1, which was one of three trainers built to train astronauts for space missions, is

  • SecAF visits Spangdahlem AB

    The Air Force's top civilian leader met 52nd Fighter Wing leaders and service members here July 13.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited the base as part of a familiarization tour and to speak with Airmen about the unique capabilities Spangdahlem Air Base provides to the European theater

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Reserve officer recalls journey to freedom

    (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.)Col. Josie Fernandez credits providence as much as persistence for her journey from Cuban refugee to the duel-hatted role she has today with the Air

  • Overseas extension incentives changes ahead

    Airmen stationed at overseas long tour locations who extend their tour Aug. 1 or later may be eligible for incentives, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Recent changes to the Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program will affect members who make a "date eligible for return from overseas"

  • Air Force general explains force structure decisions to Congress

    The Air Force deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs testified on proposed force structure changes before the House Armed Services Committee here, July 12. Lt. Gen. Christopher Miller answered questions from members of the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee's

  • Chief's Perspective: Analog leadership in digital times

    The United States Air Force is the world's most advanced air, space and cyberspace force. Most of that can be attributed to you -- our outstanding Airmen -- but technology also plays a huge role. Advanced tools help us maintain an advantage over our adversaries. Technology has enabled our continuing

  • Three of MacDill's 'finest' retire after 26 deployments

    Retirement is a time to reflect upon years of dedicated service with pride. Today, July 12, three of MacDill's finest have reached this milestone. Three military working dogs from the 6th Security Forces Squadron, Conny, Jago and Haris, hung up their leashes at Helton Hall in front of a captive

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Working with TCNs

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Late last year, I was tasked to deploy as an escort for third-country nationals. TCNs are civilian personnel who are utilized to help

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Triumph of survival

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)In 1995 in America, most six-year-old boys spent their days picking on six-year-old girls, or mimicking and idolizing the Power Rangers

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Vehicle operator recalls deployment

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)In December 2011, the U.S. withdrew its last service members from Iraq to end operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. Senior Airman

  • Scott AFB Passenger Terminal dedicated to fallen Airman

    Members of Scott Air Force Base and the local community gathered here today to dedicate the base's newly renovated air passenger terminal in honor of Airman 1st Class Zachary "Cudde" Cuddeback.Cuddeback was a vehicle operator assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, when he

  • McChord Airmen help deliver history

    A group of five Airmen from the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron delivered the 29-foot long crew compartment of NASA's Full Fuselage Trainer to the Museum of Flight's new Charles Simonyi Space Gallery June 30.The historical artifact arrived at Boeing Field in Seattle, Wash., and was so large no commercial

  • Acting undersecretary of the Air Force appointed

    On July 3, President Barack Obama appointed Dr. Jamie Morin to serve as the acting undersecretary of the Air Force.He will serve in this capacity effective immediately and until such time as a new undersecretary is nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.Morin said he welcomed the new

  • AOC hosts first online virtual tour

    The 601st Air and Space Operations Center here recently benchmarked a new program as students of Collinsville Middle School in Collinsville, Okla., got a first-hand look at the center's operations floor by way of a live virtual video tour over the Internet."The live video tour with Collinsville

  • AF members gain PLAYpass use, discount opportunities

    As summer approaches, eligible Airmen and their families have the opportunity to use the PLAYpass Get Out and PLAY program to save hundreds of dollars with discounts in recreational and life skills classes.PLAYpass cards, valued at more than $500, allow single Airmen returning from deployments,

  • Officials seek nominations for aerospace awards

    Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for the 2013 Air Force Association Aerospace Awards for outstanding contributions to national defense in a variety of fields.These awards include:Theodore Von Karman Award - for contributions in the field of science and engineering relating to aerospace

  • 45th SW launches NRO satellite

    The 45th Space Wing successfully launched a United Launch Alliance-built Delta IV-Heavy rocket from Space Launch Complex 37 on June 29 carrying a classified National Reconnaissance Office satellite.The largest of the Delta IV family, the Heavy version features three common booster cores mounted

  • Airmen build ties with Colombian counterparts

    Members of the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron completed the first part of an Air Mobility Command Building Partner Capacity mission - working with the Colombian air force to promote regional stability by fostering key relationships and enhancing partner nation capabilities, at General

  • AF clarifies ITDY dependent travel, transportation allowances

    Air Force officials announced a clarification concerning transportation and travel allowances for Airmen tasked with 365-day extended deployments, commonly referred to as an indeterminate TDY (ITDY). In accordance with guidance provided in the Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR), effective July

  • Bio-environmental Airmen monitor Colorado Front Range air quality

    Visibility continues to change dramatically along the Front Range of Colorado Springs, Colo., as wildfires burn on the western edge of the city. With the air quality affected by the fires, Air Force Space Command bio-environmental Airmen are monitoring the situation to allow commanders to better

  • Slideshow: Firefighters, aircrews continue to battle Colorado wildfire

    More than 90 firefighters from the U.S. Air Force Academy, along with assets from Air Force Space Command; F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.; Fort Carson, Colo.; and the local community continue to fight wildfires near Colorado Springs, Colo., June 29.The Waldo Canyon fire has grown to more

  • Wildfire stops moves to Air Force Academy

    Air Force officials have temporarily halted permanent change of station moves and most temporary duty assignments to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., as Air Force members join the fight to extinguish the 29-square mile Waldo Canyon wildfire burning northwest of the

  • Firefighters continue to battle Colorado Springs blaze

    Firefighters continued to battle several fires that burned into the evening hours in Waldo Canyon near here June 27.The fires, which have burned more than 15,000 acres, began spreading to the southwestern corner of the Academy in the early morning, causing base officials to evacuate residents, with

  • Vandenberg sends 'hot shots' to Colorado wildfire front lines

    Vandenberg Air Force Base officials deployed the only Defense Department wildland firefighting asset at 2 p.m. June 27 in support of the wildland firefighting efforts in Colorado Springs, Colo.The 18-member Vandenberg Air Force Base Hot Shot crew, along with two hot shots crew carrier vehicles, one

  • Dempsey details defense challenges in visit to Nebraska base

    Likening the global security environment to strong winds such as those that come with severe weather here in the central plains, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke June 26 about challenges buffeting the nation.Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and his wife, Deanie, spoke with 300 service

  • Air Force teams work to tame Colorado wildfires

    An Air Force team from the active duty, Air National Guard, the Air Reserve and the Air Force Academy have mobilized to help fight the quickly spreading Waldo Canyon fire near Colorado Springs, Colo., that has burned more than 3,500 acres.The request for assistance from the National Interagency Fire

  • AF top engineers give tips on saving energy, money

    Summer is officially under way. While it means fun in the sun for Airmen and their families, it can be an expensive, wasteful time of year for the Air Force. Utility bills on installations often rise drastically as air conditioning units and sprinkler systems work to keep up. The Air Force spends

  • 'New AFNIC' offers cyber advantage

    "Cyber Innovation. Mission Success." This is how the "New" Air Force Network Integration Center officials sum up what their organization provides to the Air Force and other mission partners.It's a phrase representing a new direction for a not-so-new organization. AFNIC, established from what was

  • Two RAF Fairford firefighters earn AF heroism award

    Two firefighters from the 420th Air Base Squadron were recently awarded the Robert A. McAllister Heroism Award.Firefighters Lynsey Pope and Robert McEvoy were recognized by the Air Force for performing an act of courage above and beyond the call of duty after encountering a car crash on an English

  • Air Force presence helps preserve progress in Iraq

    A group of Airmen assigned to the Office of Security Cooperation - Iraq help to preserve progress made in the country after almost a decade of war. The mission of OSC-I, in coordination with USCENTCOM and U.S. Mission-Iraq, is to conduct security cooperation activities to build partner capacity in

  • AF instructors learn modern Army combatives skills

    After spending five days in a joint combatives "train the trainer" course, Air Force participants gained a valuable benefit in becoming certified to teach both Modern Army Combatives and Basic Air Force Combatives:"Confidence," said Lt. Col. Tim Thurston, the 322nd Training Squadron commander --

  • Program encourages Airmen to 'Be Ready'

    Every year on June 1, when hurricane season officially begins, Airmen at bases along the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico start to pay more attention to the weather. It pays to be vigilant. Last year, on Aug. 27, 2011, Hurricane Irene landed in North Carolina and traveled up the Atlantic Coast,

  • U.S., Japanese defense officials to meet to discuss Osprey issues

    Senior Defense Department officials will brief a Japanese delegation at the Pentagon on July 22 on recent incidents involving U.S. MV-22 and CV-22 Osprey aircraft variants, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today."This is a tangible demonstration of how seriously the Department of Defense

  • Air Force Safety Automated System vital to tracking, preventing mishaps

    The Air Force Safety Center continues to develop and deploy enhancements to the Air Force Safety Automated System to provide accurate mishap information and timely risk mitigation data to all levels of command. AFSAS is a Web-enabled mishap reporting and analysis system that's accessible 24/7

  • Air Force male athlete of the year goes for gold

    The sound of thrashing epees and rubber soles squeaking against metal boards ring throughout the fencing gym at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. It is here that fencer Weston Kelsey practices twice a day, five days a week, in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

  • German air force brings Eurofighter, skills to Eielson AFB

    After a nearly 5,000-mile trip across the world, 150 members of the German air force recently arrived here with eight German Eurofighter Typhoons.It is the first time the German airframe has deployed overseas, according to German officials. In fact, it is the very first of the Eurofighter's

  • Air Force officials announce milestone Atlas V launch

    As part of the Defense Department's ongoing efforts to maintain assured, affordable access to space through 2030, the Atlas V rocket successfully lifted off from Space Launch Complex-41 at Florida's Cape Canaveral on June 20, Air Force officials said."This is an exciting time for the U.S. space

  • Engineer hits way onto All-Air Force team

    First Lt. Kristina Stewart has taken a few weeks off from her duties as the 3rd Space Operations Squadron mission planning and engineering section chief here to play a little volleyball. Actually, Stewart will play more than just a little after earning a spot on the All-Air Force Women's Volleyball

  • Carter urges Charleston service members to consider future

    Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter visited service members in the coastal low country of South Carolina on June 18, urging the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen who serve the nation here to think about the future. Against the backdrop of a hulking C-17 Globemaster III transport jet, one of 54 on

  • Playground dedicated for children of the fallen

    Donors, wing leaders and distinguished guests were on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony of a new playground at the Fisher House for Families of the Fallen June 18 here. The playground, dedicated to the children who travel to Dover Air Force Base, Del., to witness a dignified transfer of a loved

  • Polish AF flies in Red Flag for first time

    They boarded a C-130 Hercules and made the flight across the Atlantic Ocean to a place where the local language isn't their own native tongue. This isn't your normal U.S. Air Force deployment scenario, but the experience of a Polish air force crew participating in Red Flag-Alaska. Red Flag is a

  • Air Force Lt. finishes Bronco's mini-camp, continues to follow dream

    As another year of the National Football League season nears, military members might want to pay closer attention to their TVs as one of their own maybe lining up on the gridiron Sunday afternoons.Benjamin Garland, a Grand Junction, Colo. native, recently completed the Denver Broncos three-day

  • Smithsonian celebrates annual 'Become A Pilot Day'

    Officials at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum held the annual "Become a Pilot" family day June 16, in Chantilly, Va.More than 45 aircraft were on display as the museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, including two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a C-17 Globemaster III, which had its cargo bay

  • Air Force space vehicle comes in for a landing

    The Air Force's unmanned, reusable space plane landed in the early morning of June 16 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., a successful conclusion to a record-setting test-flight mission that began March 5, 2011, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, one of two

  • Weapons school integrates cyber warfare

    Eight Air Force weapons officers completed the first cyber weapons instructor course at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, 328th Weapons Squadron, June 16 here.Weapons officers are tactical experts trained in the art of battlespace dominance who instruct the Air Force's instructor corps and serve as

  • Combat controller posthumously awarded Silver Star

    Senior Airman Mark Forester had an American flag wrapped around his chest plate inside his body armor when he was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper's fire Sept. 29, 2010.This simple act is a testament to how Forester lived his life, a life respected by all who knew him.Forester, a combat controller

  • A day for Old Glory

    Today we celebrate Flag Day by showing its respect to the national emblem that was adopted 235 years ago. The American flag, sewn by Betsy Ross, has seen multiple iterations and designs throughout its history. However, the care and respect of the flag has remained constant and paramount.The handling

  • MIA bracelet connects Airmen across decades

    Twenty-two years ago, Air Force Academy cadet Amy Santmyer, now Lt. Col. Amy Young, decided she would wear an MIA bracelet honoring Lt. Col. Charles Walling, an F-4C Phantom pilot who was shot down Aug. 8, 1966, during a close air support mission in the Dong Nai province northeast of Saigon,

  • AF med group tests disaster response

    Medical professionals from the 779th Medical Group honed their disaster-response skills during a recent exercise here.Two expeditionary medical support teams, made up of more than 50 members each, constructed and took down a 25-bed field hospital. "The EMEDS team provides full scale medical support

  • 2nd Lt. earns Air Medal

    Before pilots fly in a deployed environment they have to become "mission ready." From the start of pilot training the process takes upwards of two years, but one hard-charging second lieutenant managed to obtain his commission, his wings and fly more than 20 combat sorties in the area of

  • Buckley firefighters perform water rescue during storms

    Members of the Buckley Fire Department were dispatched around midnight June 7 to a water rescue call in Aurora, Colo. A man was trapped in his van due to flooding caused by severe storms, but due to the efforts of the fire department, he escaped unharmed, officials said.The call came in from Sable

  • Air advisors prepare Colombian air force for Red Flag

    A broken aircraft and several delays at the airport didn't stop the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron from arriving in Colombia on June 3 to begin its building partner capacity mission here.The squadron's air advisors are currently working with the Colombian air force to promote regional

  • Air Force transfers last piece of former Lowry AFB back to community

    The final 70 acres of the former Buckley Annex was given back to the Denver community during a final transfer ceremony June 1 here.Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said the old Lowry Air Force Base was once a thriving hub for the United States Air Force and its members, and is now a vibrant and

  • Summer offers additional PLAYpass use opportunities

    As summer approaches, eligible Airmen and their families have the opportunity to use the PLAYpass Get Out and PLAY program to save hundreds of dollars with discounts in recreational and life skills classes.PLAYpass cards, valued at more than $500, allow single Airmen returning from deployments,

  • DOD announces top environmental award recipients

    At a Pentagon ceremony today, Defense and Interior Department officials presented this year's Secretary of Defense Environmental Award to 10 teams and installations for excellence in advancing environmental initiatives.Among the installations recognized, the Air Force was represented by both the

  • Initiative could help improve ISR operators' processes

    The Electronic Systems Center Command and Control Constellation program recently held an operational demonstration in here to evaluate a new prototype capability to improve command and control of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data.The prototyping initiative, called Deliberate and

  • Space realities require new way of thinking, official says

    The U.S. has fine-tuned its methods to promote responsible use of space and strengthen international partnerships, Ambassador Gregory L. Schulte, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for space policy, said during the 2012 Women in Aerospace Conference here June 1.In his keynote address at the

  • Air Force undersecretary honored for exceptional service

     For her distinguished performance as undersecretary of the Air Force, Erin C. Conaton was presented the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service during a ceremony May 30 here.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presented the decoration to Conaton, who assumed the office of the

  • PACAF releases report on Alaska F-16 squadron move

    Pacific Air Forces today released a report on the Air Force's plan to move people and aircraft associated with the 18th Aggressor Squadron from Eielson AFB near Fairbanks, Alaska, to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, near Anchorage, Alaska.Pacific Air Forces led a 26-member Site Activation Task Force

  • Academy cadets work with Osan engineers

    The sounds of hammers and drills echoed through the air as Air Force Academy cadets gave Osan Air Base's civil engineers an extra hand with construction May 24. Approximately 15 cadets from the Academy worked side-by-side for two weeks with the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron's Prime Base Engineer

  • Warrior Wellness equine assistance important part of healing process

    The relationship between man and his horse is a storied one. Winston Churchill once said, "There's something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." The 19th century novelist Robert Smith Surtees said, "There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse."

  • Air Force 'brat' a smooth operator

     (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)There are two things Senior Airman Joshua Chrisman loves: the KC-10 Extender and chicken nuggets.When the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing

  • U.S., Bulgarian Airmen strengthen ties during exercise

    More than 500 U.S. Airmen and two dozen F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 31st Fighter Wing here recently returned from a deployment to Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, where they spent a month conducting bi-lateral training with Bulgarian Airmen during Thracian Star 2012.The exercise was the largest

  • California BRAC bases now part of recycling revolution

    J.D. Wang, the CEO of a tire recycling company, believes people can recycle anything if they put their minds to it. So it seems fitting that his company is expanding into a recycled building -- once the commissary at the former Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, Calif.In Sacramento, a former

  • Air Force, NATO fly to protect Iceland's air sovereignty

    Airmen from Nevada to Germany are currently deployed here to conduct Icelandic air policing missions until June 7.The 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, which is made up of U.S. Air Force and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization personnel, is a specialized team prepared to ensure Iceland's

  • AF colonel encourages 'caged' drivers to watch out for bikers

    Col. Dana Morel knows the dangers of motorcycle riding as well as anyone.A biker herself, Morel was a lieutenant at Mather Air Force Base, Calif., in 1986 when a young airman she knew with the base honor guard took off speeding one night. Distraught over the end of a romance, he missed a turn and

  • SecAF visits 'Arctic Warriors'

    Airmen from around Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson gathered at Hangar 20 here May 21, where Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed the assemblage."This is a great opportunity to thank you for your recent service and the service of your families," Donley said.The secretary said visiting

  • Their legacy lives on at American cemetery in UK

    Service members from across the United Kingdom will make their way to the Madingley American Cemetery Memorial Service here May 28 to remember the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who fell during World War II in defense of the U.K. U.S. Air Force Airmen will participate in the event with

  • Today's Air Force highlights retirement prep, medical Airmen

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on May 18. In the first segment, Tech. Sgt. Trevor Pedro takes viewers to an F-22 media day hosted by the commander of Air Combat Command. Later Airman 1st Class Hillary Herrick highlights a new way Airmen can prepare for

  • Two former Airmen inducted into Astronaut Hall of Fame

    Two retired Airmen were recently inducted into the NASA's Astronaut Hall of Fame during a ceremony May 5 at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla.Retired Gen. Kevin Chilton and retired Col. Charles Precourt, along with Franklin Chang Diaz, were the 11th group of astronauts inducted, which brings the total