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  • Space Command boss talks of space, cyber connection

    Addressing the Air Force Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Symposium here Sept. 29, the leader of the Air Force Space community said space and cyberspace are integrally connected. "Think of space and cyber as circles on a Venn diagram," said Gen. C. Robert Kehler,

  • Airman sketches his way into Air Force history with UAS wings design

    A toddler's first artistic expressions often surface in the form of well-intended wall defacement or notepad squiggles -- but every now and then, a doodle becomes a hobby, and that hobby becomes a part of history. Staff Sgt. Austin May, a public affairs craftsman from the 100th Air Refueling Wing,

  • Domestic Operations conference a 'historic collaboration' for Air Guard

    The recent arrest of several individuals involved in an alleged terrorist plot is a pressing reason to fulfill domestic mission requirements, which address manmade emergencies and natural disasters, the National Guard's senior officer said Sept. 28 here. "We need to get on with this," said Gen.

  • C2ISR Symposium kicks off

    The Air Force Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Symposium kicked off here Sept. 28 with a presentation by former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper. He told the mixed industry and government gathering that, in an era of flat or declining defense budgets,

  • Thousands helped as Pacific Angel concludes

    Air Force officials concluded the final iteration of Operation Pacific Angel 2009 during a ceremony here Sept. 22, culminating a two-part operation that provided humanitarian aid to thousands of people in communities in the Asia-Pacific region. Operation Pacific Angel is a joint and combined

  • Wise advisers help Air Force leaders navigate science

    Continuing a program started in 1944 by Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold, Air Force leaders leverage the best minds in the nation to lasso innovation ahead of the curve. "It takes all of us to conceive, comprehend and take action on the ways and means of today and of tomorrow," said Air Force Chief of Staff

  • Reserve, retired rated officers given active-duty opportunity

    ­The secretary of the Air Force has initiated two voluntary recall to active duty programs and expanded the number of eligible Air Force specialties for an existing one to help minimize the service's critical shortage of rated officers. "The rapid expansion of unmanned aircraft systems as well as

  • Iraqi, U.S. Air Force work hand in hand to support drawdown of forces

    The Iraqi air force commander and the director of the Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force visited the 407th Air Expeditionary Group Sept. 24 at Ali Base to conduct a site survey of the airfield and facilities, and to speak with members of the media from the local city of An Nasiriyah about

  • Air Force leaders emphasize AFSO21

    In a joint June 2009 memorandum, the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force pointed out the importance of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, or AFSO21. "AFSO21 represents a fundamental transformation in how Airmen work," Michael Donley and Gen. Norton Schwartz said in their

  • UAS mission enters new chapter with graduation

    Ten pilots and nine sensor operators graduated Sept. 25 from initial qualification training at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., where they learned to operate the MQ-1 Predator. Among the graduates were eight pilot candidates from nonpilot career fields. The group was part of a Beta-test class to train

  • 'Year of the Air Force Family' Web site launched

    Air Force officials have launched a new Web site to showcase the Year of the Air Force Family effort. Airmen and their families can log on to http://www.af.mil/yoaff/index.asp to learn about AF-wide initiatives, monthly themes and programs, as well as contact local installation Airman Family and

  • AMC commander welcomes news of KC-X tanker request for proposal

    The announcement of the KC-X tanker request for proposal Sept. 24 in a Pentagon briefing is welcome news for Air Mobility Command. "This is a great day not only for Air Mobility Command, which operates our nation's fleet of aerial refueling aircraft, but also for our country as this is a capability

  • Air Force officials begin search for new aerial tanker

    Senior Department of Defense and Air Force officials announced the rollout of the KC-X Acquisition Program at a Pentagon briefing Sept. 24. Air Force leaders are seeking a replacement for the KC-135 Stratotanker that has been a stalwart of the tanker fleet for more than 53 years. Today, the

  • Guard offers resiliency training to servicemembers, families

    Officials with the National Guard Resiliency Center showcased their training program Sep. 24 here at the Army National Guard Readiness Center in an effort to give military leaders, both enlisted and officers, the tools they need to deal with stress. The training program, titled "Flash Forward -

  • Gen. Petraeus cites need for critical warfighting specialties

    The U.S. military needs more people trained in specialties critical to the fight against global extremism, the chief of U.S. Central Command said here Sept. 23. "The fact is, there are a number of, still, very-high-demand, low density skill areas" that need to be addressed by military personnel

  • General says U.S.-Iraqi partnership growing

    Iraqi security forces continue to make progress in providing security for their own country, the deputy commander of Multinational Corps Iraq said Sept. 22. Iraqi security forces are quickly improving as they train with American forces, said Maj. Gen. James P. Hunt said during a videoconference from

  • Defense Department to announce balanced social media policy

    Defense Department officials here plan to forward a social media policy to the department leadership within the next two weeks that will balance the pros and cons of social networking sites, the department's top public affairs official said on National Public Radio's "Talk of the Nation" Sept. 23.

  • Leaders call for balance between network use and protection

    Finding the right balance between user needs and network protection is essential, senior officials from the Air Force, the joint community and other organizations said during a conference here Sept. 21. Addressing the 7th annual Net-centric Operations Conference, Air Force Electronic Systems Center

  • Pacific Angel optometry team provides vision in Vietnam

    Air Force optometrists are making vision a bit clearer for Vietnamese residents during Operation Pacific Angel 2009 Sept. 15 through 24 here. The operation is a joint and combined humanitarian and civic assistance program aimed at improving military civic cooperation between the United States and

  • Defense Department officials to announce balanced social media policy

    Defense Department officials plan to forward a social media policy to the department leadership within the next two weeks that will balance the pros and cons of social networking sites, the department's top public affairs official said on National Public Radio's "Talk of the Nation" Sept. 22. "I

  • Aviano Airmen open doors to new NATO terminal

    Airmen of the 724th Air Mobility Squadron here processed their first passengers following the opening of the new passenger and air freight terminal Sept. 10 at Aviano Air Base. The new predominantly NATO-funded terminal cost more than $10 million and is a 34,000-plus square-foot facility that

  • Air Guard planners host first domestic ops conference

    Air National Guard planners kicked off Sept. 22 with what they hope will become an annual conference for drafting a domestic operations strategy. "We're leading the way to help build a formal document for the Air Force," said Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, the director of the Air National Guard. The

  • U.S.-Iraqi partnership growing, general says

    Iraqi security forces continue to make progress in providing security for their own country, the deputy commander of Multinational Corps Iraq said today. Iraqi security forces are quickly improving as they train with American forces, Maj. Gen. James P. Hunt said during a videoconference from Baghdad

  • Changes ahead for Air Force acquisition

    More than 275 Air Force and defense industry leaders met here Sept. 3 to discuss military technology acquisition challenges and opportunities facing the nation. The Air Force Association Technology Symposium was timed to immediately follow the semi-annual Air Force Materiel Command Senior Leaders

  • Air Force dentists saving smiles in Vietnam

    If anyone knows the importance of a smile, it's a dentist. And dentists like Maj. (Dr.) Diep Le, who is taking part in the humanitarian assistance mission Operation Pacific Angel 2009 here, are doing every thing possible to save the smiles of local Vietnamese people during their 10-day mission.

  • Record crowd turns out for Air Force Marathon

    Nearly 10,000 runners lined up at the starting line for the 2009 Air Force Marathon Sept. 19 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The events of today included participants running in the full marathon as well as a wheeled division, a half-marathon and a 10K run. The 13th annual running event with an

  • Former Kadena commander and spouse receive 2009 O'Malley Award

    The former Kadena Air Base, Japan, wing commander and his wife received the 2009 General Jerome F. O'Malley and Diane O'Malley Award Sept. 11 at a ceremony in the Pentagon. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presented the award and Sharon O'Malley Burg made two special presentations of

  • Airmen begin humanitarian mission in Vietnam

    U.S. civil engineer and medical Airmen are here providing humanitarian and civic assistance to local communities Sept. 15 to 24 as part of Operation Pacific Angel 2009.   Operation Pacific Angel is a joint and combined humanitarian assistance operation conducted in the Pacific area of responsibility

  • Pentagon ceremony salutes former POWs, missing in action

    A group of senior U.S. officials paid homage to servicemembers who have been prisoners of war or are listed as missing in action during an observance ceremony Sept. 18 on the Pentagon's River Terrace parade field. Proclaiming Sept. 18 as National POW/MIA Recognition Day, President Barack Obama

  • Original cadre of C-130 Weapons Instructor Course discuss growth of training

    Five of the original cadre members of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School's initial C-130 Hercules Weapons Instructor Course came together Sept. 11 to attend the retirement of a fellow 29th Weapons Squadron comrade here. During their visit, Cols. Glen Downing, Kevin Jackson, Kirk Lear, Greg Otey and

  • Commander of newest MAJCOM defines success, introduces command at AFA

    The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command stressed the importance of skilled and dedicated Airmen to the nuclear enterprise during a question-and-answer session following his address at the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exhibition Sept. 16. Praising Airmen who

  • Pacific Air Forces commander focuses on future

    The commander of Pacific Air Forces spoke with national media members to outline his responsibilities during the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 16 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. Gen. Gary North discussed his role as the Pacific Air Forces

  • McKinley: Guard's 'smart power' building partnership capacity worldwide

    The National Guard is focused on helping the nation build partnership capacity worldwide, the chief of the National Guard Bureau told State Department officials Sept. 14. Examples include the National Guard's Agribusiness Development Teams serving in Afghanistan and its State Partnership Program

  • Charleston Airmen gets 'Lean' with AFSO21

    An Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century rapid improvement event took place at the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here Sept. 8 through 11. The main objectives of the 437th APS rapid improvement event included improving cargo flow inside the aerial port and surge operations for humanitarian

  • General Stenner: Keep components in sync

    "We are not interested in a tiered readiness level," said the chief of the Air Force Reserve Sept. 15 during the Air Force Association's 2009 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition held at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. "We are a seamless partner. We must turn challenges into

  • Air Force Association honors Doolittle Raiders, Tuskegee Airmen

    Several members of the Doolittle Raiders and original Tuskegee Airmen were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards from Air Force Association officials Sept. 16 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. During a special dinner at the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology

  • Camp Bucca detention center closes in Iraq

    As the last detainee boarded a plane destined for another theater detention center Sept. 17, the detainee operations mission at Camp Bucca, Iraq, officially ended. An Air Force C-17 Globemaster III carrying the last group of 180 detainees lifted off from the Basra airport headed to Camp Cropper at

  • Wyatt: Diverse, experienced Air Guard must come from below

    The Air National Guard's ability to successfully conduct missions in the future depends on the development of future leaders, its top officer said Sept. 14. "It is our responsibility as an organization to develop the content of their character," said Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, director of the Air

  • Team Excellence Awards presented to five teams

    The Air Force chief of staff presented his Team Excellence Awards at a ceremony Sept. 15 during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here. The awards recognize teams who used a systematic approach to enhance mission capability, improve operational performance

  • U.S. Air Force Band receives Gill Robb Wilson Award

    The United States Air Force Band was awarded the prestigious Gill Robb Wilson Award Sept. 14 at the Air Force Association Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. The Gill Robb Wilson Award is presented annually to an Air Force unit for outstanding contributions to national defense in the field of arts

  • Generals look to future challenges, opportunities

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz joined 13 other generals during a panel discussion Sept. 16 at the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition held at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. "This is the group of leaders that strives every day to be worthy

  • AFSPC commander discusses space, cyberspace future at AFA convention

    The Air Force's lead for integrating space and cyberspace capabilities spoke at the 2009 Annual Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition at the National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 15. Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander of the 43,000-member Air Force Space Command,

  • SecDEF announces return of KC-X program

    Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced the return of the KC-X program to the Air Force during the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition at the National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 16. The announcement sparked applause as KC-X, the Air Force's tanker

  • General Newton: People are priority No. 1

    "The Air Force is a great way of life and we are going to make it even better," said Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel at the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. General

  • Top Air Force general to attend USAF Marathon

    In another historical first, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz is scheduled to attend the U.S. Air Force Marathon on Sept. 19. General Schwartz's attendance marks the first time the service's most senior officer will attend the event, which is in its 13th year. The general, an avid

  • CSAF addresses AFA convention

    Gen. Norton Schwartz, chief of staff of the Air Force, spoke Sept. 15 on his vision for the future, jointness, the Year of the Air Force Family and honored heroic sacrifices of Airmen. The general made his comments in a keynote address at the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and

  • General takes to the sky in Afghanistan

    The commander of the Air Force's newest air expeditionary wing in Afghanistan is taking a hands-on approach to his duties. Brig. Gen. Guy Walsh, a Maryland Air National Guardsman from the 175th Airlift Wing in Baltimore, is flying at least two missions a week in the A-10 Thunderbolt II from Kandahar

  • Surgical residency receives full joint training platform accreditation

    The 81st Medical Group at Keesler AFB, which boasts the largest Air Force surgical training residency program, has received full Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accreditation as a joint training platform. The program was evaluated by the ACGME, the governing body for all United

  • Air Force officials recognize 12 Outstanding Airmen of Year

    The 2009 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year were recognized in a special ceremony during the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 14 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy hosted the evening's events that

  • New Horizons Guyana 2009 comes to a close

    Air Force, Army, Marine and Navy servicemembers here completed New Horizons Guyana 2009 Sept. 12.New Horizons Guyana is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored humanitarian event for the benefit of thousands of Guyanese in Georgetown and the outlying areas. Since late May, a rotating task force of

  • Airmen, teams recognized at AFA 2009 conference kickoff

    Air Force members receiving special recognition attended the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Opening and Award ceremonies Sept. 14 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton

  • Air Force chief calls for collaboration between Guard, active duty

    Citing evolving missions and shrinking budgets, the Air Force chief of staff called for the Air National Guard and active duty forces to work closer together. "The skill-set of National Guard members is critical to sustaining worldwide partnerships," said Gen. Norton Schwartz during his speech at

  • Air Force officials strengthen nuclear deterrence operations

    New initiatives underway within the Air Force to consolidate commands, modernize systems and strengthen personnel emphasize nuclear security. "Nuclear deterrence underpins all of our freedom of movement everywhere," Maj. Gen. Donald Alston, the service's assistant chief of staff for strategic

  • Personnel officials launch new civilian employment Web site

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here have developed a new Air Force civilian employment Web site to educate potential applicants and the general public about available civilian jobs, the eligibility and application process and finding job opportunities in various specialties and career fields.

  • Medical exchange program benefits military, civilian community

    The 3rd Medical Group's Family Practice clinic staff here and Providence Alaska Medical Center are working together to bring more hands-on training to medical residents. Members of the 3rd MDG began an exchange program with Providence to allow medical residents to come here and work alongside Air

  • Aircraft maintenance facility dedicated to Tuskegee Airman

    Airmen at Keesler AFB celebrated the life of retired Col. Lawrence Roberts Aug. 28 with a ceremony here dedicating the 403rd Wing's consolidated aircraft maintenance facility in his honor. The new $22.6 million structure is used to perform maintenance on equipment for aircraft assigned to the 53rd

  • Iraqi students attend safety course

    For the first time, four Iraqi students were welcomed to the International Flight Safety Officer Course by Maj. Gen. Fred Roggero, the Air Force chief of safety and Air Force Safety Center commander. The attendance of these four officers marks Iraq as the 80th country to send representatives to the

  • Improvement plan realigns acquisition wings as directorates

    Air Force officials will implement a new organizational construct for weapon systems acquisition that includes designating directorates, divisions and branches in place of some current wings, groups and squadrons. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • Defense Latinas praised for distinguished service

    Latina role models, including recently confirmed Chief Justice Sonia Sotomayor, are important to Hispanics and women in general, said a Connecticut Air National Guard member, who was lauded for her own accomplishments here Sept. 10, 2009. "She is an inspiration to all of us, especially Hispanic

  • AETC officials announce top 3 energy-reducing bases

    Air Education and Training Command officials have announced the installation winners for the command's 2009 Energy Incentive Award program. Vance Air Force Base, Okla., led the command with a 13.4 percent reduction in energy intensity and will receive a $1.5 million award. In a very tight race,

  • Injured Airman credits training for saving her life

    The training one Airman received during the Advanced Contingency Skills Training Course at the Air Force Expeditionary Center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., and the quick reaction of her teammates is what she attributed to saving her life. While on a convoy in Iraq Aug. 21, Capt. Wendy

  • Air Combat Command welcomes new commander

    Gen. William M. Fraser III assumed command of Air Combat Command from Gen. John D.W. Corley in a change-of-command ceremony here Sept. 10. General Fraser comes to ACC from the Pentagon, where he served as vice chief of staff of the Air Force and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Requirements

  • Maj. Gen. Hertog assumes command of 2nd Air Force

    When Maj. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog assumed command of 2nd Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base Sept. 9 from Maj. Gen. Alfred Flowers, Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz called the two generals "two of the finest leaders the Air Force has known." "When I meet with Airmen, I always tell them 'you're the next great

  • U.S and Canada sign agreement on civil space cooperation

    NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Canadian Space Agency President Steve MacLean signed a framework agreement Wednesday for cooperative activities in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.  Canadian Ambassador to the United States Michael Wilson hosted the signing at the

  • Secretary Donley: Airmen vital to missions in Iraq, Afghanistan

    Airmen remain a vital part of the joint mission, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley observed during his recent visit to installations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The secretary used the opportunity to speak with Airmen and receive mission updates in Iraq and

  • Airmen demonstrate their importance to Afghanistan, joint operations

    Joint expeditionary tasked Airmen have two commanders, the Army one responsible for their day-to-day missions and the Air Force one responsible for their administrative and operational control; but they both sing the praises of their Airmen. According to Army Lt. Col. Matt Smith the task force

  • AFMC leaders continue to focus on nuclear sustainment

    Sustaining the Air Force nuclear arsenal was emphasized by the commander of Air Force Materiel Command as he led center and wing commanders along with AFMC headquarters senior staff through two days of in-depth discussions during the command's semi-annual senior leaders conference here Sept. 1 and

  • 'Today's Air Force' features a new vice chief, teamwork and diversity

    This edition of Today's Air Force features a new vice chief of staff of the Air Force who comes to the job during a time of transition and change,  a lesson in teamwork that proves vital in helping Airmen accomplish their mission, and the celebration of cultural diversity around the world.General

  • Jungle Shield exercise trains Airmen, federal agencies

    Airmen at Andersen Air Force Base and Hickam AFB, Hawaii, participated in an exercise Aug. 25 through 27 to test the Air Force's ability to protect U.S. air sovereignty in the Pacific region. The exercise, known as Jungle Shield, trains flying crews and ensures command and control requirements are

  • JAG Corps officials announce law school programs

    Applications for the Funded Legal Education Program and Excess Leave Program are being accepted from Jan. 1 to March 1, 2010. The FLEP, which is a paid legal studies program for active-duty Air Force commissioned officers, is an assignment action and participants receive full pay, allowances and

  • Elmendorf Airmen convicted, sentenced for UCMJ violations

    An Elmendorf Air Force Base Airman was sentenced to 12 months confinement, reduction in rank to E-1 and a bad-conduct discharge for using "an interactive computer service for carriage in interstate or foreign commerce, obscene, lewd, lascivious, or filthy pictures or other matter of indecent

  • Airmen help Iraqi army take control of base operations

    Operations continue as normal at Camp Ur. The focus remains the same: keep the base running and the mission on target. Iraqi army soldiers routinely work with their U.S. counterparts, but one important difference now is that the Iraqis have taken command of the controls."It's a historic time for

  • 13th Air Force officials welcome new commander

    Officials from 13th Air Force here welcomed their new commander in a change-of-command ceremony Sept. 2 at Hickam Air Force Base.Lt. Gen. Herbert J. "Hawk" Carlisle assumed command of 13th Air Force as Lt. Gen. Loyd S. "Chip" Utterback relinquished command and will retire from the Air Force after

  • Defense Department to start H1N1 flu vaccinations

    All military personnel will be vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus, and the vaccine will be available to all military family members who want it, a Defense Department health affairs official said Sept. 2 here. The H1N1 vaccination program will begin in early October, said Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Wayne

  • Afterburner retiree newsletter back after 3-year hiatus

    After a three-year hiatus, the hard-copy Afterburner retiree newsletter is back. Special funding was granted to provide news and information to retirees and surviving spouses. However, those with computer access are urged to forego a hard-copy version to save money. There are approximately 770,000

  • Air Force secretary praises Airmen, discusses ops with Bagram Airmen

    The secretary of the Air Force visited 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen Aug. 29 here during his second visit to Afghanistan in 10 months. Secretary Michael B. Donley spoke to approximately 300 Airmen at an Airmen's Call held on the steps of an old, Russian air traffic control tower, known as the

  • AF general thanks Coast Guard for continuous shuttle support

    The Air Forces Northern commander and overseer of the Joint Task Force-Space Transportation System visited the Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral, Fla., to express his thanks to the team for their continued support of the JTF-STS mission. "NASA's mission is one of international importance, and your

  • Air Guard's domestic ops experts to confer on top priorities

    Hundreds of Air National Guard officials will gather here Sept. 21 through 25 to plan for domestic and civil support operations at the ANG Domestic Operations Essential 10 Requirements Conference. The conference will join subject matter and planning experts in working groups to discuss and

  • Innovative Airmen make jobs, lives easier

    Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing have applied the axiom "work smarter, not harder" to come up with solutions on the job that are saving manpower, time and money here in Southwest Asia. Examples of innovation are not limited to just one group. Each of the four groups assigned to the 379th

  • 'Today's Air Force' features chief of staff first-year reflections

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," the chief of staff of the Air Force reflects on his first year on the job, the Global Positioning System gets a high tech upgrade, and Airmen turn to a new program in Iraq to get help dealing with combat stress.Major changes have taken place across the Air

  • Base of preference requests can now be initiated online through vMPF

    Air Force Personnel Center officials have revamped the Voluntary Assignments Base of Preference Program to allow eligible enlisted members to initiate BOP requests online. Air Force members from the rank of E-8 and below can now apply for permanent change of station BOP, in-place BOP, or both

  • AFCENT commander, command chief visit JBB

    Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, the new U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander, and AFCENT Command Chief Master Sgt. Scott Dearduff visited Joint Balad Base Aug. 25 to survey various missions and address some of the Airmen he now commands. During his visit, General Hostage met with Army officials from the

  • Officials outline adoption process for military working dogs

    Military working dogs have come a long way since the days of ancient Persia and Assyria, where they donned armor, spiked collars and warned of impending attack or charged on the enemy's cavalry. Modern battlefield and customs conditions bring forth complex and ever-changing challenges, and as such,

  • New vice chief of staff takes office

    Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler is the new vice chief of staff of the Air Force, succeeding Gen. William M. Fraser III who held the position since October 2008. General Chandler comes to the Pentagon after two years of service as commander of Pacific Air Forces; Air Component Commander for U.S.

  • Contractor, U.S. Attorney agree on $15 million fraud suit settlement

    Earlier this month, the United States Attorney and Dynamics Research Corporation, known as DRC, corporate officials reached a settlement agreement in a False Claims Act suit filed by government officials recently. DRC, an advisory and assistance services government contractor supporting the Air

  • AMC wing hits high marks for nuclear surety

    Air Mobility Command Airmen showed strong support for "reinvigorating the Air Force nuclear enterprise" through a command-level no-notice inspection recently. From Aug. 17 to 24, the AMC Inspector General officials completed a no-notice Limited Nuclear Surety Inspection, or LNSI, of the 62nd Airlift

  • Secretary Donley visits deployed servicemembers

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley met with deployed servicemembers Aug. 26 at an air base in Southwest Asia and visited base facilities there during a brief stop on his tour of the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.He began his visit by making a presentation of six battle streamers

  • Air Force earns 6 campaign streamers

    A new chapter of military history was recognized here, Aug. 26, as the Secretary of  the Air Force added six campaign streamers to accompany the Air Force colors. The new streamers were presented by the Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, and received by Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, U.S. Air Forces

  • Air Forces Africa commander visits Kenyan air force

    Air Forces Africa officials arrived in Kenya Aug. 21 for the latest in a series of engagements between U.S. and Kenyan forces. AFAFRICA, also known as 17th Air Force, is the air component for U.S. Africa Command. AFAFRICA Commander Maj. Gen. Ronald R. Ladnier led the visit, which came in the wake of

  • New munitions units advance nuclear weapons center role

    With the activation and assumption of command for the 798th Munitions Maintenance Group at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Aug. 18, Air Force officials significantly advanced one of their top goals: reinvigorating the service's nuclear enterprise. The maintenance group was the last of four similar

  • New ergonomic seats installed in E-3 fleet

    For operators occupying the 19 control stations aboard E-3 Sentrys, 12-to-14-hour missions will become a bit more comfortable after new ergonomically designed seats are installed on the U.S. fleet. This Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft is the first of five legacy platforms to receive the

  • Business board calls for changes to personnel system

    In its final report, a Defense Business Board task group has recommended a "reconstruction" of the National Security Personnel System. Former Deputy Defense Secretary Rudy DeLeon chaired the group. Defense Department officials will use the board's recommendations as they ponder the system's future.

  • Collaboration key to success in cyber operations

    The Air Force Information Technology Conference opened Aug. 24 in Montgomery, Ala., with keynote addresses from the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs, the Air Force chief of staff and the CEO of McAfee, Inc. Collaboration emerged as a key theme in the opening day of the conference, which is now in

  • 3rd Bombardment Group reunites at Elmendorf

    Several members of the 3rd Bombardment Group reunited here Aug. 12 through 16 to honor an important chapter in the 3rd Wing's history.The 3rd BG, which was also known as the 3rd Attack Group, was stationed in Australia during World War II and is today's 3rd Wing. The members who reunited here were

  • Hanscom Airmen train with Massachusetts state troopers

    Hanscom Air Force Base security forces Airmen received specialized tactical training as part of an ongoing partnership with the Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations team in early August. The training, which took place in base dormitories, offered instruction on handling

  • Guardsmen deliver medical care to Guatemala

    About 40 medical personnel from the Arkansas Air National Guard are here performing a humanitarian medical readiness exercise as part of their annual training requirement. The medical team -- made up of general physicians, pediatricians, dentists, optometrists, pharmacists, nurses and medical

  • Chief of staff visits Beale

    Deployment lengths, force-shaping efforts and emerging unmanned aircraft missions were some of the topics on the minds of Beale Airmen during the visit by the Air Force chief of staff here Aug. 21. In his first visit to Beale since becoming the Air Force's top officer just over a year ago, Gen.