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U.S. Air Force News

  • U.S., Maylasia air forces conclude exercise Cope Taufan 2012

    After completing more than 140 sorties and several hundred flying hours, the U.S. Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force concluded exercise Cope Taufan 2012 at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base here, April 13. The Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, live-flying exercise, that included F-15 Eagles from

  • Space Command officials eliminate flight suit, jackets

    Air Force Space Command officials announced April 13 that Airmen assigned to the command will cease wearing flight suits, the green flight jacket and the A-2 Leather Jacket by the end of the fiscal year.Directed by Gen. William L. Shelton, the AFSPC commander, the move is designed to standardize

  • Academy cadet honored during White House ceremony

    An Air Force Academy cadet who cofounded a non-profit organization that supports daughters of military members was honored during a White House ceremony on April 11.Cadet Staff Sgt. Moranda Hern spoke at the White House during ceremonies marking the first anniversary of "Joining Forces," a national

  • Minot AFB officials work to improve Airmen resiliency

    Officials at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., will admit the northern-tier base poses several inherent challenges for the Airmen stationed there. Its high-tempo nuclear mission coupled with the base's isolated location and large population of young Airmen can test the resiliency of every member. Base

  • 'Battle of survival:' Special tactics officer awarded Air Force Cross

    In a harrowing 10-hour battle amidst more than 100 insurgents, a special tactics officer kept the enemy at bay with a little help from above. Capt. Barry F. Crawford Jr. was awarded the Air Force Cross during a Pentagon ceremony April 12 for his heroic actions controlling the air space and calling

  • 3 enlisted Airmen selected for advanced degree program

    Three Air Force master sergeants will pursue master's degrees through the Air Force Institute of Technology Enlisted to AFIT Graduate Degree Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Master Sgts. Yared M Abegaz, Air Mobility Command; Corey J. Perkins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe; and

  • CSAF: Total force integration key to increased effectiveness

    "Total Force Integration allows us to leverage Air Reserve Component experience, improve access to aircraft, encourage retention, and increase total force effectiveness," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz during opening remarks at the 18th Air Force TFI Summit here April 3-4.The

  • From Cuban refugee to U.S. Airman

    The year - 1995. The setting - Communist Cuba. Times were tough and chances for prosperity were depleting.In a make-shift boat built by her grandfather, a four-year old Cuban refugee and a dozen or so of her family members began their journey to America in hopes of a better life."Shortly after

  • Reserve, active duty F-22 pilots fly long-range strike exercise

    A mix of personnel from the 477th Fighter Group, 3rd Wing, and 673rd Air Base Wing left Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, to participate in a long range strike exercise on April 4.F-22 Raptors and E-3's assigned to the 3rd Wing along with F-16s from Misawa Air Base, Japan, B-1's from

  • Air Force staff sergeant creates tracking program

    There's a new computer-based program designed to track the training status for pilots. It's called "iFly," invented by Air Force Staff Sgt. Jose Castillo, 3rd Wing aviation resource management. It may become the new standard for the Pacific Air Forces.The path that led to this program shines with

  • Air Force to continue legacy of innovation, Donley says

    More than any other military service, people have viewed the U.S. Air Force as an innovative and "leap ahead" organization, the service's top civilian leader said here today.The pieces are in place to continue that legacy, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley told the Defense Writers Group.Even

  • Air Force crews deliver critical cargo to outposts

    A cold, isolated outpost high in the mountains of Afghanistan was running low on fuel, which provides all the power and heating for forces there. Within six hours, the fuel tank would be empty, with no way to keep warm as temperatures drop below freezing.Within five hours of receiving notification

  • DARPA looking for 8 motivated Airmen

    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency needs eight motivated officers for the fiscal year 2013 Service Chiefs Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Application packages for the three-month program, which begins in September, are due to the AFPC officer developmental

  • SecAF: In downsizing AF trades 'size for quality'

    In the current economic environment, the best course of action for the U.S. Air Force is to "trade size for quality," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley March 30 in a keynote address to attendees of the 39th Tinker and Community Dining Out at the Tinker Club.The secretary said that

  • Air Force boxer one of best in U.S.

    Senior Airman Adam Hassan, 375th Communications Squadron, fought through two weeks of try-outs and three months of intense training to be announced the best boxer in the Air Force and one of the top 10 boxers in the U.S.He had to compete against everyone who submitted a package to even get into the

  • PACANGEL unbound by numbers, helps 3,000 more

    Operation Pacific Angel, an ongoing humanitarian assistance mission conducted throughout the Pacific theater, was recently completed at the first location, Legazpi City, Philippines, for 2012. U.S. forces provided medical and engineering assistance, as well as forums for subject matter expert

  • New talent and old friend part of April AIRMAN

    One of the hottest new singers on the reality TV circuit shares the stage with an old friend turning 50 in the April issue of AIRMAN magazine.Following her appearance on the popular NBC reality talent show, the "Voice," singer Angie Johnson is the subject of a feature by writer Randy Roughton and

  • Transit Center moves nearly 20K people--in one week

    Service members at the Transit Center at Manas work side-by-side with Kyrgyz partners every day to support international efforts in Afghanistan by moving fuel, cargo and people. Last week, the team moved a record 19,827 coalition troops--the most since the installation opened 10 years ago.Between

  • CyberPatriot: Preparing for tomorrow's battles today

    Today, just about every aspect of our lives is somehow connected to the Internet. Our personnel records can be found online as well as our financial records, employment information -- just about everything that identifies who and what we are.On the job, the Internet is even more pervasive.

  • C-27 program cut explained, budget aligned with strategy

    The Air Force deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs discussed the reasoning behind the C-27J Spartan program cut from the fiscal 2013 budget request during the Air Force Association's monthly breakfast seminar here March 27."It's not because it isn't a good aircraft, and it's not

  • Schriever AFB dodgeballers set world record

    Twenty-five jammed fingers, 10 rolled ankles, at least 20 blisters, numerous sore shoulders and a world record. Twenty Schriever Air Force Base members got all that and more after playing dodgeball for more than 40 consecutive hours March 22-23, beating the Guinness Book of World Record for the

  • Top five things Airmen should know about energy

    In a soon-to-be released video, an Air Force senior leader shared key elements of the service's efforts to change the culture of energy and give Airmen a more personal stake in energy conservation as it relates to national security.In the video, entitled "The Five Things Every Airman Should Know

  • General: Space capability integral to all military operations

    Space capabilities have become integral to all military operations, the commander of Air Force Space Command told reporters here during a Defense Writers Group breakfast March 22."It's hard to imagine what life was like before we had ... GPS providing very accurate targeting capability, military

  • Bataan Death March Memorial marks 70th anniversary of deadly march

    Frank Hewlett once wrote: We're the battling bastards of Bataan;No mama, no papa, no Uncle Sam.No aunts, no uncles, no cousins, no nieces,No pills, no planes, no artillery pieces.And nobody gives a damn.Nobody gives a damn.This poem has been spoken year after year to those in attendance at the

  • Air Force ends pilot travel card program

    The Air Force recently decided to transition existing Controlled Spend Account travel cards to an enhanced Government Travel Card by the end of fiscal 2012. "The CSA, a pilot travel card program, provided some enhancements for travelers, but also brought about significant challenges for our most

  • SecAF: Cyberspace is an Air Force priority

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley highlighted cyberspace as an important Air Force priority and joint force enabler during remarks to Airmen, industry officials and Air Force Association members March 23 at the Air Force Association's 2012 CyberFutures Conference and Technology Exposition

  • Architects of the AOR's air picture

    The massive golf-ball looking object perched on the tee-like tower at Kandahar Airfield isn't just a useless landmark; instead the information obtained from it helps provide higher headquarters and tactical commanders pertinent information about Afghanistan's air space. The 73rd Expeditionary Air

  • AEFIs ensure Airmen know deployment window

    Do you know your Air and Space Expeditionary Force Indicator, or AEFI? The two-digit code identifies when your deployment period occurs within an AEF Cycle. All Airmen should know their AEFI and be prepared to deploy during that time period.AEFIs also give the Air Force Personnel Center's AEF and

  • AFGSC officials kick off Never Quit rowing challenge April 5

    Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen will learn how much pull it takes to get to the Olympics when the month-long Never Quit rowing challenge begins here April 5. The American300 rowing challenge, part of a command-wide initiative to strengthen and encourage Airmen, will begin with Lt. Gen. Jim

  • F-35 reaches critical juncture after strong year, official says

    The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program -- the centerpiece of future tactical aviation and a key to implementing new military strategic guidance -- made strong progress in its development last year, a defense official said today.Frank Kendall, the acting undersecretary of defense for

  • Loadmaster soars on American Idol

    For one aspiring singer at Westover, 15 minutes of fame stretched out over weeks as a contestant on American Idol.The television show broadcast to millions gave Tech. Sgt. Blaire Sieber an opportunity to stand in front of the world and live out her dream."It's really hard to describe the

  • Fallen pilot 'has come home'

    The pilot of a U-28A aircraft that crashed near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on Feb. 18 was laid to rest at the Air Force Academy Cemetery on March 12.Capt. Ryan Hall, 30, was a native of Colorado Springs and the son of 1970 Academy graduate Dennis Hall."By the size of the turnout, you can see Ryan

  • NASA legend returns to Holloman

    Gene Kranz, retired NASA flight director, returned to Holloman AFB March 8 after 52 years to revisit the 46th Test Group, where he researched and tested Surface-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missiles in the late 1950s."I worked at Holloman from 1958 to 1960 with the Quail program, where the principle

  • Langley Airmen test new fuel delivery system

    Airmen at Langley Air Force Base, Va., are testing a new fuel delivery system that could revolutionize flightline operations and save the Air Force millions of dollars.Senior Master Sgt. Patrick Smith, 633rd Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels management superintendent, said the new Hydrant Mobile

  • Global Eagle combines AF, British forces

    The historical partnership between U.S. and British forces was evident yet again through a combined exercise between U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force Regiment Feb. 26 through March 2. Defenders from the 820th Base Defense Group and tactical air control parties from the 3rd and 18th Air Support

  • Combat truckers roll out for last time

    The guideon furled silently and slid into its sleeve, signifying the mission was officially complete for the 387th Expeditionary Logistics Squadron during its inactivation ceremony March 6.Since the mission began in 2003 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, the Airmen and Soldiers of the

  • Langley tests new fuel delivery system

    Airmen here are testing a new fuel delivery system that officials say could revolutionize flightline operations and save the Air Force millions of dollars.The new Hydrant Mobile Refueler has been in development for roughly a year and a half, and it could be implemented throughout the Air Force in

  • Loftis remembered: 'Afghanistan lost its best friend'

    A funeral service was held here Monday for Lt. Col. John Darin Loftis, who died Feb. 25 from wounds received during an attack at the Interior Ministry, Kabul, Afghanistan.The solemn service was attended by approximately 250 of Loftis's family, friends and Airmen from across the Air Force. Among his

  • Air Force leaders discuss modernization in budget hearing

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz outlined the service's modernization efforts during testimony to the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Defense here March 6."Modernization is our most significant concern, especially as our

  • ANG combat comm squadron redesignated civil engineering unit

    A combat communications squadron that began the Air National Guard's presence in the U.S. Virgin Islands more than 32 years ago has transformed itself once again during a ceremony March 3.The 285th Combat Communications Squadron, activated in 1980 to provide communications support to the U.S. Virgin

  • Joint medical team provides care in Belize

    A 46-member team from Joint Task Force-Bravo, Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, provided medical care to approximately 620 community members here Feb. 28 during a joint medical readiness training exercise. Members of the Joint MEDRETE included the Belizean Ministry of Health, Belizean military and

  • COMUSAFE presents medal of distinction to German doctor

    Gen. Mark Welsh, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, presented the USAFE Medal of Distinction to a German doctor during an emotional ceremony at USAFE headquarters here March 2, 2012.Professor Dr. Kai Zacharowski was honored for his role in saving the lives of two USAFE Airmen who were critically

  • Global Strike commander: Nuclear deterrence fundamental to national security

    The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command visited here recently to discuss the command's mission and its significance to Air Force operations. Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski spoke to students from the Air War College, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, and Air Command and Staff College.AFGSC's

  • Air Force Museum offers virtual tour

    The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Virtual Tour is now fully embedded with audio and video hotspots, and touch-screen devices, offering online visitors the opportunity to experience the entire museum.Located at www.nmusafvirtualtour.com, the final two areas to be embedded -- the Cold War

  • Service science chiefs discuss technology, budget gaps

    In talks yesterday with science chiefs from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps, House Armed Services Committee members targeted technology advances, cyber security and gaps left by mandated cuts in the 2013 defense budget.The panel heard testimony from Dr. Steven H. Walker, the Air Force

  • Fifth generation fighters crucial to air superiority

    The Air Force is the world's most advanced air and space force and, with the integration of fifth generation aircraft, is gaining new tactical advantages that transcend beyond just stealth into areas such as enhanced maneuverability, multi-role capabilities and fused sensor and avionics systems that

  • Services officials announce teen summer camps

    Air Force Services Agency officials recently announced the call for three Air Force teen summer camps for 2012.The annual camps are designed to help Air Force youth build leadership skills and aspire to careers in space or aviation. The Teen Aviation Camp is scheduled for June 2-7 at the Air Force

  • Schwartz: Smaller Air Force will concentrate on key capabilities

    As the Air Force gets smaller in the years to come, it will have to emphasize the areas that will be the most relevant to defense, the Air Force chief of staff said here today.Gen. Norton A. Schwartz told the Defense Writers Group that as budgets drop, the Air Force must concentrate on four basic

  • Going 'where no African-American had gone before'

    She may never have traveled aboard an actual space shuttle, but in the 1960s Nichelle Nichols inspired a generation by boldly going where no African-American had gone before. With the debut of "Star Trek" in 1966, Nichols' role as Lt. Uhura not only broke racial barriers for African-American

  • AF Special Ops officer killed in Kabul shooting

    An officer assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command died Saturday of wounds suffered from a gunshot in Kabul, Afghanistan.Lieutenant Colonel John Darin Loftis, 866th Air Expeditionary Squadron, was deployed in support of OPERATION Enduring Freedom and working in the Government of the Islamic

  • Vietnam War rescue pilot goes on to command space shuttle

    African Americans blazed trails even beyond the stratosphere, as seen in the achievements of retired Col. Frederick D. Gregory, a former Air Force combat rescue pilot and NASA astronaut.After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1964, Gregory entered pilot training and attended undergraduate

  • SecAF: Air Force must continue to modernize

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley highlighted the service's need to continue future modernization plans during remarks to approximately 400 Airmen, industry officials and Air Force Association members Feb. 24 here.Donley spoke on the second day of the Air Force Association's 2012 Air Warfare

  • CSAF stresses importance of ready future force

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz emphasized the service's need for a strong total force ready for the future during remarks to Airmen and defense industry officials here Feb. 23.Schwartz was the first speaker at the Air Force Association's 2012 Air Warfare Symposium and Technology

  • Air Force fiscal 2013 budget invests in critical space capabilities

    Investment in space programs was a priority in this year's Air Force budget, according to Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton.Air Force leaders sought to sustain and modernize the capabilities that enable the service to support the Department of Defense's new strategic guidance, Conaton

  • Industry leaders briefed on ISR future

    Lt. Gen. Larry James, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, briefed industry leaders about the service's ISR future during the Aviation Week Defense Technology, Affordability and Requirement Conference here, Feb. 15. The Air Force provides distinctive

  • First black female fighter pilot follows childhood dream

    By the time she was in fourth grade, young Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell knew she wanted to be a fighter pilot.What the now-Air Force major didn't know, however, was that she would knock down a racial barrier by becoming the first black female in the career field.Kimbrell was born in Lafayette, Ind., on

  • Olympian becomes weather officer during World War II

    Archie Williams, 1936 Olympic Gold Medal winner was later Archie Williams, Air Force weather officer and pilot. With a need for thousands of weather officers in the expanding Army Air Forces in World War II, a Meteorology Aviation Cadet program trained more than 5,600 weather officers by the last

  • DOD seeks leadership program candidates

    Department of Defense officials are seeking active duty Air Force majors and major-selects to apply for the academic year 2012-2013 Executive Leadership Development Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Although civilians are also eligible for the program, the call for nominations

  • Daniel James III makes own mark in Air Force history

    The son of the Air Force's first African-American four-star general made a mark in his own right during an Air Force career spanning close to four decades.Lt. Gen. Daniel James III was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on Sept. 7, 1945. He earned his commission as a distinguished graduate of the University

  • Nurse faced hurdles for military acceptance

    Retired Army Maj. Nancy C. Leftenant-Colon, the first black nurse in the Reserve or active-duty Army nurse corps, didn't expect it to be easy.As a Reservist, she knew upon joining the U.S. Army in 1945 that there would be hurdles, but her strength in the face of adversity created avenues for

  • CMSAF testifies before Congress

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy testified at the House Appropriations Committee's Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Quality of Life hearing Feb. 16. He discussed topics that included wounded warrior care and building resiliency in Airmen. "We must ensure our Airmen

  • 455th ESFS Reapers push out insurgents, keep Bagram safe

    Most service members deployed to Afghanistan have heard the alarm blare over the giant voice system that signals incoming indirect fire to the base. While most people do their best to stay safe by taking cover and waiting for the "all clear," the Reapers gear up and head outside the wire in search

  • Mobile Web app makes personnel accountability easier

    Software developers have created a new mobile Web application that allows total force Airmen the ability to account for themselves and family members from their smartphone during a crisis or natural disaster.During a crisis, the Air Force uses the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment

  • Airman earns 'Miss Rodeo USA' title

    Staff Sgt. Trisha Smeenk, 114th Public Affairs, was selected as Miss Rodeo USA for 2012 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Jan. 15, 2012. She received the crown in conjunction with the International Finals Rodeo held there.Sgt. Smeenk is the first South Dakotan, and first National Guard airman, to receive the

  • AF flight surgeon makes mark during historic space flight

    The American public remembers John Glenn for his solo orbit around Earth. They remember Neil Armstrong for his walk on the moon. But few remember how Col. (Dr.) Vance H. Marchbanks Jr., one of the first black flight surgeons in the Army and the first in the Air Force, made it possible for them and

  • AFSPC commander addresses maturing cyberspace domain

    The Air Force Space Command commander highlighted space and cyberspace superiority, acquisition strategies and industry partnerships, and the need for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education during a speech Feb. 7 in Colorado Springs, Colo.Gen. William Shelton kicked off the

  • Air Force kicks off ESOH Symposium

    The Air Force kicked off its 20th annual Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Symposium at the Colorado Convention Center here Feb. 13.The largest military training event of its kind features 525 course offerings for more than 1,200 attendees and runs through Feb. 17. Air Force senior leaders

  • Mildenhall Airmen honored during CSAF visit

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz helped honor Team Mildenhall's annual award winners during a banquet here Feb. 10.Those recognized as the Team Mildenhall 2011 Annual Award winners were:- Capt. Nathaniel Smith, Company Grade Officer of the Year- Senior Master Sgt. Emilio Hernandez,

  • AF 2013 budget: Cuts while keeping agile, flexible, ready force

    The Air Force released its fiscal 2013 budget Feb. 13 and stressed the need for difficult budgetary cuts to meet the new defense strategy while maintaining the service's agility, flexibility and readiness.The Air Force is requesting $154.3 billion in the president's 2013 budget, a reduction of five

  • 35 Airmen selected for 2012 Tops in Blue tour

    Air Force Services Agency officials here recently announced the names of 35 Airmen selected for the 2012 Tops in Blue tour. In January, more than 80 Airmen competed as singers, dancers, musicians, magicians and technicians for Tops in Blue slots during the annual Air Force Worldwide Talent Search at

  • Troops, families to benefit from landmark settlement

    Service members and their families are among the Americans who will benefit from a "landmark" $25 billion foreclosure settlement between the government and banks, federal and state officials said today.The federal government and 49 state attorneys general reached the agreement with the nation's five

  • AF 'Energy Horizons' paper

    The Air Force's Energy Horizons paper was released Feb. 9 and describes how the Service plans to increase energy supply, reduce demand and change the culture to meet mission requirements.Energy Horizons, which was signed Jan. 25, is the Air Force vision for energy science and technology focusing on

  • Air Force spouse featured on 'Wheel of Fortune'

    The spouse of an NCO stationed here made her national television debut as a "Wheel of Fortune" contestant Feb. 6. Rebecca Sander, wife of Tech. Sgt Jeffery Sander, was on the show as part of its "Military Spouse Week."After seeing an advertisement on Facebook for military spouse auditions for the

  • End of an era for Edwards test flight civilian

    Bearing witness to over a half century of aerospace engineering and innovation is a testament to one's interest in flight test history. However, to actually participate in over 50 years of it is a testament to one's dedication and excellence in the field.After 55 years of work for the Air Force

  • Joint partnership brings equipment home

    Twenty-six Airmen from the 435th Contingency Response Group traveled to Romania in partnership with the 21st Theater Sustainment Command to re-deploy the 170 th Brigade Combat team's equipment from Afghanistan to their home unit in Baumholder, Germany.The operation took less than a month with the

  • Air Force leaders chart service changes

    Making changes to the Air Force is "hard, but manageable," Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley said here today.Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz detailed force structure changes that will be made in the service over the next year. The men spoke during a Pentagon news

  • SecAF: AF will continue to be ready, agile and flexible

    In the face of a changing strategic environment and constrained budgets, the Air Force will maintain its agility, flexibility and readiness to engage a full range of contingencies and threats, according to Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley.Donley spoke to approximately 160 Airmen, industry

  • Engineer promotes African-Americans in early days of aviation

    An engineering student from Chicago would go on to become an important link in African-American aviation history and do much to take the accomplishments of the early pioneers in aviation and propel them to national acclaim.William J. Powell was born in Kentucky in 1897 and moved with his family to

  • DOD begins prorating imminent danger pay

    Service members now will receive imminent danger pay only for days they actually spend in hazardous areas, Pentagon officials said here today.The change, which took effect yesterday, was included in the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, which President Barack Obama signed into law Dec.

  • Bessie Coleman: Woman who 'dared to dream' made aviation history

    A young woman from rural east Texas, who grew up in a hardscrabble existence as one of 13 children born to poor sharecropper parents, became an unlikely choice to pave the way for future African-American accomplishments in aviation and the U.S. Air Force.Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman would go on to be

  • Americans provide comfort, solace to Kyrgyz cancer patients

    Members from the Manas Area Benefit Outreach Society traveled to the Children's Cancer Center in Bishkek, Jan. 25, to hand out toys and provide comfort to the children there.MABOS is a private, nonprofit, volunteer-service organization that works with local charities to support the Bishkek area and

  • CSAF: AF will be smaller but superb force

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz explained the service's contributions to the new Defense Department strategy during a Pentagon press briefing here Jan. 27. Schwartz said that as the Air Force approaches future constrained budgets, service officials will trade size for quality in order

  • SecAF visits Colorado Springs, highlights budget priorities

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley received a warm welcome from the local community here Jan. 27 during remarks at the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce to approximately 40 local community, military and business leaders. Donley said his trip to Colorado Springs provided a chance to visit

  • President Obama visits Buckley Air Force Base

    President Barack Obama was greeted by Col. Daniel Dant, 460th Space Wing commander, and Air Force Secretary Michael Donley here Jan. 26, amidst a flurry of media and wing members as he spoke on energy conservation and renewable energy.Buckley AFB is a fitting backdrop to the commander-in-chief's

  • Obama praises DOD's energy leadership, stewardship

    President Barack Obama traveled to Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., Jan. 26 to praise the military for "doing its part" -- not just in the nation's defense, but also as leaders in energy conservation.Obama delivered his message at the home of the 460th Space Wing in Aurora, Colo., calling the "green"

  • Hiring from Bender list supports presidential disability hiring goals

    Hiring officials can use the Office of Personnel Management Shared List of People with Disabilities to help the Air Force meet presidential disability hiring expectations, and by doing so may also speed up the hiring process.According to Sonia Ybanez, of the Air Force Personnel Center program

  • Airmen assist victims of avalanche, downed aircraft in Afghanistan

    A team of U.S. Air Force and Afghan air force aircrew and support personnel snapped into action Jan. 24 to provide life-saving support to 31 Afghan victims of an avalanche.Additionally, the team supported an Afghan aircrew that had downed their aircraft in an effort to rescue the victims of the

  • National Museum USAF displays formerly classified reconnaissance satellites

    Military, government and industry officials gathered Jan. 26 to officially place three formerly classified reconnaissance satellites on public display in the Cold War Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force here.The three satellites -- Gambit 1 KH-7, Gambit 3 KH-8 and Hexagon KH-9 --

  • Air Force leaders say strategy calls for F-22, F-35 capabilities

    Fifth-generation fighter aircraft are key to America maintaining domain dominance in the years ahead, Air Force officials said here Jan. 24.Lt. Gen. Christopher D. Miller, the deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs, and Maj. Gen. Noel T. "Tom" Jones, the service's director for

  • AETC marks 70 years of training and education excellence

    The demand for flying training caused by the United States' entry into World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor, resulted in the creation of the Air Corps Flying Training Command January 23, 1942. Today marks Air Education and Training Command's 70th Anniversary. After several re-designations,

  • Old satellite teaching new lessons

    Since Jan. 13, the 2nd Space Operations Squadron here has been busy disposing of an old and trusted satellite. Squadron members could soon refer to the vehicle, known as SVN-30, as the satellite that keeps on giving because crews continues to garner invaluable information concerning how Global

  • AF reservists support first rocket launch of year

    Air Force Reserve Combat-search-and-rescue Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., supported the successful launch of a Delta IV rocket carrying the fourth Wideband Global SATCOM satellite at 7:38 p.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 37 here Jan. 19.Maintenance Airmen readied

  • Fitness NCO brings smiles to deployed Airmen

    This NCO is always there. If you're feeling down, she will comfort you. If you're eating by yourself, she will sit by you, and, if you're looking to improve your fitness, she'll whip your body into shape. She is ... the ultimate wingman.Meet Staff Sgt. Sokum Ouk, a 332nd Expeditionary Force Support