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U.S. Air Force News

  • Women aviators highlight flight progress

    In 1944, when the B-29 hit the flightline, Army Air Corps pilots were hesitant to fly the new bomber. It was bigger and more complicated than its predecessor, the B-17, and had a reputation for engine fires.Then-Lt. Col. Paul W. Tibbets, who was in charge of training the Army Air Forces' pilots,

  • Women conquer heights and fights

    With women now allowed to pursue combat related career fields, the first notion is that women have not participated in combat related duties whatsoever. But in reality this isn't the first time women have been put in the line of fire. During an airborne training exercise at Fort Bragg, N.C., female

  • Women Empowered seminar instills Jiu-Jitsu, self-defense strategies

    Hundreds of feet pounding the wrestling mats echoed in the fitness center here. A stern man instructed the students to not remove their hand from the ground before planting their feet on the floor.In an effort to reduce the frequency of sexual assaults in the armed forces, the Gracie Academy created

  • Women Falcons down Northern Colorado, 67-60

    The Air Force women’s basketball team -- fighting off a second-half rally -- made six free throws in the final 40 seconds of their season opener to beat Northern Colorado, 67-60. The Falcons' Nov. 18 win was their first opening-day win in three years. The Falcons won the game on the foul line,

  • Women in AF paved way, often through adversity

    In a quote from one of Shakespeare's plays, "Twelfth Night," the character Malvallo remarks that "some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon 'em."Women in the Air Force (WAF) produced many such women who did not set out to be trailblazers but whose

  • Women learn to fight stress from home front

    During a week in which White House officials pledged a whole-of-government approach to supporting military families, 11 women worked diligently a few miles away to learn to cope with the stresses of their husbands' multiple deployments and the post-traumatic stress that affects many of them when

  • Women of Weather: Hurricane Hunters make a difference

    Those goals became reality for Maj. Ashley Lundry, an aerial reconnaissance weather officer, and Maj. Devon Meister, a pilot, both members of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, referred to as the Hurricane Hunters, a unit in the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi.

  • Women pilots of World War II inspired generations

    Under a clear blue sky, beneath the spires of the U.S. Air Force Memorial here, military aviators gathered March 9 here to pay homage to the achievements of the first women to fly military aircraft during World War II. The memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony, with a reception afterward, was

  • Women pilots: A weapon to be used

    "This is not a time when women should be patient. We are in a war and we need to fight it with all our ability and every weapon possible. Women pilots, in this particular case, are a weapon waiting to be used," said Eleanor Roosevelt, former first lady of the United States. These words, spoken in

  • Women play important role in military

    Throughout history, women have broken barriers to serve in the military, some legitimately and some not. Many women worked as nurses on battlefields, while others disguised themselves as men so they could join. Even though the contributions women made were recognized, Americans would not allow

  • Women prove they have the 'right stuff' to fly

    Throughout history, women have made a lasting impression on the fabric of the United States. In colonial times, women helped their husbands defend their farms from Indian attacks. During the American Revolution, women such as Mary Hays McCauly (better known as Molly Pitcher) took care of their

  • Women’s Health Transition Training offered virtually

    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Women’s Health Services and the Department of the Air Force’s Women’s Initiative Team collaborated to establish training that provides information on health services available to women who are separating or retiring from the military.

  • Women’s health: Take time to get checked

    Each October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, women are reminded to put themselves first and make time for their health. Making health a priority helps people stay in optimum shape and keeps illnesses and disease at bay.

  • Women’s Leadership Symposium inspires growth, diversity

    The two-day event drew more than 250 attendees from across the command. The symposium featured keynote speakers, issue-focused panels and collaborative networking discussions designed to empower women to help foster workplace environments that embrace diversity and promote leadership growth

  • Women’s legacy parallels Air Force history

    As we celebrate the Air Force’s 67th birthday, we talk of how far we’ve come and look ahead to what the future holds, but it’s just as important to look at where we’ve been. The story of women in the military, specifically the Air Force, parallels that of the Air Force itself. In fact, for women

  • Women’s soccer loses 1-0 match at Colorado College

    Forward Stevie Kernan scored the only goal of the match with 13:58 left in the first half Sept. 25, lifting Colorado College to a 1-0 victory over Air Force in NCAA Division I women’s soccer at the college.The CC Tigers extended their undefeated streak to six games and improved to 5-3-1 for the

  • Women's basketball salutes troops, families

    The Women's National Basketball Association showed its support for the military by giving out 2,000 free tickets for U.S. servicemembers and military family members to attend this year's All-Star Game held July 15 at the Verizon Center here. To further honor women serving in the military, the WNBA

  • Women's Basketball: Bradley defeats Air Force, 62-45

    The Academy Falcons dropped a 62-45 women's basketball game to the Bradley Braves Dec. 19 at Clune Arena here. The loss dropped the Falcons to 2-8 on the season and lifted the Braves to 3-6. After starting the game out neck-and-neck, Bradley pulled away late in the first half and never looked back.

  • Women's contributions to Air Force honored

    In conjunction with the Air Force's 60th anniversary celebration this year, the country's youngest military service is paying tribute to women's contributions to its rich history and heritage. "Heritage to Horizons: Earning Our Wings and Reaching the Stars" is the theme of the 2007 Air Force

  • Women's leadership discussion: 'Why are women leaving the Air Force'

    Deployments, starting a family, bad mentorship and losing passion for the job are just a few reasons mentioned by uniformed and prior-service women during a panel discussion about why women are leaving the Air Force, at the Joint Women's Leadership Symposium here June 7.The Air Force panel

  • Women's roles evolve quickly following World War II

    Within the time span it took for women in television to transform from the female stereotypes portrayed on "I Love Lucy" to the more modern, late-century version found on "Murphy Brown," women in the U.S. Air Force were making strides that far outpaced their Hollywood counterparts.By the end of

  • Women's soccer falls 4-1 in exhibition match

    Lleane Grimditch scored two goals to propel defending Sun Belt Conference Champion Denver over the U.S. Air Force Academy team, 4-1, Aug. 20 in their soccer exhibition openers here. The Denver Pioneers scored the first goal 42 seconds into the match and never looked back. Holly Huppert took a pass

  • Women's symposium fosters networking, leadership development

    The Sea Services Leadership Association hosted the 27th Annual Joint Women's Leadership Symposium here June 12-13, to recognize the strengths and talents of women in the armed forces and discuss the unique aspects of being a female service member.

  • Woof! "Major" relief for PTSD

    Imagine a pet trained to understand the side effects that come with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Imagine a pet trained to understand your symptoms to aid a path to recovery. One such pet resides at Minot Air Force Base and is helping a member of Team Minot every day.Meet Major, an adopted

  • Work begins when boots hit the ground

    To move 35,000 troops in and out of Southwest Asia each month, Airmen and fellow servicemembers are called to action as soon as the crew door opens upon landing. "What separates us from all other air terminals is that here, passengers become troops as soon as the plane lands," said Maj. Charlene

  • Work continues at Osan crash site

    Base workers labored throughout the night surveying debris from the F-16 Fighting Falcon that crashed near a gate at approximately 8 p.m. May 29. A pilot from the 36th Fighter Squadron was taking off on a training mission in the F-16 when the crash occurred. The aircraft was carrying inert bombs

  • Work continues to replace T-38 aileron levers

    To meet the challenge of building more than 1,000 aileron actuator levers for T-38 Talon aircraft, workers in the 532nd Commodities Maintenance Squadron's New Manufacturing and Repair Division literally had to start from scratch. The levers, which control moveable flaps on the T-38's wings, are

  • Work on 'LANs' proves airworthy

    A C-135C Speckled Trout crew recently tested an airborne local-area-network system designed to provide global broadband communications via satellite.A year in the making, the flight test launched a six-month initiative to prove this commercial off-the-shelf system can provide high-speed Internet,

  • Workforce cuts drive shift in personnel services delivery

    Personnel Services Delivery and Program Budget Decision 720 are two key programs that continue to push significant transformation in the Air Force. One of the newest changes making its way here is a product of both the streamlined personnel processes and increased manpower cuts resulting from PSD

  • Working dog handler receives Purple Heart

    "Today, you have an example of what a truly great NCO can be," said the 42nd Air Base Wing commander to those attending the January and February enlisted promotion ceremony at the Enlisted Club Jan. 31. Col. Pete Costello referred to Staff Sgt. Robert Brown, a 42nd Security Forces Squadron military

  • Working dog kennels receive massive renovation

    Military working dogs transitioning through a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility are receiving a "bone-a-fide" upgrade to their accommodations, courtesy of the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. The renovations, which included floor stripping and resealing, and the

  • Working dog teams search, patrol together

    Ensuring the safety of everyone at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here rests upon a group of Airmen and their highly trained four-legged partners. The 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog Section has several certified teams made up of handlers and their explosive

  • Working dog, EOD team partner to secure Alaska's interior

    The Department of Homeland Security teamed up with Eielson AFB Airmen here in an effort to keep the Fairbanks North Star Borough safer May 5. A military working dog team assigned to the 354th Security Forces Squadron, and an explosive ordnance disposal team from 354th Civil Engineer Squadron swept

  • Working dogs, handlers dynamic duo for base defense

    Deploying in pairs, military working dogs and their handlers share a bond exclusive to their career field; each directly dependent upon each other to accomplish the mission. This bond is strengthened in a deployed environment keeping the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron military working

  • Working group releases museum report

    Independent working group officials, tasked to review the Air Force Museum's operational procedures, released their findings Nov. 18. The working group was assembled after museum artifacts turned up lost or missing.Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche chartered the working group Sept. 15

  • Working groups to present solutions at I-WEPTAC

    Hosted by the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, the conference is the Air Force’s premiere innovation forum for members of the installation and mission support community. It draws experts from the various Air Force and Space Force support core functions who address mission

  • Workplace violence not 'shop talk'

    Workplace violence recently made national headlines at the Lockheed Martin plant in Meridian, Miss., where six people died and nine others were injured.Officials here, at Air Force Materiel Command and the Air Force have a zero-tolerance policy on workplace violence, according to JoAnn Hutchison,

  • Workshop unites digital-first experts on transformation

    More than 250 individuals joined the online event, which leveraged the DTO Metaverse to engage participants in a virtual reality ecosystem designed to drive innovative thinking and digital-first thought strategies across the community.

  • Workshops help parents with school transfers

    "If you'd been here two weeks earlier, we could have gotten this taken care of, and your child would be graduating with the rest of the class."That is one of the last things military parents want to hear a counselor say when their children transfer from one school to another around the globe,

  • World powers bring soft touch to African neighbors

    World powers!  The words often bring to mind the image of a military might with continuous armed presence around the world. Although this is definitely a key capability, there is also a softness demanded of world power leaders and that is exactly what people of Africa have found in their western

  • World War I soldier's remains identified

    The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced Sept. 22 the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War I, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors. This is the first time the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, or JPAC,

  • World War II ‘evaders’ congregate at memorial

    Their shoulders may be stooped, and their pace a little slow. Hearing aids are a common “fashion statement,” and their hair, what’s left of it, is a tad gray. But one look into their eyes is enough to know the old spirit of adventure is still there.About 80 members of the Air Forces Escape and

  • World War II air crash victims honored

    World War II veteran John A. Glaros clearly remembers the day 63 years ago when he heard that his friend, a fellow U.S. Army Air Forces radioman, had perished in an air crash in Australia that would remain a secret for many years afterward. "We were devastated," recalled Mr. Glaros, now an

  • World War II Airman remains recovered

    An Airman who served with 555th Bombardment Squadron, 386th Bombardment Group, 9th Bomber Command, during World War II was accounted for Jan. 22, 2018.

  • World War II Airman's remains identified

    The remains of an Airman missing since World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors, said the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in a Defense Department news release issued Aug. 6.

  • World War II aviators share stories, experiences

    It's rare today to be able to sit down with living legends and pick their brains of past experiences and commitment during their military aviation careers. Three such individuals provided that opportunity for servicemembers and civilians here March 31 during "Lunch with the Legends" at the base

  • World War II B-24 pilot's remains laid to rest at Arlington

    The remains of an Army Air Forces pilot who died in an aircraft crash 64 years ago in Alaska were interred Sept. 7 at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. "It's fulfilling to get the recognition he deserves," said John S. Hoskin, 82, of his late brother, 2nd Lt. Harold E. Hoskin of Houlton,

  • World War II hero receives medals after 65 years

    A safety NCO here helped a veteran receive recognition for his service during World War II.Tech. Sgt. Wayne Herold, a 22nd Air Refueling Wing ground safety technician, helped Gordon Ballagh, a 90-year-old veteran and prisoner of war during World War II receive four medals: the Prisoner of War Medal,

  • World War II Ironman's remains return home

    In the hallway of the 71st Fighter Squadron here hangs a large wooden board adorned with framed names of "Ironmen" pilots from World War II and Operation Desert Storm. One of those names is 1st Lt. Carl Hoenshell. Three Maltese crosses under his name indicate the number of enemy aircraft he shot

  • World War II MIAs recovered in Germany

    A line in the Airman's creed states, "I will never leave an Airman behind." For the McMurray Crew 801 with the 492nd Bombardment Group, that promise was fulfilled, albeit 60-plus years after their B-24 bomber went down during World War II. An international crowd gathered Feb. 20 at the

  • World War II pilot receives Distinguished Flying Cross

    A former Army Air Corps first lieutenant received the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions he took almost 63 years ago, during a ceremony May 7 at the Travis Air Museum. Art Cader earned the medal for his heroism during a World War II bombing mission he was part of Sept. 30, 1944. The medal is

  • World War II vet awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

    Family, friends, senior leaders and pilots gathered Aug. 24 to honor a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress pilot during an award ceremony at Randolph's famed Taj Mahal where he was award the Distinguished Flying Cross medal.Second Lt. Samuel Smith was assigned to the 360th Bombardment Squadron at RAF

  • World War II vet honored on Father's Day

    It took the tenacity of a daughter, the insistence of a politician and the presence of 27th Special Operations Wing members here June 21 to properly recognize a World War II Soldier who sacrificed his leg in combat. In a Father's Day ceremony in Portales, N.M., Col. Stephen Clark, the 27th SOW

  • World War II vet receives long-awaited medals

    Although he was not dressed in the khaki Army Air Corps uniform he wore after enlisting at 17, World War II veteran Tech. Sgt. Howard Thornton was no less proud when he received medals during a special ceremony here Aug. 29. A small gathering of family, friends and military members assembled to

  • World War II veteran receives Purple Heart

    Fifty-nine years after his plane crashed near Rheims, France, an Air Force staff sergeant received his Purple Heart during a ceremony May 28 at the World War II Memorial here.John Martinez was a staff sergeant serving with the 9th Air Force as an aerial gunner in an A-20 attack bomber April 11,

  • World War II veterans greeted, honored during visit to nation's capital

    The Honor Flight Network hosted 169 World War II veterans who were greeted at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport as they landed to visit and reflect at memorials throughout the local area. The Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization created solely to honor America's veterans for all

  • World War II veterans share memories during conference

    The first snow of the winter blanketed the German landscape below his P-51 Mustang, and as the young World War II pilot flew alongside others in formation, he noticed an important detail. "There were two silver aircraft and two painted with the green camouflage flying alongside me," said retired

  • World War II vets honored at 60th anniversary of war's end

    World War II veterans gathered with military, political and diplomatic leaders and the public to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the war's end Sept. 2 at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall here.Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld sponsored the event, and military leaders from every

  • World War II vets receive Bronze Stars after 62 years

    Reunited in a hotel ballroom just outside Washington, D.C., a small group of former Army Air Corps members were presented with long-overdue medals in a ceremony Sept. 9. Gen. Ronald E. Keys, Air Combat Command commander, presented Francis Goldberg, John Bucko, John McCurdy and Eugene Peterson

  • World War II vets share wartime stories with Charleston Airmen

    A new generation of Airmen came face-to-face with the "Greatest Generation" when a group of World War II veterans from the 493rd Fighter Squadron visited Charleston Air Force Base June 29. Airmen from the 16th Airlift Squadron hosted the group along with Lt. Col. Michael King, the 493rd FS commander

  • World War II vets visit former home

    A group of veterans, college students and faculty members were joined by members of the 100th Air Refueling Wing to honor the heroes of World War II, particularly those who participated in the allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day June 1 at Thorpe Abbots, England. The airfield at Thorpe Abbots was

  • World War II women aviators gather for final reunion

    The past and present came together Sept. 25 through 28 here as women aviators from different generations took part in the final reunion for the original Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II. Women from across the country assembled to honor the courage and dedication of the pilots, and the

  • World War II women warriors pass on history, heritage

    After pooling her quarters with her cousin to pay the whopping, 1920s fee of $1.50, Caro Bayley climbed into a Tri-motor Ford airplane at Springfield Airfield, Ohio. She was about to make a historic flight -- the first in her life.Soaring over the clouds, the young girl looked down at the ground.

  • World War II, Korean War ace passes away May 11

    The Air Force's first double ace in World War II, who later flew in the Pacific Theater and the Korean War, died May 11 at his home in Newport Beach, Calif.Retired Col. Walker Mahurin, was credited with 24.25 victories while flying in three theaters of war. He became the first double ace in November

  • World-class runners to compete in Air Force Marathon

    Two running legends will return for the 10th annual U.S. Air Force Marathon. Marathon champions Bill Rodgers and Alberto Salazar will once again have a full itinerary as they arrive the day before the big event. Rodgers will sign autographs and greet marathon participants from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • World's first astronautics department celebrates 50 years

    The world's oldest astronautics department celebrates its 50th anniversary on March 7. The academic department is home to the nation's only undergraduate satellite program, and is also busy designing rapid, responsive sounding rockets, and controlling the Air Force Academy's growing space fleet. "As

  • World's largest ground test center now on YouTube

    Arnold Engineering Development Center officials have launched a YouTube channel to showcase various systems tested at the center, including the F-35 and F-22 fighter jets and NASA Ares rocket.The AEDC channel can be found at www.youtube.com/user/aedctesttube. Department of Defense officials

  • World's largest military aviation museum launches virtual tour

    Air Force history buffs now can walk by JFK's Air Force One or the Presidential Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force from their living rooms. Museum officials recently launched the first phase of an interactive, 360-degree virtual tour available on the museum's website. Users now can

  • World's largest, oldest aviation museum preserves history

    Skilled artisans at the National Museum of the United States Air Force on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, work diligently to return aircraft to their original form with no embellishments. "We are here to preserve history," said Dave Lazzarine, the Collection Management Division

  • World-unique tire testing capability saves millions for warfighters

    Predicting aircraft tire wear is a complex, time-intensive phenomenon, highly dependent on multiple variables. Historically, testers focused on the structural integrity of a tire prior to fielding and use. However, the ability to quickly and accurately predict tire wear remained a challenge across

  • Worldwide memorial held for fallen TACP Airman

    A memorial ceremony was held globally May 26 by tactical air control party Airmen to honor a fallen comrade.The ceremony was held precisely at 9:11 a.m. Central Standard Time, to honor Senior Airman Bradley Smith who is being memorialized on the TACP Memorial at Hurlburt Field, Fla. "It's most

  • Worldwide Talent Contest applications due by Oct. 26

    If you have talent, the Air Force has a place for you to showcase it -- the Worldwide Talent Contest -- and applications are due by Oct.. 26. This year the contest runs from Dec. 2 to 10, and if you can sing, dance or play a musical instrument, you could find yourself as a member of the Air Force's

  • Worldwide weather system installations completed

    The Electronic Systems Center here has wrapped up a five-year, $70 million effort to replace 110 fixed-based weather sensing systems at sites across the globe. The center and the prime contractor, Coastal Environmental Systems of Seattle, Wash., completed the final installation in Southwest Asia

  • Worn aircraft parts safer, more reliable after innovations

    Big business 21st century style comes with the obvious mandates of increased production, quality and efficiency. Now, that same mindset is being embraced by institutions that, while not having the typical bottom line for stockholders, have customers who demand top quality for their dollar just the

  • Worth the weight: Airman finds solace in gym sessions

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series. These stories focus on individual Airmen, highlighting their Air Force story.) With her brow furrowed and teeth clenched as muscles in her body tense up, the dissonant sounds of metallic ringing, determined grunting and echoed overhead

  • WOTS holds second graduation

    WOTS graduated 30 warrant officers, sending technical experts and advisors into the force to support the cyber and IT career fields.

  • Wounded Airman receives new home

    The morning alarm wakes him. He gets dressed, brushes his teeth and gets his two-year-old son ready for the day. He does this with no legs, and only one arm.

  • Wounded Airman, wife use lessons from adversity to help others

    A wounded Airman and his wife plan to use the lessons they've learned about marriage and friendship through military service and adversity to help servicemembers who might be struggling after deployment or injury. Tech. Sgt. Matthew Slaydon was wounded Oct. 24, 2007, while inspecting an improvised

  • Wounded Airman: 'Absolute privilege to defend America'

    A wounded NCO spoke to 300 Airmen, retirees, Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce officials and members of the Alamo Chapter of the Air Force Association Nov. 3 at the Randolph Air Force Base Enlisted Club. The AFA-sponsored "Combat Breakfast" hosted Staff Sgt. Christopher Slaydon and 21 other

  • Wounded arrive in Germany

    Tech. Sgt. John Schiffhauer (right) of the 932nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and members of the 86th Aeromedical Staging Facility here unload a wounded soldier from a C-141 Starlifter on March 24. Twelve soldiers wounded during Operation Iraqi Freedom were