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  • F-16s, MiGs engage over Bulgarian skies

    U.S. pilots from the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons based out of Aviano Air Base, Italy, have been given a rare opportunity to train and share experiences with Bulgarian air force MiG-21 and MiG-29 pilots during their deployment here in support of Thracian Star 2012.Since the start of the

  • CSAF emphasizes readiness, teamwork at Kandahar

    The men and women of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing and Kandahar Airfield welcomed Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz to Southern Afghanistan April 24.During his stop, Schwartz addressed a large number of Air Force personnel from throughout the installation at an all-call conducted in a

  • Fallen Airman's family accepts medal for a hero

    Karen Hollon accepted the posthumous Airman's Medal on behalf of her husband Tech. Sgt. Steven A. Hollon during a ceremony, here April 23. The award presented by Air University Commander Lt. Gen. David Fadok was received for actions including voluntary risk of life under circumstances other than

  • Air Force, Forest Service train for wildland fire season

    Residents in the remote mountainous areas near the Pike San Isabel National Forest received a spectacular view of the underbelly of low-flying Air Force Reserve C-130s equipped with the U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System. In preparation for the upcoming 2012 wildland

  • Academy cadets compete in global contest

    U.S. Air Force Academy cadets competed with more than 500 military academy and Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets from around the world for a contest of strength and skill April 20 - 21 during Sandhurst Competition 2012.The Sandhurst competition is an annual event held at the U.S. Military

  • Air Force officials clarify Bronze Star approval process

    Recent heightened interest in the Bronze Star Medal has led Air Force Central Command and Air Force Personnel Center leaders to further explain the criteria and approval process for its recipients.Col. Scott Arcuri, AFCENT director of manpower, personnel and services, said candidates can expect a

  • Two Kirtland AFB officers receive Distinguished Flying Cross

    Capt. Christopher Palmer, 512th Rescue Squadron, chief of standardization and evaluation, and Capt. Marcus Maris, 512 RQS, student flight commander, were presented the Distinguished Flying Cross by Col. James Cardoso, 58th Special Operations Wing commander, during a Warrior Call on April 20 at

  • Missing personnel records impact more than promotions

    When Senior Master Sgt. Randy Scanlan wasn't promoted to his current rank the first time his records met the board, he was a little confused. As a maintainer and an aerial gunner, he deployed often and received many decorations. When he was asked if he wanted to review his records before they met

  • Andersen AFB welcomes 69th Exeditionary Bomb Squadron

    The 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., has arrived to support U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence here.Since 2004, members of Andersen Air Force Base have played host to the CBP after Pacific Air Forces began routinely deploying B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit and

  • ISR chief outlines future programs

    While visiting deployed Airmen April 15-18, Brig. Gen. John Horner addressed the future of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission programs.As Air Force Director of ISR Capabilities, Horner spent a few days with Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing to view the work of the many

  • CSAF discusses national security space at symposium

    The Air Force chief of staff spoke to leaders from industry, academia and the government about the current state of national security space and the U.S. aerospace industrial base at the 28th National Space Symposium here April 19.In his remarks, Gen. Norton Schwartz also recognized the efforts and

  • Doolittle raid sparks nation during early days of WWII

    It was 1942 and the world was at war for the second time that century. American morale was as low as it had ever been and Japanese forces began an all-out assault on United States and Filipino troops on the Bataan Peninsula.It was also the year when a pilot, Lt. Col. James Doolittle, would lead a

  • Airdrops could play key role in eventual Afghanistan transition

    During 2011, mobility Airmen airdropped more than 80 million pounds of cargo for troops deployed throughout austere locations in Afghanistan. In the future, the Air Force expects airdrops to continue as troops move out of Afghanistan in coming years.In March, Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen,

  • From Vietnam to OEF: Pilot flies last mission of career

    Lt. Col. James Routt, a pilot deployed with the 71st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, flew the last combat air mission of his 33-year military career over the skies of Afghanistan, April 12.During his career, Routt has witnessed several operations -- from Vietnam to Operation Enduring Freedom in

  • 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

  • Armed Services Blood Program helps save lives

    Military members and civilians have a unique opportunity to support military hospitals, ships, combat support hospitals and medics on the frontline regardless of where they are stationed by giving blood and platelet donations to the Armed Services Blood Program.The ASBP is a military blood program

  • AFA officials announce team of the year

    The Airborne Operations career field is the Air Force Association 2012 Team of the Year, Air Force officials announced April 13.Annually, AFA recognizes a specific enlisted career field (as well as Airmen in that specialty) that personifies professionalism, technical expertise and leadership.The

  • '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

  • U.S., Malaysian Airmen team up to build brighter future for orphans

    More than 50 U.S. Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force members teamed up for a humanitarian construction project at a Malaysian orphanage here as part of exercise Cope Taufan 2012 on April 8.The combined team spent nearly five hours mixing and pouring concrete for a multi-use sports court at

  • CMSAF discusses resiliency with civic leaders

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy addressed a crowd of civic leaders and Department of Defense personnel on the necessity of promoting a total force culture of resiliency on Capitol Hill April 5. During the presentation, the Air Force's top enlisted leader discussed many issues

  • Four Airmen honored with 2011 Sijan award

    For demonstrating outstanding leadership, four Airmen received the 2011 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award during a ceremony April 6 in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.Named in honor of the first U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to receive the Medal of Honor, the award annually recognizes officer and

  • 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 rewards outstanding munitions unit

    Members of the 31st Munitions Squadron at Aviano Air Base recently earned the Air Force's 2011 Maintenance Effectiveness Award, excelling in all graded areas, particularly after acting as the lead munitions squadron for NATO forces during Operations Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector."We possess an

  • AF accepting test pilot school applications

    Eligible pilots, combat systems officers and engineers have an opportunity to join the ranks of airpower pioneers like Jimmy Doolittle and Chuck Yeager, but they have to apply for U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School to do so.The 2012 U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School selection board will convene in July

  • Vietnam War pararescueman finally brought home

    Air Force pararescuemen were able to bring home one of their fallen comrades April 6 here.As the ceremonial caisson rolled to a stop in Arlington National Cemetery, Tech. Sgt. Allen Avery, an Air Force pararescueman who lost his life during combat operations in Vietnam, was escort to his final

  • 29 Athletes selected for 2012 Warrior Games AF team

    Twenty-nine Air Force athletes will compete for gold after being chosen to represent the service at the 2012 Warrior Games.Warrior Games is an Olympic-style event open to all wounded, ill and injured military members and veterans. This year's event are scheduled to take place April 30 through May 5

  • General Flowers presented with Order of the Sword

    The enlisted men and women of Air Education and Training Command presented retired Maj. Gen. Alfred K. Flowers with the Order of the Sword during a ceremony April 6 here.Before his retirement in November, Flowers served as the deputy assistant for Budget at the Office of the Assistant Secretary of

  • Air Force names 2011 top athletes

    Air Force officials recently named the service's 2011 top male and female athletes of the year. Capt. Weston S. Kelsey, a force support officer from the 310th Mission Support Squadron at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., is the 2011 male athlete of the year. Airman 1st Class Emily J. Shertzer, an

  • Airman missing from Vietnam War identified

    The Department of Defense Prisoners of War/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Allen J. Avery of Arlington, Mass.,

  • Recent donations honor Etchberger legacy

    In honor of his legacy and to inspire future generations of Airmen, two contributions were added to the Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. Etchberger displays at Gunter Annex near here March 26.Etchberger, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2010, is the only Air Force chief master sergeant

  • 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

  • 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

  • Wounded warriors continue service through employment program

    The Air Force's goal is to retain injured Airmen on active duty. But when this is no longer an option, wounded warriors may explore new opportunities to serve through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Civil Service Employment Program.The program helps all combat or hostile-related ill, injured and

  • F-22 scientific board findings announced pilot safety is priority

    Air Force leaders provided an update on the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board study into the F-22 Raptor life support systems and flight operations during a briefing in the Pentagon March 29.Retired Gen. Gregory Martin, an aviator and a former commander of two major commands, chaired the nine

  • 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.

  • Officials reaffirm Pentagon's commitment to F-35

    Estimated costs for the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter have increased over the life of the program, but the Defense Department is working to contain cost growth and remains committed to the fifth-generation fighter, defense officials said March 29.Frank Kendall III said during confirmation

  • Combat controller recognized for leadership on, off battlefield

    A combat controller with the 24th Special Tactics Squadron recently received Air Force recognition for his leadership in his personal and professional life. Technical Sgt. Nathaniel Hoag was awarded the Lance P. Sijan Junior Enlisted of the Year Award for 2011. "I was honored to be nominated," Hoag

  • Senior leaders discuss future of Air Force Reserve

    Senior leaders from Air Force Reserve Command assembled here March 26-27 during the 2012 Senior Leader Conference to discuss the future of the command. The theme of this year's conference was "Full Operational Capability: Full Spectrum Combat Capability with Unparalleled Efficiency" and how the Air

  • First Air Force female four-star general confirmed

    The Senate confirmed Air Force Lt. Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger for promotion March 26, making her the first female four-star general in Air Force history.Wolfenbarger currently serves as the military deputy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition here and she is one

  • Coaches selected for 2012 Warrior Games

    An Air Force orthopedic surgeon has been tapped to be the head coach for the U.S. Air Force 2012 Warrior Games team during the competition slated for April 30 through May 5 in Colorado Springs, Colo.Maj. James Bales, 2010's Air Force Male Athlete of the Year, from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.,

  • AF announces 2012 aviator continuation pay program

    Air Force officials released the details of fiscal 2012 Aviator Continuation Pay program this week, with continuing focus on retaining highly-qualified manned and remotely piloted aircraft rated crew members. The ACP program gives some pilots and combat systems officers the opportunity for a

  • EOD Airman receives fourth Bronze Star

    Master Sgt. Brandon Livingston, 7th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight superintendent, was awarded his fourth Bronze Star Medal during a ceremony at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, March 23. Livingston distinguished himself with exceptional meritorious service as the operations

  • White House official honors ANG unit with rare award

    One of President Barack Obama's top advisors praised the Kentucky Air National Guard for superior achievement March 18, calling the organization "second to none" during a ceremony honoring the 123rd Airlift Wing for winning a nearly unprecedented 15th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.Also recognized

  • 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

  • Florida high school student named Military Child of the Year for AF

    Operation Homefront's 2012 Military Child of the Year for the Air Force was recently awarded to Chelsea Rutherford, daughter of Technical Sgt. Kelly Herndon, 325th Medical Group education and training manager, and Technical Sgt. Charles Herndon, 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-22 avionics

  • 'Red Tail' member visits the Pentagon

    The Air Force hosted one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and his family March 16 during a tour of the Pentagon.Retired Lt. Col. Walter McCreary, his daughter Stephanie Lynch and grandson Nicholas Lynch were given a tour of the Air Force Art Gallery, the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial and the Tuskegee Airmen

  • 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

  • CMSAF visits 501st Airmen

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy spoke to Airmen of the 501st Combat Support Wing and observed how the wing supports its mission partners during a site visit to RAF Croughton March 12. This visit was the first opportunity for Chief Roy and his wife Paula to see some of the capabilities

  • Air Force changes name of MC-130J

    Officials announced a popular name change for the MC130J here March 9 that honors the Air Commando legacy and capitalizes on the versatility of the aircraft. "Air Force Special Operation Command MC-130Js will be equipped to fly various missions and will be called Commando II," said Lt. Gen. Eric

  • U.S., Turkish air forces complete Anatolian Falcon 2012

    Anatolian Falcon 2012, a bilateral training exercise between the Turkish and U.S. air forces, ended here March 16.The exercise was designed to strengthen military interoperability between the two nations and test the air forces' abilities to conduct a variety of air missions to include interdiction,

  • EOD Airman nominated for Bronze Star

    There is a bloodstain on his boot. He says it's a reminder of a day he probably couldn't forget, even if he tried. Staff Sgt. Kenneth Guinn, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician deployed here from the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, has been nominated for a

  • Summer hire season is just around the corner

    With summer just around the corner, now is the time to apply for temporary positions with the Air Force.Annually, federal agencies post summer opening announcements for positions that range from office clerk to food service worker and more. Participation in the program varies from base to base, but

  • AF marathon registration deadline approaching

    If you're planning on running in the Air Force Marathon this September, time is running out to register. Not only does the price increase on April 2, there is a good chance the event will also be sold out by then."We traditionally experience a huge surge in registrations prior to a price increase,"

  • Total force tanker team sharpens skills at Red Flag

    Aerial refuelers sharpen their skills through joint, allied and total force integration during Red Flag 12-3."The teamwork of active duty, Air National Guard and Reserve units has been outstanding," said Master Sgt. Randy Bishop, 91st Air Refueling Squadron chief boom operator out of MacDill AFB,

  • Nominations accepted for Portraits in Courage

    Now through April 13, nominations will be accepted and reviewed for inclusion in Portraits in Courage, Vol. 7.The upcoming edition marks the latest in a six-year series of stories chronicling Airmen's honor, devotion and sacrifice in a time of war. The collection highlights Airmen who have

  • Calif. ANG: Complex pararescue mission saves fishermen off Mexico coast

    California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing based here successfully completed the rescue of two injured fishermen from a Chinese fishing vessel 700 miles off the coast of Acapulco, Mexico, March 12, 2012. The 129th Rescue Wing received a call from the U.S. Coast Guard March 9

  • Inaugural African Partnership Flight takes off

    U.S. Air Forces Africa Airmen participated in the opening ceremony of the inaugural African Partnership Flight event March 12 at Air Force Base Accra, Ghana.The event, hosted by the Ghanaian air force, is a two-week, military-to-military multilateral and regional engagement designed to improve

  • Cope Tiger trilateral exercise in full swing

    Readiness and continued development of multilateral interoperability remains a key priority for allies and partners participating in Cope Tiger 12, a field training and large force air employment exercise that began here Mar. 12.During the two-week exercise, more than 1,600 combined service members

  • AF Undersecretary visits Travis

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton visited here March 8 to receive a first-hand look at Travis operations, which consists of the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the 349th Air Mobility Wing and the 615th Contingency Response Wing - a total integrated force that makes up one of the Air Force's

  • 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

  • U.S. pilots plant SEAD with Turkish counterparts

    The Turkish and U.S. air forces continue to combine their air assets and share tactics in large-force employments during Exercise Anatolian Falcon 2012 here March 5-16.During LFE exercises, units oftentimes take advantage of the high number of aircraft participating to test mass communication

  • Bagram Airfield service members honor Air Force hero

    Men and women from every military service dedicated their day to honoring one of the Air Force's fallen heroes here March 4. The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing hosted a ruck march, remembrance ceremony and celebratory barbecue to honor the 10th anniversary of pararescueman Senior Airman Jason

  • 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

  • Anatolian Falcon 2012 builds strength, sharpens skills

    The Turkish and U.S. air forces continue to successfully integrate their capabilities during Anatolian Falcon 2012 here March 6.The first four missions of the two-week exercise are through, and the two NATO allies are learning to better communicate with each other and combine their strengths."I

  • AF officials announce manpower force structure changes

    Air Force officials released force structure changes and resulting manpower impacts from the new DoD strategic guidance and fiscal 2013 President's Budget Mar. 6.The fiscal 2013 President's Budget adjusts Air Force military end strength to 501,000, with net reductions of 3,900 Active Duty, 5,100 Air

  • Deployed Airmen earn cavalry gold spurs

    Three Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron displayed the true spirit of joint service partnership when they completed an Army tradition called a Spur Ride and successfully joined the Order of the Spur at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, February 21, 2012.The Order of the Spur is

  • U.S./ROK forces show off air power

    Not even the sun had a chance to rise before Airmen here began their work during a combined combat generation exercise, March 2, between United States and Republic of Korea air forces."The purpose of the exercise today is to test the ability of our team to execute our combat mission at a moment's

  • 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

  • AF rock band's new video focuses on special tactics Airmen

    Max Impact, the premier rock band of the United States Air Force, is thrilled to release a new video featuring their original song "Send Me." Produced with the assistance from Air Force Television, the video integrates footage of the amazing Airmen from Air Force Special Operations Command. A

  • 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

  • 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

  • Former POW shares reintegration tips with reservists, families

    Having spent more than five years in prisoner-of-war camps during the Vietnam War, Lee Ellis knows how difficult it is to reconnect with family and friends after a long military separation. Ellis shared his experiences and tips for reintegration with about 450 Air Force reservists and their family

  • Air Force announces OTS selection board results

    An unprecedented 100 percent of enlisted active-duty members who applied for Officer Training School were accepted by the OTS Rated Selection Board 12OT01, officials here announced today. A total of 215 men and women, including 30 enlisted active duty members, from across America have earned an

  • CMSAF Roy: Developing Airmen key to future success

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy emphasized the evolution of training Airmen before a crowd of approximately 400 Airmen, industry officials and Air Force Association members here Feb. 24.Roy, who spoke on the second day of the Air Force Association's 2012 Air Warfare Symposium and

  • 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

  • Longest serving Airman also longest serving African-American in DoD

    The Air Force's longest serving Airman, who retired this past January after nearly 47 years of service, is also the longest serving African-American service member within the Department of Defense.Maj. Gen. Alfred K. Flowers recently retired from the Pentagon where he served as the Deputy Assistant

  • Technology advances defense, protects F.E. Warren AFB Airmen

    Members of the 90th Missile Wing added another weapon to their arsenal to enhance their robust deterrence mission Feb. 17 here. The Remote Targeting Engagement System is made up of several parts, including six separate M-240 machine guns, controlled remotely from command consoles. The weapons are

  • 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

  • AF teens make an impact with Teen Movement initiative

    Air Force teen councils around the globe launched a new initiative to foster teen personal development and to create a positive impact on local Air Force communities.Teen Movement challenges installation teen councils to conduct four large-scale projects throughout the year supporting four pillars:

  • Photographer sees war first hand

    During her deployment with a provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan in 2010, Senior Airman Chanise Epps proved that a simple hand-held camera can be just as effective in war as the high-tech U-2 imagery she normally worked with back home."I think photography is important, because without

  • 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

  • Air Force names top fighter squadron

    On Feb. 16, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz announced that Kadena's 67th Fighter Squadron earned the Raytheon Trophy for 2011.The annual award, originally started by the Hughes Aircraft Company in 1953, is now sponsored by Raytheon Systems Corporation and is given to the top air

  • EMT 'rodeo' sharpens emergency response skills

    Being deployed overseas can sometimes be challenging for an emergency medical technician, especially since there could be situations that one wouldn't normally see on city streets in the U.S.This is why the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group developed the EMT Rodeo, which creates various challenges

  • 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

  • CSAF honors Lakenheath Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz recognized five 48th Fighter Wing Airmen during a medal ceremony here Feb. 10 for distinguishing themselves through acts of courage.Before family and friends gathered in the Strike Eagle Complex, Schwartz presented Airman's Medals to Senior Master Sgt.

  • German defense minister visits Holloman AFB

    Dr. Thomas de Maiziére, Germany's Federal Minister of Defense, visited here Feb. 15 during his trip to the U.S.De Maiziére came to the U.S. to visit the German Air Force Flying Training Center here and tour other German units stationed here in the U.S."It's a pleasure and honor to be here," de

  • Four Hurlburt Field Airmen die in U-28A crash in Djibouti

    Capt Ryan P. Hall from the 319th Special Operations Squadron, Capt Nicholas S. Whitlock and 1st Lt Justin J. Wilkens from the 34th Special Operations Squadron and Senior Airman Julian S. Scholten from the 25th Intelligence Squadron died Feb. 18 when their U-28A was involved in an accident near Camp

  • Texas ANG unit recognized for top family readiness program

    Texas and Wisconsin National Guard units were among several from the reserve components recognized Friday at the 2012 Department of Defense Reserve Family Readiness Awards ceremony here at the Pentagon.The 136th Airlift Wing, a part of the Texas National Guard, represented the Air National Guard.

  • 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

  • CSAF visits JB Elmendorf Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie visited Airmen here during a visit to Alaska Feb. 15 through 18. During the second day of his visit, the general, along with the 11th Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Stephen Hoog and 673rd Air Base Wing Commander Col. Robert Evans, hosted

  • SecDef praises Global Strike Airmen

    The nation's top military advisor visited Barksdale Air Force Base, Feb. 17, getting a first-hand look at the Air Force's strategic deterrence capabilities.With more than 300 people in attendance, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta began his visit with a town-hall meeting, stressing the importance of

  • CSAF helps dedicate Alaska's first Fisher House

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz helped dedicate the new Alaska Fisher House in a ceremony here Feb. 17. The 56th Fisher House to be built, it is the only one of its kind in Alaska, and has already hosted a military family from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, whose newborn is in the

  • Air Force boxers take 3 medals at Armed Forces Championships

    No more motivation is needed for Air Force boxing heavyweight Kent Brinson when it comes to preparing for the upcoming 2012 USA National Boxing Championships Feb. 27 through March 3 in his backyard of Fort Carson, Colo.Brinson, a senior airman stationed at Fort Carson, won the gold medal in his

  • Deployed maintainers keep F-16s flying

    The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. Highly maneuverable, F-16s have proven to be very effective in both air-to-air and air-to-surface combat. To keep these critical air-power assets mission ready, the technicians of the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance

  • Andersen Airmen recognized for life-saving actions

    A 36th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal apprentice was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal here Feb. 16 for his precise execution of life saving skills under the most unexpected of circumstances. Airman 1st Class Cody Frediani used CPR training to help save the life of a

  • 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