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U.S. Air Force News

  • Afghanistan Health Reconstruction Course introduced into PRT training

    Sustainability and self-sufficiency is the goal for the new Afghanistan Health Sector Reconstruction Course being introduced into all provincial reconstruction team training."We have taken what some would have considered a boring lecture series, expanded it and morphed it into a highly dynamic,

  • Air Force's newest air advisor publication leverages 'best practices'

    The Air Force's newest tactics, techniques and procedures publication, AFTTP 3-4.5 Air Advising, became an official document after being signed by Maj. Gen. Brett Williams, Headquarters Air Force director of operations, and Maj. Gen. Bill Bender, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander,

  • AF trauma chief cites sweeping changes in critical care

    From battlefield innovations to revamped health care systems, the military has radically transformed its trauma care over the past decade, a trauma expert here said.These advances have led not only to the nation's highest combat survivability rate in history, but also to countless saved civilian

  • England ceremony marks 70th anniversary of Eighth Air Force

    U.S. and Royal Air Force leadership; local community leaders from Kettering, United Kingdom; and veterans marked the 70th anniversary of the first 8th Air Force bombers participating in World War II with a ceremony at Boughton House and a memorial service at Grafton Underwood Aug. 17. At Boughton

  • U.S. Paralympic track & field team trains at RAF Lakenheath

    More than 50 U.S. Paralympians and hopefuls are honing their skills and making final preparations at Royal AIr Force Lakenheath for competition in the London 2012 Paralympic Games  Aug. 18 through 25.The installation has teamed with the U.S. Olympic Committee to provide the athletes with all they

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Hawaiian Airman brings in-your-face refueling to OEF

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Looking out the window of his boom pod at 30,000 feet, in the middle of nowhere, with himself and the open air -- that is what Master Sgt. Eric Faurott

  • Ramstein hosts international jump week

    Six countries provided more than 150 paratroopers to participate in International Jump Week hosted by the 435th Contingency Response Group from Aug. 12 - 17 near Ramstein.The paratroopers came from the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the U.S. Air Force and Army and jumped

  • Supporting warfighters from space

    Air Force Space Command Vice Commander Lt. Gen. John Hyten spoke at the 15th Annual Space and Missile Defense Conference here Aug. 14 and discussed how the American way of war has fundamentally changed thanks to space.He used historical examples to illustrate his point and contrasted those with

  • Airmen's heroic acts featured in Portraits in Courage

    Climbing a glacier for 24 straight hours, delivering medical care while taking enemy fire or chasing an armed murderer through a crowded airport; these are the actions of some of the 20 Airmen featured in the latest volume of Portraits in Courage.As the Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley

  • Air National Guard helicopter crews join California wildfire fight

    Air National Guard members from the 129th Rescue Wing have demonstrated their dynamic life-saving capabilities by fighting fires in California since Aug. 12.Two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and aircrews are battling the Jawbone Complex Fire in Kern County, Calif., outside Bakersfield. The aircrews

  • Air Force looks to put wings on enlisted retrainees

    Enlisted Airmen have the opportunity to earn a pair of wings and go fly, fight and win America's wars.Air Force officials are looking for retrainees to become career enlisted aviators as flight engineers, aircraft loadmasters, flight attendants, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

  • Combat training supports 21st century strategy

    As the nation winds down from a decade of combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Department of Defense is shifting its focus to the future and recently introduced new strategic guidance describing the projected security environment and key military missions for which the department will

  • EOD tech school puts 'battlefield' into PT

    Physical fitness workouts for Air Force explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) candidates now have a battlefield twist at Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD), as the 366th Training Squadron Field Training Detachment 3 here has revamped their fitness program to turn Airmen into

  • Rescue squadron 'drops in' on children's hospital

    The young boys and girls at the Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emmanuel were treated to a special surprise by pararescuemen from the 304th Rescue Squadron here Aug. 6.Arriving by air, via HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters from the 305th Rescue Squadron, and from the ground in Humvees, the Airmen

  • Welsh 'humbled' to serve as Air Force chief of staff

    The Air Force chief of staff flag passed to the service's 20th chief in a ceremony here Aug. 10.Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, a 36-year Airman, stepped into the position, taking over for Gen. Norton Schwartz, who also retired from the Air Force during the ceremony."Mark is respected throughout the Air

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman enlists father's help to improve KAF

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Airmen from the 651st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron conducted a retreat ceremony at the contingency aeromedical staging facility here

  • Air Force names 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    Air Force officials selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2012, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center considered 35 nominees who represented major commands; direct

  • CSAF, spouse recognized for distinguished service

    During the final days of a 39-year career, the Air Force's top Airman stood beside his wife as they were both recognized for their distinguished service in a modest ceremony before close colleagues and family members here Aug. 9.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz received the

  • AF chief's daughter takes bronze in Olympic long jump

    Air Force family member Janay DeLoach leaped 6.89 meters Wednesday night at Olympic stadium to take the bronze medal in women's long jump.USA teammate Brittney Reese won the gold with a jump of 7.12 meters and Russia's Elena Sokolova earned the silver with a jump of 7.07.DeLoach said Reese motivates

  • General Carlisle takes command of Pacific Air Forces

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

  • EOD prelim helps tech school attrition rate

    It's amazing what a difference a year can make in the technical training world.The 366th Training Squadron Field Training Detachment 3 here is reaping the benefits of better-prepared Airmen attending Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal, with the overall Air Force attrition rate down 16 percent

  • Tuskegee Airman donates Congressional Gold Medal to Alaska Reserve unit

    The 302nd Fighter Squadron is now home to a Congressional Gold Medal in Aviation.Tuskegee Airman retired Col. Charles McGee presented his personal medal to Col. Bryan Radliff, 477th Fighter Group commander during the 41st Annual Tuskegee Airmen Convention in Las Vegas, Nev., Aug. 2. During World War

  • AF officer turned athlete shows Olympic mettle

    Capt. Seth Kelsey stared in disbelief with his facemask in his hands as his South Korean opponent celebrated a last-touch victory in their bronze medal épée fencing match at the 2012 Summer Olympics. But while Kelsey's third Olympics competition ended in disappointment, he still left London with

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman takes wingman concept to new level

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)It was a typical night for Senior Airman Dara Alexander; working as a receptionist at the Langley Inns, Langley Air Force Base, Va., ... until the phone

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

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

  • B-52s provide RIMPAC 2012 air capability

    Members from the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., participated in nine sorties in support of this year's Rim of the Pacific exercise July 11-31 in and around training areas surrounding the Hawaiian islands. Six B-52 Stratofortresses from the 69th EBS, accompanied by more

  • First lady visits RAF Mildenhall, meets military families

    Military families stationed in the United Kingdom had the opportunity to meet the first lady of the United States on July 29, before she returned home after attending the opening ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympics.Michelle Obama took about 30 minutes here to personally meet more than 150 family

  • AF Reservist finishes 4th in Olympic epee fencing

    Air Force Reserve Capt. Seth Kelsey finished one touch away from a medal Wednesday in Olympic épeé individual fencing at ExCel Centre.Kelsey lost his semifinal bout in sudden-death overtime, 6-5, to the fencer who went on to win the gold medal, Venezuela's Ruben Limardo Gascon. Then he dropped

  • Through Airmen's eyes: Samoa native puts bombs on target

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)His father always told him, "Whatever job you are doing, always do your best." This is something the 6-foot Samoan took to heart and lives by to this

  • Air Force assures F-22 readiness following extensive testing

    Following months of life support systems components testing in the F-22 Raptor, officials have "determined with confidence" the source of previously unexplained physiological incidents, the director of operations for the Air Force's Air Combat Command said July 31 at a Pentagon news

  • Gen. Breedlove becomes 35th USAFE commander

    Gen. Philip M. Breedlove took command of U.S. Air Forces in Europe from Gen. Mark A. Welsh III today in a change of command ceremony here.Presiding over the ceremony, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz praised Welsh's past accomplishments and Breedlove's future potential as the commander

  • Pacom weighs pre-prepositioning logistics for disaster response

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

  • Innovative simulator solution enhances training, saves millions of dollars

    A significant milestone for remotely piloted aircraft was ushered in July 10, with the first student sortie in an innovative T-6 Texan II simulator.The new setup has dramatically increased the ability to train remotely piloted aircraft pilots, and the ingenuity behind the new simulator saves the Air

  • Training exercises enhance international relations

    Central Colombia and southern Nevada are vastly different locations. The terrain, weather and operational environments between each location vary to the extremes. So what drives an air force to briefly trade the jungles of South America for the desert of the American southwest? The answer is

  • CASF: Staff, volunteers send heroes home

    The state-of-the-art Craig Joint Theater Hospital at Bagram Airfield is widely recognized as the premier medical facility in Afghanistan. CJTH treats about 4,000 patients each month - as many as 130 war-related injuries each day - yet more than 95 percent of their patients survive. The hospital has

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

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

  • Through Airmen's eyes: Combat medic shares story about 'just doing his job'

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Even though it was only one of more than 300 combat missions he was a part of while deployed last year, it was a day he will never forget. On that day,

  • Vigilant Eagle board selects 82 command candidates

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

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: From maintenance to medicine

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Twenty-one Airmen from across the Air Force were selected for the 2013 Interservice Physician Assistant Program, with training scheduled to begin

  • Air Force officials welcome 21st surgeon general

    The Air Force welcomed its 21st surgeon general as Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Thomas W. Travis was sworn in by Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz on July 20 here.Travis has been the Air Force deputy surgeon general since Nov. 2010, and replaces Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Charles B. Green, who retired.At his ceremony,

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

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

  • Through Airmen's eyes: From paralegal to war fighter

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)One day he was helping someone with a power of attorney as a paralegal and the next day he helped protect unarmed colleagues from enemy fire in a war

  • Korean War defining conflict for new Air Force

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

  • DOD approves NATO medals for operations in Africa, Libya

    The Department of Defense announced July 24 that NATO medals for operations in Libya and Africa have been approved for acceptance and wear by eligible U.S. service members and DOD civilian personnel.The NATO Medal for NATO Operations and Activities in Africa is awarded for service in direct support

  • Air mobility tactics, electronic warfare experts analyze adversaries

    Approximately 50 combat operations experts met at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base here July 16-20 for a working group on air mobility tactics.Air Mobility Command's Air Mobility Tactics Analysis Team studied field-driven data collected on its adversaries to analyze and report on current air and

  • Senior enlisted advisor to CJCS visits Nellis

    The senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visited Nellis Air Force Base, Creech AFB and the Nevada Test and Training Range to see and better understand Airmen and their capabilities."It's been a very, very good trip," said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia.

  • Tactical training exercise builds partnerships

    Approximately 260 members of the 81st Fighter Squadron along with members of the U.S. Marine Corps, Royal Air Force and Romanian air force's 71st Air Fotilla are training with one another in Exercise Dacian Thunder to strengthen capabilities as combined forces in contingency operations throughout

  • Through Airmen's eyes: Airman, MMA fighter pulls no punches

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Every step was agony. With the brutal pain of blisters cutting through his feet, amplified by the weight of the combat gear and 55-pound rucksack he

  • Total force C-130 operations building opens at Peterson

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

  • UK's 'Friendly Invasion' 70 years on

    During his childhood, Clive Stevens would gaze up in awe at a small B-17 Flying Fortress model that sat on top of a bookcase in his home. "It obviously gave me a deep-rooted interest in the airplane," said Stevens. Over the years, his fascination grew to include not only the U.S. aircraft but the

  • Two CSAR officers awarded Silver Star medals

    Two 19th Air Force combat search and rescue officers were presented the Silver Star medal at the 19th Air Force's inactivation ceremony here July 12. Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., the commander of Air Education Training Command, presented the third-highest military decoration to Majs. Philip Bryant and

  • Air Force medical leader retires after 34 years

    During a ceremony filled with military tradition and reflection, the 20th surgeon general of the Air Force, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Charles B. Green, retired July 19 after 34 years of service.Green had the vision of what the Air Force medical field needed during his tenure, what should be championed and how

  • San Antonio health system among best in wounded warrior, trauma care

    During the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure commission hearings, it was suggested that the military should consolidate all health facilities in San Antonio to create the San Antonio Military Health System. The SAMHS was established after both the Air Force and Army chiefs of staff signed a

  • LEAP boosts AF language capability

    Amid the darkness and the sputters of machine gunfire, service members hustle to assess and treat combat casualty victims. These victims have suffered injuries ranging from loss of limbs to sucking chest wounds. Adding to an already disorienting environment is the hodgepodge of English, coming from

  • Air Force safety also applies to space

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

  • Airmen relocate WWII tank

    One of the most feared and powerful tanks of its time is making its way to the United States courtesy of the 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron. The squadron is shipping a World War II-era German Tiger 1 tank  from Royal Air Force Alconbury, England, to the U.S. Army Armor and Cavalry Museum at Fort

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

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Col. Josie Fernandez credits providence as much as persistence for her journey from Cuban refugee to the duel-hatted role she has today with the Air

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: In the Ranks of an Ally

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)It was a cloudy July day as thousands of spectators, full of national pride, flooded red, white and blue adorned streets waiting for the military parade

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman embraces 'Art of Eight Limbs'

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Participating in a combative sport widely referred to as the "Art of Eight Limbs" might seem intimidating.Senior Airman James Turner, on the other hand,

  • Overseas extension incentives changes ahead

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

  • CSAF's 'fini flight' a ride of remembrance

    When Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz climbed aboard the MC-130E Combat Talon I here July 12, for his last flight as an active duty officer, he immediately began to reminisce on his flying career with special operations and the C-130 Hercules community."This is more than a little

  • Two Silver Star medals presented at 19th Air Force inactivation ceremony

    Two 19th Air Force combat search and rescue pilots were presented the Silver Star medal at the 19th Air Force's inactivation ceremony  July 12 here. Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., the commander of the Air Education Training Command, presented the third highest military decoration to Majors Philip Bryant

  • Cost-cutting ideas sought through SAVE award

    Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Jamie Morin sends the following message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:The White House continues to challenge federal employees to identify areas where we can save scarce taxpayer dollars while improving the way the government works. President Obama

  • Nellis Airman awarded Distinguished Flying Cross with valor

    Staff Sgt. Justin Tite, 88th Test and Evaluation Squadron aerial gunner, received the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross with valor here, July 9.Maj. Gen. Bill Hyatt, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, presented the decoration to Tite during a ceremony with friends, family and members of the

  • Sims aren't just for flying anymore

    Officials with the 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron here, through a cooperative program with the U.S. Air Force Academy, is developing a computer-based simulator program that will allow leaders to make more informed decisions regarding resource allocations.The program allows a user to input

  • Arizona Airmen help Japanese rebuild air defenses

    While the island nation of Japan continues to rebuild in the wake of the March 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, its airmen look to reconstitute the country's air defenses - learning to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon here with the Arizona Air National Guard. The disaster left the Japan Air

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: From combat boots to dancing shoes

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)One Air Commando recently traded in his combat boots for dancing shoes in an effort to help children in need. Staff Sgt. Curtis Krenzke, a 23rd Special

  • Young pilot sets Air Force standard

    When Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said "every Airman is an innovator" he was talking about Airmen like Capt. Kyle Alderman. What was once considered the young pilot's "pet-project" has now become the Air Force standard. Alderman consolidated multiple map displays including killbox keypads,

  • Base holds memorial service for fallen Airman

    Family, friends, coworkers and leaders came together at the Malmstrom Air Force Base Chapel on July 2 to honor the memory of and pay tribute to a fallen Airman. Senior Airman Joshua-Daniel James Austin died June 23 of injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident the previous day.Austin was

  • Airmen missing from Vietnam War identified

    The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced July 5 that the remains of six servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, were recently identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.Air Force Col. Joseph Christiano of Rochester,

  • Reserve wing gears up for active-duty association

    The 442nd Fighter Wing is scheduled to begin integrating more than 100 active-duty Airmen by October.The total-force integration of active-duty Airmen into Reserve units is part of an initiative to improve efficiency and combat capability by leveraging Reserve experience and continuity. The 442nd FW

  • 31st FW celebrates historic operation

    Sixty years ago, the 31st Fighter Wing was a young wing in a young Air Force, and the technologies taken for granted today were in their infancy. Sixty years ago this week, the wing was directly involved in pioneering the use of aerial refueling to fly masses of fighter aircraft over the Pacific

  • AOC hosts first online virtual tour

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

  • Commander qualifies in the F-22, confident in Raptor

    Air Combat Command's senior Airman completed F-22 Raptor pilot qualification recently, reinforcing his personal stake in the Air Force's efforts to identify the root cause of unexplained physiological incidents involving a small number of Raptor crews. "As Airmen, risk is part of our lives as

  • Airmen build ties with Colombian counterparts

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

  • Airman Ranger retires after 41 years

    Forty-one years, 167 temporary duty assignments, 22 base assignments, six deployments and three wars later, Col. George W. Hays, the director of Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems, Headquarters Alaskan Command, retired from active duty service July 1 as the longest-serving

  • AF colonel to oversee Colorado wildfire response

    A National Guard dual-status commander has been recently appointed to support wildfire response and relief efforts in Colorado, according to Defense Department and National Guard officials.Air Force Col. Peter J. Byrne -- director of the joint staff, Joint Force Headquarters-Colorado -- was selected

  • Physiology training combats human factors of flying

    One of the secrets behind nearly 75 years of U.S. air dominance is the quality of its pilot training. But long before students learn to identify, out-maneuver and defeat enemy aircraft, they have to learn to deal with a much more subtle but no less dangerous threat: hypoxia.Essentially a lack of

  • AETC commander addresses recruits' allegations of sexual misconduct

    The commander of the Air Force's Air Education and Training Command spoke to members of the media here June 28 about the on-going investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by military training instructors (MTIs) at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas."In the fall of 2011 we discovered, to our

  • CAP cadets get taste of pararescue career field

    The 306th Rescue Squadron hosted more than 20 Civil Air Patrol cadets during the advanced pararescue orientation course here June 13-23.The course is a 10-day challenge that tests CAP cadets both mentally and physically as they are constantly evaluated on the stringent requirements of the

  • CSAF honors flight training instructor with Kolligian Trophy

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presented Capt. Frank Baumann, an instructor pilot from the 80th Flying Training Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, one of the Air Force's most prestigious flight safety awards during a Pentagon ceremony here June 27. Baumann was named the 2011

  • Academy cadet uses training to save life

    A United States Air Force Academy cadet put his military training into action when he saved the life of a civilian from a car accident on June 9, 2012. Christopher Kirk, of Burlington, Iowa, has just completed his third year at the academy and was selected amongst his peers to attend a 5-week

  • 'Son Tay' Talon flies into history

    After more than 23,500 hours of flight and approximately 47 years in service, the MC-130E Combat Talon I known as the "Godfather" left the ground here for the last time June 22 for its ultimate mission.The aircraft with the tail number 64-0523 took off for its final resting place -- a special

  • AF top engineers give tips on saving energy, money

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

  • Creech crew chief feared drowned following boating incident

    Local authorities continue to perform search and recovery operations for 28 year-old Staff Sgt. Antonio Tucker, a remotely piloted aircraft crew chief for the 432d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here who disappeared after leaving his rental boat on June 23. The operation changed from search and

  • Robins NCO named AF top 'first shirt'

    Master Sgt. H. Mylo Gibson II, 51st Combat Communications Squadron, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is this year's Air Force First Sergeant of the Year. Gibson has been serving in the Air Force for more than 20 years, and has been a first sergeant for the past two. "I became a first sergeant to take

  • Two RAF Fairford firefighters earn AF heroism award

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

  • Air Force presence helps preserve progress in Iraq

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

  • Kansas reservists 'refuel' Military Channel

    A KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew assigned to the Air Force Reserve 931st Air Refueling Group here was cast in a sort of supporting role for a Military Channel television program while performing an air refueling mission in the skies above New Mexico June 21.The routine air refueling mission called for

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

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

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

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

  • Historic flying units celebrate anniversary, continue making history

    In the spring of 1942 the United States filled battle-torn European skies with squadrons of airborne war machines. Among them, two transport squadrons began carrying troops and supplies into the Second World War, beginning a parallel history spanning seven decades and many military conflicts. As if

  • German air force brings Eurofighter, skills to Eielson AFB

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

  • 702nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron deactivates at Kandahar Airfield

    A small group of Air Guardsmen were joined by senior leaders June 18 to celebrate the completion of their deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to honor the deactivation of the 702nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here.The 702nd EAS was activated here July 31, 2011, and charged to

  • Polish AF flies in Red Flag for first time

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

  • Australian airmen glimpse future at Red Flag-Alaska

    Men and women in flight suits of green passed through the halls in a hive of activity. The building was buzzing with the language and accents of different nationalities, all in preparation for the day's oncoming events here. As personnel filtered through the doors of the building and onto the

  • Cold War U-2 pilot gets posthumous Silver Star

    More than 50 years after his U-2 aircraft was shot down over the former Soviet Union, Capt. Francis Gary Powers posthumously received one of the military's highest decorations during a ceremony here at the Pentagon June 15.Powers, who died in a helicopter crash in 1977, was awarded the Silver Star