HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Total-force team supports Operation Tomodachi

    While supporting combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan, a total integrated force of active, Guard and Reserve Airmen are supporting humanitarian relief efforts in Japan following the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that ravaged parts of Japan March 11.Air Force officials are increasingly

  • 2011 Environment, Safety, Occupational Health Symposium wraps up

    The 2011 Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Symposium at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel here wrapped up after five days of training sessions.  The symposium ran from March 21 through 25.Airmen from all Air Force commands attended sessions on topics ranging from environmental chemistry to risk

  • Just another 'dog day afternoon' for Airmen, Sailors

    It was a 'dog day afternoon' March 23 for Staff Sgt. Chris Sawhill and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Green as they volunteered their time to help welcome transiting pets from Japan to the Joint Reception Coordination Center here.As family members made their way across the Pacific from various

  • Officials announce teen summer camps for 2011

    Force Services Agency officials here recently announced the call for three Air Force teen camps for 2011.The annual camps are designed to help Air Force youth build leadership skills and/or aspire to careers in space or aviation, administrators said.The Teen Aviation Camp will be held June 4 through

  • Air Force aerial layer networking concept to enhance warfighter connectivity

    By 2024, the Air Force's fleet of aircraft, space and surface systems will contribute to and use various aerial layer networking functions to support joint capability areas, officials said here March 23.Following the publication of the October 2009 Joint Aerial Layer Network Initial Capabilities

  • Gates discusses Libya, Middle East turmoil

    Operations in Libya and instability in the Middle East dominated a news conference with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates here March 23.Gates met with reporters after a meeting with Prime Minister Essam Sharaf and other Egyptian leaders.U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973 called for establishing a

  • The value of $1

    Having insurance is always good and not spending a lot on the coverage is even better. So, getting $100,000 in traumatic injury life insurance coverage for $1 is great.The Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection program rider provides for payment to service members who are

  • Service members reminded of courage, valor during building dedication

    The new William A. Jones III Building officially opened its doors here March 22 during a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony attended by several senior Air Force, civic and community leaders and approximately 400 base personnel. Air Force leaders who took part in the ceremony included Secretary

  • Test report: AFNet effective, suitable, mission-capable

    The effort to manage Air Force web and email operations as one, consolidated enterprise took a giant step forward March 18, with release of a testing report on Air Force Intranet Increment 1, referred to as AFNet Inc 1. The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center's evaluation showed that

  • Air Force officials announce 2011 Design Awards

    The Air Force deputy chief of staff for Logistics, Installations and Mission Support announced the winners of the 2011 Air Force Design Awards March 17."Each winner clearly demonstrated the highest level of design excellence, and I offer my most sincere congratulations on winning these prestigious

  • Members voluntarily leave Japan in support of Operation Pacific Passage

    More than 500 service members, dependants and civil service employees, who voluntarily departed Japan, arrived at Travis Air Force Base March 22 aboard charted military flights in support of Operation Pacific Passage.U.S. Army North officials along with Travis AFB members activated the Joint

  • NATO, USAFE officials host international flight surgeons

    NATO Allied Air Component Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe officials hosted more than 200 international military medical personnel here March 14 through 18 during the 2011 European Flight Surgeons Conference and NATO Research and Technology Organization Short Course.Flight surgeons, public

  • Lithuanian armed forces members observe Ramstein Silver Flag course

    Eight members of the Lithuanian armed forces traveled here to observe a Silver Flag training course here March 9 through 16.Silver Flag is a seven-day training exercise where Airmen practice their contingency skill sets, to include setting up and maintaining a bare base, conducting post-attack

  • Annual Air Force symposium embraces critical training environment

    Air Force officials launched their annual Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Training Symposium here March 21, hosting more than 1,800 participants and 120 exhibitors.Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Terry Yonkers, Air Force Civil Engineer Maj. Gen. Tim Byers and Brig. Gen. Dave Howe,

  • McChord Airmen support first voluntary departure flight from Japan

    Members here helped welcome 233 Department of Defense personnel and family members who voluntarily departed Japan after the earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck the island March 11."This is a tremendous team effort from the entire joint base community aimed at easing a difficult time for DOD

  • AFGSC Airmen support Operation Odyssey Dawn

    Airmen piloting three B-2 Spirits returned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., after striking targets in Libya in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn.The B-2s returned after a more than 25-hour mission in support of the international response to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya.The B-2s employed 45

  • Misawa Airmen coordinate volunteer efforts in local community

    It wasn't long after the ground stopped shaking in Japan that people began asking, "What can I do to help?"Hundreds of volunteers, military members, families and civilians, came forward at Misawa Air Base in the days following the March 11, 9.0-magnitude earthquake. It soon became clear that a

  • T-38 completes 50 years of service

    Officials commemorated the T-38 Talon supersonic jet trainer's 50th service anniversary in a ceremony here March 17.The T-38 was first deployed in March 1961, and has served as a training vehicle for multiple generations of pilots and pilot instructors throughout its five decades of service.Col.

  • Air Force officials present budget to Senate

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz discussed the Air Force fiscal-2012 budget request and recent developments in Japan and Libya during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing here March 17. The Air Force's baseline budget request of $150

  • Air Force officials take space budget, acquisition strategy to Capitol Hill

    Air Force senior leaders testified about the service's fiscal 2012 budget and space capabilities investments before the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee here March 15. Under Secretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton; Gen. William Shelton, the Air Force Space Command commander;

  • High-altitude chamber replaced by new mask for Iraqi air force

    A team of aerospace physiologists from several Air Force installations are here to help the Iraqi air force install and train with its newest piece of training equipment. The team held a demonstration March 14 to showcase how the device will assist in training, as well as save time and money in the

  • DOS officials authorize voluntary departure of dependents from Japan

    Department of State officials authorized the voluntary departure, including relocation to safe areas within Japan, for family members and dependents of U.S. government officials who wish to leave Northeast Japan.U.S. government officials are also working to facilitate the departure of private

  • Yokota AB officials extend help to firefighters in Fukushima

    A team of five Airmen and two Japanese nationals delivered a fire truck March 15 to firefighters in Fukushima, Japan. After more than seven hours of traveling, the team delivered a P-22 fire truck to six Japanese firefighters who were standing by. After delivering the fire truck, Nobuhito Takeda, a

  • Symposium offers military women chance to connect, empower and succeed

    Military women from across the nation have gathered here March 15 and 16 to focus on professional development during the 24th Annual Joint Women's Leadership Symposium. This is the first time Airmen joined the ranks of the more than 1,300 women at this event. The symposium's theme, "Connect,

  • Environment, safety, occupational health symposium set for March

    Approximately 1,200 Airmen are set to convene in Nashville, Tennessee, March 21 through 25 for 4 1/2 days of classroom training at the Air Force's 2011 Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Training Symposium. More than 525 class sessions and 175 technical sessions in the fields of safety,

  • Red Cross website links Japan-based troops to home

    In the wake of Japan's massive earthquake and tsunami, Red Cross officials are encouraging U.S. service members and families stationed there to register with an online resource intended to keep family and friends back home informed of their welfare.Military members and their families can relay their

  • Joint training for joint operations

    A joint service and interagency exercise using both "live" and "virtual" forces concluded here recently.Emerald Warrior concentrates on integrated tactics and multi-service command and control, as well as leverages lessons from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to provide trained and

  • Pacific Air Forces Airmen deploy to Japan to aid relief efforts

    A C-17 Globemaster III carrying a team of Pacific Air Force Airmen departed here March 12 to support ongoing disaster relief efforts in Japan. The team of approximately 25 Airmen from a variety of Air Force specialties, traveled to Yokota Air Base, Japan, where they will provide support to efforts

  • 45th Space Wing officials launch satellite atop Delta IV

    Members from the 45th Space Wing successfully launched a United Launch Alliance-built Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle here March 13 carrying a classified National Reconnaissance Office satellite."The outstanding ULA, NRO and Air Force partnership made yet another successful mission," said

  • Rescue crews arrive at Misawa Air Base

    Two urban search and rescue teams, one from Fairfax County, Va., and the other from Los Angeles arrived here Mar.13.The USAR teams consists of approximately 150 rescuers and 12 rescue dogs. Another rescue crew from the United Kingdom, consisting of 60 rescuers and 2 dogs, was also scheduled to

  • Yokota civil engineers lead building renovation for relief forces

    Airmen in the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron, aided by Red Cross workers and base community volunteers, prepared lodging facilities here March 12 for inbound disaster relief forces.More than 60 Airmen and base residents worked into the evening on previously unoccupied residential building, cleaning

  • Department makes 'great strides' in brain-injury care

    The Defense Department is making great strides in the field of traumatic brain injury that will benefit not only the department, but also its global and civilian partners, a TBI expert said March 11."The department is committed to fast-tracking promising research and to improving the diagnosis and

  • Gates pledges U.S. help for Japan

    The United States is prepared to help Japan deal with the aftermath of the massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that struck today "in any way we possibly can," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in Bahrain. "I've been kept informed all day long about the tsunami in Japan, the earthquake

  • Air Force responds to earthquake in Japan

    Defense Secretary Robert Gates reports U.S. military personnel in Japan are accounted for after the massive 8.9 earthquake and tsunami that struck March 11."As best we can tell, all of our people are okay, our ships and military facilities are all in pretty good shape," Mr. Gates said. Meanwhile,

  • Space team improves GPS capability for warfighters

    Joint force warfighters around the globe will soon be able to assess real-time and future GPS accuracy, both where they are and where they're going, with a new capability developed by the 2nd Space Operations Squadron's Global Positioning System User Operations team here.The new capability uses the

  • Official looks to define best balance of live flight, simulation

    Headquarters Air Force Director of Operations personnel plan to work closely with those in the Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation and the MAJCOMs to define the right balance of live flight hours and Distributed Mission Operations-Live, Virtual and Constructive, or DMO-LVC, to train

  • Airmen transport refugees back to Egypt

    Two Air Force C-130s will transport Egyptian refugees from Tunisia to Cairo March 9, Defense Department officials said."The aircraft should be on the ground in Djerba now," said Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan, referring to the Tunisian island where crews are picking up the refugees. "The plan is for

  • Defense Logistics Agency aims high to support Air Force

    Air Force men and women are engaged around the world, flying combat missions in war zones, operating unmanned aircraft, developing and maintaining satellites, operating advanced weapons systems and conducting myriad other missions in support of combat operations, humanitarian assistance and homeland

  • Course readies civilians for overseas deployments

    An incoming rocket explodes, shaking the earth and setting off a shockwave of activity."Keep your heads down!" a soldier shouts back to a group of civilians standing by a doorway as he scans a half-blown-up parking garage ahead for suspicious activity.A few soldiers, M-16s in hand, surround the

  • Airmen help prepare Japanese counterparts for new security role

    A small group of security forces Airmen here are helping their Japanese counterparts stand up the Air Self Defense Force's an advanced security training squadron.JASDF security guards from the new Base Defense Development and Training Squadron will travel throughout Japan instructing other security

  • Airmen showcase mission in Australia

    Visitors got an up-close look at Air Force aircraft and Airmen during the Avalon 2011 Australian International Airshow here March 4 to 6.Several Airmen participated in the event, one of the largest airshows in the world."Engagement with our allies, especially one as close as Australia, is key to our

  • Cyber warriors test phishing response

    As part of the Air Force's mission to ward off attacks in cyberspace, members the 50th Space Communications Squadron went phishing on base last month."Phishing is when someone sends messages to a large group of people in an effort to deceive people into revealing their personal information, such as

  • Air Force conservation programs score widespread victories

    The Air Force is trustee to more than eight million acres of land, water and air assets, and is home to more than 70 threatened and endangered species. Stewardship of these resources, in conjunction with sustainment of critical military mission activities, is a key priority for conservation programs

  • U.S. military aircraft bring displaced Egyptians home

    Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, joined Marine Corps KC-130 aircraft March 5 in airlifting displaced Egyptian citizens here from Djerba, Tunisia. More than 300 passengers traveled on four flights. The aircraft and teams conducted the humanitarian shuttles in

  • Air Force mentor-protégé team wins Nunn-Perry award for cyber applications

    A mentor-protégé team earned the Nunn-Perry award March 2 for achievements in cyber applications for the Air Force, officials from the service's office of small business said here March 4. Ball Aerospace, Colorado Engineering, Inc. and Florida International University were recognized at the annual

  • Air Force technicians launch second unmanned spacecraft

    In the latest step to improve space capability and further develop an affordable, reusable space vehicle, Air Force technicians launched the second X-37B here March 5, officials said.The Orbital Test Vehicle-2 launch comes on the heels of the successful flight of OTV-1, which made an autonomous

  • Red Flag cyber operations: Isn't Red Flag a flyer's exercise?

    As Airmen from Air Force Space Command participate Red Flag from Feb. 21 through March 11 at the Nevada Test and Training Range complex, Nev.Red Flag is a realistic, combat-training exercise involving the air forces of the U.S. and its allies in simulated air combat."Red Flag continues to adapt and

  • Airmen improve capability of Iraqi medical clinic

    With only three people working in a building no larger than most American apartments, the Iraqi medical clinic here is constantly operating at maximum capacity to provide care for more than 700 Iraqi airmen."Healthy airmen are essential for the Iraqi air force to successfully complete its missions

  • Progress continues toward Academy training facility groundbreaking

    Preliminaries to the construction of a training facility for the Air Force Academy's Center for Character and Leadership Development are moving along briskly, and construction is expected to begin in late summer.The building will occupy much of the space on the Honor Court between Harmon Hall and

  • Intermediate network warfare training up and running

    In February, 17 students began the first intermediate network warfare training at the 39th Information Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.The 42-day course began Feb. 2 and features a syllabus geared to the needs of cyberoperators in the field, said 1st Lt. Michelle Buchholtz, the influence

  • Air Force to launch second orbital test vehicle

    Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office officials announced the launch of the second X-37B March 4 with a back-up launch opportunity March 5. AFRCO is leading the Defense Department's orbital test vehicle initiative, by direction of the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics

  • 'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Air Force officials implement some cost-cutting measures in the wake of federal budget constraints. Plus, Airmen train with their host nation counterparts to make sure that when lives are on line, everyone's on the same page. And, get a look at some

  • AFNIC engineers assist in Global Hawk beddown

    When Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., officials needed to establish a more robust communications infrastructure to support a new tenant unit's Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft mission, they knew just who to call."Pat Katzer is the best network engineer in the business ... we needed the best,"

  • First lady, Dr. Biden to launch military family awareness campaign

    Dr. Jill Biden and first lady Michelle Obama will campaign to raise awareness of military families, the vice president's wife told spouses of National Guard adjutants general Feb. 28."In the coming weeks, we are going to be launching a formal campaign," said Dr. Biden, who hosted the spouses for

  • Mullen: Anniversary reaffirms U.S.-Kuwaiti bonds

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff joined in festivities Feb. 26 celebrating the 20th anniversary of Kuwait's liberation during Operation Desert Storm and the 50th anniversary of its independence."I am very proud to represent the United States here in Kuwait, as Kuwaitis celebrate their

  • Loadmasters hone skills during training, humanitarian mission

    When one C-17 Globemaster III left here Feb. 25, there were a few more loadmasters aboard than usual. A training mission was in the works, but the extra hands were put to use for a humanitarian mission that coincided with the training.The aircrew made stops at Langley Air Force Base, Va., MacDill

  • CONR team supports successful shuttle launch

    Officials with the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, or CONR, and Air Forces Northern provided crucial airspace control and manning support to the successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery Feb. 24.CONR representatives ensured airspace sovereignty by enforcing the

  • Space weather team readies for upcoming solar max

    Solar max may sound like the name of a super hero, but it's certainly no comic book or 3-D movie.Solar max is actually the name for the sun's most active period in the solar cycle, consistently producing solar emissions, solar flares and sun spots.For a little background on the sun's activities, the

  • Air Force gains new mission

    The Air Force gained a new mission when the 1st Space Operations Squadron accepted satellite control authority of the Advanced Technology Risk Reduction satellite Jan. 31 here. Handed over from the Missile Denfense Agency, ATRR is the newest space-based space situational awareness platform to ensure

  • USAFWS takes new approach to generating leaders

    U.S. Air Force Weapons School officials recently modified their syllabus to reflect that it is not only the Air Force's most challenging tactical training, but also a program designed to produce the Air Force's next generation of great leaders.The USAFWS has commonly been thought of as a leadership

  • Thunderbirds host the Blue Angels

    The Thunderbirds hosted three members of the Navy Blue Angels team here Feb. 23 as part of a traditional exchange program between the two units. Blue Angel No. 2, Lt. Cmdr. Jim Tomaszeski, right wing; and Blue Angel No. 4, Lt. Rob Kurrle, slot; had the chance to fly in the back seat of a

  • Fairchild Airmen climb ice-covered tower to retain communications

    Transmission systems radio Airmen with the 92nd Communications Squadron here left their heated offices to work on top of a snow-covered mountain where the average temperature is below zero.These Airmen journey to the Calispell Mountain Peak in Cusick, Wash., to de-ice a radio tower that provides

  • Three Academy graduates to fly STS-133 shuttle mission

    Three Air Force Academy graduates are leading Space Shuttle Discovery on the STS-133 mission, which is scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Feb. 24. Retired Col. Steven Lindsey, Class of 1982, is mission commander, while 1987 graduate Col. Eric Boe is the pilot and

  • Officers visit Kuwait college, brief students

    Four officers visited Kuwait's Mubarak Al Abdullah Joint Command and Staff College to lecture to 92 students from 19 countries within the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf on various joint military topics. The school is similar to the Air Force's Air Command and Staff College and

  • SecAF takes stock of progress, future challenges

    During remarks to the Air Force Association's 27th Annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition here Feb. 18, the Air Force's senior ranking official reviewed the service' s priorities and underscored Air Force commitment to making the most of available resources in a challenging fiscal

  • Vice CSAF: Air Force must prepare for more complex, varied ops

    The Air Force is working to balance today's needs and tomorrow's challenges while operating under intense fiscal pressures, the service's vice chief of staff said here Feb. 17.During remarks at the Air Force Association's 2011 Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition, Gen. Philip M. Breedlove

  • New deployable air traffic control system program taking shape

    Electronic Systems Center officials intend to call for proposals within the next few months for development and production of a new deployable air traffic control system. Referred to as the Deployable Radar Approach Control the system could be used at forward operating locations, however austere,

  • Space-A travel: Did you know?

    Every day hundreds of military and military-contracted commercial aircraft travel the world delivering troops and cargo. These missions allow hundreds of thousands of military personnel, retirees, family members and other Department of Defense-eligible travelers to fly at almost no cost, courtesy of

  • Eagle Vision program garners key award for keen Earth observation

    An Electronic Systems Center program has been named the winner of a prestigious award presented by officials from NASA and the U.S. Department of the Interior.The agencies honored the Eagle Vision program with the 2010 William T. Pecora award during a Pentagon ceremony Feb. 15. Eagle Vision was

  • Results of command, control training study show roadmap ahead

    Standardizing command and control, or C2, training across air, space and cyber domains and consolidating training here were the main recommendations of a recent independent study completed for Air Combat Command.Results and proposed priorities of the study examining Air Force operational-level C2

  • U.S., Polish military enhance partnerships through training

    Airmen from Ramstein Air Base traveled to the 33rd Air Base in Powidz, Poland, Feb. 4 to 12 for a joint training mission with Polish military forces.More than 60 Airmen from the 86th Airlift Wing and 435th Air Ground Operations Wing participated in the week-long, off-site training aimed at sharing

  • Exhibit features work of Tuskegee Airman turned artist

    In the 1930s, a teenage boy paid 50 cents for a "barnstormer" flight aboard a Ford Trimotor plane that carried him across the sky of rural Pine Bluff, Ark.That boy was Roy LaGrone, and the flight sparked his passion for aviation. Mr. LaGrone would go on to serve as one of the original Tuskegee

  • Missile agency seeks funds for defensive systems

    A ground-based system for homeland defense and interceptors for regional defense highlight the Missile Defense Agency's portion of the Defense Department's fiscal 2012 budget request.The agency requested more than $8.6 billion for fiscal 2012, compared to last year's requested $8.4 billion,

  • New, enhanced VA benefits provided to caregivers of veterans

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials are launching the first of a series of new and enhanced services supporting family caregivers of seriously ill and injured veterans. In May 2010, President Obama signed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 legislation authorizing VA

  • Efficiencies, balance main focuses of FY12 budget

    Air Force officials said despite a reduction in the top line request, combat capabilities and balance will remain focal points in the Air Force's portion of the president's fiscal 2012 budget presented here Feb 14.The total Air Force budget request for FY12 is $166.3 billion, down from $170.8

  • Task force vigilant against contract fraud

    Staff Sgt. Ryan Maseth, 24, of Pittsburgh, stepped into a shower in Iraq in January 2008 -- and it was the last action he would take on this earth. Sergeant Maseth was electrocuted in that shower -- one of many service members killed or injured by allegedly faulty electrical work in thousands of

  • 34 Airmen selected for Tops In Blue

    Air Force Services Agency officials here recently announced the names of 34 Airmen selected for the 2011 Tops In Blue tour. In December 2010, 73 Airmen competed as singers, dancers, musicians and technicians for Tops In Blue slots during the annual Air Force Worldwide Talent Search at Lackland Air

  • Chairman asks communities to help veterans reach their dreams

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today that he is proud and privileged to lead a military that is the best he has seen in more than 40 years.Speaking during a town hall meeting at Capitol Theatre in Chambersburg, Pa., Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said, "I'll state the case up front: I believe

  • New training simulator debuts at Schriever

    At first glance the Standard Space Trainer Integrated Training Center here appears to look like a normal operational control center. Large, high-definition monitors dominate the walls, while multiple computer workstations provide telemetry and other important data to would-be users. The desks,

  • Airmen help transport clothes, shoes to Kyrgyzstan

    More than 6,500 pounds of humanitarian goods were loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster III here Feb. 7. The goods are being shipped to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, as part of the Denton Program, which allows private citizens and organizations to use space available on military cargo planes to transport

  • DOD must train for 'degraded' environments, official says

    The military needs to do a better job of training to conduct operations in less-than-perfect conditions, the chairman of the Defense Science Board said here Feb. 9.Paul G. Kaminski said that given the cyber and space threat environment that exists today and likely will grow in the future, commanders

  • 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

  • Telephones to tanks: RPAT Airmen help fight two wars

    The 14 joint expeditionary tasking Airmen assigned to the redistribution property assistance team on Contingency Operation Base Speicher, Iraq, are working 24-hours-a-day to provide equipment for the Iraqi government and coalition forces in Afghanistan.The members of COB Speicher RPAT, one of eight

  • Buckley Airman, bystanders save man's life

    Recently, a Buckley Air Force Base Airman rendered aid to a car accident victim. Staff Sgt. Kristin Porter, from the Air force Technical Applications Center, Det. 45, was stopped in a driveway near the base making a phone call when she heard a loud sound."I was talking and I heard an accident behind

  • National Security Space Strategy targets safety, stability

    The National Security Space Strategy released Feb. 4 responds to the realities of a space environment that is increasingly crowded, challenging and competitive, senior Defense Department officials said."The National Security Space Strategy represents a significant departure from past practice," said

  • Vandenberg officials launch Minotaur I

    A Minotaur I rocket was launched from here Feb. 6. The rocket carried a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office.Col. Richard Boltz, the 30th Space Wing commander, was the launch decision authority."I am extremely proud of the large group of professionals that came together

  • Business is hot at McClellan-based Aero Union

    Aero Union, a corporation that specializes in aerial firefighting, now flies and maintains P-3 Orions at the former McClellan Air Force Base here. Although P-3s are used by the military in many countries, Aero Union is the only commercial operator of P-3 Orion aircraft in the world, according to

  • Air bridge sustains coalition lives, Afghan security

    There's a bridge connecting land-locked Afghanistan to America's East Coast. Metaphorically, the bridge has trusses spanning continents. Literally, it's a lifeline to ground combat units, as without that bridge Soldiers would lack vital life-sustaining supplies. "Life at my combat outpost would be

  • Air Mobility key to outpost sustainability

    For service members assigned to small military outposts strategically placed throughout Afghanistan's most rugged landscape, air mobility is the key to mission success."We have outposts all over the place here," said Army Lt. Col. David Preston, a member of a support battalion for Task Force

  • Directory links wounded warriors, families to resources

    From benefits and compensation, to education and training, an online directory is providing wounded warriors, veterans and their families a direct connection to thousands of state, local and national resources. "There's so much information on the Web right now; it's nice to have one place to access

  • Rubber removal begins at Bagram Airfield

    Since Jan. 30, Airmen who work on the flightline here have seen a new vehicle crossing the runway. The vehicle, a TrackJet TJ-24, is a surface-treatment system with high-capacity vacuum suction capability. It looks like a water tanker with a vacuum attached to the front. Since its arrival, the

  • Center officials award Space Fence preliminary design contracts

    Electronic Systems Center officials have issued two competitive contract orders, each worth $107 million, for preliminary design of the Space Fence program. They awarded the contracts to Raytheon Corp.'s Integrated Defense Systems and Lockheed Martin Corporation's Mission Systems & Sensors Division.

  • AOC Weapon System moves toward single computing environment

    Electronic Systems Center officials recently put out a request for proposal to modernize the Air and Space Operations Center Weapon System."We're looking to have a single computing environment for the AOC Weapon System," said Lt. Col. John Barrette, AOC WS 10.2 program manager. "Right now, there are

  • Government officials unite to improve child, youth programs

    The government's new military family-support effort will have a resounding impact on resources and programs for military children and youth in the months and years ahead, a Defense Department official said."It is earth-shattering," said Barbara Thompson, the director of the Pentagon's office of