New AAFES chief dresses down uniform issues

As the Army and Air Force Exchange Service enlisted advisor to the commanding general of AAFES, Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm now has the distinct opportunity to impact not only the service he loves, but all branches of service about uniform issues. He plans to carry out his mission through

Inaugural committee prepares to welcome new president

Members of the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee are preparing to welcome President-elect Barack Obama when the nation's 44th chief executive takes the oath of office Jan. 20 here. AFIC is a joint-service organization that coordinates all military ceremonial support for presidential inaugurals,

Air Force disabled employees vital to mission

Raymond Jenks is a busy man. He is the flight chief of instructional technology for the 37th Training Support Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. His office is responsible for designing and developing computer based training, programs, and technology solutions for the 37th Training Group and

Forces combine to share disaster response techniques

Military medics from Argentina, Uruguay and the United States came together to share medical disaster response techniques in November here.The information exchange was part of Operation Southern Partner, an in-depth subject matter exchange emphasizing partnership, cooperation and sharing of

Airmen hone contingency skills at Silver Flag

A handful of Airmen scan their checklists to make sure their mobility bags and other essentials are in order, while others thumb through their Airman's Manuals to bone up on proper chemical warfare procedures. The Airmen are in a wooded 1,200 acre site at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., and this is

Postal service sets holiday mailing guidelines

As the holidays approach and people start thinking about what they are going to send loved ones and friends serving overseas, there are a few dates to keep in mind. "The earliest deadline is for troops that are serving in the Iraq [and] Afghanistan area," Al DeSarro said, spokesman for the western

Tricare officials recognize Warrior Care Month

November is Warrior Care Month, and Tricare officials seek to educate wounded, ill and injured service members about their benefits. "It is our goal to share with all service members as much information about their benefits as possible," said Army Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, deputy director of

Airmen continue building South American partnerships

More than 70 Airmen are spread across four South American countries learning and sharing with their partner nations' military members and performing community outreach events. Operation Southern Partner, a Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern) led event aimed at providing intensive, periodic

Airmen train Afghan cops

Three Airmen trained and graduated 900 Afghan national police in Nangarhar, Nuristan, Kunar and Lagman provinces during a nine-month deployment as part of a Department of State program.The program provides a secondary-level of professional police officer education at the Jalalabad Regional Training

'Today's Air Force' features the importance of training

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Airmen train for the unexpected, how Air Force pilots stay on the cutting edge and how a new program is honoring our service members. In the field or in the classroom, training is of utmost importance to keep Airmen at their best on the battlefield.

HQ-level office created for nuclear mission

Air Force leaders have created a new Air Staff directorate that began operations Nov. 1 to strengthen the focus on the nuclear enterprise. The new office, aligned as A10 on the staff, is officially called the Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration Office and will be led by Maj. Gen. C. Donald

Petraeus assumes leadership of U.S. Central Command

Army Gen. David H. Petraeus assumed leadership of the U.S. military command charged with helping to build peace in a tough and war-torn part of the world today. General Petraeus took the reins of CENTCOM from acting commander Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey in a ceremony here. Defense Secretary Robert

Survey responses still needed as Nov. 26 deadline nears

On Oct. 1, Air Force leaders opened the door for all Airmen to voice their concerns with the launching of the 2008 Air Force Climate Survey. Although that door is still open, it is slowly closing. The survey, which runs through Nov. 26, is designed to assess the opinions and perceptions of the Air

Air Force 'moving in right direction' on nuclear program, Gates says

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates pointed to broad initiatives within the Air Force he said are helping to return its nuclear mission to "the standards of excellence for which it was known throughout the entire Cold War." Speaking at the Carnegie Institute for International Peace Oct. 28, Secretary

Materiel Command's top civilian outlines goals

Air Force Materiel Command's top civilian here after just one month on the job is already working with the Pentagon and other agencies on establishing a clear civilian development model. It is one of several priorities for Dr. Steve Butler, the AFMC executive director, and creating the model is tied

Center serves as hub for air mobility operations

There is more to flying a mission than just hopping on the aircraft and cranking the engines. Air Mobility Command's 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center at Scott AFB is the nexus for the global air mission for the U.S. military. "We plan missions, resource the crews and the aircraft, task the

Commander discusses 'jewel in crown' of America's military

The United States military is the best-manned, best-equipped and best-trained force in the world, but that doesn't mean a thing if it can't get to the fight, said the commander of U.S. Transportation Command. The 138,000 military and civilian men and women of the U.S. Transportation Command and its

Tinker, community celebrate aerospace complex partnership

Air Force, Tinker Air Force Base, state and community leaders celebrated the Tinker Aerospace Complex lease signing Oct. 23 here. Oklahoma County purchased a 430-acre property, which formerly belonged to General Motors earlier this year, then in late September county commissioners celebrated the

Lackland-based institute teaches English to partner nations

Communication is key to maintaining healthy relationships. The same is true of interactions between the United States and members of its allied militaries: strong, clear communication opens the door to a better, stronger relationship. And being able to speak the same language helps this process

Chief of staff wraps up Middle East tour at Joint Base Balad

The Air Force chief of staff finished a visit to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility with a last stop to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Oct. 25 here. Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley learned about Airmen's accomplishments in theater,

Gen. Carlson stresses importance of information technology

The commander of Air Force Materiel Command showcased the value of technological advances in supporting the warfighter through better integration and life-cycle planning Oct. 23 here. Gen. Bruce Carlson spoke to a crowd of several hundred people from the information technology and management

Guard, Reserve warfighters chart tactics course

Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve officials prepared the roadmap for weapons and tactics needs for their near- and long-term during a conference Oct. 20 through 24 in Tucson.The annual Weapons and Tactic Conference began at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., with opening remarks by Lt.

Air Force officials to establish new nuclear major command

The Air Force will stand up a new major command specifically to manage its nuclear assets, the service's top official announced Oct. 24. Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley said the new command will fold into its ranks thousands of Airmen and all of the Air Force's domestic nuclear capabilities in

Mobility leaders focused on 'getting back to basics'

About 80 air mobility leaders gathered for a three-day conference that focused on Air Mobility Command's priorities, roles and missions Oct. 22 through 24 here. The theme for this year's AMC Phoenix Rally was "Back to Basics: Executing Global Reach Fundamentals." Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, the AMC

Top leaders bring praise, vision of future to Airmen in Iraq

The Air Force chief of staff and chief master sergeant of the Air Force praised Airmen for their role in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and discussed the "way ahead" during their on-going visit to meet face-to-face with Airmen deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Oct. 24

Chief of staff reenlists crew chief over Southwest Asia

The Air Force chief of staff reenlisted a C-17 Globemaster III flight crewmember 32,000 feet above the U.S. Central Command area of operations Oct. 23. Gen. Norton Schwartz signed up Senior Airman Tyrell Haney, a 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, for another tour of duty -- his second

Air Force leaders work to develop cyberspace roadmap

Air Force leaders here continue to create a roadmap of the service's cyberspace mission while adjusting to a new organizational construct outlined by Air Force officials in October. Officials from the Air Force Cyber Command (Provisional) team here and Air Force Space Command are moving forward

Air Force Nuclear Enterprise Roadmap report calls for new command, headquarters agency

Establishment of a Global Strike Command and a Headquarters Air Force staff agency to handle Air Force nuclear assets are some of the recommendations found in the Nuclear Enterprise Roadmap released Oct. 24 by senior leaders. The roadmap, titled Reinvigorating the Air Force Nuclear Enterprise, also

Cannon officials use AFSO 21 to improve inprocessing

Cannon Air Force Base officials recently revamped its inprocessing program using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century to take a three week process into a four hour program. Beginning in July, base officials worked to improve and consolidate inprocessing for new base members and their

Top military leaders visit Airmen in Southwest Asia

The Air Force chief of staff and chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Oct. 22 during their visit to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. "I'm pleased to be back in the AOR to see the many changes and steps the Air Force is taking to

2nd Air Force transformation driven by warfighter's needs

Transformation is underway at 2nd Air Force here beginning with construction on a 2,000-square foot operations floor designed to support the new technical training operations center. The new center will serve as the operational command and control hub for technical training operations across 2nd Air

Chief of staff tours Bagram, addresses Airmen's questions

The 19th Air Force chief of staff accompanied by the chief master sergeant of the Air Force made his first official trip to Bagram Airfield Oct. 21. Gen. Norton A. Schwartz toured the 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group to learn more about the growing efforts to support the mission here, and

Launch complex now available for civil, commercial launches

Officials with the Air Force and Space Florida made history during a dedication ceremony held here Oct. 22 when Space Launch Complex 36 officially was made available for operational use by the State of Florida, subject to completion of the environmental impact analysis. Attending the historic

Tricare, Medicare work together for eligible beneficiaries

Tricare officials want beneficiaries who receive a disability check to ensure they are getting the Tricare coverage they are entitled to receive. In general, most beneficiaries become eligible for Medicare at age 65; however, many beneficiaries younger than 65 also qualify for Medicare and there is

Officials call energy efficiency 'huge priority' for Air Force

As the largest consumer of energy in the federal government, the Air Force has made conserving resources a priority, a top official said Oct. 21. "We have to continue with our strategy of reducing demand and increasing [energy] supply and changing the culture within the Air Force," said Kevin

Air Force chief of staff visits Southwest Asia

The Air Force's top officer addressed manning, service priorities and success in the war on terrorism during his first visit to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility since becoming chief of staff Oct. 20 here. The service's prior strategy of reducing 40,000 active-duty positions to free up

AF officials, Ohio hospital to ready nurses for deployment

University Hospital Cincinnati and the Air Force officials inaugurated a new program in October to provide newly graduated registered nurses the advanced clinical training and experience needed to become Air Force Nurse Corps officers and to prepare them for deployment. University Hospital is the

Donley officially sworn in as Secretary of the Air Force

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates officially swore in Michael B. Donley as the Secretary of the Air Force Oct. 17 at the Air Force Memorial. In his speech, Secretary Donley said he's honored to serve as the senior civilian leader of the Air Force and looks forward to the challenges of the

Officials outline challenges, needs at logistics conference

About 1,200 logisticians gathered at the National Logistics Officer Association Conference Oct. 13 through 16 to learn Air Force priorities, urgent warfighter needs and sustainment initiatives that will affect their profession. Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition Sue Payton and Gen.

New first-aid products could save lives, officials say

Two new first-aid products being sent into the combat theater could save more servicemembers' lives, medical officials said at a Pentagon news conference Oct. 15. Test results from the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command's Institute of Surgical Research, or ISR, showed Combat Gauze field

AFRICOM officials note milestones, challenges ahead

Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward brought the celebration of U.S. Africa Command's activation home to Germany Oct. 17 as he praised those who came together to stand the command up so quickly and urged them to continue working together so it can reach its potential. Speaking at the AfriCom's

Berlin Airlift vets recognized by German government

Veterans of the Berlin Airlift were recognized by the German government for their bravery and sacrifice at an Oct. 15 ceremony here.The ceremony celebrated the 60th anniversary of the operation and marked the opening of a six-week exhibit on the Berlin Airlift at the air museum at Travis Air Force

Afghan baby born at Bagram Airfield hospital

It was the middle of the night and hospital staff's pagers were going off. Inside Craig Joint Theater Hospital there was a scramble to pull together the people and equipment needed for a successful procedure. It wasn't a coalition servicemember's life they were trying to save; they were bringing a

Secretary Donley visits Bagram Airmen

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley visited with Airmen from Bagram Airfield Oct. 15 during his first visit to the country since being confirmed by Congress earlier this month. During his visit, Secretary Donley held an Airman's call for approximately 400 Airmen stationed here. "Since I

NATO air chiefs discuss common challenges, solutions

Nineteen NATO air chiefs gathered to discuss how to meet the security demands of a changing world at the chief of staff of the Air Force-hosted 2008 NATO Air Chiefs Conference Oct. 5 through 12 here. The theme for this year's conference was "The Community of Airmen: Solutions to Common Challenges,"

Vector focuses on political activities

In his second Chief of Staff of the Air Force Vector, the service's top general  addressed the balance between the Department of Defense and the political process. "As the November elections approach, I encourage all Air Force personnel -- active duty, National Guard, Reserve and civilian employees

One of the top personnel officers 'Spreads the Word'

Air Force Personnel Center officials sent a team of experts here Oct. 8, launching a global "Spread the Word" campaign to educate Airmen about new and changing personnel and deployment programs. As part of the two-day Spread the Word visit, Maj. Gen. K.C. McClain, AFPC commander, visited with U.S.

A-10s ready as Hawgsmoke 2008 begins

Two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs broke through the overcast skies of central Kansas Oct. 15 and crossed over the center point of the Salina Airport's north-south runway officially kicking off Hawgsmoke 2008, the Air Force's biennial A-10 bombing and tactical gunnery competition. The moment also marked the

SECAF gains insight into diverse missions at deployed wing

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley spent the day at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at an air base in Southwest Asia Oct. 12. The secretary visited the wing to gain a better understanding of the infrastructure and capabilities of one the Air Forces Central area of responsibility's most

Chief of staff emphasizes logisticians' role

You don't have to sell Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz on the value of logistics. "Acquisition, engineering and wholesale logistics form the foundation of numerous Air Force capabilities ... Logistics professionals who perform these services are critical to everything the Air Force

Oct. 13 airpower summary: C-5s resupply coalition forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft dropped a guided bomb unit-12 onto

Building dedication honors Airman killed on 9/11

Members of the 445th Airlift Wing here honored the life and service of one its former members who was killed as part of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by dedicating the new operations building to him Oct. 4 here.Maj. LeRoy W. Homer Jr. died while serving as the first officer on United Airlines Flight

Airmen to support presidential inauguration

More than 85 Airmen from 30 different Air Force bases formed the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing in September to support the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee in Washington. The 320th AEW members will combine with members from the other military services to provide ceremonial support to the presidential

AFMC captures AF Marathon major command trophy

Air Force Materiel Command, headquartered here, is the sophomore winner of the U.S. Air Force Marathon Major Command Challenge Commander's Trophy. The announcement was made Oct. 3 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz. General

Program works to ensure absentee voting opportunities

It's still not too late to register to cast an absentee ballot in the Nov. 4 general election in many states, a Defense Department official said Oct. 9."We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to vote, and that the vote is counted," said Polli Brunelli, director of the Federal Voting

Air Force's newest general

Officials revise Purple Heart eligibility criteria

Department of Defense officials announced Oct. 6 that eligibility criteria for the Purple Heart have been expanded to permit prisoners of war who died in captivity to receive the award. The revised department policy presumes, for service members who die in captivity as a qualifying prisoner of war,

Air Force training facility underway at NAS Pensacola

Officials at the Naval Facilities Engineering Command-Southeast, in partnership with representatives from Air Education and Training Command and a construction conglomerate known as NTF, L.L.C., broke ground Oct. 2 for a new training instruction facility at Naval Air Station Pensacola.NAVFAC

Air Force senior leaders take up key decisions

The nuclear enterprise, cyber organization, end strength, force shaping, and command and control of Air Force operations were just some of the topics discussed when Air Force senior leaders met at CORONA on Oct. 1-3 at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley

Gunship commander receives Cheney Award

The aircraft commander of an AC-130H Spectre gunship was named the recipient of the Cheney Award Oct. 6 for providing close-air support to troops on the ground in Afghanistan in May 2007. The Cheney Award is presented each year to aviators who demonstrate an act of valor, extreme fortitude or

Chinese military delegation visits Hickam AFB

A delegation from China's People Liberation Army visited here as part of a professional exchange with senior U.S. military enlisted personnel Oct. 2. The People's Liberation Army delegation of 12, led by Maj. Gen. Zhong Zhiming, chief of military affairs for the PLA Headquarters General Staff,

Tricare takes aim at childhood obesity

October is Children's Health Month and Tricare has launched a new Web page at http://www.tricare.mil/getfit to promote a healthy lifestyle partnership aimed at military families. The new page serves as campaign "headquarters." The target? Childhood obesity. Tricare is partnering with the Defense

Oct. 5 airpower summary: Predator fires missile

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a guided bomb unit-38,

Oct. 2 airpower summary: C-17s provide airlift support

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft dropped guided bomb unit-12s onto an

A revolution in the classroom

In an era where computers and the Internet have changed almost every aspect of daily life, from shopping to working to entertainment, is it time for technology to change the way Airmen learn? For younger Airmen, it seems, the answer is yes. Air Education and Training Command officials recently

AFPC Spread the Word team launches global tour

The Air Force Personnel Center Commander, Maj. Gen. K.C. McClain, will kick off an Air Force-wide "Spread the Word" briefing tour at Oct. 7 and 8 at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. "AFPC is evolving to provide personnel services in new formats through new programs, and we want to communicate these

Tricare offers respite for caregivers

Tricare now offers primary caregivers of active duty servicemembers much needed rest, relief and reprieve thanks to section 1633 of the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. The respite benefit specifically helps homebound servicemembers who need frequent help from their primary caregiver. It is

Gen. McKinley approved to lead Guard Bureau

Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley was confirmed as the 26th chief of the National Guard Bureau by the Senate Oct. 2 in Washington, D.C. He will also become the first four-star general in the nearly 372-year history of the National Guard. The current director of the Air National Guard, General McKinley was

Senate confirms Gen. Fraser as next vice chief of staff

General William M. Fraser III, a command pilot, will be the Air Force's next vice chief of staff, based on a Senate confirmation vote, which occurred Oct. 2. Now the president must offer the official appointment to the general before he can assume his new position. General Fraser, who now serves as

Top cover: Airpower integral to ground force's success

Pilots on board F-15E Strike Eagles helped turned the tide as Army Soldiers fighting terrorists in Afghanistan were pinned down and needed assistance in mid September.An improvised explosive device had disabled a vehicle and Soldiers were stranded, but airpower was there to help. "As we got within

Tricare Reserve and Guard family benefit now permanent

Eligible families of activated National Guard and Reserve members will continue to save up to $300 in annual deductibles now that a Tricare "demonstration" program is a permanent benefit. Eligible family members of Guard and Reserve personnel activated for more than 30 days under federal orders in

Africa Command unfurls colors during Pentagon ceremony

The flag for a new U.S. unified command that seeks to meld civilian expertise with military planning and logistics was unfurled Oct. 1 during a Pentagon ceremony. Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward unfurled the colors and told Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Air Force medics support trauma mission for warriors

A recent influx of trauma cases at Wilford Hall Medical Center here sheds light on the importance of the hospital's civilian trauma mission with the city of San Antonio, and the high caliber of training it provides for military doctors and medics here. During the month of September, Air Force

Seventeenth Air Force stands up

The air component for U.S. Africa Command declared initial operational capability Sept. 18 in an assumption-of-command ceremony on Ramstein which also celebrated the unit's Oct. 1 activation. Seventeenth Air Force, also to be known as Air Forces Africa, marked the coming activation by handing the

Charleston officials begin transporting new Army vehicles

Charleston Air Force Base officials began receiving and immediately shipping six new Army High Mobility Engineer Excavator vehicles to warfighters in Southwest Asia Sept. 29 here. Charleston AFB is the first Air Force base to receive and ship the HMEE, which is a newly developed military

Officials enter agreement to create aerospace complex

Air Force officials announced Sept. 25 that the service has signed a long-term lease agreement with Oklahoma County that will enable the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center to establish the Tinker Aerospace Complex here. The lease, which was signed Sept. 24, covers approximately 407 acres of land

Simulation center prepares medics for saving lives

In this world where hospital staffs hold human lives in their hands, where do they train to function under this ultimate responsibility? When they are put under the stress of doing a job so important that even the military considers them doctors first and military second, where do they learn to

Provisional team prepares for cyber mission assurance

The Air Force Cyber Command (Provisional) staff here has spent a year defining and shaping the future of the service's cyberspace operations. There have been numerous contributions from the team that will assist the Air Force as it decides how it will "fly, fight and win" in the cyberspace domain,

Registry tracks effects of embedded metal fragments

A Defense Department registry is helping officials gather data to be sure the long-accepted practice of leaving embedded metal fragments in wounded warriors' bodies as long as vital organs aren't threatened is valid. Officials at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology created the Embedded Metal

World War II women aviators gather for final reunion

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

VA secretary establishes ALS as a compensable illness

Veterans with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," soon may receive badly needed support for themselves and their families. The Department of Veterans Affairs secretary announced recently that ALS will become a presumptively compensable illness for all veterans with

Senior leaders held accountable for nuclear enterprise missteps

Air Force leaders released details today about administrative actions being taken against 15 officers in connection with deficiencies outlined in a report reviewing elements of the service's nuclear enterprise. "The Air Force has no more solemn obligation than the security and reliability of the

U.S. troops help build Afghan air corps

A team of 170 U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines have been tasked with recruiting, training and equipping the Afghan National Army Air Corps. "Our goal is to develop this Air Corps to be fully independent and fully operational, capable to meet (the) security requirements of Afghanistan," Air

Military leaders discuss National Guard role

Air and Army Guardsmen from across 54 U.S. states and territories met to discuss current and future plans at the 130th conference of the National Guard Association of the United States Sept. 20 through 22 here. Some 2,000 citizen-Soldiers and citizen-Airmen heard from key military leaders including

Gen. Schwartz outlines future role, relationship with Guard

The Air Force chief of staff reached out to National Guard leaders, inviting collaborative planning and support of the total force as he spoke at the National Guard Association of the United States Conference Sept. 22 here. Gen. Norton A. Schwartz addressed 2,000 citizen-Soldiers and citizen-Airmen

Airpower integral to Kajaki Dam turbine delivery

Coalition airpower focused on a critical part of southern Afghanistan from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2 to protect more than 4,000 ground forces and to support the delivery of an electric turbine for the 30-year-old hydroelectric Kajaki Dam in the Helmand Province. The new turbine, part of a U.S.-funded

New battle gear improves capabilities for combat Airmen

Battlefield Airmen will soon receive a new equipment item that will improve their ability to execute their combat duties. The new airman battle system-ground is a tactical ensemble, or equipment item, for Airmen who perform their mission outside the wire in close coordination with ground forces. "It

Air Force Association honors AFMC during conference

Air Force Association officials presented awards to six individuals and one team from Air Force Materiel Command during AFA's 24th Annual Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition. The conference took place Sept. 15-17 in Washington, D.C. The commander of AFMC, Gen. Bruce Carlson was

Civilian leaders learn strength of U.S. airpower in Europe

Civilian business and community leaders got firsthand and sometimes hands-on exposure Sept. 23 to U.S. Air Forces in Europe's multiple missions of supporting warfighters, building partnerships and strengthening its historic NATO ties. U.S. Air Forces, Europe, or USAFE, is as critical to U.S.

Conference speakers say users' needs matter most

Speakers at the sixth annual Network Centric Operations Conference held here Sept. 22 offered various perspectives on the pathways to achieving "net-centricity," but all agreed on the goal. It's about better serving the people whose missions -- and sometimes lives -- depend on receiving timely and

AAFES mobile field exchange heads to Galveston Island

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, at the request of the Texas National Guard, has moved a mobile field exchange from Ellington Field south to Scholes International Airport in Galveston, Texas. "We moved the MFE on Saturday and opened the doors on Sunday, Sept. 21," said the Fort Sam Houston

Partnership with New Zealand emphasized at air conference

Partnership between the United States and New Zealand militaries is vital to meeting the security challenges of the Pacific region, said the 13th Air Force commander at the Royal New Zealand Air Force Chief of Air Force Conference Sept. 23. Lt. Gen. Loyd S. "Chip" Utterback provided a U.S.

Special Operations Command earns multiple AFA awards

Air Force Special Operations Command officials here took home four awards during the Air Force Association's annual Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition held from Sept. 15 to 17 in Washington, D.C. Each year, AFA officials honor the outstanding achievements of men and women throughout

STRATCOM leader charts nuclear path for American military

The U.S. Strategic Command commander here recently laid out his vision for the future of America's strategic deterrence mission and the importance of nuclear stewardship. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton also outlined the necessary measures to correct the accountability and day-to-day management issues with

Air Guard has 'turned the corner' after BRAC

Three years after the Base Realignment and Closure rulings, the Air National Guard is finally starting to settle down, the director of the Air National Guard said Sept. 17 here. "We're actually at a point in history where things have turned the corner," Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley told a crowd at the

Leaders pledge support to bring missing servicemembers home

On a small parade field at the steps of the Pentagon and across the river from the skyline of the nation's capital, top military and political leaders today pledged to continue looking for missing servicemembers no matter the cost. "Over the past 230-plus years, a promise has been made to the men

Record field runs in 12th Annual USAF Marathon

Nearly 7,400 runners came out beneath clear sunny skies for the 12th Annual running of the U.S. Air Force Marathon here. Nathan Peters of Grayling, Mich., was the overall winner of the full marathon posting a time of 2:30:47. Gone were the damaging winds, remnants of Hurricane Ike that rocked the

Policy changes benefit Airmen deploying for 365 days

Effective Oct. 1, Air Force officials here will implement policy changes to improve sourcing efficiency of 365-day deployments and ensure Airmen receive adequate notification prior to deployment. The new policy sets the deployment "accept or decline" option at three calendar days, streamlines the

Airman gives aid at 37,000 feet

Today's Air Force prepares Airmen to be ready for any contingency, and often emergency situations arise at the most unexpected times. For Capt. Sam Millar, the 18th Operations Group Aeromedical Evacuation Branch chief, that situation arose about eight hours into a flight from Narita, Japan, to

American Language Course graduates first class

Eighteen Iraqi airmen have accomplished one of the top training requirements for the Iraqi air force -- learning the English language. These airmen were the first to graduate from the American Language Course during a ceremony here Sept. 10. Because English is the international language for