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  • AMC, industry partner to enhance virtual training

    Canadian Aviation Electronics USA, the primary contractor for the KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew training system, recently received authorization to operate on the Air Force’s Distributed Training Center Network. KC-135 Stratotanker simulators will now be connected to other Air Force mobility platforms

  • MQ-1, MQ-9 aircrews help liberate Manbij

    In 2016, U.S. Air Force MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper aircrews assisted coalition partners in the reclamation of Manbij, Syria, from Islamic State of Iraq and Syria forces.Pilots and sensor operators assigned to squadrons across the 432nd Wing and the 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing provided the close

  • Intelligence communications systems migrate worldwide

    While protecting the nation and seeking out the enemy, U.S. military forces must exchange sensitive information safely and securely. The Air Force Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System allows multi-media communications between authorized individuals by secure means, and in a timely

  • Air advising, it’s a family affair

    Growing up watching her father put the uniform on day in and day out motivated her to follow in his footsteps and become an Airman, but she never imagined she would get the opportunity to serve alongside her hero.

  • Goldfein: Continuing resolution detrimental to Air Force

    With the threat of a yearlong continuing resolution lingering, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and his fellow service chiefs called on Congress to approve an appropriation bill for fiscal year 2017 during a hearing on the topic April 5, 2017 on Capitol Hill.

  • 250th Air Force Community Partnership signed

    Leaders from Joint Base Charleston and the surrounding community signed the 250th Air Force community partnership agreement last week. This one aims to reduce emergency response time for local military and civilian first responders.

  • 9th AF provides first Rear Mission Support Element training

    Sixty Airmen who completed the first two official Air Force Rear Mission Support Element training courses are participating in War Fighter Exercise 17-4 at Fort Hood, Texas, through April 12. The exercise is part of their deployment training to support operations at Combined Joint Task

  • Freeze-dried plasma to the rescue

    Since hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death in combat casualties, Air Force Special Operations Command is improving access to blood products on the battlefield.

  • Airmen train, advise, assist Iraqi AF

    Airmen of the 370th and 770th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadrons play an important role in assisting the Iraqi military by sending critical cargo and forces downrange to support the fight against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. These Airmen are responsible for advising and assisting the Iraqi air

  • MWD retires, reunited with wingman

    In 2012, Staff Sgt. Anthony Despins, a 20th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, met Jony, his first canine partner.Together the two used their individual skill sets to make a formidable team, certified as an explosives detection and patrol unit to keep people around the world safe

  • Breaking barriers through opportunities

    For Brig. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, the 57th Wing commander, every accomplishment of her 25-year career flying the F-15E Strike Eagle stems from seizing her opportunities, by seeing them as challenges and overcoming them every step of the way.

  • Wings of Blue train, jump with reservists

    Citizen Airmen from the 701st Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, took to the sky in a C-17 Globemaster III over the Arizona desert early Saturday morning for mission critical training with the Air Force’s Wings of Blue parachute team.

  • CSAF shares thoughts, stresses importance of Hanscom work during visit

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein visited Hanscom Air Force Base March 28 to 30, 2017 to learn more about the work done at the base, meet with local civic officials to discuss collaboration, and share his insight about where the Air Force currently is and where it’s headed.

  • Stopping Sexual Assault – Not Just in April

    The truth is, the vast majority of Airmen we serve alongside have never – and will never – sexually assault another person in their lifetime. Let me say it again for the people in the back – the vast majority of our Airmen HAVE NEVER and WILL NEVER harm another person. Hard stop.

  • SecAF nominee testifies before Congress

    Heather Wilson testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee during her confirmation hearing for secretary of the Air Force in Washington, D.C., March 30, 2017.

  • AF addresses pilot shortage

    Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso, the Air Force manpower, personnel and services deputy chief of staff, testified on the pilot shortage before the House Armed Services subcommittee on military personnel in Washington, D.C., March 29, 2017.

  • Physician serves to honor past, present

    Capt. (Dr.) Thanh Thao Le, a 66th Medical Squadron physician, learned from her father the importance of honoring those who serve in the military.Her father, Minh Le, was a 1st lieutenant in South Vietnam’s Political Warfare Branch in the 1970s during the Vietnam War.

  • AFRL lighting the way for military aircrews

    Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (RX) junior force researchers resolved an issue of critical importance to military pilots and aircrews—portable, reliable and robust temporary landing zone lighting.

  • 11th ATKS paves way with training

    To accomplish flight, two geographically separate aircrews work together: the mission control element and the launch and recovery element. The MCE is responsible for executing the mission, while the LRE conducts takeoffs and landings. While being MCE certified is standard for all aircrews flying the

  • Joint mission enables patients to receive critical care

    Airmen and Soldiers, along with U.S. and Japanese civilian personnel from six different locations around the world, teamed up to provide the largest aeromedical evacuation ever at Misawa Air Base, for two critical patients March 22, 2017.

  • Squadron develops process, trains new mobility Airmen across Europe

    For many new Airmen, completing upgrade training within their career field can feel like an uphill battle. There are career development courses and on-the-job training to complete, all while keeping up with the day-to-day demands of the job.The 721st Aerial Port Squadron at Ramstein Air Base has

  • Polish, US AF conduct tactical airlift training

    The 166th Airlift Wing, Delaware Air National Guard, participated in bilateral training with the Polish Air Force during Aviation Detachment 17-2 in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, at Powidz Air Base, Poland from March 1-27, 2017.

  • Robotic technology developed for F-22s

    Robotic technology developed through the Air Force Small Business Innovation Research program will soon make the process of restoring specialized coatings on F-22 Raptor engine inlets more efficient for aircraft maintenance personnel during depot maintenance at the Ogden Air Logistics Complex,

  • Playing with fire; EOD technicians hone response skills

    Most of the crew is asleep, but for a few members. Outside, the sun is peaking over the horizon, sending long shadows across the terrain and buildings. Suddenly a loud banging from the door echoes through the hallway, breaking the silence and waking up the crew. The banging continues, and an Airman

  • Next generation coatings booth poised to save Air Force millions in energy

    It only makes sense for the Air Force’s newest, most complex, multi-role fighter to have the most advanced, state-of-the-art sustainment facilities to ensure enduring power for years to come.The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Advanced Power Technology Office is on the front lines of making this

  • Fallen Airman remembered by comrades

    With a packed room of not just people, but also emotion, Staff Sgt. Alexandria Morrow was remembered by colleagues and friends Mar 23, 2017 during her memorial service at her deployed location.Members of her deployed unit, 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, shared stories and memories that

  • Science on a Sphere arrives at KAFB, first in DOD

    In a completely black room at the 335th Training Squadron’s Weather Training Complex, a 48-inch carbon fiber globe hangs, suspended from the ceiling with projectors pointing at it from each corner, awaiting its Defense Department debut March 23, 2017.

  • 416th FLTS upgrading F-16 radar

    The 416th Flight Test Squadron continually conducts developmental testing to enhance the warfighting capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. One focus of the F-16 testers here is the integration and testing of a new radar as part of the F-16 Radar Modernization Program.

  • Lebanese student conducts first ‘in seat’ A-29 flight

    A Lebanese A-29 Super Tucano pilot trainee, from the 81st Fighter Squadron, conducted the first ‘in seat’ training sortie March 22, 2017, here. The program, which began earlier this month, is designed to ensure the Lebanon air force receives the support and training needed to safely and effectively

  • Bataan Death March: Airman honors POW grandfather

    Starvation, torture and a 70-mile march to concentration camps or dying in the process were the only options Philippine soldier, the late Ricardo Plana, faced after the U.S. surrendered the Bataan Peninsula to the Japanese during World War II. Now, 75 years later, his grandson, Staff Sgt. Max Biser,

  • Five Airmen awarded Olmsted Foundation scholarships

    The Air Force has selected five officers for the award of an Olmsted Foundation scholarship, sponsored by the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation, which offers outstanding young military leaders the opportunity to become fluent in a foreign language, pursue graduate study at an overseas university

  • Flexible opportunities available supporting Air Force auxiliary

    For Airmen who want to continue serving their country, but can no longer commit to a monthly or annual schedule, the Civil Air Patrol Reserve Assistance Program may be their next career move. The program, CAPRAP, utilizes officer and enlisted Reserve Airmen as liaisons between local CAP squadrons

  • Overcoming the shadow of death: An Airman’s fight against depression

    Staff Sgt. Srun Sookmeewiriya or Sook, as many people know him, may seem like a happy and carefree Airman at first glance. The 313th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron NCO in charge of reports regularly puts forth an earnest effort to keep his unit alive and running, so his dark past and

  • Behind mother’s love: Enlisting for child’s chance

    Hundreds of Airmen erupt into cheers and applause in a hangar after a name is announced. Among the crowd, a young Airman screams in disbelief. With tears of joy streaming down her face, she makes her way onto the stage to shake the commander’s hand.

  • My miles have meaning

    For Senior Airman Michael Hall, a 20th Aerospace Medicine Squadron flight and operation medical technician, the 3.1 miles of this “fun run” are hardly the most difficult obstacle he has faced through the years.

  • From EOD Airman to Silver Star recipient

    Retired Master Sgt. Kristopher Parker, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, received the Silver Star medal March 17, 2017, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas for his courageous actions while deployed to Afghanistan in May 2014.

  • A-29s arrive at Kabul in time for fighting season

    Four A-29 Super Tucano light-attack aircraft arrived for duty at Kabul Air Wing, Kabul, Afghanistan, March 20, 2017, where they will be used by the Afghan Air Force for close-air attack, air interdiction, escort and armed reconnaissance.The latest arrivals, which traveled from Moody Air Force Base,

  • Boeing, Travis partner for KC-46A testing

    A Boeing KC-46A Pegasus team conducted testing at Travis Air Force Base from March 7-10, 2017. This testing was a combined effort between Boeing Test and Evaluation, and the Detachment 1, 418th Flight Test Squadron, which are co-located at the Boeing Facility in Seattle.

  • AF invites industry for light attack platform experiment

    The Air Force released an industry invitation to participate today to evaluate the military utility of light attack platforms in future force structure.The invitation is part of a broader Air Force effort to explore cost-effective attack platform options. The live-fly experiment is an element of the

  • Reutilization program saves millions of dollars

    Master Sgt. Bryan ONeill, a range section chief at the 177th Fighter Wing’s Detachment 1, Warren Grove Bombing Range in Burlington County, New Jersey, determined that he could utilize the Defense Logistic Agency’s Reutilization Transfer Donation database of equipment to acquire pieces of

  • Around the Air Force: March 17

    On this look around the Air Force, the commander of the 27th Special Operations Wing comments on a fatal plane crash and changes are made to the enlisted professional military education program.

  • Historic Pacific F-35 Symposium concludes in Hawaii

    Military senior officers from nations throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region gathered March 14 and 15, 2017, during the first Pacific Air Forces-hosted F-35A/B Lightning II Symposium, to discuss the future of F-35 operations in the Pacific.

  • F-15C simulators provide low-cost, critical training

    Projecting unrivaled combat airpower is expensive, which is why one Tyndall Air Force Base unit invested in smarter operations for lower training costs. This unit can launch a jet, fly an unlimited amount of hours and fight thousands of enemies all from a single room.

  • Singapore AF enhances Red Flag 17-2

    As the Singapore CH-47 Chinook’s twin rotors build speed and spin in unison, a loud but calming hum fills the interior of the helicopter. Seven Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape specialists sit with their gear in front of them, parachutes on their backs.

  • Relocation brings ISR cryptologic operator training, aircraft together again

    The 306th Intelligence Squadron made a big move March 6, 2017, from sunny California to the Sooner State. The move, to Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma, aligns with Air Force Special Operations’ effort to colocate the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance active-duty training

  • Squadron revitalization leads to EPME changes

    The reenlistment and extension ineligibility requirement will be removed from the enlisted professional military education program effective March 15, 2017 according to Air Force officials.

  • How mail gets to the AOR

    Deployments have changed over the years. It’s now easier than ever to stay connected with loved ones back at home through video chats and messenger applications, but there still isn’t anything quite like receiving a hand-written birthday card or a care package with a favorite homemade snack. In

  • ACC welcomes new commander

    Service members of Air Combat Command welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony March 10, 2017.

  • Immigrant Airmen bring diversity to force

    As a nation founded by immigrants, the U.S. has long drawn its strength through the diversity of its citizens. The complexity of global challenges the U.S. faces today can only be overcome by capitalizing on all the resources at its disposal, including leveraging its greatest strength – its people.

  • O’Malley award winners gain new family members

    The winners of the 2016 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O’Malley Award were recognized before a group of family, friends, coworkers and previous award recipients during a ceremony at the Pentagon March 7, 2017.

  • CSAF letter to Airmen

    Fellow Airmen,Below you will find the final paper in my CSAF series. As with the first paper (Revitalizing Squadrons) and the second paper (Strengthening Joint Leaders and Teams), the third paper directly aligns with our strategic documents.

  • Pacific allies, partner nations to meet for first Pacific F-35 Symposium

    The F-35 Lightning II will take center stage during the Pacific Air Forces’ inaugural F-35 Symposium next week. The two-day conference will mark the largest gathering of F-35 experts to include senior officers and warfighters from Japan, Australia, South Korea as well as the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps

  • Scott hosts first jump on new drop zone

    Scott Air Force Base hosted its first airdrop on a new drop zone here March 1, 2017. Eight Airmen from Scott Air Force Base and Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, jumped from an Air National Guard C-130H Hercules assigned to the 180th Airlift Squadron in St. Joseph, Missouri. This jump provided currency and

  • Pacific mission demonstrates C-5M upgrades

    A C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft from the 22nd Airlift Squadron flew a Pacific channel mission March 4 - 5, 2017, from Travis Air Force Base, California, delivering cargo to Yokota Air Base, Japan.

  • A family within a family

    A family atmosphere has long been rooted in the 145th Airlift Wing and the Dietz family champions this statement. Senior Airman Jonathan Dietz, of the 145th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, is the youngest son of Chief Master Sgt. Susan Dietz of the 145th Medical Group.

  • Reserve mobility aircrew impacts mission in Baltic region

    The Air Force Reserve’s 433rd Airlift Wing C-5M Super Galaxy delivered 207,000 pounds of cargo comprised of three Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, four Army vehicles, and 39 10th Combat Aviation Brigade Soldiers to Latvia Feb. 28 and March 3, in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

  • US KC-135 completes first refueling mission with Romanian F-16

    History was made when the U.S. Air Force and Romanian Air Force made their first air refueling contact Feb. 28, 2017, over Romania. With the help of the U.S. Air Force’s 100th Air Refueling Wing and one of their KC-135 Stratotankers, the Romanian Air Force became certified to refuel from all U.S.

  • Joint medical exercise hits the beach

    The 920th Aeromedical Staging Squadron hosted the fifth annual MEDBEACH, a joint service exercise, to prepare military medical personnel for deployments by offering realistic hands-on scenarios one could encounter during combat. The exercise also provided 920th RQW reservists an opportunity to work

  • AF's 1st HC-130 takes its final flight to retirement

    After more than 50 years of faithful service and rescue missions spanning the globe, King 52, the first HC-130P/N configured for Air Force rescue in 1964, retired March 6, 2017.Accompanied by its 920th Rescue Wing dedicated crew chiefs and a nostalgic aircrew, the aircraft, tail number 4852, heads

  • Pilots eject from A-29A Super Tucano

    Two pilots from the 81st Fighter Squadron ejected safely from an A-29A Super Tucano aircraft during a routine training flight near Homerville, Georgia, at about 2:50 p.m., March 6, 2017.

  • Airmen, Marines hone tactical recovery skills

    The thunderous sound of an MV-22 Osprey echoes over an open field as it lands. Emerging from its lowered door is the I Marine Expeditionary Force from Camp Pendleton, California, who advance on the New Mexican desert to fulfill their objective: find the downed aircrew and bring them home safely.

  • Supporting the fight, breaking records

    Air National Guardsmen from the 120th and 182nd Airlift Wings departed for home this week following a four-month deployment at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.During their deployment, the Airmen were assigned to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, where they successfully delivered cargo

  • Air Force seeks 2017 GEICO award nominations

    The Air Force is accepting nominations for the 2017 Government Employees Insurance Company Military Service Awards. These awards annually recognize enlisted active duty, and one Reserve or Guard member from all branches of service for contributions to military or private-sector communities.

  • US departs Aero India, leaves stronger relationships behind

    U.S. aircraft, crew and support personnel, as well as members of the State Department and other U.S. representatives returned home this week after a strong showing at Aero India 2017 at Air Force Station Yelahanka, India Feb. 20.

  • Developer begins construction on innovation center at Hill AFB

    Developers at Hill Air Force Base are breaking ground on another new construction project this week, creating more space for new jobs near the base. Air Force and Utah officials participated in a ceremony March 3, 2017, to mark the progress at Falcon Hill National Aerospace Research Park. The new

  • Maintenance Airmen support Polish mission

    When people think of generating, executing and sustaining combat airpower, ground equipment is not usually the first thing to come to mind.However, the Airmen assigned to the aerospace ground equipment shop at the 407th Air Expeditionary Group ensure mission success every day by providing the

  • Air Commando recognized as Trusted Care Hero

    The day began when Culpan was returning from leave for the drive home. While stocking up on energy drinks and snacks at a gas station in his hometown, Culpan saw clouds of black smoke off in the distance, but thought nothing of it.

  • Chief shares wisdom from 36-year career

    There’s an old joke that points out the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it into a fruit salad. The same can be true regarding deployments. Knowledge may come after a few years on the job, but wisdom comes after a career full of

  • JBLE welcomes President Trump

    President Donald J. Trump greeted a crowd of service members, their families and friends as he made his first official visit to Joint Base Langley-Eustis and the Tidewater military community, March 2.

  • AFE: One stitch between life, death

    “When someone’s life is in your hands, you have to be cognizant that their life depends on you... You only get one chance,” said Senior Airman Tyler Wineman, a 1st Operation Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, alluding to what could happen to a pilot if technicians, like him, did

  • Disbrow delivers State of the AF

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Lisa S. Disbrow addressed current and future issues, and talked about some of the occasions the Air Force has to look forward to in 2017 during the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, March 3.

  • Silent Sentry: Defending the final frontier

    Air, space and cyberspace - these are the three domains that the United States Air Force strives to defend. Of these domains, space has become one of the most crowded and competitive. At any given time, there are innumerable signals being transmitted to and from satellites, with each signal taking

  • 20th FW kicks off Red Flag 17-2 at Nellis

    The U.S. Air Force’s two-week premier air-to-air combat training exercise Red Flag 17-2 began Feb. 27, 2017 and will conclude March 10.Held multiple times each year on the vast bombing and gunnery ranges of the 2.9 million acre Nevada Test and Training Range, Red Flag is a realistic combat training

  • The gift of a lifetime

    Twenty-two people die each day waiting for an organ transplant, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Currently, there are more than 119,000 men, women and children on the national waiting list; every 10 minutes another person is added, lengthening the list every year.

  • Goldfein: Multi-domain C2 is way of thinking

    Now eight months into his tenure, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein provided an Air Force update during the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, March 2, 2017.

  • Wright: Airmen need to be ‘well trained, well led, resilient’

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright addressed the areas in which he looks to focus on during his tenure as the 18th chief master sergeant of the Air Force at the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, March 2, 2017.