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  • Airmen set world's record during exercise

    Airmen from the Dyess's 317th Airlift Group set a world's record for the largest C-130J formation during a Joint Operational Access exercise on June 19.JOAX is a 12-day combined military training exercise designed to prepare Airmen and Soldiers to respond to worldwide crises and contingencies."This

  • Deployed controllers deliver hope

    When serving on a remote forward operating base in Afghanistan, service members rely on deliveries of ammunition, tools, food, water and other supplies. Many times these vital provisions are airdropped by 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron cargo jets. "Cargo is the life blood of downrange

  • AF leaders stand behind civilians during tough furlough times

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III send the following furlough message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:As you all know, Department of Defense civilian furloughs begin this week. With few exceptions, our civilian Airmen face

  • EOD Airmen remove 35 tons of ordnance from range

    Explosive ordnance disposal Airmen from the 366th Civil Engineering Squadron were joined by fellow EOD Airmen from nine different bases to perform the annual range clearance at Saylor Creek and Juniper Butte Range complexes, Idaho.Members from the 366th Fighter Wing and other units have spent the

  • Naples-based wife named Air Force 'Spouse of the Year'

    Sonya Rayford Cage, spouse of Allied Joint Force Command Naples member, Maj. Ernest Cage, was awarded the 2013 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year for her outstanding support to local military personnel and their families. This honor follows closely on the heels of her US Air Force NATO spouse of

  • Joint STARS: Deployed maintainers saving lives

    U.S. and coalition ground forces deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations depend on many different airframes and assets to complete their day-to-day operations. That includes the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System maintained by the 7th Expeditionary Aircraft

  • AF, Army unite to protect Transit Center

    When faced with a shortfall in manning, an Air Force reservist here devised a plan to join forces with the Army to keep security operations on par."Most of the time, a singular service component is given the mission of base security," said Master Sgt. Brian Nicoletti, the 376th Expeditionary

  • Air Force JAG turns 20

    Celebrating 20 years of providing the Air Force with trained and qualified judge advocates, civilian attorneys and paralegals, the Air Force Judge Advocate General's School recently commemorated the historic occasion."The 20th anniversary of the JAG School building dedication is a momentous day in

  • Forest Service directs MAFFS to Arizona

    Forest Service, through the National Interagency Fire Center here, has directed the repositioning of military Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System aircraft from Colorado Springs, Colo., to Mesa, Ariz."The weather and progress on the ground have helped us in the Four Corners region." said Col.

  • Maintenance squadron embraces continuous improvement principles

    For one small aircraft maintenance squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, embracing the principles of continuous improvement has reaped tangible results. The 571st AMXS, Operating Location-Alpha, has completed maintenance on their 300th consecutive T-38 Talon on time and on cost, and in

  • Security Airmen take action while under attack

    A quick and efficient response by Afghan and U.S. Air Force security forces personnel helped defeat an attack by insurgents at Kabul International Airport earlier this month, according to U.S. military officials. The attack began at about 4:30 a.m. on the morning of June 10. Within minutes, security

  • B-52s to receive communications upgrade

    Installation of a communications system upgrade earmarked for the venerable U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber fleet is scheduled to start here in July.The Combat Network Communications Technology system will enable aircrews to send and receive information via satellite links, allowing them

  • AF aerial firefighters continue to battle West Fork Complex fire

    Another 11,000 gallons of fire retardant was dropped on West Fork Complex fires by Air Force aerial firefighting aircraft June 26, aiding ground crews in containing the growing blazes.Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve aircrews, flying their Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130

  • CSAF to sponsor 3 captains for PhD program

    The Chief of Staff of the Air Force will sponsor three eligible captains to pursue a doctorate degree through the fiscal 2014 CSAF Captains Prestigious PhD Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced."The program helps develop a cadre of strategic thinkers," said Tech. Sergeant Jason

  • Davis-Monthan Airmen work to end veteran homelessness by 2015

    Col Michael T. Rawls, the 355th Fighter Wing vice commander, spoke at a press conference about ending veteran homelessness by 2015 June, 21 in Tucson, AZ.The White House has announced an initiative to end veterans homelessness by 2015, and Tucson is one of 25 flagship cities selected to lead this

  • Jennies to jets to stealth: Bomb wing turns 90

    From Jennies to jets to stealth bombers, the 131st Bomb Wing's history really began with its co-located flying squadron, now the 110th Bomb Squadron, which traces its roots back to the 110th Observation Squadron. The 110th OS was organized by Maj. Bill Robertson and his brothers, Lieutenants Frank

  • Concentration camp survivor to fighter pilot: 'Freedom a beautiful thing'

    "I was pretty young with all this but I was probably, at first, more revengeful than I should have been. When the occasion arose, I did not give the Germans very much of a chance. I took it out on them. I may have been wrong but I guess I was very vengeful so I didn't give them a break, but I

  • Luke AFB F-16 crashes, pilots safely eject

    An F-16 fighter jet with the 309th Fighter Squadron crashed here shortly before 7 p.m. in a field just west of the base. There were two pilots on board. Both safely ejected and have been recovered. Neither pilot was injured. The aircraft went down in a field adjacent to the base, and no damage to

  • AF drops 50,000 plus gallons of retardant on Colorado fires

    More than 50,000 gallons of fire retardant was dropped by Air Force aerial firefighting aircraft June 25 on wildland fires burning throughout Colorado's West Fork Complex.Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130s from both the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard performed 18 drops

  • 352nd SOG welcomes Osprey to fleet

    The 352nd Special Operations Group resurrected a key capability when two CV-22B Ospreys touched down June 24 here.The Ospreys are the first of 10 slated to arrive as part of the 352nd SOG expansion, which will last through the end of 2014.The CV-22 fills part of the role previously accomplished by

  • Squadron's lone female gunner aims high

    Fresh out of training, the only female aerial gunner assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron arrived here.After graduating from East Valley High School in 2010, Airman 1st Class Natasha Libby said she realized she couldn't afford college. She found a job at a sandwich shop where she worked for 11

  • Flight engineer reaches combat sortie milestone

    A fllight engineer assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron here reached 400 combat sorties, a milestone not easily achieved. Master Sgt. Brian Fahey accomplished this feat flying June 14 on two different aircraft platforms. He flew his 255th combat sortie on the KC-10 Extender in

  • Training helps deployed Airman save lives

    "I wouldn't really consider these lifesaving gestures, I was just doing what I am trained to do," said Senior Airman David Kitchen, 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron, aerial transportation journeyman.In many circumstances training acquired in the military helps airmen save lives, but for

  • Aerial firefighting continues against Rocky Mountain fires

    Air Force firefighting aircraft continued dropping thousands of gallons of fire retardant June 24 in an effort to contain growing Rocky Mountain wildland fires.Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard C-130 Hercules equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System performed two drops against

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Love, service, sacrifice define Airman's career

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)An Airman here disarms explosive devices for a living, rides a Harley Davidson for fun and has tattoos all over to illustrate stories of love, pain and

  • Air Force Food Transformation Initiative wins big award

    An Air Force food initiative was recently selected top in its class by a civilian association, as it progresses into its second phase of deployment. The National Restaurant Association recently held its second annual "Operator Innovations Awards," judged by a panel of 11 leading food industry

  • Air Force sets plan to integrate women in combat jobs by 2016

    The Air Force released details of the service's plan to fully integrate women into previously closed career fields June 18.The implementation plan was recently submitted to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel for review.More than 99 percent of Air Force positions are currently already open to female

  • Fighter squadron inactivation signals end of A-10s in Europe

    The Air Force inactivated the 81st Fighter Squadron June 18, here, in support of force-shaping procedures across the service.The squadron employed the A-10 Thunderbolt II, and the closure signals the end of A-10 operations in Europe."For 71 years, the men and women of this fine squadron have ensured

  • B-1B Lancer: More than meets the eye

    Carrying the largest payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the multi-mission B-1B Lancer is the backbone of America's long-range bomber force, and is flown here by the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron."We have a lot of coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan,"

  • Joint readiness training wraps up in Hawaii

    Reserve component medical personnel from the Air Force, Navy, Army and Air National Guard came together for medical innovative readiness training June 2-15, on the islands of Lanai, Maui, Molokai and Hawaii.The medics provided free health care clinics and performed community service projects for

  • New Professional Development Guide available

    The new Professional Development Guide, or PDG, AFPAM 36-2241, is now available at www.e-publishing.af.mil. Printed guides will be distributed to all promotion-eligible active duty Airmen in the grades of E-4 through E-8 and airmen first class with at least two years in service. Base and unit

  • Website allows units to claim repurposed supplies, save money

    Units in U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa now have the ability to obtain equipment and supplies for free through the command's Business Transformation Office Airmen's List SharePoint site. The site, accessible through the USAFE Portal, allows unit representatives to post equipment or

  • Pope Field building 'green' control tower

    Construction crews here are putting finishing touches on a new air traffic control tower with improved environmental controls and a smaller ecological footprint. Many of the tower's improvements stem from its "green" roots as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certified

  • AF stops moves to Colorado

    The Air Force has temporarily halted permanent change of station moves and most temporary duty assignments to Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever AFB, Cheyenne Mountain Air Station and the U.S. Air Force Academy for military members and civilians as the result of wildfires burning in the Black Forest

  • Skies to conquer: Langley Airman scales Mount Everest

    In the early hours of May 19, Capt. Kyle Martin battled cutting winds gusting at 100 mph as he fought to summit the highest point on earth. After nine hours of technical climbing, he and the rest of the Air Force 7 Summits team stood atop 29,029 feet of rock and ice. Martin, an F-16 Fighting Falcon

  • Anatomy of a hurricane hunter: When storms get personal

    During Maj. Sean Cross' first flight into what became Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, he and his WC-130J Hercules crew joked and asked themselves why they were even tasked for the mission. "There was absolutely nothing to it at that point," he said.By his second flight, the jokes stopped and were

  • Air Force C-130s drop 25,000 gallons of retardant on Colorado fire

    Airmen from the Colorado Air Force Reserve's 302nd Airlift Wing flew their first aerial firefighting support missions of the year June 12, dropping fire retardant on the growing Black Forest fire.302nd AW aircrews fighting the nearly 9,000-acre blaze performed 10 drops, releasing approximately

  • As Nellis AFB grounds aircraft, training goes virtual

    The sky over southern Nevada is quieter than they have been in quite some time due to the June 1 Air Combat Command directed stand down of flying operations.Despite the stand down, the 64th Aggressor Squadron remains committed to accomplishing their mission, said Lt. Col. Michael Shepherd, the 64th

  • Tinker AFB, community develop cost-saving initiatives

    In light of defense budget constraints, officials from Tinker Air Force Base and the local community partnered to develop and implement cost-saving initiatives expected to save the base more than $4,000 annually.In November 2012, Tinker AFB and local community members from Del City, Midwest City and

  • Making the trip: Airmen tackle life at missile facilities

    Senior Airman Jacob Petersen is packing for the "trip." Extra uniforms, underwear, socks, some special snacks. He kneels to give his 18-month-old daughter an extra hug and kiss before heading out the door. But Petersen isn't going on a deployment or an extended TDY or school. On this morning,

  • Reservists to deploy in support of fires in Colorado

    Two Air Force Reserve Command Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130s Hercules and aircrews from the 302nd Airlift Wing are supporting the firefighting efforts for southern Colorado fires.Air Force Reserve officials here received official word from the U.S. Forest Service on the night

  • Airman gets unusual gift along with dental cleaning

    When Air Force 2nd Lt. Jennifer Szatkowski came to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for a dental exam, she discovered an unusual coincidence that made her visit not-so-routine.While having her teeth cleaned May 3, she noticed two brown paper bags hanging on a bulletin board in the exam

  • Fleet grows, training increases for F-35

     The largest fleet of F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters grew to 25 aircraft as the F-35 Integrated Training Center here welcomed two new Air Force F-35A variants of the multi-role fighter to the Emerald Coast, June 5.The expansion gives the 58th Fighter Squadron the ability to fly an expanded

  • Academy cadets operate small unmanned aircraft systems

    Eleven U.S. Air Force Academy cadets learned to operate RQ-11B Raven small unmanned aircraft systems, or SUAS, during an initial qualification training course at Choctaw Airfield, Fla., June 3-14.The RQ-11B Raven is a lightweight and low-altitude, remotely piloted system that provides real-time

  • DOD Announces 2013 REPI Buffer Program Challenge Award winners

    Defense Department officials announced June 10 the selection of two winning partnership projects, in the states of Florida and Washington as part of its "Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Challenge." The REPI Challenge will provide projects at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and

  • Missile officer recertification program makes great strides

    Ten of the 19 missile crew members from the 91st Operations Group at Minot AFB, N.D., have been recertified and are able to fully perform their alert duties.The remaining officers continue to progress through the retraining program with the remaining decertified crew members expected to return to

  • Logistics Airmen own the night during joint-service training

    A joint-coalition team led by the 451st Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron peers into a dark, moonless sky in preparation for a nighttime helicopter sling load mission. All of their other senses are heightened to compensate for the reduced visibility as a UH-60 Black Hawk flown by Soldiers

  • Air Force changes military funeral honors requirements

    Due to the impact sequestration has on resources, Air Force Services is adjusting requirements for military funeral honors of retirees. Air Force policy will revert to requiring a minimum of two personnel for retiree MFH details, consistent with statute and DoD policy. The Air Force historically

  • T-1 Jayhawk modifications take electronic warfare training airborne

    The 451st Flying Training Squadron completed the final step of a long journey when a T-1A Jayhawk modified for electronic warfare training took flight on a training sortie June 4. This is the first time in Air Force history an undergraduate aviation program has formally incorporated the fundamentals

  • Green Flag-West readies B-1 aircrews for future deployments

    Airmen from the 9th Bomb Squadron participated in a Green Flag-West exercise May 17-31, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., in order to prepare for future deployments.Green Flag-West is an exercise that provides units training on a scale not available near their home stations. It replicates irregular

  • Cheating Death: A story about second chances

    May 27, 2012, is a day that Tech. Sgt. Mark Hopkins will never forget -- even though it's a day he can barely remember.It was the day he made a choice that drastically altered his life forever, and almost ended it in the process."All I remember is hopping on my motorcycle around noon on my way to

  • Combat communications group and wing inactivate

    Air Force Space Command and 24th Air Force officials announced inactivation of the 689th Combat Communications Wing at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., and the 3rd Combat Communications Group at Tinker AFB, Okla. Inactivation of both units is scheduled for September. The inactivations are part of overall

  • Airmen must understand business of cyber, general says

    As U.S. Cyber Command gains strength and steadily extends its range across the newest warfare domain, it has called on all the services over the next five years to contribute trained-up teams of cyber operators to ensure U.S. military freedom of action, defensively and offensively, in cyberspace.For

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Following the footsteps of a life cut short

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)They shared the same name. They flew and fought the same types of Wild Weasel fighter jet missions. They looked alike and the family says they even

  • Leaders urge care in changing commanders' UCMJ responsibilities

    Commanders must be a part of any solution to the crisis of sexual assault in the military, service leaders told the Senate Armed Services Committee today.Commanders are responsible not only for the health and welfare of those in their commands, but also for good order and discipline, they

  • Obama: Nation pours resources into mental health care for vets

    The Veterans Affairs Department is improving access for veterans to mental health services, President Barack Obama said today in remarks that opened the National Conference on Mental Health.Obama and Vice President Joe Biden are hosting the conference at the White House as part of the

  • Tyndall Airmen reach out to Tinker tornado victims

    "I will never leave an Airman behind," is a part of the Airman's Creed and the spirit behind this creed was demonstrated by Tyndall Airmen May 28 as they rallied to support wingmen living in Oklahoma.Service Before Self motivated Tyndall to take action to help fellow wingmen affected by the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Dog Handler brings her values to career

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)It's 6 p.m., and Chrach, a military working dog whose name is pronounced "Crash," is anticipating his evening meal.His handler has been feeding him twice

  • Officials reaffirm DOD's commitment to fighting sexual assault

    At an open house marking the Defense Department's launch of a new peer-support service for sexual assault victims, senior Pentagon officials today reaffirmed the department's commitment to eradicating sexual assault in the military.The Defense Department has joined with a private organization to

  • 3 Okla. bases continue help to tornado victims

    In addition to federal and state workers, more than 600 airmen from three Oklahoma Air Force bases volunteered to assist residents in recovering some of their effects, May 24. Much of the Air Force had the day off to spend time with their families, but for volunteers in the greater Oklahoma area,

  • F-35B celebrates 1 year at Eglin

    The Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron-501 celebrated the one-year anniversary of flying the F-35B Lightning II here Wednesday, May 22, by continuing to train up the pilots and maintainers on the nation's newest fifth-generation fighter."This is a once in a lifetime chance to get to write the

  • Today's students compete using ancient skills

    "Add 6, add 9, subtract 10..."As the announcer read off his numbers, all that could be heard in the large hall was the sound of wooden abacus beads tapping and the scribbling of pencils from students rushing to find a solution.The event was the 31st Kanto Plains Department of Defense School Soroban

  • Volunteer aviators salute Academy grads with vintage flyover

    Historic World War II aircraft performed flyovers for the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2013 graduation events here May 27-29.Traditionally, the Air Force Academy's graduation ceremony flyover is conducted by the Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team, while other Air Force aircraft

  • Airmen picking up the pieces

    Members of the base here are picking up the pieces after one of the largest and most costly tornadoes in history ripped through Moore, Okla., May 20. In the 507th Air Refueling Wing alone, more than 20 Airmen and their families were affected by the deadly storm. Master Sgt. John Prokup, an air

  • Afghan air force improves casualty evacuation capability

    While the Afghan air force continues to take the lead and ownership of combat operations, they have also rapidly risen to the challenge of improving casualty evacuation, or CASEVAC, procedures by using both the Mi-17 helicopter and Cessna 208 aircraft. Between December 2012 and April 2013, CASEVAC

  • Commissaries plan for Mondays furlough

    When furloughs are implemented, most military commissaries will close one day a week on Mondays, the Defense Commissary Agency's top official said. The closures will be for up to 11 days between July 8 and Sept. 30."We know that any disruption in commissary operations will impact our patrons. "Also,

  • New under secretary visits Joint Base San Antonio

    Eric Fanning visited with Airmen at Joint Base San Antonio May 16 and 17 during his first base trip as the under secretary of the Air Force.   His two-day visit to JBSA included stops at Randolph, Lackland and Fort Sam Houston, where he met with Airmen and got an overview of the military

  • DOD firefighter certification program turns 20

    It has shaped Department of Defense firefighters for two decades. This May, the DOD Fire and Emergency Services Certification Program that ensures military and civilian firefighters are properly trained, certified and qualified marks its 20th anniversary.The Air Force Civil Engineer Center here

  • Hagel emphasizes summer safety in message to Department

    Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel urged service members, civilian employees and their families May 23 to enjoy the upcoming summer, but to do so safely.In a message to all Defense Department activities, Hagel emphasized the need to make good decisions during a time of year that resulted in more than 80

  • KC-46A training, operational bases, alternatives selected

    Air Force officials announced today Altus Air Force Base, Okla., as the preferred alternative for the KC-46A formal training unit (FTU).McConnell AFB, Kan., was selected as the preferred alternative for the first active duty led KC-46A main operating base (MOB 1) and Fairchild AFB, Wash., and Grand

  • First enlisted Airmen graduate from new Weapons School course

    The first class of six enlisted students graduated the Advanced Enlisted Mission Planning Course, the first course for enlisted intelligence professionals, at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School here May 17.When these Airmen return to their home units, they will work closely with their intelligence

  • Hannah Dake wins Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship award

    Senior Hannah Dake was named the recipient of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's National Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award for the 2012-13 academic year, May 21.After winning the Mountain Region award last week, Dake was on the national ballot with 11 other regional winners.The

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Chaplain overcomes adversity, delivers hope

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)As the proud owner of three master's degrees and a doctorate, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John Tillery has dedicated his life to service in the U.S. Air Force.

  • Arizona base houses Oklahoma aircraft during tornado

    Six U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry and two U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft arrived here from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. during the weekend of May 17 due to severe weather in Oklahoma.The inclement weather that caused the aircraft to divert included a tornado that touched down, destroying Moore, Okla.,

  • F-35A instructor pilots qualify in aerial refueling

    The initial cadre of F-35A Lightning II instructor pilots qualified in aerial refueling last week, adding another capability for student pilot training at the 33rd Fighter Wing's F-35 Integrated Training Center here."Eleven pilots had flown 14 refueling missions across the boom with the help of a

  • Accountability site activated for Tinker AFB Airmen

    Air Force Personnel Center officials activated the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System to ensure Airmen and their families in the Moore and Oklahoma City, Okla., are accounted for and have access to assistance, AFPC officials said today.AFPAAS is a web-based application used to

  • Massive tornado hits near Tinker AFB

    Nearly 250 members of the Oklahoma National Guard, as well as members of Tinker Air Force Base are assisting with victim search and security in Moore, Okla., where a tornado left at least 24 dead, including nine children, authorities said.The twister hit Monday, May 20, about 3:15 p.m. CDT, just

  • Keesler picked as one of five top installations in DOD

    Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel today announced Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., as one of five of the 2013 recipients of the Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence.The award recognizes the outstanding and innovative efforts of the people who operate and maintain U.S. military

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Guard service leads Airman to extremes

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Staff Sgt. Sophia Mantzouris of the 386th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron said she knew she wanted to enlist on active duty from the time she was a little

  • AF surgeon helps Belizean boy get 'new hand'

    An Air Force surgeon deployed here performed surgery on a 4-year-old Belizean boy May 2, to improve the usability of the boy's hand.The boy, Isai Carrillo, underwent surgery May 2 to correct syndactyly, otherwise known as hand fusion, in his right hand. The surgery took three hours and consisted of

  • DOD seeks leadership program candidates

    Department of Defense officials are seeking active duty Air Force majors and major-selects for the academic year 2013-2014 Executive Leadership Development Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Applications are due to AFPC by June 10. Program orientation is slated for August and the

  • Unit deployment manager now special duty position

    Unit deployment manager is now a two-year-controlled special duty assignment (identifier 8U000); a change Air Force officials say will help professionalize the position and improve deployment program continuity. In past the UDM retained his or her Air Force specialty code, and even though UDMs were

  • Cadets earn praise for cyclogyro project

    Aeronautical Engineering cadets have presented their award-winning design of a search and rescue and medical evacuation aircraft for the year 2045 to Academy and industry leaders at the Aero Lab here May 13.Nine cadets collaboratively designed "The Night Owl," a futuristic cyclogyro that can direct

  • Airmen train with Polish air force

    Nearly 100 Airmen assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, here to train in a joint theater security cooperation event with the Polish air force. This event, hosted by the U.S. Aviation Detachment 1, is geared toward enhancing the skills of U.S. and Polish F-16 Fighting

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Following dream as American, Academy cadet

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)When Senior Airmen Shujie Yan immigrated to the United States from China in 2006, she was a freshman in high school. One year later, she had big dreams

  • Warrior Games 2013: Life can change in a split second

    Life can be described as a series of moments, seconds even, strung together to form experiences and memories. A split-second decision can mean the difference between life and death.Senior Master Sgt. Martin Smith knows the impact just one second can make.Smith, a seasoned motorcycle rider and Active

  • Spangdahlem AB Airmen launch final A-10 sortie in Europe

    Airmen here launched the final A-10 Thunderbolt II tactical sortie in Europe here May 14.The airframe belongs to the 52nd Fighter Wing's 81st Fighter Squadron, which inactivates in June."I'm proud to be a part of the last sortie," said Lt. Col. Jeff Hogan, the 81st FS director of operations and a

  • Afghan AF rises to combat test

    An Afghan national army soldier looks up from his post near Tarin Khowt in the Uruzgan Province. He's surrounded by rugged mountains, a flowing river, a green and vibrant valley and Taliban insurgents trying to overrun the area. The soldier, along with 39 other ANA commandos, is running low on

  • SecAF, CSAF share confidence in nuclear enterprise

    Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense to testify about the service's fiscal 2014 budget request, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III also addressed Congressional concerns over media reports about the findings of a

  • Fallen Airmen honored

    Four Airmen including two Beale Airmen whose MC-12 Liberty crashed and claimed their lives near Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, April 27 were honored during a memorial service here May 6. Hundreds of service members, civilians, family and friends gathered to remember and honor their lives.Capt. Reid

  • Wife of Air Guard Airman selected as Military Spouse of 2013

    The wife of an Air National Guard Airman who created support groups for military families and businesses has been selected as the 2013 Military Spouse of the Year.Alicia Hinds-Ward, the spouse of Tech. Sgt. Edwinston J. Ward of the 113th fighter wing at Joint Base Andrews, Md., was chosen among more

  • Security processes accelerate adoption of commercial devices

    Approval last week of security technical implementation guides for BlackBerry and Samsung Knox devices means that Defense Department organizations will be able to use those devices in conjunction with a secure enterprise mobility environment.The May 2 release of the Defense Information Systems

  • F-35 fighter takes another step forward

    The Air Force took another step forward with its newest fighter jet when an advanced F-35 Lightning II landed at the service's lead training base, home to the largest fleet of F-35s worldwide.The new stealth fighter kicks off a major training effort at the F-35 schoolhouse on an aircraft with

  • AF energy chief 'service to America' finalist

    The nonprofit Partnership for Public Service announced their 2013 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America medalists, which included a senior Air Force official. Dr. Kevin Geiss, Air Force deputy assistant secretary for energy, was recognized as a finalist May 7 on Washington's Capitol Hill. The