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  • Airmen discover illegal aliens aboard aircraft

    Attention to detail and great military-civilian cooperation helped local and state officials nab six illegal aliens here May 16.Air traffic controllers received an emergency call from a civilian pilot who said he was in danger of running out of fuel. The military controllers offered the pilot a

  • Pilots give new C-130J aircraft rave reviews

    Here at the "Home of the Herk" -- the affectionate nickname for the C-130 Hercules aircraft -- there is no ambivalence about the new "J" model.The C-130J is the latest addition to the C-130 fleet, bringing state-of-the-art technology to the tactical cargo- and troop-transport aircraft that has been

  • Joint Space Operations Center opens at Vandenberg

    Joint warfighters worldwide will soon reap the benefits from the Joint Space Operations Center, which opened here May 18.“This (center) really is the culmination of a number of years of evolutionary thinking about space power and its applications,” said Maj. Gen. Michael A. Hamel, 14th Air Force

  • Lajes sergeant 100-percent fit to fight

    People may spend hours studying to get a 100 percent on a test, but a sergeant here spent hours in the gym and at fitness sessions to achieve a perfect score on the Air Force fitness test -- twice.Senior Master Sgt. Robin McMullen, chief controller of the 65th Operations Support Squadron’s air

  • Officials unveil new generation command and control system

    A new generation command and control system was unveiled recently when Air Mobility Command officials began fielding a new system that provides unit-level and force-level mission planning, scheduling and tracking of all mobility airlift and air refueling missions.The global decision support system

  • Air National Guard leaders focus on BRAC

    Air National Guard leaders are urging citizen Airmen nationwide to remain focused on their missions while they and others consider the organization's future during this year's Base Realignment and Closure process. Lt. Gen. Daniel James III, ANG director, and Chief Master Sgt. Richard Smith, ANG

  • Academy sports recap: Falcons name new basketball head coach

    Former Denver Nuggets coach Jeff Bzdelik has been named the new head coach for the Falcon men's basketball team. He replaces Chris Mooney, who left the academy May 5 to accept the head coaching job at the University of Richmond.“We’re very excited about having Jeff lead the men’s basketball team

  • Airman sentenced in contraband court martial

    A former 728th Air Control Squadron Airman here was sentenced to confinement for one year and dismissal from active duty in a general court martial May 20.Maj. Gregory McMillion was found guilty on three of four charges: violating a lawful general order; failure to give notice and turn over to

  • Eglin uses controlled burns to protect pine forests

    Conserving the longleaf pine ecosystem here has always been a top priority for base officials, and the base’s natural resources section does its part to help.A large part of the environmental mission here is the prescribed burn program. The primary reason for burning is to help manage the ecosystem

  • Air Force secretary confirms commitment to religious respect

    The Air Force remains “deeply involved” in its commitment to ensure spiritual values of all people are respected at the U.S. Air Force Academy and throughout the Air Force, said Acting Secretary of the Air Force Michael L. Dominguez May 24.Air Force leaders are focused on religious-respect issues at

  • Honor guard, ceremonial guardsmen award winners named

    Air Force officials recently announced the winners of the 2004 Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Base Honor Guard and U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Guardsmen Awards. The winners are: -- Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year: Master Sgt. Angela Valentine from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.

  • Understanding one another crucial during war on terrorism

    During dangerous situations, people's understanding of each other is more crucial than ever, a senior Defense Department official said here May 24.Speaking to the nearly 400 attendees gathered for the four-day National Guard Bureau’s equal opportunity workshop, John Molino, acting deputy

  • Deploying does not mean classroom is closed

    Wearing desert battle dress uniforms and living in a tent city do not necessarily mean people need to put their educational goals on hold, said the chief of the learning resource center at a forward-deployed location.Tech. Sgt. James Norton Jr. recently arrived from the 480th Intelligence Wing at

  • 100-percent accountability paramount in deployed operations

    Imagine showing up to work one day only to discover everyone is new. Well, that has been the case at this and many other forward-deployed locations worldwide. Most of the Airmen in the air and space expeditionary force’s current rotation arrived within the past month, and that means Airmen at the

  • Air Force leaders send Memorial Day message

    The following is a Memorial Day message from Michael L. Dominguez, acting secretary of the Air Force, and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:“This Memorial Day, our thoughts and prayers are with those whose family members have died in service to our great nation. This day also reminds us

  • Moment of remembrance celebrated on Memorial Day

    The National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day is an act of national unity, remembrance and rededication to the ideals upon which the nation was founded, the executive director of the White House Commission on Remembrance said.At 3 p.m. local time May 30, Major League Baseball games will stop,

  • Civil support teams provide WMD expertise to communities

    Guardsmen with the 61st Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team here like to think of themselves as firefighters."We're ready to go, but we don't go until the bell goes off," said Lt. Col. Keith Bauder, commander of the unit since it activated five years ago.The "bell" sounds in the event of

  • Volunteers give to community at Marian House

    Downtown Colorado Springs was quiet on a recent morning. Traffic, normally a dull roar during the week, was a whisper as cars zipped along a nearly empty Interstate 25 and local roads. A dozen cars sat parked behind a yellow house on a road about a quarter of a mile from the highway.As other

  • Convoy Airmen protect supply lines

    He wipes the sweat from his palms, getting a better grasp on the warm steel handles of the .50-caliber gun. Darkness stretches around him for miles, with the exception of the headlights from his convoy illuminating the road ahead. The Airman remains vigilant as he keeps a watchful eye. At this

  • Severely injured troops relearn living skills

    "It smells good in here already," a visitor to "Fort Independence" said as she walked into the kitchen where amputees sharpen their culinary skills at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here.Fort Independence is a mock apartment set up in the hospital's occupational-therapy department to train newly

  • Taking second step: BRAC commissioner visits Pope AFB

    A Base Realignment and Closure commissioner met with base leaders here May 24 to discuss the base’s inclusion on the 2005 BRAC list, the units that could potentially be affected and the land that comprises the base.“My visit is not to announce Pope will be closed. Rather I am here to get a personal

  • Air Force officials announce AT award winners

    Air Force officials recently announced the 2005 Air Force Anti-terrorism award winners.The awards program recognizes anti-terrorism accomplishments and provides public recognition and praise for those who work behind the scenes to combat terrorism on behalf of Department of Defense servicemembers,

  • Airmen provide close-air support for patrol in Afghanistan

    Air Force air and ground combat support elements accompanied infantrymen from the 508th Infantry Regiment during a presence patrol in the mountainous region here recently.Air Force joint terminal attack controllers, who are attached to an Army unit to coordinate close-air support for ground

  • Sister, brother meet up in Southwest Asia

    An Airman here got quite a surprise when she got off the plane in a forward-deployed location in Southwest Asia in transit to her final destination here.It was the smiling face of her brother, Staff Sgt. Matthew Hochstein, an aerospace ground equipment technician with the 379th Expeditionary

  • Deadline for submitting writings fast approaching

    The National Endowment for the Arts has created a venue to collect and preserve the stories and reflections of servicemembers on the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan and stateside defending the homeland.“Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience” is a literary anthology scheduled for

  • DOD study ongoing to investigate Airmen’s health

    An ongoing Department of Defense health study will ultimately examine health surveys submitted by servicemembers throughout 20 years.The joint-service Millennium Cohort Study will evaluate the health risks of military deployments, occupations and general military service, said Navy Cmdr. (Dr.)

  • Airmen provide support during Operation Alaskan Road

    A group of Airmen at Camp Wy-Wuh, Alaska, is supporting the troops of Joint Task Force Alaskan Road by making sure their camp has at least some of the comforts of home. Operation Alaskan Road entails the construction of a 14.5-mile road on an island that is Alaska’s only federally recognized Indian

  • Honoring fallen heroes full-time job

    Click, click, click. People can hear the crisp, unmistakable sound of heels tapping together simultaneously.With precision movements, Homestead Air Reserve Base Honor Guard Airmen march in unison to take their spot in the funeral procession. They are dressed in pristine Air Force dress uniforms

  • Airmen work with Soldiers to help Iraqi communities

    The public works directorate here, comprising Air Force and Army civil engineers, work on everything from constructing new facilities to designing waste-water treatment facilities to installing electric power nodes. “In short, if you need a construction project done, we do it all,” said Maj. Thomas

  • Promotion takes to airwaves

    Separation proved no obstacle for a couple here May 26 as they were promoted to first lieutenant together via computer-based video conference while geographically separated by more than 7,000 miles.First Lts. Eric Johnston, who is deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq, and Sheila Johnston, of the 47th

  • Five Airmen killed in Iraqi crash

    Four U.S. Airmen and one Iraqi airman were killed May 30 when an Iraqi air force Comp Air 7SL aircraft crashed in eastern Diyala province during an operational mission.The aircraft belonged to Iraqi’s 3rd Squadron and is a single engine high-winged aircraft used for surveillance and movement of

  • Air Force rabbi speaks at Memorial Day observance

    An Air Force rabbi spoke to more than 1,000 people at a Memorial Day observance here May 30. Chaplain (Capt.) Sarah Schechter was the keynote speaker for the program that also included a presidential proclamation and individual observances for each of the United States' major conflicts since the

  • 'Chief's View' focuses on communication

    A new television production featuring the chief master sergeant of the Air Force is providing an information venue for key Air Force issues to Airmen worldwide.The one-minute segments, called "Chief's View," air globally on American Forces Radio and Television Service, the Pentagon Channel and are

  • F-16 assists in search, recovery of helicopter crew

    A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon provided close air support to ground troops fighting to recover two slain helicopter crewmen in the vicinity of Baquba, Iraq, recently, officials said.The ground troops had to battle terrorist insurgents while performing search-and-recovery operations. The F-16

  • Air Force finalizes new utility uniform

    Blue and green tiger stripes are out; the digitized pattern with subdued green, tan, blue and gray is in.After reviewing more than 150,000 bits of feedback throughout the initial seven-month wear test of the proposed utility uniform, Air Force leaders recently decided to eliminate the original color

  • Myers: U.S. military very busy but healthy

    The U.S. armed forces are in good shape, and servicemembers well understand and believe in what they are fighting for overseas, said Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on May 29."They know what this is all about in terms of this effort against violent extremism," General

  • General Keys confirmed as ACC commander

    Ronald E. Keys was confirmed by the Senate on May 26 for promotion to the rank of general and assignment here as the commander of Air Combat Command.Gen. John P. Jumper, Air Force chief of staff and a former ACC commander, pinned on ACC’s newest commander’s four-star rank following the Senate’s

  • Paperless transition of emergency data cards complete

    After decades of Airmen updating emergency contact information in their personnel records, everyone is now required to update the information online rather than visiting their military personnel flights.Effective immediately, personnel flight officials are no longer required to print and file a

  • Air Force officials announce civilian-of-year winners

    Air Force officials recently announced the winners of the 2005 Air Force Association Outstanding Air Force Civilian of the Year Awards.The awards recognized the following Air Force civilian employees in their respective category:-- Civilian Wage Employee: Timothy Sparks from Elmendorf Air Force

  • Guardsmen tackle challenges of keeping their cool

    People wanting to find out just how hot it can get inside their tent only need mess with the environmental control unit, and they will find out soon enough.Instead, it is probably advisable just to take Master Sgt. Alex Gonzalez’s word for it, and leave the things alone.“It can easily get to 120

  • Airman missing from Vietnam War identified

    Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office officials announced May 31 that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial.He is 1st Lt. Lee Adams of Willits, Calif. A memorial service with full

  • Officials announce manpower, organization winners

    Air Force officials have announced the winners of the 2004 Air Force Manpower and Organization awards.The annual awards recognize the top manpower and organization professionals in each category.The 2004 winners are:-- Headquarters-Level Field Grade Officer of the Year: Lt. Col. Gregory Parsons

  • Airman magazine changes to quarterly publication

    Beginning in July, Airman magazine will be distributed on a quarterly basis versus monthly, to include the January almanac edition.Readers can expect to see enhanced photography and changes in content, layout and design. Because of the transition, the June issue will not be published, but excerpts

  • Sons of Iraq represent future, freedom

    Iraq just moved closer toward freedom and independence -- 54 steps closer to be exact.Each step is represented by one of 54 elite Iraqi soldiers who have begun explosives ordnance disposal school, the first group to enter the school since the free elections in January. The soldiers will learn how to

  • Officials announce Flemming award winners

    Four Airmen were selected for the 56th Annual Arthur S. Flemming Award.George Washington University officials present the awards to honor outstanding people in federal government each year who have performed outstanding and meritorious work to encourage high standards of performance; enhance

  • Arlington National Cemetery gains 70 acres of land

    In 1998, burial space at the country's most prestigious resting place for servicemembers and their spouses was becoming scarce, and officials worried they would run out of room at Arlington National Cemetery in about 25 years.After years of searching for more space, Defense Department officials have

  • Airman helps people arrive, depart Kosovo

    An Airman deployed here had a busy flight schedule to deal with, but he was not going anywhere.“I have to meet a passenger, who is going to Greece, at the airport in Pristina. Then I have to meet an arriving plane afterward,” said Tech. Sgt. Tony Schuster, NATO’s channel flight coordinator for

  • Coalition aircraft deliver humanitarian aid in Afghanistan

    U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules based in Southwest Asia delivered more than 50,000 pounds of civil assistance cargo to Afghans during four airlift missions May 18 to 30 supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.Coalition aircraft airdropped more than 6,000 pounds of humanitarian aid bundles near Kandahar,

  • PACAF officials establish warfighting headquarters

    Pacific Air Forces headquarters officials established the George C. Kenney Headquarters (Provisional) here June 1. The newly formed warfighting headquarters will focus exclusively on planning and executing military operations throughout the Pacific theater, excluding the Korean Peninsula. It is

  • Airman helps people get back on their feet

    An Airman here constructs, assembles, repairs and adjusts orthopedic appliances to help injured people in the Pacific Region get back on their feet.“(I) help people with disabling conditions improve their degree of function to a healthy level,” said Master Sgt. Nathan Simonson, an orthotic

  • Air Force marathon set for Sept. 17

    Air Force Services officials will hold the ninth annual Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, on Sept. 17. The marathon will also include a half-marathon, wheelchair race, a four-person relay and a 5k race.The deadline for registration is Sept. 2. The race is open to the

  • Crash victims identified

    Department of Defense officials identified the four Airmen who died May 30 in the crash of an Iraqi air force aircraft.The Airmen, deployed from Hurlburt Field, Fla., were on a training mission in eastern Diyala province when the Iraqi Comp Air 7SL aircraft they were in crashed. An Iraqi pilot was

  • Motorcycle safety forum held at Andrews

    The muffled roar of motorcycles filled the air here May 28 as the base held the inaugural Air Force Motorcycle Safety Forum.The main goals of the forum were to save lives by promoting safe riding and to encourage the motorcycle mentoring concept called for by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P.

  • Academy sports recap: Falcon lacrosse MVP selected for all-star classic

    Air Force lacrosse player Tim Hade has been selected as an alternate to play for the North squad at the 64th annual STX-GEICO North/South Classic, which will be held June 11 on the campus of State University of New York - Cortland. Recently, Hade, a long-stick midfielder/defender, was honored as

  • World War II women warriors pass on history, heritage

    After pooling her quarters with her cousin to pay the whopping, 1920s fee of $1.50, Caro Bayley climbed into a Tri-motor Ford airplane at Springfield Airfield, Ohio. She was about to make a historic flight -- the first in her life.Soaring over the clouds, the young girl looked down at the ground.

  • Vice president addresses academy Class of 2005

    Vice President Richard B. Cheney told 922 graduating cadets here that they are taking their places as commissioned officers of the most powerful air and space force in the history of mankind.“Responsibility comes to you in a period of unprecedented challenge for your country and extraordinary change

  • Bio shop provides peace of mind

    It is a hot day, and an Airman has been walking around base for most of it. He is thirsty, so without thinking he grabs a bottle of water, trusting the water is safe to drink, and with good reason. The Airmen with the 332nd Expeditionary Aerospace Medical Squadron’s bioenvironmental engineering

  • Robots, Airmen defuse unexploded ordnance

    With the help of new, faster and more agile robots, explosive ordnance disposal Airmen here have an opportunity to keep their distance from bombs set to harm servicemembers off the base.Teaming man and machine is giving Airmen of the EOD unit an upper hand in the seemingly never-ending battle

  • Chaplains do good works for Iraqi neighbors

    While Air Force chaplains deployed here are called to serve their fellow Airmen, a higher calling compels them to serve everyone, on or off the base.Humanitarian missions provide chaplains with an avenue to enrich the lives of Iraqis as well as the Airmen here, said Chaplain (Capt.) Charles Seligman

  • Military responders geared up for active hurricane season

    With forecasters predicting an active hurricane season this year, military responders are geared up for whatever Mother Nature whirls their way.Hurricane season officially kicked off June 1, and meteorologists expect the decade-long trend toward active hurricane seasons in the Atlantic to continue

  • Air Force improving force protection

    Protecting military people or equipment is not a new thing in the Air Force, but the way it is being done is. More and more emphasis is being placed on how the Air Force does force protection business and the effects are being seen at home bases servicewide and the U.S. Central Command’s area of

  • DOD changes report date for recruiting data

    Armed services recruiting information, including that of the reserve components, now will be made available to the public on the 10th day of each month, a Pentagon spokeswoman said June 2.For example, military recruiting data for May will be available on June 10, Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke said.The

  • Family fitness room lets parents get fit while children play

    The fitness center here is making getting into shape a family affair with the addition of a new family fitness room.The room provides customers who have small children the freedom to workout and watch their children, said John Enterman, the fitness center director.Once an old racquetball court in

  • Airmen guard camp, detainees in Iraq

    Airmen here are performing jobs normally reserved for deployed Soldiers. They are escorting patrols and convoys, helping provide force protection for an Army camp and guarding detainees. More than 6,000 detainees are housed in the temporary internment facility here while awaiting legal proceedings

  • Sergeant wins Vanguard Award for heroism

    Staff Sgt. Keith Stevens is the Air Force's 2005 recipient of the annual Vanguard Award for heroic action.Sergeant Stevens is a vehicle operator dispatcher currently assigned to Osan Air Base, South Korea.The award, sponsored by the Non-Commissioned Officers Association, recognizes a noncommissioned

  • B-52 aids ground troops under small arms fire

    A B-52 Stratofortress from the 40th Air Expeditionary Group dropped three joint-direct attack munitions recently on a cave of anti-coalition forces in Afghanistan, killing two and leading to the capture of 10 others by coalition ground forces.The mission was one of 22 close-air support and armed

  • Deployed plumbers keep water flowing

    Water. It is one of life’s most basic necessities. Without it, battles have been lost and entire armies have fallen.It can mean the difference between success and failure -- and even life and death.The Airmen of the 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron utilities team know that getting clean

  • Former mayor, defense official offer BRAC advice

    Two officials who have experience with Base Realignment and Closure have written some insights they hope will be of value to communities that may lose facilities in this year's BRAC round.Paul Tauer is the former mayor of Aurora, Colo. -- an affected city. Patrick O’Brien, Defense Department’s

  • New technology unveils hidden data in images

    Using the power and speed of high-performance computers, Air Force Research Laboratory engineers here are finding the keys to unlock hidden data in the digital world.Working with an algorithm, engineers have reached a major milestone in the research and development of steganographic key-breaking,

  • BRAC changes to medicine focus on care, training, research

    Airmen bound for a career in the Air Force Medical Service will start off by training in a joint environment if all Base Realignment and Closure recommendations are approved.The changes will not completely homogenize training for enlisted medical specialists, but they will allow all the services to

  • VA chief: Opportunity ensures care for all servicemembers

    The secretary of Veterans Affairs said June 3 that where some might see challenges for the department, he sees opportunities."One of the big opportunities we have, and it's a priority of ours, is to make sure that our servicemembers coming out of the combat theater are well taken care of," R. James

  • USAFE civilian personnel servicing moves to AFPC

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe family members looking for employment will soon have a centralized site for handling civilian personnel servicing when civilian personnel operations move July 10.The move is part of the Air Force’s long-term plan to streamline operations by having the Air Force Personnel

  • Pennies, POGs -- dollars, cents of setting up shop in war zone

    While Army and Air Force Exchange Service officials have responded to the needs of deployed troops in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, there has been some confusion about where the metal currency goes once servicemembers hit the ground."In contingency operations, AAFES must rely on

  • Space launch program moves ahead after successful test

    A successful test of the Falcon I launch vehicle here recently put the Air Force one step closer toward acquiring a less expensive means for lifting payloads into space.On its maiden flight, Falcon I will carry a Defense Department satellite. This flight follows the launch of the last Titan IV here

  • Desert dust in the wind

    Just about midnight recently the wind kicked up here as suddenly as someone turning off a light switch, bringing with it huge clouds of dust that rolled in and obliterated everything from view.People who were sleeping in their tents were rudely awakened as tent ropes strained and even some beds were

  • Total force combats explosive devices

    On a normal day, operations at the 451st Air Expeditionary Group here can be typical of any deployed unit. Civil engineer Airmen work tirelessly to keep the long-neglected runway open so that thousands of Soldiers can remain supplied. Aerial port Airmen load and unload a seemingly endless stream of

  • BRAC focuses on environmental system

    Transformational Air Force environmental programs focus on an a system that identifies an installation's natural infrastructure, places value on the compatible use of shared assets, and prevents airfield encroachment through an informed planning and decision process. The Operational Asset Management

  • Jury finds cadet guilty of indecent act, not rape

    A general court-martial jury found a cadet guilty of indecent acts with another cadet June 3. The jury found Cadet 1st Class Benjamin Kuster guilty of indecent acts, but not guilty of rape. His sentence was a written reprimand. Cadet Kuster faced a maximum punishment of life imprisonment,

  • State-of-the-art carbon dioxide laser speeds up production

    A unique tool used to cut parts for all weapons systems supported here brings a whole new meaning to cutting edge technology at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center.“This (carbon dioxide) laser supports all weapon systems here … and the engine workload,” said Alan Casey, computer numerical control

  • Great idea saves Air Force money

    A little common sense can go a long way, and a pneudrolics mechanic here has the $10,000 check to prove it.“I think in common sense circles; like ‘what if we just did this, would it make a difference,’” said Kent Johnson, of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center’s fuel accessories shop. “Sometimes

  • New launch date projected for new civilian personnel system

    The first phase of the Defense Department's new National Security Personnel System has been adjusted slightly, to later in the fiscal year, NSPS officials said June 7.The Defense Department will work with the Office of Personnel Management to adjust the proposed NSPS regulation based on public

  • Officials tout benefits of Microsoft home use program

    For about the cost of a month’s subscription to an Internet service provider, most Airmen can get a copy of the software application they are currently using on their office desktops for use on their personal home computers.The benefit, dubbed the Microsoft home use program, is part of Microsoft’s

  • There’s no quitting in the Air Force

    An Airman candidate stood up and said, “I quit.”Almost before he could finish speaking, three staff sergeants were in his face barking like trained attack dogs.“You can’t quit!” they yelled. “We decide who’s quitting, and you’re not quitting! Ain’t no such thing as quitting.”The confrontation took

  • Officials find nothing wrong with cadet’s e-mail

    Air Force and academy legal officials found that a former cadet wing commander’s e-mail and its attachment contained neither information that violated the Establishment Clause of the Constitution, nor any Department of Defense or Air Force policies or instructions.Newly commissioned 2nd Lt. Nicholas

  • Grand Forks, Eielson key to Air Force Future Total Force

    If the Base Realignment and Closure recommendations released in May are approved, Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., and Eielson AFB, Alaska, will see some changes. Both bases will play a strategic role in the Air Force's Future Total Force plan.Grand Forks received the highest BRAC score for

  • Health-behavior survey tracks military trends

    Midway through the survey period, Defense Department officials are reporting steady returns on the latest health-related behaviors survey, and officials are urging others selected to participate to weigh in with their responses.The 2005 Health Related Behavior Survey assesses active-duty

  • O'Brien: BRAC communities regained 90 percent of lost jobs

    Redevelopment efforts have created more than 115,000 new jobs nationwide in communities affected by the last four Base Realignment and Closure actions, a senior Defense Department official said here.Those employment gains account for "nearly 90 percent of the civilian jobs that were lost" as the

  • Dominguez invites ministry team to academy

    The Air Force invited the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces to visit the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., to provide an outside perspective on religious respect issues there, Air Force officials announced June 8.Michael L. Dominguez, acting secretary of the Air Force, asked the team

  • Report: Flight control system problem caused F/A-22 crash

    A flight control system problem caused an F/A-22 Raptor to crash on the runway at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., on Dec. 20, according to an Air Force report released June 8.The pilot ejected and sustained minor injuries. The $133.3-million aircraft, assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron

  • Officials announce Air Guard major, lieutenant colonel promotions

    Air Reserve Personnel Center officials here announced June 8 the 2006 Air National Guard Line and Nonline Major and Lieutenant Colonel Promotion Selection Boards’ results. The boards selected 451officers for promotion.The full list of officers is available online at

  • England: DOD actions must be 'above reproach'

    Emphasizing that the Defense Department has "very high ethical standards," Gordon England, acting deputy secretary of defense, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he expects everyone in DOD to act legally and ethically with every action they deal with.Mr. England appeared before the

  • Air Force leaders testify on IG tanker lease report

    The Air Force's two most senior leaders testified June 7 on Capitol Hill about the Service's efforts to recapitalize its fleet of refueler aircraft. Michael L. Dominguez, acting secretary of the Air Force, and Gen. John P. Jumper, Air Force chief of staff, both answered questions for the Senate

  • DOD to increase Tricare access for reserve components

    Defense Department officials have made "tremendous efforts and strides" to meet the needs of reservists and guardsmen who now qualify for health-care coverage under the Tricare program, the program manager said June 8.The recent introduction of new patients into the Tricare system presents "a

  • Air Force Research Lab gives new meaning to ‘battlebots’

    An unidentified man walks toward a security forces vehicle. A loud, firm voice warns the man to “halt and be identified.” The man does not comply and continues to advance. The vehicle backs up cautiously flashing its red and blue lights to make sure the man knows he is dealing with security

  • Report lists multiple factors in fatal accident

    An Air Force report concluded multiple safety violations led to an August accident resulting in the death of one Airman and the serious injury of another. Senior Airman Jesse Williamson Jr. died, and Senior Airman Ryan Robinson sustained serious injuries when the boom lift from which they were

  • Tricare benefits enhanced for certain active-duty survivors

    Citing the debt of gratitude owed to those who have served the country and made the ultimate sacrifice, a top defense health official recently revised the Tricare policy for transitional survivors. The change allows active-duty families who live overseas, and who are on accompanied orders at the

  • Gallant Fox III brings first responders to Pentagon

    A dozen bodies lay strewn on a patch of grass near the bus stop outside the Pentagon on June 8. Some of them cried out for help.Nearby, that help was quickly arriving. Firetrucks, ambulances and other first responders arrived on the scene from local municipalities, including Arlington, Fairfax and

  • Tech, master promotion rates announced

    Air Force officials have selected 6,630 of 25,454 eligible technical sergeants for promotion to master sergeant; and 9,116 of 43,379 eligible staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant.The master sergeant selection rate rose 0.10 percent from last year to 26.05 percent, while this year's

  • Yokota couple wins O’Malley award

    Sources have it that behind every good man stands a good woman.Col. Mark Schissler, a former 374th Airlift Wing commander here, said he has to agree.His wife, Marcia, and himself led the wing and its tenant units through two years of relief efforts, community relations events, inspections and

  • Volunteers collect supplies for local Iraqi schools

    Most adults remember the joy of receiving a new box of crayons or coloring book as a child. In the U.S., this moment of joy is easy to achieve, but in Iraq, it is nearly impossible for some schoolchildren.Airmen and Soldiers here are trying to change that -- one school packet at a time.As