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  • Hagel focuses on readiness at Reagan Library Speech

    Long-term preparedness and near-term readiness are being affected by sequestration and America ignores this rise in risk at its peril, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Nov. 16, in California today. Hagel spoke at the first Reagan National Security Forum at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. The

  • Airmen shift from exercise to real-world relief efforts

    Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, shifted gears from exercise to real-world humanitarian relief operations as they arrived at Clark Air Base, Republic of the Philippines, to provide tactical airlift support for Operation Damayan, Nov. 16, 2013.

  • Re-tread pilot completes 100th combat sortie

    A 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron pilot deployed to Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, recently flew his 100th combat sortie during an air refueling mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

  • New contracting agency stand up increases AF flexibility

    The Air Force Installation Contracting Agency officially stood up during a transition ceremony here Nov. 13.Following manpower cuts last year, Air Force leaders designed AFICA, a field operating agency that reports directly to the deputy assistant secretary for contracting, to ensure bases around

  • CSAF discusses opening communications with China

    Opening up lines of communication with China is good for the United States, the region and the world, the Air Force chief of staff said here Nov. 13. Gen. Mark A. Welsh III spoke about his recent trip to China with the Defense Writers Group this morning.

  • Military spouse boards ‘Restaurant Express’

    Seonkyoung Longest, wife of Master Sgt. Jacob Longest, is one of nine contestants in a new television show, "Restaurant Express" that aired for the first time on the Food Network, Nov. 3. Born and raised in South Korea, Seonkyoung said that while cooking is a passion of hers now, it hasn't always

  • AF student pilot wins Ms. Fitness bodybuilding competition

    Since March of this year, a student pilot with the 47th Student Squadron has worked to train her body to peak fitness. 2nd Lt. Colby Chaput's efforts culminated in her competing at the Ms. Fitness bodybuilding competition in San Antonio this past October.

  • Teen uses ‘wish’ to visit brother at Misawa AB

    Gatherings are commonplace for members of the military and their families, but the reason for the Skrove's reunion is far from ordinary. Jonah is a self-described nerdy, obnoxious 17-year-old senior at Zimmerman High School in Minnesota who is battling a life-threatening bone cancer. Diagnosed with

  • Airmen, French community honor WWI aviators

    Representatives of the U.S. Air Force and the local French community came together to honor the members of Lafayette Escadrille during a Veteran's Day ceremony in Marnes-la-Coquette, France, Nov. 11.

  • Doolittle Raiders join memorial wreath-laying

    The remaining Doolittle Raiders gathered at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force today to partake in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Doolittle Raider memorial in Memorial Park, followed by a flyover of B-25 aircraft.

  • Acting SecAF honors longest-serving AF civilian

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning visited Luke Air Force Base on Nov. 5 to speak to Luke Airmen and preside over the retirement ceremony of a civil servant in the 56th Comptroller Squadron, Dorothy Rowe, who retired after serving 70 years - the longest tenure of any civilian in the Air

  • Veterans in Blue Volume IV out now

    For decades, Airmen have answered the call to serve and protect the nation’s interests, people and cherished freedoms that underpin it all, risking their lives for others, and thus, becoming heroes in the eyes of those they protected.

  • DOD, VA collaborate to serve nation’s veterans

    The departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs reaffirmed their commitment to serve and care for the nation’s military veterans in a joint message issued by Acting Undersecretary of Defense Jessica L. Wright and Undersecretary of Veterans Affairs for Benefits Allison A. Hickey.

  • From aerodromes to Reaper, RPAs push limits of technology

    The RPA actually got its start as early as 1896, when something called aerodromes at the time, were used to test the capabilities of new flying devices and to test if it was even possible for a heavier-than-air craft to achieve sustained flight. In May 1896, Dr. Samuel Langley proved that mechanical

  • Service chiefs testify on risks of sequestration

    As they face the prospect of another year of deep cuts to their budgets, the military's service chiefs testified today before the Senate Armed Services Committee on the impact sequestration is having on the ability to organize, train and equip their service members.

  • Technology helps remember fallen, ensures memories live on

    It was a damp, foggy morning in October, amidst a sea of marble headstones; the sound of bells chiming out seemed to echo the air of somberness all around at Madingley American Cemetery, near Cambridge. The whole scene was humbling.

  • AF Portal goes mobile, gets face-lift

    Expected to launch by the end of 2013, the Global Combat Support System-Air Force, or GCSS-AF, is rolling out a revamped portal, which simplifies navigation, improves performance on low bandwidth connections and works from mobile devices.

  • Strong families key to military’s strength, top NCO says

    Healthy military families are essential to guaranteeing the health of the overall force, the country’s senior noncommissioned officer said here today.Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife, Lisa, addressed

  • Twin defenders share same military story

    When a young Airman joins the Air Force, saying goodbye to family is inevitable. But for two brothers, saying goodbye is one thing that they have yet to experience. Woo and Ja Lee, 20 year-old identical twins from Fresno, Calif., have shared not only their civilian life, but to their surprise, a

  • Air Force picks Kadena for top teen council award

    The Kadena Air Base Youth Programs' Teen Council earned $5,000 with an original video focused on helping military dependents transition during permanent changes of station, announced Air Force Personnel Center officials.

  • Hagel: Six priorities shape future defense institutions

    In the months since the 2012 defense strategic guidance first reflected a new budget reality, Pentagon officials and military leaders have been working on the department's longer-term budget and strategy, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said here this morning.

  • Sexual assault 'trial' gives Airmen real life perspective

    It started off as a typical Friday night for many Airmen with their wallets full of money to burn, their stomachs ready to chug the best German beers and their minds ready to explore the undefined possibilities of "hooking up." But for two of them, their alcohol-fueled night would end in a shattered

  • Legal officer's commitment to service gives back to U.S.

    The United States gave Capt. Dimple Nolly's parents a chance to provide a better life for their family once they immigrated from India to America."Although my parents faced adversity, they remained focused on their goal, which ultimately inspired me to always pursue the best, do my best and push for

  • Hagel: States refusing same-sex family benefits must comply

    Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel directed the chief of the National Guard Bureau to meet with the adjutants general of nine states to resolve the issue of those states denying ID cards to same-sex spouses at National Guard facilities.

  • 2014 civilian benefits open season slated

    Open season for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program and the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program will run Nov. 11 through Dec. 9, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.

  • Reservist's amateur radio skills lynch pin for emergency responders

    He flips the switch on his radio, dialing into a local emergency channel and listens in. Focused, he concentrates, listening for the slight crackle of radio traffic.With just dead air floating through the invisible radio waves, he leans into the microphone, pressing down on the mic's element, and

  • 3,000-mile bike trek sparks Air Force career

    In 1968, a 16-year-old Oklahoma native and veteran Boy Scout traversed more than 3,000 miles of Europe on a bicycle, changing his life forever.Recently, Mike Nishimuta celebrated the 45th anniversary of his historic trip by revisiting part of his journey through Europe and biking along the same

  • Holloman tests new warhead on high-speed track

    The Defense Department announced yesterday the successful testing of an advanced conventional precision effects warhead, a critical part of a national effort to establish a conventional prompt strike capability. This capability will contribute to the country to defend its interests with precision

  • AF energy leader touts Airmen success stories

    The Air Force’s top energy expert said people are the key to success in driving down energy use, saving money and improving mission performance during the Air Force Association’s monthly breakfast in Arlington, Va., Oct 23.

  • C-17 flight nostalgic for father-son Airmen

    Any father would be proud to watch their son be a part of the arrival of the last C-17 Globemaster III to Joint Base Charleston. However, for retired Chief Master Sgt. Bob Morris, felt more than pride knowing his son, Tech. Sgt. Mike Morris, 437th Airlift Wing Operations Group standards and

  • AFI change simplifies fitness appeal process

    Airmen who fail their fitness assessment now may appeal to their wing commanders rather than submit an appeal to the Air Force Board for Corrections of Military Records, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.

  • Celebrated pilot and Vietnam POW dies at 88

    Retired Brig. Gen. Robinson “Robbie” Risner, a celebrated Korean War jet fighter ace and Vietnam prisoner of war, died Oct. 22 at Bridgewater Retirement Community, Bridgewater, Va. He was 88 years old.

  • Personnel tool helps align employees with supervisors

    Civilian employees who are not accurately aligned under their supervisors in the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System might have delays in processing important personnel actions, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.

  • Wilson takes command of Global Strike Command

    Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson took command of Air Force Global Strike Command during a ceremony here Oct. 23, becoming the newest leader of the organization responsible for the nation's force of ICBMs and nuclear-capable bombers.

  • Leaders continue to tap “innovative” Airmen for energy savings

    Air Force leadership calls upon Airmen to continue coming up with innovative ideas to provide the Air Force an assured energy advantage in air, space and cyberspace. In fiscal year 2012, the Air Force spent $9.2 billion on energy, almost 10 percent of the total budget. In a time of fiscal

  • Harvesting the wind at Cape Cod Air Force Station

    It's not just the leaves that are changing at Cape Cod Air Force Station. The Air Force station is also changing the way it gets electricity as two new giant wind turbines are being installed at the 6th Space Warning Squadron.

  • Aviano captain fulfills life-long dream on Jeopardy

    With a love of trivial knowledge, one Aviano Airman's dream came true this fall with one simple sentence -- "Can you phrase your answer in the form of a question?" On Sept. 10, 2013, Capt. Stuart Anderson, 31st Judge Advocate chief of military justice, fulfilled a life-long goal of being a

  • 'Today's Air Force' highlights maintenance Airmen, honors veterans

    This week on Today's Air Force, a group of F-16's get a new paint job, Airmen get a chance to "drive it like they stole it," and we honor the service and dedication of our veterans. This 30-minute, bi-weekly news show can be seen every day on The Pentagon Channel and American Forces Television

  • Shutdown effects continue on Defense Department, Hagel says

    The government shutdown is over, but it will take a while for the effects to fade, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said at a press conference Oct 17. At the shutdown's height, more than 400,000 Defense Department civilian employees were furloughed because of the lapse of appropriations for the new

  • AF implements changes to PT assessment

    The Air Force has released further guidance on the implementation of several changes to the physical assessment test, which will take place Oct. 21.The new guidance includes additions to the body composition component of the fitness assessment, delegation of appeal authority for fitness assessments

  • Voting deadline for Teen Council video contest is Oct. 21

    The final date to vote for the 2013 Air Force Teen Council video contest is Oct. 21.More than 20 videos were submitted for the fifth annual teen video contest and entries have been posted on the Air Force Teen Council Facebook

  • Government Shutdown: Frequently Asked Questions

    Below are frequently asked questions about the current government shutdown (Updated: Oct. 17, 2013). If you don’t find the answer to a question you have about the government shutdown and its impact on the Air Force, post your question as a comment below. We will research and try to find the

  • New virtual curriculum assists separating troops

    The Defense Department continues to assist service members and their families in preparing for the transition to civilian life with a new virtual curriculum, a Defense Department official said here.

  • Unemployment benefits may help some furloughed DOD civilians

    On the 10th day of the partial government shutdown, DOD civilians excluded by law from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's Oct. 7 recall to work of thousands of fellow employees still await an end to the political standoff that sent them home and stopped their paychecks Oct. 1.

  • New Defense Health Agency to streamline functions

    The government shutdown did not stop the official opening Oct. 1 of the Defense Health Agency, a major streamlining of military medicine that has been in the works for three decades and signed into law earlier this year.

  • Continuing family support through government shutdown

    The government shutdown is affecting quality of life, family support, and child and youth programs that service members and families value. The purpose of this blog post is to provide guidance as to what to expect regarding the operating status of these programs while the government is shut down.

  • Hagel says national security assured during shutdown

    The Defense Department and other government agencies responsible for national security will carry out their missions despite the government shutdown, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Oct. 1 here. The secretary, traveling in the Asia-Pacific region this week for high-level meetings here and in

  • Airman keeps NASCAR track safe

    For most people, the thunderous setting of a NASCAR track on race day would not be considered a tranquil environment. However, that's not the case with Tech. Sgt. Erin L. Tallman, non commissioned officer in charge of knowledge operations in the 14th Air Force Knowledge Management office at

  • New flu vaccine offers triple protection

    Each year, flu season affects millions of men, women and children. Flu season usually begins in October, so now is a great time to protect yourself and your family from the flu by getting vaccinated. The flu shot is easy to get and inexpensive - often free - for TRICARE beneficiaries and this year

  • Lieutenant beats cancer, selected to pilot Raptors

    For one new Air Force pilot, "living the dream" is much more than a cheap throwaway line. To 1st Lt. Rob Hansen of the 80th Flying Training Wing, "living" means surviving stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma. "The dream" means graduating at the top of his undergraduate pilot training class and earning a slot

  • F-35: New fighter creates new culture for 21st Century and beyond

    She didn’t have a smudge on her. Not a leak found anywhere. She even had that “new jet smell.” Skies were blue, everything was perfect. Those were the conditions on that July day in 2011 when Lt. Col. Eric Smith took off from the Lockheed facilities at Fort Worth, Texas, in the first operational

  • Memo prepares DOD employees for government shutdown

    Although Defense Department officials believe a government shutdown can be avoided when the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1, they want DOD employees to be prepared for the possibility, Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in a memo issued to the workforce Sept. 23.

  • Commander discusses future of Air Force Reserve

    Discussing the future of the Air Force, senior military and industry leaders gathered at the Air Force Association's 2013 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor, Md., Sept. 16-18.

  • New AF app helps with workplace problems

    Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, or AFSO21, is the Air Force's eight-step problem solving method and the application puts AFSO21 resources right at their fingertips. The application, available for free download from the two most popular mobile marketplaces, provides a breakdown of

  • Luke AGE gets 'lean,' increases production

    The 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Aerospace Ground Equipment flight held a "lean" event recently in an effort to operate more efficiently, saving the Air Force money and man hours. The event is designed to look at current processes to see if there are ways to do things smarter.A team of AGE

  • Upgrade gives B-52 more teeth

    The B-52 Stratofortress is set to receive an upgrade that will significantly increase its weapons payload, officials said.

  • 17th Air Force Marathon kicked off at Wright-Patt

    Runners from across the country and around the world competed in the 2013 U.S. Air Force Marathon Sept. 21 here. Lt. Gen. C.D. Moore, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center commander welcomed runners and spectators to the 17th annual event. "This year we have 15,000 participants in various races

  • New OTS selection board results announced

    A total of 211 men and women from across America have earned an opportunity to become Air Force leaders following their selection for an officer's commission, officials here announced today.

  • Generals stress collaboration, innovation during forum

    General officers candidly discussed innovation, concerns and the service's future during the professional development portion of the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition 2013 here Sept. 18.

  • Service chiefs detail 2014 sequestration effects

    The House Armed Services Committee heard testimony on planning for sequestration in fiscal 2014 from Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James F. Amos.

  • Software update keeps B-52 at forefront of bomber fleet

    The B-52 Stratofortress will soon receive a software upgrade that will keep the aircraft at the forefront of the U.S. strategic bomber fleet.As new equipment and advanced weapons are added to the B-52 fleet, the B-52 Software Block (BSB) upgrades allow the aircraft to utilize the full potential of

  • B-2 pilot surpasses 1,000 hours mark

    A routine flying mission became a major achievement for the Missouri Air National Guard’s 131st Bomb Wing when Maj. Luke Jayne surpassed 1,000 flying hours in the B-2 Spirit Sept. 14.

  • 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year shine at gala

    The Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year earned praise at a dinner hosted by the Air Force Association as part of the 2013 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 16.