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U.S. Air Force News

  • Air Force brings home gold on day 1

    Air Force athletes brought home gold during the first day of competition May 17 at the 2011 Warrior Games here. With a grunt and furrowed brow, retired Senior Airman Jennifer Stone bested her Marine, Navy and Army competitors in the women's standing shot put with a distance of 31-feet, 7.25-inches.

  • Air Force brings ideas to Defense Innovation Initiative

    In dual remarks during the State of the Air Force press briefing here Jan. 15, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and the Air Force chief of staff announced plans to bring the service’s research, science and technology ideas to the Defense Innovation Initiative, led by Deputy Secretary of Defense

  • Air Force brothers make fitness a family affair

    While fitness is an important part of Air Force life, two brothers have turned a passion for running and fitness into a lifestyle that impacts just about every facet of their and their families' lives. Lt. Col. Ryan Novotny, and his younger brother, Maj. Reid Novotny, have taken the sport of long

  • Air Force building the future force

    Changes are coming to the Air Force and officials are working with the Department of Defense to prioritize current and future resources as part of a national priority to reduce spending. In the spring of 2010 the Defense Department began a comprehensive effort to increase efficiencies, reduce

  • Air Force builds new houses at overseas bases

    As the Air Force undergoes constant transformation from deployments to manning issues, the importance of Airmen's quality of life hasn't changed. One quality-of-life improvement was the $1 billion the Air Force spent upgrading base housing in various overseas locations in Korea, the United Kingdom

  • Air Force busy before the storm

    Waiting for Hurricane Rita is now a national vigil -- but the Air Force has not been idle, waiting for the storm to hit.Instead, it mobilized.Some Airmen moved to locations nearer to where the hurricane will make landfall -- along the Texas-Louisiana border. They need to be close when the order

  • Air Force by service, but Army by trade

    They are a unique breed of servicemembers on the frontline -- Air Force by service, but Army by trade.Joint terminal attack controllers can be found throughout Afghanistan, planning, communicating and facilitating the execution of close-air support for ground forces.For the Soldiers of 2nd

  • 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

  • Air Force C-130s land at Lielvarde AB for the first time

    Three U.S. Air Force C-130J Hercules from the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, landed on Lielvarde Air Base, Latvia, June 17, making them the first U.S. Air Force aircraft to land at the newly renovated installation.

  • Air Force C-130s support Afghan army deployment

    U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules airlifted troops and supplies Aug. 15 and 16 supporting the deployment of several Afghan battalions to respond to factional fighting which started Aug. 14 in the Shindand area of the country.At the request of Afghan officials, forces from the coalition and international

  • Air Force C-130s, Navy equipment dispatched to support oil slick response

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has authorized two Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft to support the response to a massive oil slick that threatens wetlands and beaches along the Gulf Coast, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell confirmed April 30.In addition, Navy officials have dispatched 66,000

  • Air Force C-5 Galaxy modernization program certified

    Air Force officials announced today that officials in the office of the under secretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics have certified the C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program for 49 additional aircraft. The C-5s approved include 47 C-5Bs used for inter-theater

  • Air Force cadets conduct research for NASA

    A group of small Pitot tubes, shaped like a hand rake, sit inside one end of a wind tunnel. A miniature space capsule is attached on the other end. It looks similar to what Apollo era astronauts used, but this model plays an important role in the future of human space flight. The Crew Exploration

  • Air Force cadets 'hang' with Fire Dawgs

    Members of the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department spot Air Force Academy Cadet Jeff Larkin as he descends from a tower as part of a high-angle rescue training session June 5, 2010, at an air base in Southwest Asia. Twenty cadets are visiting the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing

  • Air Force cadets thrive at West Point’s Sandhurst competition

    Eleven cadets conquered nine field events and maneuvered through about five miles of New York terrain to capture fourth place out of 45 teams at West Point’s annual Sandhurst competition April 24.“They did awesome!” said Brig. Gen. Johnny A. Weida, academy commandant of cadets. “This is exactly

  • Air Force cancels 2016 season of Tops in Blue

    Air Force officials announced on Dec. 21 that Tops in Blue, the service-unique entertainment program, will cancel its 2016 season, allowing an extended review of the program.

  • Air Force cancels 2020 Marathon, offers virtual option

    Numerous scenarios were explored to produce an event that was safe for all and met the high event standards. All scenarios led the marathon team to conclude the event would be unable to proceed in a manner that participants have come to expect.

  • Air Force captain honored during remembrance day parade

    The Royal Air Force Habbaniya Association honored Air Force Capt. Jutta Cortes by obtaining "exceptional permission" for her to march in the annual Remembrance Day Parade near the Cenotaph in London. Captain Cortes earned the honor after she responded to a special request from the association's

  • Air Force captain sentenced to 50 years

    Captain Devery L. Taylor of the 96th Medical Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., was sentenced for 50 years Feb. 28 after being found guilty on four counts of forcible sodomy, two counts of attempted sodomy, two counts of kidnapping and one count of unlawful entry. In addition to confinement,

  • Air Force captures 16 Presidential Rank Awards

    White House officials recently announced the recipients of the 2007 Presidential Rank Awards. These awards recognize career civilian senior executive service and senior professional individuals. The recipients are leaders, professionals and scientists, who have demonstrated exceptional performance

  • Air Force captures 18 medals at Warrior Games

    The Air Force brought home a team-record 18 medals April 30 through May 5 during the 2012 Warrior Games here.Athletes representing the Air Force medaled in volleyball and wheelchair basketball for the first time, earning bronze medals in both as well as earning two silver medals and one gold medal

  • Air Force captures five Nunn-Perry awards

    Five Air Force company teams captured Nunn-Perry awards at the annual Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé conference in Atlanta on March 8. The awards recognize efforts by DOD prime contractors (mentors) and their protégé small businesses to advance the protégé company as a competitive partner in

  • Air Force captures soccer gold medal

    The Air Force soccer team won close games over the Army team and the Marines to secure first place in the recent Armed Forces Services Soccer Championship."It (was) a long tournament," said Air Force head coach Orville Reid. "We had to play tough all six games to win."The Nov. 8 match-up against

  • Air Force cardiologist helps Iraqi children

    As a volunteer pediatric cardiologist for several nonprofit organizations, Lt. Col. (Dr.) Kirk Milhoan has screened children with congenital heart disease in Mongolia, Kosovo, Uzbekistan, Mexico, Tibet and Sudan. When he deployed to the Air Force theater hospital at Balad Air Base, Iraq, in 2005, he

  • Air Force Caring for People forum begins

    Air Force professionals and families from around the world brought improvement ideas to Air Force leaders during the 2011 Air Force Caring for People forum here July 19. More than 250 Air Force leaders, program managers, family members and volunteers assembled for the start of the three-day forum to

  • Air Force cartoonist publishes book while deployed

    It's hard being only a figment of someone's imagination. Just ask 1st Lt. Kenneth Dahl, an F-15 Eagle fighter pilot with the imaginary 809th Fighter Squadron. Lieutenant Dahl, call sign "Barbie," is the star of the online Web comic Air Force Blues, and a hero, of sorts, to his Internet following.

  • Air Force casualties identified

    The Department of Defense today identified the two Airmen killed Jan. 22 supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Airmen were killed when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device while conducting convoy escort duties near Taji, Iraq. They are: Tech. Sgt. Jason L. Norton, 32, of Miami,

  • Air Force casualty identified

    Department of Defense officials Aug. 5 announced the death of an Airman supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia. Tech. Sgt. Joey D. Link, 29, of Portland, Tenn., died Aug. 5 of natural causes at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. He was

  • Air Force CD features Toby Keith

    This year's Red, White and Air Force Blue holiday compact disc features music and interviews from country-music star Toby Keith. This is the ninth holiday CD produced by the Air Force Recruiting Service. The CD is sent to radio stations across the country to help get the Air Force message on the

  • Air Force celebrates 60 years

    A lineup of top military officials, musical entertainment and the chance to meet those who made early Air Force history drew representatives from each service to the Air Force's 60th anniversary celebration Sept. 18 in the Pentagon courtyard.Members of the Air Force entertainment organization Tops

  • Air Force celebrates 60 years of the KC-135

    The Air Force celebrated the 60th birthday of the KC-135 Stratotanker Aug. 31. The first Stratotanker flew in August of 1956 and was later delivered to the Air Force in June 1957.

  • Air Force celebrates Centennial of Flight

    The U.S. Air Force is bringing aviators, aircraft and adventure to the First Flight Centennial Celebration here through Dec. 17.The celebration commemorates the past century of flight and looks to the next generation of aviators to further the Wright brothers' dream."The Centennial of Flight is as

  • Air Force celebrates JSF arrival, rolls out nation's airpower future

    Air Force officials said the unveiling of the F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighter was a "historic occasion" during a rollout ceremony here Aug. 26.The F-35A, on display during the ceremony, was delivered here in July by Lt. Col. Eric Smith, the Air Force's first F-35 pilot."This is indeed a new

  • Air Force celebrates Month of the Military Child

    They never raised their right hands and pledged to defend their nation, but they still make sacrifices for their country. The contributions of military children will be celebrated across the Defense Department as April is designated as Month of the Military Child, and the spirit of the event will be

  • Air Force cell phone plan changes to save $2 million per year

    Officials from the Office of Management and Budget have developed a plan to save the Air Force an estimated $2 million a year on government-issued cell phones.The plan is based on a suggestion for the President's SAVE program by the Air Force Information Technology Commodity Council. Beginning in

  • Air Force center receives recycling award

    In recognition of significant waste diversions achieved from October 2006 through September 2007, the Arnold Engineering Development Center will receive the Government Recycler of the Year award Jan. 18 from the Tennessee Recycling Coalition. In her award notification to AEDC, Gail Randolph, chair

  • Air Force center takes Public Agency Award

    The Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence here has won the first Public Agency Award presented by the Society of American Military Engineers.Based in Alexandria, Va., the society is a professional organization that includes members from all the military branches as well as the public and

  • Air Force Central Ticket Program offers discounts to Airmen, families

    The Air Force Central Ticket Program provides discount tickets to Airmen, their families and authorized Morale, Welfare and Recreation program customers at nationwide attractions and recreational events. Discount tickets are available for purchase at installation force support Information, Tickets

  • Air Force changes captain promotion process

    Air Force Personnel Center officials recently announced changes to the captain promotion process, which will affect Line of the Air Force officers. Beginning January 2008, active-duty LAF officers will be considered for promotion to captain on a quarterly basis, instead of during the third quarter

  • Air Force changes fitness test criteria

    Air Force officials are making a few changes to the physical fitness test used to assess the fitness of Airmen.In January 2004, the Air Force underwent a major change in the way it looked at fitness. As part of the Fit to Fight program, the service adopted a more stringent physical fitness

  • Air Force changes leave, special liberty

    Airmen may now be granted a special liberty (pass) in conjunction with leave without requiring a duty day between the pass and leave periods. Airmen must be physically present in the local area when departing and returning from leave. If they wish to leave the local area during the pass period and

  • 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

  • Air Force changes name of MC-130J

    Officials announced a popular name change for the MC130J here March 9 that honors the Air Commando legacy and capitalizes on the versatility of the aircraft. "Air Force Special Operation Command MC-130Js will be equipped to fly various missions and will be called Commando II," said Lt. Gen. Eric

  • Air Force changes testing dates for chief master sergeant

    The testing window for those competing for promotion to chief master sergeant will move to the second week in September."As a result of ongoing efforts to improve the enlisted promotion testing system and recent validation of the Weighted Airmen Promotion System process, ... we are changing the

  • Air Force chapel communities help Hurricane Sandy survivors

    More than 50 Air Force chapel communities raised approximately $151,000 dollars to provide help and comfort to those affected by Hurricane Sandy."As the extent of the Hurricane Sandy damage began to be reported, Chaplain Corps leadership requested the collection of a special offering for the people

  • Air Force chapel community raises money for quake victims

    In the wake of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan March 11, members of the Air Force Chaplain Corps on 43 installations helped raise more than $257,000 toward relief efforts for victims of the disaster, officials said here June 9. On March 15, Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Cecil R. Richardson, the

  • Air Force chapel programs donate thousands

    In recent weeks, Air Force chapels raised thousands of dollars to provide comfort for those affected by Hurricane Katrina.Chapel communities contributed more than $376,000 for Hurricane Katrina survivors since the storm hit three weeks ago, according to the Air Force Chief of Chaplains Office

  • Air Force chaplain faces unique challenges

    Editor's Note: This "Through Airmen's Eyes" personal account focuses on Chaplain (Capt.) Christian LaPaul Williams, a chaplain at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. His first-person account provides an inside look at the important role he plays in providing comfort and solace to the families of those

  • Air Force chaplains ensure religious freedom

    One of the main reasons for the settlement of the 13 colonies that eventually grew into the United States of America was religious freedom. The challenge of religious diversity is the ultimate test of whether people believe in that right, according to the Air Force's top chaplain."This is why I'm a

  • Air Force chaplains join together for memorial service

    Air Force chaplains and chaplain's assistants from around the globe joined together beneath the spires of the Air Force Memorial here for a memorial and wreath-laying ceremony April 25. The group of about 300 Airmen and civilians were in the national capital region to attend the Air Force Chaplains

  • Air Force chaplains reflect on milestones, emphasize warrior care

    More than 100 chaplains and chaplain assistants from throughout the Air Force attended the Chaplain Corps Summit here recently, in part to celebrate 60th anniversary of the Air Force Chaplain Corps and the 100th anniversary of the chaplain assistant career field.The summit began with an interfaith

  • Air Force chaplains serve to keep Airmen fit to fight

    For those who think chaplains deploy with the sole responsibility of running church services on Sunday, think again. Their purpose stretches beyond the confines of a chapel.Whether it is a worship service, choir practice, counseling sessions, Bible study, or just a visitation to a work center on

  • Air Force chaplains train South Korean air force counterparts

    Republic of Korea Air Force chaplain corps personnel from across the peninsula gathered at Osan recently for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, or ASIST, facilitated by Air Force chaplains. The occasion marked the first time joint training had been conducted between chaplains of the

  • Air Force charity ball set for April 1

    After raising more than $630,000 the last two years, the Air Force’s official charity ball returns April 1 at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. The first official ball was in 2004. The committee will stop taking reservations Feb. 10. “We look forward to another successful event thanks to the

  • Air Force charity ball set for March 12

    The Air Force’s official charity ball returns in 2005 after the 2004 event raised more than $240,000 for the Air Force Aid Society.The ball is set for March 12 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. The committee stops taking reservations Feb. 4.“We’re well on our way to doing even better than last year,”

  • Air Force charts course for next generation ISR dominance

    Today the Air Force released the Next Generation Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Dominance Flight Plan, an encompassing strategy about how the service maintains and enhances decisive advantage amidst the reemergence of great power competition and rapid technological change in the

  • Air Force charts new course for 2009 force shaping

    Air Force officials here currently are deciding how to carry out force shaping plans in the coming year following an announcement by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Monday to halt personnel cuts. Active-duty end strength was projected to decrease from 328,600 to 316,600 by the end of fiscal 2009.

  • Air Force chef to appear on 'Emeril Live'

    What do an award-winning chef, southern cuisine with a modern flair and a top-notch NCO all have in common? They are some of the ingredients that make up Tech. Sgt. Wesley Williams, who on April 6 will be on the set of 'Emeril Live.'Sergeant Williams entered and won a contest initiated by Emeril's

  • Air Force chief calls for collaboration between Guard, active duty

    Citing evolving missions and shrinking budgets, the Air Force chief of staff called for the Air National Guard and active duty forces to work closer together. "The skill-set of National Guard members is critical to sustaining worldwide partnerships," said Gen. Norton Schwartz during his speech at

  • Air Force Chief Data Office announces first Datathon

    For the first Datathon, the Chief Data Office is teaming with AFWERX and the USAF-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Artificial Intelligence Accelerator to focus on C-17 Globemaster III aircrew scheduling optimization.

  • Air Force Chief Data Office hosts inaugural workshop

    More than 70 representatives from major commands and functional communities across the Air Force gathered in Arlington, Virginia, April 11- 13, 2018, to collaborate on the way forward for defining an enterprise-wide, scalable capability that makes data visible, accessible, understandable, linked,

  • Air Force chief discusses upcoming senior enlisted summit

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley paid a visit here June 27 and spoke to students at the Air Force Senior NCO Academy and Air Force First Sergeants Academy at Gunter Annex about Air Force priorities and issues that affect enlisted members. He also took a few moments to field

  • Air Force chief information officer discusses way ahead for cyberoperations

    The Air Force chief information officer addressed modern cyberspace threats and the impact of social networking at the Air Force Association Cyber Futures Symposium and Convention here April 1.Lt. Gen. William T. Lord emphasized that despite recent budgetary constraints, the Air Force needs to

  • Air Force chief of chaplains visits troops in Horn of Africa

    The Air Force chief of chaplains visited the Religious Ministries Department of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Dec. 3 and 4 to meet with chaplain members and  Airmen deployed to the task force to see some of the Djibouti humanitarian assistance projects.Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Charles C.

  • Air Force chief of safety visits Seymour Johnson

    The Air Force chief of safety made a visit here Jan. 20 to see Airmen's dedication to safety firsthand. As Air Force chief of safety, Maj. Gen. Frederick F. Roggero is responsible for all safety across the service, including aviation, weapon, ground, space and on- and off-duty safety.Though taking

  • Air Force chief of staff addresses 2010 CAF Airpower Symposium

    Although last minute plane troubles kept the Air Force's top uniformed leader from physically attending the 2010 Combat Air Forces Airpower Symposium at Langley Air Force Base May 19, it didn't keep him from delivering his keynote address to participants.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • Air Force chief of staff announces 2011 'Vector'

    The Air Force's senior military officer released his vision for the future in the CSAF Vector 2011, which highlights the service's unique contributions to national security and also provides updates and the way ahead on the Air Force's priorities."A year ago I presented a vision for our Air Force,"

  • Air Force chief of staff collaborates with counterparts at CONJEFAMER 2010

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer hosted the 50th annual Conferencia de los Jefes de las Fuerzas Aereas Americanas, or CONJEFAMER, here June 13 through 17.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz served as president of CONJEFAMER 2010, which brought together air chiefs from 17 member

  • Air Force Chief of Staff defines standard of excellence

    Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, came to Air Force Space Command for a series of briefings and then visited with Peterson AFB personnel at an open forum at the base theater. His comments included what he called "vital things," the foremost of which is the need for the Air Force to go

  • Air Force chief of staff discusses leadership goals

    The Air Force chief of staff shared his vision concerning Air Force leadership and discussed his goals for the direction of the Air Force during the Air Force Sergeants Association's Professional Airmen's Conference Aug. 25 in San Antonio. Gen. Norton A. Schwartz began his speech discussing the

  • Air Force chief of staff encourages Airmen to embrace energy efficiency

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer urged the integration of energy efficiency and conservation into all aspects of the service's mission at the close of the U.S. Air Force Energy Forum here May 28.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz addressed more than 500 attendees including wing and

  • Air Force chief of staff honors retirees, praises Airmen

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer honored retirees and praised today's Airmen during a dinner here Oct. 22.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz was the guest speaker at the annual chairman's dinner at Air Force Village, an officers' retirement community here, in celebration of its 40th

  • Air Force chief of staff initiates MQ-1 Predator plus-up

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley is accelerating delivery of the Defense Department's December 2009 goal of 21 daily MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle combat air patrols, or CAPs, by one year.At the chief of staff's request, Air Force officials coordinated deployment actions with

  • Air Force chief of staff outlines priorities

    The Air Force chief of staff outlined some of the Air Force's priorities during a visit here March 13. During a breakfast with Airmen and also during an interview with local reporters, General Moseley talked about the future of the Air Force, and more specifically, the future of the base in regards

  • Air Force chief of staff praises special operators

    Though the United States has the most technologically advanced armed forces in the world, the individual knowledge and skills U.S. special operators bring to the table are the keys to success against persistent conflicts enduring around the globe, the Air Force chief of staff said here Feb. 11. Gen.

  • Air Force chief of staff presents Kolligian Trophy

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper presented the Kolligian Trophy to Capt. Michael Matesick during a ceremony July 30 in the Pentagon. Captain Matesick, currently assigned to Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., earned the air safety award for saving his damaged aircraft in the sky over Iraq in

  • Air Force chief of staff releases 2011 reading list

    The Air Force chief of staff announced his latest professional reading list Jan. 21. "Effectively operating within our increasingly dynamic, interconnected and complex world requires steadfast commitment to personal and professional growth," Gen. Norton Schwartz said in a letter to

  • Air Force chief of staff releases 2012 reading List

    The Air Force chief of staff announced his latest professional reading list Jan. 6.In a letter to all Air Force personnel, Gen. Norton Schwartz said today's Airmen are among the military's best educated and most inquisitive. "We Airmen are innovators because we embrace the word 'why' and mine it for

  • Air Force chief of staff returns to roots

    Some thirty-five years ago, 2nd Lt. Norton Schwartz graduated Undergraduate Pilot Training, walking away from here with a set of silver wings and a promising career with unlimited potential. On April 24th, now Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz came full circle, returning to Laughlin as

  • Air Force chief of staff thanks Airmen, families in accepting award

    The Air Force's highest ranking officer was awarded one of the Air Force Sergeants Association's top honors during the organization's Professional Airmen's Conference and International Convention here Aug. 18.In pre-taped remarks, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz accepted the 2009

  • Air Force chief of staff to deliver keynote address at C2ISR Symposium

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz will be a keynote speaker at the Air Force C2ISR Symposium and Technology Exposition, to be held Sept. 28-30 at the MGM Grand Hotel at Foxwoods in Ledyard, Conn.  C2ISR is command, control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.General Schwartz,