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  • Nominees sought for Joan Orr Spouse Award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2013 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year Award.The Air Force Association Joan Orr Spouse of the Year Award honors significant contributions made by non-military spouses of Air Force military members. The award period is Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2012.The

  • Officials seek nominations for aerospace awards

    Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for the 2013 Air Force Association Aerospace Awards for outstanding contributions to national defense in a variety of fields.These awards include:Theodore Von Karman Award - for contributions in the field of science and engineering relating to aerospace

  • Airman saves man's life -- twice

    When Airman 1st Class Patrick Shemwell walked outside after eating dinner near Kunsan Air Base on June 24, he saw a young Korean man lying on the ground and gasping for air.Shemwell shoved his way through the screaming bystanders and checked the man's pulse, but the man had stopped breathing. "When

  • AF deploys remaining MAFFS to fight fires

    Beginning Saturday, June 30, eight military C-130 aircraft, each equipped with the U.S. Forest Service's Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) will be operating out of Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., to assist with firefighting efforts in the Rocky Mountain Region.Two MAFFS-equipped C-130s

  • More firefighting aircraft activated for Colorado effort

    Beginning June 30, eight military C-130 Hercules aircraft, each equipped with the U.S. Forest Service's Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, will be operating out of Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., to assist with firefighting efforts in the Rocky Mountain region.Two MAFFS-equipped C-130s from the

  • AGE turns ground power into air power

    When a call comes in to the 380th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Aerospace Ground Equipment flight, requesting a piece of equipment for an aircraft, the flight responds and delivers it.However, it isn't the call for AGE that prompts the flight into action - the delivery is actually the end

  • Despite fires, cadets arrive on time at Academy

    With fires still burning in the nearby Waldo Canyon and most of the base evacuated, about 1,000 new cadets of the class of 2016 in-processed on schedule June 28 at the U. S. Air Force Academy, Colo.To minimize the amount of cadets on base, Academy officials relocated about 550 cadets with about 200

  • Wildfire stops moves to Air Force Academy

    Air Force officials have temporarily halted permanent change of station moves and most temporary duty assignments to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., as Air Force members join the fight to extinguish the 29-square mile Waldo Canyon wildfire burning northwest of the

  • 2013 CDCs available online in September

    The Airman Advancement Division's online library, e-WAPS Online Reference Library Database, or e-WORLD, will soon have 2013 promotion cycle study reference material available.Airmen will be able to access the latest reference material by September. Past Career Development Courses are also available

  • CSAF honors flight training instructor with Kolligian Trophy

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presented Capt. Frank Baumann, an instructor pilot from the 80th Flying Training Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, one of the Air Force's most prestigious flight safety awards during a Pentagon ceremony here June 27. Baumann was named the 2011

  • Academy evacuates: Airmen must log in to accountability system

    Air Force officials have activated the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System to monitor the status and location of all Airmen and dependents assigned to and living in the vicinity of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., Air Force Personnel Center officials said June

  • Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System crews eager to fight fire another day

     Members of the 731st Expeditionary Air Squadron arrived during the early morning hours of June 27 to prepare the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 Hercules for another day of aerial fire-fighting. MAFFS is a self-contained aerial firefighting system owned by the U.S. Forest

  • NORTHCOM continues fire suppression efforts

    Four Defense Department C-130 Hercules equipped with U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems under the command and control of U.S. Northern Command are helping to put out fires in Colorado at the request of the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho.As of early this

  • Wildland fire fight presents operational, personal challenges

    The flightline here roared to life June 26 as the engines of four C-130 Hercules cranked up to begin day two of Modular Airborne Fire Fighting missions in Colorado. The scene was reminiscent of a NASCAR pit with aircraft landing and refueling quickly before taking flight. Tuesday began the first

  • Air Force teams work to tame Colorado wildfires

    An Air Force team from the active duty, Air National Guard, the Air Reserve and the Air Force Academy have mobilized to help fight the quickly spreading Waldo Canyon fire near Colorado Springs, Colo., that has burned more than 3,500 acres.The request for assistance from the National Interagency Fire

  • AF top engineers give tips on saving energy, money

    Summer is officially under way. While it means fun in the sun for Airmen and their families, it can be an expensive, wasteful time of year for the Air Force. Utility bills on installations often rise drastically as air conditioning units and sprinkler systems work to keep up. The Air Force spends

  • Robins NCO named AF top 'first shirt'

    Master Sgt. H. Mylo Gibson II, 51st Combat Communications Squadron, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is this year's Air Force First Sergeant of the Year. Gibson has been serving in the Air Force for more than 20 years, and has been a first sergeant for the past two. "I became a first sergeant to take

  • 'New AFNIC' offers cyber advantage

    "Cyber Innovation. Mission Success." This is how the "New" Air Force Network Integration Center officials sum up what their organization provides to the Air Force and other mission partners.It's a phrase representing a new direction for a not-so-new organization. AFNIC, established from what was

  • Service members, families remember Khobar Towers

    Amid gusting winds and threatening rain clouds of Tropical Storm Debby, Airmen, Marines, Sailors and family members gathered to remember 19 warriors and 12 33rd Fighter Wing Nomads on the 16th anniversary of the Khobar Towers bombing June 25."I'm humbled to be a part of this ceremony," said Col.

  • Two RAF Fairford firefighters earn AF heroism award

    Two firefighters from the 420th Air Base Squadron were recently awarded the Robert A. McAllister Heroism Award.Firefighters Lynsey Pope and Robert McEvoy were recognized by the Air Force for performing an act of courage above and beyond the call of duty after encountering a car crash on an English

  • Air Force awards $960 million in small business IT contracts

    The Air Force is announcing the award of 12 contracts worth up to $960 million that will make it quicker and easier for the warfighter to obtain innovative information technology services and capabilities covering the full spectrum of operations and missions.The Air Force's Network Centric

  • Colorado reserve unit called in to fight wildland fires

    The Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing here received word June 24 that it was tasked to provide Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, or MAFFS, support to the ongoing Colorado wildland fires. The request for assistance from The National Interagency Fire Center to the Department of

  • SOUTHCOM, partners prepare to respond to natural disasters

    Putting lessons learned from the 2010 earthquake response in Haiti into practice, U.S. Southern Command has entered this year's hurricane season ready to provide timely, effective aid should another disaster strike the region, command officials reported."We remain deliberately prepared," Southcom

  • Air Force Safety Automated System vital to tracking, preventing mishaps

    The Air Force Safety Center continues to develop and deploy enhancements to the Air Force Safety Automated System to provide accurate mishap information and timely risk mitigation data to all levels of command. AFSAS is a Web-enabled mishap reporting and analysis system that's accessible 24/7

  • Air Force male athlete of the year goes for gold

    The sound of thrashing epees and rubber soles squeaking against metal boards ring throughout the fencing gym at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. It is here that fencer Weston Kelsey practices twice a day, five days a week, in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

  • Historic flying units celebrate anniversary, continue making history

    In the spring of 1942 the United States filled battle-torn European skies with squadrons of airborne war machines. Among them, two transport squadrons began carrying troops and supplies into the Second World War, beginning a parallel history spanning seven decades and many military conflicts. As if

  • Airman faces charges in slaying of fellow service member

    Airman 1st Class James Thomas of the 703rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here was indicted June 15 on 11 charges including murder, evidence-tampering and obstruction of justice.In a court filing June 19 in Anchorage, Alaska, an autopsy found Senior Airman Clinton Reeves, formerly of the 673rd

  • German air force brings Eurofighter, skills to Eielson AFB

    After a nearly 5,000-mile trip across the world, 150 members of the German air force recently arrived here with eight German Eurofighter Typhoons.It is the first time the German airframe has deployed overseas, according to German officials. In fact, it is the very first of the Eurofighter's

  • Carter urges Charleston service members to consider future

    Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter visited service members in the coastal low country of South Carolina on June 18, urging the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen who serve the nation here to think about the future. Against the backdrop of a hulking C-17 Globemaster III transport jet, one of 54 on

  • 702nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron deactivates at Kandahar Airfield

    A small group of Air Guardsmen were joined by senior leaders June 18 to celebrate the completion of their deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to honor the deactivation of the 702nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here.The 702nd EAS was activated here July 31, 2011, and charged to

  • Nominations open for 64th Annual Arthur S. Flemming Award

    Air Force officials are accepting nominations for the 64th Annual Arthur S. Flemming Award.The award is sponsored by the George Washington University, in conjunction with the Arthur S. Flemming Awards Commission. It honors outstanding federal employees who have made significant and extraordinary

  • Exercises demonstrate Global Strike flexibility, capability

    Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen participated in two major exercises this month, demonstrating the command's flexibility and global reach while testing its tactics, techniques and procedures.Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing's 20th and 96th Bomb Squadrons teamed with Airmen from the 307th Bomb

  • Kadena NCO fit for life

    "Mom! You know you're not supposed to eat that," 6-year-old Nadiya Young said after watching her mother open a bag of chips. "Can I just have a few chips then," asked Tech. Sgt. Ashaunettae Pollard-Young, a senior director technician for Kadena's 623rd Air Control Flight. "They look so good." As

  • Cold War U-2 pilot gets posthumous Silver Star

    More than 50 years after his U-2 aircraft was shot down over the former Soviet Union, Capt. Francis Gary Powers posthumously received one of the military's highest decorations during a ceremony here at the Pentagon June 15.Powers, who died in a helicopter crash in 1977, was awarded the Silver Star

  • Joint mobility team concludes support for major combat exercise

    A joint Air Force and Army team of 120 contingency response experts concluded support operations June 9, for Joint Operational Access Exercise 12-02 in North Carolina.JOAX was a two-week mobility and ground combat exercise to prepare Airmen and Soldiers to respond to worldwide crises and

  • Combat controller posthumously awarded Silver Star

    Senior Airman Mark Forester had an American flag wrapped around his chest plate inside his body armor when he was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper's fire Sept. 29, 2010.This simple act is a testament to how Forester lived his life, a life respected by all who knew him.Forester, a combat controller

  • Hanscom starts new energy competition

    A new energy competition is underway here called "How Low Can You Go?" The competition requires little effort but big results by focusing on energy consumption during the weekend. "We want people to place special focus on their pre-weekend shutdown measures," said Tom Schluckebier, the base civil

  • Utah reservists, Lajes Airmen train together

    Reservists from the 419th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, arrived here June 9 as part of a cooperative effort with the 65th Air Base Wing.Members of the 419th LRS completed annual training during their temporary duty stay here, while members of the 65th LRS exercised their

  • Eglin fire department named best in Air Force

    For the past four years, Eglin's Fire Department was the best large department in Air Force Materiel Command. Now, for the first time in the most seasoned fire fighters' memories, it's the best in Air Force.The fire department services a unique location. Broken into seven districts, eight fire

  • Airmen save drowning man

    "Help!" someone faintly calls out. You look out to the ocean and see a man's arms flailing about, half a mile into the surf, struggling to stay afloat as waves crash down on him. What would you do, knowing lifeguards are not close enough to save him?Three 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airmen

  • National Guard troops battle Western wildfires

    Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen from five states are working alongside civilian first responders as they continue to battle wildfires in Colorado and New Mexico.New Mexico Army National Guard members are still battling the Little Bear wildfire near Ruidoso, N.M., which is approximately 35 percent

  • Air Force leaders send birthday messages to Army

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy salute the Army on its 237th birthday June 14. Secretary Donley wrote a letter to the secretary of the Army stating:"Congratulations to you and all of your

  • Air Force launches first special tactics wing

    U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command stood up the 24th Special Operations Wing in a ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Fla., June 12 to meet the growing demand for the unique capabilities special tactics Air Commandos provide.AFSOC commander Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel said creation of this new brand of wing

  • Kadena personnel bank $10,000 for ingenuity

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton urged anyone employed by the U.S. federal government to search for and identify any areas that could cut wasteful spending, according to a message published in July 2011."Over the past two years, 56,000 ideas have been submitted through the Securing

  • AF releases new special duty assignment pay table

    Beginning June 15, Airmen in some special duty assignments will receive adjustments in special duty assignment pay, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Based on recommendations following a routine biennial review of the program, Pentagon officials have modified the program to ensure Air

  • Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming National Guards battling wildfires

    National Guard units are currently battling wildfires in parts of Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming, deploying approximately 180 Citizen Soldiers and Airmen on state active duty to assist local civilian first responders.In Colorado, Army National Guard members were assisting firefighting efforts at

  • Michigan ANG in Estonia for Saber Strike 2012

    The Michigan Air National Guard has landed in Estonia. Operating as part of Saber Strike 2012, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and Latvia, the Michigan ANG has landed KC-135 Stratotanker and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft at Amari Air Base, Estonia. "We are eager to begin working with our

  • Marine, AF pilots temporarily swap services

    Two instructor pilots assigned to the 310th Fighter Squadron are currently on very similar and overlapping career paths at Luke Air Force Base as part of the Joint Service Pilot Exchange Program.Air Force Capt. Michael McGrew is on his way to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., to begin the

  • AF med group tests disaster response

    Medical professionals from the 779th Medical Group honed their disaster-response skills during a recent exercise here.Two expeditionary medical support teams, made up of more than 50 members each, constructed and took down a 25-bed field hospital. "The EMEDS team provides full scale medical support

  • 2nd Lt. earns Air Medal

    Before pilots fly in a deployed environment they have to become "mission ready." From the start of pilot training the process takes upwards of two years, but one hard-charging second lieutenant managed to obtain his commission, his wings and fly more than 20 combat sorties in the area of

  • Cactus Starfighter brings fight to range

    Troops sat pinned down under attack from a line of enemy vehicles. Insurgents shot down the F-16 Fighting Falcon coming to help and the pilot lay stranded near the fighting. On a small hilltop behind a pile of rocks, the joint terminal attack controller looks over the scene and coordinates close-air

  • Officials release investigation report on trainee's death

    The Air Force released a report of investigation June 7 into the death of an Air Force trainee, which occurred Oct. 19, 2011.The report cited Airman 1st Class Steven D. Williams' cause of death as cardiac dysrhythmia, or abnormal rhythm. Williams was in basic military training at Joint Base San

  • Warfighting data becoming easier to find and retrieve

    Recent contract awards by the Electronic Systems Center here are helping to ensure that warfighters using a key intelligence system can discover and access needed information.The Distributed Common Ground/Surface System Integration Backbone consists of a common set of services and standards that are

  • DOD announces top environmental award recipients

    At a Pentagon ceremony today, Defense and Interior Department officials presented this year's Secretary of Defense Environmental Award to 10 teams and installations for excellence in advancing environmental initiatives.Among the installations recognized, the Air Force was represented by both the

  • AFA announces Air Force spouse of the year

    By reaching out to others and volunteering countless hours in support of many 22nd Air Refueling Wing and community organizations, one McConnell Air Force Base spouse has earned Air Force-wide recognition. Amanda Chastain, a 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron spouse, was named the 2012 Joan Orr Air Force

  • Keesler nurse thwarts robbery of elderly lady

    Don't mess with an Air Force nurse.That may be what a purse-snatcher thought after 2nd Lt. Stacy Thomas and a friend thwarted an attempted theft May 24 in the William Carey University campus parking lot near here.Thomas, an 81st Inpatient Operations Squadron surgical inpatient unit clinical nurse,

  • Airmen help preserve historic D-Day aircraft

    Airmen and volunteers from the 19th Air Support Operations Squadron are currently taking a break from their primary mission of providing joint terminal attack controllers in support of deployed brigade combat teams to restore a historically significant plane here. The team is restoring the World War

  • Medical 'C-code' not a deployment disqualifier

    Contrary to common belief, a medical assignment limitation code, commonly known as the "C-code," does not disqualify an Airman from deployment, and it does not identify an Airman for medical discharge.A "C-code" applied to a member's profile for medical reasons is one of the various tools AFPC

  • 4th FW holds historic change of command

    Col. Jeannie Leavitt assumed command of the 4th Fighter Wing from Col. Patrick Doherty during a change-of-command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., June 1. Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, the 9th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony."With the departure of one leader, we welcome

  • In memory of 11 fallen defenders

    Family and service members gathered here May 24 to honor, and pay respect to, nine security forces Airmen and two military working dogs who have paid the ultimate sacrifice during overseas contingency operations.The 11 members honored were:· Airman 1st Class Elizabeth N. Jacobson· Tech. Sgt. Jason

  • Museum, base historians receive top honors

    Robins Air Force Base is being recognized for how it showcases history and for the top-notch team that records it. The Air Force History and Museums Program recently announced the Museum of Aviation's exhibit, "Tuskegee Airmen: A Proud Heritage," as the 2012 Air Force Heritage Award winner. Dr.

  • Airmen, Soldiers complete Mobility Forces Exercise

    Army green and Air Force blue combined to deliver the successful completion of the Mobility Forces Exercise 12A, which took place May 21 through 24 here and at the nearby Nevada Test and Training Range in Tonopah, Nev. MAFEX goals included building relationships between Air Force and Army units;

  • Shaw captain named top AF fighter tactician

    Every year the Air Force spotlights the most outstanding fighter tactician from the combat air forces. The search combs through hundreds of pilots from four major commands, the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. For 2011, the Air Force's outstanding tactician isn't a general, a colonel, a

  • Academy cadets work with Osan engineers

    The sounds of hammers and drills echoed through the air as Air Force Academy cadets gave Osan Air Base's civil engineers an extra hand with construction May 24. Approximately 15 cadets from the Academy worked side-by-side for two weeks with the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron's Prime Base Engineer

  • Warrior Wellness equine assistance important part of healing process

    The relationship between man and his horse is a storied one. Winston Churchill once said, "There's something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." The 19th century novelist Robert Smith Surtees said, "There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse."

  • Maintainers' goal: come back alive -- every time

    "Nothing makes me happier than when I see these blades spin and the helicopter take off," said Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Kopplin, 33rd Expeditionary Helicopter Maintenance Unit lead flying helicopter crew chief. "Knowing I worked on it. Knowing that Airmen that I lead have worked on it. Knowing that we

  • USO Service Member of the Year nominees sought

    The Air Force is accepting nominations for the 2012 USO Service Member of the Year Award, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today.This award, sponsored by the USO, recognizes specific acts of heroism by E-4 through E-6 enlisted members from each branch of the military.Organizations and

  • Air Force honored during national parade

    Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was first officially proclaimed by Gen. John Logan, Grand Army of the Republic national commander, with the issuance of General Order 11 May 5, 1868.The order says "The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or

  • U.S., Bulgarian Airmen strengthen ties during exercise

    More than 500 U.S. Airmen and two dozen F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 31st Fighter Wing here recently returned from a deployment to Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, where they spent a month conducting bi-lateral training with Bulgarian Airmen during Thracian Star 2012.The exercise was the largest

  • Black Flag: Taking care of those who wait

    The distinctive black flag, depicting a head lowered under a guard's watchtower, is often seen waving right below the American flag. Black patches with the mottos "You are not forgotten," "Keeping the promise" and "No one left behind" adorn leather vests, ball caps and bumper stickers across the

  • AFTAC Airman wins national-level award

    A member of the Air Force Technical Applications Center here is the recipient of the 63rd Annual Arthur S. Flemming Award in the field of Applied Science, Engineering and Mathematics.Capt. Joshua A. Burger, a systems engineer with AFTAC, earned the prestigious award that recognizes outstanding

  • Guard, Reserve leaders discuss budget issues

    The military's reserve components remain ready and capable despite budget cuts and their transition from a strategic to operational force, senior National Guard and Reserve officials told the Senate Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee here May 23.As the drawdown continues in Afghanistan,

  • OSI agent honored for his work in resolving child exploitation case

    The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children recognized an Air Force Office of Special Investigations special agent May 23 for his work in investigating the sexual exploitation of several children.Special Agent Jess Thompson and other law enforcement officials from around the country were

  • Yokota Airman honored for international affairs excellence

    An Air Force colonel was recognized May 23 for his role in supporting international relations through medical care and fostering joint relationships with Japan.Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton presented Col. (Dr.) Lee Harvis with the 2011 Air Force International Affairs Excellence Award

  • Army, Air Force mount renewable energy push

    The Army and Air Force are committed to developing 1 billion watts of renewable energy on their installations by 2025, senior leaders from both services announced May 23.The plan marks the latest milestone in a multi-year endeavor to find ways to make the military more energy efficient, said

  • SecAF visits 'Arctic Warriors'

    Airmen from around Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson gathered at Hangar 20 here May 21, where Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed the assemblage."This is a great opportunity to thank you for your recent service and the service of your families," Donley said.The secretary said visiting

  • Their legacy lives on at American cemetery in UK

    Service members from across the United Kingdom will make their way to the Madingley American Cemetery Memorial Service here May 28 to remember the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who fell during World War II in defense of the U.K. U.S. Air Force Airmen will participate in the event with

  • Holloman squadron takes home AF's top logistics award

    The Airmen of the 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., recently earned the Maj. Gen. Warren R. Carter Logistics Effectiveness Award, naming them the best Air Force logistics readiness squadron.First introduced in 1962 by the Order of the Daedalians, the award is

  • Additional civilian employee self-service requests available online

    Air Force Personnel Center human resources officials have expanded a self-service initiative allowing civilians to request updates to their personnel records online.Employees can now request updates for résumés, name changes, veterans' preference for reduction in force, awards, education, training,

  • Law authorizes mobilizing reservists to respond to natural disasters

    New authority in this year's Defense Department authorization act allows reservists in Air Force Reserve Command and other reserve components to be called to duty in response to natural disasters or emergencies in the homeland. The law also permits mobilizations for extended periods to support

  • CSAF presents rescue pilots multiple medals in ceremony

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presented two Distinguished Flying Cross medals with valor, each, to Col. Christopher Barnett and Maj. John Creel during a ceremony at the Pentagon May 18. Both officers received the medals for two separate battles in Afghanistan. On April 4, 2009,

  • Injured Airman reunites with family just four days after IED attack

    Staff Sgt. Brian Williams, who is deployed from the 87th Security Forces Squadron here, suffered serious injuries after an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on a mission April 25 outside Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan.That same day, Williams, who is a military working dog

  • Deployed Airmen achieve maintenance milestone

    For aircraft maintainers deployed to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, the month of April was one for the record books.Air Force leaders track metrics in eight categories each month that reflect the overall readiness of flying units. It's an accomplishment for an aircraft maintenance unit to surpass

  • Air Force vice chief nominated to be next USAFE commander

    Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced May 11 that the president has nominated Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Phil Breedlove to be the next U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander.If confirmed by the Senate, Breedlove will replace Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, who the president nominated to become

  • British JTACs, pilots train like they fight

    The sound of 30 mm guns from Moody A-10s ring through the air over Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range almost daily. However, it's not every day these pilots are guided to their targets by British joint terminal attack controllers. Five British service members trained with Moody A-10C Thunderbolt II

  • Air Force opens first ambulatory surgery center in National Capital Region

    Malcolm Grow Medical Clinic has recently transitioned to the Air Force's first ambulatory surgery center in the National Capital Region, opening a newly renovated state-of-the-art 18-bed same day surgery unit."We are well on our way to becoming the premier ambulatory surgery center of choice for

  • B-1 aircrews make history by employing laser JDAMS

    B-1 Lancer aircrews from here employed laser Joint Direct Attack Munitions against moving targets during a weapon system evaluation program exercise May 14 through 16.Aircrews from the 37th Bomb Squadron and 34th BS employed six GBU-54 laser JDAMs against targets on the Utah Test and Training Range

  • Fuels flight wins Air Force award

    The 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels management flight won the American Petroleum Institute trophy for best fuels flight in the Air Force for 2011. The "Black Knights" were selected over Sheppard AFB's 364th Training Squadron fuels flight and Kadena's 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels

  • Survey allows Airmen to speak frankly to leaders

    Would you like to tell your leaders what you think? You have that opportunity through the 2012 Air Force Climate Survey.The survey officially kicked off Monday, and soon all Airmen will receive email invitations with a personalized link to enable them to share their thoughts, said Nicole Gamez, Air

  • EOD air commando receives fourth Bronze Star

    In high school, Ronnie "Bo" Brickey, a thrill-seeking rodeo bull rider from Oregon, was looking for a career that would quench his thirst for excitement.Brickey found his path when a neighbor's brother, an Air Force recruiter, urged him to look into explosive ordnance disposal.Since joining the Air

  • Four Airmen receive SecAF Leadership Award

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presented four Airmen with the 2012 Secretary of the Air Force Leadership Award May 11 during a ceremony at the Air War College here. The award is the Air Force's most prestigious award for leadership in the professional military education environment."The

  • AF Space Command realigns cyberspace capabilities

    The Air Force Network Integration Center will go through a restructure as it divests cyberspace lead command functions to Air Force Space Command to allow AFNIC to focus on its core mission of Air Force network integration and engineering services.The changes are a result of an AFSPC chartered study

  • AF officials announce candidate bases for TACP/ALO training

    Air Force officials announced Joint Base San Antonio -- Lackland, Texas, and Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., as candidate bases for the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) and Air Liaison Officer (ALO) School. The candidate bases were approved by Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air

  • Air Force announces criteria for basing KC-46A

    After extensive internal review, the Air Force released today its basing criteria that will be used to select candidate bases for the KC-46A formal training unit and first two main operating bases. The formal training unit (FTU) and first main operating base (MOB 1) will be led by active duty units.

  • Some reservists billed for dental premiums

    About 3,500 Guard and Reserve Airmen on extended active duty will need to pay dental premiums directly to the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. rather than through payroll deduction, officials said.A glitch, which occurred May 1 when the TRICARE Dental Program changed providers from United Concordia

  • Andersen emergency med techs operate at advanced level

    A new policy instated at Andersen Air Force Base will allow ambulances and emergency medical technicians to operate at an Advanced Life Support status."Before, when we received a call that required advanced life support, ambulance services would have to meet off base with Guam ALS and have their

  • Global Strike Command leader previews B-52 upgrades

    During a recent visit to Edwards Air force base, Calif., the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command spent time with B-52 Stratofortress combined test force officials to preview the combat capability enhancements made to the B-52H.Modernizing and sustaining the nation's long-range strike

  • Tinker B-1 program awarded James G. Roche Sustainment Excellence award

    The B-1 System Program Office from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., earned an Air Staff-level award recognizing the Air Force Materiel Command program office with the most improved aircraft maintenance and logistics readiness performance. William Barnes, the deputy chief of the B-1 System Program

  • USAFA cadet honored as Cadet of the Year

    U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Dustin Hayhurst was honored as the 2011 U.S. Air Force Cadet of the Year on May 10 during a ceremony at the Pentagon here. During the ceremony, hosted by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Hayhurst received recognition for demonstrated excellence in