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U.S. Air Force News

  • Chief Roy visits with Airmen at F.E. Warren Air Force Base

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy visited here March 2 and 3, the first of two planned visits to Air Force Global Strike Command bases."Here you man and guard our nation's most lethal weapons," he said. "Likewise, I see our Airmen as the Air Force's most important weapons. We must take

  • Some prior service officers eligible to retire early

    Air Force officials announced plans recently to allow some prior service officers the opportunity to retire earlier than expected.As a result of the Fiscal 2011 National Defense Authorization Act, eligible officers with prior enlisted service who have completed 20 years of total active federal

  • Guard's Youth ChalleNGe program celebrates 100,000th graduate during gala

    Military leaders, members of Congress and celebrities gathered for the National Guard Youth Foundation's 2011 ChalleNGe Champions Gala March 1 here.This year, the gala celebrated the program's 100,000th graduate."I am proud to be representing 100,000 other cadets, each of us with our own story of

  • Progress continues toward Academy training facility groundbreaking

    Preliminaries to the construction of a training facility for the Air Force Academy's Center for Character and Leadership Development are moving along briskly, and construction is expected to begin in late summer.The building will occupy much of the space on the Honor Court between Harmon Hall and

  • Airforce.com adviser conducts life-saving live chat

    Airforce.com's internet advisers, or "chatters", answer a variety of questions from the online public, but on rare occasions, they are asked to help save a life.Brad Shimp, an Air Force Recruiting Service chatter, acted quickly when he received a request recently from someone concerned about their

  • DOD improves troops' access to quality education

    Defense Department officials are taking extensive measures -- from education reviews to agency partnerships -- to ensure service members have access to quality education and learning opportunities in their off-duty hours, a Defense Department official said.Robert L. Gordon III, the deputy assistant

  • Civilian employees should start education applications early

    Hundreds of professional development opportunities are available annually for civilian employees. Many of those slots go unfilled, in part because eligible candidates wait until the last minute to prepare and staff their application packages.For example, annually, 280 Civilian Acculturation and

  • General Schwartz: Austerity, strategic challenges call for true total force

    Austerity and the strategic environment make communicating and collaborating as a total force paramount for the Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, the Air Force chief of staff said here Feb. 28.Efficiency and zero tolerance of fraud, waste and abuse are also critical priorities,

  • Army to assume responsibility for Pope Air Force Base

    Pope Air Force Base became Pope Field March 1 as it transitioned to be an Army operated facility supporting Air Force operations.Several Air Force units were redesignated or inactivated, marking a significant moment in Air Force history.The signing of a proclamation marked the handover of

  • Key Resolve exercise begins at Osan AB

    Service members from the U.S. and South Korea kicked off Exercise Key Resolve Feb. 28 here.Key Resolve is a combined exercise that involves more than 2,300 U.S. forces and nearly 10,000 South Korean forces and is geared towards maintaining the readiness of the Combined Forces Command staff and

  • VA's caregiver support program expanding

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials are expanding support nationally to caregivers of veterans with Alzheimer's disease.A pilot program of the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health in VA program, or REACH VA, showed great success in reducing stress on caregivers while improving

  • CMSAF strengthens ties with Colombian partners

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy visited Colombian military sites here Feb. 1 to 4.He said the purpose of the visit was to reaffirm U.S. Southern Command officials' commitment to a strong nation-to-nation partnership and to explore professional military education exchange

  • Air Force personnel services migration under way

    Air Force technicians migrated the first component of the Air Force Personnel Services website to the Defense Information Systems Agency's Enterprise Computing Center Feb. 23 to 27.This is the first phase in centralizing all total-force personnel services and creating a single access platform for

  • Developmental education deadline set for officers, civilians

    Officers considering intermediate or senior developmental education in 2011 have until March 31 to submit their applications for consideration by the selection board, officials announced. Civilians have until May 1 to submit applications.Officers apply using a Web-based application, while civilians

  • Deadline near for first sergeant of the year award

    The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 First Sergeant of the Year award to the Air Force Personnel Center is April 22. The award recognizes the important contributions and leadership qualities exhibited by Airmen in the first sergeant special duty career field.Nominations must include

  • Federal pay freeze also impacts NAF employees

    The recently implemented two-year pay freeze for federal employees applies to Department of Defense nonappropriated fund, or NAF, employees in crafts and trades and pay-banded pay schedules. Under legislation signed in December 2010, the pay freeze impacts basic pay, special pay rates and

  • Airmen demonstrate massive airdrop, teamwork in joint exercise

    Nine Little Rock Air Force Base C-130 Hercules and twice as many aircrews, along with maintainers and planners from the base, participated in Joint Operation Access Exercise Feb. 9 through 12 here and at Fort Bragg, N.C.JOAX is a two-week exercise to prepare Airmen and Soliers to respond to

  • Emergency exercise brings U.S., Japanese responders together

    Airmen from the 35th Fighter Wing teamed with their host nation's emergency responders for an accident exercise here Feb. 23. The exercise scenario was a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter accident in which two Airmen and one Japanese bystander are injured."This was a great experience," said Staff Sgt. Tye

  • Historic firsts for AFNORTH sergeants lead to distinguished honors

    It had all the markings of a historic event with firsts on several fronts.  As well it should; it was a historic event.At a ceremony held Jan. 28, two Air Forces Northern technical sergeants were the first U.S. Airmen to graduate from the Canadian Intermediate Leadership Program at the Canadian

  • Air Force announces next tanker aircraft

    Air Force and Defense Department officials announced the award of an engineering and manufacturing development contract valued at more than $3.5 billion for the KC-46A aerial refueler to The Boeing Company Feb. 24.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley said in the briefing that many factors were

  • USAFWS takes new approach to generating leaders

    U.S. Air Force Weapons School officials recently modified their syllabus to reflect that it is not only the Air Force's most challenging tactical training, but also a program designed to produce the Air Force's next generation of great leaders.The USAFWS has commonly been thought of as a leadership

  • 'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Air Force officials tighten their belts as they find ways to save $33 billion dollars.  And, motivational speaker Andy Christiansen gives Airmen a lesson in mentorship. Plus, an Airman and his canine companion team up to keep their base safe from

  • 'Military Saves Week' spotlights importance of saving

    Service members and their families should "start small and think big" when kick-starting a savings plan, a financial expert said Feb. 23."It's not what you make, it's what you keep," said Pam McClelland, a senior program analyst in the Pentagon's office of family policy and children and youth. "A

  • Agency chief outlines threat reduction strategy

    Defense Threat Reduction Agency people are at work around the clock to protect American forces and citizens from nuclear, chemical and biological threats, the agency's director said Feb. 23.Speaking to the Defense Writers Group, Kenneth A. Myers III, who also is director of the U.S. Strategic

  • Online personnel services limited during migration

    Air Force customers will have limited access to online personnel information and applications from Feb. 23 to 27 while officials here migrate the Air Force Personnel Services website and knowledge management platform to the Defense Information Systems Agency's Enterprise Computing Center. During

  • SecAF takes stock of progress, future challenges

    During remarks to the Air Force Association's 27th Annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition here Feb. 18, the Air Force's senior ranking official reviewed the service' s priorities and underscored Air Force commitment to making the most of available resources in a challenging fiscal

  • Vice CSAF: Air Force must prepare for more complex, varied ops

    The Air Force is working to balance today's needs and tomorrow's challenges while operating under intense fiscal pressures, the service's vice chief of staff said here Feb. 17.During remarks at the Air Force Association's 2011 Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition, Gen. Philip M. Breedlove

  • DOD officials strive to strengthen, empower military families

    From educational opportunities to spouse employment, Defense Department officials are expanding military family support programs to better meet families' current needs, as well as to empower them for the challenges that lie ahead, the DOD official who oversees military family programs said Feb.

  • New deployable air traffic control system program taking shape

    Electronic Systems Center officials intend to call for proposals within the next few months for development and production of a new deployable air traffic control system. Referred to as the Deployable Radar Approach Control the system could be used at forward operating locations, however austere,

  • AFSO21 makes improvements for AF

    With the help of the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century program, Airmen all around the globe have been coming up with ways to work smarter, not harder. And saving big bucks in the process.The AFSO21 program is the Air Force's process improvement program to help make its mission run as

  • DOD program offers leadership development opportunities

    Department of Defense officials seek active-duty officers to participate in the 2012 Executive Leadership Development Program beginning in September.This DOD program is designed for officers who have demonstrated strong leadership, commitment to public service, integrity and who have an interest in

  • Exhibit features work of Tuskegee Airman turned artist

    In the 1930s, a teenage boy paid 50 cents for a "barnstormer" flight aboard a Ford Trimotor plane that carried him across the sky of rural Pine Bluff, Ark.That boy was Roy LaGrone, and the flight sparked his passion for aviation. Mr. LaGrone would go on to serve as one of the original Tuskegee

  • New fuel savings concept evaluated at JB McGuire

    As the Air Force's largest consumer of aviation fuel, Air Mobility Command officials are taking a leadership role in efforts to reduce fuel consumption across all mobility Air Force missions. Members of AMC's Test and Evaluation Squadron here recently completed an operational evaluation of a new

  • Nellis hospital undergoes flow improvement initiative

    Officials from the Air Force Medical Operations Agency began guiding lead members of the Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital here on a flow improvement initiative Feb. 7. The fundamental purpose of this initiative is to improve the hospital's efficiency and its ability to complete the mission."Our

  • Air National Guard director: Equitable treatment of all a 'moral imperative'

    Equitable treatment of all people is a moral imperative, the director of the Air National Guard told new equal opportunity advisers at a graduation ceremony here Feb. 4."Our service members in the National Guard and Reserve are indeed our most valuable asset," Lt. Gen. Harry Wyatt told 87 National

  • New, enhanced VA benefits provided to caregivers of veterans

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials are launching the first of a series of new and enhanced services supporting family caregivers of seriously ill and injured veterans. In May 2010, President Obama signed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 legislation authorizing VA

  • Efficiencies, balance main focuses of FY12 budget

    Air Force officials said despite a reduction in the top line request, combat capabilities and balance will remain focal points in the Air Force's portion of the president's fiscal 2012 budget presented here Feb 14.The total Air Force budget request for FY12 is $166.3 billion, down from $170.8

  • Leaders explain Air Force manning impacts on Academy

    Air Force officials are implementing a strategy for force management, and the Air Force Academy is included in those efforts.Under the plan, the size of the cadet wing will be reduced from roughly 4,500 to 4,000 cadets by Oct. 1, 2012. Enrollment for each incoming freshman class will be shrunk

  • Deadline Feb. 22 for scholarship applications

    Applications for the 2011 Scholarships for Military Children program must arrive at a commissary by close of business Feb. 22. Eligible students must complete and deliver their application materials by that date. Scholarship applications are available in commissaries and online at

  • Athletes vie for spot on Air Force Warrior Games team

    More than 25 wounded, ill and injured athletes participated in the 2011 Air Force Team training camp here Feb. 7 through 11. In January, Air Force Services Agency officials invited 32 athletes to the training camp. Twenty-five athletes will be chosen to be part of the Air Force team in the 2011

  • Opportunities available in financial management

    Air Force line officers interested in applying for the Financial Management Leadership Program must submit their nominations to the Air Force Personnel Center by March 3.The four-year program specializes in Air Force leadership development by providing an opportunity for line officers outside of the

  • Chairman asks communities to help veterans reach their dreams

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today that he is proud and privileged to lead a military that is the best he has seen in more than 40 years.Speaking during a town hall meeting at Capitol Theatre in Chambersburg, Pa., Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said, "I'll state the case up front: I believe

  • Air Force undersecretary lauds deployed Airmen, addresses force management

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton discussed the importance of regional partners, professionalism of Airmen and the service officials' ongoing efforts to maintain manning within congressionally authorized limits during a visit Feb. 8 through 9.Ms. Conaton's visit marked her first here as

  • Afghan C-27 maintenance cadre begins building towards the future

    The initial cadre of Afghan air force C-27 maintenance trainers recently began teaching a second group of C-27 maintainers Feb. 9 at the Afghan Air Force Base in Kabul. The development of Afghan C-27 maintenance instructors further propels the "year of the Afghan trainer" initiative being

  • ANG director: Equal opportunity is critical downrange

    The importance of leadership in equal opportunity was highlighted in the  Air National Guard director's message delivered to 87 National Guard and Reserve graduates of the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute's Equal Opportunity Adviser Reserve Component Program Feb. 4."Our service members

  • CSAF visits Yokota, discusses changes in 2011

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz visited with more than 600 Airmen during an Airman's call Feb. 8 here.He addressed several Air Force and Defense Department issues, including force management and the repeal of the law commonly known as Don't Ask Don't Tell. During his remarks, the

  • Psychological health directors help Soldiers, Airmen manage stress

    National Guard officials have appointed directors of psychological health for each state and territory to ensure a continuance of care for service members and their families.The state directors of psychological health have been assigned to each of the 54 Joint Force Headquarters to serve service

  • Home-use programs provide software to Airmen

    Even after approximately eight hours of work per day, some Airmen are still compelled to bring their projects home. Because of this, Air Force officials have partnered with major software companies to provide Airmen with a variety of software products, such as anti-virus, middleware and desktop

  • Airmen vie for slots in Army Air Assault course

    The sound of 12 Airmen chanting "air assault, air assault, air assault" over and over with every left step as they marched double time through the woods was audible from a distance.They'd been on duty since 4:30 a.m., completed an Army physical training test, and were about to face "The Tough One,"

  • Telephones to tanks: RPAT Airmen help fight two wars

    The 14 joint expeditionary tasking Airmen assigned to the redistribution property assistance team on Contingency Operation Base Speicher, Iraq, are working 24-hours-a-day to provide equipment for the Iraqi government and coalition forces in Afghanistan.The members of COB Speicher RPAT, one of eight

  • National Security Space Strategy targets safety, stability

    The National Security Space Strategy released Feb. 4 responds to the realities of a space environment that is increasingly crowded, challenging and competitive, senior Defense Department officials said."The National Security Space Strategy represents a significant departure from past practice," said

  • Force shaping board details announced

    Officials are convening the 2011 Force Shaping Board May 9 at the Air Force Personnel Center here to consider officers for retention as part of the service's force management efforts to meet its end strength. This board is one of a variety of voluntary and involuntary measures being taken by service

  • Housing seminar focuses on responsive customer service

    Housing professionals and leaders from across the Air Force recently met in New Orleans to celebrate successes of the Air Force's housing programs, and reaffirm their commitment to providing responsive customer service and quality housing for Airmen and their families.At the Professional Housing

  • Business is hot at McClellan-based Aero Union

    Aero Union, a corporation that specializes in aerial firefighting, now flies and maintains P-3 Orions at the former McClellan Air Force Base here. Although P-3s are used by the military in many countries, Aero Union is the only commercial operator of P-3 Orion aircraft in the world, according to

  • AFRS program provides information on special-duty assignments

    Members from the Air Force Recruiting Service hosted "Recruit the Recruiter" Jan. 27 here.The event was designed to inform prospective special-duty Airmen about the requirements and quality of life for individuals who assume a special-duty assignment. Representatives from the military training

  • Airmen join Soldiers in Joint Dawn

    About two dozen contracting Airmen trained here to get a taste of contracting operations in a contingency environment. The Airmen came from as far away as Japan, Alaska and Hawaii to participate in the U.S. Army Expeditionary Contracting Command Operation Joint Dawn 2011. When they hit the ground

  • Leaders call operational Reserve 'a new DOD efficiency'

    The new role and future direction of the Department of Defense's reserve components was the focus of the Reserve Officer Association gathering attended by more than 600 people at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel here Jan. 29 through Feb. 2.Senior DOD leaders here discussed how the Reserve programs

  • Officials to conduct DOS rollback

    Air Force officials announced Feb. 2 plans to conduct an enlisted date of separation rollback as part of its ongoing measures to manage the force and maintain a quality enlisted corps.The DOS rollback affects enlisted members in the grades of senior master sergeant and below with fewer than 14 or

  • Government officials unite to improve child, youth programs

    The government's new military family-support effort will have a resounding impact on resources and programs for military children and youth in the months and years ahead, a Defense Department official said."It is earth-shattering," said Barbara Thompson, the director of the Pentagon's office of

  • Air Force officials announce FY11 additional force management measures

    Air Force leaders announced involuntary force management programs Feb. 2 to reduce personnel as a supplement to the voluntary programs announced in December. These measures are part of the Air Force's multi-year Force Management Program aimed at shaping and sizing the force. With more Airmen

  • Legends Panel links past, present communications Airmen

    Air Force Network Integration Center Airmen had a unique opportunity to meet with and ask questions of some of the organization's past commanders and members of the Communications and Information Hall of Fame during the AFNIC Legends Panel session here Jan 26.The panel was part of a two-day heritage

  • Mullen: Workplace flexibility focuses on families, children

    Military families, and especially children in those families who have grown up against the backdrop of 10 years of war, are the focus of the military's effort to make workplace flexibility an increased priority, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here Feb. 1.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen spoke

  • Nonpartisan group teaches vets how to run for office

    Ask most Americans what they they'd like to see in their elected officials, and they're likely to rattle off a laundry list of characteristics: integrity, leadership experience, an ability to work cooperatively to tackle tough challenges, and perhaps most of all, a willingness to put what's best for

  • Officials announce Sijan Award winners

    Air Force officials announced the winners of the 2010 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award.The Sijan Award annually recognizes four Airmen who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities. Officer and enlisted honorees are chosen in senior and junior categories.Lt. Col. Tony Millican of Nellis Air Force

  • Kehler succeeds Chilton as commander of Strategic Command

    Air Force Gen. Kevin P. Chilton passed the flag of U.S. Strategic Command to Air Force Gen. C. Robert Kehler Jan. 28, giving the nation's nuclear deterrent mission a new commander.General Chilton, a pilot who served 10 years with NASA and flew three space shuttle missions, retired after 34 years of

  • Advisers fight fire with knowledge

    Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air advisers provided critical training to Iraqi firefighters at New Al-Muthana Air Base Jan. 24. The class, spearheaded by NAMAB's Base Transition Team - Det. 3, taught 24 Iraqi firefighters how to safely handle a fire aboard an Iraqi C-130 Hercules. The class is

  • Airmen, Soldiers participate in medical evacuation training

    Approximately 40 Airmen from the 8th Medical Group participated in medical evacuation training here Jan. 19. The Airmen also trained with Army medics and pilots from the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade at Camp Humphreys, South Korea.The 8th MDG Airmen, who were mainly flight surgeons, doctors, nurses

  • Air Force officials announce NASCAR sponsorship for 2011

    Air Force recruiting officials announced Jan. 21 that they are renewing the NASCAR partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports and the No. 43 car for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. "This is our tenth season in NASCAR and we look forward to competing and winning with the Richard Petty team," said

  • Cadets LIFT spirits of Fort Carson families

    Academy cadets invited family members of deployed Soldiers from Fort Carson, Colo. to a day of fun Jan. 21 at the Cadet Field House here.More than 100 family members were greeted by 75 cadets as they enjoyed movies, face painting, inflatable obstacle courses and ice skating. The field day was the

  • WMD program available for officers, civilians

    Officials are seeking nominations to participate in the Program for Emerging Leaders and the study of weapons of mass destruction.Officials from the Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction at the National Defense University recently announced the professional development opportunity that

  • Program helps service retain RPA, rated pilots

    Air Force officials announced their plans Jan. 26 for the fiscal 2011 Aviator Continuation Pay program to help retain active-duty pilots and combat-systems officers who are trained as remotely piloted aircraft pilots.The ACP program allows some active-duty, rated aviators to qualify for a monetary

  • New fitness requirements for deploying Airmen

    Airmen preparing to attend Army-taught Combat Skills Training prior to deploying to a joint expeditionary tasking in direct support of combatant commander or joint task force ground component missions will soon be required to possess a current and passing fitness assessment, according to new Air

  • Officials extend window for cross-flow applications

    Air Force officials are extending the application period for nonrated line officers in overmanned Air Force specialties to voluntarily apply for cross flow into undermanned career fields until Feb. 4, as part of a newly formalized program announced in January.Air Force leaders announced the

  • Guard, Reserve legal communities gather for intense training

    More than 500 judge advocates and paralegals from throughout the Air Reserve component gathered here for two days of training at the annual ARC Survey of the Law Jan. 21 to 22.The legal professionals from the Air National Guard, the traditional Reserve and the individual mobilization augmentee

  • Webcasts highlight civilian education opportunities

    Two webcasts Jan. 27 offer civilian Airmen and their supervisors a chance to learn about the many education and development opportunities available.Officials from the Air Force Personnel Center Directorate of Civilian Force Integration will host the two webcasts to explain civilian developmental

  • Hybrids debut at Spangdahlem

    The 52nd Fighter Wing received its first government-owned hybrid vehicle Jan. 21 here."When our vehicle fleet is replaced, the hybrid is the way to go," said Col. Christopher Weggeman, the 52nd FW commander. "We're sending a message to everyone else that we're conscious about environmental

  • 386th AEW transit keeps Marines moving

    Airmen from the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron recently helped move the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit to a forward location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.After being aboard the USS Kearsarge, USS Ponce and the USS Carter Hall of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready

  • Afghan air force help desk receives upgrade training

    The Afghan air force and the NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan advisers recently started a new computer training course here Jan. 17. A+ training provides the basic fundamentals on desktop computers and networking. Upon completion of the course, the AAF technicians or individuals will be able to

  • White House unveils new approach to military family support

    White House officials have released a report that unveils a new, governmentwide approach to military family support and details a sweeping, interagency effort under way to strengthen families and enhance their well-being and quality of life.President Barack Obama announced the results of a nearly

  • CMSAF visits Davis-Monthan AFB

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy visited Airmen and their families here Jan. 13.During his visit he sat down for an interview and discussed many topics, including the new physical training procedures, the drawdown in Iraq, suicide in the Air Force and other issues and concerns.Fitness

  • Assistant Secretary of Air Force visits Baghdad

    Airmen deployed to Iraq in 2011 will play a historic role as U.S. military forces drawdown under the 2008 bilateral security agreement, said a senior Pentagon official."This is a particularly important time in Iraq," said Daniel Ginsberg, the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and

  • Deadline nears for O'Malley Award nominations

    Air Force officials would like to remind Airmen that the deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award to the Air Force Personnel Center is March 15.The O'Malley Award annually recognizes the wing commander and spouse team whose contributions to the

  • Commander says headquarters' job is to make wings successful

    Air Force Global Strike Command's new top leader addressed his headquarters staff Jan. 12, less than a week after taking command. His message: the headquarters is responsible for ensuring the success of its subordinate units.Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski visited each of the command's installations Jan. 7

  • 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

  • Reserve C-130 special mission units learn from each other

    Air Force Reserve aerial spray, aerial firefighting and hurricane hunting units gathered at the command's C-130 Special Missions conference learned that they share common issues, though they perform vastly different missions. That was the focus of the two-day conference that ended here Jan 13."This

  • Air Force chief of staff visits Thunder Lab

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz spent time with members of the Afghan air force and NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan members during his visit here Jan. 18.General Schwartz visited the Thunder Lab, an innovative English immersion project located on the base, where he was briefed by

  • Japanese minister of defense visits Kadena AB

    Landing at a helicopter pad here, Jan. 20, Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa met with Brig. Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, the 18th Wing commander, for a mission briefing and a base tour. During the visit, Mr. Kitazawa expressed his appreciation for the leadership, cooperation, and hard work

  • Consumer advocates seek military's input

    Leaders implementing the federal government's new consumer protection agency met with Joint Base San Antonio service members here Jan. 18 to discuss the unique financial issues facing military families.Elizabeth Warren, the assistant to the president and special adviser to the secretary of the

  • No Airman left behind: Pursued by anxiety

    A young man lifts weights in a crowded gym. All of a sudden, a lion appears in the doorway, locks eyes with the young man and bursts into full pursuit. That surge of adrenaline and panic is what one Airman here felt while performing normal everyday tasks."I'm going through this feeling of a lion

  • McKinley: Relationships vital to National Guard domestic operations

    The National Guard's ability to respond to a domestic response depends largely on relationships established prior to an incident, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said Jan. 19 at the 2011 National Guard Bureau Domestic Operations Workshop here. "You establish these relationships in your

  • Officials launch Air Force Teen Council

    Officials with the Air Force Services Agency here have created an outlet for Air Force teens worldwide to voice their concerns to Air Force leadership. The Air Force Teen Council Program allows teens to brainstorm solutions and initiate change at the installation, major-command and Air Force levels.

  • Congressional commission studies women in combat

    Defense Department officials will review the recommendations of a congressional commission studying the role of women in combat when the group's report is complete, a DOD official said Jan. 14.Congress established the Military Leadership Diversity Commission as part of the 2009 National Defense

  • Warfighters gather at Nellis for WEPTAC

    More than 1,300 U.S. and coalition forces members participated in the 2011 Weapons and Tactics Conference held here Jan. 10 through 14.Held annually, WEPTAC brings together U.S. and allied warfighters from across the combat air force to discuss current issues, look at future issues, and provide

  • CSAR Airmen airlift injured Soldier

    Timing is everything. As the rotors of an HH-60G Pave Hawk wound down from a recently completed training scenario, a real-world medical response was requested. The launch of a combat search and rescue team was perfectly timed for a Soldier needing medical attention on a secluded outpost.The crew was

  • Director calls personnel system transition 'rewarding'

    The Defense Department's transfer of more than 170,000 civilian employees out of the National Security Personnel System since 2009 has been smooth, the transition's director said Jan 13.John H. James Jr. said much of the credit for the transition goes to the services."The components have done a very

  • Civil engineers bring home three Air Force-level awards

    Airmen from the 18th Civil Engineer Group here received three "Best in the Air Force" awards for their accomplishments in 2010. The 18th CEG, which is composed of the 18th and 718th Civil Engineer Squadrons, was awarded the Major General Clifton D. Wright Award, the Harry P. Rietman Award and the

  • Air Force officials using more green-roof technologies

    If they're not providing top cover on Air Force bases already, chances are they will be soon. With the Air Force's continued emphasis on sustainability, energy conservation and environmental consciousness, green-roof technologies, and other efficiency measures are high on the priority list for new