CMSAF observes USAFE missions, visits wounded troops

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force completed an aeromedical evacuation mission from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., to Ramstein Air Base and back July 7 through 10 to observe the process firsthand. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley wanted to experience step by step what the

Training, communication key to success for A-10 pilots

When A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots throughout Southwest Asia respond to a ground commander or joint terminal attack controller's call for close-air-support, pilots on alert respond with the appropriate ordnance loaded to accomplish the mission. Putting those bullets and bombs on target doesn't just

President picks Army general to lead new command

President Bush named Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward July 10 to help stand up U.S. Africa Command as its first commander.General Ward has served as deputy commander of U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, since May 2006. In that role, he has been responsible for the day-to-day activities for

Navy admiral takes helm of U.S. Special Ops command

Adm. Eric T. Olson became the first Navy SEAL to command U.S. Special Operations Command during a ceremony here July 9. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates presided as Admiral Olson assumed command from Army Gen. Bryan Brown. General Brown had led the command since September 2003. Two of the more

Airmen take the fight to the terrorists

Airmen of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here provided air power support for Army, Marine and coalition ground troops as Operation Arrowhead Ripper took the fight to the terrorists throughout the Diyala Province in Iraq in late June and early July. The 332nd AEW's F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10

Medics bring relief to Senegal

Airmen provided medical care to more than 4,400 people here as Airmen, Marines, Sailors and Soldiers formed Task Force 225 and conducted joint training during Exercise Shared Accord June 16 to 28 in Senegal. Fourteen Air Force Reserve Command medics teamed up with a battalion of Marine reservists

General McNabb enlists city's future heroes

For 40 women and men at the Cardinals vs. Giants baseball game July 7, their thoughts may not have been focused on whether Barry Bonds would break Hank Aaron's lifetime home-run record. Right hands raised, this young group, standing at Busch Stadium home plate in front of a huge crowd, was sworn

Medical element helps Honduran village

Approximately 40 American and Honduran servicemembers from the medical element at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, provided medical care for more than 1,000 people during a two-day Medical Readiness Training Exercise in the village of El Horno, Honduras. Airmen and Soldiers of the medical

July 6 airpower summary: Strike Eagles counter anti-coalition forces

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds, released a

Diverse trauma training saves lives

A hands-on medical trauma training course being conducted at a local university medical center here is using the experience of medical crews who have treated thousands upon thousands of wounded warriors to teach others. The Air Force Expeditionary Medical Skills Institute's Center for Sustainment of

Air Force General Estes Jr. passes away

The general who once led the command charged with re-supplying deployed U.S. forces passed away July 2 at his home in Bethesda, Md. From July 1964 until he retired in August 1969, retired Gen. Howell M. Estes Jr. was the commander of the Military Air Transport Service, later known as the Military

Expeditionary Wing celebrates Independence Day

Just a few miles off the Persian Gulf, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing bustled with more than 8,000 servicemembers hard at work, but also taking the time to honor America's independence.For a moment, expeditionary Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians felt like they were back home, where

Two Space & Missile Pioneers selected for 2007

Air Force Space Command officials have announced the 2007 Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers are retired Gen. Lew Allen Jr. and retired Maj. Gen. Joe H. Engle. They will be honored at an award ceremony and a hall of fame induction luncheon here Aug. 8. General Allen, a former Air Force chief of

North Dakota ANG unit flies first unmanned mission

Members of the 119th Wing flew its first unmanned aircraft system mission as an MQ-1 Predator flew July 2 from Fargo. Airmen of the North Dakota Air National Guard squadron is flying the Predator after converting in January to new missions of unmanned aircraft and the C-21 cargo aircraft.The

Airmen honor 30 years of AWACS

The 552nd Air Control Wing here celebrated the 30th anniversary of the E-3 Sentry, also known as the Airborne Warning and Control System, or AWACS, June 29 through July 1, with 552nd commanders and Airmen, past and present, coming from around the globe to share their stories. "The AWACS heritage is

'Transformers' put Airmen, aircraft on big screen

More than 300 Airmen and numerous aircraft will be seen around the world in the latest DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures film, "Transformers" being released to theaters July 4.The movie combines the use of live action with computer-generated imagery to enhance the story as Airmen served as extras in the

Materiel Command on track to deliver more F-22s

With F-22 Raptor deliveries consistently on or ahead of schedule, Air Force officials received authorization from Congress to pursue multi-year agreements for Lots 7, 8 and 9, with the potential for cost savings in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The contracts with Lockheed Martin and Pratt &

AFSOUTH outlines U.S. cooperation with South America

The Air Forces Southern commander outlined how American Airmen interact with South American nations to build understanding between the nations. "Military-to-military relationships are only the beginning of our mission," said Lt. Gen. Norman R. Seip. "AFSOUTH Airmen are actively engaging our South

Annual training requirements to be shortened to 90 minutes

After examining how much time Airmen spend on annual ancillary training, Air Force leaders have decided that time should be allocated more efficiently. In effect as of Oct. 1, ancillary training requirements will be reduced to 90 minutes, as opposed to almost nine hours per Airman spread throughout

June 30 airpower summary: F-16s provide close air support

Coalition airpower supported Coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a guided bomb unit

Three-time ace, former cadet commandant, buried at academy

Retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds was buried June 30 at the U.S. Air Force Academy cemetery after funeral services in the cadet Protestant chapel.  A 14-aircraft aerial review included four F-4 Phantoms flying a missing man formation.The legendary fighter pilot died June 14 from congestive heart

Tricare beneficiaries can skip co-pay during over-the-counter test

A two-year test authorized by the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act allows Tricare beneficiaries to substitute over-the-counter versions of certain prescription drugs without a copayment. For now, the test includes the Tricare mail order pharmacy only.  Plans call for expansion to retail

Health officials visit returning troops

Lt. Gen. James G. Roudebush, Air Force surgeon general, and Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, visited wounded troops returning from overseas to Andrews June 26. Dr. Casscells was given a brief tour of Malcolm Grow Medical Center's Aeromedical Staging Flight by

Bush nominates Mullen, Cartwright to top military posts

President Bush nominated Navy Adm. Michael Mullen to serve as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright as his vice chairman, June 28.Speaking in the White House Roosevelt Room, President Bush called the two men "experienced military officers who are

Tricare implements enhanced coverages

Tricare will implement coverage for anesthesia services and associated costs for dental treatment for beneficiaries with developmental, mental or physical disabilities, and for children age 5 or under beginning July 1. Additionally, Tricare encourages beneficiaries who received these services

Kadena hosts Special Olympics

More than 1,500 volunteers from different branches of the U.S. military and the local community helped with the 2007 Special Olympic Games June 24 held for the eighth year at Kadena Air Base. More than 900 athletes and 200 artists gathered for one of Japan's biggest events. The volunteers helped in

June 25 airpower summary: Tankers bring fuel to fight

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fireed 30mm cannon rounds on

Chilton: 'We cannot afford to be surprised'

"Today, we're at the high water mark when it comes to integrating space capabilities and combat effects for the warfighter," the commander of Air Force Space Command said. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton delivered these words during the Space Warfare Symposium sponsored by the Lance P. Sijan Chapter of the

Lakenheath Airman killed in Iraq

A 48th Security Forces Squadron Airman was killed June 23 while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Airman 1st Class Jason D. Nathan, 22, of Macon, Ga., died in Iraq June 23 of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on patrol. "It is with

12th Air Force hosts Blue Flag

More than 900 U.S. and coalition forces from around the globe began battling a new enemy June 18:  the fictitious "Califon," an aggressive nation bent on controlling the mineral fields located on the island of "Pacifica." The scenario is part of exercise Blue Flag 07-2, an operational-level exercise

Maintaining healthy relationships key to mission success

Military life presents a wide range of stressors for total force Airmen and their families. Deployments, increased operations tempo and decreased manning can have negative effects in both the workplace and the home if Airmen do not know where to turn for help. As part of ongoing efforts to educate

Chief Pfingston loses fight with cancer

Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gary R. Pfingston died of cancer June 23 in San Antonio. "Today the Air Force mourns the loss of a great enlisted leader," said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. "Gary's life was a shining example of service to our nation and we

June 23 airpower summary: Recon aircraft capture big picture

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired 30mm cannon

Air University reorganization yields new AF research group

Air University is creating a new, independent research institute that will supplement AU idea-generating capacity and support air and space research inquiries from the chief of staff, as well as other top-level decision makers. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley emphasized in a recent

June 22 airpower summary: A-10s provide support for ground forces

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan,  Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped several guided

Education key to fight current, future air ops

The U.S. Central Command air component commander said the Air Force has better-trained Airmen today fighting the war on terrorism, but also said all Airmen must continue to prepare for today's fight and tomorrow's wars. Lt. Gen. Gary North was here June 20-21 to address current senior leaders in the

'Living legends' discuss Air Force of yesterday, today

In keeping with the Air Force's 60th anniversary theme, "Heritage to Horizons," a panel of four war veterans gathered June 14 at the Pentagon Conference Center to discuss the challenges and triumphs of air power over the years. The theme of the discussion was, "The Jet Age: Korea, Vietnam, Cold

AF Space Command general garners White Trophy

The Air Force Association announced this year's winner of the Gen. Thomas D. White USAF Space Trophy this week. The award, which recognizes "outstanding contribution to the nation's progress in aerospace," goes to Lt. Gen. Michael A. Hamel, Space and Missile Systems Center commander at Los Angeles

NATO celebrates 25th anniversary of E-3's arrival

Nearly 130,000 German, Dutch and Belgian citizens flooded the tarmac on Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base June 16 and 17 to celebrate the successful legacy of a multinationally operated airplane that began flying out of the northern German community in February 1982. The event boasted a multicultural

Air Intelligence Agency becomes Air Force ISR Agency

The Air Intelligence Agency officially became the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Agency in a ceremony held June 15 here consolidating Air Force ISR functions to better serve the warfighter and the nation. The Air Force ISR Agency, commanded by Maj. Gen. John C. Koziol, was

Turner Classic Movies to air aviation films in July

Leading up to the Air Force's 60th anniversary, Turner Classic Movies will broadcast aviation-themed films for 24-hours each Tuesday throughout July. To honor the Air Force's heritage, TCM has selected a variety of vintage Air Force related movies for broadcast, such as "Strategic Air Command" and

ACC commander to retire this fall

Air Force officials announced June 20 that the commander of Air Combat Command will retire from the Air Force this fall. The president has nominated Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John D. W. Corley to the Senate to succeed Gen. Ronald E. Keys as the ACC commander. General Keys assumed command of

Air Force supports International Paris Air Show

Hundreds of flight enthusiasts flooded the Le Bourget Airport to attend the opening of the 47th International Paris Air Show. This year's air show, boasting more than 2,000 exhibits from 42 countries, opened to trade visitors June 18 and the general public can visit from June 22-24. With planes all

Hickam 'rolls out' Air Force Week Honolulu

To celebrate the Air Force's 60th anniversary, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley chose six cities to host an Air Force Week, a celebration designed to inform and educate the public about the important roles the Air Force plays in support of the nation's defense. Honolulu is the only

June 19 airpower summary: Tankers sustain air operations

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-39s

General-style generosity

Kunsan Airmen pay tribute to triple ace fighter pilot

Members of the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the "Wolf Pack," honored Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, who passed away June 14, during a commemoration event June 19. General Olds, former commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing and also known as the first "Wolf," was a triple ace fighter pilot who shot down 16

June 18 airpower summary: Strike Eagles watch over troops

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb

CSAF's Scope focuses on new medal, training

The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen. This month, Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues include the Air Force's Combat Action Medal and ancillary training. "Since 9/11, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number

Kadena NCO court-martialed for child porn

A non-commissioned officer recently received nine months confinement, reduction in rank to airman basic and a bad conduct discharge for possessing and displaying child pornography here. Staff Sergeant Jason M. Hooks, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, pleaded guilty to the charges before a military

June 17 airpower summary: Fighting Falcon provides show of force

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles released general bomb unit-38s

Fallen Bakers Creek servicemembers honored

On June 14, 1943, a B-17 Flying Fortress converted to carry passengers took off from Mackay, Queensland, Australia, carrying 40 servicemembers on leave back to the war in the Pacific Theater. Soon after takeoff, the plane crashed, killing all but one. That story was held secret until just a few

Legendary fighter pilot Robin Olds dies

Legendary fighter pilot, retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, died June 14 from congestive heart failure one month short of his 85th birthday.General Olds, rated a triple ace for having shot down a total of 16 enemy aircraft during World War II and the Vietnam War, served his country in assignments to

Army Air Force P-47 recovered in the Netherlands

Though the Air Force is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, U.S. Air Forces in Europe is marking 65 years of service. One reason for this seemingly strange discrepancy was recently found deep in the muddy farmlands of the southwest Netherlands. Dutch workmen from the district water board

C-27J Spartan named as Joint Cargo Aircraft

The U. S. Army announced a $2.04 billion contract award June 13 to L-3 Communications Integrated Systems for their C-27J Spartan to be the Joint Cargo Aircraft. This JCA program is a combined Air Force and Army effort to have an airframe that will meet warfighter needs for intratheater airlift.

Air Force, academia to partner in Air Force Marathon

Leaders from the Air Force and Wright State University gathered at a press conference here June 13 to discuss their new Air Force Marathon partnership and other details of the September race. Standing on the flight line of the 445th Airlift Wing in front of a massive C-5 Galaxy -- the featured

Air Mobility Command reaches 'R and R' milestone

An ATA Airlines L-1011 touched down on the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport tarmac at 8:50 a.m. June 12, bringing home the 500,000th passenger since the U.S. Central Command's Rest and Recuperation Leave Program and Air Mobility Command's R and R flight operations began in 2003. Maj. Gen.

Some Airmen, civilians authorized to wear NATO medals

Some deployed Air Force military and civilian personnel are now authorized to wear one of four North Atlantic Treaty Organization medals. Those who served in a NATO unit for 30 continuous or accumulated days and were listed on a Combined Joint Statement of Requirements may be awarded either the NATO

Pilots get taste of combat during Red Flag-Alaska

The exercise is Red Flag, but it is in Alaska this time, not Nevada. There are similarities -- both exercises focus on advanced tactical training for aircrew members against air and surface threats. Both employ an aggressor force in the air and from the ground. Both have similar training objectives

Airmen receive first AF Combat Action Medals

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley awarded six Airmen the Air Force Combat Action Medal during a ceremony June 12 at the Air Force Memorial. These Airmen were the first in the Air Force to receive the new medal.Recipients of the award were Maj. Steven A. Raspet, Capt. Allison K. Black,

Academy announces 1st six athlete hall of famers

The Air Force Academy has announced the inaugural class for induction into the Air Force Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. The six inductees -- Alonzo Babers, Bob Beckel, John Clune, Chad Hennings, Michelle Johnson and Brock Strom -- will be inducted Oct. 19 in Colorado Springs. The six inductees

Modernizing an old design a challenge for medal makers

The designer of the Air Force Combat Action Medal said it was a challenge giving the medal a World War I feel but at the same time modernizing it. Graphic designer Susan Gamble used artwork from photos of Brig. Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell's aircraft to inspire the design of the medal, which was

Elmendorf celebrates C-17 arrival

Elmendorf officially received its first C-17 Globemaster III airlifter June 11 during a ceremony here. The C-17, "Spirit of Denali," was delivered by Alaska's Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell. "The C-17 is an exceptional aircraft and what a smooth ride," said the lieutenant governor. "This is a great day for

F-22 Raptor team garners Collier Trophy

The National Aeronautic Association presented its Robert J. Collier Trophy to the Lockheed Martin Corporation for their role in the development of the Air Force's F-22 Raptor. The Air Force was part of the team awarded the honor, one of the nation's most prestigious prizes for aeronautical and space

Air Force Week California concludes with air show

Amid tumble dives and barrel rolls, vintage aircraft and modern fighters, the California Capital Air Show concluded Air Force Week here June 9 and 10. The event, which took place at Mather Airport, the site of former Mather Air Force Base, drew more than 50,000 people and offered a variety of

June 10 airpower summary: Tankers extend fighters' reach

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during the following operations June 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier dropped general

Final tributes paid to Airmen killed in Iraq

Two memorial displays, each with a pair of boots, an inverted rifle, a helmet and a set of dog tags, stood side by side reflecting the camaraderie and teamwork and service of Tech. Sgt. Ryan A. Balmer and Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Kuglics, whose ultimate sacrifices were honored in a ceremony here June

'FOX and Friends' shines spotlight on Wright-Patterson AFB

Television viewers who watched the FOX News Network's "FOX and Friends" morning program June 8 gained insight into the diverse mission of Air Force Materiel Command and the Air Force. With a C-5 Galaxy serving as his backdrop, "FOX and Friends" co-anchor Brian Kilmeade broadcast multiple live

June 8 airpower summary: Recon aircraft support warfighters

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s on

Redesigned Tricare Web site will make getting info easy

Getting information is going to get easier for the 9.1 million Tricare beneficiaries. Soon they will be able to access Tricare information tailored for them through the new My Benefits portal.In addition to simplified navigation, beneficiaries will be able to compare plans, get detailed information

Karl Bolt selected by Phillies in 15th round of MLB draft

Recently graduated Air Force first baseman/outfielder Karl Bolt was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 15th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft June 8. Bolt is the second Air Force Academy baseball player ever drafted in the 51-year history of the program. A four-year

First Air Force Combat Action Medals to be presented

The Air Force chief of staff is scheduled to present the first Air Force Combat Action Medals to six Airmen during an 8 a.m. ceremony June 12 at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. Gen. T. Michael Moseley will award the new medals to recognize Air Force members who were engaged in air or ground

Latest 'Vector' focuses on wingmen for life

The Air Force chief of staff released his latest vector for Airmen and it focuses on the importance of being a wingman for your fellow Airmen. The wingman concept reflects the ultimate confidence we all must have in our fellow Airmen -- we trust each other, quite literally, with our lives, Gen. T.

Defense secretary, servicemembers reflect on D-Day heroism

The defense secretary was among hundreds of people who walked above the windswept cliffs and paused among fog-shrouded headstones here June 6 to honor those who died during the D-Day invasion 63 years ago. Secretary Robert M. Gates took a private moment in the American Cemetery, reflecting on row

'FOX and Friends' to broadcast live June 8 from Wright-Patt

The FOX News Network's "FOX and Friends" morning program will broadcast live from 7 to 9 a.m. Eastern time June 8 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as the show makes its third Air Force stop on its Salute to the Troops Tour. Co-anchor Brian Kilmeade will be on location telecasting reports to his

F-16 pilot receives Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy

Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John D. W. Corley presented the Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy, one of the service's top safety awards, to a fighter pilot during a ceremony June 5 in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.  Assisting in the presentation was Koren Kolligian, nephew of the trophy's

'Life skills' renamed 'mental health'

All Air Force "life skills support centers" will be renamed "mental health clinics" effective immediately.After a poll of subject matter experts, first sergeants, command chief master sergeants and mental health patients, it was determined that the name "life skills" was confusing and did not

Checkmate: Strategic studies group supports leaders

The Air Force chief of staff announced June 4 the establishment of a new Air Force strategic studies group at the Pentagon that will carry a familiar name -- Checkmate. The new Checkmate will act as a catalyst for strategic initiatives and directly support the chief of staff and Air Force leaders

Air operations center opens at Tyndall

First Air Force celebrated the opening of the 601st Air and Space Operations Center here June 1 with a ceremony and tour of the 37,000-square-foot, $30 million combat center. First Air Force, which also serves under the North American Aerospace Defense Command as the continental U.S. NORAD Region,

June 1, 2 airpower summary: Airlift key to mission success

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted shows of force

May 31 airpower summary: Maintainers keep tankers flying

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-38

Air Force officials promote sustainability

In general terms, it's development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the Air Force, it's the capacity to continue the mission without compromise. In a word, it's sustainability. Without it, operations are diminished

CENTCOM leader visits Oman, builds relationships

Continuing to build long-term relationships throughout the Middle East, the commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces visited Oman and Omani Air Force senior leaders to discuss cooperative interaction between their respective countries. As part of continuing and ongoing CENTCOM theater security

May 29 airpower: Predators sting the enemy

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped general purpose

Early American combat aviators memorialized

Underneath the decorative arch of a recently refurbished monument built in 1928, several hundred American and French citizens as well as military personnel, tourists, and dignitaries came to pay their respects to 38 all-volunteer American aviators -- known as the Lafayette Escadrille -- who flew

Health study uses data from war on terrorism

When a landmark Defense Department-sponsored health study was launched six years ago, one of its goals was to evaluate the impact of future deployments on long-term health. The investigators did not know how timely the project would be.Today, the Millennium Cohort Study has enrolled tens of

USAFE leader honors fallen heroes at Flanders Field

The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Airmen and Soldiers stationed in Europe paid tribute over the Memorial Day weekend to 368 U.S. servicemembers buried here who died on the battlefield while liberating Belgium during World War I. Gen. William T. Hobbins said no amount of time should ever

Balad Airmen honor fallen on Memorial Day

About 300 Airmen here gathered May 28 to honor the servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice defending freedom. They also added a 33rd name to the Fallen Airman Memorial. The ceremony opened with the posting of the colors, the National Anthem and a chaplain invocation. For most people, Memorial

Changes on horizon for Air Force pilots

The Air Force recently announced there are changes forthcoming in aircrew management. A new process called Transformational Aircrew Management Initiatives for the 21st Century, or TAMI-21, is intended to account for force structure changes that have caused imbalances in pilot inventory distribution

Solar energy helps power base

Solar energy panels in use here are saving base officials money while protecting the environment. The photovoltaic array project became fully operational May 17.The goal of the project is to cut power costs, reduce energy consumption and comply with the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Base civil

African air chiefs discuss cooperation, challenges

Leaders from 14 African nations' air forces gathered here this week to discuss cooperation and challenges affecting the African continent. The African Air Chiefs Conference provided an opportunity for nations to come together and candidly discuss a wide array of important issues, said Brig. Gen.

Language, cultural studies gain more focus at service academies

Gen. George Washington would probably roll over in his grave if he knew the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. -- the school he advocated to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign military expertise -- is increasingly sending its cadets overseas to learn with and from their foreign

Aerospace leaders discuss challenges, opportunities

Royal United Services Institute officials invited members throughout the aerospace community to attend an air power conference at their headquarters May 24 at Whitehall in London. The air force chiefs of staff from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy, and the U.S Space

Hawaii honors servicemembers

Members of the Oahu, Hawaii, community recognized members from all branches of the armed forces May 24 with a luncheon and the commander of Pacific Air Forces was the keynote speaker. Gen. Paul V. Hester spoke at the 22nd annual Military Appreciation Month Luncheon put on by the Honolulu Chamber of

Military members help secure bases with Eagle Eyes

With a limited number of Office of Special Investigations agents and Security Forces members, it is up to Airmen and their families with Eagle Eyes to help make sure the area they live in is safe. The Eagle Eyes program provides a single point of contact to report suspicious activity at Ramstein Air

Plans unveiled for Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center

At a Capitol Hill news conference May 23, exhibition designer Ralph Appelbaum provided a first glimpse of the exhibits planned for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center, an underground facility slated for the National Mall near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, also known as The Wall. "The center will

Yokota hosts Pacific Global Air Mobility Seminar

U.S. Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force personnel gathered at Yokota Air Base May 17 and 18 to discuss the roles of air mobility and mission capabilities the countries provide to the Pacific region. The Pacific Global Air Mobility Seminar is an office of the

Air Force accessions program celebrates 10 years

Three of the Air Force's leadership training programs -- ROTC, Officer Training School and Junior ROTC -- were joined together in 1997 to create what is now the Air Force Officer Accessions and Training Schools, or AFOATS. Earlier this month, members of the AFOATS staff celebrated their

Latest 'Vector' remembers Berlin Airlift

The latest Chief of Staff's Vector remembers the Berlin Airlift and discusses how today's mobility Airmen are following the examples of Airmen past as visible signs of U.S. compassion and resolve."Day or night, operating from pavement or dirt, our Airmen deliver the goods, the gas and the

Two from Robins earn Bronze Star Medals

Two people assigned here were recognized for their combat heroism and meritorious service during presentations May 14.Master Sgt. Gary Chelette and Bryan Braud received Bronze Star Medals for their actions in Iraq. Sergeant Chelette, a C-130 Hercules crew chief with the 653rd Combat Logistics