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U.S. Air Force News

  • 2012 Caring for People Forum addresses issues affecting Airmen, families

    The 2012 Caring for People Forum concluded here Sept. 27 with a presentation of initiatives to members of the Air Force's Community Action Information Board and Integrated Delivery System.Since its establishment in 2009, the Caring for People Forum has evolved into a two-day seminar during

  • Wolfenbarger: AFMC 5-Center reorganization on track

    After some 18 months of planning and careful transition, Air Force Materiel Command officials are ready to declare initial operational capability of AFMC's 5-Center reorganization Oct. 1.In early July, the command began activating its new centers and consolidating others as it transitioned from

  • Job reservation program continues through FY13

    The Air Force career job reservation program will continue through fiscal year 2013, with more than 1,000 Airmen from 30 career fields likely to be affected, Air Force officials announced today.The CJR program is implemented to help control the number of first-term Airmen allowed to reenlist in

  • AF officials schedule downtime to upgrade myPers website

    Air Force officials are upgrading the myPers website and the Total Force Service Center's case management system from 9 p.m. Sept. 28 until 9 p.m., Sept. 29 CST. During this period, the myPers website and virtual Personnel Center-Guard Reserve, or vPC-GR, application will be unavailable and the TFSC

  • Keesler lab wins 3 Air Force-level awards

    The 81st Medical Group's Medical Simulation Laboratory earned three Air Force-level achievement awards at the 2012 Air Force Medical Modeling and Simulation workshop held in San Antonio in August.The Keesler medical simulation staff earned the following Air Force first-place honors for the 2011

  • DOD implements new flight cancellation policy for travelers

    The Defense Department is working with airlines to implement a new flight cancellation policy that will affect air travel for temporary duty travelers, a Pentagon official said today.Andrea Carlock, chief of the program management branch, which serves as part of the Defense Travel Management Office,

  • Carter visits F-16 international training school

    Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter visited the 162nd Fighter Wing at Tucson International Airport here Sept. 26 to learn about international F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft pilot training.The Arizona Air National Guard was one of several stops Carter made throughout the Tucson area."It was very

  • Nellis helps Make-A-Wish come true

    There are many people who wish for the opportunity to see the home of the fighter pilot.With the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Georgious Kalevrosoglou, an 18-year-old from Greece, diagnosed with leukemia, was able to do just that.Members of the 57th Wing gave Kalevrosoglou and his family a

  • Space shuttle arrives home for one last 'endeavor'

    For the Edwards community who has been actively involved in NASA's Space Shuttle program since flight testing began in the 1970's, it was a bittersweet day when Space Shuttle Endeavour arrived one last time Sept. 20, piggy-backed on NASA's Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.When the SCA departed

  • Maxwell Airman receives $10K through IDEA Program

    Recently, an Air Force Integrated Maintenance Data System computer programmer received a $10,000 check from the Air Force Innovative Development through Employee Awareness Program. In February, Senior Airman Zachariah Grummons from the Program Executive Office-Business Enterprise System, submitted

  • Natick Center strives to improve combat ration quality, taste

    The Meal, Ready to Eat could go the way of the World War II-era C-ration and spinoffs of it that the MRE replaced almost 30 years ago. Jeannette Kennedy and her team at the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center here relentlessly pursue the tastier, more universally acceptable

  • CSAF kicks off 'Caring for People' forum

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III offered remarks to more than 100 Air Force and civilian leaders here as he opened the 2012 Caring for People forum at Joint Base Andrews Sept. 26.Split into four working groups, forum attendees are slated to spend the next two days discussing

  • Comptroller outlines continuing resolution, sequestration

    The continuing resolution the Senate approved Sept. 22 and the president is expected to sign this week will affect short- and long-term Defense Department spending in coming months, a senior defense official said today.Pentagon Comptroller Robert F. Hale spoke on "Financing Defense: Strategies for

  • U.S. military inspires South African youth

    The sun was shining almost as brightly as the smiles on the faces of hundreds of children stepping onto a C-17 Globemaster III for the first time, Sept. 20.The children arrived at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition, here to participate in a Youth Development Program. The program partners

  • Airmen build, repair houses at North Pole

    Eielson volunteers donned hard-hats and wielded construction equipment recently to help build housing for local Alaskans through the nonprofit program Habitat for Humanity.Members from the 354th Contracting Squadron volunteered with the program, which operates on a global scale to build houses for

  • Airmen certified for F-35 engine runs

    An Airman seated in an aircraft, surrounded by electronic displays, surveys the cockpit of an F-35A Lightning II and begins rehearsed procedures that now feel comfortable. He feels the jet's familiar rumble below as the engine roars to life on the flightline. If you imagined the person in the seat

  • High retention leads to promotion board delay

    Air Force officials announced they will delay the Line of the Air Force promotion board for captains commissioned in 2005 from its anticipated December 2013 date. Air Force officials made the announcement Sept. 25 as they released the 2013 Selection Board Schedule. Record retention rates coupled

  • GARNET breaks mold on guard, reserve careers

    Col. Ed Vaughan has made a career out of finding innovative solutions to challenging problems. Now, the Colorado Air National Guard officer has his sights set on a serious issue confronting members of the military's reserve components."Guardsmen and reservists of all branches have hybrid careers,"

  • OWLS inspires women to ignite power within

    AcademyWomen sponsored its 9th annual Officer Women Leadership Symposium Sept. 21-22 at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington, Va.To go along with this year's theme: Igniting the power and passion within, the two-day symposium was designed to inspire, inform and connect

  • U.S. participates in South African Exposition

    More than 130 U.S. military members were invited to demonstrate the air and ground capabilities of American forces as they partnered with the South African air force during the 2012 Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 22-23."This was a tremendous opportunity for the U.S. military to

  • US, Nepal build relationships, improve lives

    A multinational team led by U.S., Nepalese, and Australian military members and civilians treated more than 4,100 villagers, repaired and renovated three schools, and shared expertise Sept. 10-15, during Operation Pacific Angel 12-4 in Nepal.The first Pacific Angel mission in Nepal featured free

  • Retired, separated wounded warriors can still pursue CCAF degrees

    Air Force combat-related wounded warriors wishing to continue their Community College of the Air Force education can now do so after separating or retiring thanks to provisions in the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act. This legislative change supports the secretary of the Air Force's priority

  • Comptroller: Sequestration Would Devastate Defense Spending

    Sequestration will devastate every aspect of Defense Department spending, from fighting the war in Afghanistan and supporting troop health and morale to training, maintenance and modernization, and carrying out the defense strategic guidance, Pentagon Comptroller Robert F. Hale said here Sept.

  • More than 900 rally to support wingman's cause

    Kadena Air Base Airmen registered more than 900 potential bone marrow donors in a bid to try to save one of their own.More than 20 squadrons and community organizations, like the Airmen Committed to Excellence, volunteered more than 100 hours at nine registration sites during the five-day campaign

  • KC-46 enters critical design review phase

    The Air Force KC-46A program director described the critical development phases of the next-generation refueling aircraft during the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C., Sept. 18.Maj. Gen. John F. Thompson, program executive officer for

  • IDS agencies team up to teach life skills to new Airmen

    The opportunity for approximately 150 Airmen to learn more about personal finance, team building, stress management and relationships was made possible by a new pilot program aimed at providing Airmen with tools to enhance their overall life-skills knowledge base.Through collaboration between the

  • Carter: Sequestration would have effect of 'hidden tax'

    Because it would lead to inefficiencies, the sequestration mechanism built into the Budget Control Act would amount to a hidden tax, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter said here Sept. 20."If sequestration happens, it is not only disruptive in many ways I'd love to describe, but it's a hidden

  • Partnerships develop Air Force youth

    Gail Donley, Betty Welsh and Paula Roy, respective spouses of the Air Force secretary, Air Force chief of staff and chief master sergeant of the Air Force, attended the 2nd Annual Air Force Family Forum here Sept. 17, hosted by the Air Force Association. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley

  • 'Teammates wanted' to deliver future

    Killer apps, unprecedented success and a budget-requirements conundrum lead U.S. Air Force Space Command commander, Gen. William L. Shelton, to announce 'teammates wanted' during his remarks at the Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 18.The Air Force Association, an

  • Personnel chief: Road ahead for Airmen tough, but bright

    Adapting to a joint environment along with a changing world of a younger force, budget cuts and manpower drawdowns was the focus of the Air Force's personnel chief during the Air Force Association's Air and Space Exhibition and Conference here Sept. 17.Lt. Gen. Darrell Jones, deputy chief of staff

  • U.S. citizens overseas urged to vote

    With the 2012 national election less than 60 days away, Air Force officials are encouraging service members and U.S. citizens stationed overseas to request their absentee ballots.National Election Day is Nov. 6, and since many service members and their families are stationed or deployed overseas,

  • 36th Wing provides consistent evac support in Asia-Pacific

    With tsunami threats recently pervading the Asia-Pacific region, the 36th Wing here has been actively exercising its capabilities of providing evacuation support to neighboring bases while simultaneously accommodating some of the largest joint and coalition exercises in the region."This year the

  • AF is transforming how it provides services

    The Air Force Personnel Center is transforming how it provides morale, welfare and recreation services, and the type of programs it offers.AFPC is taking a tailored approach to ensure Airmen around the world have what they need and want, rather than the same programs that have traditionally been

  • CSAF talks Air Force innovation, evolution at AFA Conference

    The Air Force chief of staff spoke about the current state of the service during the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 18.Gen. Mark A. Welsh III recognized the Air Force's birthday, giving tribute to airpower icons and sharing the stories of

  • Air Force recognizes 2012 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    The 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year attended a recognition reception and dinner hosted by the 2012 Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17.The Airmen were lauded for demonstrating "outstanding leadership, job performance, community involvement and

  • Air Force athletes discuss world class program during roundtable

    Two of the Air Force's top athletes fielded questions during a Department of Defense blogger's roundtable on opening day of the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 17, in Washington D.C.Capt. Seth Kelsey and Maj. (Dr.) James Bales answered questions from

  • Annual space, missile pioneers inducted

    In celebration of the Air Force Space Command's 30th anniversary, Gen. William L. Shelton, the AFSC commander, inducted the command's 2012 Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers in an award ceremony and hall of fame induction Sept. 17 here. This year's inductees are Dr. Hans M. Mark and retired Col.

  • Donley talks sequestration, explains AF budget plans

    The threat of sequestration continues to overhang "all budget decisions across the federal government," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley here Sept. 17.During his keynote remarks at the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition, Donley conveyed the

  • AFPC works to improve unemployment compensation process

    Half-a-dozen personnelists here recently completed a rapid improvement event to review Air Force management of the nonappropriated fund, appropriated fund and military unemployment compensation programs, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Last year, AFPC requested an official audit of the

  • Forest Service deactivates C-130 firefighting operations

    The U.S. Forest Service has deactivated the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped military C-130 Hercules as fire conditions in the West have improved.The 153rd Air Expeditionary Group received the notification late Sept. 14, releasing the two MAFFS planes and crews that were still

  • Leaders to committee: Air Force on track for 2014 auditability deadline

    Leaders from each armed service and the Defense Department testified Sept. 14 to the House Armed Services Committee about the DOD's efforts to become auditable by 2014.The original auditable date was 2017, but Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta accelerated that goal in late 2011 by setting a DOD-wide

  • 'Today's Air Force' goes from New Mexico to near space

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Sept. 14.In the first block, Tech. Sgt. Anthony Gomez introduces viewers to college football players who got a taste of basic military training. Later, Airman 1st Class Mari Moxley gives an update on Holloman Air Force Base's

  • AFPC officials automate ADSC process

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here are developing new procedures for leveraging information technology to automatically transfer completed Active Duty Service Commitment acknowledgement statements into the Automated Records Management System.The current ADSC processing method includes a few

  • Wind energy at Cape Cod to save $1 million a year

    The wind in Cape Cod, Mass., is about to be called into action once again to reduce energy costs and air pollution at the Massachusetts Military Reservation. Air Force Space Command is preparing to install two 1.6 megawatt utility-scale wind turbines at the station' s early warning radar site,

  • Alaska Reserve F-22 unit becomes fully operational

    The 477th Fighter Group here reached a readiness milestone Sept. 9 when Col. Bryan Radliff, 477th FG commander, announced that the group had achieved fully operational capable status."Fully operation capable means that we are ready and able to execute our wartime tasking," said Radliff. "With our

  • Vandenberg launch unit 'small squadron with big responsibilities'

    3...2...1... and we have lift off. Members of the 4th Space Launch Squadron know the feeling of launch day excitement and stress and are currently preparing to get revved up again for the Atlas V launch scheduled for Sept. 13."We are a small squadron," said Maj. Joseph Howerton, 4th SLS Atlas V

  • F-35A maintenance training on track

    As the Air Force begins its Operational Utility Evaluation of the F-35A Lightning II, maintenance training to support the joint strike fighter is also preparing for key program milestones.Though the first "pipeline" students -- basic military training graduates -- don't begin training until January

  • Intelligence collaboration focus of net-centric operations conference

    The 10th annual Net-Centric Operations conference held here Sept. 10 featured a diverse array of speakers who extolled the value of collaboration in acquiring, supporting and operating intelligence-gathering systems and cyber tools.The conference was sponsored by the Patriots' Roost Chapter of the

  • National Guard vital to Africa Command mission

    "We in Africa Command rely on members of the Army and Air National Guard every day to accomplish our mission," Army Gen. Carter Ham told attendees at the 134th National Guard Association of the United States General Conference."The National Guard -- its Soldiers and Airmen -- are essential

  • Airmen wrap up Winfly on the 'ice'

    Despite operating in harsh conditions and experiencing multiple weather delays, the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, comprised of Airmen from the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings at McChord Field, completed its winter flying period into McMurdo Station, Antarctica Aug. 29, in support of the U.S.

  • ACSC launches new distance learning program

    The Air Command and Staff College is launching a new version of the non-master's "correspondence" program during the last week of September. This comprehensive distance learning transformation is designed to enhance critical thinking skills and improve the educational value of professional military

  • Commanders share wing missions, kidney donation

    While total force integration has spawned many resource-sharing initiatives, two wing commanders at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, have taken it to a whole new, and very personal, level. When Air Force Reserve Col. Keith Knudson, 419th Fighter Wing commander, was diagnosed with kidney failure last year,

  • Air Force continues pollution prevention efforts

    The Air Force joins the nation for Pollution Prevention Week on Sept. 17-24.The service continues its efforts to educate the public about pollution prevention and reducing the contamination of air, soil and water by eliminating pollution at its source.Observed during the third full week in

  • Security forces Airmen train with British counterparts

    Airmen from the 100th Security Forces Squadron joined ranks with British counterparts from 15 Squadron, RAF Honington; No. 2 Tactical Police Squadron, RAF Henlow; and No. 7 Force Protection Wing Headquarters, RAF Coningsby Aug. 28 to Sept. 6 at Stanford Training Area, more commonly known as STANTA,

  • Airmen urged to reenlist, extend before MilPDS upgrade

    Air Force officials are urging Regular Air Force Airmen who are eligible to reenlist or extend their current enlistment in December and early Jan. 2013 to complete these personnel actions through the myPers website and their base military personnel sections or force support squadrons by Nov. 15 to

  • F-35A reaches 'huge milestone' in program development

    Air Force officials begin their F-35A Lightning II Operational Utility Evaluation Sept. 10, an instrumental step in beginning Joint Strike Fighter pilot and maintenance training for the service. Two 33rd Fighter Wing pilots at Eglin AFB, Fla., along with two Air Force test pilots, will conduct the

  • AF finishes strong at end of 'critical days of summer'

    The Air Force 2012 Critical Days of Summer campaign ended Sept. 4 with zero fatalities for the Labor Day weekend for the first time in five years. "We at the Safety Center always have a Quest for Zero mission," said Bill Parsons, Air Force Chief of Ground Safety. "It is, and always should be, our

  • Deployed firefighters train Kyrgyz counterparts

    Fairchild firefighters deployed with the 376th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, conducted a capabilities demonstration with their Kyrgyz Republic counterparts Aug. 29. The exercise was part of a continuing informational exchange program familiarizing

  • Fighting birds with birds

    The 22nd Air Refueling Wing Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard program is being overhauled with new contractors employing the use of a falcon to keep skies clear from avian adversaries.The BASH program is in place to reduce bird strikes by introducing a natural predator into the area to ward off smaller

  • Warner Robins C-130 team earns DoD top maintenance honor

    When the Department of Defense announced its top maintenance awards for depot and field-level units, recognizing outstanding achievement in weapon system and military equipment maintenance, it was a Robins Air Force Base, Ga., unit earning top honors.The 2012 Robert T. Mason Depot Maintenance

  • Intelligence developmental team to convene

    Intelligence officers interested in leadership, command and developmental opportunities have until the second week of October to prepare an application and statement of intent, which are due to the Air Force Personnel Center by Oct. 12, AFPC officials said.The Intelligence Officer Fall Developmental

  • White House Fellows Class Includes Current, Former Officers

    Six current or former military officers have been appointed to the 2012-2013 class of White House Fellows, the President's Commission on White House Fellowships announced Sept. 4 here.Then-President Lyndon B. Johnson created the White House Fellows Program in 1964 to give promising American leaders

  • Mentorship program offers support to recovering Airmen

    The Recovering Airmen Mentorship Program connects wounded, injured or ill Airmen who are well along in their recovery with those who are just beginning the journey.The program is one of several implemented to help care for wounded warriors during their recovery, said Air Force Wounded Warrior

  • Two firefighting C-130s head home

    Two C-130 Hercules from the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing were deactivated Sept. 2, and returned here from Boise, Idaho.Four other Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System units remain activated. The Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing out of Colorado Springs, Colo., has

  • New DOD policy for TDY and PCS cancellations

    Beginning October 1, 2012, any travel authorization that includes air travel must be approved and ticketed at least 72 hours in advance of the scheduled flight departure to avoid airline reservations from being cancelled. This is due to a new policy being instituted by the airlines under the FY13

  • Airmen, Kyrgyz students ring in "First Bell"

    The first day of school across the Kyrgyz Republic is a welcome celebration known as "First Bell" and is deeply rooted in a Russian tradition that takes place each year on Sept. 1st.First Bell marks a rite of passage where seniors, in their last year of studies, escort first-year students in a

  • Iraqi air force F-16 training takes off in Arizona

    While the Republic of Iraq anticipates an initial deliveryof F-16 Fighting Falcons in September 2014, the pilots who will fly themembark on a historic partnership with the Arizona Air National Guard's 162ndFighter Wing here to learn how to fly the multipurpose fighter.Already, two Iraqis have joined

  • 2012 Air Force BIG winners named

    Capt. Trevoron L. Jones of Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., and Mr. Terrence Williams of Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio are the Air Force 2012 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award winners, said Air Force Personnel Center officials.Jones' leadership was instrumental in establishing the Los

  • First Family Readiness Center opens doors in AOR

    The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing is now home to the first Airman and Family Readiness Center in the Southwest Asia area of responsibility. The center opened its doors and added family members to those they serve, following the ribbon cutting ceremony Aug. 29, 2012.Daniel Ginsberg, the Assistant

  • Operational F-22's employ small diameter bombs during WSEP

    During a Combat Hammer exercise Alaska F-22 Raptors became the first operational F-22 unit to drop GBU-39 small diameter bombs.Although small diameter bombs have been employed by test pilots, Combat Hammer, a weapons system evaluation program sponsored by the 86th Fighter Weapons Squadron, provided

  • One month remains for NCOs to volunteer for retraining

    Noncommissioned officers in unrestricted career fields affected by the fiscal year 2013 NCO Retraining Program have a month to volunteer for retraining, Air Force Personnel Center officials said Aug. 30. Affected Airmen in restricted fields, however, have until today to volunteer.NCOs who volunteer

  • Air Force restores moves to Keesler AFB

    Permanent change of station and temporary duty reporting has been restored for Airmen and civilians traveling to Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Air Force Personnel Center officials said.The 81st Training Wing commander implemented the stop movement order in response to Hurricane Isaac. The stop

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman becomes 'pin up' girl for charity

     (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Military members often help their local communities with volunteer work, but one Nellis Air Force Base Airman is aiding her favorite charities as an

  • 7 Inter-American Air Forces Academy SOS slots available

    Seven slots are available for eligible captains interested in attending the Inter-American Air Forces Academy Squadron Officer School Program, with applications due to the Air Force Personnel Center the last week of October, AFPC officials said.The school mirrors the SOS at Maxwell Air Force Base,

  • AF C-130 firefighting efforts reach milestone

    Air Force Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130s reached a major mission milestone Aug. 24 by dropping the 2 millionth gallon of retardant for the season.MAFFS 5, assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing here, dropped the record-breaking gallon during its third

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Captain makes mark in Afghan culture

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)With his rugged beard and long hair, Air Force Capt. Nick Plante is not your typical service member serving overseas in Afghanistan. Dressed like a local

  • Idea brings $10,000 for McConnell AFB civilian

    A civilian member of the 22nd Operations Group was presented a check for $10,000 from the Air Force at the 22nd Air Refueling Wing staff meeting Aug. 27, here.James Shores, the 22nd OG short range scheduling chief, received the money as part of the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness

  • Days in the dark: Retired AF NCO receives POW Medal

    Returning to work after celebrating his 30th birthday the day before, then-Staff Sgt. James 'O'Neil' Hughes could see a growing group of disorderly demonstrators gather outside the U.S. Embassy. Chanting and singing, the bellicose crowd grew agitated. They held up signs displaying anti-American

  • Redesigned program eases Airmen's transition to civilian life

    A redesigned program will help ease every Airman's transition to civilian life and better apply their military experience, Air Force officials said. The program is the first major overhaul of the transition assistance program for military members in nearly 20 years. The effort began in response to a

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Academy cadet selected as a USA Rugby All-American

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Cadet 2nd Class Jackson Bristol has kept his passion for rugby alive with a simple approach: he never stops playing the game. January through December,

  • B-52 takes part in joint training 'down under'

    The Air Force will send a B-52 and KC-135, operating from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin later this week to take part in short term joint training with the RAAF. The B-52 is assigned to Andersen AFB as part of U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Air Force

  • Air Force Spice testing lab goes full throttle

    The Air Force Spice Testing Lab  located at the Air Force Drug Testing Laboratoy at Joint Base San-Antonio - Lackland, Texas, became fully operational on Aug. 1, in support of the Air Force's focus on quality Airmen. The new lab establishes a robust urinalysis testing program as part of the Air

  • 101 faces of Air Force Week New York

    New York City was this year's stage for one of the Air Force's grandest outreach programs, Air Force Week. The three-day showcase took place in locations throughout the city's five boroughs and included flyovers, interactive displays, Air Force band performances, meet and greets, a movie screening

  • U.S. Paralympic track & field team trains at RAF Lakenheath

    More than 50 U.S. Paralympians and hopefuls are honing their skills and making final preparations at Royal AIr Force Lakenheath for competition in the London 2012 Paralympic Games  Aug. 18 through 25.The installation has teamed with the U.S. Olympic Committee to provide the athletes with all they

  • McChord C-17 crews begin WinFly to Antarctica

    The 62nd Airlift Wing began the winter flying period Aug. 20 as part of its support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation.The period, known as WinFly, is scheduled to last until Aug. 28 and will deliver advance teams and cargo for the upcoming main season of Operation

  • Drill Team members reflect on where they came from during AF Week

    The Ambassadors in Blue for the Air Force Recruiting Service performed during the Air Force Week events Aug. 19 at Pier 86 in New York CityThe ceremonial unit, otherwise known as the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, tours worldwide to demonstrate the commitment to service and excellence every

  • Transit Center passenger experience realigned to centralized location

    Whether a service member is heading to Afghanistan or redeploying back to their home station, they want their transient experience to be simple.A consolidation of the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan's Passenger Terminal and U.S. Customs Processing Center into a centralized location is aimed at

  • AFPC officials streamline PCS orders process

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here have centralized how Permanent Change of Station orders are processed, validated and authenticated. Since Oct. 2011, the Total Force Service Center-San Antonio has been managing the PCS orders process and has authenticated more than 82,000 orders and 19,000

  • Opening ceremonies kick off Air Force Week activities

    The Air Force kicked off one of its biggest outreach programs in America's largest city Aug. 19 with a combination of opening day remarks, flyovers, interactive displays and performances by Air Force bands.The opening ceremony at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum on Pier 86 marked the start of

  • Airman nets $10,000 through IDEA program

    The Air Force presented a check for $10,000 to a 31st Maintenance Squadron Airman recently for creating a new process that used less manpower and resources without sacrificing quality.Tech. Sgt. Jesse Swiderek, 31st MXS aircraft metals technology craftsmen, received the money as part of the

  • Large solar array planned for Davis-Monthan AFB

    The Air Force plans to expand its renewable energy portfolio substantially with a 14.5-megawatt photovoltaic solar array at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. The base has entered into an agreement with SunEdison, LLC to design, finance, build, operate and maintain the array on 170 acres of

  • USAF Honor Guard, Band represent Airmen at Air Force Week

    The premier U.S. Air Force ceremonial units, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and U.S. Air Force Band, are returning to New York City as part of Air Force Week 2012 with several performances and concerts scheduled for August 18-22.Two of the USAF Band's ensembles - the rock band, Max Impact, and The

  • Hotel tax exemptions could help AF save millions of dollars

    During a time of increasing Department of Defense budget constraints, the Air Force continuously looks for innovative solutions that save money and positively impacts the mission. Air Education and Training Command's Financial Management office said Air Force travelers could help save millions of

  • X-51A flight ends prematurely

    The X-51A Waverider successfully launched from a B-52 Stratofortress over Point Mugu Naval Air Warfare Center Sea Range, Calif., Aug. 14, 2012, at approximately 11:36 a.m. PDT.The X-51 safely separated from the B-52 and the rocket booster fired as planned. However, after 16 seconds, a fault was

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: I'm still willing

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)When it comes to saving a life, seldom is it something you can plan. You might witness a car crash and spring into action. Most would probably do what

  • Air National Guard helicopter crews join California wildfire fight

    Air National Guard members from the 129th Rescue Wing have demonstrated their dynamic life-saving capabilities by fighting fires in California since Aug. 12.Two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and aircrews are battling the Jawbone Complex Fire in Kern County, Calif., outside Bakersfield. The aircrews

  • Kick your reading into OverDrive

    If you love to read but can't make it to the library, the Air Force will bring the library to you. OverDrive, one of several Air Force library online resources, features nearly 10,000 electronic books, audio books, videos and music available for checkout to eligible customers, said Melinda Mosley,

  • Keeping marriages strong across miles

    When Tech. Sgts. Gena and Barry Armstrong received orders to Korea, their marriage had gone through some rough patches and they had all but decided divorce seemed like a good idea. The couple had dealt with numerous deployments and temporary duties away from each other, common stresses in military