July 7, 2023 Around the Air Force: 100 Years of Air Refueling, FY24 Special Duty Pay, Continuous Fitness Study In this week’s look around the Air Force, AMC honored 100 years of air refueling with flyovers across the U.S., special duty pay changes for some career fields, and AFRL is working with the Space Force for a new way to gauge fitness. (Hosted by Staff Sgt. Jazmin Granger)
July 5, 2023 AMC, allies kickoff Mobility Guardian 23 in Indo-Pacific Exercise Mobility Guardian 2023, Air Mobility Command’s largest full-spectrum readiness exercise in the command’s history, began July 5 in the Indo-Pacific region.
July 2, 2023 Airmen strengthen medical partnerships through international education, training Personnel from the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, or USAFSAM, are facilitating a six-month education and training course for international students.
July 1, 2023 Airmen, Guardians embrace Air Force Junior ROTC SkillBridge Program for internship opportunities SkillBridge is offering a new Air Force Junior ROTC internship to retiring DAF members.
June 27, 2023 Airmen to see changes in deployment cycles with AFFORGEN The U.S. Air Force is transitioning away from the expeditionary Air Force model of force presentation to the Air Force Force Generation model after more than 20 years of contingency operations.
June 26, 2023 Air Force transitions to A-Staff structure for air expeditionary wings As part of the new Air Force Force Generation, or AFFORGEN, deployment model, presenting forces via the AEW A-Staff structure will increase a wing’s capacity to plan, coordinate and communicate vertically and horizontally to meet commander’s intent.
June 26, 2023 Remembering the epic triumph of the Berlin Airlift: Secretary Kendall, Airlift participants recognize 75th anniversary of greatest humanitarian airlift in history June 26 marks the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift.
June 23, 2023 New York Air Guard assists search for lost submersible The wing launched three search missions 900 miles out over the North Atlantic from their base on the eastern tip of Long Island June 19-21 at the request of the U.S. Coast Guard.
June 23, 2023 Air Force releases FY24 special duty assignment pay adjustments The Air Force has completed its annual review of special duty assignment pay for enlisted members using a new board process to ensure appropriate distribution based off the SDAP definition.
June 22, 2023 Air Force senior leaders hold contested logistics table-top exercise Senior Air Force officials gathered to discuss strategy, policy and the future fight at the CORONA-South summit at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida, where senior leaders held a table-top exercise focused on the strategic risks related to conducting logistics in contested environments.
June 21, 2023 MQ-9 Reaper completes first mission using dirt landing zone Air commandos conducted the first MQ-9 landing on a dirt landing zone; providing a glimpse of what is possible as transformation continues throughout the remotely piloted aircraft enterprise.
June 15, 2023 Stories of Service: From Egypt to New Egypt, one Airman's pursuit of happiness, the American dream For Airman 1st Class Marian Tawfik, orginally from Minya, Egypt, coming to America was a dream fulfilled. The journey was, at times, a perilous one, but has formed an immense sense of gratitude towards the rights and privileges many take for granted.
June 15, 2023 DAF leaders host second annual Modeling, Simulation Summit The summit put into action guidance laid out in DAF strategy on implementing best practices for how models and simulations are effectively acquired, developed, managed and used by DoD components.
June 14, 2023 Arctic Challenge 2023: Nordic defense requires the F-35’s advanced capabilities The large-force, live-fly field training exercise emphasizes joint and combined air operations between Nordic allies and partners. This year’s iteration, led by Finland, brings together 13 nations and a NATO coalition to further Arctic security initiatives.
June 12, 2023 AF hosts humanitarian aid disaster relief training exercise for AOCs, historic first FAA participation 505th Combat Training Squadron Airmen executed a Regional Air Movement Coordination Center exercise at Hurlburt Field, Florida.
June 11, 2023 24 nations unite at Military Nursing Exchange to enhance USAFE-AFAFRICA partnerships, readiness The conference featured talks from various international medical professionals, centered on this year’s theme, ‘Military Medics: Optimizing Partnerships and Readiness.’
June 10, 2023 DAF Civilian engineer accepted in foreign exchange program in Germany A civilian engineer with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Life Sciences Equipment Laboratory applied to the exchange program as an opportunity to broaden his career.
June 9, 2023 Around the Air Force: Typhoon Aftermath in Guam, Assignment Swap, Reaper Upgrade In this week’s look around the Air Force, recovery efforts after Typhoon Mawar hits Guam, a new assignment swap program begins, and the MQ-9 Reaper gets a satellite communication upgrade. (Hosted by Staff Sgt. Jazmin Granger)
June 8, 2023 AFMC innovation team revolutionizes stealth fighter fleet An F-35A Lightning II recently took flight with a complement of software applications developed by government and industry providers previously tested on the F-22 Raptor – demonstrating for the first time the ability to use the same tactical software applications on both stealth fighters.
June 7, 2023 SecAF Reading List: Understanding Our Pacing Challenge Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall presents his reading list providing suggested works intended to enhance knowledge of China’s history, culture, society, strategy, and military modernization program – and their implications for the Air Force and Space Force.
June 7, 2023 AFSFC tests new tool to streamline MWD kennel projects across DAF The Air Force Security Forces Center recently tested a new assessment tool designed to streamline the way the Department of the Air Force tracks and prioritizes repair, renovation and replacement projects at military working dog kennels.
June 5, 2023 Benefield Anechoic Facility tests first space satellite in decades Anticipated to launch in late 2023, Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) will be the Department of Defense’s first experimental, integrated navigation satellite system in nearly 50 years.
June 2, 2023 Around the Air Force: Brown Nominated for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Recruiting Medals/Promotions, Cadets Research Robotics In this week’s look around the Air Force, POTUS nominates CSAF as the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, pending Senate confirmation, Airmen and Guardians can get medals and promotions as part of new recruiting incentives and cadets at the USAFA are studying how people interact with robots.
May 31, 2023 Colorado Springs to host DEL 15, 2 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance squadrons Basing announcements for Space Delta 15, 74th and 75th ISR Squadrons.
May 31, 2023 Department of the Air Force announces preferred locations for STARCOM HQ, 3 Deltas The DAF selected Patrick SFB, Fla., as the preferred location to host the Space Training and Readiness Command HQ, along with Space Delta 10. Kirtland AFB, N.M., is the preferred location for Space Delta 11 and Schriever SFB, Colo., is the preferred location for Space Delta 12.
May 31, 2023 Seeing into the future: AF looks to AI for data analysis Tomorrow’s operating environment requires Airmen to have the most accurate and up-to-date intelligence to act quickly in real time, today. Headquarters Air Staff have developed six software programs for career fields using AI to conduct data analysis.
May 29, 2023 101 Critical Days of Summer defending the human weapon system The 101 Critical Days of Summer begins on Memorial Day weekend. Airmen should use sound risk management in all off-duty summer activities to stay safe.
May 27, 2023 AATC tests enhanced intelligence gathering capabilities with MQ-9 Reaper upgrade The upgrade enhances the aircraft’s ability to provide real-time situational awareness to combatant commanders around the world.
May 26, 2023 MagNav project successfully demonstrates real-time magnetic navigation In a groundbreaking achievement, the DAF-MIT AI Accelerator MagNav project performed real-time magnetic navigation aboard a C-17A Globemaster III in flight, becoming the first organization to successfully demonstrate the technology in real-time on a DoD aircraft.
May 25, 2023 Air Force’s Enlisted Swap Assignment Program starts June 1 The Air Force Enlisted Swap Assignment Program goes live June 1 for senior master sergeants and below with a current assignment. This new policy provides Airmen with more control and new flexibilities in their assignment process.
May 23, 2023 Tyndall AFB welcomes CSAF to the 'Installation of the Future' Airmen from Tyndall AFB welcomed Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., to the Defense Department's first “Installation of the Future.”
May 23, 2023 Pacific Air Forces Airmen test Next Generation Aircrew Protection equipment Airmen with the 15th Wing and 154th Fighter Squadron on Hickam Air Force Base tested and trained new CBRN protection techniques on the F-22 Raptor.
May 21, 2023 Mountain Home AFB leans forward on MEDIC-X training for future fight MEDIC-X training will be offered across the Air Force July 1, but several bases like Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, have already started training their medical personnel to deliver care in the future fight.
May 20, 2023 Under the Wings JROTC cadet mentorship program launches The Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development has formally launched a new mentorship program that will link Airmen, Guardians, Guardsmen and Reservists with Air Force/Space Force Junior ROTC cadets in high schools at their units across the nation and some places abroad May
May 19, 2023 Around the Air Force: Defense Innovation, Defender 23, Prepping the Line In this week’s look around the Air Force, SecAF talks about the future of innovation and collaboration with partners and allies, the Air Force supports Defender 23, and new supervisors have an additional resource for taking care of Airmen. (Hosted by Staff Sgt. Milton Hamilton)
May 18, 2023 Air Force, Space Force to offer medals, promotions for recruiting support Airmen and Guardians can now receive decorations or promotions through recruiting referrals under the new Airman and Guardian Referral Program.
May 17, 2023 Yokota ‘Dirt Boys’ train Japan forces in Kanoya Members of the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron from Yokota Air Base, Japan, traveled to Kanoya Air Base, Japan, to demonstrate a spall repair for Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force civil engineers, May 15.
May 16, 2023 Cadet team conducts robotics research The cadet-driven research focuses on gathering data and developing solutions to integrate a Ghost Robotics Vision 60 robot into base defense.
May 13, 2023 Technical training students gain learning connectivity through expanded Wi-Fi project In an effort to advance learning opportunities for Airmen, and enable training and education from any device, AETC officials have expanded a project installing commercial wireless internet across the command and into all training dormitories.
May 10, 2023 DAF senior leaders offer dialogue on defense innovation amid strategic competition Air Force Senior Leaders were among speakers at the Ash Carter Exchange on Innovation and National Security May 9.
May 10, 2023 DAF wins 2022 Vanguard Award The Vanguard Award recognizes the DoD Component that best exemplifies a commitment to small business industrial base competitiveness.
May 10, 2023 19th SFS implements new ACE training course A Security Forces Squadron implemented a new 30-day training program focused on Agile Combat Employment for Multi-Capable Airmen.
May 8, 2023 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey gives voice to civilians’ opinions The feedback civilian employees gave in 2022 has earned the service the no.9 ranking for large agencies by the Partnership for Public Service’s “Best Places to Work in the Federal Government” in 2022.
May 7, 2023 Qualification course sharpens security forces skills This year-long training event sharpens a variety of technical skills and consists of four training phases and two additional blocks for extra training. Prior to the SFQC, training was limited to a one-day event, which made it difficult to retain firearm proficiency.
May 5, 2023 Around the Air Force: Streamlined Naturalization, eVTOL Milestone, JLTV Modernizes Security In this week’s look around the Air Force, trainees seeking U.S. citizenship can complete the naturalization process in BMT with a streamlined process, a new milestone for electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles and security forces have a new replacement for the Humvee.
May 4, 2023 ANG wings train at Operation Hoodoo Sea The exercise, led by the Virginia ANG, sought to test and validate minimum force elements using multi-capable Airmen executing functions across job specialties and multiple platforms.
May 3, 2023 Nigerian Air Force receives new facilities for A-29 Super Tucano fleet Less than two years after 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft were inducted into the Nigerian Air Force, a $38 million project to construct new facilities for the aircraft was successfully completed at Kainji Air Base.
May 1, 2023 Stories of Service: 605th AMXS crew chief embodies the warrior heart For Senior Airman Austin Sondergard, a crew chief with the 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, recovering from a life-threatening condition meant waging a war of attrition against his own mind and body.
May 1, 2023 New deployed medical training to expand medical skills, build multi-capable medics The rollout of MEDIC-X is the Air Force Medical Service’s response to the demand for multi-capable Airmen which requires equipping Airmen with skills that go beyond their duty title.
April 30, 2023 New AF surgeon general program enhances support for EFMP families, Airmen, Guardians The Air Force surgeon general has made improving support for military children one of his priorities.
April 29, 2023 Air Force modernizes nuclear security with advanced JLTV vehicle Security Forces Airmen from the 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron conducted the first operational mission with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle supporting launch facility maintenance near Harrisburg, Nebraska, April 24.
April 28, 2023 CSAF Leadership Library: April 2023 Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. presents five new additions to the CSAF Leadership Library.
April 25, 2023 Total Force MAF leaders execute rehearsal of concept for Mobility Guardian ‘23 Air Mobility Command hosted Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and other senior leaders from seven major commands at Phoenix Warfighter on MacDill Air Force Base.
April 23, 2023 Food Summit looks to future of 27-plus DAF stateside dining operations With the Food 2.0 Owners Summit held in an innovative kitchen environment, attendees had the opportunity to see demonstrations of state-of-the-art culinary equipment and to taste food prepared by seasoned chefs.
April 22, 2023 US Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team competes at Joint Services Drill Exhibition The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team competed alongside the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard drill teams to continue the tradition of friendly competition between services.
April 19, 2023 Kendall explains why success in space requires ‘transformational change’ Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall offered a blunt assessment of the challenges today in space but also optimism that the United States would maintain its dominance in that domain.
April 19, 2023 DOD assessing document disclosures and implementing mitigation measures The Defense Department continues to actively address the incident involving the unauthorized disclosure of classified documents, said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh at a news conference April 19.
April 18, 2023 DAF selects next locations for newest fighters The Department of the Air Force selected the next bases to receive two of its newest fighters.
April 18, 2023 Eglin AFB’s joint C-5M aircraft load exercise wraps The 436th Airlift Wing and the 96th Test Wing practiced some heavy cargo training loading large vehicles into a C-5M Super Galaxy.
April 15, 2023 Sheppard AFB ‘elephant walk’ asserts training’s role in airpower Four thousand Airmen and 90 aircraft participate in a one-of-a-kind elephant walk at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, April 7.
April 14, 2023 Around the Air Force: $10K Reserve Bonus, CCAF Operational Pause, Sentinel Deployment In this week’s look around the Air Force, prior-service enlisted Airmen can get a $10,000 signing bonus if they join the Reserves, the Community College of the Air Force is close to completing their system upgrade, and the new Sentinel ICBM is poised to replace the Minuteman III.
April 12, 2023 Air Force releases Global Futures Report: Joint Functions in 2040 The report incorporates findings using Foresight Methodology to identify key forces and factors that will drive or constrain how the service will fight in 2040.
April 12, 2023 AFIMSC team delivers growing MILCON program to counter threats The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center is delivering on 120 military construction projects after awarding more than $7.6 billion of construction contracts since February 2021.
April 11, 2023 New York Airmen awarded medals for Afghanistan evacuation Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. recognized 17 Airmen from the 105th Airlift Wing for their bravery during the August 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
April 11, 2023 Air Force recognizes Lance P. Sijan Award winners Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., spoke about the prestigious award, highlighting the accomplishments of the Airmen who embody Sijan’s leadership and character in performance and standards of personal conduct.
April 10, 2023 F-22A Raptor pilots test next-gen helmet 46th Test Squadron engineers facilitate second round of developmental testing since AF announced helmet last year.
April 9, 2023 Upgraded F-16 rejoins 8th FW An upgraded F-16 Fighting Falcon returned to 8th Fighter Wing operations after AFLCMC’s Post Block Integration Team provided the aircraft with the first wave of 22 modifications designed to improve lethality to meet the needs of current and future operations.
April 8, 2023 Second Air Force hosts technical training event Second Air Force hosted Technical Training 101, bringing together leadership from across the Numbered Air Force for the three-day event at Keesler, March 28-30.
April 7, 2023 Chaudhary sworn in as Air Force Energy, Installations and Environment lead Dr. Ravi Chaudhary swore in as the assistant secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations and Environment during a ceremony at the Pentagon April 7.
April 7, 2023 Tester, Kendall, DAF senior leaders visit Malmstrom AFB Senator Jon Tester, SecAF Frank Kendall and other DAF senior leaders visited Malmstrom AFB to engage with Airmen and receive updates on the ongoing missile community cancer study from DAF leadership.
April 7, 2023 Around the Air Force: Budget Testimony, Bereavement Leave, One-Stop Promotion Website In this week’s look around the Air Force, senior leaders tell lawmakers about the negative consequences of a delayed budget process, DoD has a new bereavement leave policy, and there’s a new promotion studies website.
March 31, 2023 Around the Air Force: Uniform Board Results, Well-Being Enhancements, Fifth-Generation Fighters in the Philippines In this week’s look around the Air Force, the 102nd Uniform Board results have been approved, DoD announces new enhancements for family well-being, and for the first time, fifth-generation fighters land and operate from the Philippines. (Hosted by Staff Sgt. Milton Hamilton)
March 31, 2023 DAF senior leaders pay respects at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Department of the Air Force senior leaders visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., to pay their respects on National Vietnam War Veteran’s Day.
March 31, 2023 Readout of Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall’s attendance at the Singapore Defence Technology Summit SecAF Kendall engaged with Singaporean and Estonian senior defense officials during travel to Singapore March 22-23.
March 31, 2023 Readout of Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall’s travel to India Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall traveled to India March 21 to discuss future and ongoing defense partnerships with the nation.
March 30, 2023 DoD announces new bereavement leave benefit for service members The Defense Department announced new non-chargeable, paid bereavement leave benefit for service members.
March 30, 2023 F-35s arrive at Kadena AB to maintain advanced fighter presence While deployed to the Keystone of the Pacific, the F-35s will work in conjunction with other fighter units at Kadena AB to ensure continued steady-state fighter capabilities in the region.
March 28, 2023 Kendall, Brown, Saltzman tell lawmakers ‘on-time’ budget needed to meet security challenges, transform Air, Space Forces DAF senior leaders told Congress that progress is being made modernizing the Air and Space Forces but to fully succeed, Congress must pass the budget on time so critical “transformation” is not delayed.
March 27, 2023 Squadron unveils one-stop website for enlisted promotion study materials Members of the Studies and Analysis Squadron have worked hard during recent months to create one comprehensive website where Airmen can access all their enlisted promotion study materials in one place.
March 26, 2023 AFIMSC releases 2023 strategic plan The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center recently released its updated strategy, adding a new focus area and synchronizing efforts across the center.
March 25, 2023 Joint effort underway to power rocket sleds into the future Rocket sled testing is critical to bridging the gap between the laboratory and full-scale flight tests for weapon systems under development.
March 24, 2023 Around the Air Force: 2024 Budget, Bass Talks Future Force, Air Force One's New Design In this week’s ATAF, the 2024 budget is focused on transformation and modernization, CMSAF discusses developing Airmen and recruiting, and the final paint design for Air Force One is set. (Hosted by Senior Airman Saomy Sabournin)
March 22, 2023 Yokota AB AFWERX team seeks to invest, innovate, inform Twenty members from Yokota Air Base attended the Defense and Security Equipment International Japan exhibition March 16, in Tokyo, to seek out new, cutting-edge technology in a trip organized by YokoWERX.
March 21, 2023 DAF leaders stress importance of transformation, partnerships, on-time appropriations The Department of the Air Force’s top civilian and military leaders spoke with defense experts and industry partners during the 14th annual McAleese Defense Programs Conference March 15.
March 21, 2023 CMSAF engages with 90th MW Airmen CMSAF Bass and other Air Force senior leaders visited the Airmen of the 90th Missile Wing.
March 20, 2023 JB Elmendorf-Richardson selected to host new Joint Integrated Test and Training Center The Department of the Air Force selected Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, to host the Joint Integrated Test and Training Center, which is the first center capable of joint and multinational force training.
March 17, 2023 DAF to host 2023 Modeling, Simulation Summit The summit will cover current and future modeling and simulation activities and how they support the fusion of air and space, as well as their impact on multi-domain operations to cultivate a distinct M&S community culture.
March 16, 2023 Commander’s Accelerated Initiatives team maintains ‘pulse’ on change across AFMC With a core headquarters team of 13 augmented by a network of more than 250 change agents across the command, CDX achieves its mission by leveraging the ideas and innovations driven by Airmen and civilians across the enterprise.
March 15, 2023 White Stag exercise prepares AMC Airmen for Mobility Guardian 2023 White Stag is a wing level exercise implemented as a self-evaluation, validating the wing’s Full Spectrum Readiness and ability to deploy, operate and sustain rapid global mobility in any contested environment.
March 13, 2023 Department of the Air Force 2024 budget proposal invests in modernization, transformation The $259.3 billion proposal that Congress will now consider for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1 includes $185.1 billion for the Air Force and $30 billion for the Space Force.
March 13, 2023 Agile Flag 23-1 brings together ACC, AMC, total force partners for Lead Wing certification Agile Flag is the latest U.S. Air Force investment in capabilities that enables Lead Wings to operate at the speed, scope, complexity, and scale needed in a modern-day threat environment.
March 12, 2023 3D printed parts for the C-5M deliver new capabilities Maintainers and engineers from the C-5 System Program Office began to incorporate 3D-printed parts in C-5M Super Galaxy maintenance last month.
March 10, 2023 New paint design for ‘Next Air Force One’ President of the United States Joe Biden has selected the livery design for the "Next Air Force One," VC-25B, a design that will closely resemble the livery of the current Air Force One, VC-25A, while also modernizing for the 21st century.
March 10, 2023 Around the Air Force: AWACS Replacement, Reproductive Health Policies, African Air Chiefs Symposium In this week’s look around the Air Force, a new prototype Airborne Battle Management aircraft is ordered, the Air Force announces new privacy protections for pregnant Airmen and policies for non-covered reproductive health care, and U.S. Air Forces Africa sponsors a meeting of African Air Chiefs.
March 8, 2023 Spark Tank 2023 finalists take center stage at AFA Warfare Symposium Six Spark Tank finalist teams presented their ideas at the Air and Space Forces Association 2023 Warfare Symposium.
March 8, 2023 Senior enlisted leaders discuss future of Airmen, Guardians The panel, titled the “Enlisted Imperative,” highlighted the changing operational environment, ways Airmen and Guardians are critical to maintaining air and space dominance, and efforts to recruit and retain the best members.
March 8, 2023 AFGSC commander discusses mission, modernization at Warfare Symposium Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, spoke about the AFGSC mission at the 2023 Air and Space Forces Warfare Symposium.
March 7, 2023 Saltzman outlines ‘theory of success’ guiding Space Force in fulfilling its essential missions Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman delivered his keynote address during the Air and Space Forces Association 2023 Warfare Symposium.
March 7, 2023 Kendall outlines clear path for modernizing Air, Space Forces & confronting peer competitors Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall offered a report card March 7 during a major address at the 2023 Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium.
March 7, 2023 Air Force announces Future Operating Concept CSAF signed the Air Force Future Operating Concept, ensuring long-range planning is intentionally linked to the Joint Warfighting Concept.