Feb. 8, 2023 Largest private-public collaboration in DoD history reflects commitment to clean energy The 412th Test Wing unveiled a new solar facility on the northwest corner of Edwards Air Force Base, Feb. 2. The facility, built in collaboration with Terra-Gen LLC, is a result of the Edwards Solar Enhance Use Lease Project.
Feb. 4, 2023 UH-1N pilot one of two Airmen selected for US Naval Test Pilot School The 40th Helicopter Squadron instructor pilot with almost 1,300 flight hours under his belt will move in August with his family to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, to join the 2024 academic class.
Feb. 2, 2023 DAF announces overseas spouse direct-hire authority pilot program Direct-hire authority enables an agency to hire any qualified applicant through an expedited hiring process that eliminates many of the traditional steps, including consideration of competitive rankings and ratings.
Feb. 2, 2023 PACAF Airmen conduct information exchange in Philippines Airmen from PACAF travelled to the Philippines to conduct Subject Matter Expert Exchanges with Philippine Air Force airmen.
Feb. 2, 2023 53rd Wing’s MUSTANGS: the future of agile data capture and ACE capability Part of the Crowd-Sourced Flight Data program, MUSTANGS is a mobile vehicle that can download, process, and offload important data from Quick Reaction Instrumentation Package-equipped aircraft without the need for fixed, operational test infrastructure.
Jan. 31, 2023 Department of the Air Force to conduct hackathon The Air Force will conduct its next “BRAVO” hackathon in March, and any U.S. citizen may apply.
Jan. 29, 2023 Innovation Industry Days 2023 fosters partnerships, delivers solutions to I&MS challenges More than 2,000 small business, academic and government officials gathered Jan. 24-26 in San Antonio for Innovation Industry Days.
Jan. 27, 2023 DoD releases Small Business Strategy The strategy promotes a strong, dynamic, and robust small business industrial base by focusing on reducing barriers to entry, increasing set-aside competitions, and leveraging programs to grow the industrial base.
Jan. 23, 2023 Alaska Air National Guard trains with Coast Guard The 210th Rescue Squadron and the U.S. Coast Guardsmen of Maritime Security Response Team West teamed up for recent training
Jan. 22, 2023 PACAF visits Kunsan AB, validates next-gen aircrew protection Pacific Air Forces deployed a joint team of subject matter experts to Kunsan Air Base, conducting the major command’s first test and validation of counter-chemical warfare tactics, techniques and procedures.
Jan. 21, 2023 Yokota AB aids Space Systems Command in historic US-Japan space partnership The 374th Mission Support Group and 730th Air Mobility Squadron assisted the USSF Space Systems Command to deliver the first of two payloads on Japan’s Geo-based Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, Jan. 17.
Jan. 20, 2023 Around the Air Force: Body Composition, Civilian Development, F-35 Upgrades This week’s look around the Air Force highlights the new Body Composition Program, DAF civilians can self-nominate for developmental opportunities, and upgrades for the F-35 are undergoing tests.
Jan. 19, 2023 WEPTAC 2023: Solving enterprise-level challenges WEPTAC is Air Combat Command’s annual pinnacle of tactics and warfare with a charge to accelerate the modernization and development of solutions for the joint employment of forces across the range of Air Force core warfighting functions.
Jan. 13, 2023 Around the Air Force: Parental Leave, Unmasking Academic Degrees, New Year's Jump This week’s look around the Air Force highlights updates to the Parental Leave policy, allowing officer selection boards to see a candidate’s advanced degrees, and a training jump in Japan that includes paratroopers from the U.S., U.K., Australia and Japan.
Jan. 12, 2023 A team approach strengthens African partner medical capabilities The African Peacekeeping Rapid Response Partnership, established in 2015, is a Department of State-directed initiative centered on generating the capability to rapidly deploy peacekeeping operations on the continent.
Jan. 11, 2023 Civilian Development nomination window opens Jan. 11 The development and leadership programs offered through CD are mapped to the Department of the Air Force’s institutional competencies, which are key to ensuring all Airmen and Guardians can operate successfully in a constantly changing environment.
Jan. 11, 2023 F-35 conducts first flight with TR-3 A developmental test team from the 461st Flight Test Squadron conducted the first flight of an F-35 Lightning II in the Technology Refresh 3 configuration Jan. 6 at Edwards Air Force Base
Jan. 9, 2023 Department of the Air Force outlines new Body Composition Program for Airmen, Guardians Both the Air and Space Forces released the new Waist-to-Height Ratio BCP policy in January, with assessments to begin April 2023.
Jan. 9, 2023 ABMS moves forward on cloud-based C2 The DAF’s Advanced Battle Management System program awarded a $112 million contract to Science Applications International Corporation as the ABMS cloud-based command and control software integrator.
Jan. 8, 2023 436th OG adopts Instructor Enrichment Program for aircrew The 436th Operations Group employed an Instructor Enrichment Program, or IEP, at Dover Air Force Base, Jan. 6.
Jan. 7, 2023 430th EECS begins operations with new E-11A BACN The 430th EECS is the only unit in the U.S. Air Force that operates the E-11A aircraft with the Battlefield Airborne Communication Node payload, supporting warfighters who conduct around the clock operations in the CENTCOM area of operation.
Dec. 30, 2022 Department of the Air Force unmasks academic degrees for major, lieutenant colonel promotion boards The change will apply to all eligible DAF officers and allow promotion board members to consider an officer’s acquisition of valued expertise as one of many whole person concept considerations.
Dec. 28, 2022 AFSVC makes Fisher Houses homes away from home The Department of the Air Force Fisher House Program provides housing to military and veterans during difficult times.
Dec. 21, 2022 NORAD ready to track Santa’s flight for 67th year Every day of the year, the North American Aerospace Defense Command defends North America using an all-domain and globally integrated approach to track everything that flies in and around Canada and the United States. On Dec. 24 each year, NORAD adds a special mission: tracking Santa.
Dec. 19, 2022 AFRL launches wearable biomolecular sensors program for DoD, transfers technology to Sensate Biosystems The Air Force Research Laboratory has partnered with the Nano Bio-Materials Consortium and Case Western Reserve University to create wearable sensors that measure biomarkers in Airmen and Guardians.
Dec. 12, 2022 Air Force conducts first ARRW operational prototype missile test A B-52H Stratofortress successfully released the first All-Up-Round AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon off the Southern California coast, Dec. 9.
Dec. 11, 2022 SAs share forensic science expertise with Georgian MP Forensic Science consultants at the 4th Field Investigations Squadron in Vogelweh Cantonment, Germany, recently participated in a crime scene exchange with the Georgian Military Police.
Dec. 7, 2022 DAF announces 2022 Air Force Design Award winners The Air Force Civil Engineer Center recently announced the winners of the 2022 Air Force Design Awards, recognizing four facilities that demonstrate excellence in design, sustainability and energy efficiency.
Dec. 7, 2022 Department of the Air Force releases 22E9, 22S9, 23S8 promotion cycle statistics Air Force officials have selected 514 senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant, out of 2,526 eligible, for a selection rate of 20.34 percent in the 22E9 promotion cycle, which includes supplemental promotion opportunities.
Dec. 6, 2022 Aerodynamic technologies for mobility aircraft promise high return on investment As part of its effort to increase readiness and capability, the Air Force is working to introduce aerodynamic technologies on mobility aircraft to improve airflow, reduce maintenance issues, increase payload capability, and decrease fuel demand.
Dec. 5, 2022 AFCENT’s innovation Task Force 99 establishes ops, HQ Less than two months following the establishment of Task Force 99, Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, visited the team at their new location for a peek behind the curtain of the command’s innovation powerhouse Dec. 1.
Dec. 4, 2022 AFGSC takes next steps in making Air Force’s first hypersonic weapon Barksdale AFB personnel have successfully taken the first steps toward implementing the Air Force’s first air-launched hypersonic weapon. The Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon, or ARRW, is scheduled to be operational as early as fall 2023.
Dec. 3, 2022 New 'Spirit Realm’ B-2 Spirit software factory keeps fleet operational — enabling combat relevancy for years to come A new software factory using the Department of Defense reference design has pushed the aircraft’s evolution further forward.
Dec. 2, 2022 B-21 Raider makes public debut; will become backbone of Air Force’s bomber fleet The U.S. Air Force unveiled its newest bomber aircraft, the B-21 Raider, designed to operate in tomorrow's high-end threat environment.
Dec. 2, 2022 Around the Air Force: Pegasus Endurance, Global Dexterity, Free Maternity Uniform Update In this week’s look around the Air Force, a New Hampshire ANG crew sets a new AMC flight endurance record for the KC-46A, U.S. Airmen join with their Australian counterparts for exercise Global Dexterity, and updates to the Maternity Uniform Pilot Program.
Nov. 30, 2022 Department of the Air Force announces Spark Tank 2023 semifinalists The sixth annual Spark Tank 2023 was recently held and the top 15 ideas were selected to advance to the semifinals.
Nov. 26, 2022 AFRL enhances Computed Tomography Lab with state-of-the-art infrastructure, imaging capabilities The Air Force Research Laboratory hosted an official tour of its recently renovated Computed Tomography Laboratory Nov. 9.
Nov. 25, 2022 Air, Space Forces transition to AFWERX 3.0 AFWERX will release a series of new initiatives in support of its 3.0 evolution. Air and Space Force leaders will detail new opportunities for stakeholder engagement during a live broadcast Dec. 14.
Nov. 21, 2022 DAF updates program to issue pregnant members free maternity uniforms The DAF issued updates to the Maternity Uniform Pilot Program.
Nov. 20, 2022 AFCENT's 609th AOC shifts to user-focused software suite Adopting the software, known as the Kessel Run All Domain Operating System, or KRADOS, marked the first time in history that air tasking and airspace control orders were operationally built and flown in that CAOC without TBMCS and the master air attack planning toolkit.
Nov. 19, 2022 Airmen innovate, ensure HH-60W’s first deployment A team of 41st Rescue Squadron and Rescue Generation Squadron Airmen overcame a shortfall with an innovative solution, ensuring the HH-60W Jolly Green II aircraft's first deployment.
Nov. 18, 2022 DAF completes 5th annual financial statement audit, continues march toward auditability The audit increases effectiveness and efficiency, enhancing the ability to ensure Airmen and Guardians have the resources they need, when they need them, to accomplish their missions and return home safely.
Nov. 16, 2022 Forging the next generation: BMT leads the way Following a 16-year run, Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training, or BEAST, has come to an end and is being replaced with training exercise PACER FORGE, as part of Air Force basic military training.
Nov. 13, 2022 X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle concludes 6th successful mission The U.S. Space Force’s unmanned, reusable spaceplane, X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle-6, successfully deorbited and landed after completing a 908-day mission.
Nov. 12, 2022 Missile wings conduct remote code change with ICU II The 90th, 91st and 341st Missile Wings have begun the process of converting their missile alert and launch facilities to ICU II, a system that allows for a remote code change – and will save the Air Force millions of dollars in resources and labor hours.
Nov. 9, 2022 DAF already taking steps to meet Climate Action Plan goals DAF installations are implementing innovative solutions and pilot programs to meet the goals outlined in the Climate Action Plan, bolstering mission readiness through installation energy resilience.
Nov. 5, 2022 US, international forces operate as a combined force in exercise Virtual Flag: Coalition The exercise integrated the full spectrum of air, land, surface, space, and cyber warfighters in a virtual battlespace in joint and coalition environments.
Nov. 5, 2022 Project Arc team works to make technical Airmen more operationally relevant Project Arc, one of the latest groups aiming to empower Airmen, is working to make technical Airmen more operationally relevant across the Air Force.
Nov. 3, 2022 AFSOC receives final AC-130J Air Force Special Operations command received its final AC-130J Ghostrider, which completes the command's transition from its legacy AC-130 variants.
Nov. 2, 2022 Healy talks resilience, readiness at Airlift/Tanker Association symposium The chief of the Air Force Reserve and commander of Air Force Reserve Command spoke about the Reserve’s role in the airlift and tanker world at the Airlift/Tanker Association’s annual convention.
Nov. 1, 2022 SecDef's oldest outreach program visits Nevada's premier USAF bases The Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, the Defense Department's oldest public liaison program, held its 93rd iteration recently at both Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases.
Oct. 31, 2022 DAF-MIT AI Accelerator tackles challenge of cultivating, growing world-class AI workforce This month, the Department of the Air Force-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Artificial Intelligence Accelerator commenced their Lead AI pilot.
Oct. 31, 2022 Arkansas Air Guardsmen provide medical care in Guatemala Arkansas ANG members helped provide medical care in Guatemala during the Continuing Promise 2022 mission.
Oct. 30, 2022 Airman to Ironman: General practices what he preaches when it comes to fitness Maj. Gen. David Smith, director of Air Force Reserve Plans, Programs and Requirements, participated in the Ironman World Championship race in Kona, Hawaii, earlier this month.
Oct. 29, 2022 Winter Olympics application window is open Guardian and Airmen athletes wanting to represent the Department of the Air Force in the next Winter Olympics have until Nov. 7 to apply for the DAF World Class Athlete Program.
Oct. 28, 2022 SecAF visits Barksdale AFB, discusses operational imperatives Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall visited Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Oct. 27 to meet with Air Force Global Strike Command leaders and visit with 2nd Bomb Wing Airmen.
Oct. 24, 2022 AMC leaders to present 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 12 Bronze Star Medals, Gallant Unit Citation for Operation Allies Refuge AMC announced commanders will present awards and citations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal and Gallant Unit Citation to mobility Airmen who supported Operation Allies Refuge.
Oct. 20, 2022 B-21 bomber to be unveiled Dec. 2 The Air Force confirmed Oct. 20 it plans to reveal the B-21 Raider Dec. 2 during an unveiling ceremony hosted and sponsored by the Northrop Grumman Corporation at its production facilities in Palmdale, California.
Oct. 18, 2022 New Air Force combat dive badges approved New Air Force combat dive badges and the associated wear criteria for Airmen who have been wearing the Navy scuba badge, have been established.
Oct. 17, 2022 DAF releases annual acquisition report The Department of the Air Force released its Fiscal Year 2021 Acquisition Report, which offers transparency between the Department and taxpayers by showing how the Department balances program cost, schedule, and performance to meet warfighter needs and optimize taxpayers’ dollars.
Oct. 15, 2022 Pennsylvania Guardsman leads project providing new housing for homeless Cherokee vets A Pennsylvania Air National Guardsman with the 171st Air Refueling Wing led the construction of seven homes for tribal members of Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, who are currently experiencing homelessness.
Oct. 14, 2022 Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s travel to Peru U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. traveled to Peru Oct. 11-12 to deepen close and enduring cooperation between the U.S. and Peruvian Air Forces.
Oct. 13, 2022 Annual DoD Housing Survey for privatized housing tenants begins Oct. 17 The Department of the Air Force requests tenants of privatized housing and government-owned family housing to provide their feedback of the program via the annual DoD Tenant Satisfaction Survey beginning Oct. 17.
Oct. 12, 2022 CSAF visits Sheppard AFB Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., and his wife, Sharene Brown, visited Sheppard Air Force Base Oct. 6, to meet with Airmen and see how the base’s two wings are accelerating change in technical and flying training.
Oct. 12, 2022 Department of the Air Force wins 3 federal energy, water management awards The Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program recognized three Department of the Air Force teams and multiple individuals with 2022 Federal Energy and Water Management Awards.
Oct. 12, 2022 New reporting options for sexual harassment victims Uniformed Airmen and Guardians who experience sexual harassment now have the option to file a restricted or unrestricted report with the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) office to access advocacy services and supportive referrals.
Oct. 12, 2022 Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s travel to Colombia Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. traveled to Colombia Oct. 10-11 to further strengthen the longstanding and vital U.S.-Colombia defense relationship.
Oct. 4, 2022 36th EWS conceptualize Reclamation of Electronic Attack Pods program The 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron used their skills and ingenuity to conceptualize the Reclamation of Electronic Attack Pods program for ALQ-184 and ALQ-131 Electronic Attack Pods.
Oct. 3, 2022 Air Force introduces new, foundational Ready Airman Training program Ready Airman Training will prepare Airmen to develop and demonstrate the mindset required to support the Air Force Force Generation, or AFFORGEN, deployment model.
Oct. 3, 2022 Defending the human weapon system with off-duty risk management Learn to protect the human weapon system off-duty through proper risk management.
Oct. 2, 2022 AFTC kicks off new digital engineering efforts The office will focus on creating a digital governance structure and facilitate on-going and new digital acquisition transformation activities across the enterprise.
Oct. 1, 2022 349th AMW delivers ‘heaven sent’ aid for Haitian children A 349th Air Mobility Wing aircrew from Travis Air Force Base opened the tail of their C-17 Globemaster III Sept. 24 in Port Au Prince, Haiti, and delivered three yellow school buses.
Sept. 30, 2022 DAF adds additional financial incentives to recruit Child and Youth Program employees Effective Oct. 1, DAF Child Development Program direct-care employees will receive a 100% childcare fee waiver for their first child enrolled in installation Child Development Programs.
Sept. 30, 2022 CCAF data migration leads to limited services for next several months The Community College of the Air Force will have limited services available to current and former students for the next several months as Air University migrates the college’s student academic records to a new enterprise-wide student information system.
Sept. 28, 2022 Operational Test Airman builds radar range, sets standard for Air Force innovation An Operational Test imagery analyst at the 410th Test and Evaluation Squadron built an entire range of radar targets used to test the accuracy of U-2 and RQ-4 Global Hawk sensors.
Sept. 27, 2022 Air Force, Army air defenders demonstrate enhanced air, missile defense system Air Forces Northern teamed up with the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile Center to conduct a Deployable Integrated Air Defense System Technology Demonstration.
Sept. 26, 2022 US, Timor-Leste partnership strengthened through Pacific Angel 22-4 The operation focused on capacity building through health services outreach, engineering civic action program construction projects and subject matter expert exchanges.
Sept. 26, 2022 ‘Accelerate Change or Lose’: Robins AFB members modernize aircraft GPS The Resilient Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System program, or R-EGI for short, is one of the AFLCMC’s solutions to building resiliency into aircraft navigation systems.
Sept. 25, 2022 NextGen 2.0 helmets on the way to security forces across DAF The Air Force Security Forces Center is rolling out the NextGen 2.0 helmet later this year with several improvements.
Sept. 22, 2022 Austin pledges to 'ease the load' for service members In a memo titled "Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families," Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III outlined efforts to address the needs of married service members and their families, as well as single service members.
Sept. 22, 2022 Air Force announces hypersonic missile contract award The Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile is an air-launched, scramjet-powered hypersonic weapon designed to hold high-value targets at risk in contested environments from standoff distances.
Sept. 22, 2022 AF hosts International Air Chiefs Conference The gathering exemplified the Air Force’s ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with allies and partners through meaningful conversation and information exchange.
Sept. 21, 2022 Communities in the Fight panel underscores importance of collaboration The Air and Space Forces Association hosted a “Communities in the Fight” panel discussion at the AFA’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference at National Harbor Sept. 20.
Sept. 21, 2022 Air Force recruiters using new tools, new thinking to meet targets in difficult environment As the head of recruiting for the Air and Space Forces, Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas is in a job that requires him to be pragmatic and creative and occasionally willing to test boundaries in the quest to meet never slacking personnel demands of the two services.
Sept. 19, 2022 DAF announces new integrating program executive officer, ABMS execution construct The Department of the Air Force is establishing a new integrating program executive officer for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management, which will have the authorities required to ensure integration of all C3BM related programs throughout the DAF.
Sept. 18, 2022 Hurlburt Field wing takes ACE C2 to next level for lead wings The 705th Training Squadron executed Air Combat Command’s first Lead Wing Command and Control Course at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Aug. 23-26
Sept. 17, 2022 F-15C Eagle fleet prepares to stand down after 50 years of vigilance For 24 years, the F-15 Eagle has roared over the city of Klamath Falls, Ore., flying countless training missions and supplying air superiority pilots to the U.S. Air Force.
Sept. 16, 2022 Around the Air Force: AGR Changes, Officer Exchange, CENTCOM Bomber Task Force In this week’s look Around the Air Force, changes are coming to the Active Guard and Reserve program starting Oct. 1, an officer exchange with Australia helps the U.S. Air Force get ready for new aircraft, and AFGSC takes part in a BTF mission over the Middle East.
Sept. 15, 2022 South Carolina Air National Guard wraps up exercise Relampago VII The exercise focused on training techniques, tactics and procedures, and strengthening interoperability between the U.S. and Colombian air forces as allies under NATO standards.
Sept. 14, 2022 Aviano AB strengthens community relationships through English Teaching Program This summer, volunteers taught English to Italian children in local middle and high schools, as well as two summer camps.
Sept. 12, 2022 Pitch Black 2022 concludes international interoperability exercise Approximately 110 U.S. Airmen from PACAF participated in Exercise Pitch Black 2022, the Royal Australian Air Force Chief of Air Force’s biennial capstone international engagement activity with forces drawn from a wide range of regional, coalition and allied nations.
Sept. 12, 2022 Virtual event kicks off Digital Agents of Change campaign The Department of the Air Force Digital Transformation Office has launched a new initiative to recognize individuals across the enterprise who are driving change in the digital domain.
Sept. 11, 2022 Airmen train, deliver humanitarian aid to Honduras Airmen with the 22nd Airlift Squadron and 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron delivered 90,000 pounds of aid to Honduras during a combined Major Command Service Tail Trainer Denton cargo mission.
Sept. 10, 2022 Air Force creates Special Warfare programs for ROTC, USAFA cadets Air Force Special Warfare created a formalized special warfare cadet program to help Air Force ROTC and U.S. Air Force Academy cadets prepare to be special tactics, combat rescue, or tactical air control party officers.
Sept. 7, 2022 Air, Space Force installations seek mediators to help with conflict resolution The Department of the Air Force is seeking mediators for conflict resolution as an alternative solution to litigation for workplace conflicts.
Sept. 7, 2022 DAF counters insider threat risks Insider threat awareness keeps everyone affiliated with DoD to do their part in keeping installations, information, resources and personnel safe.
Sept. 7, 2022 AGR program changes on the horizon Air Force Reserve Command is instituting changes to the Active Guard and Reserve program effective Oct. 1.
Sept. 7, 2022 52nd FW first in AF to upgrade F-16s with AESA radar systems The AESA upgrade provides F-16s enhancement in combat capabilities, improving pilot effectiveness, air defenses and overall aircraft survivability when faced by enemy forces.
Sept. 3, 2022 Joint Battle Labs assess DARPA program, reduce joint-fires execution time In partnership with the Army and Air Force, ASTARTE is a DARPA-sponsored program designed to enable efficient and effective airspace operations and deconfliction in a highly congested battlespace.
Sept. 1, 2022 Global College of PME now taking new officer distance learning enrollments The distance learning programs have been closed for enrollments and graduations in support of the Air University-wide transition to the new Learner Environment Design-Student Information System.