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

Free AFCLC 'Intro to Culture' online course offers CCAF credit, registering now

Officials at the Air Force Culture and Language Center, part of Air University's Spaatz Center at Maxwell Air Force Base Ala., are now taking applications for the fall session of its "Introduction to Culture" course. Enrollment began Sept. 6 and continues through Oct. 3. This general education

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

Student employee sets standard in workforce recruiting program

Enlisted village cares for AF widows, families

The ninth chief master sergeant of the Air Force, James Binnicker, spoke about the Air Force Enlisted Village during the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airman Conference here Aug. 12.The Air Force Enlisted Village was founded in 1967 after a survey conducted by AFSA

Air Force looks to put wings on enlisted retrainees

Enlisted Airmen have the opportunity to earn a pair of wings and go fly, fight and win America's wars.Air Force officials are looking for retrainees to become career enlisted aviators as flight engineers, aircraft loadmasters, flight attendants, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

ISR Agency GPC program tops in AF

A government purchase card is a valuable tool to an organization's operation. The effective management of the card's paperwork is the key to that value.The Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency GPC Program is thriving thanks to its ability to balance its books better than

EOD tech school puts 'battlefield' into PT

Physical fitness workouts for Air Force explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) candidates now have a battlefield twist at Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD), as the 366th Training Squadron Field Training Detachment 3 here has revamped their fitness program to turn Airmen into

Rescue squadron 'drops in' on children's hospital

The young boys and girls at the Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emmanuel were treated to a special surprise by pararescuemen from the 304th Rescue Squadron here Aug. 6.Arriving by air, via HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters from the 305th Rescue Squadron, and from the ground in Humvees, the Airmen

Forest Service requests more aircraft for firefighting operations

More forest fires in the western United States have prompted the U.S. Forest Service to call in two additional C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with the Mobile Airborne Fire Fighting System.Those aircraft, expected to be operating by tomorrow, will come from the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd

Program to improve IT core services achieves key milestone

An Air Force program that will save money, save energy and improve core information technology services, such as email, has recently met a significant milestone.Hardware to consolidate four regional data processing centers into one area processing center has been delivered, installed and tested at

Food service teams heat up the dining experience

Good food is big business and nobody knows that better than Bill Spencer, Air Force Personnel Center appropriated funds food operations section chief, who last year faced the daunting task of introducing epicurean variety to a culture rooted in traditional fare.According to Spencer, Air Force dining

Serving Together: Kadena teen represents Air Force Teen Council

(Editor's note: This article is part of the "Serving Together" series. Each article will highlight Air Force family members who are serving alongside their Airman, giving back to their community and the Air Force.)Leadership: It's a crucial characteristic for military commanders, company CEOs and

N.C. guardmen return to wildfire missions in Idaho

The North Carolina Air National Guard's 145th Airlift Wing will return to flying Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS)-equipped C-130s Aug. 14, six weeks after four of the unit's Airmen were killed in a C-130 crash during a fire fighting mission in South Dakota."Charlotte's MAFFS 8 will

North Carolina ANG, Botswana defense force find common ground

The C-130 Hercules is a versatile aircraft that serves several different roles depending on the need and location.In addition to missions like transport, airdrop, airlift support, resupply and natural disaster relief, the C-130 can also be configured for aeromedical evacuation missions.As part of

Welsh 'humbled' to serve as Air Force chief of staff

The Air Force chief of staff flag passed to the service's 20th chief in a ceremony here Aug. 10.Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, a 36-year Airman, stepped into the position, taking over for Gen. Norton Schwartz, who also retired from the Air Force during the ceremony."Mark is respected throughout the Air

Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman enlists father's help to improve KAF

(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.)Airmen from the 651st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron conducted a retreat ceremony at the contingency aeromedical staging facility here

Air Force names 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Air Force officials selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2012, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center considered 35 nominees who represented major commands; direct

CSAF, spouse recognized for distinguished service

During the final days of a 39-year career, the Air Force's top Airman stood beside his wife as they were both recognized for their distinguished service in a modest ceremony before close colleagues and family members here Aug. 9.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz received the

Through Airmen's Eyes: Ramstein Airman takes to the skies

(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.)Many children have dreamed of being a pilot -- spending hours imagining what it's like to be in the clouds and that first feeling of defying gravity

Pilot becomes Guard's first F-35 instructor pilot

An Airman became the Guard's first F-35 Lightning II instructor pilot recently at Eglin's multi-service, multi-national F-35 Integrated Training Center.Maj. Jay Spohn, assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing here as the assistant director of operations for the 58th Fighter Squadron and the chief of

AF seeks civilian award nominees

Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for the 2013 Air Force Association Outstanding Air Force Civilian Employees of the Year Award.Each year, the AFA recognizes Air Force civilian employees for outstanding achievement in four categories:- Civilian Wage Employee (all Federal Wage System

2nd Bomb Wing delegation visits Russia

A delegation of five people from the 2nd Bomb Wing visited Engels Air Base in Saratov, Russia, last month on a goodwill mission with a dual purpose. Team members evaluated the suitability of the airfield at Engels Air Base for B-52H operations. The outing also established initial relationships for a

EOD prelim helps tech school attrition rate

It's amazing what a difference a year can make in the technical training world.The 366th Training Squadron Field Training Detachment 3 here is reaping the benefits of better-prepared Airmen attending Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal, with the overall Air Force attrition rate down 16 percent

US, Botswana provide humanitarian civilian assistance in Malwelwe

Family and community members from the Malwelwe village gathered to receive medical treatment during a humanitarian civilian assistance event Aug. 7.The humanitarian civilian assistance event was conducted as part of the MEDLITE/SOUTHERN ACCORD 12 exercise, a key element in a broader series of

CMSAF Roy: 'Future is now'

During recent visits to Air Force bases across the nation, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy discussed issues ranging from AEF Next to resiliency to developing 21st century Airmen. Air Force leaders must ensure future enlisted leaders are skilled in things like leadership and

AF teens participate in Joint Services Teen Council

Air Force Teen Council representatives attended the first Joint Services Teen Council meeting July 13 to network and discuss common issues affecting military youth and teens worldwide here.From July 9-13, members of the Air Force Teen Council, Army Teen Panel and Navy Teen Council participated in

AF officials award food transformation contract

Air Force officials announced Aug. 7 the competitive award of a contract to conduct the second phase of food operations at seven Air Force installations as part of the Food Transformation Initiative.The new contractor, Sodexo, will begin FTI operations Oct. 1 at Beale Air Force Base, Calif.;

'Air Force 101' gives spouses toolbox for life in Air Force

Taking care of Air Force families has been a passion of Suzie Schwartz, wife of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, and Paula Roy, wife of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy. They have tackled issues that have ranged from spouse employment to issues affecting the families of

Service leaders weigh in on BRAC, renewable energy

Air Force, Army and Navy officials discussed renewable energy milestones, force structure changes, and the impact on military and surrounding communities affected by base realignment and closure here Aug. 6.Terry A. Yonkers, assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and

Airmen teach aeromedical evacuation principles during MEDLITE 12

Airmen from the Air National Guard along with members of the Botswana defense force (BDF) worked together to kick-start MEDLITE 12 here Aug. 6.MEDLITE 12 is a joint exercise between U.S. and Botswana aimed to establish and develop military interoperability, regional partnership and to synchronize

Air Force has role in Mars Rover success

As news broke of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) "Curiosity" rover's successful landing on the "Red Planet" Aug. 6, Arnold Engineering Development Complex's (AEDC) Hypervelocity Tunnel 9 Director Dan Marren was watching the live TV broadcast of the event."Last night, after eight months of

Reserve answers call for additional MAFFS aircraft in Boise

The U.S. Forest Service has modified its request for assistance for the MAFFS-equipped C-130s. The new request, received late yesterday, tasks an additional two C-130s using Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems, to assist with fires in the Rocky Mountain area.The two aircraft from the 302nd

Morale check: It's in the mail

On any given day in a small non-descript office on Camp Losano here, Airmen of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing peek their heads in and ask the question, "Is she here?"The "she" they are referring to goes by many names: "K-10," "Santa Clause," and "Mail Girl," to name a few. But Senior Airman

AF CSA travel card transitions to GTC

The terms and conditions for the Air Force's travel charge card are changing, but Airmen can hang on to their blue cards. From Aug. 7 through the end of September, the Air Force Banking Office will e-mail some 300,000 Airmen, informing them that their controlled spend account card will convert back

Leading by example: Academy cadets develop leadership skills at BMT

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets learned first-hand over the past seven weeks how military training instructors develop the Air Force's newest warrior Airmen in basic military training.The 27 cadets in the Summer Leadership Program developed leadership skills by shadowing MTIs in seven BMT squadrons at