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  • Tuskegee Airman sees success as first AF four-star general

    One of the original Tuskegee Airmen went on to become the first African-American to attain the rank of four-star general in the U.S. Air Force.Born in Pensacola, Fla., in 1920, the youngest of 17 children in a relatively poor family, Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. had a career that spanned three

  • Cope North kicks off at Andersen AB

    More than 1,000 military members from units spanning the Pacific are ready to kick off exercise Cope North 2012, which runs from Feb. 11 through 24. The trilateral, multinational exercise is designed to enhance air operations between the U.S. Air Force, the Japan Air Self Defense Force and the Royal

  • End of an era for Edwards test flight civilian

    Bearing witness to over a half century of aerospace engineering and innovation is a testament to one's interest in flight test history. However, to actually participate in over 50 years of it is a testament to one's dedication and excellence in the field.After 55 years of work for the Air Force

  • Air Force announces first female four-star general nominee

    President Barack Obama nominated Air Force Lt. Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger for promotion Feb. 6, which, pending Senate approval, would make her the first female four-star general in Air Force history.Wolfenbarger currently serves as the military deputy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air

  • 480th Intel Group wins Air Force language award

    The Air Force Senior Language Authority recently announced the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group at Fort Gordon, Georgia as the Command Language Program of the Year awards recipient for 2011. "This group of Airmen has demonstrated excellence and discipline as language

  • Airmen ensure interoperability with partner nation

    Two Airmen from the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, out of Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, are currently deployed here in support of a month-long Building Partner Capacity mission.Tech. Sgt. Ruben Sigala and Staff Sgt. Heric Llerena, both instructors at the IAAFA, joined forces with Airmen from

  • OSI investigation leads to conviction in contract fraud case

    A recent investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations resulted in a guilty plea by a man suspected of contract fraud.Charles R. Priestley, 48, was sentenced for making a false, fictitious and fraudulent claim to the United States Air Force. The United States District Court in East

  • Joint partnership brings equipment home

    Twenty-six Airmen from the 435th Contingency Response Group traveled to Romania in partnership with the 21st Theater Sustainment Command to re-deploy the 170 th Brigade Combat team's equipment from Afghanistan to their home unit in Baumholder, Germany.The operation took less than a month with the

  • Stripes to bars: Tips on how to get commissioned

    Airmen looking to trade in their stripes for a set of bars can take advantage of five different commissioning programs offered by the Air Force. According to Melanie Mendez, 31st Force Support Squadron education and training specialist, enlisted Airmen have an advantage when applying for

  • Tuskegee Airman a success in both military and business

    A former Tuskegee Airman went on to have a career in the Air Force, as well as success in the business world.Lee A. Archer joined the Army in 1941 with high hopes of becoming a pilot, but was initially denied because of his race. When the Army's policy changed about a year later, Archer was accepted

  • Jet engine mechanic wins language award

    Since 2002, the Air Force has awarded outstanding Airmen who possess superior foreign language skills and leveraged their capabilities to increase the Air Forces's mission effectiveness. Senior Airman Michael Abrash was recently selected as the Air Force Language Professional of the Year for

  • New fuels course graduates first class

    A new fuels training course developed by 364th Training Squadron members here officially started Jan. 23 and graduated its first students Feb. 3.The Fuels Operational Readiness Capability Equipment Course is designed to teach fuels specialists about new equipment currently being in deployed

  • CMSAF stresses Airman resilience

    A soft light from Senior Airman Sarah Mattausch's mobile phone glowed in the darkness of her room before dawn on a Saturday, waking her up much earlier than expected. As she read the incoming text, Mattausch realized that her friend, her wingman, was in trouble. Mattausch's actions over the next few

  • Tuskegee Airman goes on to become first Air Force African-American general

    A man who was shunned because of his race during his four years at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., back in the early 1930s would go on to become the first African-American general in the U.S. Air Force.Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. was born in 1912 to Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., an Army officer

  • Guardsmen save man 200 miles off coast of California

    Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing here performed a rescue mission 200 miles off the coast of California on Feb. 4.Responding to a call from the Eleventh District Coast Guard at Alameda, Calif., pararescuemen, two HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and one MC-130P Combat Shadow

  • Air Force recognizes top EOD flight

    The 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight here was named as the best in the Air Force recently.For its outstanding 2011 accomplishments, the flight was recognized with the Senior Master Sgt. Gerald J. Stryzak Award as part of the overall 2011 Air Force Civil Engineer and

  • Air Force announces force structure overview for FY 13 and beyond

    Air Force officials announced proposed force structure changes which support the new DoD strategic guidance retiring 286 aircraft over the next five years, including 227 in fiscal year 13.According to Secretary of the Air Force, Michael Donley, the Air Force is shaping itself for future challenges

  • Voting tool gets thumbs up from DOD

    As this presidential election year unfolds, America's voting process will get plenty of attention.Thanks to two members of the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency headquarters, sorting through the how-tos of exercising this American right is at the fingertips of everyone

  • AF offers WAPS testing materials online

    The Air Force now offers Career Development Course volumes online for use as promotion study material. The volumes offered online are those identified in the Enlisted Promotions References and Requirements Catalog as study references for Weighted Airman Promotion System testing.The online library

  • Night vision course helps train trainers

    Night-vision goggles are an important tool for pilots and ground forces in low-light environments, so it's vital they learn how to properly use them.A course at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph provides advanced instruction to Airmen already familiar with NVGs so they can go back to their units and

  • First African-American pilot a war hero during WWI

    After watching his father narrowly escape a lynching in early 20th century Georgia, Eugene Bullard would escape the confines of racial tensions and a segregated country to become the first African-American combat pilot and one of the first African-American heroes of World War I.Bullard, who grew up

  • AF basic training a family affair

    Like most any parent attending Friday's Air Force basic training graduation here, Lori Huayacla had to navigate through the crowd in search of her son.But there was a difference for the 37-year-old mother of four from Portland, Ore., Huayacla was beginning a journey her eldest son, 19-year-old

  • Review Boards Agency director retires after 58 years of federal service

    The longest-serving director of the Air Force Review Boards Agency retired Jan. 31, after serving more than 31 years in that position and more than 58 years total in federal service.Joe Lineberger, a senior executive service civilian, was retired during a ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md.,

  • Airmen win honors at worldwide talent search

    Air Force entertainment officials selected the top 12 entertainers from 90 Airmen who participated in the annual Air Force Worldwide Talent Search here Jan. 9-16.Besides being the best of the best in their respective categories, the competition allows Airmen to compete for spots on the Tops in Blue

  • Bessie Coleman: Woman who 'dared to dream' made aviation history

    A young woman from rural east Texas, who grew up in a hardscrabble existence as one of 13 children born to poor sharecropper parents, became an unlikely choice to pave the way for future African-American accomplishments in aviation and the U.S. Air Force.Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman would go on to be

  • Program connects officer with family heritage

    (This story is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)People in the military understand that being able to relate across cultures is a very important skill. That ability has a more personal

  • Medical officer sees other side of care after injury

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)In Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, where East meets West in a struggle to defeat the Taliban, lies an air base that's home to 30,000

  • Bagram Airmen work to deliver link to home

    The men and women of the 455th Expeditionary Communication Squadron Knowledge Operations Management Office dedicate themselves, day in and day out, to provide a valuable service to 455th Air Expeditionary Wing personnel and its Air Force tenant units...mail call. Although it is not within their

  • Airman making difference in Office of First Lady

    The former commander of the 4th Airlift Squadron at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., is one of four service members to have been accepted into the 15-member 2011-2012 class of White House Fellows.Lt. Col. Rodney Lewis, a C-17A Globemaster III pilot, began his fellowship in August 2011 when he was

  • ESC working to upgrade the 'heart' of control, reporting center

    The Electronic Systems Center is working to modernize the U.S. Air Force Control and Reporting Center and has recently put out a request for information to upgrade the CRC Operations Module. The CRC is a mobile command, control and communications radar element which provides a comprehensive air

  • Safety officers offer cold-weather tips

    Despite an unseasonably mild winter for much of the U.S., military safety officials offer a reminder that Old Man Winter still has two months to go as they underscore the importance of winter safety for service members and their families."The month of February often packs a big winter punch, and

  • 512th Airman, Family Readiness best in DOD

    Department of Defense Officials announced Jan. 11 that the 512th Airman and Family Readiness is the recipient of the 2011 Reserve Family Readiness Award.The DOD award recognizes one unit from each of the seven Reserve components that maintain the best family support program."Family readiness is

  • AF names support, training, recruiting, maintenance commanders

    More than 580 officers from various Air Force career fields have been selected for mission support, training and recruiting, and deputy maintenance group command, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Using squadron commander candidate lists released in November, wing hiring officials,

  • AF officials announce Lance P. Sijan Award winners

    Air Force officials recently announced the winners of the 2011 Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award.The Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award recognizes Airmen who have demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities.The senior officer category winner is Maj. Laura Dejong, who is assigned to

  • Barksdale AFB mourns fallen EOD hero

    Airmen and families here gathered to mourn the loss of a 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance technician Jan. 20.Senior Airman Bryan Bell, 23, was killed in action Jan. 5 by an improvised explosive device while performing his duties for Delta Company, 466th Explosive Ordnance Disposal

  • AF names mission support squadron commanders

    More than 580 officers from various Air Force career fields have been selected for mission support, training and recruiting, and deputy maintenance group command, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced. Using squadron commander candidate lists released in November, wing hiring officials,

  • Silver Star awarded to combat controller

    The commander of Air Force Special Operations Command presented the Silver Star medal to a combat controller and more than 30 other medals to special tactics Airmen during a ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Jan. 18.Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel presented Tech. Sgt. Clint Campbell the Silver Star for his

  • MQ-9 performs emergency landing

    Officials with the 49th Wing announced a remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper performed an emergency landing Jan. 23 at approximately 9:45 p.m. just south of the base.The aircraft is assigned to the 29th Attack Squadron, which is a remotely piloted aircraft flying training unit. The accident occurred at the

  • AF reservists support first rocket launch of year

    Air Force Reserve Combat-search-and-rescue Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., supported the successful launch of a Delta IV rocket carrying the fourth Wideband Global SATCOM satellite at 7:38 p.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 37 here Jan. 19.Maintenance Airmen readied

  • Newest band member leads Ceremonial Brass on first American concert tour

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)The newest member of the United States Air Force Band is leading the Ceremonial Brass as the conductor during their first American

  • Fitness NCO brings smiles to deployed Airmen

    This NCO is always there. If you're feeling down, she will comfort you. If you're eating by yourself, she will sit by you, and, if you're looking to improve your fitness, she'll whip your body into shape. She is ... the ultimate wingman.Meet Staff Sgt. Sokum Ouk, a 332nd Expeditionary Force Support

  • High-altitude fitness test rules reinstated

    Airmen undergoing their fitness tests at high-altitude bases can breathe easier during fitness testing thanks to the efforts of Air Force Academy leaders and the Human Performance Laboratory.Changes to the Air Force Fitness testing program in 2010 didn't include an altitude adjustment, as the

  • Brass quintet conducts clinic with Florida university students

    The U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass Quintet performed a clinic for 25 students from Palm Beach Atlantic University during a visit to the school Jan. 20 here.The clinic involved the members of the Brass Quintet playing five pieces for the students, answering questions, and then working with the

  • Tuskegee Airman laid to rest at Arlington

    Family members, friends and fellow service members gathered Jan. 20 here to honor the life and contributions of an original Tuskegee Airmen. Retired Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, 90, a member of the 302nd Fighter Squadron during World War II, received full military honors including an F-16 Fighting Falcon

  • SF Airman rises to physical training challenge

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Fitness is important to Senior Airman Steven Evans; not just because he is his unit's fitness program manager, but because he's seen

  • New AF camp renamed in honor of JTAC

    The 451st Air Expeditionary Wing's newly acquired Canada 9 compound will soon be renamed to honor a joint terminal attack controller who was posthumously awarded a Silver Star for his actions in January 2010.Recently approved by Kandahar Airfield officials, the compound was renamed Camp Bradley

  • Smaller carbon footprint means fewer risks, official says

    A hard push by the Defense Department and the military services to reduce dependence on fossil fuels will shrink risks on the battlefield along with the Pentagon's carbon footprint, a DOD official said yesterday.Oliver Fritz, the deputy director for policy in the Office of the Under Secretary of

  • OC-ALC receives DOD maintenance award

    The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center received the 2011 Robert T. Mason Depot Maintenance Excellence Award at a presentation ceremony here Jan. 11.John B. Johns, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for maintenance at the Department of Defense, presented the award, which was given for Tinker

  • AETC Airmen share lessons, vision at 2012 Symposium

    Thousands of Airmen from across Air Education and Training Command attended the 2012 AETC Symposium here Jan. 12-13 to learn about world-leading capabilities and technologies for educating, training, recruiting and innovating.More than 120 vendor booths, 70 seminars and panels, and a number of

  • Physical fitness motivates, bonds Afghan and American women

    Over the last few years, physical fitness has become a focal point for Airmen readiness across the U.S. Air Force. Here, at the Afghan air force compound, nine female AAF members and one American advisor are also making it a point of emphasis in their military training and daily lives.What began as

  • 48th FW Airman honored by German government

    During a Jan. 16 ceremony here, the 48th Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of vehicles was awared the highest tribute the Federal Republic of Germany can pay to individuals for services to the German nation.German Interior Minister Dr. Hans-Peter Friedrich presented the Order of Merit of the

  • Weapons system team earns William J. Perry Award

    Members of the Massive Ordnance Penetrator program team received the 16th annual William J. Perry Award in recognition of their contributions to precision strike systems during an awards ceremony hosted by the Precision Strike Association here Jan. 17.The program team, consisting of representatives

  • The heat is on ... Afghan style

    As alarms sound and flames roar from the burning building, they run in while others run out.For years and years, firemen have trained for the eventuality that one day, they may have to save an innocent victim from the intense heat of a raging inferno. In Afghanistan, military fire training is no

  • Supervisor resource center moves to AF Portal

    Information, education and training critical to civilian supervisors is available at such online resources as the Supervisory Resource Center, which has moved to the Air Force Portal, SRC developers announced today.Formerly located on the Air Force Knowledge Now platform as a community of practice

  • Civil engineers recognized at annual gala

    The Air Force's focus on engineering and environmental projects in 2011 will be highlighted during the 50th Annual Civil Engineer Awards dinner at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Officers' Club Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. Military member award category winners will be able to wear the Air Force recognition

  • State Partnership Program emphasizes building relationships

    A small, but innovative, program demonstrates the U.S. military's "very agile and flexible" capabilities in working with partners, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said recently.Meeting with reporters Jan. 5 after the announcement of President Barack Obama's new strategic guidance for

  • F-15E reaches flying-hour milestone

    In the early hours of the day, the aircraft parking ramp here was alive with activity. Checklists were run, hatches checked, bombs loaded and missions briefed, as the crew chiefs, support units, and flyers of F-15E Strike Eagle #89-0487 achieved a milestone 10,000 flying hours Jan. 13. F-15E Strike

  • Tuskegee Airman honored during Ceremonial Brass concert

    A member of the Tuskegee Airmen was honored during a concert by the United States Air Force Band's Ceremonial Brass Jan. 14 at The First Academy Faith Hall here.Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard R. Hall, Jr., a Winter Park native, was attending Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans

  • Andersen takes aim: '90 at 90'

    Maintaining peak combat readiness begins and ends with healthy, motivated and well-trained Airmen. To ensure no one is left behind, base leaders are seeking to implement a new program pushing service members to the pinnacle of physical fitness.The new initiative, called "90 at 90", was set in motion

  • New airframe adds strike capability to Afghan air force

    In the Afghanistan government's continued effort to independently battle counterinsurgency, a new tool will be added to their arsenal designed to allow versatility, reconnaissance and precision weapons placement to the growing Afghan air force.Announced Dec. 30, the U.S. Air Force has approved a

  • F.E. Warren mourns loss of Airman

    Members of F.E. Warren Air Force Base here were informed Jan. 5 that one of their own, an explosives ordnance disposal technician, was killed in action during his deployment to southern Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Force operations."We all mourn the loss of Tech. Sgt.

  • RAF Mildenhall, French air force continue relationships

    Airmen from the 100th Air Refueling Wing hosted 15 French air force personnel from Base Aérienne 125, Istres, France, here Jan. 4 and 5, to build and strengthen partnerships created during Operation Unified Protector.During OUP, BA 125 was home to the 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron,

  • New F-35B joint strike fighters arrive at Eglin

    A resolution to be even more expeditionary will be met this year, now that Marines here received their first two F-35B Lightning II variants of DoD's fifth generation fighter Jan. 11.At the 33rd Fighter Wing, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 is the home for the new aircraft where its

  • Man's best wingman

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Steven and his buddy Geri are American Airmen serving in Iraq. Both are alpha males, both are relentless and determined to win at all

  • 144 hours in Ethiopia: The Negele Borena Bridge

    (Editor's Note: This story is part of "Through Airmen's Eyes." These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.During a recent trip to Ethiopia, Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton experienced rural areas outside the country's capital as he travelled to Negele

  • The silence of nuclear deterrence is deafening

    (Editor's Note: This story is part of "Through Airmen's Eyes." These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)As I complete what I like to call my "first lap" around 20th Air Force, it amazes me to see our Airmen executing what some would call a less

  • Master sergeant continues wife's dream

    (This commentary is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)"She was my best friend for 27 years," said Master Sgt. Lee "Pepper" Spaulding, of the 24th Intelligence Squadron, 693rd

  • Seven Airmen, one mission, seven hours

    Seven Airmen from the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron here replaced a standard deicer truck's heater canister and supporting hardware in seven hours Dec. 27, 2011, -- a task that is nearly impossible according to the manufacturer.When the standard deicer truck was brought into the

  • War yields lessons in preventing, treating eye injuries

    Ten years of conflict has given rise not only to the world's best body armor and state-of-the-art battlefield technologies, but also a new understanding about ways to prevent eye injuries and treat those who suffer from them.When the war in Afghanistan kicked off in 2002, ballistic goggles were hard

  • 727th EACS takes control of new mission

    The 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron changed missions Dec. 30 as it supported the end of Operation New Dawn and began supporting the air defense of the Arabian Gulf.The timing of the transition allowed for a full-circle moment for members of the 727th EACS, who are deployed from the 606th

  • AFMC officials kick off Year of Continuing Education

    Building on its Year of the Community College of the Air Force campaign in 2011, Air Force Materiel Command officials announced a plan Jan. 1. for the Year of Continuing Education.Gen. Donald Hoffman, the AFMC commander, introduced the initiative to Airmen via email Jan. 6. In it, the general

  • Air Force maintenance icon dies

    Retired Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez died Dec. 30 in Albuquerque, N.M., at age 79.Throughout his 33-year career, Marquez is credited with revolutionizing the maintenance and logistics career field."In my many encounters with General Leo Marquez, he always lived up to his reputation as being one of those

  • SecDef calls deployed Air Force NCO to ring in new year

    The NCO picked up the phone in his office at Kabul International Airport and on the other end was the Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta who called Jan. 1, 2012, to wish him a happy New Year.Air Force Tech. Sgt. Charles Heathman, a rotary wing maintenance adviser with the 438th Air Expeditionary

  • Airmen recognized for gallant efforts during bus crash

    Five Airmen from the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron here were recognized Jan. 3, 2012 for their gallant efforts in response to a vehicle accident that occurred on base.Tech. Sgt. Justin Pederson, Senior Airman Robert Farmer, Senior Airman Richard Turner, Airman 1st Class Tylor King and Airman 1st

  • Bulgarian doctors observe aeromedical evacuation at Ramstein AB

    Four doctors from the Bulgarian Military Medical Academy visited here for a week-long aeromedical evacuation orientation. The familiarization event took the doctors on a tour of the 86th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility where the primary function is safe transport and staging of patients

  • American300 Warrior Tour brings 'never quit' message to 24th Air Force, JBSA

    No one complained about the rain during 24th Air Force's war fit physical training here Dec. 19. Complaining was not an option when two amputees from American300 Warrior Tours led the way.Chad Crittenden, a CBS' Survivor contestant, and Mike Schultz, an ESPN's X Games adaptive gold medalist, didn't

  • CSAF thanks Wolf Pack for commitment to service during holidays

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz visited the Wolf Pack here Dec. 23-26 to meet with wing leaders, Airmen and Soldiers during the holiday season.The general's base visit came after a stop in Seoul, where he met with senior Republic of Korea and U.S. military leaders."The American

  • SecAF: International security is a team sport

    The Secretary of the Air Force stressed the importance of joint warfighting and building partnerships during his visit to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Dec. 22-23.Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors briefed Michael Donley, the 22nd SecAF, about current and future operations as he toured the wing and

  • SecAF thanks Airmen during Lajes visit

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited Lajes Field Airmen Dec. 18-19 to thank them for their service and countless sacrifices this holiday season. "During the holidays, please know that all Americans are keeping you and your families in their thoughts and prayers," Secretary Donley said.

  • Air expeditionary units inactivate after last Airmen leave Iraq

    Four air expeditionary units that were the air and space components to U.S. Forces-Iraq inactivated during a flag-casing ceremony Dec. 18 here. The 467th Air Expeditionary Group, 368th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group, 321st Air Expeditionary Wing and 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task

  • Communications failures contributed to border incident

    United States forces acted in self-defense and responded with appropriate force after being fired upon during a Nov. 25-26 incident on Afghanistan's border with Pakistan, according to findings from a Defense Department investigation that was released Dec. 22.Twenty-four Pakistani soldiers were

  • SecAF visits Incirlik Air Base

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited with Airmen during a visit to Turkey Dec. 19-21 here.Donley toured multiple units throughout the base, to include the medical group, logistics readiness squadron, operations squadron, and the Incirlik Unit School. The secretary also dined with

  • Air Force officials release high year tenure details

    Air Force officials announced Dec. 19, high year of tenure limit changes for the grades of senior airman, staff sergeant and technical sergeant that go into effect in 2013. The changes are a part of additional force management programs that are ongoing to continue to size and shape the force to

  • New capability keeps deployers notified of changes

    Airmen getting ready to deploy have a new capability to help them prepare for their tasking. A recent change to the Air Force Reporting Instruction Tool now allows users to sign-up for instant email notifications when they occur.Prior to this change, members had to check the website often to ensure

  • Air Force prepares UDMs, IDOs for next deployment rotation

    Nearly 350 representatives responsible for preparing Airmen for deployments attended the latest Air and Space Expeditionary Force Execution Working Group in San Antonio on Dec. 7 and 8.The Air Force Personnel Center's AEF and Personnel Operations directorate facilitated the two-day working group

  • Air Guard unit provides testing ground for mask development

    Develop one aircrew mask that can be used on over 100 different air frames. That is the challenge for researchers assigned to the Joint Service Aircrew Mask-Fixed Wing Program.In early December, JSAM-FW researchers visited the 167th Airlift Wing, a West Virginia Air National Guard unit here, to

  • Academy superintendent invited to join Order of the Sword

    Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Mike Gould was invited by the Academy's enlisted corps to join the Order of the Sword during a ceremony here Dec. 13.Chief Master Sgt. Todd Salzman brought the Academy's enlisted Airmen together under the guise of an enlisted call; he filled everyone in on

  • Holloman scientist receives Harold Brown Award

    A chief scientist from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., received the 2011 Harold Brown Award on Dec. 12 for his role in significant advances in hypersonic missile research.Dr. Michael Hooser's work with the Holloman High Speed Test Track's artificial rain environment established benchmarks against

  • Air Force safety magazine gets new website

    Wingman, the Air Force's official quarterly safety magazine, has a new digital home. Readers can find the current and all future issues of Wingman at www.wingmanmagazine.af.mil. Due to a Department of Defense initiative for organizations to find greater efficiencies, Air Force Safety Center

  • Warrior Games competition plans return to Colorado Springs

    The annual Warrior Games, featuring wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans competing in several sporting events, will return here in 2012, U.S. Olympic Committee officials announced Dec. 6.The USOC-hosted games will take place April 30 to May 5. The Defense and Veterans Affairs

  • Thunderbirds release 2012 show schedule

    The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds announced their 2012 show schedule Dec. 7. The team is set to perform more than 60 demonstrations in 33 locations, including two shows in Canada.The team, officially known as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, will again kick-off their season by performing

  • USO honors service members' leadership

    Medal of Honor recipient Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer, a Navy SEAL killed in Afghanistan in August, a Soldier and an Air Force search-and-rescue team member who repeatedly exposed themselves to enemy fire to save their wounded comrades, and a Coast Guardsman who led maritime security operations in the

  • Afghan, US forces combine for flightline security patrol

    History was made Dec. 3 at Kandahar Airfield when Afghan air force security forces partnered with their U.S Air Force counterparts for a flightline security patrol for the first time.Master Sgt. Terry Gilbert, the senior enlisted security forces adviser, said the patrol went well."The patrol was

  • Air Force pararescue exercise receives national accreditation

    The Angel Thunder exercise received Joint National Training Capability accreditation and certifications Nov. 30.Angel Thunder is an Air Combat Command-sponsored personnel recovery exercise held annually at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Rescue units from all over the world send pararescueman

  • Air Force names prestigious Ph.D. program participants

    Two Air Force captains have been selected to participate in the Chief of Staff Prestigious Ph.D. Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced Nov 7.Captains Miriam Krieger, from the Air Combat Command, and Daniel Magruder, from Air Forces Central Command, will begin their program in the

  • Recovery care program assists wounded, ill or injured Airmen

    When an Airman becomes seriously wounded, ill or injured, the little things have a tendency to fall through the cracks as they focus on recovery and rehabilitation. These little things, like paying the bills for instance, have the potential to turn into major problems for Airmen and their families

  • Three Air Force members honored at annual disability awards ceremony

    Three Airmen were recognized Dec. 6 during the 31st Annual Department of Defense Disability Awards Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bethesda, Md.This annual event provides an overview of DOD disability policy and initiatives, recognizes DOD organizations for their efforts in the employment of

  • Premier air demonstration team seeks team members

    America's premier air demonstration team, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, is accepting applications for several positions, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today.The 138-member unit exhibits Air Force professionalism and skill in support of recruiting and retention programs to

  • CAP marks 70th anniversary, honors World War II members

    Civil Air Patrol members observed the 70th anniversary of its founding with a ceremony Dec. 1 at its national headquarters here. During the ceremony, which celebrated the past, present and future of the official civilian auxiliary of the Air Force, CAP leaders presented Exceptional Service Awards to