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U.S. Air Force News

  • First AF amputee pilot nominated for DOD disability award

    A Laughlin Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training graduate was one of two Airmen nominated for the 2012 Department of Defense Employee/Service Member with a Disability Award.Capt. Ryan McGuire, with Air Mobility Command, lost his leg in a boating accident on Lake Amistad in 2009 while in pilot

  • F-35 celebrates 500th sortie as program grows

    The Air Force's premier fighter, the F-35 Lightning II, surpassed its 500th sortie only 16 days after reaching the 400 mark and only 238 days from the beginning of the program.Maj. Matthew Johnston of the 58th Fighter Squadron completed the 500th combined sortie for both the F-35A and F-35B at the

  • 454 selected for promotion to chief master sergeant

    More than 450 senior master sergeants have been selected for promotion to chief master sergeant, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. Those selected represent 22.9 percent of the 1,981 eligible for consideration, and when promoted will be among those who make up less than 1 percent of the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman puts crosshairs on life goal

    (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.)To the naked eye, she was totally invisible. Even in the middle of an open field, she blended in with the sparse grasses and bushes that made up her

  • Nuclear treaty monitoring aircraft visits Patrick AFB

    Special equipment operators from the Air Force Technical Applications Center's Detachment 1 visited Oct. 25 and invited base personnel to tour the detachment's flying workhorse, the WC-135 Constant Phoenix.The detachment, which is located at Offutt AFB, Neb., is responsible for operating and

  • Former AFMC commander named TD White Award winner

    A former vice chief of staff and commander of Air Force Materiel Command received the Air Force Academy's Thomas D. White National Defense Award in a ceremony here Oct. 25.Retired Gen. Lester Lyles received the award for his involvement with the president's Intelligence Advisory Board and the

  • AFRL played major role in historic near-space jump

    For more than nine minutes Oct. 14, an international audience watched as Austrian daredevil Felix Baumgartner egressed from a capsule 128,000 feet above the earth and fell toward the planet reaching speeds of 834 miles per hour, to become the first person to break the sound barrier outside of a

  • Religious respect conference attendees discuss Academy's progress

    Representatives from Air Force major commands, religious endorsing organizations, First Amendment watchdog groups and others gathered Oct. 30-31 at the Air Force Academy to review the religious climate here.Chief among the topics discussed was the religious respect training program, which was

  • Air Force conduct round the clock ops to deliver hurricane relief

    Airmen and transport aircraft from across the nation converged here Nov. 1 to begin part of the Air Force's movement of relief supplies and equipment to the beleaguered areas of New York and New Jersey in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.Crews from 12 active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force

  • AF names DOD disability award nominees

    Capt. Ryan P. McGuire, with the Air Mobility Command, and Christopher R. Randall, with the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, are the Air Force nominees for the 2012 Outstanding Department of Defense Employee/Service Member with a Disability Award, Air Force Personnel Center officials

  • AF officials delay MilPDS upgrade

    Air Force officials are delaying the upgrade of the Military Personnel Data System that was originally scheduled for December.Delaying the upgrade is necessary to ensure the new system is thoroughly tested by the Air Force Personnel Center and other Department of Defense and Air Force agencies that

  • CEMIRT brings reliable power to Ascension Island

    Reliable power is everything. Without it, an isolated location in the Atlantic like Ascension Auxiliary Airfield couldn't sustain its mission or provide adequate facilities for personnel. So when the power personnel at the airfield needed an immediate backup power solution for their overworked

  • Hungary-based Airmen write new chapter in mulitinational operations

    At this small, bare-bones, communist-era airfield located in the Hungarian countryside, midpoint between Budapest and Vienna, American Airmen are writing a dynamic new chapter in multinational cooperation and flight operations. Airmen assigned to the Heavy Airlift Wing at Papa Air Base,

  • Air Force awards $365 million Secondary Power Logistics Solution contract

    Officials from the U.S. Air Force and Honeywell International Inc. signed a new eight-year, $365 million extension to the Secondary Power Logistics Solution contract to provide logistics and depot support for F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft.This extension builds on Increment I of the SPLS contract,

  • 2012 Football Frenzy underway at AF clubs

    Four Airmen will be headed to the "Big Easy" this Veteran's Day thanks to the Air Force club system during this year's Football Frenzy contest. The package of airfare, rental car and hotel accommodations to see the New Orleans Saints host the Atlanta Falcons was the result of an Air Force club

  • Space ops unit takes over newest GPS satellite

    The 2nd Space Operations Squadron accepted satellite control authority of its third Global Positioning System Block IIF satellite during a ceremony here Oct. 26.Following its launch from Cape Canaveral, Fla., Oct. 4, acquirers from the Space and Missile Systems Center and operators from the 50th and

  • Sheppard Airmen spring into action; save woman from burning car

    The July 4th holiday had been fun for Senior Airman Gil Campos and Airmen 1st Class Juan Vanegas and Chris Leon. After spending the day in Dallas watching an FC Dallas professional soccer game, they had made the two-hour drive back to Wichita Falls and Sheppard Air Force Base, where the trio are

  • AF accepting distinguished civilian award nominations

    Air Force officials are accepting nominations for the 58th Annual Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award.This is the highest award presented to DOD career civilian employees whose careers reflect exceptional devotion to duty and significant contributions of broad scope to DOD

  • Vanguard nominees sought

    Air Force officials are seeking nominees for the 2013 Noncommissioned Officers Association Award.The award annually recognizes one enlisted member from each of the uniformed services for acts of heroism that result in saving someone's life or preventing serious injury. The act must have occurred

  • AF officials eliminate civilian skill code requirements

    Air Force officials have rescinded the manual used to define civilian position skill codes in one of several ongoing administrative actions geared toward transforming civilian hiring, determining employee training and development needs, and selecting employees for training under competitive

  • NORTHCOM supports hurricane response efforts

    U.S. Northern Command is poised to provide Defense Department support to Federal Emergency Management Agency, tribal, state and local response efforts due to Hurricane Sandy.Part of NORTHCOM's defense support of civil authorities mission directs the command to plan and anticipate actions that it may

  • U.K. F-35 fleet increases capability at Eglin AFB

    A second British F-35B Lightning II arrived here Oct. 19, joining the nine A variants of the joint strike fighter flown by the Air Force and the 11 B variants flown by the Marine Corps to become the largest fleet of F-35s in the world with 22 jets.The first class of United Kingdom Royal Air Force

  • Thule boilers save big in first year

    In 2011, five exhaust boilers were installed at Thule Air Base, Greenland, to decrease the amount of JP-8 fuel used for heating the base and ultimately, save money. Thule AB has five locomotive-style engines in its M-Plant that generate electricity for the base, said Randy Pieper, 21st Civil

  • Life Extension Programs modernize ICBMs

    Fifty years ago, officials deployed the first Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles to the missile fields in support of the strategic deterrence mission. Five decades later, these missiles are still in place, providing safe, secure and effective strategic nuclear deterrence.Since it

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman battles breast cancer

    (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.)"I was 21 years old and didn't think I was strong enough to beat two cancers -- I thought my life was over," said Senior Airman Latisha Chong.Chong, a

  • Online access simplifies dependent updates

    Family situations can be complicated, but updating family benefit information doesn't have to be, now that it can be done online.Dependent family members must be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, and in many instances must have a valid dependent identification card,

  • Air Force releases RFP for next search and rescue helicopter

    The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition announced today the posting of the Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) Request for Proposal (RFP) to the Federal Business Opportunities website, signaling the official launch of this high priority Air Force acquisition program. The

  • Keesler AFB wins AETC-level Installation Excellence Award

    One Air Education and Training Command installation won the highest command-level honor they can possibly receive -- two years in a row.AETC Commander Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr. announced the 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., as the AETC winner of the Commander-In-Chief's Annual

  • Bases 'REAP' awards for energy and water savings

    The Air Force Civil Engineer Center recognized three installations with Reduce Energy Appreciation Program  awards for renewable energy use and energy and water reduction. This year's winners are Charlotte Air National Guard Base, N.C.; Fairchild AFB, Wash.; and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson,

  • A history of 'there first' For AF special ops

    Although Air Force Special Operations Command was officially established in 1990, its history dates all the way back to World War II. From that time, Air Commandos have been heavily called upon for a wide assortment of missions - missions nobody else could do."Since 1975, at the end of the Vietnam

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman keeps mission on target

    (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.)It was a bright, sunny day recently as Senior Airman Kimara Duncan wheeled her toolbox out to the flightline here. The air was warm and filled with the

  • AF officials releasing enlisted quarterly assignment listing

    Air Force officials are releasing the enlisted quarterly assignment listing, or EQUAL, on Oct. 22 for the July to September 2013 overseas assignment cycle. Enlisted Airmen must update their assignment preferences by Nov. 1 and they will be notified of their assignment selections by Nov. 16."We are

  • Wounded warrior gets help with canine wingman

    An Air Force wounded warrior has a new wingman helping him cope with his physical and mental pain, thanks to the "Train A Dog - Save A Warrior" program.Staff Sgt. Andrew Goligowski struggles with post-traumatic stress and the pain caused by sarcoidosis, a disease with no cure that causes

  • F-35: Newest fighter much more than just 'stealthy plane'

    The engines roared overhead as an F-35A fell into formation. Although this is a basic maneuver for the test pilots, the possibilities for combat environments created by these elite aircraft working together are anything but mundane.The F-35, which features three variants to be used by the Air Force,

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Hero at 30,000 feet

    (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.)A sergeant  here became an unlikely hero Sept. 9 during a flight from Atlanta to San Antonio. Master Sgt. Shannon McBee, an Air Force Life Cycle

  • Building culture to sustain resilient Airmen

    Resilience: Merriam-Webster defines it as "an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change."Resiliency is a word used a lot throughout the Air Force, but not many take to heart; many see it, specifically Comprehensive Airmen Fitness, as just a program, but it's so much more."It's

  • Silver Star represents 44-year closure for KIA Airman's family

    "Promise me you're going to find out what happened to him."All Lillian Calfee wanted to know was the fate of her only son.On March 11, 1968, Lillian was told by her daughter-in-law, June Calfee, that her son, Master Sgt. James Calfee was missing in action. He was part of a secret mission in

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Living a dream, one note at a time

    (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.)Staff Sgt. Abigail Foster sings in her car. She also used to live in it. The NCO assigned to the 92nd Maintenance Squadron, began her music career

  • Sound barrier pioneer celebrates 65 years

    Retired Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager, the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound, celebrated the 65th anniversary of his ground breaking event with a re-enactment here Oct. 14.Yeager was serving as a test pilot and flying the experimental Bell X-1 named the, "Glamorous Glennis," Oct. 14,

  • Academy cadets to conduct 'Flightline of the Future' research

    The U.S. Air Force Academy's Dean of the Faculty Brig. Gen. Dana H. Born signed a cooperative research and development agreement with officials from Lockheed Martin recently for a "Flightline of the Future" initiative and three other research-related projects.The Flightline of the Future program, a

  • Intel experts converge for 2012 GEOINT Symposium

    In addition to the exhibitions, GEOINT, which is in its ninth year, hosted several keynote speakers, panel discussions and breakout sessions by government, military and private sector leaders.Lt. Gen. Larry D. James, the Air Force's deputy chief of ISR, was a featured speaker on the Services

  • Air Force leaders salute Navy on 237th birthday

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy salute the Navy on its 237th birthday Oct. 13. Donley wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Navy stating:"Congratulations as you celebrate the 237th birthday

  • AFSPC commander speaks at 11th Annual Air Force IT Day event

    Gen. William L. Shelton, commander of Air Force Space Command, was a featured speaker at the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Armed Forces Communication and Electronics Association's 11th Annual Air Force IT Day event at the Sheraton Premiere Hotel in Tysons Corner, Va., on Oct. 11.Shelton addressed

  • Airmen rally to help save lives

    Nearly 200 Airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., added their names to the C. W. Bill Young Marrow Donor Center database as willing bone marrow donors during a registration drive Sept. 27.Airmen and base community members teamed together to make the event, coordinated by Capt. Amber

  • AF nominates AFMC, AFSPC civilians for DOD award

    Two Air Force civilians have been nominated for the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award.Dr. Boris Tomasic, Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Materiel Command, and Angelica M. Collazo, 92nd Information Operations Squadron, Air Force Space Command, will represent the Air

  • Hundreds on October supplemental promotion list

    More than 500 Airmen were selected for promotion as part of the October enlisted supplemental promotion process, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today.To see the list, go to http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-121011-002.pdf.Airmen on the supplemental list tested outside

  • 'Vortex surfing' could be revolutionary

    Migrating birds, NASCAR drivers and Tour de France bicyclists already get it. And now the Air Force is thinking about flying gas-guzzling cargo aircraft in formation -- 'dragging' off one another -- on long-haul flights across the oceans.Flight tests with C-17s "vortex surfing" at Edwards Air Force

  • AFPC officials grant CMS access to additional PERSCO teams

    Air Force officials have given Personnel Support for Contingency Operations teams access to the Air Force Case Management System at more locations throughout U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces and Air Combat Command.The Air Force Personnel Center's Air and Space

  • Cape Cod wind turbines help Air Force top DOD energy goals

    Change is blowing into Cape Cod Air Force Station as the 6th Space Warning Squadron receives two new wind turbines here saving an estimated $1 million in annual energy costs. The new wind turbines are expected to cut the station's energy cost by 50 percent after the project's expected completion

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman continues softball dominance

    (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.)While many airmen who play the sport avidly hope to make the Air Force softball team once or twice in their careers, Master Sgt. Tony Patrick has donned

  • 'Silent Sentry' gives deployed Airmen upper hand in space superiority

    With the advancement of technology, satellite communication has been a key factor in maintaining space superiority throughout the entire area of responsibility.Airmen assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron operate the Rapid Attack Identification Detection Reporting System,

  • F-15 test force celebrates 10 years of Eagle improvements

    On Oct. 12, the F-15 Operational Flight Program Combined Test Force celebrates its 10-year anniversary.The members of the unit, many of whom were there at the inception, recalled the major accomplishments and changes they've seen after 10 years.The OTP CTF is a unit composed of active/reserve

  • TFSC-SA, myPers website unavailable during scheduled maintenance

    The Total Force Service Center-San Antonio, A1 Service Desk and myPers website will be unavailable from 6 p.m. Oct. 5 to 6 a.m. Oct. 8 CST for scheduled maintenance. AFPC's public website at http://www.afpc.af.mil will be online for general personnel news. The major personnel applications and

  • AEDC's newest national space testing asset on its way to mission readiness

    A project team at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex has successfully completed an initial site acceptance test campaign on Arnold Air Force Base's new, one-of-a-kind space asset testing facility.The Space Threat Assessment Testbed can simulate a realistic operational environment to space

  • Solve problems like an Air Force pilot

    The Air Force is known for their innovation in air, space and cyberspace. When an Air Force pilot has to make decisions, he relies on a specific decision-making process that helps win wars and save lives. If you want to problem-solve like an Air Force pilot, follow these steps:1. Clarify and

  • Air Force launches new GPS satellite

    The U.S. Air Force successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Delta IV-Medium rocket carrying the third Global Positioning System IIF satellite at 8 a.m. EDT today, Oct. 4, from Space Launch Complex 37 here. "The 45th Space Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center's GPS Directorate, Boeing and

  • Sister-service PME provides valuable joint tool

    As part of a career broadening opportunity, a new nomination and selection process to attend sister-service enlisted professional military education (EPME) courses has been established for senior non-commissioned officers."The significance rests with the transformation from a first-come,

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Building partnerships by building a school

    (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.)The driver pulled down a small side street busy with activity and I realized my finger was already set on the shutter release button of my camera. I was

  • Welsh honors two Airmen from AFMAO

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III recognized two team members from Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations during a recent speech at the annual Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C.Master Sgt. Antoinette Worthey and Senior Airman

  • Operation Deep Freeze main season begins

    The U.S. military recently kicked off the 2012-2013 season of Operation Deep Freeze, the Department of Defense's support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation. The operation began with C-17 Globemaster III operations Sept. 29 and will continue with LC-130 Hercules

  • National Disability Employment Month kicks off at Pentagon

    The Headquarters Air Force Disability Resource Group kicked off National Disability Employment Month with an information fair here Oct. 1 to educate Air Force members and managers about Disability Employment and Accommodations."The purpose of today's event is really to raise the profile here in the

  • Roth contributions open to all active-duty service members

    Beginning Oct. 1, active-duty members of the Army, Navy and Air Force will be able to contribute to the Roth Thrift Savings Plan as part of their investment planning, Defense Financing and Accounting Service officials said today.The after-tax contributions will be electronically deducted from

  • First shuttle trainer introduced by NASA astronauts

    NASA Astronauts Michael Good and Michael Foreman visited the National Museum of the Air Force during a private event to formally introduce the first shuttle Crew Compartment Trainer (CCT-1) to military and community officials and preview the next steps for the exhibit. The event marked the debut of

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Keesler medic wins research award

    (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.)Growing up in a small town outside Birmingham, Ala., a 1990 graduate from Hewitt-Trussville High School did not know that his life would be forever

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

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

  • Wolfenbarger: AFMC 5-Center reorganization on track

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

  • Crew chiefs shine under dangerous conditions

    Two Airmen from the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron were recently coined by wing leadership for their work in helping to prevent the spread of a potentially disastrous fire involving a B-52H Stratofortress. The situation all began during a routine B-52 landing procedure when crew chiefs Senior

  • Job reservation program continues through FY13

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

  • AF officials schedule downtime to upgrade myPers website

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

  • Keesler lab wins 3 Air Force-level awards

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

  • DOD implements new flight cancellation policy for travelers

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

  • Space shuttle arrives home for one last 'endeavor'

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

  • Maxwell Airman receives $10K through IDEA Program

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

  • Natick Center strives to improve combat ration quality, taste

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

  • AF officials to migrate civilian personnel records to OPM

    Officials at the Air Force Personnel Center project the migration of the Air Force version of each employee's electronic Official Personnel Folder to the Office of Personnel Management's government-wide eOPF version will take place in November.The eOPF is a digitized version of a hardcopy personnel

  • Basing of first U.S. Space Fence facility announced

    The Air Force will base a Space Fence radar site on Kwajalein Island in the Republic of the Marshall Islands with initial operations capability planned for fiscal 2017.The Fence will provide a critical Space Surveillance Network capability needed to give warfighters the ability to maintain a full

  • Airmen certified for F-35 engine runs

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

  • GARNET breaks mold on guard, reserve careers

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

  • OWLS inspires women to ignite power within

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

  • US, Nepal build relationships, improve lives

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

  • Retired, separated wounded warriors can still pursue CCAF degrees

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

  • Never forget: World War II Airman, POW shares story of resiliency

    Two flags wave in the wind of his front yard. The first is the U.S. flag, the symbol of his country. The second is the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag, the symbol of his sacrifice.His living room is decorated in combat medals, including the Purple Heart and Prisoner of War medal. They are

  • Comptroller: Sequestration Would Devastate Defense Spending

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

  • KC-46 enters critical design review phase

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

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

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

  • CMSAF: 'Be the best, know your Airmen, tell your story'

    Reflecting on more than 30 years of Air Force service, the chief master sergeant of the Air Force said the future lies with our Airmen. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy made the comments in a speech focusing on the "Enlisted Perspective" at the conclusion of the three-day Air Force

  • Carter urges stepped up progress on cyber defense

    Even as the Defense Department increases investments in cyber capabilities, officials are working to reduce vulnerabilities in their own networks and in those of contractors who build sensitive defense systems, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter said today.Speaking at the Air Force

  • Partnerships develop Air Force youth

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

  • 'Teammates wanted' to deliver future

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

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

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

  • U.S. citizens overseas urged to vote

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

  • Air Force officials describe ICBM way-ahead

    As intercontinental ballistic missiles gain prominence in the Air Force's nuclear enterprise, service officials related the importance of maintaining the system during the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 18.Panelists included Maj. Gen. William

  • Air Force officials outline cyber capabilities in today's fight

    The director of cyberspace operations for the Air Force discussed the service's cyber capabilities and their importance in the joint fight during the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 18.Maj. Gen. Earl D. Matthews explained the cyber mission's

  • 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

  • Multinational communication exercise evolves through years

    During the last 18 years Combined Endeavor has evolved from a workshop consisting of 10 nations working together to conduct point-to-point radio testing to more than 40 countries analyzing fully converged networks with command and control systems integration. "Every year we've come back together,

  • Welsh: 'The only way to move forward is together'

    The active-duty Air Force, its Reserve and the Air National Guard must work together to move forward, the chief of staff of the Air Force said here last week."I have trouble seeing lines between components of services, because I believe on the air side we have an Air Force -- it has three

  • ISR chief stresses importance of turning data into information

    How would you handle 1.8 petabytes of information? Imagine, your average laptop computer has one gigabyte of memory, so 1.8 petabytes would be like having 1.8 million laptops of memory begging for attention.That was just one example provided by Lt. Gen. Larry D. James, Deputy Chief of Staff for