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  • Airpower strikes insurgent stronghold in Iraq

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces air and space power supported coalition actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom with F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15E Strike Eagle and B-1 Lancer aircraft that dropped precision munitions Jan. 8 on a known insurgent stronghold south of Balad Ruz, Iraq. The strike targeted

  • ESGR looking for few good employers

    The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is looking for a few good employers to recognize this year.The committee, in conjunction with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, announced Jan. 8 that it has begun accepting nominations for the 2007 Secretary of Defense

  • Medical team treats nearly 1,500 African patients

    U.S. troops in Rwanda and Botswana recently built bridges between the U.S. military and the African people by providing medical services to almost 1,500 patients.The troops took part in a U.S. European Command Medical Civilian Assistance Program exercise, one of several events that are a part of the

  • National Guard to the rescue in 8 states

    Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen in eight states rescued people and hauled hay to livestock following a severe end-of-year winter storm that stretched from America's northern to southern borders. Hundreds of Guard members in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Washington

  • Air Force may hold RIF board if goal not met

    The Air Force will convene an officer reduction in force board in June if it fails to meet its force-shaping goal, said the service's senior most officer for manpower and personnel. "While the goal has been to reduce active-duty end strength through voluntary programs where possible, if at the end

  • 118th Rose Parade kicks off with silent 'boom'

    Crowds cheered with thunderous applause as the Air Force kicked off its 60th anniversary year with a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and two F-22As opening the 118th annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1. Gen. Kevin Chilton, Air Force Space Command commander at Peterson AFB,

  • Wyoming Air Guard dropping hay for Colorado cattle

    The Wyoming Air National Guard arrived in Pueblo, Colo., on Jan. 3 to begin flying missions to drop hay to stranded Colorado cattle.One C-130 Hercules and 10 Airmen are assisting the Colorado National Guard with feeding cattle in the southeastern corner of the state, near Lamar."Although the

  • Security forces Airmen help shape Iraq's future

    They only come inside the wire to eat, sleep and work out. When members of the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's Detachment 7 go to work, they hit the streets of Baghdad right along side the Iraqi police. "It makes me nervous every time I have to send someone out," said Capt. Ian

  • USAFE commander awards Air Medals to Danish pilots

    It's not often an American four-star general has the opportunity to present prestigious war medals to coalition partners, but Jan. 2 was a special occasion. Gen. William T. Hobbins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, flew to Fighter Wing Skrydstrup, Denmark, to present U.S. Air Medals to 35 Danish

  • Registration open for Rodeo 2007

    Registration for Air Mobility Expeditionary Rodeo 2007 is now open through April 2. This year's competition takes place July 22-28 at McChord Air Force Base, Wash.United States Air Force teams can register online on Department of Defense computers at the Rodeo 2007 Web site,

  • Those aging ghosts of Pearl Harbor

    If you are under 30, Dec. 7, 1941, is probably only another date in your history book. The day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Ho-hum. If you are over 40, the date is one you may never forget. And like everyone else in that age group, you probably have your own story of "what I was doing when I

  • New unit strengthens U.S.-Japan alliance

    More than a year of planning reaches a milestone in strengthening the U.S.-Japan security alliance Jan. 5 with a ceremony activating Detachment 1, 13th Air Force, at Yokota Air Base, Japan.Col. Michael MacWilliam, formerly the 5th AF director of operations and plans, will command the detachment,

  • Volunteerism at heart of medical evacuation mission

    Airmen from the 908th Airlift Wing here have been transporting wounded, injured and sick servicemembers home from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., since September when Air Force Reserve Command took over primary responsibility for stateside aeromedical transportation. Operating from three hubs, located

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 30

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 30.In Afghanistan Dec. 29, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers and U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

  • Elite Air Force unit transports former president's body

    Airmen from the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., will transport the body of former President Gerald R. Ford, a U.S. Navy veteran, as his remains are flown between points in California, Washington and Michigan, Air Force military officers based here said. Ford, the nation's 38th

  • Officials select civilians for leadership program

    Sixty nine Air Force civilians were selected recently for a new leadership development program that provides a total force development vision for Air Force civilians in the GS-15 grade, preparing them for senior roles in the Department of Defense. The civilians were selected from 115 candidates by a

  • Special visitors spread cheer to Airmen in Afghanistan

    The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander visited Airmen deployed to Afghanistan to thank them for what they do. He also brought along the USAFE popular music band Direct Hit to spread holiday cheer. The high-quality blend of rock, pop, and rhythm and blues delivered right on target, but Gen. Tom

  • Misawa base news goes online

    As the end of 2006 rapidly approaches, a significant chapter in the history of the Northern Light closes with this issue as it heralds its transition from newsprint to a cyber-space news source. "This transition is in line with Air Force Smart Operations-21," said Brig. Gen. Sam Angelella, 35th

  • Air Force dining facility in Baghdad honors hero

    While many Americans removed bows and pulled back ribbons from neatly wrapped presents, Airmen here unveiled a tribute to a fallen hero, stressed the importance of airpower and cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the first Air Force dining facility in Baghdad. Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Central

  • Pentagon Channel documentary focuses on storied 'Old Guard'

    They are the very public face of ultimate military discipline. They wow stadiums packed with football fans with their complex rifle drills. They honor fallen comrades with solemn processions. They guard the Tomb of the Unknowns around the clock at Arlington National Cemetery. And on Dec. 15, they

  • Ground radar techs enable control of tactical air battlespace

    Precision and attention to even the slightest detail is crucial when you're responsible for maintaining ground radar systems. Providing 24-hours-a-day support, Airmen in the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron's ground radar shop ensure Balad's ground radar systems work flawlessly. "Our job is

  • Task force on future of military healthcare established

    Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England announced Dec. 22 the names of the 14-member future military healthcare task force; the task force will evaluate and recommend alternatives to ensure the stability of military medicine over the long term. As directed by Congress in the National Defense

  • Bowl game pays tribute to servicemembers

    The game may have been all about football, but the overall event was a tribute to 1.2 million very special people -- the men and women of the United States armed forces. The Universities of Utah and Tulsa took to the field Dec. 23 at Amon G. Carter Stadium for the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.

  • Deputy defense secretary named Great American Patriot

    Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England was presented with the first Great American Patriot Award Dec. 23 at a halftime ceremony during the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Secretary England, a Fort Worth resident, said he was very humbled by the award. "Also in a way

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 23

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 23.In Afghanistan Dec. 22, an Air Force Predator and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted strikes against Taliban extremists near Bagram. The Predator expended a Hellfire missile and the A-10s expended a general-purpose,

  • Air Force officials take 'strategic communication to next level'

    Top Air Force leaders attending a strategic communication summit here Dec. 19 outlined an ambitious blueprint for Airmen to tell the nation about their service's contributions to the war on terrorism. In a day-long, wide-ranging discussion, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne and Chief of Staff

  • Gates, Pace laud troops serving far from home

    New Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Dec. 22 thanked American servicemembers and their families "for the sacrifices they're all making and for their bravery in pursuit of our nation's security." Secretary Gates, on his final day of a three-day visit to Iraq, said he is very impressed with the

  • TRANSCOM commander visits Air Mobility Warfare Center

    Saying he was impressed by the remarkable people and their wide-ranging missions, the commander of the U.S. Transportation Command wrapped up a two-day tour Dec. 14 of units at McGuire Air Force Base, nearby Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, the Air Mobility Warfare Center here, as well as

  • Bagram opens $68 million runway

    Despite inclement weather and the possibility of snowfall, a new $68 million runway was opened and celebrated by Air Force and Army servicemembers, civilian contractors and Afghan officials Dec. 20 at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The project was executed by Contrak International workers from Cairo,

  • Gates urges Americans to remember servicemembers

    New Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, here on a surprise pre-Christmas visit Dec. 20, urged Americans to remember military members and their families throughout the holiday season. "I hope that everybody at home here at the holiday will remember that all these men and women are away from their

  • New MRI system installed at Keesler Medical Center

    Crews are currently completing installation of Keesler Medical Center's new magnetic resonance imaging equipment and look to have it complete in January at Keesler AFB.It replaces the MRI destroyed by Hurricane Katrina's devastating storm surge Aug. 29, 2005. A 13-ton magnet, the heart of the

  • Air Force Small Business Program gets boost

    In exceeding goals in all five categories of its Small Business Program performance, Air Force Materiel Command is at the top of the Air Force list for dollars awarded to small businesses in fiscal 2006. Specifically, AFMC's Small Business Office awarded more than $4.6 billion - or 52.8 percent - of

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 20

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 20. In Afghanistan Dec. 19, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in

  • Air Guard leaders explore ways to reset force

    The challenges for resetting the Air National Guard became more apparent to its senior leaders here Dec. 11 to 13 when Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, director of the Air National Guard, hosted the senior leadership conference, Minuteman Heritage -- Preparing for New Horizons. More than 1,000 leaders

  • Air Force leaders advocate Voluntary Protection Program

    Air Force leaders here are advocating an enhanced safety program that focuses on developing and caring for the safety of Airmen, civilians and their families. The Voluntary Protection Program originates from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and focuses on incorporating the Air

  • Air Force announces top recruiters for 2006

    Twelve Air Force recruiters garnered top honors in their field for fiscal year 2006 as winners of Operation Blue Suit XXVIII, Air Force Recruiting Service officials announced Dec. 18. The winners include:-- Master Sgt. Richard Cuddeford, 343rd Recruiting Squadron at Offutt AFB, Neb.-- Tech. Sgt.

  • Roll Call to help supervisors keep Airmen in the know

    A new weekly publication titled "Roll Call" is designed to help shop- and office-level supervisors explain complex, yet important Air Force issues to their Airmen during daily or weekly meetings. Roll Call is a one-page print product, posted online every Friday. It covers one or two topics, in full

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 17

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 17. In Afghanistan Dec. 16, Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The GR-7s expended

  • Chief McKinley: Southern Command 'all over the mission'

    Not much has surprised Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley during his whirlwind tour of four key U.S. Southern Command bases. Before departing for Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, the last stop on his four-day tour, he said from what he has seen, command operations are

  • Westover named sole maintenance center for Reserve C-5s

    Air Force officials announced Dec. 13 that Westover ARB will become the new center for in-depth maintenance on all Air Force Reserve C-5 Galaxy aircraft. The Air Force will consolidate the eight existing C-5 isochronal inspection facilities into three in order to increase aircraft availability while

  • Course prepares flag officers to project airpower

    Historically, air superiority has meant the difference between victory and defeat on the battlefield. Army Field Manual 100-20, Command and Employment of Air Power, written four years before the Air Force's birth in 1947, stated:"The gaining of air superiority is the first requirement for the

  • Airmen challenged to make better choices

    "Work hard and play smart" may soon be a new mantra for Airmen after duty hours. In February, the Air Force kicked off a new program titled "Culture of Responsible Choices." The program, called CoRC for short, is more of a change in mindset than an actual new formal program. It is a mindset where

  • Chief McKinley says roll call good for Air Force

    Some Airmen are not getting information they need to make them better and more productive, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley said. That is why he believes the start of a roll call program, which he said could start "within days," will help bridge the communications gap between

  • Language familiarity, cultural awareness critical to Iraq fight

    Language training and awareness of Iraqi and Arab culture are absolutely necessary for servicemembers deploying to Iraq, the outgoing commander of Multinational Corps Iraq said in Baghdad Dec. 12. Army Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, who gives up command Dec. 14, told Baghdad-based journalists that a poll

  • Web site commemorates National Guard birthday

    The National Guard turns 370 years old Dec. 13, and the National Guard Bureau is celebrating with a Web site dedicated to the organization and its history. The site, www.ngb.army.mil/features/birthday/index.html, chronicles the Guard's history, starting in 1636 when the General Court of the

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 13

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 13.In Afghanistan Dec. 12, Air Force MQ-1 Predators conducted strikes against Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The Predators expended Hellfire missiles on enemy targets. Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided

  • Air Force contractor rebuilds Iraqi dry dock

    The rebuilding of the ship lift in Umm Qasr, Iraq, finished another crucial step in the country's reconstruction. A ship lift is a mechanism used for transporting boats between sea and land, and is used to dry dock and launch ships. "In short, it's an elevator for ships, lifting them out of the

  • Rumsfeld thanks servicemembers in Iraq

    Saying he feels fortunate to have served as defense secretary during this momentous period in history, Donald H. Rumsfeld said he has been inspired by working with the nation's men and women in uniform. Secretary Rumsfeld looked back on his almost seven years at the helm of the department during an

  • AFMC leaders plot 'One Materiel Command' course

    "Pushing widgets out your door but having those widgets stack up in front of another Air Force Materiel Command unit's door really hasn't helped the enterprise." With that statement, Gen. Bruce Carlson, AFMC commander, explained his concept of 'One Materiel Command' to 103 AFMC senior leaders

  • Chief McKinley visits Airmen at Soto Cano

    Delivering 12,000 cookies to Airmen at forward operating bases is just one of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley's many jobs. But the prospects of meeting with Airmen at four Central and South American and Caribbean bases put a smile on the face of the Air Force's top enlisted

  • Prevention, education key to winning war against HIV

    In the military's fight against HIV/AIDS, prevention is the key to winning the battle, said Dr. Judith Delmar, a staff physician with the Air Force's HIV program at Wilford Hall Medical Center. Speaking at the sixth annual international HIV/AIDS Strategic Planning and Policy Development course, the

  • New pay, personnel system on horizon for troops

    A new system coming in 2008 to the Army and Air Force will integrate pay and personnel and make life easier for servicemembers everywhere, the general in charge of the system's deployment said. The Defense Integrated Military Human Resources System, or DIMHRS, integrates the two services' pay and

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 9

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 9. In Afghanistan Dec. 8, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Asadabad. The B-1B expended guided bomb unit-31s on enemy targets. Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided

  • AFPC commander newest Prep School exemplar

    Maj. Gen. Tony Przybyslawski, Air Force Personnel Center commander, was recently selected by the Air Force Academy Preparatory School Class of 2007 as their exemplar. An exemplar is a graduate of the Prep School who has gone on to extraordinary accomplishments during their military career. General

  • Dover to be active hub for C-5 isochronal inspections

    Air Mobility Command officials announced Dec. 8 Dover Air Force Base, Del., as one of three sites selected for future C-5 Galaxy cargo aircraft isochronal inspections.According to AMC officials, Dover AFB was selected as the active-duty C-5 ISO site because of facilities, maintenance support, base

  • F-15 demo team transitions to F-22 demo team

    The F-15 Eagle East Coast Demonstration Team, one of seven single-ship demonstration teams assigned to Air Combat Command, concluded 27 years of performance history Dec. 1. After averaging more than 30 air shows a year for about 4 million people in the four corners of the United States and

  • Special retreat held for fallen Airman

    A special retreat ceremony was held Dec. 6 for Capt. Kermit Evans the 27th Civil Engineer Squadron's Exposive Ordnance Disposal flight commander here. Captain Evans was killed Dec. 3 when the Marine CH-46 helicopter he was traveling in was forced to make an emergency water landing near the shore of

  • NATO team ensures safe sky during Riga Summit

    While Airmen around U.S. Air Forces in Europe were gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving, duty called for more than 450 other Airmen in seven European countries to support the NATO Riga Summit in Latvia. Called Operation Peaceful Summit, the military effort enhanced ongoing Baltic Air Policing

  • General talks to next greatest generation

    The four-star general looked into the crowd of eager-eyed cadets -- the next generation of Air Force leaders looked back at him. General Paul V. Hester, the Pacific Air Forces commander, visited Houston for the strategic outreach plan "Air Force Road Show" and took time to talk with the University

  • Teams demonstrate patient care savvy in Exercise Capital Shield

    A year of planning culminated in the orchestration of more than five aircraft, 13 organizations and numerous flight surgeons, nurses, technicians, administrators and air and ground crew who conducted collaborative patient care and transport during Exercise Capital Shield here Dec. 4-7. Under

  • General briefs Air Force mission to Houston group

    Ken Scott and other members of the Houston Forum were briefed about the Air Force Mission by General Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander, Dec. 7 here at a JW Marriott hotel auditorium. Mr. Scott owns a public relations and communications company in Houston and he knows how hard public

  • Air Force: Expeditious recognition for expeditionary Airmen

    The Air Force deputy chief of staff for personnel told lawmakers Dec. 6 the service makes it a priority to recognize the contributions of its Airmen. "In war, our top priorities are to win and take care of our people," said Lt. Gen. Roger A. Brady, before the House Armed Services Committee military

  • Battle uniform available to deploying Airmen this spring

    The Airman Battle Uniform is on track for distribution this spring to Airmen deploying as part of Air Expeditionary Forces 7 and 8. The new ABU is in production Dec. 7 and uniforms are being warehoused. The uniform will be ready for distribution to Airmen deploying as part of AEFs 7/8. Most Airmen

  • Luke community rallies to support downed pilot's family

    A Luke AFB pilot killed in action Nov. 27 in Iraq was remembered by Air Force leaders and friends as a warrior-patriot who made a difference in everything he did in a ceremony Dec. 6 here. Maj. Troy L. Gilbert's F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed while flying a combat mission in support of ground forces

  • Commanders lead Airmen in changing times

    From the 15th Pursuit Group to today's 15 Airlift Wing, more than 55 commanders have led the base's Airmen in its 66-year history. Two of the base's commanders during World War II went on to become general officers - Maj. Gen. Kenneth R. Powell and Maj. Gen. Dewitt S. Spain. The airport in Memphis

  • Air War College receives joint Phase II certification

    Air War College, the Air Force's senior service school, located at Air University here, received Joint Staff J-7's recommendation for Joint Professional Military Education Phase II certification at the culmination of a visit by a certification assessment team in late November. The recommendation

  • Aleutian Islands: World War II secret bases

    When Stuart Faber enlisted in the Army Air Corps shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941, he wasn't quite sure what he'd be doing. Once assigned to the 404th Bomb Squadron at Elmendorf Field, Alaska, he not only maintained bombers, but was also sent on temporary duty to perform a

  • CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 6

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 6.In Afghanistan Dec. 5, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The aircraft expended a Hellfire missile on the enemy target. An Air Force B-1B Lancer, Air Force

  • IMAs, units to share Reserve personnel reductions

    Faced with eliminating 7,700 personnel authorizations, Air Force Reserve Command officials have decided to divide those cuts between individual mobilization augmentees and unit reservists. "To do our part in the Air Force's recapitalization and modernization efforts, as well as participate in

  • Air Force Week locations selected for 2007

    Air Force officials announced Dec. 5 the six locations to host "Air Force Week" in 2007. They are Phoenix from March 19 to 25; Sacramento from June 4 to 10; St. Louis from July 2 to 8; New England from Aug.18 to 26; Honolulu from Sept. 10 to 16; and Atlanta from Oct. 8 to 14. The inaugural Air Force

  • Military health care professionals join to combat global AIDS

    Military health care professionals from 30 countries gathered here Dec. 4 for the sixth annual international HIV/AIDS Strategic Planning and Policy Development course. The week-long course, which is hosted by the Defense Institute for Medical Operations, aims to help senior military and civilian

  • Kentucky Airmen lead way for ANG contingency response

    The Kentucky Air National Guard is now the home of the first and only contingency response group in the Air National Guard. The 123rd Contingency Response Group -- an "airbase in a box" -- will now provide a continual capability to provide everything necessary to open a runway, load and unload

  • USAFE officials reactivate 3rd Air Force

    The 3rd Air Force was reactivated today during a ceremony here. Lt. Gen. Robert D. Bishop Jr. took command. General Bishop has been vice commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe."My last three job titles have begun with deputy, assistant or vice. I am personally delighted and humbled to be here this

  • Florida teaching certification to benefit CCAF instructors

    Qualified instructors from the Community College of the Air Force can now take a state-issued subject-knowledge exam to meet requirements for K-12 teaching certification in Florida, negating the need of additional schooling, after Florida legislators recently amended their educator certification

  • Airmen help restore sullied cemetery

    The Golden Rule is "do unto others as you would have them do unto to you." A group of Airmen assigned to the 732nd Regional Support Unit at Camp Habbaniyah, Iraq, have taken that rule to heart. Volunteers here have put in close to 200 hours cleaning up and maintaining of a British cemetery located

  • NORAD to patrol space shuttle operations

    The Air Force is stepping up its air patrols in the Cape Canaveral, Fla., area to increase security for upcoming space shuttle operations. The patrols are a smart, efficient way to protect American lives and resources in the region, said Maj. Gen. Henry C. Morrow, the 1st Air Force commander."NORAD

  • Thrift investment board ups '07 TSP contribution limits

    The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has announced a $500 increase in regular Thrift Savings Plan contributions to $15,500 for 2007 elective deferral maximum contributions. "TSP is a long-term retirement savings plan, which everyone should consider," said Janet Thomas, a human resources

  • Pace: Military chiefs looking at Iraq options

    Members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are looking at the whole spectrum of conflict and various options open to them regarding troop deployments, Marine Gen. Peter Pace said here Nov. 29. "Whether it's been reported that we're looking at beefing up or it's reported that we're looking at 'skinnying'

  • Kunsan F-16 fleet prepped for 'Falcon STAR'

    The Block 30 F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron here are set to enter upgrade in the Air Force's Falcon Structural Augmentation Roadmap program aimed at extending the service life of the aircraft. The improvement to the fleet follows previous air-to-ground dominance to

  • Today's security forces are expeditionary combat Airmen

    They work 12-hour patrols in 100-plus degree temperatures, sandstorms whipping into their faces. They drive convoy operations across the desert. They provide personal security details for four-star generals. Today's security forces career barely resembles its own Air Force specialty code from a

  • Career fields meld expertise in recovery missions

    Airmen from three career fields have worked for the past five years to bring the guardian angel weapon system, or GAWS, online for the Air Force to provide rapid recovery of servicemembers. Made up of survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists, pararescue jumper called PJs, and combat

  • Air Force announces 2006 as safest year in aviation

    Fiscal year 2006 was the safest year in aviation ever for the Air Force. The year marked the lowest number of major aircraft accidents and fatalities within the Department of Defense, said the Chief of Air Force Safety Maj. Gen. Stan Gorenc recently. According to the statistics, the Air Force

  • Region Air Force commander visits Kadena

    The importance of the 18th Wing's mission in fighting the war on terrorism and its peace-keeping efforts in the Pacific region were key topics of discussion by the commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force during his visit here Nov. 15. Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, visited the base for an in-depth

  • Air Force officials convene board to examine F-16 crash

    Air Force officials have convened an investigative board to look into the crash of an F-16 Fighting Falcon engaged in combat operations over Iraq Nov. 27.The board will look into what caused the F-16 single-seat fighter to crash about 20 miles northwest of Baghdad around 1:35 p.m. local time. The

  • Air Force pharmacist receives award for excellence

    An Air Force pharmacist was honored by the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States with their 2006 Award for Excellence in Clinical Pharmacy Practice during their 112th annual meeting held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. Competing for the award were clinical

  • Officials to conduct foreign language skills survey

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley recently approved a survey to identify the foreign language capability inherent in the Air Force. The purpose of the on-line survey is to allow Air Force officials to get a better understanding of the foreign language skills already in the force, so

  • Western Air Defense Sector ops center opens

    With the snip of a fiber-optic ribbon, the Western Air Defense Sector opened its multi-million dollar operations center here Nov. 20. The opening culminated an 18-month effort that now stands WADS as a significant, technically advanced deterrent against asymmetrical threats over a significant

  • Academy band marches in Macy's parade

    The cold and rain didn't stop the residents of New York City from lining the streets for this year's 80th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nov. 23. The soggy weather also didn't stop the U.S. Air Force Academy Marching Band from participating. "We were here as part of the celebration of the 60th

  • PACAF commander serves Thanksgiving meals

    Osan Airmen were treated to a special guest for Thanksgiving lunch at the Ginkgo Tree dining facility here. Gen. Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander, served Thanksgiving lunch to Airmen here and spent time this holiday season with them. "Since all of us who serve overseas are away from our

  • Enlisted aides invaluable to general officers

    It's a unique Air Force career field that has Airmen leaving their homes every morning only to start work at someone else's house. An enlisted aide assists a general officer with accomplishing their primary military and official duties. The position is a voluntary special assignment. "(The Air Force

  • Keesler, industry set new standard for telephone service

    With the cutting of a telephone cable Nov. 15, officials here culminated a six-month project to upgrade communications technology and "dialed in" to a new level of disaster preparedness. The date marked the official implementation of the new Voice Over Internet Protocol, or VOIP, solution for

  • 18th Wing key component in war on terrorism

    The importance of the 18th Wing's mission in fighting the war on terrorism and its peacekeeping efforts in the Pacific region were the key topics discussed by the U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander here Nov. 15.Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Wright visited the base for an orientation tour of the wing

  • Yokota mission essential for global reach

    The commander of Air Mobility Command recently met with the men and women of the 730th Air Mobility Squadron and other senior officials. As part of a nine-day tour of air mobility operations across the Pacific region last week, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb hosted a commander's call, toured the AMC

  • Global Hawk flies first Beale ACC sortie

    A newly-arrived RQ-4 Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle made its first operational Air Combat Command flight from here Nov. 21. The first Global Hawk flight from Beale signifies the end of the base's and communities' five-year wait for the aircraft, and the beginning of local training flights as

  • Colonel receives Bronze Star during Alabama-Auburn game

    An instructor from Maxwell Air Force Base's Air War College was honored at his Alma Mater during the University of Alabama rival football game Nov. 18, against Auburn University Saturday.Col. Duane Lamb was presented the Bronze Star medal by his former commander, Brig. Gen. Frank Gorenc, who served

  • Attorney general speaks to U.S. Air Force Academy cadets

    U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales told cadets here Nov. 18, that terrorists will not rise to the example of the United States. The judge addressed civil liberties and war on terrorism issues during his lecture to 700 cadets."The United States has rightfully positioned itself in this conflict

  • Academy cadets capture scholarship trifecta

    Three Air Force Academy cadets have captured the trifecta of prestigious graduate scholarships. Cadet 1st Class Nicholas Shelly has been named a Rhodes Scholar and plans to spend his two years at Oxford University in England studying international relations. He is the academy's 34th Rhodes

  • USAFE commander reviews past year in command

    Allied and coalition relationships, operations south and east, Airmen's accomplishments and improving efficiency were at the forefront during the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander's Nov. 20 discussion of the past year in command. Since Gen. William T. Hobbins took command Dec. 5, he has traveled

  • Army trains Airmen for 'outside the wire' mission

    Volunteer security forces Airmen from 65 bases completed Army training here, giving them the skills to perform a unique mission in Iraq.Fort Hood provided 182 Air Force security forces members with general and advanced combat skills via Army instruction to prepare them for their new mission.The

  • Air Force leaders address quality of life issues, changes

    Airmen can still expect high-caliber quality of life programs that will take care of them and their families despite the changes being made within the service, leaders here assured recently. "Quality of life continues to be one of our top three priorities," said Lt. Gen. Roger Brady, Air Force