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  • Airmen, Kyrgyz students ring in "First Bell"

    The first day of school across the Kyrgyz Republic is a welcome celebration known as "First Bell" and is deeply rooted in a Russian tradition that takes place each year on Sept. 1st.First Bell marks a rite of passage where seniors, in their last year of studies, escort first-year students in a

  • Modern-day builders protect ancient treasure

    It's an interesting dichotomy of sorts -- a huge, 4-story state-of-the art, steel-and-concrete structure under construction just yards away from delicate, precarious, protected sea turtle nests that grace the seashore here.The Air Force Technical Applications Center's new headquarters is taking

  • Iraqi air force F-16 training takes off in Arizona

    While the Republic of Iraq anticipates an initial deliveryof F-16 Fighting Falcons in September 2014, the pilots who will fly themembark on a historic partnership with the Arizona Air National Guard's 162ndFighter Wing here to learn how to fly the multipurpose fighter.Already, two Iraqis have joined

  • First Family Readiness Center opens doors in AOR

    The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing is now home to the first Airman and Family Readiness Center in the Southwest Asia area of responsibility. The center opened its doors and added family members to those they serve, following the ribbon cutting ceremony Aug. 29, 2012.Daniel Ginsberg, the Assistant

  • 'Today's Air Force' reviews Air Force Week 2012

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Aug. 29; taking a look back at Air Force Week 2012 - New York City.On this episode's "Straight from the Top,"  Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy talks about the importance of showcasing Air Force capabilities to

  • Academy holds panel honoring women's suffrage

    A Colorado state representative, the state's League of Women Voters president and the co-founder of a political polling firm came to the Air Force Academy on Monday to discuss the importance of women's suffrage and the need for informed voters as election season approaches.The panel, comprising

  • Hurricane Hunters provide critical data during major storms

    As the Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, better known as the "Hurricane Hunters," wrap up their mission flying through Hurricane Isaac, one of the unit's pilots provided an insight into who they are and some facts and figures about how they perform during their dangerous

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Captain makes mark in Afghan culture

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)With his rugged beard and long hair, Air Force Capt. Nick Plante is not your typical service member serving overseas in Afghanistan. Dressed like a local

  • Idea brings $10,000 for McConnell AFB civilian

    A civilian member of the 22nd Operations Group was presented a check for $10,000 from the Air Force at the 22nd Air Refueling Wing staff meeting Aug. 27, here.James Shores, the 22nd OG short range scheduling chief, received the money as part of the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness

  • New BTO to help Airmen make USAFE processes more efficient, effective

    Before becoming the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Mark A. Welsh challenged the U.S. Air Forces in Europe to find more efficient and effective ways to use its resources."Current fiscal realities require commanders to take a hard look at how to most efficiently support and execute our missions within

  • Days in the dark: Retired AF NCO receives POW Medal

    Returning to work after celebrating his 30th birthday the day before, then-Staff Sgt. James 'O'Neil' Hughes could see a growing group of disorderly demonstrators gather outside the U.S. Embassy. Chanting and singing, the bellicose crowd grew agitated. They held up signs displaying anti-American

  • Redesigned program eases Airmen's transition to civilian life

    A redesigned program will help ease every Airman's transition to civilian life and better apply their military experience, Air Force officials said. The program is the first major overhaul of the transition assistance program for military members in nearly 20 years. The effort began in response to a

  • Afghanistan Health Reconstruction Course introduced into PRT training

    Sustainability and self-sufficiency is the goal for the new Afghanistan Health Sector Reconstruction Course being introduced into all provincial reconstruction team training."We have taken what some would have considered a boring lecture series, expanded it and morphed it into a highly dynamic,

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Academy cadet selected as a USA Rugby All-American

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Cadet 2nd Class Jackson Bristol has kept his passion for rugby alive with a simple approach: he never stops playing the game. January through December,

  • Air Force's newest air advisor publication leverages 'best practices'

    The Air Force's newest tactics, techniques and procedures publication, AFTTP 3-4.5 Air Advising, became an official document after being signed by Maj. Gen. Brett Williams, Headquarters Air Force director of operations, and Maj. Gen. Bill Bender, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander,

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman steps up, fills AFCENT Band's vacancy

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)When Senior Airman Jamie Horner first stepped off the airplane in Southwest Asia, she had one mission in mind: to prepare the installation for natural

  • B-52s bring persistent airpower to Exercise Pitch Black 12

    The 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., took to the skies of Australia's Northern Territory Aug. 2 to 18 as the lone U.S. Air Force unit flying in Exercise Pitch Black 12.With more than 2,200 personnel and up to 100 participating military aircraft, Exercise Pitch Black 12

  • Air Force Spice testing lab goes full throttle

    The Air Force Spice Testing Lab  located at the Air Force Drug Testing Laboratoy at Joint Base San-Antonio - Lackland, Texas, became fully operational on Aug. 1, in support of the Air Force's focus on quality Airmen. The new lab establishes a robust urinalysis testing program as part of the Air

  • 101 faces of Air Force Week New York

    New York City was this year's stage for one of the Air Force's grandest outreach programs, Air Force Week. The three-day showcase took place in locations throughout the city's five boroughs and included flyovers, interactive displays, Air Force band performances, meet and greets, a movie screening

  • CMSAF Roy helps wrap up successful Air Force Week in New York

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy spoke to New York City civic leaders during a Heroes Luncheon sponsored by Operation Homefront on Tuesday, Aug. 21 to wrap up Air Force Week in New York City.During an interview before the luncheon, Roy stressed the importance of Air Force Week as a

  • Airmen learn hospitality of New Yorkers during AF Week

    Air Force Week in New York City cranked into high gear during its second day as about 50 Airmen from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. toured the 9-11 memorial and the Freedom Tower Aug. 20. "We here today at the tribute center," said Master Sgt. Charles Kramer, first sergeant of the 732nd

  • McChord C-17 crews begin WinFly to Antarctica

    The 62nd Airlift Wing began the winter flying period Aug. 20 as part of its support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation.The period, known as WinFly, is scheduled to last until Aug. 28 and will deliver advance teams and cargo for the upcoming main season of Operation

  • Drill Team members reflect on where they came from during AF Week

    The Ambassadors in Blue for the Air Force Recruiting Service performed during the Air Force Week events Aug. 19 at Pier 86 in New York CityThe ceremonial unit, otherwise known as the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, tours worldwide to demonstrate the commitment to service and excellence every

  • Transit Center passenger experience realigned to centralized location

    Whether a service member is heading to Afghanistan or redeploying back to their home station, they want their transient experience to be simple.A consolidation of the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan's Passenger Terminal and U.S. Customs Processing Center into a centralized location is aimed at

  • AFPC officials streamline PCS orders process

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here have centralized how Permanent Change of Station orders are processed, validated and authenticated. Since Oct. 2011, the Total Force Service Center-San Antonio has been managing the PCS orders process and has authenticated more than 82,000 orders and 19,000

  • Opening ceremonies kick off Air Force Week activities

    The Air Force kicked off one of its biggest outreach programs in America's largest city Aug. 19 with a combination of opening day remarks, flyovers, interactive displays and performances by Air Force bands.The opening ceremony at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum on Pier 86 marked the start of

  • Airman nets $10,000 through IDEA program

    The Air Force presented a check for $10,000 to a 31st Maintenance Squadron Airman recently for creating a new process that used less manpower and resources without sacrificing quality.Tech. Sgt. Jesse Swiderek, 31st MXS aircraft metals technology craftsmen, received the money as part of the

  • Large solar array planned for Davis-Monthan AFB

    The Air Force plans to expand its renewable energy portfolio substantially with a 14.5-megawatt photovoltaic solar array at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. The base has entered into an agreement with SunEdison, LLC to design, finance, build, operate and maintain the array on 170 acres of

  • USAF Honor Guard, Band represent Airmen at Air Force Week

    The premier U.S. Air Force ceremonial units, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and U.S. Air Force Band, are returning to New York City as part of Air Force Week 2012 with several performances and concerts scheduled for August 18-22.Two of the USAF Band's ensembles - the rock band, Max Impact, and The

  • Airmen's heroic acts featured in Portraits in Courage

    Climbing a glacier for 24 straight hours, delivering medical care while taking enemy fire or chasing an armed murderer through a crowded airport; these are the actions of some of the 20 Airmen featured in the latest volume of Portraits in Courage.As the Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley

  • 'Today's Air Force' highlights new CSAF, Air Force Week

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Aug. 17. On this episode's "Straight from the Top," Gen. Mark A. Welsh III talks about his priorities as the new Air Force chief of staff. Later, Staff Sgt. Shannon Ofiara shows viewers the Air Force chief of staff transition

  • Hotel tax exemptions could help AF save millions of dollars

    During a time of increasing Department of Defense budget constraints, the Air Force continuously looks for innovative solutions that save money and positively impacts the mission. Air Education and Training Command's Financial Management office said Air Force travelers could help save millions of

  • Donley praises Airmen, emphasizes standards at AFSA conference

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed Airmen here Aug. 15 at the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airmen's Conference.During the honors banquet that concluded the conference, Donley said the Air Force would be able to meet the challenges of a dynamic

  • Showcasing America's Airmen in New York City

    Air Force Week returns to New York City this Sunday, Aug. 19, providing flyovers, concerts and opportunities to meet Airmen serving in the U.S. Air Force.The purpose of Air Force Week is to build relationships outside the local base community, reach out to those who are unfamiliar with the Air Force

  • Kick your reading into OverDrive

    If you love to read but can't make it to the library, the Air Force will bring the library to you. OverDrive, one of several Air Force library online resources, features nearly 10,000 electronic books, audio books, videos and music available for checkout to eligible customers, said Melinda Mosley,

  • USFJ commander focuses on bilateral operations

    With the Department of Defense's rebalance of military forces to the Asia Pacific region, the focus on bilateral operations is more critical now than ever, said the new U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander."We plan to increase our bilateral and multilateral cooperation throughout the

  • SecAF shares AF, DoD energy goals at summit

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presented a keynote address on the Department of Defense's energy initiatives at the 2012 National Clean Energy Summit here August 7.The fifth annual summit gathered leaders from government, business, non-profit organizations and academia to discuss the

  • Air Force looks to put wings on enlisted retrainees

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

  • Combat training supports 21st century strategy

    As the nation winds down from a decade of combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Department of Defense is shifting its focus to the future and recently introduced new strategic guidance describing the projected security environment and key military missions for which the department will

  • CMSAF kicks off AFSA convention

    More than 1,300 U.S. Air Force enlisted Airmen gathered here to kick off the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airman Conference, Aug. 12. The convention is held annually, and is comprised of a number of smaller conferences and meetings, all sponsored by AFSA. This

  • Marilyn Monroe and the general

    Plastered across the pages of many magazines, blogs and newspapers last week were photos and stories about the untimely death of actress Marilyn Monroe 50 years ago. Some authors went beyond just simply discussing her beauty or sexual exploits and opined she was actually quite brilliant. Sources

  • EOD tech school puts 'battlefield' into PT

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

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Eglin couples make NCO rank together

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)When Air Force officials announced who'd made staff sergeant Aug. 3, two Team Eglin families received twice the good news.Senior Airmen Joseph and Nicole

  • New instruction puts spotlight on standards, culture

    When referencing fundamental standards, Airmen now have a single source: Air Force Instruction 1-1, Air Force Standards.As one of the capstone acts of his 39-year career, Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff, put his signature on the brand new instruction, which communicates in one

  • Program to improve IT core services achieves key milestone

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

  • Food service teams heat up the dining experience

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

  • Serving Together: Kadena teen represents Air Force Teen Council

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

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

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

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

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Airmen from the 651st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron conducted a retreat ceremony at the contingency aeromedical staging facility here

  • JASSM-ER nears operational employment

    The 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron is scheduled to complete the final-phase of operational testing for the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile - Extended Range in late August, marking a significant step toward operational employment.JASSM-ER is an autonomous, air-to-ground, precision-guided

  • 'Today's Air Force' covers Welsh, safety, warrior care

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Aug. 3.The first segment, "Straight From the Top," highlights Gen. Mark A. Welsh III's nomination to the position of chief of staff of the Air Force. Later, Senior Airman Marshall Hunsaker covers what some bases are doing for

  • General Carlisle takes command of Pacific Air Forces

    Gen. Herbert Carlisle took command of Pacific Air Forces from Gen. Gary North in a change of command ceremony here Aug. 3.Presiding over the ceremony, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz praised North's past accomplishments and Carlisle's future potential as the commander of PACAF.Schwartz

  • EOD prelim helps tech school attrition rate

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

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: AF sets Airman 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.) The archer stands still with his sight adjusted, eyes on target and breath held as he pulls back his trigger. After taking a final aim, Tech. Sgt. Kevin

  • AF officials award food transformation contract

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

  • Service leaders weigh in on BRAC, renewable energy

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

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman takes wingman concept to new level

    (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 typical night for Senior Airman Dara Alexander; working as a receptionist at the Langley Inns, Langley Air Force Base, Va., ... until the phone

  • New AFSC merges certain gunners, engineers, loadmasters

    Some 924 enlisted aviators will find themselves with a new Air Force specialty code Oct. 31.The new career field, 1A9X1 Special Missions Aviation, will merge aerial gunners with flight engineers on vertical lift aircraft, such as the HH-60 Pave Hawk and CV-22 Osprey, with loadmasters on AC-130

  • Rescue Airmen partner with Canadians for search-and-rescue training

    Approximately 30 Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., traveled to Canada July 15-22 to train alongside and strengthen partnerships with Royal Canadian Air Force search-and-rescue technicians, known as SAR techs, and their support personnel. The SAR techs from our

  • Reserve answers call for additional MAFFS aircraft in Boise

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

  • B-52s provide RIMPAC 2012 air capability

    Members from the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., participated in nine sorties in support of this year's Rim of the Pacific exercise July 11-31 in and around training areas surrounding the Hawaiian islands. Six B-52 Stratofortresses from the 69th EBS, accompanied by more

  • AF CSA travel card transitions to GTC

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

  • Maxwell medics return from Peru

    Nine members of the 42nd Medical Group recently returned from New Horizons, an ongoing joint humanitarian training exercise in Peru. An annual series of free medical clinics and infrastructure development projects, New Horizons is a U.S. Southern Command-led exercise conducted with Latin American

  • Airmen train with Polish counterparts

    Ramstein Airmen from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and 86th Airlift Wing continue to train together along with Polish military members in exercise Screaming Eagle IV, here July 24th through August 3rd."Poland is one of our strongest and closest allies in the world and is a leader in Europe,"

  • Senate confirms General Welsh as next Air Force chief of staff

    Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, a 36-year veteran, will be the twentieth Air Force chief of staff, according to a Senate confirmation vote Aug. 2. Welsh provided testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee July 19, before the full Senate voted on his confirmation. Now the president must appoint the

  • President announces nomination for AF under secretary

    President Barack Obama announced Aug. 1 that he intends to nominate Eric Fanning to be the next Under Secretary of the Air Force.Fanning is the Deputy Under Secretary and Deputy Chief Management Officer of the Department of the Navy, previously holding positions with the House Armed Services

  • AF Reservist finishes 4th in Olympic epee fencing

    Air Force Reserve Capt. Seth Kelsey finished one touch away from a medal Wednesday in Olympic épeé individual fencing at ExCel Centre.Kelsey lost his semifinal bout in sudden-death overtime, 6-5, to the fencer who went on to win the gold medal, Venezuela's Ruben Limardo Gascon. Then he dropped

  • Luke AFB selected for F-35 pilot training

    It's official, the F-35 is coming to Luke. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley announced today that Luke AFB has been chosen as the location of the Air Force's F-35A Lightning II pilot training center. The base will receive 72 aircraft for a total of three fighter squadrons."This is a great day for

  • Air Force awards massive energy-saving project at Tinker

    Air Force leaders awarded an Energy Savings Performance Contract here Aug. 1.Tinker Air Force Base is Oklahoma's largest single-site employer and the largest Air Force facility energy consumer. "Upon completion, the project will reduce Tinker's energy intensity by 30 percent and save an estimated

  • US, Poland develop partnership through Screaming Eagle

    Airmen from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and 86th Airlift Wing continue to train with Polish military members in Exercise Screaming Eagle IV here July 24 through Aug. 3."Poland is one of our strongest and closest allies in the world and is a leader in Europe," said President Barack Obama.

  • AF medical team integral part of mass casualty exercise

    The "walking wounded," arrived first to the field hospital set up by the 779th Medical Group. The warbling siren from an ambulance heralded the arrival of patients on litters. The doctors, nurses and medical technicians greeted them with the initial care that could save their lives or at a minimum

  • Gen. Breedlove becomes 35th USAFE commander

    Gen. Philip M. Breedlove took command of U.S. Air Forces in Europe from Gen. Mark A. Welsh III today in a change of command ceremony here.Presiding over the ceremony, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz praised Welsh's past accomplishments and Breedlove's future potential as the commander

  • Service members successfully work themselves out of job

    Most people wouldn't define success as working themselves out of a job, but for the Joint Medical Operations Cell located in western Afghanistan, that was exactly their goal.What began as a 20-person-strong medical team in 2006 has now dwindled down to six people as medical advisors and mentors

  • Innovative simulator solution enhances training, saves millions of dollars

    A significant milestone for remotely piloted aircraft was ushered in July 10, with the first student sortie in an innovative T-6 Texan II simulator.The new setup has dramatically increased the ability to train remotely piloted aircraft pilots, and the ingenuity behind the new simulator saves the Air

  • Jackson takes helm of AF Reserve Command

    Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson became chief of the Air Force Reserve and assumed command of the Air Force Reserve Command in a ceremony July 30 at the Museum of Aviation here.He replaced Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., who retired from the Air Force with 39 years of military service. Stenner had served

  • AF cyclists ride the world's longest bicycle tour

    A group of four cyclists from Scott Air Force Base left July 20, to participate in the 40th Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, July 22 to 28. RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest bicycle touring event in the world and has been a tradition for U.S. Air Force members for 13 years

  • Air Advisor Academy unveils memorial for fallen Airmen

    The Air Advisor Academy here hosted a dedication ceremony for the new Air Advisor Memorial here July 27.While the memorial honors all air advisors who have made the ultimate sacrifice, the ceremony honored one contracted and eight Air Force air advisors who were killed in Afghanistan on April 27,

  • F-35 maintenance training spawns USMC's first air FTD

    It's no surprise that the military operates in an increasingly joint environment today. With the introduction of the Department of Defense's newest fifth-generation fighter jet, the F-35 Lightening Bolt Joint Strike Fighter, the joint effort is at the forefront of the aircraft's maintenance training

  • AF implements hiring tool 7 weeks ahead of schedule

    Bringing new Air Force civilian employees on board is more efficient and timely now following full-implementation of the USA Staffing Onboarding Manager tool, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.In April, AFPC initiated a phased implementation strategy to replace the civilian virtual

  • Reserve A-10 pilots debut new technology at RIMPAC

    In its first operational test with maritime operations, nine 47th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots are debuting new helmet and survival radio technologies during the Rim of the Pacific exercise here June 29 through Aug. 3.One of the new technologies is the Scorpion system, which is

  • End of an era for Academy's gliders

    The TG-10C gliders that have been the Academy's sailplane of choice for basic and aerobatic training for the last decade ascended for its final flight here Monday. The TG-10 trainer, which has been replaced by the new German TG-16A model, was flown for the last time on Academy grounds by Cadet 2nd

  • Dept. of Energy lauds AF for conservation efforts

    The Air Force's innovative ideas and procedures for saving facility energy and aviation fuel have earned it recognition by the Department of Energy. Each year, the DOE presents a Federal Energy Management Program award to individuals and organizations within the federal government that significantly

  • Schwartz: Air Force will thrive despite fiscal challenges

    The Air Force has reinvigorated the service's nuclear mission, incorporated unmanned aerial capabilities and made progress in acquisition, the service's chief of staff told reporters here July 24.Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, who finishes a four-year term in office shortly, said he believes the Air Force

  • N.C. governor signs bill to help military, vets, families work in state

    Col. Jeannie Leavitt, 4th Fighter Wing commander, spoke at a ceremony here July 24, where North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue signed legislation making it easier for military members, spouses and veterans to obtain the necessary occupational licenses required to work in the state. North Carolina

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: From maintenance to medicine

    (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.)Twenty-one Airmen from across the Air Force were selected for the 2013 Interservice Physician Assistant Program, with training scheduled to begin

  • DOD to improve voluntary education safeguards

    The Defense Department is nearing completion of an agreement with post-secondary schools to ensure service members have the best possible experience in continuing their education, a senior Pentagon official said today.The department will release later this summer a memorandum of understanding to be

  • New civilian pay system on the way

    All Air Force civilian employees are slated to be using a new, standardized Air Force pay system by June 2013. The Automated Time Attendance and Production System will standardize the pay method across the service and will be implemented first at Air Force Global Strike Command and Air National

  • Colorado Reserve C-130s, crews continue aerial fire fighting

    Two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 Hercules from the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing here, moved operations to Boise, Idaho, to continue to provide aerial fire fighting support to the U.S. Forest Service as fires continue to rage in the Rocky Mountain

  • Airmen deliver compassion, medical care to Peruvians

    A high school physics and chemistry teacher was struck by a second calling about nine years ago: to serve his country as a U.S. Air Force physician. Today, Capt. (Dr.) James Small wakes up in the remote, mountainous region of Huancavelica, Peru, energized to start a full day of patient care in his

  • 'Today's Air Force' looks at guns, planes and more guns

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on July 20.First up, Staff Sgt. Chris Pyles takes look at how the Air Force is saving money through total force integration. Later, Pyles takes viewers to Baton Rouge, La., to the set of "Sons of Guns" to meet an Air Force

  • Harnessing the power of science, technology, engineering and math

    The chair of the U.S. Air Force  Academy's Engineering Division and head of the Aeronautics Department here said the nation faces a crisis in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.To help avert the crisis, Col. Neal Barlow and other Academy officials are developing educational

  • Korean War defining conflict for new Air Force

    While July 27th is one of the lesser-known days of remembrance for the U.S., for the Air Force, recognizing the signing of the Korean War armistice on this day in 1953 marked an era when the service came into its own.The 1950s heralded a decade of innovation, with inventions such as power steering,

  • Air mobility tactics, electronic warfare experts analyze adversaries

    Approximately 50 combat operations experts met at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base here July 16-20 for a working group on air mobility tactics.Air Mobility Command's Air Mobility Tactics Analysis Team studied field-driven data collected on its adversaries to analyze and report on current air and

  • Senior enlisted advisor to CJCS visits Nellis

    The senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visited Nellis Air Force Base, Creech AFB and the Nevada Test and Training Range to see and better understand Airmen and their capabilities."It's been a very, very good trip," said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia.

  • Total force C-130 operations building opens at Peterson

    With a snip of the ceremonial scissors, Air Force Reserve and active duty Airmen ushered in the opening of a new total force C-130 Hercules operations facility July 17 here.The new $5.6 million facility is the next milestone in the 302nd Airlift Wing's integration with the active duty 52nd Airlift

  • UK's 'Friendly Invasion' 70 years on

    During his childhood, Clive Stevens would gaze up in awe at a small B-17 Flying Fortress model that sat on top of a bookcase in his home. "It obviously gave me a deep-rooted interest in the airplane," said Stevens. Over the years, his fascination grew to include not only the U.S. aircraft but the

  • San Antonio health system among best in wounded warrior, trauma care

    During the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure commission hearings, it was suggested that the military should consolidate all health facilities in San Antonio to create the San Antonio Military Health System. The SAMHS was established after both the Air Force and Army chiefs of staff signed a

  • CSAF nominee testifies before Senate committee

    Gen. Mark Welsh III addressed a range of issues here July 19 during his Senate confirmation hearing to be the next Air Force chief of staff. Welsh, who has commanded U.S. Air Forces in Europe since December 2010, answered questions from members of the Senate Armed Services Committee about budget and

  • Air Force running goes digital

    Beginning Sept. 1, Air Force medical officials will take new strides to get Airmen running safely.The Air Force Telehealth Office will conduct a six-month study to investigate the outcome and efficiency of online running instruction. The study will examine the effectiveness of a newly developed set