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  • Air Force staff sergeant creates tracking program

    There's a new computer-based program designed to track the training status for pilots. It's called "iFly," invented by Air Force Staff Sgt. Jose Castillo, 3rd Wing aviation resource management. It may become the new standard for the Pacific Air Forces.The path that led to this program shines with

  • Air Force to continue legacy of innovation, Donley says

    More than any other military service, people have viewed the U.S. Air Force as an innovative and "leap ahead" organization, the service's top civilian leader said here today.The pieces are in place to continue that legacy, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley told the Defense Writers Group.Even

  • Recent donations honor Etchberger legacy

    In honor of his legacy and to inspire future generations of Airmen, two contributions were added to the Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. Etchberger displays at Gunter Annex near here March 26.Etchberger, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2010, is the only Air Force chief master sergeant

  • DARPA looking for 8 motivated Airmen

    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency needs eight motivated officers for the fiscal year 2013 Service Chiefs Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Application packages for the three-month program, which begins in September, are due to the AFPC officer developmental

  • SecAF: In downsizing AF trades 'size for quality'

    In the current economic environment, the best course of action for the U.S. Air Force is to "trade size for quality," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley March 30 in a keynote address to attendees of the 39th Tinker and Community Dining Out at the Tinker Club.The secretary said that

  • First lady unveils new military spouse hiring effort

    First lady Michelle Obama today announced a new hiring effort intended to deliver thousands of portable, flexible job opportunities to military spouses and veterans in the coming years.Eleven companies have pledged more than 15,000 jobs for military spouses and veterans, the first lady said, noting

  • Officials complete new tuition assistance policy memo

    When a new policy takes effect, probably this summer, schools will need to have a signed memorandum of understanding to participate in the Defense Department's Tuition Assistance Program, Pentagon officials said.A 90-day extension that expired March 30 allowed DOD officials to work with stakeholders

  • SecAF visits F-35 test program at Edwards AFB

    "You continue to make history - literally every day - with the work you do here." These words of affirmation were given by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley during his visit to the Edwards F-35 Integrated Test Force March 28 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Donley, who was at Edwards March

  • Advisory team engages on Afghan irrigation

    Advisors with the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group recently conducted a humanitarian site survey mission centered on repairing spillways that deliver water to multiple villages located directly outside Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan, March 22.The focus of the ongoing mission is to reroute

  • Wounded warriors continue service through employment program

    The Air Force's goal is to retain injured Airmen on active duty. But when this is no longer an option, wounded warriors may explore new opportunities to serve through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Civil Service Employment Program.The program helps all combat or hostile-related ill, injured and

  • CyberPatriot: Preparing for tomorrow's battles today

    Today, just about every aspect of our lives is somehow connected to the Internet. Our personnel records can be found online as well as our financial records, employment information -- just about everything that identifies who and what we are.On the job, the Internet is even more pervasive.

  • Warrior Games selection camp concludes for AF

    More than 25 active-duty, retired and separated Airmen competed for a spot on the Air Force team in the 2012 Warrior Games during a selection camp March 25-30 here.The Warrior Games, now in its third year, was designed to introduce disabled veterans to Paralympic sports. The Airmen selected for the

  • C-27 program cut explained, budget aligned with strategy

    The Air Force deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs discussed the reasoning behind the C-27J Spartan program cut from the fiscal 2013 budget request during the Air Force Association's monthly breakfast seminar here March 27."It's not because it isn't a good aircraft, and it's not

  • Tips, guide to maneuver PCS peak season

    Each year, about 225,000 Department of Defense and U.S. Coast Guard household good shipments are slated for movement during the summer months. These shipments compete with private sector moves creating a phenomenon in the transportation industry called the "peak moving season."Peak moving season

  • Officials reaffirm Pentagon's commitment to F-35

    Estimated costs for the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter have increased over the life of the program, but the Defense Department is working to contain cost growth and remains committed to the fifth-generation fighter, defense officials said March 29.Frank Kendall III said during confirmation

  • Air Force installations host 'Cook It Up' events

    Air Force installations worldwide are organizing local cooking contests to foster and instill a sense of community and promote a healthy lifestyle.Known as 'Cook It Up', Air Force community centers are hosting food challenges to draw participants from the entire community and highlight culinary

  • Schriever AFB dodgeballers set world record

    Twenty-five jammed fingers, 10 rolled ankles, at least 20 blisters, numerous sore shoulders and a world record. Twenty Schriever Air Force Base members got all that and more after playing dodgeball for more than 40 consecutive hours March 22-23, beating the Guinness Book of World Record for the

  • Olmsted scholars named

    Six Air Force captains will spend their next tour of duty in Russia, the Ukraine, Brazil, China or India pursuing an academic mission as Olmsted Foundation Scholarship winners, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.The Olmsted Scholar Program, sponsored by the George and Carol Olmsted

  • SecDef: U.S. remains committed to F-35 program

    Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta yesterday reaffirmed the Defense Department's commitment to the F-35 joint strike fighter program and to ensuring it remains within the defense strategy's budget.The secretary spoke at a news conference following a meeting with Mexican and Canadian defense leaders

  • Exceptional performer promotion nominations due by April 6

    Stripes for Exceptional Performers nomination packages meeting the Central STEP Board and the Combatant Command Board are due to the Air Force Personnel Center enlisted promotions section by April 6, AFPC officials said.The fiscal 2012 central and COCOM boards will meet April 23-24, according to

  • First Air Force female four-star general confirmed

    The Senate confirmed Air Force Lt. Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger for promotion March 26, making her the first female four-star general in Air Force history.Wolfenbarger currently serves as the military deputy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition here and she is one

  • Air Force officials expand electronic ADSC notifications

    Air Force Personnel Center officials are expanding automated notifications to Airmen of personnel actions requiring them to sign active duty service commitment acknowledgement statements.The automated ADSC notifications were successfully tested in November 2011 for more than 800 Airmen selected for

  • Coaches selected for 2012 Warrior Games

    An Air Force orthopedic surgeon has been tapped to be the head coach for the U.S. Air Force 2012 Warrior Games team during the competition slated for April 30 through May 5 in Colorado Springs, Colo.Maj. James Bales, 2010's Air Force Male Athlete of the Year, from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.,

  • General: Space capability integral to all military operations

    Space capabilities have become integral to all military operations, the commander of Air Force Space Command told reporters here during a Defense Writers Group breakfast March 22."It's hard to imagine what life was like before we had ... GPS providing very accurate targeting capability, military

  • AF announces 2012 aviator continuation pay program

    Air Force officials released the details of fiscal 2012 Aviator Continuation Pay program this week, with continuing focus on retaining highly-qualified manned and remotely piloted aircraft rated crew members. The ACP program gives some pilots and combat systems officers the opportunity for a

  • Davis-Monthan AFB wins installation excellence award

    Air Force leaders announced the winners of the 2012 Commander-In-Chief's Annual Awards for Installation Excellence and Special Recognition program March 26.Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., won this year's award and will receive $1 million for quality-of-life improvements. Four personnel and 8

  • Intel civilians transition from pay bands

    More than 6,000 Air Force Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System employees transitioned March 25 from a pay-banded structure to a graded structure similar to the federal general schedule pay structure, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. The secretary of defense decision to transition

  • Air Force ends pilot travel card program

    The Air Force recently decided to transition existing Controlled Spend Account travel cards to an enhanced Government Travel Card by the end of fiscal 2012. "The CSA, a pilot travel card program, provided some enhancements for travelers, but also brought about significant challenges for our most

  • AFTN releases newest 'Today's Air Force'

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on March 23. After a "Straight from the Top" segment, the show kicks off with a feature by Staff Sgt. Chris Pyles on the 50th anniversary of the B-52 Stratofortress. Later, Michelle Michael takes viewers to Dayton, Ohio, for a

  • AAF achieves first fixed-wing UPT flights in 30 years

    Afghan maintenance crews marshaled a team of three U.S. instructors paired with three Afghan students as they took to the morning skies in three separate Cessna 182 aircraft, marking the first undergraduate pilot training sorties in over 30 years in Afghanistan, March 24, 2012Advisors with the 838th

  • Air Force officials announce third round of VERA/VSIP

    In its continuing effort to meet the Defense Department requirement to maintain civilian manning at fiscal 2010 levels, the Air Force is offering a third round of Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment beginning May 1."The Air Force recognizes the invaluable

  • JB McChord Airmen set Operation Deep Freeze record

    Reservists from the 446th Airlift Wing and active-duty Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing completed a record-setting season for Operation Deep Freeze. As the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron aircrews and maintainers, from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., conducted 74 missions in support of ODF,

  • Air Force Culture and Language Center launches new field guides for Airmen

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center, located at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., is currently developing a series of Expeditionary Culture Field Guides on key countries to where U.S. forces are deploying.The ECFGs provide deploying forces of all U.S. military branches with language, region and

  • Florida high school student named Military Child of the Year for AF

    Operation Homefront's 2012 Military Child of the Year for the Air Force was recently awarded to Chelsea Rutherford, daughter of Technical Sgt. Kelly Herndon, 325th Medical Group education and training manager, and Technical Sgt. Charles Herndon, 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-22 avionics

  • History-making Op Deep Freeze 2011-2012 season concluded

    Following the redeployment of the last two C-17 Globemaster IIIs to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y., the personnel participating in the 2011-2012 edition of Operation Deep Freeze can lay claim to yet another successful and history-making season.ODF is the

  • Air Force launches tool kit aimed at pollution prevention

    The Air Force launched a new tool kit March 21 to promote pollution prevention across the service. As part of the planned Air Force Earth Day 2012 commemoration, the tool kit provides new, customizable products for use at installations Air Force-wide in creating local Earth Day campaigns.Although

  • F-35 reaches critical juncture after strong year, official says

    The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program -- the centerpiece of future tactical aviation and a key to implementing new military strategic guidance -- made strong progress in its development last year, a defense official said today.Frank Kendall, the acting undersecretary of defense for

  • AF extends retroactive stop loss application window

    Airmen eligible for the Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Program who did not apply before the fall deadline will have another opportunity to do so, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Airmen who were unable to submit a claim will be able to do so through Oct. 21, including active duty,

  • CMSAF visits UK, paves way forward

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath March 13, to discuss important Air Force topics with Airmen.CMSAF James Roy visited several locations on both bases and said he was impressed by the professionalism of Airmen."When you enter the gate at both bases,

  • CMSAF Roy visits 48th FW

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy arrived here March 13, 2012 to visit with Liberty Wing Airmen.The visit was his first to bases in the United Kingdom.The first Airmen to meet the CMSAF were members of the 48th Security Forces Squadron and 48th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance

  • Colonel promotes soccer for Afghan girls

    On a sunny day nearly six months ago, Air Force Col. AnneMarie Fenton witnessed a sight on the International Security Assistance Force helicopter landing zone here that reminded her of home: Afghan girls playing in a soccer tournament.While the girls were talented and clearly enjoyed the games,

  • Exchange program enriches safety of aviation community

    Two international officers assigned to the Air Force Safety Center's Aviation Safety Division have bolstered their countries' aviation safety program by working side-by-side with their U.S. Air Force partners.German Air Force Lt. Col. Rudi Stein and Royal Canadian Air Force Maj. Peter Laurin agree

  • U.S.-Thailand-Singapore Airmen strengthen ties during Cope Tiger 12

    Airmen from the U.S., Thailand, and Singapore are stepping away from flight operations to strengthen relationships here with local Thai communities this week.The combined Airmen from the U.S. Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force are participating in exercise Cope

  • Stop loss special pay extended

    Eligible Airmen, veterans and their beneficiaries now have until midnight Oct. 21 to apply for retroactive stop loss special pay following an extension in the continuing resolution authorized by Public Law 112-74. The new Oct. 21, 2012 deadline extends the original cutoff for applications and allows

  • Summer hire season is just around the corner

    With summer just around the corner, now is the time to apply for temporary positions with the Air Force.Annually, federal agencies post summer opening announcements for positions that range from office clerk to food service worker and more. Participation in the program varies from base to base, but

  • Wingmen key to reducing sexual violence

    The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Wing Commanders' Guide was sent out to wing commanders recently and contains statistics, facts and talking points to help leaders encourage healthy conversations among their Airmen, which senior leaders say is paramount to eliminating sexual crimes in the

  • NASA legend returns to Holloman

    Gene Kranz, retired NASA flight director, returned to Holloman AFB March 8 after 52 years to revisit the 46th Test Group, where he researched and tested Surface-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missiles in the late 1950s."I worked at Holloman from 1958 to 1960 with the Quail program, where the principle

  • Total force tanker team sharpens skills at Red Flag

    Aerial refuelers sharpen their skills through joint, allied and total force integration during Red Flag 12-3."The teamwork of active duty, Air National Guard and Reserve units has been outstanding," said Master Sgt. Randy Bishop, 91st Air Refueling Squadron chief boom operator out of MacDill AFB,

  • Inaugural African Partnership Flight takes off

    U.S. Air Forces Africa Airmen participated in the opening ceremony of the inaugural African Partnership Flight event March 12 at Air Force Base Accra, Ghana.The event, hosted by the Ghanaian air force, is a two-week, military-to-military multilateral and regional engagement designed to improve

  • JTF-Bravo medics see 1,000 patients

    Members from Joint Task Force-Bravo, Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, saw more than 1,000 villagers during the four-day medical readiness and training exercise in the Montana de la Flor region March 7-10. "It was a very successful MEDRETE," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William Fecke, deputy commander

  • AF Undersecretary visits Travis

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton visited here March 8 to receive a first-hand look at Travis operations, which consists of the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the 349th Air Mobility Wing and the 615th Contingency Response Wing - a total integrated force that makes up one of the Air Force's

  • Iraqi air chief sees son graduate U.S. Air Force pilot training

    The top generals from the U.S. Air Force and Iraq Air Force united here March 9 to award silver wings to 23 of the countries' newest pilots. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Iraqi Air Force Commander Staff Lt. Gen. Anwer Hamad Amin Ahmad were the keynote speakers at the graduation

  • JB Andrews ranked top AF-led joint base

    In an annual Department of Defense evaluation of supportive joint-basing capabilities, Joint Base Andrews was ranked at No. 1 compared to every other Air Force-led joint base as of March 1.JB Andrews was awarded a grade of 96 percent during a Feb. 1-2 evaluation. In order to rack and stack these

  • Developmental education application deadlines set

    Applications for intermediate and senior developmental education for officers are due April 9, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Civilians interested in basic developmental education or intermediate and senior developmental education will need to turn in their applications by May 1.Basic

  • Air mobility maintainers help Air Force cut down fuel costs

    Air mobility maintainers are helping to secure the future by becoming more fuel efficient, officials said. Maintenance professionals are working to avoid future expenses by lightening loads on KC-135 Stratotankers and C-5 Galaxies; they're also cutting back on use of gas-guzzling aircraft auxiliary

  • FY 13 military construction requests outlined to Congress

    Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics discussed military construction projects contained in the service's fiscal 2013 President's Budget request during a congressional hearing March 8. "Our FY13 budget request responds to two main drivers: The Budget

  • Eglin AFB conducts first F-35 launch

    No matter what uniform they wear, service members of the 33rd Fighter Wing know the launch of the first F-35 Lightning II flight here March 6 is a small step into the next half century of air dominance.Morale was high even though the sortie was abbreviated by the pilot's determination of "in flight

  • Loftis remembered: 'Afghanistan lost its best friend'

    A funeral service was held here Monday for Lt. Col. John Darin Loftis, who died Feb. 25 from wounds received during an attack at the Interior Ministry, Kabul, Afghanistan.The solemn service was attended by approximately 250 of Loftis's family, friends and Airmen from across the Air Force. Among his

  • Panel aims to boost support to special-needs families

    Military families with special-needs members would benefit from better communication and education, members of an exceptional family member panel concluded yesterday."We're working some great programs up at the (office of the secretary of defense) level," said Charles E. Milam, the principal

  • Air Force invests in robust Spice testing

    The Air Force is currently conducting urinalysis testing for Spice chemicals through a civilian laboratory and will field an in-house urinalysis testing capability for Spice in mid-March.Spice is a name brand and also a generic term for a large family of chemically unrelated "synthetic cannabinoids"

  • Air Force leaders discuss modernization in budget hearing

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz outlined the service's modernization efforts during testimony to the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Defense here March 6."Modernization is our most significant concern, especially as our

  • High year of tenure change continues to affect assignments

    The January return to pre-2003 enlisted high year of tenure rates continues to impact assignments, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today.High year of tenure is the maximum number of years enlisted Airmen in each grade may remain on active duty. In 2003, HYT was adjusted upward to

  • AF officials announce manpower force structure changes

    Air Force officials released force structure changes and resulting manpower impacts from the new DoD strategic guidance and fiscal 2013 President's Budget Mar. 6.The fiscal 2013 President's Budget adjusts Air Force military end strength to 501,000, with net reductions of 3,900 Active Duty, 5,100 Air

  • AF expands drug testing to include abused prescription drugs

    The Air Force and other military services will expand their drug testing to include testing for commonly abused prescription drugs beginning May 1, 2012.On Jan. 31, 2012, the Secretary of Defense gave a 90-day advance notice of the drug testing expansion which aims to counter the nation's growing

  • Former TACP funds 332nd AEW mission

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)After serving four years as a tactical air control party journeyman, a senior airman decided to trade in his stripes for a golden bar.

  • Global Strike commander: Nuclear deterrence fundamental to national security

    The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command visited here recently to discuss the command's mission and its significance to Air Force operations. Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski spoke to students from the Air War College, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, and Air Command and Staff College.AFGSC's

  • Service science chiefs discuss technology, budget gaps

    In talks yesterday with science chiefs from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps, House Armed Services Committee members targeted technology advances, cyber security and gaps left by mandated cuts in the 2013 defense budget.The panel heard testimony from Dr. Steven H. Walker, the Air Force

  • Andersen AFB concludes Asia-Pacific SMEE

    As part of U.S. Pacific Command's Theater Security Cooperation Program, a multilateral subject-matter expert exchange co-hosted by senior civil engineer and security forces personnel from Headquarters 13th Air Force concluded here Feb. 23.The exchange, called Pacific Unity and Pacific Defender,

  • Former POW shares reintegration tips with reservists, families

    Having spent more than five years in prisoner-of-war camps during the Vietnam War, Lee Ellis knows how difficult it is to reconnect with family and friends after a long military separation. Ellis shared his experiences and tips for reintegration with about 450 Air Force reservists and their family

  • Services officials announce teen summer camps

    Air Force Services Agency officials recently announced the call for three Air Force teen summer camps for 2012.The annual camps are designed to help Air Force youth build leadership skills and aspire to careers in space or aviation. The Teen Aviation Camp is scheduled for June 2-7 at the Air Force

  • AFPC webcasts address civilian developmental education

    Air Force civilians interested in developmental education programs can sit in on a March webcast tailored to their grade and the opportunities available, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Webcasts will be conducted at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on March 8 for GS-12 and

  • AFPC automates civilian education application submission process

    Civilians who apply for developmental education programs will do so through the Air Force Personnel Services website this year, rather than via email or fax, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Individuals interested in applying during the academic year 2013 civilian developmental

  • TRANSCOM continues mission despite challenges, commander says

    U.S. Transportation Command continues to meet all of its obligations to military combatant commanders and warfighters despite increasingly tighter budgets and an access dispute with Pakistan, the organization's commander told a congressional panel here yesterday.Air Force Gen. William M. Fraser III

  • Ohio Airmen help F-16 go 'green'

    In a joint effort by Airmen from the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and Airmen from the Ohio Air National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing, the F-16 Fight Falcon is currently undergoing a field service evaluation of biofuel.As the largest consumer of energy in the

  • USAFE team, senior NCO win national award

    The Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe Command Vehicles Branch and one of its senior NCOs recently proved the USAFE logistics program is among the best the U.S. has to offer by winning two Association of Equipment Management Professionals awards.The branch and Master Sgt. Jeremy Parks, the USAFE

  • Going 'where no African-American had gone before'

    She may never have traveled aboard an actual space shuttle, but in the 1960s Nichelle Nichols inspired a generation by boldly going where no African-American had gone before. With the debut of "Star Trek" in 1966, Nichols' role as Lt. Uhura not only broke racial barriers for African-American

  • Airman lives his American dream

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)The 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels flight commander here is in the process of accomplishing his own definition of "the American

  • Air Force issues flight release for Eglin AFB F-35A

    Officials at the Aeronautical Systems Center here issued a Military Flight Release today that will allow the F-35A Lightning II fighter to begin initial operations at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.This decision was reached after an airworthiness board conducted an assessment that evaluated potential

  • Injury compensation team saves AF millions

    Last year the Air Force Personnel Center injury compensation team saved the Air Force $5.9 million in future dollars.The team accomplished this partly by identifying compensation process flaws, and partly through thorough assessment of injury compensation claims.According to Marty Watson, the chief

  • AFMC wins international waste management awards

    The Air Force Materiel Command Asset Management Division recently earned the Richard I. Stessel Waste Management Award, making the AFMC team the first federal entity honored by the Air and Waste Management Association. The association named the AFMC division a winner of the Stessel award for

  • Tuskegee nurse first African-American in Army Nurse Corps

    An operating room nurse in North Carolina during the early days of World War II would become the first African-American nurse commissioned as a lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps and the first nurse to become part of the famed Tuskegee Airmen.Della H. Rainey was born in Suffolk, Virginia, on January

  • AF Special Ops officer killed in Kabul shooting

    An officer assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command died Saturday of wounds suffered from a gunshot in Kabul, Afghanistan.Lieutenant Colonel John Darin Loftis, 866th Air Expeditionary Squadron, was deployed in support of OPERATION Enduring Freedom and working in the Government of the Islamic

  • Longest serving Airman also longest serving African-American in DoD

    The Air Force's longest serving Airman, who retired this past January after nearly 47 years of service, is also the longest serving African-American service member within the Department of Defense.Maj. Gen. Alfred K. Flowers recently retired from the Pentagon where he served as the Deputy Assistant

  • Vietnam War rescue pilot goes on to command space shuttle

    African Americans blazed trails even beyond the stratosphere, as seen in the achievements of retired Col. Frederick D. Gregory, a former Air Force combat rescue pilot and NASA astronaut.After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1964, Gregory entered pilot training and attended undergraduate

  • SecAF: Air Force must continue to modernize

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley highlighted the service's need to continue future modernization plans during remarks to approximately 400 Airmen, industry officials and Air Force Association members Feb. 24 here.Donley spoke on the second day of the Air Force Association's 2012 Air Warfare

  • AF teens make an impact with Teen Movement initiative

    Air Force teen councils around the globe launched a new initiative to foster teen personal development and to create a positive impact on local Air Force communities.Teen Movement challenges installation teen councils to conduct four large-scale projects throughout the year supporting four pillars:

  • Vandenberg AFB Airman appears on sitcom

    One Airman's journey from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., to cameo appearance on a primetime situation comedy Feb. 22 was an enviable experience by most struggling actors' standards.Airman 1st Class Marcus McGinnis just couldn't resist taking a couple of photos as he waited in line with about 400

  • Airborne Laser Test Bed bids adieu to Edwards AFB

    The aircraft known for turning science fiction into fact, more accurately recognized as the YAL-1A Airborne Laser Test Bed, took to the skies here for the last time during its final ferry flight to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Feb. 14.The ALTB, which was a part of the Birk Flight Test

  • Air Force fiscal 2013 budget invests in critical space capabilities

    Investment in space programs was a priority in this year's Air Force budget, according to Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton.Air Force leaders sought to sustain and modernize the capabilities that enable the service to support the Department of Defense's new strategic guidance, Conaton

  • Air Force honors top recruiters for 2011

    Fifteen Air Force recruiters were named the top in their field for fiscal 2011 by the Air Force Recruiting Service in a ceremony here Feb. 8. Known as Operation Blue Suit, the AFRS program recognizes the best recruiters worldwide for their efforts in recruiting a diverse, high-performing volunteer

  • First black female fighter pilot follows childhood dream

    By the time she was in fourth grade, young Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell knew she wanted to be a fighter pilot.What the now-Air Force major didn't know, however, was that she would knock down a racial barrier by becoming the first black female in the career field.Kimbrell was born in Lafayette, Ind., on

  • Air Force names top fighter squadron

    On Feb. 16, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz announced that Kadena's 67th Fighter Squadron earned the Raytheon Trophy for 2011.The annual award, originally started by the Hughes Aircraft Company in 1953, is now sponsored by Raytheon Systems Corporation and is given to the top air

  • Olympian becomes weather officer during World War II

    Archie Williams, 1936 Olympic Gold Medal winner was later Archie Williams, Air Force weather officer and pilot. With a need for thousands of weather officers in the expanding Army Air Forces in World War II, a Meteorology Aviation Cadet program trained more than 5,600 weather officers by the last

  • DOD seeks leadership program candidates

    Department of Defense officials are seeking active duty Air Force majors and major-selects to apply for the academic year 2012-2013 Executive Leadership Development Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Although civilians are also eligible for the program, the call for nominations

  • Laughlin Airman controls Air Force's busiest airfield

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Like most other young boys, Staff Sgt. John Hammer dreamed of growing up and being a professional football star. Instead, the

  • German defense minister visits Holloman AFB

    Dr. Thomas de Maiziére, Germany's Federal Minister of Defense, visited here Feb. 15 during his trip to the U.S.De Maiziére came to the U.S. to visit the German Air Force Flying Training Center here and tour other German units stationed here in the U.S."It's a pleasure and honor to be here," de

  • Texas ANG unit recognized for top family readiness program

    Texas and Wisconsin National Guard units were among several from the reserve components recognized Friday at the 2012 Department of Defense Reserve Family Readiness Awards ceremony here at the Pentagon.The 136th Airlift Wing, a part of the Texas National Guard, represented the Air National Guard.

  • Kyrgyz, American women discuss career, life goals during cultural exchange

    Kyrgyz and American citizens gathered for a Women's Club meeting Feb. 17, at Bayalinov Children's Library in Bishkek.The Women's Club is part of the U.S. Embassy-sponsored American Corner program. Every week, the group meets to discuss various topics including marriage, children, career goals and

  • Daniel James III makes own mark in Air Force history

    The son of the Air Force's first African-American four-star general made a mark in his own right during an Air Force career spanning close to four decades.Lt. Gen. Daniel James III was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on Sept. 7, 1945. He earned his commission as a distinguished graduate of the University