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  • DOD releases names of Airmen killed in Afghanistan helicopter crash

    Three Air Force Special Operations Command Airmen died Saturday morning when their aircraft, a coalition CH-47 Chinook, crashed in the Maiden Wardak Province in eastern Afghanistan. They were among 25 U.S. Special Operations Command operators who died in the crash, which also took the lives of five

  • Aviano maintenance group earns top DOD award

    The 31st Maintenance Group here was announced as a Secretary of Defense Field-level Maintenance Award recipient Aug. 9. The award is one of six presented annually to recognize outstanding achievements in weapon system and military equipment maintenance. The 31st MXG competed against 'large' category

  • 2011 Department of Defense Maintenance Awards Winners Announced

    Department of Defense officials announced the 2011 winners of the Secretary of Defense Maintenance Awards for depot and field-level units Aug. 10. These awards are presented annually to recognize outstanding achievements in weapon system and military equipment maintenance. The 2011 Robert T. Mason

  • Partnered again--Russia and NORAD conduct Exercise Vigilant Eagle 2011

    Within minutes after takeoff, the first fighter aircraft are visible off the left wing and Exercise Vigilant Eagle 2011 is well underway. The Russian Federation Air Force and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) conducted their second Vigilant Eagle cooperative exercise Aug 5-9,

  • Army, AF units take aim during joint training exercise

    Army and Air Force units teamed up for a joint training exercise at Jikdo Island Aug. 5, firing AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, rockets and 30mm munitions at the range. Jikdo is a range facility on two islands off the western coast of Korea, near Kunsan. For this training mission, weapon systems officers

  • Massachusetts Air Guard unit heads north for training

    Aircrews and maintainers from the Massachusetts Air National Guard's 104th Fighter Wing deployed here in early August for training.  It provided a different setting for the aircrews to train and allowed the maintenance Airmen to work in a deployed environment.View the slideshow.

  • Rescue coordination center team assists in mission that saved 60 hikers

    Severe weather on July 29 flooded a hiking path on Mount Whitney near Lone Pine, Calif., leaving 60 hikers stranded. Officials with the California Emergency Management Agency reached out to the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center here for assistance. "Although there was a large number of

  • Air Force employee one of five selected for special award

    Michael Nakai, an information technology specialist at the Air Force Safety Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., was selected as one of five recipients of the 2011 Judith C. Gilliom Outstanding Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities Award. He was presented the

  • Air Force Medical Service's first 'Sergeant Major' to be honored

    The late Chief Master Sgt. Raymond T. Smith once told a reporter: "The Vietnam conflict has brought the services closer together. We've got to keep it that way."When he made that remark in 1970, he was serving as the first enlisted senior NCO for the entire Air Force Medical Service. So new was his

  • Malicious websites pose threat to Air Force network

    The discovery of spoofed Air Force websites means Air Force network users must maintain vigilant awareness before entering passwords into Air Force sites.The 624th Operations Center, located here, is alerting Airmen across the service about malicious websites posing as official Department of Defense

  • McKinley: America must preserve Tuskegee Airmen's legacy

    As the accomplishments of the World War II-era Tuskegee Airmen fade into U.S. history, a grateful nation must work to keep their legacy alive, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said at the 40th annual Tuskegee Airmen convention."The reality of human behavior is that the further in time we get

  • U.S., Cambodia partner for civil military assistance mission

    U.S. Airmen are partnering with their Royal Cambodian Armed Forces aircrew, engineer, and medical counterparts this week for a combined civil military assistance mission in Koh Kong Province, Cambodia, scheduled to run through Aug. 12. The mission, known as Operation Pacific Angel 11-1, is part of a

  • Wounded warriors, families deserve best care, Chiarelli says

    The military has made great strides in warrior care over the past decade of war, but much work remains to be done, particularly when dealing with the invisible wounds of war, the Army vice chief of staff said Aug. 8.Speaking at the Warrior Transition Command's Warrior Care and Transition Program

  • New airframe, squadron on Kandahar Airfield

    Members of the 451st Expeditionary Operations Group welcomed their newest unit, the 702nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, here at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, recently. The 702 EAS is a tactical transport squadron comprising Army and Air Force Guard members flying C-27J Spartans to provide

  • Rescue reservists support successful rocket launch

    Air Force Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing here supported the successful United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch Aug. 6. The Atlas carried the Juno spacecraft for NASA.Juno launched from Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., and is tasked with investigating the

  • Leaders offer condolences in wake of helicopter crash

    Senior U.S. leaders extended condolences Aug. 6 to the families of American and Afghan forces lost in an International Security Assistance Force helicopter crash in eastern Afghanistan Aug. 6.Thirty ISAF service members, a civilian interpreter and seven Afghan commandos were killed when a coalition

  • Sheppard innovates Web-based self-inspections

    Innovation in the checklist industry has found its way to the Sheppard Air Force Base Self-Inspection Program through the Management Internal Control Toolset. MICT is a web-based self-inspection software tool used to manage, track and close self-identified work center deficiencies. The days of

  • Hurlburt Field preferred for MQ-1 remote split-operation unit

    Air Force officials announced Aug. 4 that Hurlburt Field, Fla., is the preferred alternative for the Air Force Reserve Command MQ-1 remote split-operations squadron. Hurlburt Field will receive a single MQ-1 RSO squadron consisting of 140 personnel and associated equipment. This action does not

  • Morocco receives first F-16s

    Morocco is the latest U.S. partner nation to receive the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a historic event marked by a ceremony here Aug. 4. The new Block 52 aircraft will supplement the Royal Moroccan Air Force's existing fleet of fighter aircraft and will contribute to the upgrade and modernization of the

  • Nominees sought for 2012 Verne Orr Award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2012 Verne Orr Award. The Air Force Association established this award in honor of former Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr to recognize mission-oriented unit accomplishments and achievements in utilizing personnel to their full potential in

  • Polish, American sister wings celebrate 1-year anniversary

    The 86th Airlift Wing commander visited Poland's 3rd Airlift Wing here Aug. 3, marking the one-year anniversary of the "sister wing" relationship between the two units.The wings began working closely in 2008, when Polish air force officials first entertained the idea of vastly improving their

  • Hero honored at new William A. Jones III Building

    Joint Base Andrews unveiled a new display in the recently-opened William A. Jones III Building on July 28, both of which honor the life and service of Medal of Honor recipient Col. William A. Jones III. The display dedication, presided over by Maj. Gen. Darren McDew, the Air Force District of

  • CBRN Challenge 2011 showcases emergency response capabilities

    CBRN Challenge 2011 wrapped up July 22 with the team from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., representing Air Mobility Command, taking top honors.Held at the Center for National Response, or CNR, in Gallagher, W.Va., 50 warriors, representing 10 major commands, gathered to showcase their capabilities

  • Secretary of the Air Force talks with Airmen while visiting Vance AFB

    "We're committed to ensuring that the United States continues to have the world's finest Air Force for generations to come," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley during his stop here July 27.Donley spent three hours at Vance AFB, accompanied by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy

  • Panetta praises new leaders following Senate confirmations

    Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta praised six officers Aug. 2 after the Senate confirmed their nominations for key leadership positions, including the military's two top uniformed posts."I would like to congratulate (Army) Gen. Martin Dempsey and (Navy) Adm. James Winnefeld, who the Senate confirmed

  • Senior leaders talk big picture with SMART scholars

    Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation program scholars have unique opportunities to leave a lasting legacy in the U.S. defense community, Air Force senior leaders said during the SMART scholar summer orientation, which took place July 11-14 in Washington, D.C.Nearly 300 SMART program

  • Nominations open for Spirit of Hope Award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2012 Spirit of Hope Award.The award recognizes a military member, civilian or organization that epitomizes the values of Bob Hope -- duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity and selfless dedication.Organizations and base-level personnel

  • Nominations open for Joan Orr Spouse Award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2012 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year Award.The Air Force Association Joan Orr Spouse of the Year Award honors significant contributions made by non-military spouses of Airmen from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31The nominee's spouse must be serving in

  • Combined exercise tests interoperability between coalition partners

    Firefighters from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing completed a training scenario with the French and host nation firefighters here July 25 to test their interoperability. The exercise helped break through communication barriers and foster relations between the firefighters."The purpose for this

  • Academy ranked among nation's best colleges

    The Air Force Academy received top-10 rankings in most available professors, low drug and alcohol use, and best school administration, according to The Best 376 Colleges book, released today by Princeton Review.The Princeton Review ranks the Air Force Academy's faculty fifth in the nation in "most

  • Langley F-15 trucked cross country to enshrinement

    For nearly 40 years, the 1st Fighter Wing here flew the venerable F-15 Eagle, helping to cement its place as one of the most successful fighters in aviation history. On July 22, however, one of the 1st FW's last F-15s began its final journey, leaving Virginia for northern California -- but not in

  • First Air Force F-35 pilot part of aviation history

    With the arrival of the joint strike fighter, the military continues setting the historic milestones for the worldwide aviation industry in preparing the first F-35 Lightning II pilots.Lt. Col. Eric Smith became a part of history himself recently as the first Airman to fly the new stealth fighter

  • McChord Airmen recognized for historic Antarctic mission

    The C-17 Globemaster III aircrew members of "Ice 68" from the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings here were recognized by Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., the commander of Air Mobility Command, July 29 for their part in evacuating an ailing government contractor from McMurdo Station, Antarctica, June

  • Top award winners named for Air Mobility Rodeo 2011

    The Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 competition drew to a close here July 29 with the 97th Air Mobility Wing earning the "Best Air Mobility Wing" title during the awards presentation for the air mobility competition.In the closing ceremonies, the Rodeo commander addressed the thousands of people who had

  • City of New York marks 'Air Force Day' during CSAF visit

    Citing the city's long military history, Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared July 28 as "Air Force Day" in New York, through a proclamation read at the Air Force Association Iron Gate Chapter's 50th Anniversary Luncheon here.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz spoke at the event, and received

  • Minot situation serious, stop movement order remains

    The situation remains serious in the Minot Air Force Base, N.D., area, and the stop movement order remains in place, Air Force officials announced July 29.Heavy spring flooding forced many to evacuate the city of Minot N.D., prompting the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing commanders to request a

  • Air Force leaders laud AFSA, Airmen at gala

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz capped the 2011 Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Airmen's Conference with remarks at an awards banquet here July 27.Donley congratulated AFSA on its 50 years of dedicated service to enlisted

  • Walter Reed's legacy will endure, McHugh says

    Though it's consolidating soon in nearby Bethesda, Md., with the National Naval Medical Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center has built a lasting legacy, Army Secretary John M. McHugh said here July 27 at a ceremony in which the 102-year-old hospital cased its colors.The consolidation in Bethesda,

  • Photo Essay: Building security through SAFE SKIES 2011

    SAFE SKIES 2011, which included units from the California and the Alabama Air National Guard, is a military-to-military exchange between airmen from the U.S., Ukraine and Poland to enhance airspace security over the Ukraine and Poland in preparation for EURO 2012, the European soccer championship

  • American Idol meets American Military at 301st FW

    The 301st Fighter Wing's main hangar was turned into something akin to a Hollywood movie set July 20 as the 11 contestants from last season's "American Idol" television show arrived here to film a public-service announcement for Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting Service.The recruiting service

  • Deployed troops vibe to the beat of 'Tops in Blue'

    Members of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and partner units rocked to the various tunes of the U.S. Air Force's 'Tops in Blue,' July 22, at an air base here.The world-traveling group of Airmen composed of 36 vocalists, musicians, dancers and technicians from different career fields throughout the

  • SAFE SKIES 2011 demonstrates true collaboration

    Airmen from the 144th Fighter Wing at Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif., are partnered with Ukrainian and Polish airmen at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine, through the National Guard State Partnership Program. Through this program, they have developed a strong tie to this former soviet bloc-country

  • Band plays, audience rocks at space shuttle finale

    High Flight, the newest ensemble of the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, performed at the final landing of Shuttle Atlantis July 21 at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The landing marked the end of NASA's space shuttle program."It has been an honor and a privilege to perform at this event," said Master

  • Airmen participate in exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia

    Airmen from the 36th Contingency Response Group here and the Royal Australian Air Force participated in Talisman Sabre 2011 recently at Williamson Airfield, Australia, to test their combined combat capabilities.Talisman Sabre 2011 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and Australian forces to plan

  • Airmen compete for Team Pakistan

    Chanting, "Team Pakistan," as they ascended the ramp to a KC-135R Stratotanker, four of the five-member Pakistan Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 aeromedical evacuation team were American Airman. Upon discovery that Pakistan only had one flight surgeon to compete in the aeromedical evacuation competition,

  • First lady, Dr. Biden launch 'Community Challenge'

    First lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, recently unveiled a new program intended to celebrate Americans going above and beyond to improve military families' lives.The Joining Forces Community Challenge will award prizes to people and organizations that

  • Columbus defenders bring 9/11 march across Mississippi River

    Airmen from the 14th Security Forces Squadron here will take the Ruck March to Remember across the Mississippi River July 26 during their portion of the 2,181-mile trek.The Columbus Airmen began their 146-mile march July 24, taking part in the nationwide security forces event commemorating the 10th

  • Deadline approaching for Sijan award

    Air Force officials would like to remind Airmen that the deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 Lance P. Sijan United States Air Force Leadership Award to the Air Force Personnel Center is September 1.The Sijan award recognizes the accomplishments of officers and enlisted members who have

  • Touch down ends Reserve rescue role in shuttle program

    As the sun rose over the Atlantic Ocean on July 21, it shed light on both the final landing of the space shuttle Atlantis and the final time Air Force reservists will perform their duties as guardians of the astronauts.As a network of rescue responders, reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing from

  • AFA aerospace award nominees announced

    Air Force officials selected the following individuals and units as nominees to compete for the Air Force Association Aerospace Awards.The specific category and respective nominees are:Theodore Von Karman Award -- For the most outstanding contribution to national defense in the field of science and

  • Photo essay: Security forces enhance capabilities through K-9 training

    Military working dog trainers in the 20th Security Forces Squadron here work hard to train and prepare dogs for real-world situations such as drug raids, patrols and other specialized mission functions for the Department of Defense and government agencies. View the slideshow.

  • French award National Defense Gold Medal to pararescue Airmen

    Three 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron Airmen were awarded the French National Defense Gold Medal with bronze star during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Morales-Frazier July 8.French Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Maurin, the Task Force La Fayette IV commander, presented Capt. John Mosier, an HH-60G

  • Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 kicks off

    Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 kicked off here July 24. Airmen from around the world, including seven international teams, are participating in the biennial competition that focuses on mission readiness, featuring airdrops, aerial refueling and other events that showcase the skills of mobility crews. This

  • Life support, medical Airmen provide assistance in SAFE SKIES 2011

    Two life support Airmen and four medical Airmen are supporting participants in SAFE SKIES 2011, a joint U.S., Ukraine and Polish exercise where Air National Guard pilots fly engagements with Ukrainian Su-27, Mig-29s and Polish F-16s. SAFE SKIES 2011 is designed to develop the Ukraine and Polish air

  • Air Force chief of staff visits Cheyenne

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie spent July 22 and 23 here meeting with area Airmen and the Cheyenne community to celebrate Cheyenne Frontier DaysDuring the visit, the general visited members of the 153rd Airlift Wing of the Wyoming Air National Guard and their active

  • Intel analyst honored as Air Force Times 2011 Airman of the Year

    A national tactical integration and signals intelligence geospatial analyst from the 31st Intelligence Squadron at Ft. Gordon, Ga., received the Air Force Times 2011 Airman of the Year award here July 21.Staff Sgt. Lindsay W. Bell, of the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group at

  • Army, Air Force families share 'Family of Year' honors

    Families from the Army and the Air Force shared the honors July 21, 2011, as the National Military Family Association's 2011 Family of the Year for their service to the nation and their communities.During the association's 2011 leadership luncheon here, association officials honored a family from

  • TRANSCOM, AFMC commanders shed light on energy conservation, measurements

    Military senior leaders provided their perspective on operational energy and its associated metrics during the Army Air Force Energy Forum here July 20. Gen. Duncan McNabb and Gen. Donald Hoffman, the respective commanders of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Force Materiel Command, joined U.S.

  • Airmen tackle CBRN threat response training in WV tunnel

    The Center for National Response is hosting the Air Force Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Response Challenge here July 18-22. Ten bioenvironmental and emergency management teams representing nine Air Force major commands and the Air National Guard will spend the week facing a series

  • Contingency response wing takes on Africa mission

    An Air Force wing that stood up here to open airfields anywhere in the world on short notice soon will take on a new mission, helping African militaries establish their own air mobility systems.The 621st Contingency Response Wing and the wing's sister unit at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., stand

  • New tool to help support deployed Airmen

    Air Force officials are testing a new capability to expedite the personnel assistance deployed total force Airmen receive from Personnel Support for Contingency Operations, or PERSCO, teams.PERSCO teams at deployed locations in U.S. Air Forces Central's area of responsibility will be phased in to

  • Airmen's ideas sought to help cut wasteful spending

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton sends the following message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:The White House continues to challenge all federal employees to help identify areas where we can cut wasteful spending. Over the past two years, 56,000 ideas have been submitted through the

  • Air Force Key Spouses of the Year honored at forum

    Some of the Air Force's outstanding 'Key Spouses' were honored during the service's Caring for People Forum here July 19.Suzie Schwartz, wife of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, and Paula Roy, wife of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy, accompanied Lt. Gen. Darrell

  • Medical education, commissioning programs available

    Airmen have the opportunity to apply for Biomedical Sciences Corps training and commissioning programs for fiscal 2012, Air Force officials announced.Applicants interested in the following programs should be U.S. citizens, meet the minimum commissioning age requirements, meet fitness standards and

  • New joint training enables Airmen, Soldiers to respond to emergencies

    Airmen from the fire department and Soldiers from a quick reaction force at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing conducted a joint training exercise July 15 to learn how to work together effectively during an emergency situation.This is the first time the Army's QRF and the Air Force-operated fire

  • First Beta class RPA pilot becomes launch-and-recovery qualified

    Forging the way for officers in his career field, Rob, a captain assigned to the 432nd Wing as a remotely piloted aircraft pilot has established many firsts. He was a graduate of the first Beta class for RPA pilots, first Beta to go to the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron, first Beta to live fire, first

  • Air Guard partners exercise in Ukraine

    More than 140 members of the Air National Guard landed aircraft in Ukraine, preparing for a U.S. European Command-sponsored aerial military-to-military exchange event titled SAFE SKIES 2011.A rainbow unit of Air National Guard Airmen comprising members from Alabama, California, Iowa, Washington and

  • 'Air Force Spouse of the Year' named by Military Spouse magazine

    The wife of a California Air National Guard pilot and mother of three has been named the Air Force Spouse of the Year by Military Spouse Magazine and Armed Forces Insurance.Megan Glynn, the wife of Maj. Matt Glynn, who is assigned to the 146th Airlift Wing at Channel Islands ANG Station near Oxnard,

  • Aviano Airman wins $10,000 IDEA award

    The Innovative Development through Employee Awareness Program recently awarded an Aviano Air Base Airman $10,000, the highest reward available. Tech. Sgt. Rey Andrade, the 31st Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment NCO in charge, received the award after solving a problem that cost

  • New Jersey base realizes joint benefits

    With two months left for Defense Department officials to comply with the 2005 base realignment and closure plan, a related initiative -- joint basing -- already is paying off through closer interservice collaboration and the promise of future cost savings, officials here reported.Joint Base

  • Air Force releases updated dress and appearance instructions

    The Air Force's instruction on dress and personal appearance recently received an appearance upgrade with the release of the updated instruction July 18. Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance, received the facelift after several years of interim updates as uniform items were

  • First F-35 arrives at Eglin

    The Department of Defense's first F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter touched down at its new home here July 14, marking a major milestone in the nation's military history. Upon arrival, the jet officially became part of the Air Force inventory. It now belongs to the JSF training unit, the 33rd

  • Chief of staff and spouse visit Aviano Air Base

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie visited the 31st Fighter Wing here July 10 to 12, meeting with Airmen and their families while touring the installation and its facilities.During his visit, Schwartz received briefings on the wing's mission and operations, dined with

  • MAFFS aircraft, crews conclude firefighting operations in Southwest

    After performing 242 sorties and dropping 609,960 gallons of fire retardant over the wildfires that have been burning in New Mexico and Arizona, Air Reserve Component personnel and their Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped aircraft concluded their mission July 13.National Interagency Fire

  • PACAF demonstrates air power in Brunei

    Aircraft from Misawa Air Base, Japan, and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, performed at the Brunei Darussalam International Defense Exhibition 2011 at Rimba Air Base, Brunei, July 2. Capt. Chris Nations, a PACAF Aerial Demonstration Team pilot based at Misawa, performed daily aerial

  • Officials announce Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    Air Force officials recently selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2011. An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center considered 35 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and

  • Balancing Reserve force discussed at Commander and Spouse Forum

    Air Force Reserve wing commanders and their spouses attended the annual Air Force Reserve Commander and Spouse forum here July 6 to 8 to gain increased awareness of the needs of Citizen Airmen and their families.Attendees engaged with Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., the chief of Air Force Reserve

  • Weapons load competition showcases Airmen's precision, excellence

    Airmen in the 20th Fighter Wing weapons standardization unit held their quarterly Weapons Load Crew of the Quarter competition here July 8.Load crewmembers from Shaw's three fighter squadrons, the 55th "Shooters," the 77th "Gamblers" and the 79th "Tigers," participated in the competition to find out

  • Security forces members begin march to Ground Zero

    Members of the Joint Base San Antonio security forces community began the kickoff leg of a 2,181-mile ruck march here July 12. Participants from installations across the nation will continue the daily "Ruck March to Remember," which is scheduled to end Sept. 11 at Ground Zero in New York, on the

  • Officials name productivity award winners

    Air Force selected four winners for the Air Force's productivity and excellence awards recently. The awards recognize individuals or groups that provide resource-saving improvements to the Air Force. The Air Force Productivity Excellence Award recognizes individuals and small groups of military and

  • Shindand Air Base triples in size

    By expanding to nearly three times its original size, Shindand Air Base recently became the second largest airfield throughout Afghanistan. Colonel Larry Bowers, the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group commander, opened the new expansion area upon completion of construction of approximately eight

  • Global Hawk postured for success

    With a solid record in combat and humanitarian missions, the RQ-4 Global Hawk program remains a critical component to national security and the Air Force will increase cost-saving efficiencies to ensure the unmanned aerial system's sustainment, officials said here July 12.Rigorous reviews over the

  • Airman receives General O'Malley Distinguished Space Leadership Award

    The General Jerome F. O'Malley Distinguished Space Leadership Award was awarded to an Air Force Space Command Airman during the sixth annual Space and Cyberspace Symposium June 15 in Keystone, Colo.Brig. Gen. David D. Thompson, the director of air, space and cyberspace operations for Air Force Space

  • Airmen prepare for a ruck march to remember

    Airmen in the 4th Security Forces Squadron here are gearing up to host participants of a 2,181-mile ruck march that begins at the Air Force Security Forces Center in San Antonio July 12 and ends at ground zero in New York Sept. 11 in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist

  • CONR supports final space shuttle launch

    Spectators looked on as Space Shuttle Atlantis roared to life for the final time, as the orbiter and crew launched into space from here July 8.Members of the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, or Continental NORAD Region, and Air Forces Northern provided airspace

  • Lynn to step down as deputy defense secretary

    Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III will step down later this year to return to private life, Pentagon officials announced July 7.Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta asked Lynn to remain in office until a successor is nominated and confirmed, officials said, and that's expected to happen by

  • Security forces members march to remember

    As a memorial to the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Air Force security forces members will participate in the Ruck March to Remember from July 12 to Sept. 11.Security forces members from 23 units will march 2,181 miles from the Air Force Security Forces Center in San Antonio to Ground Zero in New York

  • Nominees sought for O'Malley award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2012 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award. The O'Malley Award annually recognizes the wing commander and spouse team whose contributions to the nation, the Air Force, and the local community best exemplify the highest ideals and positive

  • California guardsmen rescue lost hiker

    Airmen from the California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing conducted a successful mission, rescuing a missing hiker near Pioneer, Calif., on the Fourth of July. Officials from the Air Guard unit were contacted the evening of July 3 by members of the California Emergency Management Agency

  • JTACs guide air strikes, turn tide during major battle

    Airmen from the Washington Air National Guard directed multiple airstrikes May 25 helping a significantly outnumbered U.S. Army and Afghan National Security Force unit fight through an ambush and free a district center from insurgents.Joint terminal attack controllers from the 116th Air Support

  • Air Force weather leaders meet to appraise career field

     Leaders from across the Air Force weather career field met up at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center here recently to discuss present operations and the future of the weather career field. "We need to make sure we're supporting the Airmen that are downrange and giving them the right training and

  • Air Force chief of staff announces 2011 'Vector'

    The Air Force's senior military officer released his vision for the future in the CSAF Vector 2011, which highlights the service's unique contributions to national security and also provides updates and the way ahead on the Air Force's priorities."A year ago I presented a vision for our Air Force,"

  • Airmen successfully medevac Antarctic worker

    Using night vision equipment and navigating around volcanic ash hazards, a C-17 Globemaster III and crew from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., alongside aeromedical evacuation and critical care air transport team Airmen, successfully evacuated an ailing Antarctic government contractor June 30. The

  • DARPA officials seek to employ biology in manufacturing

    In the latest effort to make the impossible probable, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency officials are looking for companies that can harness biology to speed up and lower the cost of producing new materials and devices.Alicia Jackson, a program manager in DARPA's Microsystems Technology