Air Force meets 2006 enlisted, OTS recruiting goals

The Air Force exceeded its fiscal 2006 enlisted recruiting goal of 30,750 by assessing 30,888 men and women into active duty from Oct. 1, 2005, through Sept. 30, 2006.Air Force Recruiting Service also was successful in recruiting line officers and chaplains, bringing in 485 line officers and 31

Air Warrior transforms into new Green Flag

With the ever-changing fight in the war on terrorism, thus goes the Air Force with the incarnation, or re-incarnation, of Green Flag.The Air Warrior exercises here and at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., have officially become the Air Force's premier pre-deployment exercises for Air Combat Command

Air Force prepares to commemorate 60th anniversary

Big things are in store for Airmen, as Air Force leaders have planned more than a year's worth of commemoratory activities leading up to the Air Force's 60th anniversary, Sept. 18, 2007. Brig. Gen. Janet Therianos, director of the 60th Anniversary office at the Pentagon, said this upcoming year will

Unit stands up at Vandenberg

U.S. Strategic Command officials have split a single function into two in order to transform and enhance U.S. space capabilities. The Joint Functional Component Command for Space and Global Strike has been divided into JFCC for Space and JFCC for Global Strike and Integration. The split, initially

Missile squadron poised for 72-hour alerts

Missile combat crews in the 490th Missile Squadron here are helping the 20th Air Force transform missile operations as crewmembers started performing 72-hour alerts using three-person crews Sept. 30. Twentieth Air Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Thomas F. Deppe, suggested the 72-hour alert initiative and

CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Sept. 30 to Oct. 2

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 30 through Oct. 2.Sept. 30In Afghanistan Sept. 29, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, a B-1 Lancer and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists

'Old Ironsides' hosts Medal of Honor recipients

More than 70 Medal of Honor recipients took part in a special Medal of Honor flag presentation during a ceremony aboard USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides," here Sept. 30. The flag was created by an Act of Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush Oct. 23, 2002, and each service is

COMUSAFE visits Portuguese defense officials

The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe met with Portuguese defense officials to build relationships and tour facilities Sept. 29. During the trip, Gen. Tom Hobbins visited Monte Real Air Base, Alcochete Range and Lisbon's Ministry of Defense, where he met Admiral Jose Manuel Garcia Mendes

USO honors servicemembers for heroism

The United Service Organizations celebrated its 65th anniversary Sept. 28 and honored troops from each branch of the military for heroism. "We are thankful that we are defended by men and women of character and courage, and we are grateful to all the USO volunteers to work to entertain them,"

Command, control squadron inactivates at Offutt AFB

The 55th Mobile Command and Control Squadron here was officially inactivated Sept. 27 after 28 years of service. For nearly three decades the men and women of the 55th MCCS have kept a quiet vigil, preparing for the day when the fate of the nation might depend on their ability to provide a

USAFE commander honors German military

By standing their ground for more than three years as sentinels of U.S. Air Forces in Europe installations, departing German servicemembers have not only kept Airmen and their families safe, but also enabled their American counterparts to more effectively engage in the war on terrorism. "Dear

PRT breaks ground on $3 million road project

The Air Force-led Bagram Provincial Reconstruction team officially started a new road system Sept. 28 in the Kapisa province that will connect all districts and the provincial capitol. The contract is the first of its kind in Afghanistan and was awarded to Shams Construction Company of Kabul during

Yokota shares its sky with Japanese airliners

Traveling can be a hectic task, but officials here are helping ease the stress and headaches of today's travelers. The Road Map to Realignment is a group of initiatives designed to help future operations between U.S. and Japanese forces. One of the initiatives under this agreement is changing Yokota

Reserve, Guard leaders speak at AFA convention

Both the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard's top leaders spoke to attendees of the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26. Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, Air Force Reserve Command commander, and Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, Air National Guard

Air Force will get new bomber, upgrades to fighters

The Air Force is looking to get a "next generation" long-range bomber by 2018, according to the commander of Air Combat Command. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 27, Gen. Ronald E. Keys, the ACC commander, told reporters the

F-35 centerpiece for international partnership

The F-35 Lightning II aircraft brings new capability to the Air Force, but also serves as a centerpiece for international cooperation. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26, Brig. Gen. Charles R. Davis, deputy program executive

Air Force undertaking force transformation initiatives

The Air Force has changed direction in its effort to fulfill its legal requirements to organize, train and equip a flying force. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 27, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley explained how

AFMC vice commander testifies on new personnel system

The recent implementation of the National Security Personnel System Spiral 1.1, at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., was the focus as Lt. Gen. Terry Gabreski, Air Force Materiel Command vice commander, spoke before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Sept. 20.It was the

Secretary, chief reiterate need for new tanker

The Air Force must start buying new tankers now since it will take decades to replace its aging KC-135 Stratotankers, the Air Force secretary said. Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne said the service cannot buy its next fleet of tankers -- as yet to be determined -- any faster than the Air Force

Reductions necessary to recapitalize today's service

Reducing the number of Airmen in the service is never easy business, but it's absolutely necessary to recapitalize today's service, said the Air Force's top personnel officer Sept. 26 at the annual Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference here. "This is a challenging time for all people in

Special operations mission grows on several fronts

The commander of Air Force Special Operations Command spoke at the 2006 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26 about the importance and growth of special operation forces. "We're growing on a lot of different fronts," said Lt. Gen. Michael W.

AMC commander: Global mobility aircraft saving lives in Iraq

Mobility aircraft in Iraq and Afghanistan are helping keep Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors out of harm's way. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, Air Mobility Command commander, said C-130 Hercules

Japanese, U.S. Airmen share insights at tactics symposium

Airmen from 5th Air Force here sponsored a tactics symposium Sept. 26 to 27, bringing together 30 representatives from the Japanese Air Self Defense Force and U.S. military components in Japan. A first of its kind, the event allowed captains and majors from operations-related specialties to discuss

Marine corporal questions war coverage

A Marine corporal quizzed top leaders at a recent Pentagon employees' question-and-answer session about what the department can do to counter the reporting of negative news from Iraq and Afghanistan."Negativity in the press is absolutely detrimental to the morale of our forces and our efforts in

PACAF commander speaks of enhancing partnerships

Unlike European nations who have come together under NATO, the Pacific theater does not have a joint organization for defense and peacekeeping within its nations, said the Pacific Air Forces and Air Component commander here at the Air Force Association's annual Air & Space Conference and Technology

Research office underwrites Indian workshop

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research has agreed to underwrite an information assurance workshop planned by the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate Jan. 12 in Bangalore, India. AFOSR's Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development, with an initiative to increase

Air Force Association conference under way

The top Air Force leaders helped kick off the Air Force Association's annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here with a ceremony honoring the association's history and contributions to the service, as well as remembering those currently serving in today's force. Secretary of the

New system streamlines Air Force sustainment funding

In an unprecedented move that will radically simplify and streamline the Air Force sustainment funding system, Air Force Materiel Command will become the Air Force executive agent for programming, budgeting and execution for many of the Air Force's sustainment needs beginning Oct. 1. Money

CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Sept. 23-25

U.S. Central Command Air Forces have released the airpower summaries for Sept. 23 to 25.Sept. 23In Afghanistan Sept. 22, Navy F/A-18Fs conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Lashkar Gah. The F/A-18Fs expended Guided Bomb Unit-12s on enemy targets. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1

Air Force general kicks off Texans, Redskins battle

The deputy director for the war on terrorism kicked off the battle between the NFL's Houston Texans and Washington Redskins by tossing the coin at Reliant Stadium Sept. 24. Brig. Gen. Mark O. Schissler, who works in the Joint Staff Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate in Washington, D.C.,

Secretary Wynne speaks at PACAF birthday ball

With the theme "Heritage to Horizons" -- to highlight the achievements of its Airmen -- Pacific Air Forces hosted the 59th Air Force birthday ball.Keynote speaker at the Sept. event was Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne. Pacific Air Forces commander Gen. Paul V. Hester hosted the sold out

Enlisted heritage room pays tribute to CMSAF Parish

A former chief master sergeant of the Air Force dedicated to the preservation of enlisted history was honored at a ceremonial opening of an enlisted heritage room bearing his name. The Parish Enlisted Heritage Room became a reality Sept. 22 at the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Headquarters building

Air Force Memorial's soaring spires completed

The Air Force Memorial's stainless steel spires were finished Sept. 21 with the placement of the top segment of the third spire, providing the first complete view of the memorial's design.Reaching a height of 270 feet and located on a promontory overlooking Arlington Cemetery, the memorial will

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 22

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 22. In Afghanistan Sept. 21, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, an MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle, Navy F/A-18 Hornets and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close air support for Coalition troops in

Heroism earns Airman prestigious award

An NCO from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., received the Keeper of the Flame Award Sept. 20 for his efforts in fighting the war on terrorism from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.Tech. Sgt. Stephen Achey, a 682nd Air Support Operations Squadron senior fighter duty technician, received the award

Afghanistan's president notes progress, problems

Although progress has been profound and his country continues to move forward, terrorists have stepped up their efforts to derail that progress, Afghanistan's president told the United Nations General Assembly in New York Sept. 20. "We have seen terrorism rebounding as terrorists have infiltrated

TRANSCOM blocks and tackles for military touchdowns

Providing for the Defense Department's transportation needs isn't the sexiest of military endeavors, the commander of U.S. Transportation Command readily admits. "It's mostly blocking and tackling," said Gen. Norton A. Schwartz. "It's not the most glamorous thing in the world, but the last time I

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 21

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 21.In Afghanistan Sept. 20, an Air Force B-1 Lancer and U.S. Marine Corps AV-8Bs provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Asmar. The B-1 expended a Guided Bomb

Citizen Soldiers, Airmen make difference on border

The Department of Homeland Security has seen a drop in the number of illegal immigrants crossing the U.S. border with Mexico for the first time, and the National Guard has made the difference, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said here Sept. 18."For the first time, we are seeing a

Pentagon center courtyard icon, Cold War legend, to be torn down

The hot dog stand in the Pentagon's center courtyard, which long has been a source of Cold War intrigue, will be torn down in the coming months and replaced with a new eating facility."Rumor has it that during the Cold War the Russians never had any less than two missiles aimed at this hot dog

New strategic communication tool online

A recently released publication aims to help Airmen and commanders become better strategic communicators when talking about the Air Force to the public. The Air Force Story, available now on this site, is a high-level summary of information about the Air Force, with topics ranging from heritage to

Family support center becomes Airman and Family Readiness Flight

Air Force family support centers may be called something different these days, but Airmen and their families can still expect the same quality services they have received in the past. "Family centers today support and maintain mission readiness," said Brenda Liston, chief of community support and

Strategic communication applies to every Airman

All Airmen have within themselves the ability to be strategic communicators and share the Air Force story with the public, said the Air Force's director of strategic communication at the Pentagon. "Airmen should be proud of who they are and what they do, and they should be proud to share that with

Course prepares dentists to treat children worldwide

Officials from the 59th Medical Wing are teaching a Pediatric Dentistry Course to help general dentists from smaller clinics learn new techniques for treating children during the two-week course that ends Sept. 22 at Lackland AFB, Texas.The in-residence course provides training to Air Force dentists

B-52 tests alternative jet engine fuel

The Air Force accomplished another aviation first when a B-52 Stratofortress flew using an alternative fuel Sept. 19. The flight test involved running two of the bomber's engines on a synthetic fuel, made from a 50-50 blend of traditional crude oil-based fuel and a Fischer-Tropsch fuel derived from

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 19

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 19.In Afghanistan Sept. 18, an Air Force B-1 Lancer, along with Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s and French Air Force M-2000s provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

PGA champions visit Pentagon

Members of the Professional Golfers Association and their spouses toured the Pentagon and Walter Reed Army Medical Center here Sept. 17 as part of their visit to the nation's capital. Tom Lehman,captain of the 2006 U.S. Ryder Cup team, and several other leading PGA members visited with Lt. Gen.

CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Sept. 16-18

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summaries for Sept. 16 through 18.Sept. 16In Afghanistan Sept. 15, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Khowst. Marine Corps AV-8Bs

AFIT Class of September 2006 graduates

More than 40 scientists, engineers and management specialists are the latest recipients of graduate and doctoral degrees from the Air Force Institute of Technology.AFIT's Graduate School of Engineering and Management held its September 2006 graduation ceremony Sept. 14 in the Institute's Kenney

Ceremony marks first step for command's relocation

The Army's Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, or SDDC, took its first official step in relocating from Virginia to Scott Air Force Base, Ill., with the opening of the SDDC advanced team's facility Sept. 12. Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command,

POW/MIA Recognition Day reaffirms commitment

As Americans pause to observe POW/MIA Recognition Day Sept. 15, teams of military and civilian experts will be excavating sites in Europe, South Korea, Solomon Islands, Alaska and Hawaii, looking for remains to help identify servicemembers still missing from past wars. Teams from the Joint POW/MIA

DOD schools administrator named principal of year

An administrator in a Defense Department school in Germany was named Sept. 11 as the 2007 National Principal of the Year for Middle Schools. Dr. Ellen Minette of Heidelberg Middle School received the award from the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Metropolitan Life

KC-135's 50 years of service recognized

Celebration activities for the KC-135 Stratotanker's 50 years of service culminated in a banquet Sept. 9 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. More than 400 military and civilian guests, mostly past and present crewmen, maintainers, community leaders and elected

'Reaper' moniker given to MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle

The Air Force chief of staff announced "Reaper" has been chosen as the name for the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle. The Air Force is the Department of Defense's executive agent for designating and naming military aerospace vehicles. In the case of the Reaper, Gen. T. Michael Moseley made the final

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 13

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 13.In Afghanistan Sept. 12, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The aircraft expended Guided Bomb Unit-12s and cannon

World War II vets receive Bronze Stars after 62 years

Reunited in a hotel ballroom just outside Washington, D.C., a small group of former Army Air Corps members were presented with long-overdue medals in a ceremony Sept. 9. Gen. Ronald E. Keys, Air Combat Command commander, presented Francis Goldberg, John Bucko, John McCurdy and Eugene Peterson

Airmen pay tribute to fallen guardsman

Thousands of people in uniform came together Sept. 11 in nearby Saratoga County to pay tribute to Master Sgt. Joseph Longobardo, a member of the 109th Security Forces Squadron here. Sergeant Longobardo was laid to rest after tragically dying while on duty with the New York State Police. As part of

Leaders at all levels must be aware of AFSO 21 efforts

General officers gathered here Sept. 6 to present their plans for streamlining the processes that govern the Air Force. As part of Air Force Smart Operations 21, or AFSO 21, the Air Force Smart Operations Process Council, made up of senior Air Force leaders, guides and integrates the transformation

COMUSAFE forges relations with Latvian officials

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander and staff advisers visited Riga, Latvia, Sept. 11 to meet senior defense and state department officials and tour facilities. During the trip, Gen. William T. Hobbins visited the U.S. Embassy, Latvian Ministry of Defense and Joint Operations Center in Riga. "We

AFMC requests civilians voluntarily provide leave info

Air Force Materiel Command members took part in a joint exercise in May that revealed shortcomings in command officials' ability to contact civil service employees on leave. Ardent Sentry 2006, a two-week U.S. Northern Command exercise, tested service members' response capabilities to crises ranging

Tyndall ceremony honors 9/11 heroes, victims

More than 400 people attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the base chapel here Sept. 11 to honor the victims and heroes of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command sponsored the ceremony. The command's deputy commander, Brig. Gen. Marcel Duval, spoke

Rain doesn't stop San Antonio's Freedom Walk

Off and on rain, symbolic tears, fell upon the more than 1,200 walkers who took part in San Antonio's first Freedom Walk Sept. 11 in remembrance of the tragic attacks that scarred America five years ago. "Remembering the Pentagon, the World Trade Center in New York, and Shanksville, Pa., the America

Internship promotes international relationship

A medical summer internship program between Japan and Misawa Air Base builds bridges between nations, develops professional relationships and improves international health care. "Instead of flying to the states (to experience American medicine), they come to Misawa," said Paul Sayles, 35th Medical

Thousands trek in 'America Supports You' Freedom Walk

They represented a cross-section of America -- thousands of men, women and children of all ages, races and backgrounds from every corner of the country. They came together Sept. 10 during the second annual "America Supports You" Freedom Walk here to pay tribute to those killed on Sept. 11, 2001. For

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 10-11

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 10.Sept. 10In Afghanistan Sept. 9, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, a B-1 Lancer, MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicles, Navy FA-18 Hornets and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for

USAFE sets course with AFSO 21

To best meet the challenges of the road ahead, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander assembled leaders throughout the command here to initiate USAFE-wide implementation of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century. "We're going to determine where we're going in the future, and AFSO 21 will

ESC awards $627.8 million task order

The Electronic Systems Center's 554th Electronic Systems Group awarded a $627.8 million task order Sept. 7 to Computer Sciences Corporation for systems integration support.The order includes configuring, deploying and conducting training and change management activities for the Expeditionary Combat

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 9

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 9. In Afghanistan Sept. 8, Navy FA-18 Hornets and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Kandahar . The FA-18s expended

Pentagon crash-site memorial inspires gratitude, emotions

They were young and old, college students and retirees, rural visitors and city natives, government employees and private-sector workers, uniformed military personnel and civilians, black and white, Asian and Hispanic; but they all shared a common sense of purpose. They all wanted to see the

Senior Air Force leaders hold space summit

Senior Air Force leaders met Sept. 7 at the Pentagon to discuss space missions and operations at a space summit.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley served as host for the summit, where the primary purpose was to discuss current and future Air Force space issues, to include current

Missing major found

Police in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, found Maj. Jill Metzger alive Sept. 8, four days after she disappeared during a shopping trip there. Bishkek police notified the U.S. embassy in the capital city at 3:15 p.m. EDT that they had found the officer. In Southwest Asia, U.S. Central Command Air Forces

'Treasure Hunters' meet Air Force leaders

A team made up of Air Force Academy grads that recently competed on a reality-television show visited the Pentagon Sept. 7 and met with senior Air Force leaders. They also toured the Air Force Memorial site here. Husband and wife, Matt and Brooke Rillos, and their best friend, Matt Zitzlsperger,

Japanese air defense forces begin U.N. missions

For the first time in their 52-year history, the Japan Air Self Defense Force began its first United Nations mission over Iraq Sept. 6.The first flight of their new mission landed safely at Baghdad International Airport, Iraq, before returning to its forward-deployed location in Southwest Asia later

Charleston C-17 squadron completes deployment

The first full-squadron deployment of C-17 Globemaster III aircrews and leaders at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., came to a close Sept. 1.Lt. Col. Ricky Rupp assumed command of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron from Lt. Col. Lenny Richoux, both from the 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston

Air Force trains to fill Army deployments

Located about an hour north of Biloxi, Camp Shelby has a reputation for weather that could make the devil sweat. The harsh weather ratchets up the realism of the training that some Air Force people receive before deploying to locations like Iraq and Afghanistan. The camp is one of the

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 8

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 8. In Afghanistan Sept. 7, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support to coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The A-10s conducted passes, expending cannon rounds and

CENTAF releases airpower summary, space support requests for Sept. 7

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have announced the airpower summary and space support requests for Sept. 7.In Afghanistan Sept. 6, Air Force B-1 Lancers provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Asadabad. One aircraft expended a Guided Bomb

Teams seek fresh, creative ideas to resolve problems

With violence at deployed military checkpoints a reality, U.S. and coalition forces often have to make tough decisions when drivers ignore warnings to stop. Insurgents often attack these guarded locations, sometimes with car bombs.Maj. Gen. Ted F. Bowlds, the Air Force Research Laboratory commander,

Lackland medics keep steady deployment pace

More than 100 Airmen from the 59th Medical Wing departed Wilford Hall Medical Center here earlier this week for various locations throughout Southwest Asia, including the Air Force Theater Hospital at Balad Air Base, Iraq.Others will follow throughout September, with a final count of more than

Armed Forces Voters Week focuses on electronic options

The Defense Department is focusing efforts to ensure servicemembers stationed overseas and in the United States know their options for voting in the 2006 congressional and local elections. Sept. 3-9 is Armed Forces Voters Week. Officials caution that this is the last safe week to submit a Federal

Small Diameter Bomb I delivered ahead of schedule

The culmination of more than five years of extraordinary teamwork was realized when the GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb was successfully delivered to the warfighter ahead of schedule and under cost. "This achievement represents an unparalleled team victory for the combined Air Armament Center and

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 6

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 6. In Afghanistan Sept. 5, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, Navy FA-18 Hornets and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The

AFMx21 defining, creating future of Air Force maintenance

Maintenance leaders from the Air Staff and major commands met in Dayton, Ohio, to discuss the current state of Air Force maintenance, trends, fiscal realities and vision through the year 2016.Known as "Air Force Maintenance for the 21st Century," or AFMx21, the program is championed by Brig. Gen.

Plan for cyberspace available in near future

Air Force leaders soon will define the service's plan for cyberspace. "I would expect, in a matter of weeks, to see us rolling out what I would call a cyberspace campaign plan on where we are going to go next," said Lt. Gen. Michael W. Peterson, chief of warfighting integration and Air Force chief

CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Sept. 3-5

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summaries for Sept. 3 to 5.Sept. 3In Afghanistan Sept. 2, Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicles and HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters provided close-air support for search and recovery missions responding to the crash of a

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 2

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 2.In Afghanistan Sept. 1, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, a B-1B Lancer and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists in the vicinity of Musah

Airmen take Red Flag plunge

Parachutists from around the Air Force took a plunge Sept. 1 into local Lake Mead drop zone in support of Red Flag 06-2. U.S. Air Force C-130 and Singapore Air Force Ch-47 Chinook crews provided Red Flag airlift operations in support of the jumps. Nellis Airmen also supported the mission by

CENTCOM air commander: supporting ground troops top priority

When describing the vast scope of the air mission in support of ground troops waging the war on terror, the commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces paints some graphic images. In addition to its daily average of 74 close-air support missions in support of combat missions in the region, Air

Operational missile defense test a total success

A test of the Ground-based Missile Defense System today was a total success, said Lt. Gen. Henry A. Obering III, director of the Missile Defense Agency.General Obering called today's test, the first operational one for the system, a huge step in fielding of the missile defense shield. He said he

Lawmakers, DOD take aim at payday loan sharks

Interest is building on Capitol Hill in putting a nationwide cap on the interest rates lenders can charge servicemembers for loans, a measure the Defense Department is pushing to protect its force. A General Accountability Office study released last month offers insight into how payday-lending

Military helps wounded troops return to work

Officials from the Defense Department and military services got together here Aug. 30 for the first "From Deployment to Employment" conference to discuss ways to better serve America's severely injured servicemembers. The day-long conference was a forum to exchange ideas about how to improve the

AFSO 21 team learns 'Lean' lessons from Dover Airmen

An Air Force Smart Operations 21 team from the office of the secretary of the Air Force gained valuable insight into how to "Lean" a work process during a visit to Dover Air Force Base, Del., Aug. 21 to 25. The AFSO 21 team from the Pentagon is comprised of 72 master process officers going through a

Wilford Hall holds dedication ceremony for C-9 Nightingale

Active duty and retired military medical personnel gathered here Aug. 31 to dedicate the C-9 Nightingale static display. Nicknamed the "Cadillac of Medevac" and the "Workhorse" for aeromedical evacuation, it provided service not only to the military, but also to the Department of Veterans Affairs

CAP proves worth during Katrina relief

When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast a year ago, the nation went into immediate humanitarian mission mode. Along with the efforts of countless organizations came help from a 57,000-strong force often overlooked. While the debris settled and devastation became evident under clear skies, the

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Aug. 31

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Aug. 31.In Afghanistan Aug. 30, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Musah Qal'eh. The aircraft conducted passes, expending cannon

Keesler hospital takes big step forward

Officials here celebrated a milestone Aug. 29 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the base's medical center, marking the transformation of the facility from an outpatient clinic to a fully functional hospital. Hurricane Katrina struck only two months after Brig. Gen. (Dr.) James J. Dougherty took the

Attorney general visits Baghdad

CENTAF releases airpower summaries

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summaries for Aug. 28 and 29.Aug. 28In Afghanistan Aug. 27, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The B-1 expended a Guided

Operation Deep Freeze under way with C-17 support

A C-17 Globemaster III from the 62nd Airlift Wing at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., has flown four missions from Christchurch, New Zealand, kicking off the 2006 to 2007 season for Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, known as Operation Deep Freeze.Servicemembers and equipment will stage to

Committee examines issue of women separating

Female military doctors, lawyers and chaplains are more likely than their male counterparts to leave the military after serving five to eight years, and the Defense Department Advisory Committee on Women in the Services wants to know why.By examining these three career fields, the committee hopes to