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U.S. Air Force News

  • Moody community pay respect to fallen warrior

    Members of Moody Air Force Base came together Dec. 3 to pay their respects to a fallen Army Soldier during a fallen warrior ceremony as he was transferred from the base to Harrington Funeral Home located in Valdosta, Ga. Army Staff Sgt. Briand Williams, originally from Sparks, Ga., which is located

  • Security forces Airmen end operations at Camp Bucca

    Members of the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron officially ended operations during a deactivation ceremony Dec. 3 at Camp Bucca, Iraq. The furling of the squadron guidon marked the end of the squadron's three-year partnership with the Army providing counterinsurgency, detainee operations

  • Deputy defense secretary outlines protections for information

    Although information technology enables the Defense Department to make gains in military capabilities, those gains come at a cost, the deputy defense secretary told industry executives in New York. "The Defense Department makes a tempting target," Mr. William J. Lynn III said. "We have 7 million

  • HIV/AIDS vaccine has promising results

    Through combined military research programs and medical cooperation, the Defense Department has been able to accomplish incredible promise in a future vaccine development for HIV and AIDS, a senior official in that effort said Dec. 3. "The U.S. Army has sponsored a vaccine program which has now, for

  • Transportation officials confident in Afghan deployment

    U.S. Transportation Command officials are confident they can accomplish the mission of delivering 30,000 U.S. troops and their equipment to Afghanistan when they are needed. Planners at the command based at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., are working with operations specialists at U.S. Joint Forces

  • Eglin Airmen join Marines in combat fitness test

    Eglin Air Force Base Airmen joined the Marines during their annual combat fitness test Nov. 25 here. Airmen who came out for the combat fitness test accepted the invitation from Marine Sgt. Maj. Bonnie Skinner of the 501st Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron to try out the newest addition to the

  • Department focuses on F-35 costs, fair tanker competition

    Pentagon officials are working to halt spiraling costs in the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter aircraft program while ensuring competition for a new refueling tanker remains fair to all contenders, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said here Dec. 2. Mr. Lynn told the Aerospace and

  • Airmen lead training course for Iraqi police

    Airmen assigned to the Iraq Police Transition Team here started a new class Nov. 18 for recent graduates of the Iraqi Police Academy as an effort to further enhance their capabilities as officers securing their communities.The five-day class is part of an on-going effort to transition responsibility

  • Lynn cites aerospace role in Afghanistan strategy

    Aerospace assets will be critical to the success of stepped-up operations in Afghanistan, from delivering troops to ferrying logistical support to providing lifesaving intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to ground forces, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn told industry

  • Commander outlines Global Strike Command mission, vision, values

    The men and women of 20th Air Force and the 90th Missile Wing hosted the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command during an historic Air Force milestone as the command assumed responsibilities for the intercontinental ballistic missile mission Dec. 1.While at F.E. Warren, Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz

  • MC-12 reaches 1,000th combat mission

    Members of the 362nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron here, recently reached 1,000 combat sorties in the MC-12W aircraft only five months after arriving in-theater.Currently operating only at Joint Base Balad, the MC-12 is one of the Air Force's newest platforms for intelligence, surveillance

  • Team uses Afghan airwaves to counter flu misinformation

    Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team servicemembers recently took to the airwaves to combat misinformation about the spread of the H1N1 flu virus here.Navy Lt. Jennifer Dreiling, team senior medical officer from McLean, Va., and Navy Lt. j.g. Stacy Gross, team information operations officer from

  • Retired chief shares experiences with Air Force Wounded Warrior Program

    When Airmen deploy to places like Iraq and Afghanistan they accomplish difficult and challenging missions. Unfortunately some return injured or even having paid the ultimate price for freedom. The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program is committed to caring for wounded Airmen, their families, and the

  • Dec. 1 golden anniversary of chief master sergeant rank

    Chief master sergeants weren't a part of the Air Force's enlisted structure when the service was formed in 1947. In fact, it took 11 years after the fact until the rank even existed.This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment by Air Force officals of the rank of chief master sergeant,

  • Air Force officials release F-15E accident investigation report

    Air Combat Command officials here Dec. 1 released the results of an F-15E Strike Eagle in Afghanistan July 18 stating a flight lead weapons system officer's incorrect assessment of a training target's elevation led to the crash, according to the ACC Accident Investigation Board report. The crew was

  • Airmen watch over calm November in Iraq

    Iraqi and coalition efforts had combined to sustain the stability in Iraq set new records in November with zero airstrikes, zero weapons releases and zero shows of force.The last time aircrews had a clean streak was in June; however, June also had 16 reports of troops in contact, but in

  • Air Force Global Strike Command officials assume ICBM mission

    Air Force Global Strike Command officials here assume the Air Force's intercontinental ballistic missile mission Dec. 1. The ICBM transfer is part of a phased approach to unify all Air Force nuclear-capable assets under one command, officials said. The new command gains three missile wings with the

  • CONOP test finding success for Air Force in Iraq

    According to air mobility experts on the ground in Iraq, initial results of the ongoing U.S. Army direct support mission Concept of Operations test there indicate what Air Force and Air Mobility Command officials have said all along: the Air Force supports this mission 100 percent.The CONOP test

  • Airmen, Iraqi army technicians destroy stockpile of munitions

    Airmen and Iraqi army technicians destroyed a stockpile of captured munitions and improvised explosive device components weighing close to 1,200 pounds Nov. 24, at a range outside of Baghdad, Iraq.The event was a combined effort between the explosive ordnance disposal technicians assigned to the

  • President extends Thanksgiving wishes to Airman serving in Afghanistan

    An Air Force medic here received a personal telephone call from President Barack Obama on Thanksgiving Day.Senior Airman Ashley Jackson, a member of Provincial Reconstruction Team Kapisa, was chosen as one of 10 military members who spoke to the president while deployed abroad.Airman Jackson,

  • Bagram Airmen celebrate Thanksgiving with parade

    Airmen witnessed a bunch of turkeys roaming around Bagram Airfield Thanksgiving Day. Also some kite flyers, a mock F-16 Fighting Falcon and even jolly ol' St. Nick. The cast of characters were part of the first Thanksgiving Day parade at Camp Cunningham, where the majority of Airmen stationed here

  • 'First-strike ration' aims for better nutrition

    Several military organizations are working together to provide servicemembers with healthy, good-tasting, sustainable and nutritionally sound combat rations. "We're charged with a fairly awesome task, and that is to fuel the Defense Department's most flexible and adaptable weapons platform, and

  • ACC commander greets deployed Airmen

    "I am here to tell you that I work for you," said Gen. William M. Fraser III, commander of Air Combat Command, during his visit to deployed Airmen at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Nov. 23 and 24, 2009.After a day of touring base operations, maintenance and support functions, General Fraser

  • Airmen mentor Iraqi police officers

    Security forces Airmen mentored their Iraqi counterparts during a meeting at a local police station here Nov. 15 as part of an on going training program and in anticipation of upcoming elections.The Airmen work as part of a police training team and are assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Security

  • Singapore celebrates partnership with Air Force

    U.S. government and Republic of Singapore officials celebrated their partnership during the Peace Carvin V inauguration of the F-15SG fighter detachment Nov. 19 here.The ceremony honored the Peace Carvin V F-15 detachment known as the 428th Fighter Squadron, which will operate up to 12 F-15SG

  • Kirkuk Airmen train Iraqis to help themselves

    Airmen of the 521st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron here are tasked with helping Iraqis train their new pilot corps and prepare qualified Iraqi pilots to assume mission operations."The better we do our jobs, the fewer people they'll send to replace us until we don't have to be here at all," said

  • Air Force officials release MQ-1 accident report

    Air Force officials here said an MQ-1 Predator remotely piloted aircraft flying a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom lost contact with its ground control station and crashed in a forward operating area April 20, according to the Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report

  • Health care gains recognition as bridge to stability

    A theory gaining momentum among counterinsurgency and military medical experts is that the health of a nation's people affects the health of a nation. While no formal study has confirmed a causal connection, evidence culled from U.S. commanders as well as American allies and adversaries, suggests a

  • PACAF commander discusses roles, mission, people at Global Warfare Symposium

    The Pacific Air Forces commander addressed the command's current and future opportunities at the Air Force Association Global Warfare Symposium here Nov. 20.On the final day of the two-day summit, Gen. Gary North discussed the command's relative stability and continuity over the decades and provided

  • Mullen offers thanks to military families

    President Barack Obama has proclaimed the week of Nov. 22-28 as National Family Week, and the nation's top military officer has issued a message to all military families in honor of their contributions to the nation. Here is the text of the message from Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint

  • Mullen sees operational structure in Guard's future

    The National Guard's transformation from a strategic reserve to an operational force since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, should continue beyond the current conflicts, the nation's top military officer told Guard leaders Nov. 19. As operations in Iraq and Afghanistan change over the next

  • Air Force firefighters finish competition on top

    Air Force firefighters ranked number one in the world in the over-40 relay competition and placed in the top ten in several other events at the culmination of the five-day 2009 Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge here Nov. 20. The Air Force Academy team from Colorado Springs, Colo., placed first in

  • AFSPC commander bids farewell to missile wings

    Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander of Air Force Space Command, traveled to three bases Nov. 12 and 13 to say farewell to three missile wings and the strategic deterrent mission.General Kehler met with wing leaders and held a commander's call at Malmstrom, Minot, and F.E. Warren Air Force bases.  The

  • Air Force Academy firefighters smash own world record

    An Air Force Academy team shattered their own world record Nov. 18 at the five-day 2009 Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge here.The top-ranked ladies tandem team, dubbed "Old Dog, New Trick," beat their record with a time of 1:52.33 in the female relay event."I'm so excited; it was a clean, seamless

  • Medics teach mental health classes in Philippines

    Members of the Camp Navarro General Hospital and the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines chaplain team taught more than 50 care providers crisis intervention management techniques at the Western Mindanao Command Nov. 16 through 18 here. The classes focused on the hidden scars of the

  • Photo essay: Checking out the B-1B for combat

    Airmen from the 37th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron perform preflight checks on a B-1B Lancer Nov. 11, 2009, at an air base here. Carrying the largest payload of guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the multi-mission B-1 is the backbone of America's

  • Airmen receive Sijan Award in Pentagon ceremony

    The Air Force's chief of staff honored the service's four Capt. Lance P. Sijan Award recipients in a ceremony in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes Nov. 18.The Sijan Award annually recognizes Airmen who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities, and this year's recipients are Maj. James Hughes Jr.

  • Joint team shows 'warrior spirit' during Jungle Day

    Airmen of the 13th Air Force spent Nov. 13 competing in sports, games and other morale-building activities here. The Jungle Day tradition originated when the organization was assigned to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and gives 13th Air Force members a chance to have fun and give back to the local

  • Air Force Warfare Center officials improve warfighter support

    At the Air Force Warfare Center here, lessons learned supporting ground troops in Afghanistan and Iraq are being shared with the aviation community and incorporated into the training as quickly as they're developed. Meanwhile, officials at the center's operational arm, the 57th Wing, are helping to

  • Airmen compete in firefighter combat challenge

    Six teams of Air Force firefighters, from various bases, are testing their skills and stamina Nov. 16 to 20 against more than 600 fire departments from around the world during the five-day 2009 Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge here. The 3,000 military and civilian firefighters, hailing from

  • Airmen earn Gen. Lew Allen Award

    Two aircraft maintenance Airmen received the Gen. Lew Allen Jr. Award Nov. 16 in a ceremony in the Airman's Hall of the Pentagon.Maj. Eliot Sasson, an operations officer with the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.; and Senior Master Sgt. Franklin Galloway,

  • Nellis officials plan for F-35's opportunities, challenges

    With the new F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter aircraft's arrival just four years away, officials at the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center here are looking forward to joint training opportunities while recognizing the challenges of providing realistic training on such a technologically advanced

  • Vietnam military health, logistics reps visit Hickam

    Six delegates from the Vietnam military's health and general logistics fields met with U.S. Air Force officials here Nov. 10 during a 13th Air Force-hosted visit. The visit was designed to familiarize the Vietnamese delegates with how the U.S. military conducts surveillance, screening and testing of

  • Supreme Allied Commander Europe visits USAFE forces

    The commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander in Europe met the commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe here to discuss USAFE's vital role in accomplishing the EUCOM mission Nov. 10 at Ramstein Air Base."The Airmen of USAFE are essential to providing deterrence from aggression

  • 'Friday Night Lights' actors thank wounded warriors

    The two lead actors of the television show "Friday Night Lights" visited wounded warriors, military family members and U.S. servicemembers with a message of appreciation Nov. 14 at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.Kyle Chandler, known as Coach Eric Taylor on the show, and Connie Britton, starring as

  • Officials expand 2010 ACP to growing mission needs

    Details on the fiscal 2010 Aviator Continuation Pay Program released by officials Nov. 13 continue to emphasize the Air Force's retention efforts in critical, rated career fields while recognizing the growing significance of remotely piloted aircraft.The ACP Program allows some active-duty rated

  • Latest issue of Airman magazine available

    The latest issue of Airman, now available in print and online, highlights stories about caring for Airmen and their families. The list of feature stories in the November/December issue include:  An Immigrant's Tale The journey of a Sudanese "lost boy'" whose search for stability took him from the

  • Osan Airmen provide force, equipment sustainment

    Members of the Osan Air Base deployment readiness control center is the hub for Airmen, equipment and cargo that deploy in and out of the base during real-world events and exercises.Deployment readiness control center members work closely with each installation's duty officers to ensure day-to-day

  • Families always have been essential to the Air Force

    Although the Air Force is the nation's youngest service, its proud history not only shows the essential contributions of officers or enlisted troops, active-duty members or reservists, but also a history of family commitment. "This importance of family is no more evident than when taking a stroll

  • Ring returned to Vietnam POW 44 years after imprisonment

    With the traditional "I do's" and exchange of wedding bands some 54 years ago on Oct. 1, 1955, James and Phyllis Hivner began their life's journey together which, like many young couples, began with not knowing what the future held.That journey was rocked 10 years later, almost to the day, when

  • First lady urges vets to join volunteer campaign

    First lady Michelle Obama urged all Americans, including military veterans, to put their skills to use in volunteer service to assist U.S. communities and citizens in need Nov. 11. "One of the greatest privileges that I have as first lady is the chance to meet with veterans and to meet with

  • Guard members demonstrate digitally aided personnel recovery operations

    California Air National Guard members based here successfully demonstrated coalition personnel recovery operations using net enabled data link capabilities during the U.S. Joint Forces Command Exercise Bold Quest 2009 Oct. 27 to Nov. 5.The 129th Rescue Wing sent 23 Guard members and an MC-130P

  • Official cites benefits of deploying civilians

    A recent Facebook post by a U.S. Soldier heading home from Iraq highlights some of the nonmilitary roles American troops often assume in today's counterinsurgency wars. "My time in Iraq approaches its end," the junior enlisted Soldier wrote, listing military duties he performed on tour, followed by

  • Symposium draws top medical professionals

    The conference room was filled with doctors, nurses, scientists and top officials, all subject-matter experts in their respective medical fields. Some wore military uniforms, others business suits. Some were versed on the science of traumatic brain injuries. Others were veterans of combat hospital

  • Reserve, Guard members contribute to Ramstein mission

    In February 2009, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley said, "I am proud to report that the total force team of regular, Reserve, Guard and civilians, along with our joint partners, continues to provide world-class air, space and cyber capabilities for our combatant commanders." At Ramstein AB,

  • Chief of Staff addresses key mobility, Air Force issues at conference

    Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Air Force chief of staff, recently attended the 41st Airlift Tanker Association conference where he addressed a gathering of more than 4,000 active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian Airmen. In his comments, General Schwartz emphasized the importance of every Airman and

  • Airmen train future journalists

    More than 85 students from Rhodes Middle School in San Antonio received a firsthand look at the story telling mission of the Defense Media Activity-San Antonio Nov. 6 here.The tour was geared to spark interest in the Air Force and various media career paths to provide the sixth, seventh and eighth

  • C-17 aircrew scores touchdown in mission with NFL greats

    The quarterback was crouched in his uniform, scanning the field from under his helmet for his intended receivers. But this was no stadium; it was a C-17 Globemaster III flying over the harsh and dangerous terrain that is Afghanistan. And there was no football, but rather 18 much-needed bundles of

  • Simulator helps attack controllers train

    Coalition and joint terminal attack controllers used a simulator to hone their skills in calling in close-air support during U.S. Joint Forces Command's advanced-concept technology demonstration Bold Quest 2009, which concluded here and at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Nov. 5. The

  • Nellis programs to have regional reach

    Two new programs here are focused on getting care and services to wounded or sick servicemembers and to military families during their loved ones' deployments.Once word gets out about their programs, the coordinators hope their reach goes beyond Nellis Air Force Base and neighboring Creech AFB, to

  • ESPN 'College Gameday' to return to Academy Nov. 7

    ESPN's "College GameDay" crew will broadcast live from the U.S. Air Force Academy 8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 7 from the Terrazzo for the Air Force vs. Army football game. This will be "College GameDay's" third visit to the Academy, and a return home for one of the "College GameDay" anchors. ESPN "College

  • Airmen escort Afghan governor during visit

    Airmen from the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team escorted and provided security for the Afghan provincial governor during a visit with local government and religious leaders at a compound here Oct. 25. The visit was part of an on-going effort by the governor to meet key leaders throughout the

  • VA secretary details plan to end homelessness for veterans

    The secretary of Veterans Affairs unveiled the department's comprehensive plan to end homelessness among Veterans Nov. 3 by marshalling the resources of government, business and the private sector. Secretary Eric K. Shinseki made his presentation during the "VA National Summit Ending Homelessness

  • Servicemembers earn national security awards

    The Air Force chief of staff and two Airmen were among the honorees at the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs awards dinner here Nov. 2. The event honored the 2009 JINSA Henry M. "Scoop" Jackson Distinguished Service Award and Grateful Nation Award winners. Created to recognize leaders

  • Reconstruction team delivers school supplies to Afghan soldiers

    Airmen and Soldiers from the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team delivered school supplies to an Afghanistan National Army compound here Oct. 27. The delivery of supplies is part of an ongoing project to help educate the young soldiers, many of whom have nothing more than an elementary school level

  • Air Guard members are flexible, adaptable to change, says Wyatt

    The Air National Guard still provides the best bang for the buck because of the ability and flexibility of its Airmen, the reserve component's director told hundreds of Air Guard enlisted members in Dallas Nov. 3. "We will leverage those to provide the country with the most affordable, the best

  • Little Rock officials lead joint force training effort at exercise

    Members of the 19th Airlift Wing from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., took the lead at the Joint Forcible Entry Exercise 10-01 held here Oct. 25 through 29. The purpose of the JFEX is to re-establish forcible entry capability through airpower by combining Army and Air Force training needs, said

  • Air Force engineers help keep Afghan roads safe for travel

    "Roads bring people. People bring business and business improves life for everyone." These words, spoken in 2006 by Canadian Brig. Gen. Daniel Pepin, then the deputy general for reconstruction projects in Afghanistan, have proven prophetic, as, three years later, the ability to move vehicles and

  • Air Force officials seek UAS volunteers, announces policy change

    Air Force officials here are seeking combat systems officers for unmanned aircraft systems pilot duty, and interested commissioned Airmen have until Nov. 20 to volunteer for the training. CSOs within the grade of lieutenant through major are eligible, and applicants must also have between two to 13

  • Lone Airman at Combat Outpost Keating recounts enemy attack

    Being the only Airman assigned to an Army Combat Outpost on the outskirts of Afghanistan-Pakistan border can be a little intimidating and scary. Being assigned to COP Keating while under attack by hundreds of insurgents armed with assault rifles and rocket propelled grenades is absolutely

  • Air Guard readies for C-27J fleet

    For the first time, Air National Guard aircrews will be the sole operators of a new aircraft straight off the assembly line. The C-27J Spartan, the latest propeller-driven airlifter, is an "extremely rugged" aircraft, designed for austere environments, said Air Force officials. It is about half the

  • Security forces Airmen, Soldiers mentor Afghan prison guards

    Air Force security forces members along with Army Soldiers from the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team met with prison officials as part of an on-going mentoring project at a nearby prison here Oct. 28. The prison, located close to the PRT compound, has become an important project for the team due

  • Air Force Global Strike Command leaders release command's mission, vision

    Air Force Global Strike Command officials gathered to zero-in on the organization's course, as well as review and discuss guidance from national leaders regarding the creation, stand-up and objectives for the command Oct. 15 through 17 near the National Military Park in Vicksburg, Miss.Facilitating

  • Air Force civilian receives Spirit of Hope Award

    Air Force leaders presented a civilian employee with a Spirit of Hope Award Oct. 27 for enhancing the quality of life of injured service members and their families. The award is named in honor of Bob Hope, the first honorary veteran of the U.S. Army for his 50-plus years of entertaining troops, both

  • Minot bomb wing commander relieved of duty

    The commander of the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., was relieved of command Oct. 30 due to loss of confidence in his ability to command. Col. Joel S. Westa was removed by Maj. Gen. Floyd L. Carpenter, commander of 8th Air Force. Colonel Westa assumed command in November 2007. Colonel

  • 4 remotely piloted vehicle squadrons stand up at Holloman

    Air Force officials here stood up three remotely piloted vehicle squadrons and a maintenance squadron under the 49th Fighter Wing during an assumption-of-command ceremony Oct. 23 at Holloman Air Force Base. Members of the four squadrons -- the 29th Attack Squadron, 6th Reconnaissance Squadron, 16th

  • Exercise seeks battlefield information effectiveness

    U.S. warfighters and allies operating in Afghanistan and Iraq depend on various sensor platforms that can provide information about the enemy's whereabouts night or day, a senior U.S. military officer said Oct. 29 here. That's why the annual joint Empire Challenge demonstration, which explores how

  • KC-10 maintainers work around the clock to keep aircraft fuel flowing

    Airmen of the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron generate KC-10 Extenders to refuel aircraft providing combat support in Afghanistan. "Everything that we do on this ramp directly supports the troops in Afghanistan," said Staff Sgt. Charles Powers, a crew chief from the 380th

  • President signs Defense Authorization Act

    President Barack Obama signed the fiscal 2010 National Defense Authorization Act during a ceremony at the White House Oct. 28. President Obama hailed the act, which contains $680.2 billion in military budget authority, as transformational legislation that targets wasteful defense spending. The

  • Cope India dubbed a success

    U.S. and Indian air force officials are pleased with the positive results of all of the joint-training operations executed here during Cope India, Oct. 19 to 23. Cope India is a United States and India airlift exercise that provides training for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief

  • Airmen patrol outside to protect inside

    For some Airmen, its keep your friends close and your enemies as far away from your base as possible. Every day, the 532nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's force protection patrols travel outside of Joint Base Balad to provide a security presence that aims to deter anyone who would do harm

  • Medal of Honor recipients visit Airmen, wounded warriors in Germany

    Two Medal of Honor recipients visited wounded warriors and Airmen here Oct. 23 as part of an Armed Forces Entertainment tour. Retired Army Col. Robert Howard and Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Littrell, who both received the nation's highest military decoration for actions during the Vietnam conflict, were

  • Whiteman Air Force Base gains 2 units

    Air Force leaders continue to reinvigorate the nuclear enterprise, adding two new Air Force Materiel Command units to the Whiteman community with a ceremony Oct. 25 at Whiteman AFB, Mo. The 498th Munitions Maintenance Group relocates from Kirtland AFB to Whiteman AFB, along with its new subordinate

  • Students learn to survive in 'Tropics'

    More than 500 miles away from Fairchild Air Force Base and just miles from the Pacific coast lies a tropical rainforest in the Olympic National Forest. The moisture in the air permeates your clothes and gear, and as you trek through the rain and mud it's almost as if it seeps through the skin to the

  • VA, DOD officials host national mental health summit

    Officials with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense are hosting a first-of-its-kind national summit to address the mental health care needs of America's military personnel, families and veterans, harnessing the programs, resources and expertise of both departments to deal

  • Navigation aids keep F-15s on course

    Two Airmen from the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., are keeping F-15 Eagles on course using portable Tactical Navigation Systems, or TACAN, during a Chilean-led multinational exercise in Antofagasta and Iquique, Chile. The portable TACAN is usually used by combat controllers

  • American servicemembers in Afghanistan break ground for new high school

    Members of the Air Force-led Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team along with senior Afghan government officials and community leaders, celebrated the ground-breaking of a new high school for girls during a ceremony here Oct. 22. The school will be the first of its kind in the town of Shajoy, which

  • Defense Department officials take aim at drug abuse

    "Drug Free is the Key" for the Defense Department's Red Ribbon Week this year as it works to raise public awareness and mobilize communities to combat tobacco, alcohol and drug use among military personnel, civilians and families. The observation of Red Ribbon Week begins Oct. 23 and continues

  • Battlefield Airmen considered a weapon system

    The capabilities of battlefield Airmen are considered just as lethal as any advanced weapons system. For that reason, tactical air control party personnel, pararescuemen, security forces personnel and special operations weathermen have been included in the annual Weapons and Tactics Conference

  • KC-10s provide rapid aerial refueling

    Think of this number: 1.2 million. That's the number of pounds of fuel the KC-10s from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing deliver daily to aircraft that provide air support to warfighters in Afghanistan. This means that when coalition forces need air support, aircraft such as A-10 Thunderbolt IIs,

  • Iraq-based platelets travel to Afghanistan

    The Air Force Theater Hospital platelet apheresis lab here began dispatching blood platelets to Afghanistan Oct. 14, 2009. The AFTH functions as the sole platelet provider in Iraq. Now, it is the first in-theater medical facility to send platelets collected in one operational area to another, said

  • Airmen integrate into Chilean CAOC for SALITRE

    Air Forces Southern Airmen are integrating themselves into a Chilean combined air operations center for SALITRE, a Chilean air force-led coalition exercise Oct. 17 to Nov. 2 in Antofagasta and Iquique, Chile. The effort can be challenging, considering France, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and the United