NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Hagel announces reduction in civilian furlough days

    Hundreds of thousands of Defense Department civilian employees who have had to take a weekly unpaid day off from work since July 8 are getting some relief, as the total number of furlough days has been reduced from 11 to six, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced today.

  • Spouse’s choir takes the stage on ‘America’s Got Talent’

    Thirty-seven military spouses from across the country are set to perform live on NBC’s hit reality show “America’s Got Talent” at 7 p.m. Aug. 6 in New York City. The American Military Spouse’s Choir auditioned in Chicago for the show’s judges and had a strong enough performance to be put through to

  • Gorenc assumes command of USAFE, AFAFRICA, Allied Air Command

    Three consecutive generations of U.S. Air Forces in Europe commanders and the U.S. Africa Command deputy commander took to the stage as Gen. Frank Gorenc assumed command of USAFE, U.S. Air Forces Africa and Allied Air Command during a ceremony here Aug. 2.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh

  • 24/7 fitness center access coming to a base near you

    Getting fit to fight in the Air Force just became more convenient. As part of an Air Force Services Transformation Initiative test concept, Joint Base Andrews, Md., was one of six installations to implement unmanned hours at their fitness center, making it accessible 24/7.

  • Emerald Coast pays tribute to Air Force legend

    Nearly 1,000 service members, veterans and citizens from across the nation paid their respects to the life and legacy of a retired Air Force colonel during a funeral service Aug. 1 on Okaloosa Island, Fla.

  • VA grants up to one year of retroactive veterans benefits

    The Department of Veterans Affairs announced yesterday that veterans filing an original fully developed claim for service-connected disability compensation may be entitled to up to one-year of retroactive disability benefits.

  • Department of Energy recognizes Air Force energy program

    It's the Oscars of the energy world and the Air Force has stolen the show again.Innovative ideas and procedures for saving facility energy and aviation fuel have earned the Air Force five Federal Energy Management Program awards in 2013, bringing the total to 21 winners in the last four years. A

  • AF upgrades official website

    The official website of the U.S. Air Force is taking a step forward in the information age Aug. 2 with a new look and greater functionality for today's Internet user. The latest version of Air Force Link boasts features that make it more accessible including mobile device and computer software

  • Help is a good thing: colonel, sexual assault survivor recounts experience

    The first in a video series of survivor stories, an Air Force colonel shared her graphic, first-hand experience with sexual assault in 1988. After years of silence about the incident, Col. Pamela Lincoln voluntarily shared her experience with the hope that it might empower other survivors to come

  • AF accepting applications for medical commissioning programs

    Eligible Airmen interested in Biomedical Sciences Corps careers can apply for academic opportunities in the physical therapy, clinical psychology and physician assistant fields. In addition, eligible Airmen can apply for direct accession into one of three other BSC fields, Air Force Personnel Center

  • AF looks to collaborate with public

    For the first time in its history, the U.S. Air Force is seeking input from the public to help solve three real-world, unclassified projects. Known as "The Air Force Collaboratory," the Air Force's newest STEM initiative goes live Thursday on www.airforce.com/collaboratory. The educational online

  • Waist measurement failures non-factor for most Airmen

    Recent comments on social media sites show there's a rumor among Airmen that the abdominal circumference component of the Fitness Assessment is where the largest majority of failures come from. This opinion is wrong.Since the Air Force has adopted the policy, which automatically fails Airmen with a

  • No decisions yet on cutting furlough days, official says

    Despite media reports that say Defense Department civilians may face up to five fewer furlough days, "no decisions have been made at this time," a Pentagon spokesman said July 30.More than 640,000 civilian employees are being furloughed one day a week for 11 weeks, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen

  • Two Joint Base Langley-Eustis firefighters earn national designation

    Seventy plus pages, multiple character references, years of professional development, and six to nine months of grueling waiting while the application is reviewed, is what it takes for a firefighter to be awarded the national designation of Chief Fire Officer. Only 913 firefighters in the United

  • EOD Warrior Foundation supports wounded warriors, grieving families

    No warrior left behind - a commitment at the heart of every member of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal community. Now, two groups that have supported EOD families in times of need have joined to expand their outreach and strengthen that promise.The EOD Warrior Foundation was founded in March 2013

  • Incirlik AB Airmen come together for Storytellers III

    Airmen from across the base gathered at the club complex to hear the stories of their fellow Airman for the third "Storytellers" event July 27 here.The first Storytellers event took place July 19 at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. It was the brainchild of several members of the Incirlik Toastmasters

  • Acting SecAF visits Westover ARB

    "That's a lot of iron on the ramp," Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning said during his July 25 visit to Westover, seeing a row of 10 C-5s on the East Ramp.During his three-hour visit, the acting secretary donned a hard hat and toured the nation's largest military aircraft, flew a C-5

  • Air Force takes swift action against sexual assault

    It's not an overstatement to say that the past many years have been challenging for those in the military working to prevent sexual assault and sexual trauma. However, for those who've been victimized it has been much worse, and we should never forget that. The harm in this crime is not just

  • Help is a good thing: colonel, sexual assault survivor recounts experience

    The first in a video series of survivor stories, an Air Force colonel shared her graphic, first-hand experience with sexual assault in 1988. After years of silence about the incident, Col. Pamela Lincoln voluntarily shared her experience with the hope that it might empower other survivors to come

  • Hagel, Winnefeld Honor Korean War Vets, Those Still Serving in the Republic

    Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Navy Adm. James Winnefeld remembered the Korean War as the first time the world united under the banner of the United Nations to stand up to aggression and support the rule of law.The men spoke today at the ceremony here marking the 60th anniversary of the armistice

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Kadena AB Airman has Nhu story to tell

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Think of taking time off, leave, or going abroad. What comes to mind? Perhaps some time for you, a way to reinvigorate or reenergize? For one staff

  • Maintenance unit's helicopter attains excellence twice in one day

    For the first time since 2005, an HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 56th Expeditionary Helicopter Maintenance Unit here achieved a perfect maintenance inspection rating. Aircraft 89-6205, a 24-year old HH-60, achieved the coveted black-letter initial exceptional release, or ER, July 23. After the ER

  • Born in the military: One family's legacy of service

    Military deployments are difficult for both the service member and the family members they leave behind. Being in a dual-military parent family doesn't make it easier, but after nearly 50 years of combined service, the current Wakefields are continuing their family's tradition."My great uncles

  • Officers, enlisted members offered early retirement

    Technical and master sergeants, captains, majors and lieutenant colonels in certain Air Force specialties may apply to retire with fewer than 20 years of active service under the Temporary Early Retirement Authority, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Commonly referred to as the 15-year

  • Two combat controllers hike with USAF Seven Summits Team

    For some, hiking and climbing for days, and sometimes months, through some of the harshest environments known to man, would seem like an arduous task. Two Airmen from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., experienced just that as they summited Mount Rainier, Wash., July 19 through 22.Staff Sgt. Brian

  • Airmen flip for charity

    What originally began as a dream workout, changed to working out a dream when Airmen from the base here had the idea for the ultimate CrossFit challenge: Flipping an 800-pound tire 11 miles to raise money for wounded veterans. "My goal was to flip the tire downtown," said Staff Sgt. Cody Lytle, who

  • Welsh meets with Wyoming's Total Force Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and his wife, Betty, visited with Airmen of 153rd Airlift Wing at the Wyoming Air National Guard Base here July 19.During an Airman's call, Welsh applauded the 153rd Airlift Wing's role in hosting the Air National Guard's first active-duty associate

  • Free smartphone app designed to keep Airmen informed

    The Air Force launched a free mobile application geared toward informing Airmen and families about force support squadron morale, welfare and recreation events happening on their bases."MyAirForceLife," developed by the Air Force Personnel Center, links eligible patrons to force support

  • AF to convene selective Lt Col, Col early retirement board

    The Air Force will convene a selective early retirement board Dec. 9 to consider eligible lieutenant colonels and colonels for retirement under the FY14 Force Management Program.SERB is one of several FM programs to be implemented in FY14 to help size and balance the force to meet authorized end

  • Air Force takes swift action against sexual assault

    It's not an overstatement to say that the past many years have been challenging for those in the military working to prevent sexual assault and sexual trauma. However, for those who've been victimized it has been much worse, and we should never forget that. The harm in this crime is not just

  • No more redundant inspections: AF implements new inspection system

    The Air Force recently implemented a new inspection system, aimed at giving more power to wing commanders.With the signing of Program Action Directive 13-01, Air Force inspection system Implementation Tiger Team transitions from the planning phase to the execution phase. The program, which was beta

  • Air Force Cycling Team pedals across Iowa

    Come rain, wind or an average temperature of 90 degrees, 94 Airman began pedaling across Iowa as part of the Registers Annual Bicycle Ride across Iowa, better known as RAGBRAI, July 21.The Air Force Cycling Team, under the leadership of Senior Master Sgt. Larry Gallo, assigned to 433rd Airlift Wing,

  • Thunderbirds egress specialist finds fulfillment in service

    Many Airmen discover their paths early in life. Some join the Air Force after graduating high school, and others wait a few years before making the decision to enlist. For one Airman assigned to the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, deciding to join the Air Force took 11 years.Staff Sgt.

  • Exercising to honor, inspire

    At the beginning of their deployment, a team of four Royal air force members from the No. 1 Air Control Center set out to exercise their way back to Lincoln, England, roughly 3,400 miles away, in honor of United Kingdom and U.S. service members who have been injured or killed in contingency

  • Air Force, Army effort saves government money

    In a joint effort between the firefighters of the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron and a deployed Army battalion, more than 60 Soldiers have been trained in the handling of hazardous materials, enhancing their emergency response skills and saving government dollars. Army Capt. Eric

  • Civil engineers build medical facility, save AF thousands

    Consistent with fluctuating operations in deployed locations, the ability to quickly and efficiently build structures to house new missions is crucial. The 1st Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group here has specialized teams of Airmen who support projects to fulfill construction requirements. "When a

  • Pilot program enhances Autism care, treatment

    A congressionally mandated pilot program set to launch July 25 will enhance an existing Defense Department program that provides care and treatment for military children with autism, a senior DOD official said.Dr. Jonathan Woodson, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs and director of

  • Technicians safeguard fuel, oxygen

    Aircrew members depend on several moving parts to ensure an aircraft is properly maintained and prepped for a safe mission. A part of this preparation is ensuring that the fuel and oxygen within the aircraft are safe and free of contaminates that could negatively affect the mission.Airmen at the

  • Stay connected with social media without sacrificing career

    Engaging in social media can be a positive experience that entertains, keeps people connected and allows opinions to be expressed on a wide variety of topics.In some cases though, social media can ruin personal reputations or careers, and create an open window for criminals to access personal

  • Voluntary fiscal 2014 force management programs announced

    The Air Force will implement several officer and enlisted force management programs for fiscal 2014, officials said today.Force management programs enable the Air Force to both size and balance the force, with the goal of meeting mandated end strength numbers in the right career fields and at the

  • CSAF says readiness harmed by steep cuts

    The rigid requirements of sequestration spending cuts have made it difficult for the Air Force to maintain readiness, the service's top officer said yesterday.Speaking to CNN's John King at the annual Aspen Institute Security Forum in Aspen, Colo., Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III

  • AF officials announce fiscal 2014 force management programs

    In ongoing efforts to size and shape the force to current and future requirements, Air Force officials announced the fiscal 2014 force management programs.The Air Force ended fiscal 2012 159 Airmen over end strength and anticipates ending fiscal 2013 at or marginally over end strength. The fiscal

  • STRATCOM commander discusses mission, future of Global Strike

    The commander of U.S. Strategic Command discussed the mission and future of Air Force Global Strike Command at an all-call here July 15."The skills that we have for the nuclear deterrence mission will be needed as far into the future as I can see," Gen. C. Robert Kehler said. "As long as we have

  • Hagel talks sequestration with Joint Base Charleston civilians

    Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel discussed sequestration and defense budget cuts with several hundred Air Force civilian employees during a town hall here July 17.He opened the discussion by thanking the entire military family -- those in uniform, the federal civilians who support them, and the

  • Holding Airmen accountable: Mandatory discharge for sexual assault

    The Air Force recently adopted two new measures to eliminate sexual assault from within the ranks, including requiring discharge for Airmen who commit sexual assault, and requiring the Air Force's most senior commanders to review actions taken on these cases. According to Capt. Allison DeVito, chief

  • First B-52 departs to depot for communications upgrade

    The first B-52H Stratofortress departed Barksdale Air Force Base, La., July 16 is enroute to the depot at Tinker AFB, Okla., for the Combat Network Communications Technology, or CONECT, upgrade.The CONECT upgrade will allow B-52 crews to receive and send real-time digital information such as updated

  • U.S.-Australia tracking system promotes logistics interoperability

    A new logistics tracking system between the United States and Australia will help to ensure faster, more coordinated responses to humanitarian crises and other contingencies while laying the foundation for closer cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region, the senior U.S. Pacific Command logistics

  • Joint team achieves historic trans-Atlantic medical mission

    A Brooke Army Medical Center team made medical history last week by completing the military's first trans-Atlantic movement of an adult on external lung support.A team of Army and Air Force doctors and nurses treated the patient with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO, during a nonstop

  • F-35 aircrew flight equipment team named Air Force best

    One of the Air Force's newest aircrew flight equipment teams is now the Air Force's best.The 33rd Fighter Wing's aircrew flight equipment flight was chosen the best in the Air Force in the small program category for 2012. The wing is the only unit to fly and train on the F-35A Lightning II fifth

  • 10 special duties become developmental opportunities

    Selection for 10 special duty fields is now a nominative rather than volunteer-based process, Air Force officials announced today. In the past, any qualified Airman who met eligibility criteria defined in the special duty catalog could apply for a special duty opportunity. However, as resources

  • Sequestration impact looms despite resumed flying operations

    Air Force leaders announced July 15 that flying training would resume at numerous units, bringing an end to the three-month halt that resulted from the budget sequestration reductions. Congress approved a $1.8 billion reprogramming request that transferred money from several programs to pay for

  • Combat Air Forces to resume flying

    Combat Air Forces, or CAF, units from multiple commands began flying again today after many stopped flying in April of this year due to sequestration. The restored flying hour program represents Congressional action on the $1.8 billion overseas contingency operations reprogramming action made

  • Liberian soldiers employ training during medical outreach mission

    A team of Armed Forces of Liberia soldiers, U.S. service members and county health officials conducted a mobile medical outreach mission in Grand Cape Mount County recently. The mobile mission held from 1 - 4 July was a first for the AFL medics, who, until now, have been focusing their efforts on

  • First Airman Resilience Center opens at Altus AFB

    A new Airman Resilience Center opened its doors during a ribbon cutting ceremony here July 11.The ARC is the first facility of its kind at the base. "The ARC includes five classrooms for training use, a theater room, a game room and an electronic gaming area," said Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Mathe, the

  • New commander takes lead in air campaign

    U.S. Air Forces Central Command has a new leader.In a change of command ceremony here July 11, Lt. Gen. John W. Hesterman III took command of USAFCENT from Lt. Gen. David Goldfein.Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, the commander of U.S. Central Command, presided over the ceremony."The power of the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman reflects on journey from maintainer to pilot

    "I remember the first time I climbed into an F-16 (Fighting Falcon) and the canopy closed," he said. "I had my mask on, and it was so quiet. I was amazed at how quiet and peaceful it was. At that moment, I knew the cockpit was where I was meant to be."To get into that cockpit, Maj. Robin Lytle had

  • Financial managers get certification program

    Air Force Financial Managers are joining forces with their sister services to create a more effective training and certification program. The new Department of Defense Financial Manager Certification Program will affect nearly 10,000 Air Force active duty officers, enlisted and civilian financial

  • VA announces $300 million in grants to help veteran homeless

    Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today the award of nearly $300 million in grants that will help approximately 120,000 homeless and at-risk Veterans and their families. The grants have been awarded to 319 community agencies in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto

  • Fanning makes first visit to Nellis, Creech AFBs

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning visited Airmen here and at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., July 8 as part of his first round of base visits since assuming the position in June.Fanning was confirmed as the 24th Under Secretary of the Air Force in April and took on the additional role of

  • SecDef details 'Plan B' should sequestration continue

    If sequestration continues into fiscal year 2014, the Defense Department will be forced to consider involuntary reductions-in-force for the civilian workforce, draconian cuts to military personnel accounts and a virtual halt to military modernization, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said in a letter

  • AF Reserve MAFFS C-130s, crews back in Colorado

    Aircrews, maintainers and two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 aircraft assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing returned  here July 7 after supporting aerial fire fighting operations for five days at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Ariz. The 302nd AW MAFFS

  • Air Force officials release first enlisted LEAP selection board results

    The U.S. Air Force Culture and Language Center recently released the results of the first Language Enabled Airman Program selection board solely for enlisted Airmen. The selection of 199 applicants nearly triples the number of enlisted Airmen in the program.The program aims to sustain, enhance and

  • Hagel calls DOD education support a strategic priority

    The Defense Department's commitment to military families and to quality education for military children is a strategic imperative that leaders will maintain, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said in remarks July 9.During closing remarks at the Military Child Education Coalition's 15th National Training

  • Air Force brothers make fitness a family affair

    While fitness is an important part of Air Force life, two brothers have turned a passion for running and fitness into a lifestyle that impacts just about every facet of their and their families' lives. Lt. Col. Ryan Novotny, and his younger brother, Maj. Reid Novotny, have taken the sport of long

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman saves lives, delivers twins

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)It was a typical day for Senior Airman Rainier Jeffrey as he rode to the Upolu Hospital in Samoa. As a medical technician deployed out to sea with the

  • New manual covers mentoring program

    A new Air Force manual that provides detailed information on mentoring within the Air Force, including the definition, program benefits and objectives, has been published.Air Force Manual 36-2643, Air Force Mentoring Program, incorporates information from, and supersedes, AFI 36-3401, Air Force

  • K-9 Airmen deploy with 'best friend'

    One of the most difficult parts of a deployment for service members is leaving behind friends and family. Security forces Airmen in the Military Working Dog section, however, have a unique opportunity when they deploy. "We get to deploy with our best friend," said Senior Airman Andrew Hanus, a 379th

  • AF leaders stand behind civilians during tough furlough times

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III send the following furlough message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:As you all know, Department of Defense civilian furloughs begin this week. With few exceptions, our civilian Airmen face

  • Naples-based wife named Air Force 'Spouse of the Year'

    Sonya Rayford Cage, spouse of Allied Joint Force Command Naples member, Maj. Ernest Cage, was awarded the 2013 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year for her outstanding support to local military personnel and their families. This honor follows closely on the heels of her US Air Force NATO spouse of

  • 'Check Six' teaches deployed service members combatives

    When faced by an attacker, sometimes the only means of defense are ones instincts and ability to fight back. To hone those instincts, deployed service members are armed with basic, defensive fighting skills at the weekly Check Six combatives classes offered at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing

  • Joint STARS: Deployed maintainers saving lives

    U.S. and coalition ground forces deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations depend on many different airframes and assets to complete their day-to-day operations. That includes the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System maintained by the 7th Expeditionary Aircraft

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: On the Road to Recovery; A Wounded Warrior Story

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)The cool breeze and darkening night slowly embraced the German landscape. Everything seemed to be perfect and in place. However, events quickly turn

  • Recent Academy grad now DOD's top women's triathlete

    Her heart beats faster and faster and beads of sweat drip down her face, as she sprints toward the finish line just seconds ahead of several other competitors. This race earned her the title of fastest woman triathlete in the Department of Defense.At the age of 15,  2nd Lt. Samantha Morrison, recent

  • Training for joint, U.K. F-35 programs heat up

    The largest fleet of F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters ramped up to 28 aircraft June 25, bringing in new capability for the F-35 Integrated Training Center as the team trains to provide combat operations capability in the years ahead.The U.S. Navy's Strike Fighter Squadron-101 received a

  • Iron Airman challenge promotes fitness resiliency

    All Airmen must maintain fitness standards as a mission readiness requirement. However, fitness can also be used as a great motivator for people to achieve higher levels of resiliency. The Iron Airman Challenge, which consists of timed push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups and a distance run, is a new program

  • Maintaining the maintainers

    Maintainers fix and keep aircraft flying; we all know what they do. But, how are our maintainers able to solve complex technical problems and keep our more than 50 year old tanker fleet in the air?Ask any maintainer and they will probably tell you the Maintenance Qualification Training Program is

  • Air Force JAG turns 20

    Celebrating 20 years of providing the Air Force with trained and qualified judge advocates, civilian attorneys and paralegals, the Air Force Judge Advocate General's School recently commemorated the historic occasion."The 20th anniversary of the JAG School building dedication is a momentous day in

  • Voluntary retraining application window closes July 7

    Enlisted Airmen in overmanned career fields who want to retrain into an undermanned field have until July 7 to submit their application under Phase I of the fiscal 2014 Noncommissioned Officer Retraining Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials reminded Airmen.The two-phase program is used to

  • ADL creator adds to AF e-learning

    Learning. For John Hawk it often starts here with someone needing to train thousands of Airmen as effective and easy and economical as possible.Hawk is the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center's creator of Advanced Distributive Learning products for the Air National Guard. He sorts though loads

  • Reserve F-16 pilot helps squelch wildfires across West

    Air Force Reserve F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Paul "Buster" Delmonte flies several types of aircraft as part of his full-time civilian job, but instead of dropping bombs he delivers an entirely different kind of weapon.Delmonte, the 466th Fighter Squadron commander, is an aerial firefighter and aviation

  • Security Airmen take action while under attack

    A quick and efficient response by Afghan and U.S. Air Force security forces personnel helped defeat an attack by insurgents at Kabul International Airport earlier this month, according to U.S. military officials. The attack began at about 4:30 a.m. on the morning of June 10. Within minutes, security

  • A family affair: Former base now home to burrowing owl family

    In the midst of a bustling environmental cleanup project at the former McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, Calif., a family of burrowing owls has carved out a serene existence on a small protected piece of land. Burrowing owls, which on average are slightly larger than the American Robin, are

  • Academy cadets deploy, experience expeditionary life

    More than 40 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets visited the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here to observe deployed operations first-hand and interact with deployed U.S. and coalition forces."Being out here really broadens our horizons, allowing us to truly take in what it means to be an Airman," said

  • Davis-Monthan Airmen work to end veteran homelessness by 2015

    Col Michael T. Rawls, the 355th Fighter Wing vice commander, spoke at a press conference about ending veteran homelessness by 2015 June, 21 in Tucson, AZ.The White House has announced an initiative to end veterans homelessness by 2015, and Tucson is one of 25 flagship cities selected to lead this

  • Jennies to jets to stealth: Bomb wing turns 90

    From Jennies to jets to stealth bombers, the 131st Bomb Wing's history really began with its co-located flying squadron, now the 110th Bomb Squadron, which traces its roots back to the 110th Observation Squadron. The 110th OS was organized by Maj. Bill Robertson and his brothers, Lieutenants Frank

  • Concentration camp survivor to fighter pilot: 'Freedom a beautiful thing'

    "I was pretty young with all this but I was probably, at first, more revengeful than I should have been. When the occasion arose, I did not give the Germans very much of a chance. I took it out on them. I may have been wrong but I guess I was very vengeful so I didn't give them a break, but I

  • Wounded warriors adapt, overcome at Andrews sports camp

    More than 30 Air Force wounded warriors gathered here June 26, to kick off a two-day adaptive sports camp designed to help them overcome challenges and enjoy a physically active lifestyle.This was the first Air Force Wounded Warriors Adaptive Sports Camp, held especially for the patients at here and

  • Pilots, combat systems officers may be eligible for retention incentives

    Eligible active duty aviators have until Sept. 30 to apply for the 2013 Aviator Retention Pay Program, Air Force officials said today. The purpose of the program is to retain highly-qualified aircrew members at a fraction of the cost incurred to train new rated officers, said Lt. Col. Stuart Rubio,

  • 352nd SOG welcomes Osprey to fleet

    The 352nd Special Operations Group resurrected a key capability when two CV-22B Ospreys touched down June 24 here.The Ospreys are the first of 10 slated to arrive as part of the 352nd SOG expansion, which will last through the end of 2014.The CV-22 fills part of the role previously accomplished by

  • Squadron's lone female gunner aims high

    Fresh out of training, the only female aerial gunner assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron arrived here.After graduating from East Valley High School in 2010, Airman 1st Class Natasha Libby said she realized she couldn't afford college. She found a job at a sandwich shop where she worked for 11

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: One Airman's journey to a brighter future

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)As a teenager, Airman 1st Class Michael Gray, 86th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, had to support himself. Gray had to pay for everything, from the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Love, service, sacrifice define Airman's career

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)An Airman here disarms explosive devices for a living, rides a Harley Davidson for fun and has tattoos all over to illustrate stories of love, pain and

  • Hagel vows to prioritize cyber, nuclear capabilities

    Malicious cyberattacks are quickly becoming a defining security challenge "for our time, for all our institutions," Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said June 19 during a speech in Omaha, Neb., at his alma mater, the University of Nebraska-Omaha."They are putting America's economic and technological

  • F-35 is backbone of Air Force's future fighter fleet, Welsh says

    The Air Force's most advanced strike aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II, is a vital capability that the nation needs to stay ahead of adversary technological gains, the Air Force chief of staff told a Senate panel here, June 19.Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on