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  • Fairchild crews support mission against ISIL

    Fairchild aircrews are actively participating in support of the mission against Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant known as ISIL. U.S. military forces and partner nations, including the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab

  • Altus AFB produces mission capable boom operators

    For the past 16 years, the 97th Air Mobility Wing has been the only schoolhouse for training initial KC-135 Stratotanker boom operator students, which trains around 265 Airmen and international students a year.

  • AF integrates TAP into new Military Lifecycle Model

    The redesigned Transition Assistance Program is in its third and final stage and will be integrated into the new Defense Department Military Lifecycle Model, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. The MLC, which will be implemented Oct. 1, is the latest in a series of improvements to the

  • 3T program eases transition to civilian life

    Preparing for life after the military can be tough, but the Air Force is working to make it a little easier with a tractor trailer training program called 3T.The Military Commercial Driver's License Act of 2012 allows states to accept a military operator's license and training certificate, along

  • Academy hits conservation target

    In light of October being Energy Action Month, developed by the Department of Energy, U.S. Air Force Academy mission elements gathered Sept. 23, to discuss energy and utility savings for the year and analyze new efforts here to reduce costs and save energy.

  • 'Decisive' air power thwarts ISIL's capabilities, official says

    Air power has stymied Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists, with the Air Force accomplishing 74 percent of the more than 240 airstrikes in Iraq and Syria since Aug. 8, a senior Air Force official told reporters at the Pentagon Sept. 29.

  • Global Strike provides deterrence for the modern era

    The Air Force recently demonstrated its nuclear deterrence and power projection capabilities through a coordinated display of strategic combat power.Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen -- responsible for two legs of the nation's nuclear triad -- conducted the demonstrations, which included

  • Weathering the storm: AF eyes in the sky provide global weather data

    Detachment 1, 50th Operations Group, a small contingent of four Air Force officers, is responsible for seven satellites that comprise the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, or DMSP. The team coordinates with the space experts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, contractor

  • 19th AF activates under AETC

    The Air Education and Training Command will re-activate a streamlined 19th Air Force Oct. 1, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.

  • ISR agency remembers, honors its legacy

    Four of the most influential leaders of the Air Force intelligence community were forever enshrined into the heritage of the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency, during a ceremony here Sept. 27.

  • Airmen deliver Ebola treatment facility to West Africa

    Airmen from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, partnered with representatives from the U.S. Public Health Service Sept. 26, to deliver a modular medical treatment center, as part of a government-wide effort to support humanitarian relief operations in Ebola-stricken African nations.

  • TACP-M ties it all together

    Embedded deep within an Army maneuver unit lies an Airman. Charged with orchestrating critical close-air support, oftentimes it's the effort of this combat maestro that means the difference between life and death on the battlefield - he is known as a tactical air control party or TACP for short.

  • 'Day in the Life' project showcases right Airman, right job, right time

    The 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, spent months of pre-planning, coordination and post-production efforts to create a multimedia project titled, "Day in the Life of the 86th Airlift Wing" showing how the wing supports multiple Air Force, joint and international missions daily.

  • F-22 Raptor team recipient of DOD maintenance award

    A team responsible for depot maintenance on the F-22 Raptor is one of the recipients of the Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award for depot and field-level units. These awards are presented annually to recognize outstanding achievements in weapon system and military equipment maintenance. The

  • Warrior Games Profile - Christopher D’Angelo

    More than 40 athletes will represent the Air Force during the 2014 Warrior Games from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is a profile of one of those athletes, providing a behind-the-scenes look at who they are and the sport they will participate in.

  • Warrior Games Profile - Mitchell Kieffer

    More than 40 athletes will represent the Air Force during the 2014 Warrior Games from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is a profile of one of those athletes, providing a behind-the-scenes look at who they are and the sport they will participate in.

  • Warrior Games Profile - Daniel Oosterhous

    More than 40 athletes will represent the Air Force during the 2014 Warrior Games from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is a profile of one of those athletes, providing a behind-the-scenes look at who they are and the sport they will participate in.

  • CMSAF visits Keesler

    A common subject for discussion during Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody's visit to Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, was the impending changes to enlisted evaluation and promotion systems.

  • Hill AFB in midst of robust F-35 preparation

    Hill AFB’s preparations for the F-35A Lightning II, totaling more than $100 million, with 23 projects to be completed between September 2014 and July 2015, and 36 total projects will be finished once construction concludes in 2019.

  • Tanker aircrews help in fight against ISIL

    With 16 KC-135 Stratotankers on its installation, Airmen from MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, waste no time when answering the call to defend the nation -- even when there is little to no notice. As these planes can be seen and heard overhead, one has to wonder where in the world they are flying.

  • Surviving the altitude

    Many issues may arise when flying as aircrew, including hypoxia, which can be life-threatening if the proper procedures are not taken to correct it.

  • Minuteman III test missile launches from Vandenberg

    A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile Sept. 23 at 7:45 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

  • AF firefighters qualify to train Central American counterparts

    Twelve members from the 612th Air Base Squadron Fire Emergency Services completed the Air Advisor Academy’s five-day academic mobile training team course Sept. 15-19, to become the first group to receive air advisor training qualified to provide partner nation firefighting training.

  • Air Force women take Armed Forces softball title

    The All-Air Force Women's Softball team defeated the Marine Corps, 9-4, to capture its first Armed Forces Women's Softball Championship since 2011 at Fort Sill, Okla., Sept. 18, the same day the Air Force observed its 67th birthday.

  • Air Force fighters, bombers conduct strikes against ISIL targets in Syria

    U.S. military forces and partner nations, including the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, undertook military action against ISIL terrorists in Syria overnight, using a mix of fighter, bomber, remotely piloted

  • Simulators train aircrew at fraction of cost

    Using simulators for the majority of pilot training is a huge advantage. They operate at about 5 percent of the cost of real jets. One hour of flying in a C-17 costs approximately $23,424 -- a substantial difference compared to the simulator.

  • Injured Idaho hiker rescued by Fairchild crews

    Airmen from Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, rescued a 36-year-old female rock climber Sept. 20, near Priest Lake, Idaho, after she suffered injuries to her face, lower leg and foot.

  • Airmen support firefighting efforts in California

    Two 146th Airlift Wing C-130 Hercules equipped with U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems, or MAFFS, will be assisting with wildfire suppression efforts in California and the Northwest at the request of the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, U.S. Northern Command

  • PIKE nears end of service

    The 22nd Space Operations Squadron will decommission the Colorado Tracking Station Sept. 29, during a ceremony here, signaling the end of operations for one of the Air Force Satellite Control Network's most valued assets of the past two decades.

  • AF recruiting software gets overhaul

    A new system has revolutionized the recruiting process for more than 5,000 recruiters and interface partners within the Air Force Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve components.

  • Warrior Games: Wounded warrior overcomes adversity with archery

    Staff Sgt. Seth Pena, a highly decorated tactical air control party member, noted for calling in coordinated close support air strikes that killed up to 70 Taliban members in one fight, sat down with a crossbow draped across his lap and a target 25 meters in front of him, reminiscing about the night

  • Guam RED HORSE Airmen provide lifesaving training

    Firefighters from Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam joined with their island partners from the Guam Fire Department to develop the skills to perform high-risk rescues by participating in a three-week Defense Department Rescue Technician Course here in September.

  • Women’s legacy parallels Air Force history

    As we celebrate the Air Force’s 67th birthday, we talk of how far we’ve come and look ahead to what the future holds, but it’s just as important to look at where we’ve been. The story of women in the military, specifically the Air Force, parallels that of the Air Force itself. In fact, for women

  • Enlisted Heritage Panel convenes at AFA

    Former chief master sergeants of the Air Force shared experiences and challenges they faced in their careers during the 2014 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference, Sept. 17.

  • 67 plus years of airpower

    "We didn't become the world's greatest Air Force by accident," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody. "We got here through 67 years of American Airmen breaking new terrain and lifting us to a higher level. We should celebrate that innovation this year...

  • AF to change instructions for oaths

    The Air Force has instructed force support offices across the service to allow both enlisted members and officers to omit the words “So help me God” from enlistment and officer appointment oaths if an Airman chooses.

  • Director of the ANG addresses AFA Air & Space Conference

    Lt. Gen. Stanley Clarke, the Director of the Air National Guard, provided an overview of the ANG at the 2014 Air Force Association’s Air & Space and Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C., Sept. 15.

  • American Airmen video contest winner announced at AFA

    The American Airmen Video Contest is over and the votes are in, the winner of the video contest is Air Mobility Command finalist Tech. Sgt. Brian Williams, 87th Security Forces Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, his video received 1,814 votes.

  • AF, Spokane firefighters partner for HAZMAT response

    A tanker truck leaking a hazardous chemical prompted emergency responders to shut down Interstate 90 near the Washington-Idaho state line Sept. 14, garnering regional response including Fairchild Air Force Base firefighters.

  • Hurricane Hunters head west into 'Odile'

    The Air Force Reserve's Hurricane Hunters flew into Hurricane Odile Sunday to collect critical weather data for the National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Odile formed in the Pacific Ocean and made landfall this morning in Baja, California. After reaching Category 4 strength on Sunday, Odile weakened

  • Look past 1947 for Air Force roots

    Maybe it's a genetic thing I share with them, but I agree that Air Force history predates Sept. 18, 1947, and think we should do a better job of recognizing that. The problem is, of course, what to use as a starting date for such remembrances?

  • Future of NATO: Adapting to a new security environment

    NATO’s Supreme Allied commander introduced new initiatives geared toward re-embracing its mission of collective defense. Gen. Philip M. Breedlove discussed NATO’s newest plans during the 2014 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition, Washington D.C, on Sept. 15.

  • Achieving art of the possible through partnerships

    In an operating environment focused on discovering new ways to save time, Airmen and civilian partners gathered at the 2014 Air Force Association’s Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition to listen to a presentation titled “Achieving the Art of the Possible” Sept. 15.

  • State of Air Force Reserve discussed at AFA

    Senior Department of Defense and industry leaders gathered at the Air Force Association’s 2014 Air and Space conference and technology exposition Sept. 15 to discuss the future of the Air Force and Air Force Reserve.

  • Regional challenges, budget effect USAFE/AFAFRICA

    Gen. Frank Gorenc, the commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa, spoke about the impact of sequestration and some of the current challenges USAFE/AFAFRICA faces on Sept 15, at the Air Force Association Air and Space Symposium here.

  • SecAF: From legacy of past to uncertain future, bold leadership key

    Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James gave her vision of bold leadership during the 2014 Air Force Association’s Air and Space conference and technology exposition here Sept. 15. She said the future of the Air Force is influenced by uncertainty of the world scene and the Air Force needs to

  • C-17 treads into new territory

    As important as ailerons, rudders and elevators are to the fundamental movement of any aircraft in flight, its tires are equally important while moving on the ground.

  • Aerial target QF-16 takes to the sky

    The Air Force's newest aerial target took a major step toward preparing warfighters downrange with a realistic fourth-generation replication of what they may face on the battlefield.

  • Cryogenics: Helping pilots breathe at 10,000 feet

    Breathing is one of the most basic, involuntary and often overlooked human actions. At higher altitudes, breathing can quickly become one of the most conscious thoughts as it becomes harder to do. That's where a small, but vital team of cryogenics experts from the 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron

  • AF taps a dozen captains for Inter-American SOS

    A dozen active-duty captains have been selected to attend the 2015 Inter-American Squadron Officer School at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland here, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced Sept. 10.

  • Reserve firefighters pay tribute to 9/11 comrades

    Firefighters from the 507th Civil Engineer Squadron participated in their 5th Annual Fire climb on Sept. 7 to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks. Inspired by firefighter cadets in Austin, Texas, members of the 507th Air Refueling Wing climbed the equivalent of 110 stories to commemorate the 343

  • Air Force selects 16 weather squadron commander candidates

    The 15W Weather Officer Squadron Commander Candidate Selection Board held here July 23-24 selected 16 weather officers as candidates for nine projected calendar year 2015 weather squadron command vacancies, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced Sept. 10.

  • Airmen host shoe drive during Pacific Unity 14-8

    Though the official mission of Pacific Unity 14-8 is to construct two female dormitories for students at Togoba Secondary School in Papua New Guinea, Airmen deployed in support of the operation have found additional ways to give back to the community.

  • SOS reduces course length, increases classes in FY 15

    To align with the chief of staff of the Air Force's vision to give more company grade officers the opportunity to attend Squadron Officer School, Squadron Officer College is changing the school's course term length from eight to five weeks starting in fiscal year 2015.