Airmen start deployment training early

Members of air expeditionary forces nine and 10 here began preparing for their deployment by learning essential combat skills. The 88th Air Base Wing readiness section started the expeditionary combat skills training course last month to cover the 19 hours of training troops need before deploying.

C-130J Hercules undergoes new test

As part of the second phase of the C-130J Hercules qualification test and evaluation, the aircraft will fly airdrop and formation-drop operations later this month. The aircraft from here will take part in an exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La., from Nov. 13 to 17. The

Army edges Air Force, 27-24

They did what Soldiers do best, take ground and hold it. Thanks to three long scoring marches totaling 210 yards -- and chewing up 18:05 off the clock -- Army held on for a 27-24 victory over Air Force Nov. 5. There were a season-high 44,782 fans at Falcon Stadium. The win snapped the Black Knights’

Officers chosen for education, cross-flow duties

More than 210 officers from 18 career fields were selected to attend developmental education or for cross-flow assignments beginning in summer 2006. The development team special program selection and Air Force Institute of Technology boards considered officers from various fields. They included

U.S., Indian Airmen take next step in growing relationship

The U.S. and Indian air forces opened the next chapter in their growing relationship when exercise Cope India 2006 began here Nov. 7.About 250 Airmen from Pacific Air Forces join several hundred of their Indian counterparts for the two-week, dissimilar air combat training exercise in which simulated

Eagles, Raptors team to deter ‘attack’

Every day, F-15 Eagle instructor pilots here teach dozens of student pilots how to fight and win in combat. But the instructors rarely get a chance to showcase their own warfighting skills. Fortunately, some 1st Fighter Squadron instructors got a chance to test their skills against the toughest and

Pandemic flu Web site online

The Defense Department went “live” today with a Web site to help meet the objectives outlined in President George Bush's national strategy for pandemic influenza. The address is: deploymentlink.osd.mil The site offers information about pandemic flu and avian flu. It has a section of frequently asked

Conference prepares people for today’s, future cyber crimes

The Defense Cyber Crime Center and Joint Task Force – Global Network Operations will host a cyber crime conference here in January. The conference -- Attacking Cyber Crime -- the Evolving Professions -- will cover all aspects of computer crime. That includes intrusion investigations, cyber crime

CENTAF releases airpower summary

Officials at U.S. Central Command released today’s airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 53 close air support and armed reconnaissance sorties Nov. 7 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and

Defense directive sets detainee interrogation policy

The Defense Department has a new policy on detainee interrogations.Officials began writing the directive in December 2004. Acting Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England signed the directive Nov. 3. It is the first formal defense directive on this policy. DOD Directive 3115. 09 -- DOD Intelligence

Air Force facing higher energy bill

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita were summer events, but their impact will probably be felt this winter. And that impact will not just be on the Gulf Coast, but across the nation and on military installations as facility energy prices continue to increase, Air Force officials said. The storms caused

Special ops reservist helping rebuild Iraqi air force

During a deployment to Iraq, Brig. Gen. Frank Padilla led a team of Air Force and coalition partner experts to plan for and help to rebuild a more robust and effective Iraqi air force. The group’s mission is to help the Iraqis establish the very best air force possible with the resources they have

76 recruits ‘sign up’ at 49ers game

Seventy-six delayed entry program recruits swore into the Air Force before a crowd of 70,000 at a San Francisco 49ers game here Nov. 6. The recruits -- some traveled 100 miles to the Monster Park football field -- enlisted through the 364th Recruiting Squadron out of Sacramento, Calif. The annual

Health program will help returning troops

Servicemembers returning from deployments will now participate in a post-deployment health reassessment program that all the services are instituting. Defense Department officials said the new program will assess the health -- both physical and mental -- of servicemembers from 90 to 120 days after

Newest vets get VA medical care priority

Some 120,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans receiving Department of Veterans Affairs medical care are getting top priority at some of the world's best-quality medical treatment, the secretary of Veterans Affairs said. R. James Nicholson spoke to the American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon

Communications keep Cope India Airmen connected

Setting up complete operational communication support for 250 deployed Airmen in a foreign country doesn’t just happen overnight. But the 35th Communications Squadron’s 10-person theater deployable communication package did that in 48 hours. The unit from Misawa Air Base, Japan, is here to support

Making their mark

Back home

Development division helping equip security forces

The 820th Security Forces Group here reorganized itself and now includes a division dedicated to testing and evaluating new equipment for Airmen deploying to Iraq. The new combat development division -- created in mid-October -- aims to supply the group with more effective gear, while also saving

VA program promotes employment among new vets

The Department of Veterans Affairs is promoting job opportunities for those leaving military service with a new program. R. James Nicholson, the VA secretary, spoke to the American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel in anticipation of National Veterans Awareness Week, which began Nov. 6

Simulated scorcher

Changes on horizon for PME

The Air Force professional military education process has developed grade-related education and education opportunities that support specific jobs for officers. "On the enlisted side, the Air Force has long had a continuity of PME programs that are associated with rank advancement, but you also have

CENTAF releases airpower summary

Officials at U.S. Central Command Air Forces released today’s airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 58 close air support and armed reconnaissance sorties Nov. 8 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities,

National Veterans Awareness Week continues

A Senate resolution designates Nov. 6 to 12 as National Veterans Awareness Week. The week focuses on programs to make students in elementary and secondary schools aware of the contributions of veterans and their importance in preserving American peace and prosperity, said Delaware Sen. Joseph Biden,

Rescue squad puts training to test

The blades of the Army UH-60 Black Hawk medevac helicopter beat the air as four firefighters rushed to it with 200 pounds of specialized extrication gear. The 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen knew this time it wasn’t a drill. Two trucks were in a near head-on collision 10 minutes

Bagram Airmen spread cheer, share smiles

Airmen fighting the global war on terrorism from nearby Bagram Air Base took time to spread cheer and share smiles with the people of a village here. As part of an adopt-a-village visit Nov. 3, Airmen distributed more than 1,200 pounds of winter clothes, blankets, school supplies and toys, said

Civilian personnel system allows employees control over advancement

The National Security Personnel System, which will go on line soon, will provide a more performance- and market-based system of hiring, pay and evaluation. With NSPS, Department of Defense civilians can influence the amount of money they will receive by their performance, their value to the

McConnell testing new Air Force personnel initiative

The Air Force is testing a new organizational structure at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., designed to improve convenience and timeliness for customers worldwide.The Personnel Services Delivery, or PSD, Transformation initiative allows Airmen to complete transactions online or through contact

Soto brothers endure Balad together

Deployments often mean working long hours thousands of miles away from family and friends. But for two Airmen here, that is not the case. The Soto brothers are both deployed to the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. Tech. Sgt. Orlando Soto and Senior Airman Saul Soto deployed from the

DOD to begin BRAC closures, realignments

The Base Realignment and Closure Commission's recommendations for reshaping the Defense Department's infrastructure and force structure took effect at 12:01 a.m. today.Congress allowed the commission recommendations to pass into law at the mandated Nov. 8 deadline. The nine-member BRAC panel

Pilots, air battle managers can get cash to stay in

The fiscal 2006 Aviator Continuation Pay program will offer about 750 pilots and air battle managers a monetary incentive to continue their service. A five-year, fixed-length agreement is available to eligible pilots and air battle managers who apply. The agreement values in annual pretax amounts

Maintainers keeping F-16s soaring over India

Cleaned, inspected and fully maintained, 12 neatly aligned F-16 Fighting Falcons stand poised for their daily battle. Beside them, their adversary -- an assortment of Indian Air Force MiGs, Mirages and Su-30s -- are also ready for the day’s dissimilar air combat training. The jets are all taking

Centers helps combat vets to cope

Combat veterans dealing with readjustment issues as they return home have a place to turn, thanks to a Department of Veterans Affairs initiative. The Vet Center program provides returning veterans with someone to talk to who can relate to their experiences. To date, readjustment counseling service

Raceway rumble

Engineers at work

Treating the wounded

Exercise tests aircrews in virtual reality by linking simulators nationwide

The first nationwide virtual reality exercise, Virtual Flag 06, used networked simulators to create a realistic and cheap simulated battlespace to test aircrews and space and ground operators. The exercise, led by the Distributed Mission Operations Center here, ended Nov. 4. The networked simulators

Watered down

CENTAF releases airpower summary report

Officials at U.S. Central Command Air Forces released today's airpower summary report.Coalition aircraft flew 58 close air support and armed reconnaissance sorties Nov. 9 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction

Brooks lab helping detect avian flu

An epidemiology laboratory here is working to develop more effective and timely methods for detecting the deadly avian flu virus. The Air Force Institute for Operational Health's epidemiology division is doing the research. The effort will support a worldwide Air Force surveillance program designed

Children honor sacrifice in Veterans Day walk

Their strides might not have been as long as the adults in the crowd, but each step they took meant just as much. Decked out in patriotic red, white and blue, children from Oak Hill Elementary School beamed with pride as they marched in their annual All Veteran’s Memorial Walk here last week. The

General Myers receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

President George Bush presented retired Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a White House ceremony today. General Myers, who stepped down as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Sept. 30, was one of 14 Americans honored with the nation's highest civilian award.

American, Indian Airmen ‘mix it up’

For the first time, U.S. pilots faced the Indian Air Force’s most advanced, and newest, fighter -- the Su-30 MKI -- during an exercise Cope India 06 mission here. F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots Capt. Martin “Gabby” Mentch and 1st Lt. Robert “Pipes” Stimpson were the first to mix it up with the Su-30s

Cadets designing, building unmanned aerial vehicles

At the Sensor-based Intelligent Robotics Laboratory in the department of electrical and computer engineering here, cadets and faculty are designing and building more sophisticated autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles. These UAVs will able to communicate with each other and search, track and destroy

Bringing troops home safely

The sun had just set as the aircraft preflight checks ended. The tower reported: “cleared for take off.” The four engines of the vintage 1962 C-130E Hercules roared as the transport plane rumbled down the runway on its way to Iraq to deliver and pick up passengers and cargo. Aboard, loadmaster Tech.

Schoolhouse trains tanker instructor pilots to be weapons officers

Some Airmen here are helping produce experts in Air Force tanker operations. Members of the 509th Weapons Squadron do that by conducting the KC-135 Weapons Instructor Course and running the tanker intelligence formal training unit here. The squadron is one of three that make up the U.S. Air Mobility

USO initiative keeps troops connected

The United Service Organizations is launching a pilot partnership program with the Family Literacy Foundation to help keep deployed military parents and their children connected. The program allows troops to send video tapes of them read aloud from children’s books. The mission of United Through

JCS chairman sends Veterans' Day message

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace has sent the following  Veterans' Day message:"This Veterans’ Day we honor those men and women who have defended our nation in the armed forces. Today is an opportunity for Americans to recognize the tremendous accomplishments and proud

Counseling helps Airmen decide on Air Force

Average income for a civilian eight years after high school graduation –– $42,000. Total compensation for a staff sergeant with eight years time in service and no dependants –– $52,244. Attending the right decision and career decision briefings –– priceless. Making the right decision in which way to

Kadena Airmen teach English to Japanese Airmen

In a combat environment communication between allies is important. That’s why more than 25 Kadena Airmen practiced English communication with Japan Air Self Defense Force Airmen preparing to deploy to Southwest Asia recently. Kadena Airmen -- from senior airmen to major -- paired up with their

Travis hosts Veteran's Powwow

About 2,000 people, including representatives from 20 Native American nations, took part in the fourth annual Veterans Powwow here. The event, held Nov. 5 and 6, was hosted by the Travis Native American Heritage Council and was the first two-day powwow celebration. “We had folks from Oregon, Nevada

Commando Sling

Veterans honored

WASHINGTON D.C. -- Military veterans from all branches of service gathered today at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath laying ceremony, then moved to the ampitheater for a commemoration in honor of Veteran's Day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim

AWACS crews watch over president

Members of the 552nd Air Control Wing were in Argentina through Nov. 7th to provide airborne surveillance for the Summit of the Americas attended by President George W. Bush. Thirty-three North and South American leaders convened at the summit to discuss solutions to common political, economic and

Wilford Hall team helps save baby girl

Upon request from a Texas senator, the United States Air Force was tasked to transport a 2-month-old Galveston baby girl to Santa Rosa Children's Hospital in San Antonio. The baby has been hooked to an Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation machine at a local hospital there for 19 days and has a

Fund fighting financers

When deployed, the last thing one wants to worry about is their finances. The 379th Expeditionary Comptroller Squadron is here to provide timely and accurate financial services for all personnel here and throughout the area of responsibility. The fund fighting team processes military pay

Ready to go

U.S. troops in Turkey will no longer receive tax exclusion

Beginning Dec. 31, U.S. military members in Turkey will no longer be exempt from paying federal taxes. U.S. European Command requested, and the Pentagon approved, terminating Turkey's certification as an area in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, U.S. military officials in Europe said. This

Accident report out on Iraqi Comp Air 7SL

Air Force Special Operations Command ended its investigation into the May 30 crash of an Iraqi air force Comp Air 7SL aircraft in Iraq that killed five Airmen. The primary purpose of the investigation was to set forth factual information concerning the accident. But because the investigation lacked

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary report. Coalition aircraft flew 57 close air support and armed reconnaissance sorties Nov. 13 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and

DOD seeks more civilians for flexible spending accounts

It may be the most underused good deal in the government. But less than 5 percent of eligible Department of Defense civilians have enrolled to use flexible-spending accounts. The benefit, also known as FSAFEDS, allows federal employees to set aside pre-tax money for a wide rage of medical and

General Smith takes helm of joint forces, NATO transformation commands

Gen. Lance L. Smith took command of NATO's Allied Command Transformation and U.S. Joint Forces Command during an assumption ceremony aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower at the Norfolk Naval Station here. General Smith assumed his duties Nov. 10. He thanked the personnel of both commands for their

Innovative program helps troubled veterans turn lives around

A unique center is helping troubled veterans turn their lives around by providing a military style program designed to help them beat addictions, develop career skills, land jobs, find homes and become productive citizens. The Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training, MCVET for short,

Labor Department launches veterans employment program

Military personnel and veterans will receive 300,000 wallet-sized cards and key charms with critical employment and job-training information in the next six months, the U.S. Department of Labor said. The department also unveiled the recovery and employment assistance lifelines -- REALifelines --

U.S., Indian controllers on scope

Looking at the radar, the four F-16 Fighting Falcons were clearly outnumbered as 12 opposition aircraft closed in to fire their weapons. An E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control systems aircrew started relaying coordinates, preparing the pilots for their impending battle.However, this time

Ringing the bell

Airman, volunteers working to renovate hospital

Airmen from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here are revamping the Air Force theater hospital, creating a brighter and safer environment for patients and providers. The 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, 332nd Expeditionary Communications Squadron and 332nd Expeditionary Medical Support

Wargames are serious business

To the untrained eye it seems to be a room full of computers. However, to Airmen of the 608th Combat Operations Squadron the combined air and space operations center here is a lethal weapon system. “It’s the total package, we find the target, fix the position, track it, engage the target and assess

Airman says manual, training saved his life

When he went to sleep one night, Staff Sgt. Stephen Jones felt tingling in his fingers and toes and had a high fever and chills. Sergeant Jones remembered from reading his Airman’s Manual -- and from his pre-deployment self-aid and buddy care training -- that those signs were serious. He realized he

Pakistan relief

MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan (AFPN) -- Maj. (Dr.) Fareed Sheikh (left) and his father, Dr. Mushtaq Sheikh, a civilian physician, treat a patient at the 212th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital unit here. Both doctors are Pakistani-Americans. The hospital is helping with earthquake relief operations. (U.S. Air

Communications network impacts intelligence

The blue forces are pinned down. Mortars are exploding all around them. A blue force attack controller requests help from a nearby MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle armed with Hellfire missiles. The Air Force responds to the request. The attack controller on the ground is able to locate and

Airmen defend against rabies menace

Against the backdrop of a rising sun, a small group of Airmen make their way stealthily around the in search of the enemy. Their mission is safeguarding the Airmen, Soldiers and Department of Defense contractors assigned here from some dangerous intruders: stray animals. Team of pest management

Logistics center keeps Stratotanker 'booming'

The aerial refueling capability of the KC-135 Stratotanker is an essential component of the Air Force’s worldwide mission. And the experts in two Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center shops ensure every refueling the tankers make is safe and successful. Specifically, the two shops work on the KC-135’s

Presidential visit

Short tour credit for Naples, Latina ending

The Air Force will discontinue the temporary exception to award short tour credit to Airmen serving long tour assignments at Naples and Latina, Italy, effective Jan. 1. Airmen assigned to either location between March 1, 1996 and Dec. 31, 2005 will continue to receive the short tour credit. The Air

100 medical officers chosen for developmental education

Officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here have chosen more than 100 medical service officers to attend developmental education beginning in summer 2006. The fiscal 2006 developmental team developmental education boards were held during the summer and fall of 2005 to competitively select

Airmen should verify deployment credit

Airmen not issued contingency, exercise or deployment orders should verify their personnel records include credit for those deployments. A deployment is any temporary duty away from home station filling a validated combatant or component commander or supported major command requirement for forces in

President Bush thanks troops at Elmendorf

President George Bush stopped here on the first leg of his week-long Asia tour and thanked servicemembers and civilians for volunteering to serve and continuing the fight the global war on terrorism. It was the president’s second visit here. He spoke for nearly 45 minutes with more than 4,500

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today’s airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 58 close air support and armed reconnaissance sorties Nov. 14 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and

Soldiers win first Camp Bucca Raft Race

Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors traded their military vehicles and weapons for homemade boats and paddles to take part in the first-ever Camp Bucca Raft Race. The Air Force-sponsored race, held Nov. 13 on a small pond here, matched the talents and ingenuity of 17 teams vying for the top prize and camp

U.S., India combining forces

KALAIKUNDA AIR STATION, India (AFPN) -- Indian air force Air Commodore B.C. Nanjapa gets a bird's eye view sitting in the cockpit of an F-16 Fighting Falcon, as he and Col. Rusty Cabot discuss the fighter's capabilities. A dozen F-16s from Misawa Air Base, Japan, are here with about 250 U.S. Airmen

Keeping up the Stratotanker

Pick up and move

The beat goes on

Detection and deterrence

Airmen reach out to help Kyrgyz children

Some Kyrgyz children stricken with cancer now have a new, safer place to play -- thanks to a group of concerned Airmen deployed to this base. The Airmen, volunteer members of the Manas Air Base Outreach Society, find ways to help the people of this country. Most recently, the group donated clothing,

Airmen compete for spot with Tops In Blue

Airmen from around the Air Force got the chance to showcase their talents during the Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. This year, Tops In Blue officials went through 117 video applications looking for talent, selecting 61 applicants to compete in the talent show,

Controllers keep Balad traffic flowing

A director producing a blockbuster film must know where each actor and camera is at all times to ensure the right shot. Air traffic controllers from the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron must be just as diligent to ensure aircraft take off and land safely at this busy base. The

Tricare: Weigh facts before getting Medicare part D

Medicare's new prescription drug plan opens today, but Tricare Management Activity officials encourage beneficiaries to weigh the facts before deciding whether to sign on to the plan. Coverage under the new prescription drug plan, called Medicare Part D, begins Jan. 1 and is open to anyone already

Teamwork keeps Balad power on

A group of Airmen has the tough and fast-paced job of maintaining all the generators that power this desert base. The Airmen are with the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron’s aerospace ground equipment and heating ventilation and air conditioning shop. They stay busy. "Power generation is the

Fundamentals course gives space students head start

A training squadron here is offering students the first-ever spacelift course. Taught by instructors of the 392nd Training Squadron, the two-week class provides students training in spacelift concepts, capabilities and operations. There was a need for the course. In January 2004, Air Force Space

Maintainers rescue 'Herc' stranded in Mosul

Two maintainers went to Mosul, Iraq, to rescue a stranded C-130 Hercules cargo plane. Hydraulics specialist Staff Sgt. David Harrelson and crew chief Senior Airman Brian Kundick, of the 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, went to Mosul Nov. 12. The Airmen boarded a C-130 and flew into

Tuskegee Airmen get Air Force update

Members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen visited the Pentagon to learn about today's Air Force and visit with the secretary of defense. The Airmen visited Nov. 10. One pioneering Airman, retired Lt. Col. Howard Baugh, took time to reflect on the changes in the military since the day he joined in 1942.

CENTAF releases airpower summary report

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today’s airpower summary report. Coalition aircraft flew 72 close-air support and armed reconnaissance sorties Nov. 15 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and

Ready, aim

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFPN) -- Staff Sgt. Kevin Beasley fires his M-4 rifle during an exercise. The exercise on Nov. 10 trained Airman here on expeditionary combat skills before their Air and Space Expeditionary Force deployments. Sergeant Beasley is the noncommissioned officer in charge of

Big bangs destroy 2,000 munitions

Airmen from the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight detonated 2,000 munitions, keeping them the out of the hands of insurgents. It took four detonations to destroy the weapons, which members of the Iraqi national guard had captured. After each big bang,

Communicators lay foundation for Afghanistan’s future

Before U.S. forces return the airport terminal and tower here to Afghan control, combat communicators first installed more than a mile of copper and fiber cable. Airmen from the 451st Air Expeditionary Group communications flight here stepped up to install the critical communications cables when an

Sergeant provides Cope India 06's contract for success

Food, bottled water, rooms, cars and cell phones -– it takes all of these things and more to make a deployed unit function smoothly in a foreign country. Getting all of this for the 250 U.S. Airmen supporting exercise Cope India 06 is just one person -– Master Sgt. Elizabeth Wills, from the 374th

Airmen give Iraqi children cheer, supplies

Coalition forces brought some much needed cheer to school children in Umm Qasr, when they conducted a humanitarian relief mission to the Iraqi town. Airman from the 586th and 886th Expeditionary Security Forces squadrons here joined forces with their Army and British counterparts to delivered more

Air Force fighters strike insurgents

Air Force F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons and MQ-1 Predators flew air strikes against anti-Iraqi forces near the Iraq-Syria border in support of Operation Steel Curtain. After Marines swept into Ubaydi, a town near Karabilah, Nov. 14, they came in contact with anti-Iraqi forces. The F-15s flew in