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  • Air Force participates in joint homeland defense exercise

    A variety of military and federal organizations participated in a first-of-its-kind homeland defense event Nov. 7 as part of the Joint-Deployable Integrated Air and Missile Defense field training exercise conducted in Key West, Fla.According to Maj. Greg Lewis, the chief of command and control,

  • Panetta dedicates new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

    Defense Secretary Leon Panetta presided over the opening of what he called "a 21st-century place of miracles" here Nov. 10.Panetta cut the ribbon of the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The hospital is the result of the merging of the now-closed Walter Reed Army Medical Center in

  • Panetta urges leaders in budget decisions

    In his strongest language to date, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta called on Congress Nov. 8 to "show some leadership" in the budget process.Panetta, speaking at the National Guard's Joint Senior Leaders Conference here, said that the sequester mechanism built into the Budget Control Act is "like

  • Air Force announces enlisted supplemental promotions

    More than 370 Airmen have been selected for promotion to the next higher rank as part of the November enlisted supplemental promotion process. The enlisted supplemental promotion release announces those Airmen selected for promotion who tested outside of their required cycle due to an extended

  • Multi-service office to advance air-sea battle concept

    The Department of Defense announced the creation of a new office to integrate air and naval combat capabilities in support of emerging national security requirements Nov. 9.In the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review, former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates directed the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps

  • Mildenhall combat controller earns Grateful Nation Award

    'First There,' a motto combat controllers bellow during their two-year training pipeline, and later affirm in blood, sweat and sacrifice on the most forward-deployed and dangerous battlefields as they pave the way for other forces to follow.As a member of the most highly trained special operations

  • Air Force Reserve pilot the first to reach 1,000 F-22 flight hours

    An Air Force Reserve pilot made history here Nov. 4 when he flew his 1,000 flight hour in an F-22 Raptor.Lt. Col. David Piffarerio, the 302nd Fighter Squadron commander, became the first Air Force pilot to reach the historic milestone."This is a great milestone for the pilots, maintainers and

  • AF lodging reservations go online

    Airmen and families now have an easier way to make lodging reservations for Air Force Inns worldwide.The Defense Lodging System now features online reservations and the capability for customers to leave online feedback about their stay at an Air Force lodging facility. Nearly 90 percent of all Air

  • Air Force civilians, cadets receive HENAAC awards

    Four Air Force civilians and two cadets were recognized at the 23rd annual Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Conference on Oct.7 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.HENAAC is an annual conference produced by Great Minds in STEM, a non-profit organization focusing on educational awareness programs

  • CSAF addresses key Air Force issues at JB Andrews

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz provided insight into the latest developments in Air Force funding, manpower and morale during a chief of staff call here Nov. 1. Schwartz opened the event by delivering introductory comments to the Team Andrews audience, then addressed the concerns of

  • Defense officials urge nuclear deterrent funding

    The nation's security strategy is built on nuclear deterrence, and the systems and workforce that support nuclear capabilities must be sustained, senior Defense Department officials told Congress Nov. 2.James N. Miller, the principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, and Gen. C. Robert

  • AETC announces newest Order of the Sword recipient

    Maj. Gen. Alfred Flowers learned of his selection as the next Air Education and Training Command Order of the Sword recipient here Nov. 2.Chief Master Sgt. James Cody, the AETC command chief, informed Flowers of his selection at a surprise announcement in the Pentagon's Airman's Hall filled with

  • Off-the-shelf solutions speed new equipment to Reserve, Guard

    By using ideas from recently deployed Airmen and using off-the-shelf technology, the Reserve Component has developed new equipment that saved lives and led to highly successful combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.This streamlined process is speeding high-tech acquisitions and was briefed by

  • AFMC officials restructure to cut overhead, make command more efficient

    Air Force officials announced an Air Force Materiel Command-wide restructure Nov. 2 that is aimed at providing greater military capabilities, improving readiness and operating effectively in the current fiscal environment.AFMC officials will reduce the number of its centers from 12 to five. This

  • Air Force modernization takes B-2 to North Pole

    A B-2 Spirit flew from here to the North Pole and back Oct. 27 on a mission to test the aircraft's hardware and software upgrades, endurance and its performance at extremely high latitudes. The 18-plus hour mission consisted of developmental and operational test points to prove that the B-2's

  • Air Force general receives executive award

    The Air Force's chief information officer was recognized with a Government Computer News award during the 24th annual GCN Awards Gala in McLean, Va., Oct. 19.Lt. Gen. William Lord, the Air Force chief of warfighting integration and chief information officer, received the Defense

  • Air Force assists in historic final transfer of Iraq's airspace

     With the Air Force's assistance, Iraq now has full air traffic control responsibility for the country's airspace for the first time since 2003.The Air Force transferred management of the Baghdad and Joint Base Balad Airspace sector to the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority Oct. 1. With this historic

  • NCO retraining program a success in fiscal 2012

    The 2012 Noncommissioned Officer Retraining Program concluded Oct. 26 with 870 Air Force NCOs identified to transition to new career fields. The NCORP consists of two-phases -- voluntary and involuntary -- designed to sustain the enlisted force by retraining second-term and career Airmen from

  • Officials to announce chief master sergeant selections

    Air Force officials selected 487 of 2,201 eligible senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant for a selection rate of 22.13 percent.The average score for those selected was 659.88, with an average time in grade of 3.09 years and time in service of 22.85 years respectively. The

  • Officials continue enlisted DOS rollback program

    Air Force officials announced Oct. 28 plans to continue an enlisted date of separation rollback as part of its ongoing measures to manage the force and maintain a quality enlisted corps.The DOS rollback will accelerate the date of separation for selected Airmen in the grades of senior master

  • Air Force vice chief testifies on readiness

    The Air Force vice chief of staff provided the Air Force perspective on readiness in an age of austerity to the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Readiness here Oct. 27.Gen. Phil Breedlove joined his Army, Navy and Marine Corps counterparts in discussing the challenges expected as the

  • New wind turbines help Air Force go green

    Under Secretary of the Air Force Erin C. Conaton visited the Massachusetts Military Reservation in Cape Cod, Mass., Oct. 28 for a ribbon cutting ceremony for two new wind turbines.The 1.5 megawatt wind turbines, in addition to an existing turbine, were built to offset electrical costs for powering

  • Air Force releases major, captain reduction-in-force board results

    Commanders Air Force-wide were notified Oct. 24 of the results of the Calendar Year 2011 Reduction-in-Force Board held at the Air Force Personnel Center here in September.The CY11 RIF board, which considered captains and majors in the Line of the Air Force competitive category, is part of the Air

  • Navigator, logistics officer receive Cheney Award

    Two Airmen received the Cheney Award from Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley here Oct. 27 in recognition of their efforts to support Pakistan flood relief operations in 2010. Maj. John Foy, a C-130E/H Hercules navigator, and Capt. Patrick Markey, a logistics readiness officer; both assigned

  • FECA fraud is not easy money

    U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder cautioned would-be cheaters that health care fraud is not easy money during a press conference earlier this year. That same warning goes for workers' compensation fraud.The Federal Employees' Compensation Act provides compensation for employees who sustain injuries

  • Officials stress keeping faith on military retirement

    The Defense Department has no proposals or recommendations on revamping military retirement at this time, but any future proposal must not break faith with those in the military today, senior Pentagon officials told Congress Oct. 25.Jo Ann Rooney, the principal deputy undersecretary of defense for

  • Military post offices in Iraq to close Nov. 17

    Because U.S. forces are coming home from Iraq by the end of the year, the U.S. Postal Service will stop accepting mail addressed to military post offices in Iraq starting Nov. 17, Defense Department officials said Oct. 26.Military post offices in Iraq also will stop processing mail Nov. 17, and

  • New tools for the war against waste

    The Air Force has some new ammunition in the war against waste thanks to Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment officials launching the third edition of the Win the War Against Waste tool kit recently. Win the War Against Waste is an outreach campaign developed to support the Air

  • Consolidation streamlines household moves, saves money

    Military members and civilian Defense Department employees aren't expected to notice it, but changes that start next year at U.S. Transportation Command will help to make their household goods shipments more efficient and cost-effective.Transcom officials announced plans to consolidate 151 personal

  • Chief of staff to select two captains for PhD program

    Two Air Force captains will begin Air Force sponsored strategic studies next fall at top tier academic institutions in pursuit of doctorate degrees, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.The personnel center is accepting applications for the 2012 Chief of Staff of the Air Force Captains

  • Mobility Air Forces Airmen shoulder success of fuel conservation efforts

    Experienced marathon athletes are rarely haphazard about running. From the morning's breakfast ingredients to stretching minutes before they start, marathon performance relies heavily on controlled efficiency. Similarly, air mobility performance increasingly relies on controlled fuel efficiency. As

  • Air Force medical leaders gather to discuss future healthcare improvements

    The Air Force Medical Service gathered more than 300 senior healthcare leaders at The National Conference Center Oct. 19 here to kick off its annual week-long workshop to discuss the continued transformation of military healthcare and find ways to improve the overall patient experience.Senior

  • AFAF officials host video contest to raise awareness for charities

    The Air Force Assistance Fund is hosting an online video contest from Nov. 30 to Jan. 20, 2012 to help raise awareness for the AFAF's 2012 fundraising campaign.The concept for a video contest originated from an installation project officer from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., who created a humorous

  • Schriever volunteers connect with veterans during VA standdown

    Robert Montgomery had given up trying to communicate with federal veterans agencies. Multiple calls and conversations, he said, transformed into a fruitless and frustrating endeavor. As he struggled to make ends meet during the past year, that connection became even more important. His solution

  • Basic trainee succumbs during training

    Air Force officials here announced the death of a basic trainee who died Oct. 19 at Southwest General Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.Twenty-six-year-old Steven D. Williams of Detroit, Mich., had just completed his physical training assessment when he collapsed around 6 a.m. The assessment includes

  • Nominations open for 2012 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2012 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award.There are three categories for award -- Airman, NCO and Senior NCO. Major commands and the Air Force District of Washington will each nominate three candidates, one per category, to the Air Force 12 OAY

  • Officials release new selective re-enlistment bonus list

    Enlisted Airmen will now have 78 Air Force specialties from which they can receive a selective reenlistment bonus. Fiscal 2012's program continues emphasis on retaining Airmen with 17 months to six years of service as well as those from six to 10 years of service, Air Force officials said. While

  • Air Force arts, crafts program kicks off

    Artists, craftsmen and photographers from across the Air Force have greater options to display their work through the 2012 U.S. Air Force Arts and Crafts Gallery program, which kicked off Oct 1.The cultural art program, which recognizes and showcases works in an online gallery, encompasses a new

  • AFRL develops 'snubber' to prevent engine damage

     An innovative solution from the Air Force Research Laboratory is expected to save the Air Force more than $40 million.The $35 "snubber", developed by the AFRL Propulsion Directorate, is a vibration damper that will prevent cracks in the J-seal on the F-119's engine inlet case, a spoked, ring-like

  • Special tactics Airmen march to honor fallen comrades

    A team of 18 special tactics Airmen have one objective in mind: honor the fallen.The team recently began an 812-mile march from Medina Annex, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas to Hurlburt Field, Fla., to commemorate 17 fallen comrades.As they marched out at 5 a.m, carrying 50-pound rucksacks and a

  • SecAF: Stay focused on readiness during challenging times

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley toured the base and spoke to more than 250 Airmen during an all call here Oct. 17-18.Donley, currently in his fourth year as secretary, said it had been more than 20 years since his last visit here. He complimented the strong community support enjoyed by the

  • Dempsey: New energy technologies already helping DOD

    Saving energy saves lives, and new technologies championed by Defense Department officials already are making a difference at the Pentagon and on the battlefield, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here Oct. 18.Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey spoke at an energy security event held at the

  • Chairman's Corner: The military retirement system

    In my first blog entry, I discussed the four themes that are important to me as I start my tenure as the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Among them I mention keeping faith with our military family. I was recently reminded of the importance of this when I testified before the House Armed

  • Congress reviews future Reserve equipment upgrades

    As Congress works on the fiscal year 2012 budget and to reduce federal debt, Army and Air Force Reserve and National Guard leaders were on Capitol Hill here to testify and answer questions about their funding proposals Oct. 12.Chairman Roscoe Bartlett and Ranking Member Silvestre Reyes lead the

  • 15 acres of land made ecologically safer at Little Rock AFB

    Nearly 15 acres here that was previously used as a skeet range in the 1960s, is an ecologically safer place today because of a restoration project that called for excavating 36 million pounds of contaminated soil and replacing it with more than 3,000 trees and recycled soil and mulch.There was cause

  • Denton Program, 437th APS support humanitarian missions

    There is currently 24,800 pounds of humanitarian aid stored at the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here waiting to be shipped to Colon, Honduras on Oct. 25. Twenty reverse osmosis water purification systems and two anesthesia machines are being sent to provide clean water and medical supplies to more

  • Air Force officials announce enlisted supplemental promotions

    Air Force officials announced that more than 760 Airmen have been selected for promotion to the next higher rank as part of the October enlisted supplemental promotion process. The enlisted supplemental promotion release announces those Airmen selected for promotion who tested outside of their

  • Captain wins national Women in Aerospace Achievement Award

    A program manager here has been named a co-winner of the national-level Women in Aerospace Achievement Award.Capt. Amanda Zuber, a Space-Based Infrared System field program manager assigned to the 45th Launch Support Squadron here, will receive her award in Nov. 1 in Washington D.C."This is a big

  • ESC provides modern air traffic control system for Iraq

    Members of the Electronic Systems Center completed work in September that improves and upgrades Iraq's air traffic control system.The completion of this foreign military sales effort involved the delivery of two new air traffic control tower systems along with state-of-the-art radar and ATC-tower

  • 2011 Air Force Innkeeper Award winners named

     Air Force Innkeeper evaluation team memers here recently announced the winners of the 2011 Air Force Innkeeper Awards. The large-base recipient is the Inn on Davis-Monthan at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., and the small-base recipient is the Eagle's Rest Inn at Dover AFB, Del."The objective

  • CMSAF speaks to Eielson Airmen

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited here Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, to present the Airmen here with new perspectives, praise and gratitude for serving their nation.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy spoke about the challenging job ahead of today's Air Force, tomorrow's

  • CMSAF talks to Airmen: Joint efforts important

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy emphasized the importance of working together in joint environments during a visit here before traveling to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.While at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Roy spoke to the hundreds of Airmen and Soldiers who werein

  • CMSAF visits Hawaii, discusses AF-wide issues

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy recently visited Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and took some time to answer questions about Air Force-wide issues. The following is a transcript of his interview:1. You were the Senior enlisted leader and adviser at (Pacific Command) and 5th Air Force

  • Medical codes no longer prevent some deployments

    Air Force officials have approved expanding the deployment opportunities for Airmen who typically had limited opportunities to deploy in support of air and space expeditionary force operations.Last month, the 602nd Training Group Provisional at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., began accepting Airmen

  • Panetta visits military bases in Italy

    On his way home from a week-long trip to countries in the Middle East and NATO headquarters in Belgium, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta made stops Oct. 7 at two military bases in Italy to thank U.S. and NATO troops for their service.At the Naval Support Activity in Naples, headquarters of the 6th

  • Quick thinking earns Airman Distinguished Flying Cross

    An A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot was presented the Distinguished Flying Cross during a ceremony here Sept. 30.Maj. Ryan Hayde was presented the medal by Brig. Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, the 57th Wing commander, for his actions during his recent deployment to Afghanistan."It's an honor to receive such

  • Free AFCLC 'Intro to Culture' course offers CCAF credit

    Officials at the Air Force Culture and Language Center are now accepting applications for the fall session of the "Introduction to Culture" course. Enrollment began Oct. 6 and is limited to 750 students. Class begins Oct. 20 and continues through Jan. 24, 2012. ITC is an online, self-paced course

  • Air Force GPS program receives international award

    The Air Force Global Positioning System program was recognized Oct. 4 by officials at the International Astronautical Federation with a special award during the 62nd International Astronautical Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. The IAF, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, established

  • Cape Canaveral continues cleanup efforts

    Air Force officials have recently implemented changes to the force's environmental cleanup program to focus on cleaning up more sites more quickly.The environmental management team here is using cutting-edge technologies and accelerated cleanup procedures to implement some of those changes and

  • AFSOC projects lead to energy-saving discoveries

    In the midst of Energy Awareness Month, Air Force Special Operations Command members are working to decrease the Air Force's $8 billion a year cost for electricity and fuel via several renewable energy projects. Project Renewable Energy Demonstration, or Project RED, consists of a variety of wind

  • Third Language Enabled Airmen Board meets, selects participants

    Air Force foreign language experts recently met at the Air Force Culture and Language Center here to select the latest participants for the Language Enabled Airman Program. Nearly 600 people from across the Air Force applied for the program. Barbara Barger, the Air Force Senior Language Authority,

  • Family, friends say goodbye to founding air commando

    Airmen gathered here Oct. 3 to render a final salute to retired Maj. Gen. John Alison as he was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. "We have lost a great American, a dear friend, and a committed and loving family man," Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said during a eulogy at

  • Prime BEEF squadron combines Air Force, Army engineers

    In today's joint operating environment, service members from different military branches are routinely unified to complete a mission. The 467th Expeditionary Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force Squadron here combines Airmen and Soldiers to build facilities and structures needed throughout the entire

  • AFCENT officials increase energy efficiency in deployed locations

    Initiatives to save energy are not just limited to bases in the United States. In deployed locations, saving energy is a top priority, as well."The air component makes up a large part of the overall (Department of Defense) energy consumption bill, so we must look at every opportunity to be smart

  • Air Force Targets Heat Plants for Energy Savings

    Engineers at the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency, Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., are on a mission to help save facility energy across the Air Force. One target is central heat plants, which have miles of distribution lines and are known to be inefficient according to Tom Adams, an AFCESA

  • New TRICARE Prime enrollees pay adjusted annual fees

    Military retirees enrolling in the TRICARE Prime health plan after Oct. 1 will begin paying slightly higher annual fees, Pentagon officials announced Sept 30.The fee change for fiscal 2012 means the plan will cost $260 per year for members and $520 per year for members and family. The increase

  • Wyatt: Air Guard is affordable, operational, accessible

    The Air National Guard is the affordable, operational, fully accessible force the Air Force needs during uncertain economic times, the director of the Air National Guard Lt. Gen. Harry Wyatt said here."The Air Guard provides to the United States Air Force 34 percent of the combat capability on seven

  • Laughlin sergeant creates formula, increases dust storm prediction accuracy

    The saying "leave it better than when you found it" is constantly used in the military with all the moving and relocating that is done.Staff Sgt. Thomas Jenkins, the 47th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight NCO in charge of weather systems, did just that and more after a recent deployment to

  • T-6 advisory mission ceases, Iraqi pilots teach their own

    "Iraqi air power starts here," are the words written above the doorway of the Iraqi air force's Squadron 203, a T-6A Texas II flight training squadron at Tikrit Air Base, Iraq. The words ring true, in part, because of the efforts of the U.S. Air Force's 52nd Expeditionary Flying Training Squadron,

  • Bird migration season increases bird strike risks

    As summer fades into fall, birds begin to migrate south to their wintering grounds. That migration means one thing to pilots and airfield managers: a dramatic increase in the risk of bird strikes. Monthly trends recorded from 1995 - 2010 by the Air Force Safety Center Aviation Safety Division

  • Sheppard graduates first 9-level Aircraft Armament course

    The first class of nine-level Aircraft Armament Systems senior NCOs graduated here Sept. 23.The 15 master sergeants who attended the course averaged 14 years of service since they completed their seven-level upgrade training. The two-week course is designed to teach career maintainers how to become

  • HC-130J arrival brings promise of improved personnel recovery

    Air Combat Command officials received its first HC-130J Combat King II after Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz flew the aircraft here and officiated an arrival ceremony Sept. 24.The delivery of the new C-130 model from Georgia was significant for the personnel recovery mission, as the

  • Civilian career development webcasts slated Sept. 27, 29 and 30

    Webcasts developed to help GS-7 through GS-11 civilian Airmen plan and manage their careers continue through the next five weeks, beginning with a Sept. 27 webcast at 8 a.m. Sessions have been earmarked for eligible civilians based on command. "This is our largest civilian Airman population," said

  • Youth encouraged to 'Get Up, Get Out and Get Fit'

    Air Force Airman and Family Services officials will challenge thousands of children of ages from across the Air Force to 'Get Up, Get Out and Get Fit' as the seventh year of FitFactor kicks off with the Worldwide Day of Play Sept 24."We're proud to continue the FitFactor initiative and encourage

  • Reserve Command to realign several units

    Four flying wings, one flying group and seven smaller units in the Air Force Reserve Command will change their higher headquarters and chains of command by Oct. 1.These actions advance the command's efforts to provide operational capabilities and strategic depth across the full spectrum of military

  • UK lab awards highest honor to Wright-Patt scientist

     An Airman from the 711th Human Performance Wing here received the Special Commendation Medal from the United Kingdom's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory on Sept. 14.The award is one of the highest honors bestowed upon Ministry of Defence researchers and this was the first time it was

  • Airmen recognized with Air Force Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards

    Five teams from across the service received Air Force Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards during the Air Force Association's 2011 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 20.Gen. Norton Schwartz presented the awards, and lauded three teams' efforts with Air Force Best Practice

  • CMSAF shares enlisted perspective

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force discussed his enlisted perspective during the Air Force Association's 2011 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here, Sept. 21.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy shared with the audience what he feels are some of the most pressing

  • Air Force Under Secretary stresses innovation amidst rough fiscal waters

    The innovative ideas and creativity of the Air Force's military and civilian workforce are critical to the service's ability to excel in a budget-constrained environment, said the undersecretary of the Air Force Sept. 20.In an address to attendees of the Air Force Association's 2011 Air & Space

  • Air Force recommits to green initiatives during pollution prevention week

    One of the best ways to protect the Earth is to not pollute in the first place, a realization that became official American policy in 1990 with the passing of the Federal Pollution Prevention Act. This week, the Air Force joins the rest of the nation in acknowledging a concerted effort to reduce

  • C-130Js improve Bagram's airlift, airdrop capabilities

    The 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron recently filled its ranks with C-130J Hercules aircraft and aircrews as two new units joined the squadron. Almost two dozen C-130Js and a full complement of aircrew and maintenance personnel, split between California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing

  • Command chiefs address concerns, offer advice during AFA convention forum

    Issues affecting America's Airmen took center stage Sept. 19 during the Air Force Association's 2011 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition's Command Chief Master Sergeants Forum here Sept. 19.The forum provided Airmen an opportunity to communicate directly with chiefs on hot-button topics

  • AFA recognizes 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    The 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2011 were recognized during a formal banquet hosted by the Air Force Association during its 2011 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition, Sept. 19, at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy emceed the

  • Education officials seek feedback to shape way ahead

    Defense Department officials are inviting military and community members to share their thoughts on the quality and continuity of education in DOD schools and their suggestions for improvements.This feedback will be used in the development of a new Department of Defense Education Activity Community

  • Air Force will preserve 'core contributions' despite pressures, CSAF says

    Air Force leaders are focused on managing potential budget constraints so that the service can continue to provide its unique contributions to national security, according to the Air Force chief of staff.Speaking before hundreds of attendees at the Air Force Association's 2011 Air & Space Conference

  • Obama proposes TRICARE changes

    Military retirees would pay an annual fee for TRICARE-for-Life health insurance and TRICARE pharmacy co-payments would be restructured under the deficit reduction plan President Barack Obama released Sept. 19."If we're going to meet our responsibilities, we have to do it together," Obama said during

  • F-22 fleet to resume flight operations

    The Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz have recently approved an implementation plan developed by Air Combat Command officials that will allow the F-22 Raptor to resume flight operations after a four-month stand down.The commander of Air Combat Command

  • Senior leaders: B-2 has a bright future ahead

    Senior leaders from across the Air Force visited here last week to discuss the future of the B-2 Spirit bomber.The General Officer Steering Group for B-2 Sustainment met here Sept. 8 to discuss challenges and solutions for keeping the B-2 fleet healthy and operational for years to come.Ann Mitchell,

  • Airmen participate in "Angel" humanitarian operation in Timor-Leste

    The Falintil Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste, U.S. Air Force and Australian International Stabilization Forces are conducting Pacific Angel 11-02: Timor-Leste, a joint humanitarian and civic-military operation, in Baucau and Com.Pacific Angel consists of several concurrent civil-military assistance

  • SECAF helps NGA celebrate Air Force birthday

    The relationship between the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Air Force was lauded Sept. 16 during NGA's celebration of the service's 64th birthday at the agency headquarters in Springfield, Va.Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley joined NGA Director Letitia A. Long in a ceremony

  • Enlisted force bestows highest honor on ACC commander

    A gathering of 500 Air Combat Command Airmen assembled in Hampton, Va. Sept. 12, to honor the ACC commander with induction into the Order of the Sword. The Order of the Sword is the highest honor the enlisted corps can bestow on an individual and is steeped in military tradition. Originally begun as

  • Officials seek Pitsenbarger Award nominees

    Air Force Sergeants Association is seeking nominations for the 2012 Pitsenbarger Award.The AFSA Pitsenbarger Award annually recognizes an Air Force enlisted service member who has performed a heroic act, on or off duty, that resulted in saving a life or preventing serious injury to another person or

  • Air Force officials tackle current, future energy needs

    Air Force officials have developed an Air Force energy program to support its multi-faceted mission to "Fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace."This plan supports a stronger energy security posture that addresses the energy challenges of today and tomorrow while developing more reliable

  • Air Force completes action on 2005 BRAC

    After more than six years of execution, the Air Force successfully completed its 2005 Base Realignment and Closure program, Air Force officials announced Sept. 15.All 64 of the Air Force BRAC recommendations enacted into law Nov. 9, 2005, are now complete. Air Force BRAC Program Management Office

  • Air Force vice chief testifies on GO, SES numbers

    The Air Force vice chief of staff provided the Air Force perspective on general officer and senior executive service civilian authorizations to the Senate Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Personnel here Sept. 14.Gen. Phil Breedlove joined his Army, Navy and Marine Corps counterparts in

  • Air Force aerial firefighters continue battling Texas wildfires

    Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft provided aerial firefighting support to northeast Texas for a second consecutive day Sept. 12, forming fire retardant lines in support of ground fire crews.Aircrews and their four C-130s dropped approximately 12,000 gallons of fire retardant against Fires 262 and