HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Air Force officials recognize 12 Outstanding Airmen of Year

    The 2009 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year were recognized in a special ceremony during the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 14 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy hosted the evening's events that

  • ReserveNet changes to ARCNet, welcomes Air National Guard members

    ReserveNet has a new name and a new mission. After a year of coordination between Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard officials, ARCNet was established Sept. 1 to provide ReserveNet capabilities to Air Guard members. Until now, only reservists had access to these resources used to train,

  • True team effort behind weather squadron's success

    Today's Airmen are becoming increasingly familiar with words like "joint" and "total force" regardless of where they are assigned or deployed. As the U.S. Central Command's and International Security Assistance Force's designated Joint Meteorology and Oceanographic Forecast Unit, that's certainly

  • VA officials warn of telephone scam

    Officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs are warning people not to give credit card numbers over the phone to callers claiming to be updating VA prescription information. Kevin Secor, a Veterans Service Organizations liaison with the office of the secretary of Veterans Affairs, sent an e-mail

  • History shows strong response on 9-11 by AMC people

    If you thumb through the volumes of Air Mobility Command history, many significant events are documented. The terrorist attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, are among them. On the morning of Sept. 11, 19 Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial passenger jet airliners and

  • Vehicle crashes drive off-duty summer fatalities

    Four servicemembers died in off-duty accidents Labor Day weekend, bringing to 95 the number killed during the summer season that kicked off Memorial Day weekend, safety officials reported. Two Soldiers, a Sailor and an Airman died in vehicle accidents during the Labor Day weekend, which marked the

  • Air Force officials unveil new PT running shorts at marathon

    Air Force officials here will unveil new lightweight running shorts this month in time for the Air Force Marathon Sept. 19 here. The shorts feature a durable, quick-drying nylon shell with polyester brief for moisture management, a 4.5 inch inseam, drawstring waist, and oversized inside back key

  • 1st Air Force Airmen better prepared for homeland defense 8 years after 9/11

    On Sept. 10, 2001, Airmen assigned to 1st Air Force here were wondering just how much longer their air defense organization might last. They knew the organization's lifespan was possibly at risk, fostered by a widespread belief that major conventional military air threats to the U.S. homeland were

  • Aircraft maintenance facility dedicated to Tuskegee Airman

    Airmen at Keesler AFB celebrated the life of retired Col. Lawrence Roberts Aug. 28 with a ceremony here dedicating the 403rd Wing's consolidated aircraft maintenance facility in his honor. The new $22.6 million structure is used to perform maintenance on equipment for aircraft assigned to the 53rd

  • Iraqi students attend safety course

    For the first time, four Iraqi students were welcomed to the International Flight Safety Officer Course by Maj. Gen. Fred Roggero, the Air Force chief of safety and Air Force Safety Center commander. The attendance of these four officers marks Iraq as the 80th country to send representatives to the

  • Improvement plan realigns acquisition wings as directorates

    Air Force officials will implement a new organizational construct for weapon systems acquisition that includes designating directorates, divisions and branches in place of some current wings, groups and squadrons. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • Defense Latinas praised for distinguished service

    Latina role models, including recently confirmed Chief Justice Sonia Sotomayor, are important to Hispanics and women in general, said a Connecticut Air National Guard member, who was lauded for her own accomplishments here Sept. 10, 2009. "She is an inspiration to all of us, especially Hispanic

  • Maj. Gen. Hertog assumes command of 2nd Air Force

    When Maj. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog assumed command of 2nd Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base Sept. 9 from Maj. Gen. Alfred Flowers, Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz called the two generals "two of the finest leaders the Air Force has known." "When I meet with Airmen, I always tell them 'you're the next great

  • Secretary Donley: Airmen vital to missions in Iraq, Afghanistan

    Airmen remain a vital part of the joint mission, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley observed during his recent visit to installations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The secretary used the opportunity to speak with Airmen and receive mission updates in Iraq and

  • AFMC leaders continue to focus on nuclear sustainment

    Sustaining the Air Force nuclear arsenal was emphasized by the commander of Air Force Materiel Command as he led center and wing commanders along with AFMC headquarters senior staff through two days of in-depth discussions during the command's semi-annual senior leaders conference here Sept. 1 and

  • Jungle Shield exercise trains Airmen, federal agencies

    Airmen at Andersen Air Force Base and Hickam AFB, Hawaii, participated in an exercise Aug. 25 through 27 to test the Air Force's ability to protect U.S. air sovereignty in the Pacific region. The exercise, known as Jungle Shield, trains flying crews and ensures command and control requirements are

  • Air Forces Central officials launch new Combined Air, Space Ops Center

    Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors along with their coalition partners from Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom are busy standing up and launching the new U.S. Air Forces Central Combined Air and Space Operations Center here. Communications Airmen along with their contractor counterparts are

  • Elmendorf Airmen boost aviation fuel with additive

    Elmendorf Air Force Base officials started to blend a thermally stable additive known as Plus 100 to its JP-8 aviation fuel Sept. 1. The additive prevents coking and carbon buildup in the engine, which will greatly reduce engine maintenance. Even before base officials began using this additive, the

  • Veterans, first timers benefit from Red Flag exercises

    During the Red Flag 09-5 exercise here, young and veteran pilots train in realistic combat scenarios through Sept. 4. The large-force employment includes various airframes from sister services and allied nations. The pilots train in a combined an joint atmosphere in a training area spanning more

  • Services' top enlisted members discuss family support

    The top enlisted servicemember from each of the four services offered their appreciation to those who support military families before fielding some tough questions during a town hall-style meeting here Sept. 1. The meeting was part of the Defense Department's three-day Joint Family Readiness

  • Airmen help Iraqi army take control of base operations

    Operations continue as normal at Camp Ur. The focus remains the same: keep the base running and the mission on target. Iraqi army soldiers routinely work with their U.S. counterparts, but one important difference now is that the Iraqis have taken command of the controls."It's a historic time for

  • 13th Air Force officials welcome new commander

    Officials from 13th Air Force here welcomed their new commander in a change-of-command ceremony Sept. 2 at Hickam Air Force Base.Lt. Gen. Herbert J. "Hawk" Carlisle assumed command of 13th Air Force as Lt. Gen. Loyd S. "Chip" Utterback relinquished command and will retire from the Air Force after

  • AFMC civilian represents Air Force as award nominee

    An Air Force Materiel Command civilian is the Air Force nominee for the 2008 Spirit of Hope Award. The Spirit of Hope award is inspired by the United Service Organizations and named after entertainer Bob Hope. It honors armed forces members and civilians alike who epitomize the values of duty,

  • Soldier conquers suicidal thoughts, urges others to get help

    Army Capt. Emily Stehr, a physical therapist with the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, is in the business of healing. But five months after returning from Iraq, she was struggling with her own internal wounds of war that had not healed. She decided to kill herself. What stopped Captain Stehr was not

  • Gates cites importance of acquisition reform

    It is imperative for the nation to get defense acquisition reform right, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Aug. 31 during a visit to Texas to tour the plants of two major defense contractors. Americans are getting value for their tax dollars spent in the defense realm, Secretary Gates said

  • Safety: More than just 101 critical days

    Just because you "fly a desk" in an administrative work area, doesn't mean you don't have to worry about safety. In fact, according to 86th Airlift Wing safety officials here, one of the more extreme mishaps that happened this year took place in an administrative environment. One unlucky person

  • Defense secretary touts F-35 as heart of future tactical combat aviation

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited the Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter factory here Aug. 31, assessing progress on what he called "the heart of the future of our tactical combat aviation." Secretary Gates walked through the mile-long production facility, getting

  • AF general thanks Coast Guard for continuous shuttle support

    The Air Forces Northern commander and overseer of the Joint Task Force-Space Transportation System visited the Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral, Fla., to express his thanks to the team for their continued support of the JTF-STS mission. "NASA's mission is one of international importance, and your

  • Being 'green' is key part of commissary operations

    Each year, Defense Commissary Agency stores use more than 200 million gallons of water, spend more than $60 million on utility services and generate more solid waste than most mid-sized cities. However, as DeCA officials deliver the commissary benefit, they also are responsible for eliminating or

  • AFCENT commander, command chief visit JBB

    Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, the new U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander, and AFCENT Command Chief Master Sgt. Scott Dearduff visited Joint Balad Base Aug. 25 to survey various missions and address some of the Airmen he now commands. During his visit, General Hostage met with Army officials from the

  • Contractor, U.S. Attorney agree on $15 million fraud suit settlement

    Earlier this month, the United States Attorney and Dynamics Research Corporation, known as DRC, corporate officials reached a settlement agreement in a False Claims Act suit filed by government officials recently. DRC, an advisory and assistance services government contractor supporting the Air

  • Guardsman lauds employer for military support

    The past five years have been "the most exciting, dynamic and rewarding" of Brad Sams' professional career, not because of his success as an attorney, but because of the military opportunities his employer has enabled him to pursue, the Air National Guard major said. "They create a culture that

  • Leaders to draw from defense board's NSPS review

    Senior defense leaders will use a recently issued report on the National Security Personnel System when they decide what to do with the civilian personnel system this fall, a Pentagon official said here Aug. 27. Last spring, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III directed that a comprehensive

  • Academy to transform character development program

    Academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Mike Gould unveiled plans Aug. 27 for a major transformation and expansion of the Academy's character development efforts. Plans include re-designating the Center for Character Development to the Center for Character and Leadership Development, or CCLD, and relocating

  • AMC wing hits high marks for nuclear surety

    Air Mobility Command Airmen showed strong support for "reinvigorating the Air Force nuclear enterprise" through a command-level no-notice inspection recently. From Aug. 17 to 24, the AMC Inspector General officials completed a no-notice Limited Nuclear Surety Inspection, or LNSI, of the 62nd Airlift

  • Proposed leave rule would provide for warrior care

    Defense Department federal employees could receive up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a military family member injured in the line of duty if an Office of Personnel Management proposal is adopted. The proposal would allow eligible federal employees to take 26 "administrative work weeks"

  • New GI Bill to heighten professional work force

    More college-educated professionals will enter the next generation's professional work force as a result of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said this week at the American Legion's 91st National Convention in Louisville, Ky. Secretary Shinseki lauded the

  • 'Defender's Edge': A new approach to combat stress

    A new customized mental health program is helping security forces Airmen here manage combat stress.The "Defenders Edge" is tailored to those security forces Airmen who conduct missions on or outside the wire. This program is intended to improve Airmen's mental resiliency to combat-related stressors.

  • Defense Department Web site eases information delivery

    The new Defense Department Web site is designed to make military news and information more accessible, and also invites greater participation from the public, the department's top public affairs official said Aug. 25. "[Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates] wanted to hear back from people more. He felt

  • New munitions units advance nuclear weapons center role

    With the activation and assumption of command for the 798th Munitions Maintenance Group at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Aug. 18, Air Force officials significantly advanced one of their top goals: reinvigorating the service's nuclear enterprise. The maintenance group was the last of four similar

  • New ergonomic seats installed in E-3 fleet

    For operators occupying the 19 control stations aboard E-3 Sentrys, 12-to-14-hour missions will become a bit more comfortable after new ergonomically designed seats are installed on the U.S. fleet. This Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft is the first of five legacy platforms to receive the

  • Business board calls for changes to personnel system

    In its final report, a Defense Business Board task group has recommended a "reconstruction" of the National Security Personnel System. Former Deputy Defense Secretary Rudy DeLeon chaired the group. Defense Department officials will use the board's recommendations as they ponder the system's future.

  • NATO AWACS proves interoperability during test

    A NATO E-3 AWACS took part in six-hour combat scenarios that demonstrated interoperability between its prototype interrogator and various joint platforms that interrogate in the same mode in July flying at an observation point 100 miles off the coast of Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md. During

  • SECAF outlines Year of the Air Force Family

    The secretary of the Air Force emphasized the Air Force's firm commitment to its families during his speech at the 2009 Air Force Sergeant's Association Professional Airmen's Conference here August 19. Secretary Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz designated July 2009

  • Civilians can now apply for new professional development program

    Air Force civilian employees can now apply for a new professional development opportunity with applications due to Air Force Personnel Center officials by Sept. 4. The Civilian Acculturation Leadership Training program provides a unique in-residence experience at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.,

  • Acquisition work force steps toward reform

    Big changes are ahead in the acquisitions community as Defense Department officials increase and reshape the acquisition work force so it's better postured to support the reforms Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and President Barack Obama are championing. The federal civilian defense acquisition

  • Clinic traffic downrange shows need for hearing protection

    When gearing up for a mission in Afghanistan, servicemembers don't forget their helmet, gloves, weapon, eye protection or body armor. But what about hearing protection? Staff Sgt. Lee Adams, an ear, nose and throat technician here, said more than half of the patients seen in the ENT walk-in clinics

  • Guard chief encourages 'continual support' of families

    The state's are doing a great job of supporting the National Guard and its families, but it takes continuous support to make sure no one falls through the cracks, the National Guard's top military officer said Aug. 18 here. "If there is an area that we have to concentrate on, to continue to focus

  • General North assumes command of Pacific Air Forces

    The command of Pacific Air Forces, celebrating 65 years of providing American airpower in the Pacific this month, was passed from Gen. Howie Chandler to Gen. Gary North during a ceremony here Aug. 19 on Freedom Tower Mall. General North assumed command here after completing more than three years of

  • AMC commander receives Order of the Sword

    Arriving at the Scott Club in a horse-drawn carriage while a bagpipe melody filled the air, the commander of Air Mobility Command and his wife became a part of military history Aug. 14 here. Gen. Arthur J. Lichte and Chris Lichte received the carriage ride under security forces escort as the start

  • CMSAF talks integrity, training, development

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force praised the enlisted force and highlighted several of his key priorities during a speech at the 2009 Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Airmen's Conference here. "Everywhere I've traveled it's very apparent our Air Force places great trust in our

  • AF top enlisted leader visits Holloman

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited Aug. 10 here to talk to base Airmen and see the Holloman Air Force Base mission.  Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy was given a tour of the base and shared his priorities with base members. "It's easy to align my goals with the Air

  • Travis Airmen provide presidential support

    Members of the 615th Contingency Response Wing here were there to smooth the way for President Barack Obama's two-day visit to Guadalajara, Mexico, for a North American summit held with leaders from Mexico and Canada Aug. 9 and 10. When the president travels, he relies on Air Force contingency

  • AF Research Lab scientist wins award for groundbreaking research

    Dr. Paul Barnes, an Air Force Research Lab scientist, has been selected as the winner of a 2009 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM, award. Dr. Barnes has received the John L. McLucas Basic Research STEM Award for of his outstanding scientific achievements in superconducting

  • 14 force support courses move to Maxwell

    Fourteen force support courses will transition from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, to the Eaker Center for Professional Development at Maxwell AFB, Ala. by Oct 1."We are always focused on educating, developing and preparing our career field leaders, and recent changes to the emerging force

  • Quick hire of military spouses starts in September

    Under a personnel rule that takes effect Sept. 11, some military spouses could be quickly hired for federal jobs without going through the usual competitive process. Officials from the Office of Personnel Management here issued the authority's final regulatory guidelines Aug. 12, which are posted in

  • Military members, families keys to year of success

    After a year in the job, the Air Force chief of staff said he is still impressed with the contributions of Airmen of every specialty, stateside and overseas."It's still stunning to see what our Airmen are doing," Gen. Norton Schwartz said.  "There is work to do. There are challenges to face. But

  • Deliberate path ahead for Airmen

    New co-chairs assumed their leadership positions as the Enlisted Force Development Panel met at the Pentagon Aug. 5. Daniel R. Sitterly, the force development director for the deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy, are now

  • U.S., Vietnam host Asia-Pacific military nursing symposium

    The United States and Vietnam co-hosted more than 200 nurses from 14 countries during the 3rd Annual Asia-Pacific Military Nursing Symposium in Hanoi, Vietnam Aug 3 through 7. The five-day conference, hosted by officials from the U.S. Pacific Command and the Vietnam People's Army, focused on nursing

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research launches social media outreach

    The Air Force Office of Scientific Research announced Aug. 11 the launch of two new pages on Facebook and Twitter. To follow AFOSR on each site, type "AFOSR" in the search box on each page. The new AFOSR Facebook and Twitter pages will provide real-time information on AFOSR stories, accomplishments,

  • Tuskegee Airmen convention recognizes top Airmen

    Four honorees received awards during the 38th Annual Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., convention at the Palace Station Hotel Aug. 7 here. Among dozens of original and later-generation Tuskegee Airmen, the honorees at the Aug. 6 through 9 convention were recognized for outstanding leadership, professionalism

  • Monument to honor Air Force first sergeants at Enlisted Heritage Hall

    The Air Force First Sergeants Academy at Gunter Annex is currently in the process of developing a monument to honor the work and dedication of Air Force first sergeants, said the academy's director of education. Senior Master Sgt. Michael Bellerose said the monument will consist of two life-sized

  • Airmen partner with Kyrgyz security service K-9 team

    Airmen of the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here are aiding a team of Kyrgyz Department of State Security Service dog handlers to hone the skills necessary to manage their own law-enforcement, force protection, antiterrorism and explosive-detection canine program.The program, which

  • Inaugural Academy UAS class pins on wings

    Members of the first class of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Unmanned Aircraft System and Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Education Program received their UAS wings Aug. 11 during a ceremony here.The class included four hand-picked cadre, all second degrees, with the remainder third

  • Pararescuemen train at Joint Base Balad

    "Is she alive?""Copy. Still alive."The pararescuemen loaded their patient onto a litter and carried her off to the safety of an awaiting vehicle. But the mission wasn't over. This mission never really ends. Pararescuemen played out this scene during a crisis-action scenario Aug. 2 at Joint Balad

  • General stresses safety to Airmen

    As iron sharpens iron, we will all make one another more focused when it comes to safety, said the Air National Guard's senior officer here Aug. 4 during a safety summit. Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, the director of the Air National Guard, kicked off the summit that included guest speakers from the

  • Iraqi official tours Joint Base Balad medical facilities

    The Iraqi deputy governor of the Salah Ad Din Province visited the Air Force Theater Hospital and Sgt. Ivory L. Phipps Clinic here Aug. 5 to develop ideas for improving health care within his district. Ahmed al-Krayem toured units within the facility and talked to several members of the

  • Technology convergence could prevent war, futurist says

    The convergence of "exponentially advancing technologies" will form a "super-intelligence" so formidable that it could avert war, according to one of the world's leading futurists. Dr. James Canton, CEO and chairman of the Institute for Global Futures, a San Francisco-based think tank, is author of

  • Airman have opportunity for education, commission with LEAD

    Airmen have the opportunity to compete for admission to the U.S. Air Force Academy through the Leaders Encouraging Airman Development program where they can earn a degree and a commission. "As an enlisted member, you have gained valuable knowledge, experience and discipline," said Col. Chevalier

  • Exercise tests joint cargo operations

    Airmen and Soldiers assigned to U.S. Transportation Command's Joint Task Force-Port Opening are participating in Eagle Flag 2009, an Air Expeditionary Center-sponsored exercise here where they are being evaluated on their ability to establish and operate a port of debarkation and cargo distribution

  • New leaders take command of redesignated AFCENT, 9th Air Force

    New leaders took command during the 9th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central change of command and redesignation ceremony Aug. 5 at Shaw Air Force Base.Lt. Gen. Gary North relinquished command of 9th Air Force/AFCENT, then the two units were redesignated into two separate commands.Army Gen. David

  • Guam Guard members leave mark in Dili

    An 11-member team from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, recently provided much-needed civil engineering assistance as part of Operation Pacific Angel 2009 in Dili. Pacific Angel is a Pacific Air Forces humanitarian and civic assistance program conducted in the Asia-Pacific region and led by 13th Air

  • Command chief master sergeant screening board convenes

    The command chief master sergeant screening board for calendar year 2009 recently selected 200 candidates out of a field of 740 eligible chief master sergeants to fill 80 expected requirements. A significant change in this year's selection process was the "all-in" concept approved by the Air Force

  • Installation Acquisition Transformation revises implementation plan

    Air Force officials here recently completed a comprehensive restructuring of installation acquisition within the continental United States, dubbed Installation Acquisition Transformation, and adopted a revised implementation strategy. The Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century high-value

  • Tricare deputy director highlights new programs

    Tricare officials are enhancing programs and services as part of an ongoing commitment to provide quality health care for military families, the new deputy director of Tricare Management Activity said. One of the key Tricare initiatives is to enhance the contact beneficiaries and their family

  • LeMay Center holds first Service Core Function Symposium

    The developers at the LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education here concluded a symposium July 28 that helped define the new service core functions enabling Airmen to accomplish the full gamut of missions the Air Force provides to the joint force. "The Air Force's first Service Core

  • Silver Flag provides contingency training for USAFE Airmen

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen participated in a week-long contingency operations training exercise here July 27 through 31. Silver Flag consisted of five days of classroom training and two days of field training. Airmen from various Air Force specialty codes had to work together to set up and

  • Air Force officials focus on information protection

    The recent spate of cyber attacks against government systems has gotten the attention of the administration and the DOD. Just as flight altered the way the Air Force operated in the 20th century, the information explosion promises to shape the way the nation fights and wins its wars. In a recent

  • Historic first step taken to join bases in San Antonio

    A milestone in San Antonio's long military history happened here July 31 as Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz , commander of Air Education and Training Command, officiated the activation ceremony for the 502nd Air Base Wing with Brig. Gen. Leonard A. "Len" Patrick taking command. "Today's activation of the

  • Sheppard, AF officials retire workhorse of pilot training

    More than 50 years of dependable service is a lot to ask, especially from a tool used to train thousands of people in a critical and sometimes dangerous business. But as men and women in the U.S. Air Force said farewell to the T-37 Tweet July 31, they did so knowing they got all they asked for and

  • Contract awarded to clean up former Castle and Norton Air Force bases

    Air Force officials have awarded a multi-year performance-based contract to CH2M HILL, Inc. to perform environmental activities at the former Castle Air Force Base near Atwater, Calif., and the former Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, Calif. This $8.18 million contract runs through 2015. The

  • Physical therapists keep servicemembers in the fight

    Aircraft mechanics make sure the airframes they are assigned to are in impeccable condition, fine tuning them, ensuring there isn't any excessive wear and tear so these precision machines are ready to do their part in the today's fight. The human body is also a precision machine and needs to be well

  • AMC Airman earns national recognition

    An Air Mobility Command NCO here recently earned the National Defense Transportation Association International Junior Executive Leadership Award. Tech. Sgt. Alisha Cua, an air transportation specialist assigned to AMC standardization, programs and resources branch, will be recognized at the NDTA

  • Commander discusses multinational airlift operations from Hungary

    For the first time, 12 nations have come together, independent of NATO, to fly in support of their national requirements under the provisions of the Strategic Airlift Capability program, a U.S. military officer in Papa, Hungary, said July 29. "While we don't take operational directions from (NATO),

  • Center gives troops tools to combat stress while deployed

    An innovative restoration program in Afghanistan is giving troops the tools they need to "stay in the fight" by helping them overcome the stresses and challenges of being deployed, the director of the Freedom Restoration Center at Bagram Airfield said recently. Army Capt. Donald Hawkins and his

  • 'One of a kind' war records staging facility gets Air Force, national review

    Air Force and the National Archive and Records Administration officials visited the only Air Force war records staging facility in existence for the first time during a trip here June 30 to July 2. The Air Force records officer and NARA representatives toured the Air Forces Central Staging Facility

  • First Iraqi student graduates from Aviation Leadership Program

    Iraqi air force 2nd Lt. Omar AlNuaimi became the first Iraqi to complete the Air Force Aviation Leadership Program upon his graduation from aviation training July 24 here after three years of training. The Iraqi airman earned his pilots wings with his fellow student pilots of Specialized

  • 12 nations activate groundbreaking Heavy Airlift Wing

    Senior diplomatic and defense officials representing 12 nations as well as NATO witnessed July 27 the official activation of a first-of-its-kind multinational strategic airlift unit at Pápa Air Base, Hungary. "I want to extend my thanks to all of the nations that chose to participate in SAC," said

  • Academy officials add unmanned aircraft system into curriculum

    U.S. Air Force Academy officials here integrated unmanned aircraft systems into the school's curriculum. "The Air Force has made unmanned aircraft systems a priority for our service, and the value of these capabilities is evidenced on a daily basis in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Lt. Gen. Michael C.

  • CMSAF addresses House Armed Services subcommittee

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force gave testimony before the Military Personnel Subcommittee for Family Support Programs here July 22. "We will remain engaged on our family support programs, and we plan on constantly improving the programs we already have in effect," said Chief Master Sgt.

  • Barnes Center single voice for enlisted education

    Nearly one year ago, Air University officials embarked upon housing all Air Force enlisted professional military education under a single command at the Thomas E. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education here. The sweeping venture brought the Air Force First Sergeants Academy, the Air Force Senior

  • DOD announces new Tricare regional care contractors

    Department of Defense officials here have announced the selection of new Tricare managed care support contractors for the North and South Tricare regions in the United States.The third generation contracts are worth an estimated $55.5 billion more than the base and five options periods. Transition

  • 'Flying Tigers' take mission to Afghanistan

    American volunteers flying shark-faced P-40 Tomahawks protected China during World War II, and their legacy has become a fixture in the war in Afghanistan.In homage to the storied airmen of the past, the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., has the iconic

  • Afghan national army air corps commander travels to AETC

    The commander of the Afghan national army air corps visited Air Education and Training Command here in July to strengthen the training partnerships between the two air forces. "The primary reason for coming here is trying to learn from the experience of AETC in the areas of recruiting pilots and

  • Airmen's time tour makes follow-up visits

    In today's fast-paced, resourced-constrained environment, Air Force officials here said they are attempting to return a precious commodity to Airmen: time. A team, chartered by Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, the deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel, will visit units at 11 Air Force

  • Families, children key issue for chief of staff

    Support for families -- especially in the area of child education -- is a pressing issue for the military. That was the message from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and two other service chiefs and other service representatives here in July for a panel discussion focusing on issues

  • Guard members bring unique skills to war effort

    A ground theater air control systems unit from the Wisconsin's Air National Guard deployed here in May brought experience and expertise to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The 128th Air Control Squadron from Volk Field, Wis., joined forces with their active-duty counterparts at the

  • Heritage activities offer chance to volunteer

    Have some spare time on your hands? Want to give back to the Air Force community? The heritage activities in Air Force Materiel Command are looking for volunteers to help support museum operations. In addition to the National Museum of the United States Air Force here, AFMC officials have 14