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  • Operation Christmas Drop a team effort

    Airmen stationed in Japan and Guam are experiencing the joy of giving on an epic scale this holiday season. This year marks the 23rd year Airmen from Yokota AFB are participating in Operation Christmas Drop, an annual humanitarian mission hosted in conjunction with volunteers and personnel from

  • Officials award production contract for fourth advanced frequency satellite

    The Military Satellite Communications Systems Directorate announced Dec. 17 the award of a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification valued at approximately $1.4 billion to Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., for production of the fourth Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite.

  • Photo essay: Operation Christmas Drop

    Airmen from the 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, come together each year during Operation Christmas Drop to drop thousands of pounds of donated supplies over various Micronesian Islands Dec. 14.View the slideshow.

  • 386th AEW members fly first airdrop missions in Afghanistan

    From providing humanitarian assistance in Pakistan to moving more than a half-million passengers throughout U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility this year, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing members can now add another accomplishment to their list -- performing airdrop missions in support of

  • New 'bird' finds home with 76th AS

    Members of the 76th Airlift Squadron here receieved a C-37A Dec. 7 to help increase the flying capabilities of the distinguished visitor mission.The new aircraft is the military version of the Gulfstream V ultra-long-range-business aircraft and is the first C-37A to be stationed here. The C-37A

  • Air Force emergency managers "walk the walk"

    A team of 481 Air Force emergency managers representing all the major commands, recently joined 2,000 of their colleagues at the 58th annual International Association of Emergency Managers conference in San Antonio.This year's IAEM conference theme was, "Talk the Talk, now Walk the Walk," and the

  • Officials complete GPS software upgrade ahead of schedule

    Officials with the 2nd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo., have completed their sustainment software release for the GPS operational control segment ground system ahead of schedule. The software release, which was scheduled to be complete in early January 2011, was accomplished ahead

  • Brain tumor survivor cross-trains to aid recovery, improve health

    Tech. Sgt. Carmen Colon-Alemany knew what to expect going into her second brain surgery. She'd been on the operating table before when the doctors first found a mass on the left side of her brain, around her temple, and when an aneurysm that hadn't burst was removed.This second surgery, five years

  • New program connects wounded warriors with loved ones

    Members of the 455th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility staff teamed up with Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Communication Squadron to offer wounded warriors a way to communicate with loved ones as the wounded warriors make their journey home.The 455th ECS completed the installation of a

  • Directors: Air Guard, Army Guard are cost-effective forces

    We are trained to the same standards of the active duty Air Force, we are available and on call 365 days a year, and it doesn't cost the taxpayer a thing until the governor picks up the phone, the director of the Air National Guard said Dec. 8 at the Reserve Officer Association here."I think that's

  • Air Guard strengthens stance for homeland defense, civil support

    The 2010 Domestic Operations Equipment Requirements conference prompted Air National Guard officials to position themselves to provide an even stronger stance for homeland defense and civil support missions, the National Guard Bureau's director of plans and requirements said recently."This is how we

  • Air Force officials release findings on Alaska C-17 fatal mishap

    Officials at Headquarters Pacific Air Forces released the results of their investigation Dec. 10 into a fatal C-17 Globemaster III aircraft mishap July 28 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.Gen. Gary North, Pacific Air Forces commander, directed an investigation into the incident which

  • Identifying friendly forces to become easier for AWACS

    Engineers with the Electronic Systems Center here have achieved the next step in bringing an improved Identification Friend or Foe, or IFF, system capability to E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft.Currently, AWACS provides situational awareness of friendly, neutral and hostile

  • Sun sets on Keen Sword exercise

    Servicemembers at military installations throughout mainland Japan, Okinawa and in the waters surrounding the country wrapped up a seven-day joint, bilateral field-training exercise with their Japan Self-Defense Force counterparts as Exercise Keen Sword 11 came to an end Dec. 10.Identified as the

  • Air Force, industry leaders brainstorm at Renewable Energy Industry Day

    During the U.S. Air Force Renewable Energy Industry Day on December 8, Air Force senior leaders joined more than 250 industry professionals to exchange ideas about partnering to increase renewable energy supplies and achieve energy goals.Terry Yonkers, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for

  • ACC commander visits Kirtland AFB prior to start of virtual exercise

    Gen. William M. Fraser III, the Air Combat Command commander, visited the 705th Combat Training Squadron here Dec. 7, prior to the start of Virtual Flag.Virtual Flag exercises are part of the 505th Command and Control Wing's mission at Hurlburt Field, Fla., and are intended to improve warfighter

  • PJs carry blood again, increase survival rates

    Pararescuemen from the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, have brought back the ability to carry and administer blood to patients on rescue missions, increasing survival rates for injured warfighters.Air Force rescue units haven't carried blood since the beginning of

  • Manatee finds new home in Puerto Rico

    A five-year-old manatee now known as Guacara has arrived in Puerto Rico after a flight down from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. The manatee was escorted by Dr. Antonio A. Mignucci, director of the Puerto Rico Manatee Conservation Center; Dr. David Murphy, South Florida Museum; and a Parker Museum

  • Kunsan AB officials add Tasers to arsenal

    Members of the 8th Security Forces Squadron here recently received Tasers as a non-lethal weapon to defend the base and its people. "We would usually use pepper spray to subdue an unruly subject, but on the Korean peninsula, we are not allowed to use pepper spray because it's considered a chemical

  • Manatee catches Air Force flight to Puerto Rico

    Air Force officials partnered with specialists at the Fish and Wildlife Service and the South Florida Museum to transport an 840-pound male West Indian manatee, along with six biologists and two veterinarians, from here to San Juan, Puerto Rico Dec. 9. Fish and Wildlife Service representatives

  • AF researchers showcase integrated training capabilities

    Researchers from the Air Force Research Laboratory's 711th Human Performance Wing Human Effectiveness directorate's Warfighter Readiness Research division showcased their integrated training capabilities at the 2010 Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference in Orlando,

  • Wing retires C-130E, anticipates end of C-130E ops

    Little Rock Air Force Base C-130E Hercules aircraft 62-1788 made its final flight Nov. 29, to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base's 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, the aircraft retirement "bone yard" here. Built in 1962, the aircraft's history includes supporting major operations in

  • First Iraqi enlisted chief visits Air University

    The first chief master sergeant of the Iraqi air force visited Air University here Dec. 7, to examine how U.S. officials educate their Airmen.The visit marks the first time the Iraqi chief has been to the U.S., and was designed to give him a sweeping look at enlisted and officer education across the

  • Combat rescue officers celebrate 10-year anniversary

    Officials celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the creation of the combat rescue officer career field Dec. 8."Our personnel recovery forces need to be organized, trained and equipped to operate across the full range of military operations, including humanitarian operations, irregular warfare and

  • Senior DOD leaders share perspectives on future warfighting

    A panel of senior Department of Defense and service component leaders acknowledged that an uncertain, fluid international security environment demands new thinking and approaches to meeting training and simulation requirements for future joint warfighters. The panel met during the

  • Fairchild officials reactivate squadron at March

    At the forefront of Total Force Integration, officials with the 92nd Air Refueling Wing here reactivated the 912th Air Refueling Squadron Dec. 3 at March Air Reserve Base, Calif. As part of the Air Force Reserve Command's 452nd Air Mobility Wing at March ARB, the 912th ARS is an active-duty squadron

  • C-17s deliver firepower to Afghanistan

    An Air Mobility Command C-17 Globemaster III and its crew delivered the first of 17 M1A1 Abrams tanks to military forces in Afghanistan recently. The delivery marked the first time U.S. tanks have deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.The tanks were requested by Marine Corps Maj. Gen.

  • First cyber class graduates

    The Air Force took a significant step forward in its cyberspace training transformation Dec. 6, as 15 officers graduated from the first undergraduate cyberspace training course at here."It's time to leave here and provide the Air Force, and the nation, with real options and opportunities based on

  • 18th Air Force, Expeditionary Center restructures

    Air Mobility Command officials announced plans Dec. 7 to restructure some command and control functions, commonly referred to as C2, effective Jan. 7, 2011. The command's 18th Air Force will focus on C2 of air mobility, contingency response and en route operations, including the 618th Air and Space

  • Air Force's X-37B historical landing advances space vehicle technologies

    After 224 days in space since its launch April 22 from Cape Canaveral, Fla., the X-37B orbital test vehicle landing marks the Air Force's latest step in experimental test missions to improve the service's space capabilities, officials said here Dec. 6.The 11,000-pound OTV made an autonomous landing

  • Airmen connect US, Japan during Keen Sword 11

    More than 25 members of the 644th Combat Communication Squadron from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, are working to provide communication capabilities to Airmen here. The Andersen AFB Airmen are teaming up with Airmen from Osan Air Base, Korea; Misawa AB, Japan; and Langley AFB, Virginia. Together,

  • Transition to A-10C complete at Osan AB

    The last A-10A model of the Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned here departed the base Dec. 4, marking the 25th Fighter Squadron's successful transition to the A-10C model.The new model features improved precision strike capability and enhances the Air Force's ability to provide lethal and precise

  • Air Force, Park Service to commemorate Wrights' first flight Dec. 17

    Air Force and National Park Service officials are planning a public ceremony at Wright Memorial Hill here Dec. 17 to commemorate the 107th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first successful powered flight at Kitty Hawk, N.C. Col. Stephen Goeman, the commander of the 445th Airlift Wing here, will

  • 319th ARW commander declares mission complete

    The 50-year air-refueling mission here was declared complete during a ceremony Dec. 3.The 319th Air Refueling Wing Commander, Col. Don Shaffer, along with the Air Mobility Command Commander, Gen. Raymond Johns, declared the 319th Operations Group, the 905th Air Refueling Squadron, the 319th

  • Lajes Airman, K-9 provide unique service at G40 summit

    A Lajes Field Airman and his security forces detection dog were tasked as part of the security detail that provided support for President Barack Obama and Air Force One at the G40 summit Nov. 19 through 20 in Lisbon, Portugal.After conducting a host of training together at Lajes Field, Azores, Staff

  • U.S. responds to Israeli request for help

    Two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, delivered 20 tons of fire retardant to Israel Dec. 4. The mission was part of a joint U.S. European Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe effort to assist the Israeli government deal with what is

  • Aircrews provide training for weapons school

    Flares popped from the side of C-17 Globemaster IIIs and C-130 Hercules aircraft and fell to the desert floor, filling the skies with smoke. Pilots weaved their way through mountainous terrain to avoid threats along an airdrop route trying not to get blown out of the sky. Fortunately for the 535th

  • X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle lands at Vandenberg AFB

    The U.S. Air Force's first unmanned re-entry spacecraft landed here Dec. 3 at 1:16 a.m.The X-37B, named Orbital Test Vehicle 1, which launched April 22 from Cape Canaveral, Fla., conducted on-orbit experiments for more than 220 days during its maiden voyage. It fired its orbital maneuver engine in

  • Yokota Airman killed after being struck by vehicle

    Staff Sgt. Raymond Briggs from the Defense Courier Service here was struck by a vehicle and killed Dec. 1 as he attempted to cross a highway while on leave in San Mateo County, Calif. "The sudden death of Sergeant Briggs is a tragic loss to his family, Team Yokota and the entire U.S. Air Force,"

  • STRATCOM commander: 'No higher calling' than nuclear mission

    The commander of U.S. Strategic Command visited all five Air Force Global Strike Command bases Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, telling Airmen "there is no higher calling" than the nuclear deterrence mission.Speaking to hundreds of Airmen at commander's calls at each stop, Gen. Kevin P. Chilton emphasized how

  • New policy bridges Korea tour normalization

    The top U.S. commander in South Korea has introduced a new policy prioritizing what positions qualify for highly sought-after command sponsorships for family members.Army Gen. Walter L. Sharp, the commander of U.S. Forces Korea, announced the new system this week to control the flow of

  • Modeling and simulation conference shaping future warfighting

    The new commander of Air Education & Training Command challenged developers of modeling and simulation technologies to work together to develop new and improved training systems to meet the full spectrum of threats joint and coalition warfighters may face in the future during a conference here Nov.

  • Operation Provide Hope supports Ukrainian medical facilities

    The humanitarian-assistance program base in Pirmasens, Germany, recently completed an Operation Provide Hope project in Simferopol, Ukraine. A team of 10 civilians, two Soldiers and 12 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen provided medical supplies and training to help increase their medical

  • Ceremony marks end of Pakistan flood relief operations

    U.S. troops supporting the humanitarian relief effort to flood-stricken Pakistan ended their mission Dec. 2.Pakistani officials hosted a ceremony marking the occasion in Islamabad, the country's capital.At the end of operations, 18 U.S. military helicopters and about 350 U.S. servicemembers were

  • Keen Sword exercise sharpens US-Japan alliance

    About 10,500 U.S. servicemembers and their Japan Self Defense Force counterparts are participating in exercise Keen Sword 2011, Dec. 3 through 10, on military installations throughout mainland Japan, Okinawa and in the water surrounding Japan.Keen Sword is a regularly-scheduled exercise designed to

  • DSP, engineers recognized at National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

    Military and industry officials recently gathered at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force to recognize those involved with Defense Support Program satellites over the past four decades.Earlier this year, a 35-foot-long DSP structural test vehicle, which helped to provide the Air Force with

  • Keeping Yokota moms fit

    The team at the health and wellness center here has recently added a prenatal aerobics class to help expectant mothers stay in shape.Staff Sgt.Treshawna Gwendo, a diet therapist with the 374th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, is the instructor for the class. She said the class is for anyone a soon-to-be

  • Air Force officials continuing source selection for new tanker

    Air Force officials have said the KC-X source selection process will continue despite a mistake in November, where a limited amount of identical source selection information was provided to both KC-X offerors concerning their competitor's offering. Air Force officials are ensuring a level playing

  • Nine medevaced from PRT Zabul after tragic accident

    It was 9:10 a.m. when the notification came to Forward Operating Base Smart, Afghanistan.A civilian bus headed south on Highway 1 rolled over, leaving seven dead and more than 30 injured just outside Qalat city.Within 15 minutes, medical personnel from Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul were on

  • Digital close-air support improvements on the way

    Airmen on the ground whose mission is to help deliver close-air support will soon receive a set of tools that will help them do their jobs better while lightening the loads they're required to carry.Tactical air control party Airmen are assigned to Army units that engage in all levels of operations,

  • GPS satellite achieves 20 years in orbit

    Space Vehicle Number 23, Global Positioning System constellation, is a testament to how Air Force officials continue to meet and exceed their operational requirements with GPS.GPS Block IIA-10 (SVN-23), built by Boeing (formerly Rockwell Corporation), was launched Nov. 26, 1990, and set healthy to

  • IDEA winner saves Air Force millions

    A member of Air Force Global Strike Command from here received the maximum payout of $10,000 for his submission of the Launch Control Center NetLink System to the Innovated Development through Employees Awareness program.Douglas Angell, a technical engineer from the 526th Intercontinental Ballistic

  • Communications and information service consolidation eases MAJCOM workloads

    The transition of common communication and information workloads from major commands to the Air Force Network Integration Center is complete, enabling MAJCOM communications and information staffs to further focus on core warfighting missions and information needs.The transfer centralized 10 services

  • Officials condemn leaks, detail prevention efforts

    Government officials condemned the publication of hundreds of thousands of sensitive, classified State Department cables by WikiLeaks Nov. 28.The website published the documents that detail private U.S. diplomatic discussions with foreign governments. The cables are candid reports by diplomats, and

  • Loadmaster's call with the president makes for a memorable Thanksgiving

    Deployed Airmen broke bread Nov. 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday at this air base in Southwest Asia, taking time away from their normal duties to celebrate with food and friends, but a phone call from the president of the United States made it an especially memorable day for one C-130 Hercules

  • Leaders provide update, vector on Air Force space efforts at symposium

    Senior Air Force leaders, servicemembers and industry partners gathered for the Air Force Association's annual Global Warfare Symposium Nov. 18 through 19 here. This year's symposium focused on innovation, operating under financial constraints, building partnerships and managing space acquisition.

  • Exchange programs brings French cadets to Ramstein

    Eight cadets from Salon-de-Provence Air Base, France, visited Ramstein Air Base Nov. 14 to 20 with hopes of learning how the U.S. military operates on a day-to-day basis. The visit marked the first time cadets from the French Air Force Academy participated in an immersion tour of an American

  • Director asks Air Guard leaders to look ahead

    Times are tough for the Air National Guard, but Lt. Gen. Harry Wyatt III sees many "great" opportunities for his 106,700-member force to excel in the future."We know there is a mismatch right now of demands on the force and resources," said General Wyatt, the director of the Air Guard. "I think it

  • Schwartz discusses Korea, other issues

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said it is "significant" that the South Korean air force, rather than the U.S., is leading its country's air defenses at a time when North Korea has become increasingly provocative.Schwartz spoke here Nov. 23 at a Defense Writers Group meeting hours

  • Air Force leaders release Diversity Strategic Roadmap

    Striving to remain a leading competitor in the search for talent to carry out the Air Force mission, the service's senior leaders released the Diversity Strategic Roadmap here Nov 17.In a collaborative effort, members of the Air Force Diversity Operations Division authored the living document's

  • C2 Constellation still integrating, piece by piece

    A program initiated in 2000 as an attempt to integrate all command and control systems continues to contribute to that goal today, albeit in a different way.While the C2 Constellation began as an effort to build an overarching architecture for all C2 systems, work now focuses on specific enterprise

  • Air control wings partner under active association construct

    The chief of staff of the Air Force recently designated the 116th Air Control Wing here as an active association wing.The newly designated active association also establishes the 461st ACW as the regular Air Force associate wing. The 116th ACW will become the Air National Guard host wing. Together,

  • Task force prepares for Horn of Africa mission

    Leaders preparing to deploy to Djibouti in January as the next headquarters staff at Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa just wrapped up the first phase of a new, four-part training program designed to prepare them as well as the follow-on task force for the unique, strategically important

  • Fight against holiday depression

    The holiday season is viewed by many celebrants as a time of "peace on earth" and a sudden influx of packages through the post office.But for some servicemembers deployed during the holidays, peace and packages might be hard to find, or replaced entirely by depression or even thoughts of suicide.

  • Mobility exercise takes off

    Seven C-17 Globemaster III and eight KC-135 Stratotanker aircrews practiced executing airlifts, airdrops and air refueling in medium threat environments Nov. 17 as part of the Mobility Air Force Exercise, a biannual Air Force-wide training opportunity hosted by the Air Force Weapons School at Nellis

  • Major AWACS upgrade begins

    The next step in the largest block upgrade in the history of the E-3 Sentry, or Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft occurred Nov. 18 at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., when the first aircraft receiving the block 40/45 modification was inducted by the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center.New

  • Undersecretary praises Global Strike Command at symposium

    Detailing the significant commitment of Air Force senior leaders to the nuclear mission, Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin C. Conaton told a packed convention hall here Nov. 17 that the nuclear and global strike mission is critical to the United States. "What you do matters; it matters to the Air

  • Network Integration Center team shapes future of AF cyberspace operations

    The Air Force Network Integration Center may be an organization that many Airmen aren't familiar with, but it has a very significant charter that ultimately affects every Airman, every day.The center, located here at Scott Air Force Base, is a direct reporting unit of Air Force Space Command at

  • Airmen travel to Rwanda, teach maintenance management

    Members of the Rwanda air force paid a visit to the leaders in C-130 maintenance training at the 373rd Training Squadron Det. 4 at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., which is part of the 982nd Training Group here, which turned into a follow up visit for two Det. 4 members to help build up the

  • STRATCOM nominee cites multiple security challenges

    The United States is confronting security threats that are complex, unremitting and compelling, Gen. C. Robert Kehler told the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing Nov. 18.General Kehler is President Barack Obama's nominee to become the chief of U.S. Strategic Command,

  • World's largest military aviation museum launches virtual tour

    Air Force history buffs now can walk by JFK's Air Force One or the Presidential Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force from their living rooms. Museum officials recently launched the first phase of an interactive, 360-degree virtual tour available on the museum's website. Users now can

  • Hickam aircrew participates in training opportunities

    A 535th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III aircrew trained in unrestricted-descent assault landings, airdrop, combat offloads, air refueling, night-vision-goggle training, low levels, mountainous terrain, threat responses and multiple-ship formation training during a five-day training mission

  • Defense undersecretary outlines cost-saving strategy

    Affordability, incentives and productivity growth are the ingredients to get the most out of the next Defense Department budget, a top Pentagon official said Nov. 17.The department will have to become more efficient to support troops while the budget flattens, Ashton B. Carter, undersecretary for

  • Teens gather for first AF Reserve Teen Leadership Council

    Teenagers from around the nation gathered at Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command here for the first AFR Teen Leadership Council meeting Nov. 12. The 20 teens, selected to represent their peers as members of the council, received briefings on Air Force Reserve Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Programs

  • Secretary Donley lauds Air Guard's capability, reach

    The secretary of the Air Force spoke to approximately 2,000 attendees at the Air National Guard's 2010 Senior Leadership Conference here Nov. 16.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley said the Air National Guard leads the way in providing "maximum combat power when and where the nation needs it,

  • Partnership makes for expanded air refueling capabilities

    A 100th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker crew participated in air refueling training here with a C-17 Globemaster III crew from the Heavy Airlift Wing at Papa Air Base, Hungary, Nov. 12.Although no fuel was exchanged during the mission, both units received training they don't get the

  • Photo essay: Little Rock honors veterans

    The honor guard here participates in the Veterans Day retreat ceremony Nov. 10. The retreat ceremony serves a two-fold purpose, signifying both the end of the official duty day, and providing an opportunity to pay respect to the nation's flag. View the slideshow.

  • Aerial porters in constant motion

    Airmen within the U.S. Central Command support more than 150,000 coalition forces in two theaters of operations: Iraq and Afghanistan. Working nonstop to meet the logistical needs of these operations are the aerial port Airmen of the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, who stay in

  • Ellsworth Airmen participate in joint service training

    Airmen here participated in joint-service, multiagency training in Rapid City, S.D., Nov. 4.The training focused on responding to a simulated chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive incident involving a community transit bus. Airmen from the 28th Bomb Wing worked closely with the

  • Deployed servicemembers can read their children a bedtime story

    United Through Reading offers parents the chance to read to their children every day, an opportunity many servicemembers haven't had in the past.The reading is recorded onto a DVD and sent with a copy of the book to the servicemember's child. "United Through Reading's partnership with the USO has

  • Exercise introduces Navy expertise to air-centric operation

    Participants from several federal, state and local agencies from across the United States and Canada participated in Vigilant Shield '11, an exercise geared at training and evaluating tactics, techniques and procedures to ensure interoperability of Department of Defense assets in support of the

  • Review aims to streamline ART hiring process

    Personnel officials from the Air Force Reserve Command and the Air Force Personnel Center met here Oct. 26 through 28 to begin steps in reducing the timeline of the hiring process for air reserve technicians, or ARTs.Leaders from AFRC and AFPC met with civilian force integration officials to

  • ESC teams with warfighters to bring improved capabilities to the field

    Warfighters will soon have a more complete view of their battlespace with the planned November release of the newest version of an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance planning and management tool. Known as the evolved mission planning interface to raise enterprise-level awareness, or

  • Officials take steps to defend cyber domain

    In a "DOD Live" bloggers roundtable yesterday, the vice commander of Air Force Space Command discussed the Air Force's cyberspace mission, cybersecurity and the training and education the Air Force is providing to Airmen in the field.Maj. Gen. Michael J. Basla said the Air Force's mission emphasizes

  • Eye in the sky

    The last 28th Bomb Wing B-1B Lancer received the necessary modifications to operate the Sniper advanced targeting pod Oct. 18.The advanced targeting pod acts as a long-range camera, which can pinpoint targets for precision strikes and close-air-support missions."It's hard to imagine doing close-air

  • 21st Operational Weather Squadron equipment 'forecast' saved millions

    As the Sembach Annex realignment plan pushes forward to transfer control to the Army of the former Air Force base, members of the 21st Operational Weather Squadron are making smart resource choices to save taxpayer dollars in unnecessary equipment moves. As one of the last Air Force assets left on

  • 586th Flight Test Squadron hits testing milestone

    The 586th Flight Test Squadron, part of Air Force Materiel Command's 46th Test Group, recently hit an aviation milestone when members of the unit completed flight testing of an inert missile, the LTGM-65 Laser Maverick, currently under development by Raytheon Missile Systems. Air Force testers have

  • 'Mission One' at NORTHCOM: Defending the homeland

    Developing regional response capabilities, stepping up preparations for a no-notice catastrophe and maturing partnerships are among priorities at U.S. Northern Command, the new deputy commander said here Nov. 2."We're working very closely with the National Guard and (the Office of the Secretary of

  • Secretary Clinton presents Antarctic airway chart to New Zealand

    During a ceremony Nov. 5 in Christchurch, New Zealand, at the International Antarctic Center, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton presented an Antarctic airway chart to the country.The airway chart was created by Col. Ronald Smith, commander of Operation Deep Freeze from 2005 to 2008, and

  • US, NATO participate in Baltic Region Training Event

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe officials participated in a one-day Baltic Region Training Event Nov. 3 at Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania. BRTE is an advanced, routine training concept to enhance interoperability, build capability and continue air integration of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It's designed

  • Air advisers help Iraqi airmen settle at new base

    Airmen from the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force Base Transition Team assisted the Iraqi air force Squadron 70 -- the first Iraqi flying unit to arrive here -- relocate permanently Oct. 17 from Basra Air Base, Iraq. The unit is a CH-2000 squadron that conducts intelligence, surveillance

  • Samurai surge at Yokota

    Seven C-130 Hercules aircraft took off as part of a Samurai Surge exercise here Nov. 4.Launching the fleet is an operation that occurs when Airmen launch as many aircraft available on the ramp simultaneously, known locally as Samurai Surge."The C-130s here at Yokota Air Base are the only tactical

  • First production C-5M arrives at Dover

    The first production C-5M Super Galaxy arrived for duty at Dover Air Force Base Nov. 5.  Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., commander of Air Mobility Command, flew the Super Galaxy from Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y., to its operational home at Dover AFB."The creativity and hard work demonstrated

  • Air Force officials name deputy assistant secretary for energy

    Air Force officials named Dr. Kevin T. Geiss the new deputy assistant secretary of energy for the Air Force Nov. 4.Dr. Geiss will lead the Air Force's Energy Office, comprising a staff of 11 people dedicated to energy policy development and support of energy-focused programs."Energy is an enabler

  • Thunderbird maintainers keep show running behind the scenes

    Throughout its 57 years in existence, the Air Force Thunderbirds air demonstration team has never canceled a performance due to maintenance issues. When you factor in the Thunderbirds' most recent air show performance Nov. 6 and 7 during AirFest 2010 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, continuing the

  • Squadron tests newest F-22s, live-firing of missiles

    F-22s Raptor crews from the 90th Fighter Squadron here deployed to Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 30, to participate in exercise Combat Archer, the air-to-air evaluation portion of the Air Force's Weapons Systems Evaluation Program.90th FS members are training and being evaluated with the

  • Not just an average flight simulator

    Officials from the 23rd Operations Support Squadron started their first HC-130 Hercules simulator course here recently.This simulator doesn't train just the pilot and co-pilot, it trains the entire crew. "The purpose of the simulator is to bring up situations that the crew could run into during a