NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Air Force Marathon registration to open with special discount

    Registration for the 2013 Air Force Marathon will open Jan. 1, 2013, with special New Year's resolution discounts. The full and half marathons will be discounted by $10 Jan. 1. The 10K and 5K races will be discounted by $5."We encourage all participants to register as early as possible," said race

  • Airmen decrease response time with improved expeditionary medical team

    More than 60 medical Airmen from Andersen Air Force Base, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska and Yokota Air Base, Japan, joined trained on the new expeditionary medical support health response team here, Dec. 10-13. EMEDS is a team of expertly-trained medical professionals who utilize a mobile

  • New F-16 software platform to be tested by 40th, 85th

    Developmental testing for an F-16 operational flight program will be accomplished at the 40th Flight Test Squadron and 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron here for the first time.The testing for Block 40 and 50 model F-16s is scheduled to begin in 2014 and will also be the first time developmental

  • AF tests 24/7 fitness centers

    Six installations will implement 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week fitness center access this and next month as part of an Air Force Services Transformation Initiative test concept, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today.The Office of the Secretary of Defense Military Communities and Family

  • AETC declares Eglin ready for F-35 training

    Following an independent evaluation of Eglin's capability to conduct F-35A Lightning II pilot training, Air Education and Training Command announced Dec. 17 that the 33rd Fighter Wing can do so starting January 2013. "The preliminary results provided by the Joint Operational Test Team show the F-35A

  • Air Force leaders issue holiday message

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send the following holiday message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:The holiday season is a perfect time to celebrate the many blessings that we enjoy in our

  • Air Force NCO training takes on international flavor

    The NCO course at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland helps to fulfill a key U.S. Air Force priority of partnering with joint and coalition teams to win today's fight.The Inter-American Noncommissioned Officer Academy course integrates U.S. Air Force NCOs into

  • Iraqi Air Force receives three C130J aircraft

    The Iraqi Air Force celebrated an important milestone when they received a third C-130J aircraft at a rollout ceremony held at Lockheed Martin's factory here Dec. 12, 2012.The ceremony is a culmination of many activities to reinforce a long-term partnership between the United States and Iraq and

  • AFSOC builds partnerships with sister services, foreign militaries

    More than 30 servicemembers and civil servants from 10 different countries gathered here to attend the Building Partner Aviation Capacity Course Dec. 3 to 14. BPACC was designed as an avenue for Air Force Special Operations Command to create, nurture or deepen partnerships with foreign militaries,

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Enlisted Airman receives scholarship to Harvard

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)It has been said that nothing in life worth having comes easy. For some, it's getting promoted to staff sergeant and for others; it's getting a full

  • Guard members prepare for variety of roles in presidential inauguration

    Approximately 6,000 Army and Air National Guard members from 15 states and territories are preparing to take part in and support the 57th Presidential Inauguration, said officials. "They will be coming into the District of Columbia, processed in and will go out to several parts of the city where

  • Panetta signs order to deploy 400 U.S. personnel to Turkey

    Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has signed an order that will deploy 400 U.S. personnel to Turkey to support the deployment that NATO agreed to recently of Patriot missile capability there, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.Panetta signed the agreement en route to Turkey as he

  • Employment Website Teams With Joining Forces

    Employment website Monster.com is collaborating with the White House's Joining Forces campaign and will contribute to the initiative's goal of hiring or training an additional 250,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2014, Acting Commerce Department Secretary Rebecca M. Blank announced

  • Lajes Field drawdown as part of force structuring announced

    Department of Defense officials announced today that Lajes Field will transition from an air base wing to an air base group with a reduction of more than 400 military personnel and 500 family members by the end of fiscal year 2014. "The drawdown of the 65th Air Base Wing is part of a larger Air

  • Retired Col. Ralph S. Parr Jr. dies, memorial service announced

    Col. Ralph S. Parr Jr., 88, who was the only American pilot to receive both the Distinguished Service Cross and the Air Force Cross, passed away Dec. 7 at an assisted living facility in New Braunfels, Texas. Joint Base San Antonio will honor the legacy of one of the Air Force's most celebrated

  • AEDC Fire Department honors a true hero

    When Daryle Lopes, the Arnold Engineering Development Complex Fire Department Chief, sent an email out to the worldwide fire protection community seeking moral support for a young man battling cancer, the response he received exceeded his expectations.Mark Kelly Olson is a 10-year-old boy who was

  • Recruiting reorganization creates three new squadrons

    A reorganization within Air Force Recruiting Service is resulting in three new squadrons solely dedicated to health professions recruiting and as a result, a more appropriate focus on the HP mission.The newly activated squadrons are:360th Recruiting Group: The 318th Recruiting Squadron, based in

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Hickam Field survivor's journey 'home' for last time

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)For the final time, retired Senior Master Sgt. Raymond Lee Perry has returned "home" to Hickam Field. Seventy-one years to the day, Dec. 7, 2012, Perry's

  • Transition GPS gives Airmen roadmap to success

    A new roadmap to help ease Airmen into civilian life is in full swing, providing assistance that will help those separating be as competitive in the civilian world as they are in the military, according to the assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs.Mr. Daniel B.

  • Q&A: AF chief information officer on Cyber Summit

    Air Force leaders held a Cyber Summit in November at Joint Base Andrews, Md., to discuss the Air Force's role in cyberspace and to ensure the mission needs of the Air Force and joint warfighter are being met going forward.More than 30 senior leaders, including the secretary and chief of staff of the

  • 'Today's Air Force' reviews rescue at sea, Thunderbird memorial restoration

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on Dec. 10.On this episode's "Straight from the Top," acting Undersecretary of the Air Force, Jamie Morin speaks about the importance of technological and organizational advances the Air Force has made in space. Next, viewers join

  • Defenders and good will ambassadors

    The sun rises on an empty field outside an entry control point as a few defenders prepare their gear and equipment for the day. By mid-morning the field becomes filled with nearly 400 Afghan locals all waiting to process through that ECP at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. For the bravo sector entry

  • New process improves household goods shipments

    A system being implemented at U.S. Transportation Command is making permanent-change-of-station moves more convenient, while reducing lost and damaged shipments and saving the government money.The Defense Personal Property System, introduced in 2009 as a pilot program at 17 installations, now

  • Afghan AF, NATO Air Training Command sign joint strategic flightplan

    Maj. Gen. Abdul Wahab Wardak, commander of the Afghan air force, and Brig. Gen. Steven Shepro, commander of NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan, signed the first-ever combined strategy into effect at a Nov. 28 ceremony at the NATC-A headquarters at the Kabul International Airport here. All three

  • Arc Light marked beginning of B-52 involvement in Vietnam

    Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of articles highlighting the B-52's involvement in the Vietnam Conflict up to Operation Linebacker II. The 40th Anniversary of Linebacker II takes place Dec. 18-29.By 1972, the war in Vietnam had persisted for more than eight years, characterized by a

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: The Journey back to normal

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Between August 2009 and March 2010, I lost myself during my deployment to Afghanistan. I remember coming off the airplane and seeing my family and

  • Hickam Field's killed in action honored

    Only 92 of the original 189 Army Air Forces Airmen killed at Hickam Field during the Dec. 7, 1941, attacks on military installations of Oahu remain on the island where war found them when they weren't looking for it. A group of 10 Hickam Airmen, teenagers, spouses and a Sailor volunteered to make

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman takes 'once-in-a-lifetime' journey

    Leave is something military members typically earn, with hard work, dedication and long hours. Those members usually use their precious time off to recharge their batteries and relax, not Airman 1st Class Jessica Tharp.Tharp, an aerospace propulsion journeyman assigned to the 18th Component

  • Pearl Harbor: Air Force legacy on day that would 'live in infamy'

    "It was the first time I had ever seen a plunging dive bomber and it was an awesome sight. Nothing in warfare is more frightening," said Pvt. Wilfred D. Burke, 72d Pursuit Squadron, Wheeler Field, whose experience in the attacks on Pearl Harbor are recorded in "7 December 1941: The Air Force Story"

  • New program helps develop holdover Airmen at BMT

    Airmen placed on hold in the 324th Training Squadron here are benefiting from a new program established earlier this year.Typically, Airmen in a hold status have already completed basic training and are awaiting orders or assignment to technical school. There may be medical reasons for a hold status

  • Thrift savings plan contribution limits increase in 2013

    The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has announced the 2013 elective deferral limit for regular Thrift Savings Plan contributions increased from $17,000 to $17,500 for 2013, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. The TSP catch-up plan contribution limit will remain at $5,500. TSP is a

  • Revamped program aids separating service members

    Major changes announced today to the Transition Assistance Program will revolutionize the way the military prepares people leaving the services, with mandatory participation in programs throughout their military careers to help set them up for a successful transition.The redesigned program, called

  • Airmen save AF more than a million dollars

    The 437th Aerial Port Squadron Load Planning Airmen answered the call when the Air Mobility Command Fuel Efficiency Office asked AMC aerial port squadrons to maximize fuel usage aboard C-17 Globemaster III's and other air frames using a new initiative called precession loading.Before the initiative

  • EOD Airmen earn 18 Bronze Stars

    After six months of clearing improvised explosive devices, providing blast analysis and clearing roadways, the nearly 40 explosive ordnance disposal Airmen assigned to Joint Task Force Paladin South 966th Air Expeditionary Squadron are headed home, but not before being recognized for their

  • KC-135 crew on point in Afghan skies

    From the window of her "office," Senior Airman Brittany Bahner breathes deeply and takes in the view of the brown, arid expanse near Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. She waits patiently, lying prone in the boom pod at the rear of the KC-135 Stratotanker, while communicating through her headset with

  • OTS shortens course length, increases efficiency

    Beginning in January, the Air Force Officer Training School's Basic Officer Training course will be shortened by three weeks, officials announced Dec. 4. Cutting the course from 12 weeks to nine weeks was the result of finding efficiencies in the course's scheduling processes and curriculum, said

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Reservist to headline MMA event

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Danny Ruiz is a fighter. He is a staff sergeant in the Air Force Reserve, a husband, father and coach. But above all, he's a fighter.Ruiz is a week away

  • Vandenberg continues 53 year holiday tradition

    While some families were busy with the normal holiday hustle and bustle that can come with the beginning of December, hundreds of Vandenberg Airmen were checking backpacks, schedules and presents to ensure local, underprivileged children were afforded a traditional holiday experience.The 53rd annual

  • Former Airman sentenced for distributing child pornography on the Web

    Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Jacobsen, Air Force Office of Special Investigations commander, announced today the sentencing of former Air Force member Craig Allen James, 24, of Laurel, Md., to six years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for distributing child pornography. Additionally,

  • Secrets of universe revealed thanks to AF research complex

    Looking skyward, scientists worldwide now know the universe's size, composition, approximate age and rate of expansion, thanks in part to "essential" data derived from a time-sensitive test conducted at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex's (AEDC) Mark 1 Aerospace Space Chamber. On June 30,

  • From NY streets to Afghan skies, FDNY crew saves lives

    Four New York City firefighters, four Airmen, four friends, one team, one HH-60 Pave Hawk -- one crew -- deployed together with the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, bringing a unique flavor of New York Fire Departments with them.Capt. Shaun Cullen, Capt. Tripp

  • NORAD provides website, apps to track Santa

    Children of all ages will be able to track Santa Claus on his annual journey, thanks to the North American Aerospace Defense Command.The "NORAD Tracks Santa" website at http://www.noradsanta.org is up and running. The site features a holiday countdown, games and daily activities, video messages from

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Chaplain serves deployment in Antarctica

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)As the cool winter air begins to roll into Sioux City, Iowa, one Air Force Chaplain is feeling a much colder breeze.Chaplain (Capt.) William Vit, a

  • SecAF declares 'Modernization can't wait'

    The Air Force's senior civilian addressed the importance of modernization and the challenges ahead for the Air Force at the 2012 Aerospace and Defense Investor Conference here Nov. 29."Among the most difficult challenges facing the Air Force is the need to modernize our aging aircraft inventory as

  • Air Reserve Forces Policy Committee brings strategic issues to SecAF

    Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs, permanent-change-of-station lodging inconsistencies and TRICARE inequities within the Reserve Component were some of the issues addressed by the Air Reserve Forces Policy Committee during their meeting in the National Capital Region Nov. 5-7.Current

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: First sergeant flexes natural muscle

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Where are you at 3:40 a.m.? Master Sgt. LaJuan Fuller, 366th Civil Engineering Squadron first sergeant, is at the gym. He's been up for more than an hour

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman swears allegiance, attains dream

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)An 87th Logistics Readiness Squadron airman assigned here was full of nerves on the morning of Nov. 16, as he was about to become a U.S. citizen in a New

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Kadena Airman shines during Tops in Blue

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)As the premiere U.S. Air Force entertainment group, Tops in Blue, performs for service members stationed around the world, they bring music, dance and

  • Language Enabled Airman Program announces selections

    Foreign language experts from around the Air Force recently met at the Air Force Culture and Language Center at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., part of Air University's Spaatz Center for Officer Education, to select the latest participants for the Air Force's Language Enabled Airman Program. More than

  • 'Today's Air Force' highlights Band of Flight, spins Wheel of Fortune

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on Nov. 26.On this episode's "Straight from the Top," Air Force Leaders urge Airmen to keep a focus on risk management during the holiday season. Next, Today's Air Force will take viewers to the activation ceremony of Detachment

  • Deployed structural maintainers 'do it all'

    When a homeowner needs to redo a wall, repair the roof, and re-key a lock, several calls must be made.The Air Force only has to make one.Structural maintainers are "like the carpenters, welders, roofers and handymen, kind of all rolled up into one," said Tech. Sgt. Howard Jones, 380th Expeditionary

  • Military OneSource connects troops, families to resources

    As the Information Age continues to shape modern communication, the Defense Department has revitalized and consolidated the Military OneSource website to better serve military members and their families, a Pentagon official said in a recent interview.Zona Lewis, military community outreach online

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman returns 'home' to help recover MIAs

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)An officer stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base traveled thousands of miles earlier this year to return to his birth country of Vietnam for the first

  • Airmen provide Sailors real-time video for maritime operations

    Editor's Note: Actual locations and specific details of the types of aircraft and ships involved were withheld for operational security.A Navy information systems technician aboard ship looked down at his laptop on a recent October day and saw something unheard of for Sailors just months before - a

  • New tools to investigate, prosecute child pornography work

    A few years ago, individuals who viewed and downloaded child pornography were rarely discovered - but that's changed.New technology and assistance from the Department of Justice, law enforcement agencies within the Department of Defense in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation,

  • SecAF visits Kadena

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited with Kadena Shoguns here Nov. 21 as part of a multi-day tour to the Pacific.During his visit, he had breakfast with some of Kadena's junior Airmen and toured the base with Brig. Gen. Matt Molly, 18th Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Mark Marson,

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: 65 years later, WW II veteran returns to England

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)On a typical day from 1942 to 1945, the flightline on Royal Air Force Alconbury, England, would be full of activity as aircrews, maintainers and weapons

  • QF-16 drone arrives for testing, prepares warfighters for tomorrow's threats

    The 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group marked an important milestone in continuing to prepare the warfighter for tomorrow's threats as the first QF-16 drone arrived for developmental testing at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Nov. 19."The work done prior to today and the test work that is forthcoming will

  • New Medical Clinic Opens Doors Strengthening U.S. Kyrgyz Partnership

    Service members from the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, in partnership with representatives from the U.S. Embassy Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic Ministry of Health and residents of the Nizhne-Chuysk Village gathered on Nov. 15, to celebrate the grand opening of the village's new medical clinic. The

  • Transcom strives to protect networks against cyberthreats

    The new Joint Cyber Center here at U.S. Transportation Command is helping protect against persistent cyber-attacks while ensuring secure, uninterrupted access to the networks that underpin the command's global mission.TRANSCOM gets more cyber-attacks than nearly every other U.S. combatant command,

  • Multinational team of wingmen rescues downed pilot from Pacific Ocean

    On July 22, a U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to Misawa Air Base, Japan, had to eject from an F-16 Fighting Falcon over the turbulent and cold waters of the North Pacific. Over the next six hours, the pilot, JEST 73, focused on surviving in his small life raft - constantly using his helmet to bail

  • SecAF talks Pacific airpower

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley met with Team Andersen Airmen at an Airman's Call here Nov. 20. The secretary discussed several topics of national and international interest, to include the importance of Guam in the Asia-Pacific region, restructuring the size of the Air Force, changes in

  • Morin talks space superiority at AFA conference

    Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Jamie Morin addressed more than 320 Airmen, industry officials and Air Force Association members at AFA's Global Warfare Symposium in Los Angeles, Calif., Nov. 15.Morin opened the symposium with a discussion on space superiority as an enduring source of

  • SecAF addresses rebalance to the Pacific

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley spoke about the Air Force's role in the U.S. defense strategy to rebalance to the Asia-Pacific during the Air Force Association's Global Warfare Symposium in Los Angeles, Calif., Nov. 16. Donley closed the symposium, which gathered more than 320 Airmen,

  • Nations unite to heighten allied air power

    Pilots from seven nations have been working together since November with a goal to increase effectiveness of allied air forces and strengthen multinational partnerships.This Tactical Leadership Program course, a NATO-based training exercise held Nov. 5 to 30, encourages interoperability by

  • F-35 begins integration phase of weapons testing

    The F-35 Lighting II, Joint Strike Fighter began the integration phase of weapons testing Oct. 26, when the F-35A Conventional Takeoff and Landing aircraft successfully completed the first in-flight test with an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile. It was the first time a weapon

  • Airman awarded $6K through IDEA program

    A $6,275 check was presented to Staff Sgt. Jared Weddle, a 2nd Maintenance Squadron communications navigations mission system craftsman, by Col. Alexis Mezynski, 2nd Bomb Wing vice commander, Nov. 14 for a submission to the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program that net the Air

  • Woof! "Major" relief for PTSD

    Imagine a pet trained to understand the side effects that come with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Imagine a pet trained to understand your symptoms to aid a path to recovery. One such pet resides at Minot Air Force Base and is helping a member of Team Minot every day.Meet Major, an adopted

  • U.S. Air Force Band and Honor Guard to perform at Macy's Thanksgiving Day

    The United States Air Force Band and Honor Guard will be traveling to New York City to perform a featured patriotic tribute, "This is My Country," in the 86th Annual Macy's Day Parade® on Thanksgiving Day 2012.Marching 200 strong, these premier ceremonial units from the 11th Operations Group will

  • 563rd Rescue Group receives first combat ready HC-130J Combat King II

    Making its Air Force debut, the first combat ready HC-130J Combat King II touched down on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., as the centerpiece of an induction ceremony presided by Col. Jason Hanover, 563rd Rescue Group commander Nov. 15.The 563rd Rescue Group directs flying operations for the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Saving children, winning smiles

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)With a mission to win hearts and minds through pediatrics, he deployed from the 509th Medical Operations Squadron to Afghanistan Dec. 2011 to June

  • Falcons topple Hawai'i, 21-7

    Ground and pound: that was the entire offense for Air Force as the Falcons, in their last home game of the season Nov. 16, emerged victorious over the Hawai'i Warriors, 21-7 and earned a bid to play in the 2012 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. The Falcons, who entered their Senior Night game with

  • Band ramps up engagement as command position returns to Japan

    As U.S. forces rebalance to the Pacific, one group of Air Force musicians looks to play its way to new levels of engagement throughout the world's largest region.After a five-year absence, the command position for the Air Force's Band of the Pacific has returned to Yokota Air Base, Japan -- and with

  • AFOSI helps those traveling abroad via AF Portal

    Air Force Office of Special Investigations has streamlined the foreign travel briefing program to better serve active-duty Air Force members and Department of the Air Force civilian employees before, during and after their trips abroad.Improvements have been made to the foreign travel pre-brief and

  • New spouses, former spouses and children entitled to benefits

    If you're newly married, newly divorced, have dependent children or have a child who was born out of wedlock you may be confused about military benefits. Some family situations are complicated or even awkward, so Airmen may be reluctant to pursue benefits to which their dependents - or former

  • Vehicle maintainers roll into digital age

    Although many of the  technological innovations the U.S. military makes are large scale, staying up to speed can also require small, yet significant, changes at every level, which streamline processes for the workforce.The 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle management flight at Kunsan Air

  • Civilians must schedule use or lose leave before Dec. 1

    The 2012 civilian employee leave year ends Jan. 12, 2013, and Air Force Personnel Center officials remind civilians that those who have more than the maximum carryover hours of annual leave on that date risk losing their leave.The maximum carryover ceiling is 240 hours for stateside employees, 360

  • AF leaders brief BMT sexual misconduct investigation findings

    Air Force leaders announced Nov. 14 to members of the press here the results of the commander-directed investigation regarding the occurrences of sexual misconduct within basic military training between October 2010 and June 2011.The CDI was commissioned by Gen. Edward Rice, commander of Air

  • Air Force leaders issue statement on BMT investigation

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III issued the following statement today:"Sexual assault is a crime and there is absolutely no place for it in our Air Force. To this end Air Education and Training Command pursued an exhaustive look at the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Cuban boy fulfills dream of becoming American Airman

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Under a star-studded night in their native Cuba, a young boy and his stepbrother made a promise to each other. If they ever somehow made it to the United

  • 19 stories of heroism highlighted in 'Veterans in Blue'

    "Let me not mourn for the men who have died fighting, but rather let me be glad that such heroes have lived," said Gen. George S. Patton. For decades Airmen have answered the call to serve and protect the nation's interests, its people and the cherished freedoms that underpin it all, risking their

  • 'Today's Air Force' reviews Hurricane Sandy relief operations

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Nov. 13. On this episode's "Straight from the Top," President Barack Obama speaks about the ongoing recovery after Hurricane Sandy. Later, Staff Sgt. Shannon Ofiara shows viewers how Airman contributed to the Relief

  • New process helps prevent adverse civilian pay, records impact

    Civilian employees' supervisors will now get automatic email reminders 45 and 20 days before personnel actions are due to help prevent adverse impact on civilian pay and records, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Automatic notifications will go out for various actions, including when a

  • Original member of the Tuskegee Airmen dies

    Retired Lt. Col. Herbert Carter, 93, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, died Nov. 8 at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Ala., according to Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford.Carter was a member of the original cadre of the 99th Fighter Squadron, the first black aviatiors in the U.S. military.Born

  • Indian airmen receive C-17 maintenance training

    The Indian air force has begun sending about 100 airmen to Joint Base Charleston, S.C.,  to receive instruction from the 373rd Training Squadron Detachment 5, on how to operate the 10 C-17 Globemaster IIIs they recently purchased."The Indian air force purchased the C-17s and they need the training

  • New vehicular device saves money Air Force-wide

    All government-owned and general service administration vehicles at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas,  are scheduled to receive an automotive information module, or AIM2.AIM2 is a device that collects real-time data that will help fleet managers avoid wasting fuels and stop emissions

  • New LED fixtures light the way

    For close to two years, almost half of the street lights and parking lot lights on Peterson AFB have been disabled in an effort to cut energy costs. This past summer, the lights started coming back on in anticipation of new light-emitting diode fixtures being purchased.According to Jim Jacobsen,

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Minot missileer fights for more

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)As a previous Global Strike Challenge competitor, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., missileer 1st Lt. Shawn Burnside is no stranger to facing challenges.

  • SEAC brings inspiration to Scott AFB

    Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Oct. 28-Oct. 31.The SEAC, who is the principle advisor to the CJCS and the secretary of defense on all joint and combined total force matters, toured Team

  • Hurricane relief mission hits home with N.J. Reservists

    After the historic Hurricane Sandy battered New York and New Jersey, Airmen from across the country answered the call for help, but for the Airmen of one Reserve wing, those calls for help were coming from friends, family and neighbors.Most of the Airmen assigned to the 514th Air Mobility Wing at

  • AF establishes full-time presence in Poland

    U.S. officials praised the long-standing relationship with Poland as they celebrated the first full-time U.S. military presence in that nation yesterday.During a ceremony at Lask Air Base, located about 100 miles southwest of Warsaw, U.S. Air Force personnel flew the American flag, marking the

  • Cody named next Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III has named Chief Master Sgt. James A. Cody to serve as the 17th chief master sergeant of the Air Force.Cody will assume his new position on Feb. 1, following the Jan. 31 retirement of current Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy. Roy's

  • Military leave carryover extension expires Oct. 1

    Unless approved for special leave accrual, active-duty and Active Guard Reserve members who have more than 60 days of leave must use it or lose it by Oct. 1, 2013, when the temporary leave carryover extension provision expires, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today. The 2010 National

  • Top AF engineers help clear flood waters

    A team of nearly 50 Air Force civil engineers from duty locations across the country pulled together to form the 331st Air Expeditionary Group this week, to pump flood waters affecting New York coastal communities following Hurricane Sandy. The 331st AEG assembled here Saturday, Nov. 3, with

  • AF senior leaders approve doctrine restructure

    Officials at the LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., announce that by next fall, Air Force doctrine will be restructured, streamlined and accessible to anyone with an e-reader, smartphone or tablet.Dubbed "Doctrine Next," the initiative overhauls