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  • WW II pilot awarded Distinguished Service Cross

    In a long overdue award ceremony here Feb. 2, an American hero was presented the Army's Distinguished Service Cross for leading a formation of B-24s on an extremely dangerous mission during World War II. Then-Capt. Walter T. Holmes, operations officer for the 68th Bombardment Squadron, 44th

  • Project Sanctuary provides retreat for military families

    Whether it's sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows in the winter or standing in the middle of a creek fishing during the summer, a Colorado troop-support group is promising a week-long retreat full of fun and relaxation for 80 deserving military families this year. Project Sanctuary will

  • Special ops 'fight' persistent conflicts around the world

    A panel of experts provided insights on persistent conflicts throughout the world to more than 300 participants in the 20th Annual Special Operations/Low-Intensity Conflict symposium here Feb. 10. Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Lawrence P. Farrell Jr., president and chief executive officer of the

  • Cope North 09-1 comes to end

    U.S. and Japanese forces completed an annual two-week bilateral exercise Feb. 14, that was designed to increase interoperability between the two nations. Cope North 09-1 is a Pacific-Command sponsored exercise that was designed and developed by 13th Air Force, Detachment 1, to increase combat

  • Leaders meet for series of high-level 'warfighter talks'

    Chief of Staff of the Army General George W. Casey Jr. and Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz, along with 35 other general officers from both services, met Feb. 10 in the Pentagon for a day-long exchange to discuss areas of mutual interest regarding interdependency and

  • Airman earns Army combat spurs

    A time honored Army tradition took place here Feb. 10, as many Soldiers earned their combat spurs. But what made the ceremony even more unique was among the recipients was an Airman. Senior Airman Keith Booze, Multi-National Corps-Iraq Assistance Group personnel technician, was presented his combat

  • Exercise demonstrates special ops capabilities

    Air Force Special Operations Command officials are hosting a field exercise at Hurlburt Field Feb. 2 through 13 designed to train forces in combat scenarios. Called Emerald Warrior, the exercise is taking place at training grounds on Hurlburt Field and nearby Eglin Air Force Base, and focuses on

  • Officials host first Nuclear Surety Inspector's Course

    Inspectors throughout the Air Force attended the first Nuclear Surety Inspector's Course from Feb. 2 to 6 at the Air Force Inspection Agency, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. As Air Force leaders reinvigorate the nuclear program, the implementation of this class was a top priority. The objective of the

  • NASCAR crew learns what drives basic training success

    NASCAR driver Reed Sorenson, who drives the No. 43 Air Force-sponsored car, and his crew got a taste of a basic military trainee's life during a recent two-day visit to Lackland Air Force Base. The tour was part of an effort by Air Force Recruiting Service officials to prepare Mr. Sorenson and the

  • Airmen demonstrate JTAC training, equipment for Congress

    Airmen from the Warrior Preparation Center were on Capitol Hill last week to demonstrate to Congress how Airmen work with joint partners to provide close-air support for troops on the ground. Specifically, the Airmen displayed their simulation training gear used to train joint terminal attack

  • Medical team hikes into mountains to care for children

    During a two-week exercise in early February, a team of 16 medical doctors, nurse practitioners, dietitians and medical students conducted pediatric nutrition evaluations for families without the means or access to regular medical care in the remote mountains near Marcala, Honduras. The team

  • AFMC commander visits Southwest Asia

    Gen. Donald Hoffman, Air Force Materiel Command commander, visited the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Feb. 9 as part of a multi-base tour of bases in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The trip is the general's first to the AOR since taking command of AFMC in November. "I'm here to

  • Operational weather squadron picks up new responsibilities

    The 15th Operational Weather Squadron here will assume short-term back-up responsibilities for the National Weather Service's Aviation Weather Center and Storm Prediction Center on April 1. AWC provides aviation warnings and forecasts of hazardous flight conditions at all levels within domestic and

  • Constructing an air corps from the ground up

    Airmen from the U.S. Air Force and the Afghan National Army Air Corps are working side-by-side to provide an airpower capability to the nation of Afghanistan. The Afghan Army was created six years ago with the air corps element subsequently created four years later. The training mission to grow

  • Captain explains SARC program to House subcommittee

    Capt. Daniel Katka was on Capitol Hill Jan. 28 to discuss how the Air Force helps victims of sexual assault. Captain Katka, a sexual assault response coordinator at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, joined a panel of sister service representatives to answer questions from the Military Personnel

  • 'Military Saves' campaign battles debt

    Servicemembers have been lulled into a false sense of financial security by marketing campaigns that encourage them to overspend. It's a real David vs. Goliath battle that Chaplain (Maj.) Sarah Shirley is all too familiar with. "We're this little guy with a slingshot up against this big giant and

  • Blue Coach improves security forces Airmen tactics, training

    Airmen from the 5th Security Forces Squadron are participating in a series of training classes, which began Jan. 5, in an Air Force-wide initiative to improve the tactics, awareness, vigilance and survivability of security forces here. "This training better prepares us for any situation we may come

  • Airmen train Afghan officers on command, control

    American Airmen graduated 16 senior Afghan air corps officers following a four-week-long course on command and control operations Jan. 24 at the Kabul International Airport. Air Force advisers from the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing and the 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group taught the Afghan

  • Bagram Airmen recover crippled aircraft

    More than 120 Airmen, Defense Department civilians and contractors removed a crippled C-17 Globemaster III from the runway Feb. 2 at Bagram Airfield after receiving damage while landing Jan. 30.Emergency response crews sprang into action shortly after the aircraft screeched to a stop and base

  • MQ-1B Predator accident report released

    An ignition module failure caused the crash of an MQ-1B Predator east of Ali Base, Iraq, May 2, according to an Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released Feb. 3. The $3.8 million Predator was assigned to the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. There were no injuries or

  • Airmen keep B-1B ready for bombs on target

    Keeping B-1B Lancers constantly ready to help coalition forces defeat terrorists are Airmen assigned to the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Unit here. With its ability to carry the largest payload of any aircraft in the U.S. inventory and flying in excess of 900 mph while fully loaded, maintainers work 24

  • Airmen aid in Iraqi election ballot transport

    Members from the 321st Air Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here did their part in assisting Iraq in the election process Feb. 2. Maj. Scott Volk and Capt. Chris Dickens, both C-130 Hercules evaluation pilots and aviation advisers for the Iraqi air force, and Master Sgt. Louis Carter, a 321st AEAS

  • 'Today's Air Force' features training

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Airmen continue train their counterparts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. And another type of training, one that is credited with making the Air Force the premier air and space force in the world is human performance training. See how science is

  • Entertainers join Elmo to help military families find 'new normal'

    Sesame Workshop will air a PBS special Apr. 1 aimed at helping military families cope with changes. Actor/singer Queen Latifah and singer John Mayer will join Elmo to present, "Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change." The special carries a message for children whose parents suffered a

  • Osan Airmen train to fight

    Osan Air Base Airmen train throughout the year to survive and operate in war, and members of the 51st Security Forces Squadron here ensure the base is properly defended. Upon arrival to Osan AB, officer and enlisted security forces members go through a six-day combat readiness course to get Airmen

  • A venerable C-130 makes its final run

    After 47 years of service without a single hit, a C-130 with the 386th Expeditionary Operations Group here has flown its last combat mission and will be retired to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Airmen in the 386th EOG and 386th

  • Airmen support Iraqi elections, see history in making

    Joint Base Balad Airmen are engaged in the Iraqi sky as Iraqis get ready to participate in their country's electoral process Jan. 31, the first time since 2005. "U.S. and coalition airpower is uniquely qualified to provide non-intrusive security support to the government of Iraq as it conducts this

  • Chief of staff keynoter at Vance pilot graduation

    Student pilot Class 09-04 here had a special visitor at their graduation ceremony Jan. 23.  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz attended the ceremony and presented the keynote address."The American people place a very special trust in those of us who wear the uniform," the general told the

  • American, British forces hone warfighting skills together

    American Airmen and British joint terminal attack controllers and U.S. Army joint fires observers improved their warfighting skills here in preparation for an upcoming deployment. The U.S. Army's 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division from Fort Carson, Colo., currently is conducting their

  • American servicemembers aid Iraqi communications

    Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq directorate of communications officials in Baghdad currently are using Air Tasking Order concepts to shape the cyber battlefield for the Iraqi government. "We are trying to help people build a nation and create national self-sufficiency," said Col.

  • Program improves patient safety through enhanced teamwork, communication

    A Defense Department program is transforming military health care during deployment by enhancing communication and teamwork skills among health care professionals, a master trainer in the program said. Developed by specialists with the Defense Department's Patient Safety Program, Team Strategies and

  • Physician assistant makes difference in Afghan lives

    Servicemembers of the Provincial Reconstruction Team Paktya in Gardez, Afghanistan, are helping to develop the infrastructure necessary for the Afghan people to succeed in a post-conflict environment.One member of the Paktya PRT is Capt. James Parris.The physician assistant from the 96th Medical

  • Servicemembers search for Americans in capsized boat

    Servicemembers from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa participated in a three-day rescue operation in an effort to save three Americans from a capsized sailboat 260 miles off coast of Madagascar in late January. One of the three Americans was found alive after being spotted by servicemembers

  • New Air Force chief of safety takes charge

    Kirtland Air Force Base officials welcomed the service's new top safety officer in a Jan. 13 change-of-command ceremony here.Maj. Gen. Frederick F. Roggero became the Air Force chief of safety and commander of the Air Force Safety Center at Kirtland AFB, replacing Maj. Gen. Wendell L. Griffin, who

  • Largest deployment of F-22s under way

    Twenty-four F-22 Raptors and hundreds of Airmen deployed to the Pacific region for a three-month deployment in support of the Pacific global deterrence mission.Twelve F-22s deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, arrived Jan. 18 to Andersen AFB, Guam, and the week prior 12 F-22s from Langley

  • Major's medal, artifacts on display at Air Force museum

    One of the first Airmen to earn an Air Force Combat Action Medal donated his award, alongside others, to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Maj. Steve Raspet, the 12th Operations Group T-6A Texan II standards and evaluation branch chief and an

  • Vance pilots use self-aid, buddy care to save the day

    Two Vance Air Force Base pilots used the skills learned in self-aid and buddy care training to aid three civilians who were in a small plane that crashed Dec. 19 near Kalaeloa Airport in Oahu, Hawaii. Capts. John and Katie McGregor were on vacation in Hawaii from Dec. 16 to Dec. 25 with family when

  • Decisions loom for Joint Strike Fighter Program

    Decisions about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and F-22 Raptor aircraft programs are expected early in President Barack Obama's administration. The F-35 program manager said Jan. 15 he sees strong support for the F-35 from the services, allied partners and, so far, on Capitol Hill. Based on initial

  • Deployed F-22 Raptors arrive at Andersen

    Twelve F-22 Raptors deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, arrived here Jan. 18, for a three month deployment in support of Pacific Global Deterrence mission. As part of the continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements, additional forces like the 90th Expeditionary

  • General Petraeus visits Manas Air Base

    Manas Airmen briefly hosted Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. Central Command commander, as he arrived in Kyrgyzstan for the start of a several day visit with Kyrgyz leaders. The visit was the general's first to Manas AB and the central Asian nation since assuming command of CENTCOM in October 2008.

  • Andrews officials launch tactical fitness center

    Base leaders here took a groundbreaking new stride in combat fitness training capability Jan. 15 with the ribbon-cutting of the Andrews Tactical Fitness Center. The center supports the 316th Wing's goal of "Airmen fit and ready to fight and win across the whole spectrum" with a new policy and

  • F-22s begin training in Japan

    F-22 Raptors took to the sky over Japan Jan. 14 as members of the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron began flight operations with Kadena Air Base officials. More than 200 Airmen and 12 F-22s from Langley Air Force Base, Va., are operating out of Kadena AB to demonstrate the continued U.S.

  • Captain named top air liaison officer in Air Force

    An Air Force Special Operations Command captain was named the service's top air liaison officer for 2008 recently. This year's annual winner is Capt. Christopher Wilson who is assigned to the 17th Air Support Operations Squadron and is the tactical air control party flight commander for Operating

  • Airmen dedicate memorial to 1988 C-130 crew

    A lone C-130 Hercules propeller blade stands erect, chipped, worn and scratched, telling a silent story of an end to six lives on June 8, 1988. The blade -- obtained from the C-130 Hercules that crashed -- is a poignant symbol of the tragic loss of life that occurred that summer day. The memory of

  • Air Force remains committed to unmanned aircraft systems

    Air Force officials are "all in" with regard to unmanned aircraft systems, and understand the Defense secretary's direction to field the systems in the combat theater as fully and quickly as possible, a senior leader said Jan. 12 here. Lt. Gen. Norman R. Seip, the commander of 12th Air Force and Air

  • Museum opens exhibit dedicated to 'Warrior Airmen'

    A new exhibit at the National Museum of the United States Air Force now gives visitors a chance to see not only the service's past, but also its present and future.Called "Warrior Airmen," the new exhibit highlights how today's Airmen are contributing to the war on terrorism, both in the air and on

  • Airman dies following training exercise

    A 30-year old male Airman assigned to the 342nd Training Squadron as a combat control apprentice died Jan. 12 at Wilford Hall Medical Center here. Staff Sergeant Kenneth J. Wilburn lost consciousness while participating in an above-water treading exercise at the Lackland training pool Jan. 9.

  • Raptors return to the Pacific

    Six F-22 Raptors arrived at Kadena Air Base, Jan. 10, as part of a three-month deployment in support of U.S. Pacific Command's security obligations in the Western Pacific. The planes arrived after a 10-hour flight from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. The F-22s, part of the 27th Fighter Squadron, are

  • Air Force activates provisional Global Strike Command

    Air Force officials officially stood up a provisional Global Strike Command Jan. 12 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. The provisional command will be temporarily located at the Washington, D.C., base with supporting detachments at Air Combat Command and Air Force Space Command. Its charter is to lead

  • Airman receives Purple Heart from chief of staff

    On Christmas Eve, Master Sgt. David Webber wasn't thinking about Santa or sugarplums. He wasn't wrapping presents for his two boys or his wife. He was in a guard tower. In Afghanistan. Helping scan for snipers. But that was before being hit with chunks of shrapnel that had him losing a pint of blood

  • Nuclear Weapons Management panel recommends changes

    Pentagon officials here need to bolster internal management systems that address nuclear weapons issues, said the leader of a special task force appointed by the Defense secretary here Jan. 8. Since the Cold War ended, the nuclear deterrence force "has sometimes been neglected within the Department

  • VA officials assist veterans with health care costs

    For veterans struggling financially due to a job loss or decreased income, Department of Veterans Affairs officials offer an assortment of programs that can relieve the costs of health care or provide care at no cost. Veterans whose previous income was ruled too high for VA health care may be able

  • Alaska Air Guard members save 167 lives in 2008

    Alaska National Guard members saved 167 lives here in Alaska and around the world in 2008. Officials of the 11th Rescue Coordination Center, the sole Alaska representative responsible for all aeronautical search and rescue cases in Alaska, released their end of year statistics Dec. 31. The Alaska

  • Force protection Airmen learn to use another tool

    Force protection augmentees with the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here have added an intermediate item to their tool belt when they began training on how to use a collapsible baton here recently. The batons allow Airmen to engage an opponent using nondeadly force in accordance with

  • Radio program enables speedy personnel recovery

    Officials of the Electronic Systems Center delivered the 20,000th Combat Survivor Evader Locator radio to operators in the fall of 2008, and now are on track to deliver an additional 20,000 to warfighters. Credited with saving many lives, CSELs have been in use in Iraq and in Afghanistan for several

  • Charleston Airmen return from war

    More than 130 Charleston Air Force Base Airmen returned here Jan. 3 from their 120-day deployment in Southwest Asia supporting the war on terrorism. While deployed, the Airmen of the 15th Airlift Squadron served under the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron and supported operations Enduring

  • Airmen prep for Patriot's debut at Southwest Asian base

    Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here are laying the groundwork to welcome more than 200 Soldiers from Fort Bliss, Texas, as they set up a Patriot battery here for the first time. Airmen from more than a dozen units have been actively involved in myriad activities and projects to include

  • Team combats waterborne illness in Afghan province

    Doctors and medics with the provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan's Zabul province are teaching medical providers to purify water and reduce waterborne illnesses. PRT members taught five medical providers in Shajoy district how to operate, clean and sustain a new water purification machine

  • DOD officials expand eligibility for expeditionary medal

    Department of Defense officials recently expanded the areas of eligibility for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. The approved additions are two countries - Morocco and Burkina Faso - and Operation Nomad Shadow, with an initial area of eligibility of Turkey and Northern Iraq. In March

  • Responsibility for Green Zone security transferred to Iraqis

    United States officials formally transferred the Republican Palace back to the Iraqi government Jan. 1, a concrete symbol of the continuing improvement in the country. The transfer came about as the status of forces agreement, or SOFA, between the United States and Iraq took effect. The agreement

  • CMSAF McKinley, graduating Airmen honor enlisted heroes

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley and more than 700 Airmen preparing to graduate from basic military training honored the Air Force's enlisted heroes during today's dedication of the new Enlisted Heroes Walk here. Several dignitaries, including Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, commander

  • Deployed servicemember returns home half the Airman he used to be

    "I knew I was unhealthy and had to make some changes, especially when I thought about my five-year-old looking up at me," said Senior Airman Jarvis Johnson. "Without changes, I wouldn't be around to see him and my daughters grow up." When you ask someone what they can accomplish in six months --

  • Dec. 31 airpower summary: A-10 flies combat patrol mission

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds

  • Rescue wing sends replacements to Afghanistan

    A group of Air Force Reserve Command Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing here departed on the last leg of a 14-month deployment to Afghanistan Dec. 27 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Approximately 40 helicopter aircrew members, maintenance specialists and logistics and support personnel

  • Guard's counterdrug warriors endeavor to test one and all

    Finding a single drug abuser among thousands of servicemembers can compare to a shell game, but National Guard officials are placing all odds in their favor. Officials are striving to keep the Guard's Citizen-Airmen and -Soldiers drug free through an increase in drug tests and the integration of new

  • Thunderbirds release 2009 air show schedule

    The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds," has announced its 2009 air show schedule. In their 56th season, the Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform more than 73 shows in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Far East. Entering his second season, Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, the team's

  • Dec. 29 airpower summary: B-1Bs fly combat patrol missions

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped guided bomb unit-38s

  • Officials initiate surgical specialty training in Iraq

    Optimally managing the unique head and neck injury patterns seen in Iraq and Afghanistan has led to a successful initiative out of Wilford Hall Medical Center here: sending the first surgical fellow to a war zone for a surgical rotation. In the past, medical and surgical residents and fellows were

  • President Bush calls local loadmaster

    Christmas presents come in all shapes and sizes, but one junior enlisted Airman here received a gift he never expected -- a call from President George W. Bush. Senior Airman Dan Gutowski, 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster, found out about the surprise Dec. 23 and received the call on

  • Luke pilot reaches F-16 milestone

    In January 1979, the first operational F-16 Fighting Falcon was delivered to Hill Air Force Base, Utah.  Nearly 30 years later to the day, a pilot from here has amassed 4,000 hours flying this workhorse of the air. Col. David Lujan, 56th Operations Group deputy commander, became the 17th pilot,

  • 300 and counting -- rescue unit saves lives in Afghanistan

    Air Force reservists with the 920th Rescue Wing here have saved more than 300 U.S. troops since deploying to Afghanistan in February 2008. The Air Force Reserve Command unit is flying HH-60 helicopter missions in support the U.S. Army medical evacuation operation. Airmen from the wing and its sister

  • TACPs provide vital link between pilots, ground troops

    Although they make up one of the Air Force's smallest career fields, their mission leaves a huge impact on the battlefield and can mean life or death for troops on the ground. Tactical air control party Airmen serve as liaisons between ground commanders and pilots in the sky to eliminate the enemy's

  • USAFCENT commander visits deployed Airmen on Christmas Eve

    Much like Santa Claus pays a visit to boys and girls around the world on Christmas Eve, U.S. Air Forces Central leaders visited deployed Airmen here Dec. 24. Instead of presents, Lt. Gen. Gary North, USAFCENT commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Scott Dearduff, USAFCENT command chief, handed out words

  • Air Force engineers answer the call from Soldiers in Iraq

    "Answering the call" is a motto 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen believe in, and it's something Soldiers can attest to. This team of combat-trained engineers, assigned to the 732nd ECES Det. 6, will build anything, anywhere to help Soldiers in Iraq accomplish their mission or to

  • Airman saves lives in Afghanistan

    An Air Force Special Operations Command Airman saved lives in Afghanistan April 6 during a lengthy battle by calling in airstrikes to protect his team. Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner, a special tactics combat controller assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., was

  • Iraqi aeromedical evacuation capability continues to develop

    Iraqi medical airmen took a step in the evolution of the air force as an effective fighting force Dec. 20 as they conducted an aeromedical evacuation mission from the Air Force Theater Hospital here to the 86th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad. Three wounded patients, an Iraqi police officer and

  • NCO earns Bronze Star for actions in Iraq

    A 425th Air Base Group Anti-terrorism Force Protection NCO here received the Bronze Star at Izmir's Collocated Club for his efforts during a 12-month deployment to Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Tech. Sgt. James Thompson received the fourth-highest combat award for the U.S. armed forces from Col. Richard

  • JABS knock out communication problems for warfighters

    Joint Airborne Battle Staff members here are similar to 911 operators in the air as they ensure convoys operating throughout Iraq are never without communications. JABS crews flying on board C-130 Hercules aircraft fill in the gap wherever ground communication is limited in the war zone, which is

  • UAS students graduate from inaugural class

    Nine lieutenants graduated from the first combat familiarization program for pilots slated to fly unmanned aircraft systems Dec. 22 at Randolph Air Force Base. The four-week Unmanned Aircraft Systems Fundamentals Course, or UFC, began instruction Nov. 21 taught by 563rd Flying Training Squadron

  • ACC leaders discuss current, future challenges

    The commander of Air Combat Command and members of his A-staff spoke to 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen about current and upcoming events surrounding Air Force combat operations during an Airman's Call here earlier this month. Gen. John Corley discussed the impact of current economic trends on

  • Iraqi general visits Luke, flies in F-16

    Ten years ago, Iraqi air force Brig. Gen. Ali al-Aaragy was flying F-1 Mirage fighters for his country's air force, but on Dec. 15 he was flying in an F-16 Fighting Falcon over Arizona.The general, who works as his country's air force adviser to the minister of defense, visited Luke AFB to enhance

  • Secretary announces provisional Global Strike commander

    The secretary of the Air Force here selected a commander for the provisional Air Force Global Strike Command Dec. 18. Secretary Michael B. Donley chose Brig. Gen. James M. Kowalski to lead the provisional command.Air Force officials will propose a three-star general lead the permanent command. The

  • Trainees slew the BEAST in new basic training program

    The first group of Airman Basic trainees in the newly extended 8.5-week Basic Military Training program conquered the BEAST Dec. 15 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The BEAST, which stands for Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills and Training, is the centerpiece of the new two-week expansion that

  • F-22s scheduled to deploy to Japan, Guam

    Air Force officials have scheduled to deploy two contingents of F-22 Raptors to the Pacific theater in January 2009 for approximately three months. Current plans call for 12 of the fighters to deploy to Kadena Air Base, Japan, from Langley Air Force Base, Va., and another 12 to deploy to Andersen

  • UAS beta program underway; officials seek more applicants

    Air Force officials selected 10 Air Force officers to begin the first-ever unmanned aircraft systems beta test program to produce operators of the MQ-1 Predator. The 10 selectees will begin training Jan. 5 at Pueblo, Colo. "We were encouraged by the extremely strong interest in this program," said

  • Exercise Angel Thunder provides lifesaving training

    About 900 Air Force, joint, coalition, interagency and international players participated in a personnel recovery exercise that ran Dec. 1 through Dec. 12 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.Exercise Angel Thunder 2008 included people from the active duty Air Force and Army, Guard and Reserve, National

  • Dec. 14 airpower summary: F-15Es flies combat patrol mission

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto

  • Air Force officials honor top recruiters for 2008

    Fourteen Air Force recruiters were named tops in their field for fiscal 2008 by Air Force Recruiting Service officials here in December. Operation Blue Suit program recognizes the best recruiters worldwide for their efforts in recruiting a diverse, high-quality volunteer force to fill career fields

  • B-1B aircrews bring unique capabilities to the fight

    B-1B Lancer aircrews of the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron guard warfighters from high above Iraq and Afghanistan while carrying the largest payload of any aircraft in the theater. Squadron members are responsible for close-air support, nontraditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

  • Multinational recovery exercise kicks off at Davis-Monthan

    More than 850 ground recovery forces and 51 aircraft from the Department of Defense and numerous other countries kicked off a personnel recovery and combat search and rescue exercise Dec. 8 here. The two week-long Angel Thunder 2008 exercise allows U.S. and international military forces and numerous

  • Gates praises war effort by troops in remote air hub

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates in a town-hall session with a hundreds of Airmen and Soldiers personally thanked the troops for their efforts Dec. 11 at this dusty, remote station. This austere outpost is a main air hub into Afghanistan, providing aerial refueling, combat airdrops, medical

  • Medics, maintainers test skills at alternative careers

    How many steps does it take to prepare an F-16 Fighting Falcon to launch for a combat sortie? How stomach-turning is it to sit in on a surgery?  Staff Sgt. Ubong Okokon and Master Sgt. Mark Crew are dedicated to answering these questions and more for Airmen serving in the Air Force Theater Hospital

  • Airmen lead effort to rescue injured crewman at sea

    American Airmen and aircraft were part of an international effort over the Atlantic Ocean that saved the life of a crewmember who suffered a life-threatening head injury onboard a cargo ship Dec. 10 more than 320 miles west of Cork, Ireland. The Burmese crewmember was injured at sea on a

  • Eielson Airmen start winter road show in Hawaii

    More than 125 Eielson Air Force Base Airmen and 10 jets left Dec. 6 through 8 to provide adversary training and support to members of the 199th Fighter Squadron and the Hawaii Air National Guard at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. This is their first stop for the 28 operations personnel and about 100

  • Virtual training for real-world missions

    A $1.5 million virtual training environment housed in a hangar at the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center here offers security forces personnel and other Airmen realistic fire team convoy training. Much like an IMAX, a 280-degree screen brings to life real-world scenarios designed to put a

  • General addresses Reserve issues on Web cast

    The 4th Air Force commander took part in a worldwide Web cast panel discussion Dec. 4 here to provide an update on the Guard and Reserve. Major Gen. Robert E. Duignan was part of a three-person expert panel brought together for an appearance on "Front and Center," a monthly public affairs forum on

  • Air Force officials announce OTS selection results

    A total of 223 men and women from across America have earned an opportunity to become Air Force leaders following their selection for an officer's commission, officials here announced Dec. 9. Air Force Recruiting Service officials considered 474 applications as part of Officer Training School

  • CJCS salutes servicemembers' success at awards dinner

    U.S. troops engaged in the global war on terrorism are doing "an exceptionally hard job exceptionally well," the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said at the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs' annual awards dinner held here Dec. 8. "I believe our future is tied, as it always must

  • AMC unveils new mission statement and focus areas

    This past June, I issued a call for all AMC personnel to "return to basics," and I thank you for the renewed attention you've given to our core values and our mobility mission while restoring the Air Force's good name with your daily, outstanding mission accomplishment. Today, we build on that