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  • Air Force hoopsters fall short against Utah State

    Despite a furious rally in the final four and a half minutes of the game, the Air Force Academy women’s basketball team fell to Utah State University, 72-68, here Dec. 4. The loss drops the Falcons to 2-4 overall, while the Aggies improve to 3-2.After a free throw at the 4:22 mark in the second

  • Fighter pilot film about teamwork, thrill of flight

    Civilians and Airmen alike can get breathtaking insight into parts of the Air Force they may not have seen before. The IMAX film "Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag," premiered Dec. 2 at the National Air and Space Museum here. Filmgoers got an inside look at one of the Air Force's largest training

  • Murray calls people Air Force's greatest resource

    Readiness and taking care of one another are two of the Air Force’s top priorities, said the Air Force’s top enlisted leader here Dec. 1.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray said it all comes down to people being the Air Force’s greatest resource.“We are absolutely proud of what our

  • Medics, aircrews work together to save lives

    The cold, metal interior of a loud, rumbling C-130 Hercules, accompanied by the smell of jet fuel and the sight of red tracer rounds in the distance, may not seem like the ideal environment to treat patients. However, for those providing medical care to those who need it quickly, there is really no

  • Reservists seeing stars

    Seven Air Force Reserve Command brigadier generals and 14 colonels were nominated by the president Nov. 26 for promotion to the next higher rank.The nominees include two directors at AFRC headquarters at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., a numbered air force vice commander, two wing commanders and 15

  • Operation Dear Abby uses e-mail

    In 1967, a servicemember wrote advice columnist "Dear Abby" requesting "just a letter from home" for deployed troops serving during the Vietnam War.The famous columnist, known by her pseudonym, Abigail Van Buren, responded, and the Operation Dear Abby mail program was born. Through the ensuing

  • Officials announce Future Total Force initiatives

    Air Force officials plan to tap into the inherent strength and experience of all three Air Force components to increase overall combat capability.They announced six test initiatives Dec. 1 that fall under the Future Total Force plan that puts Airmen from active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force

  • CMSAF shares insight on fitness

    Almost a year into the Air Force’s new fitness program, the service’s senior enlisted Airman said he is happy with some things, but said the program is “not where it needs to be yet.”“(Air Force chief of staff Gen. John P. Jumper and I) are pleased, but we’re not so naïve to think you can change a

  • Air Force District of Washington reactivates

    The Air Force District of Washington reactivates Jan. 1 to more effectively support the war on terrorism and align the command structure in the National Capital Region with the other military services, officials said.“This (gives) the Air Force a ‘single voice’ for working cross-service issues

  • Tower dedication honors two Airmen killed in combat

    It was predicted there would not be a dry eye in the house. As the guests gathered to honor two fallen heroes, that prediction came true.Family members and tactical air control party Airmen honored fellow tactical controllers Staff Sgt. Jacob Frazier and Airman 1st Class Raymond Losano during a

  • New IMAX film a first for the Air Force

    If you have never been part of a Red Flag exercise, you can at least watch the movie. The IMAX film "Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag" premiers Dec. 2 at the Smithsonian Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center, near here. The movie is the first large format film to showcase the U.S. Air Force. The film is

  • Air Force leaders send Thanksgiving message

    The following is a Thanksgiving message from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:“Each year, Americans set aside the special day of ‘Thanksgiving’ to gather with family and friends to count their blessings. At the first Thanksgiving

  • Air Force 'e-exams' provide instant results

    Whether at home or in the field, the answer will come sooner when it comes to taking an Air Force examination.By January, Air Force Institute for Advanced Distributed Learning officials at nearby Gunter Annex will have fully implemented the e-exam computer-based testing program which will provide a

  • Airmen, bombers fueling the ‘Fury’

    More than 300 Airmen, Sailors and Marines from around the world began participating in Resultant Fury on Nov. 22. It is a three-day, $10 million demonstration, designed to showcase the first use of satellite guided J-Series weapons to sink multiple moving targets."We're matching up advanced weapons

  • Senator praises Air Force secretary

    A leading member of Congress praised Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche on the floor of the U.S. Senate on Nov. 19, just days after the secretary announced his resignation.Sen. James Inhofe paid tribute Secretary Roche’s service, specifically pointing to his efforts at revitalizing

  • Speckled Trout takes detour to aid deployed Airman

    “Airmen helping Airmen” is a statement that is made often in the ranks of the Air Force.High-ranking Air Force leaders and a C-135C Speckled Trout crew from here demonstrated it Nov. 11.The crew was preparing to leave Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, with Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and

  • French honor U.S. Air Force senior leaders

    Two Air Force senior officers were inducted recently into the French Legion d'Honneur, their highest award given for outstanding service to France.Gen. John P. Jumper, Air Force chief of staff, and Gen. John W. Handy, commander of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command, were presented

  • Jumper: AEF has been successful

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper told House Armed Services Committee members that while reconstitution of air expeditionary forces is not moving as quickly as expected, the concept is battle-proven.The Air Force's highest-ranking uniformed member testified before the House of

  • Air Force engineers help Soldiers build field bases

    From their desks miles away from forward-operating bases, Combined Task Force-Coyote engineers are improving the lives of deployed Soldiers and Marines. During their five-month deployment here, 11 Airman deployed from Missouri Air National Guard work alongside Army engineers designing buildings,

  • Big Brother reunites with ‘little’

    After losing his life possessions to a fire, his parents separating and losing motivation to do daily activities, one boy found help from an Airman now stationed here.As a preteen, Xzavior Hill said he had no direction to his life. His goal was simply to pass each day with as little effort as

  • Airman receives 'Grateful Nation Award'

    An Airman was among six servicemembers honored for heroism in the war on terrorism at an award dinner Nov. 15 in Arlington, Va.Tech. Sgt. Robert Jeeves received the award as a tactical air coordinator attached to U.S. Army Special Forces. The honorees performed acts of heroism, putting the mission

  • Airman achieves dream to fly 'into the wild blue yonder'

    The anticipation shines in his eyes. The smile on his face is genuine and easy. His demeanor exudes an infectious energy.Capt. Terry Tyree Jr. gets to fly today.It has taken him 14 years, three technical schools and a positive attitude to achieve his dream of becoming an Air Force pilot.He

  • SECAF ‘vector’ addresses resignation

    In the latest edition of “The Secretary’s Vector,” released Nov. 17, Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche discusses his resignation as the 20th service secretary.Secretary Roche said he accepted the position from President George W. Bush with the intention to serve one term and then return

  • Children experience military 'deployment'

    Children here recently got a taste of what their military parents go through when deploying during Operation Kids Investigating Deployment Services.Tech. Sgt. Senya Zeitvogel, noncommissioned officer in charge of family readiness at the 82nd Mission Support Squadron here, said she planned this event

  • Roche submits resignation

    Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche announced his resignation Nov. 16."I'm honored to have served the president, the secretary of defense and the terrific Airmen I've come to know and love in the past few years as the secretary of the Air Force,” he said. “I've served with talented

  • Space assets critical to winning war on terrorism

    Space-based assets are proving critical to winning the war on terrorism, according to the commander of Air Force Space Command.“You cannot go to war and win without space,” Gen. Lance W. Lord said during a live appearance on “Fox and Friends” here Nov. 11.The command comprises about 40,000 space

  • AAFES offers support to servicemembers

    With the holidays quickly approaching, many Americans are searching for ways to reach out to troops stationed overseas. Anticipating a rush of mail from well-wishers, Department of Defense officials remind people that, "Due to security concerns and transportation constraints, the DOD no longer

  • Abizaid asks Congress to help stop unsolicited mail

    The commander of U.S. Central Command is asking Congress for help in eliminating unsolicited mail to servicemembers.Army Gen. John P. Abizaid said the military mail service is running at capacity, and he noted the propensity of America to be especially generous during the holidays."I would greatly

  • AF participates in Veterans Day tribute at Redskins' game

    Thousands of sports fans and patriots were entertained here Nov. 14 by the Washington Redskins and Cincinnati Bengals football teams and the U.S. Air Force. The day's main attraction was the Redskins' battle against the Bengals, but as part of a tribute to American military veterans, the Air Force

  • Air Force aims for ‘weapons-grade’ vision

    In June, the Air Force vice chief of staff and surgeon general approved wavefront-guided LASIK surgery for aviators in aircraft flying at altitudes of less than 14,000 feet. WFG-LASIK is a new generation of laser eye surgery that maps subtle irregularities in the cornea before the procedure,

  • Air Force senior leaders visit Tallil Air Base

    According to the Air Force’s senior leaders, the Airmen serving in Southwest Asia today are exceeding expectations as they press forward in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.“We expect you to be great, but with all that we’ve seen firsthand, you’re even better than we expected,” said Chief Master

  • Experience, fresh eyes ensure airfield security

    Airman Michael Roomsburg stopped the Humvee as Staff Sgt. Chad Marten called to notify the security forces command post that the Delta-5 external security response team was set to patrol outer perimeter road.“I’ll man the turret,” said Airman Roomsburg, an active-duty Airman deployed from Pope Air

  • Veterans send gifts to deployed Airmen

    Servicemembers and DOD civilians serving here began receiving military assistance communication kit packages Nov. 4.The MACK Packs were donated through a Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary VFW program called Operation Uplink. The packs contained a writing tablet, holiday cards with

  • Air Force leaders send Veterans Day message

    The following is a Veterans Day message from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper:“Each year, America honors its veterans for the sacrifices and hard-fought successes of so many of its citizens -- those who have worn the uniform as Soldiers,

  • Reserve volunteers to see longer overseas tour lengths

    The leader of Air Force Reserve Command said Airmen volunteering for duty are leading his command’s ability to support the war effort; however, changes to the amount of time people will be asked to be overseas are on the horizon.Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, chief of the Air Force Reserve and AFRC

  • Senior leaders discuss Air Force future

    The Air Force’s top three leaders stopped at this forward-deployed location Nov. 8 while on their tour through Southwest Asia. Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche, Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray met with Airmen of the 386th Air

  • Air Force honors spouses with pin

    Air Force officials have expanded the pin program to recognize and thank those who support the efforts of Airmen around the world by introducing the Air Force spouse pin. This pin joins the Air Force employer pin and parent pin as one of the service’s most visible public outreach programs.Peter B.

  • Navy admiral commands NORAD, Northern Command

    Before a full house, Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating assumed command of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command from Gen. Ralph E. "Ed" Eberhart in ceremonies here Nov. 5. The former director of the Joint Staff is the first non-Air Force officer to command NORAD since its

  • Now showing: Nov. 8 edition of AFTV News

    Air Force operation of the large medical facility at Balad Air Base, Iraq, spotlights the Nov. 8 edition of Air Force Television News. Tech. Sgt. Joy Josephson spent a week at the hospital, chronicling the treatment of wounded servicemembers by Air Force medics. Tech. Sgt. Bill Scherer also

  • Air Force’s top leaders visit Southwest Asia

    The Air Force’s top civilian, officer and enlisted leaders visited more than 5,000 Airmen at this forward-deployed location Nov. 4 as they kicked off their swing through Southwest Asia.Sporting the Air Force’s new proposed utility uniform, Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche, Chief of

  • Air Force leaders premiere new uniform

    When Air Force leaders arrived at this forward-deployed location Nov. 4, they wore the latest proposed replacement for the battle dress uniform.“I was surprised to see them wearing the newer version of the uniform,” said Master Sgt. Sharon Kegler, a first sergeant deployed from McGuire Air Force

  • Deployed Airmen getting new physical training uniform first

    When the Air Force chief of staff announced a new fitness standard in July 2003, he promised Airmen a new physical training uniform in which to prepare. That new uniform is now ready, and Airmen serving in Southwest Asia will be the first to get them, said Senior Master Sgt. Jacqueline Dean, the Air

  • Third DOS rollback takes effect

    As a part of force shaping, Air Force personnel officials have implemented a third enlisted date of separation rollback.The program “rolls back” the date of separation of enlisted Airmen with specific re-enlistment eligibility codes, or assignment availability codes. These Airmen will have less

  • Panel discusses people, command and control, IT

    A panel of senior officers discussed the importance of people, strong command and control, and information technology innovations during the Airlift/Tanker Association convention here Oct. 30.The panel consisted of Gen. John W. Handy, commander of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility

  • American Indian business ‘proud provider’ to Uncle Sam

    During the War of 1812, a group of American Indians living in Alabama supported the United States in that war against Great Britain. Today, Poarch Creek Indians in Atmore, Ala., own and work in a company whose products find their way to Air Force warfighters.The tribal-owned small business, whose

  • Officials stress troop support mail policy

    Department of Defense officials announced the continued suspension of the “Any Servicemember” mail program Nov. 2. Accordingly, the general public is urged not to send unsolicited mail, care packages or donations to servicemembers during the holiday season.During this time of the year, the number

  • General Jumper discusses transformation

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper addressed thousands of troops as the final keynote speaker at the Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium here Oct. 30.The general spoke on how far the Air Force has evolved in recent years and what he sees for the future.“We, as Airmen, face what can only

  • Leaders unveil updated utility uniform colors, pattern

    Responding to Airmen’s feedback, Air Force leaders unveiled an alternative utility uniform color scheme and pattern Nov. 2 as part of the ongoing wear-test that was announced in August 2003.Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper and Chief Master

  • Task forces enhance global mobility support

    Air Mobility Command’s expeditionary mobility task forces, now a year old, were highlighted during the 2004 Airlift/Tanker Association Convention here Oct. 29.Brig. Gen. Bobby J. Wilkes, commander of the 21st Expeditionary Mobility Task Force at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., described the units as

  • Law allows write-in ballot for U.S.-based troops, families

    The fiscal 2005 National Defense Authorization Act has made two changes available for some stateside voters, effective, where applicable, for the Nov. 2 election. Changes are: -- Servicemembers on active duty, in the Merchant Marine or a family member living in the United States but not at their

  • AFIT honors 2004 distinguished alumni

    The Air Force Institute of Technology honored two 2004 distinguished alumni here Oct. 29. Retired Maj. Gen. Robert R. Rankine and Dr. Edward T. Curran were selected for their pioneering roles in science, engineering and education.“The title of ‘distinguished alumnus’ is the highest honor that AFIT

  • Air Force musicians join AEF rotations

    Air Force bandsmen rarely play to boisterous crowds of 2,000 people dancing, singing and stage-diving, but at one deployed location in Southwest Asia, that is what happened. The show was among several in the Middle East as part of the Air Force Band of Mid-America’s tour during its first air and

  • British team shoots to top at Defender Challenge 2004

    An eight-person British team took home the top award at the worldwide security forces competition Defender Challenge 2004 held here Oct. 22 to 28.The Royal Air Force Regiment took first in the grueling fitness challenge event and third in the Sadler Cup tactical exercise. These wins earned them the

  • 2004 Airlift/Tanker Association convention convenes

    Signifying the tremendous role that reserve forces play in the air mobility mission, the leaders of the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve kicked off the 2004 Airlift/Tanker Association Convention here Oct. 29. Lt. Gen. Daniel James III, ANG director, and his reserve component colleague,

  • General Myers praises troops, addresses concerns

    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers addressed this year’s Airlift/Tanker Association convention here Oct. 29 with one main goal in mind.“I wanted to look you in the eye and tell you how important you are to this great country of ours. You are our future,” he said.

  • New CMSAF insignia debuts Nov. 1

    A new chief master sergeant of the Air Force insignia debuts Nov. 1, and stands out as a highly distinguished symbol representative of all Airmen, officials said.The new insignia contains the Great Seal of the United States of America and two stars in the upper blue field. The chevrons and the

  • AEF Center commander explains longer cycle

    The effect of the expanded air and space expeditionary force tour lengths on troop morale was addressed here by the general in charge of the deployment schedule.Brig. Gen. Steven Hoog, AEF Center commander, explained how the recent extension to four-month deployments is working out.“Airmen have

  • Leaders call for evaluation of suicide prevention efforts

    Air Force senior leaders are calling for commanders to conduct full reviews of suicide prevention efforts and to ensure that all Airmen are aware of resources such as life skills and other support agencies to address the service’s highest suicide rate in nine years.As of Oct. 27, 46 active-duty

  • Physical medicine team keeps ‘sprains and strains’ down

    Things do not ever seem to slow down for the physical medicine team here. The staff of six -- an occupational therapist, a physical therapist and four physical medicine technicians -- has seen more than 1,000 patients since Sept. 20. “There’s just a continual flow of patients here,” said Maj. Brian

  • ‘Quiet Professionals’ praised by AFSOC commander

    The leader of the “Quiet Professionals” had plenty to say about the contributions Air Force Special Operations Command’s nearly 20,000 Airmen have made to the war on terrorism.“The men and women we have in our command are awesome, and it shows,” said Lt. Gen. Michael W. Wooley, AFSOC

  • Air Force summit set to start

    Nearly 1,000 people are gathering here Oct. 26 to 29 for the third annual Air Force Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance summit.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper will highlight a slate of speakers who will share insights and visions

  • Online write-in absentee ballot offered for overseas voters

    Deployed or stationed overseas and still waiting for your state absentee ballot to arrive in the mail? There's no need to sweat it out any more.The online federal write-in absentee ballot gives U.S. citizens overseas who haven't yet received the absentee ballots they applied for the chance to vote

  • Air Force surgeons train Hondurans

    In a Third World country like Honduras, trauma-care surgeons are in short supply, forcing first-line doctors to perform life-saving operations on demand.A seven-person team from Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, joined with support people from the medical element at

  • Two deployed Airmen celebrate Ramadan

    For most Airmen, deploying on the current air and space expeditionary force rotation means spending the holidays far from family and home. But for two Airmen with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing here, it means getting closer to their religious roots.Though a general order prohibits Airmen from

  • General Jumper visits Pacific Coast Air Museum

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper visited here Oct. 16 for a dedication ceremony at the Pacific Coast Air Museum.At the event, a restored F-106A Delta Dart was dedicated in honor and remembrance of General Jumper’s father, Maj. Gen. Jimmy Jumper, and the 48th Fighter Interceptor Squadron,

  • Officials activate National Security Space Institute

    Air Force Space Command officials stood up a space education and training organization here recently that they said will provide the foundation to creating a new generation of space professionals. The National Security Space Institute will be the Department of Defense's single focal point for space

  • Internet coupons stretch commissary customers' savings

    Commissary shoppers are among the top coupon clippers in the world, but the "clipping" part may someday be history. The Defense Commissary Agency is helping customers increase their savings by making Internet coupon links available on the agency's Web site."Although we sell groceries at cost, we

  • Reserve unit begins deactivating

    Already hard-pressed aircrews at this active airlift hub will be even busier starting in December when two Reserve squadrons begin deactivating after two years on active duty.The 97th and 728th Airlift Squadrons, of the Air Force Reserve’s 446th Airlift Wing here, mobilized in February 2003. Both

  • USO honors Airman at gala event

    The United Service Organizations honored an Airman from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, at the 2004 USO Gala here Oct. 14 for his unhesitating courage in saving the lives of two children.Seeing smoke coming from a house and learning that children were trapped inside, Senior Airman Nicholas Semonelle,

  • LOEs now mandatory for some deployed commanders

    With the continuing emergence of increased expeditionary mission requirements, Air Force officials are implementing a policy that will complement officer evaluations by ensuring performance in key leadership positions at deployed locations is documented.Beginning with the current air and space

  • Muslim holy month begins

    Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide, began Oct. 15The observance, with its emphasis on inner reflection, fasting and prayer, takes on special significance to U.S. servicemembers deployed to Southwest Asia, and also to an estimated 7,000 Muslims in the U.S. armed

  • Name change heralds new era at AF museum

    A dramatic era of change and growth continues to unfold at the Air Force's national museum with the institution launching a formal name change.Officials announced the name change from the U.S. Air Force Museum to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force during a ceremony Oct. 14. "The Air Force

  • Postal agency sets overseas holiday mailing dates, policies

    The dates for mailing items to and from overseas locations in time for the holidays are fast approaching, and officials at the Military Postal Service Agency here have suggestions for ensuring packages and letters arrive on time. "If packages are mailed earlier, it may be possible to use

  • Berlin Airlift vets return to Rhein-Main

    Forty-nine Berlin Airlift veterans visited here Oct. 13 to recognize the 55th anniversary of one of the end of the largest humanitarian airlift missions in the history of the U.S. Air Force.The visit culminated in a dinner where Lt. Gen. Arthur Lichte, U.S. Air Forces in Europe vice commander,

  • Roche, Jumper ‘wear test’ Osprey

    The Air Force's top two leaders got up close and personal Oct. 8 with what may become the service's latest special operations asset. Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper flew in a Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey. General Jumper served as pilot of

  • Uniform board incorporates feedback, alters design

    Based on feedback from the six-month wear test, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper decided to expand the current test program to include a pixelated tiger-striped pattern in a new color scheme on the proposed utility uniform.The expansion does not involve a full test; instead, there will

  • Thrift Savings Plan open season begins Oct. 15

    Civilian and military employees can sign up for, or change, their Thrift Savings Plan contribution amounts during the "open season" Oct. 15 to Dec. 31."TSP is a long-term retirement savings plan, which everyone should consider," said Senior Master Sgt. Felipe Ortiz, superintendent of the Air Force

  • General Martin withdraws PACOM nomination

    Gen. Gregory S. Martin requested his nomination to be commander of U.S. Pacific Command be withdrawn hours after his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing Oct. 6.A Pentagon statement said General Martin “has requested that his nomination by the Bush administration to be the new U.S.

  • Air Force still needs health professionals

    The Air Force exceeded its enlisted recruiting goal by sending 34,362 people to basic military training in fiscal 2004, but the service was unsuccessful in finding enough physicians, dentists and nurses to meet its health professions goal.The Air Force had an enlisted recruiting goal of 34,080.

  • Officials unveil new space badge

    Air Force Space Command officials unveiled a new space badge at the Strategic Space 2004 Convention in Omaha, Neb., on Oct. 7. The new badge replaces the current space and missile functional badge worn by space and missile operations professionals, said Gen. Lance W. Lord, AFSPC commander. It is

  • Airmen train with NATO allies during exercise

    Airmen from Aviano Air Base, Italy, joined forces with NATO’s newest member Oct. 4 to 7 to improve the way they rescue downed pilots.The training was part of Adriatic Rescue 04, a U.S.-Slovenian combat search-and-rescue exercise.While Slovenia conducted similar training with the United States

  • Myers: Changing military culture key to transformation

    The most important area for transformation is the space "between our warfighters' ears," said the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.During an interview, Gen. Richard B. Myers addressed the need for servicemembers and Department of Defense civilians to transform the way they think. He said DOD

  • Officials unveil employment initiative for wounded vets

    Injured servicemembers returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan will get individualized job training, counseling and re-employment services, Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao said Oct. 4.During a signing ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here, Ms. Chao joined Army Maj. Gen. Kenneth Farmer

  • Memphis Belle to find new home at AF Museum

    Air Force officials announced plans Oct. 4 to relocate the World War II B-17 "Memphis Belle" to the Air Force museum near Dayton, Ohio.No date has been set, but officials said they expect the move to occur before the end of the year in conjunction with activities planned to observe the 60th

  • Efforts speed up cargo shipments to warfighters

    America’s warfighters are receiving necessary equipment and supplies more quickly and predictably, thanks to Defense Logistics Agency and Air Mobility Command officials’ efforts to improve their processes for packaging and moving military cargo.Beginning this summer, all Department of Defense

  • AMC officials recognize civil reserve employees

    Air Mobility Command officials have begun awarding hundreds of Aerial Achievement Medals and thousands of certificates of appreciation to the employees of commercial air carriers called to duty during the Civil Reserve Air Fleet activation in 2003.The fleet of commercial passenger and cargo aircraft

  • Former Air Force official gets nine months in prison

    Darleen Druyun, former principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisitions and management, was sentenced Oct. 1, to nine months in federal prison by a U.S. District Court judge.Earlier this year, Ms. Druyun pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate Title 18, Section 208(a) of the

  • Tyndall's youth sports program earns award

    The youth center staff here will receive one of five 2004 Excellence in Youth Sports Awards from the National Alliance for Youth Sports and Athletic Business magazine. Baseball all-star Cal Ripkin Jr. will present the award Nov. 12 in Orlando, Fla.The award recognizes organizations worldwide that

  • Airmen use GBU-38 in combat

    During one particular night shift recently, a team primarily composed of Air National Guardsmen conducted the first successful drop of a GBU-38 bomb in combat.The majority of the people connected to the effort came from the Alabama Air National Guard and were supplemented by Airmen from Illinois and

  • Recruiter guilty in murder-for-hire plot

    After a two-week general court-martial, Tech. Sgt. Rodney Wells was found guilty here Oct. 1 of conspiracy to commit murder and attempted conspiracy to commit murder. Sergeant Wells was also found not guilty of a third charge, which included three specifications of solicitation to commit murder and

  • Patient support pallet used for first time on KC-10

    Air Mobility Command supports more than 24,000 worldwide patient movements on nearly 2,500 aeromedical-evacuation missions annually, yet none had been scheduled on a KC-10 Extender mission until now.In a special request by South Korean officials to the U.S. State Department, a South Korean college

  • Upcoming summit shapes new sexual-assault policies

    Decisions made at a senior-leader summit are expected to have a sweeping effect on the Defense Department's sexual-assault prevention and response efforts, said the task force commander charged with turning the group's recommendations into DOD-wide policies.The Oct. 6 summit, made up of senior

  • Airmen brace for new fitness test

    The Air Force chief of staff fired a shot across the bow in July 2003 that got the attention of Airmen everywhere.Gen. John P. Jumper forewarned that a new fit-to-fight program would replace the cycle ergometry test and encouraged everyone to get ready. Staff Sgt. Kurt Hartmann did not, and he paid

  • Memo improves job protection for guardsmen, reservists

    Attorney General John Ashcroft and Labor Secretary Elaine Chao have signed a memorandum of understanding to ensure employment rights of people returning from military service are vigorously protected.The memorandum streamlines and strengthens enforcement of the Uniformed Services Employment and

  • Judge advocate general steps down amid investigation

    The Air Force’s top lawyer was granted a request to be relieved from his duties until an inspector general investigation about certain activities is resolved.On Sept. 22, Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and the Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper approved a request by Air

  • ‘Eyes of the North’ steady as AF moves mission to Guard

    Defending the homeland is one of the key missions of the Air National Guard, and Oct. 1, the Alaska Air National Guard will officially assume operations of the Air Force’s regional air operation center here. The center’s mission is to provide ready teams to operate and maintain North American

  • Despite predictable weather, specialists still keep busy

    When an area averages an annual temperature of about 100 degrees and less than 1 inch of rain, a person could assume that the weather is fairly predictable. One could also assume that a bunch of weather specialists would not be gainfully employed at such a location. But then again, everyone knows

  • Academy town hall meeting reaches worldwide audience

    The Air Force’s three top leaders opened a town hall meeting here Sept. 27 by speaking about the service’s force size and its future in space.Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper explained the current force management is “not a cut” but designed to reshape the force. “It is getting us down to where

  • McGuire welcomes first C-17 Globemaster III

    People here welcomed the nation’s newest, most modern airlifter Sept. 24 during a special arrival ceremony.“The Spirit of New Jersey” is the first of 13 C-17 Globemaster IIIs McGuire will eventually receive.“It is just a wonderful day for McGuire,” said Gen. John W. Handy, commander of U.S.

  • Tennessee Guard moves, prepares for C-5s

    Air Force officials signed a land-exchange agreement with the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority on Sept. 20 allowing the Tennessee Air National Guard’s 164th Airlift Wing more space to convert from C-141B Starlifters to C-5 Galaxys.Fred Kuhn, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for