NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • AFPC Airman: Don't forget, they're not all home

    It wasn't the first time she had been to the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street, but Staff Sgt. Danielle Harris' Sept. 21 visit was as emotionally energizing as if she'd never been there before. Annually, during the National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day events, New York City

  • AF nominates AFMC, AFSPC civilians for DOD award

    Two Air Force civilians have been nominated for the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award.Dr. Boris Tomasic, Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Materiel Command, and Angelica M. Collazo, 92nd Information Operations Squadron, Air Force Space Command, will represent the Air

  • Construction of second runway continues at Osan, South Korea

    A second runway for Osan Air Base is under construction as U.S. and Republic of Korea officials continue to work together to have it up and running by 2013.With oversight from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the ROK Ministry of National Defense's Defense Installations Agency has been working since

  • AFPC officials grant CMS access to additional PERSCO teams

    Air Force officials have given Personnel Support for Contingency Operations teams access to the Air Force Case Management System at more locations throughout U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces and Air Combat Command.The Air Force Personnel Center's Air and Space

  • Cape Cod wind turbines help Air Force top DOD energy goals

    Change is blowing into Cape Cod Air Force Station as the 6th Space Warning Squadron receives two new wind turbines here saving an estimated $1 million in annual energy costs. The new wind turbines are expected to cut the station's energy cost by 50 percent after the project's expected completion

  • F-15 test force celebrates 10 years of Eagle improvements

    On Oct. 12, the F-15 Operational Flight Program Combined Test Force celebrates its 10-year anniversary.The members of the unit, many of whom were there at the inception, recalled the major accomplishments and changes they've seen after 10 years.The OTP CTF is a unit composed of active/reserve

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Cadet candidate overcomes adversity

    (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.)Home has never been where 18-year old William Roe's heart is. A cadet candidate at the Academy's Preparatory School, Roe hopes to one day be an officer

  • Navy torpedoes Falcons, 28-21, in OT

    Three fumbles and two missed field goals cost Air Force the win, and likely the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy, in a 28-21 overtime loss to Navy at Falcon Stadium Oct. 6.Navy captured the momentum in the second quarter, forcing three turnovers on three successive Air Force drives, and never gave

  • AEDC's newest national space testing asset on its way to mission readiness

    A project team at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex has successfully completed an initial site acceptance test campaign on Arnold Air Force Base's new, one-of-a-kind space asset testing facility.The Space Threat Assessment Testbed can simulate a realistic operational environment to space

  • Active-duty Airmen can pass education benefits to dependents

    More than 86,000 active duty Air Force members have transferred Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits to dependent family members since the benefit transfer program was implemented in August 2009. However, many who did so were unfamiliar with the process and ended up in a difficult situation, while

  • Air Force launches new GPS satellite

    The U.S. Air Force successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Delta IV-Medium rocket carrying the third Global Positioning System IIF satellite at 8 a.m. EDT today, Oct. 4, from Space Launch Complex 37 here. "The 45th Space Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center's GPS Directorate, Boeing and

  • Sister-service PME provides valuable joint tool

    As part of a career broadening opportunity, a new nomination and selection process to attend sister-service enlisted professional military education (EPME) courses has been established for senior non-commissioned officers."The significance rests with the transformation from a first-come,

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Building partnerships by building a school

    (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.)The driver pulled down a small side street busy with activity and I realized my finger was already set on the shutter release button of my camera. I was

  • Discovery Channel series highlights C-17

    The show "Mighty Planes" took aim at a new plane, the C-17 Globemaster III, and the Discovery Channel was here to film the versatile cargo plane from Sept. 20 to Sept. 26. "The whole show Mighty Planes is exactly what it is, it's planes that are 'mighty;' that are big," said Stephen Grant, the

  • Welsh honors two Airmen from AFMAO

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III recognized two team members from Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations during a recent speech at the annual Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C.Master Sgt. Antoinette Worthey and Senior Airman

  • Airmen showcase C-17 to New Zealanders

    Thousands of New Zealanders visited the Christchurch International Airport for a chance to get a glimpse inside the cockpit of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, which deployed to Christchurch from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Sep. 29 in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2012.Airmen from the 62nd

  • Operation Deep Freeze main season begins

    The U.S. military recently kicked off the 2012-2013 season of Operation Deep Freeze, the Department of Defense's support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation. The operation began with C-17 Globemaster III operations Sept. 29 and will continue with LC-130 Hercules

  • Air Force stands up single unit to execute global CE operations

    Air Force leaders activated a single unit that will execute the civil engineering mission worldwide during a ceremony here Oct. 1.The Air Force Civil Engineer Center, a new CE field operating agency, merges the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment and Air Force Real Property Agency,

  • NORTHCOM marks 10 years protecting U.S. homeland

    Ten years ago Oct. 1, still stinging from the devastating 9/11 terror attacks, the United States stood up U.S. Northern Command with one sole mission: to deter, prevent and defeat threats and aggression aimed at the continental United States, its territories and its interests.The activation marked

  • OSI introduces new smartphone anonymous tip line

    The Air Force Office of Special Investigations has opened its first anonymous tip line that allows submissions from the Internet, via SMS (texting) or using a smartphone application. The application was created in order to capitalize on cyberspace and engage the Air Force community more effectively,

  • 'Today's Air Force' showcases AFA conference, multinational C-17 operations

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on Sept. 28.In the first segment, Airman 1st Class Daniel Burkhardt gives viewers an inside look at the Air Force Association's Technology Exposition and Conference. During the second segment, Staff Sgt. John Archiquette heads to

  • Roth contributions open to all active-duty service members

    Beginning Oct. 1, active-duty members of the Army, Navy and Air Force will be able to contribute to the Roth Thrift Savings Plan as part of their investment planning, Defense Financing and Accounting Service officials said today.The after-tax contributions will be electronically deducted from

  • First shuttle trainer introduced by NASA astronauts

    NASA Astronauts Michael Good and Michael Foreman visited the National Museum of the Air Force during a private event to formally introduce the first shuttle Crew Compartment Trainer (CCT-1) to military and community officials and preview the next steps for the exhibit. The event marked the debut of

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Father, son reconnect after a year apart

    (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.)Finding time to travel home to their family can be a challenge for many service members due to the sporadic movement and occasional deployments a

  • Wolfenbarger: AFMC 5-Center reorganization on track

    After some 18 months of planning and careful transition, Air Force Materiel Command officials are ready to declare initial operational capability of AFMC's 5-Center reorganization Oct. 1.In early July, the command began activating its new centers and consolidating others as it transitioned from

  • Crew chiefs shine under dangerous conditions

    Two Airmen from the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron were recently coined by wing leadership for their work in helping to prevent the spread of a potentially disastrous fire involving a B-52H Stratofortress. The situation all began during a routine B-52 landing procedure when crew chiefs Senior

  • Job reservation program continues through FY13

    The Air Force career job reservation program will continue through fiscal year 2013, with more than 1,000 Airmen from 30 career fields likely to be affected, Air Force officials announced today.The CJR program is implemented to help control the number of first-term Airmen allowed to reenlist in

  • AETC awards Sheppard $10.5 million

    Brig. Gen. Michael Fantini, 82nd Training Wing commander, announced last week that Sheppard Air Force Base would receive more than $10 million in funds from Air Education and Training Command to support several demolition and renovation projects on the base, reinforcing the Cost Conscious Culture,

  • OSD visit provides joint basing perspective

    Often, when the words "joint-basing" are spoken in conversations between service members, they invoke myriad responses. This was certainly the case as the Joint Base Langley-Eustis concept was discussed in depth between senior leaders from both Langley Air Force Base and Fort Eustis, Va., and the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Hero's story comes to life

    (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.)He was 13 years old when he received a copy of the book "Into the Mouth of the Cat" from his father. Capt. Jason Powell didn't know it then, but the

  • DOD implements new flight cancellation policy for travelers

    The Defense Department is working with airlines to implement a new flight cancellation policy that will affect air travel for temporary duty travelers, a Pentagon official said today.Andrea Carlock, chief of the program management branch, which serves as part of the Defense Travel Management Office,

  • Carter visits F-16 international training school

    Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter visited the 162nd Fighter Wing at Tucson International Airport here Sept. 26 to learn about international F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft pilot training.The Arizona Air National Guard was one of several stops Carter made throughout the Tucson area."It was very

  • Space shuttle arrives home for one last 'endeavor'

    For the Edwards community who has been actively involved in NASA's Space Shuttle program since flight testing began in the 1970's, it was a bittersweet day when Space Shuttle Endeavour arrived one last time Sept. 20, piggy-backed on NASA's Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.When the SCA departed

  • Maxwell Airman receives $10K through IDEA Program

    Recently, an Air Force Integrated Maintenance Data System computer programmer received a $10,000 check from the Air Force Innovative Development through Employee Awareness Program. In February, Senior Airman Zachariah Grummons from the Program Executive Office-Business Enterprise System, submitted

  • Natick Center strives to improve combat ration quality, taste

    The Meal, Ready to Eat could go the way of the World War II-era C-ration and spinoffs of it that the MRE replaced almost 30 years ago. Jeannette Kennedy and her team at the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center here relentlessly pursue the tastier, more universally acceptable

  • CSAF kicks off 'Caring for People' forum

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III offered remarks to more than 100 Air Force and civilian leaders here as he opened the 2012 Caring for People forum at Joint Base Andrews Sept. 26.Split into four working groups, forum attendees are slated to spend the next two days discussing

  • Air Force's top scientist unveils Cyber Vision 2025

    The Air Force's top scientist presented the service's science, technology, engineering and mathematics developments here Sept. 18 at the Air Force Association's 2012 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition.Dr. Mark T. Maybury, the Air Force's 33rd chief scientist, also pointed to the Air

  • Airmen build, repair houses at North Pole

    Eielson volunteers donned hard-hats and wielded construction equipment recently to help build housing for local Alaskans through the nonprofit program Habitat for Humanity.Members from the 354th Contracting Squadron volunteered with the program, which operates on a global scale to build houses for

  • Airmen certified for F-35 engine runs

    An Airman seated in an aircraft, surrounded by electronic displays, surveys the cockpit of an F-35A Lightning II and begins rehearsed procedures that now feel comfortable. He feels the jet's familiar rumble below as the engine roars to life on the flightline. If you imagined the person in the seat

  • GARNET breaks mold on guard, reserve careers

    Col. Ed Vaughan has made a career out of finding innovative solutions to challenging problems. Now, the Colorado Air National Guard officer has his sights set on a serious issue confronting members of the military's reserve components."Guardsmen and reservists of all branches have hybrid careers,"

  • Emergency management: Prepared for the fight

    When disaster strikes an Air Force base, whether a typhoon or an enemy attack, the mission must go on.Emergency management specialists at Kunsan Air Base develop plans to make sure Airmen here will keep the mission going, no matter what happens. "Keeping everyone trained and ready is extremely

  • Lancers, Falcons share South Dakota skies

    The skies above Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., are routinely filled with B-1 bombers, but during Sept. 17 to 21, base bombers shared the airspace and ramp area with several South Dakota Air National Guard F-16s during a Guard training exercise. The 114th Fighter Wing Fighting Lobos headquartered in

  • U.S. participates in South African Exposition

    More than 130 U.S. military members were invited to demonstrate the air and ground capabilities of American forces as they partnered with the South African air force during the 2012 Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition here, Sept. 22-23."This was a tremendous opportunity for the U.S. military to

  • Commander addresses military training investigation report

    Gen. Edward A. Rice, Jr., commander of Air Education and Training Command, released a statement Sept. 21 about the scope of ongoing criminal investigations at Air Force Basic Military Training as well as the external Commander Directed Investigation he ordered in June: "I have just concluded several

  • World War II veterans share memories during conference

    The first snow of the winter blanketed the German landscape below his P-51 Mustang, and as the young World War II pilot flew alongside others in formation, he noticed an important detail. "There were two silver aircraft and two painted with the green camouflage flying alongside me," said retired

  • Never forget: World War II Airman, POW shares story of resiliency

    Two flags wave in the wind of his front yard. The first is the U.S. flag, the symbol of his country. The second is the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag, the symbol of his sacrifice.His living room is decorated in combat medals, including the Purple Heart and Prisoner of War medal. They are

  • Comptroller: Sequestration Would Devastate Defense Spending

    Sequestration will devastate every aspect of Defense Department spending, from fighting the war in Afghanistan and supporting troop health and morale to training, maintenance and modernization, and carrying out the defense strategic guidance, Pentagon Comptroller Robert F. Hale said here Sept.

  • IDS agencies team up to teach life skills to new Airmen

    The opportunity for approximately 150 Airmen to learn more about personal finance, team building, stress management and relationships was made possible by a new pilot program aimed at providing Airmen with tools to enhance their overall life-skills knowledge base.Through collaboration between the

  • ANG director discusses way forward

    Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, the director of the Air National Guard, spoke about mission readiness and other challenges facing the ANG in future years to attendees of the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technical Exposition here Tuesday, Sept. 18.Wyatt discussed how the ANG

  • Air Force leaders offer perspectives at four-star forum

    Twelve Air Force senior leaders leveraged their candor and experience to share insight and answer questions regarding the service as it enters a new era of leadership. The panelists assembled on the final day of the 2012 Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here

  • Dempsey: Insider attacks won't affect NATO's Afghan strategy

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stressed again today that NATO's decision to curtail closely partnered operations with Afghan forces because of on-going attacks on the coalition is only a tactical change that will not undermine the goal of producing a trained Afghan security force by the

  • 'Teammates wanted' to deliver future

    Killer apps, unprecedented success and a budget-requirements conundrum lead U.S. Air Force Space Command commander, Gen. William L. Shelton, to announce 'teammates wanted' during his remarks at the Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 18.The Air Force Association, an

  • Personnel chief: Road ahead for Airmen tough, but bright

    Adapting to a joint environment along with a changing world of a younger force, budget cuts and manpower drawdowns was the focus of the Air Force's personnel chief during the Air Force Association's Air and Space Exhibition and Conference here Sept. 17.Lt. Gen. Darrell Jones, deputy chief of staff

  • Air Force officials describe ICBM way-ahead

    As intercontinental ballistic missiles gain prominence in the Air Force's nuclear enterprise, service officials related the importance of maintaining the system during the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 18.Panelists included Maj. Gen. William

  • AF is transforming how it provides services

    The Air Force Personnel Center is transforming how it provides morale, welfare and recreation services, and the type of programs it offers.AFPC is taking a tailored approach to ensure Airmen around the world have what they need and want, rather than the same programs that have traditionally been

  • Secretary of Defense visits Yokota

    U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta addressed more than 300 joint service members at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 17, 2012. Panetta visited the base to personally thank service members and to discuss a variety of issues that the U.S. military faces."We're a country that continues to face threats

  • Air Force recognizes 2012 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    The 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year attended a recognition reception and dinner hosted by the 2012 Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17.The Airmen were lauded for demonstrating "outstanding leadership, job performance, community involvement and

  • AFLINK mobile app keeps people connected to everything Air Force

    Staying connected and keeping up with the latest news and information has never been easier for America's Airmen. On the Air Force's 65th birthday, Sept. 18, officials announced that the service has released a mobile application designed to keep Airmen, families, retirees, recruits and the public

  • First week of RARO 12 wraps up

    The first week of live training at Ramstein Rover 2012 ended Sept. 16 here. RARO 12 is a NATO exercise focused on preparing forward air controllers to support ground commanders in Afghanistan within the next year. Multiple nations are participating, including the U.S., Czech Republic, United

  • Welsh: 'The only way to move forward is together'

    The active-duty Air Force, its Reserve and the Air National Guard must work together to move forward, the chief of staff of the Air Force said here last week."I have trouble seeing lines between components of services, because I believe on the air side we have an Air Force -- it has three

  • Annual space, missile pioneers inducted

    In celebration of the Air Force Space Command's 30th anniversary, Gen. William L. Shelton, the AFSC commander, inducted the command's 2012 Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers in an award ceremony and hall of fame induction Sept. 17 here. This year's inductees are Dr. Hans M. Mark and retired Col.

  • ISR chief stresses importance of turning data into information

    How would you handle 1.8 petabytes of information? Imagine, your average laptop computer has one gigabyte of memory, so 1.8 petabytes would be like having 1.8 million laptops of memory begging for attention.That was just one example provided by Lt. Gen. Larry D. James, Deputy Chief of Staff for

  • New DOD Safe Helpline Mobile App now available

    The Department of Defense announced its new DOD Safe Helpline Mobile Application. With this new app, service members transitioning to civilian life will have access to critical resources that assist in managing the short- and long-term effects of sexual assault. This new app is the latest in a

  • Donley talks sequestration, explains AF budget plans

    The threat of sequestration continues to overhang "all budget decisions across the federal government," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley here Sept. 17.During his keynote remarks at the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition, Donley conveyed the

  • Shinseki: VA honors 'exceptional Americans'

    The Airmen of today's United States Air Force display the same guts, determination and skill as their forebears in the wars of earlier eras, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said today at the Air Force Association's annual meeting.Service members stepped forward to repel the surprise

  • AFPC works to improve unemployment compensation process

    Half-a-dozen personnelists here recently completed a rapid improvement event to review Air Force management of the nonappropriated fund, appropriated fund and military unemployment compensation programs, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Last year, AFPC requested an official audit of the

  • SecAF highlights 'state of force' at AFA conference

    In his keynote address at the 2012 Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley discussed major service accomplishments over the last 12 months and the Air Force's strategic way ahead.Donley said the Air Force's

  • Air Force leaders welcome attendees to annual conference

    In a ceremony steeped in military tradition, Air Force senior leaders welcomed thousands to the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17, a day before the service's 65th birthday."Being here gives us a chance to step away from the daily thrash and

  • AFRI hosts cyber conference, next step in new school

    "Cyber Power: The Quest Toward a Common Ground" is the theme of the second annual Air Force Research Institute conference Oct. 9-11 in the Officer Training School here. The conference will act as another step toward the completion of the new Cyber Air Corps Tactical School, or C-ACTS.Focusing on

  • 'Today's Air Force' goes from New Mexico to near space

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Sept. 14.In the first block, Tech. Sgt. Anthony Gomez introduces viewers to college football players who got a taste of basic military training. Later, Airman 1st Class Mari Moxley gives an update on Holloman Air Force Base's

  • Wounded warriors discuss transitions to new lives

    Caregivers, National Guard and Reserve support and sports for the wounded are the top Defense Department priorities for wounded warriors and their families, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for warrior care said here Sept. 13.John R. Campbell made the comments after listening to wounded

  • Air Force begins testing newest AEHF satellite

    Following a four-month journey, the second Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite reached geosynchronous orbit Aug. 27. The event is significant to the 4th Space Operations Squadron here because nearly 100 squadron members are now heavily involved in testing the vehicle.The Space and Missile

  • AFPC officials automate ADSC process

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here are developing new procedures for leveraging information technology to automatically transfer completed Active Duty Service Commitment acknowledgement statements into the Automated Records Management System.The current ADSC processing method includes a few

  • Wind energy at Cape Cod to save $1 million a year

    The wind in Cape Cod, Mass., is about to be called into action once again to reduce energy costs and air pollution at the Massachusetts Military Reservation. Air Force Space Command is preparing to install two 1.6 megawatt utility-scale wind turbines at the station' s early warning radar site,

  • Leaders issue Air Force birthday 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 issued the following message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:As we celebrate the United States Air Force's 65th birthday, we salute all of the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: NCO finds restorative hobby

    (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.)If you ask, most men will tell you that their "man-cave" is their sanctuary. The man-cave is mostly a place to hang out with friends or simply "be boys."

  • F-35A maintenance training on track

    As the Air Force begins its Operational Utility Evaluation of the F-35A Lightning II, maintenance training to support the joint strike fighter is also preparing for key program milestones.Though the first "pipeline" students -- basic military training graduates -- don't begin training until January

  • Intelligence collaboration focus of net-centric operations conference

    The 10th annual Net-Centric Operations conference held here Sept. 10 featured a diverse array of speakers who extolled the value of collaboration in acquiring, supporting and operating intelligence-gathering systems and cyber tools.The conference was sponsored by the Patriots' Roost Chapter of the

  • National Guard vital to Africa Command mission

    "We in Africa Command rely on members of the Army and Air National Guard every day to accomplish our mission," Army Gen. Carter Ham told attendees at the 134th National Guard Association of the United States General Conference."The National Guard -- its Soldiers and Airmen -- are essential

  • Airmen wrap up Winfly on the 'ice'

    Despite operating in harsh conditions and experiencing multiple weather delays, the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, comprised of Airmen from the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings at McChord Field, completed its winter flying period into McMurdo Station, Antarctica Aug. 29, in support of the U.S.

  • ACSC launches new distance learning program

    The Air Command and Staff College is launching a new version of the non-master's "correspondence" program during the last week of September. This comprehensive distance learning transformation is designed to enhance critical thinking skills and improve the educational value of professional military

  • Commanders share wing missions, kidney donation

    While total force integration has spawned many resource-sharing initiatives, two wing commanders at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, have taken it to a whole new, and very personal, level. When Air Force Reserve Col. Keith Knudson, 419th Fighter Wing commander, was diagnosed with kidney failure last year,

  • Air Force continues pollution prevention efforts

    The Air Force joins the nation for Pollution Prevention Week on Sept. 17-24.The service continues its efforts to educate the public about pollution prevention and reducing the contamination of air, soil and water by eliminating pollution at its source.Observed during the third full week in

  • First F-35 training commander: 'This jet is our future'

    Five months of flying the Air Force's newest fighter jet has left one Airman convinced of the aircraft's substantial combat capability.Lt. Col. Lee Kloos is the commander of the 58th Fighter Squadron, the Defense Department's first F-35 Lightning II training squadron, located at Eglin Air Force

  • Security forces Airmen train with British counterparts

    Airmen from the 100th Security Forces Squadron joined ranks with British counterparts from 15 Squadron, RAF Honington; No. 2 Tactical Police Squadron, RAF Henlow; and No. 7 Force Protection Wing Headquarters, RAF Coningsby Aug. 28 to Sept. 6 at Stanford Training Area, more commonly known as STANTA,

  • Safety at center of growing RPA requirement

    Gen. Hap Arnold may have startled even his most visionary contemporaries when he said on V-J Day, "The next war may be fought by airplanes with no men in them at all. Take everything you've learned about aviation in war, throw it out of the window, and let's go to work on tomorrow's aviation."No one

  • Academy solar panels save taxpayers $800K in first year

    After a year of operation, the data is in. The Academy has received roughly seven and half percent more power than anticipated from the 6-megawatt solar array project that began production last summer.A total of 18,888 solar panels were installed along 41 acres on the Academy's southeast corner and

  • Air Evac Airmen test capabilities on new airframe

    Airmen from the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron tested their aeromedical evacuation capabilities on a new airframe here Sept. 3.The civilian Gulfstream III, or G3, provides the range and speed needed to reach different parts of Africa and Eurasia in a day, something the C-21 and some of the

  • 731st AMS completes MRAP mission

    Airmen from the 731st Air Mobility Squadron were key players recently in the first delivery of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles to U.S. Forces in Korea. The squadron helped deliver the first five MRAP vehicles to U.S. Army units stationed on the peninsula in early July 2012 for use in

  • New AFSC coming for AFSOC enlisted aircrew

    Almost 470 flight engineers, aerial gunners and loadmasters who fly Air Force Special Operations Command's CV-22, AC-130 and Non-Standard Aviation aircraft are transitioning to one Air Force specialty code, 1A9X1 Special Mission Aviation starting in November. Master Sgt. Ben Lerman, AFSOC's aerial

  • Silver Star presented for fallen Airman's 'gallantry in action'

    Dressed in a silver and black dress, 3-year-old Chloe Smith stood beside her mother, Tiffany, as they accepted a Silver Star award today in honor of Senior Airman Bradley R. Smith who was killed in action at the age of 24 in Afghanistan Jan. 3, 2010.Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, 9th Air Force commander,

  • AF finishes strong at end of 'critical days of summer'

    The Air Force 2012 Critical Days of Summer campaign ended Sept. 4 with zero fatalities for the Labor Day weekend for the first time in five years. "We at the Safety Center always have a Quest for Zero mission," said Bill Parsons, Air Force Chief of Ground Safety. "It is, and always should be, our

  • Fighting birds with birds

    The 22nd Air Refueling Wing Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard program is being overhauled with new contractors employing the use of a falcon to keep skies clear from avian adversaries.The BASH program is in place to reduce bird strikes by introducing a natural predator into the area to ward off smaller

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: AF pilot helps Iraqis earn their wings

    (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.)Mounted aboard an armored suburban with a pistol at his side, one of Laughlin's own begins his days in Iraq checking in on classes miles apart, filled

  • Warner Robins C-130 team earns DoD top maintenance honor

    When the Department of Defense announced its top maintenance awards for depot and field-level units, recognizing outstanding achievement in weapon system and military equipment maintenance, it was a Robins Air Force Base, Ga., unit earning top honors.The 2012 Robert T. Mason Depot Maintenance