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  • Mix it up

    ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. (AFPN) -- Senior Airman Mandy Duran mixes a medication compound for a patient. The medication is used to soothe sore throats or cold sores. Although most medications come pre-mixed and packaged, there are some occasions when pharmacists are required to compound

  • Quadrennial review allows DOD to make 'vector changes'

    The Quadrennial Defense Review is a chance for the Defense Department to make "vector changes" on the transformation of the American military, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Navy Adm. Edmund Giambastiani said the review allows the department to assess the path it is on and move

  • Interdependence is key to future success

    Interdependence is the key to future Air Force success, according to the service’s secretary and chief of staff as they addressed more than 800 attendees at the Air Force Association meeting here Feb. 2. Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley

  • Japanese officers attend AF security forces basic course

    The first Japanese air force officers since 1992 are attending the Air Force security forces basic officer course here. “I would like to emphasize that we really appreciate being accepted here,” said Capt. Hideaki Nakamura, one of the three Japanese officers attending the nearly four-month-long

  • Space transformation prepares for Air Force future

    Information superiority is the difference between today and tomorrow, said Air Force Space Command commander, Gen. Lance W. Lord. The general told more than 800 attendees at the Air Force Association meeting, here Feb. 3, that there is a tremendous threat “out there,” which is why it is extremely

  • CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for Feb. 4 to 6. Coalition aircraft flew 57 close-air-support missions Feb. 5 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter

  • Falcon baseball team sweeps Colorado Christian

    Air Force opened its 50th season of baseball in grand fashion, sweeping Colorado Christian in a doubleheader Feb. 4 at Falcon Field. Air Force took game one, 5-1, and game two, 2-1. Three Air Force pitchers combined to allow just one run on nine hits, all singles, while striking out 19 in 14 innings

  • Air Force officer MIA from Vietnam War is identified

    The remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. The announcement was made by the Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, or DPMO, Feb. 3. The Airman is Col. Eugene D.

  • Electronic Systems Center gets 'Smart'

    In a sweeping effort to improve its processes, the Air Force launched "Smart Operations 21." This initiative combines key aspects of several industry efficiency tools. Most notable among them are Lean and Six Sigma, which have been used extensively to improve customer value while reducing waste,

  • Edwards squadron writes book on CV-22 training

    The Air Force is providing warfighters advanced and reliable tools to accomplish their mission by combining the capabilities of two distinctly different aircraft. Although the CV-22 Osprey is still undergoing developmental tests, it began operational testing here in December with crews from Air

  • Team trains for personnel transformation

    Personnel experts will begin visiting major commands today to train specialists on the changes that will affect the way Air Force does personnel business. This new initiative called Personnel Services Delivery Transformation will use technology so all Airmen can conduct personnel transactions

  • Air Force’s FY 2007 budget released

    As part of the president's fiscal year 2007 budget plan, the Air Force is set to receive $105.9 billion. This budget meets the vision of Air Force leaders to fight and win the global war on terrorism; to develop, train and care for Airmen; and to recapitalize and modernize the force, said Maj. Gen.

  • Military working dogs, handlers train for mission success

    Author Corey Ford once wrote, “Properly trained, a man can be dog’s best friend.” For 12 highly trained servicemembers here, the military working dog, or MWD, is not only their friend but their trusted companion, loyal follower and No. 1 teammate. But, this team like so many others comes from lots

  • Plan outlines strategy for war on terror

    A document being released today by the Pentagon defines the national strategy for the war on terrorism for the U.S. armed forces. The National Military Strategic Plan for the War on Terrorism, developed by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, supports the national U.S. government strategy by

  • Air Force doctor committed to humanitarian service

    Lt. Col. (Dr.) Kirk Milhoan, a pediatric cardiologist with the 859th Medical Operations Squadron, rarely takes a routine vacation. He devotes almost all his leave time to humanitarian service. He and his wife Kim, a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist at the University of Texas Health Science Center,

  • Medical orchestra composes tribute to the troops

    U.S. servicemembers deployed worldwide will get a special Valentine's Day serenade from the largest medical musical group in the United States. The nonprofit Veterans Administration-National Medical Chorale and Symphony Orchestra performed a selection of classical, popular and patriot music before a

  • Air Warfare Battlelab: Turning ideas into reality

    They aren’t mad scientists who wear lab coats and pocket protectors, and their expertise extends far beyond the confines of their think tanks. They were chosen because they’re the Air Force’s most innovative thinkers, and they’re turning ideas into operational force enhancers all over the world. The

  • Duty history centralized for Reservists

    Beginning mid-March, Reserve Airmen will be able to access and change their duty history through the virtual Personnel Center Guard and Reserve, or vPC-GR, a 24/7 customer service Web portal operated by the Air Reserve Personnel Center here. ARPC continues to centralize processes once located at

  • Air Force selects 94 officers for specialized training

    The Air Force recently selected 94 officers to attend specialized undergraduate pilot, navigator and air battle manager training. The Specialized Undergraduate Flying Training Selection Board, which met at the Air Force Personnel Center here Jan. 24 to 26, considered 257 active-duty Air Force

  • Priorities are key to getting organized

    Short suspenses, miles of e-mail traffic and clocks that never slow down can present road blocks on the daily path to getting the mission done. Even so, Rowdy Yates, 78th Air Base Wing Lean change manager, said people can get more done daily with the right approach. "I believe the reason people feel

  • Air Force attends FBI training

    Explosive ordnance disposal, or EOD, technicians from nearby Hickam Air Force Base are attending FBI training here. The 79th large vehicle bomb post blast investigator’s course teaches attendees how to increase their ability to respond, investigate and collect evidence. Four FBI instructors and a

  • Air Force conducts dietary supplement survey Feb. 13 to 27

    Twenty-six Air Force installations will participate in a survey Feb. 13 to 27 regarding dietary supplement usage in the Air Force. “The survey will help the Air Force keep track of what supplements people are taking, so the Air Force can educate Airmen on any dangers that may go along with taking

  • CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary. Coalition aircraft flew 52 close-air-support missions Feb. 6 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

  • CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary.Coalition aircraft flew 55 close-air-support missions Feb. 7 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

  • Uniform board results released

    The 97th Air Force Uniform Board released their newest results for proper wear of the uniform. The board met in October and discussed everything from eliminating the Air Force Good Conduct Medal to maternity uniforms. In addition, a Headquarters Air Force badge will be available this summer. The

  • Liaison office links air, ground forces

    Ensuring that pilots and ground forces are aware of one another’s intentions, limitations and capabilities is a full-time job. That responsibility falls into the hands of three people assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Ground Liaison Office, or GLO. Comprised of one Airman and two

  • Team journeys across Pacific to save 7-year-old girl

    Meaghan Ababa is now resting comfortably at the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles thanks to the medical personnel of the 59th Medical Wing. Her doctors say it is “a miracle” considering the arduous journey the 7-year-old Hawaiian girl just completed. The journey began at the Kapiolani Medical

  • AF general to retire at reduced rank

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne has directed that Brig. Gen. Richard S. Hassan, former director of the Air Force senior leader management office, retire in the permanent grade of colonel effective March 1. The retirement grade determination follows an Air Force Inspector General

  • C-5 Galaxy aircraft engine test successful

    The Air Force reached a milestone last month in the effort to modernize its C-5 Galaxy fleet. A successful test of newly mounted C-5 engines occurred Jan. 21 at a Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta, Ga. The test was part of the C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program, or RERP, said

  • Red Flag joins American, allied airpower

    Units from across the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Australia and the United Kingdom gathered here for the second part of the Red Flag 06-1 exercise, which started Feb. 6. More than 130 aircraft and 2,500 personnel will fight and support in a simulated air war over the Nellis Test and Training

  • C-17 finds home at Hickam AFB

    When “The Spirit of Hawaii Ke Aloha” landed on the flightline here it delivered a new era of air operations for the Pacific Air Forces and the U.S. Pacific Command. Hickam is the first base outside the continental U.S. to permanently host the strategic airlifters. By the end of the year the base

  • Air Force releases revised religious guidelines

    The Air Force released a revised version of its religious guidelines Feb. 9, its latest step in a process started after a review at the U.S. Air Force Academy indicated a need for additional guidance. Air Force Directorate of Personnel officials issued a first set of interim guidelines in August.

  • CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary.Coalition aircraft flew 32 close-air-support missions Feb. 8 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

  • Cope Tiger ’06 draws A-10 thunder

    Cope Tiger ‘06, an annual multi-lateral exercise involving the U.S., Thailand and Singapore, began Feb. 7. More than 1,300 people, including 300 U.S. servicemembers and 1,000 servicemembers from Thailand and Singapore, are participating in the exercise that involves aviation and ground units. The

  • DOD proposes Tricare hikes for younger military retirees

    The Defense Department is proposing that working-age military retirees and their families pay higher premiums to help address health care costs that have doubled during the past few years, senior DOD officials said here today. The proposed changes would apply only to eligible military retirees under

  • Retired Airman gives Soldier's mother peace

    When Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast it destroyed more than just property and possessions -- it destroyed memories. Six months later, surrounded by her late son’s fellow warriors, Denise Godbolt cried and hugged Susan Jarrett as the Jarrett family presented Mrs. Godbolt with two new

  • Air Force medics set pace for treating patients in Ecuador

    It was a busy day for the 21st Medical Group -- 1,501 patients seen in eight hours during a medical readiness exercise here. The constant stream of Ecuadorians moved through the treatment areas like a quiet, but strong steam engine. There was a sense of calm and orderliness as the Ecuadorian Army

  • Top generals meet at Corona

    The Air Force’s top-ranking leaders met recently for a two-day forum at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., continuing a tradition that has shaped the service’s leadership since 1944. The Corona meetings happen three times per year and they allow Air Force senior leaders to come together for frank, open

  • Joint task force takes first steps to securing future

    The initial stages of a four-month long joint training exercise between the U.S. military and Honduran government, dubbed Operation New Horizons 2006 -- Honduras, began here in January. Joint Task Force, or JTF, Asegurar el Futuro, or “Securing the Future,” conducted the New Horizons mission and

  • Ceremony christens first C-17 in Pacific Air Forces

    The first of eight C-17 Globemaster III cargo jets arrived here Feb. 8 for its christening and Hawaiian blessing before a crowd of spectators and distinguished visitors from the local and military communities. 15th Airlift Wing Airmen and members of the 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard flew the

  • Air Force acquisition community 'Going Green'

    The Air Force acquisition community recently launched its own “extreme makeover” to achieve excellence. Many people across the Air Force acquisition community agree that the acquisition process needs improvement. “Going Green” capitalizes on the improvement concept. The objective of Going Green is

  • Schriever holds African-American Month kickoff breakfast

    It was a central question the guest speaker for the African-American History Month kickoff breakfast asked the 150 people in attendance Feb. 1 at a dining facility here. “Can a neighborhood be a community? Absolutely,” said Dr. Jacqueline Taggart, a business professor at a community college in

  • New personnel system presents opportunity

    The Defense Department's new National Security Personnel System, or NSPS, is on track for initial implementation, the system's program executive officer said Feb. 9. "We’re still on track to deploy folks into Spiral 1.1 in April," Mary Lacey said. "We've got over 11,000 (non-union) employees that

  • Fill ‘er up: POL keeps base, mission running

    Against a constant battle with the elements, the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing’s flying mission depends on one unit to always be ready when called on. The 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron’s petroleum, oil and lubricant, or POL, flight stands ready to deliver fuel to anyone who needs

  • Munitions Airmen get back to basics

    Deep in the heart of Iraqi bunkers are the weapons that helped defeat Saddam Hussein. Surely the dictator would have never thought just five Airmen would track and maintain the same weapons that freed the Iraqi people from his oppression. The mission of the 506th Air Expeditionary Group Munitions

  • CENTAF releases daily airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary.Coalition aircraft flew 42 close-air-support missions Feb. 9 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt

  • Weapons load crews keep mission on target

    It would be a lot harder to accomplish the mission in Iraq if F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots couldn’t drop 500-pound bombs exactly where they wanted. And more Soldiers would have to go into harm’s way if MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft weren’t able to engage targets with Hellfire missiles from 10,000

  • Family, friends send Arizona heat to deployed Airmen

    Standing a post, any post, is a tough job. But when the post is a perimeter guard tower at a base in Iraq and it’s the middle of winter, the stakes go up. Thanks to one family in Arizona, the Airmen of the 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron are feeling a little bit warmer this winter. When

  • First lady visits Aviano

    On her way to the 2006 Winter Olympics, the First Lady of the United States, Laura Bush, visited Aviano Air Base, Italy today. As the head of the official U.S. delegation to the games in Turin, Mrs. Bush traveled here with her daughter, Barbara, and five former Olympic medalists. “These athletes

  • Pilots reflect on being Tuskegee legacy heirs

    Something special began July 19, 1941. For the first time in the history of military aviation, blacks were given an opportunity to prove themselves in the sky. The first black aviators began their flight training at Tuskegee Army Air Field, Ala., and went to the famed 99th Fighter Squadron. The

  • AF drops emergency relief to isolated Afghan village

    Air Force cargo aircraft dropped 11,840 pounds of rice, oil, blankets and other emergency relief supplies Feb. 9 to a village in central Afghanistan that was isolated when roads were closed due to excessive snow. At the request of the Afghan government, an Air Force C-130 Hercules flown by an Alaska

  • Cope Tiger Airmen donate goods to local school

    Dropping off donations at a Thai elementary school Feb. 10, nine Airmen from Cope Tiger '06 got a chance to take a break from multilateral exercises to spread community goodwill, help a local school and eat lunch. While all of the 300 U.S. military members kicked in cash to help local school

  • Keystone is key to future of joint operations

    Joint warfare is a way of life for servicemembers fighting the global war on terrorism. That wasn't the case 20 years ago when Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Thomas Hall enlisted. His training with armored infantry rarely brought him together with other services. While attending a course here for E-9s from

  • Falcon eyes roam Iraqi skies

    For years the F-16 Fighting Falcon has been the premier multi-role fighter in the Air Force inventory, but recently F-16s here have been expanding their list of capabilities by performing non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, or NTISR. “NTISR is when a platform such

  • ‘Speckled Trout’ -- Air Force bids farewell to unique plane

    A distinguished career came to a close here Feb. 10. After flying senior military leaders and undergoing rigorous testing for more than 31 years, the Speckled Trout tail number 61-2669 officially retired. "Speckled Trout was the primary transport aircraft for every Air Force chief of staff since

  • Team tests in-the-field aircraft decontamination procedures

    The Joint Strike Fighter Integrated Test Force pulled an F-16 Fighting Falcon out of a special hangar Feb. 11, marking the culmination of a series of unique tests here. As a surrogate for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the F-16 was used to test Department of Defense chemical and biological

  • Former Chief Master Sgts. of the Air Force to meet

    The 14th Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, Gerald R. Murray, will host a conference for former chief master sergeants who have held the Air Force's highest enlisted position. Eight of the nine living former CMSAFs will attend the conference, to be held at the Pentagon Feb. 13 to 16. "This group of

  • Providing ‘red carpet’ service, without the carpet

    Day and night they arrive -- four-star generals, ambassadors. congressional leaders and even Vice President Dick Cheney. Whether they stop for a formal visit or are here en route to another location, a two-person protocol team is there to greet them with a salute and a smile. “We are the first

  • Airmen to pay tribute to hospitalized veterans

    Airmen worldwide will be visiting Veterans Affairs medical centers, nursing homes, state veterans homes and other facilities this week to pay tribute to hospitalized veterans. They are helping celebrities, youth groups, community leaders, members of the general public and veterans service

  • Air Force team wins NFL Military Challenge

    In an event sponsored by the National Football League, the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy battled it out in six events that comprise the NFL Military Challenge Feb. 10. The Air Force team, made up of Hickam Air Force Base balers, took top honors, using overtime to capture the trophy.

  • CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for Feb. 11 to 12. Coalition aircraft flew 37 close-air-support missions Feb. 11 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to

  • Groups combine resources, give troops valentines

    Two organizations have teamed up to send valentines to troops in Baghdad in an effort made possible by "America Supports You." Since November 2004, the Defense Department program to facilitate grassroots and corporate support for the nation's troops has worked to bond supporters, using a combination

  • First piece of Air Force memorial placed

    Construction crews raised the first piece of the Air Force Memorial here on top of a hill overlooking Arlington National Cemetery. The 40-foot long piece of stainless steel, which weighs more than 28 tons, is the first of 15 pieces to be placed. When completed, the memorial will be 270 feet tall.

  • International affairs specialists to enter training pipeline

    The Air Force recently selected 87 officers out of more than 400 volunteers to become its first class of international affairs specialists. Those officers will enter training this summer to become either Political-Military Affairs Strategists, or PAS, or Regional Affairs Strategists, or RAS. The

  • Manpower agency activates four new squadrons

    The Air Force Manpower Agency activated four new manpower squadrons to more effectively meet the needs of today’s expeditionary Air Force and to better position itself to support future capabilities. The 5th Manpower Requirements Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and the 4th MRS at Buckley

  • CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

    U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for Feb. 13 to 14.Coalition aircraft flew 37 close-air-support missions Feb. 13 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter

  • Prototype Global Hawk flies home after 4,000 combat hours

    A high-flying prototype “Airman” is heading home after being deployed more than four years and flying 4,245 hours supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and the Combined Task Force-Horn of Africa. Global Hawk Air Vehicle No. 3 began its journey back home at Edwards Air Force

  • Air Force announces top civil engineer units

    The Air Force has announced the winners of the 2005 Society of American Military Engineers Maj. Gen. Robert H. Curtin Award. The award is presented annually to the top Air Force civil engineer unit in three categories. The winner in the small unit category is the 314th Civil Engineer Squadron,

  • Hawaii-based Airmen fight war on terror

    Airmen here are working on the front lines of the war on terror. When a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle takes off from Balad Air Base, Iraq, a pilot at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., takes control of it. Images from the Predator’s camera are then fed to one of five distributed ground stations, or

  • Command post: commander's eyes, ears

    The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing’s command post Airmen have one of the most important areas in the area of responsibility to track. With four controllers and a superintendent covering around-the-clock operations this group is ready for anything. “We are the nerve center for the base in this war

  • New Air Force commercial begins filming at Charleston AFB

    Camera crews from the Air Force’s advertising agency began filming a new Air Force recruiting commercial here Feb. 13. The theme is “Do something amazing.” The ads will be aired nationwide on television and Web sites. “We’re going to show all of the amazing things Air Force people do,” said Lee

  • Cyber crime investigators search for truth

    Tech. Sgt. Jeff Barefoot has a strong presence in the courtroom. Three times he's stepped up to testify in court, and three times the defendants suddenly took a plea deal to avoid Sergeant Barefoot on the witness stand. Not because of his imposing stature or his 20 years of military experience, but