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  • TRANSCOM provides nation's greatest advantage, commander says

    The greatest advantage the U.S. has over any potential enemy is the ability to project and sustain forces anywhere in the world, the commander of U.S. Transportation Command said here today."No other nation can do what we do," said Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb.A decade of war has meant TRANSCOM

  • 'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Air Force officials implement some cost-cutting measures in the wake of federal budget constraints. Plus, Airmen train with their host nation counterparts to make sure that when lives are on line, everyone's on the same page. And, get a look at some

  • First MC-130J training program takes flight

    As the first MC-130J Combat Shadow II rolled off the Lockheed Martin factory line, a training flight class recently conducted sorties in preparation for transition to the new airframe.The Air Force Special Operations Training Center's first MC-130J training program flight class practiced air drops,

  • General Schwartz: Austerity, strategic challenges call for true total force

    Austerity and the strategic environment make communicating and collaborating as a total force paramount for the Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, the Air Force chief of staff said here Feb. 28.Efficiency and zero tolerance of fraud, waste and abuse are also critical priorities,

  • Officials release new environmental restoration policy

    Changes to the Air Force's environmental cleanup program will focus on cleaning up more sites more quickly, officials said here Feb. 25. The intention is to shift emphasis from partial cleanup solutions that often require decades of expensive follow-up to complete cleanups that free up property more

  • First female CV-22 pilot completes training

    After nearly three years of flight training with the Air Force, she recently became the first qualified female pilot of the CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. It started with pictures of aircraft in her grandfather's home. Then it was on to starting lessons to earn her private pilot's license as a

  • AFNIC engineers assist in Global Hawk beddown

    When Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., officials needed to establish a more robust communications infrastructure to support a new tenant unit's Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft mission, they knew just who to call."Pat Katzer is the best network engineer in the business ... we needed the best,"

  • Lynn: Continuing budget resolution puts security at risk

    The Defense Department is losing billions of dollars by Congress' failure to pass the department's fiscal 2011 budget, putting readiness, modernization and efficiency initiatives at risk, the deputy defense secretary said March 1.The department has gone five months into the fiscal year under a

  • Air Force personnel services migration under way

    Air Force technicians migrated the first component of the Air Force Personnel Services website to the Defense Information Systems Agency's Enterprise Computing Center Feb. 23 to 27.This is the first phase in centralizing all total-force personnel services and creating a single access platform for

  • Vice CSAF emphasizes modeling, simulation integration during AFAMS visit

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Philip Breedlove emphasized the need to standardize live, virtual and constructive modeling and simulation across the Air Force and the joint team during a recent visit to the Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation here."We must build to a modeling and

  • Federal pay freeze also impacts NAF employees

    The recently implemented two-year pay freeze for federal employees applies to Department of Defense nonappropriated fund, or NAF, employees in crafts and trades and pay-banded pay schedules. Under legislation signed in December 2010, the pay freeze impacts basic pay, special pay rates and

  • NAF employees eligible for new health incentive credit

    Nonappropriated fund federal employees who participate in the NAF Department of Defense Health Benefits Program are now eligible to earn a health incentive credit.Beginning Jan. 1, health plan participants may earn a $100 health incentive credit when they complete the Simple Steps to a Healthier

  • Landing zone safety officers trained at austere location

    At an austere airstrip here, air mobility liaison officers are conducting landing zone safety officer certification training to U.S. and coalition forces throughout Afghanistan. Twenty-six students from the U.S. Air Force and Army and the Romanian army attended a two-day class that featured

  • Air Force leads the way as Green Power Partner

    The Air Force is one of the nation's top purchasers of green power, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Top 25 list of Green Power Partners released this month.The Air Force is being recognized for its purchase and on-site production of 243.9 million kilowatt-hours of green power

  • Space weather team readies for upcoming solar max

    Solar max may sound like the name of a super hero, but it's certainly no comic book or 3-D movie.Solar max is actually the name for the sun's most active period in the solar cycle, consistently producing solar emissions, solar flares and sun spots.For a little background on the sun's activities, the

  • Air Force gains new mission

    The Air Force gained a new mission when the 1st Space Operations Squadron accepted satellite control authority of the Advanced Technology Risk Reduction satellite Jan. 31 here. Handed over from the Missile Denfense Agency, ATRR is the newest space-based space situational awareness platform to ensure

  • Japanese, American NCOs work together to gain insight

    Kadena Air Base officials began a NCO exchange program Feb. 18, giving eight Japanese Air Self Defense Force airmen the chance to see how their U.S. Air Force counterparts operate."The JASDF airmen did an ice-breaker with the chiefs, flew the KC-135 (Stratotanker) flight simulator and worked with

  • Future initiatives discussed during fuel efficiency summit

    Air Mobility Command members set the course for cultural change during a fuel efficiency summit here Feb. 16 and 17 that included participation by representatives from 11 Air Force major commands. AMC leaders hosted the summit to share and collaborate on ideas and initiatives that will help promote

  • Historic firsts for AFNORTH sergeants lead to distinguished honors

    It had all the markings of a historic event with firsts on several fronts.  As well it should; it was a historic event.At a ceremony held Jan. 28, two Air Forces Northern technical sergeants were the first U.S. Airmen to graduate from the Canadian Intermediate Leadership Program at the Canadian

  • USAFWS takes new approach to generating leaders

    U.S. Air Force Weapons School officials recently modified their syllabus to reflect that it is not only the Air Force's most challenging tactical training, but also a program designed to produce the Air Force's next generation of great leaders.The USAFWS has commonly been thought of as a leadership

  • 'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Air Force officials tighten their belts as they find ways to save $33 billion dollars.  And, motivational speaker Andy Christiansen gives Airmen a lesson in mentorship. Plus, an Airman and his canine companion team up to keep their base safe from

  • McChord Airmen survive New Zealand earthquake unscathed

    About 35 McChord Airmen, 15 of them from the Air Force Reserve Command's 446th Airlift Wing, are in Christchurch, New Zealand, where a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Feb. 22. The remaining McChord Airmen in Christchurch belong to the active-duty 62nd Airlift Wing here.Based in Christchurch with their

  • 'Military Saves Week' spotlights importance of saving

    Service members and their families should "start small and think big" when kick-starting a savings plan, a financial expert said Feb. 23."It's not what you make, it's what you keep," said Pam McClelland, a senior program analyst in the Pentagon's office of family policy and children and youth. "A

  • Agency chief outlines threat reduction strategy

    Defense Threat Reduction Agency people are at work around the clock to protect American forces and citizens from nuclear, chemical and biological threats, the agency's director said Feb. 23.Speaking to the Defense Writers Group, Kenneth A. Myers III, who also is director of the U.S. Strategic

  • Air Force Network Integration Center officials launch IA education tools

    Air Force Network Integration Center officials recently introduced new information assurance education tools to help Airmen stay up to speed in the constantly evolving cyberspace environment. The initiatives, which include a robust community of practice, webinars and computer-based training, are

  • TRICARE's 'Get Fit' page can trigger new you

    TRICARE officials have launched an updated "Get Fit" web page with a new section focusing on monthly healthy living tips through slide show presentations.The presentations provide suggestions for activities and health information to help beneficiaries make healthier choices. Beneficiaries have the

  • Online personnel services limited during migration

    Air Force customers will have limited access to online personnel information and applications from Feb. 23 to 27 while officials here migrate the Air Force Personnel Services website and knowledge management platform to the Defense Information Systems Agency's Enterprise Computing Center. During

  • Air Force has new weapon in fight against Spice

    Air Force officials began drug testing Airmen Feb. 22 to determine whether they are using Spice -- the street term for a range of designer synthetic-cannabinoid products. With the implementation of testing, officials intend to send a very clear message: use Spice, and you may lose your career, end

  • New York Air Guardsmen all safe after New Zealand earthquake

    All 26 members of the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing, currently deployed to Christchurch, New Zealand, in support of Operation Deep Freeze, are safe and unharmed after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the New Zealand city Feb. 22.The Air Guard wing will remain in

  • Guard, Reserve family readiness groups honored at Pentagon

    Unit family readiness group members, representing all of the military reserve components, were recognized for their outstanding family support programs Feb. 18 during a ceremony in the Pentagon.Dennis M. McCarthy, the assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, hosted the 2011 Department of

  • Afghan air force C-27 fleet halfway to goal

    The Afghan air force received an addition to its forces with the arrival of the 10th C-27A Spartan at the Afghan Air Force Base in Kabul Feb. 20, marking the half-way point in the AAF's C-27 fleet as it continues to build to 20.Not only valuable for Afghanistan's burgeoning cargo capabilities, the

  • RAF Alconbury Airman dies in Southwest Asia

    An Airman assigned to the 423rd Security Forces Squadron here died while deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation New Dawn.Airman 1st Class Christoffer Johnson, 20, died Feb. 17 due to a non-combat related incident."Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this

  • SecAF takes stock of progress, future challenges

    During remarks to the Air Force Association's 27th Annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition here Feb. 18, the Air Force's senior ranking official reviewed the service' s priorities and underscored Air Force commitment to making the most of available resources in a challenging fiscal

  • DOD officials honor top Guard, Reserve family programs

    Defense Department officials lauded the top National Guard and Reserve family programs here Feb. 18 calling family support a vital component of mission readiness."Whether it is the basics of building military communities or taking care of military children or supporting military spouses, all of

  • DOD officials identify Air Force casualty

    Department of Defense officials announced Feb. 18 the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation New Dawn. Airman 1st Class Corey C. Owens, 26, of San Antonio, Texas, died Feb. 17 due to a non-combat related incident at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. He was assigned to the 47th Security Forces

  • TRICARE autism demonstration proving positive

    During the recent 2011 Military Health System Conference, Michael O'Bar, deputy director for TRICARE policy and operations, reported on the Department of Defense Enhanced Access to Autism Services Demonstration. "We have begun the process to determine how best to make the board-certified behavior

  • Vice CSAF: Air Force must prepare for more complex, varied ops

    The Air Force is working to balance today's needs and tomorrow's challenges while operating under intense fiscal pressures, the service's vice chief of staff said here Feb. 17.During remarks at the Air Force Association's 2011 Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition, Gen. Philip M. Breedlove

  • New deployable air traffic control system program taking shape

    Electronic Systems Center officials intend to call for proposals within the next few months for development and production of a new deployable air traffic control system. Referred to as the Deployable Radar Approach Control the system could be used at forward operating locations, however austere,

  • SecAF, CSAF provide FY12 budget details

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz provided details on the service's fiscal 2012 national defense authorization budget request during a House Armed Services Committee hearing here Feb. 17.Air Force officials are requesting $150 billion in the

  • Exhibit features work of Tuskegee Airman turned artist

    In the 1930s, a teenage boy paid 50 cents for a "barnstormer" flight aboard a Ford Trimotor plane that carried him across the sky of rural Pine Bluff, Ark.That boy was Roy LaGrone, and the flight sparked his passion for aviation. Mr. LaGrone would go on to serve as one of the original Tuskegee

  • Programs will suffer without adequate funding, Mullen says

    Military programs will suffer if the Defense Department's budget for fiscal 2011 isn't passed immediately, the nation's top military officer told the House Armed Services Committee here Feb. 16.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, echoed the warning issued by Defense

  • New fuel savings concept evaluated at JB McGuire

    As the Air Force's largest consumer of aviation fuel, Air Mobility Command officials are taking a leadership role in efforts to reduce fuel consumption across all mobility Air Force missions. Members of AMC's Test and Evaluation Squadron here recently completed an operational evaluation of a new

  • Fiscal year recruiting, retention remain on track

    Fiscal 2011 recruitment and retention remained high throughout the services through January, with all active and reserve-component services meeting their recruiting goals, Pentagon officials announced Feb. 15.The fiscal year began Oct. 1, 2010, and ends Sept. 30.All four active-duty services met or

  • Fuel savings officials plan to broaden impact with AF-wide summit

    Members of the Air Force's Fuel Efficiency Office plan to host their first service-wide Aviation Operations Energy Steering Group summit here Feb. 16 and 17.Representatives from all Air Force major commands were invited to attend the summit. The event will be the first major meeting across the

  • New element assists special forces trainees

    Trainees in two Air Force Basic Military Training squadrons now have a "BATTLE" plan in place.Battlefield Airmen Technical Training Liaison Element was recently incorporated for trainees in the 320th and 331st Training Squadrons in the tactical air control party, combat controller and pararescuemen

  • Missile agency seeks funds for defensive systems

    A ground-based system for homeland defense and interceptors for regional defense highlight the Missile Defense Agency's portion of the Defense Department's fiscal 2012 budget request.The agency requested more than $8.6 billion for fiscal 2012, compared to last year's requested $8.4 billion,

  • Iraqi airmen train on tool calibration system

    Iraqi airmen expanded their maintenance capabilities at New Al-Muthana Air Base, Iraq, after wrapping up a three-week U.S. Air Force training session on a new torque-wrench calibration system.Iraqi air force officials recently purchased the calibration system so maintainers here could become

  • Officials issue first report on homeless veterans

    For the first time, officials with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Housing and Urban Development published the most authoritative analysis of the extent and nature of homelessness among veterans. According to HUD and VA's assessment, nearly 76,000 veterans were homeless on a

  • Air National Guard director: Equitable treatment of all a 'moral imperative'

    Equitable treatment of all people is a moral imperative, the director of the Air National Guard told new equal opportunity advisers at a graduation ceremony here Feb. 4."Our service members in the National Guard and Reserve are indeed our most valuable asset," Lt. Gen. Harry Wyatt told 87 National

  • Weather team provides reports for mission

    Arctic Warriors are defined by the cold temperatures in which they operate, but to deal with Alaska's harsh climate Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson officials rely on the Airmen of the weather flight to keep them informed.The 3rd Operations Support Squadron weather flight supports a mixture of Army,

  • New, enhanced VA benefits provided to caregivers of veterans

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials are launching the first of a series of new and enhanced services supporting family caregivers of seriously ill and injured veterans. In May 2010, President Obama signed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 legislation authorizing VA

  • Sports programs for disabled veterans expanding

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials are awarding two grants totaling $7.5 million to the U.S. Olympic Committee to enhance recreation and sporting activities for disabled veterans and disabled members of the armed forces. "Many of our veterans have experienced traumatic injuries while at the

  • Leaders explain Air Force manning impacts on Academy

    Air Force officials are implementing a strategy for force management, and the Air Force Academy is included in those efforts.Under the plan, the size of the cadet wing will be reduced from roughly 4,500 to 4,000 cadets by Oct. 1, 2012. Enrollment for each incoming freshman class will be shrunk

  • Multinational officials plan for Cobra Gold 2012

    Military planners from more than 24 nations are in Thailand making a plan to deal with aggressive Arcadian military forces that took over a portion of neighboring Khuistan and Free Mojave on the subcontinent of Pacifica. The countries, timeline and scenario of the Arcadia situation are make-believe,

  • Athletes vie for spot on Air Force Warrior Games team

    More than 25 wounded, ill and injured athletes participated in the 2011 Air Force Team training camp here Feb. 7 through 11. In January, Air Force Services Agency officials invited 32 athletes to the training camp. Twenty-five athletes will be chosen to be part of the Air Force team in the 2011

  • Air Force 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal training detailed

    Air Force officials will soon begin training Airmen in anticipation of the repeal of the law and policy commonly known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." This training will help Airmen understand what is expected in a post-repeal environment, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz."I know our

  • 34 Airmen selected for Tops In Blue

    Air Force Services Agency officials here recently announced the names of 34 Airmen selected for the 2011 Tops In Blue tour. In December 2010, 73 Airmen competed as singers, dancers, musicians and technicians for Tops In Blue slots during the annual Air Force Worldwide Talent Search at Lackland Air

  • Nuclear policy official visits Malmstrom

    The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Defense Programs obtained a close-up view of the Air Force's nuclear deterrence mission while visiting with Airmen and local civic leaders Feb. 6 through 8 here.Andrew C. Weber highlighted the Defense Department's responsibility

  • Afghan C-27 maintenance cadre begins building towards the future

    The initial cadre of Afghan air force C-27 maintenance trainers recently began teaching a second group of C-27 maintainers Feb. 9 at the Afghan Air Force Base in Kabul. The development of Afghan C-27 maintenance instructors further propels the "year of the Afghan trainer" initiative being

  • ANG director: Equal opportunity is critical downrange

    The importance of leadership in equal opportunity was highlighted in the  Air National Guard director's message delivered to 87 National Guard and Reserve graduates of the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute's Equal Opportunity Adviser Reserve Component Program Feb. 4."Our service members

  • Airmen conduct coalition training with Slovenian soldiers

    Airmen from Aviano Air Base, Italy, partnered with members of the Slovenian army  to conduct a NATO coalition combat-capability training exercise Jan. 31 to Feb. 4 at Pocek A-G Range here. The exercise consisted of close-air-support training between nine 8th Air Support Operations Squadron Airmen

  • New training simulator debuts at Schriever

    At first glance the Standard Space Trainer Integrated Training Center here appears to look like a normal operational control center. Large, high-definition monitors dominate the walls, while multiple computer workstations provide telemetry and other important data to would-be users. The desks,

  • South Korean, U.S. airmen celebrate Lunar New Year

    Members of the 8th Fighter Wing joined South Korea air force 38th Fighter Group airmen in celebrating Lunar New Year's day during a ceremony in the Korean air force base exchange Feb. 3. The ceremony included a memorial service, ceremonial bowing, a traditional Korean breakfast and traditional

  • Women learn to fight stress from home front

    During a week in which White House officials pledged a whole-of-government approach to supporting military families, 11 women worked diligently a few miles away to learn to cope with the stresses of their husbands' multiple deployments and the post-traumatic stress that affects many of them when

  • Hornets nest in 'Draggins'' lair

    Members of the 25th Fighter Squadron, known as the "Assam Draggins", hosted members of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.The squadron members visited Osan Air Base as part of a six-month deployment to bases across the Pacific, which provided a unique training

  • Security forces Airmen use AFSO21 to stand up security alarm focal point

    Members of the 99th Security Forces Squadron alarm shop recently used the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century process to help design operations for their new customer-based central focal point, with a goal of enhanced customer service. Using the AFSO21 office's tools and guidance, Senior

  • TRANSCOM provides America's greatest advantage, commander says

    The greatest advantage the U.S. has over any potential enemy is the ability to project and sustain forces anywhere in the world, the commander of U.S. Transportation Command said here Feb. 7."No other nation can do what we do," Gen. Duncan J. McNabb said at the Center for Strategic and International

  • National Security Space Strategy targets safety, stability

    The National Security Space Strategy released Feb. 4 responds to the realities of a space environment that is increasingly crowded, challenging and competitive, senior Defense Department officials said."The National Security Space Strategy represents a significant departure from past practice," said

  • Housing seminar focuses on responsive customer service

    Housing professionals and leaders from across the Air Force recently met in New Orleans to celebrate successes of the Air Force's housing programs, and reaffirm their commitment to providing responsive customer service and quality housing for Airmen and their families.At the Professional Housing

  • TRICARE beneficiaries encouraged to review new dietary guidelines

    New dietary guidelines released by officials from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture urge Americans to increase physical activity, reduce sodium intake, choose foods that provide more potassium and opt for water instead of soft drinks. The 2010 Dietary

  • AFRS program provides information on special-duty assignments

    Members from the Air Force Recruiting Service hosted "Recruit the Recruiter" Jan. 27 here.The event was designed to inform prospective special-duty Airmen about the requirements and quality of life for individuals who assume a special-duty assignment. Representatives from the military training

  • Air bridge sustains coalition lives, Afghan security

    There's a bridge connecting land-locked Afghanistan to America's East Coast. Metaphorically, the bridge has trusses spanning continents. Literally, it's a lifeline to ground combat units, as without that bridge Soldiers would lack vital life-sustaining supplies. "Life at my combat outpost would be

  • Petraeus discusses troop transition options

    As the start of the drawdown of U.S. troops from Afghanistan approaches, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, the senior commander of U.S. and coalition forces there, said the transition of forces could take a number of forms."Progressively over time, obviously, we do want to reduce our numbers in specific

  • Leaders call operational Reserve 'a new DOD efficiency'

    The new role and future direction of the Department of Defense's reserve components was the focus of the Reserve Officer Association gathering attended by more than 600 people at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel here Jan. 29 through Feb. 2.Senior DOD leaders here discussed how the Reserve programs

  • Directory links wounded warriors, families to resources

    From benefits and compensation, to education and training, an online directory is providing wounded warriors, veterans and their families a direct connection to thousands of state, local and national resources. "There's so much information on the Web right now; it's nice to have one place to access

  • Rubber removal begins at Bagram Airfield

    Since Jan. 30, Airmen who work on the flightline here have seen a new vehicle crossing the runway. The vehicle, a TrackJet TJ-24, is a surface-treatment system with high-capacity vacuum suction capability. It looks like a water tanker with a vacuum attached to the front. Since its arrival, the

  • AOC Weapon System moves toward single computing environment

    Electronic Systems Center officials recently put out a request for proposal to modernize the Air and Space Operations Center Weapon System."We're looking to have a single computing environment for the AOC Weapon System," said Lt. Col. John Barrette, AOC WS 10.2 program manager. "Right now, there are

  • Government officials unite to improve child, youth programs

    The government's new military family-support effort will have a resounding impact on resources and programs for military children and youth in the months and years ahead, a Defense Department official said."It is earth-shattering," said Barbara Thompson, the director of the Pentagon's office of

  • Air Force Medical Service officials launch new Facebook page

    Air Force Medical Service officials announced the launch of a new Facebook page Feb. 2.  This communication tool will provide a venue for service members and their families, retirees and their families, and interested organizations and individuals to receive health-related information and resources

  • Air Force Reserve has opportunities for separating Airmen

    Air Force Reserve officials want separating Airmen to consider opportunities as a reservist.  Becoming a traditional reservist or an individual mobilization augmentee offers them the opportunity to pursue a civilian career and still serve their country.Traditional reservists join a Reserve unit,

  • Global Strike mission continues during winter storm

    While Americans face hazardous road conditions and closures this week with a major winter storm blowing across the heart of the country, it is wintertime business as usual at most Air Force Global Strike Command bases, officials said.The command's responsibility for northern bases, which serve both

  • New website promotes military info sharing

    Whether they're moving into a new contingency operation or upgrading operations for an existing one, U.S. forces have a new weapon at their disposal when setting up or reconfiguring their command-and-control architectures.Thanks to the new "C2 Central" website established by U.S. Joint Forces

  • Legends Panel links past, present communications Airmen

    Air Force Network Integration Center Airmen had a unique opportunity to meet with and ask questions of some of the organization's past commanders and members of the Communications and Information Hall of Fame during the AFNIC Legends Panel session here Jan 26.The panel was part of a two-day heritage

  • Air National Guard fighter wing preps for alert missions at Tyndall

    U.S.-based alert pilots train to shoot down enemy aircraft over American soil. They run exercise scenarios on a constant basis, preparing for that call to scramble. But all the dry runs in the world can't prepare a pilot for that moment when a live missile is released from the jet. That's why

  • Mullen: Workplace flexibility focuses on families, children

    Military families, and especially children in those families who have grown up against the backdrop of 10 years of war, are the focus of the military's effort to make workplace flexibility an increased priority, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here Feb. 1.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen spoke

  • New VA office to serve as advocate for tribal veterans

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials have announced the creation of a new Office of Tribal Government Relations to ensure the more than 200,000 veterans who are American Indians, Alaska Natives, Hawaiian Natives or are part of the Alaska Native Corporations receive the VA benefits they have

  • Kehler succeeds Chilton as commander of Strategic Command

    Air Force Gen. Kevin P. Chilton passed the flag of U.S. Strategic Command to Air Force Gen. C. Robert Kehler Jan. 28, giving the nation's nuclear deterrent mission a new commander.General Chilton, a pilot who served 10 years with NASA and flew three space shuttle missions, retired after 34 years of

  • STOMP brings together parents, educators of special needs children

    When Tech. Sgt. Emily Smith and Staff Sgt. Todge Smith were blessed with a baby girl nearly six months ago, they immediately recognized signs of Down syndrome and epilepsy in her. With early intervention and physical therapy, their daughter Renee is now meeting all developmental milestones.Sergeant

  • Advisers fight fire with knowledge

    Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air advisers provided critical training to Iraqi firefighters at New Al-Muthana Air Base Jan. 24. The class, spearheaded by NAMAB's Base Transition Team - Det. 3, taught 24 Iraqi firefighters how to safely handle a fire aboard an Iraqi C-130 Hercules. The class is

  • Commissaries expand focus on health in 2011

    Customers who want to improve their health will have plenty of help at their local commissary as the new year rolls out a variety of special discounts, coupon booklets and giveaways."Our industry partners have joined together to offer our customers the most nutritious and delicious products for your

  • Air Force officials announce NASCAR sponsorship for 2011

    Air Force recruiting officials announced Jan. 21 that they are renewing the NASCAR partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports and the No. 43 car for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. "This is our tenth season in NASCAR and we look forward to competing and winning with the Richard Petty team," said

  • Officials to issue new camouflage uniforms to deployers

    Airmen deploying to Afghanistan in 2011 will see a new uniform issued to them as part of their deployment gear beginning in March. While Airmen have been faced with a slew of uniform changes in recent years, this new uniform is not a matter of image or heritage but instead has resulted from a joint

  • Gates: Congress must address 'crisis on my doorstep'

    The failure of Congress so far to pass the fiscal 2011 defense appropriations bill, which creates the possibility of funding the department under a year-long continuing resolution instead, is "the crisis on my doorstep," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in an interview Jan. 26.Failure to pass

  • Collaboration is key to family support effort, official says

    Collaboration is at the heart of the government's new military family support directive and is the key to supporting service members and their families in the months and years ahead, a Defense Department official said Jan. 26."We clearly are trying to find in every agency in the government ways to

  • Lynn: Defense budget plans strike 'right balance'

    The Defense Department's plans to cut $78 billion from its budget over five years, and find more than $100 billion in savings for reinvestment, was a collaborative effort and a reasonable balance between military needs and budget constraints, said Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III Jan.

  • New fitness requirements for deploying Airmen

    Airmen preparing to attend Army-taught Combat Skills Training prior to deploying to a joint expeditionary tasking in direct support of combatant commander or joint task force ground component missions will soon be required to possess a current and passing fitness assessment, according to new Air

  • Iraqi Air Force College trains pilots and ground support officers

    For future pilots and ground support officers, the gateway to Iraqi air power opened Sept. 1, 2010, at the Iraqi Air Force College here.There are 143 cadet pilots studying courses in avionics and aviation theory, along with geography, history, and an extensive core curriculum in the English