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  • Air mobility tactics, electronic warfare experts analyze adversaries

    Approximately 50 combat operations experts met at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base here July 16-20 for a working group on air mobility tactics.Air Mobility Command's Air Mobility Tactics Analysis Team studied field-driven data collected on its adversaries to analyze and report on current air and

  • Senior enlisted advisor to CJCS visits Nellis

    The senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visited Nellis Air Force Base, Creech AFB and the Nevada Test and Training Range to see and better understand Airmen and their capabilities."It's been a very, very good trip," said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia.

  • Through Airmen's eyes: Airman, MMA fighter pulls no punches

    (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.)Every step was agony. With the brutal pain of blisters cutting through his feet, amplified by the weight of the combat gear and 55-pound rucksack he

  • Total force C-130 operations building opens at Peterson

    With a snip of the ceremonial scissors, Air Force Reserve and active duty Airmen ushered in the opening of a new total force C-130 Hercules operations facility July 17 here.The new $5.6 million facility is the next milestone in the 302nd Airlift Wing's integration with the active duty 52nd Airlift

  • UK's 'Friendly Invasion' 70 years on

    During his childhood, Clive Stevens would gaze up in awe at a small B-17 Flying Fortress model that sat on top of a bookcase in his home. "It obviously gave me a deep-rooted interest in the airplane," said Stevens. Over the years, his fascination grew to include not only the U.S. aircraft but the

  • Through Airmen's eyes: AEDC's Airman aims for the future

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)One of the military's most effective recruiters is often a person's older brother.Senior Airman Eric Ball is the first to acknowledge

  • San Antonio health system among best in wounded warrior, trauma care

    During the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure commission hearings, it was suggested that the military should consolidate all health facilities in San Antonio to create the San Antonio Military Health System. The SAMHS was established after both the Air Force and Army chiefs of staff signed a

  • CSAF nominee testifies before Senate committee

    Gen. Mark Welsh III addressed a range of issues here July 19 during his Senate confirmation hearing to be the next Air Force chief of staff. Welsh, who has commanded U.S. Air Forces in Europe since December 2010, answered questions from members of the Senate Armed Services Committee about budget and

  • LEAP boosts AF language capability

    Amid the darkness and the sputters of machine gunfire, service members hustle to assess and treat combat casualty victims. These victims have suffered injuries ranging from loss of limbs to sucking chest wounds. Adding to an already disorienting environment is the hodgepodge of English, coming from

  • Air Force running goes digital

    Beginning Sept. 1, Air Force medical officials will take new strides to get Airmen running safely.The Air Force Telehealth Office will conduct a six-month study to investigate the outcome and efficiency of online running instruction. The study will examine the effectiveness of a newly developed set

  • AF gets new weapon in firefighting arsenal

    The main fire station has received a new weapon in their arsenal, the P-34 Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV), which is the newest addition to the Air Force crash response fleet. The RIV is the first vehicle in the Air Force to use new ultra high pressure fire fighting technology and is smaller and

  • MAFFS request modified for four C-130s

    The U.S. Forest Service has modified its request for assistance for the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems-equipped C-130 Hercules. The new request, received late July 17, releases two of the six C-130s using MAFFS to assist with fires. The C-130s have been stationed at Hill Air Force Base,

  • AF, Navy integrate security at JTF-Horn of Africa

    Air Force and Navy personnel at Camp Lemonnier integrated their security forces into one cohesive unit July 1.The overall purpose of this integration was to enhance security efforts on camp. Before the integration, the two branches had separate areas of security responsibility, which presented a few

  • Manpower, services agencies consolidate with personnel

    During a formal ceremony held here today, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services Lt. Gen. Darrell D. Jones inactivated the Air Force Manpower and Air Force Services agencies, designating them as directorates of the Air Force Personnel Center.The ceremony, formal

  • Mildenhall Airmen catch Olympics fever

    Every four years people across the globe set aside their differences and rally behind their teams and country as the finest athletes in their lands compete at the Olympic Games.For service members, this sometimes means watching their nation compete with some of America's strongest allies. While

  • Air Force's national museum to receive NASA's Crew Compartment Trainer

    After many months of intensive planning, the first steps have been put in motion to move NASA's first Shuttle Crew Compartment Trainer from Johnson Space Center to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.CCT-1, which was one of three trainers built to train astronauts for space missions, is

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Innovative Airman cut cost

    (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.)While the Defense Department faces tightening budgets and fiscal restraints, one Airman is developing innovative ways to save money and accomplish the

  • ANG TACPs hold first maritime exercise

    Tactical Air Control Party Members (TACP) and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) from the 274th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) from Syracuse, New York participated in a first-of-its-kind Joint Maritime Operations exercise recently on Lake Ontario. The exercise was in conjunction with

  • AETC Trains America's International Partners

    Air Education and Training Command's mission is to develop America's Airmen today ... for tomorrow, but the command's reach extends far beyond America's borders.AETC personnel is training the air forces of America's international partners, helping create a large-scale network of air force

  • AF seeks medical commissioning candidates

    Interested officers, enlisted members and cadets eligible for fiscal 2013 Biomedical Sciences Corps training and commissioning programs can learn more during a world-wide webcast slated for July 18, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Webcasts, slated for 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. central time,

  • CSAF's 'fini flight' a ride of remembrance

    When Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz climbed aboard the MC-130E Combat Talon I here July 12, for his last flight as an active duty officer, he immediately began to reminisce on his flying career with special operations and the C-130 Hercules community."This is more than a little

  • Air Force general explains force structure decisions to Congress

    The Air Force deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs testified on proposed force structure changes before the House Armed Services Committee here, July 12. Lt. Gen. Christopher Miller answered questions from members of the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee's

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman sees big picture during deployment

    (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.)Even when deployments are "inside the wire," for many service members they can be "outside the comfort zone." For Senior Airman Justin Peattie, a

  • Nuclear deterrence vital in complex world, general says

    Deterrence planning and forces must fit today's unique global security environment, the commander of U.S. Strategic Command said today.Air Force Gen. C. Robert "Bob" Kehler said a "safe, secure and effective" nuclear deterrent is vital in a "complex and uncertain world" that includes nuclear weapons

  • 'Today's Air Force' recaps Colorado wildfires, F-35 Lighting II

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on July 6.First, Staff Sgt. Brad Sisson takes a look back at the wildfires that tore through Colorado and threatened the Air Force Academy.Next, Airman Jimmy Moreland takes viewers to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, to say

  • Three of MacDill's 'finest' retire after 26 deployments

    Retirement is a time to reflect upon years of dedicated service with pride. Today, July 12, three of MacDill's finest have reached this milestone. Three military working dogs from the 6th Security Forces Squadron, Conny, Jago and Haris, hung up their leashes at Helton Hall in front of a captive

  • ALS class graduates under new curriculum

    When nearly 50 senior airmen and staff sergeants graduated from Erwin Airman Leadership School here July 10, they were among the first Air Force-wide to graduate under a new test case curriculum.Kadena Air Base's ALS is one of seven schools in the Air Force and the only school in the Pacific

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Working with TCNs

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Late last year, I was tasked to deploy as an escort for third-country nationals. TCNs are civilian personnel who are utilized to help

  • Goodfellow helps teen reach firefighter dream

    Imagine having a day to live your dream, to be able to do that one thing you've always wanted out of life. Thanks to Goodfellow Air Force Base, one special teen got to do exactly that.Trey Pons, a native of Port Isabelle, Texas, has wanted to be a firefighter for as long as he could remember. He can

  • AF initiates voluntary limited loadmaster recall

    Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard loadmasters may be eligible to apply for a limited period recall to extended active duty, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.The loadmaster career field is chronically undermanned, said Senior Master Sgt. Marvin Daugherty, AFPC accessions branch

  • Airman brings touch of Britain to Alaska base

    Among automotive enthusiasts' 600-plus horsepower pony cars and hulking SUVs decked out with blingtastic chrome 22-inch rims, Tech. Sgt. Danny Damons' 1966 Ford Cortina Super might seem rather pedestrian by comparison.But upon closer inspection of the small green coupe, a not-insignificant

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Triumph of survival

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)In 1995 in America, most six-year-old boys spent their days picking on six-year-old girls, or mimicking and idolizing the Power Rangers

  • Nellis Airman awarded Distinguished Flying Cross with valor

    Staff Sgt. Justin Tite, 88th Test and Evaluation Squadron aerial gunner, received the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross with valor here, July 9.Maj. Gen. Bill Hyatt, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, presented the decoration to Tite during a ceremony with friends, family and members of the

  • Sims aren't just for flying anymore

    Officials with the 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron here, through a cooperative program with the U.S. Air Force Academy, is developing a computer-based simulator program that will allow leaders to make more informed decisions regarding resource allocations.The program allows a user to input

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Vehicle operator recalls deployment

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)In December 2011, the U.S. withdrew its last service members from Iraq to end operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. Senior Airman

  • 603rd ACS strikes for final time at Aviano

    Another chapter of Air Force history came to a close July 3 at Aviano Air Base as the 603rd Air Control Squadron called "Primo," the unit call sign, for the last time before the unit is inactivated.The 603rd ACS, one of two Air Force theater air control systems in Europe, is being inactivated as

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: From combat boots to dancing shoes

    (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.)One Air Commando recently traded in his combat boots for dancing shoes in an effort to help children in need. Staff Sgt. Curtis Krenzke, a 23rd Special

  • Young pilot sets Air Force standard

    When Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said "every Airman is an innovator" he was talking about Airmen like Capt. Kyle Alderman. What was once considered the young pilot's "pet-project" has now become the Air Force standard. Alderman consolidated multiple map displays including killbox keypads,

  • 'First shirt' recycles OCPs for Bagram Airmen

    Every U.S. Air Force first sergeant is responsible for making sure their Airmen's uniforms are in good order, but one first sergeant here has taken this charge a step further.Master Sgt. Nicholas Kollett, the first sergeant for the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, developed and

  • New options arise for many military homeowners

    The Federal Housing Finance Agency recently announced changes to its short-sale policies that should make it easier for military homeowners with Fannie Mae- or Freddie Mac-backed mortgage loans to honor their financial commitments when they are required to move as part of their duty.Under the new

  • McChord Airmen help deliver history

    A group of five Airmen from the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron delivered the 29-foot long crew compartment of NASA's Full Fuselage Trainer to the Museum of Flight's new Charles Simonyi Space Gallery June 30.The historical artifact arrived at Boeing Field in Seattle, Wash., and was so large no commercial

  • Acting undersecretary of the Air Force appointed

    On July 3, President Barack Obama appointed Dr. Jamie Morin to serve as the acting undersecretary of the Air Force.He will serve in this capacity effective immediately and until such time as a new undersecretary is nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.Morin said he welcomed the new

  • AOC hosts first online virtual tour

    The 601st Air and Space Operations Center here recently benchmarked a new program as students of Collinsville Middle School in Collinsville, Okla., got a first-hand look at the center's operations floor by way of a live virtual video tour over the Internet."The live video tour with Collinsville

  • Bataan Death March survivor shares story

    Fewer and fewer Americans today can recall where they were when they heard the news that Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, had been attacked by the Japanese on Dec. 7, 1941. As the number of first-hand accounts from World War II continues to decrease and new conflicts of the current era arise, earlier struggles

  • Tinker Reservists to participate in Navy fleet exercise

    Four 507th Air Refueling Wing KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft and more than 135 Air Force Reservists will join forces with the U.S. Navy during July to support a U.S. Pacific Fleet exercise.The exercise, called RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific), is a series of multinational maritime exercises scheduled to

  • President Obama honors new citizen service members

    Twenty-five U.S. service members filed through the White House East Room today in dress uniforms, proudly displaying their service and sacrifices to America, and took their citizenship oath before their commander in chief.They were among more than 4,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who

  • ISR history office repeats as dual-award winner

    The Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency History Office staff recently captured its second straight Brig. Gen. Brian S. Gunderson Excellence in History Programs Award, in the forward operating agency/direct reporting unit category and its second consecutive Air Force

  • Sherpa scales Mount Everest with Global Strike flag

    With a static B-52 in the background and more than 100 Global Strike Airmen looking on, Chhiring Dorje Sherpa of Nepal, presented a new piece of Air Force Global Strike heritage, June 27, which he'd carried to the top of the world and back.On May 19, Sherpa climbed Mount Everest, the highest point

  • A-10 first aircraft to use alcohol-based fuel

    On June 28, the 40th Flight Test Squadron made history here flying the first aircraft to use a new fuel blend derived from alcohol. "The A-10 is the first aircraft ever to fly on this fuel," said Jeff Braun, Chief for the Air Force Alternative Fuel Certification Division, at Wright-Patterson Air

  • AF clarifies ITDY dependent travel, transportation allowances

    Air Force officials announced a clarification concerning transportation and travel allowances for Airmen tasked with 365-day extended deployments, commonly referred to as an indeterminate TDY (ITDY). In accordance with guidance provided in the Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR), effective July

  • Airman Ranger retires after 41 years

    Forty-one years, 167 temporary duty assignments, 22 base assignments, six deployments and three wars later, Col. George W. Hays, the director of Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems, Headquarters Alaskan Command, retired from active duty service July 1 as the longest-serving

  • Air Force leaders issue Independence Day message

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send the following Independence Day message to the men and women of the U.S. Air Force:This Fourth of July marks the 236th year since the Second Continental

  • AF colonel to oversee Colorado wildfire response

    A National Guard dual-status commander has been recently appointed to support wildfire response and relief efforts in Colorado, according to Defense Department and National Guard officials.Air Force Col. Peter J. Byrne -- director of the joint staff, Joint Force Headquarters-Colorado -- was selected

  • Language Enabled Airman Program application period begins July 2

    Air Force Culture and Language Center offcials recently announced the application window dates for the Fall 2012 Language Enabled Airman Program selection board. Applications for the Language Enabled Airman Program will be accepted July 2 through August 31, and a selection board will be held this

  • AGE turns ground power into air power

    When a call comes in to the 380th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Aerospace Ground Equipment flight, requesting a piece of equipment for an aircraft, the flight responds and delivers it.However, it isn't the call for AGE that prompts the flight into action - the delivery is actually the end

  • AETC commander addresses recruits' allegations of sexual misconduct

    The commander of the Air Force's Air Education and Training Command spoke to members of the media here June 28 about the on-going investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by military training instructors (MTIs) at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas."In the fall of 2011 we discovered, to our

  • Firefighters make progress on Academy blaze

     The Waldo Canyon fire that has grown to 18,500 acres and burned hundreds of homes here has been contained on the southwestern corner of the U.S. Air Force Academy on June 28.The fire had burned about 10 acres of land on the Academy in the early morning of June 27, but firefighters on scene have

  • Despite fires, cadets arrive on time at Academy

    With fires still burning in the nearby Waldo Canyon and most of the base evacuated, about 1,000 new cadets of the class of 2016 in-processed on schedule June 28 at the U. S. Air Force Academy, Colo.To minimize the amount of cadets on base, Academy officials relocated about 550 cadets with about 200

  • Propulsion flight improves maintenance process on C-130s

    Members of the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Propulsion Flight have implemented a new process that reduces the propeller maintenance repair cycle time for the C-130 Hercules here. "We are really excited about this process because the new two- and three-day flow processes we implemented

  • Wildfire stops moves to Air Force Academy

    Air Force officials have temporarily halted permanent change of station moves and most temporary duty assignments to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., as Air Force members join the fight to extinguish the 29-square mile Waldo Canyon wildfire burning northwest of the

  • Information is best weapon against suicide

    In 2010 there were 110, in 2011 there were 122, and halfway through 2012 the number is already 140.These numbers, according to Defense Department officials, refer to suicides committed across the services within the past three years. It shows an upward trend in the number of lives lost despite the

  • Air Force spouse testifies on military families with special needs

    An Air Force spouse testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Personnel here June 21 about programs and policies that support military families with special needs. Jeremy Hilton, a Navy veteran who was recently named the 2012 Military Spouse of the Year by Military Spouse

  • Dempsey details defense challenges in visit to Nebraska base

    Likening the global security environment to strong winds such as those that come with severe weather here in the central plains, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke June 26 about challenges buffeting the nation.Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and his wife, Deanie, spoke with 300 service

  • Airmen train with Kyrgyzstan partners

    Exercise Regional Cooperation 2012, a multinational exercise designed to strengthen relationships and promote regional cooperation among participating nations, is being held at the Koi Tash Military Academy, Kyrgyzstan, June 18 to 28. The exercise tested participants' emergency management

  • 'Son Tay' Talon flies into history

    After more than 23,500 hours of flight and approximately 47 years in service, the MC-130E Combat Talon I known as the "Godfather" left the ground here for the last time June 22 for its ultimate mission.The aircraft with the tail number 64-0523 took off for its final resting place -- a special

  • International summit focuses on enlisted issues

    Representatives of air forces from seventeen nations participated in the 2012 Partner Nations Summit here this week. The three-day event was co-hosted by the Royal Canadian Air Force and the U.S. Air Force, and focused on building relationships through discussion of common topical issues."We are

  • Wildland fire fight presents operational, personal challenges

    The flightline here roared to life June 26 as the engines of four C-130 Hercules cranked up to begin day two of Modular Airborne Fire Fighting missions in Colorado. The scene was reminiscent of a NASCAR pit with aircraft landing and refueling quickly before taking flight. Tuesday began the first

  • Research lab helps solve C-5 cracking issues

    Newly developed structural technologies developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory have solved critical cracking issues with the C-5 cargo aircraft, thereby expanding the aircraft's serviceability.As part of the Durable C-5 Structural Improvements Program, AFRL recently investigated cracking

  • Air Force teams work to tame Colorado wildfires

    An Air Force team from the active duty, Air National Guard, the Air Reserve and the Air Force Academy have mobilized to help fight the quickly spreading Waldo Canyon fire near Colorado Springs, Colo., that has burned more than 3,500 acres.The request for assistance from the National Interagency Fire

  • AF top engineers give tips on saving energy, money

    Summer is officially under way. While it means fun in the sun for Airmen and their families, it can be an expensive, wasteful time of year for the Air Force. Utility bills on installations often rise drastically as air conditioning units and sprinkler systems work to keep up. The Air Force spends

  • 'New AFNIC' offers cyber advantage

    "Cyber Innovation. Mission Success." This is how the "New" Air Force Network Integration Center officials sum up what their organization provides to the Air Force and other mission partners.It's a phrase representing a new direction for a not-so-new organization. AFNIC, established from what was

  • Air Force presence helps preserve progress in Iraq

    A group of Airmen assigned to the Office of Security Cooperation - Iraq help to preserve progress made in the country after almost a decade of war. The mission of OSC-I, in coordination with USCENTCOM and U.S. Mission-Iraq, is to conduct security cooperation activities to build partner capacity in

  • Kansas reservists 'refuel' Military Channel

    A KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew assigned to the Air Force Reserve 931st Air Refueling Group here was cast in a sort of supporting role for a Military Channel television program while performing an air refueling mission in the skies above New Mexico June 21.The routine air refueling mission called for

  • SOUTHCOM, partners prepare to respond to natural disasters

    Putting lessons learned from the 2010 earthquake response in Haiti into practice, U.S. Southern Command has entered this year's hurricane season ready to provide timely, effective aid should another disaster strike the region, command officials reported."We remain deliberately prepared," Southcom

  • AF instructors learn modern Army combatives skills

    After spending five days in a joint combatives "train the trainer" course, Air Force participants gained a valuable benefit in becoming certified to teach both Modern Army Combatives and Basic Air Force Combatives:"Confidence," said Lt. Col. Tim Thurston, the 322nd Training Squadron commander --

  • Historic flying units celebrate anniversary, continue making history

    In the spring of 1942 the United States filled battle-torn European skies with squadrons of airborne war machines. Among them, two transport squadrons began carrying troops and supplies into the Second World War, beginning a parallel history spanning seven decades and many military conflicts. As if

  • Airman faces charges in slaying of fellow service member

    Airman 1st Class James Thomas of the 703rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here was indicted June 15 on 11 charges including murder, evidence-tampering and obstruction of justice.In a court filing June 19 in Anchorage, Alaska, an autopsy found Senior Airman Clinton Reeves, formerly of the 673rd

  • German air force brings Eurofighter, skills to Eielson AFB

    After a nearly 5,000-mile trip across the world, 150 members of the German air force recently arrived here with eight German Eurofighter Typhoons.It is the first time the German airframe has deployed overseas, according to German officials. In fact, it is the very first of the Eurofighter's

  • Air Force officials announce milestone Atlas V launch

    As part of the Defense Department's ongoing efforts to maintain assured, affordable access to space through 2030, the Atlas V rocket successfully lifted off from Space Launch Complex-41 at Florida's Cape Canaveral on June 20, Air Force officials said."This is an exciting time for the U.S. space

  • Carter urges Charleston service members to consider future

    Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter visited service members in the coastal low country of South Carolina on June 18, urging the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen who serve the nation here to think about the future. Against the backdrop of a hulking C-17 Globemaster III transport jet, one of 54 on

  • Playground dedicated for children of the fallen

    Donors, wing leaders and distinguished guests were on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony of a new playground at the Fisher House for Families of the Fallen June 18 here. The playground, dedicated to the children who travel to Dover Air Force Base, Del., to witness a dignified transfer of a loved

  • Polish AF flies in Red Flag for first time

    They boarded a C-130 Hercules and made the flight across the Atlantic Ocean to a place where the local language isn't their own native tongue. This isn't your normal U.S. Air Force deployment scenario, but the experience of a Polish air force crew participating in Red Flag-Alaska. Red Flag is a

  • Air Force Lt. finishes Bronco's mini-camp, continues to follow dream

    As another year of the National Football League season nears, military members might want to pay closer attention to their TVs as one of their own maybe lining up on the gridiron Sunday afternoons.Benjamin Garland, a Grand Junction, Colo. native, recently completed the Denver Broncos three-day

  • Kadena NCO fit for life

    "Mom! You know you're not supposed to eat that," 6-year-old Nadiya Young said after watching her mother open a bag of chips. "Can I just have a few chips then," asked Tech. Sgt. Ashaunettae Pollard-Young, a senior director technician for Kadena's 623rd Air Control Flight. "They look so good." As

  • Australian airmen glimpse future at Red Flag-Alaska

    Men and women in flight suits of green passed through the halls in a hive of activity. The building was buzzing with the language and accents of different nationalities, all in preparation for the day's oncoming events here. As personnel filtered through the doors of the building and onto the

  • National high school chemistry finalists attend camp at Academy

    The 2012 U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad finalists have put their chemistry knowledge and skills to the test through competitive exams and lab practicals at the Academy's 28th U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad study camp June 5-20 here.Fifteen high school boys and five high school girls from across

  • U.S., Vietnamese militaries collaborate on clinic restoration

    Airmen and Soldiers from around the Pacific have worked to restore the Xuan Lam Medical Clinic in Nghe An Province, Vietnam, since the start of Operation Pacific Angel 12 here beginning June 10. The restoration is one part of PACANGEL-Vietnam 12, an eight-day engagement designed to strengthen

  • Smithsonian celebrates annual 'Become A Pilot Day'

    Officials at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum held the annual "Become a Pilot" family day June 16, in Chantilly, Va.More than 45 aircraft were on display as the museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, including two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a C-17 Globemaster III, which had its cargo bay

  • Air Force space vehicle comes in for a landing

    The Air Force's unmanned, reusable space plane landed in the early morning of June 16 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., a successful conclusion to a record-setting test-flight mission that began March 5, 2011, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, one of two

  • Cold War U-2 pilot gets posthumous Silver Star

    More than 50 years after his U-2 aircraft was shot down over the former Soviet Union, Capt. Francis Gary Powers posthumously received one of the military's highest decorations during a ceremony here at the Pentagon June 15.Powers, who died in a helicopter crash in 1977, was awarded the Silver Star

  • Weapons school integrates cyber warfare

    Eight Air Force weapons officers completed the first cyber weapons instructor course at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, 328th Weapons Squadron, June 16 here.Weapons officers are tactical experts trained in the art of battlespace dominance who instruct the Air Force's instructor corps and serve as

  • Combat controller posthumously awarded Silver Star

    Senior Airman Mark Forester had an American flag wrapped around his chest plate inside his body armor when he was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper's fire Sept. 29, 2010.This simple act is a testament to how Forester lived his life, a life respected by all who knew him.Forester, a combat controller

  • Hanscom starts new energy competition

    A new energy competition is underway here called "How Low Can You Go?" The competition requires little effort but big results by focusing on energy consumption during the weekend. "We want people to place special focus on their pre-weekend shutdown measures," said Tom Schluckebier, the base civil

  • Finance team brings cash flow back to Iraq

    In August 2010, President Barack Obama announced the end of the combat mission in Iraq. In December 2011, images of the last U.S. service members leaving the country flooded the media. But they weren't the last to leave. A handful of U.S. service members, along with a strong U.S. and international

  • Eglin fire department named best in Air Force

    For the past four years, Eglin's Fire Department was the best large department in Air Force Materiel Command. Now, for the first time in the most seasoned fire fighters' memories, it's the best in Air Force.The fire department services a unique location. Broken into seven districts, eight fire

  • National Guard troops battle Western wildfires

    Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen from five states are working alongside civilian first responders as they continue to battle wildfires in Colorado and New Mexico.New Mexico Army National Guard members are still battling the Little Bear wildfire near Ruidoso, N.M., which is approximately 35 percent

  • Air Force launches first special tactics wing

    U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command stood up the 24th Special Operations Wing in a ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Fla., June 12 to meet the growing demand for the unique capabilities special tactics Air Commandos provide.AFSOC commander Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel said creation of this new brand of wing

  • AF officials launch online civilian retirement tool

    Air Force human resources officials added a new feature in May to the Employee Benefits Information System Web application that allows Air Force appropriated fund civilians to request benefits-related actions online. The HR Link module will help civilians prepare for retirement, request a retirement

  • Kadena personnel bank $10,000 for ingenuity

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton urged anyone employed by the U.S. federal government to search for and identify any areas that could cut wasteful spending, according to a message published in July 2011."Over the past two years, 56,000 ideas have been submitted through the Securing

  • AF releases new special duty assignment pay table

    Beginning June 15, Airmen in some special duty assignments will receive adjustments in special duty assignment pay, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Based on recommendations following a routine biennial review of the program, Pentagon officials have modified the program to ensure Air