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U.S. Air Force News

  • Civilians add stability during emergencies

    Airmen here are fighting the base during this week's local operational readiness exercise Beverly High 08-04 and a special group of civilians is right alongside them contributing to the mission. These civilians, categorized as "emergency essential," stay with military forces even if a non-combatant

  • New matting system to improve deployment capability

    Engineers at the Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate here have made recent significant advancements developing a super-strong, lightweight composite airfield matting that speeds up forward aircraft deployments, expands parking space and reduces costs. Working with

  • Course provides pinpoint space education for leaders

    Until recently, many senior military and civilian leaders in the Department of Defense faced a dilemma regarding their understanding of space. There were no classes available to teach them the basics quickly and effectively. "We saw the need and designed the Space Operations Executive-level Course,"

  • Retired general becomes Air Force's newest fighter ace

    A retired general had been waiting on a call for some time; 55 years to be exact.Retired Lt. Gen. Charles G. Cleveland answered his home phone in January that turned out to be one of the most important calls of his life. "That's how I found out the Air Force was officially recognizing me as an ace,"

  • Air Force conducts nuclear policy and procedures review

    The Air Force's Blue Ribbon Review of its nuclear weapons policies and procedures has found that its nuclear mission is sound but needs strengthening. "The review provided the Air Force an opportunity to improve its commitment to a sound nuclear enterprise," said Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer, chair of the

  • C-130J deploys to Southwest Asia

    Members of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here welcomed the newest member of its fleet Feb. 8 as a C-130J Hercules landed in Southwest Asia. "We're not only the first active duty, C-130J deployment, it's also a record-setting event," said Lt. Col. Dan Tulley, the 41st Airlift Squadron

  • Expeditionary rescue helps save Afghan boy

    Air Force helicopters were airborne within three minutes of receiving a call to pick up a 5-year-old local national boy who had been struck by a vehicle near Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan, Feb. 2. Members of the 210th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron received the request to medevac the young boy who

  • Keep OPSEC in mind, even online

    In today's highly technological world, the fast-paced sharing of information can be considered friend or foe to those in the Air Force. There are several public Web sites which offer individuals free membership to create personalized Web pages. Two of the most popular social-networking sites are

  • Heritage to Horizons series highlights AF Flight Test Center

    The latest Heritage to Horizons series presentation highlights the de facto center of American flight research, development, test and evaluation. The Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., began operations June 25, 1951, and had a solid foundation on which to build its

  • Chief's strategy white paper unveiled

    "Transformation is an enduring part of our culture as Airmen," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff.  "We are forever looking for an edge to strengthen our ability to deliver combat power for the nation." General Moseley spoke to members of Air University's professional military

  • SECAF declares new complex officially open

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne took part in the grand-opening ceremony Feb. 5 of the Blatchford-Preston Complex, a $106.9 million construction project including improved recreational facilities and the bases' first permanent dormitories, in Southwest Asia. Opening the Blatchford-Preston

  • Air Force working to build cyber warrior career fields

    Ever since the Air Force deemed cyberspace a warfighting domain, it's been busy preparing for a new command that will have the right technology, systems and resources required to fight in this realm. The Air Force Cyber Command, which is in a provisional status until this fall, is also working to

  • Three generations honor, remember the 'Forgotten War'

    Imagine being surrounded by enemy forces and having orders to retreat through a foreign land, fighting through the mountainous terrain in frigid temperatures for 78 miles, with little or no food, water and supplies. Many Korean War veterans experienced this and more in what has become known as the

  • Deployed AWACS aircrews overcome unique challenge

    E-3 Sentry aircrews deployed here in support of Exercise Cope Tiger 2008 performed a quick turnaround and still completed a mission on time Feb. 3. A rare challenge, the E-3 was flying a mission during the exercise's large force employment  when a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling

  • Service still seeking special compensation claimants

    The approval rate of claims for Combat-Related Special Compensation is currently running 66 percent, but one-third of the eligible retirees still have not applied for the program. Air Force Personnel Center officials expected an increase in claims when the benefit was expanded to include all combat

  • New earned income credit rules lucrative for some Airmen

    Filing his family's taxes each year online, Master Sgt. Ron Przysucha says he normally receives about $3,000 in tax returns. This year however, he was taken by surprise when the same Web site he traditionally uses calculated his return at nearly $8,000. "I immediately thought it was a mistake and I

  • Air Force officials release budget request for 2009

    As part of the president's fiscal 2009 budget, the Air Force officials are requesting Congress' approval for $143.9 billion, nearly more than $9 billion more than in fiscal 2008. Of the $143.9 billion request, $117 billion are funds directly controlled and managed by the Air Force. The remaining

  • PACAF Airmen combat-train with Thailand, Singapore

    Aircraft from Pacific Air Forces began flying combat sorties here Feb. 1 alongside its ally nations Thailand and Singapore, in support of Exercise Cope Tiger 2008. The PACAF aircraft and those from the Royal Thai air force and the Republic of Singapore air force are participating in the four-day

  • Leaders ensure wartime logistics, maintenance success

    Sustaining combat-ready aircraft during the high operations tempo presented by the war on terrorism is a tough business in today's expeditionary environment. Continuous challenges in logistics, maintenance, contracting, and supply must be overcome to ensure the Air Force can fly, fight and win in

  • Recruiters discuss challenges with Senate subcommittee

    Two Air Force recruiting representatives answered questions for members of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Personnel Jan. 31. Senators questioned Air Force Recruiting Service commander Brig. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot and Master Sgt. Dave White, flight chief for the 341st Recruiting

  • RC-135 outlasts 1960's contemporaries

    In the year 1962, The Beatles recorded their debut single, "Love Me Do," "The Beverly Hillbillies" premiered on television, a ticket to the movies cost 50 cents and the first RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft rolled off the Boeing assembly line. Now, nearly a half a century later, The Beatles haven't had

  • Air Force fiscal 2008 aviator continuation pay approved

    The fiscal 2008 Aviator Continuation Pay program was approved here recently by Craig W. Duehring, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and Reserve affairs. The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act., which was signed by President George W. Bush Jan. 28, provided authorization. The

  • F-22 Raptor crew chiefs begin training

    The first class of F-22 Raptor crew chiefs began training Jan. 29 at the $21 million Raptor Maintenance Training Facility at Sheppard. Seven Airmen new to the Air Force, and one cross-trainee from the Virginia Air National Guard, are the first to undergo initial skills training on the F-22. "Thank

  • 7th Air Force, Air Forces Korea redesignated

    Osan Air Base Airmen began a new chapter for the primary combat air force provider to South Korea as the Pacific Air Forces commander uncased the 7th Air Force, Air Forces Korea flag Jan. 30 here.Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler appointed Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Wood as the 7th Air Force, Air Forces

  • First aerial bombing mission completed at Kwajalein

    On Jan. 23, the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed here with their B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., completed the first aerial bombing mission at the U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site . The Kwajalein Atoll is home to

  • Troops, families can access free tax-filing services

    Rather than paying a tax specialist, servicemembers and their families can obtain free assistance to prepare and file their annual tax returns through a special military program, a Defense Department tax advisor said here Jan. 30. The military's tax assistance program processes more than 200,000

  • Programs help servicemembers save, manage money

    Defense Department officials want servicemembers and their families to be aware of in-house programs that can help them better manage their money and stay out of debt. For example, the 2-year-old Military Saves program is designed to teach servicemembers and families how to save and invest their

  • Summit solidifies operational, strategic doctrine

    More than a dozen active duty and retired general officers formulated doctrine to support joint warfighting operations through the construct of a critical liaison to Air Force commanders called an Air Component Coordination Element Jan. 23 and 24 at Maxwell Air Force Base.The two-day "Gathering of

  • OTS starts unarmed combat training

    Officer Training School trainees completed the school's first combat skills training class Jan. 29 as part of the effort to expand the expeditionary officer training curriculum here. The course is part of the more than 70 hours of expeditionary skills training now being taught to Officer Training

  • Air Force officials activate first air ground operations wing

    The unit activation and assumption of command of the Air Force's first wing solely dedicated to supporting battlefield Airmen took place during a ceremony here Jan. 25. The activation of the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing marked the first of its kind for the Air Force and added another volume to

  • Airmen help wounded troops survive journey home

    The Air Force Theater Hospital's 98 percent survivability rate for injured U.S. servicemembers would be meaningless if the wounded were unable to survive their journey out of the combat zone. Four years into the war, the process of saving lives and then safely transporting critically injured and ill

  • Squadron commanders, first sergeants meet senior leaders

    Squadron commanders and first sergeants had an opportunity to meet with the chief of staff of the Air Force during a conference here Jan. 24 and 25.  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley called in Airmen from around the Air Force to get a candid perspective from the field while sharing

  • CMSAF focuses on Airmen development

    The Air Force's top enlisted leader emphasized the importance of each Airman's contributions, as well as their responsibilities in the development of their Airmen and their own careers during a Jan. 18 enlisted call at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Echoing the sentiments of the three Air Force

  • CENTAF commander applauds theater hospital Airmen

    The U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander and command chief had high praises for the Airmen manning the Air Force Theater Hospital during their tour here Jan. 26. Lt. Gen. Gary North and Chief Master Sgt. Richard Small recognized several of the hospital's top performers and showed their

  • Manas center helps Airmen return home quicker

    Members of the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center here tested a new process to help Airmen deployed for "in lieu of" taskings for the Army return to their families faster. "Air Force teamwork streamlined all processes that ensured inventory,

  • Air Force general praises joint success

    Air Force and Army officials synchronized to eliminate threats to ground forces in southern Iraq in what was called a "relentless pursuit of the enemy" during Operation Marne Thunderbolt in January. Aircrews of F-16 Fighting Falcons, B-1B Lancers, Navy F/A -18 Hornet pilots, Army 3rd Infantry

  • Airmen train with Humvee simulator

    Rollover, rollover, rollover!!! Egress, egress, egress!!! These words were constantly echoed to a group of 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen during the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer training here Jan. 25. The training, conducted by 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, consisted of 45

  • ACC pilot hearing protection combines with headset

    Air Combat Command pilots are now using a new customized hearing protection system that not only protect the pilots' hearing but also provides a platform for radio communication. The ear plugs, known as Attenuating Custom Communications Earpiece System, are used by pilots in the cockpit and on the

  • AFPC civilian retires after 57 years service

    When Bill Ward first raised his hand to enlist in the Air Force, Harry S. Truman was president of the United States. Now, 58 years and 10 presidents later, he will retire Jan. 31. Mr. Ward, an assignments adviser at the Air Force Personnel Center here, developed an extensive personnel resume through

  • 'Today's Air Force' highlights the war on terrorism

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the war on terrorism, to include a deployment exercise in Northern Italy and readiness centers set up to help families cope with the deployment of mothers and fathers. Also featured is the impact of Air Force medical professionals throughout

  • CENTAF's top enlisted Airman discusses war

    The command chief master sergeant of 9th Air Force and United States Central Command Air Forces kicked off a theater-wide tour Jan. 24 at a Southwest Asia air base. Chief Master Sgt. Todd Small spoke with Airmen at two Enlisted Calls about key accomplishments made by today's Airmen who are filling

  • Mother replaces son on Kirkuk's front lines

    As many parents anxiously await the next phone call from their sons and daughters fighting the war on terrorism in Southwest Asia, one mother journeyed across the Atlantic to not only see her child, but also to replace him on the front line. Staff Sgt. Tammi Johnson, a reservist with the 507th

  • Elmendorf Airmen move toward initial operational capability

    Airmen in the 90th Fighter Squadron are completing steps to declare initial operational capability, with the overall goal of declaring full operational capability. The 90th FS and 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit exercised a mock bomb drop over the Alaska training range Jan. 16. "This was an excellent

  • Army, Air Force leaders discuss interoperability

    The chief of staffs for the Army and Air Force along with other senior leaders from both Services met to discuss issues of mutual interest regarding interdependency and interoperability Jan. 23 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. and Gen. T. Michael Moseley spent the

  • Air Force develops friend vs. foe identification system

    Air Force Research Laboratory officials here recently have developed a technology that helps identify friendly forces during combat exercises. Working with Lumitex Inc. of Strongsville, Ohio, members of AFRL's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate developed and fielded the Target Recognition

  • C-17 pilot auditions for 'American Idol'

    A C-17 Globemaster III pilot with the 317th Airlift Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base recently lived out one of her dreams -- to audition for "American Idol." Capt. Lyndsey Goodman, a Reserve pilot who has flown the half-million pound airlifter into combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, also

  • Center's core mission remains constant during the years

    By the time the Air Force Flight Test Center was established here on June 25, 1951, Edwards AFB had already become well known as the place where "the rubber meets the ramp" and the de facto center of American flight research, development, test and evaluation. The turbojet revolution in America had

  • Defense Department works to eliminate gaps in medical care

    The trauma care that U.S. servicemembers receive is the best in the world, but Defense Department officials must continue to eliminate gaps in the medical process as patients move from DOD facilities to the Department of Veterans Affairs and to private hospitals, a senior Pentagon medical official

  • Ammo keeps fighters supplied in quest for Iraqi freedom

    Airmen can fly, fight and win in any wartime situation, but being able to do that is only possible if pilots are properly equipped with the right munitions for their target. Ensuring there is no shortage of munitions for combat aircraft are the Airmen here in the 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance

  • Airmen compete for spot on Air Force boxing team

    The Air Force Box-Off  was held at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 18 and 19 at the Bennett Fitness Center. Matches featured 16 Air Force members hoping to make the Air Force Boxing Team, which will compete in the Armed Forces Boxing Championship. The main event featured Rodney Ellison

  • Providing shelter is a BEAR

    Air, water, food and shelter are the basic essentials for life. But when Airmen deploy to an environment where no one has lived before, these essentials need to be brought in. Anywhere in the world and within a matter of days, a Base Expeditionary Airfield Resource, commonly referred to as a BEAR

  • Air-to-ground missile launched from drone

    For the first time, an air-to-ground missile was launched from a full-scale aerial target drone, or FSAT.  The test was performed Jan. 9 by Airmen here with Detachment 1 of the 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron. The FSAT is an unmanned QF-4 Phantom drone that was operated by remote control from a ground

  • Joint exercise accomplishes historical achievements

    For the past week Airmen have been participating in an operational readiness exercise alongside South Korea airmen and soldiers, testing the combined mission of the two allies stationed here. Even though the ORE is a regular occurance, the exercise made history with two separate events. The first

  • Kunsan, Eielson swap F-16s

    Officials from the 8th Fighter Wing received 18 modified F-16 Fighting Falcons in mid January from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, as the two bases exchange fighter aircraft. Currently, 80th Fighter Squadron pilots at Kunsan AB are flying Block 30s, which will transition to the aggressor squadron

  • 480th Intelligence Wing realigned

    Air Force officials announced Jan. 14 the transfer of the 480th Intelligence Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Va., to the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency at Lackland AFB, Texas. Formal realignment of the affected units will occur on or before March 1. The 480 IW,

  • Museum unveils F-22 public display

    National Museum of the U.S. Air Force officials here unveiled the new F-22 Raptor exhibit Jan. 17 available to be viewed by all visitors to the public museum.Several high-ranking officials, distinguished guests and many employees from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, gathered to witness

  • Air Force weapon system roadmap released

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley has released the Air Force's weapon system "roadmap," a long-term plan for providing Air Force capabilities the nation needs in the 21st century to meet threats to the nation's security. As part of the Air Force's strategic planning efforts, senior

  • Don't overlook airpower in joint counterinsurgency doctrine

    The counterinsurgency manual used by U.S. Soldiers and Marines undervalues the role airpower plays in fighting insurgencies, stated a monograph recently published by Air University officials. That guidance, designated Field Manual 3-24 by the Army and Warfighting Publication 3-33.5 by the Marine

  • Squadron deployment tests Kunsan's readiness

    A South Carolina-based unit began arriving here Jan. 15 as part of an air and space expeditionary force deployment as a measure to maintain a credible deterrent posture and presence in the Pacific region. The 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, one of three flying squadrons of the 20th Fighter Wing

  • Airman takes top honors among Marines

    An Airman became an "honorary gunnery sergeant" after graduating at the top of her class at the Marine Corps Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy Advance Course graduation Dec. 12 at Quantico, Va. "My peers were surprised, but mostly impressed at how well I did without any Marine Corps

  • Mirror therapy shows promise in amputee treatment

    Army Sgt. Nicholas Paupore is using a large mirror  to help adjust to the loss of his leg after suffering injuries in an explosion while on duty in Iraq. By using the mirror, the right leg that was destroyed when an explosively formed penetrator ripped through his Humvee just south of Kirkuk, Iraq,

  • Tops In Blue names 2008 team members

    Officials of Tops In Blue, the Air Force's expeditionary entertainment group, have announced the names of 25 new members of the 2008 "Deja Blue" tour. "Our 2008 team is made up of some of the most talented members we have had join us in many years," said Jeri White, production manager for Air Force

  • PACAF receives Air Force maintenance award

    The vice chief of staff of the Air Force presented Pacific Air Forces the Gen. Wilbur L. Creech Maintenance Excellence award Jan 16 at the Pentagon. Gen. Duncan J. McNabb presented the award to Chief Master Sgt. Robert L. Norcross II and Master Sgt. Jeffrey Soots for the more than 10,000 maintainers

  • Air Force receives 4 Presidential Rank Awards for intelligence

    White House officials here recently chose four career intelligence senior executives for 2007 Presidential Rank Awards for their exceptional long-term accomplishments. Winners of this prestigious award are strong leaders and professionals who achieve results and consistently demonstrate strength,

  • Tops In Blue 2008 needs musicians, technicians, drivers

    If you play the trumpet, trombone, saxophone or guitar you could be the person the Air Force's premier expeditionary entertainment group is searching for. In addition, if you have technical skills or can drive a truck then you have an opportunity to become a member of Tops In Blue. "Our 2008 team is

  • New ALS curriculum creates new challenges

    Airmen attending Airman Leadership School here and at all Air Force bases come into the new year with many changes to its core curriculum that may create a more challenging course for students ready to become NCOs. ALS institutions Air Force-wide are required to have a "historic, total rewrite" of

  • It's better to give

    January is National Blood Donor Month and the Armed Services Blood Program extends a worldwide thank-you to all blood and platelet donors. The ASBP manages the colossal responsibility of supplying more than 1.3 million troops and family members with blood worldwide, said Ralph Peters, an ASBP Blood

  • $92 million facility slated for trauma research

    The groundbreaking of a $92 million research center Jan. 11 marked the first Base Realignment and Closure construction project at Fort Sam Houston directed by the 2005 BRAC legislation. Once completed, the 150,000-square-foot Joint Center of Excellence for Battlefield Health and Trauma Research will

  • Biomedical maintainers ensure combat medical success

    Airmen of the 332nd Medical Support Squadron Biomedical Maintenance Flight here help save lives by ensuring proper preparation of patients prior to air evacuation from the theater of operations every day.The Air Force Theater Hospital at Balad Air Base is the hub for en-route patient care, and

  • Kadena F-15s returning to flight

    Officials from the 18th Wing anticipate resuming flight operations here Jan. 14 as 39 Kadena Air Base F-15 C and D model Eagles are cleared to fly again after remaining on the ground for more than two months as a result of a fleetwide stand-down. The order to resume flight operations came from Gen.

  • Dover exercise tests Airmen's combat environment skills

    Once fine tuned and sharpened with razor-edge precision, an ordinary axe became something magnificent during the Middle Ages. The battleaxe, a choice weapon due to its inexpensive cost and abundant availability, was a dangerous weapon on the battle fields of long ago. The methods of warfare have

  • Air Force leaders discuss F-15 accident, future

    Senior Air Force leaders gathered for a press conference here Jan. 10 to share findings from the accident investigation board currently examining the Nov. 2 crash of a Missouri Air National Guard F-15C Eagle. The upper right longeron -- one of four metal beams that help hold the cockpit to the main

  • F-15 Eagle accident report released

    A failure of the upper right longeron, a critical support structure in the F-15C Eagle, caused the crash of a Missouri Air National Guard F-15C, four miles south-southeast of Boss, Missouri, Nov 2. According to the Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released Jan. 10, a technical

  • Air strikes hit more than 40 targets in Iraq

    More than 40 targets were hit after precision air strikes destroyed reported al-Qaida safe havens Jan. 10 in Arab Jabour, Iraq. The precision air strikes supported Operation Phantom Phoenix, the overarching operation that includes Operation Marne Thunderbolt. Thirty-eight bombs were dropped within

  • January-February Airman available online

    Air Force depot maintenance workers, like those at the Ogden Air Logistics Center at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, keep Air Force aircraft flying in the war on terrorism. These mostly civilian home-front warriors, though half a world away from the front lines, play a vital role in the Air Force's

  • Air Force maintainers help improve future for Afghans

    The efforts of a trio of Airmen here are helping ensure success for a mission bringing self-governance, security and economic growth to the people of Afghanistan's Paktya and Logar provinces. Vehicle maintainers Tech. Sgt. Kendrick Ouzts, Staff Sgt. Andrew Hawley and Staff Sgt. Russell Achee enable

  • Air Combat Command clears selected F-15s for flight

    Air Combat Command officials cleared a portion of the F-15 Eagle A through D model aircraft Jan. 9 for flying status and recommended a limited return to flight for Air Force units worldwide following engineering risk assessments and data received from multiple fleet-wide inspections. The return to

  • Humvee egress training increases survival in combat

    Airmen from the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron are receiving Humvee egress assistance training to increase their survival in combat.  More than 260 Airmen were trained recently over a four-day period. "The purpose of the training is to teach combat Airmen the proper procedures to

  • General Brady offers parting thoughts

    To many below the headquarters and major command levels, the title "AF/A1" may not mean much, but it should. AF/A1 is the office of the Air Force's senior officer in charge of all personnel issues from force shaping to education and training, and for nearly four years, Lt. Gen. Roger A. Brady has

  • Commercial flights move servicemembers around Africa

    The secretary of defense recently granted a waiver to allow Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa members to partner with a civilian contractor to take American servicemembers from major cities in the area of operation and fly them to smaller, remote locations.Secretary Robert M. Gates approved

  • New analysis tool boosts AF's wartime mission

    The Air Force has developed a new tool for personnelists and functional area managers that provides a complete and accurate accounting of deployment assets. For the first time, FAMs at the Air Force headquarters and major command level can look at their Air Force specialty codes and make accurate

  • Air Force cartoonist publishes book while deployed

    It's hard being only a figment of someone's imagination. Just ask 1st Lt. Kenneth Dahl, an F-15 Eagle fighter pilot with the imaginary 809th Fighter Squadron. Lieutenant Dahl, call sign "Barbie," is the star of the online Web comic Air Force Blues, and a hero, of sorts, to his Internet following.

  • Balad radar air traffic controllers run skies of Iraq

    It looks simple in theory. All you have to do is keep little blips on a screen from bumping into each other. Now consider that those blips represent billions of dollars of government assets and hundreds of lives, all relying on one person's ability to control air traffic. This is the job of the

  • Air Force officials recognize top cadet

    Air Force officials honored the 2007 Cadet of the Year in a ceremony Jan. 3 at the Pentagon. The Cadet of the Year Award recognizes the most outstanding cadet in an Air Force commissioning program. Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Duncan McNabb presented the award to U.S. Air Force Academy

  • Airman participates in Marine Corps martial arts program

    An Airman deployed to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa received the Marine Corps martial arts program green belt Dec. 28 here. Airman 1st Class Joseph Cawood, an 81st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron aerospace ground equipment technician, is participating with more than 30 Marines assigned to

  • Air Force nurse helps save lives in rural Kansas

    Christmas is the season for giving. But giving is a year-round job for Air Force nurse Maj. Randy McBay. It's a given that things happen when we least expect it. And so is the case with Major McBay, an operating room nurse assigned to the Air Force's largest training hospital in the world, Wilford

  • Certain officer, enlisted bonuses expired Dec. 31

    Certain bonus programs for Reserve and active duty officer and enlisted personnel expired Dec. 31 due to the president not signing the fiscal 2008 National Defense Authorization Act and returning it to Congress for changes. All reenlistments for eligible Airmen in Air Force Specialty Codes with a

  • 'Today's Air Force' features the F-22 Raptor

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the F-22 Raptor.  Also featured are an air combat training exercise called "Red Flag" and the F-35 Lightning II. The F-22 reached initial operational capability two years ago, but until recently that operational presence was restricted to the

  • Enhanced health information sharing supports warriors

    Department of Defense officials here recently announced the organization-wide release of enhancements to share electronic health information with the Department of Veterans Affairs.DOD information will be shared through the Bidirectional Health Information Exchange and the Clinical Data

  • Deployed Airmen find ancient artifacts at Iraqi air base

    An Airman and his team discovered fragments of pottery, possibly dating back as far back as 2,000 years during a recent job at Kirkuk Air Base. Tech. Sgt. Kelly Wayment, a heavy equipment operator with the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron here, was carrying out a routine operation near a

  • AFMC team wins 'hazardous' Air Force competition

    An Air Force Materiel Command team of bioenvironmental engineering and emergency management professionals won the Air Force's 2nd annual Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Challenge held Dec. 10 through the 14 at Brooks City-Base, Texas.Considered to be the olympics for the two career

  • Bagram Airmen celebrate season

    Airmen in Afghanistan found ways to celebrate the holiday season while providing continuous airpower and combat support for U.S. and coalition forces throughout the country. While family and friends back home marked the holiday season with gifts and celebrations, deployed Airmen in Afghanistan

  • Families displaced by ice storm find home on Tinker

    Three hours after being notified, Tinker Air Force Base leaders were providing emergency shelter for Air Force families left without heat and power, some with infants, following an ice storm Dec. 10 here. 72nd Medical Group first sergeant  Master Sgt. Lisa Sears obtained 30 unused dormitory keys to

  • Air Force provides Army burn flight team with training

    Since Operation Iraqi Freedom began in March 2003, Army burn flight and Air Force critical care air transport teams have evacuated and treated hundreds of patients who've suffered burn and inhalation injuries primarily resulting from improvised explosive device detonations. In response, joint

  • Television holiday greetings available online

    Too busy to sit in front of the television to catch a holiday greeting from a friend or family member stationed or deployed overseas? Don't worry, the video hellos are now available online. The holiday greetings program, videotaped and produced by the Army and Air Force Hometown News Service, is in

  • Comfort group takes care of servicemembers

    Needles, thread, cookies and warm hearts surrounded two folding tables covered in fabric. Holiday carols, cheerful voices and the low whir of sewing machines filled the room. Several women sat chatting and sewing what some may consider "irregular" articles of clothing. Members of the Sew Much

  • Delta II with GPS payload successfully launches

    Air Force space technicians successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Delta II booster Dec. 21 carrying the fifth modernized NAVSTAR Global Positioning System satellite into space. The NAVSTAR GPS was launched at 3:04 p.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 17A here. The satellite will join the

  • Airmen, Sailors complete interservice air combat training

    Forty Kunsan Air Base Airmen returned here Dec. 20 after completing an 11-day training exercise for air combat training with Sailors at Atsugi Naval Air Facility, Japan. During the training exercise, pilots received training on different basic fighter maneuvers as F-16 Fighting Falcons and F-18

  • McChord combat controllers receive medals

    Twenty-five medals were presented to 15 combat controllers and special tactics officers by the Air Force Special Operations Command commander during a Dec. 18 ceremony at McChord Air Force Base. Lt. Gen. Donald C. Wurster presented a Silver Star, seven Bronze Stars with Valor, three Bronze Stars,

  • CSAF announces selectees for new senior officer program

    Seven senior officers were recently selected to be part of a new program directed by Chief of the Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley. As part of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Fellows program, these select officers will work directly for the chief of staff in lieu of serving as a