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  • Air Force libraries serve 'delicious' summer reading program

    The Department of Defense summer reading program returns this month to more than 250 installation libraries, including 74 Air Force libraries, with a goal to encourage and support a love of reading among military children and families. This year's theme is "Reading is so Delicious!" and library

  • Air Force opens first ambulatory surgery center in National Capital Region

    Malcolm Grow Medical Clinic has recently transitioned to the Air Force's first ambulatory surgery center in the National Capital Region, opening a newly renovated state-of-the-art 18-bed same day surgery unit."We are well on our way to becoming the premier ambulatory surgery center of choice for

  • Single staffing tool goes Air Force wide

    Beginning this summer, all Air Force civil service employees will have transitioned to a resume based system when seeking new positions for Air Force civilian vacancies worldwide. In 2010, the Air Force Personnel Center announced the transition to a single staffing tool for all Air Force job seekers

  • Panetta orders Air Force to take further steps on F-22

    With safety remaining his top concern, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has ordered the Air Force to take additional steps to mitigate risks to F-22 pilots, George Little, acting assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, said May 15 during a Pentagon news conference.Beginning in 2008, a

  • USPS restricts shipping of lithium batteries

    Effective May 16, the United States Postal Service will no longer allow the mailing of lithium batteries to or from international destinations, including Army post offices, fleet post offices and diplomatic post offices. Affected items will be lithium-metal or lithium-ion batteries in electronic

  • VCSAF: Balanced force structure imperative to Air Force readiness

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Phil Breedlove and his counterparts from the Army, Navy and Marine Corps testified May 10 before members of the Senate Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support about U.S. military readiness in light of recent budget cuts.In his opening statement, Breedlove

  • Military HIV/AIDS conference promotes awareness, prevention

    The 2012 International Military HIV/AIDS Conference concluded here today after four days of sharing insights into new ways to re-energize military HIV/AIDS prevention programs.Presentations by subject matter experts, interactive discussions and workshops were among the ways participants shared

  • Andersen emergency med techs operate at advanced level

    A new policy instated at Andersen Air Force Base will allow ambulances and emergency medical technicians to operate at an Advanced Life Support status."Before, when we received a call that required advanced life support, ambulance services would have to meet off base with Guam ALS and have their

  • Global Strike Command leader previews B-52 upgrades

    During a recent visit to Edwards Air force base, Calif., the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command spent time with B-52 Stratofortress combined test force officials to preview the combat capability enhancements made to the B-52H.Modernizing and sustaining the nation's long-range strike

  • New guide helps Airmen, families navigate social media

    Airmen and families have a new resource at their fingertips with the recent release of an updated and revised social media guide by the Air Force Public Affairs Agency in San Antonio, Texas.The guide features sections geared toward all Total Force members and their families as well as Air Force

  • Missing Elmendorf Airman found dead; fellow Airman arrested

    Anchorage police and Air Force officials announced May 10 that the body found earlier this week in Eagle River, north of Anchorage, Alaska, is that of missing Senior Airman Clinton Reeves. A fellow Airman was arrested and charged with six felony counts of tampering with evidence in the case. "We

  • Travis AFB concludes C-5 AMP

    A 1970 C-5A Galaxy was the last C-5A to be converted from a "legacy" C-5 to an Avionics Modernization Program C-5 here May 6. AMP modifications, the first part of the modernization effort for the C-5, replace the old analog avionics with a digital avionics suite and add a digital architecture that

  • AFDW commander inducted into Boys and Girls Club Alumni hall of fame

    Air Force District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Darren McDew was one of nine outstanding alumni inducted into the Boys and Girls Club of America Alumni Hall of Fame May 2 in San Diego, Calif.BGCA annually recognizes distinguished alumni during the organization's national conference to celebrate

  • Military spouse finds 'home away from home' outside family

    Members of our armed forces deploy for months at a time, putting themselves in harm's way far away from their families. Airmen, often along with their families, are given orders to a new place every few years because the Air Force needs their talents elsewhere. But what happens to the people they

  • Medical official explains F-22 pilot-protection efforts

    Air Force officials have instituted measures designed to protect its pilots, ensure mission completion and assess the possible physiological effects of flying the F-22 Raptor, the command surgeon for Air Combat Command said here May 9."The health and safety of our pilots -- all of our pilots -- is

  • Air Force retiree recalls harsh life in Poland during WWII

    Master Sgt. Sam Katchmar retired in June of ʼ68, 20 years after he began his service to the country in the newly-formed Air Force. American-born, his mother sold their family saloon and moved, with her six children, to Poland after her husband died in a coal mine accident. The family survived in

  • Retired AF general named to Astronaut Hall of Fame

    Retired Gen. Kevin Chilton was inducted into NASA's Astronaut Hall of Fame during a ceremony May 5 at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.Chilton is the former commander of U.S. Strategic Command, a 1976 graduate of the Air Force Academy, the husband of Academy Mobilization Assistant Brig. Gen.

  • 'Care Beyond Duty' - The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program

    Since Oct. 1, Air Force Wounded Warrior Program nonmedical care managers have assisted Airmen with garnering more than $700,000 worth of benefits and entitlements. This is just one example of how the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program works with, and advocates for, wounded warriors and their

  • AF pilot wins at Warrior Games, meets Prince Harry

    First Lt. Ryan McGuire, 4th Airlift Squadron C-17 pilot, recently won five medals at the 2012 Warrior Games and is also the Air Mobility Command nominee for the 2012 Department of Defense Employee/Service Member with a Disability Award. On top of these accomplishments, McGuire was also one of five

  • Officials emphasize commitment to Joint Strike Fighter

    Senior leaders from the Air Force and Navy affirmed yesterday that the F-35 joint strike fighter remains the centerpiece of the tactical aircraft program and will play a large part in the services' ongoing modernization plans.Navy Vice Adm. David J. Venlet, F-35 Lightning II program executive

  • Deployed wing becomes part of Air Force, Tuskegee Airmen legacy

    The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing deactivated in a ceremony May 8 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.Maj. Gen. James Jones, the deputy commander of U. S. Air Forces Central, presided over the ceremony which brought a storied era of 332nd history to a close. Also in attendance were Matthew

  • CSAF emphasizes partnership at National Security Forum

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz emphasized partnership between the public and private sectors during his keynote address at the National Security Forum here May 7. The forum, which continues through May 11, is hosted by Air War College. NSF participants include civilians from all over

  • Re-alignment project cuts costs, improves safety

    The 820th Red Horse Squadron plans to save the Air Force more than $500,000 dollars while improving training and safety, during the Ellsworth Road re-alignment project.The re-alignment of Ellsworth Road at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., started April 30, and is projected to be finished by mid-October.

  • Fifth CMSAF delivers inspirational speech at Grand Forks AFB

    An Air Force legend helped recognize Grand Forks newest chief master sergeants during an April 27, 2012, ceremony at the base club.Retired Chief Master Sergeant Robert Gaylor, the fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force from 1977 to 1979, served as the keynote speaker for the chief's

  • Air Force innovation

    Lt. Gen. Robert R. Allardice, Air Mobility Command's vice commander, was among a panel of educators and civic leaders in St. Louis on April 27 to discuss the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or better known as STEM, education to an audience of teachers, parents,

  • AF nominates 111 for astronaut candidate program

    The Air Force has nominated 111 Airmen for the 2012 NASA Astronaut Candidate Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.The Air Force candidate selection panel met in April to review 192 applications, selecting 110 officers, ranging from captain to colonel, and one senior master sergeant.

  • Fallen honored at EOD memorial ceremony

    Hundreds of people paid homage to fallen explosive ordnance disposal technicians May 5 during the 43rd annual EOD Memorial Ceremony here.The names of five Soldiers, three Sailors, five Marines and five Airmen were added to the memorial wall in a solemn ceremony attended by family, friends and

  • AF swimmers make splash at Warrior Games

    Air Force swimmers proved themselves in the pool May 5 by securing one gold and two silver medals during the 2012 Warrior Games at the U.S. Air Force Academy here.Ryan McGuire secured the silver medals in the men's 100m freestyle single-leg amputation multi-class and the men's 50m freestyle SLA

  • AF represents in Warrior Games track, field events

    The Air Force team brought home nine medals in track and field events May 4 here during the 3rd annual Warrior Games. On the field, Jennifer Stone clutched the silver medal for Air Force in women's shot put open combined with a throw of 10.6m.The Air Force men represented well with two track medals

  • Air Force refocuses pollution, waste efforts

    Air Force leaders recently refocused their pollution prevention and waste elimination efforts with a new policy aimed at gaining efficiencies.A policy memo co-signed April 27 by Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Philip Breedlove and Assistant Secretary for Installations, Environment and Logistics

  • Thousands treated, partnerships formed during Operation Pacific Angel-Laos

    Thirty American military members, along with partners from the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the U.S. Embassy, treated more than 3,650 patients, renovated five health clinics and schools, and shared medical and engineering expertise with each other during Operation Pacific Angel-Laos here,

  • AF takes bronze in sitting volleyball

    The Air Force sitting volleyball team defeated the U.S. Special Operations Command team May 3 during the bronze medal game of the Warrior Games here. This was the Air Force's second win over SOCOM in volleyball this week.The Air Force wasn't able to overcome the Army in the previous match and

  • Two AF bases take top DOD honors for environmental work

    Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced the Defense Department's environmental awards for fiscal 2012 May 1 and Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., and Hill AFB, Utah, were among nine Department of Defense installations selected for top honors.Each year since 1962, the secretary of defense has

  • Air Force chaplain faces unique challenges

    Editor's Note: This "Through Airmen's Eyes" personal account focuses on Chaplain (Capt.) Christian LaPaul Williams, a chaplain at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. His first-person account provides an inside look at the important role he plays in providing comfort and solace to the families of those

  • Marines shoot down AF in archery

    Air Force archers went up against teams from each branch of service and the U.S. Special Operations Command May 2 here during the 2012 Warrior Games.The Air Force team had a good showing in the individual and team events, but it wasn't enough to keep the Marines and Army from taking the gold and

  • Air Force accepts final F-22 Raptor

    Senior Air Force officials attended a ceremony here May 2 commemorating the delivery of the final F-22 Raptor to the service.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz was joined by Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia and other industry, Air Force and civilian leaders as they were welcomed to Dobbins

  • Little Rock AFB members say goodbye to last C-130E

    Airmen gathered for a ceremony here May 1 to say goodbye to the first C-130E Hercules ever produced and the last one to be retired.Tail No. 61-2358 will retire to Edwards AFB where it will be used as a static display after more than 50 years of service. Leaders and Airmen from three different wings

  • Assistant vice chief of staff retires after 34 years

    After serving in the Air Force for nearly 34 years, Lt. Gen. Richard "Dick" Newton III retired in a ceremony here April 27.Newton had served as the Air Force's assistant vice chief of staff since December 2010. With his retirement, Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc is the new assistant vice chief of staff,

  • 'Impossible' comeback for retired Airman

    The fire had gone out for the retired technical sergeant, but one television celebrity helped bring it back.After 21 years in the Air Force, Ken Lee followed his lifelong dream of opening a restaurant. Working with another retired Airman, he opened Mama Lee's Soul Food in San Antonio in 2007. It was

  • Obama thanks service members in Afghanistan

    During his surprise trip to Afghanistan today, President Barack Obama found some time -- between signing a strategic agreement with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and delivering a speech to be broadcast back to the United States - to speak with U.S. service members at Bagram Airfield.The commander in

  • Pentagon hosts 'Air Force STEM 2020 Challenge' essay winners

    Eighteen "Air Force STEM 2020 Challenge" essay contest winners from Virginia, Maryland and District of Columbia schools were invited to the Pentagon on April 20 for a day of learning about innovation in the Department of Defense.The 317th Recruiting Squadron's Air Force STEM 2020 Challenge was an

  • AF boom operator finalist for military fatherhood award

    When they called his name -- his actual name, not the invective often spewed at new recruits -- Senior Airman Jonathan Jackson was sure the news was bad.Instructors aren't interested in feelings at basic military training. It's their job to shape Airmen for the fight, so to be called by his name and

  • Airmen honor fallen air advisors through ruck march

    Walking almost 90 miles, 36 Airmen completed the Air Advisor Memorial Ruck March from New York City to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., April 26-27.The march, which started at the One World Trade Center and ended at the Air Advisor Academy, was in remembrance of the deaths of nine U.S. air

  • Space operator, KC-135 crew team for 'science project'

    More and more people are realizing the game-changing force space capabilities provide in today's operations, as was the case more than 60 years ago when the air domain added a new dimension to land and sea operations. The power of that integration was recently seen first-hand by crews of the KC-135

  • Mobile app connects Airmen to their base

    Want to connect with friends and family? There's an app for that. Need to find the best restaurant around? There's an app for that. Want to see what movies are playing nearby? There's an app for that.Discovering what events your base is hosting on a particular day? Now there is an app for that,

  • 2012 Warrior Games kick off, first lady speaks

    Hundreds of wounded warriors, family members and supporters gathered here for the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Warrior Games on April 30.The Warrior Games comprises seven sports -- swimming, cycling wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, archery, shooting and track and field -- in which

  • AF captain lauded for innovative sexual assault awareness training

    An Air Force Captain was recognized at the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes April18 for her actions as sexual assault response coordinator while at the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea Feb. 16 through Dec. 31, 2011.Captain Terri Zuber, Air Mobility Command Headquarters officer

  • Space Command TacSat 3 burns up in atmosphere

    Today marked the end of Air Force Space Command's Tactical Satellite 3 after it de-orbited into and burned up in the Earth's atmosphere. TacSat-3, which had exceeded its expected lifespan by 20 months, was originally designed and launched as a one-year experimental satellite May 19, 2009. Although

  • AF Reserve, FBI train together during 'Patriot Sands'

    Five Reserve units and a federal agency teamed up April 26-29 in Florida for Patriot Sands, an airlift training exercise simulating deployed bare base conditions with limited support.Reservists with the 512th Airlift Control Flight, Dover Air Force Base, Del., 452nd ALCF, March Air Reserve Base,

  • AFTN releases newest version of Today's Air Force

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on April 27. In the first segment, Airman 1st Class Mari Mosteller shows viewers how an unmanned aircraft played an important role in the rescue of two lost civilians. Also, Tech. Sgt. Roberto Velez heads to the Amazon to cover

  • Air Force Specialty Code changes take effect in May

    Various officer and enlisted Air Force Specialty Code changes will take effect in May, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Updated Air Force officer and enlisted classification directories have been posted on the Air Force Personnel Services website (see link below). These updates include AFSC

  • Dental technicians aid ailing Afghan

    The mission readiness of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the Afghan theater is a top priority to dental technicians from the 502nd Dental Company, Area Support, 1st Medical Brigade at Kandahar Air Wing, Afghanistan. The professionals are dedicated to keeping warriors fit for duty and they

  • Cyber warriors: Cadets shine in NSA competition

    Air Force cadet cyber warriors swept the virtual floor with the competition in the 12th annual Cyber Defense Exercise here April 16-20.The Cyber Defense Exercise is a network security competition during which service academy cadets and Defense Department post-graduate students manage and defend

  • RAF exchange officer departs Air Force Academy

    The British are leaving. Only no one is happy to see them go.Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Martin Harris, the RAF exchange officer to the Air Force Academy, will depart in May for RAF Coningsby, England, where he will command the No. 17 Squadron. Harris is the last RAF officer that cadets will see

  • SAIGE award winners named

    An Air Force NCO and civilian were selected as the Air Force's 2012 Society of American Indian Government Employees Meritorious Service Award winners, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced April 27.Tech. Sgt. Dana J. Timpany, with Air Force Special Operations Command, and Gayle C.

  • SecAF visits Wolf Pack

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited the Wolf Pack here April 27 to talk to Airmen about their role in the region and get a firsthand glimpse at Kunsan's mission to defend the base, accept follow-on forces and take the fight north.During Donley's visit, he met with Airmen in the 8th

  • Air Force officials to launch myPers

    Air Force officials are launching a new name for online personnel services and human resources knowledge: myPers.Rebranding the Air Force Personnel Services website, previously known as AFPERS, requires more than just a flip of the switch. Members of the Air Force Personnel Center are in the process

  • DJ Jazzy Jeff spins up deployed Airmen

    Airmen deployed to Southwest Asia aren't allowed to go to dance clubs."So we brought the club to you."DJ Jazzy Jeff, the famous disc jockey who gained popularity in the '90s alongside Will "Fresh Prince" Smith, visited the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing April 25 to entertain the troops with a mix of

  • Airmen, Marines share training, culture

    Recently a few 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron members enjoyed a cultural exchange of a somewhat different kind. It wasn't between Air Force service members and coalition forces, but an inter-service training exchange between the 451st EAMXS C-130J maintenance Airmen and the Marine

  • U.S., Bangladesh airmen switch seats during exercise Cope South 12

    U.S. and Bangladesh air force flight engineers traded seats in a U.S. Air Force C-130H Hercules cockpit for a subject matter expert exchange here, April 25, as part of exercise Cope South, a bilateral tactical airlift exercise conducted between the two air forces. Cope Cope South participants

  • Air Force strategy legend dies at age 96

    A retired Air Force general who was known as the father of "strategy to task," and was instrumental in the development and implementation of new weapon systems during the last half of the 20th Century passed away April 25, at the age of 96.Retired Lt. Gen. Glenn A. Kent spent more than three decades

  • SecAF discusses force structure, 35 FW contributions during Misawa visit

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley met with Airmen and toured several 35th Fighter Wing units April 23 during a trip to Misawa Air Base.During his visit, Donley held an Airman's Call where topics of discussion included the 35th FW's contributions to Misawa, the new Department of Defense

  • Planning continues for new Airman Heritage Museum

    Efforts are underway to expand the Air Force's enlisted heritage museum here. The Lackland Gateway Heritage Foundation plans to modernize the USAF Airman Heritage Museum with a new facility to be located on what is becoming Lackland AFB's Heritage Campus. The site location, at the North end of the

  • F-16s, MiGs engage over Bulgarian skies

    U.S. pilots from the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons based out of Aviano Air Base, Italy, have been given a rare opportunity to train and share experiences with Bulgarian air force MiG-21 and MiG-29 pilots during their deployment here in support of Thracian Star 2012.Since the start of the

  • SecAF addresses Airmen at Yokota, discusses future challenges

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed more than 300 Airmen April 24 during an all call at the Taiyo Community Center here. Donley thanked the Airmen for their work during Operation Tomodachi and also discussed the future of the Air Force in the Pacific region during the call. "All of

  • Officials explain new sexual assault policies

    Senior Defense Department officials today said they hope more service members who are victims of sexual assault report the crimes as a result of a policy change Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced last week.Panetta issued guidance April 20 withholding "initial disposition authority" from any

  • Some lieutenant colonels can apply for TIG retirement waiver

    Lieutenant colonels with at least two years time in grade may be able to retire at their current grade through the Time in Grade Waiver Program, said Lt. Col. Tara White, Air Force Personnel Center retirements and separations chief. Air Force officials announced last December that the TIG Waiver

  • Air Force guitar made to honor fallen Airmen

    An Air Force guitar is making its rounds across the U.S. with rock band Lillian Axe after an Airman and the band's lead guitarist collaborated on a way to honor nine Airmen who were killed April 27, 2011, at the Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan. Maj. Henry Cecil, an Air Force

  • VA chief visits joint base clinic, discusses progress

    The Secretary for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, retired Army Gen. Eric K. Shinseki, along with Rep. Jon Runyan, visited the Community Based Outpatient Clinic April 13 here.Shinseki, the former Army Chief of Staff, came to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to tour the facility and discuss

  • Airmen partner with TSA for working-dog training

    Loud barks could be heard yards away as military and Transportation Security Administration dog handlers prepared their assigned K-9 for the weekly joint working dog training. Staff Sgt. Matthew Byrnes, 673d Security Forces Squadron military dog handler led the training for TSA personnel to

  • Missing personnel records impact more than promotions

    When Senior Master Sgt. Randy Scanlan wasn't promoted to his current rank the first time his records met the board, he was a little confused. As a maintainer and an aerial gunner, he deployed often and received many decorations. When he was asked if he wanted to review his records before they met

  • Endangered species flourish at Travis AFB

    "This is a detective job," said Ray Hasey as he hunched over and examined a yellow Contra Costa goldfields flower.Hasey recently examined a patch of them that grew on the northwest side of the base where vacant homes were damaged in a 2008 fire and demolished in 2009. He took a closer look because

  • Airman tackles NFL dream

    At 6 foot, 6 inches tall and 305 pounds, 2nd Lt. Ben Garland looks more like a football player than a typical Air Force officer. That's because he's a defensive lineman contracted to play for the Denver Broncos and currently attending the team's conditioning and tryout camps which last through

  • Andersen AFB welcomes 69th Exeditionary Bomb Squadron

    The 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., has arrived to support U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence here.Since 2004, members of Andersen Air Force Base have played host to the CBP after Pacific Air Forces began routinely deploying B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit and

  • New simulator pushes Afghan pilots' capabilities

    Afghan pilots now have a state-of-the-art MI-17 simulator here to hone their aviation skills in a safe environment.Air Force Lt. Col. Chas Tacheny, the deputy commander of the 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group, said he has been involved with bringing the MI-17V5 No-Motion Level 5 Simulator to

  • ISR chief outlines future programs

    While visiting deployed Airmen April 15-18, Brig. Gen. John Horner addressed the future of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission programs.As Air Force Director of ISR Capabilities, Horner spent a few days with Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing to view the work of the many

  • Officials implement flexibilities for third round of VERA/VSIP

    As the Air Force continues a civilian workforce restructure through voluntary retirement and separation initiatives, officials have instituted new flexibilities to help minimize the impact of downsizing and workforce shaping.Unlike the previous two rounds, the third round of Voluntary Early

  • DFAS warns service members of scam emails

    Defense Finance and Accounting Service recently released a statement warning of email scams targeting military members, military retirees, and civilian employees.According to the statement, the most recent email scam indicates that individuals who are receiving disability compensation from the

  • AF officials plan for scheduled downtime to upgrade MilPDS

    The Air Force Personnel Operations Agency here is upgrading and transferring the Military Personnel Data System to the Defense Information Systems Agency's Defense Enterprise Computing Center later this year. During the scheduled 23-day upgrade project, MilPDS will not be available.Upgrades to

  • CSAF discusses national security space at symposium

    The Air Force chief of staff spoke to leaders from industry, academia and the government about the current state of national security space and the U.S. aerospace industrial base at the 28th National Space Symposium here April 19.In his remarks, Gen. Norton Schwartz also recognized the efforts and

  • Robotics offer greener aircraft paint stripping

    The assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics got a close up look at a new, cutting-edge technology here April 4 that's expected to reduce pollution and the exposure of Airmen to hazardous compounds.Terry Yonkers' visit to the headquarters of Concurrent

  • U.S. missile defense counters growing threat

    Six days after North Korea's failed long-range rocket launch, the head of the Defense Department's Missile Defense Agency testified on Capitol Hill about bolstering U.S. defenses against a growing ballistic missile threat.Agency Director Army Lt. Gen. Patrick J. O'Reilly appeared yesterday before

  • Doolittle raid sparks nation during early days of WWII

    It was 1942 and the world was at war for the second time that century. American morale was as low as it had ever been and Japanese forces began an all-out assault on United States and Filipino troops on the Bataan Peninsula.It was also the year when a pilot, Lt. Col. James Doolittle, would lead a

  • AF to rely more on renewable energy -- 1 gigawatt by 2016

    The Air Force is on target to generate 1 gigawatt of renewable energy by 2016, and expects to have enough renewable energy to supply 25 percent of all installation electricity use by 2025, according to Air Force officials. The announcement supports the Department of Defense's plans to roll out new

  • Officials implement flexibilities for third round of VERA/VSIP

    As the Air Force continues a fiscal 2012 civilian workforce restructure through voluntary retirement and separation initiatives, officials have instituted new flexibilities to help minimize the impact of downsizing and workforce shaping.Unlike the previous two rounds, the third round of Voluntary

  • New SIPRNet smart card protects secure networks

    Barksdale Air Force Base is evaluating a new smart card, known as a hardware token, on the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network, or SIPRNet."As we learned through the events of Wiki Leaks, we had a blind spot in protecting our classified networks," said Robert S. Jack II, Air Force Global Strike

  • Career opportunities available for those up to the challenge

    Interesting career opportunities exist for enlisted Airmen who are ready for new challenges and have a desire to take their careers in a whole new direction.Airmen who want to stay in their career field but want to try something outside their comfort zone can apply for various joint, Department of

  • 48 officers selected for career field change

    Air Force officials selected 48 company and field grade officers to crossflow into the intelligence and public affairs career fields during a selection board held last month at the Air Force Personnel Center, Air Force officials announced today.The nonrated line officer crossflow program is one of

  • USAF Honor Guard Drill Team recognized as 'best of the best'

    The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team outperformed the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Merchant Marines and Coast Guard teams in the fourth annual Joint Service Drill Team Competition here April 14.In a symphony of discipline and precision, the U.S. armed forces' most elite drill teams gathered at the

  • New housing website prepares Airmen for moving

    With the summer moving season just around the corner thousands of Airmen and their families can now use a new housing website to help prepare for their move. The website,www.housing.af.mil, provides dormitory information for unaccompanied Airmen while detailing housing options and support services

  • Discovery flies for last time, ends chapter in aerospace history

    After almost 27 years and 39 flights in Earth's orbit, the space shuttle Discovery arrived at Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C., April 17 on its way to its final resting place. The last moments in the air for Discovery began at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., mounted on top of a modified Boeing 747.

  • Airdrops could play key role in eventual Afghanistan transition

    During 2011, mobility Airmen airdropped more than 80 million pounds of cargo for troops deployed throughout austere locations in Afghanistan. In the future, the Air Force expects airdrops to continue as troops move out of Afghanistan in coming years.In March, Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen,

  • TACC leading effort for retrograde cargo from Afghanistan

    For airlift aircraft transiting and moving cargo to and from the Southwest Asia, planners at the 618th Air Operations Center are leading an effort to keep those aircraft full of cargo as they return from the deployed areas to the United States.The initiative, labeled retrograde, helps to efficiently

  • U.S., Maylasia air forces conclude exercise Cope Taufan 2012

    After completing more than 140 sorties and several hundred flying hours, the U.S. Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force concluded exercise Cope Taufan 2012 at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base here, April 13. The Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, live-flying exercise, that included F-15 Eagles from

  • Seymour Johnson AFB Airmen launch F-15Es to honor WWII victory

    Airmen from the 4th Fighter Wing honored their heritage by launching nearly 70 F-15E Strike Eagles in a Turkey Shoot training mission April 16 here. The Strike Eagles taxied one after the next down the base flightline before heading to bombing ranges across North Carolina to destroy more than 1,000

  • Earth Day calls for broader focus at all levels

    Each year when Earth Day rolls around, I make a commitment to pay greater attention to our natural environment, to shift focus from seemingly inconsequential daily activities to the greater task of preserving and improving our natural environment. But this way of thinking misses the mark.Earth Day

  • Barksdale Airmen test alternative jet fuel

    Airmen here assisted the Air Force's Alternative Fuels Certification Program staff in evaluating a new jet fuel blend known as alcohol-to-jet, March 26-30, 2012 here. Specialists from the Alternative Fuels Certification Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and the TF34 Engine Program

  • F-35 training center begins formal training

    While celebrating each F-35 Lightning II arrival, the integrated joint strike fighter training team also recently opened the doors for the first Air Force certification courses on the logistical support behind the nation's newest weapons platform.The 33rd Fighter Wing has eight basic familiarization