F-22s at Langley receive FOC status

F-22 Raptors here reached full operational capability Dec. 12, said Gen. John D.W. Corley, the commander of Air Combat Command.The announcement officially makes Langley's F-22 squadrons combat ready. FOC for the F-22 means the aircraft are now ready for global engagement, said Lt. Col. Mark Hansen,

Kehler: 'The future of Space is now'

"Air Force Space Command performs a national, and in some cases, an international space mission," said Gen. C. Robert Kehler, the new commander of AFSPC. "The space capabilities we provide today are embedded in all of our combat operations," he said. "They're also embedded in our military

Lieutenant's oversight mission vital to Air Force testing

In his duties as the air propulsion test project manager at the Arnold Engineering Development Center here 1st Lt. Josh Frederik plays a key part in numerous multimillion dollar projects."You're dealing with these big numbers and as the representative on the government side you need to be a good

Key maintenance, logistics functions realign

The alignment of fighter and combat search and rescue aircraft maintenance units under flying squadrons was announced by the Air Force chief of the staff  Dec. 7 here. Between July and November 2008, AMUs supporting fighter and CSAR flying squadrons will realign within those squadrons, Gen. T.

Portal IM service allows Airmen, friends, family to connect

Friends and family members can keep in touch with Airmen anywhere in the world through an instant messaging program available through the Air Force Portal. Every Airman is permitted up to five guest users through the Friends and Family Instant Messaging service, which works "24 hours a day, seven

F-15s undergo extensive technical inspections

Air Force maintainers continue to perform methodical and time-intensive inspections on all F-15 Eagle A, B, C and D model aircraft which are revealing more cracks in the aircraft longerons. The discovery of more structural damage in the F-15s prompted the Dec. 3 stand-down order from Air Combat

Commander retires after 38 years of service

With one last review of a formation of Ramstein's finest Airmen, and along with it, one last coin challenge, Gen. William T. Hobbins, commander of United States Air Forces in Europe, was retired at a ceremony here Dec. 10 after more than 38 years of service. General Hobbins cited cooperation as key

Combat leadership course takes PME to next level

What does an Air Force supply noncommissioned officer and an Army infantry NCO have in common? What can someone who spends their days troubleshooting computers learn from someone who spends their days on convoys? The answer to these questions is leadership. Regardless of the branch of service or

Kunsan Airmen paint arctic F-16s for Eielson

Airmen from the 8th Maintenance Squadron corrosion shop recently completed painting an arctic scheme on one of their F-16 Fighting Falcons -- a first for Kunsan and soon Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. In October, Kunsan received its initial group of Block 40 F-16 aircraft under the Common

Moody unit consolidates to support battlefield Airmen

Members of the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing here will bring a new level of support to Airmen who specialize in ground-combat missions by consolidating units starting in January. The 93rd AGOW officials will consolidate the tactical air control party and battlefield weather specialties of the 3rd

Cultural, language center expands Air Force-wide

Air University's Culture and Language Center is beginning an evolutionary change toward becoming an Air Force-wide institution focusing on culture and language throughout the service. Beginning next year, the center's mission will expand to include service-wide responsibilities as it becomes the Air

Boxing trio visits Hurlburt Field Airmen

Boxing promoter Don King and two world champion boxers talked to Airmen and signed autographs during a meet-and-greet session Dec. 5 at Hurlburt Field, Fla. Five-time boxing world champion Felix Trinidad and eight-time boxing world champion Roy Jones Jr., on their "We Care" tour, stopped at the

Operational readiness exercise tests Airmen, Marines

Airmen from the 18th Wing joined with elements from the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing to conduct a joint operational readiness exercise Dec. 3 to 7 here. During the week-long exercise, Kadena Air Base members and their Marine counterparts were tested on their ability to execute their wartime taskings,

Airman medic comes to aid of Soldiers, Afghans

For a combat medic with the Police Mentor Team Linoma here, a normal day at the office can include calling out enemy positions to a gunner or treating life-threatening injuries. Senior Airman Neil Murray, an emergency room medical technician deployed from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., has spent the

Thrift investment board sets 2008 TSP contribution limits

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board here recently announced that 2008's elective deferral limit for regular TSP contributions is $15,500, which is the same amount for 2007.In addition, contributions for the catch-up plan will remain at the same $5,000 limit set in 2006 and 2007."TSP is a

Air Force officers earn Cheney Award

Two Air Force Special Operations Command officers were recently awarded the Cheney Award for actions in southern Afghanistan, where they provided close-air-support for special forces on the ground. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Duncan J. McNabb presented Majs. Bradley Downs, and Daniel Roesch

First Air National Guard contingency response group trains

Airmen assigned to the nation's first Air National Guard contingency response group unit attended 22 days of training at the Air Force Expeditionary Center's Mobility Operations School here. Fifty-six Airmen from the 115-person 123rd Contingency Response Group of the Kentucky Air National Guard at

Officials stand down F-15 A-D models until further notice

The commander of Air Combat Command directed the stand-down Dec. 3 of all ACC F-15 A through D model aircraft until further notice. The decision follows additional information received from the ongoing investigation of the Nov. 2 F-15C mishap that resulted in the loss of that aircraft. Gen. John

Communications network continues to evolve

Two years after its standup, the Radio-over-Internet Protocol Routed network, or RIPRnet, has a very different mission and much greater reach than originally planned. The RIPRnet is a key communications network for both ground convoys and air operations throughout Iraq, consisting of 15 core sites

Dec. 2 airpower summary: F-16s support ground troops

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb

General focuses on mission, future of AWACS

The E-3 Sentry airborne early warning and control system aircraft and its crews have led the way into battle many times in the past and are achieving combat excellence today, the commander of the nation's only AWACS flying wing said Nov. 27. The focus now, however, is on the future, Brig. Gen. Lori

Testing center opens at Camp Bucca

Air Force security forces members here will now be able to redeploy home with their career development courses completed as base officials opened a new testing center.With many Airmen arriving for duty in the middle of upgrade training, Air Force leadership at Camp Bucca decided a testing center was

Conference makes virtual training a reality

The special weapons and tactics team quickly moves through the terrorist camp to the front of a safe house while forces from air and sea take out the rest of the camp. With precise and quick tactics, the team proceeds though the house, takes out the remaining terrorists, secures the hostage, and

F-15 A-D models ordered to stand down for additional inspections

For the second time this month, the commander of Air Combat Command has directed a fleet-wide inspection of all ACC F-15 A through D model aircraft. The directive follows Nov. 27 findings stemming from the investigation of an F-15C mishap that resulted in the loss of that aircraft on Nov. 2 . Based

AFSOC welcomes new commander

Air Force Special Operations Command ushered in a new commander Nov. 27 in Freedom Hangar at Hurlburt Field, Fla. Lt. Gen. Donnie Wurster assumed command of AFSOC from Lt. Gen. Mike Wooley, during a ceremony presided over by Gen. Duncan McNabb, Air Force vice chief of staff. "It's with the deepest

F-4C Phantom dedicated to fallen Airmen

After visiting Iraq, Afghanistan and Walter Reed Army Hospital, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne was compelled by the overwhelming attitude of the military ethic of "standing watch so others may be free," in today's servicemen. He faced a similar emotion today when a Vietnam era F-4C

Bagram Airmen launch 'care strikes' to spread cheer

For the last two months, a group of Airmen have been conducting what some are calling "care strikes," to enhance morale among servicemembers here. Capt. Ken Valardi, the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Chaplain and his assistant, Staff Sgt. Aaron Smith, began the project in September with the delivery

Secretary sees first afterburning engine test with synthetic fuel

The secretary of the Air Force viewed the first ground testing of the General Electric F101 engine using a 50-50 mix of Fischer-Tropsch and JP-8 jet fuels Nov. 27 at Arnold Air Force Base. Secretary Michael W. Wynne witnessed the first series to qualify a high-performance, afterburning engine with

Aircraft dedicated to Purple Heart recipients

One of the Air Force's most modern cargo aircraft was named after the nation's oldest military decoration Nov. 20 in a ceremony attended by Medal of Honor and Purple Heart medal recipients. The Mississippi Air National Guard's 172nd Airlift Wing named one of its C-17 Globemaster IIIs "The Spirit of

AF leader discusses acquisition focus areas

People in the Air Force acquisitions office are focusing on the workforce, product improvement and acquisitions processes, said Sue C. Payton, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition. The acquisitions office is comprised of 24,183 people responsible for 127 major programs. They are

Officials explain recoupment policy for wounded troops

If you are wounded in combat and discharged as a result, you will not have to pay back your enlistment bonus, Defense Department officials said here Nov. 26. "Bonuses are not recouped simply for one's inability to complete an enlistment or re-enlistment agreement through no fault of the military

Airmen help establish Iraqi air force

Camp Taji Airmen are helping rebuild the Iraqi air force.The camp, located approximately 20 miles northwest of Baghdad, is home to the 370th Expeditionary Training Squadron made up of officer and enlisted Airmen from various career fields who are training Iraqis in several technical training

First CMSAF earns Lifetime Achievement Award

The first chief master sergeant of the Air Force announced he had learned the secret to winning awards to those in attendance at the Senior NCO Academy auditorium Nov. 20 here."The secret is simple  -- just live long enough," said retired Chief Paul Wesley Airey. "If you live long enough, (the

Entire F-15 fleet returning to flight

Gen. John D.W. Corley, commander, Air Combat Command, sent a message Nov. 21 to F-15 pilots, weapons systems officers and maintenance professionals outlining the actions the Air Force has taken following the Nov. 2 F-15C Eagle mishap that resulted in the loss of the aircraft. The message reads:

Traditional holiday meal to replace field rations for many

When troops stationed in the Middle East sit down to Thanksgiving dinner, the turkey won't come in a brown field rations pouch. Thanks to the efforts of the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Dubai and Djibouti will enjoy a traditional holiday meal.

Bright Star brings together coalition forces

Sixty Charleston Airmen recently participated in the oldest training exercise in the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility aboard three C-17 Globemaster IIIs. Bright Star 07, hosted by Egypt in cooperation with USCENTCOM and U.S. Army Central Command, was held in Cairo from Nov. 3 to 19

AMC aircrews reach million sorties milestone

Air Mobility Command passed a major milestone Nov. 19, when an AMC aircraft flew the command's one millionth sortie since September 11, 2001. The landmark flight was a C-17 mission flown to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. The crew was from the 62nd Airlift Wing's 10th Airlift Squadron, McChord AFB,

Chaplain assistant chiefs evaluate pre-deployment training

Enlisted leaders in the Air Force's chaplain assistant career field made a special visit to the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center in early November to talk with chaplains and chaplain assistant students in the Advanced Contingency Skills Training Course and to observe the course. The visit brought

Fairford Airmen prepare for shuttle launch

When the Space Shuttle Atlantis, mission number STS-122, launches on Dec. 6, a world will stand watching. While it takes a massive crew to get the shuttle off the ground, there will be hundreds more waiting after the blast off. They are ground crew members of the Space Shuttle Transatlantic abort

3rd Medical Group ready for Soldiers' return

The 3rd Medical Group here is ready to provide treatment to the more than 3,700 Soldiers from Fort Richardson's 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, who have returned or are preparing to return from deployment. "The men and women of the 3rd Medical Group have been making the

Airmen practice runway repair, RAAF airmen observe

Approximately 110 personnel, most from the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, attended the Det. 1, 554th Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer Silver Flag exercise here last week. After a week of mostly classroom training in their respective

Warriors with mild to moderate injuries stay near the fight

Warriors wounded in war with mild to moderate injuries are being sent to the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group where they can be treated, recover and returned to duty. There are seven nurses on staff, which includes three intensive care unit nurses, who deal with a lot of different injuries or

New 400-hour phase inspection equates to lives saved

F-15E Strike Eagle maintainers here recently became the first in the Air Force to implement a new inspection process that promises greater airpower capability throughout Afghanistan. Shortly after becoming the first deployed F-15E unit in the Air Force to return to full operational capability

Vance helps celebrate Oklahoma's centennial

Four T-38C Talon planes from Vance kicked off the Oklahoma Centennial parade in Guthrie, Okla., marking 100 years of statehood. The planes from the 25th Flying Training Squadron symbolized the land rush that settled the Oklahoma territory in 1889. It was part of a full day of festivities in Guthrie

Air Force sharpshooters help commanders see the future

When servicemembers go outside the wire here, they occasionally have an extra set of eyes watching over them. Concealed, the members of the 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's Close Precision Engagement Team observe, provide intelligence and, if necessary, neutralize threats. The CPET

'Today's Air Force' features homeland defense

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the combat alert cell and the Airmen responsible for watching and intercepting any perceived threat; and the Distinguished Flying Cross medal -- a surprised presentation from a father to his son. The 30-minute, weekly news show can be seen every

Officials release CSAR-X proposal request amendment

Air Force officials released Amendment 5 to the Request for Proposals Nov. 15 for CSAR-X, the combat search and rescue replacement vehicle. Officials have conducted face-to-face meetings with all CSAR-X offerors after the release of Draft RFP Amendment 5. These face-to-face meetings with CSAR-X

EagleCash lands at Ali Base

An Air Force EagleCash Card program team has been flying throughout the area of responsibility for the past six months implementing a time- and money-saving technology in southern Iraq. The three-person team, which included a member of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and two members from U.S.

'In-lieu-of' Airmen keep Army rolling along

A team of Air Force professionals is keeping the Army rolling and the mission moving every day over the rugged terrain of Afghanistan. Deployed on a year-long "in-lieu-of" tasking to a forward operating base near the city of Qalat, Afghanistan, four Airmen keep more than 30 vehicles mission-ready

Luke maintenance group takes home DOD award

Airmen from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., took home their trophy Nov. 15 after being named one of the Defense Department's top maintenance units at a ceremony in Orlando, Fla. "This is an amazing achievement for the men and women of Luke (AFB)," said Col. Algene Fryer, the 56th Maintainance Group

Close-air-support exercise tests Atlantic Strike participants

The cool evening was still as three camouflaged insurgents watched an Army patrol approach their village. Unbeknownst to the saboteurs, an Air Force targeting pod was closely watching their position and relaying information to the ground commander. Suddenly, a deafening explosion drowned out all

U.S. military showcased at Dubai Air Show

More than 325 American servicemembers participated in the 10th Dubai Air Show Nov. 11 through 15 here. Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers provided logistics, force protection and maintenance support to the various U.S. aircraft on display and performing aerial demonstrations. The Dubai Air Show is

Officials begin to clear F-15Es to full-mission status

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft are now undergoing a safety inspection that will return them to flying status according to an order issued Nov. 11 by Gen. John Corley, the commander of Air Combat Command. Each of the 224 E-model aircraft require the completion of a 13-hour time-compliance

Pilots focus on air superiority, operations during Keen Sword

Honing their skills against enemy air threats over the skies of Japan, Misawa fighter pilots participate in a two-week long training exercise here. Exercise Keen Sword, which began Nov. 6, is a  joint and bilateral exercise simulating the defense of Japan using more than 60 military units from 24

44-year-old C-130 flies final combat mission, ends service

After 44 years of service and more than 29,500 flying hours, a C-130 Hercules flew its final combat mission Nov. 13 from Southwest Asia and will next be heading to the boneyard. Aircraft 63-7865 from the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and currently assigned to the 386th Air

Wing's legacy continues

The 509th Bomb Wing makes its home here, and operates the Air Force's premier weapon system, the B-2 Spirit bomber. The mission of the wing is to bring the full spectrum of expeditionary global power of the B-2 for combat support capabilities to combatant commanders.  With the B-2, the wing can

UAV detachment stands up at Creech

A new detachment has been established at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., to manage MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle operational test and evaluation and force development evaluation for Air Combat Command. The Airmen assigned to Det. 4, a unit of the 53rd Test Management Group based

Air Force claims armed forces basketball title

The Air Force team swept away the competition to win the Armed Forces Basketball Tournament that concluded Nov. 13 here. The Air Force captured the gold for the second year in a row by going undefeated in the tournament. The defending champion Air Force team faced off against the Marine team during

Combat search and rescue training in Utah

Book offers lessons on fighting terrorism with airpower

Airpower is a valuable weapon in the fight against terrorism but only if it is applied with discrimination and care, according to a new study of the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War published by Air University officials. Widespread criticism of Israel for relying on its air force to attack Hezbollah

Airmen, 'Great Patriots' celebrate Veterans Day

It isn't very often that Mark Pavlovich Polushenko, an 83-year-old retired infantry lieutenant colonel with the former Soviet Union Army, has occasion to put on his military service dress uniform. The opportunity came again Nov. 12 during a special Veterans Day event here. Colonel Polushenko was

Aviation pioneers attend Heritage to Horizons ceremony

Five members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots who served during World War II attended the Heritage to Horizons proclamation ceremony for Air Force Week Nevada during a city council meeting Nov. 7 at the Las Vegas City Hall. The ceremony was part of a weeklong Air Force's 60th Anniversary

Travis firefighters become four-time world champions

Under the lights of the original Las Vegas strip, firefighters from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., won a fourth consecutive Scott World Firefighter Combat Challenge here. In a time of 4 minutes, 37.89 seconds, the Travis team earned the right to keep their trophy another year. "It was amazing to win

Airmen in Afghanistan honor veterans with silent vigil

Airmen here honored veterans past and present with a 10-hour silent vigil Nov. 11. Following a formal wreath-laying ceremony, teams of two airmen -- a total of 80 in all -- stood at "parade rest" near the flagpole of Camp Cunningham here as a constant reminder of the significance of Veterans Day.

Secretary and chief of staff send Veterans Day message

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley send this Veterans Day message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force: On Veteran's Day, our nation honors the great Americans who have stood ready to give life itself on behalf of freedom in

Cyber Airmen fight in America's newest battlefront

A key component in the world's most lethal air and space force is the ability to protect sensitive communication and computer systems from the bad guys. A group of highly trained Airmen here take that fight head on every day in the far-reaching realm of cyberspace. Senior Airman Jonathan Odum,

Vietnam wall speaks to both present and past

At a time when wounds and memories of a long and bitterly protested war were still open and raw, when veterans were treated as villains instead of heroes, an Army veteran by the name of Jan Scruggs conceived the idea of building a memorial to honor those who served in Vietnam. Facing more opposition

'Letter to Airmen' highlights leadership

In the latest Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force focuses on how Air Force people and the exchange of ideas are integral to the goals he laid out earlier this year. "Whether deploying in combat or executing day-to-day missions, Airmen must understand how each decision they make or task

Reaper drops first precision-guided bomb, protects forces

The MQ-9A Reaper demonstrated it's unique precision strike capability as a hunter-killer attack platform by dropping its first precision-guided bomb Nov. 7. "The beauty of the MQ-9 Reaper is that we're able to synchronize and integrate unmanned aerial attack platforms over the skies of Afghanistan,

Crew chief meets childhood hero at Hill

"Okay buddy, how do you read me?" That simple phrase may not mean a lot to the average person, but for Airman 1st Class Jeremy Meyers, hearing it from his hero was unforgettable. "It's such a small world. Not in my wildest dreams did I think I would be stationed with one of my heroes," Airman Meyers

Service-disabled veterans key to meeting military missions

Three Air Force winners were among 19 organizations and individuals honored at the first Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Awards Ceremony Nov. 5 at the Pentagon. The group of entrepreneurs and department acquisition officials earned praise from Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England

Warfighters gather to train for close-air-support operations

More than 200 warfighters from around the world gathered to combat a simulated enemy force comprised of insurgent groups, roadside bombs and hidden snipers Nov. 6 through 9 at the Avon Park Military Training Complex in central Florida. Atlantic Strike VI, a semi-annual training event sponsored by

Mobile readiness team supports Army in Iraq

Members of the 732nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Mobile Readiness Team are deployed here "in-lieu-of" Army forces and support the American Soldiers by recovering government assets that have been damaged, misplaced or unaccounted for in Iraq. The team recently deployed to Camp

Space Command striving for improved field communications

Airmen of Air Force Space Command's Space Innovation and Development Center were on hand in Warren's AFB Quebec flight area recently, but they weren't looking to the area's Peacekeeper past; they were demonstrating the future. "We're here to continue demonstrations of the combat airborne network,"

Upgraded A-10s prove worth in Iraq

A new version of the A-10 Thunderbolt II has been flying over Iraq providing close-air support for the ground troops from Al Asad Air Base for nearly two months. As part of the Precision Engagement Upgrade Program, the Maryland Air National Guard's 175th Wing has been converting it's A-10s from A to

Mission continues during grounding of F-15s

Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, U.S. Central Command's Combined Forces Air Component commander is maintaining assigned F-15E Strike Eagles on ground alert and will accomplish all assigned missions with a variety of fighter, attack and bomber aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles, under his command and

Live-fly exercise trains Airmen for combat mission

More than 100 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern Airmen will train the way they fight as they participate in Mesa Fury 2007, a large force exercise Nov. 5 to Nov. 9. Mesa Fury 2007, a joint forces exercise, is designed to allow Airmen and participating Department of Defense combat units an

World Firefighter Combat Challenge

Combat controllers honor fallen comrades

Valerie Chapman (left), widow of fallen combat controller and Air Force Cross recipient Tech. Sgt. John Chapman, and Doris Maitland, sister of Andre Guillet, listed as missing in action from the Vietnam War, lay wreaths in honor of all the fallen controllers during the Combat Control Association

B-2 arrives at Whiteman AFB

When 15-year John H. Belanger took his first flying lesson in Menominee, Mich., little did he realize he'd be making aviation history 27 years later by co-piloting the B-2 bomber during arrival ceremonies at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Nor did this lieutenant colonel realize exactly what he was

Commanders form distinguished list

A long list of distinguished commanders, including an Air Force chief of staff have led the 509th Bomb Wing in its mission. The wing traces its historical roots to a World War II ancestor, the 509 Composite Group. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John D. Ryan was commander of the group and wing three

Combat rescue officers ready for field

Nineteen men began their Sunday morning Oct. 21 with a three-mile run and 1,500-meter swim here. The intensive physical training test set the stage for six days of grueling workouts and evaluations -- so demanding, in fact, that by Friday only eight men were left. Those eight men are now combat

Nov. 4 airpower summary: Airdrop is key to resupply

Coalition ground forces are able to keep the enemy on the run in Afghanistan's mountainous terrain where roads are extremely limited or simply don't exist because aircrews are able to to get much needed supplies right where they need to be. For six days, from Oct. 25 to Nov. 1, Airmen achieved more

Thunderbirds receive first upgraded F-16

Hill Air Force Base officials rolled out the first of 11 configured F-16 Fighting Falcons for the Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team.During a ceremonial hand over Oct. 24, attended by incoming 2008-2009 Thunderbirds commander and lead pilot Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, and a full house of

Firefighters bring 'burning' passion to training mission

Fighting fires is a dangerous job, especially when working with insufficient equipment and inadequate training. But a pair of Air Force firefighters deployed to Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, are hoping to change that. Master Sgts. Timothy Rickard, deployed from Anderson Air Force Base,

'Today's Air Force' features deployed Airmen

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights an Airman whose split-second decision saved lives and earned him a medal. Also featured is an air traffic control tower simulator that can be programmed to create emergencies and air traffic scenarios. The 30-minute, weekly news show can be seen

Fallen OSI agents honored

A memorial service was held here Nov. 4 to honor the lives of three Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom. Airmen and Soldiers gathered to pay their respects and celebrate the lives of Master Sgt. Thomas A. Crowell, 36, of Neosho,

Air Force suspends some F-15 operations

The Air Force suspended non-mission critical F-15 flight operations on Nov. 3 following the crash of a Missouri Air National Guard F-15C aircraft Nov. 2. The cause of that accident is still under investigation, however, preliminary findings indicate that a possible structural failure of the aircraft

Nov. 2 airpower summary: Strike Eagles support combat operations

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force

Airmen, Soldiers help establish military academy

Nearly, 2,000 young hopefuls descended upon the Afghan National Military Academy recently, all vying for the chance to be accepted into the academy and possibly study in the United States and Great Britain. A group of U.S. Airmen and Soldiers are currently working at the academy helping process the

Global cyberspace center delivers 'Warfighter's Edge'

A two-year effort for the Air Force Global Cyberspace Integration Center and the U.S. Air Force Academy's Institute for Information Technology Applications culminated Oct. 31 when the Warfighter's Edge, or WEdge, was initially released to the field. WEdge, a base-level command and control tool

Enola Gay pilot, General Tibbets passes away

Retired Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets Jr., the pilot of the first atomic bombing mission, died of natural causes Nov. 1 at the age of 92 in Columbus, Ohio.The general was the pilot of "the Enola Gay," the B-29 Superfortress which dropped the first atomic bomb, "Little Boy" on Hiroshima, Japan, on

Flight attendants provide world-class service

Presidents, generals and prime ministers count on the support from Airmen of the 89th Airlift Wing here who provide safe, comfortable and reliable transportation while keeping world leaders connected and protected on special air missions around the globe. Tech. Sgt. Pete Kana of the 1st Airlift

3rd Wing activates second F-22 squadron

The 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base activated the 525th Fighter Squadron during a ceremony at the base Oct. 29. The second active-duty F-22 Raptor squadron took its place in wing history nearly three months after the aircraft officially landed on base. Lt. Col. Chuck Corcoran assumed command of

Battlefield Airmen train for JTAC role at Pohakuloa Training Area

Tactical air control party members from the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron practiced and honed their skills calling in air strikes for B-2 Spirit stealth bombers during a week long training session as part of Exercise Koa Lightning. These battlefield Airmen serve as joint terminal attack

CSAF presents Bronze Star to Royal Air Force exchange officer

The United States Air Force and the Royal Air Force have worked together frequently during the last ninety years. The 18th Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley reinforced the close bond between USAF and RAF Airmen when he presented the Bronze Star Medal to RAF Wing Commander Red Thompson

Air Force women's symposium kicks off

The Air Force Women's Heritage to Horizons Training Symposium kicked off here Oct. 31with about 600 Airmen from around the globe in attendance. For the next three days, attendees will sit in on various forums and discussions, ranging in topics from professional development to women in combat. Guest

Ramstein Airmen join team in Iraq

Six takeoffs. Six landings. Twelve hours. All in a day's work for aircrew members of the 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron taking on the mission known as the "pain train." "It's called the pain train because there's just 30 minutes between each stop," said Capt. Robin Cadow, 737th EAS pilot. "At

Tactical airlift initiatives further Air Force's total force integration

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley announced four proposed initiatives Oct. 31 concerning C-130 Hercules tactical airlift, each of which furthers the service's vision for a seamless total force. The initiatives, which would impact communities in Tennessee, New York, Georgia and

Children of fallen troops honored at remembrance ceremonies

Ten children of servicemembers killed during the war on terrorism were honored for their sacrifices on behalf of the nation at ceremonies here and in Iraq Oct. 29. At the Russell Senate Office Building last evening, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen and Army Chief of