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  • Airmen escort Afghan governor during visit

    Airmen from the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team escorted and provided security for the Afghan provincial governor during a visit with local government and religious leaders at a compound here Oct. 25. The visit was part of an on-going effort by the governor to meet key leaders throughout the

  • Servicemembers earn national security awards

    The Air Force chief of staff and two Airmen were among the honorees at the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs awards dinner here Nov. 2. The event honored the 2009 JINSA Henry M. "Scoop" Jackson Distinguished Service Award and Grateful Nation Award winners. Created to recognize leaders

  • Air Guard members are flexible, adaptable to change, says Wyatt

    The Air National Guard still provides the best bang for the buck because of the ability and flexibility of its Airmen, the reserve component's director told hundreds of Air Guard enlisted members in Dallas Nov. 3. "We will leverage those to provide the country with the most affordable, the best

  • Air Force officials seek UAS volunteers, announces policy change

    Air Force officials here are seeking combat systems officers for unmanned aircraft systems pilot duty, and interested commissioned Airmen have until Nov. 20 to volunteer for the training. CSOs within the grade of lieutenant through major are eligible, and applicants must also have between two to 13

  • Lone Airman at Combat Outpost Keating recounts enemy attack

    Being the only Airman assigned to an Army Combat Outpost on the outskirts of Afghanistan-Pakistan border can be a little intimidating and scary. Being assigned to COP Keating while under attack by hundreds of insurgents armed with assault rifles and rocket propelled grenades is absolutely

  • Air Guard readies for C-27J fleet

    For the first time, Air National Guard aircrews will be the sole operators of a new aircraft straight off the assembly line. The C-27J Spartan, the latest propeller-driven airlifter, is an "extremely rugged" aircraft, designed for austere environments, said Air Force officials. It is about half the

  • Air Force Global Strike Command leaders release command's mission, vision

    Air Force Global Strike Command officials gathered to zero-in on the organization's course, as well as review and discuss guidance from national leaders regarding the creation, stand-up and objectives for the command Oct. 15 through 17 near the National Military Park in Vicksburg, Miss.Facilitating

  • Air Force civilian receives Spirit of Hope Award

    Air Force leaders presented a civilian employee with a Spirit of Hope Award Oct. 27 for enhancing the quality of life of injured service members and their families. The award is named in honor of Bob Hope, the first honorary veteran of the U.S. Army for his 50-plus years of entertaining troops, both

  • Airmen take steps to boost Kyrgyz economy

    Airmen at the Transit Center at Manas took more steps to bettering the Kyrgyz economy by purchasing produce from the citizens of Kyrgyzstan Oct. 27.Airmen of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing received the first delivery from local vendors of goods to be used in the dining facilities at the Transit

  • 'Total Fitness' seeks unit, troop effectiveness

    Being fit to fight in today's military means more than simply being physically fit, and through the concept of "total fitness," Defense Department officials hope to build on what many say already is the most resilient force in U.S. military history. Total fitness strikes a balance between strong

  • 4 remotely piloted vehicle squadrons stand up at Holloman

    Air Force officials here stood up three remotely piloted vehicle squadrons and a maintenance squadron under the 49th Fighter Wing during an assumption-of-command ceremony Oct. 23 at Holloman Air Force Base. Members of the four squadrons -- the 29th Attack Squadron, 6th Reconnaissance Squadron, 16th

  • New perspective improves VA programs

    A new perspective has enabled leaders at the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve the level and accessibility of care provided to servicemembers, the department's assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs said here Oct. 27. "I bring with me to VA a really different, new

  • Air Force military family of the year visits Washington

    Working together as a team is the advice the Air Force military family of the year has for coping with frequent deployments. "Know your resources, such as key spouses," said Master Sgt. Wayne Ojala, the superintendent of the Airman and Family Readiness Center at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. "And take

  • Airmen aid Stop Hunger Now

    About 200 volunteers from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and the surrounding communities gathered Oct. 24 at the MERCI Mission Center in Goldsboro, N.C., to help stop hunger for the people of Afghanistan and to keep them warm throughout the winter. The volunteers prepared more than 115,000 rice- and

  • DOD officials order enough H1N1 vaccine for National Guard

    Department of Defense officials here have acquired enough doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine to immunize all 460,000 members of the National Guard, officials announced Oct. 29 here. "The DOD supply will go out to the Guard based on their order through the ... U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency," said Army

  • Reserve Command general delivers latest C-17

    The commander of the Air Force Reserve Command flew and delivered here Oct. 28 the newest C-17 Globemaster III to come off the production line at Boeing's Long Beach, Calif., plant. Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr. accompanied by an all-Reserve crew from the 317th Airlift Squadron from Charleston Air

  • Air Force updates guidance for wear of PTU

    Air Force officials have updated guidance for wear of the physical training uniform, replacing previous guidance published in Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel. According to a message released from Air Force A1 and signed by Lt. Gen. Richard Y.

  • Top spouse explains vital role of Key Spouse Program

    Suzie Schwartz, the wife of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, brought her unique perspective to the Maxwell AFB Key Spouse Forum, sharing personal stories, words of encouragement and helpful resources. The Key Spouse Program is an emphasis area for the Year of Air Force Family, which

  • U.S., Chilean airmen visit school children

    U.S. and Chilean air force airmen visited an elementary school during Exercise Salitre Oct. 27 in Alto Hospicia, Chile.Airmen from the two nations took time from the multinational exercise focused on interoperability between Chile, the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and France to visit the

  • Recommended holiday mailing dates released for Afghanistan

    U.S. Postal Service officials announced its recommended mailing dates for delivery by Christmas to U.S. military servicemembers serving overseas at APO/FPO addresses in Afghanistan. Holiday mail send via first-class mail and priority mail for servicemembers stationed in Afghanistan should be sent by

  • MacDill tankers keep mission airborne at Red Flag

    Members of the 91st Air Refueling Squadron from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., are doing their part to ensure participants in Exercise Red Flag 10-1 stay in the air Oct. 19 through 30 here. Aircrews in KC-135 Stratotankers will fly multiple sorties per day and push more than 1.4 million pounds of

  • Ophthalmology academy honors military doctors

    Representatives of the American Academy of Ophthalmology presented military ophthalmologists with a Distinguished Service Award in San Francisco Oct. 25 for their ongoing service and contributions to vision care. "It is my distinct honor to accept this award on behalf of all ophthalmologists who

  • Whiteman Air Force Base gains 2 units

    Air Force leaders continue to reinvigorate the nuclear enterprise, adding two new Air Force Materiel Command units to the Whiteman community with a ceremony Oct. 25 at Whiteman AFB, Mo. The 498th Munitions Maintenance Group relocates from Kirtland AFB to Whiteman AFB, along with its new subordinate

  • Air Force officials go green, renew vehicle fleet at wing in Southwest Asia

    Air Force officials from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here became the first wing under U.S. Air Force Central to move to a greener vehicle fleet Oct. 26. When Maj. Michael Horsey, the 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, handed the keys of a new staff vehicle to Brig. Gen. Bryan J.

  • Air Force future bright with adaptable, connected Airmen

    The U.S. Air Forces Central command chief has a good perspective on the lives of the Airmen serving in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom after more than 21 months on the job. A younger generation of Airmen is adapting to an ever-changing operating environment, gaining

  • American servicemembers in Afghanistan break ground for new high school

    Members of the Air Force-led Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team along with senior Afghan government officials and community leaders, celebrated the ground-breaking of a new high school for girls during a ceremony here Oct. 22. The school will be the first of its kind in the town of Shajoy, which

  • Football: Falcons lose to Utes 23-16 in OT

    Seven yards was the margin of victory for Utah as the Utes' defense held off Air Force on a fourth down in overtime to seal a 23-16 win. Utah entered the game ranked 19th and 20th by the nation's two college football polls and 18th in the Associated Press poll. It is the second nationally ranked

  • Chief of staff honors fallen Airmen in moving ceremony

    It was May 17, 1962, and NASA Astronaut Scott Carpenter was preparing for the Mercury program's second-ever orbital mission. Half way around the world, 13 Airmen were also preparing, getting situated to provide an emergency recovery site in Africa, only one of several such units positioned around

  • Defense Department officials take aim at drug abuse

    "Drug Free is the Key" for the Defense Department's Red Ribbon Week this year as it works to raise public awareness and mobilize communities to combat tobacco, alcohol and drug use among military personnel, civilians and families. The observation of Red Ribbon Week begins Oct. 23 and continues

  • Collaboration drove earthquake relief, commander says

    A rapid response and cooperation led to a successful humanitarian relief effort in the aftermath of last month's devastating earthquakes in Indonesia, a Navy commander said. Navy Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, commander of the Amphibious Force 7th Fleet based in Okinawa, Japan, described the operation,

  • Academy cadets help race for the cure

    More than 150 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets here helped raise more than $540,000 to screen, treat and educate patients and research a cure for breast cancer during the September Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Colorado Springs, Colo. Volunteer race director Gay Harrison, an Academy Class of 1984

  • Orientation day gives spouses inside look at Nellis operations

    Military spouses here got an inside look at  base operations during a spouses orientation day, Oct. 16. The event, hosted by the 66th Rescue Squadron, showcased the unit's mission and allowed the spouses to experience what their Air Force husbands and wives do on daily basis.  "These orientation

  • Air Force awards $14M to 2010 Young Investigators Research Program

    The Air Force Office of Scientific Research announced it will award more than $14 million in grants to 38 scientists and engineers who submitted winning research proposals through the Air Force's Young Investigator Research Program. The YIP is open to scientists and engineers at research

  • Iraq-based platelets travel to Afghanistan

    The Air Force Theater Hospital platelet apheresis lab here began dispatching blood platelets to Afghanistan Oct. 14, 2009. The AFTH functions as the sole platelet provider in Iraq. Now, it is the first in-theater medical facility to send platelets collected in one operational area to another, said

  • 15 units, 3 countries converge on Nellis for Red Flag

    Nearly 1,300 servicemembers, more than 80 aircraft and 15 units from three countries converged on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., for the start of Red Flag 10-1 Oct. 19. American, Norwegian and Dutch airmen and soldiers comprise the allied team in the exercise. "The exercise is a great opportunity for

  • McChord C-17 lands at newly upgraded airstrip in Wyoming

    A C-17 Globemaster III from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., approached the 5,500-foot-long stretch of paved runway, landed, then rolled to a stop. That's not much space on which to land a heavily loaded, half-million pound cargo plane, but officials here say it's the perfect runway for C-17 pilots to

  • Association officials name military families of year

    Seven families, one from each of the uniformed services, have been selected as National Military Family Association's 2009 Military Families of the Year for the roles they play in their communities and the way they embrace the military lifestyle. "They're really all great," said Bailey Toombs, a

  • 21 Air Force food service professionals win culinary honors

    Twenty-one Air Force food service professionals were honored at the 2009 Hennessy Travelers Association Educational Foundation Armed Forces Forum for Culinary Excellence Oct. 4 to 10. The forum at Culinary Institute of America Greystone Campus in Napa Valley, Calif., recognized a total of 25 members

  • Officials change promotion policy regarding senior NCO academy

    Completion of the resident Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy or a sister service equivalent will be required for promotion to senior master sergeant effective Jan. 1, an Air Force personnel official said recently.This policy change supersedes the current policy which requires Air

  • Combat metals flight fabricates essential aircraft parts

    When maintainers here need new parts for their C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, they can't just head down to the local parts store and pick one up. That's where the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron's Combat Metals Flight comes in. The unit fabricates aircraft parts from

  • Advanced Composite Cargo Aircraft gets X-plane designation

    Air Force officials have approved X-55A as the new designation for the Advanced Composite Cargo Aircraft. The X-55A is a technology demonstrator for the design and manufacturing of future aircraft using advanced composite materials. The X-55A is a modified Dornier 328J aircraft with the fuselage aft

  • Aeromedical staging facility staff to reach major milestone in warrior care

    Members of the 86th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility here will soon be reaching a new milestone since opening its doors and receiving its first patient six years ago. Unit members provide critical care to wounded warriors, and are scheduled to complete its 100,000th patient movement sometime

  • New PT rules will not take away from unit fitness

    Everyone in the Air Force is required to maintain fitness. In fact, in January 2010 the new physical fitness testing criteria will take effect, requiring Airmen to meet minimum requirements in each category or fail the test. Now, Air Force officials are restructuring the requirement for commanders

  • German fliers achieve 55,555 flight hours at Holloman

    With the landing of a specially painted Tornado aircraft, airmen at the German air force Flying Training Center here completed 55,555 Tornado flight hours Oct. 13, and a reception commemorating the accomplishment followed. German air force members shared the momentous occasion with Airmen from the

  • Authorities call off search for missing F-16 pilot

    Authorities are still looking for the wreckage of an F-16 Fighting Falcon that crashed with its pilot into the Atlantic Ocean off South Carolina's coast Oct. 15. An official at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., said Oct. 19 that there is nothing new to report since authorities announced Oct. 17 that Capt.

  • Ali Base assumes 'advise and assist' as additional duty

    As the responsible drawdown of forces continues in Iraq, Airmen here have embraced the additional role of advising and assisting the local Iraqi army and citizens during the transition. The 407th Air Expeditionary Group, which operates, maintains and secures the largest airfield in Southern Iraq, is

  • Charleston Airman honored for heroic actions

    A Charleston Air Force Base technical sergeant was honored Oct. 15 for his heroism and bravery while suffering from injuries sustained during a patrol on his seventh deployment to the Middle East. Tech. Sgt. Michael Williams, an explosives ordnance disposal technician with the 437th Civil Engineer

  • Vandenberg officials launch Atlas V rocket

    Vandenberg Air Force Base officials successfully launched a Atlas V rocket carrying a Defense Meteorological Satellite Program payload at 9:12 a.m. Oct. 18 from Space Launch Complex-3 here.This was the second Atlas V launch from Vandenberg AFB and the first Air Force payload to be lifted from

  • Search for missing pilot turns from rescue to recovery effort

    The commander of the 20th Fighter Wing, Col. Joe Guastella, issued the following announcement Oct. 17 regarding Capt. Nicolas Giglio, missing since a mid-air collision Oct. 15: "In spite of an intense search conducted by hundreds of professionals from the Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force, we have

  • CMSAF Roy visits Scott Airmen

    The 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited Scott Air Force Base Oct. 15 and 16 to speak to the enlisted force here and to participate in a conference along with two former CMSAFs. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy learned how Airmen at Scott AFB enable combat power and

  • Missing F-16 pilot's crash debris found in ocean

    Coast Guard searchers found crash debris Oct. 16 in the Atlantic Ocean believed to belong to a missing Air Force pilot's F-16 Fighting Falcon that collided Oct. 15 with another F-16 near the South Carolina coast during a night-training exercise, said an Air Force spokesman. "The Coast Guard has

  • ESC team efforts bring new combined air, space operations center to life

    An Electronic Systems Center team from here worked in the past few weeks to bring to life a new, state-of-the-art combined air and space operations center in Southwest Asia for joint and coalition combat forces. "We're constantly striving to bring enhanced AOC capabilities to the warfighters, and

  • Airmen bid farewell to Spanish forces at Transit Center at Manas

    Airmen of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing here held a ceremony to say goodbye to their Spanish counterparts as the Spanish Detachment vacated the Transit Center at Manas Oct. 13. During the ceremony, the Spaniards paid their respects to their fallen comrades and fallen American servicemembers by

  • F-16s collide: one pilot, aircraft missing

    Two F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft collided during night training exercises Oct. 15 over the Atlantic Ocean about 40 miles east of Folly Beach, S.C. Captain Nicholas Giglio, from the 20th Fighter Wing here, and his aircraft are missing and a search is underway.The second F-16, piloted by Capt. Lee

  • Bomb technicians lead fight against IEDs

    Improvised explosive devices have forced a change in modern combat, and deadly weapons can come in the form of a five-gallon bucket, a package in the mail or a filled-in pothole in the middle of the road. Staff Sgt. Armondo Robles and Airman 1st Class Rileigh Woodward, members of a military "bomb

  • Airman comments about firefight

    "I won't forget them as long as I live."Those are the words of Capt. Gordon Olde, an F-15E Strike Eagle weapon system officer following a battle at a remote military base about 10 miles from Pakistan that erupted on the morning of Oct. 3 that highlighted the unbreakable bond between Airmen and

  • Minot missile wing commander relieved

    The commander of the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., was relieved of command Oct. 14 due to loss of confidence in his ability to command. Col. Christopher Ayres was removed by Maj. Gen. Roger W. Burg, the 20th Air Force commander. Colonel Ayres assumed command in May 2008. He was

  • Air Force officials release results of T-38 accident investigation

    An Air Force accident investigation board has determined that a failure in the rudder operating mechanism caused the crash of a T-38 aircraft on a training mission 12 miles north of Edwards AFB, Calif., on May 21, 2009. The report states the failure was most likely due to maintenance issues. Maj.

  • Nominees sought for 2010 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award

    Air Force Personnel Center recognition programs section officials here are requesting nominations for the 2010 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award. Nominations are due to AFPC by April 22, 2010. There are three categories for award: Airman, NCO and Senior NCO. The period of service for the award

  • General impressed with Airman, Soldier synergy at Fort Hood

    The commander of Air Combat Command visited Fort Hood in early October to visit the Airmen of the 3rd Air Support Operations Group here who provide tactical air support for Fort Hood's ground troops, including the 1st Cavalry Division, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and the 4th Infantry Division, now

  • Andersen Airmen keep HARRT beating

    Air Force medical professionals are providing care to victims of the recent earthquakes here, and behind them is another group of Airmen working behind the scenes to keep the operation running smoothly. The 36th Contingency Response Group from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, is providing operations

  • Oct. 9 airpower summary: F-16 provides cover for medevac missions

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft flew armed overwatch in the

  • Ramstein pilot receives Cheney Award

    A C-130E Hercules instructor pilot was presented the Cheney Award by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz Oct. 8 for his leadership in planning humanitarian aid missions to the country of Georgia.The Cheney Award is presented each year to a service member who demonstrates an act of valor,

  • Top enlisted Airman visits Andrews Airmen

    The 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force, whose family calls this base home but who himself is "just TDY here," briefed a standing room-only audience of Joint Base Andrews Airmen here Oct. 7 at an Enlisted Call during his first official visit to the base. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force

  • Lifesaving cadets receive Commendation medals

    Six U.S. Air Force Academy cadets here received Air Force Commendation medals during the noon meal Oct. 5 here for actions that saved the lives of a man in Salt Lake City Jan. 18 and three Panamanian citizens June 13. 2nd Lt. Christopher Tulk, Cadets 1st Class Benjamin Garoutte and Joshua Lapso, and

  • Air Force officials launch updated Key Spouse program

    As part of the July 2009-July 2010 Year of the Air Force Family initiative, the service's senior leaders have announced the launch of a revised and standardized Key Spouse program. Paula Roy, wife of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy, is the senior spouse champion for the program and

  • USO gala honors troops, sacrifices

    It was a tough act for Hollywood at the annual USO Gala here last night. The stars were out at the black-tie event held in a posh hotel in the popular Adams Morgan area. More than 800 actors, musicians, models, football stars and top politicians mingled during drinks and dinner. But it wasn't the

  • Reaper takes flight at Holloman

    The first MQ-9 Reaper to arrive here made its first local flight Oct.1, expanding the capacity for the remotely piloted vehicle formal training unit here. Instructors from the 432nd Operations Group, Det. 3, conducted the first flight, while members from the 432nd Maintenance Group, Det. 1,

  • Unit surpasses consecutive 7,000 days with forces in Southwest Asia

    Members of the 55th Wing from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., and their RC-135V/W Joint Rivets have been deployed in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility every day for the past 7,000 days. The RC-135 is a reconnaissance aircraft supporting theater and national-level consumers with near

  • AMC, AFRC establish associate flying squadrons

    Air Force Reserve Command and Air Mobility Command are working to establish three active associate flying squadrons in 2010. About 500 active Airmen will associate with Air Force Reserve units at Keesler AFB, Miss.; March Air Reserve Base, Calif.; and Peterson AFB, Colo., by 2012. Lt. Col. Carlos

  • Air Force secretary takes action on DOD IG report

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley took administrative action against retired Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the former Air Force chief of staff, for his role in the Thunderbird Airshow Production Services contract. The decision follows completion of a Department of Defense Inspector General

  • Airmen provide intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance

    Leaders at every level need battlefield information, and because of Airmen with the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron ... now they know. With their RQ-4 Global Hawk and U-2 aircraft, the Airmen excel at providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for everyone from combatant

  • Oct. 6 airpower summary: Airlift crews keep missions moving forward

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Near Nuristan, coalition aircraft continued to provide responsive airpower to

  • Brooks wing reorganizes as base takes next step toward closure

    In a move designed to better manage Air Force operations at Brooks City-Base in San Antonio as the installation moves toward the BRAC-mandated 2011 closure, officials have reorganized the 311th Human Systems Wing into the 311th Air Base Group.Col. Harry R. Kimberly III became the commander of the

  • Gen. Wyatt: Associate missions must continue

    The Air National Guard's associate missions with the active duty and Air Force Reserve need to continue beyond the new missions formed after Base Realignment and Closure in 2005, the director of the Air Guard said here Oct. 6. Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III told members of the Minuteman Institute for

  • Special tactics Airmen honor fallen teammates

    Twelve Airmen began a memorial ruck sack march Oct. 6, to honor 12 fallen special tactics teammates killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. An estimated 824 miles later, the dozen warrior Airmen will arrive Oct. 16 at Hurlburt Field, Fla. In between, six two-man teams will relay through five states, 24

  • Kadena maintainers train on Japanese equipment during exercise

    Maintainers from the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit here worked alongside their Japanese hosts Oct. 2 to learn how to use aerospace ground equipment during an aviation training relocation exercise at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan. The Airmen trained on the Japan Air Self Defense Forces' AGE, which they

  • Global Strike Command leader updates progress

    Air Force Global Strike Command's top officer provided an update on the command's progress toward full operational capability during a speech at the Capitol Hill Club here Oct. 2. Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, the AFGSC commander, outlined the progress in bringing online the first new major command in

  • Bench stock 'vending machines' saving time for AMC's maintenance Airmen

    If you've ever gone to a vending machine to get your favorite beverage or snack, imagine using that same technology to dispense a particular part or tool you could use to fix a plane. In Air Mobility Command, through an initiative between maintenance Airmen and the command's Air Force Smart

  • USAFE officials ramp up for improved PT program

    United States Air Forces in Europe Airmen will see major changes in the fitness program starting Jan. Some of the Air Force-level modifications include testing twice a year versus once and having fitness assessment cell representatives conduct the biannual testing at the main installations to

  • Sheppard officials launch Nuclear Accountability Course

    Air Force officials took another important step in reinvigorating their nuclear enterprise here Oct. 5 with the launch of the Nuclear Accountability Course providing realistic, hands-on training to Airmen assuming duties making them responsible for nuclear weapons. Delivered by the 82nd Training

  • Change in post-deployment stabilization promotes predictability, equality

    The recent deployment deferment policy change institutionalizes an equitable deferment period of six months for Airmen completing 365-day indeterminate TDYs or an unaccompanied, short tour permanent change of station. Prior to the release of the new Air Force Instruction 36-2110, Assignments, which

  • Guidance released on 100 percent cotton airman battle uniform

    Air Force senior leaders here issued guidance clarifying the wear of the 100 percent cotton airman battle uniform. According to a message dated Sept. 7, only Airmen in jobs that meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, requirements are authorized to wear the 100 percent cotton

  • ACC officials hold bomb wing transition summit

    Staff members from Air Combat Command and Air Force Global Strike Command along with representatives from Headquarters Air Force and U.S. Strategic Command met Sep. 30 to work on solutions for the smooth transition of ACC's three bomb wings with nuclear missions to AFGSC. On Feb. 1, 2010, control of

  • Air Force officials dedicate C-130 to Army's 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan

    Air Force officials here dedicated a C-130 Hercules to the Soldiers of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division stationed in Afghanistan Oct. 5 at Bagram Airfield. The transport was originally dedicated at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., Oct. 25, 2008, to Fort Bragg's entire 82nd Airborne Division based in

  • Family uses technology to cope with deployment separation

    Talking every day with the man she married is sometimes a challenge for Amanda Gutierrez, but even though he is deployed they can still discuss family issues face to face. Technology like e-mail, Web cams and texting helps bridge the 8,000 mile gap between Texas and Afghanistan. Saturday morning

  • Airmen deploy to Indonesia to help quake victims

    Airmen assigned to Pacific Air Forces left here and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 5 on two C-17 Globemaster IIIs for Padang, Indonesia, to provide medical care to those affected by the recent 7.6-magnitude earthquake. The humanitarian assistance rapid response team combines medical and

  • Eglin wing transitions to become first F-35 training unit

    Members of the 33rd Fighter Wing here transitioned from an operational F-15 Eagle unit to the first F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter training unit during a ceremony Oct. 1 at Eglin Air Force Base. Col. David Hlatky assumed command of Air Education and Training Command's newest wing whose

  • Airmen use space to develop warfighting technology

    A group of Airmen at NASA's Johnson Space Center here is using space to help develop technology for the warfighter. Making up the Department of Defense Spaceflight Payload Office, these Airmen work in a small office deep inside the center's mission control, where they support three kinds of

  • Fuel efficiency among top priorities in AMC's energy conservation

    Imagine your frustration when the price of gas goes up 50 cents and it adds $12.50 to the cost of filling up your 25-gallon tank. Now imagine adding $25,575 to the cost of filling the tank of a C-5 Galaxy that holds 51,150 gallons. The Air Force is the Department of Defense's largest consumer of

  • As KC-135Es retire, Air Force officials' focus shifts to KC-X

    One of the last of the KC-135E Stratotankers to retire made its final flight Sept. 28 to Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, and after more than 50 years of service, tail number 56-1503 will be relegated to a life as one of several planes used for aircraft maintenance training on the base. This KC-135E

  • Samoa relief winds down; efforts continue elsewhere

    As the U.S. military continues to provide assistance to victims of storms and earthquakes in the Philippines and Indonesia, tsunami relief operations in American Samoa are tapering off, a Defense Department spokesman said here Oct. 5. The humanitarian-relief operation in American Samoa "is

  • Top enlisted leader visits Maxwell-Gunter

    The 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited with chiefs, first sergeants, enlisted instructors and Maxwell Air Force Base Airmen during a Sept. 25 visit here. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy visited with senior enlisted Airmen attending the Senior NCO Academy's Chief

  • Oct. 2 airpower summary: Tankers refuel 246 aircraft

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles flew armed overwatch in the Asmar area.

  • Air Force humanitarian team set to depart for Indonesia

    An Air Force humanitarian assistance rapid response team is preparing to depart on two C-17 Globemaster IIIs out of Japan and Guam to provide disaster relief to Indonesia. Seventy-one Airmen, along with associated supplies and equipment, are scheduled to fly from Yokota Air Base, Japan; and Andersen

  • McChord Airmen deliver equipment to American Samoa

    A C-17 Globemaster III from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., touched down at Pago Pago International Airport late Oct. 1, bringing nine Federal Emergency Management Agency members and 17,000 pounds of cargo to American Samoa in support of relief operations. The mission was McChord's first humanitarian