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  • Ellsworth officials launch digital airport surveillance radar

    Ellsworth Air Force Base officials recently completed the installation of a digital airport surveillance radar system to be used with the Dakota Air Traffic Control Facility here. This modern, digital radar replaces traditional airport-surveillance radar used by air traffic controllers, eliminates

  • U.S. seeks to counter enemy's 'weapon of choice'

    Defense Department officials here said Oct. 29 that they expect U.S. forces in Afghanistan to continue to be targeted by improvised explosive devices -- which have claimed more lives there than any other weapon -- while it seeks ways to counter the threat. As President Barack Obama and his advisers

  • Department takes steps to reduce casualties

    Defense Department officials here have taken steps to stem mounting casualties in Afghanistan, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said here Oct. 29. October has become the deadliest month for American servicemembers in Afghanistan, with 56 killed, and Mr. Morrell said Defense Secretary Robert M.

  • Exercise seeks battlefield information effectiveness

    U.S. warfighters and allies operating in Afghanistan and Iraq depend on various sensor platforms that can provide information about the enemy's whereabouts night or day, a senior U.S. military officer said Oct. 29 here. That's why the annual joint Empire Challenge demonstration, which explores how

  • 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

  • Cope India dubbed a success

    U.S. and Indian air force officials are pleased with the positive results of all of the joint-training operations executed here during Cope India, Oct. 19 to 23. Cope India is a United States and India airlift exercise that provides training for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief

  • Contingency response Airmen build partnership capability in Egypt

    Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing bolstered Egypt's ability to mobilize its troops by training 20 Egyptian airborne soldiers on airlift and cargo loading procedures during Exercise Bright Star in Cairo, Egypt, Oct. 9 to 21. During the eight-day training course, the Airmen taught

  • Kirkuk ceremony marks transfer of navigational aids to Iraqi air force

    A ceremony held at Kirkuk Air Base in Iraq Oct. 26 demonstrated the emerging independence of the Iraqi Air Force. The ceremony marked the official turnover of a suite of navigational aids provided by the Electronic Systems Center, headquartered here, through a first-of-its-kind foreign military

  • 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

  • Airmen support Army's airlift needs

    American Airmen on C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Hercules aircraft are contributing directly to support joint and coalition forces on the front lines of both operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. "The Air Force airdrops are providing needed support to Soldiers in the field; getting people

  • Oct. 22 airpower summary: Predators provide overwatch

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons flew armed reconnaissance in the

  • Oct. 21 airpower summary: B-1Bs provide armed overwatch

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 21 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs flew armed overwatch in the Konduz

  • Tanker aircrews support exercise in Chile

    Airmen aboard two Arizona Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotankers are flying daily refueling sorties above Chile to support a multinational force of fighters during Exercise Salitre II. The Airmen from the 161st Air Refueling Wing in Phoenix are participating in the Chilean-led exercise that runs

  • Oct. 20 airpower summary: F-16s fly close-air support

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs flew armed overwatch in the

  • Oct. 23 airpower summary: F-16s escort convoy in Afghanistan

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft flew armed overwatch in

  • Oct. 19 airpower summary: Tankers support fighter missions

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles flew armed overwatch in the Asmar

  • Medal of Honor recipients visit Airmen, wounded warriors in Germany

    Two Medal of Honor recipients visited wounded warriors and Airmen here Oct. 23 as part of an Armed Forces Entertainment tour. Retired Army Col. Robert Howard and Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Littrell, who both received the nation's highest military decoration for actions during the Vietnam conflict, were

  • 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

  • Mountain Roundup acts as final stage for German air force training

    The German air force is here training with the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marines through the end of October during the annual Mountain Roundup exercise. "Mountain Roundup is an annual exercise that we have here hosting the German air force mission employment phase of their fighter weapons school, or

  • Navigation aids keep F-15s on course

    Two Airmen from the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., are keeping F-15 Eagles on course using portable Tactical Navigation Systems, or TACAN, during a Chilean-led multinational exercise in Antofagasta and Iquique, Chile. The portable TACAN is usually used by combat controllers

  • 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

  • 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,

  • Top enlisted Airman visits Ellsworth Airmen

    The 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited Ellsworth Air Force Base Oct. 21 and 22 to tour the installation and speak with Ellsworth members about education, deployments, fitness and family support. "We are a nation at war," Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy said during an

  • Battlefield Airmen considered a weapon system

    The capabilities of battlefield Airmen are considered just as lethal as any advanced weapons system. For that reason, tactical air control party personnel, pararescuemen, security forces personnel and special operations weathermen have been included in the annual Weapons and Tactics Conference

  • Little Rock Airmen fuel up to save environment, money

    Airmen from the 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron's Fuels Management Flight here have been selected to test two types of aviation fuel in an effort to save money and the environment. The first is the commercial grade Jet A. This fuel is cheaper and more common throughout the aviation industry; it's

  • KC-10s provide rapid aerial refueling

    Think of this number: 1.2 million. That's the number of pounds of fuel the KC-10s from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing deliver daily to aircraft that provide air support to warfighters in Afghanistan. This means that when coalition forces need air support, aircraft such as A-10 Thunderbolt IIs,

  • Globemaster conducts first mission for Cope India

    A C-17 Globemaster III crew conducted the first ever combined airdrop mission with Indian air force personnel here as part of exercise Cope India. The 535th Airlift Squadron from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, conducted a high-altitude low-opening mission with four U.S. Air Force Airmen and Soldiers

  • 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

  • Exercise Cope India begins

    More than 400 airmen from the United States and India began the fourth installment of exercise Cope India, a bilateral humanitarian assistance disaster relief exercise, here Oct. 19. The exercise will exchange airlift, air land, and tactical airdrop delivery techniques using three C-130H Hercules,

  • Air Force officials launch ADVENT technology demonstrator phase

    Air Force Research Laboratory officials here completed its assessment of the two adaptive versatile engine technology Phase I efforts and found both companies worthy of proceeding to Phase II. ADVENT is a flagship effort under the Versatile, Affordable Advanced Turbine Engines Program, or

  • 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

  • Oct.16 airpower summary: C-130s sustain operations in Southwest Asia

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle and F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft

  • Oct.18 airpower summary: F-15s destroy enemy position

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Iraq, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and B-1B Lancer aircraft provided overwatch

  • Oct. 17 airpower summary: A-10s provide armed overwatch

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons flew armed overwatch in the Asmar area.

  • 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

  • Academy Assembly guests discuss bridging war, peace

    The vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told Class of 2010 cadets here Oct. 8 that their education will not end at graduation during his keynote address for the 2009 U.S. Air Force Academy Assembly. "The world demands more education today," said Marine Gen. James Cartwright. "This is the

  • Veterans Affairs secretary announces new gravesite locator

    The secretary of Veterans Affairs announced Oct. 16 here that the Department of Veterans Affairs has made the gravesites of more than 6.7 million veterans easier to locate using handheld devices with Internet capability, such as "smart phones." "This innovative program continues VA's commitment to

  • Airmen wrap up relief efforts in Pacific

    Airmen providing humanitarian assistance following the recent natural disasters in the Pacific have wrapped up their efforts and are returning home, Pacific Air Forces officials here said Oct. 19. The missions began Sept. 30 when Hawaii Air National Guard crews flew two C-17 Globemaster IIIs loaded

  • Oct.15 airpower summary: F-16 covers coalition convoy

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet and Air Force MQ-9A Reaper aircraft flew

  • U-2 exceeds 25,000th hour of flight

    U-2 aircraft No. 068-0337 was accepted by Air Force officials in 1968, and exceeded the 25,000th hour of flight Oct. 18, 2009, in a mission out of Southwest Asia. The plane, with a wingspan of 105 feet, is maintained by military members and civilian contractors of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing,

  • Oct. 14 airpower summary: KC-135s sustain flight in AOR

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Oct. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon, A-10 Thunderbolt II and

  • Mobility Airmen continue peak pace for Operation Enduring Freedom

    When President Barack Obama authorized an additional 17,000 troops to "surge" into Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom in February, mobility Airmen answered the call. To move that many personnel, a concentrated effort in the mobility airlift and air refueling community was needed. According

  • 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

  • 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

  • Acceptance crew ensures flight safety for Air Force

    Whenever Boeing officials roll a new C-17 Globemaster III off the plant in Long Beach, Calif., Tech. Sgt. Sidney De Leon and his team have to make sure it's ready for the Air Force to fly it. "The Air Force expects to receive a perfect product, and it is up to us to identify and correct any problems

  • 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

  • Heavy Airlift Wing receives third, final C-17

    The third and final C-17 Globemaster III to complete the Heavy Airlift Wing aircraft inventory arrived here Oct. 12 and was welcomed by the Hungarian Chief of Defense General Laszlo Tombol and other civic leaders from the surrounding communities. The delivery of the third aircraft marks the

  • AFRCC Airmen respond to balloon chase in Colorado

    Air Force Rescue Coordination Center personnel here responded to calls for assistance when a hot air balloon, believed to be 'piloted' by a 6-year-old boy, broke free from its tethers and flew haphazardly through the skies near Denver Oct. 15. At approximately 1:25 p.m. Central Time, the AFRCC

  • Oct. 13 airpower summary: F-16s eliminate threat to friendly forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18C Hornet and F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft flew armed

  • Oct. 12 airpower summary: A-10s make strafing runs on enemy position

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs flew armed overwatch in the Chahar

  • EOD Airmen help Iraqi police enhance skills

    Members of the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal team here and Iraqi police conducted joint training here Oct. 3, enhancing the Iraqi police's necessary skills detecting, safely approaching and disarming improvised explosive devices. An Iraqi police EOD team

  • Flight simulators help AMC to 'maximize value, minimize waste'

    In Air Mobility Command, the use of flight simulators as an Air Force Smart Operation for the 21st Century effort is helping significantly reduce costs, maximize training and make more aircraft available for operational missions. Through AFSO 21, initiatives provide a "dedicated effort to maximize

  • McChord Airmen complete second humanitarian airlift to American Samoa

    A C-17 Globemaster III aircrew from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., touched down at Pago Pago International Airport on Oct. 10, delivering more than 42,000 pounds of Federal Emergency Management Agency cargo to American Samoa in support of ongoing relief operations. The mission was the aircrew's

  • Airmen train, advise, assist Iraqi helicopter pilots

    Air Force pilots from the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron here train, advise and assist Iraqi helicopter pilots around the clock, helping the Iraqis further develop their air force. Maj. Christopher Elam, an Mi-17 instructor pilot, and Maj. Jack Swinehart, a UH-1HP Huey military transition

  • Oct. 11 airpower summary: Strike Eagles fly armed overwatch

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles flew armed overwatch in the Asmar

  • McChord Airmen provide humanitarian airlift to Indonesia

    McChord Air Force Base Airmen from the 7th Airlift Squadron completed their second humanitarian airlift mission in just over a week Oct. 9, delivering more than 87,000 pounds of cargo here in support of relief operations following the deadly 8.0-magnitude earthquake that shook the island Sept. 29.

  • Oct. 10 airpower summary: Airlifters provide aerial resupply

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and MQ-9A

  • CJCS: Happy birthday, U.S. Navy

    Adm. Michael Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sends his wishes to the men and women of the U.S.Navy.On Oct. 13, 1775, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and passed legislation creating what would become the United States Navy. America celebrates this day every year,

  • U.S., India to begin Cope India bilateral exercise

    Members of the U.S. and Indian air forces will train together during exercise Cope India Oct. 15 through 24 at Air Force Station Agra in Uttar Predesh, India. This year's Cope India will be an airlift exercise that focuses on the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission. More than 150

  • 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

  • Interpreters key to Air Force efforts in Indonesia

    The Air Force humanitarian assistance rapid response team deployed here in response to the recent earthquakes in Indonesia has treated more than 600 patients since opening the mobile field hospital to local residents Oct. 7 here, and one hurdle to overcome was the language barrier. The HARRT mission

  • 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. 8 airpower summary: B-1B deters enemy action

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Near Asmar, coalition aircraft continued to provide responsive airpower to friendly

  • 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

  • Oct. 7 airpower summary: Reaper eliminates threat

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-15E Strike Eagle and MQ-1B Predator aircraft in

  • 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,

  • Airmen treat hundreds of Indonesian earthquake victims

    An Air Force Humanitarian Assistance Rapid Response Team is helping local medical professionals treat an increasing number of patients here in the wake of recent earthquakes. The 69-member HARRT has cared for more than 200 patients since arriving here Oct. 5. Common ailments treated include

  • DOD official: New bomb has 'important capability'

    Defense Department officials here are developing an advanced "bunker-buster" bomb that should be ready for deployment this summer, senior Pentagon officials said Oct. 8 here. The department has been "working on technology that allows us to get at deeply buried, hardened targets" since 2004, Pentagon

  • Afghanistan National Army Air Corps stands up new wing at Kandahar

    Afghan government officials and religious leaders, along with senior officers from both Afghan and coalition forces stood up the Afghanistan National Army Air Corps second wing here in a dedication ceremony Oct. 5. The wing, based at Kandahar, hosts rotary wing aircraft and supports multiple

  • 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

  • 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

  • Oct. 5 airpower summary: Coalition aircraft provide responsive airpower

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Near Nuristan, coalition aircraft continued to provide responsive airpower to

  • Air Force HARRT arrives in Indonesia

    An Air Force humanitarian assistance rapid response team arrived at the Bandar Udara International Airport Oct. 5 with approximately 200,000 pounds of medical and contingency response equipment. The 69-member team set up a mobile field hospital near the M. Jamil hospital here to work closely with

  • 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

  • New era in food service coming to Air Force bases

    Air Force food services representatives have been meeting the dining needs of Airmen and their families for more than 60 years through dining facilities, clubs and snack bars. To reflect changing times, a new look and feel is coming to the Air Force dining experience at select bases, mirroring a

  • Mobility commander addresses Incirlik Airmen

    The Air Mobility Command commander talked with Incirlik Air Base Airmen Oct. 5 in the middle of a trip through the Operation Enduring Freedom area of responsibility. Gen. Arthur J. Lichte conducted two town hall meetings with Airmen from the 385th Air Expeditionary Group and the 728th Air Mobility

  • Oct. 4 airpower summary: B-1Bs protect friendly convoys

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Near Nuristan, coalition aircraft continued to provide responsive airpower to

  • 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

  • Kadena Airmen aid Indonesian recovery operations

    Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group from here are supporting humanitarian relief operations near Padang in western Indonesia after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake and a slightly smaller one struck Sept. 29 and Oct. 1. Members of the 320th Special Tactics Squadron and 17th Special Operations

  • 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

  • Allen Army Airfield to save Air Force money, provide tactical training

    Air Force officials here opened Allen Army Airfield Sept. 29 to give Elmendorf Air Force Base C-17 Globemaster III aircrews a closer airstrip to practice assault landings and saving the military thousands of dollars.Before the opening of Allen Army Airfield, located about three miles north of Fort

  • Edwards detachment stands up to test joint strike fighter

    Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center officials here stood up Det. 1 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 2 to lead the operational test and evaluation of the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter. Det. 1 will bring an additional 581 personnel to Edwards AFB for joint strike fighter

  • 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

  • Oct. 3 airpower summary: F-16s deter enemy actions

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Near Nuristan, coalition aircraft provided critical and responsive airpower to

  • 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

  • 'Today's Air Force' features projection of air power

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," U. S. and Japanese airmen exchange ideas and information, Army Black Hawk pilots get a little help from the Air Force for training missions over Misawa and college football fever hits bases overseas. It's common for people to join the military for the

  • 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

  • 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

  • AMC simulator linking initiative making pilot training better

    Air Mobility Command is not only training its pilots, it's doing it better. The command is linking its aircraft training simulators through numerous bases to make a good flight crew an even better flight crew. This simulator linking initiative is part of an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st

  • 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

  • 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

  • Committee discusses status, plans for joint jet pilot training

    Members of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program Steering Committee finished their week-long meeting Sept. 25 where they discussed the current status and future plans for the program. They also reflected on the flow of student pilots, instructor pilot training, leadership and command

  • AMC officials blend Guard, Reserve, active-duty units

    Air Mobility Command officials here continued their total force integration efforts Oct. 1 with the stand up of three active associate units that now combine active-duty units and Airmen who accomplish the KC-135 Stratotanker air refueling mission with their Reserve and Guard counterparts. The three