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U.S. Air Force News

  • President Obama calls firefighting Airmen heroes

    President Barack Obama released a statement today calling the Airmen battling wildfires in the Rocky Mountain region "heroes who deserve the appreciation of a grateful nation."The statement comes following a crash yesterday of a North Carolina Air National Guard C-130 as its crew was battling a

  • Crashed firefighting-equipped C-130 from North Carolina ANG

    The North Carolina Air National Guard - and indeed the National Guard across all of North Carolina and the country - is grieving today.The military C-130 equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, otherwise known as MAFFS, that crashed while battling a fire in Southwestern South Dakota

  • Becoming an MTI? There's an app for that

    There's a smart phone application for just about everything these days, including joining the ranks of the Air Force's military training instructor corps. The app, simply called "Air Force MTI," is free and available for Apple, Android and Blackberry devices."It takes a special person to be an MTI,"

  • Airman saves man's life -- twice

    When Airman 1st Class Patrick Shemwell walked outside after eating dinner near Kunsan Air Base on June 24, he saw a young Korean man lying on the ground and gasping for air.Shemwell shoved his way through the screaming bystanders and checked the man's pulse, but the man had stopped breathing. "When

  • AF clarifies ITDY dependent travel, transportation allowances

    Air Force officials announced a clarification concerning transportation and travel allowances for Airmen tasked with 365-day extended deployments, commonly referred to as an indeterminate TDY (ITDY). In accordance with guidance provided in the Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR), effective July

  • Airman Ranger retires after 41 years

    Forty-one years, 167 temporary duty assignments, 22 base assignments, six deployments and three wars later, Col. George W. Hays, the director of Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems, Headquarters Alaskan Command, retired from active duty service July 1 as the longest-serving

  • Airmen selected for commissioning program

    More than four dozen enlisted Airmen have been selected for the 2012 Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today.The NECP selection board meets annually in May to review records and identify the top applicants for a commissioning opportunity in a

  • AF deploys remaining MAFFS to fight fires

    Beginning Saturday, June 30, eight military C-130 aircraft, each equipped with the U.S. Forest Service's Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) will be operating out of Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., to assist with firefighting efforts in the Rocky Mountain Region.Two MAFFS-equipped C-130s

  • AF colonel to oversee Colorado wildfire response

    A National Guard dual-status commander has been recently appointed to support wildfire response and relief efforts in Colorado, according to Defense Department and National Guard officials.Air Force Col. Peter J. Byrne -- director of the joint staff, Joint Force Headquarters-Colorado -- was selected

  • Air Force restores moves to Academy

    Permanent change of station and temporary duty reporting has been restored for Airmen headed for the Air Force Academy, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.The 10th Air Base Wing commander implemented the stop movement order in response to an encroaching wildfire north of the Academy grounds.

  • More firefighting aircraft activated for Colorado effort

    Beginning June 30, eight military C-130 Hercules aircraft, each equipped with the U.S. Forest Service's Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, will be operating out of Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., to assist with firefighting efforts in the Rocky Mountain region.Two MAFFS-equipped C-130s from the

  • Two Airmen identified, returned home

    The remains of two servicemen, missing from World War II and the Vietnam War, have recently been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors, Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office officials announced June 29.Identified were Army Air Forces

  • Physiology training combats human factors of flying

    One of the secrets behind nearly 75 years of U.S. air dominance is the quality of its pilot training. But long before students learn to identify, out-maneuver and defeat enemy aircraft, they have to learn to deal with a much more subtle but no less dangerous threat: hypoxia.Essentially a lack of

  • Language Enabled Airman Program application period begins July 2

    Air Force Culture and Language Center offcials recently announced the application window dates for the Fall 2012 Language Enabled Airman Program selection board. Applications for the Language Enabled Airman Program will be accepted July 2 through August 31, and a selection board will be held this

  • AETC commander addresses recruits' allegations of sexual misconduct

    The commander of the Air Force's Air Education and Training Command spoke to members of the media here June 28 about the on-going investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by military training instructors (MTIs) at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas."In the fall of 2011 we discovered, to our

  • Wildfire stops moves to Air Force Academy

    Air Force officials have temporarily halted permanent change of station moves and most temporary duty assignments to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., as Air Force members join the fight to extinguish the 29-square mile Waldo Canyon wildfire burning northwest of the

  • Overseas scholarship, fellowship applications due in July

    Airmen who want to attend university overseas, be a White House fellow, serve a two-year fellowship in Japan or compete for an information assurance scholarship have until July 31 to submit their application, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. "These programs help us develop Airmen, which is

  • 2013 CDCs available online in September

    The Airman Advancement Division's online library, e-WAPS Online Reference Library Database, or e-WORLD, will soon have 2013 promotion cycle study reference material available.Airmen will be able to access the latest reference material by September. Past Career Development Courses are also available

  • National Guard to host virtual diversity update

    The Office of Diversity and Special Emphasis Programs is gearing up to host its semi-annual National Guard Bureau Virtual Diversity Update, viewable online beginning July 24.This semi-annual update features a roundtable discussion with Air Force Gen. Craig McKinley, the chief of the National Guard

  • CSAF honors flight training instructor with Kolligian Trophy

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presented Capt. Frank Baumann, an instructor pilot from the 80th Flying Training Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, one of the Air Force's most prestigious flight safety awards during a Pentagon ceremony here June 27. Baumann was named the 2011

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Deployed Airman lives her core values

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Just two months into her first deployment, Air Force Airman 1st Class Rhiannon O'Leary is staying busy. While working for the 451st

  • Officials say progress must continue in PTSD treatment

    Great strides have been made in treating service members with post-traumatic stress disorder, but progress must continue, military and medical leaders told an audience here today.The military's three surgeons general and the Army's senior sergeant major spoke at an event to mark the third-annual

  • Academy cadet uses training to save life

    A United States Air Force Academy cadet put his military training into action when he saved the life of a civilian from a car accident on June 9, 2012. Christopher Kirk, of Burlington, Iowa, has just completed his third year at the academy and was selected amongst his peers to attend a 5-week

  • Academy evacuates: Airmen must log in to accountability system

    Air Force officials have activated the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System to monitor the status and location of all Airmen and dependents assigned to and living in the vicinity of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., Air Force Personnel Center officials said June

  • Vandenberg sends 'hot shots' to Colorado wildfire front lines

    Vandenberg Air Force Base officials deployed the only Defense Department wildland firefighting asset at 2 p.m. June 27 in support of the wildland firefighting efforts in Colorado Springs, Colo.The 18-member Vandenberg Air Force Base Hot Shot crew, along with two hot shots crew carrier vehicles, one

  • Information is best weapon against suicide

    In 2010 there were 110, in 2011 there were 122, and halfway through 2012 the number is already 140.These numbers, according to Defense Department officials, refer to suicides committed across the services within the past three years. It shows an upward trend in the number of lives lost despite the

  • Air Force spouse testifies on military families with special needs

    An Air Force spouse testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Personnel here June 21 about programs and policies that support military families with special needs. Jeremy Hilton, a Navy veteran who was recently named the 2012 Military Spouse of the Year by Military Spouse

  • Lackland NCOs referred for courts martial

    Air Force officials announced today the cases of two Air Force military training instructors (MTIs) assigned to the 737th Training Group at Lackland have been referred to special courts-martial at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. These cases come as part of a larger investigation into sexual

  • Dempsey details defense challenges in visit to Nebraska base

    Likening the global security environment to strong winds such as those that come with severe weather here in the central plains, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke June 26 about challenges buffeting the nation.Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and his wife, Deanie, spoke with 300 service

  • Airmen train with Kyrgyzstan partners

    Exercise Regional Cooperation 2012, a multinational exercise designed to strengthen relationships and promote regional cooperation among participating nations, is being held at the Koi Tash Military Academy, Kyrgyzstan, June 18 to 28. The exercise tested participants' emergency management

  • Creech crew chief feared drowned following boating incident

    Local authorities continue to perform search and recovery operations for 28 year-old Staff Sgt. Antonio Tucker, a remotely piloted aircraft crew chief for the 432d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here who disappeared after leaving his rental boat on June 23. The operation changed from search and

  • 'New AFNIC' offers cyber advantage

    "Cyber Innovation. Mission Success." This is how the "New" Air Force Network Integration Center officials sum up what their organization provides to the Air Force and other mission partners.It's a phrase representing a new direction for a not-so-new organization. AFNIC, established from what was

  • Service members, families remember Khobar Towers

    Amid gusting winds and threatening rain clouds of Tropical Storm Debby, Airmen, Marines, Sailors and family members gathered to remember 19 warriors and 12 33rd Fighter Wing Nomads on the 16th anniversary of the Khobar Towers bombing June 25."I'm humbled to be a part of this ceremony," said Col.

  • Air Force presence helps preserve progress in Iraq

    A group of Airmen assigned to the Office of Security Cooperation - Iraq help to preserve progress made in the country after almost a decade of war. The mission of OSC-I, in coordination with USCENTCOM and U.S. Mission-Iraq, is to conduct security cooperation activities to build partner capacity in

  • Air Force awards $960 million in small business IT contracts

    The Air Force is announcing the award of 12 contracts worth up to $960 million that will make it quicker and easier for the warfighter to obtain innovative information technology services and capabilities covering the full spectrum of operations and missions.The Air Force's Network Centric

  • Kansas reservists 'refuel' Military Channel

    A KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew assigned to the Air Force Reserve 931st Air Refueling Group here was cast in a sort of supporting role for a Military Channel television program while performing an air refueling mission in the skies above New Mexico June 21.The routine air refueling mission called for

  • SOUTHCOM, partners prepare to respond to natural disasters

    Putting lessons learned from the 2010 earthquake response in Haiti into practice, U.S. Southern Command has entered this year's hurricane season ready to provide timely, effective aid should another disaster strike the region, command officials reported."We remain deliberately prepared," Southcom

  • Officials seek Air Force ROTC instructors

    If you have a knack for teaching, exemplify Air Force standards and want to have a positive impact on the Air Force for years to come, you might be a perfect match for Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor duty, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Eligible first lieutenants,

  • U.S. Air Force Academy grad helps lead Estonia air force

    Lessons learned in the foothills of Colorado are taking flight in the Baltic Sea nation of Estonia. "I'm not a dreamer who thinks that Estonia will have a big strike air force. That is not something that 1.3 million taxpayers can sustain," said Lt. Col. Jaak Tarien, the chief of staff of the

  • AF instructors learn modern Army combatives skills

    After spending five days in a joint combatives "train the trainer" course, Air Force participants gained a valuable benefit in becoming certified to teach both Modern Army Combatives and Basic Air Force Combatives:"Confidence," said Lt. Col. Tim Thurston, the 322nd Training Squadron commander --

  • Program encourages Airmen to 'Be Ready'

    Every year on June 1, when hurricane season officially begins, Airmen at bases along the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico start to pay more attention to the weather. It pays to be vigilant. Last year, on Aug. 27, 2011, Hurricane Irene landed in North Carolina and traveled up the Atlantic Coast,

  • U.S., Japanese defense officials to meet to discuss Osprey issues

    Senior Defense Department officials will brief a Japanese delegation at the Pentagon on July 22 on recent incidents involving U.S. MV-22 and CV-22 Osprey aircraft variants, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today."This is a tangible demonstration of how seriously the Department of Defense

  • Air Force Safety Automated System vital to tracking, preventing mishaps

    The Air Force Safety Center continues to develop and deploy enhancements to the Air Force Safety Automated System to provide accurate mishap information and timely risk mitigation data to all levels of command. AFSAS is a Web-enabled mishap reporting and analysis system that's accessible 24/7

  • Thousands of Vietnamese receive health care during joint, combined operation

    A team of approximately 30 U.S. military service members conducted health education clinics for local residents at two schools here June 10-18. The U.S. service members joined more than 25 Vietnamese civilian and military doctors and 21 non-governmental organization volunteers as part of Operation

  • Air Force male athlete of the year goes for gold

    The sound of thrashing epees and rubber soles squeaking against metal boards ring throughout the fencing gym at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. It is here that fencer Weston Kelsey practices twice a day, five days a week, in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

  • Historic flying units celebrate anniversary, continue making history

    In the spring of 1942 the United States filled battle-torn European skies with squadrons of airborne war machines. Among them, two transport squadrons began carrying troops and supplies into the Second World War, beginning a parallel history spanning seven decades and many military conflicts. As if

  • Airman missing from Vietnam War identified

    The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced June 20 that the remains of a service member, missing in action since the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.Capt. Clyde W. Campbell, of Longview, Texas, will be

  • AF selects 8,515 for promotion to technical sergeant

    Air Force officials released the technical sergeant promotion list June 21. In total, 8,515 staff sergeants earned their next stripe.To see the full list, go to http://www.afpc.af.mil/promotions/tech.asp. Selections are tentative until the data verification process is complete, which is no later

  • Two Airmen missing from Vietnam War identified

    The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of two servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.Lt. Col. Charles M. Walling of Phoenix was buried June

  • Engineer hits way onto All-Air Force team

    First Lt. Kristina Stewart has taken a few weeks off from her duties as the 3rd Space Operations Squadron mission planning and engineering section chief here to play a little volleyball. Actually, Stewart will play more than just a little after earning a spot on the All-Air Force Women's Volleyball

  • Carter urges Charleston service members to consider future

    Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter visited service members in the coastal low country of South Carolina on June 18, urging the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen who serve the nation here to think about the future. Against the backdrop of a hulking C-17 Globemaster III transport jet, one of 54 on

  • Playground dedicated for children of the fallen

    Donors, wing leaders and distinguished guests were on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony of a new playground at the Fisher House for Families of the Fallen June 18 here. The playground, dedicated to the children who travel to Dover Air Force Base, Del., to witness a dignified transfer of a loved

  • Famed 'Candy Bomber' honored at JB Charleston

    Retired Col. Gail Halvorsen's Air Force legacy is built on chocolate, bubble gum and hope. Leaders here renamed the C-17 Aircrew Training Building after Halvorsen June 15 with a dedication ceremony in honor of the legendary "Berlin Candy Bomber." In 1948, World War II was over and its aftermath had

  • Officials release TSgt promotion stats

    Air Force officials selected 8,518 of 37,402 eligible staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant for a selection rate of 22.77 percent.The average score for those selected was 321.94, with an average time in grade of 5.39 years and time in service of 10.58 years, respectively. Weighted

  • Air Force Lt. finishes Bronco's mini-camp, continues to follow dream

    As another year of the National Football League season nears, military members might want to pay closer attention to their TVs as one of their own maybe lining up on the gridiron Sunday afternoons.Benjamin Garland, a Grand Junction, Colo. native, recently completed the Denver Broncos three-day

  • Osan unveils monument dedicated to fallen Airmen

    U.S. and South Korea air force leaders gathered in front of the officers' club here June 12 to unveil a monument dedicated to the 1,920 U.S. Airmen killed or wounded in the Korean War. The bronze bust depicts Capt. James A. Van Fleet Jr., who lost his life in 1952 during a night bombing mission near

  • Air Force to consider ROTC command candidates

    Eligible line of the Air Force lieutenant colonels and lieutenant colonel-selects interested in command opportunities can apply for Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps detachment openings, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Applicants must update their Airman Development Plan and

  • Kadena NCO fit for life

    "Mom! You know you're not supposed to eat that," 6-year-old Nadiya Young said after watching her mother open a bag of chips. "Can I just have a few chips then," asked Tech. Sgt. Ashaunettae Pollard-Young, a senior director technician for Kadena's 623rd Air Control Flight. "They look so good." As

  • National high school chemistry finalists attend camp at Academy

    The 2012 U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad finalists have put their chemistry knowledge and skills to the test through competitive exams and lab practicals at the Academy's 28th U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad study camp June 5-20 here.Fifteen high school boys and five high school girls from across

  • U.S., Vietnamese militaries collaborate on clinic restoration

    Airmen and Soldiers from around the Pacific have worked to restore the Xuan Lam Medical Clinic in Nghe An Province, Vietnam, since the start of Operation Pacific Angel 12 here beginning June 10. The restoration is one part of PACANGEL-Vietnam 12, an eight-day engagement designed to strengthen

  • Smithsonian celebrates annual 'Become A Pilot Day'

    Officials at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum held the annual "Become a Pilot" family day June 16, in Chantilly, Va.More than 45 aircraft were on display as the museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, including two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a C-17 Globemaster III, which had its cargo bay

  • Cold War U-2 pilot gets posthumous Silver Star

    More than 50 years after his U-2 aircraft was shot down over the former Soviet Union, Capt. Francis Gary Powers posthumously received one of the military's highest decorations during a ceremony here at the Pentagon June 15.Powers, who died in a helicopter crash in 1977, was awarded the Silver Star

  • Weapons school integrates cyber warfare

    Eight Air Force weapons officers completed the first cyber weapons instructor course at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, 328th Weapons Squadron, June 16 here.Weapons officers are tactical experts trained in the art of battlespace dominance who instruct the Air Force's instructor corps and serve as

  • Combat controller posthumously awarded Silver Star

    Senior Airman Mark Forester had an American flag wrapped around his chest plate inside his body armor when he was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper's fire Sept. 29, 2010.This simple act is a testament to how Forester lived his life, a life respected by all who knew him.Forester, a combat controller

  • Finance team brings cash flow back to Iraq

    In August 2010, President Barack Obama announced the end of the combat mission in Iraq. In December 2011, images of the last U.S. service members leaving the country flooded the media. But they weren't the last to leave. A handful of U.S. service members, along with a strong U.S. and international

  • Military leaders discuss operations during Pacific region air boss conference

     Military leaders from the U.S. and the Republic of Korea gathered here June 13-14 to discuss airpower strategies in the Pacific region.The bilateral air boss conference is an annual conference that combined 120 leaders from the U.S. Air Force, Marines, Army and ROK to make up the air component team

  • Leaders speak at renewable energy industry day event

    Military and industry leaders gathered for the annual Renewable Energy Industry Day to discuss opportunities for public-private collaboration to meet the military's energy needs June 12 in Arlington, Va.While making the event's opening remarks, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Installations,

  • Eglin fire department named best in Air Force

    For the past four years, Eglin's Fire Department was the best large department in Air Force Materiel Command. Now, for the first time in the most seasoned fire fighters' memories, it's the best in Air Force.The fire department services a unique location. Broken into seven districts, eight fire

  • A day for Old Glory

    Today we celebrate Flag Day by showing its respect to the national emblem that was adopted 235 years ago. The American flag, sewn by Betsy Ross, has seen multiple iterations and designs throughout its history. However, the care and respect of the flag has remained constant and paramount.The handling

  • Air Force leaders send birthday messages to Army

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy salute the Army on its 237th birthday June 14. Secretary Donley wrote a letter to the secretary of the Army stating:"Congratulations to you and all of your

  • AF officials launch online civilian retirement tool

    Air Force human resources officials added a new feature in May to the Employee Benefits Information System Web application that allows Air Force appropriated fund civilians to request benefits-related actions online. The HR Link module will help civilians prepare for retirement, request a retirement

  • PACANGEL 12 kicks off in Vietnam

    Approximately 58 U.S. military members, along with the Vietnam People's Armed Forces and two non-governmental organizations, Project H.O.P.E. and East Meets West, kicked-off Pacific Angel-Vietnam 12 in Nghe An Province, Vietnam, June 11.This iteration of PACANGEL-Vietnam includes humanitarian

  • Kadena personnel bank $10,000 for ingenuity

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton urged anyone employed by the U.S. federal government to search for and identify any areas that could cut wasteful spending, according to a message published in July 2011."Over the past two years, 56,000 ideas have been submitted through the Securing

  • AF releases new special duty assignment pay table

    Beginning June 15, Airmen in some special duty assignments will receive adjustments in special duty assignment pay, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Based on recommendations following a routine biennial review of the program, Pentagon officials have modified the program to ensure Air

  • MIA bracelet connects Airmen across decades

    Twenty-two years ago, Air Force Academy cadet Amy Santmyer, now Lt. Col. Amy Young, decided she would wear an MIA bracelet honoring Lt. Col. Charles Walling, an F-4C Phantom pilot who was shot down Aug. 8, 1966, during a close air support mission in the Dong Nai province northeast of Saigon,

  • CSAF: Balance required to avoid a 'hollow force'

    The Air Force chief of staff reinforced the importance of avoiding a "hollow force" to a group of civic and industry leaders attending the Air Force Association's monthly breakfast here June 11.Gen. Norton Schwartz said the Air Force must secure the proper balance between three separate but closely

  • Michigan ANG in Estonia for Saber Strike 2012

    The Michigan Air National Guard has landed in Estonia. Operating as part of Saber Strike 2012, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and Latvia, the Michigan ANG has landed KC-135 Stratotanker and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft at Amari Air Base, Estonia. "We are eager to begin working with our

  • Airmen train in joint environment

    Members from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps came out to Davis-Monthan for helicopter pre-deployment training June 7.Lt. Col. Kjall Gopaul, 355th Mission Support Group deputy commander, led the multiservice training. It was the first of its kind at the base."This training is important so

  • AF med group tests disaster response

    Medical professionals from the 779th Medical Group honed their disaster-response skills during a recent exercise here.Two expeditionary medical support teams, made up of more than 50 members each, constructed and took down a 25-bed field hospital. "The EMEDS team provides full scale medical support

  • FOB Shank C-17 Accident Investigation Board complete

    Air Mobility Command released the results of its investigation into the Jan. 23, 2012, mishap involving a C-17A Globemaster III that landed at Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan.The Accident Investigation Board, convened by AMC, found that the cause of the mishap was the pilot and co-pilot

  • Commando competition promotes special ops skills, collaboration

    As elite commandos from across the Western Hemisphere compete this week in a grueling counterterrorism and special operations skills competition, the commander of Special Operations Command South said they're building the relationships required to confront transnational organized crime gripping much

  • Air advisors prepare Colombian air force for Red Flag

    A broken aircraft and several delays at the airport didn't stop the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron from arriving in Colombia on June 3 to begin its building partner capacity mission here.The squadron's air advisors are currently working with the Colombian air force to promote regional

  • Security forces honor fallen military working dog

    A military working dog was laid to rest during a memorial service June 6 at the Joint Base Charleston Air Base Theater here.Waldo, an 11-year-old German shepherd and military working dog assigned to the 628th Security Forces Squadron, recently died from an illness. "The service today was nice, but

  • Officials release investigation report on trainee's death

    The Air Force released a report of investigation June 7 into the death of an Air Force trainee, which occurred Oct. 19, 2011.The report cited Airman 1st Class Steven D. Williams' cause of death as cardiac dysrhythmia, or abnormal rhythm. Williams was in basic military training at Joint Base San

  • National, military leaders visit joint medical exercise

    The exercise portion of Shared Resilience 2012 ended here June 6 as the joint medical teams showcased their strengths to leaders of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the U.S. military.Some of the distinguished visitors included U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott J. Zobrist, the 31st Fighter Squadron commander at

  • DOD announces top environmental award recipients

    At a Pentagon ceremony today, Defense and Interior Department officials presented this year's Secretary of Defense Environmental Award to 10 teams and installations for excellence in advancing environmental initiatives.Among the installations recognized, the Air Force was represented by both the

  • Partnership helps military spouses find employment

    As the wife of the Air Force Chief of Staff, Suzie Schwartz has the opportunity to meet with Air Force families stationed all across the country and around the world. And when she does, one issue that comes up time and again is spouse employment. During a recent interview, Schwartz said a relatively

  • AFA announces Air Force spouse of the year

    By reaching out to others and volunteering countless hours in support of many 22nd Air Refueling Wing and community organizations, one McConnell Air Force Base spouse has earned Air Force-wide recognition. Amanda Chastain, a 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron spouse, was named the 2012 Joan Orr Air Force

  • Wolfenbarger receives fourth star, assumes leadership of AFMC

    Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger became the first female four-star general in the Air Force and assumed the top position of Air Force Materiel Command during ceremonies here June 5, 2012.Wolfenbarger took the reins of the major command responsible for the technology, acquisition, test and sustainment of the

  • Suspect shot following vehicle chase at Offutt AFB

    An individual was shot by a 55th Security Forces Squadron member at the Kenney Gate here June 4.Following a felony traffic stop, the suspect fled and illegally forced his way onto Offutt AFB with Bellevue Police Department and Sarpy County Sherriff's Department vehicles in pursuit. "We have no

  • U.S., British service members honor French village for D-Day support

    Air Force reservists and other U.S. and allied military members paid their respects to the people of this small French village June 1 as part of a number of ceremonies recognizing the 68th anniversary of the Normandy D-Day invasion.Airmen from the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd, 910th and 440th

  • Airmen help preserve historic D-Day aircraft

    Airmen and volunteers from the 19th Air Support Operations Squadron are currently taking a break from their primary mission of providing joint terminal attack controllers in support of deployed brigade combat teams to restore a historically significant plane here. The team is restoring the World War

  • Space realities require new way of thinking, official says

    The U.S. has fine-tuned its methods to promote responsible use of space and strengthen international partnerships, Ambassador Gregory L. Schulte, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for space policy, said during the 2012 Women in Aerospace Conference here June 1.In his keynote address at the

  • Medical 'C-code' not a deployment disqualifier

    Contrary to common belief, a medical assignment limitation code, commonly known as the "C-code," does not disqualify an Airman from deployment, and it does not identify an Airman for medical discharge.A "C-code" applied to a member's profile for medical reasons is one of the various tools AFPC

  • 4th FW holds historic change of command

    Col. Jeannie Leavitt assumed command of the 4th Fighter Wing from Col. Patrick Doherty during a change-of-command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., June 1. Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, the 9th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony."With the departure of one leader, we welcome

  • In memory of 11 fallen defenders

    Family and service members gathered here May 24 to honor, and pay respect to, nine security forces Airmen and two military working dogs who have paid the ultimate sacrifice during overseas contingency operations.The 11 members honored were:· Airman 1st Class Elizabeth N. Jacobson· Tech. Sgt. Jason

  • Airmen, Soldiers complete Mobility Forces Exercise

    Army green and Air Force blue combined to deliver the successful completion of the Mobility Forces Exercise 12A, which took place May 21 through 24 here and at the nearby Nevada Test and Training Range in Tonopah, Nev. MAFEX goals included building relationships between Air Force and Army units;

  • Air Force undersecretary honored for exceptional service

     For her distinguished performance as undersecretary of the Air Force, Erin C. Conaton was presented the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service during a ceremony May 30 here.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presented the decoration to Conaton, who assumed the office of the