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  • 618th TACC initiative wins DOD recognition

    The 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center here was awarded first prize for the best operational improvement initiative during the Defense Department's second annual Continuous Process Improvement Symposium June 1 through 3 at the National Conference Center in Lansdowne, Va. All military branches were

  • Maintainers keep F-22s ready in Guam

    To support F-22 Raptors deployed here as part of U.S. Pacific Command's Theater Security Packages, a team of maintenance personnel are working behind the scenes to ensure that each flying mission is a success. The team of 150 Airmen from the 525th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Elmendorf

  • MC-12 joins the fight in Iraq

    The Air Force's new MC-12 Liberty aircraft, a manned special-mission turboprop aircraft designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to support coalition and joint ground forces, arrived June 8 to Joint Base Balad. Following the MC-12's arrival, the 362nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance

  • June 9 airpower summary: Reaper targets anti-Afghan forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted strafing attacks

  • Air Force secretary announces two key unit moves

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley announced June 10 that the 798th Munitions Maintenance Group will beddown at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. Additionally, he announced the transfer of the 498th MUMG headquarters staff from Kirtland AFB, N.M., to Whiteman AFB, Mo.The beddown of the 798th MUMG

  • Mullen: Warfighters, families, wounded warriors drive budget request

    The nation's top military officer told Congress June 9 that the fiscal 2010 defense budget request puts money where it's needed: to recruit and retain the quality troops and their families who form the foundation of the all-volunteer force. But Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of

  • Wing surpasses combat hour milestone

    The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing surpassed a milestone after two fighter squadrons deployed here accumulated more than 5,000 combat flight hours in a single month. Aircrews flying A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and F-15E Strike Eagles from the 336th EFS

  • Russians visit Dyess as part of START Treaty

    Dyess Air Force Base officials hosted a 10-person Russian-led team of inspectors who arrived May 29 here to visit the base as part of a Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty inspection. The inspection team updated data relating to the 7th Bomb Wing's compliance with terms of the START treaty. The purpose

  • Air Force officials revise fitness program

    The need for a "clear, understandable and simpler" fitness program will mean significant changes to the Air Force's current fitness program, said the service's top officer during a senior leadership conference held June 4 through 6 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Air Force Chief of Staff

  • Ceremony honors 293 medical graduates

    Dr. Kenneth Torrington, dean of the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, honored 293 physicians and allied health care providers during the annual SAUSHEC awards and graduation ceremony June 5 at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. SAUSHEC is the

  • Information managers transform into knowledge operations managers

    Airmen in the former information management career field started a two-part transformation Oct. 31, 2008, as they changed their job titles to knowledge operations managers.Airmen in the knowledge operations management career field will undergo another transformation in October 2009 when it

  • June 8 airpower aummary: B-1 targets IED factory

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer, a Navy F/A-18F Super

  • Communications Airmen meet to discuss career field's transformation

    Senior enlisted communicators from around the Air Force held a conference at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., May 19 through 21 to discuss details for the upcoming communications Air Force specialty code conversions.During this transformation, the largest in the history of Air Force communications, more

  • Report points to irregularities in Farah air strike incident

    The investigation into a May 4 close-air-support incident in Afghanistan's Farah province that caused civilian casualties has pointed to some deviations from established tactics, techniques and procedures, but those involved showed extraordinary care in the incident, the Pentagon's press secretary

  • CORONA yields personnel decisions, mission requirements

    Air Force senior leaders addressed numerous strategic and personnel issues, from manpower re-alignment to uniform changes to nuclear enterprise initiatives, when they met here for CORONA TOP June 4 through 6. "This is a forum where we need to address everything from fundamental strategic issues to

  • Air Force flight surgeons hand over training mission to Iraqis

    As U.S. forces withdraw over the next year, Iraqi air force members have begun the process of taking over the new missions and responsibilities including the aeromedical training of flight medical technicians here. The four-week training course is now taught by Iraqi flight medics with coalition

  • June 4 airpower summary: Predator takes out enemy shooters

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier carried out a Paveway

  • June 5 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier and a coalition aircraft

  • Mildenhall tanker crew deploys to Sweden for exercise support

    Air and ground crews from U.S. Air Forces in Europe joined military units from 10 other nations June 8 for Exercise Loyal Arrow 2009, a 10-day exercise hosted by the Swedish air force's Norrbotten Wing here. A team of 15 Airmen from the 100th Air Refueling Wing from Royal Air Force Mildenhall,

  • President Obama visits wounded warriors

    The commander in chief focused his attention on wounded warriors during a June 5 visit to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. President Barack Obama paid bedside visits with U.S. and coalition servicemembers as well as joining an enthusiastic crowd of outpatients at the USO Warrior Center. Along the

  • June 6 airpower summary: F-15Es strike enemy cave complex

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan durng operations June 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet conducted strafes against an

  • Air Force researcher wins top science award

    A Wilford Hall doctor has received one of the highest distinctions a researcher can achieve, according to medical officials here. Maj. (Dr) Vikhyat Bebarta, chief of medical toxicology and a staff emergency physician, is the recipient of the Best Basic Science Research Award, presented by the

  • Misawa Airmen complete reconstitution, gear up for exercise

    Since returning from a deployment to Iraq, Airmen of the 14th Fighter Squadron here spent the last three months executing a training plan to get all the pilots current and proficient in their home station mission. The training plan to build proficiency, also known as reconstitution, will culminate

  • AFSOUTH gearing up for New Horizons Guyana

    Nearly 650 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen are preparing to take part in New Horizons Guyana, a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored annual exercise starting July 1.The exercise is designed to strengthen ties with partner nations in Central and South America through combined quality-of-life

  • Photo Essay: Learning swift-water rescue procedures

    Members of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force's Special Service Unit practice swift-water rescue procedures June 5 that were taught by U.S. Air Force pararescuemen during Operation Southern Partner in La Toc, St. Lucia. Operation Southern Partner is a long-term commitment between U.S. and partner

  • FEMA says National Guard essential to hurricane response

    The National Guard is essential to hurricane response, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency told lawmakers here June 5. And the National Guard and U.S. Northern Command stand ready to support civil authorities in the 2009 hurricane season, added NORTHCOM's director of operations, Army

  • Air mobility maintains the fight in Afghanistan

    Being in a fight is easy; it is having the ability to stay in the fight until you win that is the hard part. This is especially true in the new type of war being fought by the coalition forces in Afghanistan where the enemy's strategy is to outlast the resolve and sustainment capability of U.S. and

  • Vice chairman: Deterrence plays into overseas basing decisions

    The overseas basing choices the United States makes for its military forces are a factor in deterring potential enemies, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said June 4 here. Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright told a gathering at the Center for International and Strategic Studies here

  • Barksdale bombers arrive at Andersen

    Approximately 300 Airmen from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., deployed here May 30 as part of the rotational bomber deployment here to maintain stability and security in the Western Pacific. Three Barksdale AFB B-52 Stratofortress arrived here May 30 after a 17-hour flight to support the Pacific

  • June 3 airpower summary: A-10s hunt snipers

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a flight of Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs hunted enemy

  • Teamwork key to construction of communications hub

    A week ago, this vast expanse of land represented particles of dust, rocks, hardened dirt and scrubs located on the other side of Kandahar Airfield's perimeter, mirroring the landscape of this portion of southern Afghanistan. Today, the area is bustling with Airmen dragging cables and laboring to

  • June 2 airpower summary: KC-135s provide fuel support

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II strafed enemy forces in

  • Panjshir reconstruction team bids farewell to fallen comrades

    The dining facility at Forward Operating Base Lion where Airmen and Soldiers typically exchanged stories and laughter was instead filled with reminiscing and tears as the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team honored four of its fallen comrades May 31. Lt. Col. Mark Stratton, the team's commander,

  • St. Lucia police team with Airmen during Operation Southern Partner

    Nearly 30 members of the Royal St. Lucia police force's special service unit worked with a U.S. Air Force Guardian Angel team here June 1 through 3 to enhance search and rescue efforts for the island nation.The Guardian Angel team deployed for Operation Southern Partner is comprised of a combat

  • Multinational mobility unit welcomes top Air Force mobility Airman

    The first-of-its-kind mobility unit comprising airmen from 12 nations recently hosted the commander of Air Mobility Command at Pápa Air Base, Hungary. The Heavy Airlift Wing, the operational-level unit of the Strategic Airlift Capability consortium of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations, brought

  • Air Force jobs, people on display during Air Force Week Salt Lake City

    Pioneer Park here has been transformed into an Air Force "playground" during Air Force Week Salt Lake City. The park is the site for the "Our Nation's Defenders Showcase," an event that highlights Air Force specialties, skills and people through exhibits, interactive games and various

  • Officials activate 617th Air and Space Operations Center

    Officials at 17th Air Force took another big step toward full operational capability May 29 with the activation of the 617th Air and Space Operations Center here. The new AOC gives leaders at 17th AF, also known as Air Forces Africa, an increased command and control capability integral to their

  • May 31 airpower summary: C-130s deliver for warfighters

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, several Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs were called in

  • June 1 airpower summary: C-17s support coalition forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet strafed an enemy compound in

  • Kandahar Airmen protect servicemembers from IEDs

    Improvised explosive devices kill people. The vast majority of military members serving in combat make it a point to go out of their way to avoid them. For the Air Force explosive ordnance disposal team at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, they make it a point to go out of their way to find them.

  • Military training instructors transform recruits into Airmen

    Rising at 3 a.m. is a small sacrifice for military training instructors.  The future of the Air Force awaits.With uniforms in perfect order, they pull the immediately identifiable campaign hats low and straight, down their foreheads to nearly the eyebrows. With stern voices and stoic physical

  • Tuskegee Airman passes away

    An original Tuskegee Airman passed away May 26 in Cleveland.Retired Sgt. James F. Travis Sr. served in the Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1946 and became an aerial engineer, gunner and crew chief attached to the 477th Bombardment Group during World War II.Trained at Tuskegee, Ala., he flew in P-47 and

  • DeCA officials announce outreach award winners

    Defense Commissary Agency officials recognized seven commissaries for outstanding outreach May 20 during the agency's 2009 Conference and Training Event in Richmond, Va.  Air Force commissaries took four of the seven awards.The winning commissaries are Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. (best outreach to

  • Guard chief emphasizes communication, collaboration, coordination

    Communication, collaboration and coordination are the keys to navigating challenging times when it is hard to discern true north, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said May 27 here. "The National Guard has evolved over the last eight years into a force ... that has been through the crucible of

  • U.S. combat troops on pace to leave Iraqi cities by June 30

    American combat troops are on pace to leave Iraqi cities by the June 30 deadline stipulated by the U.S.-Iraq security agreement, U.S. officials in Baghdad said yesterday. Army Brig. Gen. Keith Walker, commander of the Iraq Assistance Group, said in a news conference that security throughout the

  • Whiteman Airmen prepare to redeploy back home

    Airmen here are preparing to redeploy to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., after completing more than 120 flights, or sorties, in three and a half months while supporting the continuous bomber presence here. "We have been here as part of the continuous bomber presence in support of Pacific Command's

  • Fishing community gives back to military

    Active-duty, Guard and Reserve servicemembers from each branch competed in the third annual combat fishing tournament here May 21. The tournament has grown from 66 servicememebers in 2007 to nearly 300 in 2009.  Taking this many people out wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for the 30 boat captains

  • 'Today's Air Force' features security forces

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights security forces at Misawa Air Base, Japan; Hurricane Hunters from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., and the Critical Days of Summer.Security forces Airmen from Misawa AB were graded on gate security, how they handle a crisis such as a robbery, and on other

  • Air Force named among top HBCU supporters

    In a 2009 survey, U.S. Black Engineer and Information Technology magazine recently named the Air Force among the "Top Supporters of Historically Black Colleges and Universities." USBE & IT magazine and the College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Science at Howard University, Washington,

  • May 28 airpower summary: F-15E Strike Eagles destroy enemy cave complex

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, F-15E Strike Eagles and

  • May 29 airpower summary: F-16 provides show of force

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted a strafing

  • May 30 airpower summary: A-10 destroys weapons cache

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs flying a

  • Joint team moves critically ill infants over holiday weekend

    A joint team of U.S. servicemembers spanning the globe from Japan to Texas successfully moved two critically ill infants needing specialized care over the Memorial Day weekend. The infants -- one 9 months old and the other 20 days old when moved -- were flown from Kadena Air Base, Japan, to San

  • Servicemembers gear up to provide New Horizons for Guyana

    Nearly 650 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen are preparing to take part in New Horizons Guyana, a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored annual exercise starting July 1 designed to strengthen ties with partner nations in Central and South America through combined quality-of-life improvement projects.

  • Airmen honored for heroic life-saving efforts

    The Altus Fraternal Order of Police honored two Airmen for saving a local police officer from certain death during a ceremony at the City Park May 22 . Staff Sgt. Matthew Treadwell, 97th Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms noncommissioned officer in charge, and Special Agent Ross Bergstresser, Air

  • May 27 airpower summary: Reaper takes out RPG team

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper carried out a guided bomb

  • CITS key to Air Force cyber superiority goal

    The Combat Information Transport System is a high-priority item for Air Force officials who seek to create, manage and defend a truly enterprise-wide internet. During a recent Electronic Systems Center program prioritization effort, CITS was listed as number two out of more than 300 total programs.

  • Visitation searchers balance efficiency, safety, humane treatment in Iraq

    Airman 1st Class Alberto Lopez knew the guy was hiding something. He could feel it. The detainee was giving off "the vibe" that three months of working the visitation center at the theater internment facility here had taught him to detect. The Altus, Okla., native continued to search in the

  • Chief Airey laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery

    Surrounded by family and friends, colleagues and fellow Airmen, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Paul Airey was laid to rest here May 28. More than 400 people came to Ft. Myer, Va., for his funeral service and then on to Arlington for his grave site ceremony. Located in section 34, Chief

  • Airmen in joint motor pool keep vehicles rolling

    Airmen from the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here work with their Army compatriots in the base motor pool to keep the squadron's tactical vehicles running like clockwork. Four members of the Air Force security forces unit are part of a joint motor pool and learning more than they

  • Vandenberg official killed in Iraq

    The 30th Mission Support Group deputy director here was killed in action while serving in the Al Anbar province in Iraq May 25. Naval Reserve Cmdr. Duane Wolfe, assigned as officer in charge of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Al Anbar Area Office, Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, was performing his reserve

  • Airmen 'unleash' new recovery program for patients

    Trained in explosives detection, narcotics detection and more, military working dogs here are now assisting in a different type of fight: The fight to rehabilitate patients at the Air Force Theater Hospital here. Members of the AFTH medical staff here held the first session of the K-9 Visitation

  • May 26 airpower summary: Strike Eagles strike enemy positions

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted strafing runs

  • New PCS program puts customers in the driver's seat

    With nearly 200,000 permanent change of station moves expected in the approaching season, it is important for Department of Defense personnel to note several broad changes to the personal property shipment process. The uniformed services began using the Defense Personal Property System to move DOD

  • Officials look for best, brightest to fill first sergeant positions

    Taking care of today's Airmen is the responsibility of everyone in leadership and supervisory positions in the Air Force. But, for a select group of senior non-commissioned officers, this specific mission is their primary job. Air Force first sergeants are the eyes and ears of a unit and serve as

  • Servicemembers save money by clearing Alaskan bombing range

    American servicemembers cleared 10,000 acres of land of old ordnance and munitions at the Joint Pacific Alaskan Range Complex Yukon training area in May to make the area safe and to save money. Last year, 354th Fighter Wing officials spent more than $1 million on a contracted team to clear ordnance

  • NASCAR salutes military at Memorial Day race

    NASCAR saluted the men and women of the military past and present during pre-race festivities for the Coca-Cola 600 Sprint Cup race at Lowe's Motor Speedway here May 24. The salute included performances by the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus, the 2nd Marine Division Band and the Air Force's Tops in

  • Air National Guard wing reaches milestone of 600 lives saved

    Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing based here rescued two Afghan National Army soldiers in the Oruzgan Province of Afghanistan May 15, raising the number of lives saved by the unit from 599 to 601. Two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters were scrambled to recover the Afghan soldiers who were

  • May 24 airpower summary: A-10s outgun enemy forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an extended battle took place near Oruzgan which began

  • Last Utah ANG KC-135E Stratotanker retires

    The last KC-135 "E" model Stratotanker assigned to the Utah Air National Guard's 151st Air Refueling Wing flew its final flight May 21. Aircraft tail number 57-1510 was flown approximately 15 miles from the Air Guard base in Salt Lake City to nearby Hill Air Force Base where it was officially

  • May 25 airpower summary: C-17s provide intra-theater airlift

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier along with Navy F/A-18F

  • Eglin gate guards wear new uniforms

    Civilian guards at Eglin Air Force Base are now wearing new uniforms that are the standard uniform set by Department of the Air Force Security Forces Center officials. "Eglin is unique in this Air Force-wide initiative because we are the benchmark base," said 1st Lt. Roger Main of the Department of

  • May 23 airpower summary: F-15Es prevent enemy confrontation

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets conducted strafing runs against

  • May 22 airpower summary: MQ-1Bs engage enemy targets

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, the battle in Lashkar Gah concluded after additional

  • May 21 airpower summary: B-1Bs attack anti-Afghan forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, the battle in Lashkar Gah, which started May 18,

  • Arlington 'Flags In' tribute begins Memorial Day commemoration

    More than 3,000 servicemembers officially kicked off the Memorial Day commemoration last evening as they placed more than 250,000 miniature flags at every grave at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. The tradition, known as "Flags In," dates back to 1948, when soldiers of 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment,

  • Air Force officials mull 9th Air Force, AFCENT separation

    As Air Force leaders continue to balance mission requirements and available resources, they are proposing a separation between the stateside numbered air force and its warfighting component to the U.S. Central Command. Currently, a three-star general commands both 9th Air Force at Shaw Air Force

  • May 20 airpower summary: A-10s provide overwatch

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, a battle in Lashkar Gah which began May 18 continued. 

  • Team offers Airmen outlet for traumatic stress

    With Airmen deploying now more than ever, it only makes sense for Air Force officials to create resources for the Airmen once they get back to their home station. One of these resources is the traumatic stress response team, which was introduced Air Force-wide in 2006. All Air Force bases with a

  • Air Force makes Indy 500 debut

    Race fans tuning into the Indianapolis 500 May 24 will see Luczo Dragon Racing's No. 2 car making its Indy debut in Air Force colors. Behind the wheel will be rookie driver Rafael Matos who hopes to exploit his success as the 2008 Firestone Indy Lights champion into a win at what is deemed "The

  • North Dakota floods tested Air Force EPLOs

    When Col. Stacy Collins became an Air Force emergency preparedness liaison officer last November, she couldn't have predicted that in less than five months, she'd be assisting in one of the worst natural disasters to hit North Dakota in years: the flooding of several rivers including the Red and

  • Wounded major fulfills career milestone

    An Air Force major recovered from injuries suffered in Afghanistan to complete 20 years of honorable service. "I decided pretty early on what I wanted to do," Maj. Matthew Conlan said. "I was going to get back on the job and continue serving. I wanted to finish what I started." Major Conlan,

  • May 19 airpower summary: Reapers engage anti-Afghan forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, numerous Air Force and coalition aircraft engaged

  • Defense officials launch official military blogging platform

    Defense Department officials have unveiled "DoDLive," a centrally linked and unified platform from which services can create and maintain blogs. "This blogging tool allows all branches of the military an opportunity to establish an official blog about their command, organization or unit," said Brian

  • Air Force solar-powered hydrogen plant completed

    A $1.1 million solar array project to power the base hydrogen production and fueling station was completed here May 8, marking a "first" for both the Air Force and the state of Hawaii. After about six weeks of installation, 810 solar modules can now produce 146 kilowatts of energy per hour,

  • Keesler officials open gates to military bloggers

    Airmen in the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron here hosted the Air Force's first ever orientation flight for military bloggers May 19. The flight, which took place aboard one of the Reserve unit's WC-130J Hercules, was designed to give the bloggers a taste of what it's like to fly on a military

  • May 18 airpower summary: C-130s provide intra-theater airlift

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and an F-15E Strike Eagle

  • Track-Field: Air Force Academy claims 13 all-conference selections

    The Air Force track and field team collected 13 all-conference honors at the recent Mountain West Conference Championships in Laramie, Wyo., the league office announced May 18. By finishing within the top three of their respective events, 11 individuals and one relay team earned all-conference

  • DeCA announces best commissary winners

    Five commissaries were honored as the Defense Commissary Agency's best during the DeCA's 2009 Conference and Training Event in Richmond, Va., May 19. Winning commissaries by category for the competition were:       Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., winner of the Bill Nichols Award for the Best Large

  • Apheresis broadens impact of blood donations

    Rose Weatherly plays a major role in providing life-saving blood products to patients at Keesler Medical Center and, literally, around the world. Ms. Weatherly, a registered nurse, is the apheresis supervisor with the 81st Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron's pathology and clinical laboratory

  • Flight crews fight weather to continue medical mission in Nicaragua

    Day two for the Soldiers and Airmen of Joint Task Force-Bravo working their first medical readiness mission to Nicaragua dawned bright and clear in Managua May 15. But 80 miles to the north, the skies told a much different story. For the aviators of the 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment, the

  • Airmen support Soldiers by putting bombs on targets

    On a battlefield they plan, request and direct air strikes against enemy targets in close proximity to friendly forces, namely the army units on the frontlines who may need close-air support in the blink of an eye. "I get a lot of satisfaction knowing I am supporting my Army counterparts," said

  • Combat controller receives two Bronze Stars with valor

    A combat controller, who is now charged with helping fill the special tactics ranks, was presented with two Bronze Stars with valor during a ceremony held recently at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Master Sgt. Ken Huhman, a special tactics recruiter in San Antonio, received the medals for his

  • May 17 airpower summary: F-15Es support coalition forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II carried out strafing

  • Blood center is lifeline for servicemembers

    Every year, thousands of units of blood and plasma are donated and sent into the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to save the lives of servicemembers and civilians who sustain life threatening injuries. Thanks to the hard work of the four members of the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group

  • Freedom Conference Center NCOs boost morale

    Air Force supervisors make it their mission to provide leadership to their subordinate Airmen as well as boost unit morale whenever possible. One pair of NCOs here takes boosting morale one step further serving as the focal point for the entire base. 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron, Tech.

  • New system for tracking personnel gets workout soon

    As the Air Force gears up for its second test of the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System, Air Force Materiel Command leaders are reminding people to participate during the May 19-21 exercise. The new system is designed to improve the way the Air Force keeps track of its people.

  • May 14 airpower summary: F-16s provide armed reconnaissance

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted strafing runs

  • May 15 airpower summary: KC-135 tankers fueled 174 sorties

    Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, a B-1B Lancer Bomber struck anti-Afghan forces'