First deployed Airman Readiness Center opens

Two Air Combat Command members marked a deployment first by opening the Air Force's first Airman Readiness Center in Southwest Asia. Master Sgt. Steven Wright, from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, and Jeff Halstead, from Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., opened the new office literally overnight,

Medical civil affairs team 'ambassadors of goodwill'

Because of the war on terrorism, many military members carry weapons for self-defense. But their mission is really one of peace, to improve the life of those who exist in a harsh environment. The 350th Functional Specialty Team, which includes four Air Force medical specialists and nine U.S. Army

WWII bomber crew members awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

It was a warm summer morning when the crew of the Flak Man, a B-24 Liberator, joined other bombers and their escort fighters on a daring mission. They flew from Pantanella, Italy, and played a key role in the bombing of oil refineries 700 miles away near Ploesti, Romania. The location was of

Making Iraq's future brighter: Operation School Supplies

No more pencils, no more books ... literally. Airmen from the 506th Air Expeditionary Group here are doing what they can to put these and other needed supplies back in the hands of Iraqi children. Operation Iraqi School Supplies is a program where school supplies are donated to local Iraqi students

Officials take step forward toward renewable energy

The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of North America's largest solar photovoltaic power system took place here April 23. The Nellis solar energy system, once operational, will generate 25 million kilowatt-hours of "clean" electricity for the base. The project is scheduled for completion

Explosive ordnance members honor fallen heroes

Six fallen Airmen were honored during the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial held April 21 at Eglin Air Force Base's Kauffman Annex. "It's an honor to be here and pay our respect to fallen warriors and families who gave so much," said Maj. Gen. Del Eulberg, the Air Force civil engineer,

Air Force officials discuss way forward for new helicopter

Air Force officials announced here April the way ahead for the replacement combat search and rescue helicopter, the CSAR-X.To foster open communications and a fair and open competition, Air Force officials expect to release a draft Request for Proposal amendment to the CSAR-X offerors in May, and

Air Force civilians win presidential rank awards

Several Air Force civilians were presented the 2006 Presidential Rank Awards here in a ceremony held April 20 in the Women's Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. The President of the United States annually awards distinguished and meritorious ranks to career members of the senior executive

Chief of staff hosts Air Force acquisition summit

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley hosted a meeting of senior Air Force leaders to discuss the service's top acquisition issues and strategies at the Pentagon April 23. "We want our Airmen of tomorrow to inherit an Air Force that provides them the best tools to do the job of defending

Joint integration vital for Atlantic Strike participants

The Joint Fires Integration and Interoperability Team from Joint Forces Command helped Exercise Atlantic Strike V participants improve joint combat effectiveness April 14 to 20 here. "Through our participation, we are able to help the context of the scenarios and increase joint play," said Marine

Russian aircraft transports ANG rescue helicopters

Air National Guardsmen here worked with an aircraft that was vastly different from the MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers, HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and other Air Force aircraft they are accustomed to. Airmen from the 129th Rescue Wing were deploying to Afghanistan and needed aircraft to

USAFE Airmen kick off Sniper Lance 2007

More than 200 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen arrived here April 20 to participate in Exercise Sniper Lance 2007. Sniper Lance aims to provide realistic combat flight training for Air Force F-15 Eagles, KC-135 Stratotankers and Romanian Air Force MiG-21s based out of the 86th Air Base near the town

Alaska range, airspace critical to combat training

Ejecting out of a fighter jet at more than 400 miles per hour, aircrew members have one objective--to make it to the ground alive. For an F-15 Eagle fighter pilot and his navigator, the combat search and rescue training scenario during Red Flag-Alaska 07-1 stranded them with severe injuries on the

Air Force announces 2006 Weather Awards

Air Force officials have released the 2006 Air Force Weather Awards. Military recipients of individual or team awards are entitled to wear the Air Force Recognition Ribbon, and civilian recipients of individual and team awards are entitled to wear the Air Force Recognition Lapel Pin.The Air Force

Airmen provide 1st class postal service to thousands

Servicemembers here enjoy some of the fastest, most reliable mail service in the history of armed conflict. And when it is time to return home, they can also lighten their load by mailing their gear instead of lugging it through the airlines. 'Combat Postal' Airmen with the 332nd Air Expeditionary

Phase team keeps F-16s in the fight

The sound of electric drills and pounding hammers resonates inside the hardened aircraft shelter here as crew chiefs shout orders over the noise of wielding power tools and a variety of gadgets: Welcome to Day One of an F-16 Fighting Falcon phase dock. Members of the 35th Expeditionary Maintenance

Iraqi Air Force celebrates 76th anniversary

The 76th anniversary of the Iraqi Air Force drew a crowd of approximately 100 distinguished visitors, guests and Iraqi and U.S. servicemembers to New Al Muthana Air Base in Baghdad, Iraq. The guests poured into the enormous C-130 Hercules hangar which was decorated with Iraqi flags, colorful

Airmen assist Iraqi Air Force reconstitution

On a daily basis, Staff Sgt. Luke Almeter dons his U.S. Air Force uniform and drives the short commute to New Al Muthana Air Base. This seemingly easy task is something his Iraqi Air Force counterparts can't do because of the dangers that lurk outside the base. Because of fear of retribution, Iraqi

Air refueling publication provides NATO nations better combat effectiveness

A significant milestone in coalition and international military interoperability occured when the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy adopted a single manual for fixed-wing air-to-air refueling, or AAR, procedures April 1, replacing more than 17 separate weapon system-specific AAR manuals.More

Air operations vital to CJTF-HOA mission

In the United States, airlines coordinate flights with the Federal Aviation Administration. In the Horn of Africa it's a little more complicated as flights cross several nations, all with different aviation rules. What does it take to get flights from point A to point B within the Combined Joint

Medics offer readiness training to embassy, medical personnel

Medics from Joint Task Force-Bravo's medical element conducted first responder and chemical/biological response training here April 17-19 for American embassy personnel and healthcare providers from Honduras. Thirty eight students attended the class, which provided training on chemical, biological,

U.S. must maintain space superiority, General says

Maintaining superiority in space will go a long way toward protecting U.S. national interests, the commander of the Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center said here. "If adversaries are using space in ways that would threaten America or our forces on the battlefield, we have to be able to

Commander challenges technologists for better solutions

When is technology more than just a piece of equipment or an information system? When a ground troop uses it to make a life-or-death decision in a split-second on the battlefield, or when an admiral sends an aircraft carrier as a show of force to mitigate or avoid conflict. Technology also assists

Red Flag-Alaska ends on positive note

The year's first Red Flag-Alaska ended April 20 after two weeks of intense, air-combat training over Alaska's mountain ranges. Training in a multi-service, multi-platform, combat operations exercise involving coalition forces was an opportunity that cannot be underemphasized, said Lt. Col. Eddie

Weather can't stop desert-dwelling Airmen at Red Flag-Alaska

Working in a cold-weather environment may not be in the repertoire of desert-dwelling maintainers supporting Exercise Red Flag-Alaska 07-1, but Airmen from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., don't seem to mind and they're not about to let it affect their mission. "If it wasn't chilly here I would probably

CSAF's Scope highlights Doolittle Raiders heroism, impact

The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen. Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues this month is the 65th anniversary of the Doolittle Raiders' bombing mission over Japan. Two entries are dedicated to the Doolittle

Air Force proactive in combating biological warfare

Air Force officials have approved a new Counter-Biological Warfare Concept of Operations and Air Force Instruction to help Air Force installations better respond to biological threats. "Until now, the Air Force hasn't had any formal guidance on how to prepare for or respond to biological attacks or

Airmen train colleagues for combat during Atlantic Strike

Insurgents wait beside a roadway for an Army convoy. As Humvees pass, the insurgents launch their attack, blasting improvised explosive devices and firing rockets at the vehicles. Air Force joint terminal attack controllers embedded with the Soldiers respond by calling for an impromptu airstrike.

Atlantic Strike V begins in Avon Park

More than 400 joint servicemembers began participating in Atlantic Strike V, a U.S. Central Command Air Forces pre-deployment training event April 14 at the Avon Park Air Ground Training Complex in Avon Park, Fla. The semi-annual training through April 20 and prepares joint air and ground forces for

Airman's Creed exemplifies warfighting ethos

The Air Force chief of staff introduced the new "Airman's Creed" April 18 to provide Airmen a tangible statement of beliefs that they can hold most dear. The Airman's Creed reflects pride in the role of air, space and cyberspace power and the Air Force's commitment in supporting and defending the

Eielson pilots get aggressive during Red Flag-Alaska

Eielson Air Force Base F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots took to the sky as aggressors for the first time in Red Flag-Alaska history during the exercise that runs April 5 through 21. Flying with the 64th Aggressor Squadron from Nellis AFB, Nev., Eielson AFB pilots began the transition of a permanent F-16

Officer helps build drinking water infrastructure for Iraqis

The challenge for those assigned water system reconstruction work in Iraq's desert environment is not lack of water with the Tigris and Euphrates rivers running through the heart of Iraq. Rather, the challenge is water treatment. For the Air Force Office of Scientific Research's senior reservist, a

Fusion system aids war on drugs in Afghanistan

An effort between the 350th Electronic Systems Group here and one of its small-business partners has yielded a big pay-off for U.S. and coalition forces waging the war on terrorism. An Afghanistan-based fusion center they developed has helped officials seize more than 45 tons of narcotics and

Combat comm Airmen hone skills in field training

The 1st Combat Communication Squadron from Ramstein Air Base, recently trained in a field near Bitburg, Germany, where they dealt with hostile conditions simulating a deployed environment. The comm squadron has several field training sessions throughout each year, with both classroom and field

Airman shows way for Afghan National Army recruiters

To serve and protect the nation is one of the top three reasons U.S. citizens take the military oath of enlistment, and Staff Sgt. Matt Leas learned firsthand that it is also the top reason Afghans join the 207th Zafar (Victory) Corps. The 364th Recruiting Squadron systems administrator recently

Veterinary mission morphs into lifesaving trek

With only seconds to react, U.S. military members made a daring rescue pulling a young African man out of a raging torrent April 14 in Dikhil, Djibouti. After a day of heavy rain, the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa team was assessing a river crossing site they planned to use the

Air combat ready at Red Flag-Alaska

Barksdale Airmen take care of B-52 business 7,000 miles away

The ground shakes and the flightline shudders as the eight engines of a B-52 Stratofortress beat gravity into submission lifting the giant bomber into the air. Each of the bomber's engines can produce more than 17,000 pounds of thrust along with a deafening roar, but for the Airmen assigned to the

'That others may live' Air Force hero remembered

April 11 was an important anniversary for all Airmen as it marked 41 years since Airman 1st Class William Pitsenbarger, pararescue crewmember, distinguished himself by extreme valor near Cam My, Republic of Vietnam. The slogan 'that others may live' is the foundation of everything Air Force

Scientific Advisory Board helps move ideas from concept to reality

When today's Airmen use one of the many cutting edge technology tools at their disposal, they can thank a small group of scientists and engineers for helping make it a reality. The Air Force Scientific Advisory Board continued their long tradition of helping the Air Force bring new ideas to reality

Air Force, Marine officials meet on critical warfighting issues

Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway, along with other senior leaders from both services met here April 10 to discuss issues of mutual interest regarding aviation. Labeled The Warfighter Talks, the forum provided dialogue on

Jimmy Doolittle: famed airpower pioneer

The man the "Doolittle Raiders" are named for may not be a household name today, but James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle was once one of the most famous celebrities in America, even before the raid, and remains one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th century. Born in Alameda, Calif., on Dec. 14, 1896,

AETC announces top Airmen

Air Education and Training Command officials announced its top Airmen of 2006. The winners were chosen from among 25 nominees identified by leadership at their home stations as the best professionals in their categories. "As the first command, we recruit, educate and train America's Airmen," said

Officials discuss executive agency for UAVs

Air Force officials invited Defense representatives to the Pentagon April 13 to discuss the Air Force's proposal to assume executive agent responsibilities for medium- and high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles. The proposal was put forward March 5 in a memorandum to senior Defense officials from

New policy protects Air Force networks

A new Air Force policy on encrypting and digitally signing e-mails is now in effect to ensure security and reliability of information as the battle for cyberspace dominance continues. Officially called the Air Force Public Key Infrastructure Policy on Encrypting and Digitally Signing E-mails, it is

Chilton delivers priorities for future space capabilities

"Space has become so integrated in the fight, in the way we fight and indeed into our economy and in America," Gen. Kevin P. Chilton told an audience of more than 500 industry leaders, civilians and military members at the 23rd National Space Symposium here today. In his speech, General Chilton, the

Week in Photos features Airmen around the globe

-- The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: An Airman with the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight at Balad Air Base, Iraq, safely

Luke team trains for combat at Red Flag-Alaska

Airmen from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., are deployed to participate in Red Flag-Alaska, a multi-service, multi-platform coordinated, combat operations exercise at Eielson AFB. Thirteen instructor pilots, six operations support staff and more than 60 maintainers made the 2,600-mile trek to take part

Ordnance Airman awarded Bronze Star for Iraq duty

A "six-month adrenaline rush." That's how Master Sgt. Al Schneider described his deployment to Iraq. Assigned to Headquarters Pacific Air Forces Civil Engineer Directorate as the command explosive ordnance disposal superintendent, the Louisville, Ky., native left here last May for combat-skills

KC-10 Extenders keep jets on target

Staying in the fight is key to U.S. and coalition forces maintaining air superiority during combat missions.Helping ensure these pilots stay in the fight is the responsibility of the crews onboard refueling tankers like the KC-10 Extenders participating in the Red Flag-Alaska 07-1 exercise April 5

Chief of Staff speaks on future of space operations

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley delivered a speech to a crowd of more than 400 at the 23rd National Space Symposium here April 11.The general's speech to a group of military, civilian and industry space professionals focused on the important part space plays in the defense of the

Latest Enlisted Perspective features taking care of wounded Airmen

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force released his latest perspective and it focuses on taking care of wounded Airmen. Chief Master Sgt. Rodney J. McKinley, the Air Force's top enlisted Airman, knows the importance of taking care of Airmen, especially those who have been wounded during the war

Airmen earn silver, bronze in wrestling championship

Two Air Force members came away with medals April 7, after a double-elimination wrestling tournament held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The U.S. Open National Wrestling Championship, held in Las Vegas for the 17th time, is where America's best wrestlers compete for the national title,

School honors fallen Airman, former student

Members of Spangdhalem Air Base gathered April 5 to honor a fallen Operation Iraqi Freedom Airman who graduated from Bitburg High School. Maj. Troy Gilbert, a 1989 BHS graduate, was killed when his F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed Nov. 27 while on a mission providing combat support to both an Army

'Sew Much Comfort' founder visits patients in Germany

As wounded servicemembers were loaded onto stretchers in preparation for their medical evacuation mission to get underway, a special visitor provided pillows and blankets to make their journey a little more comfortable. One of the patients she attended to was a Soldier wearing a bulky metal halo

Award winners save Air Force $26.5 million

Six individuals who saved the Air Force $26.5 million were recognized April 5 at the Pentagon.  Four individuals won Air Force Productivity Excellence Awards and two won Air Force Exceptional Innovator Awards.Lt. Gen. Roger A. Brady, the Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel,

Goodfellow students put predicting the future to the test in Lone Star

They're playing mind games at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. A bunch of military instructors -- all steeped in years of military intelligence field work -- take a bunch of green students, put them in a room draped with maps, crowded with tables and humming with computer equipment, and squeeze

17th Training Wing preserves heritage

The end of the Cold War left the United States needing fewer forces. A smaller force required fewer bases to support it and, organizationally, fewer units to hold it. For the Air Force, as it set about eliminating excess bases through the Base Realignment and Closure process and excess wings through

Maintainers save man-hours with AFSO 21 changes

When aircraft maintainers think of inspections, their minds may be filled with thoughts of preparation and increased workload; however, 552nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Flight members here saw the E-3 Sentry Isochronal Inspection process as an opportunity for improvement. With Air

Ordnance disposal makes for no ordinary day

Airmen assigned to the 332nd Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight have a dangerous mission that keeps fellow coalition forces safe. It takes nerves of steel and a steady hand to do the work these Airmen do. After all, getting anywhere near an improvised explosive isn't

Red Flag-Alaska strengthens coalition forces

Red Flag-Alaska, a multi-service, multi-platform coordinated, combat operations exercise, kicked off April 5 with the ultimate goal of improving the operational capability of participating units and fostering stronger relations between U.S. and coalition forces. Red Flag-Alaska allows these units,

Airmen, Soldiers mentor Afghan medical instructors

A team of five highly-skilled Air Force and Army medics mentor Afghan National Army instructors at the Combat Medic School in Kabul. Their mission is to guide the ANA instructors into leading the Combat Medic Course, which was recently extended to eight weeks. As instructors, they serve as mentors

Airmen keep a step ahead of enemy

They don't talk much about what they do, at least to those outside the small, secure compound in Ops Town. But, they do listen to what others have to say -- mostly enemy ground forces. The 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron maintains a constant presence in the Central Command area of

Air Force releases combat action medal criteria

Air Force officials at the Air Force Personnel Center released criteria this week for award of the new combat action medal, an award for Airmen who have been involved in direct fighting situations where they risked their lives in an enemy engagement. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley

Charter members reflect on Air Guard's first 60 years

Their membership gets older and smaller every day. Nearly 60 years have passed since they formed, but time has not removed distant memories of 1946 and 1947 after these veterans helped claim victory in World War II and flew as Air National Guardsmen. You may have met them on your drill weekends

Iraq PRTs to double in number by year's end

Plans are under way to double the number of provincial reconstruction teams now operating in Iraq by the end of the year, a senior U.S. official said April 9. "We will both double the number of PRTs and we will double the number of individuals who are working in the PRTs," said Rick Olson, chief of

Shaw selected for 'showcase' dormitory

Officials at the Air Force Engineering and Construction Division selected two military construction projects to showcase the Air Force's success in areas of energy and sustainable development. A 144-room, three-story dormitory at Shaw, to be started this fiscal year, is one of those projects. The

Services Airmen keep morale high in Iraq

Between aircraft sorties, mortar attacks and grueling long days for the residents of Balad AB and Logistical Support Area Anaconda, 20 Airmen of the Expeditionary Services Squadron are doing their part to keep them fit, entertained and ready for the fight. "We're here for everyone else's happiness

Joint STARS exceeds 23,000 flight hours

The 128th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron, one of three operational Joint Surveillance Target Attacks Radar System squadrons, recently reached a milestone of 23,000 flight-hours by flying missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Beginning on Jan. 16, 2003, the JSTARS

B-17 aircrew remembered

Airmen from Hickam Air Force Base and the Hawaii Aviation Preservation Society held a memorial ceremony honoring 10 B-17E Flying Fortress crew members who lost their lives here 65 years ago. The Flying Fortress, returning from a routine combat patrol, crashed into the cliffs of Mt. Keahiakahoe near

Officials complete second phase of rescue officer selection

Combat rescue officer career field officials held phase two of their selection process March 26 to 30 at Fairchild. The purpose of phase two is to narrow the field of trainees invited into the CRO career field training pipeline. Phase two is a rigorous week of intense physical, mental and

New combat squadron stands up at Little Rock

The 41st Airlift Squadron became the newest unit of the 463rd Airlift Group at Little Rock Air Force Base in a ceremony April 6 as well as being named the first active-duty combat C-130J Hercules squadron in the Air Force. The 41st AS moved here from Pope AFB, N.C., due to the Base Realignment and

Competitors set for AMC Rodeo 2007

More than 55 U.S. and international teams are slated to participate in Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 to be held July 22 through 28 at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. The competition focuses on readiness, and features airdrop, air refueling, and other events showcasing security forces, aerial port,

Senior leaders testify about Air Force space program

Three senior leaders provided testimony on national security space activities before the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee March 23. The Honorable Dr. Ronald M. Sega, under secretary of the Air Force, Dr. Donald Kerr, director of the National Reconnaissance Office, and Gen. Kevin P.

AFA Team of the Year features medical Airmen

They saved lives performing miracles in the sky, on the ground and outside "the wire" during missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Senior Airman Robert Zuniga from the 82nd Medical Operations Squadron at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, helped save the lives of 120 people injured in car bombs and mortar

CSAF discusses construction projects in testimony

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley met with members of the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs March 29 to discuss the service's construction efforts. General Moseley said the Air Force is committed to improving base infrastructure

Band makes impact on deployed members

Approximately 200 U.S. servicemembers and coalition forces March 30 here were treated to the sounds of Max Impact -- an ensemble of the U.S. Air Force Band from Bolling Air Force Base from Washington, D.C. The traveling music group has been making its rounds in the deployed area of responsibility

Enlisted Perspective commemorates the 'first'

Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the appointment of the first chief master sergeant of the Air Force is the subject of the latest Enlisted Perspective by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. Chief McKinley said that as the first CMSAF, Paul Airey forged new paths for the

Red Flag-Alaska begins 2007 season

More than 1,300 military members from the United States, France and Australia are gathering in the Last Frontier to participate in Red Flag-Alaska 07-1 scheduled from April 5 to 21. Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises for U.S. forces, provides

F-16 accident report released

Air Force officials recently completed an investigation of the F-16C Fighting Falcon accident 20 miles northwest of Baghdad Nov. 27, which resulted in the death of the pilot, Maj. Troy Gilbert. The official cause of the accident was Major Gilbert's "channelized attention manifested by his desire to

Afghan President Karzai honors Air Force surgeon

The command surgeon for the Combined Security Transition Command, Col. Donald Thompson received the Ghazi Mir Bacha Khan High Medal recently. The award was presented by Afghan President Hamid Karzai in appreciation of outstanding military and civil services rendered by Colonel Thompson. Within the

Officers go to bomb-building how-to course

Munitions specialists for the 48th Fighter Wing put senior leaders through eight hours of training in a munitions accountability course. The one-day course is designed after an Air Force senior NCO munitions course at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., that takes senior NCOs through the steps of an

French help fuel Operation Enduring Freedom

In pursuing the war on terrorism, the United States fights side-by-side with its coalition partners. One of the fundamental missions here at the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing is the aerial refueling mission accomplished by the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in support of Operation Enduring

Airmen tackle increased operations tempo

Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing continue to maintain increased operations, both in the air and on the ground, in support of ground forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. This week, bombers assigned to the 379th AEW saw an increase in combat sorties on the Combined Forces Air Component

Mountain Home earns DOD award

Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, was among the winners of the 2007 Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence announced by Secretary of Defense Gates March 30.Other winners included the U.S. Army Garrison, Camp Zama, Japan; Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine

Nondestructive testing keeps Bagram aircraft flying

They endure wide swings in temperature and dusty conditions, and they are constantly pushed to their limits. They are the F-15E Strike Eagles stationed here. But they are machines--expensive machines that require teams of experts to keep them in top running condition. One of those teams is the

Air Force has HART for its war wounded

As Airmen continue to serve on the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan, the Air Force continues to serve its wounded warriors and their families, even after their combat duty. This service comes from the Palace HART program, or Helping Airmen Recover Together. "The Air Force will provide the same

GAO clears way to move forward on CSAR-X

The Government Accounting Office informed Air Force officials March 30 that all other protest issues surrounding the CSAR-X contract award have been denied. In a March 29 decision, the GAO denied all of the additional arguments raised by Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, "finding

Leaders discuss Air Force priorities

Representatives from Air Force major commands discussed Air Force initiatives, systems and operational issues that tie into the top three Air Force priorities during a press conference March 26 here. Fighting and winning the war on terrorism, developing and caring for Airmen, and recapitalizing and

'Mod Squad' modernizes Moody's Pave Hawks

Installing a major modification on an aircraft usually means it has to leave the base and head to where the experts are, unless you can bring those experts to the aircraft. Some modifications are jobs for the "Mod Squad;" a four-man team of specialists whose mission is to plumb deep inside an

Congress honors Tuskegee Airmen

Before a U.S. aircraft broke the sound barrier, the Tuskegee Airmen overcame a daunting social hurdle: breaking the Air Force's color barrier. In the Capitol Rotunda March 29, President Bush and Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen, more than 60 years after the 332nd

Nellis officials host threat analysis working group

Officials from the 57th Information Aggressor Squadron hosted the first-ever Information Operations Threat Analysis Working Group at the Threat Training Facility at Nellis March 27 to 29. This event brought together experts from 31 U.S. intelligence, research and development, and operational

GPS-driven dropsondes improve airdrop accuracy

An emerging technology is making airdrops around the world more accurate. Called dropsondes, they not only improve aircrew capabilities, they also keep troops safe downrange. "A dropsonde is merely a meteorological device that we use to collect weather information from the altitude of the plane to

C-130 airdrops provide critical supplies to U.S. forces

Improved Container Delivery System bundles fall from the cargo compartments of C-130 Hercules aircraft on a frequent basis here. The ICDS airdrops support the ground forces on the front lines at forward operating bases throughout Afghanistan. "Some of the ground forces are in close combat," said

CSAF's Scope highlights warfighting ethos

The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen.Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues is the Airmen's warfighting ethos. "At our core, we are disciplined, agile, combat-focused and expeditionary," General Moseley said.

Lajes Airmen tested on readiness capabilities

Airmen here perform one of today's most vital missions -- directly supporting servicemembers going to and from deployed locations fighting the war on terrorism around the world. Their readiness was put to the test in mid March during the base's Operation Readiness Inspection, which tests the mission

USAFE officials forge relations with Russian air force

Twenty years ago the idea of Russian and U.S. Air Force leaders flying together and exchanging ideas was almost implausible. That implausibility is now a reality -- one focused on cooperation and bilateral relations. Top Russian air force leaders visited U.S. Air Forces in Europe March 20 to 23 to

Whiteman Reserve unit teams up with Spangdahlem pilots

The Reserve's 442nd Fighter Wing is once again partnering with the 81st Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.Twenty pilots from the 81st FS, part of the 52nd FW, started flying with the 442nd FW at Whiteman AFB in February and will continue through the beginning of May.  "It's a

Iraqi air force takes flight with help from U.S. Airmen

The Iraqi air force is taking off once again with the help of U.S. Air Force Airmen who serve with the Coalition Air Force Transition Team in Iraq. The U.S. Air Force's contribution to enabling the Iraqi air force to build and sustain itself is focused through the CAFTT, composed of four Air Force

Air Force officials seek UAV enterprise interdependence

Army Brig. Gen. Stephen Mundt, director of Army aviation in the office of the deputy chief of staff for operations, recently disparaged the Air Force chief of staff's efforts to optimize our nations intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and enhance the joint, effective and