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  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman shows skills as F-22 demo pilot

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)The serenity of a sleepy, morning sky broke as a dark form rose from the ground and blotted out the sun. An F-22 Raptor maneuvered through the dawn,

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman blogger aims high

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Coming back to a new school year was difficult, even for an experienced teacher. Her new special education math class was crowded. Twenty students

  • New training facility opens in Wyoming

    Almost ten years of joint effort and cooperation culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Nuclear Security Tactics Training Center in Guernsey, Wyo., in December.The $4.2 million facility boasts 14,500 square feet of functional space for training classrooms and cadre offices, and has been

  • Solar power lights up Southwest Asia

    Air Force leaders are continually looking for means to do things leaner and cleaner, even in deployed locations.It probably goes unnoticed by most people here, but solar-powered light carts are paving the road to an environmentally friendlier future in Southwest Asia. These new light carts save the

  • Separate paths bring brothers together for Christmas

    Up until a few days ago, Staff Sgt. Derek Allen hadn't seen his brother, Army Cpl. Greg Allen, in a long time. However, an interesting twist of fate spurred their separate services to bring them together here for the Christmas holidays."Both of us being here in (Afghanistan) is the closest we have

  • All I want for Christmas ... Daddy!

    Christmas has always been a time for family and friends to gather, exchange gifts and spend time with one another. Sometimes, not every member of the family can be home, and when a family member is deployed it can change how a family spends the holiday season. For the Madera family, it was looking

  • Osan community brightens holidays for Korean orphans

    The holidays are a time for sharing, love and togetherness. In spite of recent tensions, service members in South Korea wished to extend their hearts to Korean children living in orphanages. On Dec. 22, more than 600 Osan Air Base service members and families came together through Operation

  • Deployed Airman receives Christmas phone call from President Obama

    "Hello, President Obama? ... I'm great, how are you?" So began the most memorable phone call of a six-month deployment for Senior Airman Keshia Shutts with the 451st Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron here, who received a Christmas morning phone call from President Barack Obama.The

  • Pararescue, security forces Airmen train as one

    The afternoon sky was still and silent just before a thunderous HH-60G Pave Hawk landed thrusting 100 mph winds. Out jumped three pararescuemen assessing possible threats in all directions as they headed to aid an injured member of a friendly force.The 38th Rescue Squadron and 823rd Base Defense

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: High school reunion ... above Afghanistan

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)In 2001, three students -- each in a different grade -- shared the halls and classrooms of DuBois Area High School in rural Pennsylvania.This month,

  • Space Fence program moves forward

    The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center here recently put out a request for proposal to move the Space Fence program forward.Space Fence will be a system of up to two land-based radars, the first site located at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, to track objects entering Earth's orbit.

  • Kunsan AB, Hurlburt Field Airmen unite to spread holiday cheer

    Despite more than 7,000 miles and at least 10 time zones between them, the junior enlisted forces of Hurlburt Field and Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, teamed up to comfort the widows of former Airmen. Members of Hurlburt Airman's Voice and Kunsan's Airmen Committed to Excellence signed, sealed and

  • Academy firefighters recognized for Waldo Canyon Fire efforts

    More than 50 firefighters with the 10th Civil Engineer Squadron here received Air Force Achievement Medals and Air Force Civilian Achievement Awards in a pair of ceremonies Dec. 19-20 for their efforts in containing the Waldo Canyon Fire, which burned 12 acres on the Air Force Academy in June but

  • Alaskan NORAD Region keeps Santa safe, on schedule

    Children around the world know the role the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, plays in tracking Santa's Christmas Eve flight around the world. What many don't know is the role an organization in Alaska plays in ensuring Santa makes his deliveries.U.S. and Canadian servicemembers of

  • Acting Under Secretary presents AF small business achievement awards

     In a Dec. 17 ceremony held on the 109th anniversary of Wilbur and Orville Wright's first powered flight, the Air Force honored 15 Air Force employees and organizations for significant contributions to the Air Force Small Business Program.Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Jamie Morin was

  • AF Reservists deliver humanitarian supplies to the Caribbean

    Reservists from the 315th Airlift Wing delivered more than 38,000 pounds of humanitarian aid to the island nations of St. Lucia and Haiti Dec. 15 and 16.The missions involved two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft delivering humanitarian aid, medical and school supplies, food and construction equipment

  • Operation Christmas Drop: tales from the tail

    Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, were joined by the University of Guam, the local community and charitable organizations to provide more than 39,000 pounds of humanitarian supplies to islanders during Operation Christmas Drop Dec. 11 to 18.Since December 1952, Operation Christmas Drop brings

  • Engineering research psychologist receives Harold Brown Award

    A senior engineering research psychologist received the 2012 Harold Brown research and development award from Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley during a Pentagon ceremony Dec. 17. Dr. Mark H. Draper, from the 711th Human Performance Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, received the

  • Airmen decrease response time with improved expeditionary medical team

    More than 60 medical Airmen from Andersen Air Force Base, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska and Yokota Air Base, Japan, joined trained on the new expeditionary medical support health response team here, Dec. 10-13. EMEDS is a team of expertly-trained medical professionals who utilize a mobile

  • New F-16 software platform to be tested by 40th, 85th

    Developmental testing for an F-16 operational flight program will be accomplished at the 40th Flight Test Squadron and 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron here for the first time.The testing for Block 40 and 50 model F-16s is scheduled to begin in 2014 and will also be the first time developmental

  • Air Force Cross recipients honored at Pope Field

    Four bronze busts in the likeness of Air Force Cross recipients were unveiled during a ceremony here honoring the Airmen at the Combat Control School Dec. 6. The busts honor Capt. Barry Crawford, Tech. Sgt. John Chapman, Staff Sgts. Robert Gutierrez and Zach Rhyner. Crawford and Gutierrez were in

  • AETC declares Eglin ready for F-35 training

    Following an independent evaluation of Eglin's capability to conduct F-35A Lightning II pilot training, Air Education and Training Command announced Dec. 17 that the 33rd Fighter Wing can do so starting January 2013. "The preliminary results provided by the Joint Operational Test Team show the F-35A

  • AFSOC builds partnerships with sister services, foreign militaries

    More than 30 servicemembers and civil servants from 10 different countries gathered here to attend the Building Partner Aviation Capacity Course Dec. 3 to 14. BPACC was designed as an avenue for Air Force Special Operations Command to create, nurture or deepen partnerships with foreign militaries,

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Enlisted Airman receives scholarship to Harvard

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)It has been said that nothing in life worth having comes easy. For some, it's getting promoted to staff sergeant and for others; it's getting a full

  • Guard members prepare for variety of roles in presidential inauguration

    Approximately 6,000 Army and Air National Guard members from 15 states and territories are preparing to take part in and support the 57th Presidential Inauguration, said officials. "They will be coming into the District of Columbia, processed in and will go out to several parts of the city where

  • Air Force officials complete environmental restoration

    The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a closure letter Nov. 1, for the environmental restoration of a site located 4.5 miles southwest of the flightline here, where a B-47 plane crashed in 1958.On Nov. 4, 1958, a B-47 carrying one nuclear bomb caught fire while taking off from Dyess

  • Employment Website Teams With Joining Forces

    Employment website Monster.com is collaborating with the White House's Joining Forces campaign and will contribute to the initiative's goal of hiring or training an additional 250,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2014, Acting Commerce Department Secretary Rebecca M. Blank announced

  • Retired Col. Ralph S. Parr Jr. dies, memorial service announced

    Col. Ralph S. Parr Jr., 88, who was the only American pilot to receive both the Distinguished Service Cross and the Air Force Cross, passed away Dec. 7 at an assisted living facility in New Braunfels, Texas. Joint Base San Antonio will honor the legacy of one of the Air Force's most celebrated

  • AEDC Fire Department honors a true hero

    When Daryle Lopes, the Arnold Engineering Development Complex Fire Department Chief, sent an email out to the worldwide fire protection community seeking moral support for a young man battling cancer, the response he received exceeded his expectations.Mark Kelly Olson is a 10-year-old boy who was

  • Lt. Gen. Clarke nominated as Director, Air National Guard

    Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III, commander of the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region - 1st Air Force, has been nominated by President Obama to be the next director of the Air National Guard.If confirmed by the Senate, Clarke will replace Lt. Gen. Harry "Bud" Wyatt III.,

  • Freedom Award recognizes Guard, Reserve supporters

    Reserve component members still have time to nominate their civilian employers for the 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, officials from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a DOD agency, said today.Nominations for the award are due by Jan. 21, 2013. The award is the

  • Recruiting reorganization creates three new squadrons

    A reorganization within Air Force Recruiting Service is resulting in three new squadrons solely dedicated to health professions recruiting and as a result, a more appropriate focus on the HP mission.The newly activated squadrons are:360th Recruiting Group: The 318th Recruiting Squadron, based in

  • Airmen's holiday spirit spreads through Korean orphanages

    Airmen at Osan Air Base here are giving back for the holidays to ensure children in local orphanages receive a little bit of holiday cheer. Approximately 500 volunteers will be visiting more than 20 orphanages as part of Operation Christmas Hope, an event focused on the spirit of giving. "We are

  • Q&A: AF chief information officer on Cyber Summit

    Air Force leaders held a Cyber Summit in November at Joint Base Andrews, Md., to discuss the Air Force's role in cyberspace and to ensure the mission needs of the Air Force and joint warfighter are being met going forward.More than 30 senior leaders, including the secretary and chief of staff of the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Plumber's plan to become pilot is no pipe dream

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)With a lot of hard work and a little patience, the dream of becoming a pilot with the Air Force Reserve is beginning to become a reality for a plumber

  • Past, present SOWTs shape elite career field

    The Special Operations Weather Team is one of the newest career fields in the Air Force, officially created just three years ago. However, this grey beret-wearing unit has been around since 1963, originally known as the Commando Combat Weather Team stationed here at Hurlburt Field, Fla.To remember

  • Airmen pay tribute to past heroes in Dec. 7 remembrance ceremony

    On Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 1941 at 7:55 a.m., the largest airborne attack force ever assembled by the Imperial Japanese Navy struck Oahu's military installations and plunged the United States into World War II aiming to cripple the U.S. fleet anchored at Pearl Harbor and prevent American involvement

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Boom operator reaches 7,500 flying hour milestone

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Master Sgt. Todd Buit, the 92nd Operations Group standards evaluations NCO in charge and career boom operator, reached for the sky and broke records in

  • Arc Light marked beginning of B-52 involvement in Vietnam

    Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of articles highlighting the B-52's involvement in the Vietnam Conflict up to Operation Linebacker II. The 40th Anniversary of Linebacker II takes place Dec. 18-29.By 1972, the war in Vietnam had persisted for more than eight years, characterized by a

  • Cadets soar to 8th straight national championship

    Air Force Academy cadets soared to their eighth straight national sailplane racing championship and their 14th in 18 years, the Soaring Society of America announced Dec. 5.This year's team posted more miles than any other in Academy history with more than 30,700 miles, nearly twice as many miles as

  • Japanese aircrew learn advanced airlift tactics in Missouri

    A sky blue military aircraft with red Japanese flag markings is an odd sight in the Midwest.Yet, Airmen at the Missouri Air National Guard training center here are used to such foreign sights.The Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center at the 139th Airlift Wing instructs service members from other

  • Hickam Field's killed in action honored

    Only 92 of the original 189 Army Air Forces Airmen killed at Hickam Field during the Dec. 7, 1941, attacks on military installations of Oahu remain on the island where war found them when they weren't looking for it. A group of 10 Hickam Airmen, teenagers, spouses and a Sailor volunteered to make

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman takes 'once-in-a-lifetime' journey

    Leave is something military members typically earn, with hard work, dedication and long hours. Those members usually use their precious time off to recharge their batteries and relax, not Airman 1st Class Jessica Tharp.Tharp, an aerospace propulsion journeyman assigned to the 18th Component

  • Pearl Harbor: Air Force legacy on day that would 'live in infamy'

    "It was the first time I had ever seen a plunging dive bomber and it was an awesome sight. Nothing in warfare is more frightening," said Pvt. Wilfred D. Burke, 72d Pursuit Squadron, Wheeler Field, whose experience in the attacks on Pearl Harbor are recorded in "7 December 1941: The Air Force Story"

  • 'Sir, tell the TACP thanks'

    On 13 May 2010, an Airman First Class taught me some lessons I'll never forget. I think of Airman 1st Class Corey Hughes almost every week. His actions on that particular day in May remind me to focus on others first, that heroic leaders exist among us all the time, and doing the right thing takes

  • New program helps develop holdover Airmen at BMT

    Airmen placed on hold in the 324th Training Squadron here are benefiting from a new program established earlier this year.Typically, Airmen in a hold status have already completed basic training and are awaiting orders or assignment to technical school. There may be medical reasons for a hold status

  • Airmen save AF more than a million dollars

    The 437th Aerial Port Squadron Load Planning Airmen answered the call when the Air Mobility Command Fuel Efficiency Office asked AMC aerial port squadrons to maximize fuel usage aboard C-17 Globemaster III's and other air frames using a new initiative called precession loading.Before the initiative

  • EOD Airmen earn 18 Bronze Stars

    After six months of clearing improvised explosive devices, providing blast analysis and clearing roadways, the nearly 40 explosive ordnance disposal Airmen assigned to Joint Task Force Paladin South 966th Air Expeditionary Squadron are headed home, but not before being recognized for their

  • DOD recognizes two Air Force members with disabilities

    The Department of Defense presented awards to two Air Force members during a ceremony here at the Pentagon, Dec. 4.Capt. Ryan McGuire, a C-17 Globemaster III pilot with the 4th Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and Christopher Randall, a civilian test director with the Air Force

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman creates important database program

    When an expensive contract on an Air Force aircrew flight equipment database program was not renewed, bases across the world had to find local solutions to fill the void. Some had to turn to time consuming spreadsheets or paper records. At Dover Air Force Base, Del., one Airman created a solution to

  • CSAF directs Air Force-wide inspection

    Commanders across the Air Force will conduct health and welfare inspections starting Dec. 5 to emphasize an environment of respect, trust and professionalism in the workplace.The health and welfare inspection is a tool routinely used by unit commanders, command chiefs, and first sergeants.Air Force

  • KC-135 crew on point in Afghan skies

    From the window of her "office," Senior Airman Brittany Bahner breathes deeply and takes in the view of the brown, arid expanse near Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. She waits patiently, lying prone in the boom pod at the rear of the KC-135 Stratotanker, while communicating through her headset with

  • OTS shortens course length, increases efficiency

    Beginning in January, the Air Force Officer Training School's Basic Officer Training course will be shortened by three weeks, officials announced Dec. 4. Cutting the course from 12 weeks to nine weeks was the result of finding efficiencies in the course's scheduling processes and curriculum, said

  • AF receives space award

    Space and Missile Systems Center Commander Lt. Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski accepted the donation of the Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy from Dr. Bradford Parkinson on behalf of SMC and the GPS Directorate at a special ceremony held at Los Angeles Air Force Base on Nov. 30.Dr. Parkinson and the "GPS

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Reservist to headline MMA event

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Danny Ruiz is a fighter. He is a staff sergeant in the Air Force Reserve, a husband, father and coach. But above all, he's a fighter.Ruiz is a week away

  • Special Ops tryouts to test mettle for 'battlefield airmen' positions

    Since neutralizing Osama Bin Laden, America's special operations forces have remained in the spotlight as high-caliber leaders entrusted with operations vital to national security. As counter-terrorism operations continue throughout the globe, the Pentagon is currently busy defining irregular

  • Secrets of universe revealed thanks to AF research complex

    Looking skyward, scientists worldwide now know the universe's size, composition, approximate age and rate of expansion, thanks in part to "essential" data derived from a time-sensitive test conducted at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex's (AEDC) Mark 1 Aerospace Space Chamber. On June 30,

  • From NY streets to Afghan skies, FDNY crew saves lives

    Four New York City firefighters, four Airmen, four friends, one team, one HH-60 Pave Hawk -- one crew -- deployed together with the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, bringing a unique flavor of New York Fire Departments with them.Capt. Shaun Cullen, Capt. Tripp

  • NORAD provides website, apps to track Santa

    Children of all ages will be able to track Santa Claus on his annual journey, thanks to the North American Aerospace Defense Command.The "NORAD Tracks Santa" website at http://www.noradsanta.org is up and running. The site features a holiday countdown, games and daily activities, video messages from

  • CSAF talks leadership with wing commanders

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III met with more than 140 wing commanders from across the Air Force Nov. 28 at Joint Base Andrews, Md., to underscore, face-to-face, his expectations of them as leaders and to discuss Air Force issues."Operationally, we're doing great ... mission-wise

  • Deployed father controls airspace over son in Afghanistan

    Maj. Christopher Gering worries like any other parent whose child deploys downrange. It can be gut wrenching knowing his child operates outside the wire, working to clear and dispose of improvised explosive devices.Since August, this proud parent has had an advantage most parents are not afforded

  • Pilot safe after runway crash

    An F-16 ran off the runway today, December 3, 2012 at approximately 2:15 p.m. at Kunsan AB. The pilot is safe and sustained no injuries. An official accident investigation will take place to determine the cause. Additional details will be provided as soon as they become available.(8th Fighter Wing

  • General Paul Selva takes command of Air Mobility Command

    Gen. Paul J. Selva became commander of Air Mobility Command in a change-of-command ceremony here today, as the legacy of leading global mobility operations was passed to him from Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr.Selva comes to AMC from Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii,

  • Three Airmen win 'Best in Show' photography contest

    Defense Department leaders honored three Airmen Nov. 30, for their participation in the Arts in Embassies program. The Airmen were part of a group of 12 photography winners, selected from over 3,000 photo submissions.Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the

  • Incirlik Airman pleads guilty to charges

    Airman 1st Class Jose J. Aguilar, 39th Security Forces Squadron, was tried and convicted by a general court-martial Nov. 27, in connection with an incident in which a Humvee driven by Aguilar rolled over, resulting in the death of Airman 1st Class Floyd Glover. Aguilar pled guilty to negligent

  • SecAF declares 'Modernization can't wait'

    The Air Force's senior civilian addressed the importance of modernization and the challenges ahead for the Air Force at the 2012 Aerospace and Defense Investor Conference here Nov. 29."Among the most difficult challenges facing the Air Force is the need to modernize our aging aircraft inventory as

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: First sergeant flexes natural muscle

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Where are you at 3:40 a.m.? Master Sgt. LaJuan Fuller, 366th Civil Engineering Squadron first sergeant, is at the gym. He's been up for more than an hour

  • 2013 Scholarships for military children opens Dec. 3

    In 2012, the Scholarships for Military Children Program celebrated a major milestone as it reached more than $10 million in scholarships awarded to 6,742 students from around the globe.Applications for the 2013 Scholarships for Military Children Program will be available starting Dec. 3 at

  • Airmen conduct rescue off the Coast of Mexico

    Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing successfully completed a complex, overwater rescue of an injured ship hand from a Marshall Islands flagged merchant vessel approximately 300 miles off the coast of Mexico on Nov, 29. The 129th Rescue Wing received a call from the U.S. Coast Guard

  • AF doc and 'trauma team' use cutting edge device to save patient

    Doctors from San Antonio Military Medical Center here saved a young mother's life last month using cutting-edge technology historically reserved for infants and young children.The case marked the first time the medical center has treated an adult with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO, a

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman swears allegiance, attains dream

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)An 87th Logistics Readiness Squadron airman assigned here was full of nerves on the morning of Nov. 16, as he was about to become a U.S. citizen in a New

  • 'Space junk' growing issue for AF space operations

    Members of the 1st and 7th Space Operations Squadron took notice when an upper stage Russian rocket disintegrated in low earth orbit Oct. 16. The break up introduced an estimated 500 pieces of debris into an area where the U.S. operates a multitude of satellites, further congesting an already

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Kadena Airman shines during Tops in Blue

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)As the premiere U.S. Air Force entertainment group, Tops in Blue, performs for service members stationed around the world, they bring music, dance and

  • AMC team wins top CSAF 'Team of Excellence' award

    The Air Mobility Command Electronic Flight Bag Team from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., won the 2012 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award awarded by the Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III Nov. 28 at the Pentagon.Each year, since its inception in 1992, the Chief of Staff Team Excellence

  • Security forces work with troubled teens

    The 325th Security Forces Squadron continued its mission to mentor teenagers that are trying to make a positive pivot in their lives."Cops, at this point to them, have been the enemy, but we are not judging them, we are here to help and mentor," said Staff Sgt. Hannah Havenar, 325th SFS Resource

  • Deployed structural maintainers 'do it all'

    When a homeowner needs to redo a wall, repair the roof, and re-key a lock, several calls must be made.The Air Force only has to make one.Structural maintainers are "like the carpenters, welders, roofers and handymen, kind of all rolled up into one," said Tech. Sgt. Howard Jones, 380th Expeditionary

  • Keen Sword: One team, one fight

    For four days, the U.S. and Japan Air Self-Defense Force pilots went through countless briefings and motivational speeches. On Nov. 8, 2012, more than 30 pilots sat in their jets, side-by-side, and waited for the crew chiefs to give them the signal to taxi-out. It was time to take to the skies.Keen

  • Airmen provide Sailors real-time video for maritime operations

    Editor's Note: Actual locations and specific details of the types of aircraft and ships involved were withheld for operational security.A Navy information systems technician aboard ship looked down at his laptop on a recent October day and saw something unheard of for Sailors just months before - a

  • F-22's success more than 'skin deep'

    Many are surprised to discover that the largest organ the human body has is the skin. Skin provides a physical barrier against harmful, external factors. The F-22 Raptor, much like the human body, has a layer of skin called low observable. LO not only assists in retaining the jets' stealth

  • Capitol Christmas tree makes pit-stop

    The 2012 Capitol Christmas tree arrived on the west lawn this morning after spending the night at McConnell Air Force Base, Kans., Nov. 16, 2012, on its way from Colorado.The Capitol Christmas tree has been a tradition since 1964 when a live tree was planted on the west lawn of the Capitol. The

  • Every flight 'ultimate trip' for deployed aircrews

    A small group of people leave their office and pile into a vehicle.Twelve hours later, they've travelled more than 800 miles - roughly the distance from Seattle to San Francisco - stopped several times in the middle of nowhere, picked up a few passengers who speak very little English, overcome

  • Two Kandahar Airmen receive Thanksgiving phone calls from President Obama

    Two Airmen deployed here received Thanksgiving-day phone calls from President Barack Obama Thanksgiving evening Nov. 22, 2012. Senior Airman Khalid O'Neil, 451st Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, and Airman 1st Class Steve Taylor, 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, each talked to the

  • SecAF visits Kadena

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited with Kadena Shoguns here Nov. 21 as part of a multi-day tour to the Pacific.During his visit, he had breakfast with some of Kadena's junior Airmen and toured the base with Brig. Gen. Matt Molly, 18th Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Mark Marson,

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: 65 years later, WW II veteran returns to England

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)On a typical day from 1942 to 1945, the flightline on Royal Air Force Alconbury, England, would be full of activity as aircrews, maintainers and weapons

  • QF-16 drone arrives for testing, prepares warfighters for tomorrow's threats

    The 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group marked an important milestone in continuing to prepare the warfighter for tomorrow's threats as the first QF-16 drone arrived for developmental testing at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Nov. 19."The work done prior to today and the test work that is forthcoming will

  • CSAF, CMSAF visit Malmstrom AFB

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy visited Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Nov. 19 and 20 to meet with Airmen and see the base's nuclear deterrence mission.Welsh and Roy spoke at an Airman's Call where they emphasized that Airmen,

  • CSAF, CMSAF agree with Minot's motto..."Only the Best Come North"

    Warbirds and Rough Riders at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., reaffirmed why "Only the Best Come North," during a visit by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy here Nov. 20 and 21.As part of Welsh's first visit as chief of staff to the Air

  • Transcom strives to protect networks against cyberthreats

    The new Joint Cyber Center here at U.S. Transportation Command is helping protect against persistent cyber-attacks while ensuring secure, uninterrupted access to the networks that underpin the command's global mission.TRANSCOM gets more cyber-attacks than nearly every other U.S. combatant command,

  • Multinational team of wingmen rescues downed pilot from Pacific Ocean

    On July 22, a U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to Misawa Air Base, Japan, had to eject from an F-16 Fighting Falcon over the turbulent and cold waters of the North Pacific. Over the next six hours, the pilot, JEST 73, focused on surviving in his small life raft - constantly using his helmet to bail

  • CSAF, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force visit Warren members

    Members of 20th Air Force and the "Mighty Ninety" 90th Missile Wing welcomed the Air Force chief of staff and chief master sergeant of the Air Force, Nov. 18 and 19, to F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., showcasing the nuclear deterrence mission.Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. James Roy

  • Nations unite to heighten allied air power

    Pilots from seven nations have been working together since November with a goal to increase effectiveness of allied air forces and strengthen multinational partnerships.This Tactical Leadership Program course, a NATO-based training exercise held Nov. 5 to 30, encourages interoperability by

  • F-35 begins integration phase of weapons testing

    The F-35 Lighting II, Joint Strike Fighter began the integration phase of weapons testing Oct. 26, when the F-35A Conventional Takeoff and Landing aircraft successfully completed the first in-flight test with an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile. It was the first time a weapon

  • Airman awarded $6K through IDEA program

    A $6,275 check was presented to Staff Sgt. Jared Weddle, a 2nd Maintenance Squadron communications navigations mission system craftsman, by Col. Alexis Mezynski, 2nd Bomb Wing vice commander, Nov. 14 for a submission to the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program that net the Air