NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • CSAR Airmen airlift injured Soldier

    Timing is everything. As the rotors of an HH-60G Pave Hawk wound down from a recently completed training scenario, a real-world medical response was requested. The launch of a combat search and rescue team was perfectly timed for a Soldier needing medical attention on a secluded outpost.The crew was

  • Crucial training prepares flag officers for deployment

    Experts here are preparing flag officers for deployments by familiarizing them with the language and culture they may encounter.The Air Force Culture and Language Center's General Officer Pre-Deployment Acculturation Course is tailored to the general officers' needs and takes into consideration

  • Air Guard, Reserve officials announce 2011 teen leadership summits

    Officials from the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard announced the 2011 Air Force Reserve and ANG Teen Leadership Summit locations Jan. 5. The Air Force Reserve and ANG Teen Leadership Summit locations this summer are in Dahlonega, Ga.; Estes, Colo.; and Washington. The summits combine

  • Combat rescue, special tactics officer bonus still available

    For the second year in a row, qualified special operations officers are still eligible for a maximum of $80,000 in critical skills retention bonus money if they voluntarily extend their active-duty service commitment for up to four years."With the continued high demand for combat rescue and special

  • Service Delivery Assessment vital to patient care

    Patient feedback through the service delivery assessment, a centralized telephone survey program, provides Air Force clinics with direct, rapid and relevant feedback vital to national security, Air Force Medical Service officials said."Improving the health of Airmen and their families is our mission

  • Troops run from Baghdad to Orlando

    What has two big round ears, a tail, 69,168 feet, more than 900 legs, and 50,000 eyes on it? That would be the Disney Half Marathon Heroes Race in Baghdad, Iraq.More than 450 U.S. service members, as well as individuals from several different countries, participated in the 13.1 mile race and ran in

  • Airmen donate school supplies to local Iraqi children

    Airmen assigned to the Echelon Above Division-Advise and Train team at Tallil Air Base, Iraq, recently handed out school supplies and toys to more than 70 children at Ur Elementary School, located in a small village near the base."The local children are the future leaders of this country," said Lt.

  • 'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," a funny looking plane makes a special delivery to Holloman Air Force Base. Plus, Airmen work around the clock to provide heating for troops in remote locations throughout Afghanistan. And, meet a loadmaster and see how he locks down cargo for the long haul

  • Airmen build foundation of Iraqi air force

    In an effort to strengthen the strategic partnership between Iraq and U.S., Airmen assigned to the 821st Expeditionary Training Squadron here are helping the Iraqi government and its people develop a stable and self-reliant air force for their nation.Airmen with the 821st ETRS work daily with the

  • Afghan family treated for burns by Bagram medics

    Air Force health professionals train continuously, from medical school to retirement, to provide life-saving treatments to patients. In most cases, they count on providing those treatments to service members, but Airmen assigned to the Craig Joint Theater Hospital here are finding themselves working

  • CMSAF visits Tinker AFB Airmen

    The Air Force's top enlisted Airman came here Jan. 5 through 6 to speak to Airmen about being ready for the joint/coalition fight, building resiliency and developing Airmen. Chief Master of the Air Force James. A. Roy visited areas of the base and met with officers, chiefs and Airmen."There are a

  • Chairman calls for military self-examination

    As the military enjoys tremendous support from the American people, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said now is the time to step back, assess the impact of 10 years of war and ensure the institution remains on course.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, opening a leadership conference Jan. 10 at the

  • F-4 continues long-time service to Air Force with new mission

    The 82nd Aerial Target Squadron officials here are replacing the use of Lear jets for their banner tow missions with the F-4 Phantom, creating an air-to-air target that aircrews in training can safely evaluate, develop and test their weapons systems. "We developed the idea to use the F-4 for the

  • 'ONE Suit Pro' IDEA saves Air Force money

    Saving money and improving quality of service and efficiency in the workplace were the motivating factors behind the "ONE Suit Pro" idea that won awards for the members of the 17th Civil Engineer Squadron, Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program team recently.The idea submitted to

  • HAW, Ramstein AB Airmen team up for training

    Airmen from the Heavy Airlift Wing at Papa Air Base, Hungary, and Ramstein AB will participate in for aerial port training Jan. 10 through 13 near here and Grafonvier, Germany.The Airmen will conduct two personnel airdrop flights and two heavy equipment airdrops, which will mark the first time HAW

  • Airmen develop Iraqi documentation and media exploitation capacity

    Forty joint expeditionary tasking Airmen, along with other members of the Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Tactical Documentation and Media Exploitation Team in Iraq, are helping Iraqi government officials to establish their own documentation and media exploitation mission. A

  • Holloman Airmen provide 5th generation fighter support

    Two T-38 Talons were delivered in December here with the help of NASA officials.NASA officials used an Aero Spacelines Super Guppy to deliver the first two of an eventual 15 T-38s that will be regenerated here and flown to operating locations at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., and Tyndall AFB, Fla.

  • Fielding success enables pilot-to-pilot link

    A team of former fighter pilots from the Electronic Systems Center here is continuing to make sure current fighter pilots -- both U.S. and Allied forces -- can operate the sophisticated communication network known as Link 16.Link 16 takes data from multiple platforms, including Airborne Warning and

  • Photo essay: Oleoresin Capsicum spray training

    Members of the 75th Security Forces Squadron participate in Oleoresin Capsicum spray training here Jan. 5. Oleoresin Capsicum is a non-lethal spray, similar to pepper spray, used to temporarily incapacitate individuals. All security forces Airmen receive the Oleoresin Capsicum training when they

  • Baltic air policing mission complete

    The 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, United Kingdom, relinquished command of the NATO Baltic air policing mission to the German air force at Lithuania Air Force Air Base here Jan. 5.The 493rd EFS, deployed from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, assumed responsibility for Lithuanian, Latvian and

  • Iraqi airmen fly record number of aircraft

    Iraqi air force pilots flew a record number of aircraft during the annual Iraqi Army Day Parade Jan. 6 at the International Zone here. Iraqi crews piloted 20 aircraft in 12 fly-overs and aerial demonstrations over a parade field filled with government officials from allied nations and Iraqi

  • Health plan to remain free for troops, officials emphasize

    Though Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates seeks modest premium increases for working-age military retirees who use the TRICARE Prime health plan, the benefit will remain free to service members, defense officials emphasized Jan. 7.Secretary Gates unveiled sweeping, cost-cutting initiatives Jan. 6,

  • Secretary Gates outlines 'Don't Ask' repeal process

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Jan. 6 described the Pentagon's three-step process for preparing to allow gays to serve openly in the military services.At a Pentagon news conference with Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary Gates updated reporters on the

  • Expeditionary center formally assumes command of five AMC units

    U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center officials assumed command of five Air Mobility Command organizations during a ceremony Jan 6 here. The AMC restructuring allows 18th Air Force officials to focus almost exclusively on worldwide mobility flying operations and gives the expeditionary center added

  • Air Force officials announce formal officer cross-flow program

    In an effort to balance officer skills across the active-duty component, the Air Force will offer cross-flow options for nonrated line officers in specified career fields, officials said here Jan 7. The nonrated officer cross-flow program is being announced as part of the fiscal 2011 Force

  • Holly Petraeus to lead Office of Service Member Affairs

    The wife of the top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan will head up an office devoted to strengthening consumer financial protection for service members and their families, an official announced today.In a White House blog, Elizabeth Warren, the assistant to the president and special adviser to

  • Gates reveals budget efficiencies, reinvestment possibilities

    Defense Department officials have found $154 billion in budget efficiencies over the next five years and will be able to invest $70 billion of that saved money in more-deserving accounts, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Jan. 6.The secretary announced the savings and reinvesting of the

  • Airman named MVP, helps Team USA win gold

    An Airman stationed here contributed to Team USA's gold medal finish at the 2010 SHAPE International Basketball Tournament on Dec. 4 in Mons, Belgium. Team USA is the U.S. armed forces basketball team.Second Lt. Mathew Holland, an intelligence analyst assigned to the 614th Air and Space Operations

  • Air Guard officials prepare for new medical mission

    Air National Guard members will begin flying a newly assigned critical care air transport team mission from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 10, the air surgeon said in an interview here Jan. 4.The CCATTs, which consist of a physician specializing in critical care, pulmonology, anesthesiology or

  • Service demographics offer snapshot of force

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently published a demographics report offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force. This data is current as of Dec. 30 and can also be found on the Air Force personnel statistics Web page at

  • President signed improvements to Post-9/11 GI Bill

    To bring the educational benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill closer to more veterans and service members, President Obama signed legislation Jan. 4 that streamlines the 18 month-old education program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs."Since the first GI Bill in 1944, this unique

  • Afghan National Army conducts fingerprint training

    The Afghan National Army Legal Development Office hosted a one-day training seminar on crime-scene processing, securing and fingerprint analysis for the 21 members of the Afghan National Army Criminal Investigation Command Dec. 29 here. The crime scene training was conducted by Tech. Sgt. Jarrod

  • 'Hero Miles' program supports families of fallen, wounded

    A popular program that turns donated frequent-flier miles into free airline tickets for wounded warriors receiving medical care, as well as their families, will expand in 2011, so families of the fallen and combat wounded can participate in two upcoming events.The Fisher House Foundation, which

  • Air Force officials approve changes to officer selection brief

    In an effort to better highlight candidates who possess the skills necessary for officer promotion in today's expeditionary Air Force, senior Air Force officials approved changes to the officer selection brief. The modified officer selection brief will be used beginning with boards in June and

  • Nellis AFB selected to host new joint MWD training program

    Air Force officials selected Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., as the location of a new joint military working dog training program in late November. The officials made their decision after Nellis AFB members graduated their beta-test class of 15 security forces dog handlers and their MWDs Nov. 9.

  • Medical Airmen ready Soldiers for medal ceremony

    Working as gently as they could, medical Airmen from an intensive care and in-patient care unit helped ready two injured Soldiers for a Purple Heart ceremony Jan. 4. The Soldiers of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, were injured just days earlier in an improvised explosive

  • AMC Fuel Efficiency Office shows how 'efficiency promotes effectiveness'

    Officials with Air Mobility Command's Fuel Efficiency Office here are putting forth an initiative called precision loading. By refining the ability to maximize available space on mobility aircraft, fewer missions are required and fuel and resources are saved, and Air Force officials find another way

  • Wars, people, balancing risk top chairman's 2011 guidance

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's guidance for 2011 charts the way forward in America's wars, in improving the health of the force and in balancing global risks.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen's 2011 guidance was released Jan. 15, relaying the admiral's priorities and strategic objectives for the

  • Changes coming to the Post-9/11 GI-Bill

    The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 was recently signed into law. Effective Aug. 1, 2009, but not payable until Oct. 1, 2011-- Certain National Guard members mobilized on Title 32 orders on, or after, Sept. 11, 2001 are now eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and any

  • Security forces advisers provide advanced training for Iraqi airmen

    Airmen deployed in support of Operation New Dawn recently trained a small detail of Iraqi security forces airmen to teach several advanced techniques for one-on-one confrontations.Master Sgt. Grady Driver, a security forces adviser, is a member of the Iraqi Training and Advising Mission. He said

  • Royal Air Force aircrews to train at Offutt

    Whether it's performing strategic bombing missions in World War II, defending Europe during the Cold War, monitoring Iraqi no-fly zones, or battling the Taliban in Afghanistan, the U.S. Air Force and the U.K. Royal Air Force have been close allies for many years.Recently, this partnership was

  • General Klotz reflects on command, career

    Editor's Note: When he enlisted in the Air Force Reserve in 1968 to attend the Air Force Academy Prep School, Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz says he never imagined where his Air Force career would take him. Now, after more than 37 years of commissioned service, he took a few minutes to sit down and reflect on

  • Chief Roy visits Kunsan

    The Air Force's top enlisted leader visited members of the 8th Fighter Wing here Dec. 29 and 30 during a year-end tour of Pacific Air Forces bases.During the visit, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy, and his wife, Paula, toured the base, presented stripes to Airmen who were promoted,

  • Nellis Airmen, joint partners prep Marines for Afghanistan

    U.S. Joint Forces Command joint fires experts joined Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group and other joint enablers during a mission rehearsal exercise here to prepare Marine Corps Regimental Combat Team-8 for its upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.Exercise Spartan Resolve, led by MCTOG

  • Cheerleaders bring holiday cheer to Osan

    Members of the Dallas Cowboys' cheerleader team visited here Dec. 29 as part of their 72nd USO tour.During their visit, the cheerleaders had lunch with Airmen, held a free cheer clinic for kids, performed at the base theater, signed autographs and posed for photos with members here.Senior Airman

  • Afghan air force airmen first to graduate Mi-17 maintenance course

    Ten Afghan air force Airmen graduated from the Mi-17 helicopter engine and body maintenance course Jan. 1 here, marking the first time AAF members completed the training.The graduating Airmen, both officers and enlisted, completed the course, none of the in the instructors in the Mongolian-led

  • CMSAF visits Osan Air Base, concludes PACAF tour

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited Osan Air Base Dec. 30 and 31, wrapping up a year-end tour of Pacific Air Forces bases.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy and his wife, Paula, met with Osan Airmen and families, visiting facilities and organizations across the base.Spending

  • Wingmen: Airmen look after military working dogs

    Every day Airmen take care of each other, and the 52nd Security Forces Squadron's military working dog handlers have a furry wingman that requires a little extra care during the winter here."There are a few extra precautions we have to take during the winter months while working and training the

  • Chief Roy visits Misawa, meets with Airmen

    The 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited here Dec. 28 through Dec. 29, as part of a tour of several installations within the Pacific Air Forces.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy met with Airmen at their duty sections, which culminated in an enlisted call where he

  • Language training detachment stands up in Europe

    With defense leaders emphasizing the importance of language and cultural training to support military operations worldwide, Defense Language Institute officials have established a new detachment in Germany to provide follow-on sustainment training for military linguists based in Europe.Staff members

  • Air Force secretary lauds F.E. Warren Airmen during holiday visit

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited with Warren Airmen here Dec. 23 to recognize Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen who carry out the nuclear deterrence mission. "We have missile crews and Airmen standing alert over the holidays, and we want them to know their leaders appreciate

  • Airmen from across the world participate in Silver Flag

    Airmen from around the world came together at the U.S. Air Forces in Europe training area recently for a weeklong contingency operations training exercise. During Silver Flag, Airmen from several different career specialties work together to learn how to build and sustain a base in a contingency

  • Air Force rescuers pull female hiker to safety

    Senior Master Sgt. Mike Flake, an HH-60G Pave Hawk flight engineer with the 305th Rescue Squadron here, had been flying a training mission Dec. 22 around Tucson, Ariz., where his unit trains regularly. Upon clocking out, he was home by 9:30 p.m., enjoying family time, when he received a call from a

  • Combat camera Airmen learn battlefield forensics

    It was a first for the Air Force when a cadre of instructors from Six3 Systems Inc. arrived here to teach a battlefield forensics course to 4th Combat Camera Squadron Airmen. In the past, company officials taught the course to only Army and Marine Corps units, but 4th Combat Squadron officials

  • Crash recovery team demonstrates innovation through unique lift operation

    Airmen from the 51st Maintenance Squadron's Transient Alert Crash Recovery team performed a unique operation in response to a real-world situation Dec. 11, which proved valuable training for the entire shop. What started out earlier that week as a routine aircraft maintenance operation took an

  • Iraqi air force officials open 3 new facilities

    Iraqi air force officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open three new facilities, including a communications building, a communications equipment facility and a medical clinic Dec. 11 here. Tech. Sgt. Amy Everhard, a New Al-Muthana Air Base Transition Team member, was on hand to assist with

  • Officials seek bilingual officers for training school

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations from bilingual officers to participate in the 2011 Inter-American Squadron Officer School Program. This program focuses on inter-Americanism and developing Latin American regional affairs specialists for the Air Force.Captains from all Air Force

  • 386th AEW first with all-AF customs team

    Due to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing's all-Air Force customs team, a first in the Air Force Central Command area of responsibility, a process that would usually require Airmen who are redeploying to stay confined to the passenger terminal for more than 14 hours was greatly reduced.Senior Airman

  • Airmen work side-by-side with Iraqi AAC members

    As part of efforts by U.S. officials in Iraq to continue strengthening a long-term partnership, Airmen assigned to the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron train, advise and assist members of the Iraqi Army Aviation Command with all helicopter operations here."The air advisers are applying

  • Spreading the love of language

    An officer here uses a special skill to communicate with local Djiboutians as well as international partners throughout Eastern Africa. Capt. Sylvia Kim speaks fluent French, one of the official languages of Djibouti and a dominant language throughout the African continent. Realizing her skill could

  • NATO program enhances multinational tactical operations

    This year, six pilots from the 480th Fighter Squadron here completed Allied Command Europe's Tactical Leadership Program at Albacete-Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, for the first time."This training is essential for fighter squadrons in Europe that have active participation roles with NATO," said Lt.

  • Air Force Safety Center recognized for young drivers program

    Members of the Air Force Safety Center's Ground Safety Division received the National Safety Council's Outstanding Effort in Training Young Adult Drivers award for "sincerity of heart" in keeping young adult drivers alive and safe behind the wheel of Air Force vehicles and their own personal

  • Afghan air force members distribute supplies to nearby town

    Members of the Afghan Air Force and NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan visited a village north of Kabul Dec. 22 to distribute school supplies and clothes. Notebooks, pens, pencils, soccer balls, frisbees, volleyballs and winter clothing, gloves, rubber boots and back packs were all distributed to

  • Laughlin AFB recycling center generates revenue for base

    Officials with the recycling center here take all the recyclable materials that are dropped off at their door and compact them, thereby generating revenue that helps the base. Annually, the center recycles around 90 to 95 tons of material, which is turned into $8,000 to $9,000 that base officials

  • Fitness regulation changes based on Airmen's feedback

    As Air Force officials continue to sculpt their fitness program based on Airmen's feedback, service officials issued an AF Guidance Memorandum here Dec. 20 that provides policy changes to AFI 36-2905, Fitness Program, with an implementation date of Jan. 1, 2011. Compliance with the program is

  • Nellis AFB officials host joint training exercise for local canine units

    Military working dog handlers from the 99th Security Forces Squadron worked with 25 canine teams from Las Vegas Dec. 16 during an explosive detection training exercise.Handlers and dogs from local casinos; Las Vegas Convention Center; Hoover Dam; Las Vegas Monorail; University of Nevada, Las Vegas;

  • U.S. Southern Command opens new headquarters

    Officials from U.S. Southern Command opened their new $402 million headquarters here in an event that underscored the ongoing partnership between the U.S. and Latin America, and marked a new phase of the command's history in South Florida.This facility "demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. to our

  • Hawaii National Guard all-hazards response team earns validation

    Members of the Army and Air Force Hawaii National Guard all-hazards response team stood up a chemical, biological, nuclear, high-yield explosive enhanced response force Dec. 13 through 18 here to be evaluated by Joint Interagency Training and Education Center officials.The CERF team was validated

  • Voluntary separation, retirement programs extended

    Air Force officials have announced an extension of voluntary separation and retirement programs for fiscal 2011 as part of the service's ongoing force-management initiatives.Voluntary and involuntary force-management programs were implemented in fiscal 2010 due to record-high retention. For fiscal

  • Reese Technology Center: Research powerhouse in Lubbock

    Pilots trained to fly at the former Reese Air Force Base here may remember the "interesting crosswinds" in the area. The military pilots are gone, but the blustery winds are placing this northwest Texas city on the renewable energy map.These winds, as well as other hallmarks of the area, such as

  • Classic associate unit activated at Kirtland AFB

    The Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz recently approved the creation of a classic associate unit by aligning elements of the 150th Wing and 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB, N.M.The 58th SOW, which is a regular Air Force unit, will serve as the host, and will have

  • Schriever athletes take the Murph test

    Angelia Sanders had already completed 11 cycles when she pulled her chin over the bar for the 56th time. By that point, her plan had begun to unravel and the reality of what she was attempting reared its ugly head. She had 44 more chin ups to do, and the clock inside the fitness center weight room

  • Mobility rodeo prepares Airmen for exercises, deployments

    More than 400 Airmen participated in an ability to survive and operate, or ATSO, rodeo Dec. 13 here in preparation for upcoming exercises and deployments.Participants attended one of five two-hour long classes where they learned proper chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear-active defense,

  • Support agencies help Airmen, families manage holiday stress

    The holiday season can bring joyful smiles and priceless moments with friends and family. But for some, it can bring a sense of worry, self-doubt, frustration and agony.Numerous agencies at Air Force bases provide programs and assistance to those who are experiencing the tougher side of life this

  • 96th ARS Airmen start flying at Hickam

    Airmen from the 96th Air Refueling Squadron here performed their first operational mission Dec. 13 by refueling B-52 Stratofortresses from the 5th Wing at Minot AFB, N.D.The 96th ARS was activated here in September and has been conducting training sorties since then.The squadron won't be fully

  • 300 take part in virtual battle

    More than 300 joint warfighters converged in a virtual battlespace for a four-day exercise ending Dec. 16.Participants from 18 locations joined forces to defeat the simulated threat in Virtual Flag 11-1. The 705th Combat Training Squadron here executes four VFs each year. It's the largest Air Force

  • Department prepares for 'Don't Ask' repeal

    The Defense Department is preparing for passage of a law that overturns the ban on gays serving openly in the military, a Pentagon spokesman said Dec 17.The U.S. Senate is expected to vote -- possibly as soon as Dec. 18 -- on a bill the House of Representatives passed Dec. 15 that would repeal the

  • Operation Christmas Drop a team effort

    Airmen stationed in Japan and Guam are experiencing the joy of giving on an epic scale this holiday season. This year marks the 23rd year Airmen from Yokota AFB are participating in Operation Christmas Drop, an annual humanitarian mission hosted in conjunction with volunteers and personnel from

  • First 24th AF Portraits in Courage recipient: 'I was just doing my job'

    Staff Sgt. Alexander Yessayan said he's not a hero, and you might just believe him unless you talk to anyone who knows him, or he begrudgingly tells you about what happened more than a year ago in Afghanistan.Those who know him use words like humble, straight shooter and, yes, hero to describe

  • Select CDCs become available online

    Airmen in select career fields can now complete their career development courses through Air University's AU Online website -- a derivative website of Air Education and Training Command's Advanced Distributed Learning System -- that provides course access from work or home computers.Electronic CDCs

  • Reports of sexual harassment, assault rise at service academies

    The number of reported sexual harassment and assaults at the armed forces' three service academies is up from last year, but the rise could be due to an increase in education and training at the schools, Defense Department officials said Dec. 15.Forty-one incidents were reported for the 2009-2010

  • VA's homeless intervention program nears roll out

    A Department of Veterans Affairs homeless-prevention program, which seeks to help veterans and families who are on the verge of becoming homeless, has moved closer to implementation. The program marks the first time that VA officials will fund services for the spouses and children of veterans at

  • 386th AEW members fly first airdrop missions in Afghanistan

    From providing humanitarian assistance in Pakistan to moving more than a half-million passengers throughout U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility this year, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing members can now add another accomplishment to their list -- performing airdrop missions in support of

  • Most housing rates dip for 2011 as pay, subsistence increase

    Most military housing allowance rates will decrease slightly for 2011, but servicemembers will receive, on average, as much or slightly more money than they did this year, Defense Department officials said Dec. 15.Cheryl Anne Woehr, a housing allowance program analyst, said overall rates are fairly

  • Culture and language center to expand production of field guides

    The Air Force Language, Region and Culture Program Office will increase field guide production to provide Airmen an understanding of the cultural concepts necessary to meet mission requirements in the region to which they are deployed, officials said here Dec. 15. The framework of the field guides

  • New 'bird' finds home with 76th AS

    Members of the 76th Airlift Squadron here receieved a C-37A Dec. 7 to help increase the flying capabilities of the distinguished visitor mission.The new aircraft is the military version of the Gulfstream V ultra-long-range-business aircraft and is the first C-37A to be stationed here. The C-37A

  • Application deadline approaching for Warrior Games

    The application deadline for the 2011 Warrior Games is Jan. 11. With the holidays approaching, Air Force officials encourage qualifying Airmen to submit applications as soon as possible.Warrior Games is an Olympic-style competition open to wounded, ill and injured military members and veterans "The

  • Commander retires after 41 years of service

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen bid farewell to Gen. Roger A. Brady, the USAFE commander since 2008, who retired Dec. 13, as the longest-serving Air Force officer currently on active duty. "Being the commander of USAFE is really something; it just doesn't get much better than this," General Brady

  • Air Force emergency managers "walk the walk"

    A team of 481 Air Force emergency managers representing all the major commands, recently joined 2,000 of their colleagues at the 58th annual International Association of Emergency Managers conference in San Antonio.This year's IAEM conference theme was, "Talk the Talk, now Walk the Walk," and the

  • Brain tumor survivor cross-trains to aid recovery, improve health

    Tech. Sgt. Carmen Colon-Alemany knew what to expect going into her second brain surgery. She'd been on the operating table before when the doctors first found a mass on the left side of her brain, around her temple, and when an aneurysm that hadn't burst was removed.This second surgery, five years

  • Reservist awarded the Airman's Medal for off-duty heroism

    An Air Force reservist pulled injured and panicking passengers from a smoking airliner that crashed upon takeoff December 2008. For his heroic actions, the 10th Air Force commander presented this Airman with an Airman's Medal here Dec. 10.The military decoration is awarded for "heroism not involving

  • Photo essay: Moody A-10s prepare for Green Flag West

    Airmen from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., check out their A-10 Thunderbolt IIs in preparation for the Green Flag-West exercise here Dec. 6 - 10. Green Flag-West provides a realistic air-land integration training environment for forces preparing to support worldwide combat operations.View the slideshow.

  • USAFE welcomes new commander

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen welcomed a new commander with the arrival of Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, who assumed command during a ceremony here Dec. 13. "This command is in great shape," General Welsh said. "My goal is just to make things even better than they have been in the past."General Welsh

  • Nurse commissioning program officials seek enlisted applicants

    Air Force officials are seeking active-duty enlisted Airmen to apply for the fall 2011 Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program.The program offers enlisted members an opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in a high-need academic major. Air Force Personnel Center officials will conduct the annual NECP

  • Directors: Air Guard, Army Guard are cost-effective forces

    We are trained to the same standards of the active duty Air Force, we are available and on call 365 days a year, and it doesn't cost the taxpayer a thing until the governor picks up the phone, the director of the Air National Guard said Dec. 8 at the Reserve Officer Association here."I think that's

  • New 3-D retina imaging equipment improves care

    Members of the 23rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron optometry flight here recently conducted training with a new piece of equipment that helps them diagnose ocular diseases and announce Airmen as ready for duty. The high-definition optical coherence tomography machine allows optometrists to clearly see

  • 820th Base Defense Group heads to Afghanistan

    A group of Airmen from the 820th Base Defense Group recently deployed to Afghanistan for the first time under the new unit name.The hand-selected group of Airmen will deploy to an air base in Afghanistan for about six months.The 820th BDG is the first Air Force unit designed specifically to provide

  • Senior NCO workshop sheds light on bigger picture

    Approximately 90 senior non-commissioned officers gathered Dec. 6 for a workshop aimed at providing a strategic view of the Eielson mission and improving senior NCO communication. The workshop speakers included the 11th Air Forces command chief, the 354th Fighter Wing vice commander and the 354th FW