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U.S. Air Force News

  • Woof! "Major" relief for PTSD

    Imagine a pet trained to understand the side effects that come with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Imagine a pet trained to understand your symptoms to aid a path to recovery. One such pet resides at Minot Air Force Base and is helping a member of Team Minot every day.Meet Major, an adopted

  • Tyndall resumes F-22 flying operations

    The 325th Fighter Wing resumed normal flight operations as the Wing Commander, Col. David Graff, flew one of the first F-22 Raptor missions Nov. 19 approximately 7:45 a.m. A total of eight F-22 aircraft completed training missions in the morning and six others flew in the afternoon. The wing

  • U.S. Air Force Band and Honor Guard to perform at Macy's Thanksgiving Day

    The United States Air Force Band and Honor Guard will be traveling to New York City to perform a featured patriotic tribute, "This is My Country," in the 86th Annual Macy's Day Parade® on Thanksgiving Day 2012.Marching 200 strong, these premier ceremonial units from the 11th Operations Group will

  • 563rd Rescue Group receives first combat ready HC-130J Combat King II

    Making its Air Force debut, the first combat ready HC-130J Combat King II touched down on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., as the centerpiece of an induction ceremony presided by Col. Jason Hanover, 563rd Rescue Group commander Nov. 15.The 563rd Rescue Group directs flying operations for the

  • Air Force announces 2012 Design Award winners

    Maj. Gen. Timothy A. Byers, The Air Force Civil Engineer, announced the winners of the 2012 Air Force Design Awards Nov. 13."These winning projects represent the Air Force's continued commitment to providing quality facilities that are truly 'resource efficient' and built to last," Byers said in his

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Saving children, winning smiles

    (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 mission to win hearts and minds through pediatrics, he deployed from the 509th Medical Operations Squadron to Afghanistan Dec. 2011 to June

  • Safety paramount as F-22 investigation continues

    The pilot of a F-22 Raptor, assigned to the 43rd Fighter Squadron, safely ejected as the jet crashed Nov. 15 around 3:30 p.m. on Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., one-quarter mile east of the drone runway.Despite initial media speculation, there are no indications that point to the life support system

  • Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force visits Alaska

    Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Jamie Morin visited with Airmen from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska,  Nov. 13 during his first trip to the region. "It's great to be here," Morin said. "It's great to have the opportunity to hear from some of the folks out in the wings and to

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Brother, sister in arms, blood

    (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.)Growing up with a brother or sister can be tough if they're bigger than you and they bully, tease or steal the last cupcake. You know, the cupcake with

  • Band ramps up engagement as command position returns to Japan

    As U.S. forces rebalance to the Pacific, one group of Air Force musicians looks to play its way to new levels of engagement throughout the world's largest region.After a five-year absence, the command position for the Air Force's Band of the Pacific has returned to Yokota Air Base, Japan -- and with

  • AF leaders target sexual assault in latest 'Letter to Airmen'

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy issued a tri-signature "Letter to Airmen" Nov. 16.As part of an effort to increase awareness of sexual assault, the Air Force's top three

  • AFOSI helps those traveling abroad via AF Portal

    Air Force Office of Special Investigations has streamlined the foreign travel briefing program to better serve active-duty Air Force members and Department of the Air Force civilian employees before, during and after their trips abroad.Improvements have been made to the foreign travel pre-brief and

  • EOD tech earns Silver Star

    An Air Commando from the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron received a Silver Star during a ceremony at the Pentagon Nov. 14. Tech. Sgt. Joseph Deslauriers, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, earned the medal for gallantry in action while serving in Afghanistan on Sep. 23, 2011.

  • Vehicle maintainers roll into digital age

    Although many of the  technological innovations the U.S. military makes are large scale, staying up to speed can also require small, yet significant, changes at every level, which streamline processes for the workforce.The 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle management flight at Kunsan Air

  • Heritage of America Band bridges gap between military, community members

    The U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band plays approximately 25 concerts a year in venues from Pennsylvania to South Carolina, playing a variety of jazz, classical and patriotic music to an audience of retirees, children and families alike.Their mission is to reach out to communities and tell the

  • Airmen repair, save aircraft amid enemy mortars

    A seven-man mission recovery team assigned to 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron deployed to forward operating base Shank in the remote Logar province of Eastern Afghanistan to complete repairs and recover a downed C-17 Globemaster III.They recovered the vital aircraft amid daily enemy mortar

  • 1,000-plus officers to be considered for command

    More than 1,000 officers from 10 career fields are on the calendar year 2013 squadron commander candidate list, Air Force officials announced today. Functional developmental teams meet annually at AFPC to consider eligible officers for squadron command opportunities. Basic eligibility requirements

  • Dover Reservist killed in motorcycle accident

    A reservist, assigned to the 712th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here, was killed in a motorcycle accident Monday, Nov. 12, at about 4 p.m. in Rising Sun, Md.Senior Airman Ryan Hartnett, was serving in an active-duty status, undergoing training in aerospace propulsion. "Our wing is deeply saddened

  • Heavy Airlift Wing is fully operational

    Col. Keith P. Boone, Strategic Airlift Capability Heavy Airlift Wing commander, declared the multinational wing has achieved a full operational capability status.In a statement to the SAC steering board and NATO Airlift Management Organization Board of Directors at a semi-annual meeting in Tallinn,

  • Valley resident earns wings as 'Airman for a Day'

    A nine-year-old Spokane Valley, Wash., boy, who has been fighting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and  has undergone almost two years of chemo therapy, had the opportunity to visit Fairchild Air Force Base Nov. 2,  thanks to a program started by base's company grade officers council.The "Airman for a

  • 19 stories of heroism highlighted in 'Veterans in Blue'

    "Let me not mourn for the men who have died fighting, but rather let me be glad that such heroes have lived," said Gen. George S. Patton. For decades Airmen have answered the call to serve and protect the nation's interests, its people and the cherished freedoms that underpin it all, risking their

  • Original member of the Tuskegee Airmen dies

    Retired Lt. Col. Herbert Carter, 93, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, died Nov. 8 at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Ala., according to Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford.Carter was a member of the original cadre of the 99th Fighter Squadron, the first black aviatiors in the U.S. military.Born

  • Indian airmen receive C-17 maintenance training

    The Indian air force has begun sending about 100 airmen to Joint Base Charleston, S.C.,  to receive instruction from the 373rd Training Squadron Detachment 5, on how to operate the 10 C-17 Globemaster IIIs they recently purchased."The Indian air force purchased the C-17s and they need the training

  • New vehicular device saves money Air Force-wide

    All government-owned and general service administration vehicles at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas,  are scheduled to receive an automotive information module, or AIM2.AIM2 is a device that collects real-time data that will help fleet managers avoid wasting fuels and stop emissions

  • New LED fixtures light the way

    For close to two years, almost half of the street lights and parking lot lights on Peterson AFB have been disabled in an effort to cut energy costs. This past summer, the lights started coming back on in anticipation of new light-emitting diode fixtures being purchased.According to Jim Jacobsen,

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Minot missileer fights for more

    (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 a previous Global Strike Challenge competitor, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., missileer 1st Lt. Shawn Burnside is no stranger to facing challenges.

  • SEAC brings inspiration to Scott AFB

    Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Oct. 28-Oct. 31.The SEAC, who is the principle advisor to the CJCS and the secretary of defense on all joint and combined total force matters, toured Team

  • Hurricane relief mission hits home with N.J. Reservists

    After the historic Hurricane Sandy battered New York and New Jersey, Airmen from across the country answered the call for help, but for the Airmen of one Reserve wing, those calls for help were coming from friends, family and neighbors.Most of the Airmen assigned to the 514th Air Mobility Wing at

  • AF establishes full-time presence in Poland

    U.S. officials praised the long-standing relationship with Poland as they celebrated the first full-time U.S. military presence in that nation yesterday.During a ceremony at Lask Air Base, located about 100 miles southwest of Warsaw, U.S. Air Force personnel flew the American flag, marking the

  • AFA names aerospace award winners

    Air Force Association officials named the 2012 National Aerospace and Specialty Award winners during the Annual Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington D.C. last month, said Air Force Personnel Center officials.The specific categories and winners are as follows:David C.

  • SportsNation salutes veterans with Academy visit

    ESPN's Charissa Thompson took the SportsNation TV show to the  U.S. Air Force Academy Nov. 8 to broadcast a salute to veterans.The Veterans Day special is SportsNation's third in as many years, with previous years featuring visits to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and Fort Myer, in

  • Military leave carryover extension expires Oct. 1

    Unless approved for special leave accrual, active-duty and Active Guard Reserve members who have more than 60 days of leave must use it or lose it by Oct. 1, 2013, when the temporary leave carryover extension provision expires, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today. The 2010 National

  • Top AF engineers help clear flood waters

    A team of nearly 50 Air Force civil engineers from duty locations across the country pulled together to form the 331st Air Expeditionary Group this week, to pump flood waters affecting New York coastal communities following Hurricane Sandy. The 331st AEG assembled here Saturday, Nov. 3, with

  • Symposium wraps up Global Strike Challenge competition

    The third-annual Air Force Global Strike Command Technology and Innovation Symposium kicked off today at the Shreveport Convention Center in Shreveport, La.The symposium is part of the culmination of Global Strike Challenge, an annual event where the top security forces, maintainers, and missile and

  • AF supports both Sandy relief and Afghanistan operations

    Mobility Airmen are playing key roles supporting humanitarian relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, while continuing to support U.S. operations around the world, including missions in Afghanistan.Since Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast on Oct. 30, C-17 Globemaster IIIs, C-5 Galaxys, and

  • 90th EARS participates in Feast of Sacrifice

    Though some may find it intimidating to step boldly into a foreign land, many choose to embrace their unfamiliar surroundings and experience what the region has to offer.Recently, Airmen from the 90th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron plunged into local culture by participating in some of the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Four Airmen bound by blood, oath

    (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 sky was glowing on a quiet Sunday morning over Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Crisp air filled the trainee's lungs as he snapped to attention and

  • Nomination deadline approaches for Military Child of the Year

    An organization whose primary mission is to provide emergency financial and other services to the families of service members and wounded warriors is opening nominations for one of their top recognition programs.Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization formed shortly after 9/11 to support

  • First AF amputee pilot nominated for DOD disability award

    A Laughlin Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training graduate was one of two Airmen nominated for the 2012 Department of Defense Employee/Service Member with a Disability Award.Capt. Ryan McGuire, with Air Mobility Command, lost his leg in a boating accident on Lake Amistad in 2009 while in pilot

  • First African-American Academy grad passes away

    The first African-American to graduate from the Air Force Academy passed away Nov. 5 at his home in Lolo, Mont."The United States Air Force Academy is saddened to learn of the passing of one our most notable graduates, Chuck Bush," said Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, Academy superintendent. "Our hearts go out

  • Rescue crew members receive Cheney Award

    Two Airmen received the 2011 Cheney Award here Nov. 1 from Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Larry Spencer for their distinguished service during a search and rescue mission on Mount Stuart, Wash. Capt. Kenneth Green, UH-1N Twin Huey pilot, and Master Sgt. Joseph Brownell, field operation section

  • F-35 celebrates 500th sortie as program grows

    The Air Force's premier fighter, the F-35 Lightning II, surpassed its 500th sortie only 16 days after reaching the 400 mark and only 238 days from the beginning of the program.Maj. Matthew Johnston of the 58th Fighter Squadron completed the 500th combined sortie for both the F-35A and F-35B at the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman puts crosshairs on life goal

    (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.)To the naked eye, she was totally invisible. Even in the middle of an open field, she blended in with the sparse grasses and bushes that made up her

  • Nuclear treaty monitoring aircraft visits Patrick AFB

    Special equipment operators from the Air Force Technical Applications Center's Detachment 1 visited Oct. 25 and invited base personnel to tour the detachment's flying workhorse, the WC-135 Constant Phoenix.The detachment, which is located at Offutt AFB, Neb., is responsible for operating and

  • Every patient an important story to CASF staff

    As she sifted through the captain's baggage to make sure he didn't have anything he wasn't supposed to, the young medic came across his watch. The captain had been injured by an improvised explosive device where he lost three of his limbs. He had been unconscious the whole time he was at the Role 3

  • Former AFMC commander named TD White Award winner

    A former vice chief of staff and commander of Air Force Materiel Command received the Air Force Academy's Thomas D. White National Defense Award in a ceremony here Oct. 25.Retired Gen. Lester Lyles received the award for his involvement with the president's Intelligence Advisory Board and the

  • Guardsmen send supplies to storm-stricken communities

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency tapped the West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing here as a staging area to push out much-needed relief supplies to West Virginia and East Coast residents hit hard by Superstorm SandyAlthough FEMA's stay at the Martinsburg base was brief --

  • 'Spartan' aircrew helps bring power to New York

    A C-27J Spartan aircraft crew from the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard, flew power generators and other equipment to New York in support of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts Saturday, Nov. 3. ANG crews from Ohio, Mississippi and Maryland flew the first-ever C-27J domestic operations missions

  • Connecticut Guard has answer for Sandy

    Approximately 850 members from the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard here and around the state were called up for state active duty Oct. 31 in response to the destruction of Hurricane Sandy. Guardsmen were involved with initial emergency response preparations as early as Oct. 27 in preparation

  • 62nd Port Dawgs do 'whatever it takes' to support hurricane relief efforts

    Airmen from the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron worked through the night Nov. 2, and well into the afternoon Nov. 3,  to process more than 20 vehicles and support equipment destined for the East Coast to support Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.The vehicles, sent from the Seattle City Light power company in

  • Religious respect conference attendees discuss Academy's progress

    Representatives from Air Force major commands, religious endorsing organizations, First Amendment watchdog groups and others gathered Oct. 30-31 at the Air Force Academy to review the religious climate here.Chief among the topics discussed was the religious respect training program, which was

  • Competing for Ms. Veteran America

    At the 322nd Training Squadron, she's a master military training instructor at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Away from the squadron, she's the mother of a 1-year-old little boy.At work, she's disciplined, and tough, and her voice can be heard loud and clear from one end of the drill pad to

  • Air Force conduct round the clock ops to deliver hurricane relief

    Airmen and transport aircraft from across the nation converged here Nov. 1 to begin part of the Air Force's movement of relief supplies and equipment to the beleaguered areas of New York and New Jersey in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.Crews from 12 active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force

  • Airmen earn Gen. Lew Allen Award

    Two aircraft maintenance Airmen received the Gen. Lew Allen Jr. Award on Oct. 31 during a ceremony held inside the Pentagon.Maj. Jennifer Gurganus, U.S. Air Force Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Officer School director of operations from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and Master Sgt. Christopher

  • Extended absentee voting for New York military and overseas voters

    Registered military and overseas voters in New York will have additional time to submit a request for an absentee ballot. Due to Hurricane Sandy, the State Board of Elections has extended the deadline for receiving ballot requests by mail or by fax to Friday, Nov. 2.Voters in New York County

  • AF names DOD disability award nominees

    Capt. Ryan P. McGuire, with the Air Mobility Command, and Christopher R. Randall, with the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, are the Air Force nominees for the 2012 Outstanding Department of Defense Employee/Service Member with a Disability Award, Air Force Personnel Center officials

  • AETC sees first pilot production from new Afghanistan schoolhouse

    The new fixed-wing pilot schoolhouse in Afghanistan at Shindand Air Base, Herat Province, graduated its first three fixed-wing pilots this month, the first to be produced in Afghanistan in more than 30 years -- a major milestone for the U.S. and Afghan Air Forces.Three Afghan air force first

  • 'Airman' magazine enters digital era

    A year after publishing the final print edition of Airman magazine, the Air Force is unveiling a new digital version of the service's official magazine specifically geared for tablet devices."Built specifically for Apple and Android tablet users, this new format gives readers all the in-depth

  • Airman aids crash victim with ties to Keesler AFB

    Waiting for a traffic signal at an intersection in Biloxi, Miss., she hardly saw the pickup truck become airborne upon impact. "Oh, my God!" Senior Airman Ciara Bien thought as the truck suddenly flew by and landed on its roof 'like a pancake.' She had never seen anything like it before.Bien, a

  • CEMIRT brings reliable power to Ascension Island

    Reliable power is everything. Without it, an isolated location in the Atlantic like Ascension Auxiliary Airfield couldn't sustain its mission or provide adequate facilities for personnel. So when the power personnel at the airfield needed an immediate backup power solution for their overworked

  • Hungary-based Airmen write new chapter in mulitinational operations

    At this small, bare-bones, communist-era airfield located in the Hungarian countryside, midpoint between Budapest and Vienna, American Airmen are writing a dynamic new chapter in multinational cooperation and flight operations. Airmen assigned to the Heavy Airlift Wing at Papa Air Base,

  • Air Force awards $365 million Secondary Power Logistics Solution contract

    Officials from the U.S. Air Force and Honeywell International Inc. signed a new eight-year, $365 million extension to the Secondary Power Logistics Solution contract to provide logistics and depot support for F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft.This extension builds on Increment I of the SPLS contract,

  • SecAF, community honor Keesler AFB

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley praised the robust partnership of the Air Force and its sister services at the Salute to the Military in Biloxi, Miss., Oct. 23.Donley addressed nearly 1,000 military members and community representatives at the 34th annual event sponsored by the Mississippi

  • Space ops unit takes over newest GPS satellite

    The 2nd Space Operations Squadron accepted satellite control authority of its third Global Positioning System Block IIF satellite during a ceremony here Oct. 26.Following its launch from Cape Canaveral, Fla., Oct. 4, acquirers from the Space and Missile Systems Center and operators from the 50th and

  • McGuire continues recovery efforts, FEMA base of operations

    Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst personnel are continuing with recovery efforts and expect to resume most operations Wednesday.Impact from the storm includes fallen trees, scattered debris, some property damage, minor flooding and power outages."The entire joint base's preparation efforts went a

  • Sheppard Airmen spring into action; save woman from burning car

    The July 4th holiday had been fun for Senior Airman Gil Campos and Airmen 1st Class Juan Vanegas and Chris Leon. After spending the day in Dallas watching an FC Dallas professional soccer game, they had made the two-hour drive back to Wichita Falls and Sheppard Air Force Base, where the trio are

  • AF accepting distinguished civilian award nominations

    Air Force officials are accepting nominations for the 58th Annual Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award.This is the highest award presented to DOD career civilian employees whose careers reflect exceptional devotion to duty and significant contributions of broad scope to DOD

  • More than 7,400 National Guard members responding to Hurricane Sandy

    More than 7,400 Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen had been mobilized in 11 states to respond to Hurricane Sandy by 4:30 a.m., Oct. 30, and more were on the way.National Guard assistance to local first responders and the Federal Emergency Management Agency included support at evacuation shelters, route

  • Vanguard nominees sought

    Air Force officials are seeking nominees for the 2013 Noncommissioned Officers Association Award.The award annually recognizes one enlisted member from each of the uniformed services for acts of heroism that result in saving someone's life or preventing serious injury. The act must have occurred

  • Weather recon squadron takes last look at 'Sandy'

    Pilots and crewmembers from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron took off from Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., to conduct a weather reconnaissance mission over the East coast prior to Hurricane Sandy making landfall on Monday, Oct. 29.  The WC-130J weather recon aircraft made a final mission before

  • Dover Airmen prepare for Hurricane Sandy

    With the threat of a hurricane looming on the horizon, Dover Airmen  take a moment to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. The 436th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management team utilized its time before the storm to organize a place for natural disaster sheltering. Sheltering will

  • California Air Guard members prepare to assist with Hurricane Sandy response

    More than 100 California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing are preparing to mobilize to the East Coast to assist with Hurricane Sandy rescue efforts.Two MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft, two HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and two Guardian Angel Pararescue teams will mobilize to

  • Outreach to teach: Volunteers connect with Afghan children

    A year ago, a group of volunteers turned a burned-out restaurant on Bagram Airfield into a one-room classroom, and invited area school-age children to learn math, reading, and writing.When the first "Cat in the Hat" class graduated in August, 40 area Afghan children had taken huge steps toward

  • Missing for 46 years, air commando laid to rest

    An air commando who died when his C-123 Provider flare ship was shot down over Ahn Khe, Vietnam, was laid to rest Oct. 26 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas.The 310th Air Commando Squadron loadmaster, Airman 1st Class Jerry Mack Wall, 24, was killed when his plane was hit by enemy fire and

  • U.K. F-35 fleet increases capability at Eglin AFB

    A second British F-35B Lightning II arrived here Oct. 19, joining the nine A variants of the joint strike fighter flown by the Air Force and the 11 B variants flown by the Marine Corps to become the largest fleet of F-35s in the world with 22 jets.The first class of United Kingdom Royal Air Force

  • Avon Park Air Force Range receives Interior Secretary award

    An initiative to help restore the Florida Everglades earned Avon Park Air Force Range a share of a conservation partnership award announced Oct. 18 during a ceremony in Washington D.C. The Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge/Conservation Area Partnership, which includes Avon Park, is one

  • Former Little Rock AFB commander and spouse receive 2012 O'Malley award

    Col. Michael Minihan and his wife, Ashley, received the 2012 General Jerome F. O'Malley and Diane O'Malley Award during a ceremony at the Pentagon Oct. 24. Minihan, who led the 19th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., now commands the 89th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Andrews, Md.Named

  • Reservist sets latest mark in battle for Schriever track record

    When Seth Cannello, Schriever Sports and Fitness director, and Steve Steinke, fitness cell monitor, first hung the Schriever fitness record board early in 2010, they expected the 1.5-mile-run record to be hotly contested. After all, nearly every active-duty and reservist Airman is required to run

  • Thule boilers save big in first year

    In 2011, five exhaust boilers were installed at Thule Air Base, Greenland, to decrease the amount of JP-8 fuel used for heating the base and ultimately, save money. Thule AB has five locomotive-style engines in its M-Plant that generate electricity for the base, said Randy Pieper, 21st Civil

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman battles breast cancer

    (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.)"I was 21 years old and didn't think I was strong enough to beat two cancers -- I thought my life was over," said Senior Airman Latisha Chong.Chong, a

  • Aviano unveils first locally painted F-16

    The 31st Maintenance Squadron unveiled Aviano's first locally-painted F-16 during a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new NATO-funded Corrosion Control Facility here Oct. 19, which will enable the squadron to sustain and extend the life of F-16 fighter jets and avoid costs to perform the task elsewhere.

  • 'Green Flag' keeps Airmen, Soldiers mission ready

    "If the band played a piece first with the piccolo, then with the brass horn, then with the clarinet, and then with the trumpet, there would be a lot of noise, but no music," said Gen. George S. Patton during World War II. "To get harmony in the music, each instrument must support the others. To get

  • Contingency Response Airmen battle elements at JRTC

    Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response wing participated in combat exercise "Decisive Action" Oct. 10 through 22 as part of a Joint Task Force here to prepare for future deployments. Approximately 100 Airmen from the 570th Contingency Response Group, based at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and

  • AF awards $25K to essay winners

    The Air Force awarded $1,000 scholarships to 25 Airmen or family members for their entries in the 16th annual Air Force Club Membership Scholarship Program essay contest, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.The contest was open to club members and their families, more than 100 of whom

  • Declassified document shows 'real' flying saucer

    The grainy film showed a round ship floating out of a hangar. Its silver, aluminum exterior glinted in the sun as it hovered a few feet off the ground. As it glided over a pool of water, it kicked debris into the air and the glass canopies of the two cockpits were showered with grass and gravel as

  • Hurlburt Airman found dead after boating mishap identified

    An active-duty Hurlburt Airman who was found dead Oct. 21 after a boating mishap has been identified. Rescue workers recovered the body of Airman 1st Class Colby Siegel, 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, in Mary Esther, Fla., at 7:44 a.m. that day, according to the Okaloosa

  • U.S., ROK showcase skills during 2012 Air Power Day

    Osan Air Base hosted 65,000 visitors to reinforce the enduring partnership between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea during an Air Power Day celebration held Oct. 20 and 21.More than 22 Pacific Air Forces aircraft were on display while the ROK's premiere demonstration team, the Black Eagles, took

  • Airmen honored by college for heroism in Afghanistan

    As the battle on the gridiron between the Clemson Tigers and the Virginia Tech Hokies paused for halftime, a story of heroism was broadcast over the Memorial Stadium speakers for some 80,000 people in attendance Oct. 20, 2012, at Clemson, S.C. Capt. Michael Polidor and Capt. Justin Kulish, now B-2

  • Airmen earn chance to appear on 'Jeopardy'

    Five Airmen made the 'active pool' for American quiz show "Jeopardy!" during iconic host Alex Trebek's visit to Aviano Air Base in October as part of a USO and Armed Forces Entertainment-sponsored tour to meet the troops.During the Oct. 9 visit, Trebek auditioned prospective contestants for the

  • Airmen deploy in support of downed Black Hawk

    Two joint inspectors from the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron were tasked with an invaluable mission in - to forward deploy to a remote forward operating base in Afghanistan and help with the inspection and movement of a downed UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.Tech. Sgt. Peter Feliciano Jr. and

  • Deployed maintainers keep the 'Herc' fit to fight

    Every day, thousands of coalition service members operating in Afghanistan rely on the C-130 Hercules to enable their operations; to meet this requirement, the men and women who operate this venerable tactical airlift workhorse rely on a team of maintainers who keep the "Hercs" ready to fly.

  • Keesler AFB wins AETC-level Installation Excellence Award

    One Air Education and Training Command installation won the highest command-level honor they can possibly receive -- two years in a row.AETC Commander Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr. announced the 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., as the AETC winner of the Commander-In-Chief's Annual

  • Airman missing after boating accident

    Three Hurlburt Airmen were involved in a boating mishap near the Santa Rosa sound Oct. 21. Two Airmen are reported as safe; one is still missing. The Coast Guard, Okaloosa Sheriff dive unit and Florida Fish and Wildlife are leading the search and rescue efforts. The cause of the mishap is under

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Who says cops have no sense of humor?

    (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.)"Knock, knock.""Who's there?""Security forces Airman.""Security force Airman, who?""Security forces Airman who tells much better jokes than this one."The

  • First sergeant to join stateside walk from deployed location

    Sometimes she walks or runs with a friend, and then she's got someone to talk with and motivate her. But many times she walks with just her music and her thoughts, and it allows her to remember just what she's walking for.Master Sgt. Laurie Cherry, the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron first

  • CMSAF to Keesler: 'Motivation is contagious'

    Memories burn themselves into the places they were made. For Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., holds several fond memories including the birth of his sons and earning the honor to be called "chief."Roy spent Oct. 16 reacquainting himself with the base at

  • Alaska National Guard conducts three search-and-rescues in three days

    The 11th Air Force Rescue Coordination Center is working around the clock to lead search-and-rescue efforts, calling in multiple agencies, including the Alaska Air National Guard, to assist in three separate missions since Oct. 14. The first mission the RCC opened was in response to an overdue Super

  • Air Force continues PII protection education

    The Air Force continues to train military members and Department of Defense and contract civilians alike to avoid releasing personally identifiable information about themselves or others.A letter from the secretary of defense defined PII as information that can be used to distinguish or trace an