NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Senior NCO makes difference in Afghans' lives

    A NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan senior NCO recently won the Air Force 2010 League of United Latin American Citizens "Excellence in Military Service Award" for service during his last deployment to Afghanistan.Senior Master Sgt. Limweshe Wright, a NTM-A's combined joint logistics office

  • C-27A adviser squadron now 100 percent manned

    A year of success stories continues for Airmen of the 538th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, who are advising Afghan National Army Air Corps soldiers on the use of the C-27A Spartan. "We are now fully manned and will be able to continue toward our goal of building a professional air force for

  • Museums offer free admission to military families

    Active-duty servicemembers and their families will gain free access to hundreds of museums throughout the nation this summer, thanks to a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families.More than 600 museums in 50 states and the District of Columbia have signed up so

  • Hiring surge to employ thousands

    With contractor-to-civilian conversions, new organizations standing up and overall increases in civilian positions, the Air Force civil service continues to grow as officials look to employ thousands of U.S. citizens.Air Force Personnel Center officials have filled more than 3,000 new positions

  • Guardian Challenge 2010 season a success

    Air Force Space Command officials announced the winners of Guardian Challenge 2010, the command-wide combat competition, during the awards ceremony May 21.The top awards and winners included: - The Schriever Trophy for Best Space Launch Wing: 45th Space Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. - The

  • Armament advisor makes Afghans proud

    Master Sgt. Raymond Rogers Jr. stands and watches two Afghan National Army Air Corps weapons loaders put new 12.7 mm rounds into the Yak-B Gatling gun of an MI-35 Hind E attack helicopter. For Sergeant Rogers Jr., a 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron armament and ammunition flight adviser,

  • Cadet candidates earn diplomas, Academy appointments

    One hundred ninety-nine members of the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School Class of 2010 said goodbye to 10 months of academic, military and physical training during commencement exercises May 18 in Arnold Hall here."It feels amazing," Cadet Candidate Michelle Ivey said of her graduation. "It

  • National Veterans Golden Age Games set to begin

    Hundreds of veterans from around the nation are making their way to Des Moines, Iowa, to compete in the 24th National Veterans Golden Age Games, the largest annual sports competition of its kind in the world. The events run from May 26 through 31."This extraordinary event is a true testament to the

  • Top enlisted Airman addresses quality-of-life issues

    As Air Force leaders work to improve the quality of life for Airmen and their families, suicide prevention is among their top priorities, the service's top enlisted Airman said.The suicide rate for all four services in 2009 was higher than the national average, defense officials said. Air Force

  • El Salvadoran vice chief views Air Force training programs

    The vice chief of the Joint General Staff for the Republic of El Salvador visited Lackland AFB May 10 to 11 to gain insight on Air Force educational and training programs.The two-day visit by El Salvadoran air force Brig. Gen. Jaime Parada fell under the auspice of the Air Force Chief of Staff's

  • Mass fatality training integrates Air Guard recovery teams

    One of the key functions of the Regional Mass Fatality Management Training Evolution was to develop and evaluate protocol for integration of Air National Guard Fatality Search and Recovery Teams May 10 at the Army Reserve Center/Jersey City Police Facility."This partnership between the National

  • A new way to go from blue to green

    While Airmen and new recruits at basic training still "cross into the blue," Airmen at Pacific Air Forces are looking for new ways to cross into the green -- through reducing energy demands, increasing energy supplies and changing the culture.These methods form the three pillars of the Air Force

  • Lynn notes Cyber Command's significance

    Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III called the establishment of U.S. Cyber Command at Fort Meade, Md., a milestone in the United States being able to conduct full-spectrum operations in a new domain.Mr. Lynn spoke to reporters in his office May 21 before attending the stand-up of the

  • Undersecretary's visit underscores importance of nuclear mission

    The Air Force's newest senior leader visited the Air Force's newest major command May 20.Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton visited Air Force Global Strike Command to get a firsthand view of the command.Hosted by Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, AFGSC commander, Ms. Conaton received briefings from

  • Portal offers new secure network tool similar to Facebook

    Air Force Portal Web designers are keeping up with the Web 2.0 era by offering portal users a new means to engage in professional communications in a secure social media environment.After initial tests among some 7,000 users in the Air Force's logistics community, the portal's newly developed

  • Aviano officials tap into Earth's energy

    Construction has begun to build a $680,000 geothermal plant here, the first of its kind in U.S. Air Forces in Europe."Aviano (AB officials are) actively leaning forward on numerous utility and energy-saving initiatives," said Lt. Col. Bo Bloomer, the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron commander. "The

  • Air Guard engineers assist Navajo Nation

    Two Air National Guard civil engineering units began renovation and construction work May 16 here at St. Michaels Association for Special Education.Members of the Virginia Air Guard's 203rd Red Horse Squadron and the Colorado Air Guard's 240th Civil Engineer Flight are repairing buildings,

  • Safety campaign provides awareness to Airmen

    As part of the Air Force's Wingman Stand Down 2010, missions here will be halted May 21 as Airmen seek methods of preventing suicides and private motor vehicle accidents by strengthening wingmen relationships.These stand downs will be held around the Air Force in May. While on the cusp of the 101

  • Gates establishes U.S. Cyber Command, names first commander

    Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced May 21 Army Gen. Keith B. Alexander's appointment as the first commander of U.S. Cyber Command, officially establishing the Initial Operating Capability for the new command. The announcement comes immediately following General Alexander's promotion to

  • Air Force chief of staff addresses 2010 CAF Airpower Symposium

    Although last minute plane troubles kept the Air Force's top uniformed leader from physically attending the 2010 Combat Air Forces Airpower Symposium at Langley Air Force Base May 19, it didn't keep him from delivering his keynote address to participants.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • Single parents juggle military, home demands

    The active-duty military includes nearly 73,000 single parents, which equates to 5.3 percent of the total force, according to Defense Department statistics from 2008. The Army leads the way with more than 35,000 single parents, followed by the Navy with more than 16,000, and the Air Force with more

  • Reserve officers hone leadership skills

    More than 60 Air Force Reserve officers from throughout the nation traveled here recently to hone their leadership skills during the Junior Officer Leadership Development course.Hosted by officials with the Air Force Reserve Command's 512th Airlift Wing, the four-day course featured three general

  • U.S. and Bulgarian airmen train together

    Airmen and F-15 Eagles from the 48th Fighter Wing are participating in an exercise with airmen from the Bulgarian air force here.Sentry Gold is designed to provide members of the U.S. and Bulgarian air force the opportunity to learn from each other and increase their respective NATO

  • Training command becomes energy-efficient force

    Officials released a new energy plan in December to serve as the framework for communicating Air Force energy goals to expand a culture shift where Airmen make energy a consideration in everything they do.The priorities now involve energy-focused considerations from initial design and acquisition

  • Air Mobility Command commander visits Korea

    The commander of Air Mobility Command visited South Korea and the peninsula en-route to an AMC unit here May 16 through 18.Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr.'s visit to the 731st Air Mobility Squadron was his first since he assumed command of AMC in November 2009.The mission of the 731st AMS Airmen increased

  • Air Guard officials open access to social media sites

    Air National Guard officials have announced that access to popular social media networking sites would become available to all Airmen who use their network. They began to allow access to popular social media networking sites May 10 and were scheduled to have access available to all bases and regions

  • U.S., Vietnam conclude Pacific Angel mission

    U.S. and Vietnamese military members and non-governmental agencies concluded Operation Pacific Angel 2010 during a ceremony to recognize the joint and combined humanitarian assistance efforts provided to the Tan Thoi and Truong Thanh communities May 17 here. Operation Pacific Angel 2010 is a joint

  • 755th Air Expeditionary Group members celebrate one year with JET Airmen

    The 755th Air Expeditionary Group marked the one year anniversary of the creation of four air expeditionary squadrons whose purpose is to provide joint expeditionary tasked and individual augmentee Airmen May 5 here.Airmen assigned to the 655th, 755th, 855th and 955th AES are deployed to more than

  • Program links troops with career resources

    As the United States' economic crisis lingers, returning veterans are finding it harder to translate the skills they have learned on the battlefields onto a resume, but some employers are working with the military to bridge the gap.Staff members with the Employer Partnership Office of the Armed

  • Air Force chief of staff visits School of Aerospace Medicine

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer toured the 711th Human Performance Wing's U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks City-Base, Texas, May 13.During his visit, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz reflected on the 92-year history of the school and the unique training and

  • Iraqi training refresher course caters to prior servicemembers

    More than 1,025 prior Iraqi airmen are participating in a three-week Basic Military Training Top Off program at the Iraqi Air Force Training School here.The BMT Top Off course is a refresher course that reviews the preperation involved in basic military training, such as drill and dorm inspection,

  • AETC fields new management tool

    Air Education and Training Command officials will field new user-friendly software called the Task Management Tool, which is designed to support the task management process for AETC headquarters, Air University, 2nd Air Force, 19th Air Force and wing staff leadership beginning in September.The TMT

  • Air Force couple experiences dream wedding

    Cancer seemed as far away as a San Francisco seagull could fly as an Air Force captain danced his first dance with his new bride. Capt. Mike and Vanessa Hawkins married in a ceremony on the San Francisco waterfront May 14, and for a few weeks, they could push aside her stage IV Hodgkin's lymphoma

  • Air Force fitness program revisions begin July 1

    In less than two months, Airmen across the globe will begin testing against new fitness assessment standards. These standards were deemed necessary by senior Air Force leaders to ensure a fitter and healthier fighting force. Changes include bi-annual testing, minimum requirements within testing

  • First in, last out: Members of first RED HORSE squadron back in Iraq

    Members of the 200th Rapid Engineering Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer Squadron have arrived here to draw down the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron from Iraq. As they complete the last construction and engineering projects and pack up their equipment and materials in the

  • U.S., Vietnam servicemembers continue humanitarian efforts

    U.S. and Vietnamese servicemembers continued their humanitarian efforts in villages surrounding Can Tho as part of Operation Pacific Angel 2010 scheduled through May 15 here. The U.S. and Vietnamese civil engineering teams supporting Pacific Angel 2010 have increased the maximum capacity of two

  • Air Force senior leaders take FY 2011 budget request to Capitol Hill

    The Air Force's top two leaders addressed the service's fiscal year 2011 budget request before the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee May 12 here. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz explained how the request for baseline funds of

  • Warrior Games closing marks new beginning

    The 2010 Warrior Games may have ended May 14, but for the wounded warriors who competed here this week, their work is just beginning, officials hope."You've just completed a rigorous test of your physical and mental skills, your strength and endurance," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint

  • Air Force earns 12 medals in track and field

    The Air Force Warrior Games team won 12 medals during the track and field events at the U.S. Air Force Academy here May 14. The track and field team won five gold, five silvers and two bronzes. Matt Sanders, a former staff sergeant, led the team with three medals, a gold in the 400 meter and 200

  • Pacific Angel medical team relocates without missing a beat

    After providing three days of free medical care to more than 1,200 patients at Can Tho, Vietnam, the U.S. military medical team relocated their mission May 13 here as part of Operation Pacific Angel 2010. Medical teams from Vietnam and the U.S. began treating residents in Truong Thanh with free

  • Recruiting command chief retires after 30 years

    When Chief Master Sgt. Vance Clarke wakes each morning, he turns toward his wife and gently reaches over and touches her, a reminder as to why he continues to get out of bed each and every day at 4:30 a.m., dresses and heads to work.For the Air Force Recruiting Service command chief, his wife, Pam,

  • Construction begins on first cyber warfare intelligence center

    Engineers with the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment have begun construction on the new 38,000 square-foot cyber warfare command center.  The facility will be home for the 68th Network Warfare Squadron and the 710th Information Operations Flight currently located at

  • U.S., Vietnam building great relationships says U.S. Consul General

    The U. S. Counsul General from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, expressed his thanks to the U.S. and Vietnam for expanding their relationship through Operation Pacific Angel after touring the hosting facility here May 10.Consul General Kenneth J. Fairfax witnessed first-hand the combined effort of the

  • First lady announces military family review

    READY FOR REVIEWPresident Barack Obama has directed the national security staff to lead a 90-day review aimed at developing a federal-government-wide approach to supporting military families, First Lady Michelle Obama announced May 13 here."With just 1 percent of our population -- our troops --

  • Ground system adds more bandwidth to cluttered airspace

    The installation of a first-of-its-kind aeronautical telemetry ground system at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School here is improving aircraft communication in airspace already jumbled by frequencies from cell phones and satellite television.  This technology expands communications capability

  • Former Air Force medic participates in Warrior Games

    As a former firefighter, emergency medical technician and Air Force aeromedical evacuation Airman, retired Staff Sgt. Ricky Tackett dedicated his life to taking care of others. As a member of the Air Force team participating in the inaugural Warrior Games, people, his teammates, continue to be his

  • Afghan Air Interdiction Unit gets a boost

    Members of the Afghan Ministry of Interior's Air Interdiction Unit held a transition ceremony May 5 at an Afghan National Army Air Corps base in Kabul, Afghanistan, in support of the unit's notable accomplishments over the past 12 months. A few of the distinguished accomplishments include the

  • Elmendorf officials to open Fisher House

    Airmen here will take the first big step in building a haven for their wounded brethren when the groundbreaking for the Fisher House of Alaska takes place May 15.The groundbreaking ceremony is going to be held in concert with the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Anchorage Veteran Affairs

  • Deployment opportunities available for civilians

    Qualified Air Force civilians can broaden their career experience and bring valuable knowledge back to the workplace by volunteering for deployments in a variety of career fields, including civil engineering, contracting, intelligence, logistics management and security administration.As part of the

  • Partnership with Air Guard, Reserve offers new options with C-130 training

    The secretary of the Air Force announced May 4 that officials will proceed with a plan to augment the C-130 Hercules training fleet with C-130s from Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve squadrons.Secretary Michael Donley said Air Force planners will "continue to analyze the allocation of

  • Air Force officials announce FY 2011 force structure alignments

    Air Force officials announced May 11 the proposed force structure realignment for fiscal 2011.  The proposal provides a summary of the civilian and military personnel changes and aircraft assignments at Air Force installations for the upcoming fiscal year. This announcement supersedes all previous

  • Senior Enlisted Leader Summit participants discuss Airmen's global influence

    More than 370 senior enlisted leaders from the Air Force, joint and coalition community gathered for the Senior Enlisted Leader Summit to focus on strategic enlisted issues the first week of May here. The theme of this year's summit, "Deliberately Developing Airmen for Global Response," included 30

  • Disabled vets, troops compete in first Warrior Games

    Let the games begin.With the lighting of the ceremonial Olympic cauldron by National Football League hall of famer and U.S. Naval Academy graduate Roger Staubach, the much-anticipated inaugural Warrior Games are under way.Some 200 disabled veterans from all five branches of military service marched

  • Olympic path marks troops' journeys to fulfilled dreams

    The ceremony began much as any typical military procession does; with troops called to formation."I need a four-man front. Give me a four-man front," yelled a platoon leader.The troops joked and shifted, jostling about and adjusting spacing."Everybody in this row right here, shift back one," the

  • Offutt community to observe National Police Week

    The community of Offutt Air Force Base will observe National Police Week May 9 through 15, culminating in a retreat ceremony.Offutt AFB Airmen will host numerous functions throughout Police Week to honor security forces Airmen, here and around the globe, as well as civilian law enforcement officers

  • Barksdale Airmen test ability during exercise

    Approximately 150 maintenance Airmen, 2nd Bomb Wing pilots and support members recently returned from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, where they participated in the 10-day Exercise Red Flag-Alaska.The exercise is designed to provide realistic and demanding air-combat training to flying unit members

  • VA officials cutting insurance premiums for families

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials announced here that military members insuring their families under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, which is administered by the VA, will have reduced out-of-pocket expenses beginning July 1."VA hopes these reductions will allow more military

  • Motorcycle champions rev up safe riding message

    Pentagon officials hosted their fourth annual motorcycle safety event May 8 here to rev up interest in learning the right way to ride.World-class riders including Keith Code, the director of the California Superbikes School, and Jeff Tilten, the co-producer of the safety film "Semper Ride," came out

  • New Noncommissioned Officer Academy to open at Sheppard AFB

    Air Force officials announced plans May 7 to open an Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.The academy is scheduled to open its doors to technical sergeants in early 2011, with an initial expected graduation rate of about 1,300 annually. With the addition of

  • Warrior Games team completes training, ready to compete

    Members of the Air Force team competing in the inaugural Warrior Games here completed their final week of training May 7. The 17 wounded, ill and injured Air Force team members will compete against Soldiers, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and Sailors May 10 through 14. The teams will compete in a variety

  • New Air Force Combat Systems Officer Course opens at Navy base

    Air Force aviator training took a step into the 21st century May 5, when the inaugural class of Combat Systems Officer students began training here with the 479th Flying Training Group.As they sat down in classes and began a new year-long training program, the CSO students became part of a

  • Chairman tells servicemembers it's okay to get help

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff wants service members to know it is okay to get help for behavioral health-related conditions. In a new video spotlighting Tricare's behavioral health care benefits, Adm. Mike Mullen sends a strong message to servicemembers struggling with feelings of

  • Exchange Service officials investing in facilities

    Construction on a military installation is a sign of progress as the Department of Defense transforms. Army and Air Force Exchange Service officials are playing an active part in this process as the organization has completed 123 major facility projects, valued at more than $1.1 billion dollars,

  • President issues Military Spouse Appreciation Day proclamation

    President Barack Obama has issued a proclamation declaring May 7 as Military Spouse Appreciation Day.Here is the text of the president's proclamation:"When Americans answer the call to serve in our armed forces, a sacred trust is forged. Our men and women in uniform take on the duty of protecting us

  • Officials expand opportunities for small businesses

    President Obama signed two executive orders April 26 that focus additional resources on providing new opportunities for small businesses to compete for federal contracts. Noting that "more work can and should be done" to help ensure the federal government meets its small business contracting goals,

  • Air Combat Command leader visits Tinker Airmen

    The commander of Air Combat Command wrapped up a two-day visit with an "all-call" assembly for 552nd Air Control Wing Airmen April 29 here.During the event, Gen. William M. Fraser III spoke about the importance of dedicated, resilient and innovative Airmen.He also spoke about the 552nd ACW mission

  • Gates to brief Senate on new START treaty

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is slated to go to Capitol Hill May 7 to brief the full Senate on the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty that President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed last month, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said May 7 here.Secretary of State

  • Warrior Games to include pentathlon ultimate challenge

    The inaugural Warrior Games competition May 10 through 14 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., will feature individual and team events and an ultimate champion multi-sport challenge for a Chairman's Cup trophy. During a "DOD Live" bloggers roundtable May 6, Robert E. Moore

  • Social media sites add dimension to sharing information

    A new Facebook fan page is giving the Air Force community an interactive platform for exchanging news, information and feedback about programs that affect their personal and professional lives. US Air Force Life and Career debuted earlier this year and has captured topics fresh on the minds of Air

  • General sees opportunity, innovation at F-35 training wing

    The commander of Air Education and Training Command visited the 33rd Fighter Wing April 26 here.General Stephen R. Lorenz visited Eglin Air Force Base to observe how the wing staff is taking "the opportunity to shape the future," by training pilots and maintainers on the F-35 Lightning II."(The

  • Pentagon leaders recognize best installations

    Representatives from five military bases deemed the "best of the best" were awarded the highest award for excellence among installations at a Pentagon ceremony May 5 here. Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska; the Army's Fort Bragg in North Carolina; Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine

  • 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' online inbox goes live

    A new online inbox that enables servicemembers and their families to comment anonymously about the impact of a possible repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law has gone live. The inbox will enable servicemembers and families to offer their thoughts about how a repeal of the law that prohibits gays

  • TIME magazine honors Airman at New York City gala

    The editors of TIME magazine honored Chief Master Sgt. Antonio D. Travis as one of the 100 most influential people in the world for his efforts following the Haiti earthquake. He was recognized May 4 during the 2010 TIME 100 gala event at New York City's Lincoln Center. Chief Travis was one of the

  • Air Force program recognized for excellence in government

    The Air Force's Logistics, Installations and Mission Support-Enterprise View, or LIMS-EV,  Logistics Transformation initiative was one of 20 finalists in the 2010 Excellence.Gov Awards, competing with other organizations from throughout the federal government.The American Council for Technology and

  • Student pilots reach course milestone: airborne refueling

    Nearly 18,000 feet above Southern Arizona's desert landscape, students in the A-10C Pilot Initial Qualification Course here completed their first air-to-air refueling mission during the week of April 26. Twelve pilots from the 358th Fighter Squadron and 13 from the 357th FS are enrolled in the

  • Servicemembers begin immersion training in Afghanistan

    The first class of U.S. military servicemembers and civilians in the new AfPak Hands program arrived here last week to continue training at the Counterinsurgency Training Academy Afghanistan.AfPak Hands is a new, "all-in" language and cultural immersion initiative developed last summer and stood up

  • U.S., Pakistan relations bolstered by F-16 training

    Eight Pakistani air force pilots, each experienced in the F-16 Fighting Falcon's A and B models, recently learned to fly the newer C- and D-model aircraft at the 162nd Fighter Wing, the international F-16 training unit, and were honored at a graduation ceremony May 4 here.Pakistan's air force

  • Chief of staff to senior enlisted leaders: 'Maximize potential of Airmen'

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer told senior enlisted leaders from across the Air Force here May 4 that the case to maximize the potential and performance of every Airman has never been more compelling."Today, more than ever, tactical effects can have strategic consequences," said Air Force

  • Joint Base McGuire selected to test drive new fuel truck

    Members of the 87th Logistics Readiness Squadron here received a new refueling vehicle April 14 to evaluate its performance.The Rampmaster 17.5K large capacity refueling vehicle is augmenting the current fleet of nine R-11 tank-refueling trucks and nine R-12 hydrant-servicing vehicles already used

  • Failed attack underscores need for vigilance

    President Barack Obama called the failed terror attack in New York's Times Square May 1 a sobering reminder of the need to remain vigilant against terrorists committed to destroying America's way of life."Around the world and here at home, there are those who would attack our citizens and who would

  • Iraqi firefighters graduate Balad training course

    Local Iraqi firefighters recently completed a four-part training class with the Joint Base Balad fire department here.Seven Iraqi firefighters put their skills to the test as they suited up to battle an actual structural fire in the training field at the JB Balad fire station prior to graduating

  • Officials declassify nuclear stockpile details to promote transparency

    U.S. officials released newly declassified details about the country's nuclear stockpile May 3, including significant progress made in dismantling warheads, in an effort to promote transparency and help stem nuclear proliferation.The United States had 5,113 warheads in its nuclear weapons stockpile

  • New MC-12 unit activated at Kandahar Airfield

    Officials activated the Air Force's newest MC-12 Liberty squadron in a ceremony here May 1. The 361st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron has been reactivated many times in the squadron's fairly unique history, said Col. John A. Cherrey, the commander of the 451st Expeditionary Operations Group

  • Global Strike commander visits Malmstrom

    The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command visited the members of the 341st Missile Wing April 20 through 22. While here, Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz met with first sergeants and chiefs; held a commander's call with officers and senior noncommissioned officers; toured the medical group for a Personal

  • Yellow Ribbon event provides rest, eases redeployment

    Rest and relaxation mixed with reintegration seminars and veteran resources, coupled with plenty of chocolate was the theme for the 60-day Yellow Ribbon Event April 16 to 18 at Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pa.Yellow Ribbon coordinators from the 514th Air Mobility Wing planned this event for more than

  • Balad team helps Iraqi women learn beekeeping trade

    The local buzz around Balad isn't just about a new agricultural development program, it's also literal.A beekeeper taught Iraqi women and families how to care for bees during a three-day class in Yethrib, a sub-district of Balad, to help spur economic independence and benefit local agriculture.In a

  • Ali Airmen and Iraqi soldiers team up to keep electricity flowing

    Three Airmen from the 407th Air Expeditionary Group Civil Engineer Squadron Power Production shop traveled to Camp Ur, Iraq, April 19 through 21, to train Iraqi army mechanics on proper procedures for preventative maintenance of four diesel generators providing electrical power to the base.At Camp

  • State-of-the-art equipment bridges the gap

    Army Corps of Engineers members along with members of the 84th Engineer Support Company, 6th Engineer Battalion, tested a new bridging system April 28, 2010, at Fort Richardson, Alaska, to help the military travel across a wide variety of terrain quickly. Testing of the Lightweight Modular Causeway

  • Air Force senior leaders break ground for special Fisher House at Dover

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, and Ken Fisher, Fisher House Foundation chairman, participated in a special groundbreaking ceremony May 1 for a Fisher House on Dover Air Force Base, Del. Although this is the 53rd Fisher House to be built,

  • AF panel likens DOD acquisition to contact sport

    The Defense Department's journey to recapture acquisition excellence took a big step forward during two days of discussions and workforce training held at Sinclair Community College here April 20 and 21.That was the assessment made by several senior leaders at the DOD Acquisition Insight

  • DOD acquisition leader shares his priorities

    More than 700 military, civilian and contractor acquisition professionals and defense industry partners discussed challenges they face during the Department of Defense Acquisition Insight Conference April 20 through 21 here.The Pentagon's top acquisition official, Dr. Ashton Carter, Undersecretary

  • Manas Airmen help support disabled children in Kyrgyzstan

    Airmen from the Transit Center at Manas helped disabled children at a Kyrgyz children's center learn to sign, draw and study during a visit April 27.Some of the children have autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy; some are just physically handicapped, said Sam Duechenbi, a German translator for

  • Fry Scholarship established for children of fallen servicemembers

    Children of military personnel who died in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2001, can apply for an educational scholarship similar to the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.  Benefits are retroactive to Aug. 1, 2009.The scholarship, which is administered by Department of Veterans Affairs representatives, is

  • Joint F-35 electronic warfare squadron stands up

    The squadron serving as the sole Department of Defense provider of electronic warfare support for the F-35 joint strike fighter activated April 23 in a ceremony here. Surrounded by artifacts from the history of airpower in the Air Armament Museum, the 513th Electronic Warfare Squadron stood up as a

  • Airmen, Soldiers join forces for exercise

    More than 140 Airmen and Soldiers worked together on a new concept during the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's Eagle Flag exercise on Lakehurst April 12. Eagle Flag is the U.S. military's premiere exercise for validating logistics port-opening procedures in an expeditionary environment.The

  • Exercise in Indonesia comes to a close

    A joint exercise between Indonesian and U.S. Air Force members came to a close April 23 after one week of both countries participating in combined air drops and tactical maneuvers in support of Exercise Cope West 10.Cope West is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored bilateral tactical airlift exercise

  • VA officials cutting insurance premiums for families

    Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced April 29 here that military personnel insuring their families under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program will have reduced out-of-pocket expenses beginning July 1. "VA (officials hope) these reductions will allow more military