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  • TRANSCOM, AFMC commanders shed light on energy conservation, measurements

    Military senior leaders provided their perspective on operational energy and its associated metrics during the Army Air Force Energy Forum here July 20. Gen. Duncan McNabb and Gen. Donald Hoffman, the respective commanders of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Force Materiel Command, joined U.S.

  • Air Force further reduces officers eligible for RIF

    Sufficient voluntary separations have resulted in the removal of several competitive categories from the September 2011 reduction-in-force board, according to Air Force officials. In April, Air Force officials announced the removal of chaplains and medical service corps officers from the board.

  • Summer season requires extra safety vigilance

    Safety is an individual responsibility of all Defense Department personnel, especially during summer, when accidents historically increase, a senior Pentagon safety official said here July 20.Joseph J. Angello, the director of operational readiness and safety for the Defense Department since 1995,

  • Contingency response wing takes on Africa mission

    An Air Force wing that stood up here to open airfields anywhere in the world on short notice soon will take on a new mission, helping African militaries establish their own air mobility systems.The 621st Contingency Response Wing and the wing's sister unit at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., stand

  • Airdrop ideas, techniques shared as part of International Airdrop Symposium

    On the first day of the International Airdrop Symposium here July 19, ideas and the outlook at how several countries and the U.S. perform and utilize airdrops for their missions was shared among 200-plus participants.Numerous speakers addressed their airdrop capabilities to include speakers from

  • New guide helps communities aid homeless women vets

    Officials with the Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor have released an online publication that will help community service providers aid homeless women veterans, Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis said July 20.Solis addressed an audience of several hundred at the Women in Military Service for

  • New tool to help support deployed Airmen

    Air Force officials are testing a new capability to expedite the personnel assistance deployed total force Airmen receive from Personnel Support for Contingency Operations, or PERSCO, teams.PERSCO teams at deployed locations in U.S. Air Forces Central's area of responsibility will be phased in to

  • DOD space program broadens industry, foreign partnerships

    The Defense Department is expanding partnerships with space-faring companies and nations to maintain the strategic advantage it gains in space, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for space policy said July 19.Speaking with reporters from the Defense Writers Group here, Ambassador Gregory L.

  • Partnering is vital to Air Force and communities

    Speaking at the opening of the annual conference of the Association of Defense Communities July 19, Terry Yonkers, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics, stressed the importance of Air Force partnerships with local communities as well as with private

  • Pentagon strategy addresses energy challenges

    Reducing demand, finding alternative energy sources and improving the energy security of military operations are among the goals of the Defense Department's operational energy strategy, a senior Pentagon official said here July 19.Sharon Burke, the assistant secretary of defense for operational

  • Air Force, Army team up to explore 'green' solutions

    Senior leaders from the Department of Defense, federal agencies, Air Force and Army discussed the strategic importance and way ahead for energy solutions during the Army-Air Force Energy Forum here July 19. The two-day event enables hundreds of attendees to get a clearer perspective from military

  • Top civil engineer visits PACAF Airmen

    The Air Force Civil Engineer visited civil engineers across Pacific Air Forces to discuss initiatives pertaining to their career fields.Recently, Maj. Gen. Timothy Byers, visited 374th Civil Engineer Squadron at Yokota Air Base and spoke to Airmen about their vital role in Operation Tomodachi,

  • Shinseki: VA task force improves care of women vets

    The newly formed VA Task Force on Women Veterans will go a long way in addressing key benefits gaps to female veterans, according to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. While support for women veterans has improved, "it has not been enough," Shinseki said during the 2011

  • Air Force leaders call for scholarship candidates

    Airmen who would like to study a foreign language as a full-time student, are interested in a White House fellowship, would like to serve a two-year fellowship in Japan, or would like to compete for an information assurance scholarship have until Aug. 31 to submit an application to the Air Force

  • Air Force Caring for People forum begins

    Air Force professionals and families from around the world brought improvement ideas to Air Force leaders during the 2011 Air Force Caring for People forum here July 19. More than 250 Air Force leaders, program managers, family members and volunteers assembled for the start of the three-day forum to

  • Air Force Key Spouses of the Year honored at forum

    Some of the Air Force's outstanding 'Key Spouses' were honored during the service's Caring for People Forum here July 19.Suzie Schwartz, wife of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, and Paula Roy, wife of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy, accompanied Lt. Gen. Darrell

  • Medical education, commissioning programs available

    Airmen have the opportunity to apply for Biomedical Sciences Corps training and commissioning programs for fiscal 2012, Air Force officials announced.Applicants interested in the following programs should be U.S. citizens, meet the minimum commissioning age requirements, meet fitness standards and

  • Mullen: U.S.-Japan alliance serves as model for others

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on his first visit to Japan since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March, recently praised the U.S.-Japanese alliance and said the two nations must expand such relations throughout the Pacific region.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, speaking at a news

  • Kenyan chaplains visit Camp Lemonnier

    Chaplains from the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Religious Affairs office welcomed three Kenyan Ministry of Defense chaplains here July 5 during a U.S. military professional chaplaincy familiarization visit. Catholic Bishops (Cols) Alfred Rotich and Paul Simuyu and Muslim Imam (Lt.

  • Mobility Airmen gather for international airdrop symposium

    Mobility Airmen from 26 countries are participating in the 2011 International Airdrop Symposium here July 19 to 21.The symposium features a gathering of people from throughout the world to exchange tactics, techniques and ideas on conducting airdrops, said Maj. Patrick Linson, the symposium

  • First lady plans 'Joining Forces' events

    First Lady Michelle Obama will take part in three events over the next several days to promote "Joining Forces," a national initiative that mobilizes all sectors of American society to support service members and their families. The first lady and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden,

  • Total Force Service Center expands service hours for civilians

    The Total Force Service Center here has expanded its hours of operation for Air Force civilians requiring personnel assistance. The center is now servicing civilian inquiries 24/7 to help civilians resolve personnel issues.The TFSC was able to expand its support for civilians by providing service

  • Academy cadets shadow MTIs

    Cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy learned firsthand what life is like for military training instructors and trainees in Air Force Basic Military Training.The 34 cadets in the Summer Leadership Program were spread among seven BMT squadrons here as they develop skills by shadowing MTIs for six

  • Cyber threat grows more destructive, Lynn says

    The cyber threat the United States faces is increasing in severity and is accessible to a wide range of enemies, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said in a television interview broadcast July 14."Most of what we see today is exploitation -- that's theft, stealing secrets, either

  • Air Guard partners exercise in Ukraine

    More than 140 members of the Air National Guard landed aircraft in Ukraine, preparing for a U.S. European Command-sponsored aerial military-to-military exchange event titled SAFE SKIES 2011.A rainbow unit of Air National Guard Airmen comprising members from Alabama, California, Iowa, Washington and

  • 'Air Force Spouse of the Year' named by Military Spouse magazine

    The wife of a California Air National Guard pilot and mother of three has been named the Air Force Spouse of the Year by Military Spouse Magazine and Armed Forces Insurance.Megan Glynn, the wife of Maj. Matt Glynn, who is assigned to the 146th Airlift Wing at Channel Islands ANG Station near Oxnard,

  • Academy cadets gain insight into security forces mission while deployed

    For a group of U.S. Air Force Academy cadets visiting the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia, a training day with security forces proved both exhausting and informative.The cadets, here as part of Operation Air Force-Deployed -- a program designed to give cadets a firsthand view of a

  • New Jersey base realizes joint benefits

    With two months left for Defense Department officials to comply with the 2005 base realignment and closure plan, a related initiative -- joint basing -- already is paying off through closer interservice collaboration and the promise of future cost savings, officials here reported.Joint Base

  • 'Surviving The Cut' episode to highlight dive school July 25

    Discover Channel's "Surviving The Cut" will air an episode that highlights the rigorous training at the Air Force Combat Dive School in Panama City, Fla., July 25 at 10 p.m. EDT.Members of the Air Force Combat Dive School train an array of special operations Airmen such as pararescuemen, combat

  • Air Force releases updated dress and appearance instructions

    The Air Force's instruction on dress and personal appearance recently received an appearance upgrade with the release of the updated instruction July 18. Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance, received the facelift after several years of interim updates as uniform items were

  • NAF food service employees earn their chops

    A historic partnership between Air Force Services officials and the Culinary Institute of America culminated in 11 nonappropriated fund Air Force food service professionals completing a culinary certification June 16. The Air Force Services Agency's food and beverage division partnered with the CIA

  • Riders 'revved up' for motorcycle safety day

    Service members, along with Department of Defense employees, retirees and civilians gathered for the Joint Base Andrews Motorcycle Safety Day here July 15.The event, which included a group ride through Maryland's Prince George's County, was designed to inform riders of all skill and experience

  • Inaugural class of air mobility air advisors graduates

    Twenty Airmen assigned to two newly-activated Air Mobility Command advisory squadrons graduated from the inaugural Air Education and Training Command Air Advisor Basic Course for Africa and South America here June 17. Airmen from both the 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron, assigned to the

  • Development plan helps officers communicate their preferences

    Officers interested in specific development opportunities should use the Airman Development Plan to communicate their preferences to decision-makers, official said. Although assignments are based on Air Force needs first, and then professional development, officer preferences communicated via the

  • First F-35 arrives at Eglin

    The Department of Defense's first F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter touched down at its new home here July 14, marking a major milestone in the nation's military history. Upon arrival, the jet officially became part of the Air Force inventory. It now belongs to the JSF training unit, the 33rd

  • Afghan women pilot candidates serve country, pursue history

    Four young Afghan lieutenants are making history by being the first female pilot candidates from their country to attend the Defense Language Institute's general English course."We should show the world that the women of Afghanistan are strong," said Lt. Sourya Saleh, an Afghan pilot candidate. "We

  • Hiring our heroes

    The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Catherine, attended and spoke to more than 1,500 veterans and their spouses July 10, at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hiring fair in Los Angeles. The job fair, called Hiring Our Heroes -- Los Angeles, was designed to connect veterans and military spouses

  • Airmen tackle Corporals Course

    Six Airmen diversified their leadership training by participating in the Marine Corps' Corporals Course, which was held here June 10-24. The Corporals Course was a two-week program consisting of classroom lecture, hands-on instruction at the small arms range and vigorous physical training around the

  • Chief of staff and spouse visit Aviano Air Base

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie visited the 31st Fighter Wing here July 10 to 12, meeting with Airmen and their families while touring the installation and its facilities.During his visit, Schwartz received briefings on the wing's mission and operations, dined with

  • DOD sets rules for schools receiving tuition assistance

    All schools participating in Title 10 tuition assistance will need to have a signed memorandum of understanding with the Defense Department under a new policy that will take effect Jan. 1, officials said.Carolyn Baker, the chief of voluntary education for DOD's military community family and policy

  • Air Force announces enlisted supplemental promotions

    More than 800 Airmen have been selected for promotion to the next higher rank as part of the July enlisted supplemental promotion process. The enlisted supplemental promotion release announces those Airmen selected for promotion who tested outside of their required cycle due to an extended temporary

  • Special agents support the International Contract Corruption Task Force

    Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents are involved in many joint-military and law enforcement endeavors, a practice that is becoming more necessary as operational tempos increase around the world.One such joint endeavor is the International Contract Corruption Task Force, a group

  • Airman missing in action 45 years to be buried at Academy

    An Airman who went missing in action over North Vietnam in 1966 will be buried at the Air Force Academy on July 15 with full military honors.Col. Leo S. Boston of Canon City, Colo., was a member of the 14th Air Commando Wing at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in 1966.  Then a captain, he

  • On vacation with TRICARE: Urgent or emergency care?

    Even the best-planned vacations can be disrupted with injury or sickness. While TRICARE follows beneficiaries when they travel, understanding when something constitutes an emergency room or urgent care visit can help the beneficiary save money and time, officials said.TRICARE defines an emergency as

  • Contingency response team stands down after last shuttle support alert

    An audience of millions watched the last launch of the space shuttle Atlantis from Kennedy Space Center, Fla., July 8. The nearly 650 mobility Airmen of the 621st Contingency Response Wing here, however, saw a different finale -- an end to years of waiting for a call they thankfully never received.

  • Officials announce Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    Air Force officials recently selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2011. An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center considered 35 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and

  • Services deliver 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal input

    Officials from all of the services and combatant commands have provided their input to the Defense Department in advance of the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law that bans gays from serving openly in the military, a Pentagon spokesman said here July 13.The input includes progress on training

  • Airmen can help feds feed families

    During the 2011 Feds Feed Families food drive campaign, Airmen can help feed those in need.The campaign runs through Aug. 31."This is the first time the federal agencies have come together as one team to support the drive," said Ellen Nelson, the executive director of the Alamo Federal Executive

  • Balancing Reserve force discussed at Commander and Spouse Forum

    Air Force Reserve wing commanders and their spouses attended the annual Air Force Reserve Commander and Spouse forum here July 6 to 8 to gain increased awareness of the needs of Citizen Airmen and their families.Attendees engaged with Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., the chief of Air Force Reserve

  • Joint exercise hones capabilities for real-world missions

    Soldiers and Airmen teamed up in a simulated deployed environment at Mackall Army Airfield approximately ten miles south of Pinehurst, N.C., in support of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division's joint operational access exercise from June 23 to 27. More than 100 Airmen from the 615th Contingency

  • Officials announce NCO retraining program dates

    Approximately 900 Airmen will have the opportunity to retrain beginning July 13 as part of the fiscal-2012 NCO Retraining Program.The NCORP program consists of two phases designed to sustain the enlisted force by moving second-term and career Airmen from overage Air Force Specialty Codes to shortage

  • Board Of Visitors to meet at the Air Force Academy

    The Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors is scheduled to meet at the Academy July 15 and 16. The purpose of the meeting is to review morale and discipline, social climate, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods and other matters relating to the Academy.Members

  • Officials name productivity award winners

    Air Force selected four winners for the Air Force's productivity and excellence awards recently. The awards recognize individuals or groups that provide resource-saving improvements to the Air Force. The Air Force Productivity Excellence Award recognizes individuals and small groups of military and

  • Shindand Air Base triples in size

    By expanding to nearly three times its original size, Shindand Air Base recently became the second largest airfield throughout Afghanistan. Colonel Larry Bowers, the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group commander, opened the new expansion area upon completion of construction of approximately eight

  • Global Hawk postured for success

    With a solid record in combat and humanitarian missions, the RQ-4 Global Hawk program remains a critical component to national security and the Air Force will increase cost-saving efficiencies to ensure the unmanned aerial system's sustainment, officials said here July 12.Rigorous reviews over the

  • Airmen prepare for a ruck march to remember

    Airmen in the 4th Security Forces Squadron here are gearing up to host participants of a 2,181-mile ruck march that begins at the Air Force Security Forces Center in San Antonio July 12 and ends at ground zero in New York Sept. 11 in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist

  • Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force visits new AFOSI headquarters

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy visited the new Air Force Office of Special Investigations headquarters here July 7 for the first time. Upon arrival at the headquarters, he was met by OSI senior leaders, including Brig. Gen. Kevin Jacobsen, the OSI commander; Michael Janosov, the

  • Air Force chief scientist lauds AMC as a leader in energy initiatives

    The Air Force's chief scientist, Dr. Mark T. Maybury, visited Air Mobility Command here June 27 to 29 and lauded AMC's initiatives as he discussed the importance of energy efficiency. Maybury's visit included serving as the keynote speaker for the AMC "Future Aircraft Fuel Efficiency Industry Days"

  • Army medics train troops at U.S. base in Iraq

    Combat medics assigned to Company C, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, conducted a combat lifesaver course July 4 through 8 for service members stationed at Contingency Operating Site Marez.During the five-day medical refresher course, the service members trained on how to treat a casualty until

  • Panetta vows to protect U.S. troops

    The U.S. military will do what it needs to do to protect service members from weapons Iran is providing to Iraqi extremists, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said here July 11."We're very concerned that in June, we lost a hell of a lot of Americans because of those attacks," Panetta said. "We

  • TRICARE Standard gives families more options

    TRICARE Standard is a great option for military families who want more freedom when it comes to selecting their medical providers.TRICARE Standard is a fee-for-service plan available worldwide to all eligible, non-active duty beneficiaries. They include:· Active duty family members· Family members

  • Transition key to success in Afghanistan, Panetta says

    The key to success in Afghanistan is the ability to transition responsibility to the Afghans, Leon E. Panetta said before beginning his first visit to the nation as defense secretary.The secretary, who has been on the job precisely a week, said he feels good about the progress the United States has

  • Air Force drug testing laboratory opens on Lackland

    Officials with the Headquarters Air Force Drug Testing Laboratory, or HQ AFDTL, opened the doors of their new facility here June 30.HQ AFDTL is the only forensic toxicology drug testing laboratory in the Air Force and one of only six such laboratories in the Department of Defense Drug Demand

  • President calls for balanced defense spending cuts

    Though he is committed to cutting the Defense Department budget as part of the overall reduction in the federal deficit, U.S. security and strategic needs must drive the effort, President Barack Obama said July 6 in his first Twitter town hall meeting.Obama said he conducted the meeting to find out

  • Company grade officer PME undergoes transformation

    Air Force senior leaders recently approved a plan to transform professional military education for company grade officers. The two existing developmental education venues for lieutenants and captains will soon merge into a single in-residence opportunity for CGOs.The air and space basic course at

  • Ramstein 'grows' green visitor center

    Members of the 435th Construction and Training Squadron built a new "green" visitor control center here, which opened July 6 at the entrance of the west gate.The new facility houses many initiatives that put it in the running for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. The

  • Ease transition during PCS season

    During this year's peak moving season, members of the Personal Property Processing Office will coordinate nearly 50,000 personal property moves. Service members can ease the movement of their household goods to their new duty location by keeping in mind a few guidelines provided by PPPO officials.

  • 45th Space Wing supports successful final shuttle launch

    Members of the 45th Space Wing provided Eastern Range support for NASA's successful launch of the final flight of Space Shuttle Atlantis July 8and the final space shuttle flight in history. The shuttle launched at 11:29 p.m. (EDT) from Space Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center.A combined team

  • Lynn to step down as deputy defense secretary

    Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III will step down later this year to return to private life, Pentagon officials announced July 7.Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta asked Lynn to remain in office until a successor is nominated and confirmed, officials said, and that's expected to happen by

  • Commissaries support 'Feds Feed Families' campaign

    Commissaries in the U.S. have joined with other government agencies and organizations to support the 2011 Feds Feed Families food drive campaign, which runs through Aug. 31. Customers who visit their military store will see marked bins near commissary entrances or exits, where they can donate

  • Air Force pilot missing from Vietnam War identified

    Officials with the Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced July 7 that the remains of an Air Force pilot, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.Maj. Richard G. Elzinga of Shedd, Ore., will be

  • Airmen highlight recruiting efforts for 7 million NASCAR fans

    One hundred Airmen from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., unfurled a football field-sized U.S. flag in front of a crowd of 7.3 million live and broadcast viewers as the national anthem played at here July 2. The Coke Zero 400 at Daytona, a NASCAR race almost as old as the organization itself, was an

  • Security forces members march to remember

    As a memorial to the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Air Force security forces members will participate in the Ruck March to Remember from July 12 to Sept. 11.Security forces members from 23 units will march 2,181 miles from the Air Force Security Forces Center in San Antonio to Ground Zero in New York

  • Academy, Colo. Springs celebrate Independence Day

    The Air Force Academy partnered with the city of Colorado Springs to hold a birthday party for the nation July 4.More than 20,000 people attended the Fourth of July celebration, which featured a nearly 30-minute fireworks show as well as performances by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and the Air

  • U.S. troops on target to leave Iraq this year

    The U.S. intends to abide by its commitments in the 2008 U.S.-Iraq Security Agreement, including the obligation to complete the drawdown of U.S. forces there by the end of the year, Pentagon spokesman Marine Col. Dave Lapan said July 6.Any news story that gives a number of U.S. troops remaining in

  • White House reverses policy on condolence letters

    President Barack Obama and Defense Department officials will send condolence letters to the families of service members who commit suicide in a war zone.The change is in keeping with administration efforts to remove the stigma of mental health treatment, an administration official said on

  • Nominees sought for O'Malley award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2012 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award. The O'Malley Award annually recognizes the wing commander and spouse team whose contributions to the nation, the Air Force, and the local community best exemplify the highest ideals and positive

  • Reservists deliver aid to Haiti over holiday weekend

    Members of the Air Force Reserve's 315th Airlift Wing departed here July 1 aboard a C-17 Globemaster III on a humanitarian aid mission to Haiti. The aircraft delivered 20 pallets of humanitarian aid containing more than 50,000 pounds of rice as well as a 24,000-pound dump truck in support of ongoing

  • Personnel pennies pay off for Fisher families

    Pennies paid off for the Lackland Air Force Base Fisher House when Air Force Personnel Center civilian force integration directorate members waged a penny war that raised $800 for the military support organization.The Fisher House Foundation provides free lodging for family members of wounded

  • TRICARE expectant, new parents survey validates review program

    Patients enrolled in TRICARE's Parent Review program are giving high marks to this outreach. Out of 1,037 completed surveys, the great majority of respondents' comments were positive, expressing appreciation for the email service.More than 2,000 healthy babies are born to military families each

  • Guard members have one-stop information shop

    Officials with the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs have created a one-stop website for Guard members to access and administer their service benefits-related information in a secure manner, said the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.In a November 2010 memorandum to all

  • Air Force weather leaders meet to appraise career field

     Leaders from across the Air Force weather career field met up at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center here recently to discuss present operations and the future of the weather career field. "We need to make sure we're supporting the Airmen that are downrange and giving them the right training and

  • President praises troops during Independence Day event

    Military service members attending the White House Independence Day celebration represent the latest in a long line of heroes who have served the U.S. with honor and sacrificed much to protect the freedoms all Americans enjoy, President Barack Obama said here July 4."I cannot think of anybody I

  • Education program promotes relationships, partnerships

    Walk into just about any U.S. professional military schoolhouse, and you're likely to see a surprising number of foreign officers and noncommissioned officers mixed among the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps students.They're a testament to the popularity of the International Military Education

  • College students receive training through AF internship

    College students can intern in Air Force youth and recreation programs - and get paid for it.The Air Force Services Agency Student Intern Program is open to college juniors, or older, to become Air Force nonappropriated fund employees at nearly any Air Force installation world-wide, and earn college

  • Personnel director talks civilian recruiting, hiring

    The Air Force is competing with Fortune 500 companies to attract the best and brightest people, so Air Force personnel practices must be fast, efficient and technology smart or those talented people will go elsewhere.That was the Office of Personnel Management director's message to Air Force

  • Air Force EWO graduates from Navy Growler training

    An electronic warfare officer became the first Air Force EWO to graduate from the 10-month-long Navy EA-18G Growler training at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., June 28.Capt. Cole Davenport, who is with the 390th Electronic Combat Squadron, completed his first training sortie Sept. 7, 2010.

  • Air Force chief of staff announces 2011 'Vector'

    The Air Force's senior military officer released his vision for the future in the CSAF Vector 2011, which highlights the service's unique contributions to national security and also provides updates and the way ahead on the Air Force's priorities."A year ago I presented a vision for our Air Force,"

  • Basic trainee succumbs to illness

    Air Force officials at Lackland Air Force Base have announced the death of Basic Trainee Megan J. Victory, who died at Brooke Army Medical Center June 30."The entire Air Force family and every member of Lackland AFB send their condolences to the family and friends of Airman Victory," said Col. Eric

  • Airmen successfully medevac Antarctic worker

    Using night vision equipment and navigating around volcanic ash hazards, a C-17 Globemaster III and crew from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., alongside aeromedical evacuation and critical care air transport team Airmen, successfully evacuated an ailing Antarctic government contractor June 30. The

  • Panetta pledges 'No hollow force' on his watch

    New Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta pledged there will be no hollow force on his watch.The secretary made the commitment in a message to the Defense Department released after he took the oath of office July 1. DOD General Counsel Jeh Johnson administered the oath in the secretary's office. Taking

  • Nellis pilot in F-16C mishap identified

    Air Force officials have identified the pilot involved in an aircraft mishap near Caliente, Nev., June 28 as Capt. Eric Ziegler, 30, an operational test and evaluation instructor pilot with the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron here.Brig. Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, commander of the 57th Wing,

  • AEF conference prepares experts for upcoming deployment

    Air and Space Expeditionary Force and Personnel Operations representatives from the Air Force Personnel Center here held their latest execution conference June 15 and 16 to help prepare more than 300 unit deployment managers, installation deployment officers and functional experts for the upcoming

  • First Airmen graduate from new EOD screening course

    Six Airmen graduated from the first explosive ordnance disposal preliminary screening course here June 27. The revised and extended 20-day academic Air Force program gives Airmen a well-rounded vision of their duties while mentally and physically challenging them. The goal for the course is to

  • Chief Roy reflects on first two years in office, way ahead for Airmen

    Despite an increased operations tempo and fiscal challenges, Airmen continue to develop and remain an integral part of the joint and coalition team, the service's top enlisted Airman said here June 30 on his second anniversary in office.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy discussed

  • Gates ends historic term as defense secretary

    Robert M. Gates is the only man to thank two presidents for the privilege of serving as secretary of defense.At the Armed Forces Farewell Tribute June 30 on the Pentagon's parade field, Secretary Gates thanked President George W. Bush for nominating him for the job in 2006, and President Barack