NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Air Force’s top Airman honored by enlisted force

    In a historical event, the Air Force’s top enlisted leader honored the service’s top general with an invitation to an Order of the Sword ceremony during the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 16.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody, who is

  • Air Force Materiel Command: Aerospace revolutionaries

    Gen. Ellen M. Pawlikowski, the Air Force Materiel Command commander, showcased AFMC’s revolutionary capabilities in her address at the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15.

  • Carter: DOD must embrace future to remain best force

    Two days before the Air Force’s 68th birthday, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Sept. 16, at the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition 2015, that the military must embrace the future to remain the best force.The defense secretary said the gathering’s theme,

  • AFSPC: Space, cyberspace provide advantages, challenges

    The Air Force Space Command commander explained how space and cyberspace domains are integral components in modern and future operations during a speech at the 2015 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15.

  • ACC commander talks 5th generation warfare, innovation at AFA

    Gen. Hawk Carlisle, the Air Combat Command commander, addressed advances in 5th generation warfare and the importance of delivering cutting-edge technology during the second day of the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition.

  • Meeting global air requirements in a time of austerity

    In a conference room filled with international air forces, three Airmen led a discussion on solutions to meeting global air needs in a time of austerity during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition, Sept. 15.

  • Welsh cites heroes, talks modernization during Air Force Update

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III shared the spotlight with a cross-section of people he called his heroes during an emotional multimedia presentation at the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15 in Washington D.C.

  • Tech Report: Auto GCAS

    While in the air, losing track of the ground could lead to a bad thing. To help prevent a catastrophic incident from happening, the Air Force Research Lab developed the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System.

  • Special operations: getting technical

    As the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference Technology Exposition continued Sept. 15, senior leaders from around the Air Force discussed the topics that mean the most to them.

  • AF releases Future Operating Concept

    Today the Air Force officially released the Air Force Future Operating Concept, which is the latest in a series of strategic documents designed to guide the organizing, training, and equipping of the force over the coming decades.

  • Airmen 2.0: The Air Force’s human capital plan

    A panel of personnel experts talked about the way ahead for equipping, training and growing future Airmen as part of a discussion during the 2015 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15 in Washington D.C.

  • Family programs highlighted at AFA conference

    Programs geared toward assisting caregivers and helping children of military families with resiliency skills were highlighted during the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15 in Washington, D.C.

  • Airman selected for White House Leadership Development Program

    Darbi Dillon, contracting operations division deputy, will represent the Air Force as a member of the first White House Leadership Development Program next month.The year-long program is geared toward idea sharing and cross-utilization of skillsets to work on the government’s 15 cross-agency

  • Imperative innovation in austere times

    Chief Scientist of the Air Force and other senior leaders conducted a panel discussion about the importance of innovation in a time of austerity during the 2015 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 14.

  • Air Force members receive 2014 International Affairs Excellence Award

    Air Force members accepted the 2014 International Affairs Excellence Award during the Air Force Association’s 2015 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 14. This was the first year the award was split into four categories: officer, enlisted, senior civilian and junior civilian.

  • Two fallen special tactics Airmen honored, remembered

    More than 1,000 family members, friends and teammates from around the country gathered here Sept. 14 to honor and remember two special tactics Airmen who were killed in action last month in an insider attack.As the procession of family members departed the memorial, nearly 2,000 Air Commandos lined

  • Building friendships, partnerships in the Pacific

    Gen. Lori Robinson, the Pacific Air Forces commander, emphasized the importance of multinational partnerships throughout the Pacific region as the key to stabilization and continuing progress during a speech she made at the 2015 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology

  • AFRC presents painting to SecAF

    Lt. Gen. James Jackson, the Air Force Reserve Command commander, presented Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James with the painting “That Others May Live” during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2015.

  • AF leaders, spouses talk improvements in family programs, voice concerns

    Air Force senior leaders and their spouses discussed the improvements in family programs and opportunities, their concerns cutting basic allowance for housing for a member of dual-service couples, as well as other topics of interest during the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and

  • SecAF explores history, future of aerospace nation at AFA

    In her remarks at the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 14, the Air Force’s top civilian said the service will need to reduce bureaucracy, enhance innovation and invest in its people to successfully expand, advance and reinvent the aerospace nation.

  • Scott AFB nurses save boy's life

    A 9-year-old boy would not be alive today if not for the quick action and skills of two Scott Air Force Base nurses.Capts. Michelle Trujillo and Linda Clarkson, both with the 375th Medical Group, spent the Labor Day weekend camping at Lost Valley Lake Resort in Owensville, Missouri, when they

  • President reflects on 9/11 at Worldwide Troop Talk

    On the 14th anniversary of 9/11, President Barack Obama, in gratitude for military members who’ve served after the nation’s darkest day, helmed a global, multimedia, Worldwide Troop Talk live from Defense Media Activity studios here.

  • Remembering that day in September

    An expanse of dark blue water rushed beneath the Boeing 767 window. A woman’s voice trembled through the static of the Airfone in her hands.

  • AF honors, remembers 9/11

    Airmen around the world participated in 9/11 remembrance ceremonies to honor of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. This photo series highlights some of those ceremonies.

  • AF Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • Yesterday's Air Force: The president's pilot

    On Sep 11, 2001, America was under attack and the president was hundreds of miles away. The pilot and crew of Air Force One made sure the commander in chief stayed safe and helped get him where he needed to be to lead the country.

  • CSAF sees cyber, ISR as future major command

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and his wife, Betty, visited the 24th and 25th Air Forces Aug. 25-27 at Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland, Texas, to gain a firsthand look at the mission synergy of cyber, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

  • Pacific Angel 15-2 underway in Timor-Leste

    Members of the U.S. Air Force and Navy, Defence Forces of Timor-Leste, and New Zealand army began humanitarian assistance operations as part of Pacific Angel 15-2 Sept. 7, in Baucau, Timor Leste.

  • Yesterday’s Air Force: The B-36

    After World War II the threat of nuclear weapons was felt by every man, woman and child in the country. America knew it needed a platform to help deter a nuclear strike, and the solution was the B-36 Peacemaker.

  • Suicide Prevention Month: How one person can make a difference

    Thoughts of suicide are not necessarily something people explicitly announce to the world, which means loved ones often have no idea that their friend or family member is contemplating it. But there are signs and risk factors, and while somebody might think they can’t make a difference by

  • The Iron Airman

    In the Air Force, fitness isn't just a stepping stone to success, it’s a requirement. While each Airman has their own idea of how to stay fit to fight, 1st Lt. Roman Tillman has picked a practice that he believes also sharpens his skills as an Airman and a leader.Tillman, a 5th Space Launch Squadron

  • Seymour Johnson awarded 2015 energy, water management award

    The 4th Civil Engineer Squadron was recently awarded the 2015 Federal Energy and Water Management award, which recognizes individuals and organizations for significant contributions to energy and water efficiency within the federal government.

  • Making a dream come true, one mile at a time

    A 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer firetruck operator and truck engineer is doing what he can to live up to the idea behind the Special Olympics athlete oath: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”During his deployment to Southwest Asia, Senior Airman Zach White has

  • Defense secretary visits Nellis

    Defense Secretary Ash Carter visited the Nellis Air Force Base Aug. 26 to observe Red Flag 15-4 operations and speak to Airmen and coalition partners about the future of the force and innovation.

  • Ramstein Airmen help renovate Georgian school

    For the past month, the hallways of Gori Public School No. 4 were alive with the sounds of construction workers sanding, sawing, tearing down, building up and transforming what looked like a century-old building. The transformation continued till just hours before the Aug. 31 culminating ceremony,

  • Aircraft communications maintainers make RPA missions possible

    In a world where cockpits aren't in the plane, these traditional communications Airmen are put in a maintenance environment to link the ground control station, also known as the RPA cockpit, to the aircraft. This capability allows the pilot and sensor operator to control the plane, both locally and

  • F-22s arrive in Estonia

    Two F-22 Raptors and a KC-135 Stratotanker arrived at Ämari Air Base, Estonia, Sept. 5.

  • Travis welcomes hero home

    Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone, the Airman who helped foil a terrorist attack on a train in France Aug. 21, arrived at Travis Air Force Base, California, Sept. 3, with his mother and brother by his side.

  • Munition bunkers become rubble, save AF $3.5M

    Members of the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron and the 92nd Contracting Squadron are working toward an Air Force goal of reducing its building footprint by demolishing 1950s-era munitions bunkers at Fairchild Air Force Base and saving the Air Force approximately $3.5 million in the process.

  • Turkey: Dependent departure authorized, accompanied PCS suspended

    Effective Sept. 2, Department of Defense-funded travel to Adana, Turkey (including Incirlik Air Base), for dependents has been suspended, and military and civilian dependents in the region are authorized to depart Turkey, announced Department of State and DOD officials.

  • AF Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • First operational F-35As arrive at Hill AFB

    The Air Force ushered in a new era of combat air power today as Hill Air Force Base received the service's first two operational F-35As.Hill's active duty 388th Fighter Wing and Reserve 419th Fighter Wing will be the first combat-coded units to fly and maintain the Air Force's newest

  • Tech Report: Air Force Prize

    The Air Force is energizing domestic research and development with a $2 million prize for a lightweight, fuel-efficient, small turbine engine. This innovative acquisition approach will advance the technologies needed to support the world's strongest Air Force.

  • New ACC program begins, aimed to improve MQ-1/9 community

    The initial stage of Air Combat Command's new program, the Culture and Process Improvement Program, began Aug. 21 at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, and is designed to take place across 12 Air Force active-duty, Reserve and Guard bases.The CPIP was established to target and develop methods of improvement

  • Polish, US forces improve interoperability at Lask AB

    Four F-16 Fighting Falcons, two F-22 Raptors and a C-130 Hercules arrived at Lask Air Base Aug. 31. The Airmen and aircraft are in Poland for separate flying training events with allies to demonstrate the countries' shared commitment to the collective security of NATO and the enduring peace and

  • MQ-1s test deployment capability in Latvia

    Two MQ-1 Predator remotely piloted aircraft and approximately 70 Airmen deployed to Lielvarde Air Base, Latvia, to test the unit's ability to forward deploy, and to conduct air operations while assuring NATO allies of our commitment to regional security and stability.

  • Travis Airmen save boy from drowning

    When a summer pool party became a life or death situation for a 6-year-old boy, two Airmen from Travis Air Force Base, California, used their military training to save his life.

  • New AF streamers approved for Global War on Terrorism Operations

    The secretary of the Air Force has authorized the use of war service streamers and the new Global War on Terrorism Service (GWOT-S) streamer. In addition, the Air Force credited 1,442 units with campaign participation, making them eligible for a campaign streamer.

  • September issue of Airman magazine now available

    In this issue of Airman magazine, we remember those who were impacted by Hurricane Katrina when the storm hit land 10 years ago. The Airmen of Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, faced numerous challenges, from rampant debris to water damage, and came together to aid in the repair of their base and

  • AF emergency managers emphasize planning during National Preparedness Month

    September is National Preparedness Month and the Air Force Civil Engineer Center is leading the charge for servicewide participation. With a theme of "Don't wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today," this year's focus is on emergency planning, to include development of evacuation plans and

  • CSAF speaks about CMSAF role

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III addressed Airmen about the importance of leadership during the 2015 Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Airmen's Conference in San Antonio Aug. 26.

  • SERE: Man is the environmental impact

    With detailed site surveys and permits for 43 geographically separated pieces of land over a four-state area, Todd Foster, the 336th Training Group training area manager, knows the environmental impact of the U.S. Air Force Survival School and the resources consumed to meet the training requirements

  • Airman author brings fictional, real heroes to life

    In stories, the hero is often called upon to accomplish a great task, to take on the weight of a burden they did not anticipate, even though they know that hardships may plague every step of their journey. For storytellers, joy often comes from seeing the hero overcome the many obstacles placed in

  • F-22 inaugural deployment to Europe

    Four F-22 Raptors, one C-17 Globemaster III, and approximately 60 Airmen arrived at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, to train with allied air forces and U.S. services through mid-September.

  • Tuskegee Airman takes final flight at Academy

    Franklin Macon joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 after the creation of the Tuskegee program allowed African-Americans to fill military pilot positions, which were previously occupied exclusively by whites. On Aug. 26 at the age of 92, Macon sat on the airfield at the U.S. Air Force Academy, waiting

  • Civil Air Patrol joins total force ‘Airmen’

    When conducting missions for the Air Force as the official Air Force auxiliary, the Civil Air Patrol is now included in the Air Force’s definition of the total force. CAP has provided 74 years of support to emergency services, aerospace education and cadet programs.

  • Hurricane Hunters to fly Tropical Storm Erika

    The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters are operating out of Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, flying their state-of-the-art WC-130J Super Hercules into Tropical Storm Erika in support of the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

  • BLUE: Katrina, 10 years later

    Ten years ago, the Airmen of Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, faced one of the greatest tests of the American spirit as Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast. Where there were once hopes and dreams, Katrina left devastation and destruction. But through the wreckage of it all, the survivors

  • AF Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • SecAF, CSAF, CMSAF present new "little blue book"

    Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody delivered the initial handout of the pamphlet, “America’s Air Force: A Profession of Arms,” Aug. 27 to the Air Force’s newest Airmen at Airmen’s Week.

  • Arming the RPAs

    Airmen from the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron provide every munition that is loaded onto an MQ-1B Predator or MQ-9 Reaper at Kandahar Airfield; without them, the RPAs wouldn’t be able to provide combat airpower in Afghanistan.

  • 3rd AF commander charts path to organizational success

    In the 9th grade he made up his mind.Lt. Gen. Timothy M. Ray, the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, had dreams of flying his whole life, and at the end of his freshman year of high school, determined the U.S. Air Force Academy would make his dream a reality.

  • New commander expresses confidence in TRANSCOM

    Upon assuming command of U.S. Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Aug. 26, Gen. Darren W. McDew expressed faith in TRANSCOM’s ability to sustain rapid, global response for the Defense Department in the air, at sea and on land.

  • Integration lab to support C-5 software, hardware upgrades

    The C-5 System Integration Lab at Robins Air Force Base has been preparing to accommodate upcoming changes to the weapon system's color weather radar capabilities for the last several months.Full-scale development is now underway by Lockheed Martin to update to a new version of the color weather

  • Guardsman brings diverse background to Bagram’s mission

    It isn’t every day you come across someone who has been a Soldier, Sailor and Airman, but then again, Tech. Sgt. Russell McLamb isn’t your everyday service member.McLamb’s uniqueness isn’t just that he has served in three different services; but he has also served in all three of the service’s

  • SecAF speaks on acquisition, partnerships at Hanscom

    Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James discussed her top priorities with Airmen and state officials while emphasizing the importance of the acquisition base and its partnerships during a visit to Hanscom Air Force Base Aug. 20-21.

  • AF releases colonel, lieutenant colonel, major selection board results

    The Air Force selected 34 lieutenant colonels for promotion to colonel, 117 majors for promotion to lieutenant colonel and 272 captains for promotion to major during the calendar year 2015B Biomedical Sciences Corps, Medical Service Corps, Nurse Corps and Chaplain central selection boards.

  • Air Force extends SAPR services to AF civilians

    The Air Force released a policy memo today allowing Air Force civilian employees who are victims of sexual assault to file restricted and unrestricted reports with their installation's sexual assault response coordinator.

  • Airmen experience multinational Red Flag-Alaska

    A 16-foot wooden table stretches between aircrew lockers and cabinets. A red toolbox sits at one end of the table. Helmets, oxygen masks and parachutes are within sight. The room is temporarily housing members with 374th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment for the duration of Red

  • Reapers, Predators on the prowl in Afghanistan

    Airmen assigned to the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron provide world-class close air support and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in the Afghanistan area of operations. They complete this mission by maintaining, launching and recovering all MQ-1B Predators and MQ-9 Reapers in

  • US Airman recognized as 'hero' in Paris

    U.S. Ambassador to France, Jane D. Hartley, recognized Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone for his actions in saving countless lives during a terrorist attack aboard a train headed toward Paris Aug. 21.

  • Mobility Airmen recover radiological material from Mexico

    Headquarters Air Mobility Command, in close partnership with the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration, recently executed a C-17 Globemaster III mission to repatriate three Husman irradiators containing radioactive material from Mexico to the U.S. for final disposition.

  • AF names 2015 NAACP Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award winners

    Senior Master Sgt. Hamp Lee III, assigned to the 316th Training Squadron at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, and Carolyn Peeler, assigned to the 49th Force Support Squadron at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, have been selected as the 2015 NAACP Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award winners.