'Hat-in-the-Ring Gang' says goodbye to its Eagles

The 94th Fighter Squadron flew its last F-15 Eagle sortie today, marking the squadron’s official evolution to F-22A Raptor operations. The “Hat-in-the-Ring Gang” is the second squadron at Langley to convert from the F-15C/D -- a strictly air-to-air fighter -- to the Raptor, which has air-to-ground

C-5 airlift readies Soldiers for battle conditions

The first-time loading of a new Army helicopter flight simulator into a C-5 Galaxy required Airmen to build new ramps. Members of the 436th Aerial Port Squadron loaded the Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer, a helicopter training simulator, onto the transport. But they had to build special

McChord Airman earns top leadership award

A joint tactical air controller with the 5th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Lewis is the junior enlisted recipient of the 2005 Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award. Senior Airman Grailin Blamer was recognized for his quick and cool-headed thinking while providing air cover for Soldiers

F-22A Raptor goes operational

The F-22A Raptor -- Air Force’s most advanced weapon system -- is ready for combat, Air Force officials announced here today. In reaching initial operational capability, the Raptor is certified ready for operational use. The first combat-ready Raptors are flying with the 27th Fighter Squadron of the

Airmen earn awards for innovations, improvements

Airmen from seven major commands received the Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards and Air Force Best Practice certificates for mission process improvements. Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel Gen. Roger A. Brady presented the trophies and

Air Force leaders discuss current issues

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley met with the media at the Pentagon to discuss a wide range of topics and issues. The leaders provided updates on aircraft and the new Air Force mission statement at the Dec. 13 meeting. F-22A Raptor The

Radar transfer improves air operations

Flying into and out of Kabul and Bagram Air Base became safer because of the transfer of a radar to Kabul from Karshi-Khanabad AB in Uzbekistan, Afghanistan. U.S. Central Command Air Forces leaders chose to move the radar to Kabul when operations at “K-2” ended. “This site will give us better radar

Directive boosts priority of stability operations

Stability operations are now a major priority for the Defense Department, on par with combat operations, and will receive more planning and funding, two DoD officials said here today. The officials were explaining DoD Directive 3000.05, which was signed Nov. 28. The directive provides guidance on

Troops learn to play by the rules

Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors attended the Air Mobility Warfare Center here for the Rules of Engagement/Rules of Use of Force Tactical Training Seminar. The seminar held from Dec. 6 to 8 and hosted by the center for the first time, familiarized more than 40 students with the legal and tactical

Air Force names 2005 Sijan award recipients

The Air Force recognized four Airmen with the service's 2005 Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award. The Sijan award annually recognizes Airmen who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities while assigned to organizations at the wing level or below. The 2005 recipients are: Senior officer --

Civil engineers announce award winners

The Air Force and three civilian professional associations announced their 2005 Air Force civil engineer award winners Dec. 12. The awards are sponsored by the Society of American Military Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Northeast chapter of the American Association of

Conference paves way for efficient Air Force

The Air Force is looking to civilian companies to find ways to streamline itself, eliminate waste and save money in the process. Civilian companies like General Electric and Toyota have been successfully using process improvement programs to cut waste and increase efficiency. Now the Air Force plans

Airmen keeping search and rescue 'choppers' flying

Whether it’s for a matter of life and death or a routine mission, 64th Expeditionary Helicopter Maintenance Unit troops here keep their combat search and rescue helicopters ready. The unit’s more than 30 Airmen never stop working to maintain and repair the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters that fly from

Weather flight spins up 'Santa's Mailbag' program

Air Force volunteers are once again hosting Santa’s Mailbag, a free holiday program that lets children from around the world request and receive a letter from Santa Claus postmarked from North Pole, Alaska. Members of the 58th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron started the program more than 50 years

Home front crew chiefs still make it happen

When they finish their shifts their uniforms are often covered in oil, dirt and sweat. They are no longer the crisp, starched uniforms they once were. However, for crew chiefs here -- and elsewhere on the home front -- this is a symbol of pride. The life of a crew chief is a tiring but rewarding

Airmen positive mentors to troubled youth

Making a positive impact on a community or another human being is what drives some people to volunteer. Forty Airmen from this base doing that -- making a significant impact in the lives of 55 youth through the Youth Detention Center mentoring program. “This has been an eye-opening experience,” said

Front-line forecasting not average day on the job

Slashing through Burmese jungles with Maj. Gen. Orde Wingate’s Chindits; hunkering down far above the DMZ in North Vietnam; infiltrating into Northern Iraq to ensure the success of a thousand-man airborne jump -- not the average day at the office for most weather forecasters. But those missions and

Airmen ‘drop’ in to help islanders

Airmen from here and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam -- and people from surrounding communities -- teamed to airlift Christmas supplies to people at more than 50 Micronesian islands. The effort was the 53rd anniversary of the Christmas Drop mission. Three C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 36th Airlift

TSP announces enrollment changes for 2006

Effective in 2006, civilian and military employees are no longer subject to a percentage limit on the amount they may contribute to a regular Thrift Savings Plan account. They may contribute the full amount allowed by the Internal Revenue Service annual elective deferral limit, which is $15,000 for

Product center finishes $250 million comm program

The Global Information Grid Systems Group installed an emergency communications system at Minot Air Force Base, N.D, the last of 50 identical systems of a more than $250 million program. The Minuteman Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network Program -- which began more than seven years ago

Little Rock gets fifth ‘J-Herc’

Airmen fighting and training to fight the global war on terrorism have a new weapon -- a fifth C-130J Hercules. Lt. Gen. Dennis Larsen, Air Education and Training Command vice commander, delivered the new Hercules to the base’s Dec. 6 and added another first to his career. “This is the first C-130

Loadmasters keep cargo, passengers moving safely

Around the clock, C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft fly from here, airlifting military troops to locations throughout this theater. Helping passengers and cargo get to their destination safely is the job of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing loadmasters. Senior Master Sgt. Steven Woodside, the loadmaster

Travis firefighters win second world title

For the second year in a row, firefighters from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., won the World Firefighter Combat Challenge team competition here. The Travis team also won the stream-light relay -- in a time of 4 minutes, 25.14 seconds -- to seal their victory. The team beat out more than 240

General Hobbins takes USAFE helm

Gen. William T. Hobbins took command of United States Air Forces in Europe from Gen. Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong today at a ceremony here. General Hobbins begins his term just five years after he left the command as its director of aerospace operations. The general was the Air Force deputy chief of

Program promotes healthy lifestyles for children

Kaitlyn Mayor prefers to hula-hoop while her brother, Tyler, skateboards to gain fitness points for a new Air Force Services Web-based program that promotes healthy lifestyles for children. The Florida siblings are among more than 5,300 Air Force youngsters between the ages of 9 and 18 to sign up

Defender training readies ‘brass’ for deployment

A new Air Force Materiel Command program helps train security forces leaders for deployment to combat zones. “Brave Defender,” developed by the command’s Security Forces Regional Training Center, prepares security forces commanders and senior enlisted leaders for success in the field. "This course

Moody rescue crews receive Mackay Trophy

Two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter aircrews received the Mackay Trophy from Gen. John D. W. Corley, the Air Force vice chief of staff, at a ceremony here Dec. 5. The 13 Airmen earned the award for rescuing five Soldiers whose helicopter crashed in a sandstorm near Kharbut, Iraq, in April 2004. The

Wingman can help combat the ‘holiday blues’

Being stationed overseas often means separation from family members. This, combined with holiday stress, can lead to what is known as the “holiday blues.” “The holiday blues refers to feeling sad when we should be feeling joy, happiness and a sense of peace,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Shon Neyland.

Fuel cells could save Air Force thousands

Ten new five-kilowatt fuel cells in operation here could save the Air Force thousands of dollars in energy costs. The fuel cells, located at the base ground water treatment plant, have been operating since early October. Base officials unveiled the new alternative fuel source Dec 1. The cells, which

Evaluators put ‘Js’ through the paces

Active duty, Reserve and Guard C-130J Airmen put the aircraft through its wartime paces here during a joint training exercise. Airmen worked with Soldiers at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, La., to test the airplane last month. The exercise tested the aircraft’s ability to

Engineers keep Kandahar airfield in the fight

Since arriving to support Operation Enduring Freedom, Air Force civil engineers here have been vital in keeping air operations on track. From repairing a 200-square-foot crater on the runway -- in less than an hour -- to upgrading the once substandard airfield, the 451st Air Expeditionary Group

Dynamic Weasel sharpens combat skills

Exercise Operation Dynamic Weasel begins here today to hone the skills Airmen need for combat deployments. The exercise will sharpen tactics, techniques and procedural skills while practicing for combat situations, said Maj. Anthony Roberson, the 20th Operations Support Squadron director of

Thunderbirds release 2006 schedule

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the “Thunderbirds,” has announced its 2006 air show schedule. The team, based here, is scheduled to perform more than 65 public shows in 29 states. The 2006 schedule is as follows: March 25-26 -- Fort Smith, Ark.April 1-2 -- Punta Gorda, Fla. 8 --

New guide helps maintain 'human weapon system'

It's a theme every Airman can recite -- but many might find themselves at a loss as to how to help a fellow Airman in distress. A guide published by the Air Force Suicide Prevention Program is now available to explain how to be a good “wingman.” The Leader's Guide for Managing Personnel in Distress

Changes sweeten 're-up' bonuses in two careers

The Air Force changed the reenlistment window and waived obligated service requirements for Airmen in two career fields eligible to receive the enlisted critical skills retention bonus. Airmen who meet requirements may qualify for a retention bonus of up to $150,000. The reenlistment window now

A-10 pilot ‘talks down’ civilian airplane with emergency

“Mayday. Mayday.” The distress call is familiar to most people who watch television and movies. But when it is made for real, it can make a pilot’s mouth go dry and his stomach cramp. That is the feeling pilot Naim Fazlija said he had when he made the distress call to German radar controllers when

Firefighters compete in World Firefighter Combat Challenge

Deployed wing transports its 1 millionth passenger

The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing lived up to its motto of “Boots on the Ground” when it recently transported its 1millionth passenger in a little more than two years.The wing reached this historic milestone when they transported 10 Army soldiers to their final destination within the area of

Americans open their hearts to servicemembers

As the traditional gift-giving season gets under way, American people, corporations and service groups are showing their gratitude to American servicemembers, especially those who are deployed, in combat zones or wounded. "The outpouring from the public of goodwill, compassion and recognition for

Combat cover

New contingency aeromedical staging facility opens

The “gateway” for patients awaiting transportation to Germany just got a little better when the 386th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility staff opened the doors to their new facility. The state-of-the-art facility, which opened Nov. 23, now offers patients a more comfortable environment to

Air Force gun trucks deliver the goods

As Airmen saddle up for one of the most notorious jobs in Iraq, the mood is not dread, but drive and determination. There's confidence in every move as members of the 732nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron here at Forward Operating Base Speicher prepare to escort truck convoys on some of

Ammo warriors keep close-air support of U.S., coalition forces a reality

Keeping a mission-capable supply of bullets coming as A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots respond to close-air support requests is a key role for a group of Airmen taking part in the ongoing global war on terrorism. Deployed here from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., the role of the 455th Air

For all B-52 flyers, all roads lead to the 11th BS

For B-52 Stratofortress aircrew members, all roads lead to Barksdale, more specifically the 11th Bomb Squadron. All "Buff" navigators, pilots or electronic warfare officers goes through their initial and upgrade training in the 11th BS. During 2005, the squadron processed 315 students.“Of the 315

ORIs evolve with modern war fighting

Airmen today can face deployment with increased confidence after practicing modified operational readiness inspection scenarios that reflect current wartime conditions. According to Air Combat Command's Inspector General Col. Tom Jones, with the expeditionary nature of today's Air Force, it is

Young man's dream tour causes 'ripple effect'

When a rock hits the calm surface of a pond, ripples form and travel outward in expanding circles. The story begins with a 14 year old and his dream -- a goal of overcoming his health problems and flying for the Air Force. The boy, Ryan Penne of Chico, Calif., stepped into dreamland last year at

Ramstein Reservist helps injured troops get home

"Home for the holidays" is a familiar goal for many military people, but not Tech. Sgt. Katheryn Bicker. This Reservist from the 944th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB, Ariz., is forgoing her own holidays to help others in what she feels is the true spirit of the season. "I don't think about it being

The making of a memorial

It was his favorite holiday. He looked at his birthday in October as a count down to Christmas. So Army Sgt. Michael E. Yaschinski loved being with his family at that very special time of the year. “He never missed a Christmas, even when he was stationed in Italy -- except for 2003,” said his

Surviving the unthinkable

Airmen sang Christmas carols as they cruised their armored truck through the thick gray fog of Iraq’s northern desert on that late November morning. It was the 2004 holiday season and the Airmen were in good spirits as they neared the end of their 30-day mission. They had helped guard Army convoys

Air Force releases F-16 accident report

A fuel leak and fire caused an F-16 Fighting Falcon landing at Lamar Airport, Colo., June 28 to leave the runway and crash, the Air Force announced today. The pilot ejected from the aircraft and suffered minor injuries. There was no private property destroyed, and the airport sustained minor damage.

Team tests Joint Strike Fighter's survivability

Members of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Integrated Test Force here are testing the chemical and biological survivability of the future jet. However, they are testing the decontamination processes on a retired F-16 Fighting Falcon. The aim is to find ways to return the fighter to service after

Fairchild security forces provide combat skills training

Because Airmen are deploying to hostile areas, the Air Force directed major commands to provide those deploying intensive expeditionary combat skills training. Since much of the training is ground-combat related, security forces are providing the training. Fairchild has started providing its

Leaders say Cope India 'great success'

Exercise Cope India ‘06 ends Nov. 20, but U.S. and Indian air force leaders have already said the training has been a resounding success. The exercise, which began Nov. 7, involves Indian Airmen and about 250 U.S. Airmen from Pacific Air Forces bases. “Such exercises not only help in promoting

Fire rescue team supports combat operations

The role of Air Force firefighters is changing here, with tents replacing fire station, dirt airfields and, at times, rocket attacks. In the last six months, a six-man Air Force fire and crash rescue unit has gone on five missions into some of Afghanistan’s most remote areas. There was enough

Commando Sling wraps up

The first Commando Sling exercise of the fiscal year ended here today, wrapping up a month of air-to-air combat training. Nearly 80 members and their F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 14th Fighter Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan, deployed to this island city state to square off against Singapore air

Test helping put the LIDS on decontamination

Airmen from four major commands were here this week to test the effectiveness of a new decontamination system during an exercise that ends Nov. 18. The team is testing the lightweight inflatable decontamination system to see if it can effectively accomplish aircrew and ground crew contamination

Minot completes Minuteman emergency communications upgrade

The 91st Space Wing completed the last modifications to its Minuteman minimum essential emergency communication network at the Oscar-01 missile alert facility in the Minuteman missile complex. The completion of Oscar-01, Nov. 11, marked the final modification to the last of 50 launch control centers

A-staff helps sustain joint humanitarian effort

The 818th Contingency Response Group and 24th Air Expeditionary Group continue handling hundreds of thousands of pounds of cargo each day as part of the continuing Pakistani earthquake recovery effort. Col. Richard Walberg, who commands both groups, said while much of the "visible work" goes on in

Pararescuemen continue Pakistan humanitarian relief

Above the mountainous countryside of northern Pakistan, two Air Force pararescuemen aboard a Russian-made MI-8 helicopter survey areas where people may need relief supplies. These Airmen, known as PJs, are part of a unit that traveled halfway around the world to participate in the ongoing

B-52 simulator plays big role in exercise

A B-52 Stratofortress simulator is allowing 11th Bomb Squadron students to train with Soldiers and Airmen near Fort Polk, La., taking part in the live fire portion of exercise Air Warrior II. The simulator provides Airmen here a unique training opportunity -- and an alternative to participating in

Communicators lay foundation for Afghanistan’s future

Before U.S. forces return the airport terminal and tower here to Afghan control, combat communicators first installed more than a mile of copper and fiber cable. Airmen from the 451st Air Expeditionary Group communications flight here stepped up to install the critical communications cables when an

Tuskegee Airmen get Air Force update

Members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen visited the Pentagon to learn about today's Air Force and visit with the secretary of defense. The Airmen visited Nov. 10. One pioneering Airman, retired Lt. Col. Howard Baugh, took time to reflect on the changes in the military since the day he joined in 1942.

President Bush thanks troops at Elmendorf

President George Bush stopped here on the first leg of his week-long Asia tour and thanked servicemembers and civilians for volunteering to serve and continuing the fight the global war on terrorism. It was the president’s second visit here. He spoke for nearly 45 minutes with more than 4,500

Wargames are serious business

To the untrained eye it seems to be a room full of computers. However, to Airmen of the 608th Combat Operations Squadron the combined air and space operations center here is a lethal weapon system. “It’s the total package, we find the target, fix the position, track it, engage the target and assess

U.S. troops in Turkey will no longer receive tax exclusion

Beginning Dec. 31, U.S. military members in Turkey will no longer be exempt from paying federal taxes. U.S. European Command requested, and the Pentagon approved, terminating Turkey's certification as an area in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, U.S. military officials in Europe said. This

Kadena Airmen teach English to Japanese Airmen

In a combat environment communication between allies is important. That’s why more than 25 Kadena Airmen practiced English communication with Japan Air Self Defense Force Airmen preparing to deploy to Southwest Asia recently. Kadena Airmen -- from senior airmen to major -- paired up with their

Bringing troops home safely

The sun had just set as the aircraft preflight checks ended. The tower reported: “cleared for take off.” The four engines of the vintage 1962 C-130E Hercules roared as the transport plane rumbled down the runway on its way to Iraq to deliver and pick up passengers and cargo. Aboard, loadmaster Tech.

American, Indian Airmen ‘mix it up’

For the first time, U.S. pilots faced the Indian Air Force’s most advanced, and newest, fighter -- the Su-30 MKI -- during an exercise Cope India 06 mission here. F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots Capt. Martin “Gabby” Mentch and 1st Lt. Robert “Pipes” Stimpson were the first to mix it up with the Su-30s

General Myers receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

President George Bush presented retired Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a White House ceremony today. General Myers, who stepped down as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Sept. 30, was one of 14 Americans honored with the nation's highest civilian award.

Exercise tests aircrews in virtual reality by linking simulators nationwide

The first nationwide virtual reality exercise, Virtual Flag 06, used networked simulators to create a realistic and cheap simulated battlespace to test aircrews and space and ground operators. The exercise, led by the Distributed Mission Operations Center here, ended Nov. 4. The networked simulators

Centers helps combat vets to cope

Combat veterans dealing with readjustment issues as they return home have a place to turn, thanks to a Department of Veterans Affairs initiative. The Vet Center program provides returning veterans with someone to talk to who can relate to their experiences. To date, readjustment counseling service

Maintainers keeping F-16s soaring over India

Cleaned, inspected and fully maintained, 12 neatly aligned F-16 Fighting Falcons stand poised for their daily battle. Beside them, their adversary -- an assortment of Indian Air Force MiGs, Mirages and Su-30s -- are also ready for the day’s dissimilar air combat training. The jets are all taking

Bagram Airmen spread cheer, share smiles

Airmen fighting the global war on terrorism from nearby Bagram Air Base took time to spread cheer and share smiles with the people of a village here. As part of an adopt-a-village visit Nov. 3, Airmen distributed more than 1,200 pounds of winter clothes, blankets, school supplies and toys, said

Changes on horizon for PME

The Air Force professional military education process has developed grade-related education and education opportunities that support specific jobs for officers. "On the enlisted side, the Air Force has long had a continuity of PME programs that are associated with rank advancement, but you also have

Development division helping equip security forces

The 820th Security Forces Group here reorganized itself and now includes a division dedicated to testing and evaluating new equipment for Airmen deploying to Iraq. The new combat development division -- created in mid-October -- aims to supply the group with more effective gear, while also saving

Newest vets get VA medical care priority

Some 120,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans receiving Department of Veterans Affairs medical care are getting top priority at some of the world's best-quality medical treatment, the secretary of Veterans Affairs said. R. James Nicholson spoke to the American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon

Health program will help returning troops

Servicemembers returning from deployments will now participate in a post-deployment health reassessment program that all the services are instituting. Defense Department officials said the new program will assess the health -- both physical and mental -- of servicemembers from 90 to 120 days after

Special ops reservist helping rebuild Iraqi air force

During a deployment to Iraq, Brig. Gen. Frank Padilla led a team of Air Force and coalition partner experts to plan for and help to rebuild a more robust and effective Iraqi air force. The group’s mission is to help the Iraqis establish the very best air force possible with the resources they have

Eagles, Raptors team to deter ‘attack’

Every day, F-15 Eagle instructor pilots here teach dozens of student pilots how to fight and win in combat. But the instructors rarely get a chance to showcase their own warfighting skills. Fortunately, some 1st Fighter Squadron instructors got a chance to test their skills against the toughest and

U.S., Indian Airmen take next step in growing relationship

The U.S. and Indian air forces opened the next chapter in their growing relationship when exercise Cope India 2006 began here Nov. 7.About 250 Airmen from Pacific Air Forces join several hundred of their Indian counterparts for the two-week, dissimilar air combat training exercise in which simulated

Airmen start deployment training early

Members of air expeditionary forces nine and 10 here began preparing for their deployment by learning essential combat skills. The 88th Air Base Wing readiness section started the expeditionary combat skills training course last month to cover the 19 hours of training troops need before deploying.

French finish coalition flying mission

After three months of flying support and combat sorties, the French air force successfully fulfilled its mission here today. The French air force flew Operation Enduring Freedom began close air support, armed reconnaissance and convoy-escort missions in support of the parliamentary elections in

Operation Ruthless Raven: OSI cracks down on drug smugglers

The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is heading up Operation Ruthless Raven, a joint task force to combat drug smuggling. Ruthless Raven Task Force goals are to identify vulnerabilities in the Air Force transportation and mail systems and to leverage internal and external capabilities to

CFC opened new frontiers for NASA scientist

Terry Morris was about 4 years old when his parents pushed him out the front door into the snow-covered streets of Chicago. They didn't want him to come back. In that world, the Windy City's newest homeless child found towering drifts, more ash gray than white and more ice than snow, instead of the

Center redesign promises to improve production

Continuous process improvement is alive and well at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center. For proof, look no further than the 76th Maintenance Wing's new F100 Business Unit being stood up as part of a landmark $500 million, 10-year process of transforming maintenance, repair and overhaul, or MRO,

Base fire department responds to unauthorized landing

Firefighters here responded to an unauthorized landing that took place Oct. 25 near the fire department’s truck maintenance area. The flyer was taken into custody, and when he responded to interrogators’ questions with unintelligible clicks and whistles, he was placed in a cage and given nothing but

7th Fighter Squadron vet receives medals

Sixty years after serving in the Army Air Corps, a 7th Fighter Squadron pilot received a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal. First Lieutenant James Costley, a P-38 pilot in World Word II, received the last of his military decorations in front of three generations of his family, friends and

Military postal agency offers advice for holiday mail

"Pack it well" and "mail it early" are two tips a military postal official offered today for holiday mail being sent to servicemembers overseas. The Defense Department announced recommended holiday mail dates Oct. 31. The first deadline occurs Nov. 12 for parcel post items headed overseas to APO and

Afghanistan’s busiest runway undergoes repairs as mission continues

Age, weather and more than 3,000 operations every week take their toll on the busiest runway in Afghanistan. Without a continual effort to repair the runway here, the mission would virtually come to a halt. A nine-man spall-repair team from the 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron spends more

Training teaches medics how to 'operate' in hostile areas

A Tyndall Airman quickly took a position in the dirt and aimed his M-16 rifle as a group of suspicious-looking men carrying AK-47 assault rifles hid behind a bush.However, the men left without incident and the Airman avoided a potentially deadly firefight. This may sound like a dangerous

Airmen bring airpower to Central American air shows

Approximately 150 Airmen and 14 Air Force aircraft brought airpower to Central America Oct. 23 to 30 to participate in two international air shows, as part of U.S. Southern Command’s cooperation efforts with Guatemala and El Salvador. Under the direction of U.S. Southern Command Air Forces

Joint Fires Center of Excellence begins training

The Joint Fires Center of Excellence opened its doors Oct. 17 as the U.S. military’s only Europe-based joint firepower education center. The U.S. Air Forces in Europe-inspired initiative is designed to enhance close air support operations by providing a convenient training environment for

DoD web page supports President's plans against pandemic flu

The Defense Department's deployment health officials have posted a Web page as part of President Bush's strategy to combat the possibility of a flu pandemic. Officials said the page includes frequently asked questions, information geared to servicemembers and links to other resources. The president

Air Force authorizes Berlin Airlift streamers

Nearly 60 years after the operation, Air Force units involved in the Berlin Airlift are now authorized a new streamer to add to their unit guidons. “A question was raised to Dick Anderegg (the Air Force historian) a couple months ago if the Berlin Airlift was a campaign, and if so, do we have a

UAVs hunt ponderosa pine parasites

Researchers in the Academy’s Department of Biology here are developing a low-cost solution to detect infected trees using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. There are more than 9,884 acres of woodland forest on the academy, dominated by ponderosa pine trees. Several years of severe drought thinned the forest

Airmen learn Army skills

A new battle cry has been heard around the ranges and barracks here. Instead of the all too familiar ‘HOOAH,’ a strange and new guttural chant is catching on -- ‘AIRRP!’ The men and women who use the new phrase, which means ‘air power,’ are taking part in a joint effort which teaches Army skills to

'Open the air base' unit returns from successful desert trial

Say you need to move troops to a war zone in some isolated region or relief supplies to a devastated area, and you need to do it in a hurry. Who do you call? The men and women of the 816th Contingency Response Group have a simple answer: "Call us." From Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to the recent

Air Force introduces new helicopter for pilot training

The Air Force will rollout the TH-1H helicopter at the home of pilot instructor training and Headquarters Air Education and Training Command on Nov. 5 in conjunction with the base's 75th anniversary and 2005 air show. The TH-1H, the latest version of the UH-1H Huey, has undergone an extensive

Airman completes mission with pride, satisfaction

As he completes his tour of duty at this small, forward-deployed desert air base, Master Sgt. James Royuela looks back with satisfaction and pride knowing his hard work directly contributed to the overall success of coalition forces fighting the global war on terror. Sergeant Royuela, a 1988

Combat communications answers the call

They can set up communications to anywhere in the world from anywhere in the world. They can take a strip of land and turn it into an airfield capable of carrying out military or relief missions, but for now, members of the elite 5th Combat Communications Group are at a former Soviet republic making