New aggressor units expand training capabilities

Unit changes at Nellis and Eielson Air Force bases have resulted in two wings that, together, create better opportunities for Air Force pilots to train for combat against potential adversaries. In January, the 65th Aggressor Squadron was reactivated under the 57th Adversary Tactics Group at Nellis

3 graduate from new C-5 schoolhouse at Lackland

Three Airmen walked away from Kelly Field here secure in the knowledge that they were each the first in their class -- the first to complete training at this new C-5 Galaxy Formal Training Unit Complex. The new aircrew members consisted of flight engineer Senior Airman Raymond Montanino, and pilots

Portland reservists remember King 56 crew

The Air Force Reserve has found a new home for a memorial created in honor of 10 former Portland reservists. Officials from the 939th Air Refueling Wing will re-dedicate the memorial in a ceremony Nov. 17 at Willamette National Cemetery. The black granite marble stone monument was dedicated to the

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 16

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 16.In Afghanistan Nov. 15, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Oruzgan. An Air Force B-1

AFSO 21 driven by Airmen ingenuity

Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century took another step forward at Headquarters Air Mobility Command in October. A mobility air forces strategy team of nearly two dozen military and civilian subject matter experts identified a number of overarching processes that could be streamlined. AFSO

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 15

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 15. In Afghanistan Nov. 14, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad and Qalat. The

Air Force awards $1.4 million contract to Virginia firm

The Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate awarded a $1,465,002 contract Nov. 13 to Active Computing Inc. of Herndon, Va. The three-year agreement, "Assessing and Operationalizing COORDINATORs," is funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, of Arlington, Va.,

A-10s get attention after returning from combat

When Air Force reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing arrived home from a four-month deployment to Afghanistan in September, they were given time-off to recuperate and adjust to life back home. The Air Force calls this time-off period "reconstitution." The same is true for the wing's A-10

Boeing X-45A unmanned combat vehicle on display

The Boeing X-45A unmanned combat air vehicle was officially inducted into the National Museum of the United States Air Force collection during a ceremony Nov. 13. "The X-45A is a prime example of an air vehicle that points to the future of our Air Force," said retired Maj. Gen. Charles D. Metcalf,

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 14

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 14. In Afghanistan Nov. 13, Navy F/A-18 Hornets conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Oruzgan. The F/A-18s expended guided bomb unit-12s on enemy targets. Navy F/A-18 and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers

Turkey-based Airmen saving troops' lives in Iraq

Hundreds of miles away from the war zone, the efforts of Airmen here are helping keep Iraq-based troops off dangerous convoy routes that are plagued with roadside bombs and sniper attacks. By flying critical supplies via C-17 Globemaster III from this eastern Turkey air base directly to

USAFE's 1st AFSO 21 manager to 'Lean' up Spangdahlem

Spangdahlem Air Base is the first base in U.S. Air Forces in Europe to have a full-time program manager for Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century. The overarching goals here are to implement a change in culture and the way people think and do their jobs, officials said. Base officials also

Services officials announce 2006 club membership scholarship winners

Six individuals have been selected to receive a combined total of $25,000 in scholarship money given away in the Air Force Club Membership Scholarship Program.  It is the 10th consecutive year for the program.Scholarships are provided through a sponsorship agreement with CHASE Bank. Club members and

Air Force declassifies elite aggressor program

After decades of secrecy, Air Force officials acknowledged Nov. 13 that Communist-built fighters were flown at the Tonopah Test Range northwest of Las Vegas, Nev. From 1977 through 1988, the program, known as Constant Peg, saw Air Force, Navy and Marine aircrews flying against Soviet-designed MiG

Air Force, Navy wrap up joint mine exercise

B-52 Stratofortress aircrews assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and Sailors with the Navy's Mobile Mine Assembly Unit 8 completed a week-long joint sea mine-laying exercise here Nov. 3. The 10-sortie exercise marked the largest number of weapons released by B-52s since they

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 13

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 13.In Afghanistan Nov. 12, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The Predator expended Hellfire missiles on enemy targets. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and Royal

Lean principles contribute to missile success

The members of the 309th Missile Maintenance Group completed assembly of Minuteman booster No. 75-939 Nov. 7, marking two years of early or on-time deliveries by the unit. The unit has maintained its completion and delivery record by using Lean principles, which helped organize work areas and remove

Air Force captain honored during remembrance day parade

The Royal Air Force Habbaniya Association honored Air Force Capt. Jutta Cortes by obtaining "exceptional permission" for her to march in the annual Remembrance Day Parade near the Cenotaph in London. Captain Cortes earned the honor after she responded to a special request from the association's

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 12

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 12. In Afghanistan Nov. 11, Navy F/A-18Cs and F/A-18Fs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The F/A-18Cs expended

Football: Irish trounce Air Force 39-17

Forget about the luck of the Irish -- Notre Dame didn't need any. The No. 9 and 8 ranked team in the land (depending on poll preference) let their superior playmaking ability take over. Heisman Trophy candidate Brady Quinn threw four touchdown passes to four different receivers, including one on the

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 11

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 11.In Afghanistan Nov. 10, an Air Force Predator conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The Predator expended Hellfire missiles on enemy targets.Air Force A-10 Thunderbolts and a B-1B Lancer

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 10

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 10. In Afghanistan Nov. 9, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Khvajeh Khezar. The B-1B expended guided bomb unit-31s on enemy targets. Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers and U.S.

Raptor wing does not forget its past on road to future

Though a unit's past might be dotted with a book full of famous Air Force firsts, over the decades, its Airmen tend to forget that. And sometimes, living up to a fabled heritage is just not an easy thing to do. That is one reason Brig. Gen. Burt Field does not let the people of the 1st Fighter Wing

1st Fighter Wing units have traveled the world

The units of the 1st Pursuit Group and 1st Fighter Wing have been assigned around the world in their nine-decade history.Groups and Date Assigned Toul, France, May 5, 1918 Touquin, France, June 28, 1918 Saints, France, July 9, 1918 Rembercourt, France, Sept. 1, 1918 Colombey-les-Belles, France, Dec.

Shield's history dates back to 1924

The emblem of the 1st Pursuit Group, designed with the unit's history in mind, was approved on Jan. 21, 1924, by the Adjutant General.The green and black colors represented the colors of the Army Air Service. The five stripes signified the original five flying squadrons, and the five crosses

Langley home of 1st Fighter Wing

As the host unit here, the 1st Fighter Wing operates and maintains one of the largest fighter bases in Air Combat Command. The wing flies the F-22A Raptor and F-15 Eagle. The 1st FW's mission is to: "Train, organize and equip expeditionary Airmen; deploy, fight and win; provide world-class support

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 9

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 9. In Afghanistan Nov. 8, an Air Force RQ-1 Predator flew an air strike against Taliban extremists near Oruzgan. The Predator fired a Hellfire missile on an enemy target. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided

1st Fighter Wing lays claim to numerous accomplishments

The name says it all -- 1st Fighter Wing. As the first air combat unit organized under the U.S. Army air arm 80 years ago, the wing can make claim to many historic accomplishments.The study of the 1st FW's history is comparable to examining the history of air power itself. The groaning of wooden

Storied leaders have led mighty 1st

The list of commanders of the 1st Pursuit Group and 1st Fighter Wing reads like a "Who's Who of the Air Force," and includes aviation pioneers, wartime heroes and future Air Force chiefs of staff.Group Commanders and Dates Assigned Maj. Bert M. Atkinson, May 5, 1918 Maj. Harold E. Hartney, Aug. 21,

Firsts of the 1st Fighter Wing

During its nine decades of service, the 1st Fighter Wing carved its niche in U.S. air history.For its part, the 1st FW was:-- The first U.S. group-level unit to enter air combat.-- The first U.S. unit to destroy an enemy aircraft in World War I. -- The parent unit of the first recipient of the Medal

1st Fighter Wing's battle honors numerous

The campaign participation credits and battlefield honors for the 1st Pursuit Group and 1st Fighter Wing are numerous.World War I Battle Honors Awarded to the 1st Pursuit Group Lorraine (defensive sector) Champagne (defensive sector) Champagne-Marne, July 15-18, 1918 Aisne-Marne, July 18 to Aug. 6,

DOD committed to taking care of military families

The one overiding lesson of the all-volunteer force is the importance of the military family, a top Defense Department official said here Nov. 7. And DOD has learned the lesson, said Michael Dominguez, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.November is Military Family

Remains identified as Air Force reservist

Remains discovered off the California coast in September have been positively identified as that of an Air Force reservist and passenger on an HC-130 cargo aircraft, call sign King 56, that crashed into the Pacific Ocean 10 years ago. Staff Sgt. Jonathan R. Leonard was on board King 56 when it went

Combat skills training is a must for today's Airmen

Since Airmen are taking on more non-traditional rolls and missions in deployed locations, the need for individual combat skills is imperative. Airmen selected to deploy for Air Expeditionary Force Cycle 5 and 6 from the 15th Airlift Wing recently took the three-day Expeditionary Combat Skills

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 8

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 8 In Afghanistan Nov. 7, Navy F/A-18 Hornets and Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

Falcons, Irish salute fallen Airmen

When Air Force and Notre Dame football players butt heads Saturday afternoon in front of a sellout, Veterans Day crowd in Colorado Springs, and a national television audience on College Sports TV, their helmets will sport a tribute to Airmen past and present who've sacrificed for freedom.

C-130 crew honored with Mackay Trophy

Five C-130 Hercules crewmembers were recognized during a ceremony in Arlington, Va., Nov. 6 by the Air Force and the National Aeronautic Association when they were presented with the 2005 Clarence Mackay Trophy. Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. John D. W. Corley presented the trophy to Maj.

Air Force adopting new news-delivery method

The ongoing reduction in the number of Air Force people will mean changes in the way people get Air Force news. Public affairs staff members, who produce newspapers at most Air Force installations, are shifting their focus for news delivery to the World Wide Web. Printed newspapers will still be

Rescuers learn to make order out of chaos

In August 2003, a truck bomb exploded at the United Nations headquarters in downtown Baghdad, collapsing three floors of the four-story building. Hundreds of people died. Hundreds more were trapped under collapsed rebar, steel and concrete. Tech Sgt. Andrew Canfield, lead Air Force Reserve Command

Exchange program enhances coalition operations

Northwest Florida is gaining worldwide recognition through a program that makes local Air Force bases the training grounds for covert coalition aircraft operations.The program, known as Combined Special Operations Forces Subject Matter Expert Exchange, is a concept that came to life on a large scale

Veterans Day special: Veterans share war experiences

The year was 1967. First Lt. Marko Milakovich stood on the side of Budda Mountain, about 10 miles from Quang Nhia in South Vietnam. The 25-year-old was on a site survey and had a weapons carrier and six Army bodyguards for safety. As he stood on the mountainside, leaflets fluttered to the ground

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 7

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 7.In Afghanistan Nov. 6, Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Qanat-e Hazrat. The F/A-18s expended

Active associate unit to be established at Scott AFB

As part of the Air Force Total Force Integration initiatives, an active associate unit will be established with Air Force Reserve Command's 932nd Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., in 2007. The Air Force Reserve unit will receive three C-40 aircraft the same year. Under the active associate

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 6

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 6.In Afghanistan Nov. 5, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and a B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Gereshk.

Web site works with Airmen to deliver care packages

In August 2003, a Maryland family started the AnySoldier.com Web site as a way for people to support deployed Soldiers. Two years later, the family created separate sites to help those in the sister services. Their site for those in the Air Force, AnyAirman.com, lists Airmen who volunteered as

Guard, Manas crews exemplify total force integration

The 141st Air Refueling Wing unit from the Washington Air National Guard rotated home this week after a successful two and a half week tour here. Although their stay was short, the mission accomplishments speak for themselves, said Lt. Col. Michael Gaal, 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 4

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 4. In Afghanistan Nov. 3, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and B-1B Lancers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Gangikhel. The B-1Bs

Sergeant is one of a kind

When this sergeant says he is one of a kind he really means it. Master Sgt. Daniel Norwood is the Air Force's only military gunsmith and is the shop supervisor of the Army and Air National Guard marksmanship unit here. The Air National Guard has one position for a gunsmith and since 1991 it has been

Ellsworth first base to enter environmental program

Ellsworth Air Force Base has become the first Air Force-owned installation to accept membership into the Environmental Protection Agency's Performance Track program. During a special ceremony Oct. 31, Robert Roberts, EPA regional administrator, in presenting Ellsworth officials with Performance

Airmen receive trophies for maintenance excellence

Two Airmen earned trophies and praise here for their abilities to keep Air Force aircraft flying and munitions ready for the mission.Master Sgt. Timothy Kellner, 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, and Capt. Abigail Ruscetta, 16th AMXS, Hurlburt Field, Fla., were honored with

109th Airlift Wing commemorates first South Pole landing

An LC-130 Hercules from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing touched down at the South Pole on Oct. 30 to commemorate the first plane landing there 50 years ago. On Oct. 31, 1956, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Gus Shinn landed a ski-equipped R4D-5 (a Navy version of the DC-3) named "Que Sera Sera"

Airmen work, live with Iraqi Army at remote desert base

Tucked in a valley between the Euphrates River and some of the most dangerous territory in Iraq is an oasis in the middle of the desert -- Camp Habbaniyah. The British operated at this location from 1934 through 1959, when it was known as Royal Air Force Habbaniyah. Forty-seven years later, the

Training Is essential, even downrange

An old military adage states that troops must train like they fight. This remains true, even while deployed to austere environments and in less-than-favorable conditions. Service members assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa train almost daily to hone their skills in use of weapons,

Army praises AFMC units for future battlefield improvements

Two Air Force Materiel Command units -- the Air Force Research Laboratory's Human Effectiveness Directorate and the Aeronautical Systems Center Special Operations Forces Systems Group -- recently teamed with the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center's Future Force Warrior Advanced Technology Demonstration

PCS policy could extend officer assignments to four years

Some officers now could spend as many as four years at a duty station before getting a new assignment. Air Force officials are looking for ways to reduce the number of permanent change-of-station moves for officers, particularly for those in the United States. By extending the average assignment

2006 election message from secretary of defense

The following is an election message from Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld:On Nov. 7, Americans will elect 33 U.S. senators, the entire U.S. House of Representatives, 37 state governors and thousands of state and local officials. All eligible citizens can participate. You don't have to be

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 1

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 1. In Afghanistan Oct. 31, an Air Force Predator conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The Predator expended a Hellfire missile on enemy targets. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided

Reserve to expand associate role with Shaw F-16 unit

As part of the Air Force Total Force Integration initiatives, Air Force Reserve Command is teaming up with Air Combat Command to expand its associate presence with additional F-16 pilots at the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., in fiscal 2008. Air Combat Command's 20th FW flies three

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 31

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 31.In Afghanistan Oct. 30, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The A-10s expended

Manas medics provide training to Bishkek hospital employees

Three local hospitals in Bishkek are getting more than $10 million in medical supplies and equipment from the U.S., and members of the 376th Expeditionary Medical Group here are assisting in the effort by training hospital personnel to use some of the new equipment. Col. Howard Hayes, 376 EMDG

Joint Forces experiment points to way of the future

The Urban Resolve 2015 experiment, which ended Oct. 26, focused on how military operations can bring about stability in cities without destroying them. Dave Ozolek, executive director of the Joint Futures Lab at U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Va., said Urban Resolve was the most "complex and

Maintenance unit moves fuel on time

Delivering fuel to the warfighters in Afghanistan takes on a personal meaning for the 376th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's KC-135 Aircraft Maintenance Unit Airmen. "We know how important fuel is to the fight," said Tech. Sgt. John Lipkea, KC-135 AMU specialist expeditor. "You can't

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 30

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 30. In Afghanistan Oct. 29, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kajah Ulva. The A-10s

Airmen work to provide security for incoming vessels

Before a U.S. naval vessel is secured to a pier in Djibouti City's port, a joint team has already been at work preparing a safe berthing. The planning begins with the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa's Anti-terrorism/ Force Protection Office coordinating with the U.S. Embassy, the Djiboutian

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 29

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 29. In Afghanistan Oct. 28, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Payendi. The A-10s dropped

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 28

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 28. In Afghanistan Oct. 27, a U.S. Air Force B-1B provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Gangikhel. The B-1B dropped Guided

DoD selects Air Force civilian for disabled employee award

The beginning of the award reads, "outstanding DoD employee," defining a career marked by a strong work ethic and many achievements before mentioning the life-threatening injury that changed his world 11 years ago. Paul Gabriel, an electronics engineer at Aeronautical Systems Center's Engineering

Air Force recognizes outstanding real estate professionals

At the annual Air Force Real Estate Awards ceremony held during the Air Force Real Estate Workshop on Oct. 19, two Air Force real estate professionals and one real estate office were recognized for their accomplishments. Karen Pate, a real property accountable officer from Cannon Air Force Base, N.

Air Force major works 'down under' in support of mission

While the air show here ended Oct. 22 and the C-17 Globemaster III crew from Hawaii headed back to their home at Hickam Air Force Base, one U.S. Airman remained -- not because he missed the flight home, but because he's already home.Maj. James Hearn, commander of Detachment 1 of the 735th Air

Deployed group tightens bonds as deployed squadron

The Airmen of the 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadron have an advantage when it comes to treating casualties -- they are all from the same home team. Deployed here from the 48th Medical Group at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. the doctors, nurses and technicians who have spent the last six

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 27

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 27.In Afghanistan Oct. 26, an Air Force B1-B Lancer and A-10 Tunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

Fairchild unit saves woman in Idaho

A woman missing in the Harvard, Idaho, area since the afternoon of Oct. 24 was found Oct. 25 by the 36th Rescue Flight here. The Latah County Sheriff's Office requested the Air Force's help early on Oct. 25, said Capt. Kevin Burns, a pilot with the 36th RQF. A UH-1N Huey helicopter took off from

California Air Guardsmen save life in Mexico

Air Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing here conducted a successful medical evacuation of a U.S. citizen in La Paz, Mexico, Oct. 24 while Tropical Storm Paul brewed off the southern coast of the Baja Peninsula. Responding to the call from the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center based out of

Air Guard unit shows off its 'Steel City Pride'

Green Lightning exercise strengthens U.S., Australian ties

Two B-52 Stratofortress bombers of the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron completed a long-range training sortie from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to Australia's Delamere Air Weapons Range in the Northern Territory Oct. 24. This "Green Lightning" sortie is only the second of its kind, continuing a

Duty brings out best in Balad hospital volunteers

A patient being rolled into Balad Air Base's Air Force Theatre Hospital should not be surprised if the Airman holding the IV bag is an F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief.And, if the patient is a little uneasy about that, there likely is an air traffic controller or an administrative specialist standing

Charleston Aerial Port Squadron 'Leans' forward

Members of the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here have leaned forward to streamline processes to save money while getting vital equipment to the warfighter faster. Using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century, 437th APS officials re-evaluated several of their workflow processes and developed

Misawa units strengthened by Total Force

Air National Guard and Reserve Airmen support various missions throughout the Air Force, and it is no exception here.In units like the 35th Security Forces Squadron, the active duty strength is complemented by Air Guard or Reserve support. "The Guard and Reserve members currently attached to

Emerald Warrior kicks off at Hurlburt Field

Emerald Warrior '07, Air Force Special Operations Command's first joint coalition exercise focused on training Air Force, Army and allied units in missions directly related to the war on terrorism, kicked off here Oct. 24. Emerald Warrior '07, the first exercise completely planned by AFSOC, is also

Air Force wins 12th straight Service Academy Golf Classic

With two of its players occupying the top two spots, the Air Force Academy golf team captured the win at the 14th-annual Service Academy Golf Classic, being held at the par-72 Trophy Club Golf Course here.The Falcons, who now have won the Reemtsma Trophy for 12 consecutive years, finished the

AIA names 'Best of the Best' during Sensor Olympics

The Air Intelligence Agency's 27th annual Sensor Olympics was held at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Oct. 19. During the banquet, the top three enlisted technicians from each of the 23 career fields within AIA were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals. "Each year, we come together as an

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 24

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 23. In Afghanistan Oct 23, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

Centralized repair facility saves time, money

Maintainers measure an aircraft tire's usability by inspecting for wear and visible cords. "A good tire will last up to 120 landings," said Master Sgt. Charles Miller, a shop chief assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron. "After that, it's time to get it replaced, or the tire treads

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 23

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 23.In Afghanistan Oct. 22, an Air Force B-1 Lancer and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near

COMUSAFE builds on U.S.-Romania relationship

The road ahead for the partnering of U.S. and Romanian air forces continues on the fast-track after a visit Oct. 19 and 20 by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, who met with key Romanian officials. Gen. Tom Hobbins traveled to Romania for a firsthand look at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, where

DOD celebrates 2006 Red Ribbon Week

Department of Defense officials will celebrate the 2006 Red Ribbon Week beginning Oct 23 with an 11 a.m. awards ceremony in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes. John P. Walters, the director of the national drug control policy, will present Gordon England, the deputy secretary of defense, the award for

Pay chief discusses new defense bill's military compensation

With the 2.2 percent across-the-board pay raise that is part of the Fiscal 2007 National Defense Authorization Act, the Defense Department will reach its goal to bring military basic pay to the 70th percentile when compared to civilians with comparable education and training, a top DOD compensation

Wilford Hall receives national honors

The Wilford Hall Medical Center staff here earned the U.S. Health and Human Services Medal of Honor Oct. 20. The medal is awarded to hospitals that have achieved at least a 75 percent donation rate as part of the national organ donation initiative launched in April 2003. The national average

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 20

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 20.In Afghanistan Oct. 19, a U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Sangay Ghar. The B-1 expended

Balad Airman earns national air traffic control honors

When the Air Traffic Control Association announced its annual air traffic control awards earlier this month, one of Balad AB's own was acknowledged. Senior Airman Joshua Matias, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron air traffic control apprentice, was named the 2006 ATCA Lingiam Odems

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 18

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 18.In Afghanistan Oct. 17, Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Gereshk. The GR-7s expended rockets on enemy targets. RAF GR-7s provided close-air support to

A-10 upgrade effort transforms Warthog capabilities

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, also nicknamed the Warthog, is sharpening its teeth with a $168 million upgrade effort for the entire fleet. Managed by the 642nd Aeronautical Systems Squadron at Aeronautical Systems Center here, the A/OA-10 is in the early stages of a five-year upgrade for all 356

Ellsworth energy team saves money, earns award

A five-person Ellsworth AFB team saved the base $470,000 in total energy costs for fiscal 2005 and received a 2006 Federal Energy and Water Management Award Oct. 5 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. This U.S. Department of Energy award recognizes the annual achievements in the category

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 17

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 17.In Afghanistan Oct. 16, Navy F/A-18 Hornets conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Band-e Kajaki. The F/A-18s expended Guided Bomb Unit-12s on enemy targets. Navy F/A-18s provided close-air support

Energy, water efficiency earn Air Force bases awards

Saving energy and money, while helping the environment, earned the Air Force several Federal Energy and Water Management Awards for 2006. The awards, sponsored by the Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program, are given annually to recognize outstanding contributions toward increased

DOD to resume anthrax vaccinations

The Department of Defense announced Oct. 16 a resumption of the mandatory Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program (AVIP) for military members, emergency-essential DOD civilians and contractors, based on defined geographic areas or roles. For the most part, mandatory vaccinations are limited to military

AMC declares C-130J operational

Air Mobility Command officials declared Initial Operational Capability for the C-130J, the Air Force's premier intratheater airlifter. The October declaration is the result of an extensive effort by the total force team to meet specific IOC criteria.Some of the specific requirements for the C-130J

Airman killed during combat operations in Iraq

Airman First Class Leebernard E. Chavis, assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, was killed by enemy gunfire Oct. 14 in the vicinity of Baghdad, Iraq. Airman Chavis, age 21, was performing duties as a member of a U.S. military police training team supporting Iraqi police at the

CENTAF airpower summary for Oct. 16

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 16. In Afghanistan Oct. 15, French Mirage 2000Ds and an Air Force B1-B Lancer provided close air support to International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Gangikhel. The

CENTAF airpower summary for Oct. 15

In Afghanistan Oct. 14, Navy F/A-18Cs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Band-e Kajaki. The F/A-18Cs dropped a Guided Bomb Unit-38 and GBU-12s on enemy positions. A B-1B Lancer provided close-air support to