AMC commander: Global mobility aircraft saving lives in Iraq

Mobility aircraft in Iraq and Afghanistan are helping keep Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors out of harm's way. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, Air Mobility Command commander, said C-130 Hercules

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 27

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 27.In Afghanistan Sept. 26, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Mandagal Sufla. The following close-air support requests supported

Support agencies ease deployed Airmen's return

Family and friends welcomed the safe return Sept. 24 of several Airmen who were deployed in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. After spending time with their families, the Airmen returned to the base the next morning to process through a "reintegration" line at Laughlin's

Special operations mission grows on several fronts

The commander of Air Force Special Operations Command spoke at the 2006 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26 about the importance and growth of special operation forces. "We're growing on a lot of different fronts," said Lt. Gen. Michael W.

National Guard and Reserve mobilized as of Sept. 27

This week, the Air Force announced an increase in the number of reservists on active duty in support of the partial mobilization. The Army, Navy and Marine Corps had a decrease. The Coast Guard number remained the same. The net collective result is 496 fewer reservists mobilized than last week. At

Reductions necessary to recapitalize today's service

Reducing the number of Airmen in the service is never easy business, but it's absolutely necessary to recapitalize today's service, said the Air Force's top personnel officer Sept. 26 at the annual Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference here. "This is a challenging time for all people in

Secretary, chief reiterate need for new tanker

The Air Force must start buying new tankers now since it will take decades to replace its aging KC-135 Stratotankers, the Air Force secretary said. Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne said the service cannot buy its next fleet of tankers -- as yet to be determined -- any faster than the Air Force

Schriever Airmen assume GPS satellite responsibilities

Airmen from the 1st Space Operations Squadron here assumed launch and early orbit responsibilities for Global Positioning System IIR-M 15 shortly after it lifted off Sept. 25 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The satellite's journey of 11,000 miles began as its Delta II rocket lifted off a

Ramstein team aids peacekeeping mission in Darfur

Ramstein Airmen flew with a Botswana C-130 aircrew to the Darfur region Sept. 23 and 24 to support the African Union peacekeeping mission. Two C-130 Hercules crewmembers from the 86th Operations Support Squadron, aerial port Airmen from the 86th Air Mobility Squadron, and a force protection

Investigation continues into collision in Kyrgyzstan

A safety investigation board has convened to determine the cause of a collision between a Kyrgyz TU-154 passenger plane and an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker on the airfield at Manas International Airport Sept. 26. "Our primary concern was for the safety of the passengers and crew of both aircraft,"

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 28

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 28.In Afghanistan Sept. 27, Navy F/A-18Fs provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Gilan. The following close-air support requests supported NATO forces operating as

AFMC vice commander testifies on new personnel system

The recent implementation of the National Security Personnel System Spiral 1.1, at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., was the focus as Lt. Gen. Terry Gabreski, Air Force Materiel Command vice commander, spoke before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Sept. 20.It was the

Deployed operations

President hosts Pakistani, Afghan presidents

The U.S. and free countries in the Middle East need to work together to stop the spread of terrorism and ensure a hopeful future for the region, President George W. Bush said here Sept. 27 before attending a dinner with the presidents of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The meeting with Afghan President

Scott Airmen come down with the Blues

For many professional sports teams, summer training camp includes grueling exercises, early wake-up calls and countless hours of practice. Before their season kickoff, St. Louis Blues hockey players didn't expect to be low-crawling at Scott Air Force Base. The Blues visited Scott AFB Sept. 25 and 26

Air Force undertaking force transformation initiatives

The Air Force has changed direction in its effort to fulfill its legal requirements to organize, train and equip a flying force. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 27, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley explained how

23rd 'Flying Tigers' to become host wing at Moody

The "Flying Tigers" will be brought back from the past as the 347th Rescue Wing will be redesignated as the 23rd Wing during a ceremony here at 8:23 a.m. Sept. 29. Brig. Gen. Blair E. Hansen, vice commander of 9th Air Force at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., will preside over the redesignation ceremony

Last U.S. servicemembers to leave Iceland Sept. 30

A 65-year segment of history ends Sept. 30, when the last American servicemembers based in Iceland will leave the country. U.S. servicemembers will continue to work with, train with and operate with their NATO ally, but troops will not be based in the island nation, said Thomas F. Hall, assistant

Commissary agency: 15 years of service, 140 years of history

The Defense Commissary Agency will mark its 15th anniversary Oct. 1.Congress and the Department of Defense created DeCA in 1991 by consolidating the military services' retail grocery operations into one organization. "With sales of over $5 billion, all 'at cost' to our customers, this agency

F-35 centerpiece for international partnership

The F-35 Lightning II aircraft brings new capability to the Air Force, but also serves as a centerpiece for international cooperation. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26, Brig. Gen. Charles R. Davis, deputy program executive

Air Force will get new bomber, upgrades to fighters

The Air Force is looking to get a "next generation" long-range bomber by 2018, according to the commander of Air Combat Command. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 27, Gen. Ronald E. Keys, the ACC commander, told reporters the

Reserve, Guard leaders speak at AFA convention

Both the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard's top leaders spoke to attendees of the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26. Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, Air Force Reserve Command commander, and Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, Air National Guard

Yokota shares its sky with Japanese airliners

Traveling can be a hectic task, but officials here are helping ease the stress and headaches of today's travelers. The Road Map to Realignment is a group of initiatives designed to help future operations between U.S. and Japanese forces. One of the initiatives under this agreement is changing Yokota

PRT breaks ground on $3 million road project

The Air Force-led Bagram Provincial Reconstruction team officially started a new road system Sept. 28 in the Kapisa province that will connect all districts and the provincial capitol. The contract is the first of its kind in Afghanistan and was awarded to Shams Construction Company of Kabul during

Building a wall of hope at Ground Zero

Earlier this year, base firefighter Gerard Reheiser created a painting on a tile to commemorate 9/11. Mr. Reheiser entered the tile in a contest sponsored by Tiles for America at a store in Woodstock, Ga., that not only won the contest, but also is now part of a permanent display at Ground Zero in

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Sept. 29

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 29.In Afghanistan Sept. 28, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Enjar Ghar. The A-10s made passes and expended cannon rounds.

USAFE commander honors German military

By standing their ground for more than three years as sentinels of U.S. Air Forces in Europe installations, departing German servicemembers have not only kept Airmen and their families safe, but also enabled their American counterparts to more effectively engage in the war on terrorism. "Dear

Command, control squadron inactivates at Offutt AFB

The 55th Mobile Command and Control Squadron here was officially inactivated Sept. 27 after 28 years of service. For nearly three decades the men and women of the 55th MCCS have kept a quiet vigil, preparing for the day when the fate of the nation might depend on their ability to provide a

How well do you know your fellow Airmen?

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley discusses how to "Take Care of Airmen" in his latest Chief's View on Air Force Link.The chief addresses an Airman's role as a supervisor or wingman."We need to get to know our Airmen and their families -- know where they're from, why they joined

Weather agency helps commanders with mission decisions

Before flying to support ground forces or attack a target, Air Force and Army pilots run through a lengthy preflight checklist. Getting a go from Air Force weather forecasters is on the list twice. The meteorological data used by combat weather forecasters is collected by the Air Force Weather

Lancer preparations

F-4 Phantom shares road with cars in Japan

An aircraft sharing the street with cars is a rare sight. But if you've ever wondered how display aircraft get to where they are, that's exactly what may happen.Roads had to be closed and several people were needed to walk with a retired F-4 Phantom here Sept. 27 to help ensure it arrived safely at

'Spouses to Teachers' program expands to Europe

Starting Oct. 1, military spouses in Europe interested in teaching can participate in the Department of Defense Spouses to Teachers program, which until now had been only available stateside. The program's services include information on state-specific educational requirements, teaching credentials

USO honors servicemembers for heroism

The United Service Organizations celebrated its 65th anniversary Sept. 28 and honored troops from each branch of the military for heroism. "We are thankful that we are defended by men and women of character and courage, and we are grateful to all the USO volunteers to work to entertain them,"

VPP promotes safer, healthier work environment

Tinker Air Force Base is one of nine Air Force installations that will implement the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Program in an effort to reduce the number of work-related injuries and illnesses. Recently mandated by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, the

Oct. 1 effective date for Air Force uniform changes

There will be noticeable changes with the Air Force uniform Oct. 1, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley said. Three changes include doing away with enlisted shoulder board ranks and introducing a new physical training uniform and an insignia. The Air Force introduced shoulder board

McConnell Airmen 'Stand Down' for homeless veterans

At any given time the Air Force has thousands of personnel deployed supporting the war on terrorism. Decades ago, it was the Vietnam conflict and the Korean War. What happened to the veterans who fought for our nation then? Some of those veterans who now find themselves homeless made their way to

Bush signs bill funding war on terror

President Bush on Sept. 29 signed into law H.R. 5631, the "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007," which appropriates the funds needed to fight the war on terror, advance other U.S. interests abroad, and support the armed forces. The bill includes an additional $70 billion in emergency

President praises troops on front lines of terror war

There's no doubt of victory in the terror war -- not just because the United States is committed to seeing it through, but also because of the quality of the troops carrying it out, President George W. Bush told the Reserve Officers Association here Sept. 29. "We can have confidence in the outcome

Falcons home opener a true blue success

Air Force football fans were rewarded for their patience Sept. 30 as the Falcons' long-awaited home opener resulted in a 24-7 bluesuiter victory over the University of New Mexico Lobos at Falcon Stadium. Head coach Fisher DeBerry's troops wasted little time taking command of the Mountain West

Rockies honor military

The Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., honor guard stands at attention along with Soldiers from Fort Carson, Colo., during the Colorado Rockies Military Appreciation Day Sep. 28 at Coors Field in Denver. More than 18,000 fans were treated to a fly-over by F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Colorado Air

55th Wing fulfills mission tasks from borrowed airfield

Every day nearly 450 Airmen from the 55th Wing take the bus to work -- making an hour-long ride that takes them 50 miles away from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The wing moved airfield operations and support agencies to the Lincoln Air Park ramp in May to continue flying missions remotely while

Koa Lightning sharpens B-52 aircrews' war fighting skills

The B-52 aircrews of the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., are keeping their war fighting skills sharp as part of the United States' continuous bomber presence in the Pacific region. A highlight of the "Barons" first 30 days at Andersen

Siblings honor brother's sacrifice

At a small rural church 10 miles from here, friends and family members gathered to honor 1st Lt. Bruce Sweney, an Air Force reconnaissance pilot who was shot down over North Korea Oct. 2, 1951. By all accounts the day was perfect for a memorial service -- bright sunny skies for the flyover, an Air

Reserve personnel records continue going electronic

Continuing the process of transferring personnel records to an electronic format, Air Force officials will begin scanning the Unit Personnel Record Group of active-duty Airmen in October. "There is only one copy of the UPRG kept at each unit," said Jo Hogue, chief of master personnel records at the

COMUSAFE visits Portuguese defense officials

The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe met with Portuguese defense officials to build relationships and tour facilities Sept. 29. During the trip, Gen. Tom Hobbins visited Monte Real Air Base, Alcochete Range and Lisbon's Ministry of Defense, where he met Admiral Jose Manuel Garcia Mendes

Practice makes perfect

Innovative calendar system tracks VIPs

After employing a relatively simple Air Force Smart Operations 21 tool, Electronic Systems Center protocol office members here now have an innovative calendar system for tracking distinguished visitor information. AFSO 21 was designed to trigger ideas throughout the Air Force about how to streamline

'Old Ironsides' hosts Medal of Honor recipients

More than 70 Medal of Honor recipients took part in a special Medal of Honor flag presentation during a ceremony aboard USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides," here Sept. 30. The flag was created by an Act of Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush Oct. 23, 2002, and each service is

CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Sept. 30 to Oct. 2

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Sept. 30 through Oct. 2.Sept. 30In Afghanistan Sept. 29, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, a B-1 Lancer and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists

New capability improves search, rescue response

Pararescuemen in the 347th Rescue Group here are preparing to add a new capability to their life-saving arsenal soon. Kangaroo Duck, a process which involves strapping an inflatable rubber raft to the underbelly of an HH-60 Pave Hawk, will be used to better assist with water-rescue scenarios, like

Design of Air Force Memorial evokes air itself

When architect James Ingo Freed set out to conceive a memorial for the Air Force, he faced a problem: How to design a monumental structure that evokes the air itself."It's easy to describe an element that the Army deals with, which is land, and the Navy, which is water. It's more challenging to

Missile squadron poised for 72-hour alerts

Missile combat crews in the 490th Missile Squadron here are helping the 20th Air Force transform missile operations as crewmembers started performing 72-hour alerts using three-person crews Sept. 30. Twentieth Air Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Thomas F. Deppe, suggested the 72-hour alert initiative and

AFMC seeks to streamline test, evaluation processes

If changes to the test and evaluation phases of new concept cars would improve mass production processes and reduce recalls, wouldn't it make sense for an auto manufacturer to spend $1 now if it meant saving $10 later? Officials at Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command think so and are applying

Ceremony brings historic 23rd Wing to Moody

The 347th Rescue Wing was officially re-designated as the 23rd Wing during a ceremony at 8:23 a.m. here Sept. 29.The ceremony culminated several recent changes to Moody's wing, including the assimilation of the 23rd Fighter Group at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., and Moody's 820th Security Forces Group.

Museum breaks ground for World War II hangar

Members of the Museum of Aviation Foundation put shovels in the ground Sept. 29 to ceremonially begin construction of a new hangar filled with exhibits on World War II."We know firsthand the heartfelt commitment of Middle Georgia to the United States Air Force and to all of our military forces,"

Unit stands up at Vandenberg

U.S. Strategic Command officials have split a single function into two in order to transform and enhance U.S. space capabilities. The Joint Functional Component Command for Space and Global Strike has been divided into JFCC for Space and JFCC for Global Strike and Integration. The split, initially

DOD-sponsored financial seminar matches dollars with sense

About 200 military and family members received money management tips from a famous financial expert during a Defense Department-sponsored seminar held at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here Sept. 30. Kelvin Boston, host of the PBS television series, "Moneywise," employed his debonair, animated

Air Force launches Young Investigators Research Program

Air Force Office of Scientific Research officials here announced Oct. 2 an award of approximately $6.3 million in grants to 21 scientists and engineers who submitted winning research proposals through the Air Force's new Young Investigator Research Program. The program is open to scientists and

Air Force prepares to commemorate 60th anniversary

Big things are in store for Airmen, as Air Force leaders have planned more than a year's worth of commemoratory activities leading up to the Air Force's 60th anniversary, Sept. 18, 2007. Brig. Gen. Janet Therianos, director of the 60th Anniversary office at the Pentagon, said this upcoming year will

Laughlin Airmen become Baron barnstormers for day

Oct. 2 was far from a typical day for one Airman whose normal routine includes drawing blood and trying not to make children cry in the process. When Senior Airman Robert Arrington, a medical lab technician with the 47th Medical Support Squadron was told he'd been selected to fly with the Red Baron

Falcons in 8th place after two rounds

With two rounds under wraps, the U.S. Air Force Academy men's golf team sits in a tie for eighth place at Nevada's Wolf Pack Classic here.Held at the 7,100-yard, par-72 Wolf Run Golf Course, the Falcons combined for a four-over-par day one score of 580 and are tied with Hawaii. Utah leads in the

Falcons beat Calgary 4-2 in exhibition hockey

The U.S. Air Force Academy beat the University of Calgary 4-2 in an exhibition game Oct. 2 at the academy's Cadet Ice Arena here.Senior Andrew Ramsey had a goal and an assist in the third period in the win. The Air Force opened the scoring just 1:15 into the first period as Brian Reese scored

JPAC team sheds light on missing crewmembers

An 18-member recovery team from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command here returned Oct. 1 from Vostenhof, Austria, following its attempt to recover remains from two individuals who went down with a B-17 bomber during World War II.On May 10, 1944, U.S. Army Air Force pilot 1st Lt. Stanley Dwyer and

C-21 aircraft crashes at Decatur, Ill. airport

An Air Force Flight Standards Agency C-21 crashed at approximately 11:30 a.m. today at the Decatur, Ill. airport.The aircraft, based out of Will Rogers Air Guard Station in Oklahoma City, was performing touch-and-go training at the airport. The two pilots on board the aircraft are being held at a

Air show to showcase C-17's capabilities

C-17 Globemaster III crews from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, will showcase their aircrafts' unique capabilities in an air show in Australia this month. In preparation for the air show, a crew flew their C-17 to Kona International Airport, putting the jet through the performance maneuvers that best

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 3

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 3. In Afghanistan Oct. 2, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, a B-1B Lancer and French M-2000 Mirages provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Gilan. The A-10s expended

Air Force making progress on alternative fuels

The Air Force is embracing an energy strategy that uses alternative sources of power and conservation, Undersecretary of the Air Force Dr. Ron Sega told a group of civilian energy engineers during a World Energy Engineers Congress luncheon Sept. 15. "I think we're making progress, but we certainly

Museum commemorates 60th anniversary with art exhibit

Sixty pieces of art, one representing a significant event for each year in Air Force history, will go on display in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force's Hall of Honor Oct. 17. The special exhibit is part of the museum's commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force. The exhibit

Energy conservation a priority, group effort at McChord

Over the past 20 years, the Air Force has reduced facility energy usage by 30 percent by incorporating energy conservation into operations -- without impacting the mission -- and the Air Force is pushing to cut usage another 20 percent by 2015. For the last two years, McChord AFB officials have

Air Force Reserve to operate with more reservists

Air Force Reserve Command will have a slightly larger force in 2007. The fiscal 2007 Defense Appropriations Act signed by President George W. Bush Sept. 29 funds an end-strength of 74,900 reservists.  That is 900 additional reservists compared to the fiscal 2006 end-strength of 74,000. The new

AFSO 21 tools enable Air Force to improve process

Using Air Force Smart Operations 21, Fairchild AFB members are on a journey of self-improvement as they work to save time and money."You can do more with less, if you have less waste in your process," said Bill Long, Fairchild AFB's AFSO 21 consultant. AFSO 21 is an Air Force unique

Push-up plan meets new fitness initiative

Three hundred and thirty-two thousand. That's a lot. Of anything. How would you like to do that many push-ups? The approximately 100 members deployed here with the 332nd Expeditionary Communications Squadron have collectively committed to accomplishing that goal within the next four months.  They

DOD Eagle Vision experiment wraps up at Lajes

A Department of Defense experiment testing the versatility of one of the Air Force's ground communications station systems wrapped up here Sept. 29. Eagle Vision-1, based at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, is designed to receive a variety of information from civilian remote-sensing satellites. "This

Air Force Reserve rescue crews save missing boater

Crews from the 920th Rescue Wing rescued the fifth and final missing boater Oct. 2 from a pleasure craft that capsized 15 miles off the coast of Jacksonville, Fla., on Oct. 1. The survivor was reported to be severely hypothermic when found by two Air Force Reserve Command HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter

F-22 Raptor ready for its combat role

While the 27th Fighter Squadron is still figuring out the processes needed to deploy its F-22 Raptors to war, it is ready to go now. Squadron director of operations Lt. Col. Kevin Fesler said the Langley Air Force Base, Va., unit is still normalizing its operations. But he said if the call comes,

Air traffic controller considers Air Force her second family

With nearly 300 flights coming in and out of Laughlin AFB every day, new and seasoned pilots depend upon the support from air traffic controllers to send them out and bring them back home safely to their base and families.One air traffic controller on the ground guiding pilots over Del Rio,

Misawa offers home away from home for pets

Servicemembers inbound or outbound to Misawa Air Base, Japan, now have a temporary home for their cat or dog with the opening of the base's new kennel. The kennel can house 21 dogs and 14 cats. "We know there's a need," said Robert Smith, chief of Misawa's Community Support Flight. "This isn't just

Air Warrior transforms into new Green Flag

With the ever-changing fight in the war on terrorism, thus goes the Air Force with the incarnation, or re-incarnation, of Green Flag.The Air Warrior exercises here and at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., have officially become the Air Force's premier pre-deployment exercises for Air Combat Command

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Oct. 4

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 4.In Afghanistan Oct. 3, an Air Force B-1 Lancer conducted strikes on enemy targets near Kohe Regak. The B-1 expended Guided Bomb Unit-31s on enemy positions. An Air Force B-1 provided close-air support for

Tracking the Bear

Air Force meets 2006 enlisted, OTS recruiting goals

The Air Force exceeded its fiscal 2006 enlisted recruiting goal of 30,750 by assessing 30,888 men and women into active duty from Oct. 1, 2005, through Sept. 30, 2006.Air Force Recruiting Service also was successful in recruiting line officers and chaplains, bringing in 485 line officers and 31

Medal of Honor recipients honored in Boston

Some Airmen can carry over 'use or lose' leave

Airmen who were recalled from or unable to take annual leave this past year for reasons such as support for contingency operations may be allowed to accumulate more than the normal 60 days after the fiscal year ends. Special leave accrual carry over also applies to Air Force Reserve and Air National

Guard, British officers exchange views

An Arkansas Air National Guard officer and a Royal Auxiliary Air Force warrant officer participated recently in an exchange officer program to help further cement the relationship between the two countries' air Reserve forces. For Maj. Dom Sarnataro, a 154th Training Squadron pilot, the National

New well gives new hope to village

The Air Force-led Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team opened a new well in the Kohi Safi valley Oct. 3 that will bring clean water to several hundred Afghans in a nearby village. The well was finished in just under a month by the GL Construction and Logistics Group of Kabul. Located near the

Defense Travel System evolves to better serve customers

The Defense Travel System continues to evolve as it efficiently serves military and civilian travelers on official department business, a senior military officer said Oct. 3. In November, DTS will introduce more upgraded features, such as fewer pages for travelers to fill out, said Col. Lynne

Air Force proposes initial Joint Strike Fighter locations

Plans for initiating environmental analyses for proposed locations of the Air Force's newest fighter, the F-35 Lightning II, were announced by Air Force officials Oct. 4. The initial Joint Strike Fighter locations include:-- Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., for primary maintenance and flight training;--

Officer faces court-martial in WAPS cheating scandal

A prior-enlisted officer is facing a court-martial Oct. 4 at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., stemming from an investigation into an alleged Weighted Airman Promotion System cheating scandal that lasted nearly 10 years. Capt. Rhonda McDaniel, who is assigned to the 45th Aeromedical-Dental Squadron, is

Air Force Reserve changes officer promotion system

Air Force Reserve Command is changing its officer promotion system to meet future total force requirements. The command will implement the changes starting with the Oct. 16 Air Force Reserve line and non-line colonel promotion selection board, with results of the board to be announced early next

Cheney: Terrorists destined to lose if U.S. keeps resolve

Terrorists are destined to lose if the U.S. keeps its nerve and refuses to abandon its overseas commitments, Vice President Richard B. Cheney said Oct. 4 at Fort Hood, Texas."If we have learned anything from modern experience, it is this: the only way to protect this country against terrorism is to

Air Force announces team excellence awards

Air Force officials have announced the five teams selected for the 2006 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards. The awards recognize teams that used a systematic approach to enhance mission capability, improve operational performance and create sustained results. Improvements made by the five award

Airman facing murder charges could get death penalty

The third motions hearing in the court-martial of an Airman charged with premeditated murder started Oct. 4 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. Airman Calvin Hill allegedly killed Airman 1st Class Ashley Turner on Aug. 14, 2005, at Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland. He could face the death penalty if

General Pace visits with Kirtland Airmen

Hundreds of Airmen at Kirtland Air Force Base got a chance today to participate in a question-and-answer session with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace. General Pace was visiting the area to talk to base Airmen and the local people of Albuquerque. After a short introduction,

Virtual technology enhances training for aircrews

Survival, evasion, resistance and escape instructors at the 15th Operational Support Squadron are now using virtual technology to train aircrews in parachute hanging harness training. Most of today's aircrews are familiar with flight simulators. They are accepted as standard and are essential tools

Airman 'brings it home' for NBA Live

Draining three-pointers, playing tough defense and going to the rim are all things Senior Airman Milton Carrell of the 319th Operations Support Squadron here can do. Only he doesn't always do them on a regular basketball court. Airman Carrell was selected as a finalist in the NBA Live: Bring It Home

Personnel center names first command chief

The Air Force Personnel Center commander has named Chief Master Sgt. Terry Reed as the center's first command chief master sergeant. "This is a great day for the Air Force Personnel Center as Chief Reed will now represent AFPC at the highest level of the enlisted force," said Maj. Gen. Tony

USAFE receives maintenance excellence award

The Gen. Wilbur L. Creech Maintenance Excellence Award was presented to U.S. Air Forces in Europe by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley here Oct. 4.The Creech Award recognizes the major command demonstrating the most improved performance in the category of aircraft maintenance and

CENTAF releases airpower summary, space support requests

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Oct. 5 and the space support requests for September.In Afghanistan Oct. 4, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Sado Kala. An Air Force

USAFE unit debuts small diameter bomb in combat

The Guided Bomb Unit-39/B small diameter bomb was flown into combat for the first time Oct. 5 by members of the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. The unit, deployed to the Southwest Asia area of operations, launched a two-ship formation of F-15E Strike Eagles at 1:30 a.m. EDT carrying the new