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  • Predator passes 600,000 flight hours

    Airmen of the 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing here surpassed the 600,000 flight hour mark in the MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft system Sept. 4 here. The Predator fleet passed 250,000 hours in June 2007, after 12 years of flying, and it only took a year and eight months for the aircraft to fly an

  • Comm Airmen prepare for major career field transformation

    Twenty communications Airmen stationed in Germany took part in a training exercise Sept. 18 to 24 at Aviano Air Base, Italy, in preparation for the largest transformation in the history of Air Force communications which is to be completed this October. When it's all said and done, more than 27,000

  • Thunderbirds take show down under

    The U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds, took to the Australian sky Sept. 26 showcasing the power and precision that embodies Air Force Airmen worldwide. Flying wingtip-to-wingtip formations and in solo maneuvers, the Thunderbirds put on a show for a crowd of more than 70,000

  • AMC office seeks to solve problems in 8 steps

    In life, it can take as many as eight steps to solve a problem. However, according to the Air Force's Smart Operations for the 21st Century program, eight steps to solve any problem is all it should take. "The eight-step process is a more disciplined approach to problem solving," said Col. Mark

  • Space Command boss talks of space, cyber connection

    Addressing the Air Force Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Symposium here Sept. 29, the leader of the Air Force Space community said space and cyberspace are integrally connected. "Think of space and cyber as circles on a Venn diagram," said Gen. C. Robert Kehler,

  • Airman sketches his way into Air Force history with UAS wings design

    A toddler's first artistic expressions often surface in the form of well-intended wall defacement or notepad squiggles -- but every now and then, a doodle becomes a hobby, and that hobby becomes a part of history. Staff Sgt. Austin May, a public affairs craftsman from the 100th Air Refueling Wing,

  • Air Force security forces, DOD police collaborate to keep joint base secure

    Department of Defense police at Naval Air Engeneering Station Lakehurst and Fort Dix will merge into the Air Force security forces squadron at McGuire Air Force Base effective Oct. 1 as part of an ongoing joint base effort.  Officials said this merger will ensure a seamless and secure transition to

  • Domestic Operations conference a 'historic collaboration' for Air Guard

    The recent arrest of several individuals involved in an alleged terrorist plot is a pressing reason to fulfill domestic mission requirements, which address manmade emergencies and natural disasters, the National Guard's senior officer said Sept. 28 here. "We need to get on with this," said Gen.

  • C2ISR Symposium kicks off

    The Air Force Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Symposium kicked off here Sept. 28 with a presentation by former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper. He told the mixed industry and government gathering that, in an era of flat or declining defense budgets,

  • ESC team building on Empire Challenge successes

    An Electronic Systems Center team is busy incorporating technical improvements and lessons learned from this summer's Empire Challenge to improve intelligence distribution, processing and inter-service sharing. Empire Challenge 2009 was a global test event, with more than 2,000 participants from

  • Air National Guard program cuts red tape for quick solutions

    An Air National Guard program designed to cut through bureaucracy has led to safety solutions for problems as vast and varied as avian flu, pilot fatigue and reducing the carbon footprint. Five years ago, some Guard members deployed to Iraq brainstormed to share tactical data in a new way using

  • Sept. 27 airpower summary: Predator missile strike destroys enemy position

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an MQ-1 Predator responded to a request for support in the Sangin

  • Thousands helped as Pacific Angel concludes

    Air Force officials concluded the final iteration of Operation Pacific Angel 2009 during a ceremony here Sept. 22, culminating a two-part operation that provided humanitarian aid to thousands of people in communities in the Asia-Pacific region. Operation Pacific Angel is a joint and combined

  • Air Force officials release F-16 accident report

    A pilot's failure to recognize his altitude during night, low altitude high-angle strafing training caused the crash of an F-16 Fighting Falcon at the Utah Test and Training Range June 22, according to an Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released Sept. 28 here. The pilot, Capt.

  • MacDill legal office earns American Bar Association LAMP Award

    The 6th Air Mobility Wing legal office was presented with the American Bar Association's Legal Assistance for Military Personnel, or LAMP, Distinguished Service Award on Sept. 15. The LAMP Distinguished Service Award recognizes exceptional achievements or exceptional service to or in support of the

  • Father, son deploy to Afghanistan together

    Missing family members is a common feeling many Airmen have while deployed, but for two Airmen serving with the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here, that feeling is a little less prominent. This father and son duo deployed to war together to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Lt. Col. Bartley

  • Iraqi, U.S. Air Force work hand in hand to support drawdown of forces

    The Iraqi air force commander and the director of the Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force visited the 407th Air Expeditionary Group Sept. 24 at Ali Base to conduct a site survey of the airfield and facilities, and to speak with members of the media from the local city of An Nasiriyah about

  • UAS mission enters new chapter with graduation

    Ten pilots and nine sensor operators graduated Sept. 25 from initial qualification training at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., where they learned to operate the MQ-1 Predator. Among the graduates were eight pilot candidates from nonpilot career fields. The group was part of a Beta-test class to train

  • Sept. 24 airpower summary: B-1B protects coalition forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft responded to a request for support in the

  • Gunfighter Flag wraps up at Mountain Home AFB

    Gunfighter Flag wrapped up Sept. 24 in what one commander deemed a "grand slam." "We don't often have the opportunity to practice large-force employment on this scale," said Col. John Bird, commander of Mountain Home AFB's 366th Fighter Wing. "What we did here over the last two weeks rivals what you

  • AMC commander welcomes news of KC-X tanker request for proposal

    The announcement of the KC-X tanker request for proposal Sept. 24 in a Pentagon briefing is welcome news for Air Mobility Command. "This is a great day not only for Air Mobility Command, which operates our nation's fleet of aerial refueling aircraft, but also for our country as this is a capability

  • Airmen host multinational virtual training exercise

    More than 300 joint warfighters from 25 worldwide locations participated in a multinational virtual training exercise led by the 705th Combat Training Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., and demonstrated it to a joint/coalition audience at the Warfighter Capability Center in the Pentagon

  • McChord Airmen head for 'the ice' as Operation Deep Freeze season kicks off

    Thirty-seven McChord Air Force Base Airmen left Sept. 24 in a C-17 Globemaster III loaded with more than 90,000 pounds of cargo destined for Antarctica to begin another season of Operation Deep Freeze. The 2009-2010 season of Operation Deep Freeze, the Defense Department's support of the U.S.

  • Air Force officials begin search for new aerial tanker

    Senior Department of Defense and Air Force officials announced the rollout of the KC-X Acquisition Program at a Pentagon briefing Sept. 24. Air Force leaders are seeking a replacement for the KC-135 Stratotanker that has been a stalwart of the tanker fleet for more than 53 years. Today, the

  • Airmen thank Iraqi family for lifesaving assist

    Several members of the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron delivered a new generator, a care package filled with baked goods and a heart-felt thank you to a young Iraqi girl and her family near Camp Bucca, Iraq, Sept. 18. The girl was playing with a group of friends when she noticed

  • Kisling NCO Academy hosts first international student

    The Kisling Noncommissioned Officer Academy accepted its first international air force student this week as part of the United States Air Forces in Europe effort to build the capabilities of its partner nations. Romanian air force Plutonier (technical sergeant equivalent) Diana-Cristina Mireuta will

  • Sept. 22 airpower summary: B-1s provide overwatch for friendly forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons responded to a request for

  • DOD officials announce requirement for new aerial tanker competition

    The needs of warfighters and value for taxpayers are at the heart of the new draft request for proposal for aerial refueling capability, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn said here Sept. 24. Mr. Lynn, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Ashton B. Carter, defense undersecretary for

  • Air Force Week in Photos

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

  • U.S. military to begin new Deep Freeze season

    U.S. military officials will kick off the 2009-2010 season of Operation Deep Freeze, the Department of Defense's support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation, on Sept. 25. Operation Deep Freeze involves operational and logistic support of the National Science

  • Leaders call for balance between network use and protection

    Finding the right balance between user needs and network protection is essential, senior officials from the Air Force, the joint community and other organizations said during a conference here Sept. 21. Addressing the 7th annual Net-centric Operations Conference, Air Force Electronic Systems Center

  • Andrews Airmen help Maryland police defuse 1,000 pound arsenal

    Members of the 316th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal team at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland don't just blow stuff up, they help ensure the safety and security of the president, the country's top leaders and foreign dignitaries.These EOD members sweep the Andrews AFB

  • CMSAF visits Hurlburt Airmen

    Hundreds of Hurlburt Field Airmen gathered to meet and listen to the 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force Sept. 22 here. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy talked to Hurlburt Field Airmen about his priorities for America's Airmen, and toured the 1st Special Operations Wing, Air

  • Pacific Angel optometry team provides vision in Vietnam

    Air Force optometrists are making vision a bit clearer for Vietnamese residents during Operation Pacific Angel 2009 Sept. 15 through 24 here. The operation is a joint and combined humanitarian and civic assistance program aimed at improving military civic cooperation between the United States and

  • Airmen restore Vietnamese clinic during Pacific Angel

    A 15-member Air Force civil engineer team is refurbishing the Cam Thuy Medical Clinic here as part of Operation Pacific Angel 2009, taking place Sept. 15 to 24. The civil engineers are completing the electrical, plumbing and structural work while humanitarian medical operations take place

  • NASA officials assign crew for final scheduled Space Shuttle mission

    NASA officials have assigned the crew for the last scheduled space shuttle mission, targeted to launch in September 2010. The flight to the International Space Station will carry a pressurized logistics module to the station. Veteran shuttle commander and retired Air Force Col. Steven W. Lindsey

  • Defense Department officials to announce balanced social media policy

    Defense Department officials plan to forward a social media policy to the department leadership within the next two weeks that will balance the pros and cons of social networking sites, the department's top public affairs official said on National Public Radio's "Talk of the Nation" Sept. 22. "I

  • 'Today's Air Force' features views from the top

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," key leaders discuss the future of the air force and aerospace development, members of an all new enlisted career field talk about their job, and two brothers enjoy a virtual reunion.Several top Air Force officials were in the nation's capitol for the 2009 Air

  • Airmen ensure communications capability for joint, coalition success

    A team of five Airmen from the 1st Communications Maintenance Squadron from Kapaun Air Station, Germany, have been traveling throughout England since Aug. 24 performing annual preventative maintenance inspections on antenna systems belonging to Royal Air Force Base Croughton and RAF Barford. The

  • Aviano Airmen open doors to new NATO terminal

    Airmen of the 724th Air Mobility Squadron here processed their first passengers following the opening of the new passenger and air freight terminal Sept. 10 at Aviano Air Base. The new predominantly NATO-funded terminal cost more than $10 million and is a 34,000-plus square-foot facility that

  • CMSAF visits exercise participants on Navy ship

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force toured USS Mesa Verde at sea in the Caribbean and met Airmen at the Air Force Command Center at Tocumen Airport in Panama City, Panama, during Fuerzas Aliadas Panamax 2009, a 12-day security training exercise involving 20 countries in the Panama region

  • Air Guard planners host first domestic ops conference

    Air National Guard planners kicked off Sept. 22 with what they hope will become an annual conference for drafting a domestic operations strategy. "We're leading the way to help build a formal document for the Air Force," said Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, the director of the Air National Guard. The

  • U.S.-Iraqi partnership growing, general says

    Iraqi security forces continue to make progress in providing security for their own country, the deputy commander of Multinational Corps Iraq said today. Iraqi security forces are quickly improving as they train with American forces, Maj. Gen. James P. Hunt said during a videoconference from Baghdad

  • Air Force officials release Predator accident report

    An MQ-1 Predator flying a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom lost contact with its ground control station and presumably crashed in a forward operating area May 13, according to an Air Combat Command accident investigation board report released Sept. 22 here. The Predator, assigned to

  • Changes ahead for Air Force acquisition

    More than 275 Air Force and defense industry leaders met here Sept. 3 to discuss military technology acquisition challenges and opportunities facing the nation. The Air Force Association Technology Symposium was timed to immediately follow the semi-annual Air Force Materiel Command Senior Leaders

  • Randolph Airmen expose at-risk students to today's Air Force

    More than 150 Fox Technical High School ninth and 10th-grade students from inner-city San Antonio visited Randolph Air Force Base Sept. 11 to learn about  positive Air Force career opportunities as part of the Giving Americans Motivational Education for the Real world program. GAMER is the

  • Airmen build bare bases 1 pallet at a time

    Servicemembers assigned to the 1st Expeditionary RED HORSE Group here create forward operating bases where once nothing but nature existed. These servicemembers working behind the scenes to ensure FOBs transition from bare base to fully operational bases are assigned to the group's logistics and

  • Basic Military Training construction project begins this fall

    Change is coming to the Lackland Air Force Base skyline this fall as work begins in October on the first of 13 new Basic Military Training facilities. With a price tag of nearly $900 million, the eight Airmen training complexes and four associated dining-classroom facilities will be located on two

  • Air Force dentists saving smiles in Vietnam

    If anyone knows the importance of a smile, it's a dentist. And dentists like Maj. (Dr.) Diep Le, who is taking part in the humanitarian assistance mission Operation Pacific Angel 2009 here, are doing every thing possible to save the smiles of local Vietnamese people during their 10-day mission.

  • Kandahar Airmen use AFSO 21 at war

    Members of the 451st Expeditionary Maintenance Group here took the first steps on its continuous process improvement journey by initiating a rapid improvement event in the A-10 Thunderbolt II phase inspection shelter. Using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century principles, the Airmen took

  • Heroes help dedicate Airman's Hall, pin newest battle streamers

    The secretaries of Defense and the Air Force joined the Air Force chief of staff, chief master sergeant of the Air Force, and distinguished guests from all services at a Pentagon dedication ceremony for the Airman's Hall in which the service attached six new streamers to the Air Force flag Sept.

  • Airmen begin humanitarian mission in Vietnam

    U.S. civil engineer and medical Airmen are here providing humanitarian and civic assistance to local communities Sept. 15 to 24 as part of Operation Pacific Angel 2009.   Operation Pacific Angel is a joint and combined humanitarian assistance operation conducted in the Pacific area of responsibility

  • Photo essay: Bringing it back to basics

    Though Air Force fitness standards have become more stringent, members of the vehicle maintenance flight  of the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron here aren't intimidated. They believe their dynamic fitness program, which is old-school in some ways and enterprising in others, is preparing them for

  • Commander of newest MAJCOM defines success, introduces command at AFA

    The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command stressed the importance of skilled and dedicated Airmen to the nuclear enterprise during a question-and-answer session following his address at the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exhibition Sept. 16. Praising Airmen who

  • Leaders say happy birthday, Air Force

    The Air Force's top leaders send a message to the total force to celebrate the Air Force's 62nd birthday and to remind them to remember the commitment and sacrifice of the more than 40,000 Airmen deployed around the globe.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.

  • Lakenheath aircrews train with Estonian forward air controllers

    Several F-15E Strike Eagles aircrews participated in a two-day NATO training event helping to train Estonian forward air controllers in calling in close-air support Sept. 14 and 15 near Tallinn, Estonia. The event, titled Baltic Region Training Event IV Alpha, gave the aircrews from the 494th

  • One-time enemies become brothers in Iraq

    The moon was full the night of Jan. 17, 1991, and then-Capt. Bill Iuliano, an F-111 bomber weapon systems officer, was in the air. It was the second night of Operation Desert Storm, a U.S.-led combat operation in opposition to Saddam Hussein's forces. "We were flying from Incirlik Air Force Base in

  • Air Force study uses virtual reality for PTSD

    A new virtual reality program to treat combat veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan experiencing post traumatic stress disorder is being used at Wilford Hall Medical Center here. Virtual reality exposure therapy is a computer-simulated virtual Iraq and virtual Afghanistan that allows Airmen

  • Holloman officials host joint-service aircraft for testing

    Army, Navy and Marine Corps officials recently conducted a multiplatform countermeasure effectiveness test at White Sands Missile Range, completing a total of 16 missions, with all aircraft hosted by Holloman Air Force Base. Holloman AFB was selected as the aircraft host because of its ability to

  • Pacific Air Forces commander focuses on future

    The commander of Pacific Air Forces spoke with national media members to outline his responsibilities during the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 16 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. Gen. Gary North discussed his role as the Pacific Air Forces

  • Warfighters take time for Air Force's 62nd birthday

    Hundreds of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines celebrated the 62nd Air Force birthday with tradition, solidarity and a show of force Sept. 18 here. A reveille ceremony was held at 6 a.m.at the base flag poles in Camp Cunningham, named after Senior Airman Jason D. Cunningham, an Air Force

  • Air Force commander 'ecstatic' at Iraqi coordination

    For the last two months, U.S. Airmen with Multinational Division South have been training Iraqi airmen to be the "eye in the sky" for Iraqi ground forces. That mission was accomplished during a Sept. 12 training exercise at Camp Wessam, Iraq. "Today, we brought the Airmen out to Wessam to work with

  • Air Force doctor studies new medication for traumatic brain injury patients

    A neurologist at the Wilford Hall Medical Center here is studying a medication that may significantly reduce chronic headaches and migraines without all the usual side effects from oral medications. Maj. (Dr.) Maria Alvarez, a 59th Medical Operations Squadron staff neurologist with a special

  • McKinley: Guard's 'smart power' building partnership capacity worldwide

    The National Guard is focused on helping the nation build partnership capacity worldwide, the chief of the National Guard Bureau told State Department officials Sept. 14. Examples include the National Guard's Agribusiness Development Teams serving in Afghanistan and its State Partnership Program

  • Air Force Week in Photos

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

  • Photo essay: No easy day at the Yokota AB pool

    Survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists from the 374th Operations Support Squadron conduct water survival refresher training for the 36th Airlift Squadron here recently at the natatorium indoor pool.  The training is especially important for Yokota aircrews, who routinely fly long

  • CMSAF holds open forum for Airmen at AFA

    The Air Force's top enlisted leader conducted an open forum at the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 16. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy discussed such current issues as training, compliance and

  • General Stenner: Keep components in sync

    "We are not interested in a tiered readiness level," said the chief of the Air Force Reserve Sept. 15 during the Air Force Association's 2009 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition held at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. "We are a seamless partner. We must turn challenges into

  • Air Force officials announce criteria for basing of joint strike fighter

    After extensive internal review, Air Force officials released Sept. 17 their basing criteria that will be used to determine the future basing of joint strike fighters. The basing criteria were approved by the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force. The basing criteria are airspace, flight

  • RED HORSE Airmen bring combat outpost into fight

    Before the arrival of the 809th Expeditionary Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron, the servicemembers here were living in a British compound lined with tents and relying solely on supplies brought in from convoys and air drops. Now, the vital role of the RED HORSE mission is

  • Sept. 16 airpower summary: Strike Eagles stop enemy action

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles responded to a request for

  • Camp Bucca detention center closes in Iraq

    As the last detainee boarded a plane destined for another theater detention center Sept. 17, the detainee operations mission at Camp Bucca, Iraq, officially ended. An Air Force C-17 Globemaster III carrying the last group of 180 detainees lifted off from the Basra airport headed to Camp Cropper at

  • Wyatt: Diverse, experienced Air Guard must come from below

    The Air National Guard's ability to successfully conduct missions in the future depends on the development of future leaders, its top officer said Sept. 14. "It is our responsibility as an organization to develop the content of their character," said Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, director of the Air

  • Sept. 15 airpower summary: B-1B performs precision attack

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft responded to a request for support in the

  • U.S. Air Force Band receives Gill Robb Wilson Award

    The United States Air Force Band was awarded the prestigious Gill Robb Wilson Award Sept. 14 at the Air Force Association Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. The Gill Robb Wilson Award is presented annually to an Air Force unit for outstanding contributions to national defense in the field of arts

  • Generals look to future challenges, opportunities

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz joined 13 other generals during a panel discussion Sept. 16 at the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition held at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. "This is the group of leaders that strives every day to be worthy

  • Kadena wins federal-level award with help from 'The Energy Guy'

    They call him the Energy Guy and he's one of the main reasons that Kadena was recently awarded the 2009 Federal Energy and Water Management Award. Mr. John Muckey, a 718th Civil Engineer Squadron resource efficiency manager, is a regular Joe without superpowers or spandex. He's been a hard charger

  • Sept. 14 airpower summary: Tankers fuel fight

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft responded to a strike request

  • Air Force has solid future capabilities, Secretary Gates says

    The foundation of America's airpower rests on a broad and versatile mix of capabilities, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here Sept. 16. Speaking at the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference, Secretary Gates addressed the range of things the Air Force must be able to do in the

  • Sept. 13 airpower summary: Super Hornets sting enemy forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided armed overwatch for

  • Air Force engineer discusses building relationships in Afghanistan

    Although the formula for success in Afghanistan may be complex to some, it is commonly agreed that the war cannot be won by military might alone. According to Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the International Security Assistance Force commander, the current strategy used by coalition forces in the

  • AFSPC commander discusses space, cyberspace future at AFA convention

    The Air Force's lead for integrating space and cyberspace capabilities spoke at the 2009 Annual Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition at the National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 15. Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander of the 43,000-member Air Force Space Command,

  • SecDEF announces return of KC-X program

    Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced the return of the KC-X program to the Air Force during the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition at the National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 16. The announcement sparked applause as KC-X, the Air Force's tanker

  • Bagram Airmen partner with local Afghans for burial ceremony

    Recently there was a solemn burial outside a mosque in the town that borders Bagram Airfield. A small group of mourners and the local mullah were in attendance as prayers were said for the deceased. It was not an event of major significance except to those who attended and those who had a hand in

  • Blogging Airman sheds 70 pounds, ready to take on marathon

    As last Thanksgiving passed and the leftovers were all gone, one Airman had an epiphany about his portly self. Nearly a year later and 70 pounds lighter, Senior Master Sgt. Ken Holcomb is getting ready to run the Air Force Marathon Sept. 19 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He plans to blog

  • Sept. 12 airpower summary: A-10s strafe enemy positions

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force B-1B Lancers provided armed overwatch for friendly

  • New AFOSR magnetron may help defeat enemy electronics

    Researchers at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MIch., invented a new type of magnetron that could improve radar resolution. The magnetron is a type of vacuum tube used as the frequency source in microwave ovens, radar systems and other high-power microwave circuits. The project is funded by

  • Senior Air Force enlisted leaders address Airmen's concerns

    Five command chiefs and the chief master sergeant of the Air Force led a forum to answer Airmen's questions on a myriad of issues affecting the service during the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. Spearheaded

  • General Newton: People are priority No. 1

    "The Air Force is a great way of life and we are going to make it even better," said Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel at the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. General

  • Air Force officials Twitter from AFA events

    It was one year ago this week that Air Force officials here took the first official step into social media when a public affairs team blogged from the 2008 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition. This year, in addition to providing daily wrap-ups on the official blog, U.S. Air Force Live

  • CSAF addresses AFA convention

    Gen. Norton Schwartz, chief of staff of the Air Force, spoke Sept. 15 on his vision for the future, jointness, the Year of the Air Force Family and honored heroic sacrifices of Airmen. The general made his comments in a keynote address at the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and

  • Predator crashes in central Iraq

    An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft crashed in central Iraq at approximately 12:45 p.m. Baghdad time on Sept.14. The crash was not due to hostile fire. The crash site has been secured and there were no reports of civilian injuries or damage to civilian property. The aircraft is a

  • General takes to the sky in Afghanistan

    The commander of the Air Force's newest air expeditionary wing in Afghanistan is taking a hands-on approach to his duties. Brig. Gen. Guy Walsh, a Maryland Air National Guardsman from the 175th Airlift Wing in Baltimore, is flying at least two missions a week in the A-10 Thunderbolt II from Kandahar

  • Surgical residency receives full joint training platform accreditation

    The 81st Medical Group at Keesler AFB, which boasts the largest Air Force surgical training residency program, has received full Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accreditation as a joint training platform. The program was evaluated by the ACGME, the governing body for all United