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  • Bringing bees in to produce honey, pollinate Panjshir

    In an effort to increase agricultural productivity and boost economic capacity, 450 deserving families throughout Panjshir province were supplied with training and materials to operate and manage their own honey production businesses. The Panjshir Ministry of Agriculture-sponsored program began in

  • Air Force officials recognize 12 Outstanding Airmen of Year

    The 2009 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year were recognized in a special ceremony during the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 14 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy hosted the evening's events that

  • New Horizons Guyana 2009 comes to a close

    Air Force, Army, Marine and Navy servicemembers here completed New Horizons Guyana 2009 Sept. 12.New Horizons Guyana is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored humanitarian event for the benefit of thousands of Guyanese in Georgetown and the outlying areas. Since late May, a rotating task force of

  • True team effort behind weather squadron's success

    Today's Airmen are becoming increasingly familiar with words like "joint" and "total force" regardless of where they are assigned or deployed. As the U.S. Central Command's and International Security Assistance Force's designated Joint Meteorology and Oceanographic Forecast Unit, that's certainly

  • SecAF delivers 'State of the Air Force' speech at AFA

    The Secretary of the Air Force outlined the service's priorities during a keynote address at the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference Sept. 14. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley said he credited Airmen for the service's significant milestone achievements, including the

  • Osan air mobility squadron aids in helicopter swap out

    Airmen from the 731st Air Mobility Squadron and Soldiers from the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade worked side by side on the Osan Air Base flightline Sept. 9 when a C-17 Globemaster III arrived with three new AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters. They are the first of 24 new upgraded Block II helicopters

  • Donley highlights Guard's contributions, emphasis on 'total force'

    Sept. 11 was appropriate for the opening ceremony of the 131st National Guard Association of the United States conference, since the National Guard is the original defender of the homeland, the secretary of the Air Force said during his opening remarks. "You were the first responders to defend

  • Air Force chief calls for collaboration between Guard, active duty

    Citing evolving missions and shrinking budgets, the Air Force chief of staff called for the Air National Guard and active duty forces to work closer together. "The skill-set of National Guard members is critical to sustaining worldwide partnerships," said Gen. Norton Schwartz during his speech at

  • Air Force officials strengthen nuclear deterrence operations

    New initiatives underway within the Air Force to consolidate commands, modernize systems and strengthen personnel emphasize nuclear security. "Nuclear deterrence underpins all of our freedom of movement everywhere," Maj. Gen. Donald Alston, the service's assistant chief of staff for strategic

  • Langley Airman becomes U.S. citizen in Pentagon ceremony

    Thirty-one members of the U.S. military became American citizens Sept. 10 when Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet A. Napolitano swore them in during a U.S. Military Naturalization Ceremony in the Pentagon courtyard. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates gave welcoming remarks and was

  • Air Force Week Sacramento ends with air show

    Amid tumble dives and barrel rolls, vintage aircraft and modern fighters, the California Capital Air Show concluded Air Force Week here Sept. 12 and 13. The event, which took place at Mather Airport, the site of former Mather Air Force Base, drew more than 50,000 people and offered a variety of

  • Sept. 11 airpower summary: F-15Es provide air support

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs responded to a strike request in

  • Reaper crashes in Afghanistan

    An Air Force MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aircraft crashed in Afghanistan Sept. 13 at approximately 5:30 a.m. Kabul time.   The aircraft was flying a combat mission when positive control of the aircraft was lost. When the aircraft remained on a course that would depart Afghanistan airspace, a U.S. Air Force

  • C-5M Super Galaxy unofficially sets 41 world records

    A Dover aircrew flying a C-5M Super Galaxy, named The Spirit of Normandy, unofficially set 41 world records in a single flight, taking off from the base before dawn Sept. 13. The results are pending certification by the National Aeronautic Association and should be finalized in about a month, said

  • MQ-1 Predator crashes at Holloman AFB

    An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft crashed Sept. 11 at 8:58 a.m. here. The aircraft was assigned to the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., and was part of the MQ-1 training mission. No one was injured and no private property was damaged. The accident is under investigation.

  • Kids experience Air Force careers during Air Force Week Sacramento

    Students from a local middle school here were able to experience some of the sights and sounds of the Air Force Sept. 10 during an aerospace career day at the Discovery Museum of Sacramento. The event was part of Air Force Week Sacramento, a weeklong event designed to highlight the Air Force's

  • Airman returns home during Air Force Week Sacramento

    The last time Lt. Col. Ray Powell walked the halls of Rosa Parks Middle School in Sacramento he was a lot shorter, a lot younger and a whole lot less excited. Of course, he was in eighth grade and would rather be anywhere than school. He was picked on relentlessly and most of his classmates came

  • Kunsan Airmen, guests remember 9-11 with Patriot Day Ceremony

    Members of the 8th Fighter Wing and the Republic of Korea air force's 38th Fighter Group held a September 11 Patriot Day Ceremony here to honor and remember those who were lost that day in 2001. A formation of 8th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters, 8th Security Forces Squadron defenders and 8th

  • Airmen stand up medical squadron to support training exercise

    Airmen built and set up the 458th Expeditionary Medical Squadron here in early September to support a multinational medical exercise. The expeditionary squadron is in Nis to support the 2009 Military Medical Training Exercise in Central and Eastern Europe, or MEDCEUR, that began Sept. 2 and lasts

  • History shows strong response on 9-11 by AMC people

    If you thumb through the volumes of Air Mobility Command history, many significant events are documented. The terrorist attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, are among them. On the morning of Sept. 11, 19 Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial passenger jet airliners and

  • DOD targets drug abuse during Red Ribbon Week

    "Drug free is the key" is the theme for Red Ribbon Week 2009 and is a reminder to TRICARE beneficiaries of the dangers of unhealthy lifestyle habits. Red Ribbon Week is the nation's oldest and largest drug prevention program, reaching millions of Americans during the last week of October every year.

  • Laughlin Airmen train Iraqi pilots

    Forty-nine Laughlin Air Force Base Airmen are helping the Iraqi air force take flight.Lt. Col. Christopher Spigelmire, a 47th Flying Training Wing instructor pilot, and other Airmen deployed from Laughlin AFB are part of an Iraqi training and advisory mission. Colonel Spigelmire said he is "having a

  • Sept. 10 airpower summary: B-1Bs provide show of force in Afghanistan

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft provided armed overwatch for a

  • Medical exchange program benefits military, civilian community

    The 3rd Medical Group's Family Practice clinic staff here and Providence Alaska Medical Center are working together to bring more hands-on training to medical residents. Members of the 3rd MDG began an exchange program with Providence to allow medical residents to come here and work alongside Air

  • 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 Week in Photos slideshow.

  • Airmen teach moulage to medical students

    Approximately 50 students from Dr. Milenko Hadzic Medical School in Nis, Serbia, received moulage-application training from Airmen assigned to the 86th Medical Group at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 8 in preparation for a mass casualty and natural disaster exercise scheduled for Sept. 9-11. The

  • 1st Air Force Airmen better prepared for homeland defense 8 years after 9/11

    On Sept. 10, 2001, Airmen assigned to 1st Air Force here were wondering just how much longer their air defense organization might last. They knew the organization's lifespan was possibly at risk, fostered by a widespread belief that major conventional military air threats to the U.S. homeland were

  • Improvement plan realigns acquisition wings as directorates

    Air Force officials will implement a new organizational construct for weapon systems acquisition that includes designating directorates, divisions and branches in place of some current wings, groups and squadrons. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • AETC officials announce top 3 energy-reducing bases

    Air Education and Training Command officials have announced the installation winners for the command's 2009 Energy Incentive Award program. Vance Air Force Base, Okla., led the command with a 13.4 percent reduction in energy intensity and will receive a $1.5 million award. In a very tight race,

  • Photo essay: Flying a Hawk home

    Members of the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load and secure an HH-60G Pave Hawk here for transit home on a C-17 Globemaster III Sept. 9, 2009.  The Pave Hawk is attached to the 56th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, with a primary wartime mission of combat search and rescue.  View

  • Injured Airman credits training for saving her life

    The training one Airman received during the Advanced Contingency Skills Training Course at the Air Force Expeditionary Center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., and the quick reaction of her teammates is what she attributed to saving her life. While on a convoy in Iraq Aug. 21, Capt. Wendy

  • Air Combat Command welcomes new commander

    Gen. William M. Fraser III assumed command of Air Combat Command from Gen. John D.W. Corley in a change-of-command ceremony here Sept. 10. General Fraser comes to ACC from the Pentagon, where he served as vice chief of staff of the Air Force and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Requirements

  • Sept. 9 airpower summary: C-17s deliver troops, cargo

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided armed overwatch for

  • Flight tests propel critical satellite communications program

    A team here wrapped up a series of successful flight tests that demonstrated the near-fruition of an advanced satellite communication capability. The tests on the Family of Advanced Beyond-Line-of-Sight Terminals, or FAB-T, means the Department of Defense is closer to being able to move large

  • Maj. Gen. Hertog assumes command of 2nd Air Force

    When Maj. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog assumed command of 2nd Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base Sept. 9 from Maj. Gen. Alfred Flowers, Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz called the two generals "two of the finest leaders the Air Force has known." "When I meet with Airmen, I always tell them 'you're the next great

  • Air Force Flight Standards Agency owns rules, regulations of flight

    Picture an airfield. Aircraft taxi along the runway, pilots discussing clearances with air traffic controllers. Ground-flight operators drive the flight line ensuring the lights and navigation aids work and business can continue as scheduled. Their routines are possible because of the Air Force

  • Photo essay: Trainees conquer the BEAST

    A recent group of basic trainees conquered training exercises here at the Basic Expeditionary Airman Training, or BEAST, course Sept. 2, 2009.  The BEAST introduces Airmen to the joint expeditionary concept and immerses them in deployment scenarios. View the slideshow.

  • Airmen advise Afghan medical mission

    Between 100 and 400 Afghans are screened here daily for entrance into the Afghan national army. The first day of screening is the medical portion - an essential process for all would-be recruits to pass before becoming an Afghan soldier. Over a six-month timeframe, 2,500 to 3,000 Afghan recruits

  • Air Force physician applies research to humanitarian exercise

    For Capt. (Dr.) Christopher Lindshield, a family practice physician from the 374th Medical Group, Yokota Air Base, Japan, the prospect of using his knowledge of Micronesian medicine during a humanitarian mission to Chuuk was too good to pass up. The physician is part of the 54-person humanitarian

  • Sept. 8 airpower summary: F-16s destroy targets

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft provided armed overwatch and

  • Sept. 7 airpower summary: Coalition aircraft pound enemy targets

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces

  • Sept. 6 airpower summary: A-10s deter enemy activity

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft provided armed overwatch for

  • Sept. 5 airpower summary: Air Force, Navy aircraft provide overwatch

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force B-1B Lancer and Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft

  • Tops In Blue performs during Air Force Week Sacramento

    The Air Force's premiere entertainment group sang and danced their way into the hearts of thousands of Sacramento area residents during a series of concerts at the California State Fair Sept. 6 and 7. The Tops In Blue concerts, named "To Dream," were part of Air Force Week Sacramento, a weeklong

  • Proclamation officially opens Air Force Week Sacramento

    Air Force Week here officially began Sept. 8 with a proclamation ceremony on the steps of the California State Capitol Building. In attendance at the event were California Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, commander of Air

  • Afghan medical technicians learn lab techniques

    Air Force mentors are developing Afghan hematology knowledge and practices every day at the Kabul national military hospital. "The (medical embed training team) mission strengthens the (Afghan national army's) healthcare system's ability to improve medical care with trained and experienced medical

  • Secretary Donley: Airmen vital to missions in Iraq, Afghanistan

    Airmen remain a vital part of the joint mission, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley observed during his recent visit to installations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The secretary used the opportunity to speak with Airmen and receive mission updates in Iraq and

  • Air Forces Africa Airmen share airdrop expertise with Ugandan forces

    Airmen of U.S. Air Forces Africa worked with Uganda peoples defense force members during a theater security cooperation event to show how humanitarian airdrop missions are conducted in late August at Entebbe Air Base, Uganda. With theater security cooperation events, American Airmen plan engagement

  • Airmen provide comfort, care with aeromedical evacuations

    Members of the 379th Expeditionary Air Evacuation Squadron run weekly missions to both Iraq and Afghanistan to either pick up patients or return servicemembers who have sufficiently recovered back to a forward location. An average of 120 wounded and injured servicemembers are transported each month.

  • Airmen demonstrate their importance to Afghanistan, joint operations

    Joint expeditionary tasked Airmen have two commanders, the Army one responsible for their day-to-day missions and the Air Force one responsible for their administrative and operational control; but they both sing the praises of their Airmen. According to Army Lt. Col. Matt Smith the task force

  • Sept. 4 airpower summary: Enemy firing positions eliminated

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces

  • Sept. 3 airpower summary: Pave Hawks provide rapid transport

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and coalition aircraft provided

  • AFMC leaders continue to focus on nuclear sustainment

    Sustaining the Air Force nuclear arsenal was emphasized by the commander of Air Force Materiel Command as he led center and wing commanders along with AFMC headquarters senior staff through two days of in-depth discussions during the command's semi-annual senior leaders conference here Sept. 1 and

  • Sept. 2 airpower summary: F-16s watch over ground troops

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and coalition aircraft provided

  • American medical advisers guide Iraqi army back into patients' trust

    American medical advisers at Camp Ur are helping Iraqi army members run a clinic efficiently here as well as getting Iraqi soldiers to use the medical care available to them. Camp Ur boasts a fully functioning medical clinic complete with a three-bay emergency room, pharmacy, dentist, radiology

  • Security forces Airmen help secure future of Iraq

    Members of the Air Force's 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Det. 2 here strive to ready members of the Iraqi police to handle day-to-day police operations within their district in Iraq. Currently, the security forces Airmen are responsible for nine different stations and are training

  • Air Force doctor advances cyanide poisoning treatment

    In espionage novels, cyanide capsules are swallowed by captured spies who would rather commit suicide than divulge classified information. But the highly toxic chemical used in so many works of fiction is a real threat for being used as a terrorist weapon. Maj. (Dr.) Vik Bebarta, a physician and

  • Mud run begins Air Force Week Sacramento

    Air Force Week Sacramento kicked off with a splash Sept. 5 as thousands of people participated in the 10th annual Mather Mud Run at Hagan Community Park here. Air Force Week Sacramento is designed to expose the local population to the incredible power and capabilities of the Air Force and strengthen

  • Sept. 1 airpower summary: A-10s suppress enemy position

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and coalition aircraft provided

  • Red, White and Brave parade honors those who serve

    Air Force Academy participants joined forces with many local military members and civilians alike who turned out to salute returning Fort Carson fighting men and women Aug. 29, 2009, in downtown Colorado Springs. The Red, White and Brave parade drew an estimated 40,000 spectators lining downtown

  • Jungle Shield exercise trains Airmen, federal agencies

    Airmen at Andersen Air Force Base and Hickam AFB, Hawaii, participated in an exercise Aug. 25 through 27 to test the Air Force's ability to protect U.S. air sovereignty in the Pacific region. The exercise, known as Jungle Shield, trains flying crews and ensures command and control requirements are

  • Air Force humanitarian team arrives on Chuuk

    The Humanitarian Assistance Rapid Response Team, or HARRT, validation exercise officially began Sept. 2 with the arrival of a C-17 Globemaster III transporting 54 Air Force medical and contingency response experts to the Micronesian island state of Chuuk. The team will provide medical assistance to

  • Air Forces Central officials launch new Combined Air, Space Ops Center

    Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors along with their coalition partners from Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom are busy standing up and launching the new U.S. Air Forces Central Combined Air and Space Operations Center here. Communications Airmen along with their contractor counterparts are

  • Elmendorf Airmen boost aviation fuel with additive

    Elmendorf Air Force Base officials started to blend a thermally stable additive known as Plus 100 to its JP-8 aviation fuel Sept. 1. The additive prevents coking and carbon buildup in the engine, which will greatly reduce engine maintenance. Even before base officials began using this additive, the

  • JAG Corps officials announce law school programs

    Applications for the Funded Legal Education Program and Excess Leave Program are being accepted from Jan. 1 to March 1, 2010. The FLEP, which is a paid legal studies program for active-duty Air Force commissioned officers, is an assignment action and participants receive full pay, allowances and

  • Missile retrofit provides better accuracy, saves Air Force money

    Members of the 86th Munitions Squadron here recently upgraded their AGM-65 Maverick H-and-K-model missile systems as part of the Air Force effort to modernize its air and space inventories. With the help of an Air Force Reserve ammunition team and a Maverick Systems Program Office team from Raytheon

  • Air Force officials reactivate 69th Bomb Squadron at Minot

    Air Force officials reactivated the 69th Bomb Squadron Sept. 3 at Minot Air Force Base. The new unit is the fourth operational B-52H Stratofortress squadron in the Air Force and joins the 23rd Bomb Squadron as the second squadron here. The new squadron was established to provide each B-52 wing with

  • 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 Week in Photos slideshow.

  • Leaders issue joint Labor Day safety message

    The Air Force's top leaders remind the entire Air Force family to minimize safety risks this weekend and beyond in a Labor Day message. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz issued the following message: "As we approach this holiday weekend, it

  • 615th CRW members support Ulchi Freedom Guardian in South Korea

    Members of the 15th Air Mobility Operations Squadron here traveled to South Korea to support the Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise on Aug. 17 through 28. Ulchi Freedom Guardian is a computerized command and control exercise. The 15th AMOS trains to respond to contingency operations in the Pacific

  • Servicemembers work 'out of the doghouse' at Joint Base Balad

    On a deployment, a multitude of distractions can make sleep challenging for some servicemembers including F-16 Fighting Falcons roaring on the flightline and helicopters thundering through the air. Also putting rest to the test are 70-pound Labrador retrievers taking up half the bed. For Air Force

  • Mountain Home hosts first Gunfighter Flag

    Starting Sept. 14, people in the local area may notice an increase in flying operations with a myriad of planes and visitors taking part in the first Gunfighter Flag 2009.The multinational exercise will include participants from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.; Schriever AFB, Colo.; Phoenix Air National

  • Afghan C-27A program takes flight

    Test pilots, engineers and ground crews from Alenia North America performed an initial test flight of the first of 20 programmed Afghan C-27A "Spartans" recently in Italy. The medium-sized tactical military transport remains on schedule for delivery to Naples in late September. Combined Security

  • Veterans, first timers benefit from Red Flag exercises

    During the Red Flag 09-5 exercise here, young and veteran pilots train in realistic combat scenarios through Sept. 4. The large-force employment includes various airframes from sister services and allied nations. The pilots train in a combined an joint atmosphere in a training area spanning more

  • Services' top enlisted members discuss family support

    The top enlisted servicemember from each of the four services offered their appreciation to those who support military families before fielding some tough questions during a town hall-style meeting here Sept. 1. The meeting was part of the Defense Department's three-day Joint Family Readiness

  • Airmen help Iraqi army take control of base operations

    Operations continue as normal at Camp Ur. The focus remains the same: keep the base running and the mission on target. Iraqi army soldiers routinely work with their U.S. counterparts, but one important difference now is that the Iraqis have taken command of the controls."It's a historic time for

  • Photo essay: Red Flag trains combat air forces

    Units from the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marines Corps participate in training missions for Red Flag 09-5 along with allied forces from Italy and the United Arab Emirates Aug. 26, 2009 here. This is the first time the United Arab Emirates has participated in Red Flag, a realistic two-week air combat

  • Aug. 31 airpower summary: Tankers have a busy day

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and coalition aircraft provided

  • 13th Air Force officials welcome new commander

    Officials from 13th Air Force here welcomed their new commander in a change-of-command ceremony Sept. 2 at Hickam Air Force Base.Lt. Gen. Herbert J. "Hawk" Carlisle assumed command of 13th Air Force as Lt. Gen. Loyd S. "Chip" Utterback relinquished command and will retire from the Air Force after

  • Secretary Gates explains opposition to alternate F-35 engine

    A proposed alternative engine for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter would cost far more than the existing engine and push back the production timetable, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in early September. Secretary Gates visited the Lockheed Martin F-35 factory Aug. 31 in Fort Worth,

  • Kadena Airmen 'deploy' to Guam

    Nearly 100 maintenance, operations, and support personnel arrived here Aug. 31 as part of a test of the deployment capabilities of the 18th Wing from Kadena Air Base, Japan.The timing of this deployment coincides with "Obon," which means reduced jet noise coming from the Kadena flight line and over

  • U.S., Romanian air forces discuss aircraft maintenance

    A U.S. Air Forces in Europe maintenance NCO training program traveling contact team met with Romanian air force instructors and aircraft maintainers during a visit to Bucharest, Romania Aug. 25 through 28. The primary purpose of the four-day visit was to discuss the U.S. Air Force's cradle-to-grave

  • Ramstein Airmen support 15-nation medical training exercise

    Thirty-two members of the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, arrived here Aug. 25 in support of the Medical Training Exercise in Central and Eastern Europe 2009. More than 600 people representing 15 nations will participate in this year's annual exercise with a focus on

  • Air Force officials announce aerospace award winners

    Air Force officials here announced Sept. 2 the winners of the 2009 Air Force Association National Aerospace and Specialty Awards. The awards recognize professional excellence and contributions to national defense. The Theodore von Karman Award winner for most outstanding contribution in the field of

  • Photo essay: Balad firefighters rappel tower

    Base firefighters use the control tower to conduct a rappeling exercise here Aug. 20, 2009.  The training allows the firefighters to hone their skills with different knots, anchors and belay techniques. View the slideshow.

  • Defense Department to start H1N1 flu vaccinations

    All military personnel will be vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus, and the vaccine will be available to all military family members who want it, a Defense Department health affairs official said Sept. 2 here. The H1N1 vaccination program will begin in early October, said Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Wayne

  • Air Force officials release Predator accident report

    Air Force officials here Sept. 2 said a disconnected vacuum line caused the April 28 crash of an MQ-1 Predator west of Creech Air Force Base, Nev.According to an Air Combat Command accident investigation board report, the aircraft executed a hard landing in the rough terrain surrounding the airfield

  • Gates cites importance of acquisition reform

    It is imperative for the nation to get defense acquisition reform right, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Aug. 31 during a visit to Texas to tour the plants of two major defense contractors. Americans are getting value for their tax dollars spent in the defense realm, Secretary Gates said

  • Safety: More than just 101 critical days

    Just because you "fly a desk" in an administrative work area, doesn't mean you don't have to worry about safety. In fact, according to 86th Airlift Wing safety officials here, one of the more extreme mishaps that happened this year took place in an administrative environment. One unlucky person

  • Holiday Greetings teams ready to deploy

    Taping for one of the most recognizable holiday programs in America will begin soon, months before wreaths are hung and lights are strung in homes across the country. Broadcast teams from the Joint Hometown News Service in San Antonio will depart shortly after Labor Day to begin taping video holiday

  • Whiteman Airmen test nuclear weapon mission

    Members of the 72nd Test and Evaluation Squadron here took part in Combat Sledgehammer Aug. 17 as part of Air Combat Command's nuclear weapon system evaluation program. Combat Sledgehammer is conducted on Air Force bomber and fighter aircraft that are capable of carrying thermonuclear bombs and

  • Aug. 30 airpower summary: F-15Es deter enemy attack

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 30 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided armed overwatch for Abchakan

  • Defense secretary touts F-35 as heart of future tactical combat aviation

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited the Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter factory here Aug. 31, assessing progress on what he called "the heart of the future of our tactical combat aviation." Secretary Gates walked through the mile-long production facility, getting

  • Secretary Gates to MC-12 workers: Your work is saving troops' lives

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates gave a pep talk to employees outfitting the MC-12 Liberty aircraft for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions Aug. 31 here, telling them their work is saving lives on the battlefield. Secretary Gates visited the L3 Communications plant here, getting