Aug. 28 airpower summary: ISR aircraft perform tactical reconnaissance

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force B-1B Lancer, F-15E Strike Eagle and A-10 Thunderbolt II

Air Force secretary praises Airmen, discusses ops with Bagram Airmen

The secretary of the Air Force visited 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen Aug. 29 here during his second visit to Afghanistan in 10 months. Secretary Michael B. Donley spoke to approximately 300 Airmen at an Airmen's Call held on the steps of an old, Russian air traffic control tower, known as the

Aug. 29 airpower summary: Reaper provides armed interdiction

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, F-16CJ Fighting Falcon aircraft provided armed overwatch for

Air Guard's domestic ops experts to confer on top priorities

Hundreds of Air National Guard officials will gather here Sept. 21 through 25 to plan for domestic and civil support operations at the ANG Domestic Operations Essential 10 Requirements Conference. The conference will join subject matter and planning experts in working groups to discuss and

C-130 crew delivers humanitarian supplies to Afghan village

Airmen from the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron dropped eight bundles of humanitarian aid from a C-130 Hercules Aug. 26 to a remote village in northern Afghanistan.The Air National Guard crew, deployed from the 158th Airlift Squadron in Savannah, Ga, performed the mission to support coalition

Innovative Airmen make jobs, lives easier

Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing have applied the axiom "work smarter, not harder" to come up with solutions on the job that are saving manpower, time and money here in Southwest Asia. Examples of innovation are not limited to just one group. Each of the four groups assigned to the 379th

Elmendorf Airmen support Army's Operation Arctic Response

Active and Air National Guard Airmen provided assistance to Army Soldiers Aug. 24 and 26 during Operation Arctic Response here. Members of the 517th Airlift Squadron from here and the Alaska Air National Guard's 249th Airlift Squadron supported the operation, which is an emergency deployment

Airmen enhance Ugandan humanitarian airlift capability

Airmen from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and Army Reserve Soldiers from Nashville, Tenn., arrived in Uganda Aug. 25 to participate in a C-130 Hercules familiarization event with the Uganda peoples defense air force. The theater security cooperation initiative gives Ugandan forces a firsthand look at

E-3 damaged while landing at Nellis

An E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system aircraft was damaged while landing Aug. 28 at Nellis Air Force Base. The 32-person crew safely evacuated the aircraft and the subsequent fire was quickly extinguished by Nellis AFB emergency response forces. The aircraft, flown by Airmen of the 552nd

Strike Eagles surpass 8,000 combat hours, support unique missions

Airmen from the 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron achieved a milestone here when they surpassed 8,000 combat hours in the F-15E Strike Eagle while providing security to coalition forces. The aircrew for the mission included Capt. Jaina Donberg, the F-15E pilot and a native of Arlington, Va., and

17th Air Force officials discuss air operations organization with Botswana delegation

What is the best way to organize an air operations center? That is the question a delegation of officers from the Botswana Defense Force is seeking to answer with help from 17th Air Force, also known as U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Air Forces Europe's 603rd Air Operations Center officials

Aug. 27 airpower summary: B-1B destroys enemy position

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 27 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft provided armed overwatch at

'Today's Air Force' features chief of staff first-year reflections

In this edition of "Today's Air Force," the chief of staff of the Air Force reflects on his first year on the job, the Global Positioning System gets a high tech upgrade, and Airmen turn to a new program in Iraq to get help dealing with combat stress.Major changes have taken place across the Air

Officials outline adoption process for military working dogs

Military working dogs have come a long way since the days of ancient Persia and Assyria, where they donned armor, spiked collars and warned of impending attack or charged on the enemy's cavalry. Modern battlefield and customs conditions bring forth complex and ever-changing challenges, and as such,

New vice chief of staff takes office

Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler is the new vice chief of staff of the Air Force, succeeding Gen. William M. Fraser III who held the position since October 2008. General Chandler comes to the Pentagon after two years of service as commander of Pacific Air Forces; Air Component Commander for U.S.

OC-ALC to refurbish Navy E-6 aircraft

Workers from the 566th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here will begin work next month on the first of the Navy's E-6B Mercury aircraft scheduled for a service life extension program refit. The refit will involve inspecting and replacing up to 15,000 fasteners on the aircraft's wings. Fastener holes

Secretary Donley tours Joint Base Balad

Guardsman lauds employer for military support

The past five years have been "the most exciting, dynamic and rewarding" of Brad Sams' professional career, not because of his success as an attorney, but because of the military opportunities his employer has enabled him to pursue, the Air National Guard major said. "They create a culture that

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.

Next-gen spacecraft stops at Holloman

NASA's next generation of a manned-spacecraft  made a stop at Holloman AFB on its way to White Sands Missile Range, N.M. where launch abort tests will be performed. The Orion Program's Pad Abort One Crew Module arrived here Aug. 19 via a C-17 Globemaster III and left aboard a tractor-trailer Aug. 21

Green Flag provides Italian air force new insight on close air support

Italian airmen sharpened their close-air-support skills in realistic combat conditions here during their first-ever exercise appearance at Green Flag West Aug. 9 through 20. Nearly 180 Italian airmen from four different squadrons comprised the "Reparto Autonomo Volo," or Autonomous Flying Wing, at

Charleston Airman shows strength for recovery

An explosives ordnance disposal technician with the 437th Civil Engineer Squadron mustered the strength to brace himself and stand for the first time in three weeks Aug. 21 after an explosion turned his deployment upside down. "I just want to take each day slowly but surely. In the next week or two

AMC wing hits high marks for nuclear surety

Air Mobility Command Airmen showed strong support for "reinvigorating the Air Force nuclear enterprise" through a command-level no-notice inspection recently. From Aug. 17 to 24, the AMC Inspector General officials completed a no-notice Limited Nuclear Surety Inspection, or LNSI, of the 62nd Airlift

Aug. 26 airpower summary: Transports are AOR workhorses

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft provided armed overwatch for

Photo essay: Ready for takeoff

Airmen from the 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron work around the clock to ensure the B-2 Spirit is mission ready. The 509th Bomb Wing is home to 20 B-2s. The aircraft brings massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe. See the slideshow. 

Proposed leave rule would provide for warrior care

Defense Department federal employees could receive up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a military family member injured in the line of duty if an Office of Personnel Management proposal is adopted. The proposal would allow eligible federal employees to take 26 "administrative work weeks"

Osan AB's airfield damage repair team train with South Korean air force

Airmen of the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron airfield damage repair team here participated in a combined-rapid-runway-repair-training exercise with the South Korean air force's 19th Tactical Fighter Wing and 91st Air Civil Engineer Group Aug.19 at Jungwon Air Base, South Korea. "This is the first time

Air evacuation liaison team's battle buddies wear Army green

Airmen with an Air Mobility Command air evacuation liaison team and Soldiers from Army patient administration staff trained with each other during Joint Readiness Training Center Exercise 09-09 at Folk Polk, La., through Aug. 25. Their goal: prepare for Middle East deployments. "Our main goal is to

Secretary Donley visits deployed servicemembers

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley met with deployed servicemembers Aug. 26 at an air base in Southwest Asia and visited base facilities there during a brief stop on his tour of the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.He began his visit by making a presentation of six battle streamers

Air Force earns 6 campaign streamers

A new chapter of military history was recognized here, Aug. 26, as the Secretary of  the Air Force added six campaign streamers to accompany the Air Force colors. The new streamers were presented by the Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, and received by Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, U.S. Air Forces

Dover reservists work to form Canadian sister squadron program

Reservists here visited members of the Royal Canadian Air Force's 8 Wing at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario, Aug. 22 through 24 as part of an effort to initiate a sister squadron program. Airmen with Dover's 512th Airlift Wing hoped to forge a partnership with the Canadian airmen and identify

'Defender's Edge': A new approach to combat stress

A new customized mental health program is helping security forces Airmen here manage combat stress.The "Defenders Edge" is tailored to those security forces Airmen who conduct missions on or outside the wire. This program is intended to improve Airmen's mental resiliency to combat-related stressors.

Photo essay: Multi-lift airdrop at Davis-Monthan AFB

Airmen from the Air Force Reserve Command's 306th Rescue Squadron participated in the first multi-lift HC-airdrop here Aug. 15 with the 79th Rescue Squadron. The squadrons normally must jump at a different location, because the flight line is usually occupied. The two squadrons were able to

U.S. Air Forces Africa help Nigerian C-130 fly again

A group of active-duty Air Force and Tennessee Air National Guardsmen recently helped restore one of Nigeria's C-130 transport aircraft to flying condition as part of an ongoing military-to-military engagement between 17th Air Force (U.S. Air Forces Africa) and the West African nation. Lt. Col.

Defense Department Web site eases information delivery

The new Defense Department Web site is designed to make military news and information more accessible, and also invites greater participation from the public, the department's top public affairs official said Aug. 25. "[Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates] wanted to hear back from people more. He felt

Air Forces Africa commander visits Kenyan air force

Air Forces Africa officials arrived in Kenya Aug. 21 for the latest in a series of engagements between U.S. and Kenyan forces. AFAFRICA, also known as 17th Air Force, is the air component for U.S. Africa Command. AFAFRICA Commander Maj. Gen. Ronald R. Ladnier led the visit, which came in the wake of

Aug. 25 airpower summary: Pave Hawks transport medivac patients

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces

Aug. 24 airpower summary: A-10s provide cover for convoy

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft responded to a strike call

New munitions units advance nuclear weapons center role

With the activation and assumption of command for the 798th Munitions Maintenance Group at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Aug. 18, Air Force officials significantly advanced one of their top goals: reinvigorating the service's nuclear enterprise. The maintenance group was the last of four similar

New ergonomic seats installed in E-3 fleet

For operators occupying the 19 control stations aboard E-3 Sentrys, 12-to-14-hour missions will become a bit more comfortable after new ergonomically designed seats are installed on the U.S. fleet. This Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft is the first of five legacy platforms to receive the

Their 'American Spirit' earns Salt Lake Bees baseball team Air Force award

Before a sold-out crowd of more than 17,000 fans, the Salt Lake Bees Triple-A baseball team was presented the Air Force Recruiting Service's most prestigious award, the American Spirit Award, here Aug. 22. Col. Mark Ward, 372nd Recruiting Group commander, presented the award to Greg Miller, chief

Air ground operations school helps NATO train Estonian, Swedish troops for deployment

Two Estonian air force members and a Swedish army ranger spent a week in pre-deployment briefings, computer simulation, and field training as forward air controllers thanks to the joint efforts of the staff at the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Air Ground Operations School and the International Security

Aug. 23 airpower summary: C-17s provide intra-theater heavy airlift

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces near

Aug. 20 airpower summary: F-16s cover coalition convoys

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16CJ Fighting Falcons and F-15E Strike Eagles provided

Airmen, Soldiers host health fair for Iraqi children

Airmen and Soldiers here hosted a Department of State Provincial Reconstruction Team-initiated health fair for local Iraqi children Aug. 22. More than 30 children from the surrounding Salah ad Din province interacted with servicemembers while learning about basic first aid, the role of emergency

Aug. 21 airpower summary: Predator targets enemy force

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator provided armed overwatch for friendly

Aug. 22 airpower summary: A-10s provide protection

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft provided armed overwatch near

Iraqi agency ready to take over civil aviation operations

The Iraqi civil aviation authority staff will independently conduct day-to-day civil aviation operations beginning Aug. 25 after Airmen of the Regional Air Movement Control Center helped direct the organization stationed here. The Regional Air Movement Control Center staff worked for more than half

Iraqi air force brings ISR capabilities online

Intelligence collection has become a valuable capability for the Iraqi air force in its push to provide security and stability. Unique to the Iraqi air force, the King Air Squadron 87 here boasts the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities necessary for detecting and deterring

United Arab Emirates air force participates in first Red Flag

United Arab Emirates air force pilots and maintainers are participating in the Red Flag exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., for the first time Aug. 22 through Sept. 5. The UAE airmen spent the previous two weeks at the Arizona Air National Guard's 162nd Fighter Wing at Tucson International

NATO AWACS proves interoperability during test

A NATO E-3 AWACS took part in six-hour combat scenarios that demonstrated interoperability between its prototype interrogator and various joint platforms that interrogate in the same mode in July flying at an observation point 100 miles off the coast of Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md. During

Hanscom Airmen train with Massachusetts state troopers

Hanscom Air Force Base security forces Airmen received specialized tactical training as part of an ongoing partnership with the Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations team in early August. The training, which took place in base dormitories, offered instruction on handling

Platelet donations bring troops home

The pint-sized bags of cloudy, yellow liquid may not look like much, but the fluid inside them has proved to be a lifesaving substance to injured servicemembers. "Platelets heal. I've seen it firsthand," said Lt. Col. Thomas Jordan, the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Support Squadron platelet

Guardsmen deliver medical care to Guatemala

About 40 medical personnel from the Arkansas Air National Guard are here performing a humanitarian medical readiness exercise as part of their annual training requirement. The medical team -- made up of general physicians, pediatricians, dentists, optometrists, pharmacists, nurses and medical

Chief of staff visits Beale

Deployment lengths, force-shaping efforts and emerging unmanned aircraft missions were some of the topics on the minds of Beale Airmen during the visit by the Air Force chief of staff here Aug. 21. In his first visit to Beale since becoming the Air Force's top officer just over a year ago, Gen.

Lajes Field clinic hosts school, sports physical day

A steady flow of children and their parents passed through the 65th Medical Group clinic during a school and sports physical day here Aug 20. With almost 120 appointments scheduled for the day, the 65th MDG staff was far busier than a normal duty day as children came in to get their school and

Airdrop fuels troops in austere Afghan locations

Air Force officials from here airdropped 3.3 million pounds of supplies into Afghanistan during the month of July. Members of the 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron contributed more than 276,000 pounds of equipment, ammunition and other supplies ranging from fuel to food and water to fellow

SECAF outlines Year of the Air Force Family

The secretary of the Air Force emphasized the Air Force's firm commitment to its families during his speech at the 2009 Air Force Sergeant's Association Professional Airmen's Conference here August 19. Secretary Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz designated July 2009

Air Force unveils new fitness program

Approval of the new Air Force fitness instruction in the coming weeks will bring about some of the most significant changes to the Air Force fitness program in the last five years.Those changes, which take effect Jan. 1, 2010, shift a greater responsibility of maintaining physical fitness 365 days a

Leaders issue joint message, define cyber mission

In a joint Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff focus on the alignment of the service's cyberspace mission."Without question, cyberspace is vital to today's fight and to the future U.S. military advantage over our adversaries," said Air Force Secretary

Pacific Airlift Rally 2009 kicks off

A biennial symposium involving Pacific Rim nations to enhance military airlift interoperability with a focus in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations kicked off here Aug. 17. Pacific Airlift Rally 2009, co-hosted by the American and Royal Malaysian air forces, includes

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.

Aug. 19 airpower summary: F-15E destroys enemy position

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly

Shaw Airmen train with South Carolina Civil Air Patrol

Shaw Air Force Base Airmen joined volunteers of the South Carolina wing of the Civil Air Patrol in Exercise Fertile Keynote Aug. 11 here. The training exercise occurs five to six times per month and gives 20th Fighter Wing alert Airmen experience with different scenarios, said Maj. Benjamin Price,

5 NATO countries take part in jump week

Five NATO countries including Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and the United States participated in airborne jump operations during International Jump Week Aug. 9 thru 14. Parachuting out of the back of a C-130 Hercules from the 37th Airlift Squadron here, more than 250 paratroopers guided

Clinic traffic downrange shows need for hearing protection

When gearing up for a mission in Afghanistan, servicemembers don't forget their helmet, gloves, weapon, eye protection or body armor. But what about hearing protection? Staff Sgt. Lee Adams, an ear, nose and throat technician here, said more than half of the patients seen in the ENT walk-in clinics

Guard chief encourages 'continual support' of families

The state's are doing a great job of supporting the National Guard and its families, but it takes continuous support to make sure no one falls through the cracks, the National Guard's top military officer said Aug. 18 here. "If there is an area that we have to concentrate on, to continue to focus

Flying hospital staff gives wounded fighting chance

At any given moment, a call can come in requiring an entire aeromedical evacuation staff here to stop what they are doing and begin preparing to care for the wounded and sick headed their way. The team of Airmen will pull supplies, alert additional crewmembers, get updates from aid stations and make

Aug. 18 airpower summary: 3,400 pax moved

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs were providing armed

Mildenhall serves as base for Turkish C-130 engine replacement

A team of 13 Turkish air force mechanics arrived here Aug. 17 to repair one of their C-130s after a maintenance inspection revealed problems with one of the aircraft's engines. Members of the 100th Maintenance Squadron lent support of its facilities and equipment to the team while they swapped out

Four USSTRATCOM units win prestigious awards

Four units of U.S. Strategic Command have been selected to receive the Omaha Trophy for 2008 in their respective categories.  The trophy is presented annually to USSTRATCOM units demonstrating the highest performance standards. Selection for each of the four award categories is based on formal

General North assumes command of Pacific Air Forces

The command of Pacific Air Forces, celebrating 65 years of providing American airpower in the Pacific this month, was passed from Gen. Howie Chandler to Gen. Gary North during a ceremony here Aug. 19 on Freedom Tower Mall. General North assumed command here after completing more than three years of

Quilts of Valor comfort complex wartime emotions

In 2003 Catherine Roberts, a midwife by profession and quilter for 25 years from Seaford, Del., wanted to give a wounded Soldier a quilt to bring him comfort during his recovery. "We are a nation at war," Ms. Roberts said. "Warriors need something tangible, a physical representation of love, support

CMSAF talks integrity, training, development

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force praised the enlisted force and highlighted several of his key priorities during a speech at the 2009 Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Airmen's Conference here. "Everywhere I've traveled it's very apparent our Air Force places great trust in our

Teamwork keeps tankers flying

A team of active-duty, Reserve and Guard servicemembers of the 340th Aircraft Maintenance Unit here maintain aircraft built during President Dwight D. Eisenhower's era in temperatures exceeding 110 degrees here. The working dynamics at the 340th AMU differ from most Air Force bases working on KC-135

Communications directorate consolidates, stands-up

The air logistics center here becomes the first in Air Force Materiel Command to stand up a communications directorate. As a part of an effort to consolidate the communications squadrons and the information technology directorates, the three AFMC ALCs are required to combine the two. In a ceremony

Air Force Secretary to speak at C2ISR symposium

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley will be the dinner guest speaker at the C2ISR Symposium and Technology Exposition, joining a number of presenters for the event. The symposium will be held Sept. 28 through 30 at the MGM Grand Hotel at Foxwoods in Ledyard, Conn. The secretary will speak

AF top enlisted leader visits Holloman

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited Aug. 10 here to talk to base Airmen and see the Holloman Air Force Base mission.  Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy was given a tour of the base and shared his priorities with base members. "It's easy to align my goals with the Air

Aug. 17 airpower summary: Transports provide intra-theater airlift

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided armed

President visits Phoenix, meets Luke Airmen

Fifty-one Airmen from Luke Air Force Base met President Barack Obama at the 110th Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention Aug. 17 in Phoenix. The base received an invitation from VFW officials for 50 Airmen to attend the opening session of the convention, as well as to hear the keynote speaker,

Travis Airmen provide presidential support

Members of the 615th Contingency Response Wing here were there to smooth the way for President Barack Obama's two-day visit to Guadalajara, Mexico, for a North American summit held with leaders from Mexico and Canada Aug. 9 and 10. When the president travels, he relies on Air Force contingency

Dog days of summer

A handful of Airmen and their canine companions deployed here as part of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron defend Bagram Airfield and search up to 700 vehicles on a daily basis. Since they inherited the base defense mission, the Airmen and their K-9s have found thousands of pounds of

Aug. 16 airpower summary: Tankers fuel the fight

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations August 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Coalition aircraft flew armed overwatch in the vicinity of Asadabad

Photo essay: new dog, handler develop bond at Moody AFB

A military working dog handler with the 822nd Security Forces Squadron works with a new dog here recently. Senior Airman Beaun Clegg and Rreyana train and develop a bond so that the team will be combat ready.  Rreyana arrived in June from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.View the slideshow.

Shared weather radar ensures mission success

Two squadrons here work together to secure weather data for the 36th Wing flying mission.The 36th Communications Squadron's ground radar systems flight maintains an off-base Next Generation Weather Radar valued at more than $3 million. The radar is used primarily by the 36th Operations Support

24th Air Force activated, 2 units realign in joint ceremony

Air Force officials here activated the newest numbered Air Force and realigned two units under its command in a joint ceremony here Aug. 18. The 24th Air Force activation under Air Force Space Command is a major milestone in the combination of space and cyberspace operations within one command. Gen.

U.S., international mobility airmen to participate in exercise

U.S. and international mobility airmen will come together Aug. 17 to 25 to participate in a Joint Readiness Training Center exercise with the Army Soldiers at Fort Polk, La. Members of the 621st Contingency Response Wing from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.; aeromedical evacuation crews from

17th Air Force officials host military exchange from Africa

The 17th Air Force officials here took another step forward in building meaningful relationships with African nations when it hosted a visit by a delegation of officers West African nation to an American base in Germany in August. Led by Maj. Souleymane Ouedraogo, the Ouagadougou Airport base

JAG visits to ensure consistency across deployed legal operations

Maj. Gen. Charles J. Dunlap Jr., the Air Force deputy judge advocate general, visited the 386th Air Expeditionary wing here Aug. 18 and began an eight-day Article Six visit to various deployed locations throughout the area of operations. The designation of the visit refers to Article Six of the

New unit, new way of doing international business

Recently, a C-17 Globemaster III sat on the end of the runway here, as many others do, but this particular aircraft was quite different. As loadmasters and the crew paced around, completing preflight checklists, one couldn't help but notice the nation patches on their flight uniforms were

Robins unit answers urgent call for AC-130U repair

A Robins Air Force Base unit recently developed a prototype infrared suppression system for the AC-130U Spooky. 402nd Commodities Maintenance Group personnel developed the prototype after receiving an urgent requirement for the IRSS. Working from a design by S&K Technologies, which also provided

Center for Cyberspace Research awarded a $2.1 million grant

The Center for Cyberspace Research at the Air Force Institute of Technology here has been awarded a National Science Foundation Cyber Education Grant in the amount of $2.1 million to continue its Scholarship for Service fellowship program that recruits and educates talented civilians to work for

USCENTCOM commander visits Manas

Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. Central Command commander, visited personnel here Aug. 16. During his visit, General Petraeus briefed servicemembers and coalition forces deployed to the Transit Center as well as talked about the roles they play, serving as the gateway for personnel transiting in and

Enlisted sensor operators take flight in AF's newest career field

The U.S. Air Force boasts more than 130 enlisted career fields and on Aug. 17 one more was officially welcomed as the first class of 10 enlisted unmanned aircraft system sensor operators began their technical school. Because of their capabilities, unmanned aircraft have become in exceedingly high

National Guard adds Liberia to partnership program

Liberia will be the eighth African nation to take part in the National Guard's State Partnership Program. The National Guard will add Liberia to its State Partnership Program this year, bringing to eight the number of African nations taking part in the program. The addition fulfills a request from

New recruits enlist at Chicago Air and Water Show

Following a full-throttle aerial display by Air Combat Command's F-15E Strike Eagle Demo Team, 50 young men and women were sworn in to the United States Air Force Aug. 15 during the 51st Annual Chicago Air and Water Show. "Today has been crazy... I'm beyond excited," said Michael Leonard, 20, from

Photo essay: Airmen prepare to deploy

Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen participated in a month-long Combat Skills Training at Fort Dix, N.J. recently with hostile scenario and weapon familiarization training.  The course prepares Airmen for Joint Expeditionary Tasking combat roles augmenting the U.S. Army in support of

Final Air Force Delta II launches

Air Force personnel successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Delta II booster carrying the 21st modernized NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite into space Aug. 17. The NAVSTAR GPS was launched at 6:35 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) from Space Launch Complex 17A here. "With this

Logistics leaders address Air Force future

A summer lecture series devoted to logistics brought past and present air logistics center leaders together here recently for a panel discussion and question and answer period. Hosted by the Logistics Officer Association's Crossroads Chapter, the "Logistics over Lunch" attracted approximately 70

Airmen help connect Iraqi army, air force

The Iraqi air force and army, aided by American Airmen, established radio communication here Aug. 11 in an effort to improve collaboration between the two services during operations. Although the weather prevented the two services from conducting their original training mission, the day was a big