Air Force secretary discusses service's goals, priorities

The secretary of the Air Force spoke about the service's nuclear enterprise mission, Airmen at war and taking care of Airmen and their families April 23 while visiting the campus of the College of William & Mary during Hampton Roads Air Force Week. Secretary Michael B. Donley began by explaining the

ANG chief discusses air sovereignty missions with Congress

New commitments need to be made to the nation's Airmen and others who defend North America from threats to its air sovereignty, the Air National Guard's senior officer told members of Congress here April 22. Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt, director of the Air National Guard, testified before the House

Medics provide care to people in Dominican Republic

Medics treated 760 patients at a primary school here April 20 on the inaugural day of the largest Maxwell Air Force Base-planned Air Force medical readiness exercise, or MEDRETE,  to date. A group of 45 medics, translators, security and support personnel from the U.S. Air Force, Army and Marines

April 23 airpower summary: A-10s thwart attack on convoy

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs operating near Nangalam

Quadrennial defense, nuclear posture review begin

Pentagon officials kicked off the Defense Department's 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review and Nuclear Posture Review processes April 23 to determine what types of capabilities will be required to maintain U.S. national security now and in the coming years, senior officials said. "The QDR takes a

Altus slated to receive Reserve squadron

Top military and government officials announced recently a Reserve squadron will join units here. The addition will boost aircrew training for the KC-135 Stratotanker, C-17 Globemaster III and the eventual KC-X.  The change will take place in fiscal 2010. "We have the opportunity to take some of the

Air Force legal team earns Deming Award

Excellence, innovation and high-impact practices are among the goals of many government agencies, but an Air Force team at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., distinguished itself and earned recognition for that at an April 20 ceremony. At the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center here,

13th Air Force commander visits Andersen Airmen

Lt. Gen. Chip Utterback, 13th Air Force commander, shakes hands with Staff Sgt. Eric Moeller, a firefighter from the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron, during a visit to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, April 22. The 36th Wing at Andersen is one of two wings assigned to 13th Air Force. (U.S. Air Force

AF doctors use virtual reality to treat PTSD

Mental health therapists and social workers at the David Grant USAF Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., are currently using a virtual reality program to treat servicemembers who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, after returning from combat operations. "PTSD is an

Wilford Hall's emergency department much more than that

At first glance, Wilford Hall Medical Center's emergency department appears to be just another level-1 trauma center, treating patients from not only Lackland Air Force Base but from San Antonio and the surrounding areas. Yet, much more is going on there than people realize. "The emergency

The services align, sign new working group charter

The first big step towards achieving commonality and interoperability of expeditionary basing equipment in the joint force was taken April 13 as the service logistics chiefs came together here to sign the Joint Expeditionary Basing Working Group charter. The lead JEBWG organizations are the Air

Maintainers make it happen during Red Flag-Alaska

During Red Flag-Alaska, thousands of feet above the rugged Alaskan terrain, pilots push their aircraft to the limits, performing dog fights and defensive maneuvers against aggressors, honing their skills for combat missions. However, pilots aren't the only ones who are contributing to mission

April 22 airpower summary: B-1B destroys compound

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed a large compound used

JAG Airman provides unique service while deployed

Many Air Force attorneys spend their days providing legal counsel and preparing legal documents, but for one Air Force captain being deployed means serving in a one of a kind legal position. Capt. Sophia Crawford, detention, judicial and legal policy attorney in the Office of the Staff Judge

Joint airpower show proves military might at Air Force Week

Hundreds of Virginia residents saw a joint airpower demonstration firsthand during Hampton Roads Air Force Week April 22 along the coastline of Virginia Beach. The event included a simulated rescue where a special forces team called in airstrikes then ran into the Atlantic Ocean to be rescued by

Airmen, Marines work together to test-load helicopters

Playing a game of inches, a team of Airmen and Marines worked together April 20 to test-load two Marine helicopters into a C-5C Galaxy.With inches to spare, Airmen from the 60th Aerial Port Squadron here and Marines from the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron-303 and HMLA-367 at Camp

Secretary Gates presses to boost network security

Defense Department officials are working to reduce vulnerability to cyber-attack attempts that occur regularly and are likely to continue for the foreseeable future, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said."We are under attack virtually all the time, every day here," Secretary Gates told CBS Evening

Telelconference held to improve Pacific medical care

Thirteenth Air Force officials hosted an inaugural aeromedical evacuation quality system-wide teleconference here recently for more than 30 military members and civilians to improve aeromedical evacuations for patients throughout the Pacific. It was the first teleconference of its kind to be hosted

F-22s, B-2s fly together over Pacific Ocean

Twelve F-22 Raptors departed here recently following a deployment marking the first time F-22 Raptors and B-2 Spirits, the key national strategic stealth assets in the Air Force inventory, deployed together outside the continental United States. The Raptors arrived in January and were joined by the

Hot spot at Nellis

Task force seeks sexual assault response feedback

Members of the Defense Task Force on Sexual Assault in the Military Services visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst recently to speak with base leaders, sexual assault response coordinators and other base personnel. The task force, which was chartered by Congress to look at sexual assault response

Soto Cano members battle devastating blaze

Emergency crews from Joint Task Force-Bravo at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, worked alongside local responders to battle a blaze here that consumed an historic building April 15. Seven firefighters and two security forces patrolmen left Soto Cano just 20 minutes after base officials were notified of

Squadron hosts 'Buddy-Wing' Program

Members of the 25th Fighter Squadron here hosted Airmen from South Korea's 15th Composite Wing April 13 to 15 for a "Buddy Wing" exercise and exchange program. The purpose of the program is to introduce and review tactics, exchange ideas and improve interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and

Security team provides safety net for Airmen

Airmen riding the bus outside the wire for the first time may not realize it, but they're not alone out there. The 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's security escort team, armed and ready, are out there making sure each of those Airmen get to where they need to be safely. Selected by

April 21 airpower summary: F-16 takes out armed boat

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles destroyed an enemy truck

Guard, Reserve honor employers during Air Force Week

Air Force officials honored the support of civilian employers of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve at an Air Force Week awards presentation April 21 at the Hamptons Golf Course here. After participating together in a golf tournament, Airmen from the Air National Guard and Air Force

Air Force lights up 'Operation Change Out'

All 64 major Air Force bases in the United States are participating in the Energy Star Operation Change Out: The Military Challenge campaign to change out incandescent bulbs with new energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFLs. The campaign is a joint effort between the Department of Defense

Sustaining the mission through green innovation

On April 22, the Air Force will join the nation in observing Earth Day. On this occasion, we take the opportunity to reflect on our daily commitment to excellence and leadership in protecting and preserving the environment and our natural resources. As we fly, fight, and win today and in the future,

Silicon Valley rescue C-130s go digital

Nestled in the center of the world's technology epicenter is the California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing.  Search and rescue is the wing's primary mission, which often involves low-tech but courageous life-saving actions. The mission is about to get a high-tech boost from an innovative

Hanscom heritage event highlights heroes

During this quarter's Heritage of Freedom event here April 15, a group of speakers enlightened the audience about resolve, heroism and meeting warfighter's needs.  And, the emotional impact of a reunion was a powerful moment for those in attendance when a once-downed pilot reunited with the man who

EPLOs redefine part of Air Force mission

When most Americans think of the Air Force, they envision slick, fast fighter jets soaring through the skies at Mach speed. A picture that doesn't normally come to mind is a military organization that helps local communities during hurricanes, wildfires, floods or other natural disasters. Nor does

April 20 airpower summary: Tankers fuel the fleet

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer bomber destroyed an

Predator crashes in eastern Afghanistan

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft crashed in eastern Afghanistan April 21 in the early morning hours. The crash was not due to hostile fire. The aircraft is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. The MQ-1's primary mission is conducting armed reconnaissance. A board

Airmen honor America's veterans during Air Force Week

Air Force officials honored America's veterans during a Hampton Roads Air Force Week ceremony April 20 at the Boo Williams Sportsplex arena here. Officials from Langley Air Force Base, Va., recognized all veterans from all of America's wars and displayed some of the professionalism and precision of

Air Force officials emphasize bystander intervention

Airmen have the power to stop sexual assaults. The Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office staff is leading the effort to empower Airmen with this concept. The key to that empowerment is bystander intervention. If Airmen witness a situation that could lead to an assault, they have an

Clouds lift for 'Cadet for a Day'

For eight years, Academy cadets have been making wishes come true for ill youngsters. They made it happen again April 9 through Saturday when Joe Hayford, 13, became the newest Cadet for a Day through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. "His eyes were huge, and he never quit smiling," said Wish volunteer

Thousands honor Doolittle Raiders at the 67th Reunion

Thousands of people, young and old, gathered to honor five of the nine surviving Doolittle Raiders at the 67th Reunion in Columbia, S.C., April 16 to 18. On April 18, 1942, the Doolittle Raiders, led by then-Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle, became the first to bombard Japan following the attack on Pearl

Experts review B-52 fuel hose process

Consultants from the Air Force Inspection Agency and the University of Tennessee recently facilitated a four-day rapid improvement event at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center here in an effort to resolve issues involving spare parts for the B-52. The rapid improvement event is part of the Air

Behavior studies may improve irregular warfare techniques

Scientists in the Defense Department's Modeling and Simulation Coordination Office, or MSCO, are doing their part to improve irregular warfare techniques by studying human social and cultural behaviors. "Modeling and simulation is just the representation of the real world," Jesse Citizen, MSCO

Med team trains with Chilean air force medics

A team of 11 Air Force medics from the 59th Medical Wing at Wilford Hall Medical Center here participated in a medical readiness training exercise, or MEDRETE, with 31 Chilean air force medics in March. "This was clearly different from a routine 'humanitarian mission' as surgical subspecialty care

April 19 airpower summary: C-130s and C-17s sustain fight

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet flew a show of force over

April 18 airpower summary: A-10s protect coalition forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and an A-10 Thunderbolt

April 17 airpower summary: F-15Es show force

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles operating near Lashkar

Air Force Week commences at Hampton Roads

Hampton Roads Air Force Week began here April 18 with an opening ceremony at Hampton University. The date chosen for the event's kick off was also the anniversary of the historic Doolittle Raid, occurring on this day in 1942. Moments into the ceremony, a fly-over by a B-25 Mitchell, the aircraft

K-9, handler work together to keep servicemembers safe

It is often said a dog is a man's best friend. For a Joint Expeditionary Tasking, or JET, Airman here, his dog is not just a friend, but a tool that could mean life or death for servicemembers patrolling the Iraqi streets. Senior Airman William Bailey, a military working dog handler and JET Airman

Vice president visits Whiteman

"We owe you and your families, and we are putting our money where our mouth is," said Vice President Joe Biden. That was the overall message he shared with more than a thousand Whiteman members during a troop rally April 16. "We are tremendously proud of our global mission and our ability to execute

Hero of the Hudson visits alma mater

Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who saved U.S. Airways Flight 1549 with a heroic water landing in January, returned to the roots of his aviation career here Wednesday to accept a coveted flight award from the Air Force Academy. Captain Sullenberger, a 1973 graduate, received the 2009 Colonel

DOD's eye in the sky supporting troops on the ground

For the troops on the ground in hot zones all around the world, there are many items they rely on that are vital in their day-to-day operations: their weapons, their wingmen, their body armor. But what about their space assets? The Defense Department's space assets don't always come to mind as key

TacSat-3 to demonstrate rapid delivery of imagery

Providing up-to-the-minute data to the in-theater commander can act as the tipping point to achieve success on the battlefield, and demonstrating that capability has been planned for the Tactical Satellite-3's upcoming, year-long mission. Serving as the spacecraft's primary payload, the Advanced

Doctor performs first robot-assisted surgery in the Air Force

Lt. Col. (Dr.) Kyle Weld performed the first robot-assisted surgery in the Air Force April 10 at Wilford Hall Medical Center here. The surgery was a laparoscopic prostatectomy, or the surgical removal of prostate cancer. "The procedure went great," said Dr. Weld, director of endourology at Wilford

Air Force officials modernize mentoring program

As Air Force officials continue to modernize the processes to meet 21st century mission requirements, manpower and personnel force development officials have taken a hard look at the service's mentoring program to increase its effectiveness. "Our mentoring program has existed on paper for many

Proposed B-1 program aims to speed maintenance

A team of high ranking Air Force officials visited here recently in an effort to determine whether to change the way maintenance is performed on the B-1B Lancer strategic bomber. Called the "Red Team," the group from Air Force Materiel Command, Air Combat Command and the Air Staff are considering

SERE instructors ensure water survival skills

A sudden jump into the ocean after an airplane malfunction could leave a person confused and helpless. However, the chances of survival increase if that person has attended water survival training at Survival Evasion Resistance Escape, or SERE,  School at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. or Naval Air

April 16 airpower summary: F-15Es protect coalition forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle in the vicinity of

F-22 exchange pilot helps strengthen U.S., Australian ties

A Royal Australian Air Force pilot assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron has had the opportunity to fly the Air Force's premier fighter, the F-22 Raptor, as part of a foreign pilot exchange program. Squadron Leader Matthew Harper is an F-22 instructor pilot and the 90th EFS flight

Top officer cites Coast Guard-Air Force ties

The top Coast Guard officer said the Air Force and the Coast Guard have more in common than one might think. During a speech about homeland security, Adm. Thad Allen, Coast Guard commandant, told this to Air War College students here April 9 . The bedrock of the relationship between the two services

CBRNE: Training that matters

Training. From the first day of arriving at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to the time Airmen separate from the Air Force, they train. Airmen enhance their skills from life saving techniques to ensuring aircraft are able to carry out global operation contingencies. One training experience valuable

Hanscom Airmen to help Iraqis control, defend their airspace

Members of the 350th Electronic Systems Group here are working to bolster Iraq's air force with the capabilities needed to better defend the country's airspace.A formal request for proposal is due out next month to provide long-range radars to Ali Base, Iraq, to help Iraqis detect incoming air

Teamwork brings blend of skills, mutual commitment

From a distance, the U.S. Southern Command-sponsored Continuing Promise humanitarian assistance effort underway here looks every bit like a military mission. It's based around the massive hospital ship USNS Comfort, a supertanker-turned-Military Sealift Command hospital ship initially outfitted in

Kunsan fighters participate in Red Flag-Alaska

Approximately 150 Airmen from the 8th Fighter Wing are at Eielsen Air Force Base, Alaska to participate in Red Flag-Alaska. Red Flag-Alaska is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise for U.S. Forces. It provides joint offensive counter-air, interdiction, close-air support and large force employment

April 15 airpower summary: C-130s deliver for warfighters

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped guided bomb

Congressional staff members visit AFPC

Professional staff members from the House Armed Services Committee's subcommittee on military personnel visited the Air Force Personnel Center here April 15 to learn more about the many initiatives the center has undertaken to deliver personnel services to Airmen and civilians. Some of the

Air Force, industry herald T-38 turning 50

The test pilot who flew the T-38 Talon on its maiden flight 50 years ago said April 10 that during the historic sortie he felt he was on the safest mission of his career. Then something dawned on him. "I hadn't landed it yet!," said Lew Nelson, one of the speakers at a celebration held on the

New policy refines ancillary, expeditionary skills training

As Air Force officials focus on giving Airmen more time to do their primary duty and reduce additional duties, senior leaders issued new policy guidance in March to streamline ancillary training and expeditionary skills training programs. "Air Staff, the A1 (personnel) community and major command

Victim advocates support, assist survivors

A group of Airman from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at an air base in Southwest Asia stood up and volunteered to be victim advocates as their part to prevent sexual assaults in the Air Force. Last year, Airmen throughout the Air Force reported more than 620 cases of sexual assault. There are two

Charleston Airmen fly honorable mission

Charleston Air Force Base C-17 Globemaster III aircrews flew the most precious of cargo April 7 -- the remains of a fallen hero. Army Spc. Israel Candelaria Mejias of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment in Task Force 3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 172nd Brigade Combat Team from

SECAF, CSAF announce 2008 safety award recipients

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz have announced the recipients of the 2008 Air Force safety awards. "We're grateful for the hard work of these award-winning individuals and organizations, and all Air Force safety professionals throughout the service,"

Airmen provide clean water for stricken Arkansas town

Five Arkansas Air National Guard Airmen restored clean water to the Dierks community April 21 following an April 9 tornado that destroyed the town's water treatment plant April 9.The Airmen from the 188th Fighter Wing's Civil Engineer Squadron helped the small Southwest Arkansas town by using two

Uniforms for the fallen are always perfect

An Airman irons the long sleeved shirt, giving it sharp military creases. A Soldier and a Marine spend hours building ribbon racks, making sure every ribbon is correct and that the devices are equally polished and bright. A Sailor looks over the jacket, pants and shirt, ensuring all excess strings

Airmen synchronize airpower with Soldiers

Airmen in Southwest Asia must work with other American servicemembers to have synchronized forces support a ground commander's mission objectives. In today's joint combat operations, these Airmen work with Army ground liaison officers who are trained in offensive air support activities and translate

Airman coordinates air ops for Iraqi detainees

There are thousands of Iraqi detainees located in different detention facilities throughout Iraq who require air travel for everything from detainee transfers to attending court cases, and thanks to one Air Force captain, the Iraqi detainees get where they need to go. Capt. M. Kathryn Kotora, Joint

Iraqi surgeons attend annual conference in Germany

Iraqi air force flight surgeons attended the annual U.S. Air Forces in Europe Flight Surgeon Conference held March 11 through 21 at Ramstein Air Base. Major (Dr.) Abdulrazzaq and Lt. (Dr.) Hazem Prior participated in seven sessions of partnering as part of a Multinational Security Transition Command

April 13 airpower summary: B-1B provides show of force

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer bomber and an F-15E Strike

April 12 airpower summary: F-15s destroy enemy facility

Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles destroyed an anti-Afghan

Moving the Coast Guard

Leader magazine transitions from print to online

In keeping with the evolving mediums for information dissemination, the Leader magazine has ceased production of its print version and has become the Leader Online. The new Web site features Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps, Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets and

Moving beyond the F-22

This op-ed piece appeared in the Washington Post on April 13, written by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz.The debate over whether to continue production of the F-22 Raptor has been one of the most politically charged and controversial budget

Pitching in

Fueling the way to mission success

Congresswoman visits Altus

Officials from the 97th Air Mobility Wing here welcomed the 5th district congresswoman of Oklahoma April 9 as she toured Altus Air Force Base for her assessment of the state's military readiness. Rep. Mary Fallin is currently the only Oklahoma member of the House Armed Services Committee in

Robins maintenance group wins silver in Shingo Prize

Members of the 402nd Electronics Maintenance Group here has taken silver in the Shingo Prize, which recognizes world-class operational excellence strategies and practices in business and public sector/government owned facilities. The 402nd EMXG employs 1,407 people who test and repair avionics on a

'Today's Air Force' features dignified transfers

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the new policy for the transfer of fallen military members, a Purple Heart Medal recipient, a winter sports clinic for the disabled and a smoldering type of training: firefighting. A new policy has been approved by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates

April 9 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, a flight of Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs carried out

April 11 airpower summary: ISR critical to mission

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and a coalition aircraft

April 10 airpower summary: B-1B takes out precision target

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles flying overwatch for a

Reserve commander meets with deployed reservists

Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., Air Force Reserve Command commander, visited with Reserve members April 8 and 9 during a multi-base tour of the Air Forces Central area of responsibility. General Stenner, who is also chief of Air Force Reserve, took the opportunity to dine with Reservists and

BEAR builds new quarters for forces at Manas

A Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources team recently made room for the influx of coalition forces here as more military forces shift from Iraq to Afghanistan. A nine-member Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources team, known as BEAR, lent their construction skills to Manas Air Base where two 4,000

Ceremony recognizes new NATO members

A flag ceremony marking the accession of Croatia and Albania as the 27th and 28th members of NATO was held April 8 at Allied Air Component Command Headquarters Ramstein. Gen. Roger A. Brady, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and NATO Allied Air Component Command at Ramstein officiated the

Air Force officials discuss building partnerships

The Building Partnerships Symposium concluded March 25 here with members from around the Air Force discussing the necessity of including building partnerships into Air Force doctrine."This symposium was important because we were able to create a clear definition of building partnerships for the Air

Airmen make pledge to prevent sexual assaults

While American and coalition forces continue fighting the war on terrorism, there are silent criminals among the warriors who cause battle wounds of another kind: sexual assault. There were 165 sexual assault reports in Iraq and Afghanistan during fiscal 2008, a dramatic increase compared to the 131

Pararescuemen conduct water test of new NASA capsule

Six pararescuemen from Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., conducted recovery testing on a mockup of NASA's next-generation spacecraft March 8 at the Trident Turn Basin here. The team of pararescuemen from the Air Force Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing deployed an inflatable flotation collar during the test of

April 8 airpower summary: Tankers do double duty

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. United States Air Forces Central Command's mission is to conduct

Tiered construct defines future expeditionary skills training

A guarantee to eliminate duplicate expeditionary skills training requirements for all Air Force personnel through a four-tiered construct is now in effect by officials here. "This new construct ensures Airmen receive appropriate expeditionary education and training at the appropriate time," said

Intel deputy unveils ISR capability planning process

For the first-time, Air Force technicians have developed a consolidated process and corporate governance structure to improve intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities in air, space, ground and cyberspace to meet current and future challenges facing the United States and its Allies

Eielson emergency teams respond to base fire

Eielson Air Force Base emergency responders responded to a fire in a base housing residence within five minutes and helped mitigate property damage April 6 here. "There was smoke coming out of an upstairs window and a woman was screaming that her daughter was still inside," said Staff Sgt. Cody

Security forces unit provides combat support to Iraq

Airmen from the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Det. 3, provide outside-the-wire combat support by doing everything from patrolling as police transition teams to performing intelligence operations to using military working dog teams to help Iraqi police with security. "The mission of

CSAF addresses 386th Airmen during AOR visit

The Air Force's top officer spoke to 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen as part of a visit to the Air Forces Central area of responsibility April 6 and 7. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz also took time to visit the Airmen of the 387th Air Expeditionary Group and speak with the combat

Safety experts spearhead efforts to minimize bird strikes

Americans witnessed firsthand the severity of bird strikes when U.S. Airways Flight 1549 crash landed in the Hudson River in New York City after hitting a flock of birds in January. Lt. Col. Charles Wallace and his team of seven safety experts with the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Safety Office here

AFMC will use new media to announce award winners

Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs officials are venturing into the world of new media and for the first time will attempt to report the annual AFMC Enlisted Awards live as names of Airmen selected are announced April 9 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. A Public Affairs

Officials say cyber defense costly

Defending the Defense Department's global information grid from attacks cost the U.S. military more than $100 million over the past six months, U.S. Strategic Command officials said April 8. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, Stratcom commander, and Army Brig. Gen. John Davis, deputy commander of Joint Task