DOD officials kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month with campaign, Web site

As part of a nationwide observance this month to raise awareness about one of the country's most under-reported crimes, Defense Department officials launched a new Web site and campaign April 3 that give military members fresh initiatives and new teaching methods to prevent sexual assault, the

Generals discuss future issues at National Space Symposium

The commander of Air Force Space Command was the keynote speaker for the 25th National Space Symposium March 31 in Colorado Springs, Colo. "Space is no longer just the high ground. It is an integral part of the joint fight," said Gen. C. Robert "Bob" Kehler.The general is responsible for the

Air Force takes combat air acquisitions priorities to Hill

As airpower takes on an increasingly critical role in the joint fight, Air Force and Navy officials testified before the House Appropriations Committee March 25 here to outline the services' top combat air acquisition priorities. Lt. Gen. Mark D. "Shack" Shackelford, the acquisition deputy to the

Kehler: Spherical battlespace is new theater of operations

The world is no longer flat and information is no longer static. Neither can military operations confine focus to one area of a conflict while remaining oblivious to interconnections with the larger picture. It is time the view of the battlefield is turned upside-down. This is the message of the

CES Airman maps base 'hot spots'

Six hours of helicopter flight time has the potential to save the Air Force hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy savings. Master Sgt. Joseph Hudson, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron infrastructure superintendent, received a bird's-eye view of Yokota's more than 1,700 acres during six

Air Force announces preferred alternative for new Global Strike Command headquarters

Air Force officials here announced April 2 that Barksdale Air Force Base, La., is the preferred alternative for the permanent location of the Air Force Global Strike Command headquarters.AFGSC is a new major command focused on the nuclear and global strike mission. The identification of a preferred

Andersen officials give up-close view of F-22, B-2

More than 400 military spouses, Department of Defense employees, Guam civic leaders and local community members received a firsthand look at two F-22 Raptors, a B-2 Spirit and a KC-135 Stratotanker on display March 28 here. Crewmembers from each aircraft answered questions from the flock of visitors

Air Force officials hold Caring for People Forum

More than 200 Air Force behavioral specialists, chaplains, family advocacy personnel and other family support members gathered to discuss how to care for the Air Force family April 1 in Arlington, Va. The Year of the Air Force Family: Caring for People Forum started in a hotel in the shadow of the

Gates signs policy for dignified transfer operations

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has approved a policy change that, under strictly delineated conditions, allows media filming of dignified transfer operations of fallen servicemembers' remains at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The new policy is slated to be implemented April 6, Pentagon spokesman

Language emerges as element of national security

Language and culture are "almost inextricably intertwined," and military personnel must be knowledgeable in both to be fully effective when operating overseas, the director of a military language school said. Army Col. Sue Ann Sandusky, commandant of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language

Officers selected for Olmsted Scholar Program

Six Air Force officers have been selected to participate in the Olmsted Scholar Program for the class of 2010. Each year, the competitive program offers grants for two years of graduate study in a foreign culture to career line officers from all four branches of the U.S. military. The following Air

ALO commands new combat unit at Bagram

A former air liaison officer to the Army's 101st Airborne Division in Iraq took command of the newly activated 504th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group during an assumption of command ceremony here March 30. Col. James Thomas took hold of the 504th EASOG guidon from Lt. Gen. Gary North,

Reserve commander briefs Congress

Two units received a "positive plug" in the congressional record when the commander of Air Force Reserve Command testified March 25 before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr. touted the strong Yellow Ribbon Program partnership initiatives between Airmen

Exercise tests disaster relief mobility support

If an earthquake triggered a tsunami that wiped out the southern coast of Puerto Rico, who gets the call for help? To help answer that question, more than 80 Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing here deployed to eight locations throughout Puerto Rico and the outlying island of St. Thomas

Kyrgyz students get insiders' glimpse of Manas mission

What lies beyond the fences that protect a military base can be a mystery to those living nearby who can only speculate about what goes on inside. The mystique of Manas Air Base was revealed to 13 students and faculty from the American University of Central Asia who received a special glimpse of the

DOD program aims to create new biodiesel fuel

Ever imagine filling up the fuel tanks on a military aircraft with french fry grease?  That's exactly what Air Force officials could do someday if a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency research program proves successful. DARPA is the Defense Department's scientific agency that pushes the

Air Force uniforms: How materials are selected

Air Force Uniform Office officials have a responsibility to provide Airmen with functional and effective military uniforms, but in doing so are asked the same question over and over: "Why can't you just purchase clothing from a brand company and put the Air Force symbol on it?" The answer to this

Bringing in the load

Spangdahlem comm facility earns top award

Striving for excellence is standard for the people at the Global Information Grid facility here.  They have placed no lower than runner-up in the Europe Defense Information Systems Agency annual awards since 2001. They garnered a first place finish once again, capturing the DISA Outstanding GIG

Red Flag-Alaska begins 2009 season

Approximately 1,400 U.S. and foreign participants will be arriving at Eielson and Elmendorf Air Force bases beginning April 13 to participate in Red Flag-Alaska 09-2, scheduled for April 16 to May 1. Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises for U.S.

Airmen create control center to support N.D. flood operation

As the Federal Emergency Management Agency teams with the military to fight the Red River flood in North Dakota, Grand Forks Air Force Base officials continue to support the effort as the National Logistics Staging Area. Twenty-three aircraft, from the Army, Coast Guard, Army National Guard and

March 29 airpower summary: Tankers refuel 199 aircraft

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations March 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets employed guided bomb

Airmen deliver clean water to island community

Airmen are on a mission to provide clean drinking water to the residents of Roi-Namur, an island approximately 3,900 kilometers southwest of Hawaii. Three Airmen from the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron from Kadena Air Base along with three Airmen from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, are at the second

Yokota Airmen train with Japanese police

Members of the 374th Security Forces Squadron here conducted a joint response training exercise with members of the Japanese National Police-Fussa Division March 26 here. Fussa officials came up with idea of a joint unexploded ordnance response and investigation exercise to educate new police

Top Air Force leaders discuss top Air Force issues

Air Force senior leaders discussed key issues facing the service during Corona South March 27-28 at Bolling Air Force Base here. Corona meetings, hosted by the secretary of the Air Force and Air Force chief of staff, are held several times a year to bring together major command commanders, Air Staff

Scholarships available for chaplaincy students

In an effort to better provide spiritual care to Airmen, Air Force officials are offering scholarships for individuals who want to become service chaplains. The religious professional scholarship program is designed to help fill manning shortfalls within the chaplaincy for underrepresented faiths

Airmen get fallen warriors home

Two Services Airmen at this air base in Southwest Asia would probably be happier if they never had to complete their primary duties, but are honored to do them when they have to. As members of the 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron Mortuary Affairs Office and Readiness Office, Master Sgt.

Auxiliary officials play important role in North Dakota floods

Critical integration of efforts and resources from Air Force Auxiliary officials has helped the citizens of North Dakota during the recent flooding that hit that region in the past several days. The Air Force Auxiliary is the official federal aviation arm of the Civil Air Patrol that provides

Minot Airmen continue North Dakota flood support

Two Air Force helicopters relocated from the Bismarck, N.D., flood area to Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., March 27 in support of flood relief efforts along the Red River. Officials from the 91st Missile Wing from Minot AFB sent two hoist-equipped UH-1N Hueys from the 54th Helicopter Squadron to

Revised 'Little Brown Book' now available

Air Force officials here recently revised Air Force instruction 36-2618, The Enlisted Force Structure, also known as "The Little Brown Book," and the electronic version is available now with hardcopies expected to be available in May. The guide has long been a staple of establishing expectations and

March 28 airpower summary: A-10s show coalition power

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations March 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a United Kingdom Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier

March 27 airpower summary: F-15Es protects friendly ground forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations March 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a United Kingdom Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier

Advanced field hospital put to test in Puerto Rico

The earthquake and tsunami that struck here left a streaming mass of civilians requiring medical attention, and Arizona Air National Guard members flew here to render assistance. Or, at least, that's the scenario. In Exercise Vigilant Guard, Airmen from the 161st Medical Group of the Arizona

Spangdahlem Airmen to support Canadian troops

The Canadians are coming to Spangdahlem Air Base.Canadian officials accepted a U.S. Air Force offer to use the base as the springboard to support to its deployed troops throughout Southwest Asia. Under an agreement with close allies Germany and the U.S., Canada has begun to implement a plan to use

Airmen provide show of force

The use of show of force is intended to warn or intimidate an opponent and to demonstrate capability or the will to act if provoked. For two female Airmen here the showing of force is more than just a term, it's a way of life. For Senior Airman Elizabeth Gonzalez and Staff Sgt. Vida Reveles, 447th

Airmen poised to support humanitarian operations in N.D.

Air Mobility Command officials here are poised to support humanitarian relief operations in response to record-setting floods that have forced hundreds of North Dakota residents to evacuate their homes. The 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center staff -- AMC's hub for global airlift, air refueling and

Updated Professional Development Guide available online

The latest version of the Air Force Professional Development Guide is now available online for all Airmen. The 500 page, 30.8 MB document is of particular interest to enlisted Airmen in the ranks of staff sergeant through senior master sergeant who want to begin studying for their next promotion

Air Force officials deliver first C-130 to Polish military

American and Polish airmen delivered the first of five refurbished C-130E Hercules military transport planes and spare parts March 24 to the Polish air force at Powidz Air Base, Poland. "It's a great day for them to celebrate the arrival of the Hercules. It's vital to them being able to -- own their

Amputee pilot completes third deployment

What sets Maj. Alan Brown apart from other Airmen in the gym at Bagram Airfield's Camp Cunningham isn't his workout routine, it's his right leg. "When people see me in shorts at the gym there's definitely a pattern," said the 42-year-old mobility pilot of Pine Bluffs, Wyo. "They glance at my eyes,

Fire muster challenges Airmen

Airmen and Soldiers were put to the test in the air and space expeditionary force rotation 7/8 fire muster March 21 here. A fire muster is a fire department competition consisting of several different events from a dummy drag, putting out a "fire" using a bucket brigade, rolling up a hose, and

Course trains intelligence analysts in ground operations

Air Force intelligence analysts have been trained to focus on air threats since they first entered the service. There's now a need for them to be trained to provide support for world-wide ground combat and force protection operations. The Air Force Force Protection Intelligence Formal Training Unit

Yokota lab earns prestigious accreditation

You're in good hands when it comes to the service provided by the 374th Medical Group clinical laboratory, and they have the paper to prove it. The College of American Pathologists awarded an accreditation, based on a recent on-site inspection, to the medical group laboratory. The lab, noted for

Space operations units assume control of new GPS satellite

The 2nd and 19th Space Operations Squadrons here assumed control of the Air Force's newest GPS satellite shortly after its launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., March 24. The satellite, named GPS IIR-20(M), is the 34th satellite in the GPS constellation, which provides precise

Minot Airmen render aid to flood efforts

Eight Airmen on two UH-1N Huey helicopters loaded with rescue equipment here deployed March 25 to support state authorities in flood efforts in Bismarck, N.D, after President Barack Obama declared the state a federal disaster area. An ice jam north of Bismarck broke, which sent flood waters from the

F-22 crash claims life of Edwards pilot

An Air Force F-22 Raptor crash March 25 near here claimed the life of an Air Force veteran and Lockheed Martin test pilot. David Cooley, 49, of Palmdale, Calif., died when the F-22 he was piloting crashed northeast of the base here. Mr. Cooley worked as a test pilot with Lockheed Martin, and was

F-22 crashes in California

An Air Force F-22 Raptor from Edwards Air Force Base crashed about 10 a.m. March 25 approximately 35 miles northeast of the base.  The condition of the pilot is unknown at this time. The aircraft was on a test mission at the time of the accident. A board of officers will investigate the accident. As

Airmen dedicate time, energy to flood preparations

Emergency preparations began when Govs. John Hoeven, North Dakota, and Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota, declared a state of emergency in the Red River Valley recently after waters began rising at a record rate. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds began working around the clock to mitigate flood damage

C-17 arrives in New Zealand

A C-17 Globemaster III crew of 14 from the 517th Airlift Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, arrived here March 18 for the 2009 Whenuapai Air Show. This is the first time since 1981 that a U. S. asset is participating in the yearly event, which began March 21, said U. S. Navy Chief Warrant

Airmen destroy Iraqi weapons for base security

Approximately 30 Iraqi weapons were destroyed here March 18 to enhance base security, including many AK-47s; a Browning 9 mm pistol; a World War II-era .50 caliber anti-aircraft gun; an RPG 5 and 7; 61 mm and 81 mm mortars; and a 122 mm howitzer artillery piece. "We destroy these weapons, so the

Servicemembers teaching others while deployed

Education is something the military encourages servicemembers to seek whenever they can, as long as it doesn't interfere with the mission. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get university teachers to deployed areas, but that's where certain deployed personnel, all of whom have at least one

Airman's Roll Call: Stimulus package to aid Airmen

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the $1.7 billion in Defense-related appropriations through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and what effect it will have on the Air Force.With a focus on Airmen care, families and environmental stewardship, the Air Force's portion of the stimulus

Environmental symposium held in St. Louis

More than 1,000 Airmen, Air Force civilians and personnel from other government agencies from all over the world gathered for the annual Environmental, Safety and Operational Health Symposium March 9 through 13 in St. Louis. Started in 1993, the symposium features more than 500 classes tailored to

Innovative brain therapies offer hope to injured troops

Innovative therapies that have assisted previously comatose patients regain consciousness may be incorporated on a greater scale to treat troops diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries, a brain injury expert said here March 23. Dr. Philip A. DeFina, chief executive and scientific officer at the

Feeding the force

Push-Pull to test real-world Air Force capabilities

Push-Pull 2009 may sound like a new type of fitness regimen to some, but to about 150 regular Air Force retirees it will be a mobilization exercise of a different kind April 6 through 10 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The Push-Pull 2009 exercise is designed to exercise and evaluate mobilization

Equal opportunity crosses service lines

Equal opportunity advisers from the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command and surrounding Army units here are currently hosting their quarterly Equal Opportunity Leader's Course here. The classroom is filled by more than 40 Soldiers from across Iraq with one exception: Master Sgt. Joe Newton, the

March 23 airpower summary: C-130s provide support

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles bombarded an anti-Afghan

Airmen train Iraqi maintainers

Two maintenance Airmen took three Iraqi air force members from here to Camp Taji, Iraq, March 24 to help fix one of Iraq's C-130s In an attempt to help members of the Iraqi air force better cross utilize their resources and assets. Technical Sergeants Jim Grifasi and Bobby McKenzie, advisers with

March 22 airpower summary: A-10s hit targets

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15Es blew up a cave being used by

American servicemembers provide battlefield forensics

When an improvised explosive device is detected, most people run and take cover but the weapons intelligence team here heads to the site to start the crime scene investigation. The Airmen, Soldiers and Sailor of the weapons intelligence team provide counter IED intelligence through collection,

Total force keeps air mobility in the fight

Airmen of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve have sustained the hub for directing global airlift, air refueling and aeromedical evacuation operations since the onset of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom here.The 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center manages a daily average of 900

Senior leaders meet for high-level 'Warfighter Talks'

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Air Force leadership hosted Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead and senior naval leaders for the Navy-Air Force Warfighter Talks March 18 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. About 35 flag and general officers from both services gathered for a

SOS 'blends' training model incorporating new technology

Academic and military researchers are introducing and proposing new approaches on leadership and teamwork training at the Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Officials with Air Education and Training Command, the sponsor organization, partnered with researchers at the University

'One Voice' coordinates Air Force positions on joint and interagency issues

Air Force officials recently announced the establishment of a new Headquarters Air Force capability devoted to providing Air Force leaders with coordinated Air Force positions for use in communicating with non-Air Force entities. This new capability is called "One Voice." "Each day, members of the

ISR operations: 'Eye in the sky'

"Complete adaptation to environment means death. The essential point in all response is the desire to control environment." These words from the American philosopher and reformer John Dewey make the point that as conditions change, one must not simply adapt to them, but instead endeavor to control

Airmen provide medical, dental care in Thailand

Members from medical groups all over the Pacific Air Forces teamed up with Thai and Singaporean dental and optometry teams to dedicate their time and skills setting up a make-shift clinic at the Barr Lum Nong Kaew, a village grade school here.  "We're treating those who are in need and might not

Airmen help aircrews return if all goes awry

When Staff Sgt. Eric Zwoll presents his briefing, aircrew members preparing for a mission listen carefully because they know if a mission goes awry then their lives will depend on his every word. Sergeant Zwoll is one of a handful of survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists here who

March 21 airpower summary: F-15Es target anti-Afghan forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations March 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and A-10 Thunderbolt

March 20 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 March 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a Hellfire

National Guard Airmen augment Misawa maintenance

Thirty-one Air National Guard Airmen volunteered to leave the United States in late February to help members of the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here recover and maintain F-16 Fighting Falcons returning from Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Members of the 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, who returned

'Today's Air Force' features joint warfighting

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the importance of joint warfighting and the building of a joint force. Also featured is Operation Arctic Care 2009 which takes place in Alaska and brings much needed medical care for local villagers. The Air Force's newest fighter, the F-22 Raptor, is

Joint training exercise strengthens AF, civilian partnerships

Law enforcement officials from Lexington, Mass., teamed up with 66th Security Forces Squadron personnel here March 16 for a joint training exercise conducted by members of the Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations team, otherwise known as STOP. The training combined classroom

Pay incentives help military avoid nursing shortage

Army, Navy and Air Force nurse corps members are highly trained, capable and critical to the wartime mission of each service, the corps' leaders told a congressional committee this week here. The Senate Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee heard testimony March 18 from the services'

Manas KC-135s revolutionize combat operations

The 376th Air Expeditionary Wing's fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers here delivers more than fuel to the fight in Afghanistan these days as it is revolutionizing the way war is fought by serving as a data network relay high above the battlefield. At first glance, the cluster of cases mounted in the back

Navy-led Arctic Care team returns to Western Alaska

Personnel here were part of a team that participated in a joint Air Force, Army and Navy medical and dental exercise in 11 of Western Alaska's most remote villages March 6 through 15.The purpose of  the exercise, the 15th annual Operation Arctic Care, was to enable medical personnel to operate in a

Patriot 7 course combines ISR with mission

Troops on the frontlines are armed with pistols, rifles and grenades, but their most potent weapons might actually be flying overhead. A course called Patriot 7 trains people to use intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tools at the tactical level to be successful at their mission.

Osan exercise optimizes communication between forces

More than 2,000 Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors participating jointly with South Korean air force members in Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle in mid-March here have learned the key to success is communication.Despite some language barriers, the key players smoothly conduct the air and space

Sniper pod improves capabilities, lethality of B-1

The B-1 Lancer, one of the most versatile aircraft in the Air Force arsenal, is now even more lethal. This lethality is not due to bigger bombs in its bomb bay, but to a small torpedo-shaped pod stuck to the plane's underbelly. Called the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod, this device enables the B-1's

B-2 aircrew participates in exercise in Pacific

Airmen aboard a B-2 Spirit tested their endurance in a 24-hour, 8,000-mile mission to Alaska and back to Guam March 12 in an exercise showcasing U.S. commitment to peace and stability throughout the Pacific region. Four B-2s and 270 Airmen from the 13th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron are deployed to

March 19 airpower summary: B-1B destroys enemy positions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-15E Strike Eagles

Explosive ordnance disposal chosen Air Force Team of Year

Officials from the Air Force and the Air Force Association named explosive ordnance disposal as the 2009 Team of the Year March 20 here. Each year, the AFA, working with major command-level command chief master sergeants and the Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, selects a

Deterrence still key to national security, general says

Deterrence remains as central to America's national security as it was during the Cold War, U.S. Strategic Command's top officer told the Senate Armed Services Committee March 19. "Our unique global perspective has given us a good platform for advocating for the nation's needs for missile defense;

Gates recommends new terms, positions for senior officers

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates March 18 announced his recommendations that President Barack Obama re-nominate Navy Adm. Mike Mullen and Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright as the chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for a second two-year term. Secretary Gates also

Luke Airmen advise Moroccan air force on F-16 operations

Members of the Royal Moroccan air force traveled 6,000 miles to speak with Luke Air Force Base Airmen and tour the installation for an insider's perspective on how an F-16 Fighting Falcon base operates in mid-March. Royal Moroccan air force officials are in the process of building an F-16 base in

Crew navigates tanker out of trouble

"Any aircraft, any station, this is Shell 73. Emergency. We've lost complete navigational capability. Request assistance." This was the mayday call from Capt. Matthew Jaeger as he and the crew of Shell 73, a KC-135 Stratotanker from Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, flew somewhere over the border of

AF Raven B operators maintain 'eyes-on' for ground forces

"There it is," said Staff Sgt. Jeff Tomkiewicz, 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, as he pointed at a little, buzzing white dot in the sky. As the Raven B operator approached the small strip of sand of Camp Bucca's Burge Field, the tiny Raven B unmanned aircraft system hovered above the

March 18 airpower summary: A-10 hits target

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped guided bomb

Japan, U.S. forces come together to Guard, Protect

U.S. and Japanese forces practiced defending the Misawa Air Base during Exercise Guard and Protect Exercise March 11 through 13 here. The annual exercise was expanded to last for 24 hours and included a fully integrated Base Defense Operations Center. A company-sized group of soldiers from the Japan

Airmen reflect on 6th anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Airmen in the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here took a moment to reflect on previous deployments here and the progress that's been made since 2003 to mark the six-year anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom March 19. Some take note of the physical changes in the base, the hardened facilities and the

March 17 airpower summary: F-16s strike target

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets flew a show of force,

March 16 airpower summary: C-130s sustain operations

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles hit enemy positions near

March 15 airpower summary: F-15 destroys cache

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

AF personnel leaders focus on Airmen, modernization

As mission requirements continue to grow, Air Force personnel leaders said before the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee in Washington March 17 that the service will refine priorities to win today's fight and prepare for tomorrow's challenges. The Honorable Craig Duehring, assistant Secretary

U.S., Japan forces conduct bilateral training

Japan Air Self Defense Force pilots are practicing defensive missions with U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors in bilateral fighter pilot training March 16 through 19 over Kadena Air Base.American Airmen regularly conduct joint, combined and bilateral training from the base to defend Japan to maintain peace

Airmen represent U.S. military at airshow 'down under'

About 100 Airmen from across the Air Force recently flew "down under" to represent the U.S. military and demonstrate aircraft capabilities at the 2009 Australian International Airshow March 13 through 15 at Avalon Airport. Airmen from Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, Air Force Reserve

New Kandahar unit prepares for troop increase

Kandahar Airfield officials activated the 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron March 15 here as the NATO base prepares for the build-up of forces to support Operation Enduring Freedom.The newest airlift squadron in the Air Force will be flying the C-130J Hercules, and serve under the 451st Air

Airman's Roll Call: Air Force Climate Survey

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the results of last year's Air Force Climate Survey. Nearly a quarter of a million Airmen from across the Air Force components voiced their opinions in the Air Force Climate Survey, the largest online survey of Air Force personnel, from Oct. 1 to Dec.

Chief Airey memorial service celebrates life of AF hero

During his life, he was a dedicated member of the profession of arms and fervent military supporter who became one of the most iconic figures of Air Force enlisted heritage and culture -- he was Paul Wesley Airey, the first Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force. His death was announced March 11 to a

Officials create Air Force Information Protection Directorate

As security forces Airmen continue to transform into a combat-focused, globally deployable force, they will transfer responsibility for information protection to a newly established organization, the Information Protection Directorate at Headquarters Air Force. The directorate emerged from Air Force

Air Force announces charges against Wilford Hall nurse

A nurse at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, was formally charged March 17 by Air Force officials with three counts of violating Article 118 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice involving the deaths of terminally ill patients. Capt. Michael Fontana faces the