Turkish officers get lessons in Air Force enlisted training

Four members of the Turkish air force visited Gunter Annex's Barnes Center for Enlisted Education complex Feb. 12 to gain insight into how to improve their air force's enlisted education. The group from Turkey headed by Col. Metin Ozdemir, included Lt. Col. Cem Acar, Maj. Huesyin Uysal and Lt. Eyup

Kadena Airman attends Singaporean leadership school

A Kadena Air Base senior NCO is attending the advanced leadership program at Singapore's armed forces warrant officer school in February. Senior Master Sgt. David Duncan, director of operations at the Kadena AB Erwin Professional Military Education Center, is the only international student in the

Predator passes 500,000 flight hours

Airmen of the 432d Air Expeditionary Wing here flew an MQ-1B Predator unmanned aircraft in a combat mission in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Feb. 18, and the flight surpassed the 500,000 flight-hour mark for the aircraft. Members of the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron flew the

Airmen escort presidential papers into history

Air Force District of Washington Airmen took their place in history Feb. 23 as they were honored for moving presidential documents safely and in "record" time. Standing before the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights, Airmen from AFDW, the 316th

U.S. Air Forces in Europe blog now open to Airmen

Airmen now have their own dedicated Web-space to talk about their service in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe. "USAFE Live" is a new blog Airmen are encouraged to use for posting accounts of their experiences using words and photos. The site is located at http://usafelive.dodlive.mil and is accessible

European Union delegation visits Manas

A delegation of five representatives from the European Union visited Manas Air Base Feb. 21 to see firsthand how it supports the International Security Assistance Force mission and coalition partnership in Afghanistan. Led by Ambassador Pierre Morel, EU special representative to Central Asia, the

Winter defense forum focused on BRAC, mission growth

More than 500 attendees at the Association of Defense Communities Winter Forum conference held recently in San Antonio learned about issues impacting defense communities and the latest solutions to challenges resulting from Base Realignment and Closure and mission growth. Representatives from the

Airmen teach Iraqi air force members aircraft maintenance

Airmen from the 321st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron here are teaching Iraqi air force members aircraft structural maintenance as both parties learn each other's language. The advisers concluded that the best way to teach the Iraqis the intricate tasks of aircraft structural maintenance was to

Rapid acquisition, training team helps secure Iraqi elections

An Electronic Systems Center rapid acquisition project helped ensure recent Iraqi elections were conducted peaceably. ESC officials provided 600 all-weather, fully stabilized metal detectors that were used at polling venues across Iraq, and center officials also provided three members of a

FOBs tap into Iraqi power with help of Airmen

An initiative that will save the U.S. government thousands of dollars took place Feb. 20 in the International Zone here, as Airmen with the Joint Expeditionary Team helped to convert power from generators to commercial sources. By tapping into the Iraqi power grid, many areas within Forward

Trailblazing NCO teaches in classroom

Sixteen years of hard work have paid off for Senior Master Sgt. Mark Barner, earning him a teaching position at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. Course-by-course, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management studies from the University of Maryland University College. He was also chosen to

Feb. 22 airpower summary: B-1B destroys enemy bunker

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

Predator crashes northeast of Balad

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft stationed here crashed off base at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time Feb. 22. The Predator is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft used primarily to conduct armed reconnaissance. A board will convene to investigate the

Military opens rehabilitation center for troops in Afghanistan

Servicemembers in Afghanistan now have a place to turn to cope with the toughest aspects of deployment when they need it most. The Bagram Freedom Restoration Center here is the first rehabilitation center for troops in Afghanistan. The center's main goal is to give servicemembers skills to cope with

CSAF to Airmen: Everyone is important

The Air Force's top officer had one message for Airmen during a town hall meeting here Feb. 20: Every Airman is important.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said all Airmen are integral to the service's success and no job or no one is more important than another."I think the fundamental

Chief of staff sees UAS role expanding

The Air Force chief of staff called the buildup of the unmanned aircraft system program "profoundly important" Feb. 19 during a visit with instructor and student aviators here.In remarks during a question and answer session with 12th Operations Group instructors, students and staff, Gen. Norton

Kadena NCO Academy trains joint partners

NCO Academy officials here bridged culture gaps of more than one kind recently as they graduated two Japan Air Self Defense Force NCOs as well as noncoms from each of the three sister U.S. military services. The PME center, which routinely educates JASDF and sister service NCOs, operates the

First time for AFMC at Red Flag exercise

The 416th Flight Test Squadron conquered the vast bombing and gunnery ranges of Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., as they participated in Red Flag 09-2, marking the first time an Air Force Materiel Command unit has ever deployed and participated in the exercise. "Red Flag allowed us to provide the most

Air Force efforts put nuclear surety back on track

Prioritization and "incredible attention to detail" have restored "nuclear surety" in the Air Force, the general in charge of the service's nuclear program said here Feb. 19. Nuclear surety is the equipment, people and processes aimed at ensuring the safety, security, reliability and control of

Chairman cites need for more 'dwell time' between deployments

 The nation's top military officer expressed concern here about servicemembers and their families "toughing it out" with frequent deployments and little time together between those deployments. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, talked about the stresses of war and a

Safety center employee receives public service award

The Air Force's traffic safety manager is one of four current federal workers and a retiree to receive a 2008 Government Employees Insurance Company Public Service Award.Frank Kelley received the honor, in the "Traffic Safety and Accident Prevention" category, for significant contributions to

Air Guardsmen fly critical equipment to wildlife refuge

California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing assisted U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials Feb. 17 and 18 by transporting critically needed facility batteries to the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge, located approximately 30 miles off the shore of San Francisco in the Pacific

Kyrgyz government finalizes decision to close Manas

The government of the Kyrgyz Republic finalized the decision to close Manas Air Base, Feb. 20, after seven years of support to operations in Afghanistan. Following a vote Feb. 19 by the Kyrgyz Parliament to close the base, the president signed the law and the formal diplomatic notification was

Feb. 19 airpower summary: F-16s protect coalition forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier used a Paveway

Manas Air Base 'not irreplaceable,' official says

Kyrgyzstan's parliament voted Feb. 19 to close Manas Air Base, a key logistics hub for the U.S. military, but a senior Pentagon official said the base closure would not affect operations in Afghanistan. "[Manas Air Base] is an important base for operations in Afghanistan, but it's not

Holloman receives new communication system

Government computer users here recently received the capability to view news channels streamed over the network courtesy of Internet Protocol Television. IPTV is a system which allows the user to view media from broadcast cable channels through their computer desktop by using the base network. "IPTV

Iraqi Minister of Defense discusses military, political issues

The Iraqi Minister of Defense said Feb. 18 that Iraq's military requires an air component capable of supporting its soldiers on the ground, and that it would begin focusing more efforts on enlarging and equipping its air force. Minister Abdul Qader made the comments during a visit here at the Air

Charleston reservists fly donated children's shoes to Belize

A Charleston-based C-17 Globemaster III carrying more than 15,000 pounds of shoes landed in Belize in early February as part of a humanitarian mission to the Central American country. The Denton Amendment allows the U.S. military to transport, on a space-available basis, humanitarian supplies from

JCS chairman visits Minot AFB

Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited here Feb. 18 to discuss the importance of family support, concern for the current economic crisis and the base's role in nuclear deterrence as the Air Force's only dual nuclear base. During a town hall meeting, Admiral

Wing program helps Airmen get fit to fight

Officials in the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing have developed a unique program called the Body Mass Reduction Program which is designed to aid Airmen in achieving a healthy lifestyle while improving their mission capability and contributions to the wing. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney

B-52 accident report released

An improper stabilizer trim setting caused the July 21 crash of a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft northwest of Guam, according to an Air Combat Command accident investigation board report released Feb. 13. Analysis of aircraft parts found during salvage operations revealed the aircraft's stabilizer

Deploying physicians to use acupuncture

At the acupuncture clinic here, Col. (Dr.) Richard Niemtzow and Col. (Dr.) Stephen Burns run the service's first full time acupuncture clinic. For them, acupuncture treatments are a full-time job. The Air Force surgeon general announced recently that a pilot program to train a cadre of active duty

Airborne networking team works to meet challenges

The mention of an airborne network conveys the sense of one monolithic entity, and someday, if all goes well, that is what it will be. Right now, however, "we have a lot of disparate networks," Mike Therrien, Airborne Networking division chief, told the Hanscom Representatives Association members at

Academy honored for community service

The U.S. Air Force Academy was honored for its community service efforts when it was named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll Feb. 9 by officials from the Corporation for National and Community Service. Launched in 2006, the Community Service Honor Roll is the highest

Army, Air Force overhaul joint ISR training

A key group of Army and Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance professionals met at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., recently for a working group to discuss what is needed to ensure America has the best ISR forces on the ground and in the air. The two-day conference was one of two

Charleston gateway for deployed locations

More than 180 Airmen from 67 installations from across the Air Force deployed from Charleston AFB Feb. 7. Active-duty, National Guard and Reserve Airmen from all functional areas stationed at bases located throughout the U.S. and some Pacific Air Force bases aggregated, or gathered, here to deploy

JET Airmen support Soldiers at forward operating base

Twenty joint expeditionary tasking, or JET, Airmen are building a 64-tent living area for more than 700 Soldiers in one week here. "Our challenge and main mission is to complete a 64-tent living area beddown to support 780 personnel of an entire Army battalion and then some," said Master Sgt. Jason

New Predator takes flight in Iraq

The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing received a new MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft and immediately put it into action here Feb. 13. "As far as getting a new aircraft, it's not very often in the Predator community you are launching a brand-new plane that's never been flown operationally before," said

Wounded special ops weatherman keeps eyes forward for new battle

In an instant, Senior Airman Alex Eudy went from battling the enemies of Afghanistan to battling for his life. It was just after 1 a.m. Jan. 24. He was only two months into his first deployment after graduating from advanced-skills training here in September 2008. The special operations weather team

Ops officials conduct new warfighter training

Positive progress continues for the Air Forces Northern Distributed Mission Operations program as the first individualized warfighter training event was held at the 601st Air and Space Operations Center here Jan. 28. DMO is a complex and comprehensive series of interconnected, manned command,

ARPC 'pushes' retirees for upcoming exercise

For the first time, retired active-duty majors and master sergeants are being asked by Air Reserve Personnel Center officials to participate in the biennial "Push-Pull" exercise, an end-to-end test of key mobilization systems and processes. As part of what is called the "pretrained individual

Niagara Falls firefighters respond to airliner crash

The 914th Airlift Wing fire department from the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station here responded to a call for assistance from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport fire department at 12:57 a.m. Feb. 13. The 914th AW fire department responded with a P-19 fire truck and a foam trailer, two

Cannon Airmen prepare for gunship arrival

The 27th Special Operations Equipment Maintenance Squadron Munitions Flight completed new training on the combat aircraft parking area here Feb. 6 to ensure they are ready when additional aircraft arrive. Twenty-six Airmen make up the flight that is responsible for supplying live and training

Airmen help Iraqi aircrew perform night-vision missions

An initiative that has been in the works since August 2008 is now a realization as members of the Iraqi air force continued their quest toward night-vision operations with the help of U.S. Air Force aircrews. Airmen from the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisor Squadron, who train Iraqi aircrew members,

Air Force firefighters rescue baby camel trapped in manhole

Many people associate firefighters with rescuing cats out of trees. For the firefighters assigned to the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron at Ali Base, they weren't expecting this animal rescue call where a baby camel was trapped in a manhole Feb. 9. "This was the weirdest call I've ever

When pigs fly... with ospreys

What do you get when you cross an osprey with a warthog? For a zoologist, the question may seem preposterous. In Air Force terms, instead of an odd looking winged-swine hybrid, the result is immense firepower and unparalleled close-air support capability for the rapid infiltration and exfiltration

Program keeps heavy-lift aircraft in the air for decades

When the first C-5M Super Galaxy, named the "Spirit of Global Reach," touched down at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Feb. 9, it signaled the first success of a $7.7 billion acquisition program designed to keep the heavy-lift transport in the air until 2040. Perhaps still young compared to other

Tinker Reserve unit performs vital maintenance mission

The 10th Flight Test Squadron is a unique squadron within its own right. The squadron is home to roughly 35 Air Force Reserve Airmen and situated on the flight-line, separate from most other Tinker Air Force Base units. The 10th FLTS belongs to the 413th Flight Test Group at Robins AFB,

AF officials standardize training for nuke inspectors

Inspectors throughout the Air Force attended the first Nuclear Surety Inspector's Course from Feb. 2 to 6 at the Air Force Inspection Agency, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. As the Air Force reinvigorates its nuclear program, the implementation of this class was a top priority. The objective of the

Air Guardsmen supply generators to local school district

Generators from the Arkansas Air National Guard have enabled a local school district to resume classes after an 11-day break here. Classes were cancelled after an ice storm swept through northeast Arkansas Jan. 26. About 500,000 state residents lost power as a result.Arkansas Guard officials said 13

380th AEW mission expands with Navy Global Hawk program

The joint mission of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing expanded with the recent addition of the first operational Navy Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system, part of the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance program. "It's a good feeling to finally get the aircraft here," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. John McLellan,

Airmen prevent thermal event, save mission, assets

During a routine maintenance inspection recently, a Block 15 aircraft battery began to deteriorate into a condition known as thermal runaway. The battery became dangerously hot, emitted an excessive amount of hydrogen gas and began spewing electrolytes everywhere in the 437th Maintenance Squadron's

Air Force chief of staff praises special operators

Though the United States has the most technologically advanced armed forces in the world, the individual knowledge and skills U.S. special operators bring to the table are the keys to success against persistent conflicts enduring around the globe, the Air Force chief of staff said here Feb. 11. Gen.

Special ops 'fight' persistent conflicts around the world

A panel of experts provided insights on persistent conflicts throughout the world to more than 300 participants in the 20th Annual Special Operations/Low-Intensity Conflict symposium here Feb. 10. Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Lawrence P. Farrell Jr., president and chief executive officer of the

U.S. commitment to Pacific region showcased in India

About 150 U.S. military personnel and Department of Defense civilians are among the thousands of people from around the globe taking part in the Aero India 09 air show here. A cross-section of U.S. military aircraft and equipment, including the C-17 Globemaster III, C-130J Hercules, F-16 Fighting

Cope North 09-1 comes to end

U.S. and Japanese forces completed an annual two-week bilateral exercise Feb. 14, that was designed to increase interoperability between the two nations. Cope North 09-1 is a Pacific-Command sponsored exercise that was designed and developed by 13th Air Force, Detachment 1, to increase combat

Heithold assumes command of Air Force ISR Agency

Maj. Gen. Bradley A. Heithold assumed command of the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency from Maj. Gen. John C. Koziol in a ceremony here Feb. 11. Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance at the Pentagon, presided

AFTAC continues excellence as part of Air Force nuclear enterprise

When Gen. Norton Schwartz was appointed the 19th chief of staff of the Air Force Aug. 12, he emphasized a renewed focus on the nuclear enterprise as one of the Air Force's top priorities. Air Force Technical Applications Center Commander Col. Lisa Ann Onaga, having assumed command only five days

Leaders meet for series of high-level 'warfighter talks'

Chief of Staff of the Army General George W. Casey Jr. and Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz, along with 35 other general officers from both services, met Feb. 10 in the Pentagon for a day-long exchange to discuss areas of mutual interest regarding interdependency and

Airman earns Army combat spurs

A time honored Army tradition took place here Feb. 10, as many Soldiers earned their combat spurs. But what made the ceremony even more unique was among the recipients was an Airman. Senior Airman Keith Booze, Multi-National Corps-Iraq Assistance Group personnel technician, was presented his combat

Exercise demonstrates special ops capabilities

Air Force Special Operations Command officials are hosting a field exercise at Hurlburt Field Feb. 2 through 13 designed to train forces in combat scenarios. Called Emerald Warrior, the exercise is taking place at training grounds on Hurlburt Field and nearby Eglin Air Force Base, and focuses on

Night operations at Red Flag

Spirit of Global Reach lands at Dover

The Spirit of Global Reach arrived at Dover Air Force Base Feb. 9, putting itself in the history books as Team Dover's first C-5M Super Galaxy. The Spirit of Global Reach is the first of three C-5Ms Dover will receive for operational testing and evaluation. "Today we see the fruits of a long-term

Malmstrom completes Limited Nuclear Surety Inspection

Much progress has been made, but you can't stop here was the message from Col. Michael Fortney, 341st Missile Wing commander, at the Limited Nuclear Surety Inspection outbrief held Feb. 9. "Our Airmen at the 341st Missile Wing performed in an exceptional manner during this re-inspection," said

Officials host first Nuclear Surety Inspector's Course

Inspectors throughout the Air Force attended the first Nuclear Surety Inspector's Course from Feb. 2 to 6 at the Air Force Inspection Agency, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. As Air Force leaders reinvigorate the nuclear program, the implementation of this class was a top priority. The objective of the

Air Forces Africa officials engage on Nigerian air safety, security

Statistically, traveling by air is often cited at the safest way to travel. While taking to the sky has some inherent risk, advances in technology, coupled with stringent maintenance requirements and rigorous training procedures for aircrews have contributed to a safe aerial environment in most

JASDF redeployment group bids final farewell

The last of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force redeployment group members lowered their colors for the last time before departing for Japan Feb. 10, bringing an end to the final chapter of the JASDF's Iraq Reconstruction Support Airlift Wing mission after almost five years. More than a hundred

2008 Air Force Medical Service awards announced

The Air Force surgeon general's medical force development directorate has announced the winners of the 2008 Air Force Medical Service award competition. The Air Force Recognition Ribbon is authorized for individual award winners only, according to Air Force Medical Service officials.  They recommend

Guard Bureau chief visits Soldiers in Balkans

The National Guard's support of NATO peacekeeping operations in southeastern Europe is making an important contribution in helping the citizens of Kosovo, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said here Feb. 4. Gen. Craig R. McKinley visited Missouri National Guard soldiers deployed to

U.S. military to participate in Aero India 09

The United States military will be represented at the Aero India 09 air show at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bangalore, India, Feb. 11 to 15. A cross-section of U.S. military aircraft and equipment will be present, including the C-17 Globemaster III, C-130J Hercules, F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135

Airmen demonstrate JTAC training, equipment for Congress

Airmen from the Warrior Preparation Center were on Capitol Hill last week to demonstrate to Congress how Airmen work with joint partners to provide close-air support for troops on the ground. Specifically, the Airmen displayed their simulation training gear used to train joint terminal attack

AFMC commander visits Southwest Asia

Gen. Donald Hoffman, Air Force Materiel Command commander, visited the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Feb. 9 as part of a multi-base tour of bases in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The trip is the general's first to the AOR since taking command of AFMC in November. "I'm here to

Military partnerships important in preventing future calamities

The development of international, military-to-military relationships built through the National Guard's State Partnership Program will become vitally important in preventing future world calamities, a senior National Guard official said Feb. 5. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard

'Today's Air Force' features Iraqi election support

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the security help Airmen provided during the Iraqi elections. Jan. 31 marked the first elections for the people of Iraq since 2005. And February is a time when we, as a nation, celebrate the accomplishments that African Americans have made throughout

Operational weather squadron picks up new responsibilities

The 15th Operational Weather Squadron here will assume short-term back-up responsibilities for the National Weather Service's Aviation Weather Center and Storm Prediction Center on April 1. AWC provides aviation warnings and forecasts of hazardous flight conditions at all levels within domestic and

Airmen train firefighter managers, Iraqis graduate

The Iraqi air force took another step toward becoming more independent Feb. 4, this time in the form of firefighting capability, thanks to the joint training effort from the U.S. Air Force, the Iraqi air force and the Army National Guard. Seventeen civilian defense and Iraqi air force members

Feb. 6 Airpower Summary: F-15Es target enemy positions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Feb. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs targeted multiple

Predator crashes in Afghanistan

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft crashed in southern Afghanistan Feb. 8 at approx 11:35 a.m. local time. The aircraft is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. The MQ-1's primary mission is conducting armed reconnaissance. A board will be convened to investigate

Gen. Schwartz addresses top ROTC cadets

The top Air Force ROTC cadets from around the country gathered in the nation's capitol and met the top uniformed Air Force officer as guests of the George C. Marshall Foundation while attending a leadership and networking seminar Jan. 30 through Feb. 1. The cadets each were the recipient of the

AFOTEC announces mission realignment

The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center has begun realigning its mission capability to support cyber operations. This realignment will shift about 70 personnel during the next 18 months from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., to three other AFOTEC Detachments located in California, Colorado

Constructing an air corps from the ground up

Airmen from the U.S. Air Force and the Afghan National Army Air Corps are working side-by-side to provide an airpower capability to the nation of Afghanistan. The Afghan Army was created six years ago with the air corps element subsequently created four years later. The training mission to grow

Silver Flag

KC-135 crew airlifts wounded from Afghanistan

A few Airmen from the 931st Air Refueling Group spent their Super Bowl weekend resting from a 12-day aeromedical evacuation mission in Afghanistan. Eight reservists from the 931st manned a specially equipped KC-135 Stratotanker that made four back-to-back trips to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, to

Record of Decision signed on beddown of Joint Strike Fighter

Air Force officials have decided to bed down 59 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and to allow associated construction at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., to begin, implementing a BRAC 2005 decision. The decision also imposes temporary operational limitations on JSF flight training activities both to

Weather-center forecasts now just a click away

The latest, up-to-date weather forecasts from around the globe are now just a few mouse clicks away thanks to the staff at the American Forces Network Weather Center here. AFNWC personnel recently updated their Web site to include daily weather forecasts for Europe, Southwest Asia and the Tropics.

Joint basing efforts under way at 3 AMC bases

Three Air Mobility Command bases are in the process of merging with two Army posts and a Naval Air Station as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission which identified that these military facilities could be combined to streamline operational efficiency and save taxpayers' money.

Heavy metal

Manas members continue to support coalition operations

Coalition personnel continue to perform their daily air mobility and aerial refueling missions at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, despite press reports that an announcement is pending from Kyrgyz leaders about the future of the base. "Until we are told that our mission has changed, we will continue to

Potential closure of Manas Air Base won't disrupt operations

Senior U.S. officials hope to continue operations at Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan, but would use other means to support troops in Afghanistan if the Kyrgyz government goes through with plans to close it, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said Feb. 4. Neither the State Department nor the Defense

Air Force to save millions by prepositioning weapons

A new U.S. Air Forces Central logistics program is set to save the Air Force about $1.2 million every four months. More than 3,000 Airmen who departed Iraq, Afghanistan and other U.S. Central Command-area nations in January or will depart in February were directed not to bring their M-16s or M-9s

Idaho Guard supports Special Olympics

About 200 Airmen and Soldiers from the Idaho National Guard are on duty Feb. 4  to prepare for the 2009 Special Olympics Winter World Games being held here from Feb. 7-13. More than 2,500 athletes and delegates from more than 100 countries will converge on the state to participate in athletic events

Ramstein Airmen show C-130 capabilities to Polish military

As the U.S. and Polish celebrate 90 years of diplomatic relations this year, members of the two countries' air forces strengthened their bonds by way of the C-130 Hercules in late January here. Members of the 86th Airlift Wing from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, visited Powdiz Air Base by way of Warsaw

Blue Coach improves security forces Airmen tactics, training

Airmen from the 5th Security Forces Squadron are participating in a series of training classes, which began Jan. 5, in an Air Force-wide initiative to improve the tactics, awareness, vigilance and survivability of security forces here. "This training better prepares us for any situation we may come

Elmendorf officials prepare for possible volcano eruption

With the threat of an eruption at Mount Redoubt located 106 miles southwest of Anchorage, people throughout Elmendorf Air Force Base are preparing for the possibility of volcanic ash fall. Preparations began after officials from the Alaska Volcano Observatory and the U.S. Geologic Survey issued a

Airmen train Afghan officers on command, control

American Airmen graduated 16 senior Afghan air corps officers following a four-week-long course on command and control operations Jan. 24 at the Kabul International Airport. Air Force advisers from the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing and the 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group taught the Afghan

Bagram Airmen recover crippled aircraft

More than 120 Airmen, Defense Department civilians and contractors removed a crippled C-17 Globemaster III from the runway Feb. 2 at Bagram Airfield after receiving damage while landing Jan. 30.Emergency response crews sprang into action shortly after the aircraft screeched to a stop and base

MQ-1B Predator accident report released

An ignition module failure caused the crash of an MQ-1B Predator east of Ali Base, Iraq, May 2, according to an Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released Feb. 3. The $3.8 million Predator was assigned to the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. There were no injuries or

Airmen keep B-1B ready for bombs on target

Keeping B-1B Lancers constantly ready to help coalition forces defeat terrorists are Airmen assigned to the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Unit here. With its ability to carry the largest payload of any aircraft in the U.S. inventory and flying in excess of 900 mph while fully loaded, maintainers work 24

Air Guardsmen, Coast Guardsmen train then save together

After wrapping up a day of training with Coast Guardsmen Jan. 29, the aircrew of Jolly 91, an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, were ready to head to Moffett Airfield, home to the 129th Rescue Wing. The Jolly 91 Airmen were dropping off their rescue brethren, members of the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime

New Air Guard director promoted in Pentagon ceremony

Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III became director of the Air National Guard and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general in a ceremony held Feb. 2 at the Pentagon. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, pinned General Wyatt's