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

Camp Bucca Airmen make difference with smiles

Every day as the dawn breaks over the Iraqi desert, hundreds of Iraqis line up to visit their relatives at the Theater Internment Facility at Camp Bucca that holds more than 10,000 detainees. Every day before that sun rises, Airmen from the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron prepare for

Airmen aid in Iraqi election ballot transport

Members from the 321st Air Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here did their part in assisting Iraq in the election process Feb. 2. Maj. Scott Volk and Capt. Chris Dickens, both C-130 Hercules evaluation pilots and aviation advisers for the Iraqi air force, and Master Sgt. Louis Carter, a 321st AEAS

Alaska-based aircraft fly south as precaution to volcano

Airmen at McChord Air Force Base are receiving a precautionary redeployment of Air Force aircraft from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. The aircraft and approximately 200 Airmen who operate and maintain them are being temporarily relocated due to increased activity associated with Mount Redoubt, a volcano

Feb. 1 airpower summary: B-1B pounds target

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet dropped guided bomb unit -38s

Jan. 31 airpower summary: A-10s strike mortar team

Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II targeted anti-Afghan

'Today's Air Force' features training

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Airmen continue train their counterparts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. And another type of training, one that is credited with making the Air Force the premier air and space force in the world is human performance training. See how science is

Upgraded airborne firefighting system approved

A long anticipated upgrade to the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) that's used to battle the nation's wildfires was recently approved for operational use, months before the next fire season.MAFFS II was approved for use on the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing C-130J

Osan Airmen train to fight

Osan Air Base Airmen train throughout the year to survive and operate in war, and members of the 51st Security Forces Squadron here ensure the base is properly defended. Upon arrival to Osan AB, officer and enlisted security forces members go through a six-day combat readiness course to get Airmen

A venerable C-130 makes its final run

After 47 years of service without a single hit, a C-130 with the 386th Expeditionary Operations Group here has flown its last combat mission and will be retired to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Airmen in the 386th EOG and 386th

Airmen support Iraqi elections, see history in making

Joint Base Balad Airmen are engaged in the Iraqi sky as Iraqis get ready to participate in their country's electoral process Jan. 31, the first time since 2005. "U.S. and coalition airpower is uniquely qualified to provide non-intrusive security support to the government of Iraq as it conducts this

Chief of staff keynoter at Vance pilot graduation

Student pilot Class 09-04 here had a special visitor at their graduation ceremony Jan. 23.  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz attended the ceremony and presented the keynote address."The American people place a very special trust in those of us who wear the uniform," the general told the

Air Force officials complete coal-to-liquid plant analysis

After a thorough review of project requirements and information submitted by a team of functional experts, Air Force officials have determined proposals received for a coal-to-liquid synthetic fuel plant on Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., are not viable and will no longer pursue possible

Airman's Roll Call: Military training instructors

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the Air Force's need for more military training instructors to meet the demands of increasing end strength. Air Force officials will recruit about 4,000 additional enlisted Airmen per year during the next two years to boost manning to 332,700. Currently, the

Anticipating threats key to success, commander says

Anticipating threats is the key to readiness, the chief of the combatant command responsible for the military role in homeland defense said. Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr., commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, said that when he took over the reins two years

President Obama thanks troops, pledges support

President Barack Obama thanked U.S. troops and pledged to provide the resources they need to accomplish their missions Jan. 28 in his first visit to the Pentagon as commander in chief.President Obama spoke to reporters here after meeting with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Defense Secretary Robert M.

Yokota, Japanese firefighters dowse base fire

Yokota Air Base and Japanese firefighters fought a blaze at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service Japan about 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20 here, and there were no reports of any injuries. Five fire engines, two ladder trucks and a command vehicle from local fire departments as well as 38 firefighters

Hurricane Hunters take on winter storms

Air Force reservists here deployed with two WC-130J Hurricane Hunter aircraft to Anchorage, Alaska, Jan. 17 for a month-long mission in support of the 2009 Winter Storm Reconnaissance Program. The Air Force Reserve Command's 403rd Wing team includes aircrews, operations, maintenance, aerial porters

Airman sheds 115 pounds to work on F-22s in Alaska

Eleven months ago, Derrick Bell took the first step in a journey that would change his life in more ways than one. The 38-year-old husband and father of two shed more than 115 pounds to meet the Air Force Reserve physical standards of enlistment, astounding his recruiter, family and friends as he

President to meet with defense secretary, joint chiefs

Iraq and Afghanistan likely will be among the discussion topics when President Barack Obama makes his first visit to the Pentagon this afternoon to meet with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a senior Defense Department official said here Jan. 28. "This meeting is part

Air Force fighters to fly patrols supporting Super Bowl XLIII

Air Force fighter pilots will be busy during Super Bowl XLIII as they will be flying to protect the sky around Raymond James Stadium Feb. 1 in Tampa, Fla. Airmen flying fighter jets may be visible enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration's temporary flight restriction zone during the National

Dover aircrew delivers humanitarian supplies to Nicaragua

A Dover Air Force Base C-17 Globemaster III aircrew airlifted 18,000 pounds of humanitarian cargo from here to Nicaragua Jan. 17 through 19. The Air Force Reserve Airmen from the 326th Airlift Squadron delivered desks, chairs, file cabinets and books for the new library at Ave Maria University,

Japan forces arrive in Guam for joint exercise

American, British forces hone warfighting skills together

American Airmen and British joint terminal attack controllers and U.S. Army joint fires observers improved their warfighting skills here in preparation for an upcoming deployment. The U.S. Army's 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division from Fort Carson, Colo., currently is conducting their

'Perspective' highlights military training instructors

In the latest "Enlisted Perspective, the Air Force's top enlisted Airman focuses on the importance of military training instructors, how they mold future Airmen for their entire career and the shortage the career field is anticipating during the next few months.    "I still remember the military

American servicemembers aid Iraqi communications

Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq directorate of communications officials in Baghdad currently are using Air Tasking Order concepts to shape the cyber battlefield for the Iraqi government. "We are trying to help people build a nation and create national self-sufficiency," said Col.

Air Force officials to use prop planes as ISR platforms

To better fill combatant commanders' needs for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, Air Force officials will begin using C-12 Huron turboprop planes as ISR platforms. The program, called Project Liberty, involves Airmen operating a fleet of 37 C-12 aircraft providing ISR full-motion video

Program improves patient safety through enhanced teamwork, communication

A Defense Department program is transforming military health care during deployment by enhancing communication and teamwork skills among health care professionals, a master trainer in the program said. Developed by specialists with the Defense Department's Patient Safety Program, Team Strategies and

Dining facility feeds leaders of tomorrow

For most dining facilities, the thought of feeding an entire wing at one time is not a pleasant one. For the staff at Mitchell Hall, the cadet dining facility at the United States Air Force Academy, this is simply business as usual. The dining facility, named after military aviation pioneer Brig.

Physician assistant makes difference in Afghan lives

Servicemembers of the Provincial Reconstruction Team Paktya in Gardez, Afghanistan, are helping to develop the infrastructure necessary for the Afghan people to succeed in a post-conflict environment.One member of the Paktya PRT is Capt. James Parris.The physician assistant from the 96th Medical

Air Force works aggressively to reduce bird strikes

As an ongoing investigation continues on a bird strike that caused a passenger jet's engines to fail last week after takeoff from New York's LaGuardia Airport, Air Force safety officials said they're well-versed on the dangers of bird strikes and aggressively are working to prevent them. National

'Today's Air Force' highlights peacekeeping operations in Africa

This edition of "Today's Air Force" focuses on how Airmen are supporting humanitarian and peacekeeping operations in Africa. One segment highlights the first major operation engineered by members of U.S. Africa Command's air component, 17th Air Force. Operation Nimble Star was a weeklong expedition

Military secretaries stay on, help ensure smooth transition

Each U.S. military service secretary has agreed to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' request to stay in office for at least several weeks to help ensure the Defense Department's smooth transition under the President Barack Obama administration, Pentagon officials here said recently. "They have been

New Air Force chief of safety takes charge

Kirtland Air Force Base officials welcomed the service's new top safety officer in a Jan. 13 change-of-command ceremony here.Maj. Gen. Frederick F. Roggero became the Air Force chief of safety and commander of the Air Force Safety Center at Kirtland AFB, replacing Maj. Gen. Wendell L. Griffin, who

Largest deployment of F-22s under way

Twenty-four F-22 Raptors and hundreds of Airmen deployed to the Pacific region for a three-month deployment in support of the Pacific global deterrence mission.Twelve F-22s deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, arrived Jan. 18 to Andersen AFB, Guam, and the week prior 12 F-22s from Langley

New culture course now available online to enlisted

Through the efforts of the Air Force Culture and Language Center and Community College of the Air Force, enlisted members now have a distance learning course that will aid them in understanding world cultures. Introduction to Culture, the first course of its kind in the military and is currently

Major's medal, artifacts on display at Air Force museum

One of the first Airmen to earn an Air Force Combat Action Medal donated his award, alongside others, to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Maj. Steve Raspet, the 12th Operations Group T-6A Texan II standards and evaluation branch chief and an

Obama directs military to plan 'responsible' Iraq drawdown

President Barack Obama directed key defense and military officials he met with Jan. 21 to come up with plans for "a responsible military drawdown in Iraq." President Obama declared Jan. 21's meeting on Iraq productive and valuable. Participants in the late-afternoon session during his first day in

Officials announce proposed bases for new cyber headquarters

Air Force officials here announced Jan. 21 possible locations for the headquarters of 24th Air Force, a new numbered Air Force focused on the cyber mission. The proposed bases, in alphabetical order, are Barksdale Air Force Base, La.; Lackland AFB, Texas; Langley AFB, Va.; Offutt AFB, Neb.; Peterson

Air Force officials release proposed Global Strike Command candidate bases

Air Force officials here announced Jan. 21 the possible locations for the eventual permanent home for the headquarters for Air Force Global Strike Command. Earlier this month, Air Force officials had announced the formal stand up of the Air Force Global Strike Command (Provisional). The provisional

National Guard members support inaugural mission

About 9,300 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen joined thousands of active-duty and Reserve military members from all services to support President Barack Obama's inauguration Jan. 20 here. "We've always depended on the National Guard," Al Roker, the weather anchor for NBC's "Today Show" said from

Obama vows not to waver in America's defense

President Barack Obama pledged a "prudent use" of military power as the nation works toward "ushering in a new era of peace" in his inaugural address to the nation Jan. 20 here. "Our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and

Airman's Roll Call: Joint expeditionary taskings

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses terms used to describe Airmen fulfilling nontraditional roles in the deployed environment. Air Force officials provide vital capabilities to the joint team in the war on terrorism, and part of the missions and capabilities delivered until recently fell into a

Decisions loom for Joint Strike Fighter Program

Decisions about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and F-22 Raptor aircraft programs are expected early in President Barack Obama's administration. The F-35 program manager said Jan. 15 he sees strong support for the F-35 from the services, allied partners and, so far, on Capitol Hill. Based on initial

Airmen witness history from Southwest Asia

Thousands of miles from home, members of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing at this air base in Southwest Asia were still able to witness history being made as they watched the inauguration of President Barack Obama live Jan. 20 here. The inauguration was not scheduled to start until 7 p.m., but by

New technology helps cardiac patient

A cardiac patient from Kerrville Veteran's Administration Hospital in Texas is alive today because of new technology available at the Wilford Hall Medical Center here. The patient suffered a cardiac arrest recently and the VA hospital did not have the capability to provide the advanced care needed,

Troops bid former President Bush farewell at Andrews

Military officials bid farewell to the outgoing commander in chief during a departure ceremony Jan. 20 at Andrews Air Force Base where he called leading men and women in uniform the highlight of his presidency. A joint service honor guard, military band and about 4,000 cheering, flag-waving fans

Yokota trespassers caught, detained, released

Two trespassers were caught on Yokota Air Base, detained and after further investigation, released in January here. The trespassers, tanukis or Japanese raccoon dogs, were captured by the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron Entomology Flight Airmen on Yokota Jan. 6 and taken to Tama Hills Recreation Area

Registration opens for Africa Command symposium

Registration is open for the Air Force's U.S. Africa Command Symposium scheduled to be held March 31 through April 2 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. The policy-focused event will ponder the Air Force's contribution to AFRICOM and engage participants in the creation of a set of proposals for the

Airmen kick off inauguration day preparing for parade

Maj. Geraldine Holmes-Barnett said she remembers boarding a bus in Ohio when she was just 9 years old to hear Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech" during the 1963 March on Washington. That memory came full circle this morning as the 54-year-old African-American nurse with the 779th

Deployed F-22 Raptors arrive at Andersen

Twelve F-22 Raptors deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, arrived here Jan. 18, for a three month deployment in support of Pacific Global Deterrence mission. As part of the continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements, additional forces like the 90th Expeditionary

General Petraeus visits Manas Air Base

Manas Airmen briefly hosted Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. Central Command commander, as he arrived in Kyrgyzstan for the start of a several day visit with Kyrgyz leaders. The visit was the general's first to Manas AB and the central Asian nation since assuming command of CENTCOM in October 2008.

Airmen provide power to the people

Twenty members of the 379th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical systems shop at this air base in Southwest Asia give power to the people while giving them the energy they need to get through every day.Responsible for repairing and maintaining all lighting fixtures, street lights, power outlets and

Andrews officials launch tactical fitness center

Base leaders here took a groundbreaking new stride in combat fitness training capability Jan. 15 with the ribbon-cutting of the Andrews Tactical Fitness Center. The center supports the 316th Wing's goal of "Airmen fit and ready to fight and win across the whole spectrum" with a new policy and

Airmen transport, care for wounded warriors

Airmen of the 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron airlift warriors on military aircraft out of locations throughout the war zone and to military medical treatment facilities.Consistent and readily available airlift is usually the difference between life and death for servicemembers

Hero of Hudson River crash landing got start in Air Force

The pilot who crash-landed a crippled airliner in New York's Hudson River Jan. 15, saving 155 lives on board, is an Air Force Academy graduate who received his pilot training in the Air Force. Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger steered US Airways Flight 1549 toward the river when both engines failed

F-22s begin training in Japan

F-22 Raptors took to the sky over Japan Jan. 14 as members of the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron began flight operations with Kadena Air Base officials. More than 200 Airmen and 12 F-22s from Langley Air Force Base, Va., are operating out of Kadena AB to demonstrate the continued U.S.

Airmen keep eyes on the sky to protect warfighters

Airmen of the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron keep vigilant eyes on the sky over the Gulf region to keep American and coalition forces safe and secure.The members of the squadron provide a constant and extensive radar presence over the entire Arabian Gulf region, and can identify anyone and

Captain named top air liaison officer in Air Force

An Air Force Special Operations Command captain was named the service's top air liaison officer for 2008 recently. This year's annual winner is Capt. Christopher Wilson who is assigned to the 17th Air Support Operations Squadron and is the tactical air control party flight commander for Operating

Airmen, Soldiers team up to keep working dog in the fight

Dental Airmen teamed up with Army veterinarians to give an Air Force working dog a root canal and get her back into the fight Jan. 15 at an air base in Southwest Asia. Airmen of the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group and Soldiers from the 218th Medical Detachment to work on 5-year-old Belgian

Lajes Field Airmen help disabled French aircraft

Airmen at Lajes Field were ready to lend a helping hand as a disabled Air France 777 passenger aircraft was diverted here Jan. 4 then assisted with getting the jet airborne again. At 6 p.m. Jan. 4, the Lajes Field command post staff was notified of an in-flight emergency on the Air France jet over

Airmen begin Darfur airlift operations

Airmen have begun airlifting Rwandan peacekeeping equipment and supplies Jan. 13 from Kigali to the Darfur Region of Sudan as part of the United Nations-Africa Union peacekeeping mission. The first mission was completed by a C-17 Globemaster III and aircrew deployed to Africa from Travis Air Force

Air Force remains committed to unmanned aircraft systems

Air Force officials are "all in" with regard to unmanned aircraft systems, and understand the Defense secretary's direction to field the systems in the combat theater as fully and quickly as possible, a senior leader said Jan. 12 here. Lt. Gen. Norman R. Seip, the commander of 12th Air Force and Air

Kirkuk servicemembers host vice president-elect

Vice president-elect Joe Biden visited Airmen and Soldiers stationed here and met local Iraqi officials Jan. 13. Vice president-elect Biden of Delaware was accompanied by South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The senators met and thanked Airmen and