Airmen prep for Patriot's debut at Southwest Asian base

Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here are laying the groundwork to welcome more than 200 Soldiers from Fort Bliss, Texas, as they set up a Patriot battery here for the first time. Airmen from more than a dozen units have been actively involved in myriad activities and projects to include

Air Force officials publish energy program policy

The secretary of the Air Force recently signed the Air Force Energy Program Policy. This document will serve as the blueprint for Air Force officials as they continue their goal to keep energy initiatives in the forefront. "The Air Force energy strategy furthers an energy future that is secure,

Air Force ISR Agency continues transformation

As part of the Air Force's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance transition, Air Force officials announced Jan. 1 the renaming of the 480th Intelligence Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Va., and the 70th IW at Fort George G. Meade, Md., as the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and

Team combats waterborne illness in Afghan province

Doctors and medics with the provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan's Zabul province are teaching medical providers to purify water and reduce waterborne illnesses. PRT members taught five medical providers in Shajoy district how to operate, clean and sustain a new water purification machine

Airmen build rapport with community

Airmen of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Host Nation Coordination Cell here are liaisons between American forces and host nation officials to keep the wing mission flowing. "The primary mission of HNCC is to facilitate and coordinate all interaction between the U.S. military and the (host nation)

'Today's Air Force' features Air Force support to Iraqis

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights some of the events Air Force members were involved with throughout the year. While all events engaging Airmen are crucial, these are but a few that led to the success of the Air Force mission. One of the events featured focuses on the efforts in Iraq

U.S. officials seek more supply routes for Afghanistan

As Pakistani troops apply renewed pressure on militants who have threatened a major supply line, military transportation officials are seeking alternate routes for supplying U.S. and NATO troops deployed in Afghanistan. Pakistani forces Dec. 30 renewed offensive operations targeting militants who,

Teamwork shown as Airmen respond to helicopter crash

Six Airmen of the 379th Civil Engineer Squadron here used teamwork to recover a helicopter that crashed Dec. 15  at a forward operating base in Afghanistan. The firefighters rushed to the scene and began command and control measures after being notified of the helicopter crash that landed in a ditch

Jan. 3 airpower summary: Tankers provide key fuel support

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator used Hellfire missiles and

Responsibility for Green Zone security transferred to Iraqis

United States officials formally transferred the Republican Palace back to the Iraqi government Jan. 1, a concrete symbol of the continuing improvement in the country. The transfer came about as the status of forces agreement, or SOFA, between the United States and Iraq took effect. The agreement

Jan. 2 airpower summary: B-1s on patrol

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, 49 close-air-support missions were flown in support of

Jan. 1 airpower summary: C-130s provide essential airlift

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan.1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb

Dec. 31 airpower summary: A-10 flies combat patrol mission

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds

Armed Forces Bowl puts military might on display

The sixth annual Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl football game featured the Houston Cougars (7-5) taking on the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons (8-4) on Dec. 31 at the Amon G. Carter Stadium here. Kickoff for the Armed Forces Bowl was noon Eastern, but the event started more than 24-hours prior to

Rescue wing sends replacements to Afghanistan

A group of Air Force Reserve Command Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing here departed on the last leg of a 14-month deployment to Afghanistan Dec. 27 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Approximately 40 helicopter aircrew members, maintenance specialists and logistics and support personnel

"Cart-Starts" make a quick launch for B-52s

Airmen assigned to the 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron have recently been showcasing the B-52 Stratofortress's ability to respond to threats at a moment's notice. Throughout the month of December, Airmen from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., have been launching aircraft by a method known

DOD inaugural committee moves into high gear

Exactly three weeks before inauguration day, the buzz of activity at the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee here is a notable exception to the traditional holiday lull that settles over the nation's capital between Christmas and New Year's Day. More than 400 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and

Improved drilling process is safer, saves money

In another example of a Lean initiative, an improved process for drilling a duct-liner is proving to be safer, faster and on course to save the Air Force $47,000 a year. For seven years, mechanic Jerry Heiskill dealt with the frustration and discomfort of using a hand-held drill to re-drill holes

B-2 radar modernization program contract awarded

Air Force officials awarded a production contract to the Northrop Grumman Corporation Dec. 29 for the B-2 stealth bomber radar modernization program. The production contract, with a target price of approximately $468 million, will provide advanced state-of-the-art radar components to ensure

Guard's counterdrug warriors endeavor to test one and all

Finding a single drug abuser among thousands of servicemembers can compare to a shell game, but National Guard officials are placing all odds in their favor. Officials are striving to keep the Guard's Citizen-Airmen and -Soldiers drug free through an increase in drug tests and the integration of new

Officials initiate surgical specialty training in Iraq

Optimally managing the unique head and neck injury patterns seen in Iraq and Afghanistan has led to a successful initiative out of Wilford Hall Medical Center here: sending the first surgical fellow to a war zone for a surgical rotation. In the past, medical and surgical residents and fellows were

Luke pilot reaches F-16 milestone

In January 1979, the first operational F-16 Fighting Falcon was delivered to Hill Air Force Base, Utah.  Nearly 30 years later to the day, a pilot from here has amassed 4,000 hours flying this workhorse of the air. Col. David Lujan, 56th Operations Group deputy commander, became the 17th pilot,

300 and counting -- rescue unit saves lives in Afghanistan

Air Force reservists with the 920th Rescue Wing here have saved more than 300 U.S. troops since deploying to Afghanistan in February 2008. The Air Force Reserve Command unit is flying HH-60 helicopter missions in support the U.S. Army medical evacuation operation. Airmen from the wing and its sister

Keeping tabs on the airfield

When many aircraft need space on a limited airfield, a small section steps in to ensure there is room for all. Like a game of musical chairs, Airmen in the 379th Expeditionary Operations Squadron airfield management section here constantly shift assets around to maximize use of the airfield,

Surgeons return injured troops to action

With precision-guided instrumentation and steady hands, a surgical team here is returning injured warfighters to the fight. Dr. (Maj.) Daniel Todd Rose, orthopedic surgeon, and Dr. (Maj.) Craig Kolasch, general surgeon, both with the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group, handle most of the minor

TACPs provide vital link between pilots, ground troops

Although they make up one of the Air Force's smallest career fields, their mission leaves a huge impact on the battlefield and can mean life or death for troops on the ground. Tactical air control party Airmen serve as liaisons between ground commanders and pilots in the sky to eliminate the enemy's

AF firefighters relocate, expand Iraqi fire training course

Iraqi firefighters are were more than half-way through the firefighter apprentice course being trained in Baghdad's International Zone before being moved. The class was previously taught at Taji Military Base just north of Baghdad, but the location lacked advanced live fire trainers and had limited

Filler' up--with 2 million gallons of premium

Filler' up is a phrase you may have used many times back in the days of full service gas stations but it's not very common terminology in the day and age of high-prices and self-service everything. The 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's Petroleum, Oils and Lubricants Flight, however,

General, Mrs. Schwartz spend Christmas at Creech

Creech Airmen received a surprise Christmas day when Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie visited the base. It was the second time in as many weeks that the Schwartz family visited the northern Nevada base. General and Mrs. Schwartz returned to Creech on the holiday to

Dec. 24 airpower summary: Strike Eagles show force

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft conducted shows of force over a

USAFCENT commander visits deployed Airmen on Christmas Eve

Much like Santa Claus pays a visit to boys and girls around the world on Christmas Eve, U.S. Air Forces Central leaders visited deployed Airmen here Dec. 24. Instead of presents, Lt. Gen. Gary North, USAFCENT commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Scott Dearduff, USAFCENT command chief, handed out words

Agreement keeps aircraft defensive system at Robins

Maintenance personnel here will begin to work on an advanced weapons system that protects large cargo aircraft from attacks from shoulder-fired missiles in a Dec. 11 contract agreement between Air Force and Northrop Grumman officials. Brig. Gen. Mark A. Atkinson, the 402nd Maintenance Wing

EOD Airmen stay 1 step ahead of the enemy

Bombs may not be exploding at this Southwest Asian air base, but in a war where the enemy is always finding new ways to inflict damage, Airmen in one shop remain one step ahead of the bad guys. Airmen of the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit here use

Air Force engineers answer the call from Soldiers in Iraq

"Answering the call" is a motto 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen believe in, and it's something Soldiers can attest to. This team of combat-trained engineers, assigned to the 732nd ECES Det. 6, will build anything, anywhere to help Soldiers in Iraq accomplish their mission or to

Airman helps troops connect with families during holidays

An Airman here came up with two specials ways to help deployed Airmen connect with their families during the holiday season. Senior Airman Marco Palacios, a services technician deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif., offered to videotape holiday greetings and readings of "A Night Before

Santa Claus is coming to town

Santa Claus visited the men and women of the North American Aerospace Defense Command Tracks Santa Battle Cab in preparation for his Christmas Eve journey Dec. 23 at Peterson Air Force Base. Santa received a Federal Aviation Administration, weather and air mission brief from Maj. Gen. John H.

Tops In Blue Airmen entertain forces in South Korea

Airmen of Tops In Blue performed for more than 700 Army, Air Force, Navy and South Korean air force members and their families Dec. 19 at the South Korean armed forces headquarters.The visit was part of the 2008 World Tour titled "Deja Blue" where 37 members of the Air Force's premiere entertainment

Yokota Airmen strengthen bonds with Japanese military

Yokota Air Base Airmen participated in bilateral training events with Japan Air Self Defense Force members Dec. 17 at Iruma Air Base, Japan. American Airmen were able to train and share ideas with their Japanese peers to share how each country manages flying squadrons and maintainers. Normally,

Iraqi aeromedical evacuation capability continues to develop

Iraqi medical airmen took a step in the evolution of the air force as an effective fighting force Dec. 20 as they conducted an aeromedical evacuation mission from the Air Force Theater Hospital here to the 86th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad. Three wounded patients, an Iraqi police officer and

Eglin Airmen test readiness during weeklong exercise

Airmen of the 33rd Fighter Wing here tested their ability to respond anytime and anywhere in support of the nation's defense during an Operation Noble Eagle exercise in mid-December. Wing planners and exercise evaluation team members created plans and scenarios to provide an accurate replication of

NCO earns Bronze Star for actions in Iraq

A 425th Air Base Group Anti-terrorism Force Protection NCO here received the Bronze Star at Izmir's Collocated Club for his efforts during a 12-month deployment to Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Tech. Sgt. James Thompson received the fourth-highest combat award for the U.S. armed forces from Col. Richard

Sather Airmen destroy weapons cache

Sather Air Base Airmen destroyed one of the larger enemy weapons caches to be collected at one time in the Iraq theater of operations. Four three-person 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight teams destroyed the 13,000-pound weapons cache discovered by Iraqi

Testing under fire

AFPC officials to offer personnel course for commanders

Air Force Personnel Center officials here are launching a new course designed to provide squadron commanders outside the personnel career field with the latest military and civilian personnel programs and procedures.The course also provides information on the air and space expeditionary force

JABS knock out communication problems for warfighters

Joint Airborne Battle Staff members here are similar to 911 operators in the air as they ensure convoys operating throughout Iraq are never without communications. JABS crews flying on board C-130 Hercules aircraft fill in the gap wherever ground communication is limited in the war zone, which is

UAS students graduate from inaugural class

Nine lieutenants graduated from the first combat familiarization program for pilots slated to fly unmanned aircraft systems Dec. 22 at Randolph Air Force Base. The four-week Unmanned Aircraft Systems Fundamentals Course, or UFC, began instruction Nov. 21 taught by 563rd Flying Training Squadron

Today's Air Force' features personnel recovery exercise

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Angel Thunder, a personnel recovery exercise in New Mexico with more than 850 ground recovery forces. Also, the Base Realignment Committee, or BRAC, is allowing the U.S. military to become a more integrated force with many services. See how the Army and

Nuclear surety inspection completed at 90th Space Wing

The nuclear surety inspection that wrapped up at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Dec. 17, identified some deficiencies for the 90th Space Wing that require corrective action and resulted in an overall unsatisfactory rating for the wing. However, the wing remains certified to perform its strategic

Active duty, Reserve units consolidate command posts

Signaling a move toward greater teamwork between active duty and Reserve forces here, Peterson AFB officials unveiled their newly-consolidated command post Dec. 16.The integrated Peterson Installation Control Center will serve as the command post for both the 21st Space Wing and the 302nd Airlift

National Guard to support presidential inauguration

More than 4,000 citizen Soldiers and Airmen from at least eight states will provide security, medical and other support during the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration, a National Guard official said Dec. 18. "We will be there to fill the gaps and help out the first responders," Army Maj. Kenneth

Thunderbolts active during the holidays

First security guardsmen dispatched into missile fields

Officials at the Minot-based 219th Security Forces Squadron of the North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing have dispatched security Airmen into the missile fields at Minot Air Force Base for the first time. "Putting guardsmen into the field to work side by side with the active duty is a

Valiant action saves co-worker from choking

The life of a 71st Comptroller-Contractor Squadron accounting technician here was saved by an office co-worker Dec. 5 at Vance Air Force Base. Rose Palacios was working at her desk when she began to choke on a piece of candy. "At first I thought I could just cough it up out of my throat. That didn't

ACC leaders discuss current, future challenges

The commander of Air Combat Command and members of his A-staff spoke to 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen about current and upcoming events surrounding Air Force combat operations during an Airman's Call here earlier this month. Gen. John Corley discussed the impact of current economic trends on

Iraqi general visits Luke, flies in F-16

Ten years ago, Iraqi air force Brig. Gen. Ali al-Aaragy was flying F-1 Mirage fighters for his country's air force, but on Dec. 15 he was flying in an F-16 Fighting Falcon over Arizona.The general, who works as his country's air force adviser to the minister of defense, visited Luke AFB to enhance

NORAD prepares for 50th year tracking Santa

Among North American Aerospace Command's diverse and challenging missions, none is more gratifying -- or as downright fun -- as tracking Santa Claus each year for children around the world, the NORAD commander said this week. "It is the most wonderful experience you can ever imagine to talk to

PACAF officials centralize fitness testing

Airmen across the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility soon will see a change in their fitness testing procedures as command officials move to centralize the testing under base health and wellness centers by March of 2009. After receiving feedback from across the command, Gen. Howie Chandler,

Kyrgyzstan parliament members visit Manas

A delegation of Kyrgyzstan's parliament led by Vice Speaker Kubanychbek Isabekov visited Manas Air Base Dec. 15. Following weeks of planning and extensive preparation, 17 members of the Kyrgyz parliament came to tour the base. The delegation was greeted by Col. Christopher Bence, the 376th Air

Secretary announces provisional Global Strike commander

The secretary of the Air Force here selected a commander for the provisional Air Force Global Strike Command Dec. 18. Secretary Michael B. Donley chose Brig. Gen. James M. Kowalski to lead the provisional command.Air Force officials will propose a three-star general lead the permanent command. The

Geothermal heating to save money, energy at Minot

Geothermal heating has been used since the time of the Romans as a way of heating buildings, and now it has come to Minot Air Force Base. The 5th Bomb Wing headquarters building here is currently undergoing construction to use geothermal heating by having 39 ground source heat pumps installed in the

Trainees slew the BEAST in new basic training program

The first group of Airman Basic trainees in the newly extended 8.5-week Basic Military Training program conquered the BEAST Dec. 15 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The BEAST, which stands for Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills and Training, is the centerpiece of the new two-week expansion that

Well project brings water to Afghan villages

The Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team here completed an eight-well project that will bring much-needed water sources to six districts throughout the eastern Afghanistan province. The PRT-funded project, which combined several individual well projects into one, costs $30,000 and was

Course gives officers new outlook on force support

Officials at the first Force Support Officers' Course here graduated 57 officers Dec. 11 with Lt. Gen. Richard Newton on hand to congratulate the officers on their achievement. "These outstanding officers made history as they walked across the stage," said General Newton, the deputy chief of staff

Integrated process team addresses logistics issues

The consolidation of supply chain activities into the Air Force Global Logistics Support Center presented a fresh opportunity to address some systemic issues in how the Defense Logistics Agency supports the Air Force. Leaders representing both organizations received an update on these issues along

Closer collaboration will ensure disaster preparedness

The commander of U.S. Northern Command urged closer collaboration between local and state agencies and groups that would be the first to respond to a disaster and the federal entities that stand ready to step in and assist when needed Dec. 16. Gen. Victor E. Renuart, who also commands the North

C-17 revolutionizing logistics in Antarctica

Airmen assigned to the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron supporting Operation Deep Freeze completed the first operational C-17 Globemaster III airdrop to the Antarctic Gamburtsev Mountain Province Nov. 26. Thirty bundles of fuel and other supplies were delivered to a scientific camp in the

Airman's Roll Call: Make safe decisions during holidays

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on Airmen making safe decisions regarding drinking and driving during the holidays. The holiday season between Thanksgiving and the new year is one of the most dangerous times on America's roadways, due to an increase in the number of people who are driving

New terminology recognizes contributions of Airmen

The Air Force is adopting new terminology to better reflect participation in today's joint fight, the Air Force chief of staff advised in a letter to the field. Airmen who were previously categorized as filling non-standard or "in lieu of" taskings now will be referred to as filling a joint

F-22s scheduled to deploy to Japan, Guam

Air Force officials have scheduled to deploy two contingents of F-22 Raptors to the Pacific theater in January 2009 for approximately three months. Current plans call for 12 of the fighters to deploy to Kadena Air Base, Japan, from Langley Air Force Base, Va., and another 12 to deploy to Andersen

UAS beta program underway; officials seek more applicants

Air Force officials selected 10 Air Force officers to begin the first-ever unmanned aircraft systems beta test program to produce operators of the MQ-1 Predator. The 10 selectees will begin training Jan. 5 at Pueblo, Colo. "We were encouraged by the extremely strong interest in this program," said

Wright-Patterson Airmen earn top safety award

The Star award, which is the highest level of recognition under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Program, was presented to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base officials here Dec. 9. Mandated in 2006 by then Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, VPP is a

Exercise Angel Thunder provides lifesaving training

About 900 Air Force, joint, coalition, interagency and international players participated in a personnel recovery exercise that ran Dec. 1 through Dec. 12 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.Exercise Angel Thunder 2008 included people from the active duty Air Force and Army, Guard and Reserve, National

Officials identify servicemen MIA from Vietnam War

Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office officials here announced Dec. 15 that the group remains of six U.S. servicemen, missing from the Vietnam War, are soon to be buried with full military honors. The Air Force servicemembers are Maj. Bernard L. Bucher, of Eureka, Ill.; Maj. John L.

Edwards NCO uses training to help save accident victims

An Edwards Air Force Base NCO rushed to help save the lives of two strangers after hearing the sound of a crash and seeing a cloud of smoke and debris on Highway 14 Dec. 7 in Lancaster, Calif. When Tech. Sgt. Rondale Alexander, the NCO in charge of the Air Force Flight Test Center command section,

McChord Airmen fuel Operation Deep Freeze

Airmen assigned to the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in support of Operation Deep Freeze completed the first operational C-17 Globemaster III airdrop Nov. 26 to the Antarctic Gamburtsev Mountain Province. Thirty bundles of fuel and other supplies were delivered by the members of the from the

General Schwartz sees full spectrum of fly, fight, win

Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie visited Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases, Dec. 13, to meet with Airmen and get a first-hand look at operations. This was General Schwartz's first visit to both bases since becoming the 19th chief of staff. He said it was important for him to visit Creech and

Air Force recruiting Web site redesign launched

Incorporating the latest Internet technologies while reflecting the way ahead for the service, Air Force Recruiting Service officials launched their redesigned Web site Dec. 15 at airforce.com. The Web site serves as the Air Force's official recruiting site and offers potential recruits and the

Thermal curtains offer protection to B-52 aircrews

Engineers here are designing a product to protect B-52 Stratofortress aircrews from a nuclear attack's blinding light. Designed by members of the 540th Aircraft Sustainment Squadron's B-52 Communications Navigation and Weapons Flight, prototypes for the thermal curtains will be ready sometime in

Kyrgyzstan mayors visit Manas

Mayors and deputy mayors of the six largest villages that surround Manas Air Base met the Airmen and learned the mission of the base during a Dec. 10 tour here. Base and village leaders meet one another, discussed issues that affect both and developed stronger ties through which to resolve issues of

Air Force officials honor top recruiters for 2008

Fourteen Air Force recruiters were named tops in their field for fiscal 2008 by Air Force Recruiting Service officials here in December. Operation Blue Suit program recognizes the best recruiters worldwide for their efforts in recruiting a diverse, high-quality volunteer force to fill career fields

'Today's Air Force' features Airmen training Iraqis

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Air Force officers are sharing valuable leadership skills in an effort to train the Iraqi military on the proper tools to maintain security throughout their country. And while the use of technology facilitates our daily missions from

President Bush visits troops in Bagram

President George W. Bush visited Combined Joint Task Force-101 servicemembers Dec. 15 at Bagram Airfield. "I am proud to be with brave souls serving the United States of America," President Bush said.The president expressed his well wishes to the troops during the holidays and thanked them for their

Dec. 12 airpower summary: Reapers watch or strike

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and an Air Force

Attacked Air Force recruiter in stable condition

The Air Force recruiter who was stabbed outside her Harlem, N.Y., recruiting office Dec. 11 remains in stable condition. Staff Sgt. Sarah Charles, a recruiter with the 313th Recruiting Squadron, was speaking with a potential applicant when she was attacked by a female assailant. The recruiter

Alaska Guard continues Operation Santa Claus tradition

Children from rural Alaskan communities were treated to an early Christmas this year as members of the Alaska National Guard completed Operation Santa Claus for young people in communities across the state. The 50-year community relations and support program provides toys, books and school supplies

B-1B aircrews bring unique capabilities to the fight

B-1B Lancer aircrews of the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron guard warfighters from high above Iraq and Afghanistan while carrying the largest payload of any aircraft in the theater. Squadron members are responsible for close-air support, nontraditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

Multinational recovery exercise kicks off at Davis-Monthan

More than 850 ground recovery forces and 51 aircraft from the Department of Defense and numerous other countries kicked off a personnel recovery and combat search and rescue exercise Dec. 8 here. The two week-long Angel Thunder 2008 exercise allows U.S. and international military forces and numerous

Civil engineer crews improve Bagram infrastructure

Airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron work around the clock to improve Bagram Airfield's infrastructure to support Operation Enduring Freedom. There are 25 active construction projects valued at more than $73 million, with more than $221 million in construction is scheduled for

Gates praises war effort by troops in remote air hub

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates in a town-hall session with a hundreds of Airmen and Soldiers personally thanked the troops for their efforts Dec. 11 at this dusty, remote station. This austere outpost is a main air hub into Afghanistan, providing aerial refueling, combat airdrops, medical

Space station crew exchanges seasons greetings with Earth

Soaring high above the Earth, the crew of the International Space Station beamed down season's greetings that will air on NASA Television starting Dec. 12. The public can return the extraterrestrial good will and send greetings to the crew by visiting: http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/postcard The

Air Force leaders chair first nuclear oversight board

Air Force leaders gathered to discuss efforts related to reinvigorating the service's nuclear enterprise Dec. 10 at the Pentagon. This was the first meeting of the newly-created Air Force Nuclear Oversight Board, which was created as part of the Air Force Nuclear Roadmap released Oct. 24. The board

National Guard celebrates 372nd birthday

National Guard officials are celebrating their 372nd birthday recognizing Dec. 13, 1636, when the Massachusetts Bay Colony divided its citizen-soldiers, or militia, into the North, South and East Regiments. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was seven years old in 1636 when about 5,000 men, women and

Airman helps shape future Afghan firefighters

Afghan firefighters at the Kabul International Airport stand ready to answer a call to save lives and resources here thanks to the dedicated efforts of their American counterpart. Master Sgt. Mike Marascia, Afghan fire protection mentor, has spent the last 11 months establishing the Afghan Joint

Air Force bands 'in the fight'

Air Force bands like Air Force Materiel Command's Band of Flight located here perform thousands of concerts each year, with several performances in far away countries as part of a "hearts and minds" campaign being led by military bands. Since 2004, Air Force bands have been deploying to U.S. Central

AF plan could enable Iraq air sovereignty, independence

Work being done here by officials of the Electronic Systems Center and its federally funded research and development center partner, MITRE Corp., is helping pave the way for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. ESC and MITRE International Operations specialists, in concert with a number of ESC

RED HORSE Airmen close chapter with Iraqis

Airmen with the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron witnessed the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a community center Dec. 5 in Hawr Rajab. Through a program called Village of Hope, RED HORSE Airmen taught Iraqi citizens the basics of construction over a 10-month period that yielded four remodeled

Medics, maintainers test skills at alternative careers

How many steps does it take to prepare an F-16 Fighting Falcon to launch for a combat sortie? How stomach-turning is it to sit in on a surgery?  Staff Sgt. Ubong Okokon and Master Sgt. Mark Crew are dedicated to answering these questions and more for Airmen serving in the Air Force Theater Hospital

Letters, packages to Airmen increases during holiday season

Postal workers of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here doubled their workload for this holiday season and expect to double it yet again in the coming weeks. The holiday season for postal workers begins in the middle of November and generally goes through the middle of December. "We're currently

Airmen lead effort to rescue injured crewman at sea

American Airmen and aircraft were part of an international effort over the Atlantic Ocean that saved the life of a crewmember who suffered a life-threatening head injury onboard a cargo ship Dec. 10 more than 320 miles west of Cork, Ireland. The Burmese crewmember was injured at sea on a

New year brings new tools to quit tobacco

Department of Defense and Tricare officials are offering new innovative online tools to help servicemembers keep their New Year's resolutions to quit tobacco. The DOD-sponsored educational campaign, Quit Tobacco--Make Everyone Proud, is expanding its interactive Web site. Users can now create a blog