Original Tuskegee Airmen share experiences

The public learned more about the original Tuskegee Airmen during an open forum at the Tuskegee Airmen Convention July 19 here. Seven Tuskegee Airmen pilots spoke about their personal experiences as some of the first African-American pilots and answered questions posed by the audience. The Airmen

Servicemembers honored at Tuskegee Airmen convention

Military members and Tuskegee Airmen were honored at the Tuskegee Airmen National Convention military luncheon July 18 here. "I want people to understand whose shoulders we are standing on and what those men did for us and our Air Force," said Brig. Gen. Robin Rand, the principal director to the

Medics in Panama see side effects of pesticide use

Air Force medics treated approximately 3,100 patients suffering from the effects of pesticide during a medical readiness training exercise July 14 through 18 in Panama.Panamanian and U.S. Air Force doctors worked together to give free medical care to patients in remote locations during the

Nighttime operations

'Today's Air Force' features combat search and rescue

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights a combat search and rescue unit where pararescue Airmen endure one of the toughest training in the Air Force and an explosive ordnance disposal team at Balad Air Base, Iraq, that uses robots capable of disarming bombs. Also featured are off-base

B-52 crashes off coast of Guam

A B-52 Stratofortress crashed today at approximately  9:45 a.m. local time off the northwest coast of Guam. Emergency responders are on  scene working to locate the six crewmembers on board. No information is available regarding the status of the crew.The B-52 was deployed to Andersen AFB from

302nd AEG conducts 23rd day of California wild fire support

Aircraft of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group began their 23rd day of aerial firefighting support missions July 18 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. On July 17, aerial assets of the 302nd AEG did not perform aerial firefighting missions. Eight Marine and Navy Reserve

Symposium gets to core of Air Force's role in cyberspace

In an effort to bring together minds and ideas from across the cyberspace community, Air University officials hosted a week-long cyberspace symposium here recently. Some 250 professional civilian and military information experts gathered to discuss the implications of cyberspace, especially with

California firefighting commander: 'Great job' by Airmen

People in California noticed the job Airmen at McClellan Airfield performed in fighting California's wildfires and could not stop telling the commander of U.S. Northern Command during his July 17 visit to Sacramento. "State leaders are stumbling over each other trying to thank you guys!" said Gen.

Kadena's K-9 warriors go airborne

The ability to cope with anxiety and stress is an important skill for today's expeditionary Airmen as they face more frequent deployments in combat conditions. Recently, Airmen from the 18th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, the 33rd Rescue Squadron and 18th Security Forces Squadron teamed up to help

Combat-identification technologies tested

War fighters from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom are testing new battlefield systems that can discern friend from foe during the "Bold Quest Plus" joint military demonstration being conducted at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The demonstration's purpose is to provide warfighters with

DOD officials identify Air Force casualty

Department of Defense officials here announced July 18 the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Tech. Sgt. Jackie L. Larsen, 37, of Tacoma, Wash., died of natural causes July 17 at Balad Air Base, Iraq. She was assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing from Beale Air Force

U-2 nose art honors fallen Soldier

Airmen added chalk art to a U-2 fuselage to honor the late brother of an Airman serving here as a crew chief July 14 at a Southwest Asian air base.The art was a tribute to Army Cpl. Gunnar W. Zwilling, 20, brother of Airman 1st Class Alexander Zwilling, who was deployed here as a member of the 99th

302nd AEG conducts 22nd day of California wild fire support

Aircraft and firefighters of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group began their 22nd day of aerial firefighting support missions July 17 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. On July 16, the 302nd AEG military aviation assets performed a total of four air drops, delivering 5,600

Peru's chief of staff sees 'New Horizon'

Dr. Luis Cabeña, Peru's Chief of Staff to the Minister of Defense, visited the New Horizons Peru 2008 base camp and project sites July 12 and 13. The U.S. Southern Command-sponsored program brings humanitarian assistance to the people of Peru.After reading reports and stories about the New Horizons

Pharmacist dispenses much-needed medicine for Malians

Boxes filled the small supply room-turned pharmacy as servicemembers painstakingly sorted through more than 30,000 pills destined for thousands of Malians July 15. More than 90 doctors, nurses and medical technicians deployed to Mali for MEDFLAG 08, a multinational medical training exercise designed

Airmen donate clothes, sports items to Malian

Months of hard work came to fruition for Airmen from Aviano Air Base, Italy, when they delivered boxes of clothing to a local orphanage July 16 in Mali. When Airmen from Aviano found out they were going to Mali for a medical mission, they joined efforts with the local community to gather more than

Officials announce major upgrade of AFPC Secure

A new, updated version of AFPC Secure will go live on July 19. All AFPC Secure Web applications will be down from 6 a.m. Central Daylight Time July 19 until 4 p.m. CDT July 20 to support this changeover. After July 20, users should replace any book-marked links for AFPC Secure with the new links.

Air Force officials buy 'offices in the air'

Air Force officials recently approved the purchase of pallets that will provide work and rest areas for senior leaders traveling aboard mobility aircraft. The service is purchasing two types of removable mobile command workspaces for use by military and senior civilian leaders who are required to

Officials offer incentive pay at Creech

Air Force officials have authorized assignment incentive pay, or AIP, for Airmen assigned to and performing duty at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., effective immediately. Airmen who meet the eligibility criteria will receive $300 AIP per month for the first 36 months assigned to a Creech AFB unit, and

Air National Guardsmen called to assist ground firefighting

The 129th Rescue Wing is mobilizing approximately 30 Airmen to provide direct ground support to help the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection with the current wildfire threat in northern California. The department will train the Airmen on firefighting techniques beginning later next

302nd AEG conducts its 21st day of California wild fire support

Aircraft and firefighters from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group began their 21st day of aerial firefighting support missions July 16 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. On July 15, aerial assets of the 302nd AEG did not perform aerial firefighting missions due limited

AETC first to receive new acquisitions authority

Air Education and Training Command became the first major command authorized to pursue services acquisitions valued at up to $500 million, following the signing of an agreement between the command and Air Force Acquisitions officials. The new agreement is expected to help streamline the acquisition

Airman under fire; Pararescueman saves two girls

The day started out as normal as they do in a combat area of Afghanistan, said Tech. Sgt. Clinton Beck, a pararescueman with the 24th Special Tactics Squadron.He awoke with his team of elite special operators and began planning the day's mission, he said. As the team approached their target, they

Hurricane Hunters deploy to U.S. Virgin Islands

Hurricane Hunters have deployed from the Air Force Reserve Command's 403rd Wing here to a forward operating location on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands to be in position for storm flights. After Citizen Airmen of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flew missions into Hurricane Bertha

Airmen sail into Coast Guard Academy

Two senior NCOs recently had the opportunity to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy in Petaluma, Calif. Master Sgts Christopher King and Chance Glascock took advantage of the advanced training offered to just 40 Air Force senior NCOs a year. The five-week course stresses

'Send it our way, we'll get the job done!'

Air Mobility Command Airmen in Southwest Asia work around the clock to ensure passengers and cargo move in and out of the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility, proudly proclaiming, "You need it, we move it." The 255 members of the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron, a tenant unit of

Raptors set to deploy to Guam

Six F-22 Raptors from the 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, are set to deploy to Andersen AFB, Guam, July 18 to Aug. 2. The F-22s, along with associated maintenance and support personnel, will deploy to Guam to participate in the Jungle Shield exercise and conduct Cope Thaw

Iranian threat justifies missile defense, general says

Iran's launch of a missile with a 2,000-kilometer range last week is a concrete example of the threat the world faces from missile proliferation, the chief of the Missile Defense Agency said here July 16. Lt. Gen. Henry A. "Trey" Obering, said the United States is concerned specifically about the

Malians learn life-saving techniques during exercise

In a dimly lit, dusty classroom, 32 Malian medics and nurses received their first-ever mass casualty training July 15 in Kati, Mali, 15 kilometers outside the capital city of Bamako. More than 90 servicemembers deployed to Mali for MEDFLAG 08, a multi-national medical training exercise designed to

Gates recommends McKinley to be Guard's first four-star general

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has recommended the Air National Guard's director for a promotion that would make him the first four-star general in National Guard history. Pending nomination by President Bush and confirmation by the Senate, Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley would become the chief of the

Airframes transform to save lives

Fixed wing aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules, KC-135 Stratotanker and C-17 Globemaster III, can transform into aeromedical evacuation, or "aerovac," airframes, allowing medical personnel to care for larger patient loads, over longer distances, at higher altitudes, with a greater ability to care

Air Force doctors begin medical exercise in Panama

Air Force and Panamanian doctors began seeing patients here at a local school as part of Medical Readiness Training Exercise-Panama July 14. On the first day patients began lining up, hundreds upon hundreds waited in orderly fashion; looks of curiousness and anticipation on their faces. Some looked

Airman's Roll Call: Earning college credit

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on ways Airmen can work on their college degrees while continuing the mission. The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support program allows Airmen the opportunity to earn college credits even when they do not have the time to sit in a classroom.

Coast Guard provides maintenance support to 302nd AEG

Coast Guardsmen from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento opened their hangar doors for maintainers from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group, making it easier for them to work on the modular airborne fire fighting system-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft that are assisting with fighting wildfires in

Air Force medics provide medical care in Panama

A two-week U.S. Southern Command sponsored exercise designed to hone the skills of medical personnel while providing free health care in remote locations began here July 12 with the arrival of medics from seven military installations. The Medical Readiness Training Exercise, or MEDRETE, in Panama is

Airmen return from humanitarian, training deployment

A 10-person team of Airmen from the 21st Medical Group at Peterson AFB returned from a two-week medical readiness exercise in San Miguel, El Salvador, July 3. The El Salvador deployment was part of an ongoing U.S. Southern Command MEDRETEs initiative in Central, South America and the Caribbean. This

Coalition doctors remove tumor, save Afghan girl's life

On a warm morning in early June, a worried Abdullah Haqim walked with his daughter into the weekly Coalition medical clinic in Farah province, Afghanistan. Six-year-old Gulzana was sick and local Afghan doctors could not diagnose or treat the painful swelling that had engulfed her left eye. The

New language program Web site aids deploying troops

Officials who oversee a Defense Department program that provides cultural and linguistic training to soon-to-deploy military personnel have activated a new Web site. Launched this month, the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center's new online resource offers deploying servicemembers

302nd AEG conducts its nineteenth day of California wild fire support

Aircraft and firefighters from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group stand ready to begin their 19th day of aerial firefighting support missions July 14 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. July 13, aerial assets of the 302nd AEG did not perform aerial firefighting missions due

Air Force Reserve rescuers change role, still save lives

Air Force reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing are taking on a different kind of role and saving lives in Afghanistan. Since arriving in February, they have saved 132 people flying U.S. Army medical evacuations, said Maj. Kevin Merrill, director of operations for the 305th Expeditionary Rescue

302nd AEG conducts its twentieth day of California wild fire support

Aircraft and firefighters from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group stand ready to begin their 20th day of aerial firefighting support missions July 15 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. On July 14, aerial assets from the 302nd AEG did not perform aerial firefighting missions

Enlisted medical training to consolidate at Fort Sam Houston

A ceremonial groundbreaking for the Medical Education and Training Campus here July 10 marked another step toward what leaders are calling the largest consolidation of training in the history of the Department of Defense. Upon completion in 2011, the joint campus, led by tri-service leadership, will

Monumental performance

Working dog kennels receive massive renovation

Military working dogs transitioning through a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility are receiving a "bone-a-fide" upgrade to their accommodations, courtesy of the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. The renovations, which included floor stripping and resealing, and the

Iraqi air force reaches 2,000-flying hour milestone

The Iraqi air force reached 2,000 flying training hours here July 13, with the help of Airmen from the 52nd Expeditionary Flying Training Squadron. The milestone comes 11 months after Lt. Col. Mark Bennett, the 52nd EFTS commander, arrived at Kirkuk. "This is very significant across the entire

Depot technicians begin using automatic test station

The Versatile Depot Automatic Test Station, or VDATS, was put to the test here July 9 as it examined its first production asset as an Air Force and Department of Defense Family of Testers member. Operators used VDATS to test a decoder assembly from the Pave Penny pod, which is a targeting device

EOD flights take out 'things that make you go boom'

Improvised explosive devices account for more than 40 percent of all U.S. servicemember deaths, but a small group of professional Airmen make the roads of Baghdad a little safer by taking out any IED, explosively formed penetrator or unexploded ordnance that gets in their way. The 447th

Military aircrews continue California wildfire suppression support

Airmen from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group began their 18th day of aerial firefighting support missions July 12 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. The Airmen and their military airborne assets performed 26 air drops delivering more than 67,200 gallons of fire retardant

Medical team deploys to Mali for MEDFLAG 08

More than 90 servicemembers deployed to Bamako, Mali, July 11 for MEDFLAG 08, a multinational medical training exercise designed to enhance medical capabilities and readiness for U.S. and African forces. "MEDFLAG 08 gives us the opportunity to conduct medical training in a simulated mass casualty

Lackland doctor leaves Afghan legacy

A doctor here, who recently returned from an Afghanistan deployment, left a lasting legacy at the neurosurgeon's former deployed base.Lt. Col. (Dr.) Randall McCafferty, from the 59th Surgical Specialties Squadron, was deployed to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, where he established the first

Recycling contract turns trash into treasure

War is messy -- literally -- but U.S. forces, contractors and Iraqis found a way to turn the military's trash into Iraq's economic treasure. Albu-Hussan-based Almandhour United Company oversees waste-management operations here following a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 10 that commemorated the opening

Airman's packaging idea cuts hazmat response time

One Airman's initiative has cut the response times for hazardous material teams from hours to minutes, and his supervisors want civil engineer units throughout the Air Force to adopt the idea. Senior Airman Michael Blair, an emergency management equipment technician with the 332nd Expeditionary

Officials conduct 'Road Show' for acquisition transformation

The Installation Acquisition Transformation initiative, a comprehensive restructuring of continental U.S. installation acquisition practices, is moving forward as Air Force contracting officials continue traveling to affected bases to explain the changes ahead. Under the transformation, Air Force

'Today's Air Force' features accomplishing the mission

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" takes a look at how Airmen work together to put bombs on target. Also featured is a segment on the importance of knowing what the weather is while planning missions. And, while air traffic controllers let the pilots know when it's safe to land, who is

Airpower Summary for July 12: bombers fly close-air support

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, near Orgun-E, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided

Airmen use explosives to dismantle C-130 in Iraq

Airmen used explosives to dismantle a C-130 Hercules stuck in a barren field northeast of Baghdad International Airport, July 7. The transport aircraft has been there since June 27, when its crew was forced to perform an emergency landing. The aircraft was deemed a security concern and it was

Military aircraft provide surge capability for wildfire response

A continuing heat wave and an ongoing need for aircraft to support ground firefighters will likely keep Department of Defense aircraft very busy for the foreseeable future in support of the national wildland firefighting effort, the Army colonel in charge of coordinating that support said July 9.

Chief of staff retires after 37 years

In a ceremony filled with military tradition, the 18th chief of staff of the Air Force, General T. Michael Moseley, retired July 11 after 37 years of service. "We honor here today the career of a warfighter, diplomat, historian and Airman," said former Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne, who

Fire retardant reload operations moved to Channel Islands

The 302nd Air Expeditionary Group moved some critical fire retardant reloading equipment to the Channel Islands Air National Guard Station July 8 to increase the efficiency of modular airborne firefighting systems-equipped C-130 Hercules in battling wildfires in California. The purpose for setting

Eye doctors give patients new outlook

Eye doctors deployed to the Air Force Theater Hospital in Iraq see more than twice as many eye traumas than they encounter at their homestations. Among their patients are Iraqis and American servicemembers who have suffered eyesight-threatening injuries. Ophthalmologists can't always save their

Earning those jump wings

Hurricane Hunters fly first storm of 2008 season

As the Hurricane Hunters prepared to fly their first storm of the 2008 hurricane season July 11, Hurricane Bertha lumbered on a wide path toward Bermuda. At the time, the category 1 hurricane kicked up winds of 85 mph. It was about 350 miles south southeast of the island, churning northwest at about

Iraqi air force acquires new aircraft from U.S. forces

U.S. forces transferred ownership of 11 aircraft to the Iraqi air force July 9 during a ceremony at New Al Muthana Air Base. Army Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, commander of Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq, signed over eight Cessna 172s and three Cessna Caravan 208s worth more than $9

New MH-53M helicopter exhibit opens at AF museum

Several high ranking officials from Air Force Special Operations Command, industry and the community recently joined personnel from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force for the official opening of the museum's new MH-53M Pave Low IV helicopter exhibit. Air Force special operations forces used

Wilford Hall trauma center status verified

The trauma center at Wilford Hall Medical Center here has been verified as a Level One trauma center by the Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons. This achievement recognizes the trauma center's dedication to providing state-of-the-art care for injured patients. Established by the

Officials release MH-53 PAVE LOW accident report

Accident investigation board officials have determined the failure of the mounting nuts and studs that secured the intermediate gearbox to the tail pylon of the helicopter as the cause of last year's crash of an MH-53M Pave Low. The MH-53, assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron, 1st

AFOTEC officials hold first space summit

Maj. Gen. Stephen T. Sargeant, commander of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center here, hosted the organization's first space summit July 1 and 2. Senior leaders from AFOTEC, the Under Secretary of the Air Force Directorate of Space Acquisition, the National Geospatial and

Maintainers keep C-130's flying during wildfire operations

As the fires in California continue to threaten lives and property, maintainers from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group ensure that the modular airborne fire fighting system-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft are ready to fly and drop fire retardant on time and on target. When it comes to getting the

MAFFS 'safety man' keeps people, environment safe

Since firefighting operations started June 26, Airmen from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group have been busy on the ground, keeping operations running smoothly at McClellan Airfield, Calif. The job to keep those Airmen safe goes to Senior Master Sgt. Aaron Smith, from Cheyenne, Wyo. Sergeant Smith is

PC-12 crashes at Hurlburt Field

An Air Force PC-12 Pilatus crashed at approximately 11:30 p.m. July 8 on the runway here. The aircraft, which is leased to and assigned at Hurlburt Field, was conducting a routine training mission. Initial reports show the aircraft encountered wake turbulence shortly before the accident. Three

Pentagon officials reopen bidding on tanker contract

Defense Department officials have reopened the bidding process for a multibillion-dollar midair refueling tanker contract, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. The announcement comes after Government Accountability Office officials last month found improper practices related to the $35

Air Force unit flies 50,000th Noble Eagle sortie

Continental U.S. NORAD Region, known as CONR,  pilots reached a significant milestone June 8 after they flew the 50,000th Operation Noble Eagle sortie conducted over the continental United States locally over South Carolina. Two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force

Afghan print plant supports mission, training

Mentoring the Afghan National Army staff at the Kabul print plant is a great mission, said Maj. Paul Kaster, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan ANA communications mentor. But, he says he may have worked himself out of a job. Major Kaster, deployed from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.,

Bagram dedicates dining facility to fallen Airman

A dining facility here was dedicated July 6 to fallen Senior Airman Jonathan A.V. Yelner, who was killed in action April 29 while on a combat patrol. In the sea of digital camouflage during the ceremony, Airman Yelner's spirit stood out amongst the crowd of mostly-Army servicemembers -- and those

California fire support missions continue July 4

Airmen from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group launched their ninth day of Aerial support missions July 4 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. The aircrews, flying Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft, focused their firefighting efforts on the

Wilford Hall surgeon wins AFA award

Lt. Col. (Dr.) Kirk A. Milhoan, a pediatric cardiologist at Wilford Hall Medical Center here, has won the 2008 Paul W. Myers Award for his work at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, and in the 59th Maternal/Child Care Squadron at Wilford Hall. The Paul W. Myers Medical Award was established in 1982 by Air

Airmen continue California firefighting support

Aimen from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group launched their eighth day of Aerial support missions July 3 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. The C-130 aircrews focused their firefighting efforts on the Gap fire in the Los Padres National Forest and the Piute fire located in

C-130s continue aerial firefighting operations in California

Aircraft from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group continued aerial firefighting support missions July 5 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. C-130 Hercules aircraft flew 25 sorties in approximately 50 flight hours. Twelve sorties flew to the Goleta, or Gap, fire located

SECDEF visits McChord, Fort Lewis

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates visited Airmen here and Soldiers at neighboring Fort Lewis July 7-8. Secretary Gates, who lives near Mount Vernon, Wash., when he is not at the Pentagon, stopped by McChord AFB and Fort Lewis on his way back to Washington D.C. after the Independence Day holiday.

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger visits 302nd AEG

During a visit to the California National Guard fire fighting training facility at McClellan Airfield here, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger paid a brief visit to the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group to wish Airmen a happy 4th of July and thank them for their service in assisting with

'Perspective' discusses knowing the basics

In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman focuses on the importance of knowing the basics, and practicing and performing them well. "Many Airmen know that I enjoy college football," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. "There is one thing that

Teamwork helps Airmen fight fires

Airmen of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group continued to work with national agencies July 5 to support firefighting efforts in California. Launching from McClellan Airfield, eight Modular Airborne Firefighting System-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft flew a total of 40 sorties July 5 and dropped a

Air traffic controller supports California wildfire effort

As a C-130 Hercules from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group rolls down the ramp here ready to take off to fight California's wildfires, an air traffic controller in the tower at McClellan Airfield ensures each flight takes off and lands safely. William Grava looks over the airfield and scans the

Air Force officials release F-16 accident findings

Air Force officials here on July 3 completed its investigation of the March 14 F-16 Fighting Falcon accident in Arizona that resulted in the death of the pilot.2nd Lt. David J. Mitchell, 26, of Lorain, Ohio, was assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The accident

Sather Airmen make each shot count

The scene is a typical firing range, not unlike what one would find built for a gun club or on an Army post or Air Force base. The line safety officers meticulously watch the novice shooters, holding their weapons properly, aiming at a silhouette target further down the range. "Is the line ready,"

Air Force, Boeing officials upgrade C-130 cockpits

Members of the 418th Flight Test Squadron here working with Boeing officials are currently conducting communication, navigation, radar and air data testing on two C-130 Hercules aircraft here as part of the Avionics Modernization Program. The Avionics Modernization Program, or AMP, upgrade includes

Airmen fight California fires for 12th day

Airmen of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group here began their 12th day of aerial firefighting support missions July 7 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. The 302nd AEG military airborne assets performed 69 airdrops delivering more than 100,300 gallons of fire retardant and

'Today's Air Force' features Joint Precision Airdrop System

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights members of the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron and how their efforts are keeping our Airmen out of harm's way. Also featured is the Joint Precision Airdrop System. See how the combined efforts of the Air Force and Army are improving

Air Force seeks more efficient fuel practices to conserve energy

As oil prices continue to soar, Air Mobility Command officials here are looking for ways to lower the amount of aviation fuel used by the command's fleet of airlifters and tankers.An Air Force study using 2006 data revealed aviation fuel accounts for 82 percent of the Air Force's total energy

Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman sends Fourth of July message

Seldom in our nation's history has this anniversary fallen at so critical and dangerous a time.  Al-Qaida has been beaten back in Iraq, but it is not defeated. The Taliban still claws for power in Afghanistan. Extremists of all kinds all over the world still plot against us, our fellow citizens, and

Evacuation system continues improving to get troops home

Since October 2001, more than 48,000 Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen have been aeromedically evacuated in support of the war on terrorism for both battle and nonbattle injuries. Air Mobility Command's Aeromedical Evacuation system provides the critical medical care from the front lines and

F-15E pilot receives American Fighter Aces award

An F-15E Strike Eagle pilot from the 4th Fighter Wing here received the American Fighter Aces Association's Francis S. Gabreski Award June 27 at an awards ceremony in Austin, Texas. Capt. Shannon Lippert, currently a member of the 336th Fighter Squadron, competed against pilots of all aircraft types

Iraqi air force soars through U.S.-guided exercise

Members of the Coalition Air Force Training Team assigned to the 370th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron here have been training and mentoring Iraqi air force members in their functional areas for years. Recently, the 370th AEAS staff partnered with members of the 447th Air Expeditionary Group at

Historic capsule makes trip to body shop

A relic from NASA's Apollo program was an eye-catching sight as it was transported via flatbed truck from its home July 1 at the Air Force Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing here to Port Canaveral. The white, 11-foot by 13-foot, 9,000-pound space capsule, on loan to the 920th Rescue Wing from the

Airmen's support of California fires goes into seventh day

Airmen of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group here have launched their seventh day of support missions July 2 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in northern California. Operating out of McClellan Airfield in Sacramento, the Airmen fly C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with the Modular

Secretary delays global wing organizational structure

Acting Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley directed the delay of the global wing organizational structure implementation July 2. The global wing structure is designed to realign fighter, bomber and rescue aircraft maintenance units into flying squadrons. The initiative would also rename all

3 contractors rescued in Colombia, return to U.S.

Three military contractors held captive by the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia were rescued by the Colombian military and returned to the U.S. July 2.Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes and Keith Stansell, all employees of the Los Angeles-based Northrop Grumman Corp., spent five years in

AETC officials welcome new commander

Air Education and Training Command officials welcomed their new commander in a change-of-command ceremony July 2 at Randolph Air Force Base. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz assumed command of AETC as Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, the Air Force vice chief of staff, presided over the ceremony.General Lorenz is

Hurlburt Airmen work together to save life

Two Air Force Special Operations Command Airmen here have been credited with helping save the life of a local man recently at an area YMCA after the man suffered a heart attack. Spending a hot, muggy afternoon watching children play tee ball, a man and his wife were walking with their grandchildren