Airman's Roll Call: 101 Critical Days of Summer

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the need for Airmen to be aware of risks and opportunities for reckless behavior during the 101 Critical Days of Summer. By focusing on safety, however, mishaps and fatalities can be avoided. Airmen should be aware of the risks and consequences associated

Airmen prepare for 2008 Berlin Airshow

Aircrew and support personnel from bases in Europe and the U.S. have been hustling in over the last few days to prepare for one of the premier airshows in the world, the 2008 Berlin Airshow. The "Spirit of Berlin" C-17 Globemaster III, from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. and C-47 Skytrain heritage

Phillies recognize Air Force heroes, newest Airmen

Take me out to the ball game. Take me out to experience the Air Force. The Philadelphia Phillies saluted the Air Force with festivities both on the field and around the ballpark as part of Air Force Week in Philadelphia ceremonies on Memorial Day here as the Phillies dismantled the Colorado Rockies

Safety video promotes driving, recreation safety

The Air Force's top safety officer appears in a video for the service's annual "101 Critical Days of Summer" safety campaign, which began May 23 and ends Sept. 2. In the production, Maj. Gen. Wendell Griffin, the Air Force chief of safety and commander of the Air Force Safety Center, addresses

Air Force Week in Philadelphia kicks off with parade

Airmen paraded down the streets of Bridesburg adorned with red, white and blue flags and banners May 26 to kick off not only Air Force Week in Philadelphia but also the city's annual Memorial Day parade Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, the commander of Air Mobility Command, led a contingent of Airmen and

Deployed servicemembers honor fallen heroes

One word was spoken, reflected upon, honored and emulated May 26: devotion. The servicemembers of the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan gathered outdoors this morning to honor their fallen brothers and sisters who gave their lives in devotion to their country this Memorial Day.

455th AEW holds memorial vigil

Airmen of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing recognized two of its fallen comrades and honored many others who have given their lives, during a wreath-laying and silent vigil ceremony at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, May 26. "As Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, we go forward, risk our lives,

Seven countries hone fighter pilot skills during Maple Flag

Fighter pilots from seven different countries, including the United States, participate in Maple Flag 41May 5-16 and May 19-30 at Cold Lake in Alberta, Canada. "Ask any U.S. fighter pilot and he'll tell you the best part about flying here is the unrestricted air space," said Maj. Derrick Johnson,

Coalition forces, local government thwart IED in Panjshir

Many innocent Afghan lives were saved due to the quick action of a local farmer and the combined efforts of the Panjshir government and the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Panjshir Province, Afghanistan, May 23. A farmer, crossing one of his fields on a Panjshir mountain ridge, found an improvised

Meaning of Memorial Day hits home for deployed Airmen

Airmen from Balad Air Base, Iraq, gathered to observe Memorial Day, May 26. The ceremony had personal significance for many Airmen in attendance. The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing suffered the loss of three of its brothers-in-arms during the first half of 2008 -- Tech. Sgt. Anthony Capra, Staff Sgt.

Modernized asset provides increased capabilities

Airmen from the Rhode Island, California and Maryland Air National Guard deployed with the Air Force's newest Hercules C-130J and C-130J-30 to enhance airdrop and airlift capabilities supporting military and civilians in Afghanistan. "The biggest advantages are its capabilities in terms of what it

Safety Center site has something for every Airman

You don't have to be a safety professional to benefit from the products and services of the Air Force Safety Center. Commanders and Airmen in every career field have something to gain by checking out the material on the Safety Center's Web site. That's the message senior officials here want Airmen

Officials select acquisition regional directors

The Air Force Installation Acquisition Transformation initiative to streamline installation-level purchasing across the continental United States continued to move forward May 21 as Air Force Materiel Command named provisional directors for the new Installation Acquisition Center and the five

May 26 airpower summary: A-10s bomb targets

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb

CSAF addresses Air Force top enlisted leaders

"We have to adapt to today's fight, but prepare for the fight of tomorrow," the Air Force chief of staff told more than 300 of the Air Force's top enlisted Airmen during the 2008 Senior Enlisted Leader Summit at Maxwell Air Force Base's Gunter Annex May 21. Gen. T. Michael Moseley spoke with chief

San Antonio area Air Force, Army medical centers to merge

Medical care for military families in the San Antonio area is changing. Not in what it offers, but where, officals said. Wilford Hall and Brooke Army Medical Centers are set to merge by 2011 as part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendations. Combined, the two medical

USAFE program builds working relationships

U.S. Air Forces in Europe patches can be seen around the world because of the command's robust military-to-military program, which is one of several theater security cooperation components. USAFE works with more than 60 countries on three continents annually to share information and enhance

Cadet cyberwarriors head to AFIT

Two Air Force Academy first-class cadets will soon be the first graduates to go directly from the Academy to the Air Force Institute of Technology's cyber warfare track. Cadets 1st Class Aaron Gross and Nicholas Fritts have followed the Academy's undergraduate cyber warfare degree track as computer

Gaming, simulation training in near future for military

Defense Department officials are looking for ways to integrate a structured learning environment and gaming to train military members, a senior official said. "Structured learning environments are doing very well, but games offer such a tremendous motivational component to users," said Robert A.

NCAA coaches 'touchdown' in AOR

Servicemembers here pulled out their team banners and school spirit May 22 when five National Collegiate Athletic Association football coaches from various universities throughout the states stopped to thank Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines for their service on the first leg of the Armed Forces

Navy, Air Force train together to showcase capabilities

In an effort to enhance the Air Force's weapons delivery capabilities and the Navy's F-18 Hornets' intercept capabilities, the 96th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron here and the aircrew of Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN (CVW-11) of the USS Nimitz have been participating in joint training exercises off the

Chairman of Joint Chiefs sends Memorial Day message

"Let no ravages of time testify to the present or the coming generations that we, as a people, have forgotten the cost of a free and undivided republic." With that solemn promise, Army General John Logan signed the order in 1868 that established Memorial Day. We have honored his promise faithfully

Secretary encourages Airmen to be 'agents of change'

Airmen must be capable of explaining what the total Air Force is doing and where it is going, said Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne during an Air Staff Call May 22 at the Pentagon. The Air Staff Call targeted action officer, senior noncommissioned officer and mid-grade civilian levels of

May 21 airpower summary: F-15Es provide show of force

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in

48-year-old KC-135 retires

One of only two remaining KC-135 E model Stratotankers of the Utah Air National Guard was delivered to its final resting place April 24 to officials of the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The aircraft touched down onto the Arizona flightline, its

Former Air Force pilot, NFL star touts opportunities for veterans

Chad Hennings has been known by many titles in his life: U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, Gulf War veteran, Dallas Cowboy. The three-time Super Bowl champion now can go by one more title: small-business advocate. "Small business is the lifeblood of America," Mr. Hennings

Missile successfully launches from Vandenberg

A Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile configured with a National Nuclear Security Administration, or NNSA, joint-test assembly, launched at 3:04 a.m. May 22 from Vandenberg Air Force Base.The launch was an extended range test which proved the weapon system's reliability and accuracy.

'Today's Air Force' features disaster relief

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how the U.S. Air Force provides life-saving relief anywhere in the world. One example is the humanitarian relief Air Force aircrews have flown to China. Airmen are working around the clock to deliver food, blankets and tools to care for the

Chief authorizations through 2011 to be downgraded

A board recently completed a chief master sergeant grade review that will downgrade the number of authorizations in which the top one percent of the enlisted force will serve. Based on budgetary restraints over the next three years, chief master sergeant manning authorizations at most major commands

Leaders stress summer safety

In a joint Letter to Airmen, the Air Force secretary and chief of staff emphasize the importance of safety during the days between Memorial Day to Labor Day, the 101 Critical Days of Summer. Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley want Airmen to be

Battlefield Airmen train on Hickam

Joint terminal attack controllers, or JTACs, found a unique place to train for close-quarters battle:  in one of Hickam's base housing areas. JTACs are part of a tactical air control party team. These battlefield Airmen live and work with Army ground units, and their main function is to coordinate

Airmen can use regular detergent on ABUs

Airmen are now authorized to wash their Airmen Battle Uniforms in regular detergent, regardless if the detergent uses optical brighteners announced Air Force leaders here recently. On March 25, the Army released a memorandum concluding that ABUs laundered with detergents containing optical

Wing maintenance, logistics to merge with operations

On May 12, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley signed the Global Wing Structure Program Action Directive 08-01. PAD 08-01 directs the realignment of fighter, rescue and bomber aircraft maintenance units under flying squadrons. The Air Force will implement these changes between July 1

Malmstrom recognized with Canada's top military honor

Canadian Forces and the Malmstrom Air Force Base members gathered here May 17 to recognize the actions of the base community in the wake of a fatal aircraft accident during an open house practice May 18, 2007. Canadian Forces Capt. Shawn McCaughey, a Snowbirds aerial demonstration team pilot, was

Fire it up

Top leaders unite for senior enlisted summit

More than 350 of the Air Force's top enlisted leaders converged on Maxwell Air Force Base's Gunter Annex to participate in the 2008 Senior Enlisted Leader Summit May 18 to 23. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, along with hundreds of Air Force command chief master sergeants,

Afghan student firefighters put to the test

Eleven Afghan National Army Air Corps student firefighters tested during an unexpected training exercise held May 12 here. The exercise was the culminating event of a four-month course designed to prepare the members of the ANAAC for emergencies of all types. The course has been conducted under the

Officials plan events for Air Force Week in Philadelphia

Air Force officials will spread "brotherly love" as airpower will be displayed for Air Force Week in Philadelphia May 26 through June 2. Activities in the Philadelphia metro region will begin on Memorial Day and culminate with an Air Exposition featuring the Air Force Demonstrations Squadron, the

Inspecting and protecting

U.S., Japan forces join together for bilateral exchange

Members of the Japan Air Self Defense Force and U.S. Air Force members assigned to Misawa Air Base took part in a bilateral exchange May 15 here to help enhance relations between the two nations. The purpose of the exchange is to build and maintain a strong bilateral relationship in pursuit of a

May 19 airpower summary: F-16s ready to go

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in order

Airmen support Dutch Navy Days in Curacao

Air Force explains AFCYBER basing criteria for governors

Air Force officials here recently sent a second in a series of letters to governors of states that have expressed interest in hosting the permanent location for the Air Force Cyber Command. This letter further explains the basing methodology and requests more detailed information about the locations

USAFE officials continue to build partnerships

U.S. Air Forces in Europe officials joined representatives from seven countries in Bucharest, Romania, May 5 to 9 to participate in a Building Partnership Seminar.  The seminar was part of the Unified Engagement series, a transformation wargame designed to explore future joint warfighting concepts

'Today's Air Force' features deployment operations

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights explosive ordnance disposal Airmen and their efforts to demolish improvised explosive devices. Also featured is a segment on how Airmen find time, after a 12-hour shift, to volunteer their services while deployed -- a great gain for the host

Military conservation agents recognized for support

From chasing bears out of housing, enforcing fish and wildlife laws, to educating the public, the efforts of Elmendorf's military conservation agents tend to be behind the scenes and rarely noticed ... until now. The program was recently recognized by the National Military Fish and Wildlife Agency

May 18 airpower summary: Reaper destroys target

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper fired a hellfire missile to

Airmen deliver 200,000 lbs of relief to China

Two Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs landed here May 18 carrying nearly 200,000 pounds of relief supplies in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck the region on May 12. The C-17s were assigned to the 15th Airlift Wing at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air

Air Force delivers 400,000 short tons of relief to Burma

A total of six Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft have delivered more than 400,000 short tons of relief supplies to Burma as part of the ongoing U.S. relief efforts following Cyclone Nargis which devastated the coast of the Irrawaddy Division in Burma, May 2. As of May 14, Air Force aircrews have

AMC Airmen posturing to support China, Burma humanitarian relief

Mobility Airmen are posturing for possible relief efforts for victims of China's earthquake, planners from the 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center here said May 16. While the 618th TACC has no defined requirements to provide military airlift assistance, at least one AMC aircrew is on alert to fly an

Combat Hammer offers opportunity to evaluate precision-guided munitions

In a "remote village" west of Salt Lake City, a 2,000-pound enhanced guided bomb unit-15 slips suddenly through an open window of a 30-foot building with immaculate precision. Zero fatalities result from this TV-guided infrared intrusion that occurred May 13. The village -- stacks of cargo

AFMC surgeon general: joint medical teams saving lives

The Air Force offers one of the best medical services in the world, Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Richard A. Hersack said May 15 during his visit here. General Hersack, who became the Air Force Materiel Command surgeon general last fall, said he couldn't be more proud of the medical workers in the command and

May 15 airpower summary: Reaper strikes enemy

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an MQ-9 Reaper dropped a guided bomb unit-12 and fired

'Dirt Boyz' pave way for aircraft, Airmen

Kettles filled with scalding tar, 300-degree asphalt, concrete chemicals that can burn skin are the tools of the trade for heavy equipment operators who labor here under a scorching Iraqi sun. Airmen assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, known as "Dirt Boyz" know their duties

Multinational exercise in Croatia wraps up

Croatia hosted the closing ceremony for the 2008 Medical Training Exercise in Central and Eastern Europe, or MEDCEUR, here May 14. MEDCEUR is a Joint Chiefs of Staff regional, multilateral exercise sponsored by U.S. European Command. The exercise provides an opportunity for medical people to share

General discusses Burma relief posture, mobility issues

"Every time a C-17 (Globemaster III) from McChord, or any of our other bases, lands anywhere around the world, it's a symbol of hope," said Gen. Arthur Lichte, commander of Air Mobility Command, during his visit here. "It may be in the middle of an earthquake, it may be in the middle of a tsunami,

Chairman of Joint Chiefs sends Armed Forces Day message

Today, American citizens will pause to honor those of you who accept the grave and honorable responsibility of defending our country.  It is right we do so. The world remains a dangerous place. The hundreds of thousands of you who have deployed since September 11th -- many of you more than once --

New experimental equipment enhances Airmen capabilities

It's not uncommon for tactical air control party Airmen, navigating through miles of rugged terrain, to carry nearly a hundred pounds of equipment in order to call in an air strike. In fact, it is their mission to advise Army commanders about that capability and use of airpower to enhance combat

Kunsan hosts peninsula-wide weapons load competition

Officials from the 8th Fighter Wing hosted a peninsula-wide weapons load competition May 10 at Kunsan Air Base. A South Korean air force team and American teams competed in the event as members of the 35th Fighter Squadron from Kunsan AB swept the competition. Other teams competing were from the

Iraqi air force performs medical evacuation

May 14 marked another significant event when members of the Iraqi air force flew its first medical evacuation mission since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The crew consisted of an Iraqi pilot, flight medic and aerial gunner -- each with a U.S. military counterpart -- as they transported

Officials to explore cyberspace mission at symposium

Air Force officials invite military and civilian defense personnel, industry and business leaders, academics and others interested in the Air Force's cyberspace mission to attend its upcoming symposium to analyze and discuss the service's role in cyberspace. Aimed at engaging military, industry and

U.S. flights continue to deliver supplies to Burma

A total of eight Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft have delivered supplies to Burma as part of the U.S. relief effort following Cyclone Nargis, a senior military official said May 14. Five C-130s delivered water, blankets, rations, mosquito netting and plastic sheeting May 14. "We have to have

Airmen airdrop messages to Iraqi citizens

A nine-member 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron C-130 Hercules aircrew took off from a Southwest Asian air base and airdropped several hundred thousand leaflets to Iraqi citizens on the ground recently.  Dropping leaflets with information for the local citizens is aimed at improving interactions

SECAF discusses 'culture shift' toward continuous process improvement

Speaking to more than 500 military members and civilians representing all services, as well as interagency and international partners, during the Department of Defense Continuous Process Improvement Symposium May 13, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne emphasized Department of Defense officials

Name the Tanker: Leaders seek inputs from Airmen

Air Force senior leaders are asking all Airmen for suggestions on a name for the service's newest tanker aircraft, the KC-45A. "I've asked that we seek our Airmen's help to find a name for the KC-45," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne. "I prefer the name emphasize our heritage or our

Air Force officials award strategic partner contract

Air Force officials here recently announced the award of the Personnel Services Delivery Transformation - Strategic Partner contract to Lockheed Martin Services, Inc. The PSDT-SP includes strategic planning, business process re-engineering, change management and total force service center

Deployed environmental stewardship pays off

In the middle of the desert, Airmen have gone 'green'. These green Airmen, deployed to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, are participating in a recycling program designed to reduce the waste produced at an air base in Southwest Asia. Items such as wooden pallets, metals, cardboard, plastic bottles

FAST students train in combatives

Students in the Air Force Fly-Away Security Team training course, or FAST, practice combatives as part of the course's training May 12 at the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center on Fort Dix, N.J. The course is taught by instructors with the center's 421st Combat Training Squadron and provides

Judge advocate general announces award winners

Maj. Gen. Jack L. Rives, the Air Force judge advocate general, has announced the 2007 Judge Advocate General Award winners. The award recipients will be formally recognized at an awards banquet during KEYSTONE 2008, the JAG Corps' leadership summit, to be held the first week of November in

NORAD officials celebrate 50th anniversary

North American Aerospace Defense Command officials celebrated the 50th anniversary of the signing of the NORAD agreement with a Golden Jubilee Ball May 12 at the Broadmoor Hotel and Resort here. A NORAD time capsule, embedded in a rock that came from Cheyenne Mountain, will be unveiled May 13

Follow me

Guardian Challenge awards announced

Guardian Challenge, the Air Force's premier space and missile competition, reached its zenith after dinner the evening of May 9 as competitors anxiously awaited the results of the contest. Riding a wave of enthusiastic chanting, Gen. C. Robert Kehler, the commander of Air Force Space Command, took

Air Force counter-biological warfare reaches milestone

The Air Force counter-biological warfare concept of operations recently reached a critical milestone, achieving initial operational capability across the service. "It results from six years of analysis and testing," said Col. Steve Lucky, chief of the Air Force Strategic Plans & Policy Division at

First wave of ROTC field training gets underway

More than 360 ROTC cadets, mostly upcoming juniors from 144 colleges nationwide, kicked off the first wave of summer field training May 8 at Maxwell Air Force Base. In the next three months, Air Force ROTC officials forecast more than 2,300 cadets will participate in the annual training that serves

Airmen participate in Ultimate Caduceus 08

When an improvised explosive device "detonated" along Seattle's Alaskan Way Viaduct on May 1st, the ensuing blast and chemical truck explosion sent deadly methyl isocyanate into the air, causing hundreds of deaths and thousands more injured and sick. At least on paper. Ultimate Caduceus 08, part of

Airmen ready to render aid to Burma

About 45 members of the 36th Contingency Response Group took a seven-hour flight to Utapao Air Base, Thailand, to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Burma. Published reports indicate more than 100,000 people were killed after a cyclone caused massive flooding in southern Burma May 3.

Guardian Challenge competition kicks off with spirit

Guardian Challenge, the only space warfighter competition in the Air Force, is 17 years old and going strong. The competition pits the best-of-the-best space warfighters against each other, determining the top space wing teams in the Air Force. About 500 participants, supporters and local

Protection from the storm

Crew chiefs assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Balad Air Base, Iraq, spot an F-16 Fighting Falcon May 9 as it is pushed into a hardened aircraft shelter during a major dust storm here. Protecting flightline assets from dust damage or destruction is important to

Air Force units poised to support Pacific disaster relief

Air Force assets are in place at Utapao Air Base, Thailand, to support a potential relief mission in Burma. Forty-five members of the 36th Contingency Response Group from Andersen Air Base, Guam, stand ready to deliver food and a water purification system as well as medical and engineering

Robins NCO Academy prepares to close

The Robins Air Force Base Noncommissioned Officers Academy officially closes May 20, one of several academies that have closed or are closing soon. The school started decreasing its staff a few months ago when the staff learned about the pending inactivation, said Chief Master Sgt. Roy Lapioli, the

New wings to secure A-10 longevity

New wings are the answer to Air Force concerns on the aging A-10 Thunderbolt II, an airframe flying since 1975. Air Force officials awarded a contract to Boeing last year requiring 242 new A-10 wings constructed and delivered to depots for installment on the thin-skinned airframes by 2011. Not all

Generals address Minot Airmen

Two Air Force generals spoke to more than 1,000 5th Bomb Wing Airman May 2 here to remind them of their mission's importance to the nation and to motivate them for an upcoming Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, and Gen. John D.W.

Pentagon seeks to fund research in national security

Defense Department officials here are developing a proposal to finance university research on national security-related issues, a senior Pentagon official said May 7. The Minerva Consortia, as it's called, would have the academic and intellectual communities focus on certain physical and social

Dover Air Force Base cited as premier installation

The premier installations from each military service and the Defense Logistics Agency were recognized at a Pentagon award ceremony May 8. John J. Young Jr., undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, presented the Commander in Chief's Annual Awards for Installation

Secretary marks 10th annual Military Appreciation Month

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates marked the 10th annual Military Appreciation Month May 8 and thanked those who support America's troops through the Defense Department's America Supports You program. "This month marks the tenth anniversary of the U.S. Senate establishing May as a month to honor our

Under the big top

2007 Chaplain Service Award winners announced

The chief of Air Force chaplains has announced the winners of the annual Air Force Chaplain Service Awards program for 2007. Winners were recognized in individual categories for both active and Reserve components, and Airmen at three chapels earned recognition as the Chaplain Service's most

Servicemembers support El Salvador disaster relief exercise

A forward-deployed team of more than 20 Joint Task Force-Bravo Airmen and Soldiers set up shop here May 4 to support a regional disaster relief exercise involving military and civilian agencies from throughout the Western Hemisphere. Designated Fuerzas Aliadas Humanitarias 2008, the U.S. Southern

U.S., British Reaper operations combined in Afghanistan

Since taking flight for the first time here in October 2007, Reapers have flown more than 320 missions and 2,400 combat hours throughout Afghanistan, providing close-air support and precision engagement. The unit contributing to this effort is the 42nd Expeditionary Attack Squadron, a combined unit

Workforce cuts drive shift in personnel services delivery

Personnel Services Delivery and Program Budget Decision 720 are two key programs that continue to push significant transformation in the Air Force. One of the newest changes making its way here is a product of both the streamlined personnel processes and increased manpower cuts resulting from PSD

U.S. military ready to provide aid for stricken Burmese

A flotilla of U.S. Navy vessels, rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, U.S. Air Force planes and thousands of servicemembers are ready to assist Burma's cyclone-stricken people, if asked, a senior Defense Department official said here May 7. "We still are prepared and stand ready to provide assistance if

Letter to Airmen highlights attention to mission

In the latest Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force reflects on how attention to the mission allows Airmen to meet the demanding air, space and cyberspace challenges of today. "At every level of action, mission success requires clear goals, defined objectives, and an innate grasp of how

Air Force, military photographers recognized with special exhibit

Several Air Force photographers recently found themselves in an unfamiliar position: In front of the cameras. The photographers, whose work is featured in a new exhibit,  "On the Other Side of the Lens ... Military Photographers in Action," were special guests at the opening May 1 at the National

Civil engineers enhance El Salvador exercise with imagery

Two Joint Task Force-Bravo civil engineers provided damage assessment for humanitarian purposes during a regional disaster relief exercise involving military and civilian agencies May 5 here. Flying aboard a JTF-Bravo UH-60 Blackhawk, the engineers used an automated route reconnaissance kit, called

15th generation rabbi: Helping servicemembers keep faith

The candle flame danced a slow mesmerizing dance as it flickered from one side of the wick to the next. The light softly illuminated his face as his silhouette became a portion of the projection behind him -- images of Holocaust victims. Soft-spoken yet with a stern demeanor, Rabbi (Capt.) Raphael

Air National Guard unit earns 'Star' rating

Occupational Health and Safety Administration officials announced April 30 the Air National Guard's 148th Fighter Wing earned the prestigious Voluntary Protection Program Star status. The 148th FW from Duluth is the first unit in the Air Force to earn the VPP Star rating, which demonstrates a

Zeroing in

Air Force officials release findings on F-15 accident

Pacific Air Forces officials here released the results of its investigation May 6 of the F-15D Eagle crash that occurred approximately 60 miles off of Oahu Feb. 1. The accident investigation board, convened by PACAF officials, determined that there was no clear and convincing evidence to determine a

Airman's Roll Call: Airmen can now travel in utility uniforms

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on Airmen traveling while wearing their utility uniforms. Air Force officials recently authorized wear of the airman battle uniform, battle dress uniform and desert camouflage uniform for commercial travel in an official capacity throughout the continental

Air Force's only UAV wing marks one year in the fight

Lt. Gen. Norman Seip, the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander, congratulated Airmen at Creech Air Force Base May 6 as the 432nd Wing marked its first year as the Air Force's only MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle wing. "The 432nd Wing has grown exponentially over the