Airmen add color to deployed environment

When the Taliban took power in 1996, they imposed a new way of life and removed basic freedoms for the people of Afghanistan. Among those freedoms was the banishment of art. For more than a decade, art has been missing from this society. So a group of 39 artists from Task Force MED wanted people to

AFCENT command chief discusses wartime operations

The command chief master sergeant of 9th Air Force and United States Air Forces Central closed out a tour through Southwest Asia April 25 with a visit  to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. The bulk of Chief Master Sgt. Scott Dearduff's visit here was spent meeting Airmen and seeing first-hand what

Moody Airmen rescue Cuban migrants found at sea

Airmen from the 23rd Wing at Moody AFB performed a maritime rescue in the Gulf of Mexico April 25 that saved six lives. Moody Airmen responded by providing two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters from the 41st Rescue Squadron, a 71st RQS HC-130P King and pararescue assets from the 38th RQS. The wing

April 28 airpower summary: F-15Es fly support missions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb

Initiative aims to give aircrews newer 'paperless' option

Whether it's referencing Air Force instructions or a flight manual, aircrews are required to have documents on hand when completing their mission. The Air Mobility Battlelab, located in the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center at Fort Dix, developed an initiative to make document reference lighter

KC-135 wing moves from Michigan to Florida

Air Force Reserve Command's 927th Air Refueling Wing transferred to MacDill AFB April 27, forming a classic associate unit partnership with Air Mobility Command's 6th Air Mobility Wing. Before the move, the 927th ARW was at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., where it flew and maintained its

B-1B performs as never envisioned after 20 years

May 2 marks 20 years since the last B-1B Lancer was delivered to the Air Force, and today commanders consider it one of the most valuable aircraft in Iraq.Since 2003, the once-nuclear-weapon-carrying bomber has maintained a continuous presence in Southwest Asia after the Air Force modified it to

Air Force receives last GPS IIR satellite

The Air Force received the last in a series of GPS IIR(M) satellites from Lockheed Martin during an recent fly-out ceremony at the Lockheed Martin facility in Valley Forge, Penn. "The IIR satellites have been great," said Lt. Col. Doug Schiess, operations officer for the 2nd Space Operations

Air Force trains Coast Guard students in altitude chamber

Coast Guard aircrew students completed altitude-chamber training taught by the 1st Fighter Wing Airmen here April 23.The base provides training for all Coast Guard members and the instructors tailor the class specifically to them, said Master Sgt. Rodney Morris, the 1st Aerospace Medical Squadron

'Today's Air Force' features the Month of the Military Child

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights April as the Month of the Military Child. See how the children of military families make daily sacrifices and overcome challenges. April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Air Force officials use this month to place renewed emphasis on an

April 26 airpower summary: Predators take out enemy positions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Apr. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a Hellfire missile

April 25 airpower summary: A-10s take it to the enemy

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Apr. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped guided bomb

Smithsonian puts UAVs on display

Officials at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum unveiled a new exhibit April 24 of military unmanned aerial vehicles representing each branch of service. Of the six UAVs on display, three artifacts came from the U.S. Air Force: - MQ-1L Predator A - RQ-3A Darkstar - X-45A

Container management initiative saves money

In an effort to not only improve the aesthetics of the installation but also save the Air Force hundreds of thousands of dollars, the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Group and Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's traffic management flight have joined forces to combat extraneous shipping

NASA officials turn to Air Force for 'Guppy' evaluation

NASA officials brought the Super Guppy -- a uniquely-designed aircraft used to transport cargo, including parts of the space shuttle program -- to Tinker AFB in mid-April so that maintainers here could inspect the aircraft and perform some repairs. According to NASA Chief Flight Engineer Henry

DOD, VA leaders chart way forward for wounded care

Officials in the Defense Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs are diligently working together to solve problems for America's wounded warriors, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England told the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee April 24. The two departments are working to "improve

Security forces fire with precision

When Air Force battle requirements call for Airmen to observe, report and engage a target from close proximity, without being seen, they call for their sharpshooters. A sharpshooter's job is to deliver discriminatory, highly accurate rifle fire against enemy targets that otherwise could not be

Air Force family helps Purple Heart recipient, wife

Staff Sgt. Matthew Slaydon lay motionless on a dusty road in Iraq, his body riddled with shrapnel after an improvised explosive device exploded about 2 feet from his face. His left arm hung by a couple of tendons and his face was unrecognizable. His friends worked frantically to save him from an

Spangdahlem Airmen ready to save lives, defend the base

The day began with a bang, or, to be more precise, a mortar attack, kicking off Operation Saber Crown 08-06 at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 22. The exercise tests Airmen's ability to carry out operations and accomplish missions while in a war environment . "We are trying to refresh the minds

Top AF trainer receives feedback from ILO Airmen

The commander of 2nd Air Force, responsible for the development, oversight and direction of all operational aspects of basic military training and technical schools for enlisted and support officers, kicked off a theater-wide tour April 22 at an air base in Southwest Asia. Maj. Gen. Michael Gould's

Fill 'er up

Predators of the mountains

In an environment where the enemy troops conceal themselves among civilians and mountainous terrain, Airmen in the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron provide the warfighter real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data to combat that enemy. The weapon of choice: the MQ-1

Airman's Roll Call highlights SERE 100 online training

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the training Airmen need to perform duties in non-traditional roles. Airmen are increasingly finding themselves in exceedingly dangerous environments. To ensure Airmen are equipped for the challenges they face on today's battlefield, Air Force leaders are

Secretary Gates praises Air Force for support of war on terrorism

During a press conference April 23 at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates recommended Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, currently commander of Multinational Force Iraq, to be the next U.S. Central Command commander. It was at this press conference that a reporter asked him about what the

Honor Guard officials seeking experienced NCOs

The Air Force Honor Guard, located on Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C., is a small, selectively manned unit of just over 200 people, most of whom are young Airmen straight from basic training. Its primary mission is to render final military honors to Airmen and their family members in

Iron Flow program concludes at Kadena

With the departure of the final three F-15C Eagles from Kadena Air Base April 23 to Air National Guard units in the United States, the 18th Wing concluded Kadena AB's role in the Pacific Air Forces Iron Flow program. Begun in 2005, the Iron Flow program was a process to exchange Kadena's aging F-15

Two pilots dead in T-38C crash at Columbus AFB

Two pilots died April 23 when an Air Force T-38C Talon trainer crashed at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. Names of the deceased have not been released, pending the notification of next of kin. A board of officers will investigate the accident. Additional details will be

Voluntary Protection Programs continue to make strides

Defense Department officials participated in a conference here April 21 with an eye on reducing the department's estimated $10 billion in annual losses caused by preventable injuries and accidents.Keith Eastin, assistant secretary of the Army for installations and environment, kicked off the

AF, DOD leaders on tap for June Cyber Symposium

The secretary of the Air Force and the vice chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will headline a list of high-level speakers scheduled to address the Air Force Cyberspace Symposium II set for June 17 to 19 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center in Marlborough, Mass. Air Force Secretary

AMC team assesses VPP implementation

An Air Mobility Command team traveled to Charleston AFB April 14 to conduct a week-long assessment to start the implementation of the Voluntary Protection Program. "The VPP is an Occupational Safety and Health Administration program that recognizes organizations with superior performance in safety

Aircraft maintainers key to sorties milestone

If there was ever a question as to what the Air Force has contributed to the war on terrorism, it was answered this week. The Air Force just marked a historic milestone -- 1 million sorties, operational military flying missions, flown in support of the war on terrorism. Airmen at Balad Air Base,

April 22 airpower summary: F-15 drops bomb on target

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb

2008 Hennessy Trophy winners announced

Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Duncan J. McNabb has announced the winners of the 2008 Hennessy Trophy awards. The Hennessy Trophy is an annual award presented to Air Force installations with the best food-service programs. This year marks the 52th anniversary of the single- and multiple-facility

April 21 airpower summary: Reaper destroys enemy combatants

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, French 2000 Mirages performed shows of force in order to

Deployed emergency managers gather to hone skills

They looked liked they were extras in a low-budget, sci-fi movie walking in slick green chemical suits with what looked like scuba-diving air tanks strapped to their backs. A massive dust storm added to the ambiance of the scene by casting a strange orange hue to the already odd-looking clan walking

Doctors break ground with new voice recognition medical capabilities in Iraq

The average professional types 50 to 70 words per minute. Lt. Col. (Dr.) John Mansfield, a urologist at the Air Force Theater Hospital here, claims he falls within that range. "Not bad, but I can talk at about 120 words per minute," Doctor Mansfield said, wearing a headset that he carries with him

Pilots contribute to sorties milestone, much more

At 6 a.m., it's another early April morning in Iraq as the two pilots deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, get ready to venture into harm's way yet again. It's a day like many others the pilots, assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, have experienced since arriving here in

Air Force mission is more than just aircraft

While typical perceptions associated with the Air Force in combat might involve aircraft dropping bombs on targets, the several hundred security forces Airmen deployed here are proving these stereotypes outdated. The Air Force's main mission at Kirkuk is not to fly daily combat sorties, but to

American servicemembers visit Honduran military academy

A group of U.S. Airmen and Soldiers from here gained insight into the Honduran military training academy and saw firsthand how the institution prepares candidates for service in the Honduran army April 16 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Academy staff and instructors welcomed the servicemembers from Soto

Airmen, reconstruction team improve Iraqi living conditions

Airmen teamed with members of the Kirkuk Air Base Provincial Reconstruction Team during a training session designed to help Iraqis improve waste management practices in the region April 16 here. Members of the 506th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Management Flight trained 11

Gates urges unconventional thinkers to address unconventional challenges

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates challenged military officers to become forward thinkers with the courage to advance new approaches needed to confront current and emerging threats. "An unconventional era of warfare requires unconventional thinkers," Secretary Gates told Air War College students

Air traffic controllers keep aircraft soaring

Air traffic controllers of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here were responsible for more than 1,250 operations on their airfield and in their airspace in just one week in April. With dozens of combat and combat support sorties originating here every day, it's not hard to realize air traffic

B-2s return to flight after safety pause

A B-2 Spirit made a successful return to flight April 15 here after a 53-day safety pause for the aircraft following the first-ever crash of a stealth bomber Feb. 23 in Guam. While an accident investigation board is still ongoing, Air Force and Air Combat Command maintenance and safety experts gave

Senior leaders meet at Blue Summit

On the 66th anniversary of the historic Doolittle Raid on imperial Japan, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley gathered every Air Force general officer and senior civilian to chart the future of air, space and cyberspace power at the Blue Summit.

New leader of Air Force Materiel Command named

Department of Defense officials announced April 18 Lt. Gen. Donald J. Hoffman, currently the military deputy in the Office of the Assistant Air Force Secretary for Acquisition at the Pentagon, was selected to become the sixth commander of Air Force Materiel Command. President George

Bagram Airmen fly outside the box

The job of locating and returning servicemembers throughout the area of responsibility has taken a back seat for Airmen of the 305th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron here who now help save lives. Bagram Air Base Airmen provide aeromedical evacuation with their HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters for injured

Air Force officials observe National Small Business Week

Small businesses support the full spectrum of Air Force operations that helps Airmen fly and fight in air, space and cyberspace, and Air Force officials are observing National Small Business Week that runs April 21 through 25.Small businesses deliver in a big way in innovation and technology to help

'Today's Air Force' features Air Force builders

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights a self-sufficient unit that builds from the ground up through blistering heat, high winds, and sandstorms.  These Airmen work long hours; establishing shelters and personnel tents, most often in Afghanistan or Iraq. Also featured is a Fit for

April 19 airpower summary: B-1Bs bomb enemy targets

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force

April 18 airpower summary: C-17s sustain operations

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in

Reserve, active-duty Airmen fly last Antarctica mission

A total force aircrew from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., made history April 17 during the last Operation Deep Freeze mission of the 2007-2008 season. With only eight days remaining before Antarctica becomes shrouded in 24-hour darkness during winter, Airmen from the 446th and 62nd Airlift Wings

Bagram Airmen operate new transporter

The Air Force high deck patient loading platform was designated operational with the transfer of five patients during a KC-135 Stratotanker channel mission from Afghanistan to Germany April 9. The HDPLP is a special-purpose vehicle with an enclosed lighted and climate-controlled cabin designed to

Officials award $194.5 million consolidation contract

The Army Corps of Engineers district office in Louisville, Ky., announced April 16 the construction contract award that will house the bulk of missions consolidating here as a result of Base Realignment and Closure 2005 decisions. A joint venture that includes Dayton, Ohio, contractor Butt

Analysts recall pioneering scientist

Top Air Force analysts are remembering the pioneering work of Dr. Alex Orden, who died five months after they honored him and a co-worker during a 60th anniversary celebration at the Pentagon. Dr. Orden worked from 1947 to 1952 on Project SCOOP, the Scientific Computation of Optimum Programs, which

Ready to respond

Cyber Command officials define unit's scope

Ray guns and light sabers may be weapons of science fiction, but using energy as a warfighting tool is one area that members of the Air Force Cyber Command's 450th Electronic Warfare Wing will be charged with exploring. While details of the wing's composition, mission and manning are still being

SECAF receives DOD/IG investigation report

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne took administrative action on three members, including a general officer, and referred action for two others to their chain of command, for their roles in the Thunderbird Air Show Production Services contract. The decision follows the completion of a

April 16 airpower summary: C-17s provide intra-theater airlift

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in

Air Force enhances medical scholarships with $20,000 bonus

Students selected by Air Force officials for three- or four-year medical school scholarships in fiscal 2008 will get an extra $20,000 in their wallets with the new Critical Skills Accession Bonus. Qualified Medical Corps Health Professions Scholarship Program recipients awarded contracts from Oct.

Joint Chiefs chairman strives for balance in current role

To keep U.S. forces well resourced, trained and poised for unknown future threats, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff strives for balance, he said April 16. Whether weighing regional versus global threats, military resources against mission needs, or adjusting the amount of deployment time

Dover chosen best base in Air Force

Dover Air Force Base is the Air Force winner of the 2008 Commander-in-Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence, Department of Defense officials announced April 14. The Commander-in-Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence recognizes the outstanding and innovative efforts of the

Did you say CSI or AFOSI?

First responders here received training April 15 from an Air Force Office of Special Investigations crime scene investigator on how to process a hazardous materials incident. Special Agent Jennifer Steel, one of AFOSI's forensic science consultants, came to Vance to teach people from

German sergeant enrolls in USAFE NCO Academy

German air force Master Sgt. Holger Fels is no stranger to teaching professional development to airmen in Germany's 70,000-member "Luftwaffe." What he's not so familiar with is how to impart the same type of knowledge is to Airmen in America's Air Force. Recently hand-selected from 200 of his fellow

Red Flag-Alaska pilots engage in realistic combat scenarios

Aerial dog-fights between 10 or more jets and dodging simulated missiles may sound like a boss-level of a video game, but it's really the daunting experience of a combat pilot during the Exercise Red Flag-Alaska 08-2 that runs April 3 through 18 at Eielson Air Force Base. Red Flag-Alaska is a

C-130 unit gets a new bird with an old history

For years, U.S. Air Force, coalition and sister service forces have relied on the steady stream of supplies and equipment brought in by aircrews flying KC-135 Stratotankers, C-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster IIIs and other airlift workhorses. One airplane new to Southwest Asia carries something

CMSAF addresses Academy cadets

Academy cadets had an opportunity to receive insight from the Air Force's top enlisted member April 10. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley visited the Academy to address cadets from the classes of 2008 and 2009 in Arnold Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. Be a sponge and soak

Airmen respond to coalition fire in Iraq

Airmen from the Ali Base fire department and provost marshal's office responded to a structure fire in the Romanian coalition force camp here April 11 here. The 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters and military police Airmen from the 407th Provost Marshal's office immediately

Trial date set for former legal officer

A trial judge approved the former commander of the Air Force Legal Operations Agency's defense counsel's requests for deferments of plea and court forum choice during an arraignment April 14 in a courtroom at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. Col. Michael Murphy's general court-martial was tentatively

Secretary of state receives honorary Air University degree

Air University officials presented an honorary doctor of letters degree upon Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for her academic achievements and contributions to international relations and national security April 14 here. Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, the Air University commander, gave Secretary

Air Force Reserve highlights birthday, future

The Air Force Reserve was formally established April 14, 1948, and Air Force reservists have served proudly and with great distinction ever since. It is 60 years old today! And today, responding to a variety of threats to our national security and fighting a global war on terrorism, we serve with

Air Force secretary tells cadets of changing times

The Air Force has met the challenge of change with a combination of innovation, adaptability and flexibility for the last 60 years, said the Air Force secretary in his address to first and third class cadets April 8 in Arnold Hall here. "Character and leadership skills are always in high demand and

Eielson intelligence flight supports Red Flag-Alaska

Airmen with the 354th Operations Support Squadron Intelligence Flight here are providing U.S. and allied forces intelligence scenarios and targeting materials to support Exercise Red Flag-Alaska 08-2 running April 3 through 18. Eielson Air Force Base and Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, are the home of Red

Honduras, American medics gather to share skills

More than 35 Honduran doctors, nurses and emergency medical members met with Joint Task Force-Bravo medics to discuss emergency procedures April 6 at Hospital Militar Luis Alonso Discua in Honduras. During the exchange, American medics stationed at Soto Cono Air Base explained emergency protocols

Tiny stones cause boulder-sized pain for those deployed

Battlefield warriors, in peak physical condition, the toughest of the tough, are being brought to their knees, writhing on the floor in tears and pain. The culprit -- kidney stones. Surgeries to remove the small calcium deposits are the most common non-trauma related surgery performed at the Air

Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment underway

The Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2008 third quarter event kicked off here April 14 and will run through April 25 after two years of planning and preparation by Air Force officials. Global Cyberspace Integration Center officials here will lead the experiment with participation from sister

'Today's Air Force' features winning today's fight

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights today's fight for tomorrow's victory. Victory requires a force to maintain global vigilance, reach and power, and the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is the essence of global reach and power.  Also necessary to win today's fight

Deployed Airmen serve on Reserve's 60th anniversary

More than 1,400 Air Force reservists will celebrate their command's 60th anniversary April 14 while fighting the war on terrorism throughout U.S. Central Command's 27-nation area of responsibility throughout Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. "The real success story is you cannot tell the

Air Force official calls for input from deployed Airmen

The assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and Reserve affairs met with Airmen here April 9 to discuss important issues affecting as he tours the deployed theater. Craig W. Duehring met with several Air Force active-duty, Guard and Reserve members deployed to the 380th Air Expeditionary

Sheppard officials begin replacing T-37s with T-6A Texan II

The T-37 Tweet officially began its march toward full retirement March 31 when 80th Flying Training Wing officials here "took the car keys" to its replacement, the T-6A Texan II. Retired Navy Rear Adm. James Maslowski, the vice president of government business for Hawker Beechcraft in Wichita, Kan.,

Air Force engineers work 'outside the wire' every day

As part of a Provincial Reconstruction Team it is common to go "outside the wire" to do work. While some may only leave the base once a week, engineers are out there every day conducting site assessments, quality control missions and preparing the province to respond to natural disasters. April 1,

Euro-NATO committee has eyes on future

The spring Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program's Steering Committee completed its weeklong discussions April 4 regarding the future of the program, including its syllabus, budget and infrastructure. The committee also said goodbye to six-year chairman Royal Netherlands Air Force Air Commodore

Helicopter retires after service in Vietnam, Iraq

MH-53 Pave Low helicopter tail number 68-10357 flew its final mission and last flight supporting special operations forces March 28 in Iraq after 38 years of service. The helicopter was the lead command and control helicopter for a mission to rescue approximately 50 American prisoners of war from

Chief receives Air Force Cross 40 years after mission

A retired chief master sergeant was awarded the Air Force Cross 40 years after the mission which earned him the Air Force's second-highest honor April 5 here. Nearly 300 members of Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Richardson's former unit attended the ceremony for the flight engineer with the 106th Rescue

Ammo troops make explosive impact on B-52 mission

Airmen of the 36th Wing here, with their B-52 Stratofortress long-range bombers, have the capability of launching missions from Andersen to any location at any time and to anywhere. The B-52 can carry 70,000 pounds of the widest array of weapons in the U.S. inventory. This devastating flying arsenal

Aggressor fleet paint scheme nears completion

After swapping out F-16 Fighting Falcons with the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Airmen from the 354th Maintenance Squadron sheet metal shop wasted no time in painting the newly-received aircraft with a flanker color scheme which helps other pilots identify these aircraft as

Flight engineer reaches 10,000 flight hours

A flight engineer with the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing's 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron surpassed 10,000 flight hours during a KC-10 Extender mission March 29. Senior Master Sgt. Robert Fisher, a St. Petersburg, Fla. native and home stationed out of McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., ended

Airman killed in support of combat operations

An Airman was killed April 9 supporting combat operations near Forward Operating Base Poliwoda, Iraq. The Airman was assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here. The name of the Airman is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification and release by the Department of Defense. Comment on this

UAV kills 2 enemy combatants

An Air Force unmanned aerial vehicle observed a group of enemy combatants with weapons attacking Iraqi security and coalition forces with small-arms fire in northeast Baghdad April 9. The UAV fired one Hellfire missile and killed two of the armed combatants. "In direct partnership with the Iraqi

New concept in maintenance training comes to fruition

Years of hard work and planning came to realization April 7 when the first class of F-22 Raptor maintenance students graduated from the $21 million F-22 Maintenance Training Facility here. Eight Airmen graduated from the 13-week Aircraft Armament Systems course and became the first pipeline Airmen

'Campus Dining' to transform AF food services

Air Combat Command is leading the Air Force in a study that will change the way food service is delivered at Air Force installations. Services officials in ACC are traveling to various installations within the command to assess current food operations; the research may result in Air Force bases

AF Board members visit Kunsan Air Base

Approximately 30 members of the Air Force Board visited Kunsan Air Base April 2. The Pacific Air Forces commander selected Kunsan as the site on the peninsula for the board to visit.  The board comprises general officers and senior executive service members representing a cross section of the Air

Airmen at war set cargo, passenger movement records

Air transportation requirements of cargo and troops within U.S. Central Command's 27-nation area of responsibility reached an all-time high in March, but Airmen responded to this demand with a record-setting performance, officials said. U.S. Air Forces Central's air mobility professionals topped

Tweet complete: T-37 retires after 39 years of service

The T-37 Tweet formally retired April 3 from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training here after 39 years of service as the gateway to the sky for more than 10,000 Air Force aviators. Columbus Air Force Base was the last Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training base flying the T-37, but the T-37

Aerial porters can now train anytime, anywhere

Air transportation Airmen across the Air Force can access training anytime, anywhere through the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's distance learning program. Offered by the center's Mobility Operations School Air Transportation Branch, or ATB, "aerial porters" can train in eight courses:  Air

Letter to Airmen emphasizes core values

In the latest Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force stresses to Airmen the critical nature of attention to detail in every area of the Air Force. "We must always have the moral and intellectual courage to do the right thing and must continue to follow our moral compass in the decisions we

Bustin' in

Colorado's last Guard Vietnam MIA laid to rest

The remains of a Colorado Air National Guardsman who vanished during an observation flight 39 years ago over the jungles of South Vietnam were to rest April 3 at Arlington National Cemetery. Maj. Perry H. Jefferson, an intelligence officer with Colorado's 120th Tactical Fighter Squadron, went

Reserve officials activate space wing

Air Force Reserve Command officials stood up its first space wing, the 310th Space Wing, April 4 at Peterson Air Force Base. The 310th SW expanded from a group to a wing March 7 and was officially recognized at the ceremony attended by Gen. C. Robert "Bob" Kehler, the commander of Air Force Space

Air Force secretary discusses tankers, cyber operations

The secretary of the Air Force spoke of the future while reflecting on the past during an April 3 and 4 visit to Hanscom Air Force Base. "For all the advances we've made, I still believe there are more imaginative things to be done with electronics," Secretary Michael W. Wynne said. He said he

ARPC officials now sending U.S. flags to retiring reservists

Honoring retiring reservists with an American flag just got easier through a centralized process at the Air Reserve Personnel Center in Denver. ARPC officials now purchase and distribute the flags for all reservists who request one for their retirement. Flags used to cost units nearly $20 each and