OTS begins new close-combat course

Today's Airmen don't simply drop bombs or watch combat from a distance; they are in the fight. From operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to the Horn of Africa, Airmen are consistently working outside the wire in support of their Army, Navy and Marine counterparts. This means Airmen need to know how to

ACC officials issue latest release from stand down for F-15s

Gen. John D.W. Corley, Air Combat Command commander, returned 149 grounded F-15s to flight Feb. 15 contingent upon the completion of customized inspections on each of the aircraft's longerons. This "stand-down release" order brings the total number of cleared A, B, C and D-model F-15 aircraft to

49 C-5s approved for modernization program

Air Mobility Command leaders welcomed the news that defense officials certified 49 of the Air Force's C-5 aircraft for upgrade in the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program. The decision was made Feb. 14. Continuing the C-5 RERP allows the Air Force to modify aircraft with better, newer

CMSAF outlines Air Force priorities to Dover Airmen

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force outlined the Air Force's primary concerns Feb. 11 to Dover Air Force Base Airmen. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley told base Airmen that the service's top-three priorities are winning the war on terrorism, taking care of Airmen and

CCAF officials appoint chief as first enlisted vice commandant

The Community College of the Air Force here recently appointed an Air National Guard chief master sergeant as its first enlisted vice commandant since the school's creation more than 35 years ago. Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Thornell is the first enlisted Airman to serve in the position historically

'Today's Air Force' features airlift, medical training

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the Air Force's state-of-the-art technology for both air and ground operations. Also featured is a segment on cargo airlift in Southwest Asia. Airmen deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan deliver supplies to dangerous locations and, at the same time,

Air Force C-5 Galaxy modernization program certified

Air Force officials announced today that officials in the office of the under secretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics have certified the C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program for 49 additional aircraft. The C-5s approved include 47 C-5Bs used for inter-theater

DOD health officials host first medical 'Webhall'

The Pentagon's top doctor, S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, hosted a Web-based live "Webhall" Feb 14, a first for the military health system. Leaders from the MHS joined Doctor Casscells in answering some pointed and challenging questions live on the new MHS Web

'Live Round,' helps bring gifts; music to school for the deaf

Airmen from the U.S. Central Command Air Forces Band "Live Round" found themselves in front of an unlikely audience Feb. 13, when they visited Bishkek's Boarding School for the Deaf. The visit was part of the band's outreach efforts during their eight-day trip to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. Band

Firefighter first U.S. Airman to attend RAF leadership training

A firefighter here began the Royal Air Force Airmen's Command Squadron, the equivalent of the NCO Academy, Feb. 12 at RAF Halton, England. Tech. Sgt. Josh Trundle, the RAF Mildenhall fire department assistant NCO in charge of training and safety, joined RAF airmen in training topics ranging from

Feb. 14 airpower summary: C-130s support coalition forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto an

Multiservice team provides presidential support in Africa

A team of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines are currently arriving and working in Africa to provide support for a series of country visits by President George Bush. The servicemembers are providing an array of mobile support functions for the president's five-nation visit to the

It's a cold day to fly

Airmen from the 703rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, de-ice a C-17 Globemaster III from the 517th Airlift Squadron Feb. 12 before a training mission. Heavy snow and weeks of sub-zero temperatures require extra effort from maintenance crews to keep the aircraft

Air Force snags top national advertising award

The Air Force earned one of the nation's top advertising honors Feb. 7, taking home a Golden Award at the 2008 ADDY Awards ceremony in Dallas. The technology section of the AIRFORCE.com Web site won best in class in the micro-site category, according to Air Force Recruiting Command officials. The

Civilians add stability during emergencies

Airmen here are fighting the base during this week's local operational readiness exercise Beverly High 08-04 and a special group of civilians is right alongside them contributing to the mission. These civilians, categorized as "emergency essential," stay with military forces even if a non-combatant

Iraqi leaders visit civilian IED victims at Air Force hospital

One day after a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device explosion devastated residents in the vicinity of the city of Balad, local Iraqi leaders came to the Air Force Theater Hospital here Feb. 11 to visit the attack's most critically wounded. The hospital serves as the region's premiere hub for

Incoming top chaplain speaks about trust

The Air Force's next chief of chaplains spoke about the importance of trusting in God, and the effect it has had on America and his life during the Feb. 12 Bolling Air Force Base annual prayer breakfast. "Trust is critical to our faith, crucial to our prayers and central to who we are as Americans,"

Airmen help shape tomorrow's Iraq

Airmen from the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron delivered dozens of supplies and athletic equipment Feb. 6 to Safwan school students located near Umm Qasr, Iraq.The Airmen deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., brought the donations as part of an area-wide effort around Camp Bucca by

Airmen, Marines seek to synchronize in sky over Iraq

Leadership from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and the 3rd Marine Air Wing-Forward met here Feb. 10 and 11 to raise joint air traffic control and airspace utilization in central Iraq to new levels of safety and effectiveness. During the conference, the military services discussed ways to increase

Keeping canine protectors safe

The protective gas mask used in local operational response exercises is very effective in a chemical environment for most Airmen throughout the Air Force, but its design leaves some unprotected. One group at the 18th Security Forces Squadron here is preparing to handle the possibility of chemical

Female Airman from Bronx drives convoys in Afghanistan

Regardless of what job an Airman may have, being an Airman comes first. And, as a member of the most elite Air Force in history, today's Airman often gets the same news that Senior Airman Vanessa Velez received when she was first notified of her 365-day deployment. He or she is being deployed."I was

Air Force Aid Society provides alternative to pay-day loans

Air Force Aid Society officials are pleased to announce the new Falcon Loan program available to Air Force members beginning March 3.  A Falcon Loan is an interest-free loan of $500 or less that can be used for emergency needs such as basic living expenses -- rent, utilities and food -- car repairs,

Afghans complete advanced medical training

Less than a month after a basic emergency medical technician training class graduated here, seven more Afghan men entered the medical career field after graduating from a nursing school program facilitated by the joint Air Force and Army Provincial Reconstruction Team here. The 12-month training

Officials delay basing decision for Air Force Cyber Command

The decision for the final location of the Air Force Cyber Command was expected to be finalized before the official Oct. 1 stand up of the command, but Air Force leaders now say it will not be made until closer to the end of the year. "This is to give us additional time to carefully review all the

Top Japanese airlift commander visits CAOC

A top leader from the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force visited the Combined Air and Space Operations Center here Feb. 9. Col. Chiyohiro Akamine, the commander of the Iraq Reconstruction Support Airlift Wing, met with senior leaders at the operations center to discuss Japan's involvement in coalition

Airmen provide relief to China, test new initiative

Kadena Airmen loaded more than 225,000 pounds of food, medicine and cold weather supplies onboard Pacific Air Forces aircraft here Feb. 8 as part of a humanitarian mission to China. U.S. Pacific Command coordinated delivery of the humanitarian supplies to the People's Liberation Army at Shanghai

Air Force conducts nuclear policy and procedures review

The Air Force's Blue Ribbon Review of its nuclear weapons policies and procedures has found that its nuclear mission is sound but needs strengthening. "The review provided the Air Force an opportunity to improve its commitment to a sound nuclear enterprise," said Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer, chair of the

AF officials offer property lease opportunities

Air Force officials presented a proposal during two meetings held Jan. 30 and 31 to lease underutilized property at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Mont., to support national security energy goals. The first meeting, held Jan. 30 at the Great Falls Civic Center, gave state and local

Pacific Lifeline tests humanitarian relief concept

More than 900 Department of Defense members took part in two weeks of instruction and practical application as part of Pacific Lifeline 2008, which ceased field training exercises Feb. 7 in Hawaii. A total force exercise staged from three locations within the Hawaiian Islands, Pacific Lifeline

C-130J deploys to Southwest Asia

Members of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here welcomed the newest member of its fleet Feb. 8 as a C-130J Hercules landed in Southwest Asia. "We're not only the first active duty, C-130J deployment, it's also a record-setting event," said Lt. Col. Dan Tulley, the 41st Airlift Squadron

Expeditionary rescue helps save Afghan boy

Air Force helicopters were airborne within three minutes of receiving a call to pick up a 5-year-old local national boy who had been struck by a vehicle near Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan, Feb. 2. Members of the 210th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron received the request to medevac the young boy who

Feb. 10 airpower summary: A-10s conduct shows of force

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

Air Force team aids Afghan police with UXO disposal

Airmen from the explosive ordnance disposal, 755th Air Expeditionary Group, assisted Kohistan II district Afghanistan National Police with unexploded ordnance disposal Feb. 2. "The police chief requested our assistance with removing the UXOs during our last visit," said Tech. Sgt. Francis Warren,

'Today's Air Force' features Airmen maintainers

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights an explosive ordnance disposal squadron in Afghanistan. Also, the U.S. Air Force is known for its air power, but making its presence felt all over the world takes a toll on the aircraft. Watch how a team of Airmen on the ground keep B-1B Lancers

Feb. 8 airpower summary: Groundcrews keep aircraft flying

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force aircraft dropped a guided bomb unit-12 in order

Air Force delivers humanitarian supplies to China

After returning a salute, Major General Lihua Qian, People's Liberation Army, gives a thumbs-up sign to U.S. Air Force Capt. Dave Ericson, 535th Airlift Squadron, 15th Airlift Wing, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Thirteenth Air Force's 613th Air and Space Operations Center Air Mobility Division at

Keep OPSEC in mind, even online

In today's highly technological world, the fast-paced sharing of information can be considered friend or foe to those in the Air Force. There are several public Web sites which offer individuals free membership to create personalized Web pages. Two of the most popular social-networking sites are

Cope Tiger wraps up in Thailand

Exercise Cope Tiger 2008 came to an end with a closing ceremony here Feb. 5. About 800 U.S. forces participated here and at Udon Royal Thai Air Base in the 13th annual multilateral exercise involving the Royal Thai Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force, the U.S. Air Force, and the Marines.

It's time to re-tire

Kunsan Airmen teach English to South Korean cadets

Kunsan Air Base Airmen volunteered to teach English to South Korean army cadets Jan. 31 at the South Korean Army NCO Academy. South Korean army officials added English as part of the cadet' s curriculum and asked 8th Fighter Wing officials if they would volunteer; Team 5/6, a group of staff and

Providing a lifeline

C-17 crews support missions in Europe, Africa

In a coordinated effort with U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Mobility Command, the Air Force Reserve Command is providing dedicated aircrews to fly C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlift missions in Europe and Africa. The first group of reservists to arrive at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, includes

Secretary Wynne reflects on recent CENTCOM visit

In the latest Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force reflects on his recent visit to the Central Command area of responsibility and his impressions of dedicated Air Force people serving in deployed locations. "I am truly humbled by their warrior spirit and dedication to mission readiness

AAFES implementing significant 'green' initiatives

The Department of Defense's oldest and largest retailer, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, is embarking on a variety of energy-saving initiatives to reduce its impact on the environment and strengthen the exchange benefit military families have come to depend on. From vending machines to gas

Chief's strategy white paper unveiled

"Transformation is an enduring part of our culture as Airmen," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff.  "We are forever looking for an edge to strengthen our ability to deliver combat power for the nation." General Moseley spoke to members of Air University's professional military

Powered flight returns to Air Force Academy

Air Education and Training Command officials currently are testing a program designed to return powered flight to the Air Force Academy's curriculum. Called "Jump Start," the test marks the beginning for a program meant to enhance the Academy's focus on airmanship in its curriculum. Traditionally,

AFSPC commander sees space assets in action

To get a look inside real-time space operations in the battlespace, Gen. C. Robert "Bob" Kehler, Air Force Space Command commander, visited the Combined Air and Space Operations Center Feb. 2, during an extended tour of the area of responsibility. "We are synchronizing and integrating with ground

Volunteer food deliveries top 2.6 tons in Honduras

What began as way for Joint Task Force-Bravo's outdoor enthusiasts to see Honduras has grown into a monthly event in which hikers trek through the mountains delivering food to villagers in Honduras. Collectively throughout the series of hikes, more than 400 servicemembers have now delivered more

Feb. 4 airpower summary: C-130s provide support for coalition

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force in

Airman 'The Book' 2008 available online

The 2008 almanac version of Airman magazine is now available online. "Into the Wild New Yonder" is the theme for the issue, traditionally called "The Book." The issue focuses on important facts and provides insight into today's Air Force. Data in the magazine highlights the service's major commands

Media event showcases Air Force airpower

The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing hosted four major media outlets, three print and one television, in an unprecedented media event here Jan. 30. The event was the first time major media outlets visited the base for one specific event. NBC news, The Associated Press, New York Times and Los Angeles

Air Force officials release budget request for 2009

As part of the president's fiscal 2009 budget, the Air Force officials are requesting Congress' approval for $143.9 billion, nearly more than $9 billion more than in fiscal 2008. Of the $143.9 billion request, $117 billion are funds directly controlled and managed by the Air Force. The remaining

SECAF addresses deployed Airmen

"On behalf of the president of the United States and the American people, we salute you," Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne told more than 400 Airmen during his visit to an air base in Southwest Asia Feb. 1. "You are the front lines of freedom." Secretary Wynne addressed Airmen in an open

Leaders ensure wartime logistics, maintenance success

Sustaining combat-ready aircraft during the high operations tempo presented by the war on terrorism is a tough business in today's expeditionary environment. Continuous challenges in logistics, maintenance, contracting, and supply must be overcome to ensure the Air Force can fly, fight and win in

Recruiters discuss challenges with Senate subcommittee

Two Air Force recruiting representatives answered questions for members of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Personnel Jan. 31. Senators questioned Air Force Recruiting Service commander Brig. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot and Master Sgt. Dave White, flight chief for the 341st Recruiting

'Today's Air Force' highlights recapitalization, modernization

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the recapitalization and modernization of the Air Force. While the Air Force is undergoing a force-shaping process to reduce and merge its resources, a special focus is on the restructuring and utilization of available assets which are essential

Feb. 2 airpower summary: B-1Bs deter enemy activities

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and 38s

Team trains to improve patient's condition during flight

Providing medical care while moving very ill patients over long distances in a short period of time, is the skill being practiced by three Air Force Reserve Command Airmen as they take part in Pacific Lifeline. A doctor, a nurse, and a respiratory therapist from the 446th Aeromedical Staging

Now boarding

AETC releases vision of future learning

Air Education and Training Command officials here released a vision for the years between 2008 and 2030 when they unveiled "On Learning: The Future of Air Force Education and Training," a 29-page white paper Jan. 31. The Air Force must transform its training and education system of today into a

PIT crew brings realism to Pacific Lifeline exercise

Airmen from the 446th Aerospace Medicine Squadron and 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron aren't being graded on the test, but their work impacts those involved with the Pacific Lifeline exercise. Known as the PIT crew, 16 reservists from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., will add realism to the

7th Air Force, Air Forces Korea redesignated

Osan Air Base Airmen began a new chapter for the primary combat air force provider to South Korea as the Pacific Air Forces commander uncased the 7th Air Force, Air Forces Korea flag Jan. 30 here.Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler appointed Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Wood as the 7th Air Force, Air Forces

Edwards Airman flies high as first military F-35 pilot

A pilot from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., became the first Air Force and government test pilot to fly the F-35 Lightning II during a test sortie at the Lockheed Martin facility Jan. 30 at Naval Air Station Fort Worth. Lt. Col. James Kromberg, the director of operations for the 461st Flight Test

NASCAR driver appears in Air Force driving safety video

The NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver of the Air Force-sponsored No. 21 Ford recently appeared in a public service announcement video on driving safety. In the 1.5 minute production, Jon Wood emphasizes the use of seat belts, observing speed limits, and not driving after drinking. Mr. Wood, the

First aerial bombing mission completed at Kwajalein

On Jan. 23, the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed here with their B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., completed the first aerial bombing mission at the U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site . The Kwajalein Atoll is home to

Summit solidifies operational, strategic doctrine

More than a dozen active duty and retired general officers formulated doctrine to support joint warfighting operations through the construct of a critical liaison to Air Force commanders called an Air Component Coordination Element Jan. 23 and 24 at Maxwell Air Force Base.The two-day "Gathering of

Outreach tour educates nation's top medical civic leaders

Some of the nation's leading health care professionals recently got a close look at one of the most vital missions in the Air Force -- health care for the wounded. The tour, sponsored by the Secretary of the Air Force's National Civic Outreach office, brought representatives from national medical

Mountain Home blood donations help wounded warriors

Mountain Home Air Force Base blood donors made a direct impact on wounded veterans returning from operations in Afghanistan and Iraq Jan. 23. Mountain Home AFB was one of only two military installations able to help replenish the depleted blood supply at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in

McChord Airmen provide lifeline in Pacific

More than 140 Airmen from 446th Airlift Wing here are participating in the Pacific Lifeline exercise Jan. 26 through Feb. 9 in Hawaii. Pacific Lifeline is a total-force exercise designed to exercise the military's ability to rapidly arrive and leave a trained, equipped team anywhere in the Pacific

Air Force officials activate first air ground operations wing

The unit activation and assumption of command of the Air Force's first wing solely dedicated to supporting battlefield Airmen took place during a ceremony here Jan. 25. The activation of the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing marked the first of its kind for the Air Force and added another volume to

Abused Afghan woman to receive plastic surgery

A 16-year-old woman brutally attacked by her husband in December is set to receive plastic surgery in Kabul following close coordination between the Afghan government and Provincial Reconstruction Team Qalat, a joint U.S. Air Force and Army unit here. Nazia Hookum Darr was beaten and disfigured by

Airmen help wounded troops survive journey home

The Air Force Theater Hospital's 98 percent survivability rate for injured U.S. servicemembers would be meaningless if the wounded were unable to survive their journey out of the combat zone. Four years into the war, the process of saving lives and then safely transporting critically injured and ill

Squadron commanders, first sergeants meet senior leaders

Squadron commanders and first sergeants had an opportunity to meet with the chief of staff of the Air Force during a conference here Jan. 24 and 25.  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley called in Airmen from around the Air Force to get a candid perspective from the field while sharing

Airman attends presidential address

An Air Force Reserve Airman attended President George W. Bush's final state of the union address here Jan. 28. Senior Airman Diane Lopes represented the service, sitting in the audience with the first lady and other special guests. Airman Lopes, a security forces specialist with the 920th Rescue

Arizona Air Guard to watch over Super Bowl

Pilots assigned to the 162nd Fighter Wing's Alert Detachment at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., will fly air patrols and air defense deterrence missions in support of the Super Bowl XLII Feb. 3 in Glendale, Ariz. Arizona's Air Guardsmen are teaming up with the North American Aerospace Defense

Military health care rivals private industry, official says

Providing troops quality health care through a military system that rivals and even outperforms the private sector is a top Defense Department priority, a senior Pentagon official said. In opening remarks to a packed auditorium at the Military Health System conference here Jan. 28, Dr. S. Ward

Tyndall squadron prepares for 'pipeline' Raptor pilots

Opportunities to train on the F-22 Raptor are highly competitive, and pilots picked to fly the world's premier fighter have been chosen from the ranks after logging years on other airframes -- until now. Four first lieutenants currently at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., have been selected as the first

CENTAF commander applauds theater hospital Airmen

The U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander and command chief had high praises for the Airmen manning the Air Force Theater Hospital during their tour here Jan. 26. Lt. Gen. Gary North and Chief Master Sgt. Richard Small recognized several of the hospital's top performers and showed their

Cope Tiger takes flight

Aircrews from the Air Force, Marines, Royal Thai air force and the Republic of Singapore air force began launching sorties in support of Exercise Cope Tiger 2008 Jan. 27 here. More than 1,400 people Air Force, Marines, Royal Thai army and air force, and the Royal Singapore air force are

Air Force general praises joint success

Air Force and Army officials synchronized to eliminate threats to ground forces in southern Iraq in what was called a "relentless pursuit of the enemy" during Operation Marne Thunderbolt in January. Aircrews of F-16 Fighting Falcons, B-1B Lancers, Navy F/A -18 Hornet pilots, Army 3rd Infantry

Airmen train with Humvee simulator

Rollover, rollover, rollover!!! Egress, egress, egress!!! These words were constantly echoed to a group of 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen during the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer training here Jan. 25. The training, conducted by 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, consisted of 45

Holloman weapon loaders compete for last time on F-117

The final F-117 Nighthawk Weapons Load Crew of the Year Competition put Holloman Air Force Base Airmen to the test Jan. 18. The competition placed 2006's quarterly winners against each other to determine which crew is the best of the year. The competition consists of a consolidated tool kit

ACC pilot hearing protection combines with headset

Air Combat Command pilots are now using a new customized hearing protection system that not only protect the pilots' hearing but also provides a platform for radio communication. The ear plugs, known as Attenuating Custom Communications Earpiece System, are used by pilots in the cockpit and on the

AFPC civilian retires after 57 years service

When Bill Ward first raised his hand to enlist in the Air Force, Harry S. Truman was president of the United States. Now, 58 years and 10 presidents later, he will retire Jan. 31. Mr. Ward, an assignments adviser at the Air Force Personnel Center here, developed an extensive personnel resume through

'Today's Air Force' highlights the war on terrorism

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the war on terrorism, to include a deployment exercise in Northern Italy and readiness centers set up to help families cope with the deployment of mothers and fathers. Also featured is the impact of Air Force medical professionals throughout

Luke officials dedicate bridge to pilot killed in Iraq

More than 100 people attended the grand opening of a bridge Jan. 25 here and an overpass dedicated to a Luke Air Force Base pilot who was killed in Iraq the same month construction began on the overpass in November 2006. During the grand opening, the overpass was dedicated to Maj. Troy L.

Randolph, Civil Air Patrol kick off new support program

A new pilot program between the Air Force and Civil Air Patrol officials is set to kick off with a meeting and orientation tour Jan. 28 at Randolph Air Force Base. "The new program called Volunteer Support to the Air Force will provide greater opportunities for citizens through the CAP while

Elmendorf Airmen move toward initial operational capability

Airmen in the 90th Fighter Squadron are completing steps to declare initial operational capability, with the overall goal of declaring full operational capability. The 90th FS and 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit exercised a mock bomb drop over the Alaska training range Jan. 16. "This was an excellent

Dover housing to claim award

The 436th Civil Engineer Squadron housing management team here and the civilian partners of Pinnacle and Hunt Development Group were selected as the 2007 Professional Housing Management Association Outstanding Housing Installation Team Award winners and are scheduled to receive the award Jan. 31 in

Jan. 23 airpower summary: A-10s strike enemy positions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers conducted shows of force in

Army, Air Force leaders discuss interoperability

The chief of staffs for the Army and Air Force along with other senior leaders from both Services met to discuss issues of mutual interest regarding interdependency and interoperability Jan. 23 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. and Gen. T. Michael Moseley spent the

Weather watchers

Brooks to serve as initial venue to test fit new service coat

About 150 Airmen from Brooks City-Base, Lackland and Randolph Air Force Bases in Texas, will participate in a fit test of the new Air Force Heritage service dress coat here Jan. 28 - Feb. 1. Subsequent fit tests in February and March are slated for the Air Force Academy and Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala.

Jan. 22 airpower summary: F-15s conduct show of force

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed enemy observation

Ammo keeps fighters supplied in quest for Iraqi freedom

Airmen can fly, fight and win in any wartime situation, but being able to do that is only possible if pilots are properly equipped with the right munitions for their target. Ensuring there is no shortage of munitions for combat aircraft are the Airmen here in the 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance

Mobile readiness team gets pallets back into the system

The Airmen assigned to Task Force 586 here recently took on an additional tasking to redistribute equipment and supplies for the Army. Mobile redistribution teams go to forward-operating bases throughout Iraq to collect excess supplies, and the Airmen searched for pallets crucial for the air

Aviator pay details to be released

Details on the retention bonus offered to experienced aviators should be released soon, Air Staff officials here said. The aviator continuation pay incentive is in the final coordination stages and once Congress finalizes and the president signs this year's annual National Defense Authorization Act,

Cope Tiger set to kick off in Thailand

More than 100 Airmen from across Pacific Air Forces are gearing up for the field training exercise Cope Tiger 2008 set to kick off Jan. 26 here and at Udon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand. Members of the 18th Communication Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and Airmen from the 35th Communication

Predators keep vigilant eye on Iraq

Taking center stage in helping win the war on terrorism in Iraq are unmanned aerial vehicles such as the MQ-1 Predator. Although the plane is small compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, it packs a punch with its vigilant purpose and silent victories. Since October 2007, the 361st Expeditionary

Providing shelter is a BEAR

Air, water, food and shelter are the basic essentials for life. But when Airmen deploy to an environment where no one has lived before, these essentials need to be brought in. Anywhere in the world and within a matter of days, a Base Expeditionary Airfield Resource, commonly referred to as a BEAR