Kadena prepares for typhoon

Kadena Air Base members are bracing for Typhoon Man-Yi as its current path will pass over Okinawa, base weather officials said. With the advance notification, base units have started typhoon preparation for Okinawa's first typhoon this year. Right now it should hit the island sometime the morning of

Mobility team answers call for critically injured Soldiers

Airmen of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing turned a typical transport mission into a lifesaving effort for a critically injured Soldier where time was of the essence and there was no room for error. Airmen from across the area of responsibility -- a C-17 Globemaster III aircrew, two KC-135

Flag officers train for theater-level combat leadership

Eighteen Air Force, Navy, Marine and international general officers attended Air University's Combined Forces Air Component Commanders course offered by the College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education recently. The purpose of the course is to prepare flag officers for theater-level combat

General brings Air Force story back home

A once-young usher who worked at Busch Stadium, home of the World Series multi-champion Cardinals, is a man who now ushers in technologies which go way out of the ballpark. Nearly 40 years after his days of escorting people to the stands at Busch Stadium, Maj. Gen. Thomas F. Deppe, the 20th Air

Fairchild Airmen train for Rodeo 2007

Airmen who will represent Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., at the bi-annual Air Mobility Command Rodeo 2007 teamed up with their counterparts from McChord AFB, Wash., for four days of training recently at the Grant County International Airport here. This year's "Rodeo," the name given to the major

Airmen lead multinational effort for Iraqi bombing victims

Airmen from the 506th Air Expeditionary Group here coordinated and carried out a multinational effort to receive and airlift 21 injured Iraqi civilians for treatment in Turkey July 8. The civilians, ethnic Iraqi Turkmen, were victims of the July 7 market bombing in Tuz Khurmato, Iraq, which

July 10 Airpower Summary: Tankers fuel the fight

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops during operations July 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles released a guided bomb unit-38 and cannon

CMSAF observes USAFE missions, visits wounded troops

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force completed an aeromedical evacuation mission from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., to Ramstein Air Base and back July 7 through 10 to observe the process firsthand. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley wanted to experience step by step what the

Air Force recognized for awarding veterans contracts

The Department of Veterans Affairs recognized 23 Air Force bases for achievement under the Champions of Veteran Enterprise program during a conference June 27 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The 3rd Annual National Veteran Small Business Conference and Expo honored installations with the Federal

Training, communication key to success for A-10 pilots

When A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots throughout Southwest Asia respond to a ground commander or joint terminal attack controller's call for close-air-support, pilots on alert respond with the appropriate ordnance loaded to accomplish the mission. Putting those bullets and bombs on target doesn't just

Medical program keeps scoring high

The Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Wilford Hall Medical Center scored in the top three percentile in the nation in June. Out of 152 emergency residencies across the country, the emergency residency at Wilford Hall scored above 97 percent of the other residencies on in-service training exams

President picks Army general to lead new command

President Bush named Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward July 10 to help stand up U.S. Africa Command as its first commander.General Ward has served as deputy commander of U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, since May 2006. In that role, he has been responsible for the day-to-day activities for

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights unmanned aerial vehicles, including the Air Force's latest unmanned vehicle and first hunter-killer UAV, the MQ-9 Reaper. More powerful than the MQ-1 Predator, the MQ-9 is designed to go after time-sensitive targets and can destroy or disable

Manas fuels team gets high praise

When the 40 Airmen from the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's Fuels Management Flight pulled back on the huge 4,000 pound fuel bladder to put it in to place on July 9, they were actually leaning forward. For the second time in just over two weeks, the fuels Airmen replaced one of

July 9 airpower summary: Bombers provide show of force

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle released guided bomb unit-12s

Active-duty unit marks first year under Guard wing

Airmen of the 153rd Airlift Wing celebrated the first anniversary that marked the assimilation of active-duty Airmen into the Wyoming Air National Guard July 7 here. One year ago, active-duty Airmen reported to Cheyenne Regional Airport as the 30th Airlift Squadron stood up as Air Mobility Command's

Robins Airman selected as top firefighter of the year

Master Sgt. Shawn Ricchuito from the 778th Civil Engineer Squadron here has been named the Air Force Military Fire Officer of the Year. He will represent the Air Force at the Department of Defense level. Sergeant Ricchuito learned about the honor when Robins Fire Chief Donald Striejewske entered a

Navy admiral takes helm of U.S. Special Ops command

Adm. Eric T. Olson became the first Navy SEAL to command U.S. Special Operations Command during a ceremony here July 9. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates presided as Admiral Olson assumed command from Army Gen. Bryan Brown. General Brown had led the command since September 2003. Two of the more

RED HORSE Airmen support Army in southern Baghdad

In the midst of the ongoing security surge around Baghdad, a team of Airmen with heavy construction skills and expertise are helping fortify the Army's presence at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, south of the city. It's a dynamic situation for the Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair

Airmen take the fight to the terrorists

Airmen of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here provided air power support for Army, Marine and coalition ground troops as Operation Arrowhead Ripper took the fight to the terrorists throughout the Diyala Province in Iraq in late June and early July. The 332nd AEW's F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10

July 8 airpower summary: Predators provide wary eye

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan troops during operations July 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemy positions in

Medics bring relief to Senegal

Airmen provided medical care to more than 4,400 people here as Airmen, Marines, Sailors and Soldiers formed Task Force 225 and conducted joint training during Exercise Shared Accord June 16 to 28 in Senegal. Fourteen Air Force Reserve Command medics teamed up with a battalion of Marine reservists

Army medics save Air Force broadcaster's life

The quick actions of Army medics following a June 28 mortar attack here proved critical in helping save an Air Force broadcaster's life.Tech. Sgt. Jeramie Brown, an Air Force broadcaster with a news team at Forward Operating Base Murray was injured from shrapnel from a mortar and two Soldiers

Medical element helps Honduran village

Approximately 40 American and Honduran servicemembers from the medical element at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, provided medical care for more than 1,000 people during a two-day Medical Readiness Training Exercise in the village of El Horno, Honduras. Airmen and Soldiers of the medical

Airman flies to Soldier's aid, earns valor award

An Airman attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with a "V" Device for Valor June 8 for his actions that led to the saving of a Soldier's life. Special Agent Travis Guthmiller, a member of Weapons Intelligence Team 10 of Task Force Troy was

July 7 airpower summary: Compass Call directs electronic warfare

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided overwatch for

July 6 airpower summary: Strike Eagles counter anti-coalition forces

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds, released a

Air Force chief discusses upcoming senior enlisted summit

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley paid a visit here June 27 and spoke to students at the Air Force Senior NCO Academy and Air Force First Sergeants Academy at Gunter Annex about Air Force priorities and issues that affect enlisted members. He also took a few moments to field

Controllers call in air strike to disrupt enemy

Situated in a dusty Army headquarters tent at this forward operating base south of Baghdad, a team of joint tactical air control party Airmen orchestrated the destruction of an explosives-laden roadway recently, stopping the flow of ordnance and weapons into Iraq's capital. By calling in the air

Holiday homecoming

July 5 airpower summary: Tankers fuel coalition airpower

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a French Mirage 2000 dropped guided bomb unit -12s on enemy

Training mission results in real-life rescue

A series of coincidences and an alert helicopter crew from Air Force Reserve Command's 920th Rescue Wing here saved the life of a 66-year-old Florida man. Several miles off of the coast of Florida's Daytona Beach, Lt. Col. Paul Nevius and his crew were piloting an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter back to

Doing something amazing

An HH-60G Pave Hawk crew hoists a "patient" and a pararescueman June 27 while being filmed by a video production team for the Air Force recruiting campaign, "Do Something Amazing." The aircraft and crew are assigned to the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. (U.S. Air Force

NORTHCOM officials set base force protection levels

Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta are the four levels of force protection applied to every American military installation, with Alpha being the lowest level and Delta being the highest. And it's the commander of U.S. Northern Command who determines what the minimum force protection level will be for

July 4 airpower summary: B-1Bs provide bomber overwatch

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemy forces hiding in

July 2 airpower summary: C-17s provide needed supplies

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer successfully showed force over a

North Dakota ANG unit flies first unmanned mission

Members of the 119th Wing flew its first unmanned aircraft system mission as an MQ-1 Predator flew July 2 from Fargo. Airmen of the North Dakota Air National Guard squadron is flying the Predator after converting in January to new missions of unmanned aircraft and the C-21 cargo aircraft.The

Wright-Patterson Airmen take over Hickam air operations

Airmen of the 87th Aerial Port Squadron from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, flew into Hickam AFB and took over air operations here. For two weeks, Reserve Airmen from the 87th APS will be responsible for running the air terminal operations center, freight, fleet, passenger services,

Airmen honor 30 years of AWACS

The 552nd Air Control Wing here celebrated the 30th anniversary of the E-3 Sentry, also known as the Airborne Warning and Control System, or AWACS, June 29 through July 1, with 552nd commanders and Airmen, past and present, coming from around the globe to share their stories. "The AWACS heritage is

Fairchild rescue flight saves woman

A four-man crew from the 36th Rescue Flight here saved a 19-year-old woman June 30 after she was bucked off of a mule in rough terrain near Sherman Pass, Wash.After receiving a 3 p.m. call for search and rescue support from Air Force Rescue Coordination Center officials from Langley Air Force Base,

St. Louis celebrates Air Force Week

For the second year in a row, Air Force Week St. Louis has kicked off with a flying start. From July 2-8, the Air Force will be the talk of the town in this gateway city. Events honoring Air Force servicemembers will be happening on both sides of the "Mighty Mississippi," from minor and major league

AFSOUTH outlines U.S. cooperation with South America

The Air Forces Southern commander outlined how American Airmen interact with South American nations to build understanding between the nations. "Military-to-military relationships are only the beginning of our mission," said Lt. Gen. Norman R. Seip. "AFSOUTH Airmen are actively engaging our South

C-21 makes final flight at Yokota

After more than 62,000 mishap-free flying hours and 21 years of service, Yokota Air Base's C-21 transport jet ended its service here as base officials held a ceremony honoring the final departure of the C-21 June 29. The base's four C-21s with the 459th Airlift Squadron have been replaced by three

July 1 airpower summary: C-130 airlift keeps mission going

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force over

Airmen prepare base for lasting presence

Several projects in various stages of completion at this Southwest Asian base will give Airmen an enduring presence and help them accomplish their mission supporting the war on terrorism. Members of the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and 379th Air Expeditionary Wing force protection

June 30 airpower summary: F-16s provide close air support

Coalition airpower supported Coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a guided bomb unit

June 29 airpower summary: Bombs on target

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier hit a mortar attack

Newest 'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Airmen and Air Force missions around the world. In one photo, Maj. (Dr.) Rich Hendershot examines an infant during a visit to an El Salvadorian clinic June 14. Twenty-six Airmen assigned to the Colorado

Biometric database offers tighter security

The 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron activated an entry system at a deployed location June 22 that will help make operations there safer and more secure. "(The Defense Biometric Identification Database System) enhances a security system, such as entry control to an installation, and

Air Force, Navy join forces for combat training

More than 200 Airmen and 16 F-15 Eagles from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., completed two weeks of joint training operations with the Navy June 29 at Naval Air Station Key West. The Airmen from the 60th Fighter Squadron participated in the dissimilar air combat training, or DACT, exercise with Naval

Health officials visit returning troops

Lt. Gen. James G. Roudebush, Air Force surgeon general, and Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, visited wounded troops returning from overseas to Andrews June 26. Dr. Casscells was given a brief tour of Malcolm Grow Medical Center's Aeromedical Staging Flight by

Air Force officials complete transfer of Rickenbacker

The deed for last parcel of the former Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, was presented to its local redevelopment authority by the director of the Air Force Real Property Agency June 26. The handover marks a significant milestone in the effort of Air Force officials to transfer former Air

Wounded NCO's will to fly remains undaunted

An Andrews Air Force Base Airman remains committed to the Air Force and his love of flying even after being shot down over Iraq and nearly losing an eye. Life was good for Tech Sgt. Christian MacKenzie for nearly 10 years as he served in his dream job as a special operations flight engineer aboard

Air Force transfers former fuel supply site for redevelopment

A former jet fuel supply depot in Michigan once used to supply a nearby Air Force base could soon enjoy new life as part of a waterfront resort development. Air Force officials transferred the 40-acre Defense Fuel Supply Point Escanaba on the shores of Lake Michigan June 18 to the Hannah Indian

June 28 airpower summary: C-17s sustain operations

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s

C-130 maintainers 'cowboy up' for Rodeo

Although no one is wearing a Stetson hat and there isn't a steer in sight, the journey to the 2007 Air Mobility Command Rodeo promises to be a wild one as 10 Ramstein Air Base aircraft maintainers prepare to saddle up on a Hercules. Like an ornery old bull sitting in the chute waiting to be ridden,

June 27 airpower summary: Stratotankers extend Global Reach, Global Power

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of

June 26 airpower summary: Fighters provide close-air support

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles searched locations over

Buddy Wing Program improves communication at Kunsan

Airmen of both the 35th Fighter Squadron from Kunsan Air Base and the South Korean 155th Fighter Squadron from Junwon AB are teaming up for a Buddy Wing Program exercise June 27 to 29 here. The purpose of the Buddy Wing Program is to exchange ideas, introduce tactics and improve interoperability

Thunderbirds begin European goodwill tour

Michael Patterson, a 64-year-old cattle farmer, was born and raised in Ballinlough, a county just outside Galway, Ireland. He's never flown in any aircraft, let alone one that streaks across the sky at 500 miles per hour. Yet as he watched the Air Force Thunderbirds perform over his native country

Air Guard F-15 crashes during training mission

Coast Guardsmen have recovered the remains of the pilot June 27 of an Oregon Air National Guard F-15 Eagle that crashed June 26 in the Pacific Ocean approximately 35 nautical miles west of Cannon Beach, Oregon, during a training mission. Officials from the Oregon Air National Guard said the next of

United in Love eases deployment separation at Lajes Field

Lajes Field members are helping ease the stresses associated with the separation between Airmen and their spouses during times of deployment.While Airmen are deployed, their spouses can get support through a Lajes Field group called United in Love.As a member of that group, Angela Horton and other

Class of 2011 arrives with impressive credentials

The 1,304 members of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2011 arrive June 28 to in-process and begin basic cadet training here.The Class of 2011 boasts the largest percentage of women entering basic cadet training in academy history at 20.7 percent, surpassing last year's mark by 0.3 percent. Of

C-130 upgrades geared to save Air Force $250M

The latest modifications for the Air Force's tactical workhorse, the C-130 Hercules are set to debut with the installation of an improved landing gear, carbon brakes and a new anti-skid system. A team of engineers and specialists from the 463rd Airlift Group here, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and

Predators reach quarter-million flight hours

Airmen from the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron flew an MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle past the 250,000 flying hour milestone marking the historic milestone with a ceremony June 22 at Creech Air Force Base. "This historic achievement in the evolution of air and space power underlines the United

June 25 airpower summary: Tankers bring fuel to fight

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fireed 30mm cannon rounds on

Chilton: 'We cannot afford to be surprised'

"Today, we're at the high water mark when it comes to integrating space capabilities and combat effects for the warfighter," the commander of Air Force Space Command said. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton delivered these words during the Space Warfare Symposium sponsored by the Lance P. Sijan Chapter of the

Hickam crew prepares for AMC Rodeo

Airmen around the world are preparing for the 2007 Air Mobility Command Rodeo scheduled for July, including Hickam Air Force Base members.This will be the first competition for Hickam AFB 's C-17 Globemaster III crew, which will sport a total force team consisting of members of the active duty 535th

12th Air Force hosts Blue Flag

More than 900 U.S. and coalition forces from around the globe began battling a new enemy June 18:  the fictitious "Califon," an aggressive nation bent on controlling the mineral fields located on the island of "Pacifica." The scenario is part of exercise Blue Flag 07-2, an operational-level exercise

Eagle Flag takes flight

4 Hill Airmen receive Bronze Stars

Four NCOs from the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron received Bronze Stars during a mid-June ceremony at Hill Air Force Base for their actions while deployed in support of the war on terrorism. The four explosive ordnance disposal Airmen are Staff Sergeants Evan Knight, Bradley Kline, Steven Overstreet

Couriers' missions deliver defense

A two-person team secures a pallet of classified test equipment aboard a small military aircraft at Defense Courier Station Honolulu. Meanwhile, another two-person team leaves DCS San Diego via surface transportation, escorting classified material to a local customer. As these deliveries are being

Program seeks to preserve history with playing cards

Defense Department officials will issue decks of playing cards to deployed troops starting July 31, but not for Texas Hold 'Em tournaments. The cards are training aids designed to help the servicemembers understand the archaeological significance of their deployed locations. "It has been my

Aeromedical evacuation teams ready to help anytime

Bagram Air Base aeromedical evacuation teams bring the hospital to the wounded supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight has four, three-person teams consisting of a nurse and two medical technicians, with one team ready to go at a moment's

Maintainers keep jets flying at Cope North

Of the 346 sorties flown during Exercise Cope North 2007, not one would be possible without the work done by maintenance crews. "We do inspections and maintenance on anything that has to do with the jet," said Airman 1st Class Rene Garcia, an F-16 Fighting Falcon maintenance crew chief deployed from

June 24 airpower summary: Surveillance supports operations

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb unit-38s and

Airmen train Iraqis on fuel delivery

Airmen from the 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Flight are training Iraqis here to fuel up their own C-130 Hercules aircraft without dependence on the Air Force. The training plan is broken down into a "crawl, walk run" process, said Master Sgt. Scott Addington, 447th ELRS

CENTAF Band performs unscheduled concert at Bagram

The U.S. Central Command Air Forces Band held an impromptu performance June 19 for servicemembers at Bagram Air Base when their travel through the country was delayed. With the assistance from members of the 455th Expeditionary Services Squadron, the band was able to put together an "open mic" night

Hanscom Airmen receive heroes' welcome

Hundreds of base members, family and friends gathered at Memorial Park here June 22 to welcome home more than 60 Hanscom Air Force Base Airmen.The Heroes' Homecoming, held in conjunction with the base's annual Summer Bash event, formally welcomed home Airmen who have returned from their deployments

June 22 airpower summary: A-10s provide support for ground forces

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan,  Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped several guided

Newest 'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world. Challenging himself, Staff Sgt. Matthew Zimmer pumps out as many push-ups as he can during the physical fitness portion of the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape

First phase of Reserve mobility exercise concludes

More than 150 Individual Ready Reservists finished a week-long active duty tour June 22 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The five-day tour of duty was the conclusion of the "Push" portion of the "Push-Pull 2007" exercise. The exercise tests and evaluates the IRR mobilization process, said Lt. Col.

'One command post' initiative beneficial to Airmen

Wing and tenant unit commanders and command post leaders Air Force wide were recently directed to consolidate their command and control operations. Many Air Force bases have multiple command posts. The "One CP" initiative will consolidate those into one facility with a single staff. While One CP

Air Force firefighters fuel flames for fire training

The deaths of nine firefighters in South Carolina June 18 has spotlighted the dangers of the job and the importance of training. At Eglin Air Force Base, officials took advantage of base housing slated for demolition as part of the base's housing privatization initiative to provide base firefighters

AFCEE builds new C-17 hangar at Hickam

Officials at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, are making room for eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs with the construction of various facilities, including a new corrosion control hangar to paint and wash the aircraft and another facility to perform maintenance functions. The Air Force Center for Engineering

Virginia Air Guard transitions to F-22 Raptor

The Virginia Air National Guard's 192nd Fighter Wing has become the first Air National Guard unit in the country to fly the F-22 Raptor.  The transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the F-22 took place June 20.More than 20 pilots in the wing are trained to fly the F-22 and a growing number of

Rescue flight crews provide help from above

On a moonless night, the glow from a red and green instrument panel illuminates the faces of the crew of Blade 79er, a UH-1N Huey flying a night-vector mission over the tree-covered mountains of northern Washington. Suddenly, the radio crackles."Rescue, Rescue, Rescue ... Phaser 1-2 calling in

Officials push for incentives, integration for reserve forces

The reserve components are vital to the military and its ability to fight the war on terror, so it's essential that they're properly managed and compensated, the service personnel chiefs told the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves June 21. The chiefs shared insights into better ways to

Air Force's cost experts analyze Academy's wind tunnel effort

When officials from the Air Force Academy decided to pursue the possibility of building a new wind tunnel, they called on the Air Force's cost experts at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., for advice. The Financial Management Center of Expertise is the Air Force's single repository for cost analysis

Space operations streamlined

The redesignation June 18 of the 614th Space Operations Group as the 614th Air and Space Operations Center will help streamline communications at the operational level between combatant commanders and the service components, Air Force space officials said. The redesignation included the inactivation

Whiteman AFB achieves environmental milestone

With a stroke of a pen, another chapter in Whiteman Air Force Base's Cold War history was brought to a close June 19 in Kansas City. Air Force, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Missouri Department of Natural Resources officials signed a Long-Term Stewardship Agreement for the Missouri

Officials discuss new U.S. command with African leaders

Leaders in five African nations see the U.S. Africa Command, or AFRICOM, as a constructive approach to making the continent more stable, a senior Defense Department official said June 22. A delegation comprising officials from the departments of Defense and State and from the U.S. Agency for

Maintenance crews prep fighters at Cope North

Maintenance Airmen from Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., know how to pack a punch as they are deployed to Andersen AFB and currently participating in Exercise Cope North with Japan Air Self Defense Force members.The Cannon AFB Airmen load 2,000-pound bombs onto multimillion dollar aircraft as part of

June 21 airpower summary: Keeping fighters in the fight

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s

Fuel upgrades improve Lajes Field mission

Congress recently approved an $18 million project to upgrade and expand the fuel hydrant system at Lajes Field that will greatly enhance the base's mission to refuel aircraft flying across the Atlantic Ocean. Over the years, the existing fuel system began to show signs of age and use, but instead of

KC-135, C-17 crews rendezvous for refuel readiness

A KC-135 aircrew from the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan flew to Hawaii to meet up with Hickam Air Force Base's C-17 Globemaster III crew to practice in-flight refueling procedures. Kadena AB's crews don't get many opportunities to work with cargo aircraft like the C-17. At home they work

NATO celebrates 25th anniversary of E-3's arrival

Nearly 130,000 German, Dutch and Belgian citizens flooded the tarmac on Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base June 16 and 17 to celebrate the successful legacy of a multinationally operated airplane that began flying out of the northern German community in February 1982. The event boasted a multicultural

Air Intelligence Agency becomes Air Force ISR Agency

The Air Intelligence Agency officially became the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Agency in a ceremony held June 15 here consolidating Air Force ISR functions to better serve the warfighter and the nation. The Air Force ISR Agency, commanded by Maj. Gen. John C. Koziol, was

Joint Commission awards Wilford Hall full accreditation

Wilford Hall Medical Center was recently granted full accreditation from The Joint Commission for both their hospital and home health programs. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits nearly 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, not-for-profit

June 20 airpower summary: B-1B takes out targets

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops troops in Afghanistan during operations June 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer released guided bomb