Airborne staff connects ground forces

Convoys going on patrols in Iraq can run into problems when they lose communication. Communication is an integral factor in ensuring servicemembers' safety while on the roads. It can be the difference between mission success and failure. Unknown to many road-faring warriors, a lifeline is already in

NATO Response Force works to improve communications

Representatives from 26 NATO nations met during the first week of May for NATO Response Force Exercise Allied Reach '07 at Allied Air Component Command Headquarters in Ramstein Air Base, Germany. NATO commanders and other senior leaders attended the exercise that examined the command and control,

Air Force opens newest air ops center

Twelfth Air Force and Air Forces Southern will open the Air Force's newest Falconer, the 612th Combined Air Operations Center, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 9. The 612th Combined Air Operations Center, serves as the operations hub for all air and space activities during combat and

DOD helps prepare U.S. for pandemic flu outbreak

The Defense Department is teaming with other federal agencies to prepare the nation to deal with a potential pandemic outbreak of influenza, a senior official said May 8 here. "Right now, we're as ready as we can be at this point," said Richard Chavez, director of chemical, biological, radiological

Air Force gains larger presence in Romania

The Romanian parliament passed legislation the first week of May that now authorizes the U.S. military to use several of its bases. The announcement came just as the Air Force was wrapping up a 10-day exercise, called Sniper Lance 2007, in the former Eastern Bloc country. This was the second

Airmen live, learn warrior ethos

Airmen going through basic training are focusing on living and learning what it means to be combat-ready. This education centers on Air Force warrior ethos -- strengthening an Airman's mind, body and spirit. "The warrior ethos has always been a part of an Airman's character, but some people may have

Airman's Roll Call focuses on new UAV wing

Global intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance are the missions of the new unmanned aerial vehicle wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The 432nd Wing at the base, located near Las Vegas, was reactivated to be the first MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper wing in the Air Force. With an increase in

May 8 airpower: F-15Es provide overwatch power

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb

Pilots, attack controllers sharpen war skills in Nevada

Pilots and joint terminal attack controllers, or JTACs, here practiced skills needed in both Iraq and Afghanistan during training over two southern Nevada towns April 23 and 24. The two towns were Caliente and Panaca, with a combined population of about 1,500 residents, and the training was urban

JTACs call in 'guardian angels'

A joint terminal attack controller is completely immersed downrange on the battlefield. His heart is pounding and his forehead drips with sweat as he directs a combat aircraft to provide close-air support for U.S. ground forces there. The JTAC's eyes light up as he sees the aircraft deliver a

RED HORSE helps build combat brigade base in 45 days

Two months ago, Forward Operating Base Shawshook, near Besmaya Range, was nothing more than dirt and tumbleweeds. Now, at the newly developed Forward Operating Base Hammer there's a full-up U.S. Army combat brigade, the 3rd of the 3rd Infantry Division, housed and fed -- ready to conduct missions in

2006 Public Affairs Achievement Awards announced

On behalf of Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Brig. Gen. Michelle Johnson, director of Public Affairs, announced the 2006 Public Affairs Achievement Awards."My heartiest congratulations to all of this year's nominees and recipients,"

May 7 airpower: Tankers key to show-of-force operations

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided overwatch for a

Interagency exercise kicks off

The annual exercise Alaska Shield/Northern Edge 2007 got under way May 7 and runs through May 18. It is part of the U.S. Northern Command-sponsored, national-level Ardent Sentry/Northern Edge 2007 exercise. Ardent Sentry is designed to hone coordination between the Department of Defense as well as

Society honors Airmen who escaped, evaded capture

The commander of Air Mobility Command honored the Air Forces Escape and Evasion Society with a ceremony here May 4 as part of the group's 2007 reunion. Gen. Duncan J. McNabb paid tribute to AFEES, a non-profit organization of Airmen who were forced down behind enemy lines and avoided captivity, or

Shaw to begin one-year hybrid refueler test

Fuels Airmen here are putting the Air Force's only R-11 Hybrid Electric Aviation Refueler through its paces during a one-year test that began here this month. The test will determine how much the 72,000-pound hybrid reduces emissions and conserves diesel fuel, potentially saving the Air Force money,

First Term Airmen's Center helps with transition into Air Force

Training and professional development is a high priority, beginning for young Airmen at Basic Military Training, tech school and continues at the first duty station training at the First Term Airmen's Center. FTAC is a two-week program that plays an important role in transitioning Airmen from a

Air Force officials evaluating KC-X proposals

The Air Force source selection evaluation team is poring over industry proposals for the KC-X program, the replacement for the Air Force's aging KC-135 Stratotanker strategic refueling aircraft.The evaluation team, made up of a broad spectrum of acquisition and operational professionals, is

Yokota becomes Pacific training hub for firefighters

Firefighters from the 374th Airlift Wing here will soon be able to receive job specific training without even leaving the base. A representative from Texas Engineering Extension Institute visited Yokota Air Base firefighters to explain how a new program will allow Airmen to participate in and

Airmen's weather watch data enhances military missions

Sandstorms, which often appear as solid walls of dust as much as 15,000 feet high, can obscure the sun and reduce visibility to zero. A group of weather watching Airmen monitor Southwest Asia's approximately 55-million square-mile area of responsibility, forecasting these storms before they hit;

British fusiliers get 'royal treatment'

A group of redeploying British infantrymen passed through here May 1 and introduced themselves to Airmen of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing who helped them out during some tough days of contact with Taliban forces near Sangin, Afghanistan. Soldiers from C Company Group, 2nd Battalion, Royal

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Combat Skills Training prepares Airmen to operate on the streets of Afghanistan and Iraq, and how the Air Force's highly trained Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape, or SERE, instructors provide Airmen the skills to survive alone in a

May 6 airpower: B-1B Lancers keep insurgents at bay

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb

Weapons loading competition hones Airmen's skills

Munitions loaders around the Air Force test their warfighting capabilities and promote camaraderie through load crew competitions.Recently, two teams from the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons here used teamwork and the communication skills involved with a weapons load to prove their

Airman's Creed, military health care on CSAF's Scope

The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen. Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues are the new Airman's Creed and military health care. General Moseley introduced the new creed to replace all the various specialized

Air Force medics provide medical relief in Guatemala

Thirteen Airmen from various Air Force Space Command bases returned April 30 from 10 days in Guatemala where they provided much needed medical care to the people there -- services that would have been otherwise nonexistent. From their home base in Salama, the team of Airmen, which included

Dover stands up new C-17 maintenance squadron

The 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was stood up in an assumption-of-command ceremony here April 30. The 736th AMXS will be responsible for maintaining the C-17 Globemaster IIIs, scheduled to start arriving this summer. "This is all very, very exciting, yet humbling," said Lt. Col. Raymond

Romanian pilot returns favor, bridges gap in joint exercise

All his life he dreamed of being a pilot. Growing up near an air base, he always hoped he too would be able to take to the sky like so many pilots he saw day after day. That dream became a reality in 2001 when 1st Lt. Mihaita Marin began to fly. He started his journey toward flight in 1999 when he

May 5 airpower summary: A-10s provide support for ground forces

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided overwatch

PACAF emphasizes anthrax vaccination before deployments

Headquarters Air Force officials recently sent additional implementation guidance to major commands that emphasizes pre-deployment notification. The Air Force guidance states that all categories of personnel on orders may begin immunizations up to 60 days before deployment or arrival at the

May 4 airpower summary: C-17s bring support to ground forces

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials. In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force,

Inventory management gears up for process improvements

Maximizing weapons system availability and performance means smart management of safety levels and inventories. To do this, Air Force officials strive to optimize inventory levels and cost without sacrificing support to the warfighting commanders. "Based upon the fact that we are maintaining systems

Mountain Home awarded $1 million for Air Force excellence

Air Force leaders honored Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, with the Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence at a ceremony May 3 in the Pentagon. The annual award recognizes the Air Force base that stands out among all others in a variety of categories. Mountain Home AFB,

May 3 airpower summary: F-16s support ground forces

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb

Terrorism officials stress Airmen remain aware

After the attacks on September 11th, many people have become much more concerned with force protection methods, especially anti-terrorism measures. Despite the fact five years have passed, local security forces still receive numerous calls about anything that is seemingly awry. Although their

Enlisted Airmen can apply for new nurse commissioning

The Air Force is now accepting applications from qualified enlisted members for a new enlisted commissioning program. The Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program, or NECP, will give enlisted members the opportunity to complete a full-time bachelor of science degree in nursing at an accredited

Air Force security forces director visits Minot

The director of Air Force security forces visited here from April 30 to May 3 to observe firsthand the base's security mission. Brig. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog discussed deployment tempos, training and the future of the career field while here. "My number-one priority is to provide our security forces

Yokota shouldering runway taxi project

A $300,000 project is underway here to make long-term fixes to the pavement on the flightline's northwest shoulder and taxiway. The construction started April 16 and its estimated completion date is June 15. In addition to preventing foreign-object damage, or FOD, these repairs save money, according

Officials react to CSAR-X report

The Government Accountability Office released its redacted report May 3 regarding the Air Force's Request for Reconsideration on the Combat Search and Rescue Replacement vehicle, the CSAR-X. The report states that GAO officials had "reviewed all of the additional arguments raised by Sikorsky and

'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. Among this week's photos are: In Alaska, seven F-16 Fighting Falcons fly in formation over the Pacific Alaska Range Complex. The F-16s are from the 18th Fighter

Charleston loadmasters train Davis-Monthan Airmen

In an effort to further develop Air Force capabilities, Charleston Air Force Base loadmasters traveled to Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., in late April to train augmentees on how to assist loadmasters when loading C-17 Globemaster IIIs. With C-17s flying around the world delivering cargo to warfighters,

Deployed Airmen continue filling Army's 'in-lieu-of' taskings'

Deployments are a part of life for all people serving in the United States military. Each service deploys a certain number of troops to different parts of the world with rotations to evenly divide the workload. In the past few years Airmen have undergone changes in their wartime mission, from

Aviano Airman LEADs the way to bright future

When a retired Army master sergeant challenged a young man to out do him, the Airman pushed himself to live up to the challenge. Airman 1st Class Chase's drive to do more has led him to face an upcoming 10 months of arduous work. Airman Ray was notified April 26 that he was accepted in to the Air

Air Force in Afghanistan aims high on low terrain

About 240 Airmen are working throughout Afghanistan to help build vital infrastructure as members of provincial reconstruction teams. Air Force members began leading six of the 24 PRTs in April 2006 as Airmen work to improve Afghanistan's security through reconstruction and economic development. The

Air Force aerial firefighters train in New Mexico

C-130 Hercules aircraft dotted the sky over central New Mexico April 30 through May 2 as 300 Airmen prepared to help fight wild land fires that may break out this year. Cibola National Forest officials and Airmen from Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing based at Peterson Air Force Base,

Services Airmen dish up real meals ready to eat

Some Airmen might not think a fresh, hot meal is a big deal, but for Airmen at a bare base a meal not named "MRE" can bring a few happy and hungry faces to the dinner table. When servicemembers arrive at a bare-base location, the first food eaten is usually meals ready to eat, or MREs. That's when

Tops in Blue boosts servicemembers' morale through song

"Tops in Blue," known as the Air Forces' Expeditionary Entertainers, performed here May 2 to a standing-room only crowd. The show, themed "The Fly By," featured hit songs by Tom Jones, The Supremes, The Beach Boys, Chubby Checker and the Charlie Daniels Band. The show was presented as a tribute to

Airmen provide humanitarian aid for African Lion

More than 3,700 Moroccans were treated by 37 American military members as part of an April 15 to 30 humanitarian assistance visit to Morocco called African Lion 2007.Airmen of the 944th Medical Squadron from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., and other active duty and Reserve members of sister services

May 2 airpower summary: B-1B provides close-air support

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, in Afghanistan in the following operations May 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a GBU-31

Reservists take medical care to Guatemalans

Journeying as much as 10,000 feet above sea level, a group of 31 Air Force Reserve Command medics treated more than 8,000 patients as part of New Horizons 07 April 14 to 28 in the mountainous region of San Marcos, Guatemala. New Horizons is a joint chiefs of staff-approved, U.S. Southern

Manas outreach program saves lives, one heart at a time

Since its inception in 2003, the Manas Air Base Outreach Society through the Children's Heart Fund has saved 76 children born with holes in their hearts. Sixteen children alone have been saved since January. "It's a great help," said Gula Tolkonbek, mother of 10-year-old heart surgery patient Nazik

Ceremony recognizes military working dog's service

Retirement ceremonies celebrate the careers, sacrifices and vital contributions of military members in service to their country, and on April 28 Incirlik Air Base Airmen honored one such member who has been on the frontlines of the base's force protection efforts for the past nine years. Brosky, an

Active, Reserve Airmen join forces to fight fires

A total force team of firefighters from Yokota Air Base and the 440th Airlift Wing, Wisconsin's only Air Force Reserve unit, combined skills to extinguish flames during a live-fire exercise here the last week of April. The joint training offered an experience Yokota AB firefighters and the

Champion for U.S.-Japan relations dies at age 66

A longtime friend and supporter of American servicemembers, their families and the Air Force mission in Northern Japan passed away May 1 from pneumonia at the age of 66. Mayor Shigeyoshi Suzuki served as mayor of Misawa City, representing a city of 40,000, for more than two decades and was in his

Space ops critical to air, ground, naval forces

With the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility spanning 6.5 million square miles and 27 countries, the high ground of space continues to be critical to coalition air, ground and naval forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The Space Coordinating Authority, Combined Forces Air Component Commander

Air Force stands up first unmanned aircraft systems wing

The Air Force's first unmanned aircraft systems wing stood up May 1 at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. As Col. Christopher Chambliss assumed command of the 432nd, a piece of history was revived and a course for the way ahead continued. "This is a monumental day for the Air Force," said Colonel

Deployed Airman helps others face the music

Like a typical family, most Air Force members celebrate birthdays, promotions and other occasions with cake. But, when Lt. Col. Brian Reno gets involved with a celebration, he adds to the fun by belting out a fitting tune on his trumpet. "It's always fun to play, and it is very rewarding when others

Communications Airmen make the connection

A small contingent of four communications Airmen traveled to Al Asad Air Base to provide communication connectivity while base facilities were being built around them. "The day we got here, there were no radios, only a couple computers and no telephones installed anywhere," said Staff Sgt. Sean

Airman chosen as Child Advocate of Year

An Air Force master sergeant was honored as the Child Advocate of the Year at a reception held by the Child Advocates of San Antonio organization April 25. Master Sgt. Tabitha Hendrix, the NCO in charge of the Periodontics Flight at MacKown Dental Clinic on Lackland Air Force Base, received the

Vietnam veteran tells today's Airmen 'stay focused'

The knowledge and experience that Air Force retirees share with current Airmen can help develop careers. Retired Col. James Gilliland holds his audience in rapt attention while he tells stories of his progression as an RF-4C pilot and shares his experiences flying during the Vietnam War. With 30

May 1 airpower summary: Airmen support air operations

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

Fairchild Airmen reunite with family after deployment

Applause, cheers, hugs and tears of joy awaited 44 returning warriors as they walked off of a KC-135 Stratotanker to be greeted by a crowd of more than 100 military family members, fellow Airmen and local media crews here April 30. After the welcome on the ramp next to the plane, the families and

Airman's Roll Call focuses on managing stress

This week's Airman's Roll Call deals with finding balance and managing stress. A survey taken by the Department of Defense in 2005 showed the Air Force compares very favorably to the rest of DOD in terms of experiencing stress.In order to maintain that level, Air Force officials must continue to

PACAF to test humanitarian relief response package

Air Force officials recently developed an innovative, stand-alone humanitarian medical package to support contingency disaster-response efforts. Now, more than ever before, Airmen have the tools and techniques to put the right stuff in the right place at the right time with the Humanitarian Relief

Airman uses Air Force knowledge to save life

While shopping at a grocery store outside of Ellsworth Air Force Base the evening of April 23, an Airman watched a man walking in front of him let out a gasp for air and fall to the floor. "My instincts kicked in," said Senior Airman David Perry, an Air Force Financial Services Center

New concept gets latest technologies to warfighters quickly

The F-22 Raptor and Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle had barely finished their maiden flights and begun serving in the war on terrorism when engineers, developers and testers here were already at work to improve on the capabilities of those aircraft.That concept, referred to as "incremental

April 30 airpower summary: C-130s sustain war effort

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, in Afghanistan in the following operations April 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator fired a

Tops In Blue put on a show for Airmen, Soldiers at Balad

Sequins, tassels, gleaming brass and perfectly choreographed dance moves were on display as the 2007 Tops In Blue team unleashed the talent of the Air Force for Airmen and Soldiers April 28 at the Sustainer Theater here. Thirty-eight active-duty Airmen make up the singers, dancers, instrumentalists,

Business leaders learn about expeditionary missions

Participants of the Defense Department's Joint Civilian Orientation Conference April 28 met some of the men and women of U.S. Central Command Air Forces who are deployed to this region. Brig. Gen. Charles Shugg told the group of 45 business and civic leaders, who were on a whirlwind tour of the

Air Force chaplains join together for memorial service

Air Force chaplains and chaplain's assistants from around the globe joined together beneath the spires of the Air Force Memorial here for a memorial and wreath-laying ceremony April 25. The group of about 300 Airmen and civilians were in the national capital region to attend the Air Force Chaplains

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" showcases the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper and how the Air Force is currently working to become the executive agent for unmanned aerial vehicles. Also featured is the never-ending mission of moving cargo and people.  Finally, see how Airmen at bases around

Aerial porters save lives by moving air cargo in Iraq

Moving supplies, equipment and people from place to place in a convoy anywhere in Iraq is very risky business. Many hidden dangers such as improvised explosive devices, anti-Iraqi forces, and other such dangers can be on any road. Many lives that might have been lost in convoy attacks have been

Airmen continue humanitarian efforts in Djibouti

Nearly 200 hundred Airmen deployed to Africa provide airlift support for humanitarian aid to the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa mission. Providing peace and stability to the region is the main objective for the CJTF-HOA mission and the services try to accomplish this by winning the hearts

Combat skills course offers Airmen lifesaving training

In preparation for the Air Force's next Air and Space Expeditionary Force rotation, 94 people attended the Pacific Air Forces-sponsored combat skills course April 23 to 25 here. Several combat skills training course instructors came to Misawa to provide information that is not only designed to

Air Force air evac crews adapt, train onboard mix of planes

Taking care of patients on an aircraft is not an easy task. What if there are patient emergencies or problems with the aircraft itself? What if it's a plane the aeromedical crew is not familiar with? These questions, and more, were answered during an Air Force Reserve Aeromedical Evacuation Jamboree

Backscatter technology leaves bad guys no place to hide

Members of the 820th Security Forces Group here are set to employ a new high-technology search system in the war on terrorism that will help increase base security that also can deter acts of aggression against coalition forces. Known as the Z backscatter van, the $1.2 million, 13,000-pound,

Weather squadron covers 42 countries

With 110 million square miles in its operational region, the 152 Airmen in the 17th Operational Weather Squadron here are responsible for the largest area of responsibility of all the operational weather squadrons in the Air Force. And with 42 countries in the area of responsibility, squadron

April 29 airpower summary: Maintainers keep planes flying

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations April 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb

Editorial: The way of the Airman warrior

Throughout history, warriors have served and died for king and country; and they did so following a code. For the samurai, it was bushido; for knights, chivalry; the musketeers, "all for one and one for all." The greatest warriors throughout history understood the concept of serving something bigger

Yokota's Hazmat team gears up for training

A hazardous material response exercise here April 30 provided refresher training for some firefighters, while providing the setting for several others to earn a national certification. The exercise scenario involved a simulated rail car with a leak in the valve head on top of it. The exercise was a

American, French forces join in jump training

Joint and coalition servicemembers recently joined forces for parachute jump training. Airmen and Soldiers and French airborne soldiers jumped out of a C-130 Hercules. "Every airborne soldier knows that training with other nations forces gives them a chance to learn from each other and that they

Air University hosts counterinsurgency symposium

Air University officials hosted the 2007 Air Force Symposium on Counterinsurgency April 24 through 26 here and speakers spoke on counterinsurgency in the present day warfare environment and the Air Force's role in counterinsurgency operations. Air University Commander Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz said

General discusses ISR at congressional breakfast

At a breakfast on Capitol Hill April 27, the Air Force deputy chief of staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance addressed members of Congress, their staffers, and other civilian and Air Force leaders about the future of the ISR mission. The conference, second in a series of Air Force

C-17 unit brings 'bombs, beans, bullets' to the fight

 "Bringing the bombs, beans and bullets to the warfighter" is how Capt. Aaron Oelrich described the mission of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron while on his way to fly an airlift mission into Iraq. And "bring it" they do, to the tune of about one million pounds of cargo daily. The 816th EAS,

April 28 airpower summary: A-10s support coalition forces

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

ACC approves Raptor demonstration

Maj. Paul "Max" Moga and the world's only fifth-generation fighter aircraft may be appearing at an airshow near you this season. Following a 12-minute performance April 27, Air Combat Command officials gave Major Moga and his F-22A Raptor demonstration the official seal of approval. The evaluation

April 27 airpower summary: C-130s support Iraqi operations

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations April 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb

POL Airmen surpass one billion gallons

Senior Airman David Beatty stood patiently on the artificially lighted parking ramp, waiting for more than 22,000 gallons of jet fuel to transfer from the hydrant outlet, through the steel pantograph piping and into the nearby KC-135 Stratotanker. Unbeknownst to the Airman from the 379th

Raptor leads Thunderbirds over Langley

New Horizons closes out with ceremony

New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007, a $7.5 million humanitarian and training exercise, officially ended April 27 with a closing ceremony, but the strengthened friendship between the United States and Nicaragua has not. "We will cherish the friendships we've made here in Nicaragua," Lt. Col. Aaron Young,

Edwards readies for Joint Strike Fighter testing

All systems are moving toward "go" here as officials prepare for upcoming tests on the next-generation strike fighter, the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. A new mission control room opened its doors earlier this month, equipped so the Integrated Test Force will be able to monitor real-time

New JKO Portal to offer joint online training

A new system unveiled April 27 is designed to better prepare servicemembers to operate with other services, government agencies, foreign militaries and non-governmental organizations while reducing the time they spend away from home or their units for military classes. David S.C. Chu, undersecretary

Training ensures Airmen confident with weapons

Breathe in, take aim, breathe out, hold and fire. It's some of the best advice when it comes to firing a weapon accurately. And it's something that Staff Sgt. Anthony Jones refers to often. As a combat arms instructor, Sergeant Jones is responsible for making sure every Airmen he instructs is

A-10 provides top cover for troops in Iraq

The catalysts behind one of the most kinetically advanced air forces in the world can be found at the 438th Air Expeditionary Group's maintenance and fighter squadrons. The Airmen assigned to these units employ their kinetic energy by flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II, an aircraft that provides

Airmen, Junior ROTC cadets 'victims' in casualty exercise

Airmen from the First Term Airmen Center here and cadets from the base's high school's Junior ROTC program volunteered to be victims in a mass casualty exercise for the base's emergency responders. To make the scenario more realistic, "wounds" were applied to the volunteers. Junior ROTC cadet

Combat skills training preps Airmen for war

Grunts, shouts and gunshots echoed through the fields here recently as nearly 90 Airmen pushed their bodies to the limit during expeditionary combat skills training. The Airmen dragged their bodies through the grass and mud in a low crawl, propelled themselves forward on their elbows in the high

April 26 airpower summary: Transports keep cargo flowing

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations April 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B1-B Lancer dropped a guided bomb

Thunder and lightning

Show of force

Modern missions rely on languages, cultural awareness

The Defense Department needs more servicemembers who understand other languages and cultures to meet current and envisioned 21st-century challenges, a senior official said at a Capitol Hill hearing. "Foreign language and regional expertise, which includes cultural awareness, are emerging as key