Airmen, Soldiers mentor Afghan medical instructors

A team of five highly-skilled Air Force and Army medics mentor Afghan National Army instructors at the Combat Medic School in Kabul. Their mission is to guide the ANA instructors into leading the Combat Medic Course, which was recently extended to eight weeks. As instructors, they serve as mentors

CMSAF introduces, defines warrior ethos

The top enlisted Airman visited Lajes Field in early April on his tour of U.S. Air Forces in Europe bases and spoke to Airmen about several upcoming service-wide changes, specifically a creed that defines a new way of life for Airmen today. "The Air Force has never had an official creed that tells

Airmen keep a step ahead of enemy

They don't talk much about what they do, at least to those outside the small, secure compound in Ops Town. But, they do listen to what others have to say -- mostly enemy ground forces. The 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron maintains a constant presence in the Central Command area of

Airmen provide force protection 'inside the wire'

An Airman performing a vehicle search might be a C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster. The Airman providing escort for local nationals could be a medical technician. But, regardless of their primary Air Force Specialty Code, or AFSC, Airmen such as these provide force protection while assigned to the

Senator visits Iraq, spends week on active duty

A South Carolina senator toured Iraq for two days, and then put on an Air Force desert camouflage uniform for a week and worked as a judge advocate for the Multinational Forces, Iraq. Sen. Lindsey Graham, also a Reserve colonel, visited the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing April 9 after getting a

Young Airman prepares for his first deployment

Eighteen years old and fresh out of high school, he may not have many years under his flak vest but he made a choice few make ... to serve and defend his country. Airman Samuel Martinek, part of the 35th Security Forces Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan, is preparing for his upcoming deployment.

Tweet closes 42-year Randolph career

After 42 years of serving as the primary pilot instructor training aircraft at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, the T-37 Tweet turned its reigns over to the T-6 Texan II in a special ceremony April 6 at 3:59 p.m. on the west ramp behind Hangar 64. During its time at Randolph flying with the 559th

Airmen visit Nicaraguan orphanages, deliver donations

Thirty-six Camp RED HORSE members collected more than $500, more than 80 books and more than 100 toys and donated it all to two orphanages here April 7. Delivering the donations and spending time with the orphans was one of the volunteer projects of New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007, a humanitarian

Charter members reflect on Air Guard's first 60 years

Their membership gets older and smaller every day. Nearly 60 years have passed since they formed, but time has not removed distant memories of 1946 and 1947 after these veterans helped claim victory in World War II and flew as Air National Guardsmen. You may have met them on your drill weekends

Iraq PRTs to double in number by year's end

Plans are under way to double the number of provincial reconstruction teams now operating in Iraq by the end of the year, a senior U.S. official said April 9. "We will both double the number of PRTs and we will double the number of individuals who are working in the PRTs," said Rick Olson, chief of

Air Force loadmaster maxes 10,000-hour mark

An 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster now wears a badge of distinction that very few loadmasters receive -- an Air Mobility Command custom patch displaying the number 10,000. After 25 years of service, Master Sgt. Joseph Maxey surpassed 10,000 flying hours April 3 during an airlift

April 9 airpower: Predator strikes insurgents

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the following airpower summary April 9: In Afghanistan April 8, an Air Force MQ-1Predator fired a Hellfire missile at a vehicle with insurgents gathered around it. The airstrike was reported as a direct hit and multiple secondary explosions were

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

In this week's edition of "Today's Air Force," officials reach out to strengthen relationships overseas, new technologies help in accomplishing the Air Force mission, the role women play in a predominately male environment, and the first segment of a three-part series on what it takes to become a

Legal Airmen train to support rule of law missions

An unprecedented number of Airmen deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan from the Air Force judge advocate corps are taking on roles to support rule of law missions in those theaters of operation. Because of that effort, the JAG corps developed a new course focusing on Task Force 134 -- the task force

Services Airmen keep morale high in Iraq

Between aircraft sorties, mortar attacks and grueling long days for the residents of Balad AB and Logistical Support Area Anaconda, 20 Airmen of the Expeditionary Services Squadron are doing their part to keep them fit, entertained and ready for the fight. "We're here for everyone else's happiness

March 31 - 6 April: The week in airpower

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released this weekly airpower summary April 8. In Afghanistan this week ,245 close-air-support missions were flown in support of  International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Air Force and Royal Air

April 7 airpower summary: C-17s sustain operations

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the following airpower summary: In Afghanistan April 6, U.S. Air Force F-15 Strike Eagles provided a show of force to deter insurgent activity near Asadabad. A Joint Terminal Attack Controller reported that insurgents were planning to surround

Joint STARS exceeds 23,000 flight hours

The 128th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron, one of three operational Joint Surveillance Target Attacks Radar System squadrons, recently reached a milestone of 23,000 flight-hours by flying missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Beginning on Jan. 16, 2003, the JSTARS

Officials complete second phase of rescue officer selection

Combat rescue officer career field officials held phase two of their selection process March 26 to 30 at Fairchild. The purpose of phase two is to narrow the field of trainees invited into the CRO career field training pipeline. Phase two is a rigorous week of intense physical, mental and

Guam B-52s evacuate to Fairchild in wake of typhoon

Aircrews and six B-52 Stratofortress bombers from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, arrived here April 1 seeking refuge from Typhoon Kong-Rey, which ripped through the Western Pacific April 2. The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that was stationed at Fairchild for nearly four decades. The aircraft

New combat squadron stands up at Little Rock

The 41st Airlift Squadron became the newest unit of the 463rd Airlift Group at Little Rock Air Force Base in a ceremony April 6 as well as being named the first active-duty combat C-130J Hercules squadron in the Air Force. The 41st AS moved here from Pope AFB, N.C., due to the Base Realignment and

April 6 airpower summary: B-1Bs aid ground forces

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the following airpower summary: In Afghanistan April 5, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided two shows of force, releasing multiple flares, for coalition ground forces receiving small-arms fire near Oruzgan. A on-scene joint terminal attack

Air Force goes digital with disciplinary training

When a person signs up for the military, he also signs up for a new system of justice.Although there are many similarities between the civilian and military justice systems, Congress wants to make sure you understand the differences and that's what the Air Force's new military justice training video

Incirlik Airmen practice emergency response

A simulated 6.2 earthquake shook Incirlik Air Base April 2 causing casualties and destruction, and base Airmen rushed into action.  This exercise simulated a serious threat in this earthquake-active area and tested the readiness of base Airmen. A key element of the earthquake was the mass casualty

Week in Photos highlights Airmen in action

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 the Horn of Africa, an HC-130P aircraft takes off from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, headed down range in support of a Combined Joint Task

CMSAF kicks off USAFE tour with visit to Lajes Field

The top enlisted Airman began his tour of U.S. Air Forces in Europe installations during a visit here April 4 and 5. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley said he and his wife, Paula, enjoyed spending time with Airmen assigned to this island, which is located about 900 miles off the

Weapons Airmen help pilots' firing accuracy

Putting steel on target is the aim of warfighters, and making sure F-16 Fighting Falcon guns hit the bull's-eye every time is the mission of weapon loaders at Misawa Air Base.In a process called boresighting, weapons Airmen ensure the path of bullets shot from the aircraft's 20mm cannon is aligned

Air Force begins environmental cleanup of Guam dumpsite

The Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence at Brooks City-Base, Texas, is managing the project to clean up a 62-year-old dumpsite near Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. AFCEE contractor Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure, Inc., has begun the two-year-long job of removing waste from the Urunao

Competitors set for AMC Rodeo 2007

More than 55 U.S. and international teams are slated to participate in Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 to be held July 22 through 28 at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. The competition focuses on readiness, and features airdrop, air refueling, and other events showcasing security forces, aerial port,

Senior leaders testify about Air Force space program

Three senior leaders provided testimony on national security space activities before the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee March 23. The Honorable Dr. Ronald M. Sega, under secretary of the Air Force, Dr. Donald Kerr, director of the National Reconnaissance Office, and Gen. Kevin P.

April 5 airpower summary: Transports move large equipment to coalition forces

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the following airpower summary: In Afghanistan April 4, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on insurgents firing mortars at coalition forces from a compound near Sangin. The mortar fire stopped after a joint terminal attack

Aviano community support deployed Airmen's families

The Aviano Air Base community provides meals to deployed members' families to ease the hardship of having their loved ones deployed and puts them in touch with others on base. The staff at the base's Airmen and Family Readiness center holds the Deployed Spouses' Meal every other month to say thanks

Civilian records can now reflect AF unit awards

The Defense Civilian Personnel Data System can now reflect Air Force unit awards, according to Air Force Manpower and Personnel. Prior to March 30, civilian employees who received unit awards such as the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award and Air Force Chief

Airmen help Djiboutians learn English

Airmen are building good working relationships with Djiboutians by teaching English to them six nights per week in downtown Djibouti City. "The English discussion group is basically a way for us to interact with the Africans and be able to establish a community relations program," said Senior Master

Mother and daughter's worlds meet at 30,000 feet

Air Force reservist Master Sgt. Vivian Caraviello had an opportunity that few Air Force parents get during an aeromedical evacuation mission from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to Andrews Air Force Base, Md.The 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron medical technician was able to fly the mission along

AFA Team of the Year features medical Airmen

They saved lives performing miracles in the sky, on the ground and outside "the wire" during missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Senior Airman Robert Zuniga from the 82nd Medical Operations Squadron at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, helped save the lives of 120 people injured in car bombs and mortar

Airpower role essential in Africa

With a mission covering roughly two-thirds the span of the United States, airpower is a critical part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, according to the Air Force's top officer in U.S. Central Command. During his recent visit to Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Lt. Gen. Gary North, commander

Manta Airmen donate much needed supplies to burn center

Volunteers from the 478th Expeditionary Operations Squadron here recently donated a truckful of items to a local burn center. The items were collected by members of the Air National Guard's 186th Air Refueling Wing based in Meridian, Miss., who are assigned to the 478th EOS during their two-month

McGuire commander is 'hands-on' saving energy

In January, the Department of Energy chose McGuire as one of the lead bases in the Air Force to be given an Energy Efficiency Expert Evaluation Audit; commonly referred to as the "E4" Audit. On the final day of the E4 visit, Michael Aimone, the Air Force assistant deputy chief of staff for

Coast Guardsmen thank Air Force ECMO team

The men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard are in the business of saving other people's lives. It is not very often that someone has to save the life of one of their own. But, on July 22, 2006, Airmen from Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, came to the rescue of one Coast

Maintainers keep C-130s flying in Djibouti

Maintainers deployed to the 71st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti work long hours in the hot sun to make sure that HC-130P's are ready to go in a moment's notice for the search and rescue mission in the Horn of Africa. "We provide the maintenance to keep the C-130's in the

April 4 airpower: Fighters watch over coalition troops

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for April 4. In Afghanistan April 3, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force for a coalition convoy stuck in the mud near Sangin. The B-1B also provided shows of force for coalition forces in contact with

CSAF's Scope vectors on fifth-generation fighters

The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen, and the latest topic to come into view on the scope is fifth-generation fighters. Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues is the importance of maintaining air superiority

Airman's Roll Call focuses on mission areas

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the Air Force's mission areas: global vigilance, global reach and global dominance. All Airmen operate in at least one of those important areas every day, whether at home or fighting on the front lines of the war on terrorism. To learn more about these

McChord Airmen embrace AFSO 21

In an effort to increase the tempo of generating aircraft that are prepped and ready for flight, Airmen in the 62nd Maintenance Group have teamed with Airmen in several other squadrons here to embrace Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century practices and smooth out flightline processes. The

Band makes impact on deployed members

Approximately 200 U.S. servicemembers and coalition forces March 30 here were treated to the sounds of Max Impact -- an ensemble of the U.S. Air Force Band from Bolling Air Force Base from Washington, D.C. The traveling music group has been making its rounds in the deployed area of responsibility

'Team Lean' Challenge promotes weight loss, camaraderie

Hoping to promote wellness and weight loss through camaraderie and enjoyable activities, Air Force Materiel Command officials are introducing a command-wide competition that relies on concerted efforts of people together supporting and motivating one another. Team Lean Challenge, or TLC, kicks off

Davis-Monthan pararescue Airmen help save teen

Pararescue Airmen assigned to the 563rd Rescue Group here saved a local teenager after a hiking accident March 30 in an Arizona canyon. A loosened boulder struck two of four Sabino High School students who were hiking together March 28 in Soldier Canyon. One teen went for help while another teen

Air Force celebrates Month of the Military Child

They never raised their right hands and pledged to defend their nation, but they still make sacrifices for their country. The contributions of military children will be celebrated across the Defense Department as April is designated as Month of the Military Child, and the spirit of the event will be

April 3 airpower: recon aircraft provide vital intel

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for April 3. In Afghanistan, 35 close-air-support missions were flown in support of International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Eight Air Force and Royal Air Force

Chief prepares for attaché assignment

At first, she didn't know all that much about the region, let alone what it would be like to be stationed in Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic. But for the past six months, Chief Master Sgt. Karen Doig has been training to do exactly that. Currently assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency,

Officials discuss air space standards in Alaska

As the Air Force increases its training in Alaska with exercises like Red Flag, which begins April 5, challenges in sharing air space with the civilian sector are at the forefront of community discussions. Col. Jack Gregory, the 11th Air Force vice commander, met with military leaders and members of

Air Force engineer earns DOD award for cost-saving adaptor

A civilian engineer from the 402nd Electronics Maintenance Group here has won the 2006 Department of Defense Value Engineering Achievement Award. Marty Sheppard, the manufacturing engineer for the 402nd EMXG was chosen for the award by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and

Airmen in Norway contribute to NATO mission

In the southwest corner of Norway, there's a small community of Airmen stationed at Stavanger Air Base who support U.S. military members working for NATO. The 426th Air Base Squadron helps U.S. forces who work in the Joint Warfare Center, which trains NATO leaders and conducts exercises to enhance

Red Flag-Alaska begins 2007 season

More than 1,300 military members from the United States, France and Australia are gathering in the Last Frontier to participate in Red Flag-Alaska 07-1 scheduled from April 5 to 21. Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises for U.S. forces, provides

Airmen fuel the fight from Turkish locations

Airmen deployed here travel throughout Turkey to fuel distribution points. From these points, JP-8, diesel, motor gasoline, aviation gasoline and other fuels begin their journey to the neighboring nation of Iraq. The Airmen ensure the fuel it is top quality and ready to travel down range. For Tech.

F-16 accident report released

Air Force officials recently completed an investigation of the F-16C Fighting Falcon accident 20 miles northwest of Baghdad Nov. 27, which resulted in the death of the pilot, Maj. Troy Gilbert. The official cause of the accident was Major Gilbert's "channelized attention manifested by his desire to

April 2 airpower: C-17s provide global airlift support

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for April 2. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer responded to a coalition convoy stuck in the river that was taking small-arms fire near Qalet. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller passed coordinates for

Troops embark on 'Why We Serve' public outreach mission

Eight servicemembers with duty experience in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa, who have been selected to tell the military's story to the American public, met with Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England here March 30. It's important and it's vital, particularly now," Secretary England told

Bilateral training strengthens U.S., Japanese alliance

Japan Air Self-Defense Force members frequently deploy to U.S. Air Force bases, and when they do, they need to know how to properly maintain equipment, even if it's not something they typically work on.That is why aerospace and ground equipment shop members recently took the time to get their

KC-135 key player in fighting war on terrorism

More than 50 years after entering the Air Force inventory, the KC-135 Stratotanker continues to serve by supporting the service's newest fighter jet, the F-22 Raptor, during its first overseas deployment. "I think it's remarkable that we have a 50-year old tanker refueling a two-year old F-22," said

Officers go to bomb-building how-to course

Munitions specialists for the 48th Fighter Wing put senior leaders through eight hours of training in a munitions accountability course. The one-day course is designed after an Air Force senior NCO munitions course at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., that takes senior NCOs through the steps of an

French help fuel Operation Enduring Freedom

In pursuing the war on terrorism, the United States fights side-by-side with its coalition partners. One of the fundamental missions here at the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing is the aerial refueling mission accomplished by the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in support of Operation Enduring

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's "Today's Air Force" focuses on Airmen in Afghanistan fighting alongside Soldiers, Sailors and Marines combining unique capabilities to the joint fight; how Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century seeks to decrease waste in daily operations; and the passing of one of the famed

Airmen tackle increased operations tempo

Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing continue to maintain increased operations, both in the air and on the ground, in support of ground forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. This week, bombers assigned to the 379th AEW saw an increase in combat sorties on the Combined Forces Air Component

Mountain Home earns DOD award

Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, was among the winners of the 2007 Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence announced by Secretary of Defense Gates March 30.Other winners included the U.S. Army Garrison, Camp Zama, Japan; Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine

March 24 - 30: The week in airpower

In Afghanistan this week, 267 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Fifty-one  Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions

Nondestructive testing keeps Bagram aircraft flying

They endure wide swings in temperature and dusty conditions, and they are constantly pushed to their limits. They are the F-15E Strike Eagles stationed here. But they are machines--expensive machines that require teams of experts to keep them in top running condition. One of those teams is the

Cadets help build dream over spring break

Spring break can be a time to travel, relax and catch up on sleep, but not for students at the U.S. Air Force Academy.  A group of cadets are building a home this week as part of Habitat for Humanity's Collegiate Challenge program. The Collegiate Challenge is a year-round program that allows

Air Command and Staff College offers online master's degree

Air University's Air Command and Staff College begins offering an online master's degree program in June. For the first time ever, eligible officers will be able to enroll in an educational program that simultaneously fulfills Joint Professional Military Education and Air Force Intermediate

Iraqi aircrew provides humanitarian relief after bombing

The Iraqi Air Force delivered humanitarian aid to Tal Afar, a community north of Mosul struck March 27 by an insurgent vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack that killed 80 Iraqis, wounded 140 more, and destroyed more than 20 homes. "Al-Qaeda in Iraq elements once again displayed their

March 31 airpower: Recon aircraft key to mission success

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 31. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped Guided Bomb Unit-31s on an insurgent compound and a GBU-38 on an enemy firing position near Garmsir. A Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed targets were

Eielson unit selected for process improvement study

Pacific Air Forces has selected the 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron to validate the new process oriented organizational structure directed by Air Staff. Eielson is one of only 12 test bases Air Force wide to be selected. This isn't the first time the service has taken new approaches to the way in

Recruiting, training key to future of Iraqi Air Force

Recruiting new airmen for the Iraqi Air Force presents several challenges. With the constant fear of being targeted by insurgents, those who want to serve fear what might happen to them or their families. However, the Iraqi Air Force is making headway, and Iraqi citizens are stepping up to serve

Djibouti air ops

Air Force has HART for its war wounded

As Airmen continue to serve on the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan, the Air Force continues to serve its wounded warriors and their families, even after their combat duty. This service comes from the Palace HART program, or Helping Airmen Recover Together. "The Air Force will provide the same

GAO clears way to move forward on CSAR-X

The Government Accounting Office informed Air Force officials March 30 that all other protest issues surrounding the CSAR-X contract award have been denied. In a March 29 decision, the GAO denied all of the additional arguments raised by Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, "finding

March 30 airpower: B-1B protects coalition convoy

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 30. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force for a coalition convoy with vehicle problems near Kabul. The B-1B also provided a show of force for another convoy that received small arms

Tinker Airmen resume Sentry in Southwest Asia

Airmen of the 552nd Air Control Wing here deployed to support operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom at the end of March after a four-year hiatus from being in Southwest Asia. The last time Tinker AFB E-3 Sentrys deployed for OEF was 10 days after 9/11, and by October 2002 crews of the 552nd

Leaders discuss Air Force priorities

Representatives from Air Force major commands discussed Air Force initiatives, systems and operational issues that tie into the top three Air Force priorities during a press conference March 26 here. Fighting and winning the war on terrorism, developing and caring for Airmen, and recapitalizing and

Secretary Wynne visits Airmen in Djibouti

The Secretary of the Air Force visited Airmen deployed to the Horn of Africa March 29 and got a chance to see where Airmen live and work on Camp Lemonier in Djibouti. "Africa is a truly an emerging miracle, and I think what we can contribute as Americans to their progress is just a tremendous

New housing on the way for Spangdahlem

Airmen of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem AB are witnessing the base grow and improve as the Air Force is spending $83 million to rip up the old housing units and building new ones in their place. The 139 new homes will be completed by 2010 as demolition of old stairwell housing has been going

'Mod Squad' modernizes Moody's Pave Hawks

Installing a major modification on an aircraft usually means it has to leave the base and head to where the experts are, unless you can bring those experts to the aircraft. Some modifications are jobs for the "Mod Squad;" a four-man team of specialists whose mission is to plumb deep inside an

AFSOC scores safety trifecta

Safety officials at Air Force Special Operations Command have a pleasant problem: finding room for more trophies in the display case. AFSOC dominated the 2006 Air Force safety award program, garnering the service's top awards for best major command safety record, most effective MAJCOM-level flight

New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 finishes MEDRETE missions

Medics from California Air National Guard's 144th Medical Group treated 7,899 patients to complete the third and final Medical Readiness Training Exercise March 28 for New Horizons Nicaragua - 2007. New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 is a $7.25 million joint military humanitarian and training exercise

Mail call in Djibouti

Nothing is more anticipated in the military than the sound of "mail's here." Mail call is a service member's lifeline, especially in such a remote area. But here in the Horn of Africa, the proverbial mailman has taken on quite a different look. With more than 5,000 pounds of mail -- filling up two

Former NATO, U.S. leaders return to Sheppard for anniversary

Former Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training members reunited and toured Sheppard AFB as part of their 25th anniversary celebration March 26.Previous and current ENJJPT wing commanders and operations group commanders have trained more than 195 classes since its inception with more than 5,508 students

GPS-driven dropsondes improve airdrop accuracy

An emerging technology is making airdrops around the world more accurate. Called dropsondes, they not only improve aircrew capabilities, they also keep troops safe downrange. "A dropsonde is merely a meteorological device that we use to collect weather information from the altitude of the plane to

C-130 airdrops provide critical supplies to U.S. forces

Improved Container Delivery System bundles fall from the cargo compartments of C-130 Hercules aircraft on a frequent basis here. The ICDS airdrops support the ground forces on the front lines at forward operating bases throughout Afghanistan. "Some of the ground forces are in close combat," said

FM Center of Expertise celebrates first anniversary

Last April, after 15 months of studies, surveys, and hard work, the Air Force Financial Management Center of Expertise, or FM CoE, opened its doors and introduced a single stopping point for cost analysis decision support for commanders and senior leaders. "The mission of the FM CoE is to provide

Spangdahlem driver course teaches Airmen to keep control

New steps toward driving safety are being taken here to keep Airmen in control when behind the wheel.The Spangdahlem Air Base safety office is taking the next step in keeping USAFE Airmen safe on the road by installing the new Skid Monster Driving System on two vehicles they are using as part of the

March 29 airpower: A-10s provide overwatch for coalition

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 29.In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on insurgent buildings, a tunnel and wall near Sangin. The attack came after coalition forces received small-arms and

CSAF's Scope highlights warfighting ethos

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 is the Airmen's warfighting ethos. "At our core, we are disciplined, agile, combat-focused and expeditionary," General Moseley said.

Lajes Airmen tested on readiness capabilities

Airmen here perform one of today's most vital missions -- directly supporting servicemembers going to and from deployed locations fighting the war on terrorism around the world. Their readiness was put to the test in mid March during the base's Operation Readiness Inspection, which tests the mission

Airman's Roll Call focuses on Air Force priorities

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on knowing what's important, and as Airmen, never losing sight of the service's priorities.Airmen are an intregal part of the joint and coalition team. By knowing the service's priorities, they become a more capable and lethal force.The priorities are to fight

USAFE officials forge relations with Russian air force

Twenty years ago the idea of Russian and U.S. Air Force leaders flying together and exchanging ideas was almost implausible. That implausibility is now a reality -- one focused on cooperation and bilateral relations. Top Russian air force leaders visited U.S. Air Forces in Europe March 20 to 23 to

New facility aids transition to enduring presence

The transition toward an enduring presence in Southwest Asia requires efficient long-term planning, such as prepositioning equipment in warehouses similar to back at home stations in order to meet the high operations tempo. This line of thinking has led 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness

Joint Warfare Center tests new tools in exercise

The Joint Warfare Center in Stavanger, Norway, might be half a world away from Afghanistan, but it's where the journey begins for a NATO battle staff headed downrange to fight the war on terrorism. The JWC relies on exercises like Enabler 2007 to prepare those officers for the challenges that await

Whiteman Reserve unit teams up with Spangdahlem pilots

The Reserve's 442nd Fighter Wing is once again partnering with the 81st Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.Twenty pilots from the 81st FS, part of the 52nd FW, started flying with the 442nd FW at Whiteman AFB in February and will continue through the beginning of May.  "It's a

Iraqi air force takes flight with help from U.S. Airmen

The Iraqi air force is taking off once again with the help of U.S. Air Force Airmen who serve with the Coalition Air Force Transition Team in Iraq. The U.S. Air Force's contribution to enabling the Iraqi air force to build and sustain itself is focused through the CAFTT, composed of four Air Force