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

March 28 airpower: Bomber scores direct hits

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 28.In Afghanistan March 27, an Air Force B-1 Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s on four insurgent buildings near Sangin. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed the targets were directly hit. Air Force F-15E

Air Force officials seek UAV enterprise interdependence

Army Brig. Gen. Stephen Mundt, director of Army aviation in the office of the deputy chief of staff for operations, recently disparaged the Air Force chief of staff's efforts to optimize our nations intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and enhance the joint, effective and

B-52s participate in Green Lightning, Australian air show

Andersen Airmen flew to the land 'down under' this week to demonstrate the capability and flexibility of the B-52 Stratofortress bomber to their Australian partners. They completed a series of scheduled Green Lightning exercise sorties at the Delamere Bombing Range while also providing aerial

Stand-up of training group marks international homecoming

With an international audience standing watch, Col. Michael Cosby accepted the flag of command for the reactivated 363rd Training Group at an air base in the Persian Gulf region March 26. Though officially listed as an activation, officiating officer, Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Central Command Air

Airmen answer calling for Air Force chaplaincy

Second Lieutenants Brian Wood and Derek LaBranch are men with a passion for God and country. Because of a relatively new Air Force recruiting program and the blessings of their hometown churches, the Diocese of Lubbock, Texas, and the Diocese of Sacramento, Calif., respectively, both men will be

Air Force chef to appear on 'Emeril Live'

What do an award-winning chef, southern cuisine with a modern flair and a top-notch NCO all have in common? They are some of the ingredients that make up Tech. Sgt. Wesley Williams, who on April 6 will be on the set of 'Emeril Live.'Sergeant Williams entered and won a contest initiated by Emeril's

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's "Today's Air Force" includes features focusing on retention, the first Air Force Week of 2007 and what products are used for AF Strategic Communications.The long-format, weekly news show tells Air Force stories in more depth. The program is made up of three segments and each runs

AFSO 21 money-saving initiative increases capabilities

A cross-squadron team of Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing have succeeded in another Air Force Smart Operations 21 initiative that will continue to increase combat capability for the wing, and save money which can be diverted into Air Force recapitalization priorities. An initiative was

Air Force plans to develop revolutionary engine

Air Force Research Laboratory engineers have outlined a five-year timeline for a new, adaptive engine that will enable pilots to switch from high speed combat maneuvers to long-range persistence mode as effortlessly as a bird in flight. AFRL's Propulsion Directorate recently issued a Broad Agency

America's armed forces NCOs are leaders, too

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff emphasized just how important U.S. military leaders believe noncommissioned officers are by including his senior enlisted advisor in all his talks with senior Japanese and Chinese leaders. Marine Gen. Peter Pace made sure that Army Command Sgt. Maj. William

Air Force announces milestone in force transformation

The secretary of the Air Force and chief of staff recently announced the completion of the next phase of Total Force Integration initiatives after discussions with Airmen from active-duty, Guard and Reserve organizations. Total Force Integration initiatives and their changes to the Air Force are

Bagram PRT rebuilds Afghanistan one school at a time

The Air Force-led Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team attended a ceremony March 26 marking the first day of class at a high school in Kapisa Province. The PRT also donated approximately 3,000 pine and fruit trees and boxes of school supplies. Both gestures were in support of the Afghan New Year

Air Force Week ends with show of force

Air Force Week ended here March 25 when the second day of  "The Show of Force '07 - From Heritage to Horizons Air Show" culminated. Aerial demonstrations consisted of more than 17 performers each day of the two-day event, but before they got off the ground, Brig. Gen. Noel "Tom" Jones, commander of

Airmen sharpen self aid, buddy care skills

Self aid and buddy care is an Air Force requirement that begins in basic training. The class covers basic first aid and expands to more advanced life saving skills. Airmen also learn to use battlefield tools such as the combat action tourniquet, Israeli bandage, and quick clot -- tools that play a

Spangdahlem extending medical care to Bitburg Annex

When the Bitburg Annex Hospital closes July 1, the 52nd Fighter Wing will have extended-care clinics using local German hospitals, to care for the medical needs of more than 19,000 servicemembers, civilians and their families. "In all reality, for most of our patients, they will see virtually no

March 26 airpower: Tankers fuel the fleet

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 26. In Afghanistan March 25, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s on an enemy building used for a rocket propelled grenade position near Sangin. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller

A-10 modifications speed up to support warfighters

The Air Force will soon benefit from an A-10 Thunderbolt II milestone achieved here in March. Personnel from the 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron completed a precision engagement modification on an A-10 14 days ahead of schedule.The modification gives the A-10 precision weapons capability through

Old windshields new protection for Kirkuk tower guards

The 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron structures department team put their heads together to come up with a better way to protect the Airmen who guard the base. By placing 3-inch thick, 260-pound safety glass with a titanium frame in the windows of the newly designed guard towers, the

Open house showcases military might, yesterday's heritage

Nearly 500 visitors met current-day met warriors and a living legend during the March 22 open house at Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico. Military members and equipment, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol air assets, and an historic C-54 with Berlin candy bomber retired Col. Gail

340th EARS keeps aircraft in fight 24/7

Despite the age of the KC-135 Stratotanker, one of the Air Force's top recapitalization priorities,  the role of the Airmen in the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron to refuel coalition aircraft has proven critical to the U.S. Central Command mission. As enablers, the refuelers make every

C-17 crew plays part in Marine homecoming

Having left Germany hours earlier, the Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, C-17 Globemaster III, "Spirit of Go for Broke" made the longest journey of her one-week trip to and from Iraq, chasing the setting sun in a 14-and-a-half hour trip across the Atlantic Ocean to Camp Pendleton, Calif. About four

Coast Guard pilot traces roots to Air Force opportunities

An Airman formed a passion for flying after enlisting in the Air Force, and with the educational benefits afforded to him, this former senior airman now flies Coast Guard helicopters here. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Juan Lopez was once an aerospace ground equipment mechanic at Norton Air Force Base in

Airmen mentor Afghan National Army soldiers

At the Kabul Military Training Center, Airmen among other U.S.military service members are supporting the Afghan National Army's progress into a full, independent military. Nineteen Air Force personnel at KMTC contribute to that effort by mentoring ANA soldiers into professional military members.

NORAD, USNORTHCOM welcome new commander

Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. became the 20th commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and the third commander of U.S. Northern Command in a change-of-command ceremony here March 23. Defending the homeland and providing defense support of civil authorities are top priorities for

In-lieu-of Airmen excel in Iraqi provincial reconstruction

More than ever before, Airmen are serving combat deployments traditionally filled by the Army and Marine Corps. Because of sister-service personnel shortages, Airmen are serving in-lieu-of, or ILO, the Soldiers and Marines who would normally execute these combat missions. In Iraq alone, nearly 1,700

Airmen visit Australian primary school

At a primary school about 15 kilometers from this year's Australian International Air Show, a group of Airmen introduced themselves and the U.S. Air Force to local students curious about the airplanes they had seen flying overhead the last few days.During the school visit March 22, the group also

Weather forecaster brings morning show to Luke AFB

Airmen here played host to an early morning show March 22, giving Arizona citizens a look at what the Air Force has to offer, from the comfort of their homes.The live television remote featured Brad Perry, from Channel 3 KTVK. The weather forecaster brought his show to the base so he could telling

'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. While in Iraq, Senior Airman David Hallmon inspects unused ammunition at Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq. All unserviceable ammo is sent to the explosive ordnance disposal team for detonation.

PACAF band entertains at Indian Air Force jubilee

For the Indian Air Force's 75th anniversary, the Pacific Air Forces rock group "Pacific Trends" joined military bands from India, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand to perform at the Indian Air Force Platinum Jubilee Tattoo here March 17. This was one of the final performances of Pacific Trends in

March 23 airpower: Transports key to intra-theater airlift

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 23. In Afghanistan March 22, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on several enemy buildings near Sangin. Coalition forces were taking fire from insurgents in the buildings. One of the

'Que Bien' Air Force Week

The Air Force showcased its assets, capabilities and Hispanic Airmen during Air Force Week to 15 countries around the world March 21-22. Univision reporter Tony Dandrades of "Primer Impacto," a nationally televised, 60-minute Spanish-language news program, told the Air Force story during his time at

Captain earns spot on DOD speakers tour

An officer from the 33rd Fighter Wing is one of two Air Force members selected for a new Department of Defense program. Capt. Michael Frasco, a flight commander in the wing's 33rd Maintenance Operations Squadron, joins representatives from each military service in the "Why We Serve" Speakers

Virtual tour guides newest addition to airforce.com

The Air Force's official recruiting Web site, airforce.com, unveiled its latest innovation March 22 with the introduction of virtual tour guides on the site's home page. The tour guides are realistic video clips of active-duty Airmen who introduce the site's main features to web users. One of six

SERE instructors attend Army combat lifesaver course

A handful of survival, evasion, resistance and escape instructors were given the opportunity to attend a combat lifesaver course March 19-21at the Army National Guard classroom here. The SERE instructors were invited to attend the course in return for previously giving members of the 396th Combat

Air Force participates in Australian air show

Airmen are taking part in the U.S. exposition at the 2007 Australian International Airshow here in southern Australia. During this six-day event, the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines are on display for an audience of Australian and Pacific regional defense force leaders, government officials and

Rotational squadron deployment jets leave Incirlik

People at Incirlik had not heard the sound of rotational squadron deployment F-16s taking off for more than 16 years. That all changed when the first Fighting Falcons arrived here in January from the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.Incirlik officials welcomed the 22nd and 23rd

March 22 airpower: Weapons loaders put bite into fight

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 22.In Afghanistan March 21, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on enemy forces in a treeline, an enemy compound, four separate buildings and a cave entrance near Sangin. A joint

Joint forces volunteers donate time, goods

Volunteers made a community relations trip to a refugee camp on the outskirts of Afghanistan's capital city and successfully distributed clothes and toys. More than 40 U.S. and coalition servicemembers and Department of Defense civilians donated their time and effort to distribute the goods to

Blue uniforms continue presence in Puerto Rico

Since 1939, an American blue uniform presence has been on Puerto Rico to maintain a military force and to deter enemy forces from here or the homeland. From 1939 to 1973, Air Force bluesuiters were stationed at what was once called Ramey Air Force Base in the northwest corner of Puerto Rico.  When

Med Evac flies first non-stop from Afghanistan to Germany

The first non-stop medical evacuation flight from Bagram Air Base to Landstuhl, Germany, lifted off March 21. The lengthy three- to five-day route from Bagram AB through Kuwait to Landstuhl has been reduced to an approximate 10-hour direct flight to provide faster service to wounded servicemembers

Airborne Laser fires tracking laser, hits target

The YAL-1A Airborne Laser, a modified Boeing 747-400F, successfully test fired its target illuminator laser March 15 during a five-hour test flight. The mission and test firing represented the Airborne Laser's first in-flight external laser firing, and used the NC-135E "Big Crow" test aircraft to

C-17 missions play vital role in war on terrorism

Sitting on the tarmac here, the "Spirit of Go for Broke," a C-17 Globemaster III from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, looks like any other of its kind.Large, grey, boxy, with expansive wings ending in a curved wingtip, this C-17 is one of eight aircraft jointly maintained and operated by both active

Afghan generals visit Air Force training squadron

Several key leaders from the Afghan National Army toured here March 16 in order to gain a stronger understanding of key communication areas to help their training programs in Afghanistan. Afghan National Army Maj. Gen. Mehrab Ali, Brig. Gen. Baba Mirza and Col. Said Farooq Yosuf Zai came to Keesler

Air Force Week displays highlight airpower

Air Force displays lined the street.  Spectators toured and asked questions, discovering what the Air Force brings to the fight and the amazing things their Air Force is doing around the globe. One Air Force Week event took place outside the Arizona Science Center in Heritage Square in downtown

Air Force fosters "warrior ethos" in all Airmen

Whether it's the recent changes to basic military training, continual preparation for deployments, engaging in combat or new and better uniforms, Air Force leaders are instilling a warrior mindset in Airmen. That warrior ethos -- the foundation of what it means to be an Airman -- traces its roots to

New GPS-guided airdrops aid aircrew accuracy

Mobility aircrews now have a new tool which uses Global Positioning System, or GPS, to help them deliver cargo more accurately and safely in deployed theaters of operation. The Joint Precision Airdrop System, or JPADS, allows airdrops to be conducted from higher altitudes with improved accuracy,

Airman's Roll Call focuses on anthrax vaccinations

The Department of Defense anthrax vaccination program is the focus of this week's Airman's Roll Call.The vaccinations recently became mandatory for Airmen with orders to, or currently in, specific high-threat areas, such as the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility or the Korean peninsula.The

Hill AFB welcomes deployed Airman at Warrior Welcome

Members of the 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron, friends and family rallied around more than 50 Airmen who recently redeployed from various locations during a Warrior Welcome gathering here March 15. Those at the Warrior Welcome party acknowledged recently returned members from deployment, those

AFSO 21 officials offer 'Views You Can Use'

The Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century office created a new product to keep Airmen informed about AFSO 21. The new "Views You Can Use" is a monthly informational product AFSO 21 officials hope will spotlight useful AFSO21 concepts and successes stories. "Our job as America's Airmen is

Air Force Week kicks off in Phoenix

Several bus loads of Airmen from nearby Luke Air Force Base joined Arizona state officials and Air Force senior leaders at the state's capitol March 19 to kick off this year's first Air Force Week. Air Force Week is designed to increase public awareness of the Air Force's mission, capabilities and

March 20 airpower: Versatile A-10s support ground forces

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 20. In Afghanistan March 19, a B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-12s and GBU-38s on enemy-occupied buildings near Kajaki Dam. The strike came after coalition forces came under fire from enemy forces in the

CSAF's Scope highlights AOR trip

The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the general feels are of special importance to today's Airmen. Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues was his February trip to the Central Command area of responsibility. "All around the world our Airmen are engaged across the spectrum of conflict, from

Air Force NCO enjoys noteworthy exchange

During a 10-day NCO cultural exchange program with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force that ended March 20, one Air Force NCO had a chance to meet some unexpected "brass." While most of the NCOs found their counterpart's jobs were quite similar to their own, there was one noteworthy exception --

Air power purchasing process continues to improve

Air Combat Command's award-winning acceptance team in Marietta, Ga., is setting the precedent on how the Air Force accepts airplanes. Working alongside the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, during production of the F-22A Raptor, ACC's Raptor Acceptance Team is a geographically

Air Force officials implement energy initiatives program

Two installations are going to serve as test bases for the Air Force's new energy initiatives pilot test program. Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and McGuire AFB, N.J., were chosen due to their geographic locations and their operational and facility characteristics. Officials will be looking at

Skeletal remains discovered during dig at Mildenhall

As the archeological team from Suffolk County Council was in the middle of a routine dig in the RAF Mildenhall officers' housing area in Beck Row March 12, they knew they'd stumbled across an interesting find when a shovel hit something solid. That  "something solid" turned out to be the skull of a

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's "Today's Air Force" includes features on how the Air Force moves cargo, Airmen providing medical assistance to Cambodians and how maintenance units in the Pacific are saving Air Force money. The long-format, weekly news show tells Air Force stories in more depth. The program is made up

Manas Airmen reunite sister cities Bishkek, Colorado Springs

Airmen from the base, representing the city of Colorado Springs, Colo., paid a visit March 14 to the mayor of its sister city, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The meeting, which included Marie Yovanovitch, U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, took place as a renewal of cultural ties established between the

Airmen, Soldier nutrition specialists work, train together

Army nutrition specialists from the 396th Combat Support Hospital Army at Fort Vancouver, Wash., had the opportunity to join Airmen here this month to share food service tricks of the trade. The Soldiers from the 396th CSH specialize in medical patients' and Soldiers' diets. They worked at the Ross

'Week in Photos' highlights Airmen around the world

The "Week In Photos" Web featured on Air Force Link provides visitors photos that feature the Air Force's missions.Staff Sgt. Irene Noriega assigned to the 62nd Airlift Wing at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., pedals 'til it burns as she participates in a cardiovascular workout spin class March 9 at

March 10-16: The week in airpower

In Afghanistan this week 289 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. A total of 61 Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew

March 17 airpower: Strike Eagles return fire in Afghanistan

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 17. In Afghanistan March 16, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles supporting coalition forces returned fire to an enemy location near Now Zad. The F-15s made three passes over the target area, expending multiple guided

Oldest GPS satellite being prepared for disposal

The oldest operational satellite in the GPS constellation has broadcast its signal for more than 16 years, during which time that signal's mission applications -- and the people who make sure the signal is available -- have changed dramatically. When Satellite Vehicle Number 15 launched Oct. 1,

Airmen hone advanced contingency skills in manuevers

Airmen practice squad and fire team manuevers March 14 on a Fort Dix, N.J., range with other students as part of a tactics and patrolling class for the Advanced Contingency Skills Training Course. The course, made up of more than 300 students, prepares Airmen for upcoming deployments through

Academy cadet triumphs over personal tragedies

As part of a church group, Cadet 2nd Class Erik Mirandette felt a need to help other people. His journey would take him more than two years and 9,000 miles across the African continent -- a journey that would cost him more than time and distance. "It was a sense of restlessness that I wanted to make

Airmen train to help Iraqi air force rebuild

Air Force instructors at the Army's Camp Bullis are training Iraq-centric and basic warfighting skills to students from a host of different career fields. The focus of this training is to teach students a unique blend of training techniques so they can help the Iraqi air force rebuild their

New program lets Air Force members speak their minds

A group of Airmen and Air Force civilians are being invited to become the Air Force's Internal Communication Assessment Group, called the ICAG. Internal communication refers to how the Air Force delivers information to Airmen and Air Force civilians. Senior Air Force leaders want to know Airmen's