Air Force's satellite-loaded Atlas V is 50th launch success

The Air Force marked its 50th consecutive successful launch March 8 with an Atlas V loaded with six experimental satellites. Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles AFB, Calif., successfully launched the rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., with the 45th Space Wing spacelift

Course enhances Airmen's self-defense techniques

For security forces Airmen, the use of force is a possibility every day. From firing on a vehicle attempting to crash through a gate to repelling an enemy attack on a forward-deployed base, security forces face the potential of using raw, deadly force as a part of their job. But not every situation

Soldiers team with combat aircrews to engage enemy

Joint combat environments don't just exist on the ground, but also exist in the sky above Iraq. U.S. Army Soldiers serve as crewmembers on the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft. An Army deputy mission crew commander and two enlisted personnel form a team of three soldiers

Ramstein prop shop keeps blades turning

The C-130 Hercules plays a role in many of the most versatile missions in the Air Force, such as relief efforts and combat operations. With the high operations tempo in Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, maintenance is key to keep the missions going. The 86th Maintenance Squadron's C-130

March 12 airpower: Globemasters sustain operations

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 12.In Afghanistan March 11, a B-1B Lancer performed a show of force to protect four coalition vehicles near Worzhanah Kalay. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed the show of force was successful and no

Airmen hold discussion group with Kyrgyz students

Airmen from the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing and U.S. Embassy staff visited School 13-Lyceum in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, March 7 to conduct the first English Discussion Group with about 30 students. The purpose of the visit was to establish the program in the school, which focuses on teaching the

Educator awarded for patriotism, teaching success

James Clark is a patriot. He retired from the Marine Corps as a captain and now teaches the sixth-grade children of military members who are stationed at Osan Air Base, South Korea. As an educator and a patriot, Mr. Clark's efforts earned him honors as the Veterans of Foreign Wars' Teachers Award

Four Air Force civilians receive GEICO awards

The Government Employees Insurance Company selected four Air Force civilians as 2006 GEICO Public Service Award winners. Mr. Titus L. Welcome, McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., received his GEICO award in the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment category. Mr. John P. Gilmore, Malmstrom Air Force

F-16 crashes in Florida Straits

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the Air Force Reserve Command's 482nd Fighter Wing here crashed about 11:05 a.m. today approximately 75 miles south-southeast of Homestead in the Florida Straits. The aircraft was from the 93rd Fighter Squadron. At the time of the accident, it was flying a routine

Chief's perspective focuses on energy

Saving energy is the focus of the latest Enlisted Perspective by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. The chief said the Air Force has made great strides in developing alternative fuels in its energy conservation program; however, the enlisted force Airmen have the potential to

March 3-9: The week in airpower

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 3-9. In Afghanistan this week 330 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Sixty Air Force and

Air Force kicks off energy forum

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne, welcomed members of the energy industry to the Air Force Energy Forum at the Crystal Gateway Marriott here March 8. "The interesting thing that we are looking for in the Air Force is to actually change the environment that we operate in so that we can

CMSAF McKinley visits Airmen at Hurlburt Field

Enlisted Airmen here gained the opportunity this week to meet and hear from Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. During his three-day stay, Chief McKinley immersed himself in the Air Force Special Operations Command mission. "I've been fully impressed since day one with

2 Air Force Mentor-Protégé teams capture DOD awards

Two U.S. Air Force Mentor-Protégé company teams captured Nunn-Perry awards March 7 at the annual Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé Conference here. The awards recognize outstanding efforts by DOD prime contractors, or mentors, and their protégé small businesses. The Air Force mentor-protégé

March 10 airpower: ISR missions critical in war on terrorism

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 10. In Afghanistan March 9, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets successfully conducted a leaflet drop over a designated point near Washir. The F/A-18s also provided reconnaissance and a noise presence over a village for

Logistics officials discuss Stratotanker sustainment

"Air Force and Defense Logistics Agency partnership is critical to success." That's the message Michele Rachie, deputy director of the 827th Aircraft Sustainment Group at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., focused on during her visit here March 1. Ms. Rachie met with members of Defense Supply Center

Islamic State of Iraq video attempts to exploit Air Force major's death

Recent news reports stated that the Islamic State of Iraq terrorist organization is releasing a video on Maj. Troy Gilbert's death. Major Gilbert was killed Nov. 27, 2006, when his F-16C crashed while he was supporting Coalition ground combat operations approximately 20 miles northwest of Baghdad.

Airmen's heroic actions highlighted on 'Portraits in Courage'

Maj. Troy Gilbert gave his life protecting others. The F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot died in November 2006 strafing enemy combatants in Iraq while protecting coalition forces under attack on the ground.The story of Major Gilbert's sacrifice, along with the courageous actions of 14 other Airmen who are

NORTHCOM nominee regards command position 'sacred honor'

The nominee to lead U.S. Northern Command and North America Aerospace Defense Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee here March 8 that he realizes the missions of both organizations are demanding and challenging, but that he would consider leading them to be a "sacred honor." Air Force Lt.

Air Force continues vital missions at NATO-run Kandahar

Even though NATO took operational control of Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, last August, the Air Force still maintains a presence at the base. After Kandahar was turned over to NATO, the Air Force continues to play an important role in the war on terrorism and the joint environment. The biggest

Air Force-funded researcher among top 50 technological leaders

A researcher funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research is included in the "2006 Scientific American List of 50 Leaders in Science and Technology" for building circuits using light at nanometer scales. Dr. Nader Engheta, professor of electrical and systems engineering and professor of

'Week in Photos' highlights Airmen around the world

Airmen are deployed around the globe every day to support operations ranging from humanitarian missions and coalition exercises to fighting terrorism with airpower. The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors photos that feature the Air Force's missions. A brief view of this

New survey aims to streamline information for Airmen

The Secretary of the Air Force Office of Communication at the Pentagon has launched a study to find out how Airmen want to get information about the Air Force. A randomly selected group of Airmen and Air Force civilian employees will soon receive an e-mail invitation from Brig. Gen. Erwin Lessel,

Airmen Against Drunk Driving program saving lives

Airmen Against Drunk Driving program, or AADD, and programs similar to it are potentially saving military members' lives. Every Friday and Saturday night, Airmen volunteer their time here to ensure other Airmen who have been drinking make it home from bars, restaurants, and parties safe. Since

New Bagram hospital offers state-of-art care

In 2006, Army Staff Sgt. Heathe Craig was holding on desperately to a patient as the two were hoisted from a ridgeline by a Blackhawk helicopter. Halfway to the chopper, the line snapped. Sergeant Craig and his patient fell to their deaths. The Craig Joint-Theater Hospital, named for the heroic

March 9 airpower: F-16s provide show of force

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 9. In Afghanistan March 8, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions on an enemy compound near Qurya. A joint terminal attack controller on-scene observed good hits on the

Secretary Gates: Care for America's returning wounded warriors

When I was nominated to take this post just over three months ago, I said that the patriots who have volunteered to serve in our armed services have no equal in the world. I made a solemn commitment to the Congress, to the nation, and to you to keep the welfare of men and women in uniform uppermost

Spring forward: Daylight-saving time starts Sunday

Setting clocks forward an hour early for daylight-saving time is coming up quicker this year. The start of daylight-saving time, or DST, has been moved up from the first Sunday in April to the second Sunday in March. On March 11, those living in areas under DST will set clocks forward one hour, from

Yokota tests non-combatant evacuation operations

A C-130 Hercules filled with non-combatant evacuation role-players from Kunsan Air Base, Korea arrived at the flight line March 6 to participate in the Yokota Air Base's operational readiness inspection. The passengers were acting as non-combatants for the purpose of the exercise scenario. There are

Lajes civil engineers fix beacon on air traffic control tower

Members from the 65th Civil Engineer Squadron's electrical shop recently fixed the beacon that rests atop the air traffic control tower at Lajes Field. The beacon is vital for pilots landing at Lajes to recognize that it is a military flight-line and to help guide them safely during inclement

Air Force officials announce OTS selections

Two hundred sixteen men and women from across America have earned an opportunity to become Air Force leaders following their selection for an officer's commission, officials here announced March 8. Air Force Recruiting Service officials considered 269 applications as part of Officer Training School

Reserve Airmen contribute to medical mission in Iraq

Air Force Reservists from the 920th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., found themselves integral to the success rate of the Air Force Theater Hospital here. Nine Airmen from the 920th ASTS, part of the Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing, are deployed here working for the 332nd

Travis medical center recognized by California legislature

The accomplishments of the staff of David Grant U.S. Air Force Medical Center were recognized by the California legislature in a ceremony here March 1. California State Senator Jeff Denham, (R-Merced), presented Senate Concurrent Resolution 122 to Col. Steve Arquiette the 60th Air Mobility Wing

Warfare center is now U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center

The Air Mobility Warfare Center flag was rolled up and a new flag bearing the name "United States Air Force Expeditionary Center" was unfurled March 5 during a re-designation ceremony here. "If you want to know why you've become the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, it's because you earned it,"

Air Force cadets conduct research for NASA

A group of small Pitot tubes, shaped like a hand rake, sit inside one end of a wind tunnel. A miniature space capsule is attached on the other end. It looks similar to what Apollo era astronauts used, but this model plays an important role in the future of human space flight. The Crew Exploration

March 8 airpower: F-15Es provide close-air support in Afghanistan

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 8. In Afghanistan March 7, a B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s and GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions on enemy personnel and a building near Garmsir, in support of Operation Achilles. The on-scene joint

Officials announce Air Force Safety Awards for 2006

Air Force safety officials have announced the winners of the 2006 Safety Awards. They are: Secretary of the Air Force Safety Award: Category I -- Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Fla.   (No Category II listed)Maj. Gen. Benjamin D. Foulois Memorial Award: Air Force Special

Air Force Reserve tests activation process

The first of 24 bases scheduled for musters of individual ready reserve Airmen took place at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., on March 2. The Air Reserve Personnel Center conducts IRR musters, which are required by law, to enhance readiness and ensure the Air Force can "reach out and touch" the IRR

Moldovan officers visit Ramstein

Four officers from Moldova visited Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in early March to learn about the U.S. Air Force personnel structure. Airmen and civilians from the United States Air Forces in Europe command headquarters briefed the officers on various topics like force shaping, personnel structure

Two former top Air Force chiefs visit Keesler Airmen

Two retired chief master sergeants of the Air Force addressed a capacity crowd March 2 as guest speakers at the 81st Training Wing's annual awards banquet. The first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Paul Airey, and eighth, Sam Parish, took the opportunity earlier in the day to tour several

Keep up Air Force records, personal info for promotion sake

The one constant among Airmen is the desire to be promoted. There are many things Airmen can do to affect their chances for promotion, but perhaps the most important is ensuring their personal information is correct. Missing or inaccurate enlisted or officer performance reports, decorations, awards

Air strikes target, kill al-Qaeda terrorists near Taji, Iraq

Coalition forces targeted members of an al-Qaeda network March 2 during an air strike operation west of Taji, Iraq. Intelligence reports indicated that the network is responsible for threats to coalition aircraft. Coalition forces believe key terrorists were killed during the air strike. Several

Raptor, precision strike bomb integration testing begins

The 411th Flight Test Squadron began integration testing of the F-22A Raptor and the GBU-39/B Small-Diameter Bomb here in February. The weapon is a low-cost, stand-off, next generation precision strike weapon, capable of flying autonomously. The bomb is guided by an inertial navigation system with

March 7 airpower: C-130s provide in-theater tactical airlift

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 7.In Afghanistan March 6, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares, for coalition forces who sustained casualties from small-arms fire near Sangin. A joint terminal attack

Operation Deep Freeze ends record-setting season

Ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs redeployed from Christchurch, New Zealand, wrapped up the 2006-2007 season of Operation Deep Freeze in late February. This unique joint and total force mission has supported the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program since 1955

Academy cadet has hoop dreams

When Cadet 1st Class Matt McCraw was growing up, he had dreams of playing basketball during March Madness as part of an NCAA team."Every kid really grows up wanting to play in March Madness and the NCAA tournament and also go on to the NBA," Cadet McCraw said. "But it's definitely a great feeling

Expeditionary wing supports war efforts in many ways

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing directly supports the war on terrorism on many different levels. Combat sorties are flown daily, and multitudes of U.S. servicemembers and coalition partners, equipment and supplies are transported in and out of theater. Other missions are not quite as visible. Many

Services gather, communicate ballistic missile defense

Service members and civilians from across the Pacific met at Hickam late February for a conference to discuss ballistic missile defense for the PACOM Area of Responsibility. Lt. Gen. Chip Utterback, 13th Air Force commander, said the conference, "allowed us to bring our experts in Ballistic Missile

Operation Achilles: Leaflet airdrop delivers message to Taliban

The message was clear and well delivered. A C-130 Hercules airdrop mission dropped 30,000 warning leaflets over the mountainous terrain of southeastern Afghanistan March 6 to deter the insurgent activity of the Taliban. The warning leaflet airdrop mission was in direct support of Operation Achilles

March 6 airpower: C-130s support Afghan operations

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 6.In Afghanistan March 5, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets conducted air reconnaissance for suspected anti-coalition firing positions near Musa Qal'eh. Other Navy F/A-18s also provided reconnaissance for suspicious

Better intel boosts Air Force munitions drops, sorties flown

In 2006, the Air Force dropped more than 1,700 munitions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. A year earlier, the Air Force dropped only 176 munitions as part of that same operation. The increase is due to better intelligence, said Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, the U.S. Central Command Air Forces

VA seeks buglers to play 'Taps' at national cemeteries

Hundreds of volunteer buglers and trumpeters are being sought to participate in Armed Forces Day observances held at veterans' cemeteries nationwide and overseas, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs official said. The event, called "Echo Taps Worldwide," will be held May 19 and is co-sponsored by

Michigan Air Guard returns from Iraq deployment

Approximately 250 members of the Michigan Air National Guard returned home in March after supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom at Balad Air Base, Iraq.About 40 of the Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons returned home March 2, while the rest of the group returned here March 5 to frigid temperatures at

Cadets research fuel line bacteria

Bacteria that can survive on jet fueI is not something one might think about. But, that same microscopic bacteria can bring down a multi-million dollar aircraft. Cadet 1st Class Jonathan Stralka peers at a small tube filled with jet fuel. Inside is the culprit responsible for fouling jet engines

F-35 production a step closer after wind tunnel test

Arnold Engineering Development Center workers completed the last developmental wind tunnel test in February for all Joint Strike Fighter variants, helping put the F-35 Lightning II a step closer to manufacturing. It was the culmination of more than 8,600 hours and $50 million worth of wind tunnel

Airmen receive cutting-edge satellite training

As a satellite systems crew chief, Staff Sgt. Lori Browning has a job that is out of this world. She is currently receiving training on the Space Based Infrared Systems, or SBIRS, that is scheduled to become operational sometime next year. Sergeant Browning is part of the first class that is being

Andersen bombers participate in Koa Lightning exercise

The low rumble of B-52s shook the normally quiet evening sky above Andersen Air Force Base as the Stratofortresses of the 36th Operations Group participated in Pacific Command's Koa Lightning exercise over the islands of Hawaii. For the men and women of the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, the

Spangdahlem, Incirlik Airmen unite in training

The cooperation between Airmen from Incirlik AB and Spangdahlem AB, Germany, has improved the development of the 39th Maintenance Squadron ammunition members through high-fidelity training opportunities. As aircrews from two F-16 Fighting Falcon squadrons from Spangdahlem AB train in a different

Fuel tests keep Misawa moving

The fuel military bases receive goes through a series of treatments before it is usable in machinery. It is the job of the Fuels Laboratory Airmen in logistics readiness squadrons to check the condition of all fuel before it's put to use. Most importantly, certain additives need to be present to

Air Force heroes: 20 fallen Airmen honored in Afghanistan

The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing here held a formal retreat March 4 to honor the 20 Air Force members who have died in Afghanistan since Operation Enduring Freedom began in 2001. Route 56, the wing's NCO advisory council, planned the retreat. The council wanted "to remind everyone of the pride and

Brooks training program integrates medical processes

The U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine here has established a realistic, in-depth training program that marries up two processes to provide essential training to medics who, in many cases, are deployed and doing this very same mission within one to two months. The program ties Expeditionary

March 5 airpower: Pave Hawks fly rescue missions

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 5. In Afghanistan yesterday, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s on a building near Sangin containing anti-coalition insurgents. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed a direct hit. The

General encourages AFSO 21 mind-set for PACAF successes

The Pacific Air Forces director of logistics outlined changes in the Air Force and what those changes mean to the logistics community within the command during a recent visit to Kadena. "In regards to our mission in the Pacific, our number one challenge is maintaining regional stability out here in

Security forces Airmen protect Iraq's airpower hub

Although it is distinctly a guard mount formation with defenders intently listening to the towering flight chief, one may liken the experience to a press conference. Notes from the previous shift's reported activities and expected trends for the new shift are jotted onto worn, hand-fitted

Manas Airmen train with Kyrgyz firefighters

Airmen of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing fire department here have worked and trained side-by-side with Manas International Airport firefighters for five years. With each new Air Expeditionary Force rotation, a new crew of Airmen arrives and trains with the Kyrgyz firefighters of the MIA to stay

New ammo improves pilot safety, reduces collateral damage

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots at the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here are employing a new 20mm cannon round in their M61/A1 Gatling guns for the first time, improving pilot safety while reducing collateral damage.Airmen first validated the rounds at a firing range and then employed them in

March 4 airpower: B-1s making presence known

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 4. In Afghanistan March 3, a B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on anti-coalition insurgents in an open area near Kajaki. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed direct hits, removing the

March 3 airpower: JTACS critical in fight

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 3.Coalition fighters, bombers and tankers provide infrastructure protection and support to coalition troops, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities. Transports provide

SECAF emphasizes Air Force goals with card

When Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne spoke at his town hall meeting at the Pentagon earlier this year, he discussed some of the issues facing the Air Force today, as well as its strengths and his goals for 2007. One of the ways he's spreading those goals is through a mission, or "goal

Air Force 60th Anniversary flag raised at memorial

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff T. Michael Moseley were the hosts for the 60th Anniversary flag-raising ceremony at the Air Force Memorial March 1."On this day, the man who used the B-17 to such a great effect, General Tooey Spaatz, formally succeeded General

Thunderbird pilot talks to cadets on teamwork's importance

When Cadet 1st Class Nicole Malachowski received her commission, Mel Gibson won an Oscar for his role in Braveheart, "Kiss From A Rose" by Seal could be heard regularly on the radio and Great Britain was in the throes of a mad cow disease outbreak. Now, 11 years later, Major Malachowski returned to

New helmet gives pilots the edge

Aircrews at the 18th Fighter Squadron here recently received an important warfighting upgrade that can help keep them head and shoulders above the rest. Squadron pilots have incorporated a new helmet that features the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, a system which improves breathing and radio

Contamination control area helps Airmen 'clean up'

One of the ways Incirlik AB Airmen prepared for their upcoming Unit Compliance Inspection was setting up a simulated contamination control area March 1. The contamination control area allows Airmen exposed to hazards from biological to chemical agents to come "clean" in a controlled environment. The

Japanese, American forces team up in war on terrorism

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force C-1 cargo jet touched down Feb. 27 at Yokota AB to pick up and deliver supplies. But the plane isn't loading cargo for Japan; the cargo is American supplies for U.S. servicemembers stationed throughout Japan and Guam. Japanese Maj. Masashi Ohta, a C-1 pilot, said the

Air Force logistics centers support warfighters 24/7

When aircraft maintainers, half-way around the world, need help fast, round-the-clock support is now available at Air Force Materiel Command's three air logistics centers. The customer support centers, or CSCs, at Tinker AFB, Okla., Robins AFB, Ga., and Hill AFB, Utah, are the product of AFMC's

Eielson helps Airmen move into new homes in a hurry

A ghost town now exists at Eielson AFB where 300 families once lived. Blanketed in several feet of snow, artic winter winds whistle through the solitary Sprucewood homes section of base housing. Before the bitter winter had set in, the more than 300 Airmen and their families called this area home.

March 2 airpower: F-15Es provide show of force

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 2.In Afghanistan March 1, an Air Force B-1 Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38 joint direct attack munitions on enemy mortar and firing positions near Forward Operating Base Robinson. The joint terminal attack

U.S. Central Command, Bahrain air power officials discuss relations

Success in long war requires regional cooperation

The United States and the international community will need to support countries in the Middle East as they join together to defeat extremism during the long war on terror, a top U.S. Central Command officer said here March 1. "All along, U.S. Central Command has been committed to a regional

Dyess' aircraft maintainers meet AFSO 21 head on

While many shops in the Air Force are finding they have to do "less with less," one maintenance shop here found a way to do "more with less." The newly consolidated support flight in the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is an example of how Airmen in the 7th Maintenance Group are answering Air

Maintenance Airmen's custom parts keep planes in fight

Aircraft maintenance success in a deployed environment often depends on the availability of the parts and equipment needed to get aircraft back into the fight. Oftentimes, crew chiefs look no further than 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron back shops for support when aircraft parts or other

Airmen complete Nicaraguan medical exercise

Twenty medics finished the first of three New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 Medical Readiness Training Exercises Feb. 28, giving free healthcare to 6,551 Nicaraguans throughout nine days. The $7.25 million joint U.S. and Nicaraguan military humanitarian and training exercise, provides a new school and

SERE specialists surprise pilot

When Air Force pilots initially train to fly, they learn about ejecting from a plane and how to survive behind enemy lines.Several Misawa survival, evasion, resistance and escape, or SERE, specialists took a pilot out recently for some realistic training.1st Lt. Michael Baird, an F-16 Fighting

Doctrine Center 'jump starts' irregular warfare doctrine

Air University's Air Force Doctrine Center held a special writing group here Feb. 20 to 23 in order to put Air Force irregular warfare doctrine on the "fast track." Subject-matter experts were invited to attend the four-day conference in an ongoing effort to fill a void in war-fighting policy.  Air

Spring 'Air and Space Power Journal' available

The College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education at Air University has published and distributed the Spring 2007 English edition of the Air Force's professional journal, "Air and Space Power Journal." The journal serves as an open forum for the presentation and stimulation of innovative

Official shares glimpse of future with Misawa Airmen

Mr. William Anderson, assistant secretary for installations, environment and logistics, stopped here Feb. 22 to meet with Airmen and to discuss key Air Force issues, including environmental stewardship and future fuel alternatives.He talked about the incredible care Airmen display as they lead the

Air Force official discusses uniform updates

Air Force officials move forward with the Airman Battle Uniform roll-out and plans for a new service dress coat. The new ABU, designed to eventually replace both the Battle Dress and Desert Combat Uniforms worn by Airmen, is currently in full production. Early deliveries of ABU inventories in 2007

Reserve forces augment RAF Croughton security

Ten guardsmen and reservists are augmenting the 422nd Security Forces Squadron here as 21 active-duty Airmen are deployed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.Even though almost half of the 422nd SFS are deployed downrange, the mission at their home station doesn't end, but that's where the Guard and

March 1 airpower: C-17s provide intra-theater airlift

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 1. In Afghanistan Feb. 28, an Air Force B1-B Lancer provided a show of force and expended flares for coalition forces receiving mortar fire near Energay. The ground commander's intent was met and the mortar fire

Academy boxer helps battle for life

The boxer keeps his hands up as his feet dance around a heavy bag. He jabs and strikes the bag with his gloved fists, but when this boxer steps into the ring with an opponent, it isn't the only battle he's fighting. Cadet 1st Class Colin LaFavor is a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy's boxing

Staging facility prepares injured warfighters for flight

For warfighters who are injured in Iraq, the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility at Balad AB is where their road to recovery starts. The CASF is a staging area where patients are prepared for their flight out of Iraq to Landstuhl, Germany. The CASF is staffed by critical care air transport and

Airman earns medal for lifesaving efforts

An Airman here was presented the Air Force Achievement Medal recently for saving the life of a 7-year-old boy who was choking on candy. Airman 1st Class Kyle Thomas was bowling while on leave in Norman, Okla., after competing six weeks of basic training and six months of technical training when he

Security Forces train Airmen to protect space resources

Senior Airman Joshua Newton holds the flashbang up high in the air and his three teammates know what that means without uttering a single word. It is time to breach the room and they all look away as he carefully leans forward and chucks the grenade into the room. As the flashbang goes off

Academy cadets prepare to have a blast ... off

Cadet 1st Class Lauren Viscito dons a white gown, blue booties and a hair net before stepping into a clean room at the academy. She's one of a team of cadets working to get FalconSAT-3 ready for lift off. FalconSAT-3 is part of a group of three small payloads headed to space aboard an Atlas V rocket

Fighting in cyberspace means cyber domain dominance

The Air Force officially announced creation of the new Cyberspace Command late last year. Now, just four months later, the command's leaders are talking about the way ahead. The Air Force's operational Cyberspace Command, also known as 8th Air Force, is commanded by Lt. Gen. Robert J. "Bob" Elder.

Air Force officials release 2007 posture statement

Air Force officials released their annual posture statement which articulates the major elements required for the Air Force to fulfill its mission and its priorities over the course of the next year and into the future. The secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff testified before

Turkish-U.S. airlift effort brings supplies to Afghans

In a joint effort between Turkish and U.S. Air Forces, 94,000 pounds of palletized cargo was transported via two C-17 Globemaster IIIs Feb. 21 to Kabul Air Base, Afghanistan. The 23 pallets and five trailers of cargo consisted of uniforms and equipment for the Afghan army to use in the war on

Test squadron demonstrates Sniper pod capability

Members of the 419th Flight Test Squadron here recently completed its initial developmental testing of the Sniper pod installed on a B-1B Lancer, designed to increase the aircraft's self-targeting capability. The Sniper pod, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is an advanced targeting pod with

RED HORSE logistics hub supports Airmen uprange

An Air Force horse has been making tracks throughout Southwest Asia as this mobile force is making a difference in the war on terrorism.The Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, or simply RED HORSE, supports contingency and special operations missions with mobile,

General speaks on Elmendorf's, Air Force's future

The Air Force deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and requirements, visited here Feb. 21 to 23 to discuss the capabilities Alaska provides to the service, recapitalization, joint initiatives and the arrival of the C-17 Globemaster IIIs and F-22 Raptor.Although he is no longer stationed in