First F-22 Raptors arrive at Kadena

The first two F-22 Raptors arrived at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 16 for their first overseas deployment. The remaining aircraft will follow in the coming days. A software issue affecting the F-22's navigation system was discovered while the aircraft were en route to Kadena Feb. 10, which delayed

Patrick reservists practice astronaut rescue

Reservists from Air Force Reserve Command's 920th Rescue Wing here took part in a Mode 7 Exercise at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Feb. 13. Helicopter crews from the wing's 301st Rescue Squadron provide range security during space shuttle launches. Pararescuemen in the wing's 308th RQS are on

Training prepares Airmen to handle violent situations

In most schools, students are expected to behave. At Homestead, one group of students not only fought with their instructors, but it was encouraged. Twenty-five security forces Airmen took part in unarmed defensive tactics training here Feb. 10. The class taught skills such as law enforcement

Feb. 17 airpower: A-10s provide over watch

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 17.In Afghanistan Feb. 16, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Horntes provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops receiving small arms and mortar fire from enemy forces near Musa Qal'eh. A Joint

Andersen takes small dental clinic of the year honors

The 36th Medical Operations Squadron Dental Clinic was awarded the USAF Small Dental Clinic of the Year for 2006."Our dental readiness at Team Andersen is outstanding," said Maj. James Kutner, 36th MDOS officer in charge of the clinical dentistry and laboratory dentistry elements. "This is a very

Air Force's top leaders address service concerns

The Air Force secretary and chief of staff took the opportunity to discuss the service's challenges and ongoing efforts in the war on terrorism Feb. 8 at the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Fla.Michael Wynne and Gen. T. Michael Moseley spoke about the challenges of force

Airmen foster relations as ambassadors

It was smiles galore as Airmen paid a visit to a local foster home Feb. 16, while here for a joint air show with the Peruvian Air Force. More than 400 children were treated to a performance by the Air National Guard Band of the Southwest and conversation with Airmen. The children, some of whom are

New chiefs inducted into elite group

Two senior master sergeants were recognized as the newest members of the chiefs group in a ceremony Feb. 9 here. The two chief selectees, Denise Mikolajczyk and Steven Lantz, lit candles representing each of the nine enlisted grades achieved over their careers in order to remind them of where

Lajes NCO's job saves water, money

A Lajes Field NCO may not fly a jet or drive a tank, but carrying a pipe-wrench for the 65th Civil Engineer Squadron can be just as important. "We're here for the main plumbing and water distribution," said Staff Sgt. Kellen Buss, who works in the utilities shop. "Any water that goes from the wells

Ramstein inbound section delivers

Each year an average of 30,000 packages pass through the Cargo Movement Center's inbound section helping ensure Ramstein Air Base runs smoothly. Nestled on Ramstein's southside is a large warehouse. It is the home of the inbound section and just down the road from Ramstein's flightline. "We touch

Eagle Flag role players: Airmen helping Airmen

In a matter of minutes, one master sergeant here became a "chief" during a briefing for Exercise Eagle Flag 07-3 Feb. 5 at Fort Dix, N.J. "As a role player, you're deployed here to help push the students to do better, but we learn right beside them," said Master Sgt. James Gardner of the 60th

820th Red Horse starts 'New Horizons' project in Nicaragua

The opening ceremony for New Horizons Nicaragua was held here Feb. 15, marking a new beginning for the citizens of this small village in the Carazo District.  New Horizons is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored readiness training exercise.The town will now have a new school and medical clinic, thanks

Medical teams provide priceless gift

Most people get cards, chocolate and flowers from someone special on Valentine's Day. On this particular day, the treatment, care and attention patients in a C-17 Globemaster III received from a combined aerial medic team far surpassed any typical Feb. 14 gift. The critical care air transport and

Officer reduction in force subject of this week's Roll Call

Meeting the Air Force's lower authorized end strength will result in approximately 40,000 active-duty Airmen separating from the service. This week's Roll Call explains one of the ways the Air Force is ensuring it has the right mix of skill sets.The Air Force needs to maintain its combat capability

Firefighter brotherhood reaches across international borders

Thirteen could prove to be a lucky number for Iraqi citizens in An Nasiriyah as that is the number of firefighters whose abilities have been enhanced through training with Airmen deployed here. Airmen firefighters from Air Expeditionary Forces 3, 4, 5 and 6 introduced the Iraqis to American

Federal marshals thank Ravens for Lebanon evacuation role

Air Mobility Command's premier security forces were recognized by the Federal Air Marshal Service during a ceremony here Feb. 12. Master Sgt. Shawn Larkin, the superintendent of Phoenix Raven and contingency operations for AMC, accepted the FAMS' appreciation award on behalf of 26 active duty and

Propane plant fuels utility alternatives for Moody

Members of the 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron are using a new propane-air mix system to create an alternative source of fuel, allowing the base to avoid paying high contract fees for natural gas. The system, which Moody AFB officials began using in November, substitutes propane for the natural gas

New Horizons kicks off in Nicaragua

More than 500 Nicaraguans along with deployed members of the United States military celebrated the official start of the New Horizons 2007 humanitarian exercise Feb. 15. New Horizons is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored readiness training exercise designed to help Nicaraguan people in Santa Teresa

Combat camera videographer receives Purple Heart

Within an hour of waking up in the Air Force Theater Hospital on the morning of Feb. 11, Staff Sgt. Kathryn Robinson was presented with the Purple Heart. Sergeant Robinson, a videographer assigned to the 4th Combat Camera Squadron in March Air Reserve Base, Calif. , was shot once in the left forearm

Academy provides update on cheating investigation

Academy officials provided the latest numbers of cadets interviewed and the number of cases being forwarded for further action in the cheating incident involving some members of the Class of 2010 Feb. 15 here. Since the interviews began Feb. 2, a total of 39 cases have been investigated as of Feb.

Emergency crews practice techniques in mock car crash

To test how fire, medical and security forces respond to a real emergency, exercise planners put together a mock car crash using two battered cars and three crash victims Feb. 14 at Yokota AB. "Basically, we like throwing different things at our units to see how the personnel handle this," said

Convoy reduction flights keep Airmen out of harm's way

Convoys transporting Airmen and supplies on the highways of Iraq face a constant risk from terrorist attacks. In an effort to reduce the number of convoys going out, the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron performs regular airlift convoy reduction missions out of Balad Air Base, Iraq.The focus of

Airmen honored for combatant deployment roles

The Air Force recently named three Fort Hood, Texas, Airmen the first recipients of three new awards during a ceremony at the Hall of Heroes in the Pentagon. The new awards honor members of the tactical air control party career field. Two of the awards are named after TACP Airmen who gave their

Leaders focus on Air Force priorities at Corona South

The secretary of the Air Force, the Air Force chief of staff and other key service leaders met for Corona South to discuss key strategic issues, priorities and initiatives of the Air Force Feb. 12 to 14 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.Michael W. Wynne and Gen. T. Michael Moseley led the meeting, with

F-22s make mark at Red Flag

The F-22 Raptor flew in its first Red Flag exercise that started Feb. 3 here, showcasing its stealth, super cruise and other advantages absent in legacy fighters. Pilots from the 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., are flying F-22s against Red Flag aggressors, with pilots from the

Lessons learned program to improve deployments

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have established a program to help solve problems and improve things for new people rotating into the area of responsibility. The CENTAF Office of Lessons Learned, established in October 2004, has increased its staff and now has two specialists working to

Air Force trauma specialists train civilian counterparts

Air Force trauma specialists here are training civilian medical personnel on emergency airway management skills. The training, held Feb. 7 at Wilford Hall Medical Center here, was the first under a new agreement signed by the 59th Medical Wing Trauma Department and San Antonio AirLife. The

U.S., Peruvian Air Forces reach milestone

With the final latch of the helicopter's door and a ride away from a deserted terrain of Peru, the U.S. and Peruvian Air Forces completed their first joint combat search and rescue exercise in South America. Coordinated with both countries by military and U.S. Embassy personnel, the combat search

Simulation center provides edge to medics

For nearly two years, Wilford Hall Medical Center's simulation center has been preparing Airmen for real-world medical scenarios here and in the deployed setting. The center was established as a task to create a needs assessment for the incorporation of medical simulation into Air Force Medical

Fuels flight pumps out record

Airmen with the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's petroleum, oil and lubricant, or POL, flight pumped a lot of gas recently. In fact, they set a record for the highest number of gallons of fuel issued in a single month over the last three years. POL Airmen received and issued a

Combat skills training prepares security forces

The 60th Security Forces Squadron here offers a two-day expeditionary combat skills training course to prepare Airmen for deployments."(We want to) give the students a set of basic skills to work with so if they ever encounter a force protection scenario, it'll give them that basic skill set to act

Air Force Reserve A-10s get 'smart' systems

You can build just about anything on a good foundation. Air Force reservists from the 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 303rd Fighter Squadron here are being reminded of that as five of the 442nd Fighter Wing's A-10 Thunderbolt IIs are being equipped with "smart" multi-function color

Revisions made to operational doctrine

The doctrine publication that describes the Air Force's role in countering the threat or use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons at the operational level of war was revised recently.Maj. Gen. Allen Peck, commander of the Air Force Doctrine Center, approved the revision and

Planning critical to Red Flag - Alaska success

Coalition and American pilots, aircrews and support members need a realistic training environment, and Red Flag - Alaska provides some of the most realistic training on earth. Coordinating this training is the responsibility of the 353rd Combat Training Squadron members, who plan and prepare each

Refueling maintainers run largest 'gas station' in Atlantic

Imagine pushing your vehicle down the road to a service station to refuel. Now imagine pulling a more than 30,000 pound F-16 Fighting Falcon to an island in the middle of the ocean to get gas. Airmen at Lajes Field like Senior Airman Justin Madsden keep the biggest gas station in the Atlantic

Hurricane Hunters fly Atlantic winter storm

Hurricane Hunters from here flew toward an impending winter storm Feb. 13. Forecasters expected more snow for the northeastern seaboard the next day. Better known for pinpointing tropical storms and hurricanes, Air Force Reserve Command's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron WC-130J aircraft

North Korea agrees to nuclear disarmament

North Korea has agreed to shut down nuclear operations and allow international inspectors into the country, President Bush announced Feb. 14 here, hailing it as an important step toward a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. At six-party talks in Beijing, North Korea said that within 60 days it will shut

Mission failure means 'lights out' for engineers

Every Air Force job is vital to accomplishing the mission. But the work of civil engineers affects anyone who uses power; if there is no one do to their job, it's lights out. Staff Sgt. Brian Sawyer is one of those civil engineers. When asked what he loves most about his job, Sergeant Sawyer

Feb. 14 airpower: F-15s conduct successful strikes

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 14.In Afghanistan Feb. 13, Air Force F-15 Eagles conducted a strike against enemy forces near Musa Qal'eh. An F-15 expended a guided bomb unit-12 on a vehicle, successfully destroying it and stopping an enemy

Airmen help neighbors through Operation Iraqi Child

Members of Air Expeditionary Force 5 and 6 are reaching out to their host nation neighbors while lending a helping hand through Operation Iraqi Child."Many members of AEF 5/6 have voiced the desire to help the Iraqi people outside the gates of our base," said Chaplain (Capt.) Christine Blice-Baum of

Vandenberg Airman sparks change throughout DOD

When she stood in front of senior leaders Dec. 21 at Breaker's Dining Facility here and voiced her concern, she had no idea her question would be heard by Department of Defense officials. The question Airman 1st Class Erica Hudson presented during an Airmen's breakfast that morning came from a

First F-22 bound for Pacific unveiled

Representatives from the Air Force and Lockheed Martin gathered to accept Pacific Air Forces' first F-22 Raptor Feb. 12 at Marietta, Ga. This latest F-22 will be among 36 others that will make up the first F-22s assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens

36th OG reactivates to meet Pacific theater mission

The 36th Operations Group was reactivated after more than a decade to serve as the focal point for the Air Force's expeditionary operations taking place here. The 36th OG will assume the mission of the 36th Expeditionary Operations Group and establish a permanent command structure for deployed Air

Reserve wing closes chapter in history

Reservists from the 944th Fighter Wing here bid farewell to the last three F-16 Fighting Falcons after almost 20 years. The unit's F-16s are being reassigned to other locations on the recommendations of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission. "This is like a family that's moving on," said Lt.

F-22 deployment to Kadena delayed

While en route to Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 10, a software issue affecting the F-22 Raptor's navigation system was discovered. All aircraft, which departed Hickam AFB earlier that day, returned safely. F-22 engineers and maintainers are working to update the software. After successful testing,

Academy Cadet Wing returns to daily schedule

The Cadet Wing has returned to its daily schedule of calls and cadets' off-duty privileges have been reinstated, academy officials announced Feb. 13. Lt. Gen. John F. Regni, the academy superintendent, restricted the entire 4,300-member Cadet Wing to the campus Feb. 7 after a cheating incident

Feb. 13 airpower: B-1Bs support International Security Assistance Force troops

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 13.In Afghanistan Feb. 12, Air Force B-1B Lancers, Navy F/A-18 Hornets and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with

Joint patrols keep Incirlik in good hands

They may not be known as well as partners Batman and Robin or Starsky and Hutch, but members of the 39th Security Forces Squadron and the Turkish air force are partners protecting the citizens here all the same. They may wear different uniforms, have a different culture and even speak a different

Pace: Debate, discourse not U.S. weaknesses

No enemy should confuse U.S. debate on the war in Iraq for weakness, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here Feb. 9.Speaking at a town hall meeting at U.S. Pacific Command here, Marine Gen. Peter Pace said an early or precipitous withdrawal from Iraq would be a disaster for Iraqis and

Airmen work alongside Peruvian military during joint exercise

Approximately 150 Airmen are participating in a joint military exercise with the Peruvian air force scheduled to continue through Feb. 16 here.Exercise Falcon Condor 07 allows the U.S military to build relationships with military and civilian leaders of Peru."This exercise give us the opportunity to

Hurricane Hunters track Pacific winter storms

While most people flee when a pending storm is coming, Keesler AFB Airmen go right into the heart of storms to provide detailed information about storms to warn people of hazardous weather.Airmen and WC-130J Hercules aircraft, also known as Hurricane Hunters, left here Feb. 12 for Anchorage, Alaska,

Last-minute call leads to unplanned refueling mission

A late night call, a cancelled sortie and flexibility led an aircrew from the 351st Air Refueling Squadron here to expedite medical care for more than a dozen severely injured troops being transported from Iraq to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Feb. 7. According to Capt. Brent Toth, 100th

Reserve doctor chosen for medical specialty board

The chief of Air Force Reserve Command's line-of-duty board was chosen to serve on the American Board of Preventative Medicine beginning in August. Col. (Dr.) Susan Northrup was selected in January to serve a three-year term on the ABPM, the only U.S. agency that certifies medical doctors in

Air Combat Command lodging goes wireless

All 16 bases in Air Combat Command now offer high-speed wireless Internet connections in lodging at no cost to the guest. For Gen. Ronald E. Keys, commander of Air Combat Command, high-speed access for those on temporary duty assignments away from their home stations is very important. "Internet

Military blood program Web site has new look

The Armed Services Blood Program Web site has been redesigned, offering updated content as well as a new look, officials said.The new Web site, www.militaryblood.dod.mil, features information on how to join a "Life Force" team of donors, volunteers and supporters with topics including blood facts,

Exercise Iron Thunder

Feb. 12 airpower: A-10s help team apprehend insurgents

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 12.In Afghanistan Feb. 11, Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops receiving small arms and rocket fire from enemy forces near Tarin Kowt. No

Airmen return from Urban Sniper School

Two Airmen from the 736th Security Forces Squadron here recently returned from 11 days of training in an Urban Sniper School with a Marine expeditionary unit at Kadena Air Base, Japan.Tech. Sgt. Samuel Howell and Staff Sgt. Patrick Pendergest along with nine Marines attended the school taught by the

Lajes Airmen impact mission at Naval Station Rota

Helping with the war effort doesn't always mean Airmen have to be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Naval Station Rota in Spain houses an average of 50 Airmen who are on temporary duty from bases throughout U.S. Air Forces in Europe who are fighting the war on terrorism by supporting the Air Force's

Air transportation specialists key to life at Lajes

Keeping Lajes Field members fed and informed is a vital job that falls on the shoulders of a 28-year-old sergeant's team, since virtually everything the base needs is flown into the small island off Portugal that Lajes Field calls home.Staff Sgt. Eric Brooks and the rest of his team at the 729th Air

Aviano Airmen train in self aid, buddy care

Wrapping second- and third-degree burns and splinting bone fractures were just two parts of the self aid and buddy care training Airmen learned from instructors from the 31st Medical Group Feb. 6 here. This training will be put to the test during a tactical evaluation here in March, and can be

Iron Thunder roars through Shaw

Thunder was heard throughout the Carolinas in early February as more than 100 Air Force, Navy, Marine and Royal Air Force aircraft participated in Exercise Iron Thunder.The four-day, multiservice and multinational exercise, hosted by the 77th Fighter Squadron here, prepared participants for future

Chief McKinley testifies before Congress

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley spoke to the House Appropriations Committee's quality of life and veterans' affairs subcommittee Feb. 9 in Washington, D.C. Chief McKinley spoke about training and quality of life initiatives in the Air Force. "America's Airmen know what it means

Loadmasters learn from mentors

A hefty responsibility rests on the shoulders of many junior expeditionary Airmen in the war on terrorism. Daniel Stone, Brian Mulkey and Sheldon Cary, all loadmasters and airmen 1st class from the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, are among the many junior Airmen making a difference on a daily

Mentoring helps develop future Air Force

When leaders mentor their subordinates, they are helping develop the Air Force as an organization. By taking an active role in each Airman's career, a supervisor can develop his or her personnel into better leaders. "It helps the Air Force tremendously because our individuals are now motivated,

USAFE, Liberian medics team up to save lives

Within minutes of completing two days of medical training in Liberia taught by medics from U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen, 23 Armed Forces of Liberia medical technicians were put to the test when they responded to a high-speed vehicle rollover Jan. 28 here. Outside the gate to the remote military

Arnold conducts Minuteman motor test

Arnold Engineering Development Center workers here successfully completed the first of eight scheduled Minuteman motor tests this year in late January. The initial test took place in the J-6 Large Rocket Motor Test Facility, where approximately $2.1 million worth of Minuteman testing will occur. The

Wolf Pack Warriors

Feb. 11 airpower: F-16s provide close-air support

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 11. In Afghanistan Feb. 10, Royal Air Force GR-7s provided a show of force for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops patrolling near Now Zad. The patrol reported that a ceasefire agreement had

Feb. 10 airpower: F-16s destroy IED production plant

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 10. In Afghanistan Feb. 9, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Pashsbad. The B-1

Balad exercise hones response skills

A joint Army and Air Force exercise recently tested the emergency response skills of Airmen and Soldier firefighters at Balad Air Base, Iraq. "Our No. 1 goal is to coordinate an emergency response that'll safely take the injured to a medical treatment facility," said Chief Master Sgt. Kevin

U.S. airpower strikes suspected terrorists in Baghdad

In response to a call for air power, a U.S. Air Force F-16 Falcon aided U.S. ground forces by delivering precision munitions on eight hostile personnel in an air strike south of Baghdad Feb. 8. The F-16 pilot, launched from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Balad Air Base, responded to a U.S. Air

AFSO21 streamlines deployment processing

Deploying Airmen had an easier transition into the area of responsibility this January because the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Squadron Readiness Flight revamped the way the Aerial Port of Debarkation processes Airmen departing and arriving. Fellow Airmen redeploying in January may not have

Life-saving attempt earns Airman praise, accolade

A 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Airman received a medal recently that will serve as a reminder of the day he unwittingly stepped into the spotlight while on a mission in Africa. While waiting for his dinner companions at a hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, Tech. Sgt. Bryant Billingsley heard a call for

Helicopter support trailer provides rapid mobility

It appears to be just a plain gray box, with a drop down rear ramp and external lighting. There are no flashy unit murals or logos. In fact, there is no labeling on the trailer at all, other than a government license plate. This nondescript trailer, recently purchased by the 723rd Aircraft

New space technology provides less shake, rattle, roll

Current deployment mechanisms operating aboard spacecraft primarily consist of heavy springs which, when activated, inflict shock to components such as solar arrays and antennae. This often hinders the equipment's efficiency in the harsh environment of space. Air Force Materiel Command's Space

Deterrence keeps secluded Minuteman crew focused

After more than a hour's drive from civilization, down sometimes treacherous country dirt roads, 1st Lt. Matthew Bejcek still has about 90 minutes of security checks to pass through before he can start his job as a caretaker of this nation's single biggest deterrent to terrorism. There is a reason

Expeditor training part of AFSO 21 initiatives

Members of the 60th Aerial Port Squadron here are holding a two-week class to develop ways to eliminate time aircrews and loadmasters are spending on the ground after a flight. Tech. Sgt. Ryan Holmes, a course director from the Air Mobility Warfare Center at Fort Dix, N.J., said they will train

Feb. 9 airpower: F-16 strike takes out terrorists

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 9.In Afghanistan Feb. 8, an Air Force B-1 Lancer, Navy F/A-18 Hornets and French air force M-2000 Mirages provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops receiving enemy

Program helps Airmen reintegrate after deployments

Returning home from a deployment can be a time full of excitement with hopes of getting back into normal life and reuniting with loved ones. But reintegrating back into normal life can be difficult as things at work and home have changed. The reintegration program at Ramstein AB seeks to help make

Vehicle registration streamlines customer service

Airmen who work in the vehicle registration office here realized not all of their customers were happy all the time. There were a variety of concerning factors, but the main area of dissatisfaction was waiting times. "In the summertime I believe our max wait was three hours and 45 minutes long. And

C-130 accident investigation board complete

Air Mobility Command officials released Feb. 9 the results of their investigation into the July 17 accident involving a C-130 Hercules deployed from the 43rd Airlift Wing at Pope AFB, N.C., during a night landing at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. The aircrew flying the C-130E was deployed from the 317th

Units focus on bringing better capabilities to warfighters

Senior leaders from Air Mobility Command, the Electronic System Center, and the Air Force Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center gathered for the 11th Exchange Day among the three organizations Feb. 7 here.Beginning in 2001, the biannual event has brought

F-22 begins first overseas deployment

The first overseas operational deployment of the Air Force's newest fighter is underway as 12 F-22 Raptors landed here Feb. 7 en route to Kadena Air Base, Japan. The aircraft and more than 250 Airmen from the 27th Fighter Squadron from Langley AFB, Va., are supporting the U.S. Pacific Command's

Air Force team performs goodwill mission in Thailand

A U.S. Air Force medical and dental team and members of the Royal Thai Air Force participated in a humanitarian mission at Thairat 72 School in Udon Thani on Feb. 6. This was the second civil-action project and the first in northern Thailand conducted during exercise Cope Tiger 2007. According to

Teaching high-altitude safety at 50 feet below sea level

An NCO from Ramstein AB is preparing Airmen for a flight up to 30,000 feet while never leaving the ground. Master Sgt. Doug Schmidt takes his position outside the hyperbaric chamber while a dozen or so students inside strap on their oxygen masks in a training facility in a part of the Netherlands

Physician assistant receives Purple Heart

An Airman who survived an improvised explosive device attack in December isn't likely to forget that moment -- or the one when he was presented a Purple Heart by the chief of staff of the Air Force Feb. 4. Capt. Kevin Fischer is a physician assistant assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Logistics

New trailer equipped for rapid response to biological agents

A ceremony Feb. 6 here marked the first delivery in the Air Force of a laboratory response team trailer. The trailer is equipped with the Joint Biological Agent Identification and Diagnostic System, or JBAIDS, which provides rapid analysis of biological agents, an essential capability during an

Fighter training in Turkey helps more than just pilots

Fighting Falcons are flying over Turkey as Airmen of the 22nd and 23rd Fighter Squadrons from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, conduct rotational deployment training. Accompanying the fighter squadrons are members of several Spangdalhem AB units charged with keeping the F-16 Fighting Falcon

Schriever Airmen assist during satellite program move

The 6th Space Operations Squadron Airmen here are assisting with satellite control authority of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, augmenting National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration specialists who deployed to Schriever Jan. 29 from their facilities in Suitland, Md. NOAA

Dover reorganizes for C-17 mission

A ceremony here Feb. 4 marked the end of a 30-year run of Dover AFB's sole C-5 Galaxy mission and the beginning of a new era as the base prepares for the first of 13 C-17 Globemaster IIIs scheduled to arrive this summer. Air Force Reserve Command's 512th Maintenance Group is reorganizing to

Air Force unit wins 2006 DOD Patient Safety Award

The 59th Medical Wing staff was recognized as a Department of Defense Patient Safety Award winner for their use of new technology and innovation for patient care and safety tracking in an emergency department setting Jan. 30. The award was presented to Brig. Gen. (Dr.) David G. Young III, the 59th

PACAF commander: Unity is key in war on terrorism

Taking care of Airmen and their families, the war on terrorism, modernizing the aging fleet, and the recent stand-up of the 13th Air Force Detachment at Yokota AB, Japan, were topics of interest for the commander of Pacific Air Forces during a visit to Kadena AB Feb. 1 to 3. "Taking care of Airmen

Kirkuk Airmen provide care following attack

Two Iraqi civilians were injured near Kirkuk, Iraq when they were caught in the crossfire between Iraqi, authorities and insurgents Feb. 1. After being transported here by helicopter and receiving emergency medical treatment from members of the 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadron, they were flown

Maintainers keep planes flying at Cope Tiger

Maintenance personnel are in Thailand as part of Exercise Cope Tiger '07. The A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from Osan Air Base, Korea, are joined by planes from bases in Japan and Hawaii, all participating in the two-week multilateral exercise with Thailand and Singapore.With more than 60 planes in the air

F-15s kept 'eye on the sky' during Super Bowl

In the days leading up to Super Bowl XLI, Airmen from the Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing at Jacksonville were ready to switch on engine power to their fighter aircraft in an instant.While thousands of fans streamed into Miami, the wing's F-15 Eagles stepped up patrols, flying

Incirlik Airmen get new development center

Incirlik AB's new Professional Development Center recently opened its doors to Airmen. The center features two large classrooms equipped with flexible seating and projectors, a computer lab with 20 network capable computers and the hall of history, which allows visitors a glance at Incirlik AB

Air Force Reserve expands KC-135 force at March ARB

Air Force Reserve Command officials have expanded the size of its KC-135 Stratotanker force at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., as part of the Air Force total force integration initiatives.Under the Base Realignment and Closure process, the 939th Air Refueling Wing at Portland International Airport,

Vandenberg team launches Minuteman III

An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from North Vandenberg Feb. 7 at 12:14 a.m. "This program is key to our constant assessment of the reliability of our ICBM fleet," said Brig. Gen. C. Donald Alston, director of Air Force Space Command's Air, Space and

Feb. 7 airpower: B-1s providing close-air support

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 7.In Afghanistan Feb. 6, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops receiving small arms fire from Taliban extremists in a building near Qurya.