Prevention, education key to winning war against HIV

In the military's fight against HIV/AIDS, prevention is the key to winning the battle, said Dr. Judith Delmar, a staff physician with the Air Force's HIV program at Wilford Hall Medical Center. Speaking at the sixth annual international HIV/AIDS Strategic Planning and Policy Development course, the

University of Idaho students study human factors on B-52

Seven students and a professor from the University of Idaho visited several organizations here Dec. 5 for a subsystem evaluation on the B-52 Stratofortress. The University of Idaho students are attending a graduate-level course, called advanced human factors, and were assigned to a class project

Mission Employment

Testing their skills

Florida base provides mix of support for shuttle launch

The Air Force's 45th Space Wing out of Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. supported NASA's launch of Space Shuttle Discovery from Kennedy Space Center Dec. 9 on the shuttle's first night launch in four years. Several units across the 45th SW played vital roles such as helping validate the pad after the

Kadena Airmen live life of Japan self defense force

Six Kadena Air Base NCOs recently had the opportunity to experience what life is like in the Japan Air Self Defense Force. As part of the NCO Bilateral Exchange Program they traveled in JASDF aircraft Dec. 5 to Tsuiki Air Base in mainland Japan. There, they spent nine days living and working

Air Force delivers much needed supplies to Kenya

After weeks of a deluge that seemingly had no end in sight, something besides rain finally fell from the Eastern Kenya sky -- compliments of a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing based in Southwest Asia. What began as a normal storm in late October in the

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 11

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 11.In Afghanistan Dec. 10, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Orgun-E. An Air Force B-1B and

SECAF visits Balad Airmen

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne visited deployed Airmen here Dec. 9. Secretary Wynne spoke to Airmen during a town hall meeting in order to discuss issues affecting them and the impact Airmen are having on Operation Iraqi Freedom. He commented on how relevant was the mission statement of

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 10

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 10.In Afghanistan Dec. 9, Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close- air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Lashkar Gah. One of the F/A-18s

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 9

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 9. In Afghanistan Dec. 8, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Asadabad. The B-1B expended guided bomb unit-31s on enemy targets. Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided

New combat turret design named for fallen Airman

Sometimes a tragedy inspires others to strive for excellence. That's what happened here for two Air Force units near Baghdad as they worked together to bring in some good for fellow Airmen.Airman 1st Class LeeBernard Emmanuel Chavis was killed while patrolling the streets of Baghdad Oct. 14 in the

Fairchild Airmen awarded medals for heroism

Whether it is a meth lab in Spokane, Wash., booby trapped with grenades, or an improvised explosive device in Baghdad, every day brings something new for an explosive ordnance disposal technician. Two of Fairchild's EOD technicians were awarded decorations for heroism in a ceremony Dec. 7 at the

Four more F-16s to be delivered to Poland

Four more F-16s are scheduled to arrive in Poland Dec. 14 as part of a second wave of a 48-aircraft delivery and a $3.8 billion program executed by Aeronautical Systems Center and the Air Force Security Assistance Center here.The F-16 deliveries are part of the Poland Peace Sky Program, a Foreign

Dover to be active hub for C-5 isochronal inspections

Air Mobility Command officials announced Dec. 8 Dover Air Force Base, Del., as one of three sites selected for future C-5 Galaxy cargo aircraft isochronal inspections.According to AMC officials, Dover AFB was selected as the active-duty C-5 ISO site because of facilities, maintenance support, base

F-15 demo team transitions to F-22 demo team

The F-15 Eagle East Coast Demonstration Team, one of seven single-ship demonstration teams assigned to Air Combat Command, concluded 27 years of performance history Dec. 1. After averaging more than 30 air shows a year for about 4 million people in the four corners of the United States and

Spectrum Summit focuses on warfighters' communication needs

Servicemembers on patrols and convoy missions in Iraq and Afghanistan sometimes have to choose between having access to radios to call in close-air support if they need it or to call for jammers to disable improvised explosive devices they encounter along the route. That is a decision troops

Airmen play role in homeland defense exercise

A simulated catastrophe hit Davis-Monthan AFB Dec. 4 and tested base Airmen's ability to deal with a major accident with nuclear implications here. Exercise Vigilant Shield 07, a national-level scenario which kicked off at Davis-Monthan AFB, connects the departments of Defense, Homeland Security,

NATO team ensures safe sky during Riga Summit

While Airmen around U.S. Air Forces in Europe were gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving, duty called for more than 450 other Airmen in seven European countries to support the NATO Riga Summit in Latvia. Called Operation Peaceful Summit, the military effort enhanced ongoing Baltic Air Policing

Incirlik welcomes Air Force secretary

Incirlik AB members welcomed the secretary of the Air Force and his wife at approximately noon local time Dec. 7 as the service's leader met with base officials and witnessed the unique missions and capabilities conducted daily in support of full-spectrum operations. Secretary of the Air Force

Airlift wing carries legacy into the future

While much Air Force history can be found in volumes of books at the local library, its living heritage is not so easy to find. Or so most people think. In reality, Air Force heritage and history is easy to find in its Airmen and the units in which they serve. The 15th Airlift Wing at Hickam Air

Safety committee promotes holiday hazard awareness

Increased alcohol consumption and dangerous road conditions are two of many holiday hazards a Defense Department safety committee is working to remind servicemembers about this season. The Defense Safety Oversight Council is using a series of holiday messages from top DOD and service safety center

4 Airmen vie for GEICO awards

Four Airmen have been chosen to represent the Air Force to compete for the 2006 Government Employee Insurance Company Military Service Awards. Their records will compete against those of other members of the armed forces in four categories. Master Sgt. Shawn Ricchuito of Robins AFB, Ga., will

Luke community rallies to support downed pilot's family

A Luke AFB pilot killed in action Nov. 27 in Iraq was remembered by Air Force leaders and friends as a warrior-patriot who made a difference in everything he did in a ceremony Dec. 6 here. Maj. Troy L. Gilbert's F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed while flying a combat mission in support of ground forces

Air War College receives joint Phase II certification

Air War College, the Air Force's senior service school, located at Air University here, received Joint Staff J-7's recommendation for Joint Professional Military Education Phase II certification at the culmination of a visit by a certification assessment team in late November. The recommendation

Warfighters sharpen skills during Vigilant Shield

Warfighters assigned to Air Forces Northern and Continental U.S. NORAD Region are honing the skills needed to respond to such threats during Vigilant Shield 07 which began Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 14 here. The annual homeland defense Vigilant Shield exercise, sponsored by the North American

1st Air Force female pilot in combat reflects on career

As she attends Air War College here, the first female pilot in the Department of Defense to fly in combat reflected on some of her career experiences so far. An A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, Lt. Col. Martha McSally is also the first female in the Air Force to serve as the commander of any combat

Sailing the skies

Air Force launches new television program

A long-format, weekly news show titled "Today's Air Force" is now available. The new program, which first aired Oct. 30, was introduced to help tell Air Force stories in a more in-depth manner. "We have daily news programs, but they don't provide enough time to get deep into a subject and provide

Secretary Wynne visits Aviano

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne visited Aviano AB Dec. 5 and spoke to base members about issues affecting today's Airmen. Some of the things Secretary Wynne discussed were Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century, deployments and the new cyber command. "I am capitalizing on the

Air Force Week locations selected for 2007

Air Force officials announced Dec. 5 the six locations to host "Air Force Week" in 2007. They are Phoenix from March 19 to 25; Sacramento from June 4 to 10; St. Louis from July 2 to 8; New England from Aug.18 to 26; Honolulu from Sept. 10 to 16; and Atlanta from Oct. 8 to 14. The inaugural Air Force

Thunderbirds release 2007 show schedule

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds," has announced its 2007 air show schedule. The team is scheduled to perform more than 68 shows in 21 states and nine European countries.The 2007 schedule is as follows: March 24-25 Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. 31 Point Mugu Naval Base

Airman dies in CH-46 helicopter crash

Capt. Kermit Evans, an Air Force civil engineer explosive ordnance flight commander, was killed as a result of a U.S. Marine helicopter emergency water landing Dec. 3. Captain Evans was one of 16 people aboard the Marine CH-46 helicopter when it made an emergency water landing near the shore of Lake

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 5

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 5.In Afghanistan Dec. 4, U.S. 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 Taliban extremists near

Reconstruction team holds first vendor fair

More than 40 contractors from the Zabul Province attended the first vendor fair Nov. 26 held by the Qalat Provincial Reconstruction Team here in an effort to promote the availability of services and opportunities to both new and established contractors in the region. Hosted by PRT officials and the

Fairchild, Grand Forks crews support NATO summit

KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft along with aircrews, crew chiefs and maintainers from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., and Grand Forks AFB, N.D., are augmenting the refueling mission here in support of a NATO Summit mission.The weeklong deployment by the two stateside units allowed the RAF Mildenhall

Orientation program highlights best practices

Air Mobility Command mission support group commanders recently traveled to five AMC bases to learn about and evaluate best practices as part of the annual Excellent Installation Orientation Program. Commanders visited MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.; McGuire AFB, N.J.; Grand Forks AFB, N.D.; Fairchild

C-17 reaches dry dock

Kentucky Airmen lead way for ANG contingency response

The Kentucky Air National Guard is now the home of the first and only contingency response group in the Air National Guard. The 123rd Contingency Response Group -- an "airbase in a box" -- will now provide a continual capability to provide everything necessary to open a runway, load and unload

Pope NCO receives Purple Heart

A tactical air control party Airman from Pope AFB's 17th Air Support Operations Squadron was awarded the Purple Heart in a presentation ceremony Nov. 30 here. Tech. Sgt. Juan Valentin was awarded the Purple Heart for his wounds received in action Oct. 28 while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Active C-130 unit unites with Wyoming ANG

The U.S. Air Force has proven active duty and citizen Airmen can successfully operate together daily with the right amount of communication and the right amount of heart - just ask the Airmen of the 30th and 187th Airlift Squadrons at the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing. The

Afghan reconstruction team brings supplies to orphans

The Mehtar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team paid an unexpected visit to a girl's orphan school Nov. 27 to donate three trailers full of supplies, including items to help with the approaching winter. The staff of Rosantoon Orphan Girl's School in Mehtar Lam City welcomed the team and helped

Andersen Airmen treat, transport injured Sailors

Airmen from the 36th Medical Group and 734th Air Mobility Squadron here played an integral role in treating and transporting six critically injured Sailors Dec. 2 to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.The Sailors were transported via a C-17 Globemaster III to Hickam AFB, then on to the Army's Burn Center

Record-setting fuels flight keeps gas flowing at Manas

Airmen from the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Petroleum, Oils and Lubricants Flight help complete the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing's mission of delivering fuel, people and cargo to Afghanistan by keeping the fuel flowing. The men and women of POL, commonly known as the fuels

F-16 pilot status confirmed

Maj. Troy L. Gilbert, the pilot of the Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon engaged in support of coalition ground combat operations that crashed approximately 20 miles northwest of Baghdad Nov. 27, was officially listed as killed in action.Positive identification was made through DNA analysis by the

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 2

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 2. In Afghanistan Dec. 1, U.S. 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 Taliban extremists near

Air Force transporting injured Sailors

The Air Force is currently responding to transport injured Sailors from Guam back to the United States to receive medical attention. Eight sailors were injured, six critically, as a result of an accident aboard a U.S. Navy submarine tender. The Guam Pacific Daily News reports the sailors were

USAFE officials reactivate 3rd Air Force

The 3rd Air Force was reactivated today during a ceremony here. Lt. Gen. Robert D. Bishop Jr. took command. General Bishop has been vice commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe."My last three job titles have begun with deputy, assistant or vice. I am personally delighted and humbled to be here this

Moody pharmacy team makes AFSO 21 improvements

The 23rd Medical Group's pharmacy is currently implementing a series of changes to improve customer service and satisfaction. The changes are a direct result of the group's first Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century Rapid Improvement Event. The first change revises the pharmacy hours from

NORAD to patrol space shuttle operations

The Air Force is stepping up its air patrols in the Cape Canaveral, Fla., area to increase security for upcoming space shuttle operations. The patrols are a smart, efficient way to protect American lives and resources in the region, said Maj. Gen. Henry C. Morrow, the 1st Air Force commander."NORAD

Moody maintainers take initiative with AFSO 21

A handful of Moody AFB maintenance professionals brought Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century to the forefront during a meeting Nov. 20 and 21 that reflected on improving inspections for the HC-130P. Sixteen Airmen from the 723rd Maintenance Squadron, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 1

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 1. In Afghanistan Nov. 30, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kabul. The F/A-18s expended guided

Sound support

Report cites mechanical error in Predator accident

An MQ-1L Predator crash during a training mission June 22 at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., was the result of mechanical error, according to an aircraft accident investigation report released Nov. 30.There were no injuries or fatalities from the accident; and other than the loss of the aircraft, no

Patrolmen lauded for life-saving response

A base Airman who attempted suicide is alive today because of the fast reaction of four patrolmen from the 366th Security Forces Squadron here. This month, 366th Fighter Wing officials showed its gratitude by selecting Tech. Sgt. Rich Richardson, Tech. Sgt. Galen Dickerson, Staff Sgt. Tom French and

In case of emergency ...

Next generation: A-10C arrives at Davis-Monthan

The A-10C Thunderbolt II made its official roll-out debut here Nov. 29, revealing its transformation and its enhanced capabilities under the Precision Engagement program.The Precision Engagement program will offer the A-10 the most significant modifications it has ever received in its 30-year

U.S. forces to stay in Iraq 'until job complete'

U.S. leaders will consider all options on moving forward in Iraq, but three tenets of U.S. Iraq policy "remain firm and they're fixed," President George W. Bush said after a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Nov. 30 in Amman, Jordan.He also reiterated that U.S. forces would remain in

NCO completes in-theater advocate training

An NCO here completed 40 hours of training to become the first victim advocate trained in Southwest Asia, according to the local Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. Dr. Mario Mercado said Staff Sgt. Kino Simmons of the 380th Expeditionary Communications Squadron completed the training before any

Area defense artillery battalion stands up at Kadena

The 1-1 Air Defense Artillery Battalion (PAC-3) stood up during a ceremony Nov. 29 at the 18th Wing Headquarters here. "Today is an important day for our soldiers and our people -- it is a commemoration and an honoring of our personnel and the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in our unit's

Sibling tanker pilots connect 7,700 miles from home

Being in different services, they never thought their military paths would cross, but two Kaysville, Utah, brothers are sharing a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Torbensen family learned Marine Corps Capt. Jason Torbensen and Air Force 1st Lt. Dustin Torbensen would serve together at a

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 30

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 30.In Afghanistan Nov. 29, Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Orgun-e. The F/A-18s expended guided

Pace: Military chiefs looking at Iraq options

Members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are looking at the whole spectrum of conflict and various options open to them regarding troop deployments, Marine Gen. Peter Pace said here Nov. 29. "Whether it's been reported that we're looking at beefing up or it's reported that we're looking at 'skinnying'

Kunsan F-16 fleet prepped for 'Falcon STAR'

The Block 30 F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron here are set to enter upgrade in the Air Force's Falcon Structural Augmentation Roadmap program aimed at extending the service life of the aircraft. The improvement to the fleet follows previous air-to-ground dominance to

Air and Space Power Journal focuses on leadership

The College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education at Air University here has published and distributed the Winter 2006 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

Tops In Blue needs horn players to complete group

The Tops In Blue 2007 entertainment group is almost complete, but has some important vacancies that talented Air Force Airmen can fill, and fill quickly. "We need horn players," said Jeri White, Tops In Blue production coordinator at Air Force Services Agency, "trumpets, trombones and saxophones,

GM-3 vehicle deploys aboard C-17 first time

The 4th Space Operations Squadron's Ground Mobile-3 vehicle made history Nov. 25 with its first deployment aboard a C-17 Globemaster III. The GM-3 and a crew of 4th SOPS Airmen at Schriever AFB deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to set up deployed mobile satellite command-and-control

Defense officials release name of downed F-16 pilot

Department of Defense officials announced today the identity of an Airman listed as duty status - whereabouts unknown. Maj. Troy L. Gilbert was the pilot of an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon engaged in support of coalition ground combat operations that crashed approximately 20 miles northwest of

Today's security forces are expeditionary combat Airmen

They work 12-hour patrols in 100-plus degree temperatures, sandstorms whipping into their faces. They drive convoy operations across the desert. They provide personal security details for four-star generals. Today's security forces career barely resembles its own Air Force specialty code from a

Career fields meld expertise in recovery missions

Airmen from three career fields have worked for the past five years to bring the guardian angel weapon system, or GAWS, online for the Air Force to provide rapid recovery of servicemembers. Made up of survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists, pararescue jumper called PJs, and combat

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 29

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 29.In Afghanistan Nov. 28, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Lashkar Gah. The GR-7s

C-37A arrives at Hickam AFB

The arrival here of the Navy's Executive Transport Detachment from nearby Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station Nov. 25 signals the successful integration of flying missions between two services. The Navy C-37A business jet replaces the modified P-3 aircraft the unit used to fly. The reception of the

Air Force officials convene board to examine F-16 crash

Air Force officials have convened an investigative board to look into the crash of an F-16 Fighting Falcon engaged in combat operations over Iraq Nov. 27.The board will look into what caused the F-16 single-seat fighter to crash about 20 miles northwest of Baghdad around 1:35 p.m. local time. The

Air Force pharmacist receives award for excellence

An Air Force pharmacist was honored by the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States with their 2006 Award for Excellence in Clinical Pharmacy Practice during their 112th annual meeting held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. Competing for the award were clinical

Personnel accountability key during emergencies

A new Air Force Instruction places more responsibility for personnel accountability on the shoulders of individual Airmen. Air Force Instruction 10-218, Personnel Accountability in Conjunction With Natural Disasters or National Emergencies, published Oct. 31, 2006, details how an Airman should go

Wilford Hall nurse missing

First Lt. Nonnie Dotson, a clinical nurse in the 759th Surgical Operations Squadron at Wilford Hall Medical Center, was reported missing Nov. 20 by relatives in Colorado. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department is conducting an investigation into her disappearance.Lieutenant Dotson has been

Science, engineering, technology achievements lauded

Air Force officials recognized the service's top performers in science, engineering and technology during an awards banquet at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Award winners received a plaque and a certificate recognizing their

Balad 'Port Dawgs' help limit ground convoys

With each pallet pushed onto an aircraft flying out of Balad, another dangerous convoy mission is avoided and lives are potentially saved. The "Port Dawgs" assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Aerial Port Flight, ensure assets are delivered to forward-operating locations

PRT delivers supplies to Afghan schools

Soldiers and Airmen from the Methar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team delivered nearly a ton of much-needed supplies to two schools Nov. 21in the capital city of Laghman Province of Afghanistan.The PRT distributed 1,300 backpacks, teacher's kits, hygiene products, soccer balls, notebooks, pens,

U.S. Airmen help Iraqis take flight again

The new Iraqi air force have returned to the sky, performing a variety of missions throughout the country, thanks to training and support from U.S. and coalition advisors. At Kirkuk Regional AB, American advisors are helping Iraqi military members of Squadron 3 train for their intelligence,

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 28

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 28.In Afghanistan Nov. 27, French M2000D Mirages and Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Orgun-e. An

F-16 crash investigation begins

The interim safety investigation board convened by U.S. Central Command Air Forces has begun its efforts to gather evidence to determine what caused an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon to crash approximately 20 miles northwest of Baghdad at about 1:35 p.m. Nov. 27.The single-seat jet was in direct

Officials to conduct foreign language skills survey

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley recently approved a survey to identify the foreign language capability inherent in the Air Force. The purpose of the on-line survey is to allow Air Force officials to get a better understanding of the foreign language skills already in the force, so

Street patrol

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 27

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 27. In Afghanistan Nov. 26, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Musah Qal'eh. The GR-7s

F-16 crashes northwest of Baghdad

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon engaged in support of coalition ground combat operations crashed approximately 20 miles northwest of Baghdad Nov. 27 at about 1:35 p.m. Baghdad time with one pilot on board. A board will be convened to investigate the incident.

Depot liaison engineers support aircraft maintenance units

Growing up in Arizona was practically like having a desert as a backyard. That backyard served as the perfect place for mountain biking -- a passion of 14-year-old Mark Eilertsen. For an avid biker, an ideal choice for a career would be doing something with mountain bikes. So the teenager did his

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 26

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 26.In Afghanistan Nov. 25, Navy F/A-18Fs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Musah Qal'eh. The F/A-18Fs expended Guided

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 25

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 25. In Afghanistan Nov. 24, 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 Taliban extremists near

Rough Riders serve patients traditional turkey dinner

The Germany chapter of The Rough Riders Motorcycle Club cooked a traditional Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 23 for the patients and staff of the Contingency Air Staging Facility here. Tech. Sgt. Keith Hammack, president of the Rough Riders chapter, said the veterans-based club operates with three

Snow, sub-freezing temps no match for Manas team

One key to successful mission completion for the coming months will be how the wing prepares and adjusts to winter weather. The mission priority every day and even more so during adverse weather is to deliver fuel, people and cargo in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This week brought the

Air Force goes 'wild' on GMA

Wild Blue Country performed live on ABC's "Good Morning America" Nov. 24, as part of the U.S. Air Force Academy Band's week-long tour here celebrating the Air Force's 60th Anniversary.A component of the academy band, Wild Blue Country showcased their talent and played for Ronan Tynan, a world-renown

Western Air Defense Sector ops center opens

With the snip of a fiber-optic ribbon, the Western Air Defense Sector opened its multi-million dollar operations center here Nov. 20. The opening culminated an 18-month effort that now stands WADS as a significant, technically advanced deterrent against asymmetrical threats over a significant

VA, DOD joint venture future of medical care

As the sound of sledge hammers swinging and bulldozers running fades, a new state-of-the-art medical facility on the north side of San Antonio is poised to open its doors. The new North Central Federal Clinic, the first Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense venture using joint

Technology transfers benefit warfighter, first responders

The Defense Department's technology transfer program, which shares newly developed DOD technologies with civilian first responders, benefits both communities in cost effectiveness and mission accomplishment, the DOD official in charge of the program said here Nov.21. Congress mandated the technology

Pentagon Channel 'Recon' program focuses on military children

"I send him off with a kiss goodbye, although I understand that he may die." Those are words from a poem written by a third-grader named Gloria who lives with her family at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. She concludes her poem this way: "I serve too." That child's sentiment is the subject and title

Mission Monster Mash builds camaraderie

A pilot who has been shot down and injured during a combat situation relies on the skills of an Air Force pararescueman to save his life and get him to safety. Known as PJs, these elite military men train to dodge bullets while protecting the people they rescue. To help prepare them for the

Dirt runway testing increases C-17 safety, agility

In an effort to expand the capability of the C-17 Globemaster III, about 40 people from the C-17 Integrated Test Force are in the midst of a four-phase test program to determine the C-17 takeoff and landing performance on non-paved surfaces. Engineers and pilots are testing the aircraft in extreme

PACAF commander serves Thanksgiving meals

Osan Airmen were treated to a special guest for Thanksgiving lunch at the Ginkgo Tree dining facility here. Gen. Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander, served Thanksgiving lunch to Airmen here and spent time this holiday season with them. "Since all of us who serve overseas are away from our

Operation Homecooking offers a taste of home

Going through basic military training is always difficult on trainees, especially over the holidays. That is why for the past 31 years, Operation Homecooking has tried to serve up the flavors, family and feelings of the Thanksgiving holiday to hundreds of the Air Force's newest family members --