Future Air Force Medical Service specialists train at Wilford Hall

For many college students, summers consist of packing away textbooks, migrating home and heading to a dull, low-paying job or internship. For several U.S. Air Force Academy and ROTC cadets, a normal day's work could mean observing trauma response in an emergency room, an F-16 Fighting Falcon

Five servicemembers show off their arms at Nationals game

On a sweltering hot day in the nation's capitol, five members of the armed forces were given the chance to take part in a Major League Baseball tradition.Representatives from the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard each threw out a ceremonial "first pitch" before the Washington

Airmen train to prepare for 'in-lieu-of' taskings

More than 800 Airmen are attending Army ground combat skills training, preparing them for operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom deployments. The Airmen require the training because they will be assigned duties outside their normal Air Force specialties. In the near-term, these numbers are

48th Fighter Wing jets receive high-tech overhaul

When aircraft launch from the British Isles in September to support operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, they will be fitted with the most advanced avionics and carry the most accurate, lethal weapons in the Air Force inventory. The 48th Fighter Wing here has taken the Air Force lead in

Air Force stands up first network warfare wing

Air Force officials will stand up the first network warfare wing here July 7 to better support the mission to "deliver sovereign options for the defense of the United States of America and its global interests -- to fly and fight in Air, Space and Cyberspace." The 67th Network Warfare Wing, formerly

Aircrew support

45th Space Wing supports shuttle launch

The U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing provided Eastern Range support for NASA's launch of the space shuttle Discovery Tuesday. Discovery lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center at 2:38 p.m."Congratulations to the entire NASA, DOD and contractor launch team," said Brig. Gen. Susan Helms, 45th Space

Refueling over Afghanistan

Pacific Air Forces receives top safety honor

Pacific Air Forces is the recipient of the Major General Benjamin D. Foulois Memorial Award in recognition for its flight safety program for the past year.The award was presented to the major command by members of the Order of Daedalians during a ceremony here July 1. To receive the annual flight

Air Force provides Army's weather support

Many people do not realize the U.S. Army receives its weather support from the Air Force as part of an inter-service agreement when the two became separate services.Airmen from the 7th Weather Squadron, with headquarters at Heidelberg, Germany, have been providing that support since 1942.Supporting

Kirkuk control tower keeps watch day, night

Organized chaos. Sounds like a contradiction, doesn't it?But that is exactly what the 506th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron air traffic control tower technicans keep their eyes on -- all day, every day. "It's something different every day," said Senior Airman Adam Guerrero, an air traffic

District dedicates hydropower plant, government center

Governor Haji Bahlol and provincial leaders dedicated a new micro-hydropower station and governance facility at ceremonies in the Shutol District here June 28.The two projects, which have an important link, are provincial reconstruction team initiatives undertaken at the request of the governor. The

On target

CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for July 1 to 2.July 2In Afghanistan July 1, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and B-1 Lancers provided close-air support for coalition forces taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Gereshk. A B-1B expended a guided

Raptors await return of roost

Aversion to needles doesn't stop donor

A staff sergeant who cannot volunteer at the Air Force Theater Hospital does so in another way. He donates blood platelets. Staff Sgt. Bret Depratu, 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, has donated 10 units of blood platelets since his arrival in May, despite his aversion to needles. "I

Basic training grads say 4th of July feels different now

Last year Airman 1st Class Samantha Riddle spent Independence Day floating down a river and watching fireworks. The day meant nothing more than a chance to hang out with friends and to enjoy a day off from the daily grind of working in the medical field. Now, as a graduate of Air Force basic

Airmen at Ali Base hand perimeter defense mission to Army

After more than three years of protecting Ali Base, the Airmen of the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, known as the "Desert Hunters," turned over the perimeter defense mission to the Army's 528th Quartermaster Company on June 30.The ceremony culminated a month of training by the Desert

Remote control

Joint forces team up for first sergeant training

Senior NCOs from the U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force received additional-duty first sergeant training to learn important skills required to be a first sergeant. Two instructors traveled from the Air Force First Sergeant Academy at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., to teach the one-week

Airman dies in non-combat related incident

An Airman assigned to the 886th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at Camp Bucca, Iraq, died today in a non-combat related incident.The name and home unit of the deceased Airman is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.The incident is under investigation.  Additional information will

Course trains medics to save lives in the air

Sweat runs into the student's eyes, blurring his vision as he strains to read the screen displaying his patient's vital signs. Loud engine noise disorients him and makes it hard to communicate with his two team members. It makes for a tense situation because a wrong move means the end of the line

Group mission inactivates at Keflavik, Iceland

The 85th Group, a tenant unit at Naval Air Station, Keflavik, Iceland, marked 55 years of heritage and cooperation during an inactivation ceremony there June 28. "From fighters to helicopters, AWACS to tankers, NAS Keflavik has seen almost every aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory transitioned

Wavelet researchers want to ease decision-making process

An Air Force Research Laboratory team began a new study on wavelets to help information analysts better prioritize workload. Basically, a wavelet represents a snapshot of information at a given point in time. The research team's estimated $200,000, one-year-long project is titled: "A New Paradigm in

Summer 2006 quarterly issue of Airman available

Read about how airpower is helping fight the war on terrorism, see how a team of Airmen mentors is making a difference in Afghanistan, follow the daily routine of an Air Force recruiter in the Big Apple, and tag along as Airmen prepare for detainee operations in the area of responsibility. These

Supply Airmen run mission lifeline at Ali Base

Paperclips, toilet bowls, sulfuric acid and body armor all have something in common. They are all items that have arrived at Ali Base through the supply system for issue by logisticians. "We are here to provide supply support for the base and do whatever else we can to help fight the war on

Civil engineers rid Kunsan of austere living conditions

Civil engineers here completed a construction project to update living accommodations typically used by servicemembers in support of air expeditionary force assignments.Thirty Southeast Asia huts, commonly referred to as SEA huts because of their popularity during the Vietnam War, were finished in

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for June 30.In Afghanistan June 29, Air Force B-1B Lancers provided close-air support for coalition forces taking small-arms and mortar fire from Taliban extremists near Tarin Kowt. The aircraft expended guided bomb unit-31s and

Academy making strides in sexual assault prevention

In 2003, the Air Force Academy faced negative attention from the press and drew the ire of parents and lawmakers alike because victims of sexual assault at the school who reported their cases were not given appropriate attention. The academy's commandant of cadets, Brig. Gen. Susan Y. Desjardins,

Dynamic Weasel keeps pilots sharp

Highly modified C-130 ready for war on terrorism

The beginning of an era for Robins Air Force Base and the warfighters of Air Force Special Operations Command was marked June 28 as the first-of-its-kind MC-130W was presented to Lt. Gen. Michael W. Wooley, AFSOC commander, in a ceremony here."A lot of work went into this aircraft," said Maj. Gen.

Air Force aids Army with medevac missions

Last year, the Army asked the Air Force for help with its medevac operation. Called an in-lieu-of mission, the Air Force agreed to assist and tasked Master Sgt. Scott Curran to form the first team of Air Force enlisted aerospace evacuation technicians, or flight medics, as they like to call

Air Force proposes CSAR-X locations

Plans for initiating environmental analyses for proposed locations of the combat search and rescue, or CSAR-X, aircraft, were announced by Air Force officials June 29.The locations are at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.; Kulis Air National Guard Base or Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; Gabreski Airport,

Air Force oversees popular name selections

The popular name of the joint strike fighter F-35 aircraft will be released in early July, while the Air Force is currently proposing popular names for the MQ-9A unmanned aerial vehicle. Military vehicles are traditionally given such names that pay homage to the services' history or its mission, or

Blogs study may net credible information

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research has begun funding a new research area that includes a study of blogs. Blog research may provide information analysts and warfighters with invaluable help in fighting the war on terrorism. Drs. Brian Ulicny, senior scientist, and Mieczyslaw Kokar,

Suiting up

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials announced the airpower summary for June 29.In Afghanistan June 28, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and B-1 Lancers and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for a coalition forces convoy taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near

Getting ready for a flight

Guardsmen provide quick response to plane crash

Pararescuemen from the Alaska Air National Guard's 212th Rescue Squadron helped stabilize and transport the passenger of a single-engine plane that crashed near Resurrection Pass June 27.Alaska State Troopers requested the Alaska National Guard's assistance in responding to the crash around 8 p.m.

Fighting fires

CMSAF says farewell to Airmen

In his latest "Chief's View," Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray discusses his four-year tenure as the 14th top enlisted person and thanks Airmen for their contribution to the war on terrorism. "As I look toward retiring on June 30, I want to thank each of you for volunteering to

Academy Class of 2010 boasts record numbers of women, minority cadets

The 1,352 members of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2010 arrived Tuesday, June 27, to in-process and begin basic cadet training here. Overall, the Academy received 9,255 applications for admission into the class, with more than 1,700 being offered appointments. As of June 26, 1,352 had

NATO troops exercise at Steadfast Jaguar

Pararescuemen train for space shuttle launch recovery

Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing here practiced techniques June 23 that may be used during a space shuttle launch recovery mission. The next shuttle launch is scheduled for July 1. Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Curl, Master Sgts. James Johnston, John Shiman, Alexander Abbey, and a new

Delta IV launch successful

The first West Coast launch of Boeing's Delta IV evolved expendable launch vehicle was conducted here June 27. The rocket took off from Space Launch Complex-6 carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. The spacelift commander for this mission was Col. Jack Weinstein, 30th Space Wing

Lancer operations

Fighter aircraft arrive for Combat Archer

Twenty-eight fighter aircraft from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; Luke AFB, Ariz.; and Shaw AFB, S.C., are here participating in Combat Archer. Approximately 300 Airmen deployed with their aircraft and set up operations in the 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron, an Air Combat Command tenant unit

Japanese military key member of coalition

For the first time since its formation in 1954, members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force are actively deployed to a combat zone. They are helping with humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts in Iraq. "I feel the responsibility of this valuable work for the world and am proud to take part

Logistics sleuths solve mysteries of disappearing parts

By finding aircraft parts that are missing, misrouted or stranded in transit, a multi-organizational team led by Air Force Materiel Command's warfighter sustainment division is returning more of the capability to warfighters when they need it. AFMC members helped recover parts worth $4.5 million in

Making friends

AFSO 21 streamlines logistics processes

Airmen with the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron Material Management Flight are implementing a new way of thinking by streamlining their process of asset distribution at Incirlik and collocating people into one building. "We are wringing out the water and giving time back to our Airmen," said Capt.

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for June 28.In Iraq June 27, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted a precision strike against an anti-Iraqi forces compound near Baghdad. The F-16s expended a guided bomb unit-38, destroying the compound. F-16s provided

Former astronaut takes command of Air Force Space Command

Gen. Kevin P. Chilton assumed command of Air Force Space Command in a ceremony here June 26, presided over by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. Current and former national defense leaders, active and retired senior officers, community leaders and active-duty servicemembers gathered

18th ASOG Airman praised for selfless service

A tactical air controller was recognized by the secretary of the Air Force with the presentation of a Silver Star in a ceremony June 26 for heroic duties while deployed to Southwest Asia in support of the war on terrorism. Tech. Sgt. Travis Crosby, a terminal attack control-qualified TACP assigned

Omaha Trophy winners announced

The winners of the 2005 Omaha Trophy awards were announced by U.S. Strategic Command officials today.The results are as follows: -- Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Trophy: 90th Space Wing, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.-- Strategic Aircraft Operations Trophy: 5th Bomb Wing, Minot AFB, N.D.--

Mission success depends on refuelers

The B-1 Lancers that drop bombs on targets cannot get to those targets without the support of the KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-10 Extenders that refuel them en route. The general premise of the missions seems simple: refuel the B-1s on the way to and from the area of responsibility. In reality,

Air Ops Center wraps up Valiant Shield

After nearly 2,000 sorties, the Kenney Headquarters' Pacific Air Operations Center team, assembled to orchestrate air operations for Valiant Shield, concluded the exercise. "We had a very successful exercise," said Maj. Paul Hahn of the headquarter's Combat Operations Division. "This was a great

CENTAF releases airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for June 27.In Afghanistan June 26, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support to coalition forces taking small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from Taliban extremists

Air Force, Army agree on plans for joint cargo aircraft

With the signing of a memorandum of agreement June 20, the vice chiefs of staff of the Air Force and the Army have agreed on a way ahead for converging the service's independent acquisition programs for a joint cargo aircraft. Both the Air Force and the Army independently pursued options for a

Air Force turns to old standby for Army re-supply

The U.S. military has turned to an old workhorse as the delivery method for supplies and humanitarian cargo needed to sustain Operation Enduring Freedom. The C-130 Hercules has been around, in one form or another, since the 1950s. It is the aircraft of choice for inter-theater airlift in

Firefighters get $10,000 in donated equipment

Firefighters here have received nearly $10,000 in donated equipment that will improve the Airmen's comfort and protection, thanks to the help of several nonprofit organizations, families and friends.Firefighters received the ballistic liner suspension system, an upgrade to the Kevlar helmet. "Most

Air Force research facility one of best in DOD

An Air Force research facility here received accolades as one of the best in the Department of Defense during an inspection. Dr. Salvatore Cirone, the health science policy program director for the office of the assistant secretary of defense, inspected the 59th Medical Wing's 59th Clinical Research

Contingency skills training

Badlands Express

Airmen ensure blood flows to forward locations

It is the job of the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group's Expeditionary Blood Transshipment System to ensure that lifesaving blood, plasma and cryoprecipitate (the part of the blood that aids in clotting) get from the states to the forward operating bases. "All blood comes through here and that is

Laughlin students keep air traffic controllers busy

Just outside this small border town, with its low-key appearance and down-home lifestyle, Airmen control the Air Force's sixth busiest runway. Airmen of the 47th Operations Support Squadron's air traffic control complex at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, operate in a unique training environment.

Transformation gives troops advantage in operations

If the Defense Department's training transformation effort was summed up into a simple bumper-sticker-type slogan, it would read, "Train as you operate," a senior Defense Department official told the Pentagon Channel. That's a concept that Paul Mayberry, deputy undersecretary of defense for

Airmen prepare base for return to Iraqi control

In order for coalition troops to leave Iraq, the Iraqis must first be prepared to take over operations from the coalition. Part of accomplishing that task involves coalition forces training and validating the new Iraqi military. Four Airmen assigned to a small forward operating base about 10 miles

Air Force accepting physician assistant applications

The Air Force is taking applications from active-duty enlisted Airmen for Physician Assistant Phase I training classes beginning in January, April and August 2008. The selection board convenes at the Air Force Personnel Center on March 27. Completed applications must arrive at HQ AFPC/DPAMW, 550 C

Allied aircrews train for action

More than 300 German and American aircrews are expanding their scope of modern coalition warfare during a two-week training exercise that concludes June 30. The exercise is the final stage of training for weapons instructors with the German Air Force Flying Training Center, or GAF-TC, stationed at

Logisticians track down $1 million in pallets

More than $1 million worth of pallets have been recovered over the past month by a team from the 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron here.The team, led by Senior Airman Randy Walgren, has recovered more than 900 pallets used to carry cargo during military airlift. "When I arrived at

CENTAF releases combined airpower summary

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for June 24 to 26.June 26In Afghanistan June 25, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for coalition forces taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Asadabad. The aircraft expended guided bomb

Non-destructive inspection

Chief of staff presents sergeant with Purple Heart Medal

A sergeant severely wounded in action in Afghanistan received the Purple Heart Medal today, pinned on his chest by the Air Force chief of staff. Staff Sgt. Israel del Toro Jr. accepted the medal from Gen. T. Michael Moseley at a ceremony at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San

Medical Airmen train with Honduran ENT residents

The hallways inside Hospital Escuela and sidewalks outside are lined with patients who have come here from throughout Honduras. The patients are waiting to be seen by medical residents at this training hospital specializing in the ear, nose and throat treatment. The residents have been joined by

Bilateral training benefits U.S., Japanese enlisted leaders

Nine Japan Air Self-Defense Force senior enlisted leaders took part in their first U.S. Air Force First Sergeant Symposium here as part of a bilateral exchange. Fifty-eight U.S. Air Force and Japanese senior NCOs participated in academics and training June 19 to 23 to learn how to be better first

U-2s boast new, improved cockpit

An improved U-2S Dragon Lady offering greater pilot awareness and improved safety arrived here June 14 as part of the Reconnaissance Avionics Modernization Program.The program's goal is to improve the maintainability and reliability of the aircraft."The Block 20 aircraft is a new, modern cockpit

Medical evacuation

Airmen teach skills to Afghans to rebuild their country

Saeed graduated from a Qalat Provincial Reconstruction Team trade school eight months ago after learning carpentry and plumbing skills. Recently, the PRT trade school's mission of teaching life skills to the people of Afghanistan compelled Saeed to return to the school, not as a student, but as a

Airmen train Soldiers for protection mission

Airmen from the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here have found themselves performing a unique mission in the last month -- providing training to 164 Soldiers. "It wasn't so much training as (it was) refreshing their skills and letting them know some specifics about protecting Ali Base

Testers set sights on joint strike fighter

Allowing a pilot to turn in any direction but still have access to information on the heads-up display at the front of the cockpit is the aim of testing here. Members of the 412th Test Wing completed a project June 20 to help evaluate a helmet-mounted display system for the F-35 joint strike

Agriculture day in Afghan province brings hope

The future for residents here is full of hope thanks to programs and initiatives directed by Gov. Haji Bahlol and supported by the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team. The governor established education and agriculture as his top two priorities respectively, and he is following word with action.

CENTAF releases airpower summary for June 23

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for June 23.In Afghanistan June 22, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle, French air force Mirages and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support to coalition forces taking small-arms

Last Block 10 Global Hawk arrives for check flights

An RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle, the last Block 10 production aircraft, arrived here for a thorough checkup before delivery to an operational squadron. The aircraft will undergo a series of acceptance and operational check flights by the 452nd Flight Test Squadron before flying to Beale

Khobar Towers changed Air Force focus on force protection

It was around 10 p.m. on June 25, 1996, when Staff Sgt. Alfredo Guerrero went to check the security post on the rooftop of an eight-story Khobar Towers apartment building at Dhahran Air Base, Saudi Arabia. He asked the sentry on watch if everything was OK. Below them, residents in the rooms were

The ABCs of PRT

The provincial reconstruction teams' efforts in Afghanistan are so successful Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice used them as a template to inaugurate the first U.S.-led PRT in Iraq in November. While addressing the Senate Committee of Foreign Relations last fall, Secretary Rice said, "To execute

'Lean tools' hammer waste, improve processes

Many people within Air Force Materiel Command associate toolboxes with maintenance-oriented jobs. However, with the renewed emphasis on continuous improvement, more people are turning to their "Lean" toolbox. This toolbox contains various Lean improvement tools that are part of Air Force Smart

Delta II with satellite payload launched

A joint government-industry team successfully launched the Micro-satellite Technology Experiment from here on Wednesday, June 21. The experiment is designed to support and enhance future U.S. space missions. MiTEx is a joint technology demonstration mission for the Defense Advanced Research Projects

AFRL awards $10.2 million contract to Lockheed Martin

The Air Force Research Laboratory has awarded a $10,251,024 contract in support of its "Integrated Sensor IS Structure," or ISIS program, to Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime Systems and Sensors, of Akron, Ohio. The two-year contract is funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of

Tool team improves maintenance efficiency

Eleven Airmen with the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron here have made their facility a user-friendly and efficient workspace.When the consolidated tool kit, or CTK, team arrived in February, they were disappointed with the condition of their facility."There were parts and trash everywhere.

International cadet program expands at academy

The U.S. Air Force Academy's first cadets from Iraq, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Belize and Madagascar begin their academy experience today. They are among 20 international basic cadet trainees who begin inprocessing to join the Class of 2010. The new international basic cadet trainees hail from:

Officials name aircrew life support award winners

Air Force officials here have announced the 2005 Outstanding Air Force Aircrew Life Support of the Year award winners. These awards recognize the accomplishments of aircrew life support people and programs. The 2005 winners are: -- Headquarters Staff Member of the Year: Master Sgt. Richard Colson,

Joint training at Valiant Shield

CENTAF releases airpower summary for June 22

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for June 22.In Afghanistan June 21, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle conducted a precision strike on a group of Taliban extremists near Gereshk. The Predator UAV expended a Hellfire missile, ending the

Retraining program achieves 95 percent success

The NCO Retraining Program, designed to balance the enlisted force by moving NCOs from career fields with overages to those with shortages, has reached an unprecedented 95 percent of the Air Staff goal for the fiscal 2006 program. This is the most successful NCORP to date, said officials from the

Air Force announces new mission at Cannon AFB

Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., will be the new home for an Air Force special operations wing, Air Force officials announced June 20.Air Force Special Operations Command will accept ownership of Cannon AFB and the Melrose Range effective Oct. 1, 2007. The decision came as a result of an eight-step

Airmen, Soldiers polish skills at Golden Medic

Air Force reservists from around the country deployed here June 10 to 19 to participate in the Army Reserve's largest medical exercise, Golden Medic 2006. About 200 Airmen set up a base at the city's regional airport. At nearby Fort Gordon, nearly 2,000 Soldiers took part in the exercise. More than

Snowbird operations

C-130 aircrew evacuates girl on Father's Day

When Maj. Wayne Vaughn looked down at the injured 12-year-old girl clinging to life on a litter loaded in his C-130 Hercules, he thought, "How can they do this? How can they try and kill a little girl?" Taliban extremists had bombed a girls school in Herat in eastern Afghanistan on June 18, killing

Tankers keep 'em flying at Valiant Shield