NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • POW recalls mission that led to capture 50 years ago

    On Oct. 25, 1967, now retired Lt. Col. Richard Smith and his wingmen had orders to bomb the Paul Doumer Bridge in North Vietnam; the bridge was a mile long and one of the most heavily defended positions in Southeast Asia.

  • Around the Air Force: Oct. 24

    On this look around the Air Force, Airmen from the 633rd Medical Group deploy to Puerto Rico to help with relief efforts, the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing complete their first combat mission, and Air Force medical researchers test a new tool that detects and identifies pathogens in the field.

  • DPAA Accounts for 183 Missing Service Members in Fiscal Year 2017

    In fiscal year 2017, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency accounted for 183 formerly missing persons from past conflicts. Also, the agency individually identified the remains of 18 additional personnel, who were previously accounted for as part of group burials, reaching another milestone of 201

  • 71st Rescue Squadron brings home a win

    The 71st Rescue Squadron was presented the That Others May Live Foundation’s 2017 Rescue Squadron of the Year Award, Oct. 21, 2017, in Melbourne, Florida.

  • B-1Bs conduct flyover during Seoul ADEX 17

    Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted a flyover during the 2017 Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition, also known as Seoul ADEX 17, at Seoul Airport, South Korea, Oct. 21, 2017.

  • EMEDS team deploys to support hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico

    As Puerto Rico continues to reel from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria, Air Combat Command deployed medical assets Oct. 18, 2017, to provide relief to the community and supplement teams that have already begun relief efforts.

  • 386th AEW completes first flight of Block 5 MQ-9

    The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing successfully completed its first combat mission with the latest version of the MQ-9 Reaper in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.The wing’s remotely piloted aircraft unit, the 46th Expeditionary Attack Squadron, transitioned its attack and reconnaissance airframes

  • Around the Air Force: Oct. 19

    On this look around the Air Force, Air Force Special Operations Command Airmen are awarded the Air Force Cross and Air Medal, and U.S. Air Forces in Europe signs a joint exercise agreement with Nordic Air Chiefs. Hosted by Airman 1st Class Jasmine Vanderheyden.

  • JBLE Command and Control establishes AMC C2

    Normally, while serving as Joint Base Langley-Eustis command and control specialists, Airmen in the JBLE Command Post focus on the varied missions of JBLE and its tenant wings. However, on Sept. 28, 2017, one critical mission called on these Airmen to support a global response mission.

  • Around the Air Force: Oct. 17

    FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) – On this look around the Air Force, Air National Guard Airmen assist in extinguishing and monitoring the California wildfires and Kentucky ANG Airmen deliver over 7 million pounds of relief supplies to Puerto Rico. Hostedby Airman 1st Class Jasmine Vanderheyden.For

  • Air Force Tech Report: Thor Weather System

    FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) – The latest step in a long-running weather prediction arms race is a supercomputer created by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, and used by the 557th Weather Wing to get critical information to warfighters. The Thor Weather System provides accurate

  • US forces to participate in Seoul ADEX 2017

    The U.S. military will be represented at the 2017 Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition, or Seoul ADEX 17, at Seoul Airport, South Korea, Oct. 17-22, 2017.

  • Blended Retirement System Opt-In training now available to all Airmen

    The Defense Department will implement the new Blended Retirement System next year. While no one needs to make a decision until Jan. 1, 2018, all Airmen should take advantage of training and informational resources to research their options during the remainder of 2017.

  • Travis AFB supports FEMA in California wildfire mission

    At the request of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, Travis Air Force Base was designated an installation support base during the response to the Atlas Fire, which has spread across Northern California since Oct. 8, 2017.

  • 386th ESFS trains for high risk response

    At any given moment, the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron stands ready to protect, defend and fight against all threats to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. Among those men and women who guard the wing’s high valued assets and people, is a newly formed group of defenders who dedicate

  • Around the Air Force: Oct. 11

    On this look around the Air Force the Air Force hurricane cleanup efforts continue and the Pacific Air Forces Commander discusses PACAF’s mission. Hosted by Airman 1st Class Cory Kuttler.

  • Afghan president welcomes first Afghan AF Black Hawks

    The first two UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters arrived at Kandahar Airfield Oct. 7, 2017, welcomed by top Afghan and Resolute Support officials.Led by President Ashraf Ghani, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the landmark progress of the Afghan Air Force’s modernization effort and inaugurated

  • Dutch C-130’s supply coalition fight

    The Royal Netherlands Air Force completed its first C-130 Hercules supply mission from Southwest Asia in support of coalition forces operating throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 3, 2017.

  • AF Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

  • Around the Air Force: Oct. 6

    On this look around the Air Force, Airmen from Nellis Air Force Base escape, assist, and treat victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting. Hosted by Airman 1st Class Jasmine Vanderheyden.

  • AF team fuels aerial fight to defeat ISIS

    Comprised of active-duty, Guard and Reserve aircrew service members, the men and women of the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron help project combat power by providing agile, effective air refueling in line with the objectives of the Combined Forces Air Component Command and Combined Joint

  • 18th Space Control Squadron: Keeping watch up above

    The 18th Space Control Squadron located at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, is a geographically separated unit of the 21st Space Wing, Peterson AFB, Colorado. The squadron provides situational awareness on thousands of items filling the skies while life moves along for those on Earth’s

  • Small antennas could bring big benefits to the Air Force

    When it comes to military and consumer electronics, smaller is often better, and the Air Force Research Laboratory’s revolutionary new antenna design is promising to make military electronics much better.Researchers at the AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, in partnership with

  • 500th F-35 pilot takes to the sky

    The Air Force trained and graduated the 500th F-35 Lightning II pilot across the joint and international enterprise Sept. 19, 2017, at Eglin Air Force Base.

  • 821st CRG deploys throughout the Caribbean

    The 821st Contingency Response Group stationed at Travis Air Force Base, California, deployed four teams throughout the Caribbean to support Hurricane Maria disaster relief efforts.

  • POL troops fuel the fight against ISIS

    Much like day-to-day life in modern society, the military relies on fuels to power its ground and air operations. The fuels management section of the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron is tasked with the control, distribution and testing of the mission essential fuels that keep the

  • Around the Air Force: Oct. 4

    On this look around the Air Force Airmen deliver supplies and a generator to support hurricane relief efforts, Air Education and Training Command will redesign how Airmen are trained, and the Air Force Association president, retired General Spencer, speaks on the partnership of industry and the Air

  • Innovation saves AMC $2 million annually

    The 437th Airlift Wing began modifying the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft with new mounts for the Electronic Flight Bag Sept. 25, 2017. The new mounts will increase flight safety in C-17s and are estimated to save Air Mobility Command $2 million in repairs annually.

  • Joint effort delivers relief cargo to Puerto Rico

    Members of the 15th Airlift Squadron and 437th Airlift Wing, flew a C-17 Globemaster III to Fort Drum, New York, Sept. 28, 2017, to pick up aid supplies before flying to San Juan, Puerto Rico, after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane, battered the U.S. territory.

  • Air National Guard restores FAA capabilities for Puerto Rico

    A week and a half post Hurricane Maria, it is hard to tell the Federal Aviation Administration was at “ground zero” and in the dark with no power or communication capabilities. Now, the air traffic flow at San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International Airport is back to normal thanks to the Air National

  • Around the Air Force: Oct. 2

    On this look around the Air Force, Airmen deliver supplies to support hurricane relief efforts, AETC will redesign how Airmen are trained, and the Air Force Association president retired General Spencer speaks on the partnership of industry and the Air Force. Hosted by SSgt Robbie Arp.

  • A chip that scrambles

    The Air Force’s new Mini Crypto chip will secure communications and data between systems like unmanned aerial vehicles and explosive ordnance disposal robots, while being “losable.”

  • Minuteman III receives upgrade

    As part of move to further modernize the nuclear enterprise, Airmen from the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base recently implemented a $68 million upgrade to the LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile.First used on June 23, 2017, this new device – known as the Data Transfer

  • Around the Air Force: Sept. 29

    On this look Around the Air Force Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson emphasizes readiness and Airmen provide relief for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

  • Air Force releases CY17C central selection board results

    The Air Force has selected 298 active-duty officers for promotion to colonel, lieutenant colonel and major during the calendar year 17C Colonel Line of the Air Force Judge Advocate, Lieutenant Colonel Nurse Corps and Major Chaplain, LAF-J and Nurse Corps central selection boards.

  • Road Warrior exercise tests defenders’ combat capabilities

    Airmen from the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming; 91st MW at Minot AFB, North Dakota and the 341st MW at Malmstrom AFB, Montana, participated in the Road Warrior exercise at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming, Sept. 9-28, 2017. The 20th Air Force’s exercise has strategic and tactical

  • BEEliners bring humanitarian aid to St. Croix

    As Army and Marine Corps helicopters delivered humanitarian aid throughout St. Croix, an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from Travis Air Force Base, California, landed Sept. 23, 2017 at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, St. Croix, bringing humanitarian aid to residents affected by Hurricanes Irma and

  • Around the Air Force: Sept. 26

    FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) – On this look around the Air Force, the Air Force Chief of Staff talks about the future of the Air Force and Airmen deliver much needed supplies to Mexico. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Koetz.For previous episodes, click here for the Air Force TV page.Related

  • 55th HMU: Ready to repair at a moment’s notice

    High above the desert mountains, an HH-60G Pave Hawk glided through the evening air. What was supposed to be a standard maneuvering exercise turned into an inflight emergency when the helicopter suffered a detrimental bird strike.

  • Dobbins ARB serves as important hub for hurricane relief efforts

    The flightline resembled a truck stop gas station this week as semitrucks were lined up in several rows behind the Transportation Proficiency Center, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Sept. 21, 2017. Trucks carried cargo vital to the relief efforts currently underway in countries lying in the destructive

  • Air Force, Army partnership feeds the warfighter

    The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing plays a major logistical role in delivering critical supplies to the frontlines in the war against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. One of the ways the 386th AEW supports the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve mission is by conducting airdrops

  • Travis AFB C-17 delivers response team to Mexico

    A C-17 Globemaster III from Travis Air Force Base arrived at Mexico City International Airport in support of earthquake relief efforts Sept. 21, 2017. The crew delivered 67 U.S. Agency for International Development elite disaster team members and five canines, along with equipment and medical

  • Around the Air Force: Sept. 21

    On this look Around the Air Force the Air Force chief of staff shares his outlook at the 2017 Air Force Association Air, Space and Space Conference.

  • Operator recognized for exceptional service with aircrew

    Tech. Sgt. Nathan, 25th Intelligence Squadron direct support operator, along with his fellow aircrew members were recently selected as the recipients of the Air Force Association's 2017 Lt. Gen. William H. Tunner Award..

  • Kentucky ANG deploy to Caribbean for Hurricane Maria relief operations

    Seven Special Tactics Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard departed the Kentucky ANG base, Louisville, Sept. 20, 2017, for the Caribbean where they will open airfields for humanitarian aid deliveries and resident evacuations in the wake of Hurricane Maria, the third major hurricane to hit the

  • Humanitarian assignments considered for Airmen in time of need

    The Humanitarian Reassignment and Deferment Program, run by the Air Force Personnel Center, assists active-duty Airmen in resolving severe, short-term problems involving a family member while Airmen continue to meet the needs of the Air Force.

  • Around the Air Force: Sept. 19

    On this look around the Air Force, the Air Force Association holds its Air, Cyber and Space Conference in National Harbor, Md., to discuss a multitude of Air Force topics.

  • Mobility Airmen enhance partnerships during Pacific Airlift Rally

    The destructive power of Mother Nature has made headlines around the world, and every country is fighting its own war when it comes to natural disasters and humanitarian relief. To prepare for such events in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, the U.S. Pacific Air Force and Sri Lanka Air Force co-hosted

  • Civil engineers make critical runway repairs, keep missions moving

    Maintaining an airfield is never an easy task, especially when it’s one of the busiest in the U.S. Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility. Responsible for making critical runway repairs, the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron’s heavy equipment operator team ensures that the 386th

  • Yesterday's Air Force: 70 years of Breaking Barriers

    American Airmen have been breaking barriers for 70 years in air, space and cyberspace, resulting in global vigilance, reach and power. They’ve shown tenacity in Korea’s MiG Alley, endurance in Vietnam’s Rolling Thunder campaign, decisiveness over the skies of Baghdad during Desert Storm and

  • Around the Air Force: Sept. 15

    FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) – On this look around the Air Force, Airmen conduct search and rescue missions in the Florida Keys, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., provides truckloads of supplies for Hurricane Irma victims and Boeing will design the next Air Force One. Hosted by Airman 1st Class

  • US, Egyptian armed forces combine for Bright Star 2017

    More than 200 U.S. service members are participating alongside the Egyptian armed forces for the bilateral U.S. Central Command Exercise Bright Star 2017, Sept. 10 – 20, 2017, at Mohamed Naguib Military Base, Egypt.

  • A base in a box: 86th MMS keeps AF ready for action

    Somewhere in the Luxembourg countryside, armed guards keep watch over a compound of non-descript warehouses and storage containers. Each warehouse in the facility holds a different surprise, but those coming in will find most of these treasures hidden under lock and key.Stacks of metal boxes tower

  • JET/IA Airmen connect blue line back to AF

    The 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron is a small unit. With about 10 assigned staff, and 20 quick-response aerial port Airmen, they have a small footprint. Their reach, however, is far more expansive than meets the eye. They have the responsibility of providing all levels of administrative support to

  • DoD, academia test systems for GPS denial

    Navigating the globe was once done using the sun, moon and stars as references, but modern times bring modern methods, and the majority of the world now relies on GPS for its navigation needs.

  • Around the Air Force: Sept. 13

    FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) – On this look around the Air Force, Air National Guard Airmen in Saint Maarten and C-130 crews help fight wildfires in the Western U.S. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Koetz.For previous episodes, click here for the Air Force TV page.Related links:- ANG rescues-

  • McConnell AFB innovation saves $40K, increases safety

    The 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron’s vehicle management flight recently constructed and installed a modification on a vehicle to enhance the safety of McConnell Air Force Base Airmen while saving the Air Force thousands of dollars.

  • Ops Airmen, key to mission success

    Before an F-22 Raptor takes off for training or a combat mission, maintainers and weapons Airmen are seen on the flight line preparing, servicing and readying the jet to contest any airspace. However, it takes more than fifth generation machinery and flight line crews to accomplish the mission. A

  • US, Nepal team up for disaster response training

    Ten U.S. Air Force air advisors from the 36th Contingency Response Group, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, embarked on a journey over 4,000 miles away from their tropical duty station to the mountainous country of Nepal, where they participated in a subject-matter expert exchange with 20 members from

  • Around the Air Force: Sept. 8

    FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) – On this look around the Air Force, Airmen mobilize in preparation for Hurricane Irma, the Air Force looks to improve quality of life and service service to help retain experienced fighter aircrews and Airmen and dependents are invited to participate in the 2017 Air

  • Reserve wing continues fire fighting efforts

    Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing sent a second Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 to Fresno Air Tanker Base, California Sept. 6, 2017, to support ongoing aerial fire fighting efforts in the Western U.S.

  • Yesterday’s Air Force: The Information Age

    FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) – This episode of Yesterday's Air Force looks at the history of the Air Force’s use of computers and how they have influenced the Air Force. Computers were originally developed to be problem solvers, but their vulnerabilities soon created a new era of problems,

  • Around the Air Force: Sept. 5

    FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) – On this look around the Air Force, Airmen conduct a show of force with allies, rescue victims of Hurricane Harvey and train with the Romania military. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Samantha Ducker.For previous episodes, click here for the Air Force TV page.Related Links:-

  • AF dentist, Army veterinarian team up for K-9 root canal

    In a deployed environment, adequate medical care is crucial to ensuring that people can execute the mission. Airmen need to be physically and mentally healthy or the mission could suffer. The 386th Expeditionary Medical Group boasts a medical clinic, physical therapist, mental health team and dental

  • Airmen attend dive school

    Airmen attending the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center go through dive training with the goal of enabling the safe, timely and effective training of qualified candidates for combined operations in support of national military strategy and national security.

  • Around the Air Force: Sept. 1

    FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) -- On this look around the Air Force, Air National Guard Airmen send C-130s to Texas to evacuate Hurricane Harvey victims, the PACAF commander meets with the JASDF Commander, and the 48th Air Wing deploys to Lithuania to take over the Baltic Air Policing mission.

  • Dobbins ARB hosts EOD teams, tests new technology

    Dobbins Air Reserve Base hosted the Eastern National Robot Rodeo Aug. 21-25, 2017, which featured explosive ordnance disposal teams from the Air Force, Navy, Army, Cobb County Police Department and the Royal Air Force.

  • Compass Call dominates OIR with electronic warfare

    Often times when we think about how air power is used in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, we think about cargo aircraft delivering critical supplies and personnel to the frontlines or bombs being dropped onto targets. What’s not often thought of is how the Air Force has the

  • 774th EAS conducts first combat airdrop in more than two years

    Months of planning and weeks of preparing culminates to an airdrop lasting a few seconds. While the time and effort that goes into planning a combat airdrop may seem long for something that lasts less than a minute, for the ground troops, the equipment they received will have a lasting impact.

  • Around the Air Force: Aug 29

    On this look Around the Air Force, Air National Guard Airmen support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts and the Air Force has three new initiatives to retain pilots.

  • Cyberspace critical to nuclear treaty monitoring

    The Air Force Technical Applications Center here is charged with ensuring each and every nation across the globe complies with the ban on nuclear weapons testing, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Members of AFTAC answer that call without fail – monitoring nuclear treaty compliance is their

  • Revitalizing the squadron: Support Squadron enables airpower at KAF

    A successful air campaign requires more than just aviators and maintainers—it needs Airmen to support every facet of airpower.Within the 451st Air Expeditionary Group, at Kandahar Airfield, there is a squadron designed to organically provide necessary support to project airpower in the region.