NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Enlisted Heritage Panel convenes at AFA

    Former chief master sergeants of the Air Force shared experiences and challenges they faced in their careers during the 2014 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference, Sept. 17.

  • F-35 on time to deliver global security, Air Force official said

    Work leading up the completion of the multinational F-35 program is largely on track, the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office executive officer said in remarks during the 2014 Air Force Association’s Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15.

  • Innovation is key to stabilizing the Pacific

    The only way to continue forward is through innovation, Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of the Pacific Air Forces Command, said during a speech at the 2014 Air Force Association’s Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition, Washington D.C., Sept. 16.

  • AMC commander puts spotlight on Airmen

    In his comments about the state of the Air Force’s Air Mobility Command, Gen. Darren McDew, the commander, lauded the capabilities of Airmen enabling the nation’s global air power at the 2014 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here, Sept. 16.

  • AMC outlines future 'total force' mobility requirements

    The Air Mobility Command director of strategic plans, requirements and programs discussed innovation and technology that will shape the total force mobility enterprise in the coming years during an AMC requirements brief at the 2014 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology

  • POW/MIA: 1,482 Airmen still missing

    Nearly 1,500 Airmen are still missing and unaccounted for from various conflicts and there are more than 83,000 Americans still unaccounted for across the Defense Department.Every year the nation pauses on the third Friday of September to remember the sacrifices and service of prisoners of war,

  • Air Force leadership confident in KC-46 program

    The Air Force program executive officer for tankers briefed Air Force and industry leaders on the KC-46A Pegasus’s production progress and acquisition timeline at the Air Force Association’s Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 16.

  • AFRL commander describes Air Force’s technology vision

    The Air Force Research Laboratory commander discussed the future of hypersonic technology, directed energy and autonomous systems at the 2014 Air Force Association’s Air & Space and Technology Exposition here Sept. 16.

  • Director of the ANG addresses AFA Air & Space Conference

    Lt. Gen. Stanley Clarke, the Director of the Air National Guard, provided an overview of the ANG at the 2014 Air Force Association’s Air & Space and Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C., Sept. 15.

  • AFSPC Commander advocates defending space superiority

    The Commander of Air Force Space Command Gen. John Hyten charged the Air Force to defend its position and remain on the cutting edge of international space operations during the 2014 Air Force Association’s Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 16.

  • AF, Spokane firefighters partner for HAZMAT response

    A tanker truck leaking a hazardous chemical prompted emergency responders to shut down Interstate 90 near the Washington-Idaho state line Sept. 14, garnering regional response including Fairchild Air Force Base firefighters.

  • Air Force leaders discuss nuclear enterprise

    The nuclear enterprise must modernize to remain a viable and essential part of the United States' defense strategy, maintained Air Force senior leaders at the Air Force Association's annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here, Sept. 16.

  • Hurricane Hunters head west into 'Odile'

    The Air Force Reserve's Hurricane Hunters flew into Hurricane Odile Sunday to collect critical weather data for the National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Odile formed in the Pacific Ocean and made landfall this morning in Baja, California. After reaching Category 4 strength on Sunday, Odile weakened

  • Look past 1947 for Air Force roots

    Maybe it's a genetic thing I share with them, but I agree that Air Force history predates Sept. 18, 1947, and think we should do a better job of recognizing that. The problem is, of course, what to use as a starting date for such remembrances?

  • Future of NATO: Adapting to a new security environment

    NATO’s Supreme Allied commander introduced new initiatives geared toward re-embracing its mission of collective defense. Gen. Philip M. Breedlove discussed NATO’s newest plans during the 2014 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition, Washington D.C, on Sept. 15.

  • Key leader spouses share challenges, lessons learned

    The spouses of senior Air Force leaders shared words of encouragement and emphasized the need for resiliency to an audience of fellow military spouses during the 2014 Air Force Association’s Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition, Sept. 15, here.

  • USAFE, allied air commander talks NATO interoperability

    The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Allied Air Command presented the alliance’s view on air power and interoperability in remarks at the Air Force Association’s Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition 2014 here.

  • Achieving art of the possible through partnerships

    In an operating environment focused on discovering new ways to save time, Airmen and civilian partners gathered at the 2014 Air Force Association’s Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition to listen to a presentation titled “Achieving the Art of the Possible” Sept. 15.

  • State of Air Force Reserve discussed at AFA

    Senior Department of Defense and industry leaders gathered at the Air Force Association’s 2014 Air and Space conference and technology exposition Sept. 15 to discuss the future of the Air Force and Air Force Reserve.

  • Regional challenges, budget effect USAFE/AFAFRICA

    Gen. Frank Gorenc, the commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa, spoke about the impact of sequestration and some of the current challenges USAFE/AFAFRICA faces on Sept 15, at the Air Force Association Air and Space Symposium here.

  • DRAGON program to improve aging E-3

    The Air Force and NATO are undergoing a cooperative development effort, known as the DRAGON program, to upgrade the cockpits of their E-3 Sentry (AWACS) aircraft.

  • C-17 treads into new territory

    As important as ailerons, rudders and elevators are to the fundamental movement of any aircraft in flight, its tires are equally important while moving on the ground.

  • Aerial target QF-16 takes to the sky

    The Air Force's newest aerial target took a major step toward preparing warfighters downrange with a realistic fourth-generation replication of what they may face on the battlefield.

  • Cryogenics: Helping pilots breathe at 10,000 feet

    Breathing is one of the most basic, involuntary and often overlooked human actions. At higher altitudes, breathing can quickly become one of the most conscious thoughts as it becomes harder to do. That's where a small, but vital team of cryogenics experts from the 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron

  • Pediatricians care for young patients of Operation PACANGEL-Nepal

    More than an hour's drive along uneven, dirt roads outside the nearest major city is the rural village of Manahari, Nepal, where the Shree Rastriya Rotary Secondary School can be found. Hundreds of Nepalese people line up outside the gate of the compound, now a temporary a site for health services

  • AF taps a dozen captains for Inter-American SOS

    A dozen active-duty captains have been selected to attend the 2015 Inter-American Squadron Officer School at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland here, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced Sept. 10.

  • Reserve firefighters pay tribute to 9/11 comrades

    Firefighters from the 507th Civil Engineer Squadron participated in their 5th Annual Fire climb on Sept. 7 to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks. Inspired by firefighter cadets in Austin, Texas, members of the 507th Air Refueling Wing climbed the equivalent of 110 stories to commemorate the 343

  • Air Force selects 16 weather squadron commander candidates

    The 15W Weather Officer Squadron Commander Candidate Selection Board held here July 23-24 selected 16 weather officers as candidates for nine projected calendar year 2015 weather squadron command vacancies, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced Sept. 10.

  • Academy instructor duty applications due to AFPC by Sept. 24

    Eligible active-duty officers interested in U.S. Air Force Academy or U.S. Naval Academy instructor opportunities have until Sept. 24 to update their Airman Development Plan and submit their application memorandum to the Air Force Personnel Center.

  • Airmen host shoe drive during Pacific Unity 14-8

    Though the official mission of Pacific Unity 14-8 is to construct two female dormitories for students at Togoba Secondary School in Papua New Guinea, Airmen deployed in support of the operation have found additional ways to give back to the community.

  • Annual African Air Chiefs Symposium begins

    Military leaders of 17 African nations and the U.S. gathered for the fourth annual African Air Chiefs Symposium to discuss air force capabilities and important regional issues.

  • AF Academy ranks high in Best Colleges Ranking report

    The U.S. Air Force Academy ranks high among the nation's top universities in engineering and liberal arts courses, according to the 2015 Best Colleges Ranking report released Sept. 9, by U.S. News & World Report.

  • Recon squadron keeps remotely piloted aircraft flying

    "To provide world-class, full spectrum remotely piloted aircraft operations for the joint forces in Afghanistan," is the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron's motto. The unit's Airmen work 24 hours a day to provide 84 percent of Central Commands' RPA combat air patrols.

  • Airmen operate America's fortress

    Known as America's Fortress, Cheyenne Mountain is portrayed in movies, books and documentaries as a top secret base similar to that of Area 51.

  • C-17 crew gets Army Strykers into the 'fight'

    Air Mobility Command's mission is to provide rapid, global mobility and sustainment for America's armed forces, a capability demonstrated during Steadfast Javelin II, a large-scale, joint, multinational exercise held on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, from Aug. 31 through Sept. 11.The exercise further

  • Letter to Airmen: RAND study

    Many of you have recently been invited to participate in the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study. This web-based survey assesses your recent experiences with military workplace relations, professionalism and personal safety.

  • AFMC commander: Tough decisions create opportunities

    Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger, the commander of Air Force Materiel Command, told members of Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, the biggest challenge the Air Force faces is doing business in a constrained budget environment.

  • Investigation report findings released

    The U.S. Central Command recently completed its commander-directed investigation on causes surrounding a fratricide incident which resulted in the death of five U.S. Army soldiers and an Afghan National Army soldier, June 9, 2014, in the vicinity of Arghandab, Afghanistan.

  • Texas ROTC cadet is top in nation

    The Air Force Association named Cadet Dylan J. Meador of Angelo State University's Air Force ROTC Detachment 847 the Outstanding ROTC Cadet of the Year for 2014.

  • Kandahar's Liberty operations reach end of mission

    After four years of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, the 361st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron will complete their MC-12W Liberty operations in southern Afghanistan at the beginning of September 2014.

  • Mauritania partnership flight wraps up

    The last full day of African Partnership Flight Mauritania was filled with a group intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance planning exercise, an ISR field capstone event, and the arrival of two Mauritanian Super Tucanos and a Cessna-208 Grand Caravan, Sept. 3, at Atar Airbase, here.

  • Counter-IED Branch receives top AFA award

    A team of Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Branch members from Hanscom will take center stage and receive one of the Air Force Association's top honors during the 2014 Air and Space Conference Award Ceremony in National Harbor, Md., Sept 15, 2014.

  • Yokota Airmen strengthen bilateral, joint disaster response exercises

    As the C-130 Hercules dove through the clouds toward its target 300 feet off the deck, the crew began its drop zone entry checklist. In the back of the aircraft, two loadmasters readied the cargo and eyed the amber light, awaiting its turn to green. Suddenly, the navigator's voice alerted over the

  • Air Force uses lasers to preserve space history

    Cape Canaveral's Launch Complex 14 is best known as the launch site for NASA's "Friendship 7," the flight that brought John Glenn fame as the first American to orbit the Earth in 1962. Now, more than 50 years later, the complex and other National Historic Landmarks are rapidly falling into decay.

  • Suicide prevention takes courage, communication, official says

    The Veterans Affairs Department has named September National Suicide Prevention Month, but the Defense Department continues its year-round, comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to address the issue of suicide in the military, a Pentagon official said Aug. 21.

  • AFSOUTH partnership brings illicit air drug trafficking to a halt

    In 2010, illegal drugs were being flown into the Dominican Republic at an alarming rate. The continual issue of drug trafficking led the Dominican government to seek new aircraft and tactics to deal with the problem. They turned to the U.S. Southern Command, which is responsible for U.S. military

  • The "almost" candy bombers of Iraq

    The U.S. government provided the container delivery system bundles and the military aircraft, but something just seemed to be missing on the airdrop packages. Master Sgt. Stephen Brown had something sweet for the kids in mind to make things just right.

  • Know your POV shipping entitlements

    Many service members may not know of their entitlements when shipping personal vehicles as they move overseas or return stateside, according to U.S. Transportation Command officials.

  • Airman saved lives 'the right way'

    Last December, Senior Airman Cody Nuñez, 21st Airlift Squadron, spent two weeks in Entebbe, Uganda providing humanitarian care to the war-torn Central African Republic.

  • ANG engineers help Coast Guard

    More than 30 Airmen from the 134th Civil Engineer Squadron in Knoxville, Tennessee, traveled to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London Jun 1 to assist the Coast Guard in a joint effort to complete multiple projects on the USCGA campus.

  • Be disaster aware, take action to prepare

    Devastating earthquakes, floods, wildfires and tornadoes never announce a time or place – that’s why it’s important to be prepared! Air Force Emergency Management is using National Preparedness Month this September to encourage Airmen and their families to “Be Ready!”

  • Search for missing F-15 pilot expands

    The search for the missing 104th Fighter Wing pilot expands with Air Force resources as day breaks over the Washington National Forest near Deerfield Valley, Virginia.

  • 'Total Force' Airmen keep ammo rolling for vital OEF missions

    Airmen assigned to the 455th Maintenance Squadron aren't just practicing total force integration during an exercise or at home, they are performing it for real in a combat zone and they are doing it as the U.S. Air Force gets smaller. They're proof that TFI works in the real world doing the real

  • Uncommon gallantry: Remembering Bernard Fisher

    Retired Col. Bernard Fisher, who risked his life landing his A-1E Skyraider to rescue a fellow pilot while North Vietnamese troops unleashed a storm of bullets toward him, died Aug. 16, at age 87.

  • Nuclear deterrence: The silent sentinel

    Global conflict and instability have always been a part of human history, and America’s nuclear forces serve as the nation’s ultimate form of deterrence in a world where global engagements are becoming increasingly complex.

  • F-15C crashes over Shenandoah Valley

    At approximately 9:05 a.m. today the 104th Fighter Wing lost radio contact with an F-15C aircraft during a cross country mission over the Shenandoah Valley Virginia.

  • U.S., Latvian TACPs sharpen special ops skills

    Tactical air control party specialists with the 169th Air Support Operations Squadron and the Latvian military joined forces August 2014 to sharpen their special operations skills at the 3rd-annual Operation Northern Strike in Grayling, Michigan.

  • ANG B-2 pilot surpasses 1,000 hours

    The landing gear touched down and the aircraft skimmed down the runway just as it had many times before. This time, though, a routine flying mission became a major achievement for the 131st Bomb Wing as well as a career milestone for Lt. Col. Ryan "Poacher" Bailey, a Missouri Air National Guardsman

  • Spiritual resilience fuels the heart, soul

    Similar to a sine wave, everyone has ups and downs, but it's their spirituality that gets them to the next day. No matter the faith background, where a person is from or who their family is, everyone has some sort of spirituality to lean on during both the hard times and the fun ones.

  • Ramstein Airmen conclude operations in Poland

    With a flurry of grass and dirt, a C-130J Super Hercules touched down on a grass runway at Powidz Air Base, Poland, marking the final week of deployed operations here, Aug. 25. For Airmen deployed from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, this was their home away from home for 60 days.

  • End of an era: AF EOD mission wraps up in Afghanistan

    There have been 20 rotations of more than 600 explosive ordnance disposal technicians who have left their mark in the history of Operation Enduring Freedom since the 2004 inception of the 466th EOD Operating Location Bravo Flight here. With more than 10,000 missions completed, Aug. 19 marked the

  • Flight gives face-lift to Eglin's vehicle fleet

    Keeping the Air Force's third largest vehicle fleet looking good is not an easy task, but efforts by the 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron's Vehicle Management Flight make it happen.

  • Hurricane Hunters fly into 'Cristobal'

    Aircrews with the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron have been flying data-gathering missions into Tropical Storm Cristobal out of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, since Aug. 21.

  • C-130 celebrates 60 years, still going strong

    In 1954, the song "Rock Around the Clock" was playing on the radio, Oprah Winfrey was born and the first issue of Sports Illustrated appeared on newsstands. The same year, on August 23, the YC-130 Hercules made its maiden flight...

  • SecAF makes first visit to Robins AFB

    Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James visited Robins Air Force Base, Ga. Aug. 21-22 to get an up close look at the installation's diverse and dynamic missions.

  • Former CMSAF discuss hot topics of today

    With more than 250 years of combined Air Force experience, eight former chief master sergeants of the Air Force answered questions facing Airmen today during the 2014 Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Airmen’s conference here Aug. 20.

  • Kunsan Airmen prowl sky over Alaska

    Airmen assigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron stationed at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, arrived at Eielson Air Force base here a few days late, but wasted no time in catching up with the rest of Red Flag-Alaska 14-3.

  • Braving the heat, breaking records

    Even with the doors open, temperatures inside the KC-135 Stratotanker can rise high enough to safely cook meat. Sweat pours down Airman 1st Class Joseph Swartz's face as he triple checks the work his team just completed on the equally hot metal outside.

  • Travis AFB makes boy superhero for a day

    As he puts on the uniform that resembles military desert camouflage, he is no longer a child -- he is a superhero. His mission is to use his extremely advanced fighting skills developed during his 11 years on earth to defeat the bad guys and rescue the good guys. His superhero instincts lead him to

  • Romania air base replaces Transit Center Manas

    Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, located 25 miles northwest of the Black Sea city of Constanta, started operations in February 2014 and has already processed more than 85,000 troops.

  • Aircrew flight equipment flight: 'The last ones to let them down'

    The 31st Operations Support Squadron's aircrew flight equipment flight here is responsible for all of a pilot's flight equipment such as helmet, oxygen mask, harness and all life-saving equipment. Their motto: "When everything else fails, we are the last ones to let them down."