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U.S. Air Force News

  • Greece, US plan for successful air training

    They had been in the room for nearly six hours. The planners scoured the map of Greece, searching for just the right area to place an enemy missile defense system, or an enemy airfield, or one of hundreds of other highly defended military targets

  • Nominations open for 66th Annual Arthur S. Flemming Award

    Air Force officials are accepting nominations for the 64th Annual Arthur S. Flemming Award. The award is sponsored by George Washington University in conjunction with the Arthur S. Flemming Awards Commission. It honors outstanding federal employees who have made significant and extraordinary

  • New inspection system taking form at Nellis

    The publication of Air Force Instruction 90-201, Air Force Inspection System, brought fundamental changes to the way the base conducts inspections. Under the new system, units will no longer be spending weeks and months preparing for a one-week inspection from the Air Combat Command Inspector

  • Kunsan sexual assault prevention, response team brings home AF-level award

    The 8th Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Maj. Daniel Giannavola, and Deputy SARC, Capt. Poonsak Kajonpong, were announced as the Air Force-level winners for the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention Innovation Award for the timeframe of Oct. 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014.

  • U.S. provides aid to Yezidis, strikes ISIL mortar position

    The U.S. military conducted a sixth airdrop last night of food and water for thousands of Iraqi citizens threatened by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant on Mount Sinjar, Iraq, U.S. Central Command officials said. This airdrop was conducted from multiple air bases in the CENTCOM area of

  • Defense Health Agency makes progress

    As the Defense Health Agency approaches its one-year anniversary Oct. 1, it has already saved money and standardized health care in the Defense Department, said Dr. Jonathan Woodson, the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.

  • DOD continues aid to combat wildfires in Northwest

    Two Defense Department C-130 Hercules equipped with U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems, or MAFFS, and under the command and control of U.S. Northern Command are assisting with wildfire suppression efforts in the Northwest, Great Basin, and elsewhere in the West at the request

  • B-52 aircrews hone long-range ISR capabilities

    Airmen from Air Force Global Strike Command recently took advantage of a multinational U.S.. Southern Command-led exercise to hone their long-range reconnaissance capabilities. The 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, flew a B-52 Stratofortress bomber on a nonstop mission from the

  • Journalist recalls travels with Robin Williams

    U.S. service members truly lost a friend with the death of Robin Williams yesterday, Aug. 11. Williams made multiple USO tours to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf, Bahrain, Kuwait and other bases in Southwest Asia to give soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and DoD civilians a little taste of

  • US partners with Greece for bilateral training

    Nearly 20 U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 480th Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, deployed to Souda Bay, Greece, for bilateral training with the Hellenic air force Aug. 11-23.

  • ANG Outstanding Airmen honored

    The six Air National Guard 2014 Outstanding Airmen of the Year shared their inspiring field experiences and enthusiasm with senior leadership at the Air National Guard Readiness Center here during the "Focus on the Force Week," held Aug. 4-7.

  • Code change: Securing critical assets

    Once a year, the codes used to launch Minot Air Force Base's intercontinental ballistic missiles need to be updated.The manual process requires hundreds of Airmen work around the clock for three weeks straight to ensure all launch facilities are accessed and the missile code change is a success.

  • Humanitarian assistance continues in Iraq

    The United States and Britain have flown 14 humanitarian airdrops since Aug. 7 to Yezidi refugees in the Sinjar Mountains in Iraq, a Defense Department official said Aug. 12.

  • USecAF visits with Spangdahlem Airmen

    Under Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning recently visited Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and spoke with Airmen during an all call, which he kicked off by complimenting their attention to detail.

  • Deployed Airmen drop supplies into Iraq

    A C-17 Globemaster III and two C-130s from undisclosed locations throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility dropped 72 bundles of supplies, including food and water, to thousands of Iraqis threatened by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant near Sinjar, Iraq, Aug. 7.

  • 2 Airmen join Army's elite

    The Army Ranger School students were all looking forward to the few hours of precious sleep they were about to get after a long day of training on Mount Yonah, a mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia.

  • Luke civilian earns coveted Marquez award

    An aircraft armament systems technician at Luke Air Force Base, in Arizona, distinguished himself by earning the 2013 Air Force Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez Award for Outstanding Munitions/Missile Maintenance Person of the Year, civilian technician category. It was announced July 22.

  • Unusual sport calls fuels Airman to France

    Cycle polo? What in the world is cycle polo? That's a thing? These are questions Staff Sgt. Jonathan MacPherson, a 673rd Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Management Flight fuels service center controller, is accustomed to hearing.

  • Air Force launches strategic approach to asset management

    The Air Force Civil Engineer Center recently rolled out the first comprehensive two-year Integrated Priorities List to strategically order funding of sustainment, restoration, modernization, environmental and demolition projects across the Air Force portfolio.

  • Wounded warriors wrap up Warrior Games training

    Over 60 wounded veterans from across the country participated in the final Warrior and Invictus Games training camp here Aug. 3-7 to prepare for the fall games, motivate others and take a healthy step toward recovery.

  • Hurricane Hunters fly into Hurricane Iselle for life-saving data

    Airmen with the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, also known as the Hurricane Hunters, deployed to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, from Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Aug. 5 to collect weather data in Hurricane Iselle as it approaches the Hawaiian Islands.

  • Deployed loadmasters use new airdrop system

    A C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron completed an airdrop for the Afghan National Army using the new Wireless Gate Release System Aug. 1, at Bagram Airfield Afghanistan.

  • An Airman for now, a Marine forever

    Marine Corps Maj. Eric Hugg, the 55th Fighter Squadron chief of training, is a part of an exchange program that gives Marine Corps pilots the opportunity to fly with the 55th Fighter Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.

  • ANG, Reserve engineers refurbish Boy Scout camp

    Guard and Reserve civil engineers from around the country are using their skills here to refurbish Camp William Hinds for the Boy Scouts of America.Through the Department of Defense's Innovative Readiness Training program, or IRT, military construction units partner with civil organizations for

  • Airmen continue support to wildfire battle

    Two Defense Department C-130 Hercules equipped with U.S. Forest Service’s Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems and under the command and control of U.S. Northern Command are assisting with wildfire suppression efforts in the Northwest, the Great Basin, and elsewhere in the West at the request of

  • Team works to solve POV shipment issues

    Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command and U.S. Transportation Command are standing up a team of transportation experts this week to quickly address the most significant challenges and concerns military customers are facing when shipping their privately owned vehicles.On May 1,

  • ANG C-130s help battle Western wildfires

    Two Defense Department C-130 aircraft equipped with U.S. Forest Service's Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems and under the command and control of U.S. Northern Command are assisting with wildfire suppression efforts in the Northwest, the Great Basin, and elsewhere in the West at the request of

  • Intel NCO named best AF pistol shooter

    The NCOIC for intelligence for the 705 Combat Training Squadron at Kirtland AFB has become the No. 1 pistol shooter in the Air Force.Staff Sgt. Terrence Sears, NCO in charge of the Air Force National Pistol Team, took top honors among Air Force shooters at the National Pistol Championships in July,

  • Mission-ready Airman course graduates 11,000 strong

    The 372nd Training Squadron’s Detachment 12 graduated its 11,000th mission-ready Airman, or MRA, here recently. With their training complete at Luke Air Force Base, the newly-graduated crew chiefs will be able to use their specialized skills at their first permanent assignment.

  • Hurricane Hunters fly into Tropical Storm Bertha

    Aircrew members from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron Hurricane Hunters have been flying data-gathering missions into Tropical Storm Bertha out of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands since July 31.

  • Joint trauma system vital link to saving lives

    A loud explosion hits close, shaking the dust from the walls. Sirens start going off and servicemembers run to check on everyone near the impact site. The 9-line report comes across the net. Helicopter rotors start spinning. The wounded receive their first care from a medic who also completes a

  • CSAF: A call to excellence for all Airmen

    In his latest Airman-to-Airman message, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III urged the men and women of the Air Force to challenge themselves to be better at what they do.

  • Helicopter operations group stands up in Wyoming

    The newly-formed 20th Air Force helicopter operations group plants its roots at F.E. Warren Air Force Base Aug. 1. The group assumes control of the helicopter squadrons across 20th Air Force sometime next year after it ends its provisional status, said Col. Dave Smith, the helicopter operations

  • Aircrew flight equipment shop to save $250K at Travis AFB

    Answering the call of Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Larry Spencer, Airmen from Travis Air Force Base’s aircrew flight equipment shop questioned the norm of a well-established process that eventually led to a local annual savings of nearly $250,000.

  • Culture change: Aviation safety in healthcare

    The Air Combat Command Surgeon General's office pioneered a program bringing operational risk management and flightline safety procedures into hospitals and dental squadrons across the Air Force.

  • Tyndall AFB takes F-22 pilot training to next level

    The Air Force’s ability to continue developing a fifth generation fighter aircraft fleet ready to meet the challenges of future warfare, hinges in large part, on a steady influx of capable and trained F-22 Raptor pilots.

  • Airmen get inside look at military judicial system

    Students attending orientation training through the Offutt Air Force Base First Term Airmen's Center now actively participate in mock court-martials to raise awareness about sexual assault in the military.

  • AF launches successful satellite mission

    The 45th Space Wing supported a successful United Launch Alliance Delta IV vehicle carrying Air Force Space Command mission assets for the Air Force July 28.

  • Vice chief of staff talks STEM to local educators

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Larry O. Spencer spoke to local educators about the particular importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to the Air Force during an ASM Materials Teachers Camp July 18, at Shaw-Howard University, Washington, D.C.

  • Pacific Angel-Tonga wraps up

    More than 4,300 patients received care and five schools obtained much needed upgrades as Operation Pacific Angel 14-3, a joint and combined humanitarian mission, closed July 25.

  • Healthy eating: A recipe for success

    Airmen from the 374th Force Support Squadron are working in concert with Certified Master Chef James Hanyzeski to improve the nutritional quality of the meals served to Airmen at the Samurai Café dining facility on Yokota Air Base, Japan.

  • AF Assistance Fund may not hit 2014 goal

    In spite of persistent economic difficulties, active-duty and retired Airmen have contributed more than $6 million to the Air Force Assistance Fund, or AFAF, during this year’s fund drive.

  • ACC, PACAF commanders confirmed

    Pacific Air Forces Commander Gen. Herbert Carlisle will be the next commander of Air Combat Command and ACC Vice Commander Lt. Gen. Lori Robinson will be the next commander of Pacific Air Forces, according to a Senate confirmation vote July 23.

  • Kendall: F-35 Rollout Marks U.S.-Australia Partnership Milestone

    The official rollout of the first two F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force is a milestone in the U.S.-Australia partnership, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics said July 24.

  • Military mail changes to save $4 million annually

    Changes to military postal operations will save the Defense Department $4 million annually while providing services comparable to those of any U.S. Postal Service office, a senior Military Postal Service Agency said.

  • Airmen treat and educate at Tonga dental clinic

    American, Australian, and Tongan dentists and technicians are working together to ensure they treat as many dental patients as possible during Pacific Angel-Tonga’s health care services outreach program July 21-25.

  • EOD specialists build bilateral relations

    It is just another day on the job for Misawa Air Base's explosive ordnance disposal team members here -- but not an entirely regular morning. At the team's side are fellow Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces, or JMSDF, and U.S. Navy members, partaking in a joint bilateral exercise at the Draughon

  • U.S. Forces display military might at Farnborough

    Organizations, businesses and military forces from across the globe gathered in Farnborough, England, to celebrate 100 years of aviation at the Farnborough International Air Show July 14 -20.

  • Airman laid to rest 62 years after crash

    Never leave an Airman behind. These words are a staple in the Air Force and echoed by men and women everyday through the Air Force Creed. Following this code, whether on the battlefield or even a lost plane from more than 60 years ago, is a way of life.

  • Social media requires care, caution with political material

    While U.S. culture promotes opinions and debate, the Airmen should be reminded that, while on active duty -- and even for reservists who may be perceived as active military representatives, participating in politics on social media is exactly the same as it is in person: strictly prohibited.

  • AF satellites to contribute to space neighborhood watch

    The Air Force plans to launch two operational satellites and one experimental satellite into near-geosynchronous Earth orbit July 23. According to Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, "these operational and experimental systems will enhance the nation’s ability to monitor and assess events

  • Pacific Angel making a difference in Tonga

    More than 160 members from seven nations joined forces to provide humanitarian assistance to the citizens of Tonga as part of Operation Pacific Angel-Tonga July 21.

  • Security forces marksmen hone skills at Alaska range

    Brock said his parents didn't like guns and wouldn't allow him to have one. At 16 years old, he managed to get his hands on a BB gun. At 17, his grandfather, who sympathized with the teenager, got a Remington Model 522 Viper .22-caliber rifle for the budding marksman as a Christmas gift. He was

  • With precision stitching, Airman strengthens gear and career

    Senior Airman Devin Litton, a 22nd Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment, or AFE, journeyman, has spent hundreds of hours developing his sewing skills since he was first introduced to the needle and thread. He did not expect this to be a part of his job description when he was waiting

  • Barnes Center rebuilds senior NCO education curriculum

    Developers and faculty at the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education kicked the level of learning up a notch with version 6 of the distance learning Senior NCO Course 14. The new version replaced version 5 in late 2013.

  • From trash to treasure: Converting Academy waste into renewable energy

    During August 2013, the Defense Department Environmental Security Technology Certification Program funded CDM Smith, a national engineering and construction firm, to test how the U.S. Air Force Academy can reduce energy use and cost at its wastewater treatment plant, and convert food waste from its

  • Medical training in hyperreality

    The Air Force Medical Modeling and Simulation Training, or AFMMAST, is improving medical training is by adding hyperreality and high fidelity through the use of the Tactical Combat Casualty Care Cut Suit.

  • AF selects 460 for promotion to captain

    The 2014A Line of the Air Force, Chaplain Corps, Judge Advocate General Corps, Nurse Corps, Medical Services Corps and Biomedical Sciences Corps quarterly captain selection process selected 460 first lieutenants for promotion to captain July 18.

  • Airman's remains returned home 62 years after his death

    The remains of 17 service members were recovered by the Joint Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Command and Joint Task Force team from a 1952 aircraft crash site. Among the casualties was Airman 3rd Class Howard Martin, of Elwood, Indiana, whose remains returned home to rest July 10.

  • SecAF visits RAF Mildenhall

    Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James visited RAF Mildenhall Airmen July 16, as a part of an overall trip to U.S. Air Forces in Europe-United Kingdom. James made the trip to see firsthand the units at RAF Mildenhall, to learn their history, to meet with Airmen and to gain a more in-depth

  • Acting VA secretary outlines problems, actions taken

    In testimony before the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs July 15, Acting VA Secretary Sloan D. Gibson outlined serious problems regarding access to health care and key actions the department has taken to get veterans off waiting lists and into clinics.

  • CMSAF tours Edwards AFB, discusses fiscal realities, changes

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody, the 17th chief master sergeant appointed to the service's highest enlisted rank, and his wife, Athena, visited the high desert to meet with and thank Airmen and their families, and to get an up-close look at the local mission.

  • F-15E takes first flight with new radar system

    The first 389th Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle received a Radar Modernization Program upgrade at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho in June. The new radar system is designed to retain functionality of the old legacy radar system while providing expanded mission employment capabilities.