NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Acting SecAF visits Westover ARB

    "That's a lot of iron on the ramp," Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning said during his July 25 visit to Westover, seeing a row of 10 C-5s on the East Ramp.During his three-hour visit, the acting secretary donned a hard hat and toured the nation's largest military aircraft, flew a C-5

  • Maintenance unit's helicopter attains excellence twice in one day

    For the first time since 2005, an HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 56th Expeditionary Helicopter Maintenance Unit here achieved a perfect maintenance inspection rating. Aircraft 89-6205, a 24-year old HH-60, achieved the coveted black-letter initial exceptional release, or ER, July 23. After the ER

  • Two combat controllers hike with USAF Seven Summits Team

    For some, hiking and climbing for days, and sometimes months, through some of the harshest environments known to man, would seem like an arduous task. Two Airmen from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., experienced just that as they summited Mount Rainier, Wash., July 19 through 22.Staff Sgt. Brian

  • PHOTO ESSAY: C-5 Galaxy crew loads cargo at Charleston

    Total force Airmen continue to work together and pool resources to ensure the success of overseas contingency operations. View the slideshow below to see how Airmen assigned to the West Virginia's Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing prepare for a mission out of Joint Base Charleston,

  • Kehler lauds capability, credibility of nuclear enterprise

    Sweeping improvements across the U.S. nuclear enterprise since a 2007 incident have increased the focus on the nuclear mission and raised the bar in terms of standards and performance, the commander of U.S. Strategic Command told reporters July 24."In general, I feel much more comfortable today with

  • No more redundant inspections: AF implements new inspection system

    The Air Force recently implemented a new inspection system, aimed at giving more power to wing commanders.With the signing of Program Action Directive 13-01, Air Force inspection system Implementation Tiger Team transitions from the planning phase to the execution phase. The program, which was beta

  • Air Force Cycling Team pedals across Iowa

    Come rain, wind or an average temperature of 90 degrees, 94 Airman began pedaling across Iowa as part of the Registers Annual Bicycle Ride across Iowa, better known as RAGBRAI, July 21.The Air Force Cycling Team, under the leadership of Senior Master Sgt. Larry Gallo, assigned to 433rd Airlift Wing,

  • Exercising to honor, inspire

    At the beginning of their deployment, a team of four Royal air force members from the No. 1 Air Control Center set out to exercise their way back to Lincoln, England, roughly 3,400 miles away, in honor of United Kingdom and U.S. service members who have been injured or killed in contingency

  • Air Force, Army effort saves government money

    In a joint effort between the firefighters of the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron and a deployed Army battalion, more than 60 Soldiers have been trained in the handling of hazardous materials, enhancing their emergency response skills and saving government dollars. Army Capt. Eric

  • Civil engineers build medical facility, save AF thousands

    Consistent with fluctuating operations in deployed locations, the ability to quickly and efficiently build structures to house new missions is crucial. The 1st Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group here has specialized teams of Airmen who support projects to fulfill construction requirements. "When a

  • Airman earns "Service Member of the Year" award

    Master Sgt. William G. Janczewski II was honored July 18, on Capitol Hill, as "Service Members of the Year" by newspaper publisher Military Times, along with four other service members, one from each branch of service. "It's very, very humbling," Janczewski said of his being named the Airman of the

  • Aircraft mishap at Sheppard AFB

    A T-38 Talon crashed at approximately 6:48 am today just south of here. It carried two people on board, a student pilot and instructor pilot. Both pilots ejected safely and one was taken to a local hospital. An investigation into the accident is underway. Additional details will be provided on the

  • Technicians safeguard fuel, oxygen

    Aircrew members depend on several moving parts to ensure an aircraft is properly maintained and prepped for a safe mission. A part of this preparation is ensuring that the fuel and oxygen within the aircraft are safe and free of contaminates that could negatively affect the mission.Airmen at the

  • Quality Assurance: Maintenance commander's 'eyes and ears'

    To ensure the safety of pilots and ground crews, aircraft maintainers are held to a high standard of proficiency and job knowledge in fulfilling their mission requirements.Their skills are monitored and inspected regularly by some of the career field's most knowledgeable maintainers."We cultivate a

  • Voluntary fiscal 2014 force management programs announced

    The Air Force will implement several officer and enlisted force management programs for fiscal 2014, officials said today.Force management programs enable the Air Force to both size and balance the force, with the goal of meeting mandated end strength numbers in the right career fields and at the

  • KC-46 critical design review nearing completion

    The Air Force and Boeing successfully conducted the KC-46 critical design review, or CDR, from July 8-10 at the Boeing facility in Mukilteo, Wash. The KC-46 weapon system CDR was the culmination of nine months of component and sub-system design reviews, which blended the best practices of both the

  • PHOTO ESSAY: Exercise Global Medic 2013

    Each year, service members from each Reserve component gather to test their capabilities and interoperability. View the slideshow below to catch a glimpse of how it went this year for Airmen and Soldiers in the medical career field during the exercise that was held at Fort McCoy, Wis.SLIDESHOW

  • Hagel talks sequestration with Joint Base Charleston civilians

    Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel discussed sequestration and defense budget cuts with several hundred Air Force civilian employees during a town hall here July 17.He opened the discussion by thanking the entire military family -- those in uniform, the federal civilians who support them, and the

  • First B-52 departs to depot for communications upgrade

    The first B-52H Stratofortress departed Barksdale Air Force Base, La., July 16 is enroute to the depot at Tinker AFB, Okla., for the Combat Network Communications Technology, or CONECT, upgrade.The CONECT upgrade will allow B-52 crews to receive and send real-time digital information such as updated

  • 1,300-plus selected for promotion to lieutenant colonel, colonel

    The 2013A Colonel Line of the Air Force-Judge Advocate and Lieutenant Colonel LAF/LAF-J Central Selection Boards selected 18 lieutenant colonels and 1,350 majors for promotion during the March board held here.Promotion results will be posted on the Air Force Portal and the myPers websites tomorrow,

  • Officials seek 2013 Sijan award nominations

    Nominations for the 2013 Lance P. Sijan U.S. Air Force Leadership Award will be accepted through Sept. 20, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.The Sijan award recognizes the accomplishments of officers and enlisted members who have demonstrated the highest quality of leadership in the

  • U.S.-Australia tracking system promotes logistics interoperability

    A new logistics tracking system between the United States and Australia will help to ensure faster, more coordinated responses to humanitarian crises and other contingencies while laying the foundation for closer cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region, the senior U.S. Pacific Command logistics

  • Security Forces Airmen recall IDF attack, bringing members closer

    Members of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron had just finished dinner and were on the way back to their compound on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan June 18. Heading south on a perimeter road, they passed a bus stop located about 50 yards from their compound, where service members were

  • Joint team achieves historic trans-Atlantic medical mission

    A Brooke Army Medical Center team made medical history last week by completing the military's first trans-Atlantic movement of an adult on external lung support.A team of Army and Air Force doctors and nurses treated the patient with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO, during a nonstop

  • F-35 aircrew flight equipment team named Air Force best

    One of the Air Force's newest aircrew flight equipment teams is now the Air Force's best.The 33rd Fighter Wing's aircrew flight equipment flight was chosen the best in the Air Force in the small program category for 2012. The wing is the only unit to fly and train on the F-35A Lightning II fifth

  • Gallantry earns pararescueman Silver Star

    An Airman assigned here earned the Silver Star medal for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan April 23, 2011. Maj. Gen. Frank Padilla awarded Staff Sgt. Zachary Kline the Silver Star in a ceremony here July 14, citing

  • Special duties require commander nomination

    The selection process for 10 special duty positions now requires unit commander nomination and hiring authority certification, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. The process change implemented this month affects staff sergeant, technical sergeant and master sergeant positions in special

  • Additional F-35s coming to Luke AFB

    Air Force officials announced June 27 that Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., has been chosen as the location for 72 additional F-35A Lightning IIs, bringing the eventual total number of the fifth-generation fighters expected here to 144. The Air Force's initial decision to establish an F-35 pilot training

  • Combat Air Forces to resume flying

    Combat Air Forces, or CAF, units from multiple commands began flying again today after many stopped flying in April of this year due to sequestration. The restored flying hour program represents Congressional action on the $1.8 billion overseas contingency operations reprogramming action made

  • Innovation extends ORS-1's life, mission

    The Operationally Responsive Space-1 satellite launched June 29, 2011, and has been a star Air Force performer since its first day on orbit. Members of the 1st and 7th Space Operations Squadrons celebrated the spacecraft's second birthday recently. "This is a great time to recognize all of ORS-1's

  • Liberian soldiers employ training during medical outreach mission

    A team of Armed Forces of Liberia soldiers, U.S. service members and county health officials conducted a mobile medical outreach mission in Grand Cape Mount County recently. The mobile mission held from 1 - 4 July was a first for the AFL medics, who, until now, have been focusing their efforts on

  • First Airman Resilience Center opens at Altus AFB

    A new Airman Resilience Center opened its doors during a ribbon cutting ceremony here July 11.The ARC is the first facility of its kind at the base. "The ARC includes five classrooms for training use, a theater room, a game room and an electronic gaming area," said Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Mathe, the

  • New commander takes lead in air campaign

    U.S. Air Forces Central Command has a new leader.In a change of command ceremony here July 11, Lt. Gen. John W. Hesterman III took command of USAFCENT from Lt. Gen. David Goldfein.Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, the commander of U.S. Central Command, presided over the ceremony."The power of the

  • A 5,000-mile journey to recovery

    An active-duty Air Force crew aboard a C-17 Globemaster III made history July 10 while flying specialized medical teams and a patient requiring equipment never before used on board a tran-Atlantic mission. The spouse of an active-duty Army service member, who wishes to remain anonymous, was being

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman reflects on journey from maintainer to pilot

    "I remember the first time I climbed into an F-16 (Fighting Falcon) and the canopy closed," he said. "I had my mask on, and it was so quiet. I was amazed at how quiet and peaceful it was. At that moment, I knew the cockpit was where I was meant to be."To get into that cockpit, Maj. Robin Lytle had

  • Financial managers get certification program

    Air Force Financial Managers are joining forces with their sister services to create a more effective training and certification program. The new Department of Defense Financial Manager Certification Program will affect nearly 10,000 Air Force active duty officers, enlisted and civilian financial

  • Fanning makes first visit to Nellis, Creech AFBs

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning visited Airmen here and at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., July 8 as part of his first round of base visits since assuming the position in June.Fanning was confirmed as the 24th Under Secretary of the Air Force in April and took on the additional role of

  • Airman crosses from deaf culture into the blue future

    The house in Norfolk, Va., was noisy. The children shouted across the house to each other. The T.V., when on, always had closed captions. The father was born able to hear and eventually lost his hearing. The mother was born deaf. They aren't aware of the noises they make. They shout occasionally--to

  • AF Reserve MAFFS C-130s, crews back in Colorado

    Aircrews, maintainers and two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 aircraft assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing returned  here July 7 after supporting aerial fire fighting operations for five days at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Ariz. The 302nd AW MAFFS

  • Canadian controller works alongside American air battle managers

    The cool breeze gently lifts a bright red maple leaf off the ground whipping it into the air during an autumn soccer scrimmage in Ontario, Canada ... wait a second, rewind. The hot desert wind whips and whirls the sand in every direction as Canadians battle their way from work to home during their

  • Principal military official stops moves to Egypt

    Military officials have temporarily halted movement of personnel, to include permanent change of station moves and most temporary duty assignments to Egypt, due to the Department of State's ordered departure of all dependents and non-mission essential personnel from Egypt.The stop movement order,

  • Air Force officials release first enlisted LEAP selection board results

    The U.S. Air Force Culture and Language Center recently released the results of the first Language Enabled Airman Program selection board solely for enlisted Airmen. The selection of 199 applicants nearly triples the number of enlisted Airmen in the program.The program aims to sustain, enhance and

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman saves lives, delivers twins

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)It was a typical day for Senior Airman Rainier Jeffrey as he rode to the Upolu Hospital in Samoa. As a medical technician deployed out to sea with the

  • AF firefighting aircraft repositioned

    The U.S. Forest Service, through the National Interagency Fire Center here, has directed the repositioning of military Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System aircraft from Colorado Springs, Colo., to Mesa, Ariz. "The weather and progress on the ground have helped us in the Four Corners region," said

  • Airmen set world's record during exercise

    Airmen from the Dyess's 317th Airlift Group set a world's record for the largest C-130J formation during a Joint Operational Access exercise on June 19.JOAX is a 12-day combined military training exercise designed to prepare Airmen and Soldiers to respond to worldwide crises and contingencies."This

  • Deployed controllers deliver hope

    When serving on a remote forward operating base in Afghanistan, service members rely on deliveries of ammunition, tools, food, water and other supplies. Many times these vital provisions are airdropped by 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron cargo jets. "Cargo is the life blood of downrange

  • K-9 Airmen deploy with 'best friend'

    One of the most difficult parts of a deployment for service members is leaving behind friends and family. Security forces Airmen in the Military Working Dog section, however, have a unique opportunity when they deploy. "We get to deploy with our best friend," said Senior Airman Andrew Hanus, a 379th

  • Pararescueman train with Army, military canines

    Look in the air ... it's a bird ... it's a plane ... Well, not quite: It's a German Shepard in a harness hanging from an HH-60G Pave Hawk.More than 15 U.S. Army tactical explosive detection dog handlers and their canines participated in rescue training scenarios June 21, with pararescuemen assigned

  • Air Force Week in Photos

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

  • EOD Airmen remove 35 tons of ordnance from range

    Explosive ordnance disposal Airmen from the 366th Civil Engineering Squadron were joined by fellow EOD Airmen from nine different bases to perform the annual range clearance at Saylor Creek and Juniper Butte Range complexes, Idaho.Members from the 366th Fighter Wing and other units have spent the

  • 'Check Six' teaches deployed service members combatives

    When faced by an attacker, sometimes the only means of defense are ones instincts and ability to fight back. To hone those instincts, deployed service members are armed with basic, defensive fighting skills at the weekly Check Six combatives classes offered at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing

  • Joint STARS: Deployed maintainers saving lives

    U.S. and coalition ground forces deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations depend on many different airframes and assets to complete their day-to-day operations. That includes the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System maintained by the 7th Expeditionary Aircraft

  • PHOTO ESSAY: Inprocessing Day 2013

    The last Thursday in each June is known as Inprocessing Day at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. This is the day appointees officially become Academy cadets. View the slideshow below to see how Inprocessing Day went for the class of 2017.View SLIDESHOW.

  • Deployed Airmen in right place, right time

    "There were people everywhere screaming and yelling," explained Capt. Cassie Cosentino, 4th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health officer in charge, as she recalled being faced with a horrific encounter while supporting operations in Southwest Asia, April 10.Cosentino, Senior Airman Husein Khan,

  • Training for joint, U.K. F-35 programs heat up

    The largest fleet of F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters ramped up to 28 aircraft June 25, bringing in new capability for the F-35 Integrated Training Center as the team trains to provide combat operations capability in the years ahead.The U.S. Navy's Strike Fighter Squadron-101 received a

  • AF, Army unite to protect Transit Center

    When faced with a shortfall in manning, an Air Force reservist here devised a plan to join forces with the Army to keep security operations on par."Most of the time, a singular service component is given the mission of base security," said Master Sgt. Brian Nicoletti, the 376th Expeditionary

  • Iron Airman challenge promotes fitness resiliency

    All Airmen must maintain fitness standards as a mission readiness requirement. However, fitness can also be used as a great motivator for people to achieve higher levels of resiliency. The Iron Airman Challenge, which consists of timed push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups and a distance run, is a new program

  • AF study highlights world trends, core missions

    The Air Force Chief Scientist has officially concluded his last study, looking into the Air Force's core mission of global vigilance, global reach and global power in the context of how global trends will affect those missions in the next 25 years. The Global Horizons study, led by Dr. Mark Maybury,

  • Maintaining the maintainers

    Maintainers fix and keep aircraft flying; we all know what they do. But, how are our maintainers able to solve complex technical problems and keep our more than 50 year old tanker fleet in the air?Ask any maintainer and they will probably tell you the Maintenance Qualification Training Program is

  • PHOTO ESSAY: Guardsmen help Afghans build agriculture

    The Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team's mission is to continue the work set forth by the previous four Kentucky teams in assisting local Afghans in becoming agriculturally self-sufficient and developing their agriculture marketplace.View the SLIDESHOW here.(Courtesy of Air Forces

  • Forest Service directs MAFFS to Arizona

    Forest Service, through the National Interagency Fire Center here, has directed the repositioning of military Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System aircraft from Colorado Springs, Colo., to Mesa, Ariz."The weather and progress on the ground have helped us in the Four Corners region." said Col.

  • Maintenance squadron embraces continuous improvement principles

    For one small aircraft maintenance squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, embracing the principles of continuous improvement has reaped tangible results. The 571st AMXS, Operating Location-Alpha, has completed maintenance on their 300th consecutive T-38 Talon on time and on cost, and in

  • Airmen participate in 'speed-mentoring' event

    Dozens of Airmen received mentorship, advice and an opportunity to converse with senior NCOs at a speed-mentoring event June 21 at Hurlburt Field, Fla.The event mimicked "speed dating." Attendees rotated from one senior NCO to another with the opportunity to ask various questions -- an attempt to

  • Twins complete long-awaited reenlistment

    Master Sgt. Antone Scott always had wanted his identical twin brother to be a part of one of his re-enlistment ceremonies, but for 10 years, timing and location kept them apart.But, when Scott raised his hand here June 27 to take the oath for his fifth enlistment, his brother was there to administer

  • ADL creator adds to AF e-learning

    Learning. For John Hawk it often starts here with someone needing to train thousands of Airmen as effective and easy and economical as possible.Hawk is the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center's creator of Advanced Distributive Learning products for the Air National Guard. He sorts though loads

  • Reserve F-16 pilot helps squelch wildfires across West

    Air Force Reserve F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Paul "Buster" Delmonte flies several types of aircraft as part of his full-time civilian job, but instead of dropping bombs he delivers an entirely different kind of weapon.Delmonte, the 466th Fighter Squadron commander, is an aerial firefighter and aviation

  • Security Airmen take action while under attack

    A quick and efficient response by Afghan and U.S. Air Force security forces personnel helped defeat an attack by insurgents at Kabul International Airport earlier this month, according to U.S. military officials. The attack began at about 4:30 a.m. on the morning of June 10. Within minutes, security

  • Airmen played 'opfor' during Pacific exercise

    The 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed here from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., participated in exercise Pacific Bond 2013 June 24 and 25, in support of the U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force fleet defense training.Two B-52 Stratofortresses from the 23rd EBS

  • Air Force Week in Photos

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

  • B-52s to receive communications upgrade

    Installation of a communications system upgrade earmarked for the venerable U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber fleet is scheduled to start here in July.The Combat Network Communications Technology system will enable aircrews to send and receive information via satellite links, allowing them

  • Academy cadets deploy, experience expeditionary life

    More than 40 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets visited the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here to observe deployed operations first-hand and interact with deployed U.S. and coalition forces."Being out here really broadens our horizons, allowing us to truly take in what it means to be an Airman," said

  • PHOTO ESSAY: Airmen join coalition forces in EOD mission

    A joint-coalition explosive ordnance disposal mission took place June 12 near Kandahar Airfield when U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, Slovakian and Australian EOD personnel came together to dispose of excess military ordnance.Romanian soldiers provided security for the mission while the other NATO

  • AF aerial firefighters continue to battle West Fork Complex fire

    Another 11,000 gallons of fire retardant was dropped on West Fork Complex fires by Air Force aerial firefighting aircraft June 26, aiding ground crews in containing the growing blazes.Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve aircrews, flying their Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130

  • CSAF to sponsor 3 captains for PhD program

    The Chief of Staff of the Air Force will sponsor three eligible captains to pursue a doctorate degree through the fiscal 2014 CSAF Captains Prestigious PhD Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced."The program helps develop a cadre of strategic thinkers," said Tech. Sergeant Jason

  • Davis-Monthan Airmen work to end veteran homelessness by 2015

    Col Michael T. Rawls, the 355th Fighter Wing vice commander, spoke at a press conference about ending veteran homelessness by 2015 June, 21 in Tucson, AZ.The White House has announced an initiative to end veterans homelessness by 2015, and Tucson is one of 25 flagship cities selected to lead this

  • Concentration camp survivor to fighter pilot: 'Freedom a beautiful thing'

    "I was pretty young with all this but I was probably, at first, more revengeful than I should have been. When the occasion arose, I did not give the Germans very much of a chance. I took it out on them. I may have been wrong but I guess I was very vengeful so I didn't give them a break, but I

  • Pilots, combat systems officers may be eligible for retention incentives

    Eligible active duty aviators have until Sept. 30 to apply for the 2013 Aviator Retention Pay Program, Air Force officials said today. The purpose of the program is to retain highly-qualified aircrew members at a fraction of the cost incurred to train new rated officers, said Lt. Col. Stuart Rubio,

  • Alert Reaper Airmen find IED

    Most Airmen can mentally rewind to the Combat Airman Skills Training course and recall the frustration and apprehension of not being able to locate all the improvised-explosive devices set out in the training lanes. Because the training is so realistic, at first, most Airmen trigger the training

  • Luke AFB F-16 crashes, pilots safely eject

    An F-16 fighter jet with the 309th Fighter Squadron crashed here shortly before 7 p.m. in a field just west of the base. There were two pilots on board. Both safely ejected and have been recovered. Neither pilot was injured. The aircraft went down in a field adjacent to the base, and no damage to

  • AF drops 50,000 plus gallons of retardant on Colorado fires

    More than 50,000 gallons of fire retardant was dropped by Air Force aerial firefighting aircraft June 25 on wildland fires burning throughout Colorado's West Fork Complex.Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130s from both the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard performed 18 drops

  • 352nd SOG welcomes Osprey to fleet

    The 352nd Special Operations Group resurrected a key capability when two CV-22B Ospreys touched down June 24 here.The Ospreys are the first of 10 slated to arrive as part of the 352nd SOG expansion, which will last through the end of 2014.The CV-22 fills part of the role previously accomplished by

  • Weather warns warriors, saves services silver

    As the dust clouds roll in, 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron weather forecasters here analyze the intensity, direction and impact of the impending storm to base assets and the mission."Our radar allows us to notify maintenance crews out on the airfield that conditions are unsafe and

  • Squadron's lone female gunner aims high

    Fresh out of training, the only female aerial gunner assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron arrived here.After graduating from East Valley High School in 2010, Airman 1st Class Natasha Libby said she realized she couldn't afford college. She found a job at a sandwich shop where she worked for 11

  • Flight engineer reaches combat sortie milestone

    A fllight engineer assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron here reached 400 combat sorties, a milestone not easily achieved. Master Sgt. Brian Fahey accomplished this feat flying June 14 on two different aircraft platforms. He flew his 255th combat sortie on the KC-10 Extender in

  • Training helps deployed Airman save lives

    "I wouldn't really consider these lifesaving gestures, I was just doing what I am trained to do," said Senior Airman David Kitchen, 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron, aerial transportation journeyman.In many circumstances training acquired in the military helps airmen save lives, but for

  • Aerial firefighting continues against Rocky Mountain fires

    Air Force firefighting aircraft continued dropping thousands of gallons of fire retardant June 24 in an effort to contain growing Rocky Mountain wildland fires.Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard C-130 Hercules equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System performed two drops against

  • Air Force Medical Service website focuses on Men's Health Month

    The Air Force Medical Service supports Men's Health Month to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases among men, such as prostate cancer. Each year thousands of men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. More than 30 million men

  • More military aircraft join fight against wildland fires

    Two additional Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped military C-130 Hercules are joining the battle against wildland fires in Colorado.The U.S. Forest Service requested the additional aircraft through the National Interagency Fire Center here.Two aircraft from the California Air National

  • AF seeks scholarship, fellowship candidates

    Eligible Airmen interested in unique scholarships and fellowships must submit completed, endorsed applications by July 31, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Opportunities offered annually include the Olmsted Scholar Program, the White House Fellowship Program, the Mansfield Fellowship

  • Air Force deputy undersecretary addresses aviation industry in Paris

    The Air Force deputy undersecretary of International Affairs spoke June 18 at an industry-sponsored breakfast during the 50th anniversary of the International Paris Air Show.Heidi Grant focused on how the aviation industry has evolved over time and the technological advances that have changed the

  • Hagel vows to prioritize cyber, nuclear capabilities

    Malicious cyberattacks are quickly becoming a defining security challenge "for our time, for all our institutions," Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said June 19 during a speech in Omaha, Neb., at his alma mater, the University of Nebraska-Omaha."They are putting America's economic and technological

  • Air Force Food Transformation Initiative wins big award

    An Air Force food initiative was recently selected top in its class by a civilian association, as it progresses into its second phase of deployment. The National Restaurant Association recently held its second annual "Operator Innovations Awards," judged by a panel of 11 leading food industry

  • Hagel discusses 'State of DOD' in Nebraska speech

    In a wide-ranging speech given today at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, his alma mater, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel talked about the necessity of adapting the nation's military to operate in a world that's undergoing far-reaching geopolitical, technological and economic change."The world is

  • Ramstein Airmen build capability with Polish air force

    The 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 435th Contingency Response Group continuously train to meet sustainable medical readiness throughout the European theater here.Training not only benefits Ramstein Airmen, but also other allies like the Polish air force who have consistently engaged in AE

  • Joint strike fighter on track, costs coming down, Kendall says

    Indications are that the F-35 joint strike fighter program -- the most expensive aviation program in Defense Department history -- is on track, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics told a Senate panel here June 19.Testifying before the Senate Appropriations

  • Program fights mosquitoes, trains Airmen

    Air Force Reserve Command is expanding its Innovative Readiness Training, or IRT, program this summer to help communities control mosquitoes.C-130 Hercules aircrews will spray Williston and Minot in North Dakota June 30-July 3, and York County and the City of Poquoson in Virginia July 22-26. These

  • Fighter squadron inactivation signals end of A-10s in Europe

    The Air Force inactivated the 81st Fighter Squadron June 18, here, in support of force-shaping procedures across the service.The squadron employed the A-10 Thunderbolt II, and the closure signals the end of A-10 operations in Europe."For 71 years, the men and women of this fine squadron have ensured