New talent and old friend part of April AIRMAN

One of the hottest new singers on the reality TV circuit shares the stage with an old friend turning 50 in the April issue of AIRMAN magazine.Following her appearance on the popular NBC reality talent show, the "Voice," singer Angie Johnson is the subject of a feature by writer Randy Roughton and

AF officials complete IT consolidation across manpower, personnel, services

Air Force officials have completed consolidating information technology assets and resources in the Air Force's manpower, personnel and services community into the Air Force Personnel Operations Agency.About 450 positions from IT divisions across the Air Force Personnel Center, Air Force Manpower

Transit Center moves nearly 20K people--in one week

Service members at the Transit Center at Manas work side-by-side with Kyrgyz partners every day to support international efforts in Afghanistan by moving fuel, cargo and people. Last week, the team moved a record 19,827 coalition troops--the most since the installation opened 10 years ago.Between

Officials detail Dover mortuary operations timeline

Defense Department leaders are determined to be as transparent as possible about military mortuary operations, a group of senior defense and military officials said here today.Jo Ann Rooney, acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, briefed Pentagon reporters on the release of

F-22 scientific board findings announced pilot safety is priority

Air Force leaders provided an update on the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board study into the F-22 Raptor life support systems and flight operations during a briefing in the Pentagon March 29.Retired Gen. Gregory Martin, an aviator and a former commander of two major commands, chaired the nine

CyberPatriot: Preparing for tomorrow's battles today

Today, just about every aspect of our lives is somehow connected to the Internet. Our personnel records can be found online as well as our financial records, employment information -- just about everything that identifies who and what we are.On the job, the Internet is even more pervasive.

C-27 program cut explained, budget aligned with strategy

The Air Force deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs discussed the reasoning behind the C-27J Spartan program cut from the fiscal 2013 budget request during the Air Force Association's monthly breakfast seminar here March 27."It's not because it isn't a good aircraft, and it's not

Tips, guide to maneuver PCS peak season

Each year, about 225,000 Department of Defense and U.S. Coast Guard household good shipments are slated for movement during the summer months. These shipments compete with private sector moves creating a phenomenon in the transportation industry called the "peak moving season."Peak moving season

U.S., Thai airmen and soldiers partner, jump for freedom

More than 240 Thai and U.S. airmen and soldiers took part in a personnel drop over Lop Buri, Thailand to close out this year's Cope Tiger 2012 multilateral air exercise between the U.S., Thailand and Singapore which was held here March 12 through 23.Coined by combined exercise leadership as the

DOD identifies Air Force casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Capt. Francis D. Imlay, 31, of Vacaville, Calif., died March 28 from injuries received in an accident involving an F-15 aircraft near a base in Southwest Asia. He was assigned to the 391st

U.S., Thai service members conclude Cope Tiger

More than 240 Thai and U.S. airmen and soldiers took part in a personnel drop over Lop Buri, Thailand, to close out this year's Cope Tiger 2012 multilateral air exercise, which was held here March 12-23.The mission between the U.S., Thailand and Singapore aimed to improve U.S. and Royal Thai Air

Air Defense Command commences operations at Yokota AB

A crowd of senior-ranking U.S. and Japanese military leaders gathered here March 26 to celebrate the beginning of Air Defense Command operations at Yokota Air Base.The Air Defense Command headquarters, which conducts command and control operations to defend Japanese airspace, was relocated from

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.View the slideshow.

Combat controller recognized for leadership on, off battlefield

A combat controller with the 24th Special Tactics Squadron recently received Air Force recognition for his leadership in his personal and professional life. Technical Sgt. Nathaniel Hoag was awarded the Lance P. Sijan Junior Enlisted of the Year Award for 2011. "I was honored to be nominated," Hoag

SecDef: U.S. remains committed to F-35 program

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta yesterday reaffirmed the Defense Department's commitment to the F-35 joint strike fighter program and to ensuring it remains within the defense strategy's budget.The secretary spoke at a news conference following a meeting with Mexican and Canadian defense leaders

New radar helps Airmen defend Arabian Gulf

Airmen defending the Arabian Gulf have another arrow in their quiver thanks to a new radar system installed at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here March 18.The TPS-75, or "Tipsy-75" as the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron calls it, is a powerful air surveillance radar capable of providing

Senior leaders discuss future of Air Force Reserve

Senior leaders from Air Force Reserve Command assembled here March 26-27 during the 2012 Senior Leader Conference to discuss the future of the command. The theme of this year's conference was "Full Operational Capability: Full Spectrum Combat Capability with Unparalleled Efficiency" and how the Air

Air Force Reserve Pipe Band performs for president

Military bagpipers are a unique sight in Washington, D.C., especially clad in official Air Force tartan kilts and lining the steps of the U.S. Capitol. So unique, in fact, the pipe band of the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve is the only professional pipe band in the Department of Defense. On

First Air Force female four-star general confirmed

The Senate confirmed Air Force Lt. Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger for promotion March 26, making her the first female four-star general in Air Force history.Wolfenbarger currently serves as the military deputy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition here and she is one

General: Space capability integral to all military operations

Space capabilities have become integral to all military operations, the commander of Air Force Space Command told reporters here during a Defense Writers Group breakfast March 22."It's hard to imagine what life was like before we had ... GPS providing very accurate targeting capability, military

President visits Osan AB

U.S., African nations share techniques in partnership exercise

Ghanaian, Benin, Togolese, Senegalese, Nigerian and U.S. air force members hit the flightline loading, guarding and marshaling aircraft March 21 during the African Partnership Flight 12-2 capstone event here. The capstone gave all nations involved in the partnership-building flight the opportunity

Pararescue Airmen aid avalanche victims

A pararescue Airmen who went to the aid of avalanche victims nearly became a victim himself when the rescue helicopter dragged him and his patient across the steeply sloped mountain March 18. Air Force Reserve Staff Sgt. Darrell Williams, a pararescueman with the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force

Davis-Monthan AFB wins installation excellence award

Air Force leaders announced the winners of the 2012 Commander-In-Chief's Annual Awards for Installation Excellence and Special Recognition program March 26.Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., won this year's award and will receive $1 million for quality-of-life improvements. Four personnel and 8

SecAF: Cyberspace is an Air Force priority

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley highlighted cyberspace as an important Air Force priority and joint force enabler during remarks to Airmen, industry officials and Air Force Association members March 23 at the Air Force Association's 2012 CyberFutures Conference and Technology Exposition

EOD Airman receives fourth Bronze Star

Master Sgt. Brandon Livingston, 7th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight superintendent, was awarded his fourth Bronze Star Medal during a ceremony at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, March 23. Livingston distinguished himself with exceptional meritorious service as the operations

AFTN releases newest 'Today's Air Force'

Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on March 23. After a "Straight from the Top" segment, the show kicks off with a feature by Staff Sgt. Chris Pyles on the 50th anniversary of the B-52 Stratofortress. Later, Michelle Michael takes viewers to Dayton, Ohio, for a

Grand Forks EO director named top in AF

The U.S. Air Force named Tech. Sgt. Tomeka Parker of the 319th Air Base Wing as the Solomon Starks Jr. Equal Opportunity Director of the Year for 2011.Parker arrived in Grand Forks in November 2010 and single-handedly filled a two-person EO office assignment responsible for more than 1,300 Airmen

White House official honors ANG unit with rare award

One of President Barack Obama's top advisors praised the Kentucky Air National Guard for superior achievement March 18, calling the organization "second to none" during a ceremony honoring the 123rd Airlift Wing for winning a nearly unprecedented 15th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.Also recognized

Conn. ANG engineer BEEFs up projects in Afghanistan

Building a bunker wall at an Afghan base in northern Afghanistan may seem like a typical engineering task, but this was no ordinary project for Staff Sgt. Arthur Mitchell, a civil engineer with the 577th Expeditionary Prime BEEF (Base Emergency Engineer Force) Squadron. This project was an

Architects of the AOR's air picture

The massive golf-ball looking object perched on the tee-like tower at Kandahar Airfield isn't just a useless landmark; instead the information obtained from it helps provide higher headquarters and tactical commanders pertinent information about Afghanistan's air space. The 73rd Expeditionary Air

AAF achieves first fixed-wing UPT flights in 30 years

Afghan maintenance crews marshaled a team of three U.S. instructors paired with three Afghan students as they took to the morning skies in three separate Cessna 182 aircraft, marking the first undergraduate pilot training sorties in over 30 years in Afghanistan, March 24, 2012Advisors with the 838th

American300 Tour aims to inspire Malmstrom AFB Airmen

Two visitors came to inspire change through determination to Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen stationed here March 21 and 22 . Robi Powers, the founder of the American300 Warrior Tours, was accompanied by Tom Whittaker, who shared his journey in becoming the first disabled person to climb to

Mountain Home AFB Airmen save DOD more than 800K

Members of the 266th Range Squadron here saved the Defense Department approximately $872,000 by assisting Sailors from Naval Air Station Whidbey, Wash., a with two-week joint service exercise.Airmen assigned to the 266th RANS here have the unique and challenging mission of operating and maintaining

JB McChord Airmen set Operation Deep Freeze record

Reservists from the 446th Airlift Wing and active-duty Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing completed a record-setting season for Operation Deep Freeze. As the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron aircrews and maintainers, from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., conducted 74 missions in support of ODF,

Air Force Culture and Language Center launches new field guides for Airmen

The Air Force Culture and Language Center, located at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., is currently developing a series of Expeditionary Culture Field Guides on key countries to where U.S. forces are deploying.The ECFGs provide deploying forces of all U.S. military branches with language, region and

History-making Op Deep Freeze 2011-2012 season concluded

Following the redeployment of the last two C-17 Globemaster IIIs to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y., the personnel participating in the 2011-2012 edition of Operation Deep Freeze can lay claim to yet another successful and history-making season.ODF is the

Archaeologists unearth artifacts at Luke AFB

Archaeologists here recently unearthed an ancient dwelling -- just one of thousands of artifacts found here that date back as far as 3,000 B.C.The excavation was part of the site preparation, including mitigation of surface archaeology and testing for subsurface archaeology, for a large solar array

Air Force launches tool kit aimed at pollution prevention

The Air Force launched a new tool kit March 21 to promote pollution prevention across the service. As part of the planned Air Force Earth Day 2012 commemoration, the tool kit provides new, customizable products for use at installations Air Force-wide in creating local Earth Day campaigns.Although

Pilot safe in Kunsan AB F-16 crash

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed near Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, during a routine training mission March 21. The aircraft, assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron here, was flying a mission as part of the 51st Fighter Wing's ongoing exercise. The pilot safely ejected from the single seat

U.S. Airman increases Afghan AF capability

Aircraft are useless without proper maintenance, pilots and the fuel needed to feed the beast.One senior NCO is working to improve the capabilities of the Afghan air force one fuel sample at a time.U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jeremiah Fentress, a fuels flight advisor with the 439th Air Expeditionary

AFMC commander to receive highest enlisted honor

Gen. Donald Hoffman, the commander of Air Force Materiel Command, will be inducted into AFMC's Order of the Sword in a ceremony March 30 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force."Induction into the order is the highest honor that enlisted Airmen can place on a leader," said Chief Master

CMSAF visits Incirlik AB, talks Air Force changes

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy visited here March 15-16 to meet Airmen performing 39th Air Base Wing missions and discuss current and future Air Force changes. Roy spoke to Airmen about topics such as education and training, Air Force budget cuts and resiliency.At one point he

U.S.-Thailand-Singapore Airmen strengthen ties during Cope Tiger 12

Airmen from the U.S., Thailand, and Singapore are stepping away from flight operations to strengthen relationships here with local Thai communities this week.The combined Airmen from the U.S. Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force are participating in exercise Cope

NATO allies synch communication

The Turkish and U.S. air forces successfully synched a communication system together during the bilateral training exercise Anatolian Falcon 2012 here March 13.Link 16 is a communication network developed to integrate signal detection into a data transfer shared among all members of the

U.S., Turkish air forces complete Anatolian Falcon 2012

Anatolian Falcon 2012, a bilateral training exercise between the Turkish and U.S. air forces, ended here March 16.The exercise was designed to strengthen military interoperability between the two nations and test the air forces' abilities to conduct a variety of air missions to include interdiction,

SecAF statement on whistleblower reprisal investigation

"We have reviewed the Office of Special Counsel's report of investigation of allegations of reprisals taken against whistleblowers at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operation (AFMAO) Center, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. As a result, disciplinary proceedings have been initiated and we expect to have

Fallen pilot 'has come home'

The pilot of a U-28A aircraft that crashed near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on Feb. 18 was laid to rest at the Air Force Academy Cemetery on March 12.Capt. Ryan Hall, 30, was a native of Colorado Springs and the son of 1970 Academy graduate Dennis Hall."By the size of the turnout, you can see Ryan

EOD Airman nominated for Bronze Star

There is a bloodstain on his boot. He says it's a reminder of a day he probably couldn't forget, even if he tried. Staff Sgt. Kenneth Guinn, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician deployed here from the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, has been nominated for a

Wingmen key to reducing sexual violence

The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Wing Commanders' Guide was sent out to wing commanders recently and contains statistics, facts and talking points to help leaders encourage healthy conversations among their Airmen, which senior leaders say is paramount to eliminating sexual crimes in the

Total force tanker team sharpens skills at Red Flag

Aerial refuelers sharpen their skills through joint, allied and total force integration during Red Flag 12-3."The teamwork of active duty, Air National Guard and Reserve units has been outstanding," said Master Sgt. Randy Bishop, 91st Air Refueling Squadron chief boom operator out of MacDill AFB,

Nominations accepted for Portraits in Courage

Now through April 13, nominations will be accepted and reviewed for inclusion in Portraits in Courage, Vol. 7.The upcoming edition marks the latest in a six-year series of stories chronicling Airmen's honor, devotion and sacrifice in a time of war. The collection highlights Airmen who have

Calif. ANG: Complex pararescue mission saves fishermen off Mexico coast

California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing based here successfully completed the rescue of two injured fishermen from a Chinese fishing vessel 700 miles off the coast of Acapulco, Mexico, March 12, 2012. The 129th Rescue Wing received a call from the U.S. Coast Guard March 9

Inaugural African Partnership Flight takes off

U.S. Air Forces Africa Airmen participated in the opening ceremony of the inaugural African Partnership Flight event March 12 at Air Force Base Accra, Ghana.The event, hosted by the Ghanaian air force, is a two-week, military-to-military multilateral and regional engagement designed to improve

Cope Tiger trilateral exercise in full swing

Readiness and continued development of multilateral interoperability remains a key priority for allies and partners participating in Cope Tiger 12, a field training and large force air employment exercise that began here Mar. 12.During the two-week exercise, more than 1,600 combined service members

AF Undersecretary visits Travis

Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton visited here March 8 to receive a first-hand look at Travis operations, which consists of the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the 349th Air Mobility Wing and the 615th Contingency Response Wing - a total integrated force that makes up one of the Air Force's

Air Force achieves historic ground safety milestone

Air Force safety officials here today announced that since Feb. 17, 2011, the Air Force has now gone for more than 12 months without an on-duty ground fatality.After an exhaustive search of the Air Force Safety Center's safety mishap database, officials confirmed the service reached this milestone

Global Eagle combines AF, British forces

The historical partnership between U.S. and British forces was evident yet again through a combined exercise between U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force Regiment Feb. 26 through March 2. Defenders from the 820th Base Defense Group and tactical air control parties from the 3rd and 18th Air Support

Iraqi air chief sees son graduate U.S. Air Force pilot training

The top generals from the U.S. Air Force and Iraq Air Force united here March 9 to award silver wings to 23 of the countries' newest pilots. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Iraqi Air Force Commander Staff Lt. Gen. Anwer Hamad Amin Ahmad were the keynote speakers at the graduation

Combat truckers roll out for last time

The guideon furled silently and slid into its sleeve, signifying the mission was officially complete for the 387th Expeditionary Logistics Squadron during its inactivation ceremony March 6.Since the mission began in 2003 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, the Airmen and Soldiers of the

JB Andrews ranked top AF-led joint base

In an annual Department of Defense evaluation of supportive joint-basing capabilities, Joint Base Andrews was ranked at No. 1 compared to every other Air Force-led joint base as of March 1.JB Andrews was awarded a grade of 96 percent during a Feb. 1-2 evaluation. In order to rack and stack these

U.S. pilots plant SEAD with Turkish counterparts

The Turkish and U.S. air forces continue to combine their air assets and share tactics in large-force employments during Exercise Anatolian Falcon 2012 here March 5-16.During LFE exercises, units oftentimes take advantage of the high number of aircraft participating to test mass communication

Air mobility maintainers help Air Force cut down fuel costs

Air mobility maintainers are helping to secure the future by becoming more fuel efficient, officials said. Maintenance professionals are working to avoid future expenses by lightening loads on KC-135 Stratotankers and C-5 Galaxies; they're also cutting back on use of gas-guzzling aircraft auxiliary

Langley tests new fuel delivery system

Airmen here are testing a new fuel delivery system that officials say could revolutionize flightline operations and save the Air Force millions of dollars.The new Hydrant Mobile Refueler has been in development for roughly a year and a half, and it could be implemented throughout the Air Force in

Shindand AB dedicates area to fallen air advisor

Advisers at Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan, honored one of their fallen brothers during a dedication ceremony Feb. 27.Air Force Maj. Raymond Estelle II lost his life April 27, 2011, during a shooting incident at the Afghan Command and Control Center in the Afghanistan air force headquarters at the

Bagram Airfield service members honor Air Force hero

Men and women from every military service dedicated their day to honoring one of the Air Force's fallen heroes here March 4. The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing hosted a ruck march, remembrance ceremony and celebratory barbecue to honor the 10th anniversary of pararescueman Senior Airman Jason

Eglin AFB conducts first F-35 launch

No matter what uniform they wear, service members of the 33rd Fighter Wing know the launch of the first F-35 Lightning II flight here March 6 is a small step into the next half century of air dominance.Morale was high even though the sortie was abbreviated by the pilot's determination of "in flight

Loftis remembered: 'Afghanistan lost its best friend'

A funeral service was held here Monday for Lt. Col. John Darin Loftis, who died Feb. 25 from wounds received during an attack at the Interior Ministry, Kabul, Afghanistan.The solemn service was attended by approximately 250 of Loftis's family, friends and Airmen from across the Air Force. Among his

Anatolian Falcon 2012 builds strength, sharpens skills

The Turkish and U.S. air forces continue to successfully integrate their capabilities during Anatolian Falcon 2012 here March 6.The first four missions of the two-week exercise are through, and the two NATO allies are learning to better communicate with each other and combine their strengths."I

Turkey, U.S. kick off international weapons training exercise

An international weapons-training deployment involving Turkish and U.S. air forces began here March 5 and lasts until March 15.The 480th Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and the Turkish air force's 3rd Main Jet Base combined their efforts during Anatolian Falcon 2012, an exercise

VCSAF discusses benefits, uniforms, F-35 while at Luke

The Air Force's vice chief of staff addressed a packed house during an Airmen's Call here March 2.Gen. Phil Breedlove, who visited Luke AFB for two days, covered a variety of issues during the all-call, to include military benefits, the F-35 Lightning II, and uniform policy.Breedlove began by

Deployed Airmen earn cavalry gold spurs

Three Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron displayed the true spirit of joint service partnership when they completed an Army tradition called a Spur Ride and successfully joined the Order of the Spur at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, February 21, 2012.The Order of the Spur is

AF expands drug testing to include abused prescription drugs

The Air Force and other military services will expand their drug testing to include testing for commonly abused prescription drugs beginning May 1, 2012.On Jan. 31, 2012, the Secretary of Defense gave a 90-day advance notice of the drug testing expansion which aims to counter the nation's growing

Visionary receives namesake award for women's leadership

The Air Force announced the creation of the Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught Visionary Leadership Award to honor the accomplishments of female Airmen as a part of the 2012 Joint Women's Leadership Symposium here March 5. Lt. Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger, military deputy of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of

U.S./ROK forces show off air power

Not even the sun had a chance to rise before Airmen here began their work during a combined combat generation exercise, March 2, between United States and Republic of Korea air forces."The purpose of the exercise today is to test the ability of our team to execute our combat mission at a moment's

ANG combat comm squadron redesignated civil engineering unit

A combat communications squadron that began the Air National Guard's presence in the U.S. Virgin Islands more than 32 years ago has transformed itself once again during a ceremony March 3.The 285th Combat Communications Squadron, activated in 1980 to provide communications support to the U.S. Virgin

Joint medical team provides care in Belize

A 46-member team from Joint Task Force-Bravo, Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, provided medical care to approximately 620 community members here Feb. 28 during a joint medical readiness training exercise. Members of the Joint MEDRETE included the Belizean Ministry of Health, Belizean military and

AF rock band's new video focuses on special tactics Airmen

Max Impact, the premier rock band of the United States Air Force, is thrilled to release a new video featuring their original song "Send Me." Produced with the assistance from Air Force Television, the video integrates footage of the amazing Airmen from Air Force Special Operations Command. A

Critical care transport team continues to save lives

Since mid-January, the newly formed all-Air Force Critical Care Air Transport Team with the 651st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron or EAES at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan has been saving lives, whether they're U.S. troops, local nationals, or coalition partners."A life is a life," said

Global Strike commander: Nuclear deterrence fundamental to national security

The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command visited here recently to discuss the command's mission and its significance to Air Force operations. Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski spoke to students from the Air War College, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, and Air Command and Staff College.AFGSC's

Airmen plan peer-to-peer engagements to prevent mishaps

Members of the 2012 Airman-to-Airman Safety Advisory Council convened Feb. 14-16 at the Air Force Safety Center to plan communication strategies to share the consequences of their experiences and help others avoid repeating the same mistakes. A2A began in 2010 and gives young Airmen the opportunity

Multinational team upgrades Afghan base security

A multinational joint team of U.S. and Italian airmen and soldiers partnered to execute a special equipment transfer from Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan, to the small forward operating base of Buji, Afghanistan, Feb. 6-8, 2012.Airmen from the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group, Soldiers from

Andersen AFB concludes Asia-Pacific SMEE

As part of U.S. Pacific Command's Theater Security Cooperation Program, a multilateral subject-matter expert exchange co-hosted by senior civil engineer and security forces personnel from Headquarters 13th Air Force concluded here Feb. 23.The exchange, called Pacific Unity and Pacific Defender,

AFPC webcasts address civilian developmental education

Air Force civilians interested in developmental education programs can sit in on a March webcast tailored to their grade and the opportunities available, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Webcasts will be conducted at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on March 8 for GS-12 and

White House honors Iraq veterans during dinner

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a White House tribute to Iraq War veterans and their families last night to honor them for their service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation.Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta,

Schwartz: Smaller Air Force will concentrate on key capabilities

As the Air Force gets smaller in the years to come, it will have to emphasize the areas that will be the most relevant to defense, the Air Force chief of staff said here today.Gen. Norton A. Schwartz told the Defense Writers Group that as budgets drop, the Air Force must concentrate on four basic

TRANSCOM continues mission despite challenges, commander says

U.S. Transportation Command continues to meet all of its obligations to military combatant commanders and warfighters despite increasingly tighter budgets and an access dispute with Pakistan, the organization's commander told a congressional panel here yesterday.Air Force Gen. William M. Fraser III

Ohio Airmen help F-16 go 'green'

In a joint effort by Airmen from the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and Airmen from the Ohio Air National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing, the F-16 Fight Falcon is currently undergoing a field service evaluation of biofuel.As the largest consumer of energy in the

German, U.S. officials meet to discuss proposed new KMC Medical Center

U.S. senior military leaders hosted German federal, state and local government representatives here Feb. 27 to talk about the proposed new Kaiserslautern Military Community Medical Center.The purpose of the meeting, according to officials, was to familiarize the German leaders with the current

USAFE team, senior NCO win national award

The Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe Command Vehicles Branch and one of its senior NCOs recently proved the USAFE logistics program is among the best the U.S. has to offer by winning two Association of Equipment Management Professionals awards.The branch and Master Sgt. Jeremy Parks, the USAFE

Air Force issues flight release for Eglin AFB F-35A

Officials at the Aeronautical Systems Center here issued a Military Flight Release today that will allow the F-35A Lightning II fighter to begin initial operations at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.This decision was reached after an airworthiness board conducted an assessment that evaluated potential

Air Force firefighter saves police officer's life

A firefighter from Holloman Air Force Base saved the life of a San Antonio police officer Feb. 19 while on leave visiting his family.For Staff Sgt. Lionel Garcia, who works with the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron here, putting out building, aircraft, automobile or brush fires is just another day in

AETC commander: Air Force staying ahead of learning curve

The commander of Air Education and Training Command spoke about the future of Air Force learning at the Air Force Association's 2012 Air Warfare Symposium here Feb. 23.Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr. addressed Airmen and defense industry professionals on the Air Force's need to continue to adapt how the Air

Pet travel policy unchanged for Patriot Express, other carriers revise policy

Military members on permanent change of station orders from overseas locations don't need to worry about recent news reports that fees to transport their pets are being increased to costly levels.There was concern about military members traveling on regular commercial flights because United Airlines

CMSAF Roy: Developing Airmen key to future success

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy emphasized the evolution of training Airmen before a crowd of approximately 400 Airmen, industry officials and Air Force Association members here Feb. 24.Roy, who spoke on the second day of the Air Force Association's 2012 Air Warfare Symposium and

Defending the base: Watch Towers

Simple in focus and repetitive in duties, several missions at Bagram Airfield are woven into the day-to-day operation of the base in such a way that most people may see or hear of them once and then not interact with them the rest of their deployment. These are the missions where Airmen perform the

US, Kyrgyz share emergency response techniques

Emergency responders from the Kyrgyz Ministries of Emergency Services, Interior and Defense exchanged information on explosive ordnance disposal and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives response with U.S. service members Feb. 22 here."By bringing the Kyrgyz Ministry

Air Force Band connects with Philippines' audiences

The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific performed for approximately 11,000 visitors during the Philippines International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Feb. 9-12 at Clark Field here. The four-day event is in its 17th year and is part of a U.S. Pacific Command initiative designed to demonstrate the U.S.'s

Technology advances defense, protects F.E. Warren AFB Airmen

Members of the 90th Missile Wing added another weapon to their arsenal to enhance their robust deterrence mission Feb. 17 here. The Remote Targeting Engagement System is made up of several parts, including six separate M-240 machine guns, controlled remotely from command consoles. The weapons are

Vandenberg AFB Airman appears on sitcom

One Airman's journey from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., to cameo appearance on a primetime situation comedy Feb. 22 was an enviable experience by most struggling actors' standards.Airman 1st Class Marcus McGinnis just couldn't resist taking a couple of photos as he waited in line with about 400