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U.S. Air Force News

  • Congressmen review Reserve role, budget, mobilization

    As Congress debates ways to address the federal debt ceiling, reserve component military leaders were on Capitol Hill recently to testify and answer questions about retaining operational roles, changes to mobilization and future budget challenges.Led by chairman Joe Wilson, of S.C., and ranking

  • City of New York marks 'Air Force Day' during CSAF visit

    Citing the city's long military history, Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared July 28 as "Air Force Day" in New York, through a proclamation read at the Air Force Association Iron Gate Chapter's 50th Anniversary Luncheon here.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz spoke at the event, and received

  • Walter Reed's legacy will endure, McHugh says

    Though it's consolidating soon in nearby Bethesda, Md., with the National Naval Medical Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center has built a lasting legacy, Army Secretary John M. McHugh said here July 27 at a ceremony in which the 102-year-old hospital cased its colors.The consolidation in Bethesda,

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights 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.

  • Photo Essay: Building security through SAFE SKIES 2011

    SAFE SKIES 2011, which included units from the California and the Alabama Air National Guard, is a military-to-military exchange between airmen from the U.S., Ukraine and Poland to enhance airspace security over the Ukraine and Poland in preparation for EURO 2012, the European soccer championship

  • Deployed troops vibe to the beat of 'Tops in Blue'

    Members of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and partner units rocked to the various tunes of the U.S. Air Force's 'Tops in Blue,' July 22, at an air base here.The world-traveling group of Airmen composed of 36 vocalists, musicians, dancers and technicians from different career fields throughout the

  • Obama, Thurman commemorate Korean Armistice anniversary

    As President Barack Obama commemorated the anniversary of the armistice agreement that established a demilitarized zone between North and South Korea and brought an end to fighting there, the top U.S. officer in South Korea emphasized today the need for international cooperation to curb the North

  • Security forces Airmen continue "Ruck March to Remember"

    Security forces Airmen from the 14th Security Forces Squadron here completed 87 miles of their 146 mile "Ruck March to Remember" journey at Natchez, Miss., July 26. Security Forces Airmen from 23 squadrons began the 2, 181-mile march July 12 at the Security Forces Center at Lackland Air Force Base,

  • Enduring cultural change underpins Global Strike Command mission

    Air Force Global Strike Command's top leader discussed the command's relevance and the need for cultural restoration at the Air Force First Sergeants Association Annual Professional Airmen's Conference in San Antonio July 26. Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski, the AFGSC commander, discussed the central role of

  • Reserve personnel center moving, going green

    Air Force Reserve Command leaders celebrated the command's newest green building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony here July 19.Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., the commander of Air Force Reserve Command, officiated the ceremony for the new Air Reserve Personnel Center. The 80,000 square foot facility

  • Air Force surgeon general lays out future of aeromedical evacuation

    The Air Force surgeon general addressed hundreds of medical professionals from around the world at the International Aeromedical Evacuation/En Route Care Conference at Joint Base Lewis-McChord recently.Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Charles Green was the keynote speaker on the second day of the first U.S.-led

  • Air Force vice chief testifies on force readiness

    The Air Force vice chief of staff provided a total force readiness update to the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Readiness here July 26."I'm pleased to report that America's Air Force continues to provide the nation with unmatched global vigilance, reach and power as a part of this

  • Chief Roy: Air Force past, present, way ahead

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy communicated his vision of the Air Force's past, present and future to more than 600 attendees at a forum during the Air Force Sergeants Association's 50th Anniversary Professional Airmen's Conference event here July 25.The chief started the forum by

  • Consultant program supports troops, families

    With portable, flexible care, the Defense Department's Military Family Life Consultant program has become a critical component in service member and family support, the director of the Pentagon's office of family policy, children and youth said recently.Through the program, behavioral health

  • SAFE SKIES 2011 demonstrates true collaboration

    Airmen from the 144th Fighter Wing at Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif., are partnered with Ukrainian and Polish airmen at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine, through the National Guard State Partnership Program. Through this program, they have developed a strong tie to this former soviet bloc-country

  • Band plays, audience rocks at space shuttle finale

    High Flight, the newest ensemble of the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, performed at the final landing of Shuttle Atlantis July 21 at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The landing marked the end of NASA's space shuttle program."It has been an honor and a privilege to perform at this event," said Master

  • Airmen participate in exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia

    Airmen from the 36th Contingency Response Group here and the Royal Australian Air Force participated in Talisman Sabre 2011 recently at Williamson Airfield, Australia, to test their combined combat capabilities.Talisman Sabre 2011 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and Australian forces to plan

  • Pallet build up contest introduced at Air Mobility Rodeo 2011

    Twenty five Aerial port crews competed in the first Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 pallet build-up contest here July 26 to simulate the high-stress environment of a deployed location. The cargo for the pallet built in the competition was made up of various pre-determined items by event organizers. The

  • Joint, combined team make first-ever Pac Angel - Mongolia a success

    As part of the first Pacific Angel operation in Mongolia, U.S. Air Force and Mongolian army military engineers work side-by-side with local contractors to repair and renovate a clinic for Mongolian Armed Forces veterans and retirees in Tsenkermandal village from July 17 to 23.A joint and combined

  • Pentagon streamlines approval for energy projects

    A Defense Department clearinghouse for renewable energy projects has approved 229 of 249 projects proposed in 35 states and Puerto Rico, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said recently."These projects represent 10 gigawatts of renewable energy generation capacity in wind energy alone,"

  • Airmen compete for Team Pakistan

    Chanting, "Team Pakistan," as they ascended the ramp to a KC-135R Stratotanker, four of the five-member Pakistan Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 aeromedical evacuation team were American Airman. Upon discovery that Pakistan only had one flight surgeon to compete in the aeromedical evacuation competition,

  • First lady, Dr. Biden launch 'Community Challenge'

    First lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, recently unveiled a new program intended to celebrate Americans going above and beyond to improve military families' lives.The Joining Forces Community Challenge will award prizes to people and organizations that

  • Airmen train Croatian officers, build partnership

    Members of the 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron trained four Croatian air force officers during their visit here July 18 to 22. The weeklong training familiarized the Croatians with pre-deployment logistics and planning processes. They learned how to handle materiel, set up supply stations in a

  • U.S. aviation advisers volunteer to teach Iraqi airmen English

    Few would consider learning the English language a military necessity, but for Iraqi aviators, it's a fundamental need to learn the internationally recognized aviation language as they work to rebuild their defense forces.U.S. Air Force and Army advisers from the 721st and 821st Air Expeditionary

  • Wrench-turners battle for top spot in Rodeo 2011 maintenance competition

    Crowds cheered as the competitors of the maintenance skill competition entered the hangar here July 25 during the Air Mobility Rodeo 2011. The event, which is new to Rodeo, tests a four-person team on normal daily maintenance activities that would be performed during a shift at home stations. For

  • Aerial porters participate in forklift driving course for Rodeo 2011

    Mobility Airmen tested their speed, precision and teamwork skills while driving a forklift through an obstacle course here July 25. The 10K forklift obstacle course was laid out with more than 20 three-foot orange cones and a pallet next to a pallet stacker."The 10K forklift driving course is

  • International participants add 'flavor' to Air Mobility Rodeo 2011

    At the opening ceremonies for Air Mobility Rodeo here July 24, service members from more than 25 nations were among the nearly 3,000 mobility personnel in formation around the McChord Field flightline.Those international partners each carried their country's flag to their formations, creating what

  • Defense Department officials launch cyber strategy website

    Defense Department officials announced July 25 the launch of a new website to highlight the department's first unified strategy for cyberspace.Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III announced the department's Strategy for Operating in Cyberspace on July 14 at National Defense University at

  • Deadline approaching for Sijan award

    Air Force officials would like to remind Airmen that the deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 Lance P. Sijan United States Air Force Leadership Award to the Air Force Personnel Center is September 1.The Sijan award recognizes the accomplishments of officers and enlisted members who have

  • Touch down ends Reserve rescue role in shuttle program

    As the sun rose over the Atlantic Ocean on July 21, it shed light on both the final landing of the space shuttle Atlantis and the final time Air Force reservists will perform their duties as guardians of the astronauts.As a network of rescue responders, reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing from

  • AFA aerospace award nominees announced

    Air Force officials selected the following individuals and units as nominees to compete for the Air Force Association Aerospace Awards.The specific category and respective nominees are:Theodore Von Karman Award -- For the most outstanding contribution to national defense in the field of science and

  • Photo essay: Security forces enhance capabilities through K-9 training

    Military working dog trainers in the 20th Security Forces Squadron here work hard to train and prepare dogs for real-world situations such as drug raids, patrols and other specialized mission functions for the Department of Defense and government agencies. View the slideshow.

  • Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 kicks off

    Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 kicked off here July 24. Airmen from around the world, including seven international teams, are participating in the biennial competition that focuses on mission readiness, featuring airdrops, aerial refueling and other events that showcase the skills of mobility crews. This

  • Life support, medical Airmen provide assistance in SAFE SKIES 2011

    Two life support Airmen and four medical Airmen are supporting participants in SAFE SKIES 2011, a joint U.S., Ukraine and Polish exercise where Air National Guard pilots fly engagements with Ukrainian Su-27, Mig-29s and Polish F-16s. SAFE SKIES 2011 is designed to develop the Ukraine and Polish air

  • Cadets study art of cyber warfare

    Rising sophomores at the Air Force Academy might compile a "things I did this summer" list that looks a little something like this:Deployment exercise, check. Piloted an airplane, check. Trained by the Air Force to be computer hacker, check.That last one is not a joke. Thanks to a newly introduced

  • Intel analyst honored as Air Force Times 2011 Airman of the Year

    A national tactical integration and signals intelligence geospatial analyst from the 31st Intelligence Squadron at Ft. Gordon, Ga., received the Air Force Times 2011 Airman of the Year award here July 21.Staff Sgt. Lindsay W. Bell, of the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group at

  • RAF Fairford hosts Royal International Air Tattoo

    Celebrating the 40th anniversary of what is billed as the world's largest military air show, members here turned over the airfield to the Royal International Air Tattoo July 16 and 17.Hosted at Royal Air Force Fairford 21 times since 1985, the Royal International Air Tattoo featured more than 200

  • Western Air Defense Sector in Eastern Europe

    The Western Air Defense Sector provides a critical component to the U.S. homeland defense mission. Located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., WADS members are responsible for coordinating all airborne alert aircraft in the western U.S. Its sister organization, EADS, is responsible for the Eastern

  • Air Force, Navy team up for 21st Century fight

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Phil Breedlove discussed the Air Force's enduring capabilities, the Air-Sea Battle concept and the Long Range Strike family of systems at a Mitchell Institute for Air Power Studies event here July 20.Speaking to members of the Department of Defense, international

  • Air Force works to improve energy efficiency

    The vice chief of staff of the Air Force outlined service energy priorities during a keynote address at the 2011 Army-Air Force Energy Forum here July 20. "The Air Force has developed an energy plan which concentrates on three pillars," Gen. Phil Breedlove said. "We are reducing demand, increasing

  • Army, Air Force families share 'Family of Year' honors

    Families from the Army and the Air Force shared the honors July 21, 2011, as the National Military Family Association's 2011 Family of the Year for their service to the nation and their communities.During the association's 2011 leadership luncheon here, association officials honored a family from

  • TRANSCOM, AFMC commanders shed light on energy conservation, measurements

    Military senior leaders provided their perspective on operational energy and its associated metrics during the Army Air Force Energy Forum here July 20. Gen. Duncan McNabb and Gen. Donald Hoffman, the respective commanders of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Force Materiel Command, joined U.S.

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights 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.

  • Air Force further reduces officers eligible for RIF

    Sufficient voluntary separations have resulted in the removal of several competitive categories from the September 2011 reduction-in-force board, according to Air Force officials. In April, Air Force officials announced the removal of chaplains and medical service corps officers from the board.

  • Airmen tackle CBRN threat response training in WV tunnel

    The Center for National Response is hosting the Air Force Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Response Challenge here July 18-22. Ten bioenvironmental and emergency management teams representing nine Air Force major commands and the Air National Guard will spend the week facing a series

  • Contingency response wing takes on Africa mission

    An Air Force wing that stood up here to open airfields anywhere in the world on short notice soon will take on a new mission, helping African militaries establish their own air mobility systems.The 621st Contingency Response Wing and the wing's sister unit at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., stand

  • Airdrop ideas, techniques shared as part of International Airdrop Symposium

    On the first day of the International Airdrop Symposium here July 19, ideas and the outlook at how several countries and the U.S. perform and utilize airdrops for their missions was shared among 200-plus participants.Numerous speakers addressed their airdrop capabilities to include speakers from

  • DOD space program broadens industry, foreign partnerships

    The Defense Department is expanding partnerships with space-faring companies and nations to maintain the strategic advantage it gains in space, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for space policy said July 19.Speaking with reporters from the Defense Writers Group here, Ambassador Gregory L.

  • 28 nations begin participation in first international AE conference

    With 28 nations participating, Airmen from across the Air Force and the international committee began the first-ever International Aeromedical Evacuation/En Route Care Conference July 20-21 here.The conference aims to help build on improving the future of aeromedical evacuation throughout the

  • Air Force, Army team up to explore 'green' solutions

    Senior leaders from the Department of Defense, federal agencies, Air Force and Army discussed the strategic importance and way ahead for energy solutions during the Army-Air Force Energy Forum here July 19. The two-day event enables hundreds of attendees to get a clearer perspective from military

  • Airmen's ideas sought to help cut wasteful spending

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton sends the following message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:The White House continues to challenge all federal employees to help identify areas where we can cut wasteful spending. Over the past two years, 56,000 ideas have been submitted through the

  • Top civil engineer visits PACAF Airmen

    The Air Force Civil Engineer visited civil engineers across Pacific Air Forces to discuss initiatives pertaining to their career fields.Recently, Maj. Gen. Timothy Byers, visited 374th Civil Engineer Squadron at Yokota Air Base and spoke to Airmen about their vital role in Operation Tomodachi,

  • Air Mobility Rodeo 2011: McChord Field's 'combo' team ready to go

    The Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 begins here July 24, and the combined 62nd Airlift Wing and 627th Air Base Group team has been hard at work preparing for the event. "One of the things we might forget about during rodeo is that we are not only a host, but a competitor as well," said Col. R. Wyn Elder,

  • Air Force Caring for People forum begins

    Air Force professionals and families from around the world brought improvement ideas to Air Force leaders during the 2011 Air Force Caring for People forum here July 19. More than 250 Air Force leaders, program managers, family members and volunteers assembled for the start of the three-day forum to

  • Medical education, commissioning programs available

    Airmen have the opportunity to apply for Biomedical Sciences Corps training and commissioning programs for fiscal 2012, Air Force officials announced.Applicants interested in the following programs should be U.S. citizens, meet the minimum commissioning age requirements, meet fitness standards and

  • Mullen: U.S.-Japan alliance serves as model for others

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on his first visit to Japan since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March, recently praised the U.S.-Japanese alliance and said the two nations must expand such relations throughout the Pacific region.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, speaking at a news

  • Transit Center Airman raises the bar, pumps 5 million gallons of gas

    Many people establish goals they want to accomplish during their deployments as a way to help pass the time. Senior Airman Chantz Wyant, a fuels distribution operator, set a lofty goal for himself when he arrived at the Transit Center six months ago.  He wanted to pass more than 4 million gallons of

  • Kenyan chaplains visit Camp Lemonnier

    Chaplains from the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Religious Affairs office welcomed three Kenyan Ministry of Defense chaplains here July 5 during a U.S. military professional chaplaincy familiarization visit. Catholic Bishops (Cols) Alfred Rotich and Paul Simuyu and Muslim Imam (Lt.

  • Mobility Airmen gather for international airdrop symposium

    Mobility Airmen from 26 countries are participating in the 2011 International Airdrop Symposium here July 19 to 21.The symposium features a gathering of people from throughout the world to exchange tactics, techniques and ideas on conducting airdrops, said Maj. Patrick Linson, the symposium

  • New joint training enables Airmen, Soldiers to respond to emergencies

    Airmen from the fire department and Soldiers from a quick reaction force at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing conducted a joint training exercise July 15 to learn how to work together effectively during an emergency situation.This is the first time the Army's QRF and the Air Force-operated fire

  • First Beta class RPA pilot becomes launch-and-recovery qualified

    Forging the way for officers in his career field, Rob, a captain assigned to the 432nd Wing as a remotely piloted aircraft pilot has established many firsts. He was a graduate of the first Beta class for RPA pilots, first Beta to go to the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron, first Beta to live fire, first

  • Academy cadets shadow MTIs

    Cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy learned firsthand what life is like for military training instructors and trainees in Air Force Basic Military Training.The 34 cadets in the Summer Leadership Program were spread among seven BMT squadrons here as they develop skills by shadowing MTIs for six

  • Allen takes reins as ISAF commander

    Marine Gen. John R. Allen assumed command of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force and U.S. forces in Afghanistan here July 18.Allen succeeds Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, who will retire from the Army this summer and then serve as CIA director.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the

  • Air Guard partners exercise in Ukraine

    More than 140 members of the Air National Guard landed aircraft in Ukraine, preparing for a U.S. European Command-sponsored aerial military-to-military exchange event titled SAFE SKIES 2011.A rainbow unit of Air National Guard Airmen comprising members from Alabama, California, Iowa, Washington and

  • Rome N.Y. implements USAJobs hiring process

    Air Force Research Laboratory officials in Rome, N.Y., have implemented the single-staffing-tool civilian hiring process used to fill civilian positions at most Air Force bases.Under the single staffing system, civilian vacancy announcements for appropriated fund positions are available for viewing

  • Academy cadets gain insight into security forces mission while deployed

    For a group of U.S. Air Force Academy cadets visiting the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia, a training day with security forces proved both exhausting and informative.The cadets, here as part of Operation Air Force-Deployed -- a program designed to give cadets a firsthand view of a

  • Aviano Airman wins $10,000 IDEA award

    The Innovative Development through Employee Awareness Program recently awarded an Aviano Air Base Airman $10,000, the highest reward available. Tech. Sgt. Rey Andrade, the 31st Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment NCO in charge, received the award after solving a problem that cost

  • New Jersey base realizes joint benefits

    With two months left for Defense Department officials to comply with the 2005 base realignment and closure plan, a related initiative -- joint basing -- already is paying off through closer interservice collaboration and the promise of future cost savings, officials here reported.Joint Base

  • 'Surviving The Cut' episode to highlight dive school July 25

    Discover Channel's "Surviving The Cut" will air an episode that highlights the rigorous training at the Air Force Combat Dive School in Panama City, Fla., July 25 at 10 p.m. EDT.Members of the Air Force Combat Dive School train an array of special operations Airmen such as pararescuemen, combat

  • JBB officials host first Iraqi air force logistics commander summit

    An Iraqi Air Force C-130 landed here July 6 carrying IqAF logistics wing commanders from across the country, Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission-Air staff advisors and IqAF logistics staff members including the Iraqi director of logistics. This was the first IqAF logistics wing commander summit"The

  • NAF food service employees earn their chops

    A historic partnership between Air Force Services officials and the Culinary Institute of America culminated in 11 nonappropriated fund Air Force food service professionals completing a culinary certification June 16. The Air Force Services Agency's food and beverage division partnered with the CIA

  • Riders 'revved up' for motorcycle safety day

    Service members, along with Department of Defense employees, retirees and civilians gathered for the Joint Base Andrews Motorcycle Safety Day here July 15.The event, which included a group ride through Maryland's Prince George's County, was designed to inform riders of all skill and experience

  • Officials hope relief will flood in for Minot families

    With water still above flood levels weeks after the natural disaster began in Minot, N.D., Air Force Global Strike Command officials are asking the public for donations to relief and recovery efforts. More than 1,100 Airmen and family members from nearby Minot Air Force Base were displaced from

  • Inaugural class of air mobility air advisors graduates

    Twenty Airmen assigned to two newly-activated Air Mobility Command advisory squadrons graduated from the inaugural Air Education and Training Command Air Advisor Basic Course for Africa and South America here June 17. Airmen from both the 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron, assigned to the

  • Development plan helps officers communicate their preferences

    Officers interested in specific development opportunities should use the Airman Development Plan to communicate their preferences to decision-makers, official said. Although assignments are based on Air Force needs first, and then professional development, officer preferences communicated via the

  • Officials look to reduce strategic airlift inventory

    Combatant and major command officials provided testimony to members of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower to propose a reduction of strategic airlift aircraft numbers in a session here July 13. Gen. Raymond Johns, the Air Mobility Command commander, and Gen. Duncan McNabb, the U. S.

  • First F-35 arrives at Eglin

    The Department of Defense's first F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter touched down at its new home here July 14, marking a major milestone in the nation's military history. Upon arrival, the jet officially became part of the Air Force inventory. It now belongs to the JSF training unit, the 33rd

  • Construction is steady on Lackland's medical campus

    The first phase of construction for the new Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center here is steadily progressing. Excavation of the new 1,028-car parking garage is complete and the utility corridor excavation is moving along on schedule, according to Joann Pinto, director of 59th Medical Wing

  • Afghan women pilot candidates serve country, pursue history

    Four young Afghan lieutenants are making history by being the first female pilot candidates from their country to attend the Defense Language Institute's general English course."We should show the world that the women of Afghanistan are strong," said Lt. Sourya Saleh, an Afghan pilot candidate. "We

  • Airmen at Zaragosa Air Base support NASA's final shuttle launch

    Airmen from U.S. Air Forces in Europe provided support at the Transoceanic Abort Landing Site in Zaragoza, Spain, as NASA scientists concluded the shuttle program with the successful launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis July 8. The TAL serves as a safe haven, in the event something goes wrong during the

  • Hiring our heroes

    The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Catherine, attended and spoke to more than 1,500 veterans and their spouses July 10, at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hiring fair in Los Angeles. The job fair, called Hiring Our Heroes -- Los Angeles, was designed to connect veterans and military spouses

  • Airmen tackle Corporals Course

    Six Airmen diversified their leadership training by participating in the Marine Corps' Corporals Course, which was held here June 10-24. The Corporals Course was a two-week program consisting of classroom lecture, hands-on instruction at the small arms range and vigorous physical training around the

  • Chief of staff and spouse visit Aviano Air Base

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie visited the 31st Fighter Wing here July 10 to 12, meeting with Airmen and their families while touring the installation and its facilities.During his visit, Schwartz received briefings on the wing's mission and operations, dined with

  • MAFFS aircraft, crews conclude firefighting operations in Southwest

    After performing 242 sorties and dropping 609,960 gallons of fire retardant over the wildfires that have been burning in New Mexico and Arizona, Air Reserve Component personnel and their Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped aircraft concluded their mission July 13.National Interagency Fire

  • PACAF demonstrates air power in Brunei

    Aircraft from Misawa Air Base, Japan, and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, performed at the Brunei Darussalam International Defense Exhibition 2011 at Rimba Air Base, Brunei, July 2. Capt. Chris Nations, a PACAF Aerial Demonstration Team pilot based at Misawa, performed daily aerial

  • DOD sets rules for schools receiving tuition assistance

    All schools participating in Title 10 tuition assistance will need to have a signed memorandum of understanding with the Defense Department under a new policy that will take effect Jan. 1, officials said.Carolyn Baker, the chief of voluntary education for DOD's military community family and policy

  • Special agents support the International Contract Corruption Task Force

    Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents are involved in many joint-military and law enforcement endeavors, a practice that is becoming more necessary as operational tempos increase around the world.One such joint endeavor is the International Contract Corruption Task Force, a group

  • On vacation with TRICARE: Urgent or emergency care?

    Even the best-planned vacations can be disrupted with injury or sickness. While TRICARE follows beneficiaries when they travel, understanding when something constitutes an emergency room or urgent care visit can help the beneficiary save money and time, officials said.TRICARE defines an emergency as

  • Contingency response team stands down after last shuttle support alert

    An audience of millions watched the last launch of the space shuttle Atlantis from Kennedy Space Center, Fla., July 8. The nearly 650 mobility Airmen of the 621st Contingency Response Wing here, however, saw a different finale -- an end to years of waiting for a call they thankfully never received.

  • Sensor network detects nuclear blasts worldwide

    At any time of the day or night, on any day of the year, if a nuclear device explodes anywhere on Earth, a Defense Department network established in 1947 will know about it.That was the year Army Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower directed the Army Air Corps to develop such a capability, and the U.S. Atomic

  • Airmen can help feds feed families

    During the 2011 Feds Feed Families food drive campaign, Airmen can help feed those in need.The campaign runs through Aug. 31."This is the first time the federal agencies have come together as one team to support the drive," said Ellen Nelson, the executive director of the Alamo Federal Executive

  • C-130 heats up for new decon test, evaluation at Little Rock

    A retired, ground-instructional C-130 Hercules is undergoing tests to determine how heat and humidity affect the decontamination process for an aircraft.The tests, which run through August, use bacillus thuringiensis, a commercially-available organic insecticide, to simulate a biological agent. Base