HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • White House reverses policy on condolence letters

    President Barack Obama and Defense Department officials will send condolence letters to the families of service members who commit suicide in a war zone.The change is in keeping with administration efforts to remove the stigma of mental health treatment, an administration official said on

  • Air Force Band, Honor Guard, Drill Team represent Airmen for Independence Day

    The U.S. Air Force Band and U.S. Air Force Honor Guard celebrated the Independence Day holiday weekend in New York, Pennsylvania and the nation's capital. "Each mission was special in and of itself," said Col. A. Phillip Waite, commander and conductor of The U.S. Air Force Band. "Collectively these

  • OREs: being successful from 'StartEX' to 'EndEX'

    An Airman is sitting behind his computer when an operational readiness exercise reminder pops up on his screen. "Another exercise," the Airman exclaims. "The last one was brutal. We were getting written up on everything. I wonder who plans these things and what do we have to do make them easier on

  • Reservists deliver aid to Haiti over holiday weekend

    Members of the Air Force Reserve's 315th Airlift Wing departed here July 1 aboard a C-17 Globemaster III on a humanitarian aid mission to Haiti. The aircraft delivered 20 pallets of humanitarian aid containing more than 50,000 pounds of rice as well as a 24,000-pound dump truck in support of ongoing

  • California guardsmen rescue lost hiker

    Airmen from the California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing conducted a successful mission, rescuing a missing hiker near Pioneer, Calif., on the Fourth of July. Officials from the Air Guard unit were contacted the evening of July 3 by members of the California Emergency Management Agency

  • JTACs guide air strikes, turn tide during major battle

    Airmen from the Washington Air National Guard directed multiple airstrikes May 25 helping a significantly outnumbered U.S. Army and Afghan National Security Force unit fight through an ambush and free a district center from insurgents.Joint terminal attack controllers from the 116th Air Support

  • Air Force weather leaders meet to appraise career field

     Leaders from across the Air Force weather career field met up at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center here recently to discuss present operations and the future of the weather career field. "We need to make sure we're supporting the Airmen that are downrange and giving them the right training and

  • Panetta makes Fourth of July calls to deployed service members

    Six forward-deployed U.S. service members began their Fourth of July morning with telephone calls from Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta.Panetta, sworn in as the nation's 23rd secretary of defense July 1, reached out late Sunday evening to convey his thanks and support for their service, Assistant

  • Education program promotes relationships, partnerships

    Walk into just about any U.S. professional military schoolhouse, and you're likely to see a surprising number of foreign officers and noncommissioned officers mixed among the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps students.They're a testament to the popularity of the International Military Education

  • College students receive training through AF internship

    College students can intern in Air Force youth and recreation programs - and get paid for it.The Air Force Services Agency Student Intern Program is open to college juniors, or older, to become Air Force nonappropriated fund employees at nearly any Air Force installation world-wide, and earn college

  • Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs gives thanks for Operation Tomodachi

    High-ranking officials from the U.S. Army, Air Force and Navy were invited to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 30 in appreciation of Operation Tomodachi.The State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Yutaka Banno, presented each leader with a shield and bowed deeply in appreciation for

  • Air Force EWO graduates from Navy Growler training

    An electronic warfare officer became the first Air Force EWO to graduate from the 10-month-long Navy EA-18G Growler training at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., June 28.Capt. Cole Davenport, who is with the 390th Electronic Combat Squadron, completed his first training sortie Sept. 7, 2010.

  • Leaving a legacy of air power

    Milestones are being achieved and partnerships are being strengthened at Combat Operating Base Speicher here. Advising Iraqi forces is nothing new to the Iraq Training and Advising Mission component of the U.S. Air Force. Since the troop drawdown began early 2009, Iraqi forces have started to take

  • Air Force chief of staff announces 2011 'Vector'

    The Air Force's senior military officer released his vision for the future in the CSAF Vector 2011, which highlights the service's unique contributions to national security and also provides updates and the way ahead on the Air Force's priorities."A year ago I presented a vision for our Air Force,"

  • Airmen successfully medevac Antarctic worker

    Using night vision equipment and navigating around volcanic ash hazards, a C-17 Globemaster III and crew from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., alongside aeromedical evacuation and critical care air transport team Airmen, successfully evacuated an ailing Antarctic government contractor June 30. The

  • Panetta pledges 'No hollow force' on his watch

    New Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta pledged there will be no hollow force on his watch.The secretary made the commitment in a message to the Defense Department released after he took the oath of office July 1. DOD General Counsel Jeh Johnson administered the oath in the secretary's office. Taking

  • Nellis pilot in F-16C mishap identified

    Air Force officials have identified the pilot involved in an aircraft mishap near Caliente, Nev., June 28 as Capt. Eric Ziegler, 30, an operational test and evaluation instructor pilot with the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron here.Brig. Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, commander of the 57th Wing,

  • Food transformation test locations begin campus dining concept

    Airmen at the six Air Force Food Transformation Initiative pilot installations will experience more variety for their meal choices when the program expands to a campus-style dining concept this summer.The initiative, known as FTI, is a pilot program launched in October 2010 with a goal to better

  • AEF conference prepares experts for upcoming deployment

    Air and Space Expeditionary Force and Personnel Operations representatives from the Air Force Personnel Center here held their latest execution conference June 15 and 16 to help prepare more than 300 unit deployment managers, installation deployment officers and functional experts for the upcoming

  • First Airmen graduate from new EOD screening course

    Six Airmen graduated from the first explosive ordnance disposal preliminary screening course here June 27. The revised and extended 20-day academic Air Force program gives Airmen a well-rounded vision of their duties while mentally and physically challenging them. The goal for the course is to

  • Chief Roy reflects on first two years in office, way ahead for Airmen

    Despite an increased operations tempo and fiscal challenges, Airmen continue to develop and remain an integral part of the joint and coalition team, the service's top enlisted Airman said here June 30 on his second anniversary in office.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy discussed

  • Strike Eagle pilot honored with Air Force safety award

    A pilot who landed a crippled F-15E Strike Eagle after taking off from Kunsan Air Base, Korea, received the Air Force's most prestigious flight safety award here June 29.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presented Capt. Hans Buckwalter, of the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force

  • Nellis F-16 crash site found

    Air Force officials here announced June 30 that search and rescue teams have found conclusive evidence the pilot of an F-16 Fighting Falcon, which crashed at approximately 5:30 p.m. June 28, did not survive. At the time of the accident, the single-seat F-16, based at Nellis Air Force Base, was

  • 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.

  • ORS-1 satellite successfully launched from NASA Wallops Flight Facility

    An Air Force team successfully launched the first Operationally Responsive Space prototype satellite aboard a Minotaur I launch vehicle at 11:09 p.m. EDT June 29 from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Va. ORS-1 deployed 12 minutes after launch. This marks a great achievement by the

  • Top Pentagon doctor lauds overseas labs

    The Defense Department's overseas medical research laboratories will play a key role in ensuring the readiness of deployed U.S. military forces well into the future, while also contributing to global health and U.S. partnership building around the world, the Pentagon's senior health affairs adviser

  • 'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," U.S. and Italian forces team up in a realistic hostage exercise at Aviano Air Base, Italy. And, you'll meet one dirt bike rider who is sharing his passion of both the sport and safety. Plus, Yokota Airmen learn to defend themselves and others in hand-to-hand

  • DOD launches military spouse employment partnership

    In an effort to address military spouses' employment challenges, the Defense Department launched a program June 29 to expand career opportunities for military spouses worldwide, and to recognize the skills and talents they bring to the employment table.Flanked by military spouses and corporate

  • U.S., Indonesian airmen complete annual air mobility exercise

    The annual week-long combined exercise between Indonesian and U.S. Air Force personnel, known as Exercise Cope West, came to a close here June 24.More than 70 Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, and three C-130 Hercules aircraft with Yokota's 36th Airlift Squadron, as well as one Indonesian Air

  • Thunderbirds add Finland performance to storied history

    On both sides of every U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds F-16 Fighting Falcon, there's a colorful, square panel that displays the flags of all the countries in the world where the team has performed. The Thunderbirds had the privilege of adding a new flag to the panel June 18. For the first time in its

  • Strengthening partnerships with the renewable energy industry

    An Air Force Renewable Energy Symposium, like the one being held here June 28 and 29, provides industry members a chance to learn about opportunities to partner with the Air Force to increase the use of renewable energy on installations across the United States. This symposium marks the second time

  • Coalition plans first building transition to Afghans

    Afghan National Security Forces at Camp Hero in Kandahar province are scheduled to be the first in Afghanistan to transition coalition-maintained buildings to complete Afghan control. On July 1, NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan's Infrastructure Training and Advisory Group will transition 17

  • Gates sends message thanking troops for service

    Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates has sent a message to every post, ship, base and installation thanking service members and their families for their service.In the message, which went out June 29, Secretary Gates said it has been "the greatest honor of my life to serve and to lead you for the

  • Airmen respond, help recover crashed Afghan Mi-17

    Thirteen members of the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing responded to the crash site of an Afghan air force Mi-17 at Forward Operating Base Fiaz in Asadabad in Kunar province.Six members were on board the aircraft and received minor injuries when the Afghan air force helicopter went down during a

  • Sendai students meet Airmen who provided relief during Operation Tomodachi

    Twenty-four students from Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School visited here June 24, while in Hawaii studying at I-Lion Hawaii School. The students are continuing their education and learning English while their homes and schools are being rebuilt in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in

  • Northern Edge participants complete successful exercise

    After two weeks of learning to communicate and work in a joint environment, service members from every branch of service packed their bags and headed home at the conclusion of Exercise Northern Edge 2011.The U.S. Pacific Command joint exercise, held June 13-24, hosted active duty, Reserve and

  • Military recruiting, retention remain strong

    Recruiting and retention remain steadily on track throughout the military services, with every component reporting strong year-to-date numbers through May and full confidence in reaching fiscal 2011 goals by Sept. 30, Defense Department officials said June 28.All four active services and five of the

  • Air Force to enhance travel orders for deployment

    In an effort to improve customer support and expedite travel voucher payments, Air Force financial management leaders will mandate standardized use of the Defense Travel System for contingency, exercise and deployment travel, officials said here June 28. The change will be mostly transparent to the

  • Nellis AFB F-16 crashes near Caliente, Nev.

    An Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon from here crashed June 28 about 5:30 p.m. PDT near Caliente, Nev. The F-16 was participating in an air-to-air combat training mission.One person was on board. The individual's condition is unknown at this time.As soon as additional details become available, they

  • Allied Strike 2011 in full swing, capping months of planning

    The execution phase of Allied Strike 2011 is in full swing here, capping months of planning. The exercise has brought together nearly 350 people from the U.S. and 14 NATO partner nations for the largest close-air-support exercise in Europe. "The planning effort was massive," said Capt. Ruven

  • AMC officials hold 'Future Aircraft Fuel Efficiency Industry Days'

    Officials in Air Mobility Command's Future Concepts Office and Fuel Efficiency Office are co-hosting the "Future Aircraft Fuel Efficiency Days" conference here from June 27 to 29. The conference is designed to allow AMC experts to work with industry partners to gather information on

  • First Moroccan F-16 pilots to complete training in Arizona

    In July, the Kingdom of Morocco, a strategic partner for U.S. forces in North Africa, will become the 25th country to own and operate F-16s. The pilots tapped to fly them are scheduled to finish training here in time to bring them home, July 30.Four Royal Moroccan Air Force officers, former F-5

  • Military takes top U.S. confidence rankings

    Americans continue to express high confidence in the armed forces, with more than three-quarters of those surveyed in a recent Gallup poll reporting higher confidence in the military than in other national institutions for the 14th consecutive year.Seventy-eight percent of the 1,020 respondents in

  • Defense Department, services monitor Arctic melting

    With the number of geopolitical hotspots in the world today, the Arctic is not an area that comes quickly to mind for possible defense operations. But it is a place of great national security and strategic importance that the Defense Department and services are monitoring closely.In a report sent to

  • TRICARE officials support National Prevention Strategy

    Recently, the U.S. surgeon general and members of the National Prevention Council, including Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, released the first ever National Prevention Strategy, which provides a plan to shift the nation from a focus on sickness and disease to one based on wellness and

  • Tell your story: center seeks input from Airmen for Cultural Studies Project

    For many Airmen, working across other cultures provides some of the most memorable stories of their careers. A two-year research study began this month that will collect those stories to help Air Force educators provide better cross-cultural competence education and training to warfighters.Officials

  • Continued testing of F-35 JSF sensors a success at Northern Edge 2011

    While participating in Northern Edge for the second time, F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter sensor capabilities were tested in Alaska's premier multi-operational environment June 13-24. Hosted by Alaskan Command, Northern Edge is a biennial U.S. Pacific Command exercise that prepares joint

  • Air Force doctor receives France's highest decoration

    An Air Force doctor whose medical expertise and French language skills were credited with helping save 14 U.S. Sailors' lives after the terrorist attack on the USS Cole in Yemen in 2000 received France's highest decoration at the French Embassy in Washington June 21.Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Byron L. Hepburn,

  • New IDs put personal info at the Exchange on a 'need to know' basis

    Social Security numbers are enjoying the top-secret clearance they have always deserved as the Department of Defense officials have removed the nine digit number from identification cards issued after June 1. Authorized Exchange shoppers who receive the new ID will notice some changes when writing a

  • Airmen, Soldiers train to maintain skills

    In the culmination of weeks of training, Airmen from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing and Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment conducted a joint emergency response exercise June 23 here."When we got here we wanted to make sure we are ready to react to any situation,"

  • Afghan, U.S. airmen respond to cholera outbreak

    Members of the Afghan air force and 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group, transported physicians and medical supplies to the district of Ma'ruf in support of a cholera outbreak recently.Five physicians from the Afghan Health Development Services were transported to the district in Zabul province

  • Tanker's first flight over top of the world marks new era in efficiency

    The U.S. Air Force has gone to the ends of the earth to support operations in Afghanistan.A KC-135 Stratotanker flew north until it started flying south June 21 an 22, cutting a new pathway over the Arctic Circle and the North Pole between Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., and the Transit Center at

  • Exercise readies U.S., international forces for cooperative efforts

    Anatolian Eagle, a multi-national, large-force employment exercise, was held here to provide a realistic, scenario-based training environment to test combined aerial combat skills June 13 through 24.In its 10th year, the exercise included participants from the Turkish, U.S., Saudi Arabian, Jordanian

  • Families, friends of Khobar Towers victims gather for remembrance ceremony

    Fifteen years since the terrorist attack in which a truck bomb exploded at Khobar Towers, killing 19 Airmen and wounding hundreds of other Americans, the victims' friends, families and other guests paid tribute to them in a remembrance ceremony here June 25.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley

  • More Airmen displaced by North Dakota floods

    The count has increased to a total of 1,142 displaced Airmen and their family members as a result of the Souris River flooding which began June 20.Base officials continue to offer emergency shelter to displaced base-affiliated Department of Defense employees and their families. An estimated 4,000

  • River cresting nears in Minot, N.D., fight continues

    In the mayor's June 25 press conference here, he provided important updates on the flooding situation, which currently is affecting some 11,000 residents and more than 1,100 Airmen and their families.According to a National Weather Service representative, the Souris River is now predicted to crest

  • Thousands admire U.S. aircraft at Paris Air Show

    The world's longest-established aerospace event comes to a close June 26 after hundreds of thousands of people viewed the best of what aviation has to offer.The 49th International Paris Air Show, which began more than 100 years ago, opened June 20 with four trade-show days and three public days at

  • Intrepid Center marks first anniversary

    A year after its ribbon-cutting ceremony, the National Intrepid Center of Excellence is making a difference in the lives of warfighters suffering traumatic brain injuries and psychological disorders, said Dr. James Kelly, the center's director.The facility, Dr. Kelly said, also is expanding the

  • Minot flood update

    The mayor of the city of Minot held a press conference here June 24 to provide important updates on the flooding situation, which currently is affecting some 11,000 residents and more than 1,000 Airmen and their families.According to a National Weather Service representative, the Souris River

  • Headquarters AFSOC passes guidon to new commander

    Lt. Gen. Eric E. Fiel assumed command of Air Force Special Operations Command at a ceremony here June 24, ushering in a new era at a time when the command has experienced intense growth. General Fiel replaced retiring Lt. Gen. Donald Wurster during the ceremony, presided by Air Force Chief of Staff

  • Khobar Towers victims remembered on 15th anniversary

    Airmen, Marines, Sailors and family members gathered here to remember 19 brave warriors and 12 valiant 33rd Fighter Wing Airmen on the 15th anniversary of the Khobar Towers bombing June 24."I'm humbled to be a part of this ceremony," said Col. Andrew Toth, the 33rd FW commander. "It reminds us, as a

  • Yokota Airmen deliver supplies to Indonesian school

    Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, delivered more than $1,200 worth of school supplies and sports equipment to an elementary school during a goodwill visit here June 23.The visit, an event of Exercise Cope West 11, was an opportunity for Airmen to build good relations with local residents living

  • Aircraft stage from Kirtland to fight fires

    Two C-130J Hercules equipped with Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems arrived here June 15, 2011, to conduct firefighting missions in support of wildfire suppression efforts in the Southwestern United States.The aircraft are from the 115th Air Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, commanded by Lt. Col.

  • 'Vigilant Skies' brings ESC-infused NATO, Russian effort to fruition

    When NATO and Russian representatives wrapped up a joint international airspace demonstration June 10, it marked a great success for an effort Electronic Systems Center officials helped set in motion.Dubbed "Vigilant Skies 2011," the joint demonstration was sponsored by the NATO-Russia Council

  • Allied Strike 2011 kicks off in Germany

    Allied Strike 2011, the largest joint terminal attack controller and close-air-support exercise in Europe, kicked off here this morning with an opening ceremony which included three airmen jumping out of a C-130J Super Hercules and a welcome address by the commander of the 4th Air Support Operations

  • Civil Air Patrol cadets experience pilot training

    Airmen here recently hosted members of the Civil Air Patrol cadet program as they learned about undergraduate pilot training.CAP was by the Department of Defense in 1941 to help the U.S. during World War II. After the war in 1947, Congress declared the mission of CAP to focus on aerospace education,

  • 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 officials host joint library workshop

    DOD library professionals will communicate, collaborate and connect during a library tri-service training workshop June 21 through 24 in New Orleans. The Air Force, Navy and U.S. Marines Corps Librarians' Training Workshop will feature speakers from the non-profit military organization Blue Star

  • Fairchild Airmen help save homes from flooding

    Forty student candidates and instructors from the 336th Training Group Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape School here filled roughly 10,000 sandbags in Pend Oreille County, Wash., June 9, reportedly saving three homes from being flooded and making elderly homeowners extremely grateful and

  • Gates says Afghanistan withdrawal capitalizes on success

    U.S. service members have made tremendous progress in degrading the capability of the Taliban while enhancing Afghan security forces, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said following the president's announcement June 22, regarding withdrawal of U.S. forces.Below is the secretary's full

  • Obama announces troop reductions, way forward in Afghanistan

    Thanks to the tremendous progress U.S., coalition and Afghan troops have made, the United States will draw down the number of troops in Afghanistan by 10,000 this year and 33,000 by the end of summer 2012, President Barack Obama said here June 22."The tide of war is receding," the president said

  • Yokota Airmen share new cargo-rigging techniques at Cope West

    Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, explained low-cost, low-altitude bundle rigging techniques to members of the Indonesian army and air force June 22 as a part of Exercise Cope West 11, at Halim Air Base, Indonesia.The training seminar, one of several scheduled during the exercise, was designed to

  • Tips to check for testicular cancer

    Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in men between the ages of 20 to 34 years. It is almost always curable if treated early. This is why monthly testicular self-examinations are so very important. It is easy for a man to overlook or even ignore the early subtle signs of testicular

  • 'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Airmen from the North Carolina Air National Guard head to New Mexico to help fight fires there. And, Air Force Academy officials flip the switch on their newest power source. Plus, Airmen at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., test new brakes for the C-130

  • AF clubs offers scholarships

    For the 15th year in a row, the Air Force Services Club Program will award $25,000 in scholarship funds. The Air Force Services Club Membership Scholarship Program is a club member-only program intended to help club members and their families defray the cost of higher education. Twenty-five winners

  • Officials announce E-6 selection stats

    Air Force officials selected 8,545 of 34,257 eligible staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant, for a selection rate of 24.94 percent.The average score for those selected was 320.48, with an average time-in-grade of 5.55 years and an average time-in-service of 10.61 years. The average

  • Arrival ceremony welcomes fallen U.S. military members home

    Three unidentified American heroes returned from war June 17. They were greeted here by friends and fellow service members, with full military honors. Although their return was sad because they were ones who had paid the ultimate sacrifice, their return also was joyful because they are fallen heroes

  • 2011 AFA Outstanding Air Force Civilians of the Year announced

    Air Force officials have announced the winners of the 2011 Air Force Association Outstanding Air Force Civilian of the Year awards.Each year, the AFA recognizes four Air Force civilian employees for outstanding achievement in any career field. This year's recipients were:Civilian wage employee of

  • IAAFA continues to expand security cooperation initiatives

    The Air Force has implemented education and training institutions such as the Defense Language Institute English Language Center and the Inter-American Air Forces Academy to meet the demand for security cooperation initiatives, officials said here June 20. "Graduates of IAAFA build relationships

  • CAPEX tests Kunsan's bomb-building abilities

    The Combat Ammunition Production Exercise is underway here June 6 to 10, to test the 8th Fighter Wing Airmen's capabilities to build munitions to support combat sorties. Inspectors from across the Air Force, including instructors from the Air Force Combat Ammunition Center at Beale Air Force Base,

  • C-130s maintain steady ops in Afghanistan

    Every day there are Airmen here supporting combat airlift missions for Operation Enduring Freedom through the use of the C-130 Hercules. The C-130s at Bagram Airfield are deployed with the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, which is part of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing. Its Air Force fact

  • Marines keep an eye on the sky in Alaska

    Marine Air Control Squadron One, from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., recently ventured to Alaska for the first time to participate in the U.S. Pacific Command exercise Northern Edge 11. The Marines, who normally train at their home station, plan to take advantage of the unique training

  • Abandoned paintings make Air Force history

    Nine paintings depicting the evolution of air and space, which are displayed in the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station technical support building lobby, will be adopted into the Air Force Art Program this year. The paintings were rescued years ago after being abandoned inside a storage closet at

  • U.S. military, aircraft highlighted at international air show

    U.S. military pride, strength and technology are on display at the 49th International Paris Air Show at the Le Bourget Airport here June 20 through 26. Held every two years, the Paris Air Show provides an opportunity for the U.S. to showcase the best the Department of Defense has to offer in people,

  • U.S., Indonesian airmen begin Cope West 11

    Airmen from the 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, and their Indonesian air force counterparts gathered at a ceremony to officially mark the beginning of the U.S. and Indonesian tactical airlift exercise called Cope West 11 June 20 here.Three C-130 Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron,