Ellsworth AFB Airmen give boy 'best day ever'

An 8-year-old boy from Rapid City S.D., who was born with a developmental disability, was given the opportunity of a lifetime here Jan. 13.Aric Lassegard visited here as part of a program called Aircrew for a Day, which allows children with disabilities or illnesses to experience being a B-1B Lancer

Photo essay: Security forces exercise

Security forces members patrol an open field during an exercise here Jan. 13.View the slideshow.

Air Force secretary honors AETC heroes

Nearly one thousand Airmen from across the command gathered here Friday to hear Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley during the Air Education and Training Command Ball.The ball, the largest formal event hosted by the command, concluded the AETC Symposium and Exposition. More than 3,500 Airmen,

Airmen consolidate flying missions, free space for Afghan unit

Officials from the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing recently began moving assets here as part of a long-term project to consolidate the wing's missions and to free space for the expanding Afghan unit. The move of the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron marked the first of 10 units and two groups to be

Alaska F-22 AIB on recess

Accident investigation board officials for the Alaska-based F-22 Raptor crash recessed, Jan. 14, per the direction of Gen. Gary North, the Pacific Air Forces commander. The board is set to resume when weather conditions allow further recovery operations of the crash site located near Cantwell,

KC-10 marks 20 years of deployment, nearly 30 years of operations

Jan. 17th was a special day for the KC-10 Extender community. It marked the day KC-10s, aircrews and maintainers have been on continuous deployment for 20 years -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year -- to Southwest Asia in support of combat operations.Facts show the KC-10 will pass a

Officials aim to encourage absentee voting

Federal Voting Assistance Program officials will use winning entries from slogan and poster contests that start Jan. 21 to encourage absentee voting in U.S. elections by service members, their families and other citizens living overseas.All U.S. citizens are eligible to enter, and the winning slogan

Commander says headquarters' job is to make wings successful

Air Force Global Strike Command's new top leader addressed his headquarters staff Jan. 12, less than a week after taking command. His message: the headquarters is responsible for ensuring the success of its subordinate units.Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski visited each of the command's installations Jan. 7

First Delta IV Heavy launches from Vandenberg AFB

A Delta IV Heavy Launch Vehicle was launched from here Jan. 20. It was the first Delta IV HLV to be launched from the West Coast of the U.S., and it carried a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office."The teamwork between the 30th Space Wing, the National Reconnaissance

Edwards officials developing new parachute system

Officials here are creating a guardian angel system to help Air Force members who parachute to land safely and softly.Officials are replacing the Air Force's nearly five-decades-old parachute system with a new one, called the Guardian Angel Advance Parachute System, which is designed for safer

More nuke treaties remain on agenda, official says

With one major arms reduction treaty nearly to the enforcement stage, more work lies ahead to advance the nation's nuclear security, a senior State Department official said Jan. 19.Rose Gotemoeller, the State Department's assistant secretary for the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and

Photo essay: Static-line jumps over Guam

Airmen from the 535th Airlift Squadron from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, flew training missions for the 36th Contingency Response Group's static-line proficiency training here Jan. 13.View the slideshow.

Reserve C-130 special mission units learn from each other

Air Force Reserve aerial spray, aerial firefighting and hurricane hunting units gathered at the command's C-130 Special Missions conference learned that they share common issues, though they perform vastly different missions. That was the focus of the two-day conference that ended here Jan 13."This

Japanese minister of defense visits Kadena AB

Landing at a helicopter pad here, Jan. 20, Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa met with Brig. Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, the 18th Wing commander, for a mission briefing and a base tour. During the visit, Mr. Kitazawa expressed his appreciation for the leadership, cooperation, and hard work

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.

Afghanistan airdrop levels set record in 2010

Mobility Airmen supporting operations in Afghanistan airdropped 60.4 million pounds of cargo airdropped throughout the country, setting a record.In all, the 60.4 million pounds is nearly twice the previous record year of 2009, where just over 32.2 million pounds of cargo was airdropped, Air Forces

CSAF meets with Airmen during Bagram visit

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz visited the Airmen of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing here Jan. 18 through 19 during a trip to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.The Air Force's 19th chief of staff also took time to present Purple Hearts to Capt. Gil Wyche and Senior

CSAF presents two Purple Hearts at Bagram Airfield

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presented two Airmen with Purple Hearts during a ceremony here Jan. 19. Capt. Gil Wyche, a security forces officer assigned to the 966th Air Expeditionary Squadron, and Senior Airman Brandon Cullen Towle, a joint terminal attack controller assigned to

No Airman left behind: Pursued by anxiety

A young man lifts weights in a crowded gym. All of a sudden, a lion appears in the doorway, locks eyes with the young man and bursts into full pursuit. That surge of adrenaline and panic is what one Airman here felt while performing normal everyday tasks."I'm going through this feeling of a lion

Personnel recovery division stands up at ACC

In December 2010, Air Combat Command's Personnel Recovery Division, designated A3J and headquartered at Langley Air Force Base, Va., officially stood up and was created to ensure that the Air Force is prepared for the challenge of rescuing Airmen from hostile deployed environments. The division is

McKinley: Relationships vital to National Guard domestic operations

The National Guard's ability to respond to a domestic response depends largely on relationships established prior to an incident, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said Jan. 19 at the 2011 National Guard Bureau Domestic Operations Workshop here. "You establish these relationships in your

McChord crew chiefs 'get the job done'

Maintainers here say no airlift wing can provide global airlift for America without ready and available aircraft. No aircraft can deliver global airlift without proper maintenance. The 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chiefs here ensure the 62nd Airlift Wing's C-17 Globemaster IIIs are safe,

General Chandler honored during retirement ceremony

Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler, the 37th vice chief of staff of the Air Force, marked the conclusion of his Air Force career among family, friends and colleagues during his retirement ceremony here Jan. 14.The ceremony honored the many accomplishments of General Chandler during his 36-year career

Hickam aircrew maximizes training in Guam

It took 23 passes over designated drops zones and a 12-hour tactical duty day of training to finish a single day of airdrop training in Guam.An aircrew from the 535th Airlift Squadron from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, dropped four training pallets, five container delivery system bundles,

Milestone for Afghan air force means better trained pilots

The Afghan air force reached a new milestone with the opening of the pilot training program recently here. The first Afghan pilots began their eight-week instruction course early in January with a four-day academic schedule before beginning flight instruction on the Mi-17 Hip H. "We are helping the

RAT helps 493rd EFS get home

After completing their NATO Baltic air policing mission rotation, Airmen from the 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron only have one thing left to do: get home.According to Senior Airman Scott Knight, an air transportation journeyman with the 493rd EFS Redeployment Action Team, that is where the

F-16s' arrival brings 'battle rhythm' to joint strike fighter wing

After 17 months of silence, the 33rd Fighter Wing flightline here finally roared back to life Jan. 13. The 33rd FW received four F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 56th FW at Luke AFB, Ariz. The jets will help establish a "battle rhythm," as the wing stands up the first joint training center for the

Congressional commission studies women in combat

Defense Department officials will review the recommendations of a congressional commission studying the role of women in combat when the group's report is complete, a DOD official said Jan. 14.Congress established the Military Leadership Diversity Commission as part of the 2009 National Defense

Photo essay: JB Langley Airmen prepare for readiness

Members from the 1st Maintenance Squadron sharpen their skills during an operational readiness exercise here Jan. 8. The exercise works as a test to prepare Airmen if faced with a disaster, imminent threat or short-notice orders to deploy.View the slideshow.

Warfighters gather at Nellis for WEPTAC

More than 1,300 U.S. and coalition forces members participated in the 2011 Weapons and Tactics Conference held here Jan. 10 through 14.Held annually, WEPTAC brings together U.S. and allied warfighters from across the combat air force to discuss current issues, look at future issues, and provide

Restoration officials recycle bombs, save money

Environmental restoration officials here are shredding their way through 50,000 practice bombs. So far, they have recycled more than one million pounds of metal from the BDU 33 and Mark 106 bombs.The effort is part of the Air Force's military munitions response program. The mission of the MMRP is to

Vice president thanks Airmen and service members in Iraq

A crowd of more than 200 service members, many of them Airmen, and civilians deployed in support of Operation New Dawn listened to Vice President Joe Biden during his recent stop at Al Faw Palace here."It makes me feel like we have the support of the people back home," said Staff Sgt. Pearl Alomar,

Crucial training prepares flag officers for deployment

Experts here are preparing flag officers for deployments by familiarizing them with the language and culture they may encounter.The Air Force Culture and Language Center's General Officer Pre-Deployment Acculturation Course is tailored to the general officers' needs and takes into consideration

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.

Civil engineers bring home three Air Force-level awards

Airmen from the 18th Civil Engineer Group here received three "Best in the Air Force" awards for their accomplishments in 2010. The 18th CEG, which is composed of the 18th and 718th Civil Engineer Squadrons, was awarded the Major General Clifton D. Wright Award, the Harry P. Rietman Award and the

386th EMDG Airmen boast garden oasis

In the vast desert, it's hard to believe for many that anything can grow besides tumbleweeds. One provider with the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group has shown that with effort, determination and a little ingenuity, anything can grow anywhere. Lt. Col. Reynold D'Lima, along with other members of the

2010 Year in Photos

2010's Year in Photos highlights the top moments from Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This yearly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force. View the slideshow.

Combat rescue, special tactics officer bonus still available

For the second year in a row, qualified special operations officers are still eligible for a maximum of $80,000 in critical skills retention bonus money if they voluntarily extend their active-duty service commitment for up to four years."With the continued high demand for combat rescue and special

Global Observer makes first hydrogen-powered flight

The Global Observer unmanned aircraft system successfully completed its first flight powered by the aircraft's hydrogen-fueled propulsion system here Jan. 6.This milestone marks the beginning of high-altitude, long-endurance flight testing for the demonstration and operational utility phase of this

Service Delivery Assessment vital to patient care

Patient feedback through the service delivery assessment, a centralized telephone survey program, provides Air Force clinics with direct, rapid and relevant feedback vital to national security, Air Force Medical Service officials said."Improving the health of Airmen and their families is our mission

Airmen donate school supplies to local Iraqi children

Airmen assigned to the Echelon Above Division-Advise and Train team at Tallil Air Base, Iraq, recently handed out school supplies and toys to more than 70 children at Ur Elementary School, located in a small village near the base."The local children are the future leaders of this country," said Lt.

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

In this edition of "Today's Air Force," a funny looking plane makes a special delivery to Holloman Air Force Base. Plus, Airmen work around the clock to provide heating for troops in remote locations throughout Afghanistan. And, meet a loadmaster and see how he locks down cargo for the long haul

Civil engineers restore electricity to village

For the past three months, inhabitants of Bakir village, Iraq, were without power, but members of the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, contractors and local Iraqi electricians worked together to install new high-voltage cable to restore electricity."This has been a joint effort between

Afghan family treated for burns by Bagram medics

Air Force health professionals train continuously, from medical school to retirement, to provide life-saving treatments to patients. In most cases, they count on providing those treatments to service members, but Airmen assigned to the Craig Joint Theater Hospital here are finding themselves working

Chairman calls for military self-examination

As the military enjoys tremendous support from the American people, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said now is the time to step back, assess the impact of 10 years of war and ensure the institution remains on course.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, opening a leadership conference Jan. 10 at the

F-4 continues long-time service to Air Force with new mission

The 82nd Aerial Target Squadron officials here are replacing the use of Lear jets for their banner tow missions with the F-4 Phantom, creating an air-to-air target that aircrews in training can safely evaluate, develop and test their weapons systems. "We developed the idea to use the F-4 for the

'ONE Suit Pro' IDEA saves Air Force money

Saving money and improving quality of service and efficiency in the workplace were the motivating factors behind the "ONE Suit Pro" idea that won awards for the members of the 17th Civil Engineer Squadron, Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program team recently.The idea submitted to

Photo essay: Nellis weapons load competition

Airmen partake in weapons load competitions conducted quarterly to keep Airmen sharp and recognize superior performers here Jan. 7. Weapons load teams are evaluated for their use of the checklist, safety and overall speed. View the slideshow.

HAW, Ramstein AB Airmen team up for training

Airmen from the Heavy Airlift Wing at Papa Air Base, Hungary, and Ramstein AB will participate in for aerial port training Jan. 10 through 13 near here and Grafonvier, Germany.The Airmen will conduct two personnel airdrop flights and two heavy equipment airdrops, which will mark the first time HAW

Enhanced VA health care enrollment opportunity closing for certain combat veterans

Certain combat veterans who were discharged from active-duty service before Jan. 28, 2003, have until Jan. 27, 2011, to take advantage of their enhanced health care enrollment opportunity through the Department of Veterans Affairs."While there is no time limit for veterans to apply for the VA health

Airmen develop Iraqi documentation and media exploitation capacity

Forty joint expeditionary tasking Airmen, along with other members of the Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Tactical Documentation and Media Exploitation Team in Iraq, are helping Iraqi government officials to establish their own documentation and media exploitation mission. A

Aviano becomes first USAFE base to begin using AMT

Airmen at Aviano Air Base are the first in U.S. Air Forces in Europe to begin using the new, revolutionary asset marking and tracking system being implemented at Air Force installations around the world. Once fully integrated, the new AMT system will provide 100-percent accountability for all Air

Holloman Airmen provide 5th generation fighter support

Two T-38 Talons were delivered in December here with the help of NASA officials.NASA officials used an Aero Spacelines Super Guppy to deliver the first two of an eventual 15 T-38s that will be regenerated here and flown to operating locations at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., and Tyndall AFB, Fla.

Photo essay: Oleoresin Capsicum spray training

Members of the 75th Security Forces Squadron participate in Oleoresin Capsicum spray training here Jan. 5. Oleoresin Capsicum is a non-lethal spray, similar to pepper spray, used to temporarily incapacitate individuals. All security forces Airmen receive the Oleoresin Capsicum training when they

Baltic air policing mission complete

The 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, United Kingdom, relinquished command of the NATO Baltic air policing mission to the German air force at Lithuania Air Force Air Base here Jan. 5.The 493rd EFS, deployed from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, assumed responsibility for Lithuanian, Latvian and

Secretary Gates outlines 'Don't Ask' repeal process

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Jan. 6 described the Pentagon's three-step process for preparing to allow gays to serve openly in the military services.At a Pentagon news conference with Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary Gates updated reporters on the

Antarctica blog connects students with science

Connecting scientists to elementary and high school students worldwide was one of many accomplishments during last year's Operation Deep Freeze, the military's support of National Science Foundation research in Antarctica.In 2010, Lt. Col. Ed Vaughan spent 50 days as commander of McMurdo Det. 1 and

Airmen, Soldiers redeploy aircraft

 A CH-47 Chinook helicopter was returned home to Fort Wainwright, Alaska, by the joint efforts of Soldiers and Airmen working here Dec. 15.Soldiers from the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade worked alongside Airmen here to complete the final stages of their redeployment. The brigade was a vital part of

Air Force Global Strike Command gets new top leader

Lt. Gen. James Kowalski assumed command of Air Force Global Strike Command here Jan. 6, becoming the second commander of the organization.  As such, he is responsible for all of the nation's ICBMs and nuclear-capable bombers.Presiding over the ceremony, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

Expeditionary center formally assumes command of five AMC units

U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center officials assumed command of five Air Mobility Command organizations during a ceremony Jan 6 here. The AMC restructuring allows 18th Air Force officials to focus almost exclusively on worldwide mobility flying operations and gives the expeditionary center added

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.

Inter-American NCO Academy opens to U.S. NCOs

Two Airmen are making history as the first Air Force NCOs to attend the Inter-American Air Forces Academy's Inter-American NCO Academy. In addition to earning NCO academy enlisted professional military education credit, Tech. Sgts. Leonardo Cepero Febres and George Nikolakakos are studying alongside

Passenger terminal becomes pet hotel for a night

Often when people think of the Air Mobility Command Passenger Terminal here, they think of people coming and going, not a place for housing pets.But a "pet hotel" is exactly what the terminal became Dec. 30 when a snow storm in South Korea grounded a Yokota AB-bound Patriot Express, keeping the

Study ties problems to post-traumatic stress

Service members who suffer mild traumatic brain injuries in combat and then struggle with depression, irritability, alcohol abuse and similar problems after they return home most likely are experiencing post-traumatic stress, rather than brain injury symptoms, according to a new study.The study,

Air Guard officials prepare for new medical mission

Air National Guard members will begin flying a newly assigned critical care air transport team mission from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 10, the air surgeon said in an interview here Jan. 4.The CCATTs, which consist of a physician specializing in critical care, pulmonology, anesthesiology or

Afghan National Army conducts fingerprint training

The Afghan National Army Legal Development Office hosted a one-day training seminar on crime-scene processing, securing and fingerprint analysis for the 21 members of the Afghan National Army Criminal Investigation Command Dec. 29 here. The crime scene training was conducted by Tech. Sgt. Jarrod

Air Force Space Command welcomes new commander

Air Force Space Command members welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony here Jan. 5.Gen. William L. Shelton accepted command from Gen. Norton Schwartz, the chief of staff of the Air Force, in front of an audience of family members, community members and AFSPC members. In

'Hero Miles' program supports families of fallen, wounded

A popular program that turns donated frequent-flier miles into free airline tickets for wounded warriors receiving medical care, as well as their families, will expand in 2011, so families of the fallen and combat wounded can participate in two upcoming events.The Fisher House Foundation, which

Nellis AFB selected to host new joint MWD training program

Air Force officials selected Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., as the location of a new joint military working dog training program in late November. The officials made their decision after Nellis AFB members graduated their beta-test class of 15 security forces dog handlers and their MWDs Nov. 9.

Medical Airmen ready Soldiers for medal ceremony

Working as gently as they could, medical Airmen from an intensive care and in-patient care unit helped ready two injured Soldiers for a Purple Heart ceremony Jan. 4. The Soldiers of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, were injured just days earlier in an improvised explosive

AMC Fuel Efficiency Office shows how 'efficiency promotes effectiveness'

Officials with Air Mobility Command's Fuel Efficiency Office here are putting forth an initiative called precision loading. By refining the ability to maximize available space on mobility aircraft, fewer missions are required and fuel and resources are saved, and Air Force officials find another way

Wars, people, balancing risk top chairman's 2011 guidance

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's guidance for 2011 charts the way forward in America's wars, in improving the health of the force and in balancing global risks.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen's 2011 guidance was released Jan. 15, relaying the admiral's priorities and strategic objectives for the

Royal Air Force aircrews to train at Offutt

Whether it's performing strategic bombing missions in World War II, defending Europe during the Cold War, monitoring Iraqi no-fly zones, or battling the Taliban in Afghanistan, the U.S. Air Force and the U.K. Royal Air Force have been close allies for many years.Recently, this partnership was

Networthiness sets standards for DOD, AF networks

The Air Force soon will have a relatively new term to add to its network operations lexicon: "Networthiness." Air Force Network Integration Center officials recently led efforts to develop the Department of Defense's networthiness concept, an operational assessment that goes well beyond information

Maintainers earn awards for sortie generation

Two Airmen were honored for excellence in aircraft sortie generation during an award ceremony at the Pentagon Jan. 4.Maj. Scott Hall, an F-16 Fighting Falcon and E-8C Joint Stars requirements action officer for the National Guard Bureau here, and Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Smith, the 57th Aircraft

Nellis Airmen, joint partners prep Marines for Afghanistan

U.S. Joint Forces Command joint fires experts joined Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group and other joint enablers during a mission rehearsal exercise here to prepare Marine Corps Regimental Combat Team-8 for its upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.Exercise Spartan Resolve, led by MCTOG

Photo essay: Kandahar Airmen hone evacuation skills

Members assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron participate in a mass casualty evacuation scenario here Dec. 24.View the slideshow.

Biggest-loser contest encourages weight loss

Fitness center and health and wellness center officials here are starting a biggest-loser contest to encourage Airmen and civilians to lose weight and build better lifestyles. The competition begins Jan 5, and is scheduled to continue through early April."This contest is about losing weight," said

Mullen: Leaders key to nation's, military's future

Because leaders at all levels are key to U.S. success, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a CNN interview broadcast Jan. 2, his main concern is ensuring military officials continue to develop and encourage great leaders for the country.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told Fareed Zakaria on the

CMSAF visits Osan Air Base, concludes PACAF tour

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited Osan Air Base Dec. 30 and 31, wrapping up a year-end tour of Pacific Air Forces bases.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy and his wife, Paula, met with Osan Airmen and families, visiting facilities and organizations across the base.Spending

Wingmen: Airmen look after military working dogs

Every day Airmen take care of each other, and the 52nd Security Forces Squadron's military working dog handlers have a furry wingman that requires a little extra care during the winter here."There are a few extra precautions we have to take during the winter months while working and training the

C-130J Super Hercules flies airdrop mission

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircrew from the 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron flies to a drop zone during an air drop mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while flying over Afghanistan, Dec. 29, 2010.  C-130 aircrews ensure that troops on the ground have adequate supplies

Chief Roy visits Misawa, meets with Airmen

The 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited here Dec. 28 through Dec. 29, as part of a tour of several installations within the Pacific Air Forces.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy met with Airmen at their duty sections, which culminated in an enlisted call where he

Reservists load humanitarian aid bound for Nicaragua

A C-17 Globemaster III from the Air Force Reserve Command's 315th Airlift Wing at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., landed here Dec. 30 to load humanitarian aid headed for Managua, Nicaragua.A fire truck along with nearly three and a half tons of medical supplies and firefighting equipment donated by

Provincial reconstruction team celebrates new year in Afghanistan

Language training detachment stands up in Europe

With defense leaders emphasizing the importance of language and cultural training to support military operations worldwide, Defense Language Institute officials have established a new detachment in Germany to provide follow-on sustainment training for military linguists based in Europe.Staff members

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 secretary lauds F.E. Warren Airmen during holiday visit

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited with Warren Airmen here Dec. 23 to recognize Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen who carry out the nuclear deterrence mission. "We have missile crews and Airmen standing alert over the holidays, and we want them to know their leaders appreciate

Airmen from across the world participate in Silver Flag

Airmen from around the world came together at the U.S. Air Forces in Europe training area recently for a weeklong contingency operations training exercise. During Silver Flag, Airmen from several different career specialties work together to learn how to build and sustain a base in a contingency

Heart Link links hearts and minds of military spouses

The words "Heart Link" may evoke a mental image of animated cartoon hearts holding hands or perhaps the infamous paper heart chain that has become a staple around school rooms during Valentine's Day. Sometimes spouses may feel like that flimsy chain of paper hearts, vulnerable and alone. Heart Link

Air Force rescuers pull female hiker to safety

Senior Master Sgt. Mike Flake, an HH-60G Pave Hawk flight engineer with the 305th Rescue Squadron here, had been flying a training mission Dec. 22 around Tucson, Ariz., where his unit trains regularly. Upon clocking out, he was home by 9:30 p.m., enjoying family time, when he received a call from a

Combat camera Airmen learn battlefield forensics

It was a first for the Air Force when a cadre of instructors from Six3 Systems Inc. arrived here to teach a battlefield forensics course to 4th Combat Camera Squadron Airmen. In the past, company officials taught the course to only Army and Marine Corps units, but 4th Combat Squadron officials

Crash recovery team demonstrates innovation through unique lift operation

Airmen from the 51st Maintenance Squadron's Transient Alert Crash Recovery team performed a unique operation in response to a real-world situation Dec. 11, which proved valuable training for the entire shop. What started out earlier that week as a routine aircraft maintenance operation took an

Operations security goes digital

Click through any photo-sharing site and you will likely find at least one random shot of someone you know doing something highly inappropriate. While these photos may be hilarious, could they have the potential to reveal intimate details of your life to the world?Walk through a mall during a

Officials seek bilingual officers for training school

Air Force officials are seeking nominations from bilingual officers to participate in the 2011 Inter-American Squadron Officer School Program. This program focuses on inter-Americanism and developing Latin American regional affairs specialists for the Air Force.Captains from all Air Force

CMSAF visits Yokota Airmen

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force kicked off his tour of Pacific Air Forces bases with a visit to Yokota Air Base, Dec. 27 to 28. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy, along with his wife, Paula, visited Yokota AB Airmen to receive an overview of the 374th Airlift Wing's mission as

386th AEW first with all-AF customs team

Due to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing's all-Air Force customs team, a first in the Air Force Central Command area of responsibility, a process that would usually require Airmen who are redeploying to stay confined to the passenger terminal for more than 14 hours was greatly reduced.Senior Airman

Airmen work side-by-side with Iraqi AAC members

As part of efforts by U.S. officials in Iraq to continue strengthening a long-term partnership, Airmen assigned to the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron train, advise and assist members of the Iraqi Army Aviation Command with all helicopter operations here."The air advisers are applying

ROBOTx adds helping 'hands' to pharmacy

The pharmacy staff here recently added a new member to their crew:  a robot designed to count medication for prescriptions. The PharmASSIST ROBOTx stores the counted medications until electronic prescriptions are received from doctors. Then, using bar code scanning checks, it ensures patients

Spreading the love of language

An officer here uses a special skill to communicate with local Djiboutians as well as international partners throughout Eastern Africa. Capt. Sylvia Kim speaks fluent French, one of the official languages of Djibouti and a dominant language throughout the African continent. Realizing her skill could