Chief of staff dedicates Center for Families of the Fallen

The Air Force chief of staff dedicated the new Center for Families of the Fallen at the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center here Jan. 6."For many of us, this dedication is a bittersweet event," said Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Air Force chief of staff. "This center is emblematic of our

Oregon F-15s scramble to escort Hawaiian Airlines flight

Two Oregon Air National Guard F-15 Eagles, under the direction of North American Aerospace Defense Command, scrambled Jan. 6 when the pilot of a commercial airliner reported having a disruptive passenger on board. The F-15s, stationed at Portland Air National Guard Base, piloted by Air Guardsmen

Barksdale officials report fatality

One non-Department of Defense civilian died in a natural gas line fire near an unpopulated area of the East Reservation of Barksdale Air Force Base at about 5:20 p.m., Jan. 6.Barksdale AFB emergency responders and Bossier Parish Fire Department officials responded to the scene. The fire is under

Airmen teach Afghans the art of maintaining

Airmen of the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group's aircraft maintenance section here, use their new knowledge and Air Force job skills to mentor Afghan National Army Air Corps soldiers.The Airmen took a three-week course to learn how to maintain Russian MI-17 helicopters and incorporate it with

Photo essay: It's a dog's life

Two dog handlers put one of the mlitary working dogs here through the obstacle course Jan. 5.  The dogs, usually German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois, train with their handlers to keep their sharpness, and are selected for duty based on traits such as intelligence and energy. View the slideshow.

Minot residents weather blizzard, continue mission

Many Minot Air Force Base members were snowbound indoors due to 25.7 inches of snow, but the mission continued.Because many missile combat crew members and security forces were delayed in the field for about a day, 91st Missile Wing officials adjusted many schedules once the snow stopped falling and

Jan. 5 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:Shkin An Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew provided

Jan. 4 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:MorghabAn Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew provided

Jan. 3 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:Qalat An Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew provided

Little Rock Airman has $10,000 idea

A Little Rock Air Force Base Airman received $10,000 by submitting his idea to save the base more than $230,000 through the Innovation Development through Employee Awareness program.Staff Sgt. William Hoessler, a 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron communication navigation system craftsman,

Airmen help Afghan National Army Air Corps soldiers take aim

Airmen of the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group here are training 30 Afghanistan National Army Air Corps soldiers on the M-240B rifle in January here.For some of the ANAAC soldiers it was their first time shooting the gas-powered machine gun while for others it was their second, but the Airmen

Travis officials conduct mass launch

Members of the 60th and 349th Air Mobility wings conducted the base's first mass launch of nine aircraft Dec. 21 at Travis Air Force Base.Base officials said the total force launch effort was an opportunity for operations, maintenance and support personnel to train together on a larger scale than

A-10 unit marks 10,000 flight hours, 2,500 sorties in 6-month tour in Afghanistan

More than 10,000 flight hours and 2,500 sorties marked the closing stages of a six-month tour for the members of the 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron here New Year's Day.The A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron Airmen were able to save countless ground forces' lives because of faster reaction times as

Obama condemns terrorists, reaffirms U.S. resolve

President Barack Obama condemned the Dec. 25 terrorist attempt on the United States in his first 2010 weekly radio address Jan. 2, vowing to bring those involved to justice and outlining steps the administration is taking to protect the American people. Speaking from Kailua, Hawaii, the president

Air Force officials issue notice of intent for F-35 basing

Air Force officials here published the notice of intent in the Federal Register Dec. 30 to prepare an environmental impact statement to assess the potential environmental impacts of a proposal to establish operational F-35 Lightning II aircraft at one or more existing Air Force and Air National

Provincial government, American servicemembers dedicate midwifery program in Afghanistan

The Kunar provincial governor national and provincial government leaders, and the Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team dedicated the province's first midwifery training center to decrease Afghan maternal and infant mortality rates Dec. 22 in Asadabad, Afghanistan. Fazlullah Wahidi, the Kunar

Mullen underscores importance of academy experience

On hand for a pair of service academy football bowl games in Texas Jan. 2 , Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, underscored the symbolism of the matchups for troops around the world.But he also emphasized the importance of looking at an academy experience as a potential for

Air Force officials activate newest expeditionary unit

The Air Force's newest expeditionary unit, the 586th Expeditionary Support Squadron, was activated in a special ceremony Jan. 2 at an air base in Southwest Asia.Col. John Williams, 586th Air Expeditionary Group commander, passed command of the newly formed support unit to Maj. Gregory

Andrews aerial porters load American buses on Russian-made transport bound for Afghanistan

Air transportation Airmen from the 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron here are trained in loading all types of airlift aircraft in the Air Force fleet. C-17 Globemaster III -- no problem. C-5 Galaxy -- no problem. C-130 Hercules -- no problem. But what do they do when a Russian-built

Airmen train Kyrgyz officials on EOD mission

A team of Airmen from the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing hosted a team of Kyrgyz officials during a five-day visit to learn about the explosive ordnance disposal operations at the Transit Center at Manas recently.The training, called Theater Security Cooperation, encompassed bringing security forces,

Jan. 2 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 02, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:Khanabad Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided

Jan. 1 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 01, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:AsmarAn Air Force B-1B Lancer provided armed

Dec. 31 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:AsmarAn Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle provided armed

Dec. 30 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations Dec. 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:Lashkar GahAn Air Force MQ-1B Predator

Dec. 29 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:AsadabadAn Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon provided

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.

Bastion Airmen have small paw print, large mission

A team of Airmen handles thousands of passengers, pallets and vehicles flying into Camp Bastion, Afghanistan.The 'Port Dawgs,' as they liked to be called, proudly proclaim that they move as much cargo here as their unit does back home.But they have approximately 15 people instead of 200 handling the

Raptors to deploy to Guam

Fifteen F-22 Raptors are scheduled to deploy to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in January 2010 for approximately three months. The fighters and associated personnel will deploy from the 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. The deployment supports U.S. Pacific Command's theater security

Lynn says fight against IEDs remains priority

Defeating the terrorists' weapon of choice is and will remain a priority for the Defense Department, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said here Dec. 30.Mr. Lynn spoke during a Pentagon ceremony where Army Lt. Gen. Thomas Metz stepped down as director of the Joint Improvised Explosive

86th AW expands U.S. Air Forces Africa support with first Super Hercules flight

The first C-130J Super Hercules mission in support of U.S. Air Forces Africa, or 17th Air Force, opened up doors to a future partnership of support between the 86th Airlift Wing and upcoming missions into Africa. The mission's aircraft commander, Maj. Robert May of the 37th Airlift Squadron, and his

Dec. 28 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 28 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:AsadabadAir Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided

Dec. 27 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 27 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:QalatAir Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided armed

Ali firefighters prepare Iraqis for future

Firefighters from the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron are bringing the goal of independent Iraqi operations to reality at Camp Ur, Iraq.In December, Ali Base firefighters assisted their Iraqi counterparts toward self-sufficiency through numerous training sessions and skills tests.With

737th EAS reaches 10,000th mission milestone

Considered by some to be an old-timer in a modern-day aircraft fleet, the C-130H Hercules proved its worth once again, successfully completing its 10,000th mission of the year for the 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here Dec. 23.C-130H, tail number was 74-2065, based at Dyess Air Force Base,

New Iraqi recruits get a leg up

More than 330 Iraqi air force recruits marched in a parade before beginning their initial basic military course Dec. 28, at Camp Taji, Iraq.Normally recruits attend the 12-week BMT course at the Iraqi Army Regional Training Center prior to reporting to the air force training school on Camp Taji for

Air Force medics partner with Iraqi Ministry of Defense hospital

Members of the Air Force Theater Hospital took the first step in partnering with members of Iraq's Ministry of Defense Hospital Dec. 22, to form the American-Iraqi Air Medical Evacuation and Medical Provider Training Course here. The first installment of training allowed the Iraqis to study burn

Dec. 26 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 26 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air operations in Afghanistan:AsmarAir Force MQ-1B Predator aircraft provided armed

Dec. 25 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 25 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air operations in Afghanistan:AsmarAir Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft provided

Dec. 24 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 24 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:AsadabadAir Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided

Dec. 23 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 23 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:Lashkar GahAir Force MQ-9A Reaper aircraft provided

USAFE Airmen retool to enhance tradition of Building Partnerships

The Airmen of U.S. Air Forces in Europe are charting new territory in tackling one of the Air Force's newest core functions: Building Partnerships.The lesson that international partnerships are essential to success in war and peace is not new. The Office of the Secretary of Defense directed U.S.

Georgia Air Guard teams with Army unit in Afghanistan

Georgia Air National Guardsmen assigned to the 165th Air Support Operations Squadron have teamed up with 48th Infantry Brigade Soldiers in eastern Afghanistan. The Airmen are assigned to several joint terminal attack controller units that will call in combat-air support for the 48th's fighters, said

Photo essay: Airmen prepare A-10s for mission

Pilots and crew prepare A-10 Thunderbolts II for flight at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 27, 2009. The A-10 is specifically designed to provide close air support for U.S. and coalition ground forces.View slideshow.

Sheppard AFB endures winter's blast

Strong winds cause an umbrella to go "inverted" Dec. 24, 2009, during a snow storm at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. The North Texas region received 10-15 inches of snow and ice in one day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Harry Tonemah)

Dec. 22 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 22 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:KandaharAir Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided

SECAF outlines future, thanks Airmen during Kadena visit

Outlining the Air Force's future was the focus of Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley's Airmen's Call during his visit here Dec. 22, part of a six-base Pacific tour in which the secretary is reconnecting with the region and thanking Airmen serving overseas during this holiday season. The

DOD leaders look at long-term effects of burn pits

Defense Department leaders have launched a study on the possible long-term effects of the smoke emitted from burn pits used in overseas locations such as Iraq. Armed services medical officials are conducting studies on the health outcomes of individuals that have been deployed to identify any health

MC-12 arrives, heralds activation of 4th ERS

The newest aircraft to the Air Force's inventory arrived Dec. 27, 2009, to Bagram Airfield. The MC-12 aircraft, tail number 090623, was the first of an undisclosed number of aircraft for the new 4th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron here.Following the MC-12's arrival, the 4th Expeditionary

Secretary of the Air Force spends Christmas with Airmen in Korea

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited South Korea Dec. 24 and 25, meeting with Airmen at Osan Air Base and Kunsan Air Base for the first time since being appointed to the position. Secretary Donley said the Christmas Day stop at Osan was his first since 1991. "Osan is much more built up

Air Force senior leaders pay holiday visit to Global Strike Command Airmen

The Air Force's top uniformed officer and top enlisted leader each visited Air Force Global Strike Command wings for Christmas, spending the holiday with Airmen charged with the nuclear strategic deterrence mission and global strike operations.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz visited

USO tour for the troops

Who's calling?

Not many people can say they received a phone call from the president of the United States on Christmas Eve. Tech. Sgt. Donald Pedro, an 821st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron fuels advisor, was honored to receive a phone call from his commander in chief, Barack Obama, to wish him a merry

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 slideshow.

USO offers respite from traveling frenzy

As the rest of Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport bustled with holiday travelers Dec. 23, its USO Lounge offered military travelers -- many returning home from overseas deployments -- a welcome sanctuary of solace. The lounge is conveniently positioned near the

Ophthalmic surgeons employ cutting-edge technology

Ophthalmic surgeons here are the first in the Defense Department to employ a state-of-the-art laser that will shorten recovery times for corneal transplantation. Members of the ophthalmology department assigned the 59th Medical Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, now use a femtosecond laser to

Air Force honorees to attend AETC Symposium Ball

The 2010 Air Education and Training Command Symposium will honor five special Airmen at a formal ball Jan. 15 in San Antonio."The remaining five Air Force Medal of Honor recipients who were honored for valor during the Vietnam War will be recognized for their heroic actions and the sacrifices they

Photo essay: Santa, friends welcome C-17

Three 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron leaders became visitors from the North Pole for a day and marshalled a C-17 Globemaster on the flightline here Dec. 22.  The squadron held a fundraiser to chose which person would dress as Santa, a reindeer or an elf. Maj. Aaron Sasson, the operations

Dec. 21 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 21 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:SanginNavy F/A-18C Hornets provided armed overwatch

Dec. 15 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 15 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:ShurakianAn Air Force B-1B Lancer provided armed

8th Fighter Squadron flagship arrives

The 8th Fighter Squadron received its first of 20 F-22 Raptors Dec. 21 here.The arrival of 8th FS flagship, a Langley Air Force Base Raptor, which came from maintenance in Palmdale, Calif., starts the next chapter of the "Black Sheep's" storied history that started in 1941 when the squadron was

Holloman Airmen train to fight back

Airmen of the 49th Security Forces Squadron here received first responder to an active gunman training Dec. 15 to 17 from members of the Roswell Police Department special operations team in New Mexico.The training allowed defenders to practice the proper techniques to safely eliminate any emergency

Thunderbolts receive wing modification

The A-10 Thunderbolt II will continue flying close-ground-support missions for the next two decades because of a reinforcement process wing replacement specialists call "Hog Up."The phrase originated about a decade ago during an upgrade of the aircraft's avionics system, partially because of the

After retirement hang up the uniform, but keep Tricare

Active-duty servicemembers must use Tricare Prime or Prime Remote, but retirees who are not eligible for Medicare may be eligible for Tricare Prime or choose Tricare Standard or Extra. Each program has advantages pertaining to cost, location and convenience.If space is available, continuing care in

Everybody knows that Santa is a paratrooper

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen. But on Dec. 6 at Pope Air Force Base, it was not a team of reindeer, but Maj. Jeff Dasher, a navigator in the 95th Airlift Squadron who guided the mission for the 440th Airlift Wing's C-130 Hercules that flew a group of Soldier Santas across the

Dec. 20 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 20 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air operations in Afghanistan:Chahar BaghAir Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft flew

Dec. 19 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 19 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air operations in Afghanistan:RemakAir Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft flew armed

Dec. 18 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 18 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air operations in Afghanistan:Orgun-EAir Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft flew

Fairchild officials host Single Airmen's Summit

Fairchild Air Force Base officials recently commenced the Air Force's Single Airmen's Summit to address issues single Airmen. Issues were discussed in focus groups about community, safety, leisure, family, base support systems, personal growth and work and relationship concerns. These focus groups

Photo essay: Mountain Home AFB receives hypoxia simulator

Airmen at the 366th Operations Group received the first on-base simulator-based hypoxia demonstrator for fighter aircrew Dec. 16, 2009 at the base hospital here. Hypoxia is an oxygen deficiency of the tissue and blood cells that causes impairment at high altitudes. View the slideshow.

Conference addresses unmanned aircraft systems use for 1st Air Force mission

Conference attendees addressed issues related to unmanned aircraft systems' access into the national airspace system Dec. 9 through 11 here.The conference focused on ways Air Force officials can consolidate their efforts with other organizations to gain access into the national airspace system.The

Joint STARS engineers work sensor integration project

Members of an Electronic Systems Center team here are using an aircraft identified for parts reclamation, or re-use, to reduce cost, save time and minimize risk during a process to integrate a sensor system on an E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, or Joint STARS, aircraft. In 2008,

American surgical team making a difference in southern Philippines

Five Airmen are operating a fully-equipped trauma center, providing emergency care, basic medical care and educational services to hundreds of Filipino and U.S. troops on the southern island of Jolo, Philippines. The Air Force members are part of the forward surgical team assigned to Joint Special

Altus Airmen boost Canadian forward air control training

Airmen here provided a first-time service to Canadian forces personnel with ground support for forward air controller training at Fort Sill Falcon Bombing Range, Okla., Nov. 24 through Dec. 8.Members of the 425th Tactical Fighter Squadron from Canadian Forces Bagotville in Quebec, Canada, and Altus

Clinton, Gates urge appropriations bill passage

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates issued a joint statement Dec. 21 encouraging Senate passage of the Defense Appropriations Bill. "We strongly urge Senate passage of the Defense Appropriations Bill today, prior to expiration of the current continuing

Airmen create partnerships in multinational exercise

More than 300 Airmen partnered with colleagues from five other countries for an exercise held in Southwest Asia that concluded in mid-December.The event began in November and simulated a "large force employment," and gave participating nations a chance to develop solutions to potential issues that

Air Force officials stand up new squadron in Iraq

Air Force officials held an assumption-of-command ceremony for the 532nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron Dec. 15 80 feet above the flightline standing upon a control tower platform at Al Asad Air Base. The airfield was previously operated by the Marine Corps, but due to the drawdown, Air

Aviano Air Base hospital receives ENERGY STAR rating

The Aviano Air Base hospital has received the Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR rating, the national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection. The base hospital is the first U.S. facility overseas to receive this distinction, and joins 96 other hospitals in the

Holiday Notes from Home airs Dec 23-25

Several stars join the Air Force bands in this year's Holiday Notes from Home concert on the American Forces Network and the Gospel Music Channel this holiday season.The hour-long special will air on the Gospel Music Channel Dec. 23 at 10 p.m and will feature Amy Grant, Brian McKnight, Take 6, the

Hurricane Hunters fly first winter storm

Members of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron here have been tasked by National Weather Service officials to fly their first winter storm of the season on the East Coast starting Dec. 25.The Air Force Reserve's 53rd WRS "Hurricane Hunters," assigned to the 403rd Wing here, normally collect

F-22s complete first Middle East deployment

Airmen completed the first deployment of F-22 Raptors to the Middle East in mid-December.The fifth-generation fighters and their crews were in the area as part of a multinational exercise where pilots from a variety of nations train together in fighting a large-scale air war. This was the first

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visits Afghanistan

The United States' most senior military officer visited Airmen and other coalition forces here to learn more about counterinsurgency efforts in Dec. 16 Afghanistan's Kapisa province.Navy Adm. Michael Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with French Brig. Gen. Marcel Druart, the

Air Force officials debut first 3-D commercial

The Air Force became the first military branch with a 3-D commercial when it premiered its new "Space" spot before the movie "Avatar" Dec. 18 here. The Palladium IMAX theater in San Antonio hosted a special screening of the movie and commercial for Randolph Air Force Base, Texas members."The

Dec. 17 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 17 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:ShahidanAir Force F-15E Strike Eagles flew armed

Dec. 16 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 16 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:AsadabadAir Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided

Air Force nurses welcome Iraqi colleagues, share skills

Seventeen Iraqi medical care providers recently attended the December installment of the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group's Iraqi Nursing Partnership Program here.As the responsible drawdown of U.S. forces from Iraq continues, the program is intended to further the medical capabilities of local

CRW assessment team evaluates cargo solutions for stakeholders in Afghanistan

As President Barack Obama announces his decision to commit an additional 30,000 American servicemembers to the fight in Afghanistan, one question remains. How?Evaluation groups such as the 12-person airfield assessment team from the 621st Contingency Response Wing at Joint Base

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 slideshow.

Weapons school grad marks a first

An Air National Guard MQ-1 Predator pilot marked the beginning of a new era Dec. 12 as the first unmanned aircraft pilot from a reserve component to graduate from the Air Force Weapons Instructor Course at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School here.Maj. Tammy Barlette, from the Arizona Air National

Researcher shares cold safety tips for servicemembers

Researchers at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine are coming up with ways to sustain servicemembers' performance in environmental extremes, a research physiologist at the institute said Dec. 17. "Our job is to help (servicemembers) do their job better in rough environments,"

Rescue crews train Japan Air Self Defense Force pilots

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force pilots teamed up with 129th Rescue Wing aircrews here for refueling training Dec. 7 to 18.Maj. Eiji Sekine and Capt. Takeshi Tokuda, UH-60J helicopter pilots assigned to the Air Rescue Wing at Komaki Air Base, Japan, and Maj. Masahiko Miyazaki and Capt. Takemas

11 Air Force agencies to colocate

Upon completion of an estimated $65 million renovation, a building here will house more than 2,800 workers from 11 Air Force agencies. Various agencies including the Air Force Real Property Agency, the Air Force Medical Operations Agency, the Air Force Center for Engineering, and the Environment and

Korea command officials focus on quality of life

Improving the quality of life for servicemembers and their families stationed in South Korea is a top priority, the commander of U.S. Forces Korea said. In a "DODLive" bloggers roundtable Dec. 15, Army Gen. Walter "Skip" Sharp said one of his main priorities is to maintain and improve facilities,

Airmen, Soldiers participate in Operation Thunderstruck

One-by-one, 10 Charleston-based C-17 Globemaster IIIs took off from Charleston Air Force Base Dec. 16 in support of exercise "Operation Thunderstruck." While Charleston AFB is no stranger to launching a large number of aircraft in a short period of time, this year's exercise is different than ones

Weather warriors endure 'turbulent climb'

Airmen from Det. 1, 607th Weather Squadron participated in a tactical training scenario dubbed Operation Turbulent Climb here Dec. 5.The weather warriors at Camp Red Cloud are stationed 15 miles from the Korean Demilitarized Zone and would likely be one of the first to see action if hostilities were

AFRCC Airmen aid in Arizona search for 55 stranded people

Airmen at the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center aided local and state first responders while searching for several missing individuals who were stranded near Flagstaff, Ariz.. Last week's winter storm dumped several inches of snow, trapping 55 individuals who were hunting or looking for the

Multinational wing completes first mission into Iraq

A recent flight into Iraq marks another unit milestone for the multinational Heavy Airlift Wing based at Pápa Air Base, Hungary.The airlift mission into Iraq by the wing, which comprises 12 member nations, facilitated the deployment for members of the NATO Training Mission-Iraq."Each time we fly a

Airmen perform operations with Kyrgyz surgeons

Air Force surgeons at the Transit Center at Manas and Kyrgyz doctors worked together to performed surgical operations Dec. 11 in a local hospital here.The team of medical Airmen led by Col. (Dr.) Jerrold Flyer, 376the Expeditionary Medical Group commander, assisted with two separate operations,

Partnership between air forces in the making

Officials from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing hosted Afghan National Army Air Corps officials Dec. 19, here, to explain how an American combat wing operates day to day.Brig. Gen. Steven L. Kwast, the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander and other Airmen from operations, maintenance and mission

Dec. 14 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Dec. 14 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air operations in Afghanistan:KabulAir Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft

Dec. 13 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Dec. 13 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:Ali KheylNavy F/A-18C Hornet aircraft were