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  • Coalition forces, Kirkuk officials partner to care for bombing victims

    The bright pink soccer ball was clearly out of place on the flightline here June 22; however, it was in just the right place to begin the healing process for a 9-year-old girl atop a stretcher being carried on board a Turkish air force C-130 to be aeromedically evacuated to Ankara, Turkey. She was

  • ESC officials award contract to meet urgent need

    Electronic Systems Center officials here awarded a contract June 24 to Northrop Grumman Corp. to field and deploy an airborne communications system that provides real-time battlefield information to warfighters. The center awarded the $276 million, 18-month contract to incorporate the Battlefield

  • Manas agreement awaits Kyrgyz parliament vote

    The Kyrgyz parliament is expected to vote in the coming days on agreements reached between the United States and Kyrgyzstan governments to extend U.S. access to Manas Air Base, a logistics hub that supplies troops in Afghanistan, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell confirmed June 24 here. While

  • Holloman Airmen honor fallen Soldier

    More than 300 Holloman Air Force Base members turned out June 11 to pay their respects to an Alamogordo resident and Army Soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice earlier this month in Iraq. Army Spc. Christopher M. Kurth was killed in a grenade attack June 4 near Kirkuk, Iraq. He was stationed at

  • Airmen calibrate for mission success

    Airmen who work in the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory here play a vital role for warfighters as the calibrate and test equipment critical to mission accomplishmentThey service equipment from approximately 320 units in the area of responsibility

  • Medics perform 3-tier mission in Nangarhar

    The medics assigned to the Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team boast a three-fold mission here. The medical team is responsible for running an aid station, providing combat support and helping with the ongoing reconstruction efforts in Nangarhar Province. As a recent addition to their

  • June 23 airpower summary: HH-60Gs support medical evacuations

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a strike using a guided

  • 386th AEW conducts dorm fire exercise

    Members of the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department and 386th Expeditionary Medical Group tested their skills during a simulated dormitory fire exercise here June 22. The exercise coordinators used smoke machines to simulate a dormitory fire and six U.S. Air Force Academy

  • Kirkuk self-help project protects airfield assets, saves money

    Members from every 506th Air Expeditionary Group unit joined forces for a self-help project here to improve airfield security here in June. Security forces members, medics, civil engineers, air-freight controllers, air-traffic controllers and communications technicians united to fulfill one of the

  • Elite team provides security for airlift assets

    An elite team of hand-picked security forces Airmen here are tasked with providing security for airlift assets that travel into unsecure locations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron fly-away security team travels with airlift assets

  • Photo Essay: Volunteers create barrier

    Airmen of the 506th Air Expeditionary Group here saved an estimated $500,000 by using existing assets and volunteers to create a barrier near the flightline.  The barrier will mitigate security concerns.See volunteers slideshow.

  • Command, control relationships critical to close-air-support mission

    Air Force offensive aerial units operating within the Central Command area of responsibility are focused on one primary task: close-air support. "It is my opinion that close-air support is the most effective fire support asset in Afghanistan right now, and I haven't heard any different from the

  • Airmen take reins on Army cargo movement mission

    As the dust settled after one of the worst sandstorms of the year, a small group of Airmen from the 22nd Movement Control Team took the reins of the Army's 258th MCT mission June 14 here. Sixteen Air Force logisticians are responsible for the processing and management of cargo and passengers

  • June 22 airpower summary: KC-135s keep coalition aircraft in the fight

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force MQ-9 Reaper conducted a Hellfire

  • Bagram Airfield attack kills 2 U.S. servicemembers, wounds 6

    Two U.S. servicemembers were killed and at least six other personnel were wounded June 21 during an early morning indirect-fire attack on Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, officials said. The injured were taken to a U.S. medical facility for treatment. "On behalf of the Combined Joint Task Force 82

  • Streamlined ancillary, expeditionary skills training eliminates redundancy

    New policy, released in March, streamlined redundant and outdated ancillary training programs and aligned expeditionary skills training with warfighter requirements. However, Air Force leaders recently addressed the time requirement to complete ancillary training after discovering a common

  • Airmen mentor Afghan counterparts to provide care

    Air Force medics here are working hand-in-hand with their counterparts from the Afghan National Army, out of a co-located clinic, to provide mentoring on medical equipment, administration and military medical care. The three-person staff, consisting of a physician's assistant, independent medical

  • C-17 crew uses combat offload to deliver materials to warzone

    A C-17 Globemaster III crew from the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron used a combat offload procedure here June 20 to deliver materials that will be used to help defend the local population. Due to the austere location of the forward operating base, the personnel stationed here did not have the

  • Test cell upgrades capability, reliability

    Another piece of the digital age arrived June 14 at the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron engine-test cell here as the operational test of a C-130 Hercules engine with a new 21D model engine-test cell brought the unit up to par with home station capabilities. The new digital model brought

  • Tactical comm Airmen keep military ops online, on target

    Performing missions within the Nangarhar province of Afghanistan requires the U.S. military to maintain an open line of communication at all times, especially when convoys take people outside the wire. For one Airman in particular, the role of tactical communications means knowing a variety of

  • 'Letter to Airmen' highlights joint teamwork

    In his current Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force highlights how the joint team works together to create success by telling the story of a combat controller."Earlier this year General Schwartz and I had the privilege of presenting the Air Force Cross, the Air Force's highest

  • June 18 airpower summary: C-17s help sustain ops in theater

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle executed strikes near

  • June 17 airpower summary: F-15Es deter anti-Afghan forces massing attack

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, B-1B Lancers conducted strikes over Tarin Kowt,

  • Airpower to protect Iraq security gains as forces withdraw from cities

    As U.S. forces in Iraq prepare to pull back from most major cities by June 30, U.S. air support will continue to enable and protect security gains made over the past two years, a U.S. commander said in a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable June 17. Col. Michael Fantini, commander of the 332nd

  • Reservists help get wheelchairs to needy Iraqi children

    After a brief stop in America's Heartland, an Air Force Reserve C-130 Hercules aircrew from here took another step in a long journey for a special load of cargo headed for Iraq. On June 11, reservists from the 302nd Airlift Wing flew to Sioux City, Iowa, where they received four pallets of

  • June 15 airpower summary: F-15, A-10 execute multiple strafing runs

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Two Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft supported ground operations as

  • June 16 airpower summary: B-1B provides show of force

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier and a coalition aircraft

  • Photo Essay: New engine test stand aids maintainers

    Maintainers at an air base in Southwest Asia now are able to test an engine on the spot rather than send it to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, for the same test.  An engine can be mounted on the new T56 test stand for engine run-ups and other maintenance procedures.  View new engine test stand slideshow

  • Civil engineers plan Afghanistan's future foundation

    Nangarhar Province is seeing a rush of construction projects due in large part to the vision and planning of an Air Force civil engineer team here. As part of the Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team, civil engineers work with fellow PRT members, including civil affairs teams, to address the

  • Iraqi air force builds ISR foundation with help from Airmen

    The Iraqi air force is taking shape under the watchful guidance and support of Airmen. A team of air advisors from the Coalition Air Force Training Team, part of Multinational Security Transition Command - Iraq, has introduced current intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technology to the

  • Dental team teaches Colombian class oral hygiene

    Members from the dental team assigned to Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort taught an oral hygiene class for 400 students at Chilvi School June 15. The team partnered with a Colombian dental student to provide cursory exams, to ensure the students' teeth were healthy, and gave the

  • American hospital in Afghanistan holds health fair

    The Staff Sgt. Heathe N. Craig Joint Theater Hospital here opened its doors June 13 to highlight a number of services available to servicemembers in the regional command east area of operations. In an event that involved weeks of planning, the hospital staff came together to construct unique

  • Airmen execute Project Liberty

    Eighteen months ago officials created a plan to bolster the Air Force's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission by adding a new platform to the ISR inventory. Now the Airmen assigned to the 362nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron Detachment 1 here at Camp Liberty, Iraq, are charged

  • June 13 airpower summary: F-15E targets enemy spotter

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb

  • June 12 airpower summary: Predator targets enemy

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a B-1B Lancer conducted a strike against an

  • June 11 airpower summary: F-15Es respond to enemy attack

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb

  • Excess mattresses help Kyrgyz hospitals in need

    The 376th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron donated more than 340 twin-size mattresses June 10 to a community and humanitarian assistance program, who will distribute them to Bishkek hospitals. The mattresses came from the 376th EFSS lodging operation. While the mattresses are still in good

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights cover 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 Week in Photos slideshow. 

  • Maintainers keep F-22s ready in Guam

    To support F-22 Raptors deployed here as part of U.S. Pacific Command's Theater Security Packages, a team of maintenance personnel are working behind the scenes to ensure that each flying mission is a success. The team of 150 Airmen from the 525th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Elmendorf

  • 887th Airmen rebuild playground for visiting children

    Everyday, hundreds of visitors come to Camp Bucca to see a family member held at the Camp Bucca Theater Internment Facility. Each day, Airmen of the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron make contact with visitors and are sometimes the only coalition force presence the family members have

  • MC-12 flies first combat mission

    The Air Force's newest intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft flew its first combat sortie June 10 over Iraq.The MC-12 Liberty, assigned to the 362nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, arrived in Iraq June 8 and took off from Joint Base Balad at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time

  • MC-12 joins the fight in Iraq

    The Air Force's new MC-12 Liberty aircraft, a manned special-mission turboprop aircraft designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to support coalition and joint ground forces, arrived June 8 to Joint Base Balad. Following the MC-12's arrival, the 362nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance

  • June 9 airpower summary: Reaper targets anti-Afghan forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted strafing attacks

  • Wing surpasses combat hour milestone

    The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing surpassed a milestone after two fighter squadrons deployed here accumulated more than 5,000 combat flight hours in a single month. Aircrews flying A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and F-15E Strike Eagles from the 336th EFS

  • Coalition team restores Iraqi shrine

    Thanks to a partnership between Airmen and their Iraqi counterparts here, family and friends visiting an on-base cemetery and shrine for the first time in almost three decades were once again able to enjoy the beauty of this holy place. Airmen from the 506th Air Expeditionary Group and Iraqi airmen

  • Manas Air Base reaches out to 'Twitter' users worldwide

    Keeping up with online technology and its growing user demands can be daunting for communicators. But the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs Office has hopped aboard the Twitter 'twain' at full throttle in order to keep the world abroad in the know about the base's goings on. "I believe it

  • Advisory team votes yes to building partnerships doctrine

    The LeMay Center hosted the biannual Air Force Doctrine Advisory Group in May resulting in the Department of Defense's first building partnerships doctrine. "The AFDAG prioritizes efforts and direction for Air Force doctrine," said Col. Russ Smith, director of doctrine development. "We bring

  • June 8 airpower aummary: B-1 targets IED factory

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer, a Navy F/A-18F Super

  • Report points to irregularities in Farah air strike incident

    The investigation into a May 4 close-air-support incident in Afghanistan's Farah province that caused civilian casualties has pointed to some deviations from established tactics, techniques and procedures, but those involved showed extraordinary care in the incident, the Pentagon's press secretary

  • 'AOR Week in Photos' highlights deployed Airmen in Southwest Asia

    A new product is highlighting Air Force equipment, weapons systems and Airmen deployed to Southwest Asia. "AOR Week in Photos" features photos of Airmen deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and other bases in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Created weekly by the staff of the Combined Air

  • Mobility Airmen, aircraft begin moving Strykers into Afghanistan

    Members of Air Mobility Command's hub for global airlift, air refueling and aeromedical evacuation here are "all in" with its commitment to support joint worldwide operations, kicking off efforts this week to airlift more than 300 Stryker vehicles to military forces in Afghanistan. The term Stryker

  • Air Force flight surgeons hand over training mission to Iraqis

    As U.S. forces withdraw over the next year, Iraqi air force members have begun the process of taking over the new missions and responsibilities including the aeromedical training of flight medical technicians here. The four-week training course is now taught by Iraqi flight medics with coalition

  • June 4 airpower summary: Predator takes out enemy shooters

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier carried out a Paveway

  • June 5 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier and a coalition aircraft

  • Mildenhall tanker crew deploys to Sweden for exercise support

    Air and ground crews from U.S. Air Forces in Europe joined military units from 10 other nations June 8 for Exercise Loyal Arrow 2009, a 10-day exercise hosted by the Swedish air force's Norrbotten Wing here. A team of 15 Airmen from the 100th Air Refueling Wing from Royal Air Force Mildenhall,

  • June 6 airpower summary: F-15Es strike enemy cave complex

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan durng operations June 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet conducted strafes against an

  • Joint Base Balad's support team focuses on mission, quality of life

    Base residents are the beneficiaries of additional benefits since the Base Operating Support-Integration team conducted its initial planning meetings 11 months ago.In general, BOS-I is a changeover of base support functions that includes food service, lodging, vehicle operations, supply, fuel, base

  • Photo Essay: Learning swift-water rescue procedures

    Members of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force's Special Service Unit practice swift-water rescue procedures June 5 that were taught by U.S. Air Force pararescuemen during Operation Southern Partner in La Toc, St. Lucia. Operation Southern Partner is a long-term commitment between U.S. and partner

  • Air mobility maintains the fight in Afghanistan

    Being in a fight is easy; it is having the ability to stay in the fight until you win that is the hard part. This is especially true in the new type of war being fought by the coalition forces in Afghanistan where the enemy's strategy is to outlast the resolve and sustainment capability of U.S. and

  • Barksdale bombers arrive at Andersen

    Approximately 300 Airmen from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., deployed here May 30 as part of the rotational bomber deployment here to maintain stability and security in the Western Pacific. Three Barksdale AFB B-52 Stratofortress arrived here May 30 after a 17-hour flight to support the Pacific

  • June 3 airpower summary: A-10s hunt snipers

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a flight of Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs hunted enemy

  • Teamwork key to construction of communications hub

    A week ago, this vast expanse of land represented particles of dust, rocks, hardened dirt and scrubs located on the other side of Kandahar Airfield's perimeter, mirroring the landscape of this portion of southern Afghanistan. Today, the area is bustling with Airmen dragging cables and laboring to

  • June 2 airpower summary: KC-135s provide fuel support

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II strafed enemy forces in

  • Joint airspace conference takes place in Iraq

    Members of the Multinational Corps-Iraq held an Airspace Interoperability Synchronization Conference in an attempt to better use the airspace over Iraq here May 30. As members of the MNC-I joint fires and effects cell, air and missile defense team servicemembers are responsible for executing, in

  • Panjshir reconstruction team bids farewell to fallen comrades

    The dining facility at Forward Operating Base Lion where Airmen and Soldiers typically exchanged stories and laughter was instead filled with reminiscing and tears as the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team honored four of its fallen comrades May 31. Lt. Col. Mark Stratton, the team's commander,

  • Air Forces Southern officials commit to 'summer of engagement'

    Active-duty, Air Guard and Reserve Airmen from across the Air Force are set to begin a host of missions with the Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern) team in South and Central America during the summer months of 2009. The surge in theater security cooperation missions in the U.S. Southern Command

  • General cites importance of airpower for Afghanistan

    The Afghan National Army Air Corps is a vital and rapidly growing component of Afghanistan's security forces and is building airpower to deny terrorists a safe haven in Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force general here said. Afghanistan's vast and forbidding terrain, the threat posed by roadside bombs and

  • Quick recognition, action saves C-130 aircrew, Soldiers

    A C-130 Hercules crew rapidly and correctly analyzed a developing situation, applied emergency procedures and recovered an aircraft, its passengers and crew without incident after encountering unforeseen wind shear May 20 in Southwest Asia. The 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron C-130 and its

  • Gates visits Elmendorf, addresses servicemembers

    The secretary of Defense held a town hall meeting and visited military members June 1 at Elmendorf Air Force Base. Some of the topics Secretary Robert M. Gates spoke about deployment increases and return dates, Air Force cutbacks, future replacement aircraft and weapon upgrades. "What I'm here for,

  • Multinational mobility unit welcomes top Air Force mobility Airman

    The first-of-its-kind mobility unit comprising airmen from 12 nations recently hosted the commander of Air Mobility Command at Pápa Air Base, Hungary. The Heavy Airlift Wing, the operational-level unit of the Strategic Airlift Capability consortium of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations, brought

  • Guard's mobilization training, readiness good for America, chief says

    The National Guard is giving more back to the America in the 21st Century through its increased readiness and ability to rapidly deploy for federal and state callouts, the Guard Bureau's top military officer said. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, told an audience June 1 at

  • Officials activate 617th Air and Space Operations Center

    Officials at 17th Air Force took another big step toward full operational capability May 29 with the activation of the 617th Air and Space Operations Center here. The new AOC gives leaders at 17th AF, also known as Air Forces Africa, an increased command and control capability integral to their

  • May 31 airpower summary: C-130s deliver for warfighters

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, several Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs were called in

  • June 1 airpower summary: C-17s support coalition forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet strafed an enemy compound in

  • Kandahar Airmen protect servicemembers from IEDs

    Improvised explosive devices kill people. The vast majority of military members serving in combat make it a point to go out of their way to avoid them. For the Air Force explosive ordnance disposal team at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, they make it a point to go out of their way to find them.

  • Secretary Gates calls on Asian partners for help in Afghanistan

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today called on U.S. allies in Asia to render more aid to bolster the fight in Afghanistan. In his opening remarks at the "Shangri-La Dialogue" Asia security summit here, Secretary Gates said terrorist groups rooted in training camps along the Afghanistan-Pakistan

  • Deployment opportunities available for civilians

    Whether it's helping Iraqis with reconstruction projects or assisting Afghans with their motor pools, Air Force officials rely on its civilian workforce to help meet global mission requirements. And the Air Force is not alone, as more than 1,100 Department of Defense civilians volunteered to fill

  • U.S. combat troops on pace to leave Iraqi cities by June 30

    American combat troops are on pace to leave Iraqi cities by the June 30 deadline stipulated by the U.S.-Iraq security agreement, U.S. officials in Baghdad said yesterday. Army Brig. Gen. Keith Walker, commander of the Iraq Assistance Group, said in a news conference that security throughout the

  • Whiteman Airmen prepare to redeploy back home

    Airmen here are preparing to redeploy to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., after completing more than 120 flights, or sorties, in three and a half months while supporting the continuous bomber presence here. "We have been here as part of the continuous bomber presence in support of Pacific Command's

  • May 28 airpower summary: F-15E Strike Eagles destroy enemy cave complex

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, F-15E Strike Eagles and

  • May 29 airpower summary: F-16 provides show of force

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted a strafing

  • May 30 airpower summary: A-10 destroys weapons cache

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs flying a

  • A tribute to Senior Airman Ashton Goodman

    On May 26, Senior Airman Ashton Goodman, Lt. Col. Mark E. Stratton II, the commander of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team, and Army Master Sgt. Blue Rowe were killed near here from wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. Over the past few weeks, this senior airman on the

  • President announces cyber security office

    The nation's computer network infrastructure will be defended as a national strategic asset, President Barack Obama said here May 29. In a White House announcement, President Obama said he will appoint a cyber security coordinator for the critical infrastructure that all Americans depend on. "We

  • AFSOUTH set to begin Operation Southern Partner in Caribbean

    More than 60 Airmen from across the Air Force are preparing to board a C-130J Hercules on May 30 to participate in the second iteration of "Operation Southern Partner" in seven Caribbean and Latin American nations. The Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern)-led event is aimed at providing

  • AF dermatologist uses laser to treat wounded warrior scars

    Maj. (Dr.) Chad Hivnor, chief of pediatric dermatology at Wilford Hall Medical Center here, is using a new fractional laser to treat battle scars on troops injured in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. "The laser softens the texture of the scars," said Doctor Hivnor. "We are following

  • Airmen overcome bumps in road

    Up, over, over, over and down. Drivers who find speed bumps annoying shouldn't pass through security checkpoint gates here; however, speed-mitigation efforts may be viewed as less of a hassle if they are perceived as a measure that may thwart possible terrorist threats. After 506th Air Expeditionary

  • May 27 airpower summary: Reaper takes out RPG team

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper carried out a guided bomb

  • Visitation searchers balance efficiency, safety, humane treatment in Iraq

    Airman 1st Class Alberto Lopez knew the guy was hiding something. He could feel it. The detainee was giving off "the vibe" that three months of working the visitation center at the theater internment facility here had taught him to detect. The Altus, Okla., native continued to search in the

  • Control center staff seeks to defeat combat stress in Iraq

    Fighting a war can be stressful, no matter what job you do in the military. Staff members at combat stress control centers throughout Iraq work to fight stress -- or at least to teach people how to manage it. Lt. Col. (Dr.) Alicia L. Tschirhart, a psychiatrist, commands the Kalsu Combat Stress

  • Airmen in joint motor pool keep vehicles rolling

    Airmen from the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here work with their Army compatriots in the base motor pool to keep the squadron's tactical vehicles running like clockwork. Four members of the Air Force security forces unit are part of a joint motor pool and learning more than they

  • Air Force team conducts air-assault training from Army helos

    Airmen from the 532nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron jumped in and out of helicopters from the Army C Company, 1-137th Aviation Regiment during air-assault training here May 23. "The purpose of air-assault training is to add another option of infiltrating a targeted area," said Master Sgt.

  • Vandenberg official killed in Iraq

    The 30th Mission Support Group deputy director here was killed in action while serving in the Al Anbar province in Iraq May 25. Naval Reserve Cmdr. Duane Wolfe, assigned as officer in charge of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Al Anbar Area Office, Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, was performing his reserve

  • Airmen contribute to the fight in Iraq

    The 586th Air Expeditionary Group is one of three Air Force groups organized to complete joint expeditionary taskings and is contributing significantly to operations in Iraq and Kuwait, the group's commander said. Col. Alan Metzler, 586th AEG commander, spoke with journalists and bloggers during a

  • Defense officials identify Air Force casualties

    The Department of Defense officials announced May 27 the death of two Airmen who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died May 26 near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. Killed was Lt. Col. Mark E. Stratton II, 39, of Houston, who was

  • Airmen 'unleash' new recovery program for patients

    Trained in explosives detection, narcotics detection and more, military working dogs here are now assisting in a different type of fight: The fight to rehabilitate patients at the Air Force Theater Hospital here. Members of the AFTH medical staff here held the first session of the K-9 Visitation

  • Dedication culminates efforts of embedded American advisors

    More than 250 U.S. servicemembers and Afghan security forces celebrated seven years of military cooperation during a monument dedication ceremony at Camp Blackhorse here May 14. The ceremony also culminated the efforts of nearly 20 Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors who have embedded with the 5th Kandak

  • Controllers keep aircraft moving

    Air traffic controllers here manage the base's runway that never rests, averaging 5,100 takeoffs and landings a month, or approximately 200 each day. Members of the 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron are responsible for anything within the base's air space, which extends out in a 5-mile

  • May 26 airpower summary: Strike Eagles strike enemy positions

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted strafing runs

  • First Iraqi ISR aircrew members graduate

    The first class of Iraqi Air Force Squadron 87 King Air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircrew members completed their yearlong training May 17. The Iraqi King Air program, headed by Air Force and Navy aircrew instructors, trained four Iraqi pilots, seven co-pilots and five mission