Iraqi air force supports Mosul, other operations

Members of the Iraqi air force integrated and synchronized with Iraqi special forces in an effort to dissolve the al-Qaida in Iraq influence since early May in Mosul, Iraq. In less than two weeks, the Iraqi air force members have moved more than 3 tons of cargo and 251 passengers into Mosul using

Chairman of Joint Chiefs sends Armed Forces Day message

Today, American citizens will pause to honor those of you who accept the grave and honorable responsibility of defending our country.  It is right we do so. The world remains a dangerous place. The hundreds of thousands of you who have deployed since September 11th -- many of you more than once --

Herculean support for convoys

New experimental equipment enhances Airmen capabilities

It's not uncommon for tactical air control party Airmen, navigating through miles of rugged terrain, to carry nearly a hundred pounds of equipment in order to call in an air strike. In fact, it is their mission to advise Army commanders about that capability and use of airpower to enhance combat

Iraqi air force performs medical evacuation

May 14 marked another significant event when members of the Iraqi air force flew its first medical evacuation mission since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The crew consisted of an Iraqi pilot, flight medic and aerial gunner -- each with a U.S. military counterpart -- as they transported

Officials to explore cyberspace mission at symposium

Air Force officials invite military and civilian defense personnel, industry and business leaders, academics and others interested in the Air Force's cyberspace mission to attend its upcoming symposium to analyze and discuss the service's role in cyberspace. Aimed at engaging military, industry and

Anheuser-Busch offers free theme park admission

For the rest of this year, sitting in Shamu the killer whale's "splash zone" or talking turkey with a big yellow bird are just two activities servicemembers and their families can enjoy for free at Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks. Through its "Here's to the Heroes" program, which began in 2005, the

Airmen airdrop messages to Iraqi citizens

A nine-member 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron C-130 Hercules aircrew took off from a Southwest Asian air base and airdropped several hundred thousand leaflets to Iraqi citizens on the ground recently.  Dropping leaflets with information for the local citizens is aimed at improving interactions

Name the Tanker: Leaders seek inputs from Airmen

Air Force senior leaders are asking all Airmen for suggestions on a name for the service's newest tanker aircraft, the KC-45A. "I've asked that we seek our Airmen's help to find a name for the KC-45," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne. "I prefer the name emphasize our heritage or our

May 12 airpower summary: C-130s continue support

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds and

Air Force counter-biological warfare reaches milestone

The Air Force counter-biological warfare concept of operations recently reached a critical milestone, achieving initial operational capability across the service. "It results from six years of analysis and testing," said Col. Steve Lucky, chief of the Air Force Strategic Plans & Policy Division at

Prepositioning weapons at Balad to save $1.3 million

Balad Air Base has been chosen by Air Force leaders to be the test base for a weapons prepositioning initiative expected to save the Air Force approximately $1.3 million per year in transportation costs. This initiative involves the prepositioning of M-9s and M-16s that will allow certain Airmen to

Reconstruction team helps Afghans

Lt. Col. David Poage listens intently to a village elder during a meeting with tribal leaders and elders May 4 at the Alishang District Center in the Laghman Province in Afghanistan. During the meeting, leaders discussed pressing issues and problems affecting the community. Colonel Poage is the

Airmen participate in Ultimate Caduceus 08

When an improvised explosive device "detonated" along Seattle's Alaskan Way Viaduct on May 1st, the ensuing blast and chemical truck explosion sent deadly methyl isocyanate into the air, causing hundreds of deaths and thousands more injured and sick. At least on paper. Ultimate Caduceus 08, part of

May 10 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb

May 9 airpower summary: F-15Es strike enemy

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, and a

Protection from the storm

Crew chiefs assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Balad Air Base, Iraq, spot an F-16 Fighting Falcon May 9 as it is pushed into a hardened aircraft shelter during a major dust storm here. Protecting flightline assets from dust damage or destruction is important to

Airmen fight to reduce flight delays for troops coming home

Airmen of the 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center here recently have eliminated most flight delays resulting from the loss of commercially contracted airlift support to Air Mobility Command from ATA Airlines Inc., a member of a Federal Express team. "18th Air Force and AMC have pulled out all the

U.S., British Reaper operations combined in Afghanistan

Since taking flight for the first time here in October 2007, Reapers have flown more than 320 missions and 2,400 combat hours throughout Afghanistan, providing close-air support and precision engagement. The unit contributing to this effort is the 42nd Expeditionary Attack Squadron, a combined unit

New Joint Staff team evaluates wounded warrior programs

A joint team formed by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is looking at the broad range of care and support services for wounded warriors to find any gaps and tap into best practices to share across the force. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen stood up the Joint Staff Wounded Warrior Integration Team in

15th generation rabbi: Helping servicemembers keep faith

The candle flame danced a slow mesmerizing dance as it flickered from one side of the wick to the next. The light softly illuminated his face as his silhouette became a portion of the projection behind him -- images of Holocaust victims. Soft-spoken yet with a stern demeanor, Rabbi (Capt.) Raphael

Zeroing in

Air Force's only UAV wing marks one year in the fight

Lt. Gen. Norman Seip, the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander, congratulated Airmen at Creech Air Force Base May 6 as the 432nd Wing marked its first year as the Air Force's only MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle wing. "The 432nd Wing has grown exponentially over the

Study of Iraqi birds to help reduce aircraft mishaps

One of the Air Force's greatest airpower adversaries doesn't wear the uniform of another country; it wears feathers. Both deadly and expensive, aircraft accidents and mishaps caused by collisions with birds have cost the service approximately $35 million each year since 1985, according to Air Force

Predator combat air patrols double in 1 year

A significant milestone was reached more than two years ahead of schedule May 1 with the beginning of the 24th MQ-1 Predator combat air patrol in the war on terrorism. This combat air patrol doubles the 24/7/365 Predator capability of last year, and is two years ahead of the Department of Defense

Welcome home!

Distribution center saves lives, makes travel easier

Not many servicemembers ducking into foxholes stop to think about where their body armor comes from or how each strap of it was sewn together. What they may think about after the air clears is how thankful they are to have it. Members of the Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center, part of the

Airmen, Soldiers honor fallen comrade

Airmen and Soldiers from Bagram Air Base honored an Airman who paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country during a memorial ceremony May 1 here. Senior Airman Jonathan A.V. Yelner, a convoy driver assigned to the Kapisa and Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team, died of wounds suffered when his

'Today's Air Force' features exercises

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Thracian Spring, an exercise that provides Aimen the opportunity to work more effectively with allies in the fight against terrorism.  Also featured is Red Flag Alaska, a training exercise designed to provide Air Force pilots training in a

Air Force pilot breaks own world aviation record

An Air Force Reserve pilot deployed here broke his own world record for hours spent flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon when he surpassed the 6,000-hour milestone May 2. Lt. Col. Michael Brill, a pilot assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, has been breaking world aviation records since

Intel system transitions analysts into net-centric era

The era of analysts who navigated through the world of intelligence data equipped with sticky notes and spreadsheets is being shelved to make room for a new set of tools that make use of Web-based applications. That's what the 950th Electronic Systems Group, part of the Electronic Systems Center

RED HORSE Squadron returns from deployment

More than 180 Airmen from the 819th RED HORSE Squadron touched down at the Great Falls International Airport, Mont., at 11 a.m. April 14 after being deployed for more than six months in support of the war on terrorism. The Airmen were greeted by Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, Col. Sandra Finan,

Predator crashes in Iraq

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator crashed in southern Iraq at approximately 4 a.m. local time May 2. The aircraft was launched from Ali Base, Iraq. The aircraft is a medium-altitude long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. The MQ-1's primary mission is conducting armed reconnaissance. A board will be

Air Force Predators take out insurgents and weapons

Air Force unmanned aerial vehicles continued to play a key role in supporting ground troops fighting the war on terrorism in Iraq.  An MQ-1B Predator located a vehicle with loaded weapons in Sadr City in northeastern Baghdad April 26 and directed a Hellfire missile against the target. The Predator

Airmen master Soldier skills training

Qualified Airmen can request Afghan, Iraq campaign medal stars

A recent memorandum from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense provides guidance on the wear of campaign stars on both the Afghanistan and Iraq campaign medals. The campaign stars recognize servicemembers for participating in designated campaign phases within the areas of responsibility for

Sesame Street coaches kids through parent's deployments, returns

Following a workshop that helped children cope with a military parent's deployment, the familiar, furry denizens of Sesame Street are starring in a new program focusing on multiple deployments and on family adjustments upon a parent's return. Sesame Workshop, the makers of Sesame Street, have

AFCENT command chief discusses wartime operations

The command chief master sergeant of 9th Air Force and United States Air Forces Central closed out a tour through Southwest Asia April 25 with a visit  to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. The bulk of Chief Master Sgt. Scott Dearduff's visit here was spent meeting Airmen and seeing first-hand what

April 28 airpower summary: F-15Es fly support missions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb

Bagram officials host women's affair seminar

Education, employment and security were the common themes addressed by eight influential Afghan women during a women's affair seminar at Bagram Air Base. Business owners, government leaders, educators, multi-media and non-governmental organization representatives from Kabul, Kapisa and Parwan

B-1B performs as never envisioned after 20 years

May 2 marks 20 years since the last B-1B Lancer was delivered to the Air Force, and today commanders consider it one of the most valuable aircraft in Iraq.Since 2003, the once-nuclear-weapon-carrying bomber has maintained a continuous presence in Southwest Asia after the Air Force modified it to

'Today's Air Force' features the Month of the Military Child

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights April as the Month of the Military Child. See how the children of military families make daily sacrifices and overcome challenges. April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Air Force officials use this month to place renewed emphasis on an

April 26 airpower summary: Predators take out enemy positions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Apr. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a Hellfire missile

April 25 airpower summary: A-10s take it to the enemy

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Apr. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped guided bomb

Smithsonian puts UAVs on display

Officials at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum unveiled a new exhibit April 24 of military unmanned aerial vehicles representing each branch of service. Of the six UAVs on display, three artifacts came from the U.S. Air Force: - MQ-1L Predator A - RQ-3A Darkstar - X-45A

Container management initiative saves money

In an effort to not only improve the aesthetics of the installation but also save the Air Force hundreds of thousands of dollars, the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Group and Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's traffic management flight have joined forces to combat extraneous shipping

Top AF trainer receives feedback from ILO Airmen

The commander of 2nd Air Force, responsible for the development, oversight and direction of all operational aspects of basic military training and technical schools for enlisted and support officers, kicked off a theater-wide tour April 22 at an air base in Southwest Asia. Maj. Gen. Michael Gould's

Fill 'er up

Predators of the mountains

In an environment where the enemy troops conceal themselves among civilians and mountainous terrain, Airmen in the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron provide the warfighter real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data to combat that enemy. The weapon of choice: the MQ-1

Secretary Gates praises Air Force for support of war on terrorism

During a press conference April 23 at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates recommended Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, currently commander of Multinational Force Iraq, to be the next U.S. Central Command commander. It was at this press conference that a reporter asked him about what the

AF, DOD leaders on tap for June Cyber Symposium

The secretary of the Air Force and the vice chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will headline a list of high-level speakers scheduled to address the Air Force Cyberspace Symposium II set for June 17 to 19 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center in Marlborough, Mass. Air Force Secretary

Aircraft maintainers key to sorties milestone

If there was ever a question as to what the Air Force has contributed to the war on terrorism, it was answered this week. The Air Force just marked a historic milestone -- 1 million sorties, operational military flying missions, flown in support of the war on terrorism. Airmen at Balad Air Base,

April 22 airpower summary: F-15 drops bomb on target

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb

April 21 airpower summary: Reaper destroys enemy combatants

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, French 2000 Mirages performed shows of force in order to

Deployed emergency managers gather to hone skills

They looked liked they were extras in a low-budget, sci-fi movie walking in slick green chemical suits with what looked like scuba-diving air tanks strapped to their backs. A massive dust storm added to the ambiance of the scene by casting a strange orange hue to the already odd-looking clan walking

Pilots contribute to sorties milestone, much more

At 6 a.m., it's another early April morning in Iraq as the two pilots deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, get ready to venture into harm's way yet again. It's a day like many others the pilots, assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, have experienced since arriving here in

Air Force mission is more than just aircraft

While typical perceptions associated with the Air Force in combat might involve aircraft dropping bombs on targets, the several hundred security forces Airmen deployed here are proving these stereotypes outdated. The Air Force's main mission at Kirkuk is not to fly daily combat sorties, but to

Airmen, reconstruction team improve Iraqi living conditions

Airmen teamed with members of the Kirkuk Air Base Provincial Reconstruction Team during a training session designed to help Iraqis improve waste management practices in the region April 16 here. Members of the 506th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Management Flight trained 11

Gates urges unconventional thinkers to address unconventional challenges

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates challenged military officers to become forward thinkers with the courage to advance new approaches needed to confront current and emerging threats. "An unconventional era of warfare requires unconventional thinkers," Secretary Gates told Air War College students

Air traffic controllers keep aircraft soaring

Air traffic controllers of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here were responsible for more than 1,250 operations on their airfield and in their airspace in just one week in April. With dozens of combat and combat support sorties originating here every day, it's not hard to realize air traffic

Bagram Airmen fly outside the box

The job of locating and returning servicemembers throughout the area of responsibility has taken a back seat for Airmen of the 305th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron here who now help save lives. Bagram Air Base Airmen provide aeromedical evacuation with their HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters for injured

Singapore aircraft signals strong coalition relationship

Airmen of the Singapore air force rejoined the U.S. Air Force fleet here when one of their four KC-135 refueling aircraft arrived to take its place with dozens of U.S. assets April 16 on this Southwest Asian air base flightline. As coalition partners, the Singapore air force mission is to integrate

'Today's Air Force' features Air Force builders

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights a self-sufficient unit that builds from the ground up through blistering heat, high winds, and sandstorms.  These Airmen work long hours; establishing shelters and personnel tents, most often in Afghanistan or Iraq. Also featured is a Fit for

April 19 airpower summary: B-1Bs bomb enemy targets

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force

April 18 airpower summary: C-17s sustain operations

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in

Medics deliver superior care, Air Force leaders testify

Two Air Force medical leaders told the Senate Subcommittee of Defense April 16 in Washington that the Air Force's state of medical readiness is aligned with the service's top priorities. "Unmistakably, it is the daily delivery of health care that allows us to maintain critical skills that guarantee

Delivering the goods

Master Sgt. Anthony Harrington directs the cargo to be loaded on a C-130 Hercules during an Operation Enduring Freedom mission April 16 from Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. Sergeant Harrington is a loadmaster assigned to the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron and deployed from the 109th Airlift

Bagram Airmen operate new transporter

The Air Force high deck patient loading platform was designated operational with the transfer of five patients during a KC-135 Stratotanker channel mission from Afghanistan to Germany April 9. The HDPLP is a special-purpose vehicle with an enclosed lighted and climate-controlled cabin designed to

Ready to respond

April 16 airpower summary: C-17s provide intra-theater airlift

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in

C-130 unit gets a new bird with an old history

For years, U.S. Air Force, coalition and sister service forces have relied on the steady stream of supplies and equipment brought in by aircrews flying KC-135 Stratotankers, C-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster IIIs and other airlift workhorses. One airplane new to Southwest Asia carries something

Afghanistan airdrop

Secretary of state receives honorary Air University degree

Air University officials presented an honorary doctor of letters degree upon Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for her academic achievements and contributions to international relations and national security April 14 here. Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, the Air University commander, gave Secretary

Air Force secretary tells cadets of changing times

The Air Force has met the challenge of change with a combination of innovation, adaptability and flexibility for the last 60 years, said the Air Force secretary in his address to first and third class cadets April 8 in Arnold Hall here. "Character and leadership skills are always in high demand and

Tiny stones cause boulder-sized pain for those deployed

Battlefield warriors, in peak physical condition, the toughest of the tough, are being brought to their knees, writhing on the floor in tears and pain. The culprit -- kidney stones. Surgeries to remove the small calcium deposits are the most common non-trauma related surgery performed at the Air

'Today's Air Force' features winning today's fight

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights today's fight for tomorrow's victory. Victory requires a force to maintain global vigilance, reach and power, and the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is the essence of global reach and power.  Also necessary to win today's fight

Deployed Airmen serve on Reserve's 60th anniversary

More than 1,400 Air Force reservists will celebrate their command's 60th anniversary April 14 while fighting the war on terrorism throughout U.S. Central Command's 27-nation area of responsibility throughout Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. "The real success story is you cannot tell the

UAV destroys mortar position, kills 6

An air strike by a coalition forces' unmanned aerial vehicle killed six enemy combatants and injured one who were firing mortars at around 2:30 a.m. April 11 at Iraqi security forces in Basra. The enemy combatants were observed in the Hyanniyah district by a coalition aircraft and positively

UAV kills 6 heavily armed enemy combatants in Iraq

An unmanned aerial vehicle fired a Hellfire missile killing six heavily armed enemy combatants at approximately 9:45 p.m. April 10 in Baghdad, Iraq.Coalition forces from Multinational Division - Baghdad operating the UAV observed a large group of enemy combatants with rocket-propelled grenade

Air Force engineers work 'outside the wire' every day

As part of a Provincial Reconstruction Team it is common to go "outside the wire" to do work. While some may only leave the base once a week, engineers are out there every day conducting site assessments, quality control missions and preparing the province to respond to natural disasters. April 1,

Out of harm's way

Helicopter retires after service in Vietnam, Iraq

MH-53 Pave Low helicopter tail number 68-10357 flew its final mission and last flight supporting special operations forces March 28 in Iraq after 38 years of service. The helicopter was the lead command and control helicopter for a mission to rescue approximately 50 American prisoners of war from

Ammo troops make explosive impact on B-52 mission

Airmen of the 36th Wing here, with their B-52 Stratofortress long-range bombers, have the capability of launching missions from Andersen to any location at any time and to anywhere. The B-52 can carry 70,000 pounds of the widest array of weapons in the U.S. inventory. This devastating flying arsenal

General leads morale tour at Tampa VA hospital

The deputy director of the Joint Staff's Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate at the Pentagon went on a mission April 7 to raise the morale of patients at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa and brought along cheerleaders from the 2008 Women's Final Four teams and an Air Force

Airman killed in support of combat operations

An Airman was killed April 9 supporting combat operations near Forward Operating Base Poliwoda, Iraq. The Airman was assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here. The name of the Airman is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification and release by the Department of Defense. Comment on this

UAV kills 2 enemy combatants

An Air Force unmanned aerial vehicle observed a group of enemy combatants with weapons attacking Iraqi security and coalition forces with small-arms fire in northeast Baghdad April 9. The UAV fired one Hellfire missile and killed two of the armed combatants. "In direct partnership with the Iraqi

Airmen at war set cargo, passenger movement records

Air transportation requirements of cargo and troops within U.S. Central Command's 27-nation area of responsibility reached an all-time high in March, but Airmen responded to this demand with a record-setting performance, officials said. U.S. Air Forces Central's air mobility professionals topped

Air Force secretary discusses tankers, cyber operations

The secretary of the Air Force spoke of the future while reflecting on the past during an April 3 and 4 visit to Hanscom Air Force Base. "For all the advances we've made, I still believe there are more imaginative things to be done with electronics," Secretary Michael W. Wynne said. He said he

DOD officials identify Air Force casualty

The Department of Defense announced April 4 the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Travis L. Griffin, 28, of Dover, Del., died April 3 near Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the

April 6 airpower summary: Reaper destroys target

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and

April 5 airpower summary: C-17s carry the load

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier conducted a show of force

April 3 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, French Mirage 2000s performed shows of force in order to

B-1 involved in ground incident after landing

A B-1B Lancer, while taxiing after landing at an air base in Southwest Asia, was involved in a ground incident and caught fire at 9:10 p.m. local on April 4.  The crew evacuated the aircraft and is safe.  The fire was contained.A board of inquiry has been appointed and will investigate the

Predator mishap occurs on Balad runway

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator ran off of the runway here while landing at approximately 12:40 p.m. local time April 4. The aircraft is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. The MQ-1's primary mission is conducting armed reconnaissance. A board will be convened to investigate the

AFCENT deputy commander visits deployed Airmen

The 9th Air Force vice commander and the deputy commander of U.S. Air Forces Central visited 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen April 2 at a Southwest Asian air base. Maj. Gen. William L. Holland from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., met and talked with Airmen who fly aircraft, maintain

Airman dies in improvised explosive device explosion

An Airman died in an improvised explosive device explosion at approximately noon Baghdad time April 3 in central Baghdad. The Airman was assigned to the Multinational Force Division - Baghdad and on a patrol when the IED explosion occurred. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending

April 2 airpower summary: C-130s carry load for coalition

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, in order to deter enemy activities Air Force A-10

Temporary hospital finds permanent place in history

Airmen from the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group and the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron here worked together to preserve a piece of Balad Air Base, Logistics Support Area Anaconda and Operation Iraqi Freedom history. The emergency room from the old Balad AB Air Force Theater Hospital,

Iraqi air force in the fight

Members of the Iraqi army walk to an Iraqi C-130 Hercules at New Al Muthana Air Base, Iraq, before a March 30 flight to Basra, Iraq. All processing, loading and transporting of Iraqi troops are being conducted by the Iraqi air force. The Iraqi air force airmen flew more than 45 C-130E and rotary

Airmen expand Air Force global reach with KC-10s

Providing 1 million gallons of jet fuel weekly, the KC-10 Extender and the Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing who support it give global reach to U.S. and coalition aircraft supporting operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. "The common theory on tankers is that we are a force