Spring 2007 quarterly issue of Airman now online

In the spring quarterly issue of Airman magazine, read about how the Air Force is making some tough decisions about the Airmen it keeps in the force, so the Air Force chief of staff is traveling around the globe to tell Airmen about that and the issues that will affect their careers. These are just

Aviano Airmen return home from fighting war on terrorism

Aviano Air Base Airmen returned here May 18 to smiles and tears from families and friends as they reunited after being separated for more than four months. The Aviano AB community welcomed back several hundred air expeditionary force 5 and 6 Airmen from downrange who were supporting the war on

May 20 airpower summary: Maintainers keep force flying

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the warrior ethos and how Air Force leaders are giving Airmen a new sense of pride as warriors, starting at basic training. Also featured is a compelling story on how children of deployed parents cope by bonding together with other children

Balad Airmen say goodbye to fallen warrior

Honored as a leader, brother, teacher and true friend, an Airman killed fighting the war on terrorism was remembered by Airmen of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, both at Balad Air Base, Iraq, and at Camp Liberty near Baghdad May 18. Staff Sgt. John T. Self lost his life May 14 while on his 79th

Self-defense course kicks way into training

Traditional thinking for Air Force pre-deployment preparation may have Airmen reading the Airman's Manual from front to back and getting in some form of combat skills training at home station. Would that same effort include learning about the Linear Infighting Neural-override Engagement, or LINE,

ACC leader: Air Force must balance resources, look ahead

The Air Force's increased operations tempo is putting a strain on aircraft and Airmen, said the Air Combat Command commander at a conference at Offutt Air Force Base. Gen. Ronald E. Keys, addressing 150 ACC leaders gathered at Offutt AFB, said increased flying hours on aging airframes are a

May 19 airpower: Tankers provide key air bridge

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18C Hornets dropped guided bomb unit-38s on

May 18 airpower: JTACs direct aircraft against insurgents

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18 Hornets attacked two targets near Asadabad

Airmen support NORAD exercise

Airmen from the 201st Airlift Squadron are participating May 21 to 22 in an exercise testing the North American Aerospace Defense Command's intercept and identification capabilities. NORAD and its geographical component, the Continental United States NORAD Region, will conduct Exercise Falcon Virgo

Week In Photos features Airmen around the globe

The "Week In Photos" Web feature provides visitors with photos highlighting Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: In Africa, Staff Sgt. Myla Baker and Senior Airman Jacob Buckley give school supplies to teachers and students at the Gisimba orphanage in Kigali, Rwanda.

Ramstein Airmen test new communications systems

Twenty-eight Airmen and civilians from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, tested new communications systems at the U.S. European Command-sponsored exercise, Combined Endeavor, held April 27 through May 10. The 1st Combat Communications Squadron's team from the 86th Airlift Wing is at the Lager Aulenbach

May 17 airpower summary: Lancers provide overwatch

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-38

Thinking lean, a must for stronger, smaller Air Force

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe vice commander, Maj. Gen. Marc Rogers, spent time with senior leaders at Incirlik Air Base to discuss the importance of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, or AFSO21. General Rogers began with a big picture explanation of the Air Force's strong focus on the

Lt. Dan Band salutes servicemembers overseas

Everywhere he goes, actor Gary Sinise is recognized as Lieutenant Dan from the movie "Forrest Gump." It was this recognition that gave him the inspiration for his band name: The Lt. Dan Band; a tool that Mr. Sinise uses to support the men and women in the Armed Forces by playing overseas tours and

Logistics team makes logical, money-saving move

To support the warfighter, the Air Force airlifts cargo such as computer equipment, supplies and spare parts all around the globe. Some of this cargo has to be shipped with special packaging. At Incirlik Air Base, the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron's Cargo Movement Flight used to contract out

Iraqi air force capabilities continue to increase

The capabilities of the Iraqi air force continue to grow as they performed their first double patient transfer May 8 here. Two months the Iraqi air force conducted its first aeromedical transfer, a policeman transported from the American 28th Combat Support Hospital to an Iraqi treatment facility,

Nations at Combined Endeavor combat cyberspace security

As technology continues its steady advance, controlling cyberspace becomes increasingly critical to securing warfighting capabilities. In order to help prevent future conflicts by integrating and streamlining communications on a global scale, the 13th annual Combined Endeavor exercise April 27 to

May 16 airpower summary: Fueling the mission

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds

Airmen complete realistic deployment exercise

Airmen here completed a Phase I and II combined exercise May 11 after two weeks of realistic combat training. The wing simulated deploying the F-117A Nighthawk, along with assets from across the wing to a forward operating base in Iraq. To replicate the experience of deploying, assets from the base

New tactical vehicle rolls onto Moody

Airmen of the 820th Security Forces Group here in May received two of the 18 new light medium tactical vehicles scheduled to replace the aging five-ton M923 and 2.5-ton "Deuce" M35 utility trucks. The group is expected to receive nine five-ton capacity medium tactical vehicles and nine 2.5-ton

Little Rock Airman killed in Iraq

Staff Sgt. John Self, a security forces specialist from the 314th Security Forces Squadron, was killed May 14 by a roadside bomb near Baghdad, Iraq. Sergeant Self had been in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since September on a 365-day deployment. "John volunteered for this deployment

Goals card a compass for today's Airmen

As Airmen serve around the world, they now have a "compass" to steer them toward more effective service.  This compass is the Secretary of the Air Force's Goals Card."These cards encapsulate more than just the Air Force mission," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne.  "Every one of those

Airman saves four lives, earns Soldier's Medal

A staff sergeant from the 99th Civil Engineering Squadron here was awarded the U.S. Army Soldier's Medal in an award ceremony here May 10 for saving the four Soldiers' lives. U.S. Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona summed up the actions of Staff Sgt. Scott White, an explosive ordnance disposal journeyman.

Airman's Roll Call focuses on Combat Action Medal

In the spirit of cultivating warrior ethos in all Airmen, Air Force officials created the Air Force Combat Action Medal, which recognizes Airmen who have engaged the enemy. Through an evolution of Air Force warfighting roles, more Airmen are finding themselves involved in combat actions. Some Airmen

May 15 airpower summary: ISR critical to mission success

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

Structural maintainers embrace joint-service environment

As servicemembers fight the war on terrorism, joint operations between the Army and Air Force are happening in many facets, including some unexpected ones. Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance shop and metals tech shop have pitched in to help the

Special ops pilot chosen for academy airmanship award

A special operations instructor pilot and a 1993 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate was named the recipient for the 2007 Col. James Jabara Award for Airmanship May 11.Maj. Mark Visconi received the award after he flew 106 combat sorties and logged 136 combat hours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom

SECAF sees bright future for Eielson Airmen

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne highlighted the importance of the local mission to the future of the Air Force and victory in the war on terrorism during his visit here May 8 to 10. During a trip to the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron May 9, he praised Alaskan Airmen for their

May 14 airpower summary: Airmen deliver supplies, people

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Royal Air Force GR-9 Harriers dropped 540 pound

Airmen mentor Afghan depot personnel

Airmen stationed here supporting Operation Enduring Freedom are taking the time to mentor Afghan national army soldiers at the Central Maintenance Depot in Kabul. Serving a one-year deployment, the Air Force mentors are embedded training team members supporting the Central Maintenance Depot's

Air Intelligence Agency to become Air Force ISR Agency

Air Force officials here announced May 14 a force structure change designating the Air Intelligence Agency at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, as the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency.AIA reported to Air Combat Command, but the new agency will be aligned under the Air

Air traffic controllers manage safe, efficient operation

A team of Airmen observe the diversity of air power used in the war on terrorism from the highest vantage point on base: the air traffic control tower. Forward-deployed U.S. armed forces and coalition partners depend on every flight that takes off from and lands at the air base run by the Airmen of

May 13 airpower: B-1B targets insurgents

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped multiple guided bomb

Airmen welcomed home at Mountain Home

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

In this week's edition of "Today's Air Force" see how Airmen are in the fight against terrorism, filling Army "In-Lieu-Of" requirements, and how these Airmen warriors are helping meet the immediate demands of the surge in Iraq. Also, when people think of the Air Force they think of aircraft and

'Brave' baseballs make way around deployed bases

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing received a special package from Georgia last week that aims to spotlight Air Force later this year. A briefcase containing Atlanta Braves baseballs is making its way around the CENTCOM area of responsibility as part of Air Force 60th Anniversary "Heritage to

May 11-12 airpower: F-15Es hit insurgent compound

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 11 and 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer executed shows of

Raptors return from historical deployment

The first overseas deployment of America's newest fighter aircraft ended when the stealthy planes arrived here May 11.The first wave of F-22 Raptors from the 27th Fighter Squadron returned from Kadena Air Base, Japan, as part of a three-month air and space expeditionary force deployment where the

'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

The "Week In Photos" Web feature provides visitors with photos highlighting Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: At Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Senior Airman Andrew Caro and Staff Sgt. Dustin Maglinti take aim at a target during a training exercise. They are

Air support is crucial vein in ground force's lifeline

Joint terminal attack controllers direct the action of combat aircraft to provide close-air support missions for U.S. ground forces in Iraq. Close-air support missions require highly-detailed communication channels and a well-coordinated process. Those communication channels and coordination

Multinational communicators network at seminars

Phoenix Endeavor, a part of Combined Endeavor 2007, offered three weeks of spectrum-management seminars to military communication specialists from 12 nations. The seminars, April 27 through May 10, introduced the finer points of managing and requesting frequencies from host nations. Combined

Aviano deployment club helps children cope

School faculty members here were recognized recently for their dedication to the children of deployed Airmen. Aviano Air Base's Elementary School Deployment Club was formed to help kids understand and cope with a parent's deployment. This can have a tremendous positive affect on the stress involved

May 10 airpower: Airlifting ammo to Soldiers

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped 500-pound bombs on

Donated mural honors servicemembers

Two artists have donated their time and money to create a mural for Bagram Air Base to honor those who wear the uniform. The 10-by-8 mural, which has an image of the upper portion of the Statue of Liberty and a message in large letters that reads "Land of the Free, Because of the Brave," is covered

Airmen tell Air Force story over airwaves

Throughout the month, Pacific Air Force Airmen are sharing the Air Force story on one of Hawaii's most popular radio stations. May is Hawaii Military Appreciation Month and KHVH (AM 830) is featuring the military on radio spots and live interviews. Four Airmen from the 15th Airlift Wing based at

Realism gives Air Force pilot new perspective

Evasion training helps the Air Force's pilots stay up-to-date on survival techniques in emergency situations. Staff Sgt. Anthony Raciborski, a Survival, Evasion Resistance, Escape specialist, with the 35th Operations Support Squadron likes to give pilots the most realistic experience possible. "The

May 9 airpower: F-16s provide support to convoys

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a show of force,

Panel recommends services for wounded vets

There is a new era of cooperation within the federal government to work together to provide services for troops returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan, Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Secretary Nicholson told the House Veterans Affairs Committee May 9. Secretary Nicholson reported on

Airborne staff connects ground forces

Convoys going on patrols in Iraq can run into problems when they lose communication. Communication is an integral factor in ensuring servicemembers' safety while on the roads. It can be the difference between mission success and failure. Unknown to many road-faring warriors, a lifeline is already in

Air Force opens newest air ops center

Twelfth Air Force and Air Forces Southern will open the Air Force's newest Falconer, the 612th Combined Air Operations Center, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 9. The 612th Combined Air Operations Center, serves as the operations hub for all air and space activities during combat and

DOD helps prepare U.S. for pandemic flu outbreak

The Defense Department is teaming with other federal agencies to prepare the nation to deal with a potential pandemic outbreak of influenza, a senior official said May 8 here. "Right now, we're as ready as we can be at this point," said Richard Chavez, director of chemical, biological, radiological

Air Force gains larger presence in Romania

The Romanian parliament passed legislation the first week of May that now authorizes the U.S. military to use several of its bases. The announcement came just as the Air Force was wrapping up a 10-day exercise, called Sniper Lance 2007, in the former Eastern Bloc country. This was the second

Airmen live, learn warrior ethos

Airmen going through basic training are focusing on living and learning what it means to be combat-ready. This education centers on Air Force warrior ethos -- strengthening an Airman's mind, body and spirit. "The warrior ethos has always been a part of an Airman's character, but some people may have

Airman's Roll Call focuses on new UAV wing

Global intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance are the missions of the new unmanned aerial vehicle wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The 432nd Wing at the base, located near Las Vegas, was reactivated to be the first MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper wing in the Air Force. With an increase in

May 8 airpower: F-15Es provide overwatch power

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb

Pilots, attack controllers sharpen war skills in Nevada

Pilots and joint terminal attack controllers, or JTACs, here practiced skills needed in both Iraq and Afghanistan during training over two southern Nevada towns April 23 and 24. The two towns were Caliente and Panaca, with a combined population of about 1,500 residents, and the training was urban

JTACs call in 'guardian angels'

A joint terminal attack controller is completely immersed downrange on the battlefield. His heart is pounding and his forehead drips with sweat as he directs a combat aircraft to provide close-air support for U.S. ground forces there. The JTAC's eyes light up as he sees the aircraft deliver a

RED HORSE helps build combat brigade base in 45 days

Two months ago, Forward Operating Base Shawshook, near Besmaya Range, was nothing more than dirt and tumbleweeds. Now, at the newly developed Forward Operating Base Hammer there's a full-up U.S. Army combat brigade, the 3rd of the 3rd Infantry Division, housed and fed -- ready to conduct missions in

May 7 airpower: Tankers key to show-of-force operations

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided overwatch for a

Society honors Airmen who escaped, evaded capture

The commander of Air Mobility Command honored the Air Forces Escape and Evasion Society with a ceremony here May 4 as part of the group's 2007 reunion. Gen. Duncan J. McNabb paid tribute to AFEES, a non-profit organization of Airmen who were forced down behind enemy lines and avoided captivity, or

Airmen's weather watch data enhances military missions

Sandstorms, which often appear as solid walls of dust as much as 15,000 feet high, can obscure the sun and reduce visibility to zero. A group of weather watching Airmen monitor Southwest Asia's approximately 55-million square-mile area of responsibility, forecasting these storms before they hit;

British fusiliers get 'royal treatment'

A group of redeploying British infantrymen passed through here May 1 and introduced themselves to Airmen of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing who helped them out during some tough days of contact with Taliban forces near Sangin, Afghanistan. Soldiers from C Company Group, 2nd Battalion, Royal

Balad chapel staff opens center in fallen pilot's honor

Airmen seeking a quiet place to relax in a space away from a crowded dorm room now have another place to spend off-duty time within the H-6 housing area at Balad AB. Troy's Place, an Airmen Ministry Center sponsored by the Balad AB Chapel, opened May 4 and is in honor of a pilot who died supporting

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Combat Skills Training prepares Airmen to operate on the streets of Afghanistan and Iraq, and how the Air Force's highly trained Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape, or SERE, instructors provide Airmen the skills to survive alone in a

May 6 airpower: B-1B Lancers keep insurgents at bay

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb

Airman's Creed, military health care on CSAF's Scope

The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the Air Force chief of staff feels are of special importance to today's Airmen. Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues are the new Airman's Creed and military health care. General Moseley introduced the new creed to replace all the various specialized

Dover stands up new C-17 maintenance squadron

The 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was stood up in an assumption-of-command ceremony here April 30. The 736th AMXS will be responsible for maintaining the C-17 Globemaster IIIs, scheduled to start arriving this summer. "This is all very, very exciting, yet humbling," said Lt. Col. Raymond

May 5 airpower summary: A-10s provide support for ground forces

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided overwatch

PACAF emphasizes anthrax vaccination before deployments

Headquarters Air Force officials recently sent additional implementation guidance to major commands that emphasizes pre-deployment notification. The Air Force guidance states that all categories of personnel on orders may begin immunizations up to 60 days before deployment or arrival at the

5th SFS load up for comrade injured in Iraq

Airmen from the 5th Security Forces Squadron took part in a "ruck-march" May 3 to show support for a fellow squadron member injured in Iraq. Staff Sgt. Scott Lilley, 5th SFS, was injured April 15 when he and his team was attacked by insurgents, and his vehicle hit by an improvised explosive device.

May 4 airpower summary: C-17s bring support to ground forces

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials. In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force,

May 3 airpower summary: F-16s support ground forces

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb

Terrorism officials stress Airmen remain aware

After the attacks on September 11th, many people have become much more concerned with force protection methods, especially anti-terrorism measures. Despite the fact five years have passed, local security forces still receive numerous calls about anything that is seemingly awry. Although their

Deployed Airmen continue filling Army's 'in-lieu-of' taskings'

Deployments are a part of life for all people serving in the United States military. Each service deploys a certain number of troops to different parts of the world with rotations to evenly divide the workload. In the past few years Airmen have undergone changes in their wartime mission, from

Air Force in Afghanistan aims high on low terrain

About 240 Airmen are working throughout Afghanistan to help build vital infrastructure as members of provincial reconstruction teams. Air Force members began leading six of the 24 PRTs in April 2006 as Airmen work to improve Afghanistan's security through reconstruction and economic development. The

Services Airmen dish up real meals ready to eat

Some Airmen might not think a fresh, hot meal is a big deal, but for Airmen at a bare base a meal not named "MRE" can bring a few happy and hungry faces to the dinner table. When servicemembers arrive at a bare-base location, the first food eaten is usually meals ready to eat, or MREs. That's when

Tops in Blue boosts servicemembers' morale through song

"Tops in Blue," known as the Air Forces' Expeditionary Entertainers, performed here May 2 to a standing-room only crowd. The show, themed "The Fly By," featured hit songs by Tom Jones, The Supremes, The Beach Boys, Chubby Checker and the Charlie Daniels Band. The show was presented as a tribute to

May 2 airpower summary: B-1B provides close-air support

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, in Afghanistan in the following operations May 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a GBU-31

Space ops critical to air, ground, naval forces

With the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility spanning 6.5 million square miles and 27 countries, the high ground of space continues to be critical to coalition air, ground and naval forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The Space Coordinating Authority, Combined Forces Air Component Commander

Air Force stands up first unmanned aircraft systems wing

The Air Force's first unmanned aircraft systems wing stood up May 1 at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. As Col. Christopher Chambliss assumed command of the 432nd, a piece of history was revived and a course for the way ahead continued. "This is a monumental day for the Air Force," said Colonel

Deployed Airman helps others face the music

Like a typical family, most Air Force members celebrate birthdays, promotions and other occasions with cake. But, when Lt. Col. Brian Reno gets involved with a celebration, he adds to the fun by belting out a fitting tune on his trumpet. "It's always fun to play, and it is very rewarding when others

Communications Airmen make the connection

A small contingent of four communications Airmen traveled to Al Asad Air Base to provide communication connectivity while base facilities were being built around them. "The day we got here, there were no radios, only a couple computers and no telephones installed anywhere," said Staff Sgt. Sean

May 1 airpower summary: Airmen support air operations

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

Fairchild Airmen reunite with family after deployment

Applause, cheers, hugs and tears of joy awaited 44 returning warriors as they walked off of a KC-135 Stratotanker to be greeted by a crowd of more than 100 military family members, fellow Airmen and local media crews here April 30. After the welcome on the ramp next to the plane, the families and

April 30 airpower summary: C-130s sustain war effort

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, in Afghanistan in the following operations April 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator fired a

Tops In Blue put on a show for Airmen, Soldiers at Balad

Sequins, tassels, gleaming brass and perfectly choreographed dance moves were on display as the 2007 Tops In Blue team unleashed the talent of the Air Force for Airmen and Soldiers April 28 at the Sustainer Theater here. Thirty-eight active-duty Airmen make up the singers, dancers, instrumentalists,

Business leaders learn about expeditionary missions

Participants of the Defense Department's Joint Civilian Orientation Conference April 28 met some of the men and women of U.S. Central Command Air Forces who are deployed to this region. Brig. Gen. Charles Shugg told the group of 45 business and civic leaders, who were on a whirlwind tour of the

Aerial porters save lives by moving air cargo in Iraq

Moving supplies, equipment and people from place to place in a convoy anywhere in Iraq is very risky business. Many hidden dangers such as improvised explosive devices, anti-Iraqi forces, and other such dangers can be on any road. Many lives that might have been lost in convoy attacks have been

Combat skills course offers Airmen lifesaving training

In preparation for the Air Force's next Air and Space Expeditionary Force rotation, 94 people attended the Pacific Air Forces-sponsored combat skills course April 23 to 25 here. Several combat skills training course instructors came to Misawa to provide information that is not only designed to

Air Force air evac crews adapt, train onboard mix of planes

Taking care of patients on an aircraft is not an easy task. What if there are patient emergencies or problems with the aircraft itself? What if it's a plane the aeromedical crew is not familiar with? These questions, and more, were answered during an Air Force Reserve Aeromedical Evacuation Jamboree

Backscatter technology leaves bad guys no place to hide

Members of the 820th Security Forces Group here are set to employ a new high-technology search system in the war on terrorism that will help increase base security that also can deter acts of aggression against coalition forces. Known as the Z backscatter van, the $1.2 million, 13,000-pound,

Weather squadron covers 42 countries

With 110 million square miles in its operational region, the 152 Airmen in the 17th Operational Weather Squadron here are responsible for the largest area of responsibility of all the operational weather squadrons in the Air Force. And with 42 countries in the area of responsibility, squadron

April 29 airpower summary: Maintainers keep planes flying

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations April 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb

Editorial: The way of the Airman warrior

Throughout history, warriors have served and died for king and country; and they did so following a code. For the samurai, it was bushido; for knights, chivalry; the musketeers, "all for one and one for all." The greatest warriors throughout history understood the concept of serving something bigger

Yokota's Hazmat team gears up for training

A hazardous material response exercise here April 30 provided refresher training for some firefighters, while providing the setting for several others to earn a national certification. The exercise scenario involved a simulated rail car with a leak in the valve head on top of it. The exercise was a

American, French forces join in jump training

Joint and coalition servicemembers recently joined forces for parachute jump training. Airmen and Soldiers and French airborne soldiers jumped out of a C-130 Hercules. "Every airborne soldier knows that training with other nations forces gives them a chance to learn from each other and that they

Air University hosts counterinsurgency symposium

Air University officials hosted the 2007 Air Force Symposium on Counterinsurgency April 24 through 26 here and speakers spoke on counterinsurgency in the present day warfare environment and the Air Force's role in counterinsurgency operations. Air University Commander Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz said

C-17 unit brings 'bombs, beans, bullets' to the fight

 "Bringing the bombs, beans and bullets to the warfighter" is how Capt. Aaron Oelrich described the mission of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron while on his way to fly an airlift mission into Iraq. And "bring it" they do, to the tune of about one million pounds of cargo daily. The 816th EAS,

April 28 airpower summary: A-10s support coalition forces

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