Iraq deployment opportunities open to federal civilians

The Department of Defense needs DOD civilian volunteers to serve with the Department of State's provincial reconstruction teams in Iraq. The PRTs are designed to promote security and economic development in Iraq and assist the Iraqi people in rebuilding and administering their country. A foreign

Feb. 21 airpower: B-1B hits enemy communications compound

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 21. In Afghanistan Feb. 20, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops surrounded by enemy forces and vehicles preparing for an ambush near

Radiology staff provides reliable, rapid response in Iraq

The third Monday of February did not bring the radiology flight a day off from work, like it did for most of their counterparts in America on Presidents Day. The radiology staff kept uttering the phrase, "Man, we've been very busy today." As the sixteenth hour of the day passed, 38 patients had been

First JPADS improved system airdrop over Iraq a success

Eight aircrew members from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron used the Joint Precision Airdrop System, or JPADS, mission planning software for the first time over Iraq Feb. 16 to deliver six 1,200-pound Improved Container Delivery System, or I-CDS, bundles. The

Bagram unit opens new bridge, road

When local contractor Asil Khan first thought of building a bridge over the Gogamanda River, he was knee-deep in it, evading the Soviet army on a trip to Pakistan to procure weapons for the mujahedeen. More than 15 years later, that idea became a reality, as Gov. Jabar Taqwa officially opened the

New command may change USAFE's role in Africa

U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen have played an active role in Africa since the 1970s, but future participation has yet to be defined due to the recent establishment of U.S. Africa Command. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced the creation of AFRICOM Feb. 6, but how that will affect Airmen

Wing responsible for wide range of support, missions

Coalition forces have supported operations in Afghanistan for more than five years and the Airmen of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here perform a wide range of missions in support of those operations. Afghanistan operations are broken up into five regions that operate under the International

Pope Airmen to honor fallen member

Airmen at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., are preparing to honor a pararescueman assigned to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron who was among those killed in an MH-47 special operations helicopter crash Feb. 18 in Afghanistan. Tech. Sgt. Scott E. Duffman, 32, of Albuquerque, N.M., and seven others were

Feb. 20 airpower: Coalition tankers refuel the fleet

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 20. In Afghanistan Feb.19, Air Force F-15 Eagles conducted a strike against an enemy staging point in a cave near Pech. The F-15s dropped guided bomb unit-31 joint direct attack munitions one meter above the cave

Hill supports warfighters with software products

Simulated warfare found in popular video games can take months of detailed planning and encoding. In the real world, the lives of American warfighters rely on quality software products. Factoring in the Department of Defense's need for flawless systems management in support of the real deal gives

DOD identifies Air Force casualty

The Department of Defense announced Feb. 19 the death of an Airman who died Feb. 18 when the coalition MH-47 special operations helicopter he was riding in crashed in eastern Afghanistan. Tech. Sgt. Scott E. Duffman, 32, of Albuquerque, N.M., was assigned to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope

Survivors of Afghan helicopter crash airlifted to Germany

Only hours after a helicopter crashed in Afghanistan, Airmen from an aeromedical evacuation control team in Southwest Asia got 11 of fourteen injured survivors onboard a C-17 Globemaster III bound for Germany."That really made a difference in saving lives" said Lt. Col. Lenora Cook, the evacuation

Feb. 19 airpower: close-air support missions

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 19. In Afghanistan Feb. 18, 30 close-air support missions were flown in support of International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Ten U.S. Air

379th responds to increased operations

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing kicked into high gear to support ongoing operations in Iraq, while still providing a presence in Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. Flying squadrons and maintenance units throughout the wing responded to the call for an increased display of airpower to back the

Feb. 18 airpower: F-16s provide over watch for search team

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 18.In Afghanistan Feb. 17, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets conducted a strike against insurgents Near Qurya. The Hornet strike-fighters dropped guided bomb unit-38 joint direct attack munitions on insurgent compounds and

Feb. 17 airpower: A-10s provide over watch

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 17.In Afghanistan Feb. 16, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Horntes provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops receiving small arms and mortar fire from enemy forces near Musa Qal'eh. A Joint

Air Force's top leaders address service concerns

The Air Force secretary and chief of staff took the opportunity to discuss the service's challenges and ongoing efforts in the war on terrorism Feb. 8 at the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Fla.Michael Wynne and Gen. T. Michael Moseley spoke about the challenges of force

Eagle Flag role players: Airmen helping Airmen

In a matter of minutes, one master sergeant here became a "chief" during a briefing for Exercise Eagle Flag 07-3 Feb. 5 at Fort Dix, N.J. "As a role player, you're deployed here to help push the students to do better, but we learn right beside them," said Master Sgt. James Gardner of the 60th

Medical teams provide priceless gift

Most people get cards, chocolate and flowers from someone special on Valentine's Day. On this particular day, the treatment, care and attention patients in a C-17 Globemaster III received from a combined aerial medic team far surpassed any typical Feb. 14 gift. The critical care air transport and

Firefighter brotherhood reaches across international borders

Thirteen could prove to be a lucky number for Iraqi citizens in An Nasiriyah as that is the number of firefighters whose abilities have been enhanced through training with Airmen deployed here. Airmen firefighters from Air Expeditionary Forces 3, 4, 5 and 6 introduced the Iraqis to American

Combat camera videographer receives Purple Heart

Within an hour of waking up in the Air Force Theater Hospital on the morning of Feb. 11, Staff Sgt. Kathryn Robinson was presented with the Purple Heart. Sergeant Robinson, a videographer assigned to the 4th Combat Camera Squadron in March Air Reserve Base, Calif. , was shot once in the left forearm

Convoy reduction flights keep Airmen out of harm's way

Convoys transporting Airmen and supplies on the highways of Iraq face a constant risk from terrorist attacks. In an effort to reduce the number of convoys going out, the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron performs regular airlift convoy reduction missions out of Balad Air Base, Iraq.The focus of

Airmen honored for combatant deployment roles

The Air Force recently named three Fort Hood, Texas, Airmen the first recipients of three new awards during a ceremony at the Hall of Heroes in the Pentagon. The new awards honor members of the tactical air control party career field. Two of the awards are named after TACP Airmen who gave their

Leaders focus on Air Force priorities at Corona South

The secretary of the Air Force, the Air Force chief of staff and other key service leaders met for Corona South to discuss key strategic issues, priorities and initiatives of the Air Force Feb. 12 to 14 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.Michael W. Wynne and Gen. T. Michael Moseley led the meeting, with

F-22s make mark at Red Flag

The F-22 Raptor flew in its first Red Flag exercise that started Feb. 3 here, showcasing its stealth, super cruise and other advantages absent in legacy fighters. Pilots from the 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., are flying F-22s against Red Flag aggressors, with pilots from the

Lessons learned program to improve deployments

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have established a program to help solve problems and improve things for new people rotating into the area of responsibility. The CENTAF Office of Lessons Learned, established in October 2004, has increased its staff and now has two specialists working to

Simulation center provides edge to medics

For nearly two years, Wilford Hall Medical Center's simulation center has been preparing Airmen for real-world medical scenarios here and in the deployed setting. The center was established as a task to create a needs assessment for the incorporation of medical simulation into Air Force Medical

Fuels flight pumps out record

Airmen with the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's petroleum, oil and lubricant, or POL, flight pumped a lot of gas recently. In fact, they set a record for the highest number of gallons of fuel issued in a single month over the last three years. POL Airmen received and issued a

Combat skills training prepares security forces

The 60th Security Forces Squadron here offers a two-day expeditionary combat skills training course to prepare Airmen for deployments."(We want to) give the students a set of basic skills to work with so if they ever encounter a force protection scenario, it'll give them that basic skill set to act

Air Force Reserve A-10s get 'smart' systems

You can build just about anything on a good foundation. Air Force reservists from the 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 303rd Fighter Squadron here are being reminded of that as five of the 442nd Fighter Wing's A-10 Thunderbolt IIs are being equipped with "smart" multi-function color

Revisions made to operational doctrine

The doctrine publication that describes the Air Force's role in countering the threat or use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons at the operational level of war was revised recently.Maj. Gen. Allen Peck, commander of the Air Force Doctrine Center, approved the revision and

Planning critical to Red Flag - Alaska success

Coalition and American pilots, aircrews and support members need a realistic training environment, and Red Flag - Alaska provides some of the most realistic training on earth. Coordinating this training is the responsibility of the 353rd Combat Training Squadron members, who plan and prepare each

Feb. 14 airpower: F-15s conduct successful strikes

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 14.In Afghanistan Feb. 13, Air Force F-15 Eagles conducted a strike against enemy forces near Musa Qal'eh. An F-15 expended a guided bomb unit-12 on a vehicle, successfully destroying it and stopping an enemy

Airmen help neighbors through Operation Iraqi Child

Members of Air Expeditionary Force 5 and 6 are reaching out to their host nation neighbors while lending a helping hand through Operation Iraqi Child."Many members of AEF 5/6 have voiced the desire to help the Iraqi people outside the gates of our base," said Chaplain (Capt.) Christine Blice-Baum of

Vandenberg Airman sparks change throughout DOD

When she stood in front of senior leaders Dec. 21 at Breaker's Dining Facility here and voiced her concern, she had no idea her question would be heard by Department of Defense officials. The question Airman 1st Class Erica Hudson presented during an Airmen's breakfast that morning came from a

First F-22 bound for Pacific unveiled

Representatives from the Air Force and Lockheed Martin gathered to accept Pacific Air Forces' first F-22 Raptor Feb. 12 at Marietta, Ga. This latest F-22 will be among 36 others that will make up the first F-22s assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens

Feb. 13 airpower: B-1Bs support International Security Assistance Force troops

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 13.In Afghanistan Feb. 12, Air Force B-1B Lancers, Navy F/A-18 Hornets and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with

Joint patrols keep Incirlik in good hands

They may not be known as well as partners Batman and Robin or Starsky and Hutch, but members of the 39th Security Forces Squadron and the Turkish air force are partners protecting the citizens here all the same. They may wear different uniforms, have a different culture and even speak a different

Pace: Debate, discourse not U.S. weaknesses

No enemy should confuse U.S. debate on the war in Iraq for weakness, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here Feb. 9.Speaking at a town hall meeting at U.S. Pacific Command here, Marine Gen. Peter Pace said an early or precipitous withdrawal from Iraq would be a disaster for Iraqis and

Last-minute call leads to unplanned refueling mission

A late night call, a cancelled sortie and flexibility led an aircrew from the 351st Air Refueling Squadron here to expedite medical care for more than a dozen severely injured troops being transported from Iraq to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Feb. 7. According to Capt. Brent Toth, 100th

Feb. 12 airpower: A-10s help team apprehend insurgents

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 12.In Afghanistan Feb. 11, Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops receiving small arms and rocket fire from enemy forces near Tarin Kowt. No

Airmen return from Urban Sniper School

Two Airmen from the 736th Security Forces Squadron here recently returned from 11 days of training in an Urban Sniper School with a Marine expeditionary unit at Kadena Air Base, Japan.Tech. Sgt. Samuel Howell and Staff Sgt. Patrick Pendergest along with nine Marines attended the school taught by the

Lajes Airmen impact mission at Naval Station Rota

Helping with the war effort doesn't always mean Airmen have to be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Naval Station Rota in Spain houses an average of 50 Airmen who are on temporary duty from bases throughout U.S. Air Forces in Europe who are fighting the war on terrorism by supporting the Air Force's

Aviano Airmen train in self aid, buddy care

Wrapping second- and third-degree burns and splinting bone fractures were just two parts of the self aid and buddy care training Airmen learned from instructors from the 31st Medical Group Feb. 6 here. This training will be put to the test during a tactical evaluation here in March, and can be

Chief McKinley testifies before Congress

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley spoke to the House Appropriations Committee's quality of life and veterans' affairs subcommittee Feb. 9 in Washington, D.C. Chief McKinley spoke about training and quality of life initiatives in the Air Force. "America's Airmen know what it means

Loadmasters learn from mentors

A hefty responsibility rests on the shoulders of many junior expeditionary Airmen in the war on terrorism. Daniel Stone, Brian Mulkey and Sheldon Cary, all loadmasters and airmen 1st class from the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, are among the many junior Airmen making a difference on a daily

USAFE, Liberian medics team up to save lives

Within minutes of completing two days of medical training in Liberia taught by medics from U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen, 23 Armed Forces of Liberia medical technicians were put to the test when they responded to a high-speed vehicle rollover Jan. 28 here. Outside the gate to the remote military

Feb. 11 airpower: F-16s provide close-air support

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 11. In Afghanistan Feb. 10, Royal Air Force GR-7s provided a show of force for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops patrolling near Now Zad. The patrol reported that a ceasefire agreement had

Feb. 10 airpower: F-16s destroy IED production plant

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 10. In Afghanistan Feb. 9, an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Pashsbad. The B-1

Balad exercise hones response skills

A joint Army and Air Force exercise recently tested the emergency response skills of Airmen and Soldier firefighters at Balad Air Base, Iraq. "Our No. 1 goal is to coordinate an emergency response that'll safely take the injured to a medical treatment facility," said Chief Master Sgt. Kevin

U.S. airpower strikes suspected terrorists in Baghdad

In response to a call for air power, a U.S. Air Force F-16 Falcon aided U.S. ground forces by delivering precision munitions on eight hostile personnel in an air strike south of Baghdad Feb. 8. The F-16 pilot, launched from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Balad Air Base, responded to a U.S. Air

AFSO21 streamlines deployment processing

Deploying Airmen had an easier transition into the area of responsibility this January because the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Squadron Readiness Flight revamped the way the Aerial Port of Debarkation processes Airmen departing and arriving. Fellow Airmen redeploying in January may not have

Deterrence keeps secluded Minuteman crew focused

After more than a hour's drive from civilization, down sometimes treacherous country dirt roads, 1st Lt. Matthew Bejcek still has about 90 minutes of security checks to pass through before he can start his job as a caretaker of this nation's single biggest deterrent to terrorism. There is a reason

Feb. 9 airpower: F-16 strike takes out terrorists

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 9.In Afghanistan Feb. 8, an Air Force B-1 Lancer, Navy F/A-18 Hornets and French air force M-2000 Mirages provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops receiving enemy

Units focus on bringing better capabilities to warfighters

Senior leaders from Air Mobility Command, the Electronic System Center, and the Air Force Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center gathered for the 11th Exchange Day among the three organizations Feb. 7 here.Beginning in 2001, the biannual event has brought

Physician assistant receives Purple Heart

An Airman who survived an improvised explosive device attack in December isn't likely to forget that moment -- or the one when he was presented a Purple Heart by the chief of staff of the Air Force Feb. 4. Capt. Kevin Fischer is a physician assistant assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Logistics

Fighter training in Turkey helps more than just pilots

Fighting Falcons are flying over Turkey as Airmen of the 22nd and 23rd Fighter Squadrons from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, conduct rotational deployment training. Accompanying the fighter squadrons are members of several Spangdalhem AB units charged with keeping the F-16 Fighting Falcon

PACAF commander: Unity is key in war on terrorism

Taking care of Airmen and their families, the war on terrorism, modernizing the aging fleet, and the recent stand-up of the 13th Air Force Detachment at Yokota AB, Japan, were topics of interest for the commander of Pacific Air Forces during a visit to Kadena AB Feb. 1 to 3. "Taking care of Airmen

Kirkuk Airmen provide care following attack

Two Iraqi civilians were injured near Kirkuk, Iraq when they were caught in the crossfire between Iraqi, authorities and insurgents Feb. 1. After being transported here by helicopter and receiving emergency medical treatment from members of the 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadron, they were flown

F-15s kept 'eye on the sky' during Super Bowl

In the days leading up to Super Bowl XLI, Airmen from the Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing at Jacksonville were ready to switch on engine power to their fighter aircraft in an instant.While thousands of fans streamed into Miami, the wing's F-15 Eagles stepped up patrols, flying

Feb. 7 airpower: B-1s providing close-air support

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 7.In Afghanistan Feb. 6, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops receiving small arms fire from Taliban extremists in a building near Qurya.

Senior air operations official visits Yemen

In an effort to enhance air force-to-air force relations, the commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces visited Yemeni air force senior officials and the U.S. Ambassador Feb. 7 in Sana'a, Yemen.During the visit, Lt. Gen. Gary L. North met with Brig. Gen. Mohammed Salih, commander of the Yemeni

Airmen to work alongside Soldiers in Afghanistan

Troops arriving here are typically greeted by a welcoming committee, so when the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing commander and his staff went to meet the servicemembers bound for Afghanistan disembarking off an aircraft Feb. 4, they fully expected to see Army Soldiers file off. But when more than 170

Minot Airmen return home from Andersen deployment

Five months, more than 6,000 nautical miles and a 100-degree difference in temperature later, 110 Minot AFB Airmen returned home amid "welcome home" signs, balloons and excited children Jan. 30 from a deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Six B-52 Stratofortresses and approximately 300 Airmen

Chief of staff visits Air Force's combat airpower hub

"We've been a nation at war since 9-11, but people declared war on us a long time before then," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley while speaking to deployed Airmen of Balad's 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Feb. 4. The general cited terrorist attacks over the past three decades and

Chief of staff: Warrior Airmen new culture of Air Force

Today's Airmen are in the fight. As the war on terrorism continues in the Middle East and the war on drugs continues in South and Central America, Airmen are engaged in struggles across the globe. "We are warfighters," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the Air Force chief of staff. "From the pilots who

DOD to establish U.S. Africa Command

The U.S. military will establish a separate U.S. Africa Command to oversee military operations on the African continent, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced during congressional testimony Feb. 6."The president has decided to stand-up a new unified, combatant command, Africa Command, to

Interim Polar System reaches full operational capability

Air Force officials announced Feb. 6 the successful launch and delivery for operational service of the second Interim Polar System payload. With this placement of the second of three planned IPS payloads, the extremely high frequency constellation is at full operational capability, providing 24-hour

Feb. 6 airpower: Eagles shut down small-arms fire

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 6. In Afghanistan Feb. 5, F-15 Eagles provided show-of-force and overhead coverage for a convoy of International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops near Ya Qubi who were receiving small arms fire and a

Senior leaders address deployments, total-force concept

The Air Force has been deployed to the Middle East in one fashion or another for more than 16 years and, according to the service's top officer, Airmen should expect this trend to continue for at least the next 10. "I believe we will be in the Middle East for a very long time yet," said Gen. T.

Kadena Airmen ready for visiting Raptors

As Kadena Air Base officials get ready to host 12 F-22 Raptors for the fighters' first overseas deployment, the base's most important focus right now is their readiness stance. "That readiness gives us piece and stability in the region," said Brig. Gen. Harold W. Moulton, 18th Wing commander. "And

Air Force FY 2008 budget includes pay raise, new facilities

In the president's fiscal 2008 budget, released Feb. 5, Air Force leaders are asking Congress for about $110.7 billion. The Air Force budget request, about $6.2 billion more than it received in FY07, is divided into three primary areas: people, readiness and modernization and recapitalization. About

Symposium to highlight role, future of airborne ISR

The future of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance will be the focus May 22 to 24 during the 55th Wing's inaugural ISR symposium, "Leading the Fight -- Airborne ISR in 2025," in Omaha, Neb. The symposium will highlight the importance of airborne ISR to decision-makers across the spectrum.

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Feb. 5

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 5. In Afghanistan Feb. 4, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers conducted a strike against enemy forces near Musa Qal'eh. A GR-7 successfully expended an enhanced Paveway II munition at an

Vice chairman 'cautiously optimistic' about new Iraq approach

The nation's second-highest-ranking military officer said he is cautiously optimistic about the new approach to Iraq after a three-day visit there that ended Feb 2."It is clear that most of the senior officials (from the) coalition, Iraq and United States I talked with during my time in Baghdad are

Illinois ANG supports Bears, Operation Enduring Freedom

Senior Airman Kimberly Letherman will be watching her favorite team, the Chicago Bears, on Super Bowl Monday. That's right -- Super Bowl Monday. With a nine-and-a-half-hour-time difference with the United States, Airmen in Afghanistan will watch the Super Bowl in the early hours of Monday morning.

Strike Eagles 'rain thunder' on enemy

When an F-15E Strike Eagle goes by low and fast, the ground shakes and even crew chiefs with years of experience with the aircraft can be surprised. With its advanced sensors and wide array of weapons, enemy forces don't have to see or hear the F-15E for it to strike them. "We can find targets on

Travis medics deploy to Afghan hospital

Approximately 100 Airmen from the 60th Medical Group at David Grant Medical Center deployed in January to the largest military hospital in Afghanistan.The 455th Expeditionary Medical Group was activated during a ceremony Jan. 23 to assume operation of the Air Force Theater Hospital at Bagram Air

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Feb. 2

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 2. In Afghanistan Feb. 1, Air Force F-15 Eagles and a B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Forward Operating Base

AFMC commander visits Southwest Asia

The commander of Air Force Materiel Command visited Southwest Asia recently to receive a first-hand look at challenges Airmen face maintaining airfield weapon systems in the area of responsibility. During his visit, Gen. Bruce Carlson discussed what AFMC brings to the fight, including science and

Spangdahlem Airmen deploy to Portugal for training

Airmen of the 81st Fighter Squadron left Germany and flew to Portugal to conduct training Jan. 5 through 31. The winter months at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, do not allow much flying time, so the Portuguese government opened its air space and allowed the 81st FS to conduct low-flying training flights.

Spooky gunship armed with new cannons

Spooky is about to get a little scarier. Crews at Hurlburt Field have put the finishing touches on the first AC-130U Spooky gunship armed with the 30 mm Bushmaster cannon. The rearmed Spooky retains its 105 mm cannon but replaces the 25 mm and 40 mm guns with Bushmasters. The project is a "win-win,"

Florida Guard team to support Super Bowl security

Tens of thousands of football fans will flock to Florida this weekend, passionate about their pigskin picks, but a handful of Florida Guardsmen are hoping that the game is anything but exciting for them. The 44th Civil Support Team based at the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center near Starke, Fla.,

7 Charleston Airmen receive Bronze Stars

Seven Charleston AFB Airmen were presented Bronze Stars Jan. 29 here by the Air Mobility Command commander in front of their families, friends and several hundred military members. Gen. Duncan J. McNabb said these individuals embody the heart of the nation. Awarded the Bronze Stars were: -- Capt.

CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Feb. 1

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 1.In Afghanistan Jan. 31, F-15 Eagles and a B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Forward Operating Base Carlson. An

Competition challenges Airmen's warfighting abilities

Twenty-one teams composed of 84 Andersen AFB Airmen competed Jan. 25 and 26 here in Warrior Day, a competition designed to simulate challenges Airmen may face in combat. "Warrior Day is an annual competition on Andersen," said Senior Master Sgt. Ray Johnson who is assigned to the 36th Security

Working dog handler receives Purple Heart

"Today, you have an example of what a truly great NCO can be," said the 42nd Air Base Wing commander to those attending the January and February enlisted promotion ceremony at the Enlisted Club Jan. 31. Col. Pete Costello referred to Staff Sgt. Robert Brown, a 42nd Security Forces Squadron military

Bronze Star, second Purple Heart given to EOD Airmen

Two explosive ordnance disposal Airmen from the 314th Civil Engineer Squadron received combat medals for their actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom Jan. 30 in a ceremony here. Staff Sgt. Lawrence Lipinski was awarded the Bronze Star and Staff Sgt. Matthew Patnaude received his second Purple

Air Force posts KC-X request for proposals

The assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition announced Jan. 30 the posting of the KC-X Aerial Refueling Aircraft Request for Proposal to the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, signaling the official launch of the Air Force's No. 1 priority acquisition program. The announcement

CENTAF releases airpower summaries for Jan. 30, 31

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 30 and 31.In Afghanistan Jan. 30, F-15 Eagles provided close-air support to International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Nurestan. Air Force B-1 Lancers and Royal Air

Ramstein control tower gets facelift

Ramstein AB air traffic controllers left their 10-story tower in January for a one-story MSN-7 mobile control tower. During the next few weeks, the air traffic control tower will receive approximately $313,000 in upgrades that will transform the 1952 tower. "My pledge is to provide our outstanding

C-130 mechanics beat repair deadline for gunship

When Aircraft 89-0512, an AC-130U Spooky, arrived at Robins AFB for program depot maintenance, it was given an accelerated schedule of only 150 days to complete. This was 31 days less than the standard 181 days for such an aircraft and many wondered if the members of the 560th Aircraft Maintenance

Speaking with the speaker

Changes planned for ISR community

The Air Force director of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, or ISR, recently discussed his plans for improving the service's ISR capabilities. During a recent roundtable with members of the press, Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula laid out his plans for overhauling the service's ISR functions.

Hickam Airmen strategize aircraft weight-reduction initiative

Members of the Hawaii Air National Guard have been categorizing parts of a KC-135 Stratotanker to figure out what can come off during certain missions to save fuel and money for the Air Force. The project was initially launched when Dr. Ron Ritter, special assistant for Air Force Smart Operations

C-130 maintenance unit gets much needed upgrade

Airmen of the 746th Aircraft Maintenance Unit who generate C-130 Hercules aircraft throughout Southwest Asia now have an upgraded maintenance facility to call home. The new complex replaces the hodgepodge of old tents, conexes and homemade wooden structures, which combined to form a complex

Joint Intelligence Operations Center opens in Kabul

The Joint Intelligence Operations Center, a strategic and operational breakthrough in Afghanistan-Pakistan border security, officially opened here Jan. 25 during a ceremony at Headquarters, International Security Assistance Force. The JIOC's debut publicly acknowledges ISAF's, Afghanistan's and

Missile overhaul creates big savings

When U.S. Air Forces in Europe officials recently moved to shift serviceable rocket motors from older, first-generation AIM-120A advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles and put them in unserviceable, but newer and more capable AIM-120B and C models, 435th Munitions Squadron Airmen volunteered to

Hero's Highway begins in Iraq

Deploying Airmen wait in Italy through six-day layover

Airmen deploying to operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom had an Italian holiday of sorts in late January at Aviano AB. Active duty and Reserve Airmen coming from such places as Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England; Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii; and Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; made a