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  • Memorial visit a family affair for top enlisted Airman, uncle

    When Army veteran Richard McKinley visited the World War II Memorial here for the first time June 24, the Air Force's top enlisted man -- his nephew -- was there to greet him. The Ohio resident was visibly moved by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, his brother's son, taking time

  • Berlin Airlift vets return to Germany for anniversary

    For 50 years, Dub Southers recalled the grueling hours he worked at an air base in northern Germany at the start of the Berlin Airlift, not the historical significance of what he helped achieve as a flight engineer and crew chief. He remembered well the stacks of coal being shipped in from local

  • Air Force history award winners announced

    Air Force History and Museums Program officials annually recognize excellence in history programs, historical publications and heritage projects, and award commendable work by military and civilian personnel for outstanding performance or achievement, both as individuals or teams. Two Excellence in

  • Military Channel to present air combat documentary June 15

    The Military Channel premieres Showdown: Air Combat June 15 at 10 p.m. and features an F-22 Raptor pilot as host. The series consists of 10 episodes shown over the course of several weeks, hosted by Maj. Paul Moga. While he's accustomed to presenting the newest fighter to air show crowds, this will

  • World's largest, oldest aviation museum preserves history

    Skilled artisans at the National Museum of the United States Air Force on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, work diligently to return aircraft to their original form with no embellishments. "We are here to preserve history," said Dave Lazzarine, the Collection Management Division

  • Gate dedicated to Lakenheath hero

    A quiet reverence overtook Gate 2 here June 1 as members of the 48th Security Forces Squadron dedicated the new gate to a fallen member of Royal Air Force Lakenheath. Senior Airman Jason D. Nathan deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was mortally wounded by an improvised

  • Enlisted members give highest honor to AETC commander

    The commander of Air Education and Training Command received the highest honor the Air Force enlisted corps can bestow at a formal ceremony May 30 in San Antonio. Gen. William R. Looney III was formally presented the Order of the Sword on behalf of the men and women of AETC by the Air Force's top

  • Bolling, Reserve officials honor famous actor, Airman

    Actor James M. Stewart was a Hollywood legend who flew bomber missions with the Army Air Forces during World War II and rose to the rank of brigadier general in the Air Force Reserve. Officials from the 11th Wing from Bolling Air Force Base and Air Force Reserve Command members participated in a

  • Vice chief, legendary pilot commemorate 60th anniversary of Berlin Airlift

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Duncan J. McNabb and legendary airlift pilot retired Col. Gail Halvorsen participated in a commemorative panel discussion of the Berlin Airlift May 27 in Berlin. The Air Force Association sponsored the panel to highlight the historic importance of the mission and

  • AFOSI agent serves as grand marshall in National Memorial Day parade

    The 2008 National Memorial Day Parade kicked off right on time at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., with three Airmen as the parade grand marshalls aboard the lead float with actor Gary Sinise. Special Agent (Master Sgt.) Jac Christiansen, Air Force Office of Special Investigations,

  • Phillies recognize Air Force heroes, newest Airmen

    Take me out to the ball game. Take me out to experience the Air Force. The Philadelphia Phillies saluted the Air Force with festivities both on the field and around the ballpark as part of Air Force Week in Philadelphia ceremonies on Memorial Day here as the Phillies dismantled the Colorado Rockies

  • CSAF honors World War I aviators

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, along with several hundred American and French citizens, paid homage to a special group of World War I aviators May 24 at the Lafayette Escadrille memorial ceremony that took place outside of Paris. The Airmen of the Lafayette Escadrille were the

  • Arlington 'Flags In' tribute begins Memorial Day commemoration

    More than 3,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines officially kicked off the Memorial Day commemoration May 22 as they placed 265,000 miniature flags at every grave at Arlington National Cemetery. The tradition, known as "Flags In," dates back to 1948, when soldiers of 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment,

  • Air Force leaders send Memorial Day message

    In a joint Letter to Airmen, the Air Force secretary and chief of staff send their Memorial Day message to Airmen and their families worldwide. Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley remind Airmen that May 26 is a day that Americans remember and pay

  • 'Today's Air Force' features disaster relief

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how the U.S. Air Force provides life-saving relief anywhere in the world. One example is the humanitarian relief Air Force aircrews have flown to China. Airmen are working around the clock to deliver food, blankets and tools to care for the

  • Memorial Day posters available for download

    Memorial Day honors men and women who have died during military service to the United States. To show respect to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, two posters are available for download and display. The first poster shows a joint-service honor guard carrying a flag-draped

  • 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 --

  • Airmen to visit World War II cemetery on Memorial Day

    A Memorial Day ceremony to commemorate the memory of the American war dead who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom is scheduled for 11 a.m. May 25 at the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial in St. Avold, France. The ceremony includes a fly over by a C-130 Hercules, the playing of the French

  • Airman's Roll Call: Armed Forces Day, a time for thanks

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on Armed Forces Day.In 1950, President Truman established a day set aside specifically to honor those in uniform that differs in tone from Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Air Force leaders urge everyone to take this day -- Armed Forces Day -- to thank Airmen as

  • Medal of Honor recipient receives diploma

    Don't let the education office fool you; there are some people out there who have become commissioned officers without having their bachelor's degrees. Retired Col. Bernard Francis Fisher, a Medal of Honor recipient, received his diploma in fine arts from the University of Utah during a

  • Vice chief honors World War II Airmen, heroes

    The Air Force vice chief of staff paid tribute to members of the Air Forces Escape and Evasion Society April 26 during the society's 44th annual reunion near Savannah, Ga. The AFEES primarily comprises Air Force World War II veterans who were forced down behind enemy lines and avoided or escaped

  • Airmen help restore Berlin Airlift memorial

    Approximately 30 Airmen from Ramstein Air Base volunteered approximately 260 total man-hours to help restore the Berlin Airlift Memorial site at the former Rhein Main AB near Frankfurt International Airport in Germany April 22-24. Airmen teamed up with volunteer employees from Luftansa Technik, the

  • Pitsenbarger rehonored at Moody after 42 years

    A fallen pararescueman was recognized for his heroic actions more than 42 years earlier during a Medal of Honor rededication ceremony April 18 at the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Monument Park at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Airman 1st Class William Pitsenbarger, known as "Pits" to his friends,

  • Postmark commemorates Air Force Reserve anniversary

    The U.S. Postal Service is helping the Air Force Reserve celebrate its 60th anniversary with a commemorative pictorial cancellation that went into circulation April 14. A pictorial cancellation is a unique postmark offered by the Postal Service for special events. Maj. Todd Copley of the 94th

  • Air Force Reserve highlights birthday, future

    The Air Force Reserve was formally established April 14, 1948, and Air Force reservists have served proudly and with great distinction ever since. It is 60 years old today! And today, responding to a variety of threats to our national security and fighting a global war on terrorism, we serve with

  • 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

  • Chief receives Air Force Cross 40 years after mission

    A retired chief master sergeant was awarded the Air Force Cross 40 years after the mission which earned him the Air Force's second-highest honor April 5 here. Nearly 300 members of Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Richardson's former unit attended the ceremony for the flight engineer with the 106th Rescue

  • Colorado's last Guard Vietnam MIA laid to rest

    The remains of a Colorado Air National Guardsman who vanished during an observation flight 39 years ago over the jungles of South Vietnam were to rest April 3 at Arlington National Cemetery. Maj. Perry H. Jefferson, an intelligence officer with Colorado's 120th Tactical Fighter Squadron, went

  • Cannon members march to honor Bataan POWs

    "Sand, hills and pain," an elderly marcher said, describing the 26.2 mile Bataan Memorial Death March, held March 30 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. The annual march, in its 19th year, honored the men and women forced to march 60 miles by Japanese soldiers, and in thousands of instances died, in

  • Phoenix Rally celebrates 60th Anniversary of Berlin Airlift

    Air mobility leaders gathered for the annual Phoenix Rally to acknowledge past and present accomplishments while celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift March 24 through 28 here. The theme of Phoenix Rally was "A legacy of global reach and hope," chosen to recognize the Air Mobility

  • Pilot inducted into women's aviation hall of fame

    In the months since her last flight as the Thunderbirds No. 3 right wing pilot, Maj. Nicole Malachowski has had a hard time putting her accomplishment of being the first woman to fly on a U.S. military flight demonstration team into a proper perspective. At the San Diego Air & Space Museum March 14,

  • Member of famed 'Doolittle Raiders' dies

    Retired Staff Sgt. Jacob DeShazer, 95, one of the famed "Doolittle Raiders," who helped boost American morale in the early days of World War II with a surprise air attack on Japan, died March 15.Born Nov. 15, 1912, in Salem, Ore., Sergeant DeShazer graduated from Madras High School in 1931. He

  • Space Command hall of fame inductee honored

    The Navy rejected him for far-sighted vision he "might" develop later in life. So he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science degree on D-Day, June 6, 1944. By 1946 he was selected to serve in the super secret Manhattan Engineer District -- the

  • Stealth fighter honored at Wright-Patterson

    The Air Force-industry team responsible for providing program oversight to the F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter aircraft said farewell during a ceremony March 11 here. More than 350 Airmen, base employees, industry partners and family members gathered for one last close-up look at the F-117, which

  • Aircrew brings WW II comrades back from watery grave

    A Kansas Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker crew from the 190th Air Refueling Wing returned the human remains March 3 to American soil after a recovery team recovered from a downed B-24 Liberator shot down near the Pacific island nation of Palau Sept. 1, 1944. According to military reports, the

  • Legendary pilot visits Kadena

    A surviving pilot of a legendary aviator group of determined black men at the forefront of historic social change during World War II spoke Feb. 25 at the Rocker NCO Club here. Retired Lt. Col. Charles Dryden was one of 992 Tuskegee Airmen who answered the call to serve his country when blacks were

  • Camp Eggers officials dedicate building to fallen Airman

    Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians dedicated the Gillespie House to honor a fallen Airman March 2 at Camp Eggers. Master Sgt. Randy Gillespie, an embedded training team senior mentor with the Afghan national army 207th Corps, died July 9, 2007, from fatal wounds sustained from small

  • Retired general becomes Air Force's newest fighter ace

    A retired general had been waiting on a call for some time; 55 years to be exact.Retired Lt. Gen. Charles G. Cleveland answered his home phone in January that turned out to be one of the most important calls of his life. "That's how I found out the Air Force was officially recognizing me as an ace,"

  • Heritage to Horizons series highlights AF Flight Test Center

    The latest Heritage to Horizons series presentation highlights the de facto center of American flight research, development, test and evaluation. The Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., began operations June 25, 1951, and had a solid foundation on which to build its

  • Chief of staff of Air Force announces new reading list

    The chief of staff of the air force announced his new reading list. "Developing Airmen remains one of my key priorities" said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, "Victory -- whether on the front lines of today's Long War or in the air, space and cyberspace surrounding tomorrow's foes -- will be determined in

  • Latest 'Perspective' focuses on heritage

    In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman highlights the importance of heritage and honoring the contributions and sacrifices of Airmen to fulfill the Air Force mission."Even before our current fight to win the Global War on Terror, more than 52,000 brave Airmen gave

  • Commanders forge Air Force's future

    For more than five decades, Air Force Flight Test Center commanders have played major leadership roles in developing and delivering cutting-edge aerospace technologies and war-winning capabilities to the Air Force. Brig. Gen. Albert Boyd, the first commander, is generally regarded as the "father" of

  • Shield represents past, future mission

    The shield of the Air Force Flight Test Center concisely defines its past, present and future. The center was established in 1951, and its shield was approved May 14, 1953. The ultramarine blue and yellow represent Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force

  • Center's core mission remains constant during the years

    By the time the Air Force Flight Test Center was established here on June 25, 1951, Edwards AFB had already become well known as the place where "the rubber meets the ramp" and the de facto center of American flight research, development, test and evaluation. The turbojet revolution in America had

  • Museum unveils F-22 public display

    National Museum of the U.S. Air Force officials here unveiled the new F-22 Raptor exhibit Jan. 17 available to be viewed by all visitors to the public museum.Several high-ranking officials, distinguished guests and many employees from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, gathered to witness

  • Time, and softball, heal old wounds

    Players from two senior softball clubs met here recent to play a historic game. The Kids & Kubs senior softball team from St. Petersburg, Fl., and the Over the Rainbows senior softball team from Japan played a game at Hans L'Orange Park in Waipahu.The players ranged in age from 75 to 88 years old,

  • Linebacker II anniversary marked in memorial ceremony

    Servicemembers, congressional representatives, civil leaders and their families paused December 18 to recognize the 35th anniversary of Linebacker II in a memorial ceremony at Arc Light Park here. Linebacker II was an intensive bombing campaign in December 1972 ordered by President Richard Nixon to

  • AFMC Airmen honor commander with Order of the Sword

    Air Force Materiel Command's enlisted corps honored its leader with the Order of the Sword Dec. 6 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force here. Gen. Bruce Carlson, the AFMC commander, received the AFMC Order of the Sword, the highest honor Air Force noncommissioned officers can give to an

  • Spirited remembrance: B-2 marks Pearl Harbor event

    Two members of the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron piloted their B-2 Spirit stealth bomber over Pearl Harbor Dec. 7 in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. This flight was part of a stealth bomber global power sortie, where the aircrews practice their global reach capability by flying more than

  • Hickam commemorates 66th anniversary of attack

    Survivors of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Hickam Air Field, and their family members descended upon Hickam Air Force Base for a commemorative ceremony to pay tribute and remember those who paid the ultimate cost. With the Courtyard of Heroes Eternal Flame burning in the background, Chaplain (Maj.)

  • Wreath ceremonies to honor veterans Dec. 15

    Veterans' memorials and gravesites across the nation will be adorned with remembrance wreaths on Dec. 15 in stirring, solemn tributes to the courage and sacrifice of those who have guarded and preserved the nation throughout history. Through Wreaths Across America, Civil Air Patrol members join with

  • Deployed Airmen remember Pearl Harbor

    More than 200 U.S. forces at an air base in Southwest Asia attended a memorial retreat in honor of the 2,340 killed and 1,143 wounded in the Dec. 7, 1941 attacks on U.S. military installations on Oahu, Territory of Hawaii. "We have come here today to pay honor and homage to our nations' heroes, the

  • 50th anniversary of Air Force mission remembered

    On Nov. 27, 1957, at 6:59 a.m., six USAF pilots took off from Los Angeles and began what would be called Operation Sun Run. On that day, three new transcontinental speed records were established, and the speed and range of the McDonnell RF-101C was showcased. Years later, this mission would be

  • CSAF's Scope highlights Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets Jr.

    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 is the recent death of Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets Jr., the pilot of the famous Enola Gay. "We all know General Tibbets as the pilot of

  • First CMSAF earns Lifetime Achievement Award

    The first chief master sergeant of the Air Force announced he had learned the secret to winning awards to those in attendance at the Senior NCO Academy auditorium Nov. 20 here."The secret is simple  -- just live long enough," said retired Chief Paul Wesley Airey. "If you live long enough, (the

  • Colorful F-16 represents 90 years of history

    An F-16C Fighting Falcon from the Texas Air National Guard's 111th Fighter Squadron is flying with a special paint job in honor of the squadron's 90th anniversary. All the colors and markings have specific meanings, reflecting the unit's nine-decade history. The rudder is painted like a JN-4 Jenny,

  • Gen. Hobbins honored with Order of the Sword

    With all the pomp and circumstance the U.S. Air Forces in Europe enlisted corps could muster, some 800 guests witnessed the induction of Gen. William T. Hobbins, USAFE commander, into the Order of the Sword here tonight. The Order of the Sword is the highest honor enlisted Airmen can bestow on an

  • Wing's legacy continues

    The 509th Bomb Wing makes its home here, and operates the Air Force's premier weapon system, the B-2 Spirit bomber. The mission of the wing is to bring the full spectrum of expeditionary global power of the B-2 for combat support capabilities to combatant commanders.  With the B-2, the wing can

  • Wing's emblem symbolizes the 'first'

    The shield of the 509th Bombardment Wing is rich in tradition as each symbol on the shield represents some part of the past.  The wing's emblem was approved July 10, 1952 and has remained unchanged for 55 years. The yellow shield has a representation of an atomic cloud between a pair of blue

  • Airmen, 'Great Patriots' celebrate Veterans Day

    It isn't very often that Mark Pavlovich Polushenko, an 83-year-old retired infantry lieutenant colonel with the former Soviet Union Army, has occasion to put on his military service dress uniform. The opportunity came again Nov. 12 during a special Veterans Day event here. Colonel Polushenko was

  • Aviation pioneers attend Heritage to Horizons ceremony

    Five members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots who served during World War II attended the Heritage to Horizons proclamation ceremony for Air Force Week Nevada during a city council meeting Nov. 7 at the Las Vegas City Hall. The ceremony was part of a weeklong Air Force's 60th Anniversary

  • Marine Corps celebrates birthday Nov. 10

    The Air Force salutes the Marine Corps on its 232nd birthday Nov. 10. Originally founded on Nov. 10, 1775, the Marine Corps was composed mainly of infantrymen serving aboard Navy ships. They were primarily responsible for the security of the ship, offensive and defensive boarding parties. They also

  • Secretary Wynne speaks at symposium in Las Vegas

    The secretary of the Air Force spoke about the past accomplishments and future plans of the Air Force to a crowd of more than 300 people during the 2007 Air and Space Leaders symposium at the Wynn Hotel and resort Nov. 8 in Las Vegas. Secretary Michael W. Wynne was the keystone speaker of the

  • Airmen show respect to fallen servicemembers through community service

    To show their support of fallen servicemembers from wars past and present, a small group of Airmen volunteers worked to ensure their brethrens' headstones were in proper formation for Veterans Day. The Airmen, assigned to the Air Force News Agency, straightened and reset the gravesite markers at the

  • Vietnam wall speaks to both present and past

    At a time when wounds and memories of a long and bitterly protested war were still open and raw, when veterans were treated as villains instead of heroes, an Army veteran by the name of Jan Scruggs conceived the idea of building a memorial to honor those who served in Vietnam. Facing more opposition

  • Whiteman home to Cold War reminder

    Whiteman is the only missile base that has a intercontinental ballistic missile launch control facility (known as Oscar-01) located on base. From 1963 to 1995, Whiteman was home to the 351st Strategic Missile Wing, which operated the Minuteman II ICBM weapon system. The wing consisted of the 508th,

  • 3rd Air Force commander, 24 Airmen visit Normandy

    Airmen from 3rd Air Force here relived history by retracing the footsteps of American Soldiers in Normandy who orchestrated one of the most epic battles in U.S. history -- the D-Day invasion. Lt. Gen. Robert D. Bishop Jr., the 3rd Air Force commander, and 24 Airmen from 3rd Air Force walked the

  • Subterranean bunker converted to historical display

    On the surface, Oscar One appears innocent. Underground, well, that's another story. The nondescript single-story building seems like any other on Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster, Mo. Just 50 yards away from "O-1," families stroll through Ike Skelton Park, picnicking, flying kites and feeding

  • B-2 arrives at Whiteman AFB

    When 15-year John H. Belanger took his first flying lesson in Menominee, Mich., little did he realize he'd be making aviation history 27 years later by co-piloting the B-2 bomber during arrival ceremonies at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Nor did this lieutenant colonel realize exactly what he was

  • Commanders form distinguished list

    A long list of distinguished commanders, including an Air Force chief of staff have led the 509th Bomb Wing in its mission. The wing traces its historical roots to a World War II ancestor, the 509 Composite Group. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John D. Ryan was commander of the group and wing three

  • Enola Gay pilot, General Tibbets passes away

    Retired Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets Jr., the pilot of the first atomic bombing mission, died of natural causes Nov. 1 at the age of 92 in Columbus, Ohio.The general was the pilot of "the Enola Gay," the B-29 Superfortress which dropped the first atomic bomb, "Little Boy" on Hiroshima, Japan, on

  • AF anniversary concert airs nationwide Nov. 2

    The mission of the U.S. Air Force Band often places its Airmen in the spotlight of large audiences. Starting in November, the band's concert in honor of the Air Force's 60th anniversary will play on public television from coast to coast. The band recently performed the concert at the The Music

  • Eielson's last A-10 carried on final flight

    The last Eielson Air Force Base A-10 Thunderbolt II was strapped in and transported via C-5 Galaxy Oct. 6 from here to its new home at the Museum of Aviation Flight and Technology Center at Robins Air Force Base, Ga.The aircraft, tail number 75-0305, was being used for weapons ground training at

  • Air Force Week Atlanta wraps up

    Air Force Week Atlanta wrapped up as Airmen participated in the Great Georgia Air Show for thousands of Peach State spectators Oct. 13 and 14 in Peachtree City. The air show culminated weeklong events in Georgia as state residents celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Air Force and got to see

  • JTF-Bravo runs 388 miles in remembrance of POW/MIAs

    Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors here completed a remembrance run Oct. 12 in honor of prisoners of war and those missing in action. Approximately 170 runners took part in the 24-hour ceremony held at the base track. Laps were completed with each runner carrying a baton and reflecting on the sacrifice of

  • First Mach flight propels Yeager, Air Force into history

    It was just another test mission for Capt. Chuck Yeager. Captain Yeager arrived at Muroc Air Force Base, Calif., the morning of Oct. 14, 1947, for what would be his ninth powered flight piloting the Bell X-1. Each of the previous flights demonstrated incremental speed increases as the aircraft

  • U.S. Navy celebrates 232 years of service

    Since Oct. 13, 1775, when the Continental Congress of the United States recognized the need for naval forces, the United States Navy has been vital in protecting our national security. From its humble beginnings with merely two sailing vessels to what is now the most powerful Navy in the world, the

  • Famed Flying Tiger ace dies

    Famed Flying Tigers ace and Texas Air National Guardsman Brig. Gen. David Lee "Tex'' Hill, died Oct. 11 of congestive heart failure at his home here. He was 92. The general is scheduled for burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. General Hill flew with Gen. Claire Chennault as a member of the

  • Fall 2007 Airman now available online

    The F-22 Raptor is coming into its own, flying high and turning heads. Its pilots and maintainers are discovering just how much the stealth jet can do. The Airmen are finding there is no other aircraft that even comes close to matching the Raptor's capabilities -- the new benchmark for

  • Force Protection Battlelab inactivates

    In a reunion-like setting, current and past members of the Air Force's Force Protection Battlelab gathered at the Air Force Security Forces Center here Sept. 28 to mark the end of an era in force protection, the inactivation of the battlelab. This ceremony served as both personal and professional

  • Wing supports Operation Deny Flight

    Nestled near the foothills of the Alps, the scenery at Aviano Air Base, Italy, is nothing short of spectacular. The location? A tourist's dream: By train, the base is an hour away from Venice, one of the world's most romantic cities. Via car, it's a short 45 minutes to the beach, or 35 minutes to

  • Wing's shield symbolizes air mission

    The 31st Fighter Wing shield symbolizes the long heritage of the unit's lineage. The emblem was originally approved for the 31st Pursuit Group (U.S. Army) on June 28, 1941, and for the 31st Wing on Dec. 13, 1951. The shield is divided into the colors of Air Force ultramarine blue and yellow by a

  • Aviano undergoes Renaissance

    It once had an uncertain future. But the huge Aviano 2000 construction project is proof this base has a life that's being cast in concrete.  (Note: This article reprinted from Airman magazine, November, 2000.)Once upon a time, there was a small Air Force base at Aviano. It was tucked-away in a lush

  • Commanders carry legacy to future

    A long list of distinguished commanders, including the Air Force's first jet ace, has led the 31st Fighter Wing in its 60-year history. Col. James Jabara, who became a jet ace in 1951, led the wing in 1965. Commanders and Dates Assigned Col. William L. Lee, Nov. 20, 1947 Col. Eugene H. Snavely, Aug.

  • Wing's mission provides NATO cornerstone

    The mission of the 31st Fighter Wing located here is to conduct and support air operations in Europe's southern region and to maintain munitions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and national authorities. The 31st FW maintains two F-16 fighter squadrons, the 555th and the 510th, capable of

  • 5th Air Force celebrates 66 years

    Members of 5th Air Force celebrated its 66th anniversary in a Sept. 21 ceremony at Yokota Air Base. Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Wright, the U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, led the ceremony."Today, 5th Air Force directs its focus on a bilateral approach to maintaining a robust and integrated

  • Transfer ceremony reunites Flying Tigers heritage

    Two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs carried a piece of Flying Tigers heritage away from Peterson Sept. 21 as part of an effort by Air Force officials to reunite three pieces of a historic World War II legacy. During the transfer ceremony, 76th Space Control Squadron officials here gave the squadron's piece of

  • Officials announce open registration to Air Force symposium

    Air University officials here recently announced open registration to the 2007 Air Force Heritage to Horizons Women's Training Symposium scheduled for Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. The symposium at the Waterford Receptions in Springfield, Va., is open to women and men who have served or are serving in the U.S.

  • Ohio's capital begins heritage observance Sept. 24

    The Ohio lieutenant governor is scheduled to proclaim Sept. 24 to 30 as Air Force Heritage Week in a Sept. 24 ceremony at Columbus's Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher will invite the public to join in "a time of remembrance and recognition for the 60th anniversary

  • Air Force celebrates 60 years

    A lineup of top military officials, musical entertainment and the chance to meet those who made early Air Force history drew representatives from each service to the Air Force's 60th anniversary celebration Sept. 18 in the Pentagon courtyard.Members of the Air Force entertainment organization Tops

  • Air Force leaders gather at memorial for anniversary

    The Air Force's three top leaders laid a wreath at the Air Force Memorial Sept. 18 to commemorate the service's 60th anniversary. "The memorial gives (us) a home to honor the service and sacrifice of men and women of the Air Force and its predecessors, and so it is right that we lay this wreath here

  • Illinois town dedicates park to local war hero

    A warrior of three American wars who exemplified Air Force core values before they were written received a hero's tribute at the dedication of the Kasler-Momence Veterans Park Sept. 15 here. More than 300 local residents, city and state representatives, and servicemembers came to honor retired Col.

  • Band rocks Pentagon on Air Force's 60th birthday

    The Air Force's birthday celebration at the Pentagon will be rocking as an Atlanta rock band is scheduled to perform Sept. 18 in the courtyard here.The band, Five Star Iris, will play several original songs for members assigned to the Pentagon as part of the Air Force's 60th birthday celebration.

  • Chairman salutes Air Force on 60th anniversary

    Gen. Peter Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sends his greetings to all Airmen on the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force."On Sept. 18, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the United States Air Force. From its infancy, air power has proven itself vital to America's ability to