Thunderbirds visit school children

Wing boasts proud lineage

The 67th Network Warfare Wing and its predecessors have a long, distinguished service record. The mission of the wing is to execute Air Force network operations, defense, attack and exploitation to create integrated cyberspace effects for the Air Force Network Operations commander and combatant

Korean War aces enlighten multitudes about their exploits

After they dined with dignitaries, fielded questions from international media and signed hundreds of autographs, eight Korean War Aces are on the final leg of their visit here. After laying a wreath on the morning of Sept. 15 in a commemoration of Incheon landing operations, that evening they are

Chief of staff announces major total force integration steps

The Air Force's top officer announced the addition of Dannelly Field Air Guard Station, Ala., as well as other initiatives, to the service's evolving set of total force integration efforts at an event Sept. 13 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley said the move is

Korean War veterans leading different lives reunite

The two veterans have led very different lives since their last meeting 55 years ago. Donald Krueger, an enlisted munitions specialist during the Korean War, was visiting South Korea for the first time since serving in the war. Retired Lt. Col. Harold Fischer was one of eight fighter pilots touring

Airmen commemorate 60th anniversary through the mail

Airmen will have a unique opportunity to commemorate the Air Force's 60th anniversary Sept. 18 through Oct. 18. The Air Force and U.S. Postal Service have joined forces to offer a commemorative postmark that will be available for cancellation from Sept. 18 to Oct. 18 at 40 base post offices

Korean War veterans give sage advice to Airmen

Eight Korean War fighter pilots, many now in history books, gave advice to Airmen at Yongson Army Garrison Sept. 10 during their tour of South Korea. After laying a wreath at the South Korean National Cemetery in honor of all those who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953,

General Dougherty, former SAC commander, dies

Retired Gen. Russell E. Dougherty, former commander in chief of Strategic Air Command, died Sept. 7 at his home in Potomac Falls, Va.He also served as executive director of the Air Force Association, an independent nonprofit organization that promotes aerospace power, from 1980 to 1986. "The Air

American pilots of yesteryear visit Kunsan, rekindle Korean War memories

Men who soared across Korea's skies more than 54 years ago visited here Sept. 11 during a return trip to the Land of the Morning Calm. It is at this base where the past meets head on with the present. Today's Airmen continue the legacy set forth by these veterans of the Korean War. The Forgotten

Pilots of yesteryear interact with Airmen of today

Airmen can learn from past experiences, the Web and books, but on Sept. 10 Osan Air Base Airmen expanded their knowledge by learning from living legends.As if magically appearing from the pages of an Air Force history book, four Korean War veterans mingled with the young men and women stationed at

'Famous' former Airman recalls his service

An actor, writer, and the original entrepreneur behind the Famous Amos cookie brand visited pre-schoolers at Hickam Air Force Base's Child Development Center Sept. 10 as part of Air Force Week Honolulu. Wally Amos, a staunch literacy advocate, volunteered his time to read books to the children. One

Pilot's survivors thankful for determined historian

Without the tenacity of an Air Force historian, the remains of a World War II era pilot who crashed in a remote region of Alaska in December 1943 may never have been discovered. Information on the crash "was put away in a drawer and just left there," said John S. Hoskin of Gorham, Maine, brother of

Revisiting the country of a forgotten war

Time has changed Seoul. The first time retired Lt. Gen. Charles G. Cleveland saw this city, it was in ruins. "Fifty-four years ago, it looked like Berlin (Germany) after it was bombed. There was nothing left," said the former F-86 Sabre pilot who fought in the Korean War, fought between 1950 and

World War II B-24 pilot's remains laid to rest at Arlington

The remains of an Army Air Forces pilot who died in an aircraft crash 64 years ago in Alaska were interred Sept. 7 at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. "It's fulfilling to get the recognition he deserves," said John S. Hoskin, 82, of his late brother, 2nd Lt. Harold E. Hoskin of Houlton,

PACAF unveils 60th anniversary aloha shirt

A brightly printed, comfortably casual Hawaiian shirt epitomizes the laid-back culture of the islands. In Hawaii, they're called "aloha shirts," and locals find them appropriate attire for business, pleasure and everything in between. Pacific Air Forces officials wanted a special aloha shirt created

Air Force Week Honolulu kicks off

'Jeopardy!' celebrates Air Force's 60th anniversary

In honor of the Air Force's 60th anniversary this year, the Sept. 27 episode of "Jeopardy!" will feature special video clues taped during host Alex Trebek's USO tour to Japan. During the end of the category, viewers will be treated to a fun and unique spotlight about the Air Force. Mr. Trebek and

Hickam Airman to play during Air Force Week

One Hickam Air Force Base Airman will get the chance of a lifetime to take the stage before the Air Force's premiere talent showcase, Tops in Blue, at the Waikiki Shell during the Air Force Week Honolulu celebration Sept. 7 through 15. Tech. Sgt. Daniel Baduria, an air Reserve technician with the

Airman missing from World War II identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced Sept. 5 that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.Second Lt. Harold E. Hoskin of the Army Air Forces from Houlton,

Governor of Guam signs Air Force Week proclamation

Acting Governor of Guam Michael W. Cruz signed Proclamation No. 2007-081 Sept. 4 declaring Sept. 4 to 9 Air Force Week in Guam. In conjunction with similar events at Air Force bases worldwide, the national commemorative period for the Air Force's 60th anniversary began Oct. 14, with the dedication

Groundwork begins for Reagan Memorial

A groundbreaking ceremony symbolized the beginning of construction for the Ronald W. Reagan Memorial Aug. 29 here. The memorial, set to be completed around Jan. 17, will replace the existing on-base launch viewing site at Del Punta. It was designed by Bobby Woods, an architect from Arizona, who

Air Force Week art exhibit opening set for Sept. 13

"Heritage to Horizons: Living History through Air Force Art" is one of the featured events of Air Force Week Honolulu set to take place Sept. 7 to 15.  Plans for the art exhibit in honor of the Air Force's 60th anniversary will showcase 50 paintings from the Pacific Air Forces' collection of about

Dover honors women's contribution to force

Dover Air Force Base members commemorated the 87 years since the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed and saluted all women here Aug. 24. Since Esther Blake enlisted July 8, 1948 on the first minute of the first hour of the first day regular Air Force duty was authorized for women,

Wing's emblem symbolizes rich heritage

The shield of the 67th Network Wing symbolizes the unit's mission and reflects its 60-year history.  The original shield was approved for the 67th Reconnaissance Wing on March 20, 1952. On the original emblem, the red lightning bolt was emblematic of the strength, speed and power necessary to

Commanders lead cyber warriors in challenging times

From the 67th Reconnaissance Wing starting in 1947 to today's 67th Network Warfare Wing, more than 48 commanders have led cyber warrior Airmen in protecting the nation. 67th Reconnaissance Wing Col. Arthur R. DeBolt, November 1947 Lt. Col. Charles F. Scott Jr., Oct. 4, 1948 67th Tactical

Barksdale Airmen recreate history

Several units from Barksdale Air Force Base added their mark to a significant page in history Aug. 24 when they recreated a historical flight. The 2nd Bomb Wing, 53rd Wing, U.S. Air Force Weapons School and the 917th Wing came together for the first time to fly a maritime intercept mission. The

Air Force fighter squadron celebrates 90th year

An F-22A Raptor demonstrated its air power during the wrap-up Aug. 20 of the 90th Fighter Squadron's 90th anniversary. Former and current members of the 90th FS gathered here Aug. 17 to 20 to recall the squadron's past and look forward to its future. "It is very humbling to be part of a squadron

B-24 gunner receives Purple Heart for heroism in WW II

The scene in the rotunda of Randolph's Taj Mahal Aug. 21 probably seemed like too much hoopla to one former Army Air Corps staff sergeant. But all the TV cameras and reporters there to capture the moment, the remarks by an Air Force major general and the admiration shown by servicemembers and

Artist captures Eielson mission change on canvas

An artist recently captured the mission evolution at Eielson in an oil painting. Capt. Warren Neary, an Air Force reservist assigned to the Air Force Space Command history office, completed an oil painting that depicts the change in mission at Eielson and the 354th Fighter Wing. The painting is

Army Air Corps veteran talks about war experience

The 81-year-old World War II veteran was a liar. Robert McNally shared his story at the Pease Air National Guard Base's air show Aug. 19, one of the main attractions of Air Force Week New England. Mr. McNally's military journey preceded the Air Force and started in the era of the Army Air Corps.

Boston proclamation party gets Air Force Week rolling

More than 300 people crowded outside of historic Faneuil Hall here Aug. 17 to celebrate the start of Air Force Week New England. The crowd was entertained by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill team, Air National Guard's Band of the Northeast and a flyover. Guest speakers included Massachusetts Lt.

Bolling dedicates theater to legendary actor, Airman

Officials of the 11th Wing at Bolling Air Force Base officially changed the name of Building 52 to the Brig. Gen. Jimmy Stewart Theater Aug. 13 as the old building had finally come full circle, historically speaking. Among the some 200 people in attendance were Carson Greene, president of the Jimmy

First Thunderbird commander dies

The first commander of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, died Aug. 12 of complications from pneumonia. Maj. Gen. Richard C. Catledge, the Air Force pilot known as Thunderbird One, formed and led the original Thunderbirds team as a major in 1953. "We were assigned a

Command celebrates Air Force's 60th Anniversary

Airmen, family and friends from throughout the Kaiserslautern Military Community celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the United States Air Force here Aug. 11 with band performances, demonstrations and special guest speakers. "In addition to celebrating our historical anniversary, this year marks the

Humble hero visits RAF Lakenheath

"I don't have anything really profound to say," said Col. Leo Thorsness, retired Air Force fighter pilot and Medal of Honor recipient. The colonel, who visited RAF Lakenheath Aug. 7 to speak to Airmen about the importance of teamwork and families as part of a successful military, received the Medal

General shares Tuskegee heritage with Balad Airmen

Airmen serving with the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here got a chance to meet with a man who shared some heritage with them July 31. On his sixth visit to Balad Air Base in recent years, Maj. Gen. Darryl A. Scott, the son of a Tuskegee Airman, arrived with a number of purposes. As the commander of

To Stem the Tide - A Korean War Perspective

Warnings had sounded as early as March 10, 1950. The U. S. Korean Military Advisory Group had relayed a report through channels to Washington, D.C., that North Korea would likely cross the 38th Parallel and invade its neighbor to the south--possibly as early as June. But there were plenty of

Artists document Rodeo competition

Whether it's the sound of a pencil scratching paper or the flash of light from their digital cameras, four artists with the Air Force Art Program are working to portray Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2007 through their art at McChord Air Force Base. More than 2,500 competitors and observers from the

Airmen recognize impact of enlisted heritage

More than 650 Airmen celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Air Force and 40th anniversary of the Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force during the Senior Enlisted Leader Summit Heritage Dinner here July 26. Hosted by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, the dinner

Wing's shield preserves long heritage

The shield of the 51st Fighter Wing symbolizes the unit's mission and retains a rich heritage that spans 65 years. The shield was was originally approved for the 51st Pursuit Group on Feb. 5, 1942. The reflex blue and gold represent Air Force colors. The shield is divided by a partition line called

Experienced commanders have led 'Mustang Stampede'

The list of commanders for the 51st Fighter Wing and its predecessors includes a wartime hero, Col. Francis Gabreski, and an aviation pioneer, Tuskegee Airman Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr.  The most recent commanders continue a long line of excellence and leadership in providing persistent, combined

Korean War pilot achieves aviation first

From the time military aviators engaged in aerial combat during World War I, their exploits produced innumerable "firsts" in aviation history. One such "first" occurred during the Korean War on Nov. 8, 1950. That's when a 25-year old, first lieutenant flying with the 16th Fighter-Interceptor

Exercise strengthens South Korean alliance

More than 250 Airmen and hundreds of other augmentees from the Marines, Army and Navy converged at Osan Air Base in July to participate in the 12th annual Reception, Staging, Onward-movement and Integration, or RSO&I, and Foal Eagle exercise. The exercise tests the military's ability to deploy

Heritage tailflash connects fighter past

In medieval times, knights and royal families used heraldic symbols to identify themselves and remember their heritage. With modern military traditions connected to that time of chivalry and honor, 51st Fighter Wing officials from Osan Air Base are bringing back a symbol that promotes its heritage.

WWII vet awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

Retired Col. Vincent Fonke, who ended his 30-year career here, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross July 20 for actions he took during World War II while a bomber pilot assigned to the Army Air Corps 91st Bomb Group, 324th Squadron.The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded for heroism or

Art exhibit draws crowd to Air Force heritage

A collection of art illustrating Air Force heritage since before the service's beginning through today's expeditionary operations was the spotlight for local military, civic and business leaders during a gathering July 18 in honor of the Air Force's 60th Anniversary. The exhibit, titled "Heritage to

Air Force museum wins heritage award

The National Museum of the United States Air Force recently was awarded the 2007 Air Force Heritage Award by the USAF History and Museums Program for its exhibit, "Return with Honor: American Prisoners of War in Southeast Asia." The exhibit, which opened in May 2006, features reproductions of three

Search underway for WWII Japanese MIAs in Alaska

The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced July 16 that a small team of Japanese and U.S. specialists is visiting Attu Island, Alaska, in search of information which may lead them to remains of missing Japanese soldiers. With support from the Department of Defense, the U.S. Coast Guard and

Chief Pfingston laid to rest at Arlington

Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gary Pfingston was laid to rest July 6 at Arlington National Cemetery. The 10th CMSAF, an Evansville, Ind., native, lost his battle with cancer June 23. He served as the highest ranking enlisted Airman from August 1990 to October 1994. "Chief Pfingston

Air Force General Estes Jr. passes away

The general who once led the command charged with re-supplying deployed U.S. forces passed away July 2 at his home in Bethesda, Md. From July 1964 until he retired in August 1969, retired Gen. Howell M. Estes Jr. was the commander of the Military Air Transport Service, later known as the Military

Enlisted Heritage Research Institute honors WWII gunner

The director of the Enlisted Heritage Research Institute here described July 3 as a grand day because Enlisted Heritage Hall museum officials had inducted retired Master Sgt. James Traylor into its ranks.He joins the many enlisted members the museum honors who have made major contributions to the

Two Space & Missile Pioneers selected for 2007

Air Force Space Command officials have announced the 2007 Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers are retired Gen. Lew Allen Jr. and retired Maj. Gen. Joe H. Engle. They will be honored at an award ceremony and a hall of fame induction luncheon here Aug. 8. General Allen, a former Air Force chief of

Airmen honor 30 years of AWACS

The 552nd Air Control Wing here celebrated the 30th anniversary of the E-3 Sentry, also known as the Airborne Warning and Control System, or AWACS, June 29 through July 1, with 552nd commanders and Airmen, past and present, coming from around the globe to share their stories. "The AWACS heritage is

Wing shield carries 65 years of history

When the Army Air Forces approved the heraldic emblem of the 50th Pursuit Group (later renamed 50th Fighter Group) in 1942, no one could have foreseen the distinguished history that would unfold under that flag. The 50th FG shield had an opinicus -- a magic beast comprising the head of an eagle, the

Chief Pfingston loses fight with cancer

Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gary R. Pfingston died of cancer June 23 in San Antonio. "Today the Air Force mourns the loss of a great enlisted leader," said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. "Gary's life was a shining example of service to our nation and we

Thunderbird enters Forest of Friendship

The first female Thunderbird pilot was inducted into the International Forest of Friendship June 16 here at the "Wings Over Pittsburgh" air show. Maj. Nicole Malachowski, who flies right wing for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, and retired Gen. Michael P.C. Carns, former Air Force

'Living legends' discuss Air Force of yesterday, today

In keeping with the Air Force's 60th anniversary theme, "Heritage to Horizons," a panel of four war veterans gathered June 14 at the Pentagon Conference Center to discuss the challenges and triumphs of air power over the years. The theme of the discussion was, "The Jet Age: Korea, Vietnam, Cold

History project honors vets with 'The Great War'

The Veterans History Project, a program of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center, presents "The Great War," a tribute to World War I veterans, in a new section of its Web site at www.loc.gov/vets. Rich in personal detail, photographs, journals and letters, "The Great War" provides a

Turner Classic Movies to air aviation films in July

Leading up to the Air Force's 60th anniversary, Turner Classic Movies will broadcast aviation-themed films for 24-hours each Tuesday throughout July. To honor the Air Force's heritage, TCM has selected a variety of vintage Air Force related movies for broadcast, such as "Strategic Air Command" and

Heritage to Horizons series highlights 50th Space Wing

The latest Heritage to Horizons series presentation highlights an Air Force wing whose mission first called for mastery of the skies and has grown to master of space. Today, the 50th Space Wing at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., is responsible for the operations and support of more than 170

Air Force supports International Paris Air Show

Hundreds of flight enthusiasts flooded the Le Bourget Airport to attend the opening of the 47th International Paris Air Show. This year's air show, boasting more than 2,000 exhibits from 42 countries, opened to trade visitors June 18 and the general public can visit from June 22-24. With planes all

Hickam 'rolls out' Air Force Week Honolulu

To celebrate the Air Force's 60th anniversary, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley chose six cities to host an Air Force Week, a celebration designed to inform and educate the public about the important roles the Air Force plays in support of the nation's defense. Honolulu is the only

'Rescue Dawn' tells true story of Vietnam POW rescue

It was a movie premiere like few others. As the credits rolled down the screen here June 19, a Vietnam veteran in the audience -- not the Hollywood star with some 40 credits to his name -- got the louder applause and the standing ovation. Retired Air Force Col. Eugene Deatrick, 82, slowly ambled to

Commanders lead in challenging times

From a fighter-bomber wing during World War II to today's 50th Space Wing, more than 40 commanders have led dedicated Airmen in the pursuit of protecting the nation. Today's 50th SW provides crucial space support to the joint warfighter in the war on terrorism. 50th Fighter-Bomber Wing (June 1,

Kunsan Airmen pay tribute to triple ace fighter pilot

Members of the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the "Wolf Pack," honored Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, who passed away June 14, during a commemoration event June 19. General Olds, former commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing and also known as the first "Wolf," was a triple ace fighter pilot who shot down 16

National Air and Space Museum family day wows visitors

More than 17,000 people got an up close and personal look at several civilian and military aircraft during the "Reach for the Sky" family day at the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center here June 16. The event paid tribute to the Air Force's 60th Anniversary celebration, and featured a

Fallen Bakers Creek servicemembers honored

On June 14, 1943, a B-17 Flying Fortress converted to carry passengers took off from Mackay, Queensland, Australia, carrying 40 servicemembers on leave back to the war in the Pacific Theater. Soon after takeoff, the plane crashed, killing all but one. That story was held secret until just a few

National Anthem Project concludes with grand finale events

In the shadow of the Washington Monument, with its 50 American flags snapping in the breeze, the "President's Own" U.S. Marine Band helped kick off the grand finale of the National Anthem Project here June 14. The National Association for Music Education's multiyear project to get America singing

Legendary fighter pilot Robin Olds dies

Legendary fighter pilot, retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, died June 14 from congestive heart failure one month short of his 85th birthday.General Olds, rated a triple ace for having shot down a total of 16 enemy aircraft during World War II and the Vietnam War, served his country in assignments to

Newest 'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

The "Week in Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world. At Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, Lt. Col. Kimberly Bradley carries away an oxygen tank after helping a patient during an emergency trauma situation. Colonel Bradley is

Army Air Force P-47 recovered in the Netherlands

Though the Air Force is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, U.S. Air Forces in Europe is marking 65 years of service. One reason for this seemingly strange discrepancy was recently found deep in the muddy farmlands of the southwest Netherlands. Dutch workmen from the district water board

Air Force, academia to partner in Air Force Marathon

Leaders from the Air Force and Wright State University gathered at a press conference here June 13 to discuss their new Air Force Marathon partnership and other details of the September race. Standing on the flight line of the 445th Airlift Wing in front of a massive C-5 Galaxy -- the featured

Airmen receive first AF Combat Action Medals

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley awarded six Airmen the Air Force Combat Action Medal during a ceremony June 12 at the Air Force Memorial. These Airmen were the first in the Air Force to receive the new medal.Recipients of the award were Maj. Steven A. Raspet, Capt. Allison K. Black,

Academy announces 1st six athlete hall of famers

The Air Force Academy has announced the inaugural class for induction into the Air Force Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. The six inductees -- Alonzo Babers, Bob Beckel, John Clune, Chad Hennings, Michelle Johnson and Brock Strom -- will be inducted Oct. 19 in Colorado Springs. The six inductees

Modernizing an old design a challenge for medal makers

The designer of the Air Force Combat Action Medal said it was a challenge giving the medal a World War I feel but at the same time modernizing it. Graphic designer Susan Gamble used artwork from photos of Brig. Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell's aircraft to inspire the design of the medal, which was

Pilot in Doolittle Raid dies

Col. Jack Ahren Sims was among the first pilots to fly in the Doolittle Tokyo Raid on April 18, 1942 -- the first United States aerial invasion of Japan during World War II. Colonel Sims died June 9 in Naples, Fla. He was 88. "He did a great service to this country," said friend and biographer Al

Defense secretary, servicemembers reflect on D-Day heroism

The defense secretary was among hundreds of people who walked above the windswept cliffs and paused among fog-shrouded headstones here June 6 to honor those who died during the D-Day invasion 63 years ago. Secretary Robert M. Gates took a private moment in the American Cemetery, reflecting on row

Sacramento Rivercats host Air Force Week event

Sweaty palms. That's how Staff Sgt. Raymond Hardson described how he felt as he waited to throw the first pitch to start a Sacramento Rivercats baseball game here June 4. The game, which took place at Raley Field, was the first of many events organized to honor military members and their families as

Air Force Week begins in Sacramento

The California governor officially declared here June 4 the start of Air Force Week, which is designed to inform and educate the public about the important roles the Air Force plays in support of the nation's defense. There are numerous events scheduled throughout Air Force Week, which runs through

2006 Super Bowl champs visit Randolph

Champions know about the importance of quality teamwork and the Super Bowl XLI champion Indianapolis Colts are no exception. To help improve their teamwork relationship with the Air Force, members of the Colts championship team visited Randolph Air Force Base June 1 to gain a better understanding

Fallen Airmen memorialized at Hurlburt

Members of the 720th Special Tactics Group dedicated a state-of-the-art training center and an adjacent roadway here May 30 in honor of four air commandos killed in the line of duty in recent operations. An Iraqi Air Force SL7 light aircraft crashed May 30, 2005, about 80 miles northeast of Baghdad,

Early American combat aviators memorialized

Underneath the decorative arch of a recently refurbished monument built in 1928, several hundred American and French citizens as well as military personnel, tourists, and dignitaries came to pay their respects to 38 all-volunteer American aviators -- known as the Lafayette Escadrille -- who flew

Legendary journalist visits England base

A broadcast journalism legend returned to Royal Air Force Molesworth where he reported on World War II events to see the monument dedicated to the members of the 303rd Bomb Group from World War II. Walter Cronkite is best known as the anchorman for the CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981, and he has

USAFE leader honors fallen heroes at Flanders Field

The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Airmen and Soldiers stationed in Europe paid tribute over the Memorial Day weekend to 368 U.S. servicemembers buried here who died on the battlefield while liberating Belgium during World War I. Gen. William T. Hobbins said no amount of time should ever

Commanders keep 'eyes in the sky'

The 32 commanders of the 552nd Air Control Wing and its predessors have led Airmen to be the watchful eyes in the sky for more than 50 years.  From flying the EC-121 Constellation to today's E-3 Sentry, wing commanders have adapted the mission of the wing to grow and change. Commanders for the 552nd

National cemetery honors veterans past and present

Here, the living communicate with the dead. Parents talk to sons and daughters now gone. Widows update spouses on the day's activities. Friends visit never quite as much as they should. Some bring flowers. All grieve. But more important, they remember. They remember those who gave their lives to the

Chairman of Joint Chiefs sends Memorial Day message

On this Memorial Day, as we remember our fallen comrades in arms, let us reflect upon the countless battles with now familiar names such as Yorktown, Gettysburg, Iwo Jima, Chosin, Hue City, Mazar-e-Sharif and Fallujah. Each one reminds us that liberty has a cost, and that freedom is not free.

Portrait preserves pilot's legacy

Some see a handsome pilot gazing into the horizon. Others see a war hero, poised for combat. She sees her father, as strong and proud as she always remembered him. Although Carol Ready had seen the portrait on magazine covers, heritage posters and military advertisements throughout the years,

Plans unveiled for Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center

At a Capitol Hill news conference May 23, exhibition designer Ralph Appelbaum provided a first glimpse of the exhibits planned for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center, an underground facility slated for the National Mall near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, also known as The Wall. "The center will

Brookwood and Cambridge: Places of remembrance

More than a half-million Americans were killed during the two World Wars, and 468 military members from World War I and 3,812 warriors from World War II have their final resting place in England. Just after the first World War, Army Gen. John Pershing started the practice of allowing America's dead

Air Force artist depicts C-17 in 'Waikiki Sunrise'

When the "Spirit of Hawaii Ke Aloha" landed on the flightline here in February 2006, it symbolized a new era in airlift for the Pacific. That first jet has since been joined by seven others, comprising the first C-17 Globemaster III squadron based outside the continental United States. Artist Keith

Latest 'Vector' remembers Berlin Airlift

The latest Chief of Staff's Vector remembers the Berlin Airlift and discusses how today's mobility Airmen are following the examples of Airmen past as visible signs of U.S. compassion and resolve."Day or night, operating from pavement or dirt, our Airmen deliver the goods, the gas and the

Air Force repatriates remains from Libya

Air Force officials recently returned from Libya with the remains of 72 deceased Americans, believed to be family members of Airmen once stationed at Wheelus Air Base located outside of Tripoli, the nation's capital. Mark Blair, the chief of Air Force Mortuary Affairs, was one of the experts called

Shield represents past roots, present vision

The shield of the 552nd Air Control Wing symbolizes the unit's mission and reflects its more than 50-year past. It was originally approved for the 552nd Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing on Feb. 6, 1956. The ultramarine blue and gold represent Air Force colors.  The emblem' s elements portray

All for one - NATO aircraft monitor America's skies

Nine years ago, Mike left his hometown of Lincoln, Neb., and joined the Air Force to see the world. And see the world he did. As an airborne warning and control system pilot in NATO, he's been to places that friends and family can only read about in travel magazines. In fact, he was participating in

McGuire NCO Academy closes its doors

After three decades of operation, officials at the McGuire NCO Academy closed its doors, furled and encased its flag, and held its inactivation ceremony here May 3."I'd like to put this NCO academy into perspective," said retired Col. Leland Martin, the academy's first commandant, a former base

Chief McKinley offers service dress perspective

In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley discusses the new heritage service dress uniform and how the uniform will better represent the Air Force to the American public."I look forward to the day when I stand tall in a new service dress uniform with

NORAD celebrates 49th birthday

North American Aerospace Defense Command officials celebrated its 49th anniversary May 12 with cake and reflected on the importance of its mission."Today we celebrate 49 years of tradition and of history of defending both the nations of the United States and Canada," said Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr.,

'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

'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