World War II pilot receives Distinguished Flying Cross

A former Army Air Corps first lieutenant received the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions he took almost 63 years ago, during a ceremony May 7 at the Travis Air Museum. Art Cader earned the medal for his heroism during a World War II bombing mission he was part of Sept. 30, 1944. The medal is

Special Operations Command celebrates 20 years

Air Force Special Operations Command Airmen joined personnel from U.S. Special Operations Command to celebrate USSOCOM's 20th anniversary held April 23-27 at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. USSOCOM, made up of about 48,000 Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps special operators, specializes in

F-117 pioneer test pilot passes away at 70

The Air Force and the F-117A Nighthawk program lost one of its premier test pilots nearly 25 years, to the day, after his near-fatal accident while attempting to take-off on an F-117A's final acceptance test. Retired Lt. Col. Robert 'Bob' Riedenauer, 70, passed away April 23 at his home in Palmdale,

Vietnam veteran tells today's Airmen 'stay focused'

The knowledge and experience that Air Force retirees share with current Airmen can help develop careers. Retired Col. James Gilliland holds his audience in rapt attention while he tells stories of his progression as an RF-4C pilot and shares his experiences flying during the Vietnam War. With 30

Spangdahlem Airmen take part in World Day of Peace

Every year the oldest city in Germany hosts the World Day of Peace -- a festival dedicated to prayer and services focused on healing the rifts between cultures. Military members from Belgium, Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands and the United States attended a prayer service April 26 led by the

Air Force chaplains join together for memorial service

Air Force chaplains and chaplain's assistants from around the globe joined together beneath the spires of the Air Force Memorial here for a memorial and wreath-laying ceremony April 25. The group of about 300 Airmen and civilians were in the national capital region to attend the Air Force Chaplains

WWII bomber crew members awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

It was a warm summer morning when the crew of the Flak Man, a B-24 Liberator, joined other bombers and their escort fighters on a daring mission. They flew from Pantanella, Italy, and played a key role in the bombing of oil refineries 700 miles away near Ploesti, Romania. The location was of

Judge Advocate General holds Heritage to Horizon meeting

Maj. Gen. Jack L. Rives, the Judge Advocate General, recently hosted a "Heritage to Horizon" meeting at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C.  Eleven JAG Corps leaders, all retired general officers or Senior Executive Service civilians, gathered to discuss the way ahead for the corps. The group brought

Iraqi Air Force celebrates 76th anniversary

The 76th anniversary of the Iraqi Air Force drew a crowd of approximately 100 distinguished visitors, guests and Iraqi and U.S. servicemembers to New Al Muthana Air Base in Baghdad, Iraq. The guests poured into the enormous C-130 Hercules hangar which was decorated with Iraqi flags, colorful

Doolittle Raiders celebrate 65 years since historic mission

Seven surviving members of the famed "Doolittle Raiders" met in San Antonio in mid April to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the unit's historic bombing mission over Japan April 18, 1942. The raid, which consisted of 16 B-25 Mitchell bombers taking off from the deck of an Navy aircraft carrier, was

Raiders point to leadership's key role in Doolittle Tokyo Raid

What motivates a person to volunteer for a mission so secret the people executing it aren't even told details until right before it starts? When the call for volunteers came, what makes that person's hand go up in the air, along with their fate? For at least two of the men assigned to Gen. Henry H.

Wing's shield preserves long heritage

The 17th Training Wing shield symbolizes the long heritage of the unit's lineage. The emblem was originally approved for the 17th Pursuit Group on Jan. 19, 1934. In 1993, the Goodfellow Technical Training Wing at San Angelo, Texas, was replaced with the 17th Training Wing to carry the lineage. The

Army captain's roots branch to a Doolittle Raider

"I don't need a light to tell me what I already know!" said 1st Lt. Dean Edward Hallmark, ripping the flashing red light bulbs from the display in the cockpit of his B-25. It was April 18, 1942, and Lieutenant Hallmark and his crew were running out of gas over the coast of China following the famous

CSAF's Scope highlights Doolittle Raiders heroism, impact

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 this month is the 65th anniversary of the Doolittle Raiders' bombing mission over Japan. Two entries are dedicated to the Doolittle

Doolittle Raiders 65th anniversary kicks off at Randolph

The 65th anniversary reunion of the Doolittle Raiders launched with an opening ceremony attended by more than 250 spectators April 17 here. The ceremony included several short speeches from Randolph Air Force Base leadership and the Doolittle Raiders' historian and manager. Second Lt. Austin

Airman's Roll Call highlights Doolittle Raiders

The latest Airman's Roll Call highlights the Doolittle Raiders, who are reuniting this week to remember the 65th anniversary of their historic flight. On April 18, 1942, 80 men launched 16 B-25 medium bombers from the deck of an aircraft carrier on their way to bombing various targets on the home

Air Force Review held at memorial

Air Force officials held an Air Force Review in "Heritage to Horizons" style revitalizing a 300-year-old military ceremony and presented it to a modern audience April 14 at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. The Air Force Review was hosted by Maj. Gen. Robert L. Smolen, the Air Force District

'That others may live' Air Force hero remembered

April 11 was an important anniversary for all Airmen as it marked 41 years since Airman 1st Class William Pitsenbarger, pararescue crewmember, distinguished himself by extreme valor near Cam My, Republic of Vietnam. The slogan 'that others may live' is the foundation of everything Air Force

Jimmy Doolittle: famed airpower pioneer

The man the "Doolittle Raiders" are named for may not be a household name today, but James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle was once one of the most famous celebrities in America, even before the raid, and remains one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th century. Born in Alameda, Calif., on Dec. 14, 1896,

Doolittle Raiders to meet for 65th anniversary reunion

Seven surviving members of the famed "Doolittle Tokyo Raiders," will descend on San Antonio, this week for a series of events marking the 65th anniversary of one of the most notable airpower missions in military history. Personally ordered by Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt, the raid was a response to

'Man, Moment, Machine: The Daring Doolittle Raid'

The History Channel will air "Man, Moment, Machine: The Daring Doolittle Raid" April 18. The program is scheduled to air at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Easter and Pacific time zones; 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the Central zone; 10 and 4 p.m. in the Mountain zone. Viewers are reminded to check their local

Goodfellow students put predicting the future to the test in Lone Star

They're playing mind games at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. A bunch of military instructors -- all steeped in years of military intelligence field work -- take a bunch of green students, put them in a room draped with maps, crowded with tables and humming with computer equipment, and squeeze

17th Training Wing preserves heritage

The end of the Cold War left the United States needing fewer forces. A smaller force required fewer bases to support it and, organizationally, fewer units to hold it. For the Air Force, as it set about eliminating excess bases through the Base Realignment and Closure process and excess wings through

Goodfellow hosts premier firefighter school

It's burning. It's burning. The flames swell as the firefighters move into the mouth of the "dragon." In front of them -- a 500 degree wall of propane flames. The giant can's steel walls force the jets of fire to sweep over their heads and land behind them. At the nozzle is Airman 1st Class Cole

Charter members reflect on Air Guard's first 60 years

Their membership gets older and smaller every day. Nearly 60 years have passed since they formed, but time has not removed distant memories of 1946 and 1947 after these veterans helped claim victory in World War II and flew as Air National Guardsmen. You may have met them on your drill weekends

B-17 aircrew remembered

Airmen from Hickam Air Force Base and the Hawaii Aviation Preservation Society held a memorial ceremony honoring 10 B-17E Flying Fortress crew members who lost their lives here 65 years ago. The Flying Fortress, returning from a routine combat patrol, crashed into the cliffs of Mt. Keahiakahoe near

Week in Photos highlights Airmen in action

The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world.  Among this week's photos are: In the Horn of Africa, an HC-130P aircraft takes off from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, headed down range in support of a Combined Joint Task

Enlisted Perspective commemorates the 'first'

Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the appointment of the first chief master sergeant of the Air Force is the subject of the latest Enlisted Perspective by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. Chief McKinley said that as the first CMSAF, Paul Airey forged new paths for the

Congress honors Tuskegee Airmen

Before a U.S. aircraft broke the sound barrier, the Tuskegee Airmen overcame a daunting social hurdle: breaking the Air Force's color barrier. In the Capitol Rotunda March 29, President Bush and Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen, more than 60 years after the 332nd

Former NATO, U.S. leaders return to Sheppard for anniversary

Former Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training members reunited and toured Sheppard AFB as part of their 25th anniversary celebration March 26.Previous and current ENJJPT wing commanders and operations group commanders have trained more than 195 classes since its inception with more than 5,508 students

Lt. Col. Chase Nielsen service held March 28

Friends, family and servicemembers paid their respects March 28 to retired Lt. Col. Chase J. Nielsen, a member of the Tokyo Doolittle Raiders, who died March 23 at his home in Brigham City, Utah. A service was held in Logan, Utah, and his interment at a cemetery in Hyrum, Utah.Although inclement

Berlin Candy Bomber meets children of today, yesteryear

The Candy Bomber met children of all ages at an open house here March 22, including a man who received chocolate dropped to him as a child in Germany.Retired Col. Gail Halvorsen received his nickname for dropping candy tied to parachutes from his C-54 Skymaster to children during the Berlin

Open house showcases military might, yesterday's heritage

Nearly 500 visitors met current-day met warriors and a living legend during the March 22 open house at Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico. Military members and equipment, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol air assets, and an historic C-54 with Berlin candy bomber retired Col. Gail

Air Force legend Col. Chase Nielsen passes away

Retired Lt. Col. Chase J. Nielsen, one of the famed "Tokyo Doolittle Raiders" who helped boost American morale in the early days of World War II with a surprise air attack on Japan and spent a lifetime as an advocate for American airpower, died March 23 at his home in Brigham City, Utah. Born Jan.

Air Force Week proclamation in Arizona

Drill Team performs at NASCAR Busch Series

The United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performs at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas March 10. The Drill Team is the traveling component of the Air Force Honor Guard and tours Air Force bases world wide showcasing the precision of today's Air Force to recruit, retain, and inspire

Airmen's heroic actions highlighted on 'Portraits in Courage'

Maj. Troy Gilbert gave his life protecting others. The F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot died in November 2006 strafing enemy combatants in Iraq while protecting coalition forces under attack on the ground.The story of Major Gilbert's sacrifice, along with the courageous actions of 14 other Airmen who are

Wing has long heritage of serving others

The 59th Medical Wing is the Air Force's premier medical unit, located here in San Antonio.  The 59th MDW operates Wilford Hall Medical Center. The wing provides global medical readiness capability and comprehensive peacetime healthcare benefits through education, training and research. There are

Commanders lead in challenging times

From a base hospital for cadet trainees during World War II to today's 59th Medical Wing, more than 30 commanders have led dedicated Airmen who serve others at the Air Force's foremost medical facility. Wilford Hall (Hospital and Medical Center) Commanders Lt. Col. Victor Dallin, 1941 Lt. Col.

Wing's shield symbolizes medical mission

The 59th Medical Wing shield symbolizes the unit's mission and its present vision. In 1993, when the wing became a numbered medical wing, the shield of the 59th Fighter Wing, formerly the 59th Observation Wing, was acquired. Its use was approved for the 59th Medical Wing Feb. 3, 1995. Wilford Hall

Medics learn combat environment skills

Even the setting is realistic. Men and women dressed in field and camouflage uniforms, military vehicles and helicopters in evidence everywhere, officers and Airmen hunched over topographical maps and the usual good-natured complaints about the C-rations forming a buzz of background

A hospital wing and prayer: Lackland medical team cares for AF family's tiniest members

As Doctor (Maj.) Steve Messier pushes through what was shaping up to be an 80-hour work week, his face looks understandably tired. But despite the long hours, the neonatology fellow at Wilford Hall Medical Center's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit never fails to forget the needs of the premature babies

Two former top Air Force chiefs visit Keesler Airmen

Two retired chief master sergeants of the Air Force addressed a capacity crowd March 2 as guest speakers at the 81st Training Wing's annual awards banquet. The first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Paul Airey, and eighth, Sam Parish, took the opportunity earlier in the day to tour several

Air Force program reconnects Airmen to heritage

Air Force History Office officials are launching a new program to help unite Airmen, past and present, commemorate and preserve their shared heritage. During this year, in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the Air Force, history office staff members are reaching out to those involved in

VA seeks buglers to play 'Taps' at national cemeteries

Hundreds of volunteer buglers and trumpeters are being sought to participate in Armed Forces Day observances held at veterans' cemeteries nationwide and overseas, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs official said. The event, called "Echo Taps Worldwide," will be held May 19 and is co-sponsored by

Airborne emergency room serves Operation Northern Watch

On a short electronic leash, their beepers went off, and five members of the medical team sprung into action, racing through hospital halls to gather deployment gear. Simultaneously, the crew of an HC-130 aircraft was alerted and prepared for takeoff. This crew was deployed from the 347th Rescue

Air Force 60th Anniversary flag raised at memorial

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff T. Michael Moseley were the hosts for the 60th Anniversary flag-raising ceremony at the Air Force Memorial March 1."On this day, the man who used the B-17 to such a great effect, General Tooey Spaatz, formally succeeded General

Air Force official discusses uniform updates

Air Force officials move forward with the Airman Battle Uniform roll-out and plans for a new service dress coat. The new ABU, designed to eventually replace both the Battle Dress and Desert Combat Uniforms worn by Airmen, is currently in full production. Early deliveries of ABU inventories in 2007

Columbus, Ohio, to celebrate 'Air Force Heritage Week'

Reaffirming its commitment to the commemoration of 60 years of air and space power, the United States Air Force announced Feb. 23 that Columbus, Ohio, has been selected as host for the nation's only Air Force Heritage Week in conjunction with The Gathering of Mustangs and Legends in September 2007.

Air Force general receives analysis award

The Air Force Heritage to Horizons focus was highlighted recently when the Air Force vice chief of staff received the Lt. Gen. Glenn A. Kent Leadership Award here. Gen. John D.W. Corley was recognized for his long-term vision and leadership in guiding the Air Force to set the standard for Department

Osan remembers Battle of Bayonet Hill

Osan held its annual remembrance ceremony for the Hill 180 "Battle of Bayonet Hill" Feb. 9. The crowd of 200 people included distinguished guests such as Lt. Gen. David Valcourt, 8th Army commander, and Larry Lyons from the Pacific Area Veterans of Foreign Wars.It was here 56 years ago that nine

New chiefs inducted into elite group

Two senior master sergeants were recognized as the newest members of the chiefs group in a ceremony Feb. 9 here. The two chief selectees, Denise Mikolajczyk and Steven Lantz, lit candles representing each of the nine enlisted grades achieved over their careers in order to remind them of where

Atlanta kicks off 'Heritage to Horizons' celebration

Southern hospitality, total force and joint partnership were the ingredients that formed the inaugural kickoff for the Air Force's 60th Anniversary celebration Feb. 12 in Atlanta. The official kickoff was held at the State Capitol, where Gov. Sonny Perdue welcomed the "Heritage to Horizons" Air

The making of an air commando

I had never heard the song before, but the melody was vaguely familiar: "Swamp rat, swamp rat, where do you hi-ide? "Come out in the open and I'll be your guy-ide." The raspy voice bounced off the tall pines in Kisatchie National Forest in central Louisiana: I'm a friendly guerilla who'll take you

Shield has historic past

The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group share the same emblem. The only difference between the two is the designation in the scroll.The blue and yellow colors represent the Air Force. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow

Commanders carry legacy to future

From the 332nd Fighter Group to today's 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing , a short list of commanders have led these expeditionary Airmen into the fight. One of the commanders, Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr., was the first African-American officer in the Army Air Forces, and went on to become a general

Wing supports mission at 'critical time'

The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing is the most forward-deployed Air Force wing in Iraq. The wing has pioneered modern warfare tactics using advanced weapons systems such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 II Thunderbolt and the MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle for close-air support and traditional

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

Chief Parish helps honor new chiefs at Spangdahlem

The eighth chief master sergeant of the Air Force was among those congratulating seven chief master sergeant selectees during a chiefs' recognition ceremony here Jan. 20.Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Sam E. Parish was the guest speaker at the event."It is a good hard, tough mission that

Air Force completes public transfer of former Castle AFB

The Air Force completed the transfer of the former Castle Air Force Base, Calif., from military control to private ownership Jan. 22 with one of the base's former housing areas being accepted by a retirement village. Atwater Retirement Village II, LLC, accepted the final parcel of property,

20 years of lethality: Ellsworth celebrates B-1's history

The 28th Bomb Wing received its first B-1B Lancer on Jan. 21, 1987. Over the course of its 20 years of service with the wing, the aircraft and its mission have changed significantly. The B-1B has roots in the 1970s, when it became obvious that winning the Cold War required stepping up technology.

Fallen Airmen memorialized at Balad

As light drained from the sky over Balad AB, 32 Airmen stood in formation at the position of attention, unmindful of the steady rain.A narrator solemnly read 32 names. As each was announced, an Airman from the formation took one step forward, acknowledging the life and spirit of a fellow Airman

USAFE celebrates 65 years of airpower

United States Air Forces in Europe celebrates its 65th anniversary as the oldest, continuously active Air Force major command.USAFE began Jan. 19, 1942, when the War Department established Headquarters 8th Air Force, and the command continues its forward presence in Europe and Africa -- from

General serves as Misawa City's 'Mayor for a Day'

The 35th Fighter Wing commander was appointed as Misawa City's "Mayor for a Day" Jan. 12 as a way to promote cultural awareness and increase goodwill. Misawa City Mayor Shigeyoshi Suzuki offered the opportunity to Brig. Gen. Sam Angelella, 35th FW commander, and thanked the general for a job

Minot AFB celebrates 50th anniversary

Base officials here celebrated Jan. 10 Minot's 50th anniversary of becoming an official entity of the U.S. Air Force.Though the groundbreaking ceremony took place July 12, 1955, and the first unit, the 32nd Fighter Group, wasn't activated until Feb. 7, 1957, Jan. 10 holds just as much significance

'Commando' Airmen continue heritage into future

Keeping a promise is important to many people. But, keeping the Air Commando's promise -- to provide precise and reliable Air Force special operations air power, any time, any place -- is the motto Airmen of the 1st Special Operations Wing live by. The wing is the only active duty special operations

55th Wing marks 6,000 days in Southwest Asia

For the men and women assigned to the 55th Wing, an intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and command and control unit here, there's a saying about their 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year mission of supporting intelligence operations somewhere around the world. "The sun never sets on the

Commanders lead unconventional forces

A distinguished list of 50 people have commanded the forces who support airpower by unconventional means. From landing gliders with farm animals behind enemy lines in Burma, to today's inclandestine night operations to support the war on terrorism, special operations forces have led the way,

1st Special Operations Wing mission

The 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla., is the Air Force's only active duty special operations wing and falls under the Air Force Special Operations Command. The 1st SOW mission focus is unconventional warfare: counter-terrorism, combat search and rescue, personnel recovery,

The Air Commandos

A sign over the doorway of a squat white building near the Hurlburt Field, Fla., runway of Eglin Air Force Base declares, "The Mission of the Air Force is to Fight." (Editor's note: This article is reprinted from Airman Magazine, September 1962.) The men wearing tennis shorts and sneakers, flying

Historian revisits wing's past

The 1st Special Operations Wing has a rich and honored history that began in Burma and continues at Hurlburt Field. The 1st SOW can trace its lineage back to "Project 9" which evolved into the 1st Air Commando Group during World War II. During the Quebec Trident Conference of August 1943, it was

Emblem symbolizes wing's mission

The emblem of the 1st Special Operations Wing symbolizes its 63-year mission and emphasizes that the wing is the single focal point for all Air Force special operations matters.The shield reflects its historic past as the first organization to field limited and unconventional warfare. It was

NORAD chalks up another successful year tracking Santa

North American Aerospace Defense Command officials wrapped up another successful year of tracking Santa on his annual trip to homes around the world, according to NORAD officials. The 756 volunteers answered 65,355 phone calls between 2 a.m. Christmas Eve and 2 a.m. Christmas Day, said Maj. Stacia

Honor Guard gives President Ford final honors

Like many rapid response teams in the Air Force, the elite U.S. Air Force Honor Guard has to be ready at a moment's notice. When President Gerald R. Ford passed away Dec. 26, the Honor Guard was alerted and organized itself for the events surrounding the funeral of the 38th president. "Once we were

Edwards aircraft soar over 118th Rose Parade

Honor Guard helps lay President Ford to rest

It's what many Airmen work for, day in and day out -- the chance to actually do what they have been training for, and to carry out their mission to the fullest. For members of the Air Force Honor Guard here at Bolling Air Force Base, this is that day. These honor guardsmen helped the nation pay its

Joint operations center keeps funeral plan on track

Every military operation requires a headquarters, even those that are ceremonial in nature. For state funeral honors of former President Gerald R. Ford, that role is being filled by the Forward Operations Center located in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel here.A conference room has been transformed into

Cheney lauds Ford's service during ceremony

With military members standing a solemn guard over the flag-draped casket in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Dec. 30, Vice President Richard B. Cheney eulogized former President Gerald R. Ford. By his pardon of Richard M. Nixon, President Ford prevented Americans from experiencing more political turmoil

Military members support Ford funeral

The Washington portion of the state funeral for former President Gerald R. Ford was held Dec. 30. More than 500 military members supported the California portion of the state funeral for the former president. The military is providing ceremonial service, security and logistical support to honor and

Nearly 4,000 servicemembers to support Ford's funeral

Almost 4,000 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard members are gearing up to support the national farewell to former President Gerald R. Ford that will span a seven-day period with events in California, Maryland, the nation's capital and Michigan."This is DOD's way of showing respect

Military tradition to be evident in Ford funeral events

Military tradition will be evident throughout the events associated with the Dec. 26 death of former President Gerald R. Ford, as the services join the nation in bidding farewell to their former commander in chief. Ford's three-stage state funeral will begin Dec. 29 with the former president's

Rumsfeld remembers Ford as patriot

Former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld remembered Gerald R. Ford as a patriot who led the United States through difficult days and helped restore confidence in its government."President Ford was a man of great decency and towering integrity," Rumsfeld said in a written statement released Dec.

Ford helped U.S. recover from Watergate

Americans will remember former President Gerald R. Ford as a man with the courage to heal a nation.President Ford, who died at his California home Dec. 26 at age 93, assumed the presidency at a grim time in American history. In the midst of a distinguished career in the House of Representatives, the

Misawa base news goes online

As the end of 2006 rapidly approaches, a significant chapter in the history of the Northern Light closes with this issue as it heralds its transition from newsprint to a cyber-space news source. "This transition is in line with Air Force Smart Operations-21," said Brig. Gen. Sam Angelella, 35th

Air Force dining facility in Baghdad honors hero

While many Americans removed bows and pulled back ribbons from neatly wrapped presents, Airmen here unveiled a tribute to a fallen hero, stressed the importance of airpower and cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the first Air Force dining facility in Baghdad. Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Central

Pentagon Channel documentary focuses on storied 'Old Guard'

They are the very public face of ultimate military discipline. They wow stadiums packed with football fans with their complex rifle drills. They honor fallen comrades with solemn processions. They guard the Tomb of the Unknowns around the clock at Arlington National Cemetery. And on Dec. 15, they

Tyndall NCO Academy renamed after first CMSAF

Tyndall AFB's NCO Academy was renamed to honor the first chief master sergeant of the Air Force Dec. 13 here. The Paul W. Airey NCO Academy Dedication Ceremony will be remembered as the second greatest thing to happen in the retired chief's professional life, said Chief Airey, only because becoming

After the Pearl Harbor Attack

Dec. 7, 1941: 2nd Lt. Wells Lawrence and his July bride slept soundly in their Wheeler Field, Hawaii, quarters. They'd been at Hickam Field for a big Saturday night party and returned home after midnight.At 7:55 a.m., sleepy calm turned to wide-awake terror. "A big bang startled me awake, and the

Hawaii Air Guard celebrates 60th

The Hawaii Air National Guard's history goes back before the U.S. Air Force was a separate service, and 12 years before the state the guardsmen serve was actually admitted to the Union. Guardsmen past and present recently came together here to celebrate the organization's 60th anniversary and to

National Guard Museum opens new exhibit

A new interactive exhibit that showcases the National Guard's participation in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom is on display as the National Guard observes its 370th birthday Dec. 13. The National Guard Museum's OEF/OIF exhibit displays Guard members' equipment, uniforms and

Airlift wing carries legacy into the future

While much Air Force history can be found in volumes of books at the local library, its living heritage is not so easy to find. Or so most people think. In reality, Air Force heritage and history is easy to find in its Airmen and the units in which they serve. The 15th Airlift Wing at Hickam Air

Japanese surprise attack on Hawaii

At 7:55 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, an Imperial Japanese Naval Task Force under the command of Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, launched the biggest surprise attack in history. Japanese aircraft struck military installations on Oahu and in less then two hours inflicted the worst destruction the Army Air

Former Airman returns to Hickam

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Ralph Barnett returned here for the 65th Anniversary of the attack on Oahu and to show his family where he was on that fateful Sunday morning. At the time of the attack he was a 24-year-old sergeant assigned as assistant armament chief with the 23rd Bombardment Squadron

Pearl Harbor attack presents parallels, lessons for terror war

Sixty-five years ago, the United States endured an attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, that for the next 60 years -- until Sept. 11, 2001 -- stood as the most devastating enemy attack on U.S. soil. Like the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor has been called a defining

Pearl Harbor mini-sub mission fails, first prisoner captured

One hundred miles from Oahu, Hawaii, Kazuo Sakamaki launched his 79-foot submarine -- even though the navigation gyro was broken. His mission: Travel to Pearl Harbor and fire two 18-inch torpedoes at the battleship Pennsylvania.The broken gyro proved his undoing. Thrown off-course before he could

Commanders lead Airmen in changing times

From the 15th Pursuit Group to today's 15 Airlift Wing, more than 55 commanders have led the base's Airmen in its 66-year history. Two of the base's commanders during World War II went on to become general officers - Maj. Gen. Kenneth R. Powell and Maj. Gen. Dewitt S. Spain. The airport in Memphis

Shield represents past roots, present vision

The shield of the 15th Airlift Wing symbolizes the unit's mission and reflects its storied past. It was originally approved for the 15th Fighter Group on Oct. 2, 1942.The ultramarine blue and gold represent Air Force colors while the lightning flashes from the base represent the speed of modern

Aleutian Islands: World War II secret bases

When Stuart Faber enlisted in the Army Air Corps shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941, he wasn't quite sure what he'd be doing. Once assigned to the 404th Bomb Squadron at Elmendorf Field, Alaska, he not only maintained bombers, but was also sent on temporary duty to perform a

Pearl Harbor survivor remembers

On Dec. 7, 1941, Richard Fiske started his day aboard the USS West Virginia, much like any other. But just before 8 a.m., the 19-year-old Marine bugler looked up from his watch post on the ship's quarterdeck to see Japanese planes overhead."At first I thought they were our planes, then the first

A Superior Private, a historian remembers

It was a rather typical workday for 20-year-old Joe Muratsuchi. After rising, he swept the shop where he worked as a bookkeeper. It was a good job, and he liked the work, mostly because he was good at numbers. At certain hours of the day, he and a young co-worker would turn on the radio for the