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U.S. Air Force News

  • Additional remains of Air Force pilot found

    Additional remains of an Air Force pilot who died in combat in 2006 in Iraq have been found, service officials announced Nov. 19.Maj. Troy Gilbert was killed when his F-16C Fighting Falcon crashed 20 miles northwest of Baghdad, Iraq Nov. 27, 2006, while engaged in support of coalition ground combat

  • Retired ACC ops chief lauded by acting SecAF

    A retired Air Force officer who brought the F-22 Raptor fleet back to full operational status following an indefinite grounding, received the 2012 Eugene M. Zuckert Management Award, at the Pentagon, Nov. 18.

  • Kadena joins in sending aid to Philippines

    Following the devastation throughout the Philippines, due to Super Typhoon Haiyan, which hit six central islands Nov. 8, Kadena Air Base has joined the U.S. Pacific Command in the effort to deliver aid to the country.

  • 353rd SOG supports Operation Damayan relief efforts in Philippines

    Airmen from the 353rd Special Operations Group offload equipment from an MC-130H Combat Talon II Nov. 15, 2013 at Ormoc Airport, Philippines. The Airmen, deployed in support of Operation Damayan, are assisting the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific as they provide

  • Major wins highest aviation safety award

    An Air Force pilot who maintained control of his aircraft despite losing 80 percent of his left wing during a mid-air collision, is the recipient of the 2013 Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy, Nov. 14, at the Pentagon.

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America.

  • Women Empowered seminar instills Jiu-Jitsu, self-defense strategies

    Hundreds of feet pounding the wrestling mats echoed in the fitness center here. A stern man instructed the students to not remove their hand from the ground before planting their feet on the floor.In an effort to reduce the frequency of sexual assaults in the armed forces, the Gracie Academy created

  • Rescue team receives prestigious honor

    The two helicopter crews arrived at the mountainous location where U.S. and Afghan forces were pinned down and taking heavy fire from the cliffs above. An Afghan troop was severely injured and in need of immediate care if he was to live.

  • CMSAF launches worldwide CHIEFchat, answers questions from the force

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody shared the latest information on past, present and future of the Air Force with Airmen, Air Force civilians and their families Nov. 12, during a worldwide CHIEFchat session at the headquarters of the Defense Media Activity here.

  • CSAF discusses opening communications with China

    Opening up lines of communication with China is good for the United States, the region and the world, the Air Force chief of staff said here Nov. 13. Gen. Mark A. Welsh III spoke about his recent trip to China with the Defense Writers Group this morning.

  • Military spouse boards ‘Restaurant Express’

    Seonkyoung Longest, wife of Master Sgt. Jacob Longest, is one of nine contestants in a new television show, "Restaurant Express" that aired for the first time on the Food Network, Nov. 3. Born and raised in South Korea, Seonkyoung said that while cooking is a passion of hers now, it hasn't always

  • AF leaders says vets to thank for nation's success

    The United States of America’s success is rooted in the sacrifice of millions of veterans who have served it, an senior Air Force leader said Nov. 11 at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va.

  • AF student pilot wins Ms. Fitness bodybuilding competition

    Since March of this year, a student pilot with the 47th Student Squadron has worked to train her body to peak fitness. 2nd Lt. Colby Chaput's efforts culminated in her competing at the Ms. Fitness bodybuilding competition in San Antonio this past October.

  • Airmen, French community honor WWI aviators

    Representatives of the U.S. Air Force and the local French community came together to honor the members of Lafayette Escadrille during a Veteran's Day ceremony in Marnes-la-Coquette, France, Nov. 11.

  • President, VA Secretary pledge support for Veterans

    President Barack Obama commemorated Veterans Day today here at Arlington National Cemetery, calling the holiday a reminder of the nation’s “sacred obligation” to those who have “fought for our freedom and stood sentry for our security” throughout America’s history.

  • Veterans in Blue Volume IV out now

    For decades, Airmen have answered the call to serve and protect the nation’s interests, people and cherished freedoms that underpin it all, risking their lives for others, and thus, becoming heroes in the eyes of those they protected.

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America.

  • From aerodromes to Reaper, RPAs push limits of technology

    The RPA actually got its start as early as 1896, when something called aerodromes at the time, were used to test the capabilities of new flying devices and to test if it was even possible for a heavier-than-air craft to achieve sustained flight. In May 1896, Dr. Samuel Langley proved that mechanical

  • Military's top officer stresses character, trust, faith to cadets

    It's not every day Airmen get the chance to ask the highest ranking officer in the U.S. Armed Forces just about anything -- including what concerns keep him up at night - but first- and second-class cadets were able to do just that when the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin E.

  • Service chiefs testify on risks of sequestration

    As they face the prospect of another year of deep cuts to their budgets, the military's service chiefs testified today before the Senate Armed Services Committee on the impact sequestration is having on the ability to organize, train and equip their service members.

  • Airmen watch Carolina Panthers from 'Row of Honor'

    For the first time in National Football League history, a special "Row of Honor" was created to pay tribute to American Service members, including a blacked-out POW/MIA chair, which will remain empty. The other seven seats feature a digital camouflage pattern with all service insignias emblazoned on

  • AF Portal goes mobile, gets face-lift

    Expected to launch by the end of 2013, the Global Combat Support System-Air Force, or GCSS-AF, is rolling out a revamped portal, which simplifies navigation, improves performance on low bandwidth connections and works from mobile devices.

  • DOD must control rising personnel costs, Hagel tells NCOs

    The Defense Department has to get personnel costs under control, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told “NPR Morning Edition” host Steve Inskeep in an interview broadcast today.The interview came at the conclusion of Hagel’s monthly lunch with junior NCO’s in his Pentagon office Nov. 4. The secretary

  • Same-sex spouses eligible for FMLA benefits

    Federal employees with same-sex spouses are now provided the same Family and Medical Leave Act coverage as those with opposite-sex spouses, according to an Oct. 21 Office of Personnel Management memorandum.

  • Hagel: Six priorities shape future defense institutions

    In the months since the 2012 defense strategic guidance first reflected a new budget reality, Pentagon officials and military leaders have been working on the department's longer-term budget and strategy, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said here this morning.

  • Afghan air force graduates first fire instructors

    Firefighters from both the Afghan Air Force and the Afghan National Army completed and graduated from the first-ever Fire Instructor Course offered in Afghanistan during a ceremony Oct. 31 at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan.

  • Sexual assault 'trial' gives Airmen real life perspective

    It started off as a typical Friday night for many Airmen with their wallets full of money to burn, their stomachs ready to chug the best German beers and their minds ready to explore the undefined possibilities of "hooking up." But for two of them, their alcohol-fueled night would end in a shattered

  • Maintenance makes RPA history possible

    During the morning of Oct. 22, the aircraft parking ramps at a deployed location roared to life. Checklists were run, hatches checked, and missions briefed as the crew chiefs, support units and air crew carefully prepared an MQ-1 Predator remotely piloted aircraft for flight, just as they would on

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America.

  • Welsh focuses on pride, people, respect during Academy visit

    Air Force Academy cadets get so fired-up about their chief of staff; they show up 15 minutes early and sit in the front row of Arnold Hall -- voluntarily.When Gen. Mark Welsh III comes to talk, "people want to sit up front," said one cadet, who, with a group of friends from Cadet Squadron 22, turned

  • EVERY AIRMAN COUNTS: Treating each other with dignity and respect

    When I was a young Airman, during the heat of an intense intramural flag football game, a fellow Airman, who was frustrated that he could not stop me from advancing the ball, yelled the “N” word out loud. I was shocked and confused. Having been raised in Southeast Washington, D.C., I was certainly

  • Leaders advise against merging Guard, Reserve

    Air Force Reserve leaders told members of the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force that merging the Air Force Reserve with the Air National Guard would create little value and cause numerous adverse impacts - detracting from the broader goal of improving the Air Force structure.

  • Cody testifies to commission on total force

    The Air Force’s senior enlisted Airman testified in front of the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force Oct. 25 in Arlington, Va., giving his perspective of the total force and the challenges to building the best balance for the future.

  • Final clause in cadet Honor Oath made optional

    After reviewing the cadet Honor Oath, and in the spirit of determining a way ahead that enables all to be true to their beliefs, the Air Force's Academy has decided to make the final clause optional.

  • Ninth CSAF laid to rest

    A former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Air Force Chief of Staff was laid to rest Oct. 25 in Arlington National Cemetery. Retired Gen. David C. Jones served as the ninth chief of staff from 1974 to 1978 until he was appointed as the ninth chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff where he

  • AF leaders describe future force under sequestration

    Two senior Air Force leaders testified before Congress Oct. 23 along with their Army and Navy counterparts on the impact of the continuing resolution and sequestration on the service’s acquisition and modernization programs.

  • AF energy leader touts Airmen success stories

    The Air Force’s top energy expert said people are the key to success in driving down energy use, saving money and improving mission performance during the Air Force Association’s monthly breakfast in Arlington, Va., Oct 23.

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America.

  • AFI change simplifies fitness appeal process

    Airmen who fail their fitness assessment now may appeal to their wing commanders rather than submit an appeal to the Air Force Board for Corrections of Military Records, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.

  • A true airpower giant

    We lost another Air Force hero this week. Brig. Gen. James Robinson “Robbie” Risner was part of that legendary group who served in three wars, built an Air Force, and gave us an enduring example of courage and mission success.

  • RPAs reach 2 million hours

    The U.S. Air Force's MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft accumulated 2 million flight hours Oct. 22, 2013, not only marking a significant milestone, but also demonstrating the evolution of the program.

  • Note to breast cancer: 'I am not your victim'

    What is often forgotten in the sea of pink are the individuals on the front lines who are actually fighting the disease. In the three months between the time football players stop wearing pink shoes and the Super Bowl, roughly 58,000 women and 500 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast

  • Leaders continue to tap “innovative” Airmen for energy savings

    Air Force leadership calls upon Airmen to continue coming up with innovative ideas to provide the Air Force an assured energy advantage in air, space and cyberspace. In fiscal year 2012, the Air Force spent $9.2 billion on energy, almost 10 percent of the total budget. In a time of fiscal

  • AF implements changes to PT assessment

    The Air Force has released further guidance on the implementation of several changes to the physical assessment test, which will take place Oct. 21.The new guidance includes additions to the body composition component of the fitness assessment, delegation of appeal authority for fitness assessments

  • Government Shutdown: Frequently Asked Questions

    Below are frequently asked questions about the current government shutdown (Updated: Oct. 17, 2013). If you don’t find the answer to a question you have about the government shutdown and its impact on the Air Force, post your question as a comment below. We will research and try to find the

  • Airman escapes adversity for shot at new life

    One Airman underwent the toughest challenge of her life in 2007, transitioning from her native background to a land she never imagined.After spending the first 15 years of her life in Bogota, Colombia, Airman 1st Class Andrea Spanjer, 4th Aerospace Medicine Squadron bioenvironmental engineer, left

  • AF clarifies same sex marriage policy

    The Air Force recently published guidance clarifying the service’s policy on implementation of same sex marriage. The guidance clarifies how Airmen may be eligible for administrative absence to obtain legal marriage, if the state or country they are stationed in does not yet recognize same sex

  • PACAF Airmen wrap up busy year

    Throughout fiscal 2013, the key aspect of Pacific Air Forces was engagement as more than 45,000 Pacific Air Forces Airmen conducted a broad spectrum of operations, from humanitarian relief to decisive combat employment, in an area covering 13 time zones and 100 million square miles.

  • FDA warns against dietary supplement

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers to stop using OxyElite Pro, a dietary supplement, because of suspected links to acute hepatitis.

  • 20th Air Force commander relieved of command

    Lt. Gen. James Kowalski, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, relieved Maj. Gen. Michael Carey from command of 20th Air Force today due to a loss of trust and confidence in his leadership and judgment.

  • Civilian retiree identification card to be replaced

    Retired Air Force civilians who use the Air Force Form 354, Civilian Identification Card, to access USAF installations have until early 2014 - when the AF354 will be rescinded - to get a Department of Defense Civilian Retiree ID Card or other access credentials, Air Force Personnel Center officials

  • Unemployment benefits may help some furloughed DOD civilians

    On the 10th day of the partial government shutdown, DOD civilians excluded by law from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's Oct. 7 recall to work of thousands of fellow employees still await an end to the political standoff that sent them home and stopped their paychecks Oct. 1.

  • Public engagement once again affected

    Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter has issued The Contingency Plan Guidance for Continuation of Essential Operations, which outlines missions and functions that may continue and/or must cease during the lapse in appropriations. The Department can legally only support those functions that

  • Communication key in protecting security clearance during financial hardships

    As the government shutdown continues, Air Force leadership wants their civilian workforce to communicate well and often as possible financial challenges arise -- something that could impact one’s security clearance. With such a large number of civilians possessing security clearances, including many

  • AF releases furlough-related pay information

    Air Force officials released Oct. 8, the following furlough-related questions and answers to aid service civilians with processing time and attendance. This information was coordinated with manpower and personnel, financial management, and general counsel office experts.

  • New Defense Health Agency to streamline functions

    The government shutdown did not stop the official opening Oct. 1 of the Defense Health Agency, a major streamlining of military medicine that has been in the works for three decades and signed into law earlier this year.

  • Hagel receives update on shutdown from service leaders

    The Defense Department's top leadership, including the service secretaries and service chiefs, updated Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel yesterday on the impact of the ongoing government shutdown, Pentagon officials reported.

  • Most AF civilians to return to work

    In accordance with a memo Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel released Oct. 5, the Air Force will recall most of the nearly 104,000 Air Force civilian Airmen placed on emergency furlough due to government shutdown. However, a significant number will not yet be able to return.

  • PCS orders on hold until shutdown ends

    Permanent change of station orders processing is on hold until fiscal 2014 funds are available, but Airmen who already have their orders in hand are authorized to move, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.

  • TSP to continue operations during shutdown

    As the closure of government offices and activities continues, the Thrift Savings Plan, the retirement savings program for federal employees and members of the uniformed services, will carry on operations.

  • Air Force Falcons play Navy Midshipmen in Annapolis

    The Air Force Falcons will kick off their interservice rivalry against the midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., Oct. 5 at 11:30 a.m. EST. Due to the government shutdown, a private organization donated money to pay for the Air Force Academy team's travel, lodging and food expenses.

  • CMSAF releases latest Roll Call, calls for Airmen to come together

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody released his second Roll Call to Airmen titled “People … Our greatest source of strength” -- a call for Airmen to come together, look to each other for support and to reach out to their teammates during the government shutdown.

  • Air Force Aid Society provides services during government shutdown

    Due to the government shut down we are being told many Airman & Family Readiness Centers to include their Air Force Aid sections will be closed. We have compiled a list of FAQs to help you understand what we can do and how you can request assistance if needed.

  • Continuing family support through government shutdown

    The government shutdown is affecting quality of life, family support, and child and youth programs that service members and families value. The purpose of this blog post is to provide guidance as to what to expect regarding the operating status of these programs while the government is shut down.

  • Hagel says national security assured during shutdown

    The Defense Department and other government agencies responsible for national security will carry out their missions despite the government shutdown, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Oct. 1 here. The secretary, traveling in the Asia-Pacific region this week for high-level meetings here and in

  • DOD spells out closure contingency plan guidance

    DOD officials today issued guidance to the force in the event appropriations lapse Oct. 1 and a government shutdown results. Officials emphasize they still hope Congress can avoid that but say it is prudent to take such steps.The eight-page document gives basic guidance to commanders and directors

  • Poland's top enlisted airman tours PME facilities

    Poland's air force senior enlisted leader is partnering with U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa officials to strengthen his service's operational capacity. But his efforts are focused on a more foundational level of airpower - enlisted professional military education.

  • AF intern: ‘I have never felt less disabled’

    Natalie Labayen may look fine on the outside, but inside, a battle wages. A senior at George Washington University and intern with the Air Force, LaBayen was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2011, an ailment that some days leaves this 23-year old in severe pain.

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America.