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U.S. Air Force News

  • Air Force NCO training takes on international flavor

    The NCO course at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland helps to fulfill a key U.S. Air Force priority of partnering with joint and coalition teams to win today's fight.The Inter-American Noncommissioned Officer Academy course integrates U.S. Air Force NCOs into

  • AFSOC builds partnerships with sister services, foreign militaries

    More than 30 servicemembers and civil servants from 10 different countries gathered here to attend the Building Partner Aviation Capacity Course Dec. 3 to 14. BPACC was designed as an avenue for Air Force Special Operations Command to create, nurture or deepen partnerships with foreign militaries,

  • Lt. Gen. Clarke nominated as Director, Air National Guard

    Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III, commander of the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region - 1st Air Force, has been nominated by President Obama to be the next director of the Air National Guard.If confirmed by the Senate, Clarke will replace Lt. Gen. Harry "Bud" Wyatt III.,

  • Air Force launches 3rd X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle

    In the next installment to improve space capability and further develop an affordable, reusable space vehicle, the Air Force conducted its third X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle launch here on December 11, officials said.The launch comes on the heels of the successful flight of OTV-2, which made an

  • New process improves household goods shipments

    A system being implemented at U.S. Transportation Command is making permanent-change-of-station moves more convenient, while reducing lost and damaged shipments and saving the government money.The Defense Personal Property System, introduced in 2009 as a pilot program at 17 installations, now

  • DOD prepares for potential sequestration

    The Office of Management and Budget has instructed the Department of Defense to pursue internal planning to meet required budget cuts if sequestration goes into effect Jan. 3."We are at the very start of this process," said Dr. George Little, acting assistant secretary of defense for public affairs,

  • Pearl Harbor: Air Force legacy on day that would 'live in infamy'

    "It was the first time I had ever seen a plunging dive bomber and it was an awesome sight. Nothing in warfare is more frightening," said Pvt. Wilfred D. Burke, 72d Pursuit Squadron, Wheeler Field, whose experience in the attacks on Pearl Harbor are recorded in "7 December 1941: The Air Force Story"

  • 'Sir, tell the TACP thanks'

    On 13 May 2010, an Airman First Class taught me some lessons I'll never forget. I think of Airman 1st Class Corey Hughes almost every week. His actions on that particular day in May remind me to focus on others first, that heroic leaders exist among us all the time, and doing the right thing takes

  • Revamped program aids separating service members

    Major changes announced today to the Transition Assistance Program will revolutionize the way the military prepares people leaving the services, with mandatory participation in programs throughout their military careers to help set them up for a successful transition.The redesigned program, called

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • CSAF directs Air Force-wide inspection

    Commanders across the Air Force will conduct health and welfare inspections starting Dec. 5 to emphasize an environment of respect, trust and professionalism in the workplace.The health and welfare inspection is a tool routinely used by unit commanders, command chiefs, and first sergeants.Air Force

  • OTS shortens course length, increases efficiency

    Beginning in January, the Air Force Officer Training School's Basic Officer Training course will be shortened by three weeks, officials announced Dec. 4. Cutting the course from 12 weeks to nine weeks was the result of finding efficiencies in the course's scheduling processes and curriculum, said

  • From NY streets to Afghan skies, FDNY crew saves lives

    Four New York City firefighters, four Airmen, four friends, one team, one HH-60 Pave Hawk -- one crew -- deployed together with the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, bringing a unique flavor of New York Fire Departments with them.Capt. Shaun Cullen, Capt. Tripp

  • CSAF talks leadership with wing commanders

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III met with more than 140 wing commanders from across the Air Force Nov. 28 at Joint Base Andrews, Md., to underscore, face-to-face, his expectations of them as leaders and to discuss Air Force issues."Operationally, we're doing great ... mission-wise

  • General Paul Selva takes command of Air Mobility Command

    Gen. Paul J. Selva became commander of Air Mobility Command in a change-of-command ceremony here today, as the legacy of leading global mobility operations was passed to him from Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr.Selva comes to AMC from Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii,

  • SecAF declares 'Modernization can't wait'

    The Air Force's senior civilian addressed the importance of modernization and the challenges ahead for the Air Force at the 2012 Aerospace and Defense Investor Conference here Nov. 29."Among the most difficult challenges facing the Air Force is the need to modernize our aging aircraft inventory as

  • AF competes in second 'Cyber Flag'

    24th Air Force, the U.S. Air Force's cyber component to U.S. Cyber Command, took part in the Cyber Flag 13-1 training exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Oct. 29-Nov. 8.USCYBERCOM designed Cyber Flag to bring together Department of Defense cyber and information technology professionals to hone

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • 'Space junk' growing issue for AF space operations

    Members of the 1st and 7th Space Operations Squadron took notice when an upper stage Russian rocket disintegrated in low earth orbit Oct. 16. The break up introduced an estimated 500 pieces of debris into an area where the U.S. operates a multitude of satellites, further congesting an already

  • AMC team wins top CSAF 'Team of Excellence' award

    The Air Mobility Command Electronic Flight Bag Team from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., won the 2012 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award awarded by the Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III Nov. 28 at the Pentagon.Each year, since its inception in 1992, the Chief of Staff Team Excellence

  • CSAF, CMSAF agree with Minot's motto..."Only the Best Come North"

    Warbirds and Rough Riders at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., reaffirmed why "Only the Best Come North," during a visit by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy here Nov. 20 and 21.As part of Welsh's first visit as chief of staff to the Air

  • SecAF talks Pacific airpower

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley met with Team Andersen Airmen at an Airman's Call here Nov. 20. The secretary discussed several topics of national and international interest, to include the importance of Guam in the Asia-Pacific region, restructuring the size of the Air Force, changes in

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • AF leaders target sexual assault in latest 'Letter to Airmen'

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy issued a tri-signature "Letter to Airmen" Nov. 16.As part of an effort to increase awareness of sexual assault, the Air Force's top three

  • EOD tech earns Silver Star

    An Air Commando from the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron received a Silver Star during a ceremony at the Pentagon Nov. 14. Tech. Sgt. Joseph Deslauriers, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, earned the medal for gallantry in action while serving in Afghanistan on Sep. 23, 2011.

  • AF leaders brief BMT sexual misconduct investigation findings

    Air Force leaders announced Nov. 14 to members of the press here the results of the commander-directed investigation regarding the occurrences of sexual misconduct within basic military training between October 2010 and June 2011.The CDI was commissioned by Gen. Edward Rice, commander of Air

  • 19 stories of heroism highlighted in 'Veterans in Blue'

    "Let me not mourn for the men who have died fighting, but rather let me be glad that such heroes have lived," said Gen. George S. Patton. For decades Airmen have answered the call to serve and protect the nation's interests, its people and the cherished freedoms that underpin it all, risking their

  • Senior leaders issue holiday safety message

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy issued a tri-signature "Letter to Airmen" on Nov. 5. As part of this year's Holiday/Winter Safety Campaign, "Safe-n-Sound," the Air Force's

  • Cody named next Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III has named Chief Master Sgt. James A. Cody to serve as the 17th chief master sergeant of the Air Force.Cody will assume his new position on Feb. 1, following the Jan. 31 retirement of current Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy. Roy's

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Chief discusses how family, pet help PTSD issues

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Coming back from deployment, Airmen face the home-station work environment, reintegrating with family and settling back into day-to-day life.What happens

  • AF leaders send birthday messages to Marine Corps

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy salute the Marine Corps on its 237th birthday Nov. 10.Donley wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Navy stating, "On behalf of the men and women of the United

  • AF safety chief shares vision

    With two months in the seat as Air Force Chief of Safety, Maj. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward doesn't need a palm reader to glimpse the future."It is absolutely essential that safety is embraced as a core value in preserving combat capability," Woodward said.The Air Force's success in reducing mishaps

  • First African-American Academy grad passes away

    The first African-American to graduate from the Air Force Academy passed away Nov. 5 at his home in Lolo, Mont."The United States Air Force Academy is saddened to learn of the passing of one our most notable graduates, Chuck Bush," said Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, Academy superintendent. "Our hearts go out

  • F-35 celebrates 500th sortie as program grows

    The Air Force's premier fighter, the F-35 Lightning II, surpassed its 500th sortie only 16 days after reaching the 400 mark and only 238 days from the beginning of the program.Maj. Matthew Johnston of the 58th Fighter Squadron completed the 500th combined sortie for both the F-35A and F-35B at the

  • Air Force conduct round the clock ops to deliver hurricane relief

    Airmen and transport aircraft from across the nation converged here Nov. 1 to begin part of the Air Force's movement of relief supplies and equipment to the beleaguered areas of New York and New Jersey in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.Crews from 12 active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • 'Airman' magazine enters digital era

    A year after publishing the final print edition of Airman magazine, the Air Force is unveiling a new digital version of the service's official magazine specifically geared for tablet devices."Built specifically for Apple and Android tablet users, this new format gives readers all the in-depth

  • Airmen 'lean forward' to support East Coast relief efforts

    In the wake of President Obama's call for the federal government to "lean forward" in response to the devastation left by Hurricane Sandy, Airmen from across the country are answering the call. Aircraft and crews from 12 active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve bases across the nation

  • Airmen respond to 'Sandy' relief efforts

    A C-17 Globemaster III departed early morning Nov. 1 in support of Hurricane Sandy response operations. Along with aircraft and crews from 11 active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve bases across the nation, McChord Airmen are flying to March Air Reserve Base, Calif., to pick-up 10

  • Hungary-based Airmen write new chapter in mulitinational operations

    At this small, bare-bones, communist-era airfield located in the Hungarian countryside, midpoint between Budapest and Vienna, American Airmen are writing a dynamic new chapter in multinational cooperation and flight operations. Airmen assigned to the Heavy Airlift Wing at Papa Air Base,

  • CSAF shares perspective during AETC Senior Leader Conference

    The Air Force's top general discussed topics such as telling the Air Force story and innovation during the Air Education and Training Command Senior Leader Conference here Oct. 18."Telling the Air Force story is a big deal to me," Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III during his speech to

  • SecAF visits basic military training

    In the wake of ongoing investigations into professional misconduct that occurred at basic military training, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley met with BMT leaders at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Oct. 23."It was important for me to talk to the commander and military training instructors about

  • Wizards salute Andrews Airmen, service members

     More than 20 Airmen from Joint Base Andrews were served lunch by members of the NBA's Washington Wizards at a downtown steakhouse in Washington Oct. 22.The Airmen were invited as a part of the Wizards' 3rd Annual Salute to the Stars. This year, the focus was recognizing service and family members

  • Declassified document shows 'real' flying saucer

    The grainy film showed a round ship floating out of a hangar. Its silver, aluminum exterior glinted in the sun as it hovered a few feet off the ground. As it glided over a pool of water, it kicked debris into the air and the glass canopies of the two cockpits were showered with grass and gravel as

  • Do's and Don'ts for Airmen during political season

    With the 2012 general presidential election only weeks away, please keep in mind that special ethics rules apply to active-duty Airmen regarding their political activities. The purpose of these rules is to ensure the Department of Defense does not influence our nation's electoral process. Violation

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • F-35A completes first in-flight JDAM release

    An F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft completed the first in-flight weapons release of a 2,000 pound GBU-31 BLU-109 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) from a 5th Generation fighter, Oct. 16. The flight was conducted by U.S. Air Force Maj. Eric "Doc" Schultz. The aircraft, known

  • AF soccer team wins 2nd straight armed forces championship

    The All-Air Force Men's Soccer Team has done it again.The team triumphed in the 2012 Armed Forces Soccer Championship held at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 23 through Oct. 1. Air Force team members traveled from all over the world to train, compete and bring home the gold with a 2-1 victory over

  • AF officials releasing enlisted quarterly assignment listing

    Air Force officials are releasing the enlisted quarterly assignment listing, or EQUAL, on Oct. 22 for the July to September 2013 overseas assignment cycle. Enlisted Airmen must update their assignment preferences by Nov. 1 and they will be notified of their assignment selections by Nov. 16."We are

  • F-35: Newest fighter much more than just 'stealthy plane'

    The engines roared overhead as an F-35A fell into formation. Although this is a basic maneuver for the test pilots, the possibilities for combat environments created by these elite aircraft working together are anything but mundane.The F-35, which features three variants to be used by the Air Force,

  • Silver Star represents 44-year closure for KIA Airman's family

    "Promise me you're going to find out what happened to him."All Lillian Calfee wanted to know was the fate of her only son.On March 11, 1968, Lillian was told by her daughter-in-law, June Calfee, that her son, Master Sgt. James Calfee was missing in action. He was part of a secret mission in

  • 'Today's Air Force' visits AF Honor Guard, Comic-Con

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Oct. 12.In the first segment, TAF highlights what the Air Force is doing for Energy Action Month. Later, Staff Sgt. Chris Pyles introduces viewers to an Airman with a secret identity. And finally, Staff Sgt. Zack Lopez gives

  • Sound barrier pioneer celebrates 65 years

    Retired Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager, the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound, celebrated the 65th anniversary of his ground breaking event with a re-enactment here Oct. 14.Yeager was serving as a test pilot and flying the experimental Bell X-1 named the, "Glamorous Glennis," Oct. 14,

  • Intel experts converge for 2012 GEOINT Symposium

    In addition to the exhibitions, GEOINT, which is in its ninth year, hosted several keynote speakers, panel discussions and breakout sessions by government, military and private sector leaders.Lt. Gen. Larry D. James, the Air Force's deputy chief of ISR, was a featured speaker on the Services

  • Air Force leaders salute Navy on 237th birthday

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy salute the Navy on its 237th birthday Oct. 13. Donley wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Navy stating:"Congratulations as you celebrate the 237th birthday

  • Brig. Gen. Witham nominated as ANG deputy director

    Brig. Gen. James C. "JC" Witham has been named the next deputy director of the Air National Guard. Witham had served as the chief of staff of the California National Guard and the commander of that state's Air National Guard."I am thrilled and humbled for the opportunity to lead the best Air

  • Air Force launches new GPS satellite

    The U.S. Air Force successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Delta IV-Medium rocket carrying the third Global Positioning System IIF satellite at 8 a.m. EDT today, Oct. 4, from Space Launch Complex 37 here. "The 45th Space Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center's GPS Directorate, Boeing and

  • Sister-service PME provides valuable joint tool

    As part of a career broadening opportunity, a new nomination and selection process to attend sister-service enlisted professional military education (EPME) courses has been established for senior non-commissioned officers."The significance rests with the transformation from a first-come,

  • Discovery Channel series highlights C-17

    The show "Mighty Planes" took aim at a new plane, the C-17 Globemaster III, and the Discovery Channel was here to film the versatile cargo plane from Sept. 20 to Sept. 26. "The whole show Mighty Planes is exactly what it is, it's planes that are 'mighty;' that are big," said Stephen Grant, the

  • Operation Deep Freeze main season begins

    The U.S. military recently kicked off the 2012-2013 season of Operation Deep Freeze, the Department of Defense's support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation. The operation began with C-17 Globemaster III operations Sept. 29 and will continue with LC-130 Hercules

  • 'Today's Air Force' showcases AFA conference, multinational C-17 operations

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on Sept. 28.In the first segment, Airman 1st Class Daniel Burkhardt gives viewers an inside look at the Air Force Association's Technology Exposition and Conference. During the second segment, Staff Sgt. John Archiquette heads to

  • AF leaders encourage energy savings in latest 'Letter to Airmen'

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy issued a tri-signature "Letter to Airmen" on Sept. 28.As part of Energy Action Month this October, the Air Force's top three leaders

  • 2012 Caring for People Forum addresses issues affecting Airmen, families

    The 2012 Caring for People Forum concluded here Sept. 27 with a presentation of initiatives to members of the Air Force's Community Action Information Board and Integrated Delivery System.Since its establishment in 2009, the Caring for People Forum has evolved into a two-day seminar during

  • OSD visit provides joint basing perspective

    Often, when the words "joint-basing" are spoken in conversations between service members, they invoke myriad responses. This was certainly the case as the Joint Base Langley-Eustis concept was discussed in depth between senior leaders from both Langley Air Force Base and Fort Eustis, Va., and the

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Airmen certified for F-35 engine runs

    An Airman seated in an aircraft, surrounded by electronic displays, surveys the cockpit of an F-35A Lightning II and begins rehearsed procedures that now feel comfortable. He feels the jet's familiar rumble below as the engine roars to life on the flightline. If you imagined the person in the seat

  • US, Nepal build relationships, improve lives

    A multinational team led by U.S., Nepalese, and Australian military members and civilians treated more than 4,100 villagers, repaired and renovated three schools, and shared expertise Sept. 10-15, during Operation Pacific Angel 12-4 in Nepal.The first Pacific Angel mission in Nepal featured free

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • ANG director discusses way forward

    Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, the director of the Air National Guard, spoke about mission readiness and other challenges facing the ANG in future years to attendees of the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technical Exposition here Tuesday, Sept. 18.Wyatt discussed how the ANG

  • CMSAF: 'Be the best, know your Airmen, tell your story'

    Reflecting on more than 30 years of Air Force service, the chief master sergeant of the Air Force said the future lies with our Airmen. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy made the comments in a speech focusing on the "Enlisted Perspective" at the conclusion of the three-day Air Force

  • Partnerships develop Air Force youth

    Gail Donley, Betty Welsh and Paula Roy, respective spouses of the Air Force secretary, Air Force chief of staff and chief master sergeant of the Air Force, attended the 2nd Annual Air Force Family Forum here Sept. 17, hosted by the Air Force Association. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley

  • CSAF talks Air Force innovation, evolution at AFA Conference

    The Air Force chief of staff spoke about the current state of the service during the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 18.Gen. Mark A. Welsh III recognized the Air Force's birthday, giving tribute to airpower icons and sharing the stories of

  • Air Force recognizes 2012 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    The 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year attended a recognition reception and dinner hosted by the 2012 Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17.The Airmen were lauded for demonstrating "outstanding leadership, job performance, community involvement and

  • SecAF highlights 'state of force' at AFA conference

    In his keynote address at the 2012 Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley discussed major service accomplishments over the last 12 months and the Air Force's strategic way ahead.Donley said the Air Force's

  • Air Force leaders welcome attendees to annual conference

    In a ceremony steeped in military tradition, Air Force senior leaders welcomed thousands to the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17, a day before the service's 65th birthday."Being here gives us a chance to step away from the daily thrash and

  • Live streaming of AFA's annual conference available

    The Air Force Association's Annual Air and Space Conference is set to take place at National Harbor, Md., Sept. 17-19.Select conference events will be streamed live online at the Pentagon Channel's live stream site (here) and Air Force Link's live video page (here). No video will be available at

  • Air Force Marathon breaks another attendance record

    The 2012 running of the Air Force Marathon was the largest ever and sold out in record time. The race has grown to a field of more than 15,000 runners, doubling in size since 2008, representing all 50 states, 15 countries, all military services, and a diversity that included world-class marathoners,

  • Top U.S. officials honor Americans who died in Libya

    Joint Base Andrews was the chosen site for a ceremony Sept. 14 honoring the four Americans killed in an attack on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya, Sept. 11.President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, UN Ambassador

  • 'Today's Air Force' goes from New Mexico to near space

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Sept. 14.In the first block, Tech. Sgt. Anthony Gomez introduces viewers to college football players who got a taste of basic military training. Later, Airman 1st Class Mari Moxley gives an update on Holloman Air Force Base's

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Leaders issue Air Force birthday message

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:As we celebrate the United States Air Force's 65th birthday, we salute all of the

  • Alaska Reserve F-22 unit becomes fully operational

    The 477th Fighter Group here reached a readiness milestone Sept. 9 when Col. Bryan Radliff, 477th FG commander, announced that the group had achieved fully operational capable status."Fully operation capable means that we are ready and able to execute our wartime tasking," said Radliff. "With our

  • Silver Star presented for fallen Airman's 'gallantry in action'

    Dressed in a silver and black dress, 3-year-old Chloe Smith stood beside her mother, Tiffany, as they accepted a Silver Star award today in honor of Senior Airman Bradley R. Smith who was killed in action at the age of 24 in Afghanistan Jan. 3, 2010.Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, 9th Air Force commander,

  • F-35A reaches 'huge milestone' in program development

    Air Force officials begin their F-35A Lightning II Operational Utility Evaluation Sept. 10, an instrumental step in beginning Joint Strike Fighter pilot and maintenance training for the service. Two 33rd Fighter Wing pilots at Eglin AFB, Fla., along with two Air Force test pilots, will conduct the

  • AF finishes strong at end of 'critical days of summer'

    The Air Force 2012 Critical Days of Summer campaign ended Sept. 4 with zero fatalities for the Labor Day weekend for the first time in five years. "We at the Safety Center always have a Quest for Zero mission," said Bill Parsons, Air Force Chief of Ground Safety. "It is, and always should be, our

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • AF veteran shares wisdom with young paralympians

    The camaraderie of being part of a team is a draw to many athletes and can be traced to the origins of why many embarked on lengthy careers, staying the course even when things are not always going their way.Mario Rodriguez, a member of the U.S. Paralympic fencing team and former Air Force staff

  • 'Today's Air Force' reviews Air Force Week 2012

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Aug. 29; taking a look back at Air Force Week 2012 - New York City.On this episode's "Straight from the Top,"  Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy talks about the importance of showcasing Air Force capabilities to

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Captain makes mark in Afghan culture

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)With his rugged beard and long hair, Air Force Capt. Nick Plante is not your typical service member serving overseas in Afghanistan. Dressed like a local

  • AF senior leaders stress safety over Labor Day weekend

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following message to all Air Force personnel:As our Nation pays tribute to American workers during Labor Day weekend, we thank all Airmen for your

  • Days in the dark: Retired AF NCO receives POW Medal

    Returning to work after celebrating his 30th birthday the day before, then-Staff Sgt. James 'O'Neil' Hughes could see a growing group of disorderly demonstrators gather outside the U.S. Embassy. Chanting and singing, the bellicose crowd grew agitated. They held up signs displaying anti-American

  • Military Units in Southeast Prepare for Isaac's Impact

    Military units in the southeastern United States are preparing for Tropical Storm Isaac, which is barreling past the Florida Keys and may grow to a hurricane by the time it makes landfall on the northern Gulf coast sometime Tuesday.National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials say Isaac

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • 101 faces of Air Force Week New York

    New York City was this year's stage for one of the Air Force's grandest outreach programs, Air Force Week. The three-day showcase took place in locations throughout the city's five boroughs and included flyovers, interactive displays, Air Force band performances, meet and greets, a movie screening

  • SecAF discusses East Africa mission during Djibouti visit

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley made his first trip here as secretary Aug. 22 to visit service members and civilians, and discuss operations in East Africa with Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leaders.Donley conducted an all call during his visit here, in which he discussed the

  • CMSAF Roy helps wrap up successful Air Force Week in New York

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy spoke to New York City civic leaders during a Heroes Luncheon sponsored by Operation Homefront on Tuesday, Aug. 21 to wrap up Air Force Week in New York City.During an interview before the luncheon, Roy stressed the importance of Air Force Week as a

  • Airmen learn hospitality of New Yorkers during AF Week

    Air Force Week in New York City cranked into high gear during its second day as about 50 Airmen from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. toured the 9-11 memorial and the Freedom Tower Aug. 20. "We here today at the tribute center," said Master Sgt. Charles Kramer, first sergeant of the 732nd