Close air support protects coalition forces, kills 70 insurgents

F-15E Strike Eagles from the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 121st EFS dropped more than 9,000 pounds of munitions through severe weather on enemy forces trying to overrun a combat outpost in Paktika province, Afghanistan, Nov. 8. According to reports, up to

Air Force modernization takes B-2 to North Pole

A B-2 Spirit flew from here to the North Pole and back Oct. 27 on a mission to test the aircraft's hardware and software upgrades, endurance and its performance at extremely high latitudes. The 18-plus hour mission consisted of developmental and operational test points to prove that the B-2's

Ali Base Airmen help U.S. forces transit Iraq

Aerial porters and Airmen from the 407th Air Expeditionary Group's passenger terminal at Ali Base are preparing for an increase in passengers and cargo during the final months of Operation New Dawn.As the main aerial hub in southern Iraq, the terminal has processed approximately 5,000 passengers and

Senior leaders: B-2 has a bright future ahead

Senior leaders from across the Air Force visited here last week to discuss the future of the B-2 Spirit bomber.The General Officer Steering Group for B-2 Sustainment met here Sept. 8 to discuss challenges and solutions for keeping the B-2 fleet healthy and operational for years to come.Ann Mitchell,

Photo Essay: Eglin F-35 number increases to four

Two F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighters were delivered here Aug. 31. Labeled as AF-10 and AF-11 by Lockheed Martin, the new JSFs bring the total count of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft here to four.View the slideshow.

Air Force celebrates JSF arrival, rolls out nation's airpower future

Air Force officials said the unveiling of the F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighter was a "historic occasion" during a rollout ceremony here Aug. 26.The F-35A, on display during the ceremony, was delivered here in July by Lt. Col. Eric Smith, the Air Force's first F-35 pilot."This is indeed a new

20th EBS Airmen assume continuous bomber presence in Guam

More than 300 Airmen assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., arrived here recently to replace the 96th EBS in support of U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence.The rotation of bomber aircraft is specifically designed to enhance regional security

Air Force Week in Photos

This week's photo highlights 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.

Former Air Force Two now part of AMC Museum

The Air Mobility Command Museum here has long been home to many landmarks of American avionic innovation. The retired military and civilian airframes are restored to historically accurate quality by museum volunteers and displayed for the enjoyment of several generations of patrons.If the planes

Fairchild's 36th Rescue Flight rescues mountain biker in Idaho

Airmen from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., rescued a 52-year-old female mountain biker Aug. 17 near Thompson Pass, Idaho, after she flipped over her handlebars and injured her ribs and back.The victim, Paulette Kirby, was on a single-track mountain bike trail participating in the six-day Idaho

Photo Essay: Thunderbirds head to New Hampshire

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, on their way to an air show in New Hampshire Aug. 11, take time to refuel over the Midwest U.S.View the slideshow.

Photo Essay: U.S. Air Force well represented at Russian air show

The Moscow International Aviation and Space Salon, known as MAKS, is one of the premier events of its type in the world and Department of Defense participation demonstrates the U.S. commitment to international security, promotes international cooperation and contributes to U.S. foreign policy

Cleaner KC-10 engines expected to burn less fuel

Mobility Airmen may have found a way to conserve Air Force resources and help preserve the environment.Prolonged and repeated KC-10 air refueling operations in desert climates can degrade the aircraft engines. But the Air Force now uses a new KC-10 engine cleaning process, which is projected to save

New airframe, squadron on Kandahar Airfield

Members of the 451st Expeditionary Operations Group welcomed their newest unit, the 702nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, here at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, recently. The 702 EAS is a tactical transport squadron comprising Army and Air Force Guard members flying C-27J Spartans to provide

Hurlburt Field preferred for MQ-1 remote split-operation unit

Air Force officials announced Aug. 4 that Hurlburt Field, Fla., is the preferred alternative for the Air Force Reserve Command MQ-1 remote split-operations squadron. Hurlburt Field will receive a single MQ-1 RSO squadron consisting of 140 personnel and associated equipment. This action does not

Morocco receives first F-16s

Morocco is the latest U.S. partner nation to receive the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a historic event marked by a ceremony here Aug. 4. The new Block 52 aircraft will supplement the Royal Moroccan Air Force's existing fleet of fighter aircraft and will contribute to the upgrade and modernization of the

Langley F-15 trucked cross country to enshrinement

For nearly 40 years, the 1st Fighter Wing here flew the venerable F-15 Eagle, helping to cement its place as one of the most successful fighters in aviation history. On July 22, however, one of the 1st FW's last F-15s began its final journey, leaving Virginia for northern California -- but not in

First Air Force F-35 pilot part of aviation history

With the arrival of the joint strike fighter, the military continues setting the historic milestones for the worldwide aviation industry in preparing the first F-35 Lightning II pilots.Lt. Col. Eric Smith became a part of history himself recently as the first Airman to fly the new stealth fighter

Officials say Joint Strike Fighter program is on track

The Joint Strike Fighter Program Office deputy director expressed confidence in the progress of the JSF program at an Air Force Association breakfast program here July 27.The upgrades and acquisitions, particularly the completion of the new Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., training facility, helps to

Air Force Scientific Advisory Board to conduct study of aircraft oxygen generators

The Air Force continues a review of all of the service's aircraft equipped with oxygen generation systems, according to Air Force officials.Following the fleet-wide stand-down of the F-22 Raptor directed by Air Combat Command leadership in May, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley directed the

Officials look to reduce strategic airlift inventory

Combatant and major command officials provided testimony to members of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower to propose a reduction of strategic airlift aircraft numbers in a session here July 13. Gen. Raymond Johns, the Air Mobility Command commander, and Gen. Duncan McNabb, the U. S.

PACAF demonstrates air power in Brunei

Aircraft from Misawa Air Base, Japan, and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, performed at the Brunei Darussalam International Defense Exhibition 2011 at Rimba Air Base, Brunei, July 2. Capt. Chris Nations, a PACAF Aerial Demonstration Team pilot based at Misawa, performed daily aerial

Sensor network detects nuclear blasts worldwide

At any time of the day or night, on any day of the year, if a nuclear device explodes anywhere on Earth, a Defense Department network established in 1947 will know about it.That was the year Army Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower directed the Army Air Corps to develop such a capability, and the U.S. Atomic

Global Hawk postured for success

With a solid record in combat and humanitarian missions, the RQ-4 Global Hawk program remains a critical component to national security and the Air Force will increase cost-saving efficiencies to ensure the unmanned aerial system's sustainment, officials said here July 12.Rigorous reviews over the

Members participate in KC-135 egress exercise

More than 60 members here volunteered to slide down a large, air-filled slide, or in this case, an emergency exit, June 28, during a KC-135 Stratotanker ground egress test supported by the 126th Air Refueling Wing. The AMC-directed test was used to determine the number of passengers one passenger

Air Force EWO graduates from Navy Growler training

An electronic warfare officer became the first Air Force EWO to graduate from the 10-month-long Navy EA-18G Growler training at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., June 28.Capt. Cole Davenport, who is with the 390th Electronic Combat Squadron, completed his first training sortie Sept. 7, 2010.

U.S., Indonesian airmen complete annual air mobility exercise

The annual week-long combined exercise between Indonesian and U.S. Air Force personnel, known as Exercise Cope West, came to a close here June 24.More than 70 Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, and three C-130 Hercules aircraft with Yokota's 36th Airlift Squadron, as well as one Indonesian Air

Northern Edge participants complete successful exercise

After two weeks of learning to communicate and work in a joint environment, service members from every branch of service packed their bags and headed home at the conclusion of Exercise Northern Edge 2011.The U.S. Pacific Command joint exercise, held June 13-24, hosted active duty, Reserve and

AMC officials hold 'Future Aircraft Fuel Efficiency Industry Days'

Officials in Air Mobility Command's Future Concepts Office and Fuel Efficiency Office are co-hosting the "Future Aircraft Fuel Efficiency Days" conference here from June 27 to 29. The conference is designed to allow AMC experts to work with industry partners to gather information on

Continued testing of F-35 JSF sensors a success at Northern Edge 2011

While participating in Northern Edge for the second time, F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter sensor capabilities were tested in Alaska's premier multi-operational environment June 13-24. Hosted by Alaskan Command, Northern Edge is a biennial U.S. Pacific Command exercise that prepares joint

Tanker's first flight over top of the world marks new era in efficiency

The U.S. Air Force has gone to the ends of the earth to support operations in Afghanistan.A KC-135 Stratotanker flew north until it started flying south June 21 an 22, cutting a new pathway over the Arctic Circle and the North Pole between Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., and the Transit Center at

Thousands admire U.S. aircraft at Paris Air Show

The world's longest-established aerospace event comes to a close June 26 after hundreds of thousands of people viewed the best of what aviation has to offer.The 49th International Paris Air Show, which began more than 100 years ago, opened June 20 with four trade-show days and three public days at

C-130s maintain steady ops in Afghanistan

Every day there are Airmen here supporting combat airlift missions for Operation Enduring Freedom through the use of the C-130 Hercules. The C-130s at Bagram Airfield are deployed with the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, which is part of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing. Its Air Force fact

U.S. military, aircraft highlighted at international air show

U.S. military pride, strength and technology are on display at the 49th International Paris Air Show at the Le Bourget Airport here June 20 through 26. Held every two years, the Paris Air Show provides an opportunity for the U.S. to showcase the best the Department of Defense has to offer in people,

Felts Field open house displays AMC lineage

The Experimental Aviation Association shared a piece of Air Mobility Command history with the local community here recently.One of 12 flight-capable B-17 Flying Fortresses rumbled through the sky and landed for tours for aviation enthusiasts and two World War II B-17 pilots during Felts Field's

Thunderbirds announce 2012 officer selections

The commander of Air Combat Command, Gen. William M. Fraser III, has officially selected the officers who will be joining the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds" for the 2012 demonstration season. Maj. Greg Moseley, a lieutenant colonel-select currently assigned to

New 'milk stool' design may save dollars, backs

A C-130 Hercules ramp support platform designed by four cadets here in May could save not only Air Force dollars but also the backs of the loadmasters who currently drag around 75-pound monstrosities, officials said.The newly designed "milk stool," as the ramp support platform is called, would weigh

Grand Forks AFB Airmen welcome Global Hawk

Airmen celebrated the arrival of the RQ-4 Global Hawk during a ceremony here June 1.The ceremony highlighted the beginning of a new era of remotely piloted aircraft here."It is an honor to be here; what a great day for Grand Forks (Air Force Base) and North Dakota -- this is cutting edge

Experts discuss future long-range strike bomber requirements

More than 30 military and civilian strategic air power experts gathered here May 5 to discuss ideas for a new long-range strike bomber. The Bomber Advisory Group examined past and current global strike success stories and strategic air power's role in the 21st century. The group also brainstormed

First aircraft in phase one of block 40/45 modification completed ahead of schedule

Phase one of the low-rate initial production of the block 40/45 modification project was finished on the first AWACS May 17, 30 days ahead of schedule. The block 40/45 modification is a $2.9-billion initiative to upgrade the computer system, ground systems and infrastructure. Replacing the

Thunderbirds to perform first demo with alternative fuel

The Thunderbirds will use alternative fuel, unprecedented for any Department of Defense aerial team, at the Joint Services Open House here May 20 and 21, officials said May 18. The team will fly with Camelina-based hydrotreated renewable jet fuel as part of the nation's overall strategy to reduce

PACAF demo team certified to showcase F-16's aerial maneuvering might

A crew from the 14th Fighter Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan, was certified as the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team May 16.Lt. Gen. Burton Field, the U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, certified the crew. The crew includes one pilot, two narrators and a

Combat Talon ends career as historic monument

Exactly one year after making its final operational flight, the MC-130E Combat Talon I 64-0567 reached the end of its 47-year journey with a stirring dedication ceremony here May 6.The Talon, or as it came to be know by 919th Special Operations Wing Airmen, "Wild Thing," will now be a historic

Tinker AFB Airmen complete first repairs on F117 engine

Airmen from the 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group and Pratt & Whitney mechanics recently completed repairs on the first F117 engine of the newly-obtained workload. The Pratt & Whitney manufactured engine powers the C-17 Globemaster III."The significance is that this engine was the first ever

Air Force officials announce helicopter acquisition strategy

Air Force officials announced their strategy here April 25 to recapitalize the Air Force's helicopter fleet, which is critical to nuclear weapon security response, continuity of government, and combat search and rescue.The Air Force secretary and chief of staff have directed that the service proceed

Elmendorf Airmen deploy to Kadena, test capabilities

A group of pilots and maintainers from the 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, deployed here earlier in 2011, along with their F-22 Raptors, to test their capabilities in a new environment, setting records in the process.During their stay here, they

C-130s continue support of fire fighting efforts in Texas, Mexico

Under the command of U.S. Northern Command, six C-130 Hercules aircraft, equipped with U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems, continue to support firefighting efforts in Texas and Mexico.Two of the C-130s, from the 302nd Airlift Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., are

Dyess Airmen assist with Texas wildfires

Members of the 7th Bomb Wing and 317th Airlift Group here are lending a helping hand in support of firefighting efforts throughout South Texas.From logistics to meals to maintenance, Airmen here will support four C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems and more

B-1B Lancer upgrade will triple payload

Airmen from the 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron began their first phase of demonstrations of a multiple ejector rack on a B-1B Lancer here March 22.If fielded, 16-carry modified rotary launchers will increase the number of 500-pound joint direct attack munitions and laser-guided JDAMs carried by

Scott AFB to become 'one stop C-21 shop'

The 458th Airlift Squadron here will become the Air Force's sole C-21 formal training unit within the next four months. The squadron will regain the C-21 training mission from the 45th Airlift Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.The 45th AS will dissolve as a unit underneath Air Education &

T-38 arrives to supplement F-22 training

Following a successful test run in March 2010 and approval by Air Combat Command officials, the first of several T-38 Talons from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., arrived here April 1 for the beginning of the 1st Operations Group's T-38 Adversary Air Program.Col. Matt Molloy, the 1st Fighter Wing's

MC-130J rollout accelerates AFSOC recapitalization

Air Force Special Operations Command officials welcomed the latest variant of the MC-130 at a rollout ceremony held at Lockheed Martin's Marietta, Ga., factory recently.The rollout accelerates AFSOC commander Lt. Gen. Donald C. Wurster's priority to recapitalize the fleet by acquiring MC-130J Combat

UAV crashes at Edwards AFB

A Global Observer unmanned aircraft crashed at approximately 2:30 a.m., April 1, near the southwest corner of Rogers Dry Lakebed. There were no injuries or damage to property on the ground.Global Observer is a Joint Capability Technology Demonstration program.The cause of the crash is under

F-22 Raptor flown on synthetic biofuel

An F-22 Raptor successfully flew at supercruise March 18 on a 50/50 fuel blend of conventional petroleum-based JP-8 and biofuel derived from camelina, a weed-like plant not used for food.The flight was the capstone of a series of ground and flight test events conducted by members of the 411th Flight

Senior leaders thank KC-46A source selection team

Department of Defense and Air Force senior leaders flew here from Washington March 21 to congratulate the team responsible for the source selection of the Air Force's top acquisition priority: the KC-46A tanker. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley; Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition,

U.S. military aircraft bring displaced Egyptians home

Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, joined Marine Corps KC-130 aircraft March 5 in airlifting displaced Egyptian citizens here from Djerba, Tunisia. More than 300 passengers traveled on four flights. The aircraft and teams conducted the humanitarian shuttles in

Air Force accepts delivery of final MQ-1 Predator

The Air Force accepted MQ-1 Predator tail number 268, the final MQ-1 manufactured for the service, in a ceremony March 3. Col. James Beissner, the chief of Air Combat Command's Irregular Warfare Division, accepted the aircraft on behalf of the Air Force."This event marks a milestone in Air Force

Contractor delivers first new E-8C Joint STARS production engine

The U.S. Air Force E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, or Joint STARS, achieved a significant objective March 3 as part of the ongoing System Design and Development Re-engining effort. A First Engine Delivery Ceremony was held at the Pratt & Whitney production facility in Middletown,

Air Force to launch second orbital test vehicle

Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office officials announced the launch of the second X-37B March 4 with a back-up launch opportunity March 5. AFRCO is leading the Defense Department's orbital test vehicle initiative, by direction of the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics

Air Force announces next tanker aircraft

Air Force and Defense Department officials announced the award of an engineering and manufacturing development contract valued at more than $3.5 billion for the KC-46A aerial refueler to The Boeing Company Feb. 24.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley said in the briefing that many factors were

Thunderbirds host the Blue Angels

The Thunderbirds hosted three members of the Navy Blue Angels team here Feb. 23 as part of a traditional exchange program between the two units. Blue Angel No. 2, Lt. Cmdr. Jim Tomaszeski, right wing; and Blue Angel No. 4, Lt. Rob Kurrle, slot; had the chance to fly in the back seat of a

Photo essay: CV-22 Osprey training mission

Crewmembers from the 8th Special Operations Squadron participate in a CV-22 Osprey training mission here Feb. 1. The primary mission of the CV-22 is insertion, extraction, and resupply of unconventional warfare forces and equipment into hostile or enemy-controlled territory using air-land or airdrop

Adjustments put F-35 on track, program director says

The Defense Department's joint strike fighter program is on track to field the F-35 Lightning II in fiscal 2016, the program's director said here Feb. 15.In remarks to the National Aeronautics Association, Navy Vice Adm. David Venlet said that although changes made to the program in January extended

Edwards flight engineers perform first X-47B flight

Testers from Northrop Grumman and the Navy successfully conducted the first flight of the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration aircraft here Feb. 4.The fighter-size unmanned aircraft took off and successfully flew for the 29 minutes planned for its first test flight. This event marks a

CSAF helps Indian Air Force welcome C-130J

Air Force Week in Photos

This week's photo highlights 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.

Hickam C-17 drops a Navy boat over Pacific

It was 'zero-dark-thirty' and only the blue line of runway lights met the joint Air Force and Navy crew under the wings of a C-17 Globemaster III.A 535th Airlift Squadron aircrew from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Navy Special Warfare Unit One from Guam teamed up to drop a

F-15E flies with new radar system

Officials took a step forward in the F-15E Strike Eagle's continuous technological evolution as the Air Force's most versatile combat aircraft here Jan. 18.Officials from the 46th Test Wing launched the fourth generation fighter for the first time with a new and improved radar system, the

Air Force Week in Photos

This week's photo highlights 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.

Global Observer makes first hydrogen-powered flight

The Global Observer unmanned aircraft system successfully completed its first flight powered by the aircraft's hydrogen-fueled propulsion system here Jan. 6.This milestone marks the beginning of high-altitude, long-endurance flight testing for the demonstration and operational utility phase of this

F-4 continues long-time service to Air Force with new mission

The 82nd Aerial Target Squadron officials here are replacing the use of Lear jets for their banner tow missions with the F-4 Phantom, creating an air-to-air target that aircrews in training can safely evaluate, develop and test their weapons systems. "We developed the idea to use the F-4 for the

Holloman Airmen provide 5th generation fighter support

Two T-38 Talons were delivered in December here with the help of NASA officials.NASA officials used an Aero Spacelines Super Guppy to deliver the first two of an eventual 15 T-38s that will be regenerated here and flown to operating locations at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., and Tyndall AFB, Fla.

Airmen, Soldiers redeploy aircraft

 A CH-47 Chinook helicopter was returned home to Fort Wainwright, Alaska, by the joint efforts of Soldiers and Airmen working here Dec. 15.Soldiers from the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade worked alongside Airmen here to complete the final stages of their redeployment. The brigade was a vital part of

Air Force Week in Photos

This week's photo highlights 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.

C-130J Super Hercules flies airdrop mission

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircrew from the 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron flies to a drop zone during an air drop mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while flying over Afghanistan, Dec. 29, 2010.  C-130 aircrews ensure that troops on the ground have adequate supplies

Air Force Week in Photos

This week's photo highlights 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.

C-17 marks 2 millionth flight hour during airdrop

This month, the C-17 Globemaster III celebrated its two millionth flight hour. As a testament to the C-17 mission tempo, the aircraft passed its two millionth flight hour just four years after passing its first million-hour mark, and the first million hours took 16 years to reach. Although Air

Air Force rescuers pull female hiker to safety

Senior Master Sgt. Mike Flake, an HH-60G Pave Hawk flight engineer with the 305th Rescue Squadron here, had been flying a training mission Dec. 22 around Tucson, Ariz., where his unit trains regularly. Upon clocking out, he was home by 9:30 p.m., enjoying family time, when he received a call from a

Crash recovery team demonstrates innovation through unique lift operation

Airmen from the 51st Maintenance Squadron's Transient Alert Crash Recovery team performed a unique operation in response to a real-world situation Dec. 11, which proved valuable training for the entire shop. What started out earlier that week as a routine aircraft maintenance operation took an

Photo essay: Strike Eagles fly training mission

F-15E Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., refuel during a local training mission Dec. 17.View the slideshow.

CV-22 accident investigation board results released

Air Force Special Operations Command officials released the results of their investigation into the CV-22 Osprey accident April 9, near Qalat, Afghanistan, that killed four people and injured 16 of the 20 onboard. The pilot, flight engineer, an Army Ranger, and a civilian contract employee were

Air Force Week in Photos

This week's photo highlights 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.

Air Force officials release findings on Alaska C-17 fatal mishap

Officials at Headquarters Pacific Air Forces released the results of their investigation Dec. 10 into a fatal C-17 Globemaster III aircraft mishap July 28 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.Gen. Gary North, Pacific Air Forces commander, directed an investigation into the incident which

Officials select potential base for Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 training unit

Air Force officials announced today that Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, is their preferred alternative to potentially host a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA maintenance and flying training unit in the U.S.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz validated

Wing retires C-130E, anticipates end of C-130E ops

Little Rock Air Force Base C-130E Hercules aircraft 62-1788 made its final flight Nov. 29, to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base's 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, the aircraft retirement "bone yard" here. Built in 1962, the aircraft's history includes supporting major operations in

Air Force announces candidate basing locations for LiMA aircraft

The Air Force announced today that Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N. J., and Travis AFB, Calif., are candidate basing locations for Light Mobility Aircraft, or LiMA. These locations are candidates to beddown a single squadron consisting of 12 aircraft and approximately 100 personnel. The LiMA

X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle lands at Vandenberg AFB

The U.S. Air Force's first unmanned re-entry spacecraft landed here Dec. 3 at 1:16 a.m.The X-37B, named Orbital Test Vehicle 1, which launched April 22 from Cape Canaveral, Fla., conducted on-orbit experiments for more than 220 days during its maiden voyage. It fired its orbital maneuver engine in

Air Force officials continuing source selection for new tanker

Air Force officials have said the KC-X source selection process will continue despite a mistake in November, where a limited amount of identical source selection information was provided to both KC-X offerors concerning their competitor's offering. Air Force officials are ensuring a level playing

Photo essay: Florida guardsmen work on F-15 engine

Florida guardsmen perform diagnostics on an F-15 Eagle engine to trace an error code revealed during an engine test run here Nov. 10.View the slideshow.

Photo essay: Deployed Airmen prepare Hawk for flight

Members of the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prep an RQ-4 Global Hawk for a mission here Nov. 23. View the slideshow.

Major AWACS upgrade begins

The next step in the largest block upgrade in the history of the E-3 Sentry, or Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft occurred Nov. 18 at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., when the first aircraft receiving the block 40/45 modification was inducted by the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center.New

Hickam aircrew participates in training opportunities

A 535th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III aircrew trained in unrestricted-descent assault landings, airdrop, combat offloads, air refueling, night-vision-goggle training, low levels, mountainous terrain, threat responses and multiple-ship formation training during a five-day training mission

Minot Airmen fly to where America's day begins

Preparations for the deployment of Air Force Global Strike Command's 69th Bomb Squadron here are underway as they head to Guam, a first since the Vietnam War.The deployment is in support of U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence. An advanced team of approximately 30 Airmen departed Nov.

Eye in the sky

The last 28th Bomb Wing B-1B Lancer received the necessary modifications to operate the Sniper advanced targeting pod Oct. 18.The advanced targeting pod acts as a long-range camera, which can pinpoint targets for precision strikes and close-air-support missions."It's hard to imagine doing close-air

Photo essay: Misawa Airman earns flight of his life

An Airman here earned an F-16 Fighting Falcon incentive flight Oct. 22 to reward his exceptional work and dedication with the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron. View the slideshow.

Thunderbirds dazzle Disney crowd during Air Force Week in Florida

The Air Force Thunderbirds air demonstration team made a special appearance at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 26 as they flew their famous delta formation over Cinderella's Castle and the theme park's main street. It was one of numerous events scheduled as part of Air Force Week Cocoa

Marathon officials release official plane for 2011 race

Officials from the Air Force Marathon office here recently announced the B-1B Lancer will be the official plane for the 2011 Air Force Marathon. As the featured aircraft, the B-1B will be prominently displayed on all official marathon gear, including the finisher's medal racers receive after

Joint STARS demonstrates key network-enabled weapons capability

An Electronic Systems Center team is wrapping up work on a demonstration here aimed to greatly improve network-enabled weapons capabilities for joint forces. The Battle Management Directorate's E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System Modernization Branch has been participating in the Joint

Test center fuses old, new technology for light attack

Test pilots and engineers here are learning what happens when high-tech systems are combined with low-tech airframes for a new, cost effective, light-attack aircraft.Light attack, a revitalized concept in the Air Force, addresses the need for an airplane that offers surveillance as well as strike

Photo essay: Rapid loading for the fight

Loadmasters and aircrew from the 730th Air Mobility Squadron load pallets Sept. 15, onto a C-5 Galaxy at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The Airmen performed a two-hour quick turn on the C-5, preparing and loading a large amount of equipment and supplies. View the slideshow: