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U.S. Air Force News

  • AF to every Airman: Tell us your story

    Air Force leaders want Airmen to share their stories with the world and designed the 2014 American Airman Video Contest with that purpose in mind.

  • CSAF to sponsor three captains for PhD program

    The chief of staff of the Air Force will sponsor three eligible captains to pursue a doctorate degree through the fiscal year 2015 CSAF Captains Prestigious PhD Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.

  • Air Force Art Program highlights Reserve Airmen

    Lt. Gen. James Jackson, the chief of Air Force Reserve, and Maj. Warren Neary, the Air Force Space Command historian, presented two pieces of art depicting Reserve Airmen in operational roles to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, June 20.

  • AF to implement new feedback process July 1

    In a recent message to Airmen, Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody announced plans to begin implementing a more comprehensive Air Force evaluation system for officers and enlisted members. The first step in the process will be the July 1

  • AF releases new feedback forms

    During the past year, Air Force leaders have been shaping a new and more comprehensive Air Force evaluation system for officers and enlisted Airmen.The new system is designed to better meet the needs of the Air Force and Airmen, differentiate more effectively between good and great performers, and

  • Key spouse program key to family readiness

    Air Force spouses are key to maintaining stability on the home front as Airmen maintain focus on the war front, according to the wife of the Air Force’s top officer.

  • Air Force recommends four-star position for Global Strike Command

    Air Force leaders continue to implement improvements to the Air Force’s nuclear mission and increase support to the men and women who operate, maintain and support the nation’s Intercontinental Ballistic Missile force. Following visits to the missile bases and visits with the Airmen who perform the

  • AF honors fallen hero with ship renaming

    The Air Force decided May 23, to honor a fallen hero by naming the service’s newest pre-positioning vessel after Air Force logistician Capt. David I. Lyon.

  • Air Force leaders issue Memorial Day message

    Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III send the following Memorial Day message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force and their families

  • Air Force secretary reports on total force balance

    Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James yesterday outlined the service’s progress in leveraging the talent and capabilities of the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve within the total force concept.

  • CSAF promotes balance of stewardship, capability

    The Air Force chief of staff explored the proper force ratio between the service’s active duty and reserve components in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, April 29.

  • SecAF: AF committed to preventing sexual assault

    In observation of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James released a video charging all Airmen to join senior leaders and take action against sexual assault.

  • AF dependent recognized as 2014 Military Child of Year

    An 18-year-old Air Force dependent from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, was recognized for his achievements and dedication to service at the Operation Homefront’s Military Child of the Year Awards gala at the Crystal Gateway Marriot here, April 10.

  • SecAF, CSAF testify on Air Force posture

    The fiscal and security challenges triggered by budgetary constraints are posing problems for Air Force strategy, the service’s secretary told the Senate Armed Services Committee April 10.

  • Top AF leaders speak at Nellis AFB

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, along with Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody, took time out of their base visit April 7, here, to engage Airmen in a town-hall style meeting in the Lighting Aircraft Maintenance Unit hangar.

  • Air Force leaders lay out budget priorities, concerns

    Air Force leaders testified April 2, before the Senate Appropriations Committee on their service’s top priorities now and for the future.Joined by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and National Guard leaders and Air Force Reserve leadership, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James

  • Core values are more than just slogans

    Air Force senior leaders recently released a video as part of an ongoing effort to communicate the importance of living and adhering to the service core values.

  • CSAF: Budget cuts affect combatant commands

    Painful budget reductions will reduce the future capabilities of combatant commanders, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III told Congress here March 26. Testifying alongside Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James at a hearing of the House Appropriations Committee's defense

  • CSAF: Every budget decision hurts

    The Air Force’s fiscal 2015 budget request was built to ensure its combat power remains unequaled, Welsh told members of the House Armed Services Committee.

  • Air Force welcomes four-legged lieutenant

    Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Air Force Chief of Staff, visited Walter Reed Bethesda to commission a four-legged second lieutenant into the Air Force dog therapy program on March 12.

  • CSAF, CMSAF visit Altus AFB

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody and their spouses, Betty and Athena, spent two days here to tour the installation and meet Airmen and their families March 5 and 6. Welsh also served as keynote speaker at the Altus Chamber of Commerce

  • CSAF: Taking care of Airmen, future roadmap key to AF success

    Getting top performing Airmen promoted sooner, changing the EPR system, streamlining the enlisted and officer professional education programs and developing a roadmap for the Air Force for the next three decades were some of the topics discussed by the Air Force’s top officer during the 30th annual

  • CSAF thanks Edwards AFB Airmen, talks keys to AF success

    Almost a thousand Airmen, government civilians and contractors filled the base theater to hear Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III talk to Edwards Air Force Bases Airmen about current issues and future challenges involving the service.

  • CSAF to Airmen: Stay focused

    The Air Force’s highest ranking uniformed Airman released another edition of ‘Airman to Airman’ – a video series designed to highlight important topics to the force.

  • Welsh thanks Eglin AFB Airmen, families

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III visited Team Eglin Jan. 26-28 to thank Airmen and their families here for their service and sacrifice, and to discuss current challenges and opportunities facing the service.

  • Air Force's top leaders visit Global Strike bases

    Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody recently completed visits to Air Force Global Strike Command bases.

  • 34 ICBM launch officers implicated in cheating probe

    Thirty-four intercontinental ballistic missile launch officers at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., have been implicated in cheating on the ICBM launch officer proficiency test, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said Jan. 15. The revelations emerged during an investigation into alleged illegal

  • Top AF leaders: Happy holidays to all!

    The Air Force’s senior leaders send a holiday message to Airmen and family members throughout the force.Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh II and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody thank service members and family members for their

  • CSAF hosts summit to address sexual assault

    Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Mark A. Welsh III hosted a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Summit Dec.11 and 12 as part of the Air Force's ongoing effort to provide education and analysis on the issue and to discuss the complex leadership concerns sexual assault presents.

  • AF envisions smaller force to preserve readiness

    Discussing upcoming budgetary variables during a Pentagon news conference today, the Air Force's top civilian leader for the past six months addressed the inevitability of a smaller force.

  • CSAF outlines joint strike fighter’s value

    On the day that Lockheed-Martin delivered its 100th F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter to the Air Force, the service’s leaders today marked the milestone and outlined the aircraft’s value. The F-35 will be delivered to Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., where it will serve as the first training

  • Welsh: Air Force performs vital national security missions

    The Air Force mission that calls for it to dominate the air, transport troops and materiel and provide communications and intelligence are all critical to American military success, but performing them is hard for the public to visualize because much of this goes on behind the scenes, Air Force

  • Welsh, Cody wrap-up trip to the Dakotas

    The Air Force’s top commissioned and noncommissioned military leaders met thousands of Airmen in the Dakotas this week, learning about their missions and lives and answering their questions. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody visited

  • Welsh: Airmen should use common sense in approaching missions

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody told Airmen at the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Nov. 27 that they need to use common sense as they go about their duties.

  • Welsh: Air Force must get handle on pay, benefits

    The Air Force must control the growth of pay and benefits or the service will be hard pressed to perform its primary mission to fight and win America's wars, the service's top officer said here yesterday.

  • AF senior leaders tour Dakota bases, meet personnel

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III arrived here today for a three-day trip through the Dakotas.Welsh, his wife Betty, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody will visit the base and then move to Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., to meet with Airmen and their families.

  • 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.

  • AF Leaders send Veterans Day message

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody issued the following message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force.

  • Doolittle Raiders join memorial wreath-laying

    The remaining Doolittle Raiders gathered at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force today to partake in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Doolittle Raider memorial in Memorial Park, followed by a flyover of B-25 aircraft.

  • 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.

  • CSAF concludes counterpart visit

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Gen. “Hawk” Carlisle, Pacific Air Forces commander, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody met with Chinese military counterparts to discuss opportunities to build trust and cooperation as part of a weeklong visit to China.

  • CSAF begins counterpart visit in China

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Gen. Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle, Pacific Air Forces commander, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody arrived here Sep. 24 as part of a weeklong visit to China.

  • Generals stress collaboration, innovation during forum

    General officers candidly discussed innovation, concerns and the service's future during the professional development portion of the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition 2013 here Sept. 18.

  • Forum focuses on family

    In remarks and an interactive session during the Air Force Association’s Spouse and Family Forum here today, spouses of Air Force senior leaders championed the service’s focus on families and support.

  • Airman receives International Affairs Excellence Award

    During the Air Force Association’s 2013 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here today, an Air Force lieutenant colonel accepted the 2013 International Affairs Excellence Award for his leadership efforts downrange.

  • Airmen awarded Distinguished Flying Cross with valor

    Five 33rd Rescue Squadron Airmen were recently awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with valor for their heroic actions during a deployment mission in 2012.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III presented Capts. Michael Kingry, Gavin Johnson and Matthew Pfarr, Tech. Sgt. Scott Lagerveld

  • CSAF, CMSAF tour PACAF

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody toured various locations within the Pacific area of responsibility, Aug. 18 to 31.

  • CSAF meets with Airmen at JB Elmendorf-Richardson

    For the first time since assuming his current post, the Air Force's top general officer visited Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Aug. 28 and 29 to address some of the pressing issues facing the Air Force, meet Airmen stationed here and get a first-hand look at the base's mission.

  • CSAF visits, thanks Yokota AB Airmen

    Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody visited Airmen here Aug. 27, 2013, as part of a two-week tour of the Pacific region.

  • AF leaders visit Kadena to thank Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody and their spouses met with Airmen and families here Aug. 21-22.

  • Welsh, Cody: greatest strength is our Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody visited here Aug. 22 to 23 to discuss Air Force priorities and thank Airmen and families for their service and dedication.

  • AF releases nuclear enterprise’s future plan

    The Air Force recently announced a long-term vision for the service’s nuclear enterprise.The plan, signed by the chief of staff and secretary of the Air Force and approved by the 4-star-level Nuclear Oversight Board, provides a framework for advancing and monitoring the overall health of the Air

  • CSAF, CMSAF tour Pacific

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody arrived here Aug. 18 on the first leg of a tour to various locations within the Pacific area of responsibility, held Aug. 18 to 31. In addition to meeting with Airmen and Department of Defense

  • CSAF meets with Israeli partners

    Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody visited with Israeli air force Commander Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel and other Israeli defense officials during a four-day visit to the region Aug. 5 to 7. They discussed a number of topics including mutual security

  • A tribute to a warrior, patriot and hero to all Airmen

    I am the very proud son of an American fighter pilot, one of that treasured group who served in three wars, built an Air Force, and gave it an enduring example of courage and mission success. My dad was a hero. As a young man, I asked him who his combat heroes were; he gave me only two names. One

  • Welsh meets with Wyoming's Total Force Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and his wife, Betty, visited with Airmen of 153rd Airlift Wing at the Wyoming Air National Guard Base here July 19.During an Airman's call, Welsh applauded the 153rd Airlift Wing's role in hosting the Air National Guard's first active-duty associate

  • CSAF thanks Schriever AFB, addresses importance of every Airman

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III visited Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., July 19 to thank the team as well as provide some insights on current Air Force issues.As part of a two-day visit to Colorado, Welsh and his wife, Betty, met with Schriever AFB Airmen and their families at a key

  • CSAF says readiness harmed by steep cuts

    The rigid requirements of sequestration spending cuts have made it difficult for the Air Force to maintain readiness, the service's top officer said yesterday.Speaking to CNN's John King at the annual Aspen Institute Security Forum in Aspen, Colo., Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III

  • CSAF to sponsor 3 captains for PhD program

    The Chief of Staff of the Air Force will sponsor three eligible captains to pursue a doctorate degree through the fiscal 2014 CSAF Captains Prestigious PhD Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced."The program helps develop a cadre of strategic thinkers," said Tech. Sergeant Jason

  • Sexual assault is a 'cancer,' Welsh says

    The Air Force chief of staff testified in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee along with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and service chiefs from the Army, Navy Marine Corps and Coast Guard on pending legislation regarding sexual assaults in the military June 4.Gen. Mark A. Welsh

  • AF leaders remind force to be safe this summer

    With Memorial Day kicking off this year's Critical Days of Summer Safety campaign, Air Force senior leaders have asked Airmen to be as intense about safety as they are about accomplishing the mission.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Mark Welsh, and the Chief Master

  • Budget request provides for best Air Force possible, Welsh says

    The Air Force's $114.1 billion fiscal 2014 budget request will provide for the most capable airpower arm possible, the Air Force chief of staff said here today.Testifying with Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Gen. Mark A. Welsh III told the House Armed Services Committee his service's

  • Top AF leaders visit Moody AFB Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody visited here April 1 to meet with Airmen and discuss Air Force priorities. Welsh and Cody spent most of the day talking with and getting to know the base's Airmen and their missions.During an Airman's

  • CSAF, CMSAF visit Global Strike Command Airmen

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody and their spouses were at Barksdale Air Force Base April 2-3 to visit with Airmen and see the Air Force Global Strike Command mission firsthand.The visit included mission briefings, tours and meetings with

  • CSAF discusses impact of sequester

    America's military superiority is founded on training and readiness, and the fiscal crisis facing the country threatens to strip away that edge, members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told Congress Feb. 26.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, along with Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray

  • SecAF discusses sequestration impacts at AFA

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed more than 500 men and women on the final day of the Air Force Association's 29th Air Warfare Symposium & Technology Exposition Feb. 22 here.During his address, Donley spoke about several issues that are on the Air Force's radar, including budget

  • CSAF, CMSAF kickoff AFA Orlando, leave few dry eyes

    Two senior Air Force leaders addressed more than 500 people at the Air Force Association's 29th Air Warfare Symposium & Technology Exposition here Feb. 21, 2013.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark. A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody took to the stage with several points to

  • CSAF and CMSAF visit Bagram Airmen

    On their first visit to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody had many words for the Airmen here.The two they said most often were "thank you."Throughout their visit, which included the 455th Expeditionary

  • AF chief of staff releases 2013 reading list

    The Air Force chief of staff published his professional reading list Feb. 1.In a message on the website, Gen. Mark A. Welsh III said, "We are the world's greatest air force because of our Airmen...and we must continue to strengthen that team." He asks Airmen to take a look at the list that

  • Top AF leaders visit Kandahar Airfield

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody visited Airmen here Feb. 4 to thank them for their service and to discuss their priorities for the Air Force.Welsh and Cody, along with other Air Force senior leaders from the Pentagon and Air Forces

  • Air Force Officials Aim to Eliminate Sexual Assault

    Following a nine-month investigation into sexual misconduct at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, the Air Force has implemented a comprehensive program aimed at eliminating sexual assault, senior Air Force leaders told Congress today.Air Force Chief Of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and

  • CSAF gets firsthand look at RPA operations

    Airmen of the 432nd Wing and 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing welcomed Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III during a visit here Jan. 14.The visit gave the chief of staff an opportunity to meet the Airmen who perform the Air Force's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission.Welsh

  • Warfighters discuss mission accomplishment at WEPTAC

    Approximately 670 warfighters from across the Air Combat Command gathered Jan. 3 to 16 at the Weapons and Tactics conference here hosted by the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center. Attendees discussed ways to efficiently and effectively accomplish the Air Force mission with equipment they already possess

  • State of the AF is 'strong'

    The Air Force's top leaders said today the service has accomplished much while dealing with many challenges in the last year.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III briefed members of the media here on the state of the service and its focus on

  • AF releases new 'vision' document

    The Air Force released a new Vision document today outlining the force's vision and way forward."Focused on 'Airmen, Mission, and Innovation,' I believe this short document captures what today's Air Force is all about and where I think we ought to focus on for tomorrow," said Air Force Chief of

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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 visit Malmstrom AFB

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy visited Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Nov. 19 and 20 to meet with Airmen and see the base's nuclear deterrence mission.Welsh and Roy spoke at an Airman's Call where they emphasized that Airmen,

  • 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