AF C-130 firefighting efforts reach milestone

Air Force Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130s reached a major mission milestone Aug. 24 by dropping the 2 millionth gallon of retardant for the season.MAFFS 5, assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing here, dropped the record-breaking gallon during its third

Connecting America, Ghana through music

Throughout the summer, the U.S. Air Force Band featured guest conductors at performances, enhancing international partnerships.The concert Aug. 24 at the Air Force Memorial here was another example of this as Col. Sampson Ebonyi, guest conductor from Ghana, took the crowd on a musical journey,

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

AFPC temporarily stops PCS to Keesler

Air Force Personnel Center officials have temporarily halted permanent change of station moves and most temporary duty assignments to Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., based on the projected arrival of Hurricane Isaac this week.The stop movement order, initiated by the 81st Training Wing commander, is

Idea brings $10,000 for McConnell AFB civilian

A civilian member of the 22nd Operations Group was presented a check for $10,000 from the Air Force at the 22nd Air Refueling Wing staff meeting Aug. 27, here.James Shores, the 22nd OG short range scheduling chief, received the money as part of the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness

New BTO to help Airmen make USAFE processes more efficient, effective

Before becoming the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Mark A. Welsh challenged the U.S. Air Forces in Europe to find more efficient and effective ways to use its resources."Current fiscal realities require commanders to take a hard look at how to most efficiently support and execute our missions within

Fighter jets protect skies during republican convention

Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region fighters are protecting the skies during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla.Air Force fighter jets will be on alert during the convention, which runs from Aug. 27 through Aug. 30, enforcing the Federal Aviation

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

Redesigned program eases Airmen's transition to civilian life

A redesigned program will help ease every Airman's transition to civilian life and better apply their military experience, Air Force officials said. The program is the first major overhaul of the transition assistance program for military members in nearly 20 years. The effort began in response to a

Through Airmen's Eyes: Heavy Metal Airman

(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.)A dim room, a single blue light and a heat source hot enough to melt metal may not sound like an ideal work environment for a women, but for one Airman

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

Through Airmen's Eyes: The way back home

(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.)At a young age, Master Sgt. Nicole Culverhouse, 60th Medical Support Squadron element chief, was kidnapped off the streets of Bogota, Colombia. Her

Afghanistan Health Reconstruction Course introduced into PRT training

Sustainability and self-sufficiency is the goal for the new Afghanistan Health Sector Reconstruction Course being introduced into all provincial reconstruction team training."We have taken what some would have considered a boring lecture series, expanded it and morphed it into a highly dynamic,

Through Airmen's Eyes: Academy cadet selected as a USA Rugby All-American

(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.)Cadet 2nd Class Jackson Bristol has kept his passion for rugby alive with a simple approach: he never stops playing the game. January through December,

National Guard prepares for Tropical Storm Isaac

National Guard Coordination Center officials are stepping up efforts to prepare for the possibility that Tropical Storm Isaac, now in the Caribbean, could strengthen and affect the U.S mainland."Though no states have yet sought assistance, we're planning on a Gulf strike at Category 1 (hurricane)

Air Force prepares for Isaac, Bolaven

While the Air Force has moved aircraft out of Florida in advance of the possible path of Tropical Storm Isaac, Airmen half a world away brace for Typhoon Bolaven as it heads toward the Japanese island of Okinawa.Pentagon spokesman George Little said 22 Air Force Reserve F-16 fighters from Homestead

Academy instructor applications due

The application window for Air Force Academy instructor duty closes Aug. 31, Air Force Personnel Center officials reminded interested officers Aug. 23. Instructor duty is a controlled, three-year maximum special duty assignment and applicants must be released by their AFPC core officer assignment

Air Force's newest air advisor publication leverages 'best practices'

The Air Force's newest tactics, techniques and procedures publication, AFTTP 3-4.5 Air Advising, became an official document after being signed by Maj. Gen. Brett Williams, Headquarters Air Force director of operations, and Maj. Gen. Bill Bender, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander,

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.

Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman steps up, fills AFCENT Band's vacancy

(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.)When Senior Airman Jamie Horner first stepped off the airplane in Southwest Asia, she had one mission in mind: to prepare the installation for natural

B-52s bring persistent airpower to Exercise Pitch Black 12

The 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., took to the skies of Australia's Northern Territory Aug. 2 to 18 as the lone U.S. Air Force unit flying in Exercise Pitch Black 12.With more than 2,200 personnel and up to 100 participating military aircraft, Exercise Pitch Black 12

Hurricane Hunters track Isaac as SOUTHCOM, NORTHCOM prepare

With Tropical Storm Isaac bearing down on the Dominican Republic and Haiti and threatening to strengthen over the eastern Caribbean, the "Hurricane Hunters" from the Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron are in the air, relaying critical data to National Weather Service

B-52 takes part in joint training 'down under'

The Air Force will send a B-52 and KC-135, operating from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin later this week to take part in short term joint training with the RAAF. The B-52 is assigned to Andersen AFB as part of U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Air Force

Through Airmen's Eyes: Irish Twins reunite while deployed

(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.)When most people think of military reunions, they may think of service members returning home from an extended deployment to reunite with their loved

AF trauma chief cites sweeping changes in critical care

From battlefield innovations to revamped health care systems, the military has radically transformed its trauma care over the past decade, a trauma expert here said.These advances have led not only to the nation's highest combat survivability rate in history, but also to countless saved civilian

England ceremony marks 70th anniversary of Eighth Air Force

U.S. and Royal Air Force leadership; local community leaders from Kettering, United Kingdom; and veterans marked the 70th anniversary of the first 8th Air Force bombers participating in World War II with a ceremony at Boughton House and a memorial service at Grafton Underwood Aug. 17. At Boughton

Air Force Spice testing lab goes full throttle

The Air Force Spice Testing Lab  located at the Air Force Drug Testing Laboratoy at Joint Base San-Antonio - Lackland, Texas, became fully operational on Aug. 1, in support of the Air Force's focus on quality Airmen. The new lab establishes a robust urinalysis testing program as part of the Air

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

U.S. Paralympic track & field team trains at RAF Lakenheath

More than 50 U.S. Paralympians and hopefuls are honing their skills and making final preparations at Royal AIr Force Lakenheath for competition in the London 2012 Paralympic Games  Aug. 18 through 25.The installation has teamed with the U.S. Olympic Committee to provide the athletes with all they

'Joining Forces' initiative exceeds hiring goals for vets, spouses

The White House initiative to hire veterans and military spouses has surpassed its goals, having led to the hiring or training of more than 125,000 veterans and spouses in the past year, First Lady Michelle Obama announced today.Speaking to sailors and their families at Naval Station Mayport in

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

Expeditionary Center hosts Air Mobility Command wargame

Approximately 65 air mobility experts recently wrapped up participation in Air Mobility Command's Global Mobility (GLOMO) Wargame 2012 at the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center here recently. GLOMO is conducted biannually at the Expeditionary Center by subject-matter experts from across the Air

CJCS Army Gen. Dempsey: Political activity erodes public trust in military

Using the uniform for partisan politics erodes the trust the American people have in their military, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said today.During a discussion with reporters aboard a C-17 returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff addressed a question about 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

Through Airmen's Eyes: Hawaiian Airman brings in-your-face refueling to OEF

(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.)Looking out the window of his boom pod at 30,000 feet, in the middle of nowhere, with himself and the open air -- that is what Master Sgt. Eric Faurott

McChord C-17 crews begin WinFly to Antarctica

The 62nd Airlift Wing began the winter flying period Aug. 20 as part of its support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation.The period, known as WinFly, is scheduled to last until Aug. 28 and will deliver advance teams and cargo for the upcoming main season of Operation

Ramstein hosts international jump week

Six countries provided more than 150 paratroopers to participate in International Jump Week hosted by the 435th Contingency Response Group from Aug. 12 - 17 near Ramstein.The paratroopers came from the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the U.S. Air Force and Army and jumped

Drill Team members reflect on where they came from during AF Week

The Ambassadors in Blue for the Air Force Recruiting Service performed during the Air Force Week events Aug. 19 at Pier 86 in New York CityThe ceremonial unit, otherwise known as the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, tours worldwide to demonstrate the commitment to service and excellence every

Knowing where to request records saves time, money

In an effort to save time and money, the master personnel records branch staff at the Air Force Personnel Center wants retirees and former Airmen to know the correct procedures for requesting medical and personnel record information."Knowing the correct procedures can not only cut down on the

Transit Center passenger experience realigned to centralized location

Whether a service member is heading to Afghanistan or redeploying back to their home station, they want their transient experience to be simple.A consolidation of the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan's Passenger Terminal and U.S. Customs Processing Center into a centralized location is aimed at

AFPC officials streamline PCS orders process

Air Force Personnel Center officials here have centralized how Permanent Change of Station orders are processed, validated and authenticated. Since Oct. 2011, the Total Force Service Center-San Antonio has been managing the PCS orders process and has authenticated more than 82,000 orders and 19,000

Opening ceremonies kick off Air Force Week activities

The Air Force kicked off one of its biggest outreach programs in America's largest city Aug. 19 with a combination of opening day remarks, flyovers, interactive displays and performances by Air Force bands.The opening ceremony at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum on Pier 86 marked the start of

Nuclear enterprise experts train and attend symposium

Approximately 16 general and flag officers, led by the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, took part in an airborne emergency action officers exercise and Strategic Deterrence Conference at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Aug. 6-9.Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, is

Photos: Rescue Airmen train in the open seas

A team of pararescuemen with the 38th Rescue Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., conducted a water rescue exercise in the Gulf of Mexico on Aug. 14. During the exercise, pararescuemen had to locate downed victims several miles apart and provide self-aid and buddy care as needed. The

Through Airmen's Eyes: Maxwell officer builds historical database

(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.)What started as a solution to an information collection problem six years ago has grown into a substantial database that documents air power through

Airman nets $10,000 through IDEA program

The Air Force presented a check for $10,000 to a 31st Maintenance Squadron Airman recently for creating a new process that used less manpower and resources without sacrificing quality.Tech. Sgt. Jesse Swiderek, 31st MXS aircraft metals technology craftsmen, received the money as part of the

Behind-the-scenes look at saving lives

It was his first deployment to Afghanistan, and to make matters worse, he was assigned to one of the busiest trauma centers in the region. Staff Sgt. Caleb Gibson felt a sense of shock, pride and satisfaction as he watched U.S. military medical personnel treat injured troops. "It was shocking to see

Large solar array planned for Davis-Monthan AFB

The Air Force plans to expand its renewable energy portfolio substantially with a 14.5-megawatt photovoltaic solar array at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. The base has entered into an agreement with SunEdison, LLC to design, finance, build, operate and maintain the array on 170 acres of

USAF Honor Guard, Band represent Airmen at Air Force Week

The premier U.S. Air Force ceremonial units, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and U.S. Air Force Band, are returning to New York City as part of Air Force Week 2012 with several performances and concerts scheduled for August 18-22.Two of the USAF Band's ensembles - the rock band, Max Impact, and The

Supporting warfighters from space

Air Force Space Command Vice Commander Lt. Gen. John Hyten spoke at the 15th Annual Space and Missile Defense Conference here Aug. 14 and discussed how the American way of war has fundamentally changed thanks to space.He used historical examples to illustrate his point and contrasted those with

Alaska Reserve unit rebuilds tornado-ravaged school

An Alaska Reserve unit has just returned from Tennessee where the task at hand was rebuilding a school that was destroyed by a tornado in 2011. Members of the 477th Civil Engineer Squadron installed lighting units, rewired the facility to meet code, hung sheet rock, and painted the interior of the

Airmen's heroic acts featured in Portraits in Courage

Climbing a glacier for 24 straight hours, delivering medical care while taking enemy fire or chasing an armed murderer through a crowded airport; these are the actions of some of the 20 Airmen featured in the latest volume of Portraits in Courage.As the Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley

'Today's Air Force' highlights new CSAF, Air Force Week

Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Aug. 17. On this episode's "Straight from the Top," Gen. Mark A. Welsh III talks about his priorities as the new Air Force chief of staff. Later, Staff Sgt. Shannon Ofiara shows viewers the Air Force chief of staff transition

Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman inspires through music

(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.)Born and raised in Newton, Miss., a real life "small town," he had watched many of his family members join the military and knew he would soon follow."My

Hotel tax exemptions could help AF save millions of dollars

During a time of increasing Department of Defense budget constraints, the Air Force continuously looks for innovative solutions that save money and positively impacts the mission. Air Education and Training Command's Financial Management office said Air Force travelers could help save millions of

High year of tenure changes take effect in 2013

High year of tenure changes announced in December will go into effect in September 2013, Air Force Personnel Center officials reminded affected Airmen on Aug. 16. Changes will affect senior airmen, staff sergeants and technical sergeants, said Lt. Col. Tara White, AFPC retirements and separations

AFRC commander promoted

Welsh talks 'leadership' with NCOs

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III shared his perspective on leadership during the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airmen's Conference here Aug. 15.Welsh spoke about what it takes to be a great leader and NCO, sharing insight and personal stories from

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.

K-town 'all stars' compete in Little League World Series

The Kaiserslautern Military Community All Stars team competed in their first game of the 2012 Little League World Series held in South Williamsport, Pa. on August 16. The 13-man team won the European title two weeks ago with a 14-0 standing and competed in their first Little League World Series game

Through Airmen's Eyes: Mental health nurses help Airmen navigate life's rough patches

(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.)For some airmen, finding a kind ear and expertise from someone in the mental health profession can mean the difference between life and death. Maj. Brian

Total force seminar builds 'bold leadership'

Nearly 200 Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine service members took part in a full-day leadership seminar hosted by the Kaiserslautern Military Community Top III Total Force Development Council here Aug. 3.From junior enlisted to senior officers, all members who attended the seminar learned about the

X-51A flight ends prematurely

The X-51A Waverider successfully launched from a B-52 Stratofortress over Point Mugu Naval Air Warfare Center Sea Range, Calif., Aug. 14, 2012, at approximately 11:36 a.m. PDT.The X-51 safely separated from the B-52 and the rocket booster fired as planned. However, after 16 seconds, a fault was

Airmen gain insight during former CMSAF forum

Donley praises Airmen, emphasizes standards at AFSA conference

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed Airmen here Aug. 15 at the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airmen's Conference.During the honors banquet that concluded the conference, Donley said the Air Force would be able to meet the challenges of a dynamic

Showcasing America's Airmen in New York City

Air Force Week returns to New York City this Sunday, Aug. 19, providing flyovers, concerts and opportunities to meet Airmen serving in the U.S. Air Force.The purpose of Air Force Week is to build relationships outside the local base community, reach out to those who are unfamiliar with the Air Force

Through Airmen's Eyes: I'm still willing

(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.)When it comes to saving a life, seldom is it something you can plan. You might witness a car crash and spring into action. Most would probably do what

Air National Guard helicopter crews join California wildfire fight

Air National Guard members from the 129th Rescue Wing have demonstrated their dynamic life-saving capabilities by fighting fires in California since Aug. 12.Two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and aircrews are battling the Jawbone Complex Fire in Kern County, Calif., outside Bakersfield. The aircrews

Kick your reading into OverDrive

If you love to read but can't make it to the library, the Air Force will bring the library to you. OverDrive, one of several Air Force library online resources, features nearly 10,000 electronic books, audio books, videos and music available for checkout to eligible customers, said Melinda Mosley,

USFJ commander focuses on bilateral operations

With the Department of Defense's rebalance of military forces to the Asia Pacific region, the focus on bilateral operations is more critical now than ever, said the new U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander."We plan to increase our bilateral and multilateral cooperation throughout the

SecAF shares AF, DoD energy goals at summit

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presented a keynote address on the Department of Defense's energy initiatives at the 2012 National Clean Energy Summit here August 7.The fifth annual summit gathered leaders from government, business, non-profit organizations and academia to discuss the

Keeping marriages strong across miles

When Tech. Sgts. Gena and Barry Armstrong received orders to Korea, their marriage had gone through some rough patches and they had all but decided divorce seemed like a good idea. The couple had dealt with numerous deployments and temporary duties away from each other, common stresses in military

Top enlisted Airman issues challenge

The Air Force's highest ranking enlisted leader has issued a challenge for all Airmen to confront difficult issues.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy spoke to Airmen during a professional development forum here Aug. 14 at the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional

Student employee sets standard in workforce recruiting program

Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman's quick reaction saves girl's life

An Airman doesn't have to be on the battlefield to risk his life for others, to react within a moment's notice to a crisis and to be a hero.It started out as a beautiful weekend summer day at Sullivan's Island, S.C.Desperate pleas for help were echoing faintly over the rolling ocean waves. The pleas

Enlisted village cares for AF widows, families

The ninth chief master sergeant of the Air Force, James Binnicker, spoke about the Air Force Enlisted Village during the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airman Conference here Aug. 12.The Air Force Enlisted Village was founded in 1967 after a survey conducted by AFSA

Air Force looks to put wings on enlisted retrainees

Enlisted Airmen have the opportunity to earn a pair of wings and go fly, fight and win America's wars.Air Force officials are looking for retrainees to become career enlisted aviators as flight engineers, aircraft loadmasters, flight attendants, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

Combat training supports 21st century strategy

As the nation winds down from a decade of combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Department of Defense is shifting its focus to the future and recently introduced new strategic guidance describing the projected security environment and key military missions for which the department will

CMSAF kicks off AFSA convention

More than 1,300 U.S. Air Force enlisted Airmen gathered here to kick off the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airman Conference, Aug. 12. The convention is held annually, and is comprised of a number of smaller conferences and meetings, all sponsored by AFSA. This

Marilyn Monroe and the general

Plastered across the pages of many magazines, blogs and newspapers last week were photos and stories about the untimely death of actress Marilyn Monroe 50 years ago. Some authors went beyond just simply discussing her beauty or sexual exploits and opined she was actually quite brilliant. Sources

ISR Agency GPC program tops in AF

A government purchase card is a valuable tool to an organization's operation. The effective management of the card's paperwork is the key to that value.The Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency GPC Program is thriving thanks to its ability to balance its books better than

EOD tech school puts 'battlefield' into PT

Physical fitness workouts for Air Force explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) candidates now have a battlefield twist at Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD), as the 366th Training Squadron Field Training Detachment 3 here has revamped their fitness program to turn Airmen into

McChord Airmen tackle Mt. Rainier summit

Getting a view of a clear blue sky can be a pretty rare event in the Pacific Northwest. The grey cloud cover that often hovers over McChord Field and the surrounding area can sometimes feel a bit gloomy.To fight off the gloom, many people turn to a rigorous exercise regimen, with the idea that a

Through Airmen's Eyes: Eglin couples make NCO rank together

(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.)When Air Force officials announced who'd made staff sergeant Aug. 3, two Team Eglin families received twice the good news.Senior Airmen Joseph and Nicole

Tinker's Green Infrastructure Plan harvesting big returns

Most people would associate hay baling operations with agriculture and not grounds-keeping at one of the busiest aerospace maintenance, overhaul and repair complexes in the Air Force. At Tinker Air Force Base, baling hay is yielding a harvest designed to "green" the base while cutting

New instruction puts spotlight on standards, culture

When referencing fundamental standards, Airmen now have a single source: Air Force Instruction 1-1, Air Force Standards.As one of the capstone acts of his 39-year career, Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff, put his signature on the brand new instruction, which communicates in one

Rescue squadron 'drops in' on children's hospital

The young boys and girls at the Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emmanuel were treated to a special surprise by pararescuemen from the 304th Rescue Squadron here Aug. 6.Arriving by air, via HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters from the 305th Rescue Squadron, and from the ground in Humvees, the Airmen

Forest Service requests more aircraft for firefighting operations

More forest fires in the western United States have prompted the U.S. Forest Service to call in two additional C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with the Mobile Airborne Fire Fighting System.Those aircraft, expected to be operating by tomorrow, will come from the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd

Program to improve IT core services achieves key milestone

An Air Force program that will save money, save energy and improve core information technology services, such as email, has recently met a significant milestone.Hardware to consolidate four regional data processing centers into one area processing center has been delivered, installed and tested at

Food service teams heat up the dining experience

Good food is big business and nobody knows that better than Bill Spencer, Air Force Personnel Center appropriated funds food operations section chief, who last year faced the daunting task of introducing epicurean variety to a culture rooted in traditional fare.According to Spencer, Air Force dining

Serving Together: Kadena teen represents Air Force Teen Council

(Editor's note: This article is part of the "Serving Together" series. Each article will highlight Air Force family members who are serving alongside their Airman, giving back to their community and the Air Force.)Leadership: It's a crucial characteristic for military commanders, company CEOs and

N.C. guardmen return to wildfire missions in Idaho

The North Carolina Air National Guard's 145th Airlift Wing will return to flying Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS)-equipped C-130s Aug. 14, six weeks after four of the unit's Airmen were killed in a C-130 crash during a fire fighting mission in South Dakota."Charlotte's MAFFS 8 will

North Carolina ANG, Botswana defense force find common ground

The C-130 Hercules is a versatile aircraft that serves several different roles depending on the need and location.In addition to missions like transport, airdrop, airlift support, resupply and natural disaster relief, the C-130 can also be configured for aeromedical evacuation missions.As part of

Welsh 'humbled' to serve as Air Force chief of staff

The Air Force chief of staff flag passed to the service's 20th chief in a ceremony here Aug. 10.Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, a 36-year Airman, stepped into the position, taking over for Gen. Norton Schwartz, who also retired from the Air Force during the ceremony."Mark is respected throughout the Air

Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman enlists father's help to improve KAF

(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.)Airmen from the 651st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron conducted a retreat ceremony at the contingency aeromedical staging facility here

DOD identifies Air Force casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.Maj. Walter D. Gray, 38, of Conyers, Ga., died Aug. 8 from injuries suffered during a suicide bomb attack in Kunar province, Afghanistan.Gray was assigned to the 13th Air Support Operations

Air Force names 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Air Force officials selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2012, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center considered 35 nominees who represented major commands; direct

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.