ISR operations: 'Eye in the sky'

"Complete adaptation to environment means death. The essential point in all response is the desire to control environment." These words from the American philosopher and reformer John Dewey make the point that as conditions change, one must not simply adapt to them, but instead endeavor to control

Airmen provide medical, dental care in Thailand

Members from medical groups all over the Pacific Air Forces teamed up with Thai and Singaporean dental and optometry teams to dedicate their time and skills setting up a make-shift clinic at the Barr Lum Nong Kaew, a village grade school here.  "We're treating those who are in need and might not

Airmen help aircrews return if all goes awry

When Staff Sgt. Eric Zwoll presents his briefing, aircrew members preparing for a mission listen carefully because they know if a mission goes awry then their lives will depend on his every word. Sergeant Zwoll is one of a handful of survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists here who

March 21 airpower summary: F-15Es target anti-Afghan forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations March 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and A-10 Thunderbolt

March 20 airpower summary: Tankers fuel the fight

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations March 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a Hellfire

National Guard Airmen augment Misawa maintenance

Thirty-one Air National Guard Airmen volunteered to leave the United States in late February to help members of the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here recover and maintain F-16 Fighting Falcons returning from Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Members of the 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, who returned

'Today's Air Force' features joint warfighting

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the importance of joint warfighting and the building of a joint force. Also featured is Operation Arctic Care 2009 which takes place in Alaska and brings much needed medical care for local villagers. The Air Force's newest fighter, the F-22 Raptor, is

AAFES officials ask shoppers to make a scene

Aspiring filmmakers in the military community have the chance to flex their creative muscle and play a part in "It's My Benefit 2," the sequel to the Army and Air Force Exchange Service's inaugural 2008 video contest. With a theme of "Rediscover the Values of AAFES," this year's contest is looking

Joint training exercise strengthens AF, civilian partnerships

Law enforcement officials from Lexington, Mass., teamed up with 66th Security Forces Squadron personnel here March 16 for a joint training exercise conducted by members of the Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations team, otherwise known as STOP. The training combined classroom

Stimulus package to aid Airmen

Improvements in dormitories, child development centers and energy conservation plans will come to fruition as the Air Force receives about $1.7 billion in Defense-related appropriations through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, military finance officials said. "The Air Force fully supports

Just the right fit

Pay incentives help military avoid nursing shortage

Army, Navy and Air Force nurse corps members are highly trained, capable and critical to the wartime mission of each service, the corps' leaders told a congressional committee this week here. The Senate Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee heard testimony March 18 from the services'

Manas KC-135s revolutionize combat operations

The 376th Air Expeditionary Wing's fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers here delivers more than fuel to the fight in Afghanistan these days as it is revolutionizing the way war is fought by serving as a data network relay high above the battlefield. At first glance, the cluster of cases mounted in the back

Navy-led Arctic Care team returns to Western Alaska

Personnel here were part of a team that participated in a joint Air Force, Army and Navy medical and dental exercise in 11 of Western Alaska's most remote villages March 6 through 15.The purpose of  the exercise, the 15th annual Operation Arctic Care, was to enable medical personnel to operate in a

Patriot 7 course combines ISR with mission

Troops on the frontlines are armed with pistols, rifles and grenades, but their most potent weapons might actually be flying overhead. A course called Patriot 7 trains people to use intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tools at the tactical level to be successful at their mission.

Osan exercise optimizes communication between forces

More than 2,000 Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors participating jointly with South Korean air force members in Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle in mid-March here have learned the key to success is communication.Despite some language barriers, the key players smoothly conduct the air and space

Sniper pod improves capabilities, lethality of B-1

The B-1 Lancer, one of the most versatile aircraft in the Air Force arsenal, is now even more lethal. This lethality is not due to bigger bombs in its bomb bay, but to a small torpedo-shaped pod stuck to the plane's underbelly. Called the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod, this device enables the B-1's

B-2 aircrew participates in exercise in Pacific

Airmen aboard a B-2 Spirit tested their endurance in a 24-hour, 8,000-mile mission to Alaska and back to Guam March 12 in an exercise showcasing U.S. commitment to peace and stability throughout the Pacific region. Four B-2s and 270 Airmen from the 13th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron are deployed to

March 19 airpower summary: B-1B destroys enemy positions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-15E Strike Eagles

Explosive ordnance disposal chosen Air Force Team of Year

Officials from the Air Force and the Air Force Association named explosive ordnance disposal as the 2009 Team of the Year March 20 here. Each year, the AFA, working with major command-level command chief master sergeants and the Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, selects a

Top doctor: Medical infrastructure affects readiness

The more than 1,000 major facilities that make up the Defense Department's medical infrastructure are key strategic national assets, the department's top medical official told Congress March 18 here. Dr. S. Ward Casscells, the assistant Defense secretary for health affairs, told the House Armed

Deterrence still key to national security, general says

Deterrence remains as central to America's national security as it was during the Cold War, U.S. Strategic Command's top officer told the Senate Armed Services Committee March 19. "Our unique global perspective has given us a good platform for advocating for the nation's needs for missile defense;

Thrift Savings Plan provides retirement nest eggs

About 614,000 servicemembers are saving for retirement in the federal Thrift Savings Program, which was opened to military members in 2002, a senior Pentagon official here said March 19. The TSP, explained Chuck Witschonke, assistant director of military compensation for economic analysis, is a U.S.

Online poll for NASA's Mars Rover naming contest opens March 23

NASA officials will post online nine names that are finalists for the agency's Mars Science Laboratory mission and invite the public to vote for a favorite. The non-binding poll to help NASA officials select a name opens online March 23 and votes will be accepted through March 29. More than 9,000

Verifying records, personal information vital to career

Successful career progression for Airmen requires hard work, planning and dedication, but even more importantly, an accurate personnel record. Of all the actions Airmen can take to affect their chances for promotion and professional development, the most important is ensuring their personal

Gates recommends new terms, positions for senior officers

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates March 18 announced his recommendations that President Barack Obama re-nominate Navy Adm. Mike Mullen and Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright as the chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for a second two-year term. Secretary Gates also

Luke Airmen advise Moroccan air force on F-16 operations

Members of the Royal Moroccan air force traveled 6,000 miles to speak with Luke Air Force Base Airmen and tour the installation for an insider's perspective on how an F-16 Fighting Falcon base operates in mid-March. Royal Moroccan air force officials are in the process of building an F-16 base in

Crew navigates tanker out of trouble

"Any aircraft, any station, this is Shell 73. Emergency. We've lost complete navigational capability. Request assistance." This was the mayday call from Capt. Matthew Jaeger as he and the crew of Shell 73, a KC-135 Stratotanker from Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, flew somewhere over the border of

AF Raven B operators maintain 'eyes-on' for ground forces

"There it is," said Staff Sgt. Jeff Tomkiewicz, 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, as he pointed at a little, buzzing white dot in the sky. As the Raven B operator approached the small strip of sand of Camp Bucca's Burge Field, the tiny Raven B unmanned aircraft system hovered above the

March 18 airpower summary: A-10 hits target

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped guided bomb

Japan, U.S. forces come together to Guard, Protect

U.S. and Japanese forces practiced defending the Misawa Air Base during Exercise Guard and Protect Exercise March 11 through 13 here. The annual exercise was expanded to last for 24 hours and included a fully integrated Base Defense Operations Center. A company-sized group of soldiers from the Japan

Airmen reflect on 6th anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Airmen in the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here took a moment to reflect on previous deployments here and the progress that's been made since 2003 to mark the six-year anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom March 19. Some take note of the physical changes in the base, the hardened facilities and the

March 17 airpower summary: F-16s strike target

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets flew a show of force,

March 16 airpower summary: C-130s sustain operations

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles hit enemy positions near

March 15 airpower summary: F-15 destroys cache

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle destroyed a cache of

AF personnel leaders focus on Airmen, modernization

As mission requirements continue to grow, Air Force personnel leaders said before the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee in Washington March 17 that the service will refine priorities to win today's fight and prepare for tomorrow's challenges. The Honorable Craig Duehring, assistant Secretary

U.S., Japan forces conduct bilateral training

Japan Air Self Defense Force pilots are practicing defensive missions with U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors in bilateral fighter pilot training March 16 through 19 over Kadena Air Base.American Airmen regularly conduct joint, combined and bilateral training from the base to defend Japan to maintain peace

Airmen represent U.S. military at airshow 'down under'

About 100 Airmen from across the Air Force recently flew "down under" to represent the U.S. military and demonstrate aircraft capabilities at the 2009 Australian International Airshow March 13 through 15 at Avalon Airport. Airmen from Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, Air Force Reserve

DOD officials release sexual assault statistics

Defense Department officials here released March 17 a congressional report that examines sexual assault allegations in the military services and sets policies for reducing incidents. Key components of the annual analysis include a finding that indicates a rise in the number of incidents reported in

New Kandahar unit prepares for troop increase

Kandahar Airfield officials activated the 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron March 15 here as the NATO base prepares for the build-up of forces to support Operation Enduring Freedom.The newest airlift squadron in the Air Force will be flying the C-130J Hercules, and serve under the 451st Air

Special assignments considered for Airmen in time of need

Being the parent of a teenager with a bipolar disorder is often a difficult and emotional journey, said an Airman from Randolph Air Force Base recently. "Like any parent of a child with special needs, there's always a concern that the next location will not have the medical or psychiatric facilities

Airman's Roll Call: Air Force Climate Survey

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the results of last year's Air Force Climate Survey. Nearly a quarter of a million Airmen from across the Air Force components voiced their opinions in the Air Force Climate Survey, the largest online survey of Air Force personnel, from Oct. 1 to Dec.

Chief Airey memorial service celebrates life of AF hero

During his life, he was a dedicated member of the profession of arms and fervent military supporter who became one of the most iconic figures of Air Force enlisted heritage and culture -- he was Paul Wesley Airey, the first Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force. His death was announced March 11 to a

Officials create Air Force Information Protection Directorate

As security forces Airmen continue to transform into a combat-focused, globally deployable force, they will transfer responsibility for information protection to a newly established organization, the Information Protection Directorate at Headquarters Air Force. The directorate emerged from Air Force

Air Force announces charges against Wilford Hall nurse

A nurse at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, was formally charged March 17 by Air Force officials with three counts of violating Article 118 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice involving the deaths of terminally ill patients. Capt. Michael Fontana faces the

Buddy Wing brings Kunsan, South Korean airmen closer

United States and South Korean airmen took part in a series of aerial exercises designed to increase understanding and interoperability between the two forces March 9 through 12 here. The Buddy Wing Exercise and exchange program gave 8th Fighter Wing F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots and South Korean air

NCO speaks at International Women's Day event

The Afghan women and girls were curious. As they waited for the English words to translate into Dari, the room remained silent, a look of awe sprawled across their faces. For Tech. Sgt. Dawn Allison-Hess, the moment was just as captivating. Nearly 125 Afghan women and girls listened as she and guest

AFSO 21 helps ease finance program headache

A team of experts came together this week to use the Vandenberg Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, or AFSO 21, program to overcome obstacles in the Management Internal Control Program. The MICP came into effect during the President Reagan era and is intended to be a control on how the

Rescue Airmen support shuttle launch

Airmen from Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., supported the successful launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery March 16 from Kennedy Space Center. Pararescuemen, along with crewmembers on HH-60G Pave Hawks of the 920th Rescue Wing were stationed on or around Kennedy Space Center for the 7:43 p.m.

Science, engineering jobs available to transitioning Airmen

Air Force science and technology civil service career fields are in need of trained and educated applicants, which is ideal for veterans interested in post-military careers.Science, technology, engineering and math, called STEM, initiatives are availabe to train and educate transitioning Airmen, or

Air Force officials release F-15 accident report

A sequence of flight analysis and assessment errors by the pilot led to an F-15 Eagle overrunning the runway and all paved surfaces Nov. 13 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Air Education and Training Command officials announced March 17 here. The accident resulted in $1.25 million damage to the

American servicemembers respond to overturned fuel tanker

Firefighters, medics and security forces from Joint Task Force-Bravo here provided mutual aid assistance to the Comayagua Fire Department Friday when a fuel tanker overturned on C.A. 5 highway approximately 8 kilometers north of the base. The tanker, carrying 11,000 gallons of butane gas, hit a

Elmendorf officials mourn loss of Airman

Elmendorf Air Force Base officials will hold a memorial service this week to honor an NCO killed at 12:30 a.m. March 15 supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Eastern Afghanistan.Staff Sgt. Timothy Bowles, 24, was killed when his vehicle was destroyed by an improvised explosive device while on a

Prototype PT uniforms undergo wear tests

A prototype physical training uniform for the Air Force is undergoing wear testing here, the Pentagon and MacDill AFB, Fla. The new design was introduced last month at the three sites for 185 males and females of various sizes, ethnic backgrounds, officers--including 42 general officers, and

Captain mentors teens in Senate Youth Program

Students participating in the U.S. Senate Youth Program recently toured government buildings including the Pentagon, met their elected representatives and learned about the foundations of democracy here. They also became personally acquainted with a defender of this democratic process: Capt. Ladonna

Special operations officials seek best, brightest pilots

Wanted: Individuals able to think on their feet, adapt quickly when needed, have a love for flying, and want to get in the fight now. That was the message to members of the 80th Flying Training Wing's Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program March 6 here from Maj. Gen. Kurt A. Cichowski, the Air

Virtual weapons provide real training for security forces

Security forces personnel here are aiming to use "virtual bullets" to help Airmen hit the target on the first shot. The "bullets" are actually beams of light fired from a weapon that is identical in almost every way to those used in the field. The weapons -- rifles, pistols or light machine guns --

Royal Saudi family attends pilot training graduation

Members of the royal family of Saudi Arabia visited Columbus Air Force Base March 13 to participate in the graduation ceremony of Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 09-06. While Columbus AFB officials graduate students every three weeks, this class is particularly special as the Saudi

AFPC officials establish diversity council

Air Force Personnel Center officials drafted a charter and established working groups for its diversity council, the center's most recent endeavor to advance diversity initiatives Feb. 26. One of the first of its kind in the Air Force and comprised of military and civilians, the council will serve

European Command commander discusses USAFE role

Partnering with allies to strengthen capabilities and interoperability is the future of U.S. European Command, of which airpower is a major factor. Army Gen. John Craddock, U.S. European Command commander, visited Ramstein Air Base March 16 and spoke about the way ahead for the command, and how

Former Thunderbirds pilot 'an inspiration' for young girls

Perched on a balcony overseeing an assortment of aircraft static displays, a young girl asked Maj. Nicole Malachowski, "Is it hard to be a pilot?"The major smiled at the question; it's one she'd answered many times. After all, she was the first female Thunderbirds and before that, an accomplished

Hickam Airmen serve Oahu community during Jungle Day

More than 150 Hickam Air Force Base Airmen gave back to the community by helping at several projects during Jungle Day March 13 throughout Oahu, Hawaii. Airmen from 13th Air Force here supported Jungle Day, which is traditionally observed on Friday the 13th, by volunteering at the River of Life

'Today's Air Force' features importance of joint warfighting

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the importance of joint warfighting and the building of a joint force. Also featured is Operation Arctic Care that takes place in Alaska and brings much needed medical care for villagers in the entire state. There is also a feature on the Air Force's

Gen. Schwartz to Airmen: 'We are a family'

The chief of staff of the Air Force had a message for Airmen during an Airmen's Call here March 11: "We are a family and everyone in this room counts. "This is a big-tent Air Force," Gen. Norton Schwartz said. "In our business, you don't measure your worth by your proximity to the fight," he said.

March 14 airpower summary: B-1Bs support ground troops

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs used 30 mm Avenger cannon

Airman killed in Eastern Afghanistan

An Airman was killed by an improvised explosive device March 15 in Eastern Afghanistan.The Airman was assigned to the 755th Air Expeditionary Group's Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team in Jalalabad.The name of the Airman is being withheld pending notification of next of kin and release by

March 13 airpower summary: A-10s strike enemy positions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, a coalition aircraft responded to a dawn attack against a

Multinational consortium celebrates milestone of first C-17

Twelve nations simultaneously came a step closer to fulfilling their national strategic airlift requirements today as a single C-17 Globemaster III reached a key manufacturing milestone here. Officials associated with the first-of-its kind strategic airlift capability, or SAC, consortium of 10 NATO

Mildenhall Airmen assist RAF members redeploy

When servicemembers return home after a six-month deployment, the fewer things standing between them and their loved ones, the better. Knowing that, Royal Air Force Mildenhall members wasted no time helping about 150 Royal Air Force members returning from Afghanistan get through the necessary return

Vance member saves life

A quick trip to a local McDonald's March 6 turned into an act of heroism for a Vance Air Force Base employee when she saved the life of an elderly woman. "I was in a rush because I was on my lunch break and wanted to get some errands done," said Patty Tyson, the director of community services at

AF Africa commander addresses continental challenges

The commander of U.S. Air Forces Africa spoke about the increasingly focused role the U.S. is taking to bolster Africa's air capabilities during a March 9 visit to Air University here. "We must invest in the future of Africa," said Maj. Gen. Ronald R. "Ron" Ladnier Jr. The general's comments came on

Air Guard engineers prepare for involuntary deployment

Air National Guard civil engineer squadrons comprising hundreds of construction and repair experts will involuntary deploy overseas in historic numbers and scope during the next two years, senior Air Guard officials said. The mobilizations involve nearly one-eighth of the Air Guard's civil engineer

CMSAF's wife, first lady assess wounded warrior, family issues

The spouses of each service's senior enlisted advisers met at the White House with First Lady Michelle Obama March 6 to discuss wounded warrior and family issues. Paula McKinley, wife of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, joined Mrs. Obama in the East Wing to discuss the impact

Gen. Petraeus praises medics, corpsmen

The commander of U.S. Central Command praised the Army medics and Navy corpsmen whose courage on the battlefield protects the lives of fellow servicemembers March 11 here. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus told the 400-person audience at the 3rd Annual Armed Services YMCA Gala here that he was an

March 12 airpower summary: F-15Es interrupt mortar attack

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier destroyed an enemy truck

Battlespace command, control center protects region

The Air Force's newest Battlespace, Command and Control Center officially opened during a ceremony here Feb. 26 adding new systems and upgraded capabilities for the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron as well as becoming their permanent new home. The center allows persistent command and control

Public affairs chief takes stock of tumultuous year

Information is a critical element of national power, and public affairs personnel have a role in how the government and military employ that element, the outgoing principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs said March 12 here. "Information is absolutely part of diplomacy and

Wilford Hall doctors perform lifesaving procedure on newborn

A medical team at Wilford Hall Medical Center here recently performed a lifesaving procedure on a newborn infant that is unique to Air Force medicine. Alexander Gardner, son of Natascha Gardner and Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Gardner of the 23rd Armored Calvary Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas, was born

Afghan women celebrate culture at Women's Day event

More than 100 Afghan women and girls celebrated their accomplishments and culture during an International Women's Day celebration March 8 in the Bazarak district of Afghanistan's Panjshir province. The event, organized by the Panjshir director of women's affairs, featured a series of speakers who

'Letter to Airmen' discusses balanced approach

In his current Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force highlights the need to create a balance across the Air Force."A balanced approach means prevailing in today's operations while investing in new capabilities, force structure, skills and technologies to meet tomorrow's needs," Secretary

Maxwell expands reach into 'Twitterverse'

Maxwell Air Force Base officials joined Twitter March 7, becoming the first base in Air Education and Training Command to do so. Twitter is a popular social-networking tool where users send short messages, or "tweets," to other users. "We're always looking for new avenues to tell people the Maxwell

Center uses innovative methods to improve patient safety

Health care providers at the largest Air Force medical center on the West Coast are using state-of-the-art, interactive human patient simulators as just one of many safety initiatives to improve medical care, the medical center's commander said March 11. The use of human patient simulators is just

American servicemembers visit Afghan villagers

March 11 airpower summary: B-1Bs disrupt enemy plans

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper struck an anti-Afghan gunman with

Exercise in Thailand shows multilateral partnership

Approximately 20 military members from Thailand, Singapore and the United States are working together to coordinate the aerial missions throughout the region for Exercise Cope Tiger 2009 March 9 through 20 here.Cope Tiger is a two-week exercise including both flying and humanitarian missions

No margin for error at Tinker bomber egress shop

Members of the 565th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's bomber egress shop here have just one chance to maintain B-52 Stratofortress and B-1B Lancer egress systems because there are no second chances when it comes to their line of work.Unit members maintain, replace and repair egress systems for the

'Perspective' recognizes women's contributions

In the latest "Enlisted Perspective, the Air Force's top enlisted Airman reflects on the distinguished heritage of women in the Air Force. From the members who served in the Army Air Corps to Women in the Air Force, or WAF, to today's Airmen who perform with distinction across our great Air Force,

AF mourns the loss of first chief master sergeant of the Air Force

Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Paul Wesley Airey died March 11 in Panama City, Fla. "Chief Airey was an Airman's Airman and one of the true pioneers for our service," said Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff. "He was a warrior, an innovator, and a leader with vision well

Thule members aid in lifesaving ice rescue

A National Science Foundation employee fell off a snow ramp at the foundation's research camp at Summit Station March 6 in Greenland, and the only place for him to get treatment was the medical clinic at Thule Air Base nearly 700 miles away. The employee suffered two broken vertebrae in his spine,

CSAF signs official charter for Expeditionary Center

The official charter for the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center was signed by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz on March 3 giving the center its "mandate to operate." The charter outlines how the Air Force must provide expeditionary combat support, or ECS, capabilities to combatant

Guard members assist car accident victim

Air National Guard members from the 129th Rescue Wing here displayed their lifesaving skills as they aided a car crash victim March 9 near Suisun, Calif. Two combat rescue officers and four 131st Rescue Squadron pararescuemen were traveling north on Highway 80 to survey a potential new parachute

Air Force, Navy pilots train together over Okinawa

Air Force and Navy pilots are sharpening their aerial combat skills in simulated dogfights and strike missions from March 1 through 21 over Okinawa. Using the base as a power projection platform, F-15 Eagle pilots from the 67th Fighter Squadron and F-22 Raptor pilots from the deployed 27th

New records viewing system improves access to unit records

Air Force Personnel Center officials here will release the new Personnel Records Display Application in early April. PRDA is an electronic viewer for the Automated Records Management System, facilitating search, retrieval and management of personnel records in ARMS through a role-based-access

March 10 airpower summary: A-10s conduct shows of force

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations March 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper used Hellfire missiles to target a

C-130s undergoing inspections

An immediate action time compliance technical order was issued by Air Force Materiel Command officials here March 4 to inspect all C-130 Hercules aircraft due to potential cracking of wing-joint barrel nuts. The time compliance technical order was ordered after a C-130H undergoing routine scheduled

Airmen process more than $1 billion worth of equipment

Joint expeditionary tasking Airmen from 732nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron here fill roles in the Army's 586th Task Force and recently processed more than $1 billion worth of vehicles during their tenure here. The redistribution property assistance team members process vehicles ranging

Accountability system helps leaders, families during crises

Air Force officials here want to ensure the safety of all Airmen and their family members when a natural disaster or large-scale crisis strikes, and a new program being implemented April 1 will help account for personnel. Air Force Personnel Center officials will use the Air Force Personnel

Combat controller receives Air Force Cross, Purple Heart

Tears stood in Sue Rhyner's eyes as she talked about her son, who, in a ceremony March 10 here received the Air Force Cross, the highest military decoration awarded by the service, and a Purple Heart. Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner of the 21st Special Tactics Squadron from Pope Air Force Base, N.C.,

Iraqi Vice Chief of Staff: Air component top priority

The Iraqi joint forces vice chief of staff discussed his country's top military priorities during a visit to Air Education and Training Command March 4. Chief among those priorities are the establishment of credible, effective air and naval components, General Nasier Arkan Al-Abadi said. "The Iraqi

Engineers save nearly $300 million in engine repairs

Engineers at the Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate here saved nearly $300 million by reducing the costs associated with aircraft jet engine maintenance.The Engine Rotor Life Extension program, called ERLE, demonstrated a life-cycle cost avoidance for engine rotor