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U.S. Air Force News

  • Tinker Reserve unit performs vital maintenance mission

    The 10th Flight Test Squadron is a unique squadron within its own right. The squadron is home to roughly 35 Air Force Reserve Airmen and situated on the flight-line, separate from most other Tinker Air Force Base units. The 10th FLTS belongs to the 413th Flight Test Group at Robins AFB,

  • AF officials standardize training for nuke inspectors

    Inspectors throughout the Air Force attended the first Nuclear Surety Inspector's Course from Feb. 2 to 6 at the Air Force Inspection Agency, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. As the Air Force reinvigorates its nuclear program, the implementation of this class was a top priority. The objective of the

  • Wilford Hall team transports critically-ill infant

    A team from Wilford Hall Medical Center rushed to Temple, Texas, Feb. 9 to save the life of a critically-ill baby. An 8-month-old little girl was suffering from respiratory failure at Scott and White Hospital in Temple. Despite the efforts of the medical team there, she was near death and her

  • Air Force Good Conduct Medal reinstated

    Air Force officials announced Feb. 11 the reinstatement of the Air Force Good Conduct Medal for enlisted members, effective immediately and retroactive to Feb. 6, 2006, when the medal was discontinued. Airmen who are eligible should see an update automatically in their records on the virtual

  • Air Guardsmen supply generators to local school district

    Generators from the Arkansas Air National Guard have enabled a local school district to resume classes after an 11-day break here. Classes were cancelled after an ice storm swept through northeast Arkansas Jan. 26. About 500,000 state residents lost power as a result.Arkansas Guard officials said 13

  • WW II pilot awarded Distinguished Service Cross

    In a long overdue award ceremony here Feb. 2, an American hero was presented the Army's Distinguished Service Cross for leading a formation of B-24s on an extremely dangerous mission during World War II. Then-Capt. Walter T. Holmes, operations officer for the 68th Bombardment Squadron, 44th

  • 380th AEW mission expands with Navy Global Hawk program

    The joint mission of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing expanded with the recent addition of the first operational Navy Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system, part of the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance program. "It's a good feeling to finally get the aircraft here," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. John McLellan,

  • Project Sanctuary provides retreat for military families

    Whether it's sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows in the winter or standing in the middle of a creek fishing during the summer, a Colorado troop-support group is promising a week-long retreat full of fun and relaxation for 80 deserving military families this year. Project Sanctuary will

  • Application deadline set for degree, exchange programs

    Officers considering advanced academic degree and experience broadening programs in 2010 have until April 30 to apply. Officers in space/missiles operations, intelligence, weather, logistics, program management, developmental engineering, communications and information, public affairs, personnel and

  • Airmen prevent thermal event, save mission, assets

    During a routine maintenance inspection recently, a Block 15 aircraft battery began to deteriorate into a condition known as thermal runaway. The battery became dangerously hot, emitted an excessive amount of hydrogen gas and began spewing electrolytes everywhere in the 437th Maintenance Squadron's

  • Air Force chief of staff praises special operators

    Though the United States has the most technologically advanced armed forces in the world, the individual knowledge and skills U.S. special operators bring to the table are the keys to success against persistent conflicts enduring around the globe, the Air Force chief of staff said here Feb. 11. Gen.

  • Special ops 'fight' persistent conflicts around the world

    A panel of experts provided insights on persistent conflicts throughout the world to more than 300 participants in the 20th Annual Special Operations/Low-Intensity Conflict symposium here Feb. 10. Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Lawrence P. Farrell Jr., president and chief executive officer of the

  • U.S. commitment to Pacific region showcased in India

    About 150 U.S. military personnel and Department of Defense civilians are among the thousands of people from around the globe taking part in the Aero India 09 air show here. A cross-section of U.S. military aircraft and equipment, including the C-17 Globemaster III, C-130J Hercules, F-16 Fighting

  • Feb. 11 airpower summary: F-16 levels bunker complex

    Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles engaged anti-Afghan forces with

  • Cope North 09-1 comes to end

    U.S. and Japanese forces completed an annual two-week bilateral exercise Feb. 14, that was designed to increase interoperability between the two nations. Cope North 09-1 is a Pacific-Command sponsored exercise that was designed and developed by 13th Air Force, Detachment 1, to increase combat

  • Heithold assumes command of Air Force ISR Agency

    Maj. Gen. Bradley A. Heithold assumed command of the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency from Maj. Gen. John C. Koziol in a ceremony here Feb. 11. Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance at the Pentagon, presided

  • AFTAC continues excellence as part of Air Force nuclear enterprise

    When Gen. Norton Schwartz was appointed the 19th chief of staff of the Air Force Aug. 12, he emphasized a renewed focus on the nuclear enterprise as one of the Air Force's top priorities. Air Force Technical Applications Center Commander Col. Lisa Ann Onaga, having assumed command only five days

  • Air Force takes top spot in NFL Military Challenge again

    As the Hickam-rostered Air Force team went for their fourth straight victory in the NFL Military Challenge Feb. 6 and 7 at Oahu's Kapiolani Park, the storyline bordered on stale. So like any good movie sequel, in addition to the returning villains -- Army, Navy, Marine and Coast Guard teams -- a

  • Feb. 10 airpower summary: F-15Es bomb enemy positions

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet destroyed an enemy compound using

  • Airman's Roll Call: Operation Homecoming

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses Operation Homecoming, a highlight in Air Force history. This week, 35 years ago, Air Force began airlift operations to return American servicemembers, being held as prisoners of war by North Vietnam, back home to the United States. For more information about

  • Leaders meet for series of high-level 'warfighter talks'

    Chief of Staff of the Army General George W. Casey Jr. and Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz, along with 35 other general officers from both services, met Feb. 10 in the Pentagon for a day-long exchange to discuss areas of mutual interest regarding interdependency and

  • Airman earns Army combat spurs

    A time honored Army tradition took place here Feb. 10, as many Soldiers earned their combat spurs. But what made the ceremony even more unique was among the recipients was an Airman. Senior Airman Keith Booze, Multi-National Corps-Iraq Assistance Group personnel technician, was presented his combat

  • Exercise demonstrates special ops capabilities

    Air Force Special Operations Command officials are hosting a field exercise at Hurlburt Field Feb. 2 through 13 designed to train forces in combat scenarios. Called Emerald Warrior, the exercise is taking place at training grounds on Hurlburt Field and nearby Eglin Air Force Base, and focuses on

  • Deadline approaching for Air University's online master's program

    If you've been toying with the idea of getting your master's degree, time is running out on one of the best deals around and it is virtually free. The Air Command and Staff College is offering a distance learning master's program in Military Operational Art and Science for a select number of

  • Spirit of Global Reach lands at Dover

    The Spirit of Global Reach arrived at Dover Air Force Base Feb. 9, putting itself in the history books as Team Dover's first C-5M Super Galaxy. The Spirit of Global Reach is the first of three C-5Ms Dover will receive for operational testing and evaluation. "Today we see the fruits of a long-term

  • Malmstrom completes Limited Nuclear Surety Inspection

    Much progress has been made, but you can't stop here was the message from Col. Michael Fortney, 341st Missile Wing commander, at the Limited Nuclear Surety Inspection outbrief held Feb. 9. "Our Airmen at the 341st Missile Wing performed in an exceptional manner during this re-inspection," said

  • Officials host first Nuclear Surety Inspector's Course

    Inspectors throughout the Air Force attended the first Nuclear Surety Inspector's Course from Feb. 2 to 6 at the Air Force Inspection Agency, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. As Air Force leaders reinvigorate the nuclear program, the implementation of this class was a top priority. The objective of the

  • Air Forces Africa officials engage on Nigerian air safety, security

    Statistically, traveling by air is often cited at the safest way to travel. While taking to the sky has some inherent risk, advances in technology, coupled with stringent maintenance requirements and rigorous training procedures for aircrews have contributed to a safe aerial environment in most

  • NASCAR crew learns what drives basic training success

    NASCAR driver Reed Sorenson, who drives the No. 43 Air Force-sponsored car, and his crew got a taste of a basic military trainee's life during a recent two-day visit to Lackland Air Force Base. The tour was part of an effort by Air Force Recruiting Service officials to prepare Mr. Sorenson and the

  • JASDF redeployment group bids final farewell

    The last of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force redeployment group members lowered their colors for the last time before departing for Japan Feb. 10, bringing an end to the final chapter of the JASDF's Iraq Reconstruction Support Airlift Wing mission after almost five years. More than a hundred

  • 2008 Air Force Medical Service awards announced

    The Air Force surgeon general's medical force development directorate has announced the winners of the 2008 Air Force Medical Service award competition. The Air Force Recognition Ribbon is authorized for individual award winners only, according to Air Force Medical Service officials.  They recommend

  • Guard Bureau chief visits Soldiers in Balkans

    The National Guard's support of NATO peacekeeping operations in southeastern Europe is making an important contribution in helping the citizens of Kosovo, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said here Feb. 4. Gen. Craig R. McKinley visited Missouri National Guard soldiers deployed to

  • ESC group delivers operational comm need on-time, on-cost

    The 751st Electronic Systems Group here has now completed an effort to provide operators at workstations onboard the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System the ability to chat, e-mail and browse the Defense Department's secure Secret Internet Protocol Router Network from any location. The

  • Joint self-nomination system achieves success

    A Web-based self-nomination system officers can use to have their war zone or other experiences evaluated for joint-service qualification has proven to be highly successful, a senior U.S. military officer said here Feb. 10. "We are truly a joint warfighting force now, and this [self-nomination

  • Tricare officials launch beneficiary bulletin podcast

    As part of a continuing effort to keep beneficiaries informed, Tricare officials have added a news podcast to the Tricare Web site. The Tricare Beneficiary Bulletin brings listeners the latest news about their benefits every week in a quick, easy-to-digest format. The debut podcast contains updates

  • Feb. 9 airpower summary: B-1Bs protect ground forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed an enemy mortar position

  • U.S. military to participate in Aero India 09

    The United States military will be represented at the Aero India 09 air show at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bangalore, India, Feb. 11 to 15. A cross-section of U.S. military aircraft and equipment will be present, including the C-17 Globemaster III, C-130J Hercules, F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135

  • Tricare reps reach out to providers during National Conference on Autism

    Officials from Tricare's regional offices and managed care contractors were among the exhibitors at the 2009 Autism Conference Feb. 6 to 8 in Jacksonville, Fla. Their mission was to educate attendees about the Tricare Autism Demonstration Project. Representatives from Tricare's managed care support

  • 31 Airmen selected for Tops in Blue team

    Thirty-one Airmen were recently chosen for the Tops in Blue team for 2009. For 10 days, 80 Air Force singers, dancers, musicians and comedians competed for the Tops in Blue slots during January's Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. After completing a training

  • Air Force Space Command puts AFSO 21 to work

    Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century is an Air Force initiative that challenges Airmen to look at all ways to accomplish the Air Force mission more effectively and efficiently without sacrificing quality.In order to alleviate challenges from new and evolving mission requirements,

  • Airmen demonstrate JTAC training, equipment for Congress

    Airmen from the Warrior Preparation Center were on Capitol Hill last week to demonstrate to Congress how Airmen work with joint partners to provide close-air support for troops on the ground. Specifically, the Airmen displayed their simulation training gear used to train joint terminal attack

  • Air Force clean up gives former Griffiss AFB new life

    The Air Force's environmental clean-up program is hitting a high-water mark as Environmental Protection Agency officials consider removing more than 2,900 of 3,552 acres at the former Griffiss Air Force Base, N.Y., from the list of potentially hazardous sites. After more than two decades and $138

  • Medical team hikes into mountains to care for children

    During a two-week exercise in early February, a team of 16 medical doctors, nurse practitioners, dietitians and medical students conducted pediatric nutrition evaluations for families without the means or access to regular medical care in the remote mountains near Marcala, Honduras. The team

  • AFMC commander visits Southwest Asia

    Gen. Donald Hoffman, Air Force Materiel Command commander, visited the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Feb. 9 as part of a multi-base tour of bases in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The trip is the general's first to the AOR since taking command of AFMC in November. "I'm here to

  • Military partnerships important in preventing future calamities

    The development of international, military-to-military relationships built through the National Guard's State Partnership Program will become vitally important in preventing future world calamities, a senior National Guard official said Feb. 5. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard

  • 'Today's Air Force' features Iraqi election support

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the security help Airmen provided during the Iraqi elections. Jan. 31 marked the first elections for the people of Iraq since 2005. And February is a time when we, as a nation, celebrate the accomplishments that African Americans have made throughout

  • Operational weather squadron picks up new responsibilities

    The 15th Operational Weather Squadron here will assume short-term back-up responsibilities for the National Weather Service's Aviation Weather Center and Storm Prediction Center on April 1. AWC provides aviation warnings and forecasts of hazardous flight conditions at all levels within domestic and

  • Airmen train firefighter managers, Iraqis graduate

    The Iraqi air force took another step toward becoming more independent Feb. 4, this time in the form of firefighting capability, thanks to the joint training effort from the U.S. Air Force, the Iraqi air force and the Army National Guard. Seventeen civilian defense and Iraqi air force members

  • Feb. 8 airpower summary: KC-135s refuel coalition aircraft

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets dropped a guided bomb unit-38 on an

  • Feb. 6 Airpower Summary: F-15Es target enemy positions

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Feb. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs targeted multiple

  • Feb. 7 Airpower Summary: A-10s deter enemy actions

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Feb. 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, a coalition patrol called in Navy F/A-18F Super

  • Predator crashes in Afghanistan

    An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft crashed in southern Afghanistan Feb. 8 at approx 11:35 a.m. local time. The aircraft is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. The MQ-1's primary mission is conducting armed reconnaissance. A board will be convened to investigate

  • Gen. Schwartz addresses top ROTC cadets

    The top Air Force ROTC cadets from around the country gathered in the nation's capitol and met the top uniformed Air Force officer as guests of the George C. Marshall Foundation while attending a leadership and networking seminar Jan. 30 through Feb. 1. The cadets each were the recipient of the

  • Iraqi and American pilots learn from one another

    Maj. Terry Bloom returned from his deployment at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, in October 2008 with a stronger appreciation for not only the security and freedom America provides its citizens, but also for Iraqis' determination to restore their country to its former grand status in

  • AFOTEC announces mission realignment

    The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center has begun realigning its mission capability to support cyber operations. This realignment will shift about 70 personnel during the next 18 months from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., to three other AFOTEC Detachments located in California, Colorado

  • Constructing an air corps from the ground up

    Airmen from the U.S. Air Force and the Afghan National Army Air Corps are working side-by-side to provide an airpower capability to the nation of Afghanistan. The Afghan Army was created six years ago with the air corps element subsequently created four years later. The training mission to grow

  • KC-135 crew airlifts wounded from Afghanistan

    A few Airmen from the 931st Air Refueling Group spent their Super Bowl weekend resting from a 12-day aeromedical evacuation mission in Afghanistan. Eight reservists from the 931st manned a specially equipped KC-135 Stratotanker that made four back-to-back trips to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, to

  • Record of Decision signed on beddown of Joint Strike Fighter

    Air Force officials have decided to bed down 59 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and to allow associated construction at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., to begin, implementing a BRAC 2005 decision. The decision also imposes temporary operational limitations on JSF flight training activities both to

  • Student's AF-funded research to work complex problems

    A doctoral student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is designing Air Force Office of Scientific Research-supported computer models that can describe the pattern of complicated scenarios ranging from finding oil underground to pinpointing suspicious behaviors in urban settings. Emily

  • Feb. 5 airpower summary: F-15Es provide armed overwatch

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II destroyed an anti-Afghan

  • Captain explains SARC program to House subcommittee

    Capt. Daniel Katka was on Capitol Hill Jan. 28 to discuss how the Air Force helps victims of sexual assault. Captain Katka, a sexual assault response coordinator at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, joined a panel of sister service representatives to answer questions from the Military Personnel

  • AFSO 21 project yields award payload

    An AFSO 21 project prompted by Col. Jeffrey Glass, 507th Air Refueling Wing commander, has resulted in a payload of Air Force awards for wing members. "I have known for a long time how some Airman may go 15 to 20 years without receiving an Air Force award," Colonel Glass said. "It's appalling how

  • Weather-center forecasts now just a click away

    The latest, up-to-date weather forecasts from around the globe are now just a few mouse clicks away thanks to the staff at the American Forces Network Weather Center here. AFNWC personnel recently updated their Web site to include daily weather forecasts for Europe, Southwest Asia and the Tropics.

  • Joint basing efforts under way at 3 AMC bases

    Three Air Mobility Command bases are in the process of merging with two Army posts and a Naval Air Station as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission which identified that these military facilities could be combined to streamline operational efficiency and save taxpayers' money.

  • Manas members continue to support coalition operations

    Coalition personnel continue to perform their daily air mobility and aerial refueling missions at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, despite press reports that an announcement is pending from Kyrgyz leaders about the future of the base. "Until we are told that our mission has changed, we will continue to

  • Air Force officials offer recall program for rated officers

    The rapid expansion of unmanned aircraft systems and other emerging missions as well as rated officer requirements has created an Air Force demand for experienced rated officers. To meet these critical shortages, the secretary of the Air Force has initiated a Voluntary Retired Rated Recall Program.

  • 'Military Saves' campaign battles debt

    Servicemembers have been lulled into a false sense of financial security by marketing campaigns that encourage them to overspend. It's a real David vs. Goliath battle that Chaplain (Maj.) Sarah Shirley is all too familiar with. "We're this little guy with a slingshot up against this big giant and

  • Feb. 4 airpower summary: C-130s support vital airlift missions

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet targeted an anti-Afghan bunker

  • Deployment history to be removed from promotion briefs

    Air Force officials here recently announced that deployment history data will be deleted from duty qualification briefs for officer selection and preselection and from senior noncommissioned officer evaluation briefs. This total-force initiative will apply to all active-duty members, Reserve and

  • Potential closure of Manas Air Base won't disrupt operations

    Senior U.S. officials hope to continue operations at Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan, but would use other means to support troops in Afghanistan if the Kyrgyz government goes through with plans to close it, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said Feb. 4. Neither the State Department nor the Defense

  • Air Force to save millions by prepositioning weapons

    A new U.S. Air Forces Central logistics program is set to save the Air Force about $1.2 million every four months. More than 3,000 Airmen who departed Iraq, Afghanistan and other U.S. Central Command-area nations in January or will depart in February were directed not to bring their M-16s or M-9s

  • Shuttle Endeavour crew visits Kyrgyzstan village school

    Six astronauts from the Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-126 mission made a special visit to a Kyrgyzstan village's school Jan. 29 near Manas Air Base. Even though the Jany-Pakhta village school was closed for the season because there was no electricity or heat, about 30 children aged 6 to 18 gathered in

  • Idaho Guard supports Special Olympics

    About 200 Airmen and Soldiers from the Idaho National Guard are on duty Feb. 4  to prepare for the 2009 Special Olympics Winter World Games being held here from Feb. 7-13. More than 2,500 athletes and delegates from more than 100 countries will converge on the state to participate in athletic events

  • Ramstein Airmen show C-130 capabilities to Polish military

    As the U.S. and Polish celebrate 90 years of diplomatic relations this year, members of the two countries' air forces strengthened their bonds by way of the C-130 Hercules in late January here. Members of the 86th Airlift Wing from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, visited Powdiz Air Base by way of Warsaw

  • Personnel officials to test new civilian recruitment toolkit

    Often, finding the right person for the right job isn't an easy task. With a significant increase in new Air Force civilian hiring due to contractor conversions, joint basing and end strength growth, the need to market job opportunities also increases. To help bases better market civilian job

  • Blue Coach improves security forces Airmen tactics, training

    Airmen from the 5th Security Forces Squadron are participating in a series of training classes, which began Jan. 5, in an Air Force-wide initiative to improve the tactics, awareness, vigilance and survivability of security forces here. "This training better prepares us for any situation we may come

  • Elmendorf officials prepare for possible volcano eruption

    With the threat of an eruption at Mount Redoubt located 106 miles southwest of Anchorage, people throughout Elmendorf Air Force Base are preparing for the possibility of volcanic ash fall. Preparations began after officials from the Alaska Volcano Observatory and the U.S. Geologic Survey issued a

  • Airmen train Afghan officers on command, control

    American Airmen graduated 16 senior Afghan air corps officers following a four-week-long course on command and control operations Jan. 24 at the Kabul International Airport. Air Force advisers from the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing and the 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group taught the Afghan

  • Feb. 3 airpower summary: A-10s provide top cover

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed an anti-Afghan bunker near

  • Academy officials explain National Letter of Intent signings

    Due to the U.S. Air Force Academy appointment process, names of recruited student-athletes will not be released until they arrive on campus this summer. Many high school student-athletes will participate in signing days and appear to sign a National Letter of Intent with the Academy, but they are

  • Bagram Airmen recover crippled aircraft

    More than 120 Airmen, Defense Department civilians and contractors removed a crippled C-17 Globemaster III from the runway Feb. 2 at Bagram Airfield after receiving damage while landing Jan. 30.Emergency response crews sprang into action shortly after the aircraft screeched to a stop and base

  • Education activity asks parents, students for feedback

    Defense Department Education Activity officials are asking parents and students to share their thoughts about what works and what doesn't in its schools through a customer-satisfaction survey. "DODEA is firmly committed to continuous improvement and highest student achievement," said Sandra D.

  • MQ-1B Predator accident report released

    An ignition module failure caused the crash of an MQ-1B Predator east of Ali Base, Iraq, May 2, according to an Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released Feb. 3. The $3.8 million Predator was assigned to the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. There were no injuries or

  • Airmen keep B-1B ready for bombs on target

    Keeping B-1B Lancers constantly ready to help coalition forces defeat terrorists are Airmen assigned to the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Unit here. With its ability to carry the largest payload of any aircraft in the U.S. inventory and flying in excess of 900 mph while fully loaded, maintainers work 24

  • Air Guardsmen, Coast Guardsmen train then save together

    After wrapping up a day of training with Coast Guardsmen Jan. 29, the aircrew of Jolly 91, an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, were ready to head to Moffett Airfield, home to the 129th Rescue Wing. The Jolly 91 Airmen were dropping off their rescue brethren, members of the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime

  • New Air Guard director promoted in Pentagon ceremony

    Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III became director of the Air National Guard and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general in a ceremony held Feb. 2 at the Pentagon. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, pinned General Wyatt's

  • Camp Bucca Airmen make difference with smiles

    Every day as the dawn breaks over the Iraqi desert, hundreds of Iraqis line up to visit their relatives at the Theater Internment Facility at Camp Bucca that holds more than 10,000 detainees. Every day before that sun rises, Airmen from the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron prepare for

  • Feb. 2 airpower summary: F-15Es deter anti-Afghan forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet dropped a guided bomb unit-38,

  • Airmen aid in Iraqi election ballot transport

    Members from the 321st Air Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here did their part in assisting Iraq in the election process Feb. 2. Maj. Scott Volk and Capt. Chris Dickens, both C-130 Hercules evaluation pilots and aviation advisers for the Iraqi air force, and Master Sgt. Louis Carter, a 321st AEAS

  • NASCAR driver gets flight of life

    NASCAR driver Reed Sorenson got the ride of his life in an F-15 Eagle as part of the Air Force's new partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports Jan. 23 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The incentive flight piloted by Capt. Dustin Ripley of the 95th Fighter Squadron was part of an effort by Air Force

  • Officials work on Pentagon's need for space capabilities

    Adapting new capabilities within the rapidly changing military space environment is increasingly important to national security, and Defense Department officials in the Operationally Responsive Space office are working to meet the Pentagon's needs for space capabilities rapidly. ORS requires current

  • Thunderbirds perform Super Bowl flyover

    The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds thrilled more than 70,000 spectators at Super Bowl XLIII by performing a flyover at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., Feb. 1. The contest which pitted the National Football League's Pittsburgh Steelers versus the Arizona Cardinals was

  • NASA astronauts touch down at Manas Air Base

    Six crewmembers of the Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-126 mission, who spent 16 days in space, launched a tour of Southwest Asia with a two-day visit to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, Jan. 28-29. The visit kicked off a tour of deployed bases to visit U.S. and coalition servicemembers supporting operations

  • Academy superintendent to retire

    Air Force officials announced Feb. 2 that Lt. Gen. John F. Regni, the Academy's 17th superintendent, will retire from active duty later this year. The general entered the Air Force in June 1969 as a cadet at the Academy. No retirement date has been announced, however, General Regni will preside over

  • Program office makes first FAB-T delivery this week

    This week, officials here provided the first of a new family of satellite communication terminals to the B-2 bomber program office, making it easier to move large amounts of voice, data, imagery and video to and from the platform. This iteration of the Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight

  • Alaska-based aircraft fly south as precaution to volcano

    Airmen at McChord Air Force Base are receiving a precautionary redeployment of Air Force aircraft from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. The aircraft and approximately 200 Airmen who operate and maintain them are being temporarily relocated due to increased activity associated with Mount Redoubt, a volcano