Hockey: Air Force comes back for 4-3 win over UConn

Jacques Lamoureux scored a goal with 3:03 remaining in the game to lift the U.S. Air Force Academy to a 4-3 win over the University of Connecticut in an Atlantic Hockey Association game at the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum Jan. 3 in Storrs, Conn. The No. 11-ranked Falcons improved to 15-3-1 overall

'Today's Air Force' features Air Force support to Iraqis

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights some of the events Air Force members were involved with throughout the year. While all events engaging Airmen are crucial, these are but a few that led to the success of the Air Force mission. One of the events featured focuses on the efforts in Iraq

U.S. officials seek more supply routes for Afghanistan

As Pakistani troops apply renewed pressure on militants who have threatened a major supply line, military transportation officials are seeking alternate routes for supplying U.S. and NATO troops deployed in Afghanistan. Pakistani forces Dec. 30 renewed offensive operations targeting militants who,

DOD officials expand eligibility for expeditionary medal

Department of Defense officials recently expanded the areas of eligibility for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. The approved additions are two countries - Morocco and Burkina Faso - and Operation Nomad Shadow, with an initial area of eligibility of Turkey and Northern Iraq. In March

Teamwork shown as Airmen respond to helicopter crash

Six Airmen of the 379th Civil Engineer Squadron here used teamwork to recover a helicopter that crashed Dec. 15  at a forward operating base in Afghanistan. The firefighters rushed to the scene and began command and control measures after being notified of the helicopter crash that landed in a ditch

Jan. 3 airpower summary: Tankers provide key fuel support

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator used Hellfire missiles and

Responsibility for Green Zone security transferred to Iraqis

United States officials formally transferred the Republican Palace back to the Iraqi government Jan. 1, a concrete symbol of the continuing improvement in the country. The transfer came about as the status of forces agreement, or SOFA, between the United States and Iraq took effect. The agreement

Jan. 2 airpower summary: B-1s on patrol

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, 49 close-air-support missions were flown in support of

CMSAF McKinley, graduating Airmen honor enlisted heroes

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley and more than 700 Airmen preparing to graduate from basic military training honored the Air Force's enlisted heroes during today's dedication of the new Enlisted Heroes Walk here. Several dignitaries, including Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, commander

Deployed servicemember returns home half the Airman he used to be

"I knew I was unhealthy and had to make some changes, especially when I thought about my five-year-old looking up at me," said Senior Airman Jarvis Johnson. "Without changes, I wouldn't be around to see him and my daughters grow up." When you ask someone what they can accomplish in six months --

Jan. 1 airpower summary: C-130s provide essential airlift

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan.1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb

Dec. 31 airpower summary: A-10 flies combat patrol mission

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds

Armed Forces Bowl puts military might on display

The sixth annual Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl football game featured the Houston Cougars (7-5) taking on the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons (8-4) on Dec. 31 at the Amon G. Carter Stadium here. Kickoff for the Armed Forces Bowl was noon Eastern, but the event started more than 24-hours prior to

Air Force falls to Houston at Armed Forces Bowl, 34-28

A record-setting ground game couldn't help the Air Force Academy Falcons overcome early mistakes, as the University of Houston Cougars downed the Air Force 34-28 in the Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 31. The Falcons fumbled the ball on the opening kickoff, and Houston's Brandon Brinkley recovered the

Armed Forces Bowl

Rescue wing sends replacements to Afghanistan

A group of Air Force Reserve Command Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing here departed on the last leg of a 14-month deployment to Afghanistan Dec. 27 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Approximately 40 helicopter aircrew members, maintenance specialists and logistics and support personnel

"Cart-Starts" make a quick launch for B-52s

Airmen assigned to the 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron have recently been showcasing the B-52 Stratofortress's ability to respond to threats at a moment's notice. Throughout the month of December, Airmen from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., have been launching aircraft by a method known

DOD inaugural committee moves into high gear

Exactly three weeks before inauguration day, the buzz of activity at the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee here is a notable exception to the traditional holiday lull that settles over the nation's capital between Christmas and New Year's Day. More than 400 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and

Improved drilling process is safer, saves money

In another example of a Lean initiative, an improved process for drilling a duct-liner is proving to be safer, faster and on course to save the Air Force $47,000 a year. For seven years, mechanic Jerry Heiskill dealt with the frustration and discomfort of using a hand-held drill to re-drill holes

Hockey: No. 11 Air Force falls to Quinnipiac, 4-2

Quinnipiac built a 3-0 lead in the second period and held on for a 4-2 win over No. 11 Air Force in the championship game of the Toyota/UConn Classic Dec. 30, at the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum in Storrs, Conn. Air Force fell to 14-3-1 overall this season and 11-1-1 in Atlantic Hockey. Quinnipiac

Hawaii's Air Guard feeds underpriviledged

Amidst the thunder, lightning and an island wide power outage, the Hawaii Air National Guard and the 15th Airlift Wing prepared a meal for Honolulu's less fortunate here Dec. 27. On the day before, Team Hickam's 15th Services Squadron began cooking 40 turkeys and 140 hams that were needed for a

B-2 radar modernization program contract awarded

Air Force officials awarded a production contract to the Northrop Grumman Corporation Dec. 29 for the B-2 stealth bomber radar modernization program. The production contract, with a target price of approximately $468 million, will provide advanced state-of-the-art radar components to ensure

Guard's counterdrug warriors endeavor to test one and all

Finding a single drug abuser among thousands of servicemembers can compare to a shell game, but National Guard officials are placing all odds in their favor. Officials are striving to keep the Guard's Citizen-Airmen and -Soldiers drug free through an increase in drug tests and the integration of new

Thunderbirds release 2009 air show schedule

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds," has announced its 2009 air show schedule. In their 56th season, the Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform more than 73 shows in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Far East. Entering his second season, Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, the team's

Some veterans see another VA travel increase

Service-disabled and low-income veterans who are reimbursed for travel expenses while receiving care at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities will see an increase in their payments beginning Jan. 9. A recently passed law allows VA to cut the amount it must withhold from their mileage

Officials seek 10 enlisted for AFIT degree program

Air Force Institute of Technology officials are offering 10 noncommissioned officers the opportunity to pursue an advanced science, engineering or management degree at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Ten NCOs from around the Air Force will be selected in February to attend the

Dec. 29 airpower summary: B-1Bs fly combat patrol missions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped guided bomb unit-38s

Hockey: Falcons win shootout, advance to championship

No. 11 U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons and University of Connecticut Huskies skated to a 2-2 overtime tie in the first round of the 16th annual Toyota/UConn Classic Dec. 29 at the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum in Storrs, Conn. Air Force won the shootout, 2-1, to advance to the championship game

Officials initiate surgical specialty training in Iraq

Optimally managing the unique head and neck injury patterns seen in Iraq and Afghanistan has led to a successful initiative out of Wilford Hall Medical Center here: sending the first surgical fellow to a war zone for a surgical rotation. In the past, medical and surgical residents and fellows were

Dec. 28 airpower summary: C-130s transport cargo

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed shows of force

President Bush calls local loadmaster

Christmas presents come in all shapes and sizes, but one junior enlisted Airman here received a gift he never expected -- a call from President George W. Bush. Senior Airman Dan Gutowski, 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster, found out about the surprise Dec. 23 and received the call on

Luke pilot reaches F-16 milestone

In January 1979, the first operational F-16 Fighting Falcon was delivered to Hill Air Force Base, Utah.  Nearly 30 years later to the day, a pilot from here has amassed 4,000 hours flying this workhorse of the air. Col. David Lujan, 56th Operations Group deputy commander, became the 17th pilot,

300 and counting -- rescue unit saves lives in Afghanistan

Air Force reservists with the 920th Rescue Wing here have saved more than 300 U.S. troops since deploying to Afghanistan in February 2008. The Air Force Reserve Command unit is flying HH-60 helicopter missions in support the U.S. Army medical evacuation operation. Airmen from the wing and its sister

Parts to go

Keeping tabs on the airfield

When many aircraft need space on a limited airfield, a small section steps in to ensure there is room for all. Like a game of musical chairs, Airmen in the 379th Expeditionary Operations Squadron airfield management section here constantly shift assets around to maximize use of the airfield,

Nearly 11,000 survivors receiving retroactive VA payments

Officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs have identified nearly 11,000 surviving spouses of deceased veterans who will receive a lump-sum payment before the new year to correct an error in their VA benefits. Also documented were more than 73,000 who previously had been paid. VA officials

Surgeons return injured troops to action

With precision-guided instrumentation and steady hands, a surgical team here is returning injured warfighters to the fight. Dr. (Maj.) Daniel Todd Rose, orthopedic surgeon, and Dr. (Maj.) Craig Kolasch, general surgeon, both with the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group, handle most of the minor

TACPs provide vital link between pilots, ground troops

Although they make up one of the Air Force's smallest career fields, their mission leaves a huge impact on the battlefield and can mean life or death for troops on the ground. Tactical air control party Airmen serve as liaisons between ground commanders and pilots in the sky to eliminate the enemy's

AF firefighters relocate, expand Iraqi fire training course

Iraqi firefighters are were more than half-way through the firefighter apprentice course being trained in Baghdad's International Zone before being moved. The class was previously taught at Taji Military Base just north of Baghdad, but the location lacked advanced live fire trainers and had limited

Dec. 25 airpower summary: F-15Es protect convoys

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a guided bomb

Filler' up--with 2 million gallons of premium

Filler' up is a phrase you may have used many times back in the days of full service gas stations but it's not very common terminology in the day and age of high-prices and self-service everything. The 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's Petroleum, Oils and Lubricants Flight, however,

Dec. 26 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 Dec. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-31

Dec. 27 airpower summary: F-15Es provide armed aerial overwatch

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-31

General, Mrs. Schwartz spend Christmas at Creech

Creech Airmen received a surprise Christmas day when Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie visited the base. It was the second time in as many weeks that the Schwartz family visited the northern Nevada base. General and Mrs. Schwartz returned to Creech on the holiday to

Dec. 24 airpower summary: Strike Eagles show force

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft conducted shows of force over a

USAFCENT commander visits deployed Airmen on Christmas Eve

Much like Santa Claus pays a visit to boys and girls around the world on Christmas Eve, U.S. Air Forces Central leaders visited deployed Airmen here Dec. 24. Instead of presents, Lt. Gen. Gary North, USAFCENT commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Scott Dearduff, USAFCENT command chief, handed out words

Christmas Day promotion

Master Sgt. Frank Spence and fellow Airmen take a moment to commemorate his Christmas Day promotion at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. Sergeant Spence was promoted by Lt. Gen. Gary North (right), commander of 9th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central. Sergeant Spence is a logistics planner deployed

When the sun goes down, Balad heats up

Agreement keeps aircraft defensive system at Robins

Maintenance personnel here will begin to work on an advanced weapons system that protects large cargo aircraft from attacks from shoulder-fired missiles in a Dec. 11 contract agreement between Air Force and Northrop Grumman officials. Brig. Gen. Mark A. Atkinson, the 402nd Maintenance Wing

EOD Airmen stay 1 step ahead of the enemy

Bombs may not be exploding at this Southwest Asian air base, but in a war where the enemy is always finding new ways to inflict damage, Airmen in one shop remain one step ahead of the bad guys. Airmen of the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit here use

Air Force engineers answer the call from Soldiers in Iraq

"Answering the call" is a motto 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen believe in, and it's something Soldiers can attest to. This team of combat-trained engineers, assigned to the 732nd ECES Det. 6, will build anything, anywhere to help Soldiers in Iraq accomplish their mission or to

Airman saves lives in Afghanistan

An Air Force Special Operations Command Airman saved lives in Afghanistan April 6 during a lengthy battle by calling in airstrikes to protect his team. Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner, a special tactics combat controller assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., was

Dec. 23 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 Dec. 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-31

Airman helps troops connect with families during holidays

An Airman here came up with two specials ways to help deployed Airmen connect with their families during the holiday season. Senior Airman Marco Palacios, a services technician deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif., offered to videotape holiday greetings and readings of "A Night Before

Santa Claus is coming to town

Santa Claus visited the men and women of the North American Aerospace Defense Command Tracks Santa Battle Cab in preparation for his Christmas Eve journey Dec. 23 at Peterson Air Force Base. Santa received a Federal Aviation Administration, weather and air mission brief from Maj. Gen. John H.

DOD announces change to 2009-2010 kindergarten program

The entrance birth date for the Department of Defense Education Activity Kindergarten Program will change from Oct. 31 to Sept. 1, DODEA officials announced recently. The change means a child must be 5 years old by Sept. 1 to enroll in kindergarten. This aligns DODEA with national trends as well as

Tops In Blue Airmen entertain forces in South Korea

Airmen of Tops In Blue performed for more than 700 Army, Air Force, Navy and South Korean air force members and their families Dec. 19 at the South Korean armed forces headquarters.The visit was part of the 2008 World Tour titled "Deja Blue" where 37 members of the Air Force's premiere entertainment

Yokota Airmen strengthen bonds with Japanese military

Yokota Air Base Airmen participated in bilateral training events with Japan Air Self Defense Force members Dec. 17 at Iruma Air Base, Japan. American Airmen were able to train and share ideas with their Japanese peers to share how each country manages flying squadrons and maintainers. Normally,

Iraqi aeromedical evacuation capability continues to develop

Iraqi medical airmen took a step in the evolution of the air force as an effective fighting force Dec. 20 as they conducted an aeromedical evacuation mission from the Air Force Theater Hospital here to the 86th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad. Three wounded patients, an Iraqi police officer and

Eglin Airmen test readiness during weeklong exercise

Airmen of the 33rd Fighter Wing here tested their ability to respond anytime and anywhere in support of the nation's defense during an Operation Noble Eagle exercise in mid-December. Wing planners and exercise evaluation team members created plans and scenarios to provide an accurate replication of

NCO earns Bronze Star for actions in Iraq

A 425th Air Base Group Anti-terrorism Force Protection NCO here received the Bronze Star at Izmir's Collocated Club for his efforts during a 12-month deployment to Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Tech. Sgt. James Thompson received the fourth-highest combat award for the U.S. armed forces from Col. Richard

Operation Christmas Drop

AAFES reps deliver troops' 'favorite things' this holiday season

Energy drinks, beef jerky, candy bars and DVDs. These items topped the wish lists of American troops shopping at more than 80 Army & Air Force Exchange Service locations throughout operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In fact, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors picked up nearly four

Dana Pounds named Air Force Athlete of the Year

Former Air Force track and field standout 2nd Lt. Dana Pounds was named the 2008 Female Athlete of the Year, Air Force Services Agency officials have announced. Lieutenant Pounds, who spent the past two years as a member of the World Class Athlete Program, or WCAP, finished second at the Olympic

Sather Airmen destroy weapons cache

Sather Air Base Airmen destroyed one of the larger enemy weapons caches to be collected at one time in the Iraq theater of operations. Four three-person 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight teams destroyed the 13,000-pound weapons cache discovered by Iraqi

Testing under fire

Officials streamline overseas outprocessing guidelines

Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently introduced a new initiative that will streamline final processing for Airmen retiring or separating from overseas areas. With this change, additional travel to a separation processing base, or SPB, is no longer required. The new procedure is part of

Future Airman gains confidence, loses 160 pounds

Leo Knight-Inglesby is more determined than ever, and for the past 15 months has pushed himself beyond the limits he, and his loved ones, ever thought possible. The 22-year-old Silver Spring, Md., native is so set to "Do Something Amazing" in the Air Force that he shed more than 160 pounds to meet

AFPC officials to offer personnel course for commanders

Air Force Personnel Center officials here are launching a new course designed to provide squadron commanders outside the personnel career field with the latest military and civilian personnel programs and procedures.The course also provides information on the air and space expeditionary force

JABS knock out communication problems for warfighters

Joint Airborne Battle Staff members here are similar to 911 operators in the air as they ensure convoys operating throughout Iraq are never without communications. JABS crews flying on board C-130 Hercules aircraft fill in the gap wherever ground communication is limited in the war zone, which is

Operation Cheer provides poinsettias to wounded

A Randolph Air Force Base chaplain is showing his love for wounded warriors this holiday season with a lot of help from his flock. Chaplain (Capt.) Eric Boyer of the 12th Flying Training Wing encouraged base members to contribute to Operation Cheer, a program that brings a dose of the holiday spirit

Program raises awareness about global AIDS epidemic

The Defense Department's HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, or DHAPP, is making progress with partner nations by supporting implementation of HIV prevention, care and treatment programs, educating their militaries and creating awareness of the global epidemic, a senior official working in the program

Airman found guilty in court-martial

An Airman here was found guilty by a panel of military officers of three violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice during a general court-martial Dec. 19 at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Airman 1st Class Derick R. Thompson of the 10th Medical Support Squadron, who is not an Academy cadet, was

AFSO 21 experts tour Robins

Military and civilian leaders came to Robins Air Force Base Dec. 16 to see how Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century efforts have found better ways to get things done here. Nineteen general officers toured parts of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center then spent an afternoon discussing

Admiral Mullen sends best wishes for the holiday

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sends the following holiday message: Throughout our history, when faced with war at this special time of the year, American servicemen and women have risen with crisis and fought with valor while providing their fellow citizens precious

Dec. 21 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 Dec. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force to

Dec. 20 airpower summary: C-17s support heavy airlift missions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-38s

Bakers, baggers deliver sweet treats to dormitory Airmen

Thousands of homemade cookies, candy, hot chocolate and other goodies were collected, bagged and delivered to dormitory residents Dec. 16 at Peterson Air Force Base.Hundreds of people donated cookies and sweets, totaling more than 6,600, for nearly 400 single servicemembers of Peterson, Schriever

UAS students graduate from inaugural class

Nine lieutenants graduated from the first combat familiarization program for pilots slated to fly unmanned aircraft systems Dec. 22 at Randolph Air Force Base. The four-week Unmanned Aircraft Systems Fundamentals Course, or UFC, began instruction Nov. 21 taught by 563rd Flying Training Squadron

Today's Air Force' features personnel recovery exercise

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Angel Thunder, a personnel recovery exercise in New Mexico with more than 850 ground recovery forces. Also, the Base Realignment Committee, or BRAC, is allowing the U.S. military to become a more integrated force with many services. See how the Army and

Dec. 19 airpower summary: A-10s protect coalition convoys

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb

President Bush sends holiday greetings to all

President Bush has taped a special video message to servicemembers and their families this holiday season. "Laura and I send greetings to all the men and women of the United States military this holiday season," he says in his one minute and 30 second message.  "In this dangerous time, I thank you

Nuclear surety inspection completed at 90th Space Wing

The nuclear surety inspection that wrapped up at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Dec. 17, identified some deficiencies for the 90th Space Wing that require corrective action and resulted in an overall unsatisfactory rating for the wing. However, the wing remains certified to perform its strategic

Active duty, Reserve units consolidate command posts

Signaling a move toward greater teamwork between active duty and Reserve forces here, Peterson AFB officials unveiled their newly-consolidated command post Dec. 16.The integrated Peterson Installation Control Center will serve as the command post for both the 21st Space Wing and the 302nd Airlift

National Guard to support presidential inauguration

More than 4,000 citizen Soldiers and Airmen from at least eight states will provide security, medical and other support during the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration, a National Guard official said Dec. 18. "We will be there to fill the gaps and help out the first responders," Army Maj. Kenneth

Thunderbolts active during the holidays

Policy update to make civilian hiring quicker

 To increase the efficiency in filling civilian vacancies, effective Jan. 1, selecting officials will have 45 days instead of 90 to choose the best-qualified candidate. "We continue to refine the civilian hiring process where we can to speed up the hiring action," said Maj. Gen. K.C. McClain, Air

First security guardsmen dispatched into missile fields

Officials at the Minot-based 219th Security Forces Squadron of the North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing have dispatched security Airmen into the missile fields at Minot Air Force Base for the first time. "Putting guardsmen into the field to work side by side with the active duty is a

Valiant action saves co-worker from choking

The life of a 71st Comptroller-Contractor Squadron accounting technician here was saved by an office co-worker Dec. 5 at Vance Air Force Base. Rose Palacios was working at her desk when she began to choke on a piece of candy. "At first I thought I could just cough it up out of my throat. That didn't

ACC leaders discuss current, future challenges

The commander of Air Combat Command and members of his A-staff spoke to 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen about current and upcoming events surrounding Air Force combat operations during an Airman's Call here earlier this month. Gen. John Corley discussed the impact of current economic trends on

Transportation secretary opens military airspace for Santa

The secretary of Transportation and Santa Claus signed a flight certificate Dec. 18 at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., that authorizes Santa to fly through military airspace in order for him to successfully deliver all his gifts to children across the nation. The certificate, also signed by Col. Steve

Dec. 18 airpower summary: F-16s protect coalition forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18A Hornet conducted a show of force expending

Iraqi general visits Luke, flies in F-16

Ten years ago, Iraqi air force Brig. Gen. Ali al-Aaragy was flying F-1 Mirage fighters for his country's air force, but on Dec. 15 he was flying in an F-16 Fighting Falcon over Arizona.The general, who works as his country's air force adviser to the minister of defense, visited Luke AFB to enhance

Show of force

Harlem Globetrotters put on a show at Andersen

The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters visited Andersen Air Force Base, toured operations, conducted a sports clinic and a played an exhibition game with the Washington Generals Dec. 14 here. Using their "C.H.E.E.R. for Character" program, the Globetrotters held a basketball clinic for Andersen AFB

Airmen take time to help terminally ill children

Airmen at Forward Operating Location Curacao volunteered their free time to paint, landscape and provide comfort for 13 children at the Siloam Children's Hospice, a home for orphaned, abandoned and terminally ill children in Curacao. For the past four months, dozens of 429th Expeditionary Operations

NORAD prepares for 50th year tracking Santa

Among North American Aerospace Command's diverse and challenging missions, none is more gratifying -- or as downright fun -- as tracking Santa Claus each year for children around the world, the NORAD commander said this week. "It is the most wonderful experience you can ever imagine to talk to

PACAF officials centralize fitness testing

Airmen across the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility soon will see a change in their fitness testing procedures as command officials move to centralize the testing under base health and wellness centers by March of 2009. After receiving feedback from across the command, Gen. Howie Chandler,

Kyrgyzstan parliament members visit Manas

A delegation of Kyrgyzstan's parliament led by Vice Speaker Kubanychbek Isabekov visited Manas Air Base Dec. 15. Following weeks of planning and extensive preparation, 17 members of the Kyrgyz parliament came to tour the base. The delegation was greeted by Col. Christopher Bence, the 376th Air

Airmen participate in Wreaths Across America

Two Airmen took part in the Wreaths Across America ceremony to remember, honor and teach about the service and sacrifices of this nation's veterans and fallen heroes Dec. 13 at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minn. 1st Lt. Brandon Schrader and Senior Airman Justin Gort, reservists from the 96th