U.S., Australian forces honor fallen coalition member

U.S. Central Command's busiest aerial port of debarkation, or APOD, located at an air base in Southwest Asia, serves as the place of duty for Airmen of the 387th Air Expeditionary Group and the 5th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron, as well as sister service and coalition force members. But it

Iraqi medics complete aeromedical evacuation course

Instructors from the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine in San Antonio graduated 14 Iraqi air force medics from an aeromedical evacuation basics course here Dec. 4. The graduation ceremony was the culmination of 12 days of training that ended with a patient movement exercise

General Schwartz releases 2009 CSAF Reading List

The chief of staff of the Air Force announced the 2009 CSAF Reading List Dec. 8. "Today's Air Force is the product of the pioneers who preceded us, and our Airmen are proudly carrying the torch," said Gen. Norton Schwartz, the service's 19th chief of staff. "In our professional development, we must

Obama taps Shinseki as next Veterans Affairs chief

President-elect Barack Obama has selected retired Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric K. Shinseki as his nominee to be secretary of veterans affairs. "As we seek a new national security strategy that uses all elements of American power, we must also remember those who run the greatest risks and make the

Gaming technology used for interactive military training

Air Force Research Laboratory's researchers at Mesa, Ariz., unveiled the technological potential of its gaming research and development project publicly Dec. 1 during the 2008 Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference in Orlando, Fla. Members of the 711th Human Performance

Air Force selected for Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl

The U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons have been selected to play in the 2008 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas, Dec. 31, at 11 a.m. Central Standard Time. The Falcons will take on the University of Houston from Conference-USA. This marks the second straight year that Air Force has

Feeding the Thunderbolt II

Dec. 6 airpower summary: B-1B deters enemy attacks

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto

Airmen, Marines join forces during exercise at Kadena

Japan-based Airmen and Marines came together for Exercise Beverly High 09-01 the first week of December at Kadena Air Base.Airmen of the 18th Wing integrated with Marines from Marine Corps Station Iawkuni as they executed their missions under simulated combat conditions.About 35 aircraft and 700

'Today's Air Force' features Combat Skills Training

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights security and how Airmen are getting extra training while preparing for deployment downrange, especially if they're going to Iraq or Afghanistan. Airmen from many career fields are going to Combat Skills Training to develop a warfighter mentality. Also

Deterrence is not a fading concept, CSAF says

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz reminded community members and North Dakota's senior elected representatives at a luncheon here Dec. 1 that "deterrence is not a fading concept." As part of his visit to the base, the general discussed the concept for the new Global Strike Command. He

Airpower summary Dec. 5: Predator fires on anti-Afghan forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force, ISAF, in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an MQ-1 Predator used a hellfire missile against

Air Force officials release new amendment to CSAR-X RFP

Air Force officials released Amendment 7 to the Request for Proposals for the Combat Search and Rescue helicopter Dec. 5. The amendment contains minor changes that are intended to further clarify how Air Force officials will make their source selection decision. Beyond the clarifications, Amendment

Airmen procure mission success

Members of the 379th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron here connect mission needs with the facilities, equipment and services that link military customers and the contractors who can meet those needs. "Our mission is to make sure we provide each customer with what they need and get it to them as

New TSP contribution limits set for 2009

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board recently announced an increase in the 2009 elective deferral limit for regular Thrift Savings Plan contributions. The limit is now $16,500, up from $15,500 for 2008. In addition, contributions for the TSP catch-up plan will increase to $5,500, up from

Leaders encourage Airmen to apply for Academy

Young, hard-charging Airmen are sought for entry into the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Air Force Academy Preparatory School with the end goal of earning a commission, but must apply by Jan. 31, 2009. The Academy sets aside up to 85 slots for active-duty Airmen and up to 85 more slots for Guard and

Programs aim to strengthen military marriages, curb divorce

Servicemembers and their spouses are flocking to a broad array of programs to help them strengthen their family relationships as the services step up efforts to curb divorce rates.Military divorce rates rose by .1 percent -- to 3.4 percent -- during fiscal 2008, with 492 more divorces than the

Presidency council ratifies U.S.-Iraq security pact

The new U.S.-Iraq security pact that was approved by Iraqi lawmakers Nov. 27 was ratified by Iraq's presidency council Dec. 4, senior U.S. officials said.The two-part security pact consists of a strategic framework agreement that establishes the foundation of a long-term bilateral relationship

Airmen provide FAST coverage

Upon landing one morning at a remote location in Iraq, two specially trained Airmen with the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron took charge of security for a $30.1 million C-130 Hercules and its crew. Senior Airmen Rosie Munoz and Michelle Kendall assume this responsibility on a regular

Deployed Warbirds participate in Australian Aces North exercise

Airmen deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, recently participated in the Australian Aces North exercise with personnel from the Australian Fighter Combat Instructor Course, which ended Dec. 4. The Aces North exercise is the capstone of the FCIC, which is the Australian equivalent of the U.S.

Re-invigorating nuclear enterprise a top priority

Maintaining accountability and improving stewardship of the Air Force's nuclear program is the top priority, said the service's 19th chief of staff recently. Gen. Norton Schwartz said the Air Force has gone through some "rough" air in the realm of nuclear deterrence, but the service is already on

Kandahar team provides ammunition to win the fight

With a munitions stockpile of 560 line items worth more than $11 million, the job of providing weapons to warfighters at Kandahar Airfield falls to a three-man flight. "We maintain and provide munitions to U.S. and coalition forces," said Master Sgt. James Bradley, the munitions accountable systems

Teamwork helps Manas handle holiday season mail surge

The Manas Air Base Post Office staff knows to expect a huge influx of Christmas and holiday care packages, and to deliver the mountain of mail to base residents it takes teamwork from base volunteers. Between Thanksgiving and the first week of January, the Manas AB Post Office will receive roughly

E-8C's new engine program takes off

America's eye in the sky, the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System,  or Joint STARS, will soon be faster, quieter, more efficient and more operationally effective with a major engine upgrade effort now under way here. Getting new engines on E-8C test aircraft is a major milestone for

NASA trains pilots to fly high

To achieve their dreams of space flight, NASA astronauts must overcome many challenges -- challenges they can only receive at one place. Whether they are a pilot, navigator or mission specialist, Ellington Field, Texas, is the proving ground where astronauts earn their "wings" through the expert

Dec. 3 airpower summary: A-10 bombs anti-Afghan forces

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a guided bomb unit-38

Gas and go

Predator crashes at Joint Base Balad

An MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft system crashed at about 7:30 a.m. Baghdad time Dec. 4 on the Joint Base Balad runway. The extent of the damage to the aircraft assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing is unknown at this time. The Predator is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, unmanned aircraft

Air Force doctor tackles movement disorders

A neurologist at San Antonio Military Medical Center-South, or Wilford Hall Medical Center, is currently working to provide relief for patients suffering from movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. Maj. (Dr.) Maria Alvarez is the only movement disorders

Academy officials announce 2008 distinguished graduates

Officials from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Academy's Association of Graduates have announced the winners of the 2008 Distinguished Graduate Award. Retired Maj. Gen. Donald Shepperd, Class of 1962, and Mr. John Martinson, Class of 1970, earned this prestigious honor for their singular and

Guard families eligible for child care subsidy

For National Guard members who are about to deploy, there is a lot to think about before heading overseas. Changes have to be made to school and work schedules, arrangements have to be made for routine household chores, but for many, child care is one thing that weighs heaviest on their minds. For

Climate survey deadline extended to Dec. 14

If you want to play a part in shaping the future of the Air Force, an effective and proven tool may be sitting in your inbox and you have until Dec. 14 to be heard. Since Oct. 1, an initial e-mail invitation and several follow-on reminders were sent out Air Force-wide, which included a link to the

Little Rock officials celebrate Arbor Day

A single green ash tree was planted in the ground adjacent to the child development center consummating Little Rock Air Force Base's 15th Annual Arbor Day ceremony Dec. 1 here. The base earned its Tree City USA designation in 1993, and since that time, the base has maintained written policy

Lean initiatives in the Portuguese air force

There have been many articles touting the benefits to the Air Force of Lean initiatives and Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, or AFSO 21. It's not only the Air Force that is benefiting from Lean initiatives, however.  Other air forces have benefited from the Lean initiatives supported

Air Mobility Command officials set all-time sortie record

Officials from Air Mobility Command's 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center here set a new record for the number of sorties planned in a 24-hour period in November. The new mark, set at 1,063 sorties, toppled the previous high of 1,051 set in February of 2008. Members of the 618th TACC are the

Military financial road show heads to Washington state

As headlines scream news of an economic recession, a Defense Department team is heading to the Pacific Northwest Dec. 4 to help drive home the point that financial readiness is a big part of mission readiness. Fort Lewis, McChord Air Force Base and Naval Air Station Bremerton in Washington state

CV-22s complete first operational deployment

Four CV-22 Ospreys from the 8th Special Operations Squadron here returned after completing their first operational deployment supporting Exercise Flintlock 2009 in November in Bamako, Mali.The aircraft supported the training exercise in the Trans-Saharan region designed to build relationships and

Dec. 2 airpower summary: F-16s provide top cover

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-38 into a

Burning desire

Airman's Roll Call: Remembering Pearl Harbor

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, and provides some facts to recall as this anniversary is observed. Classified as a defining moment in U.S. history, the attack stood as the most devastating enemy attack on U.S. soil until Sept. 11, 2001, another

Airmen bid farewell to two Doolittle Raiders

Air Force men and women are mourning the deaths last week of two famed Doolittle Raiders, Maj. Gen. David M. Jones and Master Sgt. Edwin W. Horton, Jr.  They both served honorably in the April 1942 Doolittle Raid. General Jones died Nov. 25 at his home in Tucson, Arizona. Sergeant Horton passed

Andersen officials to transfer management functions to Navy

The Joint Region Marianas will stand up in January as Andersen Air Force Base officials will relocate installation management functions to the commander of U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas located on Guam.This was a result of almost four years of planning to implement this change to the law as a result

Secretary Gates tells Airmen nuclear mission vital to U.S.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates traveled here Dec. 1 to emphasize the importance of the Air Force's nuclear mission -- and in maintaining its long tradition of excellence -- to the men and women entrusted with carrying it out. Secretary Gates became the first defense secretary in memory to visit

CSAF: Airmen, Air Force integral part of joint fight

With his first 100 days in office under his belt, the 19th chief of staff of the Air Force says the Air Force is in good shape. Gen. Norton Schwartz says that's because of the impressive job America's Airmen -- active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian -- are performing. The service's top military

Air Force officials reduce waste with recycling program

Base officials here helped the environment by expanding their recycling program from plastic bottles and aluminum cans to include hazardous materials, chlorofluorocarbons, metals such as copper and steel, and cardboard boxes.The program resulted in payments that have amounted to $95,000 so far this

Airmen train for contingency operations during Silver Flag

Airmen from all over the Pacific region trained to establish and sustain a forward operating base during Silver Flag 09-09 Nov. 16 through 22 at Kadena Air Base. In addition to their career field-specific training, the students were required to operate in simulated wartime conditions and to help

AETC opens virtual doors to MyBase

Air Education and Training Command officals here launched a virtual world Dec. 2 targeting avatars, or people, interested in learning more about the Air Force. Second Life is a three-dimensional virtual world where users can socialize, connect and explore the digital universe using virtual

Warrior care

Space shuttle diverted, lands at Edwards

Space Shuttle Endeavour and its crew of seven astronauts landed after a 15-day mission to the International Space Station at about 1:25 p.m. PST Nov. 30 at Edwards Air Force Base.The shuttle was diverted to Edwards AFB, its alternate landing site, due to bad weather at Kennedy Space Station, Fla.

Dec. 1 airpower summary: Hercs airdrop supplies

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

Internal training key to Iraqi air force independence

As the Iraqi parliament works out the details of the new status of forces agreement that calls for American forces to withdraw from the country in 2011, Iraqi air force emergency responders from New al Muthana Air Base took the lead for the first time in a mass casualty response exercise Nov. 21 as

Air Force leaders reinforce zero tolerance for sexual assault

Leaders from wing level to senior Air Force brass recently gathered for a two-day leader summit on sexual assault prevention and response here. Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz affirmed their commitment to eliminating sexual assaults in

Kadena volunteers spread holiday cheer to single servicemembers

How do you bring a little cheer to more than 2,000 single servicemembers spending the holidays far away from family and friends? Perhaps 24,000 cookies is a good start. With this in mind, 500 volunteers from various organizations here mixed, rolled, sprinkled, decorated and baked thousands of

Manas Airmen help provide aid to Kyrgyz in need

Manas Airmen, in conjunction with U.S. Embassy personnel in Bishkek, hosted a small ceremony Nov. 25 in which 31,680 meals-ready-to-eat and more than 100 cold weather sleeping bags were provided to the Kyrgyz Republic's Ministry of Emergency Situations, or MES, to help local Kyrgyz who may need

Hiring authority makes it easier to hire disabled employees

Air Force officials are working to increase manager understanding of how to hire qualified people with disabilities. The Schedule A hiring authority, a noncompetitive government hiring process, allows federal employers to hire qualified people with mental retardation, severe physical disabilities or

'Today's Air Force' features warrior care

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights a different type of therapy for wounded warriors. While most rehabilitation occurs within the walls of medical facilities, new and unique organizations are now able to treat wounded warriors outside medical facilities. Also featured is a plan to

Gates provides continuity as nation fights two wars, Obama says

President-elect Barack Obama cited the need for continuity as the United States fights two wars in announcing, Dec. 1, that Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will remain at the Pentagon when his administration takes over next month."At a time when we face an unprecedented transition amidst two wars,

Air Force family liaisons help wounded warriors, families

Air Force family liaison officers have an important role in assisting wounded warriors and their families, a San Antonio-based Air Force senior noncommissioned officer said. The Air Force's family liaison officer program "truly is the lifeblood of taking care of our war wounded," said Chief Master

Airmen help build Afghan military medical capability

A small group of Airmen helped transform a once empty building into a fully functional hospital at Camp Hero in Kandahar Province that is now staffed by Afghan national army personnel and capable of caring for ANA soldiers, Afghan national police members, and their families. The Kandahar Regional

Former Air Force secretary dies at 92

Verne Orr, the fourteenth secretary of the Air Force, died Nov. 27 at age 92 in his home in Pasadena, Calif.  He served under President Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1985. "Former Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr was a leader and a professional committed to the United States Air Force and our

Lackland medical center labs receive 2-year accreditation

The labs at San Antonio Military Medical Center-South recently received a two-year accreditation from the AABB, an organization recognized by the industry for monitoring and advancing transfusion and cellular therapies worldwide. The accreditation involved an intensive on-site assessment by AABB

NORTHCOM: Guarding the nation's borders

Thousands of U.S. military men and women are deployed across the globe promoting democracy, guarding freedom and fighting terrorism. They are the fingers of the nation's military, extending its reach and capabilities on an international scope. But as the events of Sept. 11, 2001, demonstrated, the

Manas Airman receives surprise call from president

"This is the White House switchboard, can you hear me OK?" With that, Senior Airman Victoria Drefs was finally convinced that her fellow Airmen in the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's petroleum oil and lubricants shop were not playing another prank on her. Airman Drefs, a native of

U.S. troops help flood victims in Central America

A team of 48 U.S. servicemembers and seven helicopters from the Honduras-based Joint Task Force-Bravo deployed to Panama and Costa Rica the last week of November to help communities impacted by heavy rains and flooding. The team, composed of aviation and medical personnel, is supporting rescue and

Nov. 30 airpower summary: A-10s perform shows of force

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets dropped a guided bomb unit-12 and

Nov. 29 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds

Medical center keeps troops in action

"Being here really makes you appreciate the sacrifices these wounded warriors have made and when you put them on a plane after they recovered from their injuries you know they're going back out there to put their lives on the line all over again," says a nurse as she wipes away a tear from her eye.

Hockey: No. 11 Air Force falls to No. 9 Denver, 4-1

After 13 straight wins, No. 11 Air Force fell to No. 9 Denver, 4-1, in a non-conference college hockey game at a sold out Magness Arena in Denver, Colo. Air Force fell to 13-1 on the season while Denver improved to 9-5-1 overall. Air Force was the last undefeated and untied team in the nation and

Hockey: No. 11 Air Force beats No. 3 Colorado College, 4-1

Air Force goaltender Andrew Volkening made 28 saves and the Falcons killed all nine Colorado College power plays as the 11th-ranked Falcons defeated the third-ranked Tigers, 4-1, in front of a sellout crowd of 3,063 at the Cadet Ice Arena. The Falcons remain the only undefeated and untied team in

Nov. 28 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9 Reaper used Hellfire missiles

Nov. 27 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs

Nov. 26 airpower summary

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds

PACAF C-17 team hosts royalty

Lt. Col Casey Eaton, 535th Airlift Squadron commander (right), and Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Bragg, a C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster (left), show some of the features in the cargo area of the C-17 to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiahsutan of Brunei. The monarch made a visit to Hickam Air Force

Airmen give thanks, continue mission

1st Lt. Nick Biggs, a C-130 Hercules copilot, enjoys a Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 27 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. A contracting company providing catering services to deployed coalition forces put extra effort into providing the time-honored feast to American servicemembers at Bagram. Lieutenant

DOD safety program team visits Cannon

A Department of Defense's Voluntary Protection Program initial site assessment team visited Cannon AFB Nov. 3 - 7. The team visited various work areas on base to give commanders and other personnel some guidance on going above and beyond complying with safety standards and be awarded the

Air Force spouse raises funds for wounded warriors

When her husband deployed to Iraq in January of 2006, Sonja McDonald decided to spend her time waiting for his return home, raising money to help wounded warriors and their families. Mrs. McDonald is married to Capt. Jim McDonald, a nurse at San Antonio Military Medical Center-North, formally known

Engine tune up

386th Airmen clear hazards, keep locals safe

Beyond the wire of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing spans an area covered not only in sand but potential explosive hazards, aging from as far back as the Gulf War fighting that took place here in the early 90s. This time of year, the same area is inhabited by host-nation locals who follow a

Airman's Roll Call: Easing deployment stress

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on easing deployment stress through personal and family readiness.Airmen with financial, family or other personal concerns may struggle to perform their duties at 100 percent efficiency at home station or abroad. The Airman and Family Readiness Center helps

Chief of staff visits Barksdale

The Air Force chief of staff visited Barksdale Air Force Base Nov. 25 to familiarize himself with the base's mission.Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife, Suzie, came to Barksdale AFB and the senior Air Force military member met base and community leaders, visited several squadrons on base and answered

AFPC Airmen hold unit run in honor of Warrior Care Month

Hundreds of Airmen from the Air Force Personnel Center here ran through the streets around Airmen's Heritage Park here Nov. 25 in honor of Air Force wounded warriors. AFPC officials hosted the run as part of Warrior Care Month to honor the sacrifices of Air Force wounded warriors and to increase

Air Force civilian earns award for plasma research

The Plasma Science and Applications Committee of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers selected an Air Force Office of Scientific Research program manager for the 2009 Plasma Science and Applications award. The committee chose Dr. Robert Barker for his "outstanding contributions to

Andersen Airmen hear Dragon Thunder

Andersen Air Force Base Airmen sharpened their expeditionary skills during Exercise Dragon Thunder Nov. 17 through 21 here.Members of the from the 644th Combat Communications Squadron set up camp under a sea of camouflage netting in tents filled with towers of electronic equipment for the field

New tool assures aircraft material integrity, performance

Air Force researchers working with industry here have developed and effectively demonstrated a portable, nondestructive evaluation technology that measures in real time the electrical properties of specialty materials underneath the exterior coating of advanced military aircraft. The new technology,

Incirlik volunteers strengthen community

Incirlik Air Base members reached out to help citizens of Incirlik by renovating a village park with fresh paint, landscaping and equipment Nov. 15 in the village just outside the base. About 75 base volunteers ventured out to the nearby Incirlik Village park to give Turkish children a nicer place

Nov. 25 airpower summary: A-10s deter anti-Afghan attacks

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds onto

I can see right through you

MTV visits Fairchild

Five crew members from MTV came to Fairchild Air Force Base Nov. 17 for a firsthand glimpse of what the Air Force has to offer. MTV's "How to Show" has celebrities demonstrating how to do a variety of things through a step-by-step format, and the Air Force joined MTV to show how Airmen survive,

Space loses one of its stars

One of the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers, retired Brig. Gen. Maurice A. Cristadoro Jr., 88, died Nov. 22. His wake and funeral will be held Nov. 28 in Pensacola, Fla. Air Force Space Command officials inducted General Cristadoro to the Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2006 for his

DOD officials navigate language roadmap

Defense Department officials here completed more than 90 percent of the tasks they set out to accomplish in a language plan that launched four years ago. Known as the Defense Language Transformation Roadmap, this broad strategy aims to address national shortfalls in foreign language skills in the

PACAF key to stability in diverse theater, general says

The Pacific theater is large, diverse and complicated, but the Airmen of Pacific Air Forces are up to the challenge, according to a senior PACAF leader speaking in Los Angeles Nov. 20. Lt. Gen. Chip Utterback, 13th Air Force commander, kicked off the Air Force Association Global Warfare Symposium

Travel charge cards to switch over Nov. 30

The government-issued Bank of America official travel charge card that's been used for years by Defense Department military and civilian employees will be deactivated effective Nov. 30, Defense Travel Management Office officials said. Citibank has the new contract, and eligible defense military and

Readiness paramount in Baltic air policing mission

Pilots and aircraft maintainers with the 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron here hold a high standard of readiness and a constant vigil, ready to police the sovereign airspace of the Baltic nations at a moment's notice. To perform this NATO air defense mission, the aircrews are expected to be in

Post-combat coping methods vary, troops say

Methods of coping with combat and its aftereffects vary as greatly as the effects themselves, six warriors participating in a conference panel here said. Officials at the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury hosted the "Warrior Resilience Conference:

Deployed Airmen support bilateral exercise

Airmen from the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron here recently participated in the AnnualEx 20G, a bilateral exercise between U.S. and Japanese Maritime Self Defense Forces that took place from Nov. 13 to 19 over the Pacific Ocean. The exercise, conducted yearly, is designed for two primary

Nov. 24 airpower summary: C-130s vital to transport missions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a guided bomb unit-38

Astronauts send special greetings to military

The combined crews of Space Shuttle Endeavour and the International Space Station have sent a special greeting to members of the American military in time for the upcoming holiday season. From orbit 220 miles above Earth, Commander Chris Ferguson (captain, U.S. Navy), Pilot Eric Boe (colonel, U.S.

Guard members to be honored through Salute Campaign

Air National Guard officials here announced Nov. 20 they will soon honor what could be more than 70,000 citizen-Airmen who have deployed in contingencies since Sept. 11, 2001, with a Hometown Heroes Salute Campaign.Chief Master Sgt. Richard Smith, command chief of the Air Guard, made the

Air Force officials release F-15 accident report

A combination of human factors and aircraft anomalies caused a spin during a July 30 crash of a two-seat F-15D Eagle during a Red Flag exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., according to an Air Combat Command accident investigation board report released Nov. 24 here. The pilot in command, Lt. Col.

Airmen reach out to children's home in Lithuania

More than 20 Airmen from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, volunteered their time and talents with Lithuanian children Nov. 15 at the District Vijurkai Children's Home in Vijurkai, Lithuania. The Airmen, deployed from the 48th Fighter Wing, are in Lithuania to perform the NATO Baltic air policing