NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Virtual Wall allows public to reach out to Vietnam dead

    Each year, visitors to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial here leave thousands of mementos at the base of the Wall. Since 1997, visitors to a non-profit Internet site have been doing the same, virtually.The Virtual Wall, at www.virtualwall.org, is run by volunteers whose only purpose is to provide an

  • New history section debuts on Air Force Link

    Air Force Link, the official Web site of the U.S. Air Force, launched a new history and heritage section Nov. 8 to coincide with Veterans Day and the upcoming 100th anniversary of powered flight.The new section documents the achievements of airpower, starting from the early days of wooden-wing

  • Brothers take to the air in rare dogfight opportunity

    Two brothers, whose looks practically mirror each other as much as their Air Force careers do, got an opportunity to match their respective air-to-air combat skills in a competitive dogfight here Nov. 5.Capt. Gary Beene, a 58th Fighter Squadron pilot here, and his brother, Maj. Lane Beene, a pilot

  • Keeping a Thunderbolt thundering

    A crew chief inspects one of the two engines on an A-10 Thunderbolt II that has just returned from a close air support mission over Afghanistan. The A-10 is part of the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jerry Morrison)

  • Making a difference through Habitat for Humanity

    People from the base chapel here are helping to make one part of the American dream a reality for a local family through lots of labor and a $37,000 donation to a Habitat for Humanity project.These non-profit construction projects put low-income families into quality family housing."Contributing

  • Total force, total commitment, total special operators

    A small group of Air Force special operators huddle together in a makeshift tent, miles away from anywhere on a map, planning the intense details of a mission.All the "usual" mission planners are there -- aircrew, intel, weather, special tactics and communications. The team works through the

  • Maintenance troops ensure Falcons are ready to strike

    Weapons loaders swarm beneath an F-16 Fighting Falcon, arming munitions before the fighter takes off on a sortie. The airmen are deployed with 125th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from the Oklahoma Air National Guard in Tulsa, in support of Operation Northern Watch. ONW has been enforcing the

  • Your eyes, ears essential to fight terrorism

    You're having a conversation with a group of people and you hear something that you perceive to be highly unusual or threatening or you see a car parked nearby that doesn't belong. You get the feeling that something isn't quite right.Don't hesitate to let security forces or Air Force Office of

  • Aerostat accident report released

    High winds, turbulence, and sharp object damage led to the March 30 breakaway of an Air Force surveillance aerostat from its tether near Rio Grande City, Texas, said a report released Nov. 6 by Air Combat Command.The aerostat drifted more than 300 miles before coming to a rest on private land near

  • Student exchange promotes good will, good friends

    Students from East Elementary School here and from Keimei Gakuen School, Akishima-shi, Tokyo, Japan, enjoy a day of festivities at Friendship Field during a cultural exchange program here recently. The students participated in various activities and games including Frisbee toss, sack races and

  • Maintaining the Spirit

    Senior Airman Andrew Neitzert and Airman 1st Class Chad Dietz, both crew chiefs with the 509th Maintenance Squadron here, review aircraft forms during an operational contingency exercise Nov 5. The exercise tests the capabilities of the B-2 Spirit to deploy to an expeditionary airfield. (Photo by

  • C-5 fleet safer with anti-collision upgrade

    Maintenance people installed a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System, or TCAS, on final operational C-5 Galaxy transport aircraft Oct. 31, according to program officials here.The system, part of an overall upgrade program designed to keep the transport giant flying until 2040, will reduce the

  • Sign me up

    Maj. Gen. Mike McMahan, Air Force Personnel Center commander, approves the first bonus applications Nov. 1 under the expanded aviator continuation pay program. For the first time, some air battle managers and navigators are eligible for up to $15,000 per year if they sign an agreement to continue

  • Chaplains minister to troops

    Father (Lt. Col.) Robert Keller, a chaplain from the 438th Air Expeditionary Group, conducts a service Nov. 3 at a forward deployed location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The base chapel program provides various services to the base community throughout the week, including worship,

  • Keen eye leads to safety of 1,200 F-16s

    An astute observation by a noncommissioned officer here has resulted in widespread changes to maintenance requirements affecting more than 1,200 F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.While performing inspections on an F-16, Tech. Sgt. Jason Anderson, a 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron nondestructive

  • T-38C fleet undergoes propulsion upgrades

    Air Education and Training Command's first T-38C Talon with modified ejectors, engines and inlets will be delivered to Moody Air Force Base, Ga., the week of Nov. 4th by pilots from the 415th Flight Test Flight here.Following on the heels of the recent avionics upgrade program, these new upgrades,

  • New Information Management Tool software now available

    A new software tool designed to improve the efficiency of the Air Force information system is now available across the service.The new Information Management Tool viewer software from PureEdge Solutions Inc. is a replacement to the long-used FormFlow form filler software and is available from local

  • Alaskan civil engineers build super structure

    A team from the 611th Civil Engineer Squadron here deployed recently to the Indian Mountain Long Range Radar Station to construct a 2,500 square foot Super K-Span storage facility.Indian Mountain is one of 18 remote Alaskan radar sites and is located several hundred miles west and slightly north of

  • NASA develops new tool to improve accident investigations

    Scientists and engineers investigating accidents are working much more effectively and efficiently, thanks to a new software tool developed by NASA called the InvestigationOrganizer.Developed at NASA Ames Research Center here, InvestigationOrganizer is a Web-based tool that provides information

  • Hercules at sunset

    The sun slides behind the mountains at a forward operating location as a C-130 Hercules rests after a long day. This C-130 from Pope Air Force Base, N.C., is currently assigned to the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing. (Photo by Master Sgt. Thomas Meneguin)

  • Civilian health benefits program open season starting soon

    Air Force civilian employees will have the opportunity to review and update their health care plan during the Federal Employees Health Benefits program open season Nov. 11 to Dec. 9.Program changes could affect more than 7,000 employees since 11 health plan carriers are dropping out of the FEHB and

  • Quarterly overseas assignment listing available

    The Enlisted Quarterly Assignment Listing for overseas assignments for the July to September 2003 cycle will be available Nov. 4.Individuals need to work through their military personnel flights to update their preferences by Nov. 21. Airmen will be notified of their selection by Dec. 9, said

  • Hosing 'er down

    Senior Airman Ryan Fletcher, a crew chief with the 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, hoses down an F-16's main landing gear wheel wells as part of routine maintenance. His aircraft is currently flying sorties in support of Operation Northern Watch. (Photo byAirman 1st Class Isaac G. L. Freeman)

  • November issue of Airman available online

    Airmen fighting terrorism, a family of 11 living in base housing, and airmen supporting space shuttle launches highlight the November issue of Airman magazine, now available in print and online.In this month's issue:A strong Japan means a stable Pacific region for the United States, and the Air

  • Horsing around

    Tech. Sgt. John Gurnsey (left) and Staff Sgt. Scott Vandersloot check the diameter of a chute used to pour concrete. The sergeants are assigned to the 819th/219th Red Horse Squadron at a forward-deployed location where they are building a secure compartmental information facility. Red Horse

  • Catching a ride

    A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster III here Oct. 31 by U.S. Army 236th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) soldiers from Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany. The soldiers are deploying to Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, in support of Operation Joint Guardian, a NATO

  • Falcons fall to CSU, 31-12

    Two drive-killing fumbles and a stingy Colorado State University defense handed the Air Force Academy its third loss of the football season Oct. 31.This is the third consecutive loss for the Falcons, who started the season with six consecutive and decisive wins before losing to Notre Dame, Wyoming

  • New dormitory standard means bigger rooms

    Air Force officials have developed a new dormitory standard designed to enhance the standard of living for residents of Air Force dormitories worldwide.Construction on the four-plus-one style of dormitory could begin as early as this year. This style has four airmen sharing a common living area,

  • Air Force selects newest chiefs

    The Air Force recently selected 561 senior master sergeants for promotion to the service's highest enlisted rank as part of the 02E9 promotion board.The Air Force will release the promotion list the first duty hour Nov. 6 (Nov. 7 for those units across the international date line.) The complete

  • Training to live

    Chief Master Sgt. Danny Corprew, wearing a chemical warfare ensemble, prepares a bed for simulated casualties during an exercise here. The training ensures hospital workers can sustain, survive and perform their mission in a conventional, nuclear, biological and chemical combat environment.

  • Predator reaches milestone

    The Air Force's RQ-1A Predator unmanned aerial vehicle achieved 50,000 flight hours during an operational sortie Oct. 26 at a forward-deployment location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Production of the next generation of Predators, dubbed the Predator B (MQ-9), begins soon. Predator B

  • A 'boo-tiful' tent

    Senior Airman Hypatia Johnson (left) and Staff Sgt. Kristi Lawrence make their way through spider webbing to view the rest of a haunted "tent" at a forward-deployed location Halloween night. The tent mates from the 380th Expeditionary Communication Squadron decked their sleeping facility out in

  • Beauty and the buff

    Senior Master Sgt. Mark Bernard polishes the C-135E Speckled Trout aircraft before it departs from here Oct. 25 on an executive airlift mission to the Pacific. The white-and-silver Speckled Trout is used primarily for avionics flight testing, but its secondary mission is transporting Air Force

  • Air Force teams competing in firefighting championship

    About 56 Air Force firefighters from nine bases are here Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 for anything but a vacation. The firefighters are participating in the 11th annual Firefighter Combat Challenge world championship, billed as "the toughest two minutes in sports.""By the time they get to the finish line most

  • Toil the soil

    Master Sgt. Robert Nightingale separates sieves of soil for weighing to ensure the proper percentage of material in each sieve meets construction specifications at a forward-deployed location. Nightingale, deployed from Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., is assigned to the 819/219th Expeditionary Red

  • Weather flight keeps 'em flying

    There may be rain today and heat tomorrow, or snow today and dusty winds tomorrow. These are some of the conditions the nine-member Air Force weather flight must contend with at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.Everyone needs to know what the weather is going to do, from the A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots

  • Officials release Predator accident report

    Air Force investigators have determined that human error caused an Air Force RQ-1 Predator aircraft crash May 17 near a forward-operating location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.According to an Air Combat Command accident investigation report released Oct. 30, the incorrect assembly of the

  • Coalition aircraft drop munitions on Iraq

    Coalition aircraft enforcing the northern no-fly zone over Iraq dropped precision-guided munitions Oct. 30 on elements of Saddam Hussein's air defense system.The coalition aircraft attacked after Iraqi anti-aircraft artillery fired on them. All coalition aircraft returned to base safely.Combined

  • Eagles and sparrows

    Capt. Andy Hamann (foreground) and Capt. Brian Swyt of the 95th Fighter Squadron simultaneously fire AIM-7 Sparrow missiles at a target drone during a recent air-to-air-weapons evaluation flight over the Gulf of Mexico. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mike Ammons)

  • Feed the falcon

    An F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot takes on fuel from a 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender. The squadron is assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at a forward-deployed location in Southwest Asia supporting operations Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom. The 908th EARS is

  • Artistic expression

    Airman 1st Class Justin Gimbel paints a mural on the outside of his unit's office at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. Another mural by him is in the foreground. An aerospace ground equipment engineer with the 379th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Gimbel is deployed to Al Udeid AB from Grand

  • Montana wing heading home

    Capt. Jason Green, an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot from the Montana Air National Guard's 120th Fighter Wing in Great Falls, puts on his helmet before flying a mission supporting Operation Southern Watch. The wing leaves Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, this week after being deployed as part of

  • Dog helps keep flightline safe

    The 314th Operations Support Squadron has a new tool to keep the flightline here safe, and he works for mere kibble.Since Oct. 1, military working dog Colin, a 2-year-old border collie, has patrolled the perimeter fence to deter deer, birds and other wildlife from crossing into the runway

  • 'King' visits Seymour Johnson sergeant

    Richard "The King" Petty paid a visit here Oct. 23 to meet and have lunch with the winner of the "Win the King" contest.Tech. Sgt. Stephen Peterson, noncommissioned officer in charge of the base chapel, won a visit from Petty to his house, lunch with the driver, race tickets and gifts from Petty

  • Academy mascot vying for national title

    He doesn't have the pageantry of the Indian on the horse with the flaming spear, the "homeyness" of that dog from Tennessee, or the in-your-face attitude of that "other" bird in South Florida.He lacks the tradition of the guy in the leprechaun suit, the ability to pull a wagon like that Oklahoma

  • Predator crashes in Nevada

    An RQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle crashed into the side of a mountain in the Nevada Test and Training Range near Indian Springs, Nev., at approximately 8:30 a.m. Oct 25.The Predator, from the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron, was flying a training mission when the incident occurred. There were

  • Crew chief finds couple in C-130 engine

    Tech. Sgt. J.D. Nix is as country as a split-rail fence along a dirt road. So when the C-130 Hercules crew chief deployed here from Yokota Air Base, Japan, went toe-to-toe with a pair of birds, his animal instinct prevailed.Two bright green parakeets decided the engine intake on Nix's No. 3 engine

  • The 'ol plane and chain

    Aeronautical Systems Center Command Chief Master Sgt. Fest Miles (right) and his command staff teammates strain to pull a 60,000-pound fighter jet the farthest in 45 seconds during the U.S. Air Force Museum's 4th Annual Aircraft Pull. Approximately 600 base and community members took part in the

  • Two Air Force civilians win highest honor

    Two Air Force civilians received the Department of Defense's highest civilian service award here Oct. 22, also notable because both are below grade GS-15.While the Distinguished Civilian Service Award could be given to a DOD civilian of any grade, this was the first time anyone below GS-15 has

  • Air Force seeks improved retention through GI Bill test program

    The Air Force will soon begin testing a retention tool designed to help some servicemembers provide for their family's education.As part of the Montgomery GI Bill Transferability Test Program, members working in selected critical career fields will be able to transfer a portion of their MGIB

  • Port squadron moves OEF cargo, passengers

    Mission "No.1" for the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing is keeping supply lines moving within the Operation Enduring Freedom corridor. When viewing the action on the flightline at a forward-deployed location, it seems everything just happens according to some master plan.That is where the men and women

  • Alaskan wing deploys to Singapore

    A 3rd Wing contingent here deployed to the Republic of Singapore Oct. 23 to take on that nation's air force in an annual air-to-air combat exercise.About 100 people, mostly from the 12th Fighter Squadron, and six F-15 Eagles are participating in exercise Commando Sling 2003.The exercise allows

  • Domestic violence includes more than physical abuse

    Bumps and bruises, black eyes, broken bones, bloody noses and battered dreams. People might think this is a list of makeup requirements for a horror flick or injuries from a rough hockey game.Unfortunately, it is not. It is a short list of things describing somebody's family life.One in four

  • Georgia on their minds

    Capt. Brian, from the 6th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., preflights the main rotor system of a UH-1H Iroquois here, demonstrating to Georgian pilots how U.S. Air Force pilots perform the task. The Georgia Train and Equip Program has entered its third phase where the Georgian

  • Son follows father's footsteps into firefighting

    As the chief master sergeant walked through the firefighter school here, he exchanged friendly smiles and greetings with students, instructors and other staff members who passed by.Standing at about 6 feet tall with his back straight and his head held high, the man displays an obvious pride in what

  • Sensor system keeping airmen safe

    As the horizon disappears and the sky fades to black, residents here wrap up the day's activities and crawl into bed like bears heading into hibernation for the winter. No worries, no fears of terrorists or enemies invading their resting place -- just soft pillows, warm blankets and sweet

  • 'Team Target' keeps Air Force on mark

    The 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron here, known as "Team Target," is a key player in ensuring that air-to-air and surface-to-air weapons systems can meet the needs of the military in an ever-changing threat environment.With technology changing at a blinding pace, systems often become obsolete before

  • SnoFest tickets go on sale Nov. 1

    Tickets go on sale Nov. 1 for the military's 13th annual snow sports weekend, SnoFest.The three-day festival features discounted lodging, lift tickets, food and entertainment Jan. 24 to 26 at Keystone Ski Resort, Colo."Colorado offers some of the best skiing in the world," said Col. Rick Rogers,

  • Bloody good job!

    Loretta Haynes of the American Red Cross prepares to draw a pint of blood from Airman Basic Ransom Holland, an aerospace propulsion student assigned to the 361st Training Squadron here. Holland joined with other airmen in his unit to collect 325 pints of blood, which broke the previous Texas record

  • Warren airman earns $10K for idea

    A little bit of epoxy sealed Tech. Sgt. Toby Taylor's chances for $10,000.Taylor, training noncommissioned officer in charge of the 90th Maintenance Operations Squadron electrical-mechanical technician team, was recently presented with a $10,000 check from the Air Force Innovative Development

  • Nighthawks touring Europe

    An F-117A Nighthawk from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., lands here Oct. 21. The F-117s are deployed to Europe for Operation Coronet Nighthawk, an exercise to familiarize pilots with air operations in the European theater, practice international flight rules, and allow U.S. Air Forces in Europe

  • Fire annihilates tent, trailer

    Airman 1st Class Darrel Tirpak, a firefighter from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, puts out the remains of a tent fire during a live demonstration held for wing people at a forward-deployed location in Southwest Asia. The tent, which is the same type people sleep in, was totally consumed in 3

  • Coalition strikes back at Iraq

    Coalition aircraft struck at an Iraqi integrated air defense site in the northern no-fly zone Oct. 22, said Air Force Maj. Scott Covode, a spokesman for the combined task force.Both U.S. and British aircraft took part in the attack. While Covode would not specify the planes used, he did say the

  • Segway transporters get trial run at Tinker

    Electric scooters resembling a modern-day chariot without the horses are helping people complete day-to-day tasks here as part of a test to determine if the scooters are viable to purchase.Environmental management experts began testing the Segway Human Transporter recently in several organizations.

  • Coping

    Master Sgt. Kevin Beaty, from the 613th Contingency Response Squadron at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, explains the usefulness of an all-terrain vehicle to Indian security troops guarding an aircraft ramp. Nearly 150 Pacific Air Forces airmen are in Agra for Cope India, a bilateral airlift

  • Defender Challenge competition under way

    Ten security forces teams from U.S. Air Force major commands worldwide, the Department of Energy and the Royal Air Force Regiment gathered here to participate in the 20th annual Defender Challenge competition Oct. 21 to 24."This is a competition of our all-stars," said Brig. Gen. James Shamess,

  • Keeping cool key for surviving desert deployment

    It would seem to take a Herculean effort to turn a 32-foot by 12-foot by 20-foot tent that has been boiling outside in 90- to 130-degree temperatures into a veritable icebox. But superheroes from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing -- appropriately dubbed "icemen" - do it every dayThe heating,

  • Supply, fuels teams compete during 'Roadeo'

    Thirty-six teams from around the Air Force gathered here to compete in this year's supply and fuels readiness competition, also known as "Roadeo." When it was all over, the team from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, earned bragging rights by accumulating the most points in the three-day competition.The

  • What a big tail you have

    Tech Sgt Russ Gardner, a maintainer with the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, inspects the tail of a C-130 Hercules here. The first wave of airmen arrived here Oct. 17 for Cope India, an exercise designed for U.S. and Indian air forces to exchange information on several aspects of

  • Falcons fall to Notre Dame, 21-14

    The Air Force Academy Falcons' hopes for a perfect season were dashed Oct. 19 by the Notre Dame defense and running game.Notre Dame held the Falcon rushing offense to just 104 yards on 38 carries, and defeated Air Force 21-14. "We knew coming in that Air Force is a heck of a football team," said

  • A room with a view

    Staff Sgt. Ricky Nedrow, from the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group, looks out over Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. Nedrow is one of more than 20 members of the 437th Aerial Port Squadron deployed from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., to Bagram AB and supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo

  • Service demographics offer snapshot of force

    Air Force Personnel Center officials recently published a report on the active-duty and civilian populace.This statistical analysis offers a snapshot of the service's 364,041 active-duty and 139,182 civilian employees, providing a descriptive look at Air Force.The latest version is current as of

  • Turkey falcons

    Senior Airman Michael Solberg, an F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief, waits to marshal his aircraft, flown by Capt. Kevin Menard, onto the taxiway at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, prior to an Operation Northern Watch sortie. Both airmen are deployed with the 78th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. ONW

  • 'myPay' provides online pay resources

    A program designed to help Air Force people manage their pay more easily went online Oct. 15.Formerly named the Employee/Member Self-Service program, myPay offers improved online services for active-duty, Guard and Reserve airmen, civilian employees, retirees and beneficiaries, said Bruce S. Lemkin,

  • Transportation troop is caught 'knapping'

    People on deployment find many ways to pass the time. Some chip away at calendars marking the days left until they return home. For Staff Sgt. Barry Hester, a special purpose vehicle mechanic with the 384th Expeditionary Logistics Squadron, it is chipping away at stones.Hester, from the 56th

  • By dawn's early light

    A crew chief with the 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here stands by as a 494th Fighter Squadron aircrew completes preflight checks on a F-15E Strike Eagle. The 48th Fighter Wing is currently involved in a local tactical evaluation exercise that tests the wing's ability to operate and survive in

  • Maintaining in Sardinia

    Staff Sgt. Ryan Alfke, a 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, changes out oil screen filters during post-flight inspections on an F-16 Fighting Falcon. The 31st Fighter Wing deployed here from Aviano Air Base, Italy, in mid-September while the Aviano fightline is repaired and a new

  • Army, Air Force test Stryker capabilities

    Soldiers of the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry, Alpha Company from Fort Lewis, Wash., prepare to upload a Stryker infantry carrier vehicle while configuring another Stryker after off loading it from a C-130 Hercules belonging to the Kentucky Air National Guard's 165th Airlift Squadron during a

  • First lady touts 'Troops to Teachers' program

    The birthplace of aviation became a launching pad for new career possibilities Oct. 16 as first lady Laura Bush spoke here about the Defense Department's Troops to Teachers program.Bush recognized educators and the potential roles departing military members can play in education during a rally

  • 27 RAF Lakenheath airmen suspected of drug use

    Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents here ended a four-month-long counternarcotics operation Oct.13. The operation provided evidence that 27 U.S. Air Force active-duty airmen from the base may have been involved in the use, possession, and distribution of controlled substances.The

  • New AMC policy allows passengers to fly with more pets

    Passengers traveling on permanent change-of-station orders between the United States and overseas bases on Patriot Express flights now have the opportunity to move more than two pets per family.Air Mobility Command officials have instituted a new policy allowing passengers the opportunity to move

  • Ready for a challenge

    Airman 1st Class Kevin Reid, from the 89th Security Forces Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., assumes an ambush position during tactics training here. Reid is a member of the Air Mobility Command Defender Challenge team that will represent the command at the annual worldwide security forces

  • Partnership will guide military, civilian space activities

    The nation's leading space agencies added a new member to their alliance recently by signing a memorandum of agreement with the director of defense research and engineering, a Department of Defense agency focusing on technology.The agreement formally establishes cooperative relationships for space

  • Students get geological lesson at Alaskan base

    Students attending schools in the Anchorage area are getting a lesson in Alaskan geology, courtesy of a base civil engineer employee here.About 100 children, parents and teachers from Chinook Elementary School in Anchorage visited Knik Arm Beach recently, also known as Fossil Beach, near Six-Mile

  • For you, my friend

    Staff Sgt. Ken Ahrens, a 363rd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal craftsman, accepts a rock as a gift from the remote ordnance neutralization system during training on using the robot's arm. Ahrens is part of a 10-member EOD flight responsible for protecting aircraft

  • Mass casualty exercise focuses on readiness, teamwork

    The 363rd Expeditionary Medical Group got an edge on readiness and teamwork during a mass casualty exercise recently."Exercises like this keep us prepared for anything," said Lt. Col. Les Folio, 363rd EMDG chief of aerospace medicine and exercise coordinator from Travis Air Force Base, Calif. "We

  • 'AGEing' in the desert

    Senior Airman Amanda View, a 363rd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment journeyman, tightens a line on a hydraulic test stand. The AGE flight has many responsibilities including delivering support equipment to aircraft and providing lighting to various parts of the base.

  • Nighthawks visit Germany

    An F-117A Nighthawk from the 49th Fighter Wing at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., taxis down the runway here Oct. 13. The 49th FW is at Spangdahlem AB for a training exercise. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Timothy Cook)

  • Falcons devastate BYU, advance to 6-0

    Undefeated Air Force advances to No. 18 in the nation, after holding Brigham Young University to negative 21 yards rushing in a televised 52-9 blowout Oct. 12.There has been no love lost between the two teams, after Brigham Young University devastated Air Force's season last year, with a televised

  • Good morning, Incirlik!

    Actor and comedian Robin Williams is greeted by Staff Sgt. Kerry Warren and his partner, Xasco, during a visit here Oct. 14. Williams viewed a working dog demonstration by the 39th Security Forces Squadron and met with wing people, family members and deployed airmen supporting operations Northern

  • Combat ready

    Capt. Helen Howell, a C-130 Hercules pilot from the 36th Airlift Squadron here, prepares to taxi during a combat readiness exercise. The exercise is designed to test the combat capabilities of the base. (Photo by Master Sgt. Val Gempis)

  • Unprotected nevermore

    An Air Force security forces Phoenix Raven stands guard as a C-130 Hercules from the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing taxis at an austere landing zone in Afghanistan. Ravens are groups of specially trained security forces people who provide force protection for aircrews and resources that transit high

  • 'This is only a test'

    An aircraft recovery team from the 374th Maintenance Squadron here uses a 60-ton crane to "hoist" a "crippled" C-130 Hercules aircraft during a combat employment readiness exercise recently. The maintainers, dressed in chemical warfare gear, "repaired" the "damaged" main landing gear of the

  • CV-22 wraps up electronic warfare testing

    The Air Force's CV-22 tilt-rotor completed electronic warfare testing in the Benefield Anechoic Facility here recently.The purpose of the electronic warfare tests was to test the suite of integrated radio frequency countermeasures, or SIRFC system, which is the radar warning receiver and electronic

  • All aboard!

    Air Force tactical air control party airmen with Detachment 1 of the 4th Air Support Operations Group and soldiers with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, both from Vicenza, Italy, wait on the ramp here to load onto C-130 Hercules aircraft from the base's 86th Airlift Wing on Oct. 9. The airmen and

  • Deployed life support shop vital to OEF missions

    The people in the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron life support shop work hard to maintain their equipment, but they will be content if customers never have the chance to use most of it.That is because most of the equipment they maintain, including body armor, global positioning system

  • Schriever bodybuilder works at professional status

    A bodybuilder here who placed fourth in the U.S.A. Championships in August is busy sculpting his body for a professional qualifier match in Dallas next month.William Owens, a captain with the 22nd Space Operations Squadron, started working on his physique 20 years ago at age 13. In 1990, at his

  • An eye for detail

    Master Sgt. Shawn Williams, a terminal attack controller from Detachment 1-1 in Friedberg, Germany, checks grid references prior to establishing communications with an F-15E Strike Eagle pilot from the 48th Fighter Wing at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, during a live weapons drop at a South

  • Telling pilots where to go

    Tech. Sgt. James Hicks, a 321st Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron air traffic control watch supervisor, clears aircraft to land while working in the ATC tower at a forward-deployed location supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Controllers working in the tower provide safe and expeditious

  • Hanging around

    Capt. Damian Schlussel describes to his students each action he takes while rappelling from a 90-foot water tower here. Schlussel, from the 31st Fighter Wing security forces here, leads the wing's anti-terrorist force protection program. He routinely trains new members of the team on key tactics