NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Contract award to enhance in-flight operations for top U.S. officials

    Air Force officials here issued a contract award in mid-April that will provide highly reliable, secure and integrated voice, data and video equipment for airborne U.S. senior leaders. The nearly $209 million award to Rockwell Collins will allow Air Force officials to retrofit a fleet of 20 special

  • Better prosthetics coming for wounded warriors

    From developing a new microprocessor-controlled prosthetic leg to a non-chafing socket device, the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center here is making big strides in advancing prosthetic science to improve wounded warriors' quality of life.The center reaches out to a broad spectrum

  • Mobility officials adapt to volcanic ash plume

    Air Mobility Command members continue to provide airlift capabilities despite the cloud of ash from an Icelandic volcano that has troubled air travel, a senior officer responsible for moving military personnel and equipment around the world said April 21 here."As soon as we saw the potential impact

  • Air Force F-35 completes first test flight

    The Air Force version of the F-35A flew for an hour April 20 from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas, becoming the seventh F-35 Lightning II to fly. AF-2, the conventional takeoff and landing aircraft, is the Air Force's version of the Joint Strike Fighter. This fifth-generation

  • Band rocks Bagram servicemembers

    The sound of music filled the air as members of the U.S. Air Forces Central Command Band Reserve Generation performed here as part of a two-month tour of the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility April 15 through 20. Bagram Airfield was one of the last stops for the band, deployed from Robins

  • Joint training mission enables reservists to train as they fight

    Reservists from the 815th Airlift Squadron here completed a joint airborne and air transportability training mission with Army special forces Soldiers April 16 in Key West, Fla. The JA/ATT program provides the 815th AS members with unique training opportunities, said Lt. Col. Mark Carter, the 403rd

  • Air Force officials announce AFAF competition winners

    Air Force officials have announced their Group 1 winners of the annual Air Force Assistance Fund "Commitment to Caring" campaign, which provides Airmen the opportunity to contribute to four official Air Force charitable organizations.The campaign, which started Feb. 8 and runs until May 7, features

  • Airmen deliver humanitarian supplies to families in Indonesia

    Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, delivered more than 1,200 pounds of clothes, toys and sports equipment to a local elementary school as part of Exercise Cope West 10, April 21, here.Cope West, scheduled through April 23, is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored bilateral tactical airlift exercise

  • VA officials mark 85 years of 'discovery, innovation and advancement'

    Eighty-five years of enriching the lives of veterans and all Americans through top-notch medical research will be spotlighted April 26 through 30 when members of the Department of Veterans Affairs celebrate National VA Research Week.On April 22, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs W. Scott Gould

  • Operation Arctic Care members helping people in remote areas

    A member of the Tennessee Air National Guard traveled to Kotzebue for Operation Arctic Care April 16, to provide medical care for individuals located in the remote area. Col. Cory Strobel, the chief of aero medical services for the 134th Medical Group, at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tenn.,

  • Combat arms team supports all operations

    Airmen at the 451st Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms Training and Maintenance team here are directly responsible for ensuring each Air Force member is issued ammunition upon arrival here. In addition, the two-person team of Staff Sgt. Chanson Johnson, and Senior Airman Jacob

  • Air Force family celebrates 'Facility Energy' initiatives this Earth Day

    Air Force men and women join millions of people across the country and around the globe this year in celebrating 40 years of Earth Day. Celebrated annually on April 22, Earth Day promotes awareness and appreciation for the environment. The slogan, "make every day Earth Day" is exemplified in the Air

  • Troops take advantage of GI Bill transferability

    More than 100,000 requests from troops desiring to transfer their unused education benefits to family members have been approved under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, a defense official said April 22 here. Signed into law in June 2008, the new GI Bill is a Department of Veteran Affairs-sponsored program that

  • Additional resources online to support NSPS conversion

    Online training courses are now available to help smooth the upcoming transition of more than 40,000 current Air Force National Security Personnel System employees into non-NSPS personnel systems. To facilitate the conversion, multiple resources have been added to the NSPS's official Web site,

  • DFAS begins recouping separation pay soon

    Recouping military retirees' voluntary separation incentive special separation benefit and other separation payments by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will resume in August. Separation payments and others, such as severance pay, were offered to active-duty servicemembers to reduce

  • Northern Lights entertains native Alaskans during Operation Arctic Care

    The Pacific Air Forces five-piece mixed wind ensemble from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, arrived April 20 to begin a three-day tour performing here and in several nearby villages during Operation Arctic Care.Northern Lights kicked off their tour with a live performance at Kotzebue's main radio

  • Earth Day: Taking action for a greener tomorrow

    Members of the Air Force family, in uniform and out, will join millions of people across the nation and around the world in observing the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, said the service's assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics."We are dedicated to the

  • AETC commander selected for Order of the Sword

    Air Education and Training Command enlisted members recently selected the AETC commander for induction into the Order of the Sword. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz is set to accept the honor in a formal ceremony July 16, at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The Order of the Sword is the highest honor and

  • Airman gets NASCAR 'Royal' treatment

    It's not every day the morning starts with a phone call from a NASCAR driver, but that's exactly how a 56th Maintenance Group Quality Assurance inspector began work April 8 here.Staff Sgt. Damon Thurman's supervisor handed him the phone and Matt Kenseth, driver of the No. 17 Crown Royal Black car,

  • Volcanic ash reroutes transport of Afghan war wounded

     U.S. military officials have rerouted some American troops wounded in Afghanistan through Iraq instead of Germany due to ash from an Icelandic volcano limiting European air traffic. A plume of ash continues to block European and transatlantic flight paths, including those of military aircraft.

  • Department hailed as leader in 'green' movement

    In a prelude to this week's Earth Day events, a major independent research group April 21 called the Defense Department a leader in energy conservation."The department is doing more than sounding an alarm; it has enacted energy goals and is inventing, testing and deploying new technologies and

  • Doolittle Raiders reunite at Air Force Museum

    Four of the remaining eight Doolittle Raiders, known for their nearly impossible bombing raid on Japan during World War II, reunited for the 68th year at the National Museum of the United States Air Force April 16 through 18.Retired Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole, 94, of Comfort, Texas; Maj. Thomas C.

  • Official details results of missile review

    Ballistic missiles are an increasing threat to the United States and the Defense Department must keep up with them, the deputy undersecretary of defense for policy said.James N. Miller, speaking about the department's Nuclear Posture Review April 20 before the Senate Armed Services Committee, said

  • Inaugural warrior and survivor care conference held

    "Care beyond duty" was the theme for the Warrior and Survivor Care Conference hosted by Air Force Personnel Center officials here April 6 through 9."The goal for this conference was to bring three major groups together: the recovery care coordinators, base level community readiness consultants and

  • April 18 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportMorghab Air Force F-15E Strike

  • Air Force officials unveil new rescue aircraft model

    A new model of an aircraft used in Air Force rescue efforts since 1956 was formally presented to the Air Force in a ceremony April 19 here. The HC-130J Super Hercules combat rescue tanker is configured to provide support to special operations missions and will become a backbone of Moody Air Force

  • April 17 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportQarah BaghAir Force F-15E Strike

  • April 16 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportKandahar Air Force MQ-1 Predator

  • Virtual world prepares mobility Airmen for real mission

    Airmen preparing for the worldwide mobility mission of the 621st Contingency Response Wing here now have a powerful new training tool. A state-of-the-art virtual firearms training simulator with a 300-degree field of view is now being operated by members of the 819th Global Support Squadron to

  • Air Force observes Earth Day 2010

    Air Force representatives will plant a Valley Forge American Elm tree April 22 in the Pentagon courtyard as part of the Air Force's observances of Earth Day.Debra Tune, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics, will officiate and make brief

  • Airmen deliver new Army helicopter to Europe

    A C-17 Globemaster III loaded new Army light utility helicopters for delivery to the warfighters April 12 here.This marked the first time UH-72 helicopters were transferred directly overseas via Air Force transport. The C-17 assigned to the Mississippi Air National Guard's 172nd Airlift Wing in

  • Air Force officials cancel officer training boards

    Air Force Recruiting Service officials here announced April 14 that they are canceling the upcoming summer Officer Training School board and possibly other future boards until further notice. The board is being canceled due to the Air Force's recently announced overall Force Management program to

  • Altus Airman, Soldier help set world record

    A Soldier with the Army's Golden Knights parachute demonstration team attempted to set a new world wing-suit distance record April 14, over Altus Air Force Base. According to Army Staff Sgt. Ben Borger and a C-17 Globemaster III crew, he broke the record by a mile and a half. The total distance

  • Airmen participate in NATO exercise

    American Airmen are partnering with air forces from the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Turkey to participate in Exercise Brilliant Ardent 10 April 12 through 22 here.Members of the 22nd Fighter Squadron at Spangdhalem Air Base, Germany and the 351st Air Refueling Squadron from

  • Joint training at 12,500 feet

    In less than 10 seconds, they were gone.Traveling toward earth at speeds of approximately 150 mph, the operators open their parachutes and slowly drift to the ground.Once safely on land, they repack, board a C-17 Globemaster III and do it again. This scenario happened four more times over a drop

  • April 15 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 15 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportBagramAn Air Force B-1B Lancer

  • Maintenance Airmen ensure rescue missions save lives

    When aircrews and pararescuemen of the 41st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron here get a category-alpha alert call, the HH-60 Pave Hawk they use to conduct their mission has to be off the ground in 10 minutes. Here, where rescue crews average five or six alert calls a day, the 43 Airmen at the 451st

  • Wounded warrior to compete at Warrior Games

    Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro Jr. laid in a hospital bed at Brooks Army Medical Center in San Antonio after an improvised explosive device left 80 percent of his body covered in third-degree burns in December 2005.He was missing fingers from both hands and had severe inhalation burns when doctors told

  • New AF dining program opens doors for retirees, base employees

    Air Force Services Agency officials are implementing a new Food Transformation Initiative, enabling base employees and retirees living near six bases to use military food service establishments previously reserved for active-duty Airmen. Retirees and base employees will pay the same menu price as

  • Air Force club reciprocal privileges extend to Soldiers, Sailors

    Air Force Services Agency officials here, recently changed club policies to extend member benefits to all U.S. armed forces members with a valid dues-paying club membership card."As part of the joint basing initiative, we reviewed our club membership policies with regard to reciprocal privileges

  • Chief of staff kicks off Caring for People Forum

    As Airmen from throughout the Air Force gathered here April 20 through 22 for the 2010 Caring for People Forum, the chief of staff of the Air Force underscored the importance of their participation.Approximately 250 active-duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen and civilians gathered for the second annual

  • Officials visit Operation Arctic Care

    Military and Department of Defense senior leaders traveled here to visit Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors participating in Operation Arctic Care 2010.This operation is the largest recurring joint military medical readiness and logistics training exercise, providing real-world humanitarian assistance and

  • Photo essay: Strike Eagle, Fighting Falcon 'thunder' over Kentucky

    Two Air Combat Command demonstration teams landed at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base here April 15, just in time for "the thunder."The F-15E Strike Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon are just two of many aircraft taking flight this weekend for the Thunder Over Louisville air show.  During the ACC

  • Capital-area medical centers set for reorganization

    With a reorganization of units overseeing military medicine in the national capital area under way, interim steps are in place to maintain good care and emergency preparedness during the transition.As part of a Base Realignment and Closure Commission action announced in 2007, Walter Reed Army

  • Airmen continue distributing medical supplies to Bishkek

    Airmen delivered medical supplies and food to two Bishkek hospitals, and visited with patients April 15 who were injured in Kyrgyzstan. This is a continuation of efforts started when 16,000 lbs, approximately $82,000 worth, of supplies including bandages, sutures, antibiotics and antiseptics were

  • Airmen moving the mission in Afghanistan

    A team of 28 aerial port and vehicle maintenance Airmen from the 451st Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Det. 1 here are moving the mission in Afghanistan.The unit's air traffic operations center and ramp operations have uploaded and downloaded more than 40,000 short tons of cargo from

  • Photo essay: Doolittle Raiders meet for 68th reunion

    Some of the remaining members of the Doolittle Raiders participate in a question and answer session with the media here April 16. The Raiders continue to inspire those servicing in the Air Force. View the slideshow.

  • Mullen reaches out to local communities on behalf of veterans

    Investing in America's military veterans through education and employment opportunities will benefit local communities greatly, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said during the World Leader's Forum at Columbia University here April 18. Columbia University is the first of

  • Cope West shows U.S. partnership with Indonesia

    The U.S. and Indonesian air forces held an opening ceremony here April 20 that officially marked the beginning of a U.S. and Indonesian tactical airlift exercise called Cope West 10. Cope West is a week-long bilateral field training exercise sponsored by the two countries' air forces. Airmen from

  • Historic 44th Fighter Group activated at Holloman

    The Air Force Reserve Command's 44th Fighter Group officially stood up here April 9 with an activation ceremony and passing of the historic group's guidon.The 44th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 301st Fighter Squadron also were activated during the ceremony as part of the fighter group.Maj. Gen.

  • Airmen contribute humanitarian aid to Afghan people

    Members of the 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron here recently adjusted office space to accommodate more than 1,100 pounds of humanitarian aid sent to Bagram Airfield. The donation, 38 boxes of shoes, was facilitated by Tech. Sgt. Ronald Knight, an air transportation operations center data

  • Aircrews kick off Red Flag-Alaska 10-2

    The initial briefings and familiarization flights are complete and now pilots and aircrews are participating in world-class aerial combat training over Alaska until the end of April.  Officials here are hosting Red Flag-Alaska 10-2. Air Force units from Barksdale Air Force Base, La.; Kunsan Air

  • Balad becomes divert base for wounded troops

    Senior U.S. Air Forces Central Command medical officers have temporarily named Joint Base Balad as the new hub for all aeromedical evacuations following worldwide air travel disruptions caused by ash from Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano eruptions. The Air Force Theater Hospital received its first

  • Flights adjusted due to volcanic activity

    Air Mobility Command operations in and around Europe have been adjusted as a large cloud of volcanic ash continues to impact flight operations across much of the continent, according to AMC officials.The 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center, AMC's planning and execution hub at Scott Air Force Base,

  • General Schwartz delivers first Super Herc to Dyess

    The Air Force's top military leader flew and delivered a new C-130J Super Hercules here April 16 from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Opening a new era in tactical airlift for Dyess AFB, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz spoke to a crowded hangar of distinguished visitors and

  • Air Force space officials prepare to launch first Minotaur IV

    The first launch of the Minotaur IV Space Launch Vehicle is scheduled to occur April 20 at noon PDT from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Minotaur IV is the newest variant in the Minotaur family of rockets built by Orbital Sciences Corporation. It is a four-stage solid rocket vehicle consisting

  • Sheppard members start new combat fit program

    The staff of the Health and Wellness Center here recently started a new exercise program, titled Combat Fit, to help Sheppard people get physically prepared for the combat environment.Combat Fit is a circuit-training program designed by HAWC fitness professionals to strengthen core muscles and build

  • DOD announces recruiting and retention numbers

    Department of Defense officials announced April 16 their recruiting and retention statistics for the active and reserve components for March 2010.Active Component:Recruiting All four active services met or exceeded their accession goals for March 2010.-- Air Force - 2,835 accessions with a goal of

  • Armed Forces Chaplaincy Center transition complete

    The Air Force and Navy chaplain schools have relocated to the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Center at Fort Jackson, S.C. Between June 2009 and February 2010 both staffs occupied a former elementary school annex on Fort Jackson. The transition to the new facility is now complete.  A dedication ceremony is

  • New unmanned spacecraft set to launch

    Air Force officials are scheduled to launch the U.S.'s newest and most advanced unmanned re-entry spacecraft April 22 at Cape Canaveral Air Station, Fla.The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle will provide a flexible space test platform to conduct various experiments and allow satellite sensors, subsystems,

  • Cyber Command nominee urges government, private sector cooperation

    Officials in the new U.S. Cyber Command need to strike a balance between protecting military assets and personal privacy, the presidential nominee to lead the command told a Senate committee April 16.Army Lt. Gen. Keith B. Alexander, director of the National Security Agency and chief of Central

  • Keesler chief to compete in Warrior Games

    A chief master sergeant here is one of only 20 Airmen and Air Force veterans to participate in the inaugural Warrior Games, May 10 through 14, in Colorado Springs, Colo.Chief Master Sgt. Damian Orslene, the 81st Training Support Squadron superintendent, will represent the Air Force and compete with

  • Global Strike Challenge load competition kicks off at Minot

    Members of seven bomb wings competed in Air Force Global Strike Command's first-ever load competition April 13 and 14 here.The evaluation was based on hands-on skills and their knowledge of career fields."This brings us back to the old (Strategic Air Command) days and the Giant Sword competitions,"

  • FAA boss rides with Thunderbirds

    The head of the Federal Aviation Administration was given the opportunity to see the other side of flight safety when he flew with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds April 15. Randy Babbitt, who is responsible for the safety of more than 30,000 aircraft and has accumulated more than 14,000 flying

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View slideshow.

  • Joint exercise at Osan wraps up

    Airmen of Osan Air Base's 25th Fighter Squadron and South Korea's 237th Tactical Fighter Squadron trained together this week during the spring Buddy Wing exercise that concluded April 15 here.The exercise is designed to introduce and review tactics, exchange ideas, and improve interoperability

  • Hurlburt officials remember, honor fallen Airmen

    More than 1,800 servicemembers, families and friends gathered to celebrate the lives of two fallen Airmen in a joint memorial service April 15 here.Maj. Randell Voas, an 8th Special Operations Squadron evaluator pilot, and Senior Master Sgt. James Lackey, an 8th SOS evaluator flight engineer, died

  • Guard, active-duty Airmen provide dental care to remote Alaskan village

    Three Airmen providing care to remote villages here is proving to be a productive way to conduct much-needed training.The Airmen, deployed from bases across the country in support of Operation Arctic Care, a joint innovative readiness training exercise aimed at providing medical care to remote

  • Air Force officials announce uniform policy changes

    Air Force officials here announced uniform policy updates April 12 resulting from recent Air Force Uniform Board decisions. The following policy modifications are effective immediately, unless otherwise stated, and will be incorporated into Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Air Force Uniform Dress and

  • Remotely piloted aircraft sensor operators named Air Force Team of the Year

    Air Force officials and Air Force Association representatives have named Air Force remotely piloted aircraft sensor operators as the 2010 Team of the Year.Each year, AFA officials, working with major command-level command chief master sergeants and the Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air

  • Charleston officials support Operation Enduring Freedom build-up

    Members of the 4th Marine Logistics Group, 4th Atlanta Support Battalion, Charlie Company here are moving shipments of mine-resistant, ambush-protected, all-terrain vehicles overseas to a number of remote locations supporting the build-up for Operation Enduring Freedom.M-ATVs are armored vehicles

  • Air Combat Command leader visits mobility base

    The commander of Air Combat Command visited Airmen assigned to the 18th Air Support Operations Group March 31, here.Gen. William M. Fraser III discussed ACC's collaboration with Air Mobility Command officials, inquired about Airmen issues and expressed gratitude during the visit to the tenant

  • Child becomes pilot for a day

    With his dad squarely in his sights, a 9-year-old boy pulls the trigger in the cockpit of an F-15 Eagle simulator. "Don't worry dad, I'm just going to do a practice landing," Isaac Ezell said jokingly as he searched the simulated sky for his father's jet. Isaac participated in the Tyndall Air Force

  • Air Force officials share uniform status, needs with apparel industry

    Members of the Air Force Uniform Office here attended the American Apparel and Footwear Association, Government Contracts Committee Spring Meeting to brief members of industry on Air Force uniform projects and requirements March 24 through 26, in Bonita Springs, Fla.The GCC meets annually and

  • Elmendorf lieutenant gives back to college

    The 3rd Comptroller Squadron Financial Management Flight commander, has offered a $750 scholarship to the University of Alaska Anchorage's ROTC program.First Lt. Christina Geller is scheduled to present her first check for the scholarship April 23 at the ROTC's leadership lab; however, the winner of

  • Airmen provide humanitarian assistance in Kyrgyz village

    Airmen from the Transit Center at Manas here participated in a humanitarian mission in Iskra Village April 14. Airmen brought food, clothing and entertainment items to patients at the TokMok Psychoneurologic Boarding House.This boarding house, which falls under the Kyrgyz Republic State Agency for

  • April 14 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportAsmar Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle

  • April 13 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air Support Chahar Bagh Coalition operators

  • Airmen lend a hand to world leaders

    Fifty aerial porters from Air Mobility Command bases throughout the United States were tasked to augment porters supporting the Nuclear Security Summit April 12 through 13 in Washington, D.C.Aerial porters executed a normal operations load of 98 missions throughout the summit in addition to 58

  • April 12 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanClose-Air SupportBagram Air Force F-15E aircrews

  • Air Force officials name Flemming Award nominees

    Air Force officials have announced the nominees for the 61st Annual Arthur S. Flemming Award April 15. The award honors outstanding men and women in federal government each year who performed outstanding and meritorious work to encourage high standards of performance; enhance appreciation of our

  • Air Force nurse earns confidences of native Alaskan patients

    A joint medical team recently deployed to a remote village in northern Alaska where earning trust is often the first step to getting patients through the door.According to Maj. Emily Cerreta, a traditional reservist assigned to the 433rd Airlift Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, the fact that

  • Air Force aid helps family provide 'Hope for Max'

    During the Air Force Assistance Fund campaign, Airmen have the opportunity to give to four charities that help Airmen and their families.  For one Joint Base Charleston Airman, the donations given by the Air Force family helped him care for his own family, specifically his son max, who was diagnosed

  • Angel Thunder 2010 kicks off

    Exercise Angel Thunder 2010, an Air Combat Command-sponsored combat search and rescue and medical evacuation exercise, kicked off here April 13.The two-week exercise is in its fourth year and provides tactical-level opportunities for more than 1,200 ground, air and support U.S. and international

  • Mrs. Obama, Dr. Biden praise military children

    The wives of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden paid tribute to military children, honoring their strength and sacrifice, in a Month of the Military Child video message posted on the White House Web site."As a grateful nation, it is our sacred responsibility to stand by our military

  • Joint service drill competition held at Lincoln Memorial

    Members of the United States Air Force Honor Guard, along with ceremonial guard unit members from the four other services, performed before thousands of spectators during the 3rd Annual Joint Service Drill Team Exhibition April 10 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Drill team members from the Air

  • Lynn details Defense Department's space strategy

    From the commander in chief in the White House to an Airman manning an observation tower on Afghanistan's border with Pakistan, space is the domain that ties them together.Space provides critical capabilities for the Defense Department and the organization must change its space strategy as the

  • Northwest Field critical to training, ecosystem

    Andersen Air Force Base's Northwest Field has, over the years, become a critical training asset to support current operations.Along with essential contingency training, the area is also important to the future of Guam's ecosystem, with several endangered species calling the area home.Northwest Field

  • Military's top doctors discuss centers of excellence

    The military's top doctors were on Capitol Hill April 13 to give their assessment of the Defense Department's Medical Centers of Excellence, four hospital centers they say are on their way to becoming the best in the world for research and treatment.Dr. Charles L. Rice, assistant secretary of

  • McGuire Airmen continue to support Haiti relief

    Air Force reservists from the 514th Air Mobility Wing here continue to provide aerial port and translator skills in Haiti for earthquake relief efforts. Members of the 35th and 88th Aerial Port squadrons arrived in Haiti in mid-February. Living on Meals, Ready to Eat and residing in tents, the nine

  • Gates expresses confidence in continued Manas access

    The Defense secretary expressed confidence April 14 that political upheaval in Kyrgyzstan won't cause the United States to lose use of an air base that's critical to supplying operations in Afghanistan.Secretary Robert M. Gates told reporters traveling with him to Peru he has no reason to believe

  • Air Force officials reduce Palace Chase obligation

    Air Force officials here recently reduced the Reserve commitment for officers and enlisted members participating in Palace Chase temporarily as part of Air Force management measures to balance the force while meeting a congressionally mandated end strength. The three-to-one officer and two-for-one

  • Misawa maintainers keep F-16s flying

    Six engineers from the Air Force Engineering and Technical Services team here provide technical support to maintainers and aircrew for F-16 Fighting Falcon troubleshooting. With the F-16 aircraft airframe being about 30 years old keeping the jets in top form increases challenges, such as electrical