NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Airmen recognized for dispute resolution

    Air Force legal teams have earned a unique award for excellence in alternate-dispute resolution.The American Bar Association presented the Lawyers as Problem Solvers Award to the Air Force at a conference in San Francisco on Aug. 8. In the past, the award was given only to individuals. This year

  • First production Global Hawk rolls out

    The first production RQ-4A Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle rolled out in ceremonies held Aug. 1 at prime contractor Northrop Grumman’s Antelope Valley Manufacturing Center at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif. Drawing back a large curtain, program officials unveiled Global Hawk in its

  • B-2 drops 80 test bombs

    In an effort to increase the B-2 Spirit's operational capability, a test force here conducted an airborne release of 80 Joint Direct Attack Munitions separation test vehicles. The separation test vehicles are inert weapons used to collect data.The Aug. 6 test was one of more than nine sorties flown

  • Combat Shadows helping with Liberia

    Airmen from the 398th Air Expeditionary Group embarked on a refueling flight Aug. 6 in an MC-130P Combat Shadow, originally from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, now supporting operations in Liberia. The mission was to refuel three HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, also part of the 398th AEG, from

  • Airmen keep planes, spirits flying high

    Eglin airmen working at Baghdad International Airport, Iraq, are wearing various hats to keep the airplanes in the air and airmen on the ground safe.Airmen from the 728th Air Control Squadron deployed more than three months ago and have had to learn to deal with the danger and boredom that accompany

  • Report lauds suicide prevention program

    The Air Force’s Suicide Prevention Program has been hailed as a “model program” in a landmark report released by the president's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health.The 113-page report, titled “Achieving the Promise: Transforming Mental Health Care in America,” cites an “urgent need for action

  • Air Force leads EUCOM transformation

    U.S. European Command’s deputy commander wants the command to become a more flexible, expeditionary-based fighting force for the 21st century.Key issues within the plan that will affect airmen include securing better training areas, airspace for fighter training and new forward locations for

  • New service-commitment policy coming

    Starting Oct. 1, Air Force Reserve Command will implement a comprehensive, service-commitment directive for certain kinds of training, education and promotions.“The Reserve Service Commitment policy accomplishes two goals," said Lt. Gen. James E. Sherrard III, AFRC commander. "First, the RSC

  • Civil engineers build Iraqi base

    Everything that does not move is covered in a grayish-brown, powdery dust. The heat is oppressive -- more than 120 degrees in the shade. Open fields and roads bear craters large enough to swallow small trucks.In March, the area around Tallil Air Base looked more like the surface of the moon than

  • CAP recognized for post-9/11 work

    For its work in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Civil Air Patrol has been selected to receive the Associations Advance America Summit Award.CAP is one of only six associations chosen for this award, the highest honor bestowed by the American Society of Association Executives

  • BMT sets new fitness standards

    Chief of Staff Gen. John Jumper announced July 30 the Air Force would be raising fitness standards in January. More rigorous basic military training graduation standards will take effect here Oct. 12.Basic military training daily physical fitness regimens are now tougher and more focused on

  • Airmen support operations in Liberia

    Far from the forests and castles of Germany, a handful of security forces airmen from the 52nd Security Forces Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base are deployed to the palm trees and jungle canopy of Africa supporting operations in Liberia. The airmen deployed to Dakar, Senegal, on July 13 and set up

  • Security forces ensure convoy safety in Iraq

    Convoys have been the lifeblood for operations here ever since coalition forces took control of this former Iraqi air force field at the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom.The job of the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron is to ensure that the convoys get through. Since March, the defenders

  • Cadet, falcon will appear on ‘Today’

    An Air Force Academy cadet and academy falcon mascot will go national Aug. 8 with a live appearance at Rockefeller Plaza on NBC’s “Today” show.Cadet 2nd Class Krysta Peltzer, a junior and academy cadet falconer, will make the live appearance with Echo, a prairie falcon and academy mascot.Peltzer and

  • Now showing: Aug. 4 edition of AFTV News

    The changing face of the Air Force overseas is highlighted in the latest edition of Air Force Television News.Tech. Sgt. Matt Lomba visits Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, once the focal point for Air Force operations in Southwest Asia. Now the base is a mere shadow of its former self as the

  • Ganci AB supports flood of soldiers

    A flash flood of fully armed, desert-camouflaged warriors swept through the flightline here this week, leaving the base’s passenger and cargo moving experts wiped out.The huge influx of Army troops stopped here briefly before heading to Afghanistan to relieve troops already in place. At times, the

  • Mother, daughter promoted together

    An Air Force mother and daughter shared a unique moment Aug. 1 when they were promoted together.Kareema Palmer-Johnson pinned master sergeant stripes on her mother, Sharita Johnson, then she received airman first class stripes of her own after her graduation from basic training earlier that day.Four

  • Promotion study list now available

    Promotion-eligible enlisted people can now find out which materials to study for the 2004 testing cycles.The most current Weighted Airman Promotion System catalog, which lists the materials used by test writers to develop the 2004 promotion tests, is now available on the Air Force Personnel Center

  • Chaplain’s Bible study a big hit

    Most people would not associate the somewhat irreverent nature of the long-running sitcom, “The Simpsons,” with church.However, Chaplain (Maj.) Steve Schaick, 39th Air Base Group senior Protestant chaplain here, is not most people. He not only managed to create a tie between a dysfunctional cartoon

  • Cadet court-martialed for cocaine use

    Cadet 1st Class Seth S. M. Tuatoo was sentenced by general court-martial Aug. 6 to 90 days confinement and dismissal from the Air Force, after pleading guilty to one count of illegal use of cocaine.Illegal use of cocaine is in violation of Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.The

  • Lightning strikes tanker -- twice

    Twenty minutes before landing, all systems were normal, the mission had gone flawlessly and the crew of “Shell 02” was ready to complete another successful refueling flight supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. But 10 minutes and two lightning strikes later, the only thing resembling “normal”

  • Chief facing court-martial found dead

    A chief master sergeant facing a court-martial was found dead here Aug 7. Winfred B. Harrison, from the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron, failed to appear for court-martial proceedings, prompting a search by base and law enforcement officials. A squadron member found the chief's body in one of the

  • American forces unearth hidden aircraft in Iraq

    American forces have found Russian fighter jets buried in the Iraqi desert, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said in an Aug. 5 press briefing. "We'd heard a great many things had been buried, but we had not known where they were, and we'd been operating in that immediate vicinity for weeks and

  • Civilian processes become ‘lean’

    Air Force civilian personnel leaders want to eliminate procedural bottlenecks and waste by applying a concept called “lean.”Lean is a way of streamlining processes and making them more efficient by removing waste, reducing cycle time and improving customer satisfaction, according to David W.

  • Program desperately needs blood

    The Armed Services Blood Program needs eligible Type O blood donors to support ongoing military operations worldwide and to replenish the military's frozen blood reserves.A single battlefield injury victim can require more than 40 units of blood in an emergency. Type O donors are especially

  • Air Force unveils new uniform plan

    Air Force officials announced Aug. 6 plans for the wear test of a new utility uniform to possibly replace the current battle dress uniform.The blue, gray and green tiger-stripe camouflage ensemble is a departure from the current woodland pattern uniform and includes many new features that are

  • Airmen get peek at new uniform

    A prototype of the new Air Force utility uniform was unveiled July 9 in various duty sections at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and Bolling AFB, D.C.Senior Master Sgt. Jacqueline Dean, from the Air Force uniform board, enlisted the aid of eight airmen to demonstrate both the men’s and women’s version

  • Vandenberg air tower goes civilian

    The airfield tower here has become the first active-duty Air Force tower to be manned by contract civilian air traffic controllers. The switch took place Aug. 1.The bottom line for the change boils down to manning and bucks."Switching to civilian air traffic controllers frees slots in a critical

  • August Airman now available

    The August issue of Airman features “aces,” snipers at Bashur Airfield, the upcoming Air Force Academy football season and road maintenance airmen in a Washington national forest. These stories and more can be found in this month’s magazine, now available in print and online.Ace in the Sky -- World

  • Combat communicators keep airmen in touch

    As the fourth aircraft touched down after the Army seized the airfield here, the base gained one of its mission essential teams -- combat communicators.The team’s sole purpose is to deploy into a bare-base environment and set up expeditionary communications. For them it is not a challenge. It was

  • Civilians authorized exercise time

    Air Force appropriated-fund civilian employees are now authorized to take up to three hours off each week to exercise according to a policy change memorandum issued June 23.It is all about encouraging employees to adopt lifestyles that support healthy working environments, said Maj. Gen. John M.

  • New pamphlet explains transformation

    Transformation is on the mind of every Air Force leader, but for many airmen, understanding the Air Force's plan for transformation proves difficult.The Air Force hopes a new 20-page booklet called "The Edge" will explain the concept of transformation to the service's uniformed airmen and civilian

  • Americans bring peace, stability to Afghanistan

    For the first time in more than 30 years the people of Afghanistan are beginning to see signs of peace and stability.Elders and leaders from local villages in the Bagram area of Afghanistan said the U.S. military and coalition partners have enabled them to begin living without the fear that comes

  • McChord couple overcomes tragedy

    Reserve Senior Airman Chris Murphy was in the hospital operating room to see the birth of his daughter, Katie, at 11:34 a.m. May 1. Moments later, he told his wife, Reserve Staff Sgt. Becky Murphy, one last "I love you," before he was told to leave so the oncologist could start the fight to save

  • Airman swaps stripes for wings

    Less than two years ago, Staff Sgt. Jerry Bennett raised his eyes to the sky as a weather forecasting instructor. Today, he takes to the sky as an Air Force pilot.On Aug. 8, the second lieutenant will complete three weeks of C-21 training with the 45th Airlift Squadron, just blocks away from the

  • Myers convinced of coalition progress in Iraq, Afghanistan

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff came away from his just-concluded Iraq and Afghanistan visit pleased with the progress the coalition is making in both countries.Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers visited both countries and consulted with allies in Qatar, India, Pakistan and Oman. He left July

  • Travis, Patrick airmen earn big $$$

    An airman from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and another from Patrick AFB, Fla., each earned a coveted $10,000 cash award for suggestions submitted through the Air Force’s Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program.Staff Sgts. Nick Bugni and Al-Quaddir Vines received their checks for

  • CAAs help airmen make informed decisions

    Air Force career assistance advisers do more than advise commanders on retention issues; they help shape the force and assist airmen in making informed career decisions.The position was created three years ago to help counter the service’s declining retention rates. The job has evolved since then,

  • Test Pilot School reaches new heights

    The increasing push for a military space force has led Department of Defense officials to expand the Air Force envelope to include space education, with an emphasis on military applications.The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School here has followed suit, answering DOD’s call by creating the first

  • AF displays experimental engine

    Using automotive technology and a little bit of “magic,” researchers at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s propulsion directorate demonstrated their latest experiment at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture air show here.For years, propulsion researchers around the world have searched

  • CSAF announces fitness program

    Airmen will begin hitting the track soon as the Air Force begins a new physical fitness program, the service’s senior leader announced in his July 30 “Fit to Fight” Sight Picture.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper directed that airmen will now test their fitness levels by performing

  • Maintainers keep helos ready

    Maintainers from the 85th Maintenance Squadron here have a huge responsibility to keep mission-critical helicopters ready to fly at a moment’s notice. The 31 maintainers deployed from Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, are part of the 398th Air Expeditionary Group providing support for operations

  • Pilot values liaison work with Army

    It takes more than a pilot in a plane to put bombs on target.Air Force pilots, acting as air liaison officers and assigned to Army units, paint a roadmap in the sky for pilots overhead so they can drop bombs on the enemy without harming nearby friendly forces.Capt. Danny Stout, a liaison officer and

  • OIF veterans discuss lessons

    Even though the air campaign for Operation Iraqi Freedom was successful in bringing down the Iraqi regime in 21 days, leaders met here recently to discuss ways to improve upon that effort.Among the issues they covered was the responses to increased surface-to-air threats to coalition forces

  • Quilting for a cause

    Natalie Veum’s life was progressing at a normal clip. She was young, happily married and working a full-time job she enjoyed.But in the course of one night, her life changed forever.It started when the 24 year old woke with a coldness on her right side, which a series of MRIs, spinal taps and

  • Airmen help keep the force healthy

    “Ensuring the health and safety of the base population” sounds like a job for an action hero of some sort. But two mere mortals from a forward-deployed location’s public health office handle the task.“Well, we ensure the health and safety of the troops to the best of our ability,” said Lt. Col.

  • Teamwork marks new academy tradition

    Students here participated in a new part of basic cadet training July 30 that involves heart, sweat and a desire to complete the training as a team, officials said.The Warrior Run required freshmen cadets to complete an arduous 35-mile relay run along the Front Range and into the mountains above the

  • Desert Hawk enhances security

    It launches with a bungee cord and looks like it is made of plastic foam.But three deployed airmen from the 72nd Security Forces Squadron swear by their “Desert Hawk” and the technology behind it.The portable unmanned aerial vehicle is an “eye in the sky,” seeing all and transmitting real-time

  • Dyess people released, back on duty

    All 12 people isolated for possible Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome infection here have now been released from isolation and are back on duty. The last two who were confined to their quarters were released July 28. Initial tests on the 12 had all came back negative for the virus, but in the

  • Conjoined twins born at Wilford Hall

    Conjoined twins Brynleigh and Victoria Smith beat the odds when they were born July 25 at Wilford Hall Medical Center here. While roughly 60 percent of conjoined twins are stillborn, Brynleigh and Victoria survived birth. However, their premature lungs required immediate ventilation in the neonatal

  • Air Force featured at AirVenture 2003

    The Air Force, a long-time presence at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture air show, brings aviation enthusiasts a new look this year. Alongside the largest display at EAA, the Air Force’s newest recruiting tool offer visitors a chance to “cross into the blue.”Located in the Air

  • Accident shows need for risk management

    A Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., airman in critical condition following a recent automobile accident brings home the seriousness behind the Air Force's 101 Critical Days of Summer safety campaign, officials said.Currently, 18 people Air Force-wide have died as the service's annual safety campaign

  • Air Force pioneer dies

    Retired Maj. Gen. Norma E. Brown, the Air Force's first female wing commander, died July 22. She was 77.The Madison, Fla., native entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant in December 1951. Her first assignment was as chief of military personnel for Flight Service headquarters in Washington,

  • 'First shirts' use tough love, care for troops

    It is 2 a.m. and pitch black outside when suddenly the phone rings and the voice on the other end says an airman needs help.The first sergeant gets up and prepares for an early day. This is not new; it is part of the job, and could mean anything from a car accident to domestic violence or other

  • Team Air Force cycles across Iowa

    The Team Air Force cycling team rode into town here July 27 in military formation, met by cheers, applause and chants of “Air Force, Air Force…” The event marked the end of the seven-day, 450-mile Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa.The team, comprising about 90 cyclists and

  • Ammo troops build more than munitions

    Six airmen from the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron’s ammunition flight say conditions are much better here since they constructed a wooden shelter to shade their work on the munitions pad.“Our table has an aluminum cover and by regulations, it has to be grounded,” said Master Sgt. Robert Byrd,

  • Travel into Iraq easier with 'Express' ticket

    When planning a business trip, most people do not just jump in the car and drive. They plan their trip carefully to ensure they reach their intended destination safely and on time.Servicemembers traveling into and out of the Iraqi theater of operations must do the same, according to Sharon Boynton,

  • Air Force seeks female MTIs

    Staff Sgt. Lynn Barron came to Air Force basic military training in 1995 carrying one bag and one mental image of a basic military training instructor: a big, loud, gruff man with a "Smokey the Bear" hat.When Barron first encountered her MTI, the person she met was not quite who she was

  • AF announces Boeing inquiry results

    Air Force officials announced July 24 that the Boeing Company has committed serious violations of federal law. This determination is based on the service’s review into allegations of wrongdoing by Boeing during the 1998 evolved expendable launch vehicle source selection. As a result, the Air Force

  • Pentagon is scene of major exercise

    Fire trucks, ambulances and police cars from Arlington, Va., and nearby Fort Meyer sped into the Pentagon’s south parking lot early July 23.There was no emergency, however. These agencies were there to participate in the Pentagon's chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear exercise called

  • Liberia evacuations continue

    Flying 200 feet above palm trees and myriad grass huts, the 56th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron completed its mission -- inserting the remaining members of the Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team and evacuating more people from the U.S. Embassy in Liberia.The squadron, out of Iceland’s Naval Air

  • AMC reorganizing; activating 18th Air Force

    Gen. John W. Handy, commander of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command here, announced a major reorganization of AMC. Key to the reorganization is the activation Oct. 1 of a new numbered Air Force with its headquarters here and the re-designation of AMC's two numbered air forces.

  • Travis puts new face on blood program

    A $1 million upgrade in frozen-blood processing and thawing here is expected to help level the inventory in the "feast-or-famine" business of blood collection in the Department of Defense.The Armed Services Whole Blood Processing Lab-West, a tenant unit at Travis, is one of two tri-service storage

  • Officer sets sights on silver oak leaves

    His personal data sheet is a blow-by-blow inventory of educational achievements, professional successes and impressive assignments that span a career of more than 16 years.When he went before the lieutenant colonel promotion board in November 2001, his chances for promotion looked promising.However,

  • August issue of Citizen Airman available

    The August edition of Citizen Airman highlights how F-16 Fighting Falcon instructors in Arizona are going above and beyond in their efforts to provide the Air Force with top-notch combat fighter pilots.The magazine tells how airmen from the 944th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base are kicking the

  • Reservist dies supporting OEF

    Master Sgt. David Scott, a reservist with the 445th Airlift Wing here, died July 20 of natural causes while supporting of Operation Enduring Freedom.Scott, 49, was deployed to the U.S. Embassy in Doha, Qatar, at the time of his death. While serving at the embassy, Scott coordinated and assisted in

  • Airman signs humanitarian contracts in Mali

    With thousands, sometimes millions of dollars at stake, contracting officers take their jobs seriously. They visit work sites, meet the employees and get a feel for the job at hand.Tech. Sgt. Brad Smith, of the 39th Contracting Squadron here, is no exception. But his most recent work site was not

  • Air Force clubs launch membership drive

    Many airmen joined the Air Force with dreams of seeing the world. Some actually do, while others spend a career at less exciting places and only dream of seeing the Alps, Waikiki or the Big Ben, according to Air Force Services Agency officials here.Agency officials hope to fulfill some of those

  • Officials announce OTS selections

    Air Force officials selected 11 enlisted airmen to trade in their stripes for gold bars after being chosen to attend Officer Training School, officials here announced July 23.Air Force Recruiting Service officials conducted OTS Selection Board 0306, which met here May 13 to 16. The board considered

  • Cadet court-martial date set

    A court-martial for Cadet 2nd Class Seth S. M. Tuatoo is scheduled for Aug. 6, according to officials here. Tuatoo is charged with using cocaine, which is a felony and a violation of Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The cadet waived his Article 32 hearing in May which sent his

  • Motorcycle crash kills airman

    An airman assigned here was killed in a motorcycle accident July 23 in Misawa City, Japan. Staff Sgt. Adam R. Peck, 27, died when his motorcycle collided with a truck driven by a Japanese civilian. The accident happened at an intersection about one mile from the base. Peck, who was wearing a

  • AF releases 2004 realignments

    The Air Force will lose 2,260 military and 2,839 civilian manpower positions, and 1,055 reserve drill authorizations next year, according to the 2004 force-structure announcement released July 23.Many bases, both active duty and reserve component, are affected by the realignment. In many cases,

  • Testimony shows congressmen science, technology highlights

    Air Force leaders showcased new technologies to members of the House Armed Services Committee at the Air Force Museum here July 19. The technologies would continue to be funded by $2.2 billion in fiscal 2004.Gen. Lester Lyles, the Air Force Materiel Command commander, and Maj. Gen. Paul Nielsen,

  • Workplace violence not 'shop talk'

    Workplace violence recently made national headlines at the Lockheed Martin plant in Meridian, Miss., where six people died and nine others were injured.Officials here, at Air Force Materiel Command and the Air Force have a zero-tolerance policy on workplace violence, according to JoAnn Hutchison,

  • Airmen fly Marines to Liberia

    Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters flew a Marine antiterrorism security team to the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia, on July 21, according to officials here. They also evacuated 23 people.The airmen and helicopters are assigned to the 56th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron from Naval Air Station

  • Coalition kills Saddam's sons in 'fierce gun battle'

    Saddam Hussein's sons Qusay and Uday were killed today in a "fierce gun battle," U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, announced at a news briefing in Baghdad.The commander of U.S. forces in Iraq said that based on a "walk-in tip," elements of the 101st Airborne Division, Special Forces and Air Force

  • Officials warn of heat-stress dangers

    As temperatures heat up across the country, heat stress is a concern that requires notice, according to officials here.Early signs of heat stress include dizziness, headache, dry mouth, unsteady walk, weakness and muscle cramps.“If you experience these symptoms, you should remove yourself from the

  • ‘Dateline NBC’ features Alaska ANG

    The NBC News program “Dateline NBC” features Alaska Air National Guard's pararescuemen accomplishing a high-altitude mountain rescue. The show is scheduled to air July 27. The story is about the 210th Rescue Squadron’s mission in 1998 that saved six travelers after their airplane crashed onto a

  • Suicide prevention begins with knowledge

    Suicide prevention begins with leaders at every level being knowledgeable about resources available to help those in distress. This is the message Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper wrote to commanders July 21.In the communiqué, titled ‘Seeking Help and Suicide Prevention,' Jumper urged

  • AF announces major selections

    More than 2,200 Air Force officers were selected for major by the 2003A promotion board, officials announced July 22. The board was held at the Air Force Personnel Center here May 5. Board officials considered 3,036 captains for promotion in the line, judge advocate general, chaplain, medical

  • Expeditionary prayer force serves Tallil AB

    Caring for casualties, nurturing the living and honoring the dead are all goals of an organization here that strives daily to uplift morale and spirituality.Within the walls of the chapel, a four-person staff stands ready to help those who seek religious growth -- or simply a sympathetic ear.“We're

  • Airman wounded in ambush

    Getting ambushed and shot will not stop a Tactical Air Control Party airman from going back to war.Tech. Sgt. Kevin Whalen was one three people wounded when their convoy was ambushed July 19 about 30 miles north of here.Whalen's job is to call in close-air support for soldiers on the ground. He is

  • Five students earn COF Awards

    Five high-school students from across the nation were awarded cash prizes totaling $17,000 during the Century of Flight Awards ceremony July 17 at the 2003 Dayton Air Show.The students, chosen from 175 competitors, received their awards from Maj. Gen. Paul Nielsen, Air Force Research Laboratory

  • Building a first-rate system

    It is all about building a first-rate personnel system to complement a first-rate military, said David Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.In an interview, Chu spoke about the changes that may come about if Congress allows Department of Defense officials to set up the National

  • IT conference set for August

    Military and industry information technology leaders will convene in Montgomery, Ala., Aug. 24 to 28 for the 2003 Air Force Information Technology Conference. Organizers estimate that 3,500 military and government employees and 1,500 vendors will attend. “This is a power-packed week of superb

  • Investigation leads to indictments

    The Defense Department’s inspector general announced July 18 criminal indictments against two former Boeing Co. managers.Joseph E. Schmitz said that a joint investigation by officials from the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations resulted in the

  • Vietnam vet ensures others never forgotten

    As a young boy, Roberto Barrera remembers looking through stacks of pictures his father had taken while stationed in Italy as an Army infantry private during World War II. The images stirred his curiosity and interest in the military and, shortly after high school, he decided to enlist in the

  • Air Force cyclist overcomes injuries

    On July 20, 2002, Capt. Matt Stanley was hit by a vehicle while cycling down highway near Del Rio, Texas. One year later, Stanley will celebrate recovering from serious injuries by cycling 500 miles across Iowa.Stanley, a T-6 Texan II instructor pilot here, is taking part in the Register’s Annual

  • Wilderness Challenge set for October

    The Mid-Atlantic Region Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department is conducting the third annual “Wilderness Challenge” outdoor extreme-sports match Oct. 2 to 4 in Fayetteville, W.V.The annual event is set to take place with the Appalachian Mountains and the Gauley River as the backdrop for more

  • Initial SARS test results are negative

    Initial test results for all 12 people confined to their homes because of possible Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome are negative for the virus, according to officials here. But more tests are being conducted and definitive results may not be available for another two to three weeks.The airmen had

  • Process strips paint off B-1s

    Layer by layer, a B-1 Lancer here sheds paint under a pressurized assault by tiny bits of plastic.It is the first aircraft at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center to be stripped by the dry-media process in the high-tech facility used to remove paint.The medium is a mix of plastics, each with

  • Legal professionals become JAG Corps

    Air Force lawyers, paralegals and court reporters are no longer part of the Judge Advocate General’s Department; they are now in the “JAG Corps.”The change is part of two secretary of the Air Force directives designed to eliminate confusion and clarify the duties and responsibilities of the JAG and

  • PACAF names first responders

    Military commanders used to look at a deployment location and ask, “Who’s going in first?” Gen. William J. Begert, Pacific Air Forces commander, answered that question for PACAF by creating the 613th Contingency Response Group here. “We were developed to provide a short-notice, light and lean,

  • CMSAF: Airmen want good leaders

    Leadership, quality-of-life issues, retention and Stop-Loss were subjects discussed by the chief master sergeant of the Air Force during a visit here recently.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald Murray asked airmen to tell him what they saw as positive and negative aspects of service today.

  • Multinational effort rebuilds runway

    Servicemembers from five nations are working together to rebuild the runway here.Completion of this Army-funded project is anticipated for November, according to Capt. Elton Sledge, of the 455th Civil Engineer Squadron. Airmen from the 455th CES are working with Army engineers and servicemembers

  • Now showing: July 21 edition of AFTV News

    The Air Force supply line for troops fighting the war in Iraq is spotlighted in the latest edition of Air Force Television News. Staff Sgt. Marty Rush accompanies a C-5 Galaxy crew from California to Baghdad to illustrate the continuing role the Air Force is playing in keeping the ground troops

  • Medical boards not always career-enders

    Airmen may think that being medically "boarded" means an end to a military career, but that is not always the case, according to medical officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here.While the goal of the medical-review system is to maintain a fit and vital force, officials say the Air Force does

  • Airman convicted of drugs, forgery

    An airman received a bad conduct discharge, 20 months confinement and forfeit of all pay and allowances after being convicted of several crimes in a general court-martial here.Airman Basic Joseph J. Loehr, of the 377th Medical Support Squadron, pleaded guilty to willfully disobeying a superior

  • Guardsmen detail close-air support

    Three days into Operation Iraqi Freedom, Lt. Col. Dave Kennedy got a new mission: Go to Tallil Air Base in Iraq and ready it for A-10 Thunderbolt II missions.Kennedy, the commander of the Michigan Air National Guard's 110th Operations Group, knew the mission could be an enormous asset in the war

  • Pilot describes Baghdad crash

    Maj. Jim Ewald had just finished a close-air support mission over Baghdad when his A-10 Thunderbolt II was hit by an Iraqi surface-to-air missile April 8. It physically moved the plane "like the hand of God," Ewald said during a Pentagon interview July 16.Ewald is a pilot with the 110th Fighter