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U.S. Air Force News

  • Chief of staff: Play your positions credibly

    Air Force officials have invigorated their demands for excellence, and one key leader is especially moved to ensure sustainment of that improvement.Gen. Norton Schwartz, the 19th Air Force chief of staff, visited the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at an air base in Southwest Asia -- the host of more

  • All services meet or exceed October recruiting goals

    All active-duty and reserve-component military branches met or exceeded their recruiting goals for October, Defense Department officials said. October's results, the first for fiscal 2010, continue a successful military recruiting mission that experienced a banner year in fiscal 2009. Active and

  • USAFE command chief builds partnership in Bulgaria

    The top enlisted advisor to U.S. Air Forces in Europe visited Bulgaria Nov. 2-6 to explore cooperation opportunities for enlisted professional military education. Chief Master Sgt. Pamela Derrow, USAFE command chief, spent the week meeting with Bulgarian air force leaders and talking about how

  • Unmanned aircraft crews strive to support warfighters

    As Pentagon officials look for ways to increase intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support for warfighters in Afghanistan, the Air Force's first unmanned aircraft systems wing already is on the case in its never-ending quest to provide more and better intelligence through the systems they

  • Officials expand 2010 ACP to growing mission needs

    Details on the fiscal 2010 Aviator Continuation Pay Program released by officials Nov. 13 continue to emphasize the Air Force's retention efforts in critical, rated career fields while recognizing the growing significance of remotely piloted aircraft.The ACP Program allows some active-duty rated

  • Guard chief calls collaboration vital

    Conflict might have been the 20th century norm, but collaboration is the nature of 21st century relationships between National Guard members and other armed forces servicemembers, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said here this week. "There have always been challenges between the active

  • U.S.-China military cooperation key to peace, Air Force general says

    Progress in military-to-military cooperation between the United States and China will help both nations deal with common challenges to peace and prosperity, according to a senior U.S. Air Force commander speaking in Beijing Nov. 6.Lt. Gen. Hawk Carlisle, the 13th Air Force commander here, addressed

  • Air Education and Training Command wins the USAF Marathon MAJCOM Challenge

    The Air Education and Training Command won this year's U.S. Air Force Marathon Major Command Challenge Commander's Trophy, with the Air Force Materiel Command coming in second.The announcement was made last week at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.The MAJCOM Challenge is an Air

  • Air Force officials emphasize individual fitness responsibility

    While Air Force commanders have the responsibility to maintain a unit fitness program, the new fitness Air Force instruction will better emphasize each Airman's responsibility to meet and maintain fitness standards, officials here said Nov. 13.Commanders and supervisors will continue to emphasize

  • Ramstein Airmen improve training, effectiveness with new M-50 mask

    Airmen at Ramstein Air Base will see a new change in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training with the use of the new M-50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask and Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology, effective immediately."The new masks are joint service; they'll be

  • Year of the Air Force Family T-shirt design competition under way

    Air Force Services Agency officials are promoting a T-shirt design competition on the recently launched myairforcelife.com, now through Dec. 20, as part of the Year of the Air Force Family."The site will feature programs and competitions that will roll out through the year," said Ms. Debbie Karnes,

  • Federal officials pledge support for hiring veterans

    Senior federal officials here Nov. 12 pledged their support of President Barack Obama's directive to increase the hiring of military veterans. President Obama signed the executive order Nov. 9 that calls on each federal agency to establish a veterans' employment program office designed to help

  • Officials seek past, present Academy nominees for award

    Officials from the Center for Character and Leadership Development are soliciting nominees for the 2009 Malham M. Wakin Character and Leadership Development Award.The Wakin Award is presented to personnel assigned to the U.S. Air Force Academy, both past and present, to include individuals or teams

  • Services Agency officials launch MyAirForceLife.com

    Air Force Services Agency officials have launched a new Web site, MyAirForceLife.com, to help Airmen stay connected, informed and engaged in programs as part of the Year of the Air Force Family."The theme of our campaign is 'The Air Force is a great place to live, work and play,'" said Col. Sandra

  • President visits Elmendorf Airmen

    President Barack Obama visited Elmendorf Air Force Base and spoke to more than 1,500 servicemembers and civilians Nov. 12 here.The president stopped at the base during his first visit to Alaska as is on his way to Japan, China, South Korea and Singapore on a multiday trip."Until today I had visited

  • Airmen fly C-5M into U.S. record books

    An attempted record-setting flight by a C-5M Galaxy that took place Sept. 13 is now in the official record books after being certified Oct. 30 by officials of the U.S. National Aeronautic Association.The Dover Air Force Base, Del., aircrew flying the C-5M, named The Spirit of Normandy, consisted of

  • 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.

  • Latest issue of Airman magazine available

    The latest issue of Airman, now available in print and online, highlights stories about caring for Airmen and their families. The list of feature stories in the November/December issue include:  An Immigrant's Tale The journey of a Sudanese "lost boy'" whose search for stability took him from the

  • Rise of the cyber wingman

    Every day, malicious code, worms, botnets and hooks attack Air Force computers hardware, software and the Internet. They infiltrate classified information and compromise national security. In response, Air Force officials are stepping up their mission to defend cyberspace.Mission success is the goal

  • Osan Airmen provide force, equipment sustainment

    Members of the Osan Air Base deployment readiness control center is the hub for Airmen, equipment and cargo that deploy in and out of the base during real-world events and exercises.Deployment readiness control center members work closely with each installation's duty officers to ensure day-to-day

  • Families always have been essential to the Air Force

    Although the Air Force is the nation's youngest service, its proud history not only shows the essential contributions of officers or enlisted troops, active-duty members or reservists, but also a history of family commitment. "This importance of family is no more evident than when taking a stroll

  • Iraqi airmen score bull's eye with Hellfire missile

    For the first time since the re-formation of the Iraqi air force, an Iraqi pilot fired a missile from an aircraft Nov. 4, at a target on a bombing range near Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. A three-man Iraqi aircrew from Squadron 3 fired an AGM-114 Hellfire missile from an AC-208 Caravan, officials at

  • Veterans Day celebrated around the Air Force

    Base honor guard members fold the U.S. flag during the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Veterans Day retreat ceremony, Nov. 11, 2009, at an air base in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jason W. Edwards)

  • Secretary Gates lashes out at leakers

    The Defense secretary Nov. 12 condemned a spate of leaks regarding both the Afghanistan strategy deliberations and last week's shootings at Fort Hood, Texas, threatening to fire anyone in the Defense Department he finds is involved. "I am appalled by the amount of leaking that has been going on,"

  • Experts answer H1N1 questions online

    Experts did their best to answer questions and allay fears over H1N1 flu and the associated vaccine during a Nov. 10 online town-hall meeting here hosted by Military Health System officials. Questions -- submitted via a special Web site -- included concerns such as whether it's possible to

  • Homeland Security unveils new job site for veterans

    The Department of Homeland Security has unveiled a new Web site designed to provide a one-stop location for veterans looking for jobs. The site, http://www.dhs.gov/veterans, also serves as a resource for veterans organizations to learn about the department's veteran outreach initiatives. "This new

  • Ring returned to Vietnam POW 44 years after imprisonment

    With the traditional "I do's" and exchange of wedding bands some 54 years ago on Oct. 1, 1955, James and Phyllis Hivner began their life's journey together which, like many young couples, began with not knowing what the future held.That journey was rocked 10 years later, almost to the day, when

  • Obama's pledge: America will fulfill obligations to veterans

    America will fulfill its obligation to take care of and value those who have sacrificed for the country, President Barack Obama said here Nov. 11. A day after attending a memorial service at Fort Hood, Texas, the president presided over a Veterans Day ceremony here. The Memorial Amphitheater was

  • American, British forces join for leadership development

    Airmen from Royal Air Forces Mildenhall and Lakenheath, England, joined their British Royal Air Force counterparts to build cross-service relations and military skills during Leadership, Ethos and Air Power Day at RAF Marham Nov. 9.The program provides 275 hours of activity focused on developing

  • First lady urges vets to join volunteer campaign

    First lady Michelle Obama urged all Americans, including military veterans, to put their skills to use in volunteer service to assist U.S. communities and citizens in need Nov. 11. "One of the greatest privileges that I have as first lady is the chance to meet with veterans and to meet with

  • Airmen decrease base threats with random antiterrorism measures

    All Airmen are responsible for protecting against terrorism, but the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Airmen here have it down to a science -- through random antiterrorism measures. The measures are designed to consistently change the look of an installation's force-protection plan, and

  • Photo essay: Honoring veterans

    This day in November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, the day World War I ended.  In 1938, Congress voted to make Nov. 11 a legal holiday in every state. After American forces had mobilized for World War II and fought in Korea, the

  • Airmen participate in local British remembrance ceremony

    Col. Chad Manske, commander of the 100th Air Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, salutes a poppy wreath at a Remembrance Day ceremony Nov. 9, 2009, at Angel Hill, Bury St. Edmunds. Servicemembers from RAF Mildenhall and nearby RAF Lakenheath participated in a military procession

  • Policy opens federal job opportunities for qualifying military spouses

    A new executive policy has pushed open the door for qualifying military spouses to enter the federal workforce, enabling them to apply for more jobs advertised on USAJOBS.Executive Order 13473, which went into effect Sept. 11, 2009, identified three groups of qualifying spouses now eligible to apply

  • Officials announce JAG family service award winner

    Tom Hagmaier, an active volunteer within the Air Force and Judge Advocate General Corps community for more than ten years, received the 2008 Joy Dunlap Family Service Award Oct. 29 during the annual award banquet, part of the JAG Corps' Keystone Leadership Summit in Dallas.  Lt. Gen. Jack L. Rives,

  • Recruiter plays hero, stops robbery in progress

    An Air Force recruiter stopped a robbery in progress while attending his unit's annual training conference Oct. 29 here.Staff Sgt. Cesar Munoz, a recruiter with the 344th Recruiting Squadron stationed in Killeen, Texas, subdued two assailants attempting to mug an elderly man at the Sam's Town Hotel

  • Nov. 8 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 8 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:Chahar BaghAir Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided armed

  • Nov. 7 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 7 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:Musa QalaAir Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and Navy F/A-18C

  • Photo essay: Practice makes perfect

    Air Force Honor Guard members visited here to train and evaluate base honor guard members Oct. 21. The training develops the skill sets used in various formations and ceremonies. View slideshow.

  • Executive order seeks more veterans in government

    President Barack Obama signed an executive order Nov. 9 aimed at hiring more veterans to work in the federal government. A governmentwide Council on Veterans' Employment will be chaired by Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. The order calls on each federal

  • Nov. 6 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 6 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:AsadabadAir Force F-16C Fighting Falcons flew armed

  • Nov. 4 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 4 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:AsadabadAir Force F-16C Fighting Falcons and F-15E

  • Chairman hails nation's veterans

    In his annual Veterans Day message, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, notes that gratitude for U.S. military veterans is evident not only in the United States, but also overseas. Here is the text of the admiral's message: "Since the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th

  • Secretary Gates notes poignancy of Veterans Day observance

    The Nov. 5 shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas, provides a special sense of poignancy to this year's Veterans Day observance, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in his annual message commemorating the holiday. Here is the text of the secretary's message: "On this our ninth Veterans Day since

  • Guard members demonstrate digitally aided personnel recovery operations

    California Air National Guard members based here successfully demonstrated coalition personnel recovery operations using net enabled data link capabilities during the U.S. Joint Forces Command Exercise Bold Quest 2009 Oct. 27 to Nov. 5.The 129th Rescue Wing sent 23 Guard members and an MC-130P

  • Nov. 5 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 5 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:SurkhabadAir Force B-1B Lancers provided armed overwatch

  • Nov. 3 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 3 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:KonduzAir Force F-16C Fighting Falcons provided armed

  • Air Force officials seek nominations for NCOA Vanguard Award

    Air Force officials here are soliciting nominations for the 2010 Noncommissioned Officers Association Vanguard Award. Nominees must be between the rank of senior airman and chief master sergeant who have performed a heroic act, on or off duty, which resulted in saving someone's life or preventing

  • C-130 arrival in Poland marks end, new beginning

    Ramstein Air Base Airmen delivered the base's last E-model C-130 Hercules Nov. 2 to Powidz Air Base, Poland, marking the end of 38 years of service to the U.S. Air Force but the newest addition to the Polish air force's blossoming fleet of strategic airlifters.C-130 tail No. 1299 touched down and as

  • Air Force leaders issue joint Veterans Day message

    The Air Force's top leaders remind the entire Air Force family that this holiday has a meaning beyond a "day off" from work in a Veterans Day message. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz issued the following message:Bound by common purpose and

  • Nov. 2 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 2 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:SanginNavy F/A-18E Super Hornets flew armed overwatch

  • Nov. 1 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 1 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:AsmarAir Force F-16C Fighting Falcons flew armed

  • Official cites benefits of deploying civilians

    A recent Facebook post by a U.S. Soldier heading home from Iraq highlights some of the nonmilitary roles American troops often assume in today's counterinsurgency wars. "My time in Iraq approaches its end," the junior enlisted Soldier wrote, listing military duties he performed on tour, followed by

  • Oct. 31 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 31 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in Afghanistan:GardezAir Force F-15E Strike Eagles flew armed

  • Air Force leaders send birthday message to Marine Corps

    The secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force salute the Marine Corps on its 234th birthday Nov. 10. Originally founded on Nov. 10, 1775, the Marine Corps was composed mainly of infantrymen serving aboard Navy ships. They were responsible primarily for the security of the ship and

  • Air Force officials to use commercial jet fuel to replace military spec fuel

    To reduce reliance on military specification products, simplify the fuel supply chain and save money, Air Force Petroleum Agency researchers will conduct demonstrations to use commercially available jet fuel instead of military standard JP-8 fuel. The demonstrations of Jet A fuel versus JP-8 fuel

  • Symposium draws top medical professionals

    The conference room was filled with doctors, nurses, scientists and top officials, all subject-matter experts in their respective medical fields. Some wore military uniforms, others business suits. Some were versed on the science of traumatic brain injuries. Others were veterans of combat hospital

  • Airmen build up reconstruction yard for drawdown

    Airmen of the 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Det. 6 here are not only in the business of pushing dirt, but also in pushing the U.S. military closer to drawdown in Iraq. The Airmen are tasked to level off a Saddam Hussein-era munitions storage area to create a workspace for the

  • VFW officials give troops free talk time on Veterans Day

    Deployed and hospitalized servicemembers are expected to make about 120,000 calls home this Veterans Day, and it won't cost them one thin dime. Officials from the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization are once again offering "Free Call Day" through its Operation Uplink program. USAA, which offers

  • Hurricane Hunters fly into Ida

    The Air Force Reserve's Hurricane Hunters are flying non-stop into Hurricane Ida collecting critical weather data as the storm enters the Gulf of Mexico. The Hurricane Hunters of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron are assigned to the 403rd Wing and stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.

  • ESPN films 'College GameDay' from Academy

    The popular sports show ESPN "College GameDay" was filmed on location Nov. 7 at the U.S. Air Force Academy prior to the Falcons taking the field against service academy rival, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.About 1,000 Air Force and Army cadets crowded the terrazzo holding signs displaying

  • Prescription meds: Proceed with caution

    With a steady military healthcare system and a variety of medical resources in the Air Force, it can be difficult for some Airmen to ensure their prescribed medications are current. When Airmen ignore inspecting their medicine cabinets they risk possible damage to their careers and, more

  • Reserve, Guard members contribute to Ramstein mission

    In February 2009, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley said, "I am proud to report that the total force team of regular, Reserve, Guard and civilians, along with our joint partners, continues to provide world-class air, space and cyber capabilities for our combatant commanders." At Ramstein AB,

  • Manas Airmen donate necessities to hospital, school in Kyrgyzstan

    Airmen here visited a local hospital and a school for the deaf Oct. 31 to donate more than 300 mattresses, 240 beds and medical supplies to a mental hospital in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Some of the Airmen from the Transit Center at Manas also put a smile on the faces of children at the Bishkek School

  • Ramstein officials celebrate Air Force Family Week

    Ramstein Air Base officials held numerous events inviting active-duty, Guard and Reserve members as well as spouse and civilian employees to see firsthand some of the services available to them at the base's Airman and Family Readiness Center as part of Air Force Family Week Nov. 4 here. This year

  • 403rd Wing aircraft evacuate ahead of Ida

    The Air Force Reserve's 403rd Wing is evacuating aircraft Nov. 9 from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., to forward operating locations in Texas to avoid possible heavy winds from Hurricane Ida. The storm is expected to work its way near the Gulf Coast in the next 24 to 48 hours, according to the

  • Congress honors Academy's 1st graduating class

    Members of the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution Nov. 4 honoring the Air Force Academy's first graduating class. U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado introduced the resolution to congratulate the class of 1959 on their 50th graduation anniversary and recognize their contributions to

  • 'Today's Air Force' features signing of Military Family Month proclamation

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," medical evacuation specialists in Germany hit a major milestone, Airmen in Iraq take charge of security for Joint Base Balad, and a sick woman takes part in an art program designed to help cancer patients deal with their disease.Airmen staffing the Contingency

  • Football: Air Force rallies in 2nd half to crush Army, 35-7

    A linebacker's halftime rant and an unexpected aerial attack gave the Air Force Academy Falcons a 35-7 win over the Army Black Knights Nov. 7. The battle of service academy rivals was "bone against bone, knuckles rubbing against knuckles," said Falcons head football coach Troy Calhoun. The first

  • Chief of Staff addresses key mobility, Air Force issues at conference

    Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Air Force chief of staff, recently attended the 41st Airlift Tanker Association conference where he addressed a gathering of more than 4,000 active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian Airmen. In his comments, General Schwartz emphasized the importance of every Airman and

  • Airmen train future journalists

    More than 85 students from Rhodes Middle School in San Antonio received a firsthand look at the story telling mission of the Defense Media Activity-San Antonio Nov. 6 here.The tour was geared to spark interest in the Air Force and various media career paths to provide the sixth, seventh and eighth

  • Academy physicians discuss H1N1 lessons learned

    Senior medical officials who successfully slowed the spread of H1N1 flu virus at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., published what they learned in an October article featured in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Air Force Lt. Col. (Dr.) Catherine Witkop, a preventive

  • Oct. 29 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft flew armed overwatch for friendly forces in the

  • Airmen learn traditions during Kyrgyz Cultural Day

    Airmen of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing got a close look at some of their host nation's customs and traditions during Kyrgyz Cultural Day held here recently. The day focused on familiarizing Airmen with the uniqueness of Kyrgyz heritage. Through practical hands-on experience, Airmen here had the

  • Oct. 28 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 28 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft flew armed overwatch in the

  • Oct. 30 airpower summary:

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 30 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs flew armed overwatch for friendly

  • Oct. 27 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9 Reaper responded to a friendly forces request for

  • Oct. 26 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons flew armed overwatch for a friendly

  • Oct. 25 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft flew armed overwatch in the

  • C-17 aircrew scores touchdown in mission with NFL greats

    The quarterback was crouched in his uniform, scanning the field from under his helmet for his intended receivers. But this was no stadium; it was a C-17 Globemaster III flying over the harsh and dangerous terrain that is Afghanistan. And there was no football, but rather 18 much-needed bundles of

  • Photo essay: 'Fox NFL Sunday' team visits Bagram

    The "FOX NFL Sunday" broadcast team visited the Airmen of the 755th Air Expeditionary Group here. The team of Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan, Jimmy Johnson and Jay Glazer will do a live special broadcast from Bagram Airfield just three days before Veterans Day.  The

  • Oct. 24 airpower summary: C-130s provide tactical airlift

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles flew armed reconnaissance in the

  • Teamwork leads to record-setting engine test at Arnold

    Members of the J-2 test team here completed all of the customer's mission objectives and set a new record for the longest continuous engine test period while testing the F135-PW-100 engine, which were critical to the qualification of the engine for the new F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter. The

  • Air Force finishes safest flying year

    Fiscal 2009 was the safest flying year in the 62-year history of the Air Force.  There were only 17 Class A mishaps. The next best year was fiscal 2006 with 19 Class A mishaps. A Class A mishap is one where there is loss of life, an injury resulting in permanent total disability, the destruction of

  • Air Force officials accepting physician assistant applications

    Air Force officials here are taking applications from active-duty enlisted Airmen for Physician Assistant Phase I Training classes beginning December 2010, and April and August 2011. To be eligible for this program, applicants must: -- be on active duty in the grade of E-3 through E-8 with a minimum

  • Holloman community mourns death of Airman

    People here are mourning the death of Staff Sgt. David Booher, who was killed during a visit to Cuidad Juarez, Mexico, Nov. 4. "Members of Team Holloman are saddened by the loss of one our own," said Col. Jeff Harrigian, 49th Fighter Wing commander. "Kathy and I want to extend our thoughts and

  • 'Cake Boss' episode filmed at Joint Base McGuire to air Nov 9

    Viewers of the hit television show "Cake Boss" will get a little taste of the Air Force mission when an episode filmed here in September airs on TLC, Nov. 9, at 10 p.m. Eastern time. Filmed at JB McGuire and aboard the USS New Jersey in Camden, the episode will feature an Air Force-themed cake

  • NASA seeks student payloads for high-flying research balloon

    NASA is accepting applications from students at U.S. colleges and universities who want to send their experiments to the edge of space on a high-flying scientific balloon.The annual NASA project provides near space access for 12 undergraduate and graduate student experiments to be carried by a NASA

  • Air Force officials unveil new strategic basing process

    Senior Air Force officials have applied a new basing process to more than 200 sites for training and operational basing of the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter aircraft. In fall 2008, Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Norton Schwartz sought to redefine

  • Simulator helps attack controllers train

    Coalition and joint terminal attack controllers used a simulator to hone their skills in calling in close-air support during U.S. Joint Forces Command's advanced-concept technology demonstration Bold Quest 2009, which concluded here and at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Nov. 5. The

  • Open season set for 3 civilian benefit programs

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here have announced the open season for three civilian benefit programs lasting Nov. 9 through Dec. 14. The three programs are the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, or FEHB; the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, or FEDVIP; and the

  • Airman culture key to Exercise Salitre success

    Exercise Salitre ended Oct. 30 with a total force effort of nearly 200 active-duty and Air National Guard Airmen representing five U.S. bases, and supporting coalition efforts to strengthen regional military ties and interoperability. The exercise, hosted by the Chilean air force integrated Airmen

  • 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.

  • Nellis programs to have regional reach

    Two new programs here are focused on getting care and services to wounded or sick servicemembers and to military families during their loved ones' deployments.Once word gets out about their programs, the coordinators hope their reach goes beyond Nellis Air Force Base and neighboring Creech AFB, to

  • Countdown to Veterans Day begins with Library of Congress

    Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs is joining with the Library of Congress to offer "Veterans History Countdown" on the VA Web site featuring the oral histories of veterans from every state and U.S. territory. "VA has partnered with the

  • FalconLaunch 6 test fire ends with a 'bang'

    The FalconLaunch-6 rocket ended its test-firing in Jacks Valley, Colo., Nov. 4 with a bang. The cadet-built rocket exploded after firing for a fraction of a second as the FalconLaunch cadre watched from more than one-half mile away. Academy firefighters were on-site for the test-fire.Once the rocket

  • Officials release new selective re-enlistment bonus list

    Pentagon officials recently released the latest selective re-enlistment bonus list containing 91 Air Force specialties. The revised listing places a greater emphasis on retaining Airmen with 17 months to six years of service, said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Dowlearn, the NCO in charge of Air Force