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U.S. Air Force News

  • July 25 airpower summary: A-10 provides armed overwatch

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Near Asadabad, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II's provided armed overwatch

  • July 24 airpower summary: Reaper stops enemy attack

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Near Konduz, coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly

  • Co-pilot of Flight 1549 takes flight of different kind

    First Officer Jeff Skiles, co-pilot of the U.S. Airways flight that crash-landed in the Hudson River in January, took to the sky July 23 with the U.S. Air Force's Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds. "Of all the things I have been involved with since the accident, this has got to be the

  • Pilot for a day leaves Andrews with memories for a lifetime

    The flight suit she wore was just a little too big for her, so the pant legs had to be rolled up so as not to drag on the floor. And the black flip-flops she wore were a marked contrast to the heavy boots that most wear with a flight suit. But as she strode into the headquarters of the 121st Fighter

  • Airmen to improve intelligence support during exercise

    Members of the 693rd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group will observe and learn how the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System enterprise operates worldwide during Sentinel Focus 2009 to be held Aug. 2 to 6. Headed up by the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance

  • Joan Orr Spouse Award open for nominations

    Air Force members can now submit nominations for their spouse as the 2010 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year. The period of the award runs Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2009. The Joan Orr Spouse of the Year Award is sponsored by the Air Force Association and honors the significant contributions made by

  • Photo essay: Airborne training!

    The 342nd Training Squadron here conducted joint competency airborne training with an aircrew from the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 at Joint Reserve Base/Naval Station Fort Worth, Texas. The jumpers were survival, evasion, resistance and escape, or SERE, specialists, Marines,

  • Combat weather Airmen test out new initiative

    Combat weather Airmen from the 93rd Air Ground and Operations Wing, as well as units from all over the world are currently participating in a training exercise here to test a new total-force initiative. The total-force initiative proposes the need to consolidate training locations and resources for

  • CMSAF addresses House Armed Services subcommittee

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force gave testimony before the Military Personnel Subcommittee for Family Support Programs here July 22. "We will remain engaged on our family support programs, and we plan on constantly improving the programs we already have in effect," said Chief Master Sgt.

  • July 23 airpower summary: F-15s provide cover for coalition forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Near Lashkar Gah, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II's provided armed

  • Solar wall saves Air Force money

    Air Force officials installed their first solar wall here in November 2008, and have saved the base $15,000 in energy bills so far. Francis Sheridan, the Elmendorf Air Force Base resource efficiency manager, was responsible for brainstorming the idea to install solar walls on the west and east sides

  • Secretary Donley visits mobility air forces competition

    The secretary of the Air Force received an in-depth look at the mobility world during a visit here July 22 for Air Mobility Rodeo 2009. Secretary Michael B. Donley toured the competition, met with Airmen and international partners, and experienced the sights and sounds of the many Rodeo events. "It

  • 2 Tuskegee Airmen visit Rodeo

    Two of the famous Tuskegee Airmen visited the Air Mobility Rodeo's opening ceremonies here July 19 to meet with competitors and share their stories. Retired Lt. Cols. Edward Drummond Jr. and Bill Holloman both spent time at McChord Air Force Base while in the service, and both now live in the

  • 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 the Week in Photos slideshow.

  • Air Force, community support Airman following surgical complications

    A 9th Intelligence Squadron Airman assigned to Beale Air Force Base, Calif., is hospitalized at the University of California Davis Medical Center. Airman 1st Class Colton Read is being treated there following complications from a July 9 surgery at the David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force

  • Unmanned aircraft take on increased importance

    The U.S. military's expanded overseas use of unmanned aircraft highlights the increased importance of such aerial platforms to current and future military operations, senior Air Force officers said here July 23. The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Plan announced July 23 will serve as a template for

  • C-17 aircrew delivers RAAF fire truck during Talisman Saber 2009

    C-17 Globemaster III aircrew maneuvering below canyon walls, landed on a remote dirt runway to deliver a team of Australian and U.S. firefighters, along with a 23-ton fire truck July 19 during a mission in Northern Australia. This mission, part of Exercise Talisman Saber 2009, was to deliver a Royal

  • AMC commander: Rodeo beneficial for all participants

    Air Mobility Rodeo 2009 brings not only a serious competition, but also a plethora of shared knowledge and lessons learned, said the commander of Air Mobility Command. Gen. Arthur J. Lichte said the rich heritage and the 2,500 people from bases around the world participating in the event create an

  • Siblings reunite at Joint Base Balad

    For many families, deployments mean being apart from loved ones. For siblings Staff Sgt. Alissa Taylor and Senior Airman Robert Laxton a deployment to Joint Balad Base is a family reunion. "Back home, it's difficult to schedule time to see each other," said Sergeant Taylor, a 64th Expeditionary

  • July 21 airpower summary: A-10s pound anti-coalition forces in Afghanistan

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Surkhabad Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II's released GBU-38's on an

  • Barnes Center single voice for enlisted education

    Nearly one year ago, Air University officials embarked upon housing all Air Force enlisted professional military education under a single command at the Thomas E. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education here. The sweeping venture brought the Air Force First Sergeants Academy, the Air Force Senior

  • DOD announces new Tricare regional care contractors

    Department of Defense officials here have announced the selection of new Tricare managed care support contractors for the North and South Tricare regions in the United States.The third generation contracts are worth an estimated $55.5 billion more than the base and five options periods. Transition

  • July 22 airpower summary: F-15s provide overwatch

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Near Asmar, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II's provided armed overwatch for

  • All eyes on total force Pacific Angel team

    A total force team of U.S. military eye specialists is worked together here to improve the eyesight of local East Timorese people as part of Operation Pacific Angel 2009 in July. Pacific Angel is a Pacific Air Forces humanitarian assistance operation in the Asia-Pacific region led by 13th Air Force

  • CCAF: A powerful weapon system in recruiting arsenal

    The Community College of the Air Force staff helps Air Education and Training Command officials accomplish their educational mission by attracting young men and women before they enter Basic Military Training. Staff Sgt. Charly Moreau of the 349th Recruiting Squadron can attest to the impact of the

  • Aeromedical evacuation knowledge shared in Indonesia

    Indonesian and U.S. military members, along with local doctors, finished three days of training on aeromedical evacuation procedures as part of Operation Pacific Angel 2009 here July 20. The training increased joint aeromedical interoperability, according to Maj. Greg Richert, a 13th Air Force

  • Air Force's newest mobile air shelter part of Rodeo

    Contingency response Airmen competed using the Air Force's newest mobile air shelter during the Air Mobility Rodeo July 20 here.The hardside expandable light air mobile shelter is a command and control mobile air shelter designed to be set up on a new airfield within 48 hours and is teh first year

  • 'Flying Tigers' take mission to Afghanistan

    American volunteers flying shark-faced P-40 Tomahawks protected China during World War II, and their legacy has become a fixture in the war in Afghanistan.In homage to the storied airmen of the past, the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., has the iconic

  • Hawaii Guard members give Pacific Angel a lift

    More than 80 active duty, Air National Guard and Reserve medical and engineering Airmen are providing humanitarian assistance in Indonesia and Timor Leste with help from the Hawaii Air National Guard. A C-17 Globemaster III aircrew from the 204th Airlift Squadron at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii,

  • Senior Afghan commander's visit supports AMC role in building partnerships

    The commander of the Afghan National Army Air Corps visited Scott Air Force Base July 15 as part of a U.S. visit that included stops at several Air Force installations, as well as the National Capital Region. According to Air Mobility Command officials, the visit from Maj. Gen. Mohammad Dawran, the

  • Cadets learn by doing during summer program at AFOTEC

    Learning by doing is exactly what 13 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets did when they traveled to six Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center locations to work as full-fledged members of operational test and evaluation teams and gain hands-on exposure to operational testing processes, products

  • Afghan national army air corps commander travels to AETC

    The commander of the Afghan national army air corps visited Air Education and Training Command here in July to strengthen the training partnerships between the two air forces. "The primary reason for coming here is trying to learn from the experience of AETC in the areas of recruiting pilots and

  • Obama praises Senate vote on F-22 funding

    President Barack Obama praised a Senate vote that struck down $1.75 billion in additional funding in the fiscal 2010 defense budget for more F-22 Raptor fighter jets July 21 here. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates recommended to the president earlier this year to end production of the F-22 at the

  • Photo essay: Realistic training with Red Flag

    Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies. The exercise is conducted within the 15,000-square-mile Nevada Test and Training Range complex, north of Las Vegas. Red Flag is managed by the 414th Combat Training Squadron and is one of a

  • Wounded Airman, wife use lessons from adversity to help others

    A wounded Airman and his wife plan to use the lessons they've learned about marriage and friendship through military service and adversity to help servicemembers who might be struggling after deployment or injury. Tech. Sgt. Matthew Slaydon was wounded Oct. 24, 2007, while inspecting an improvised

  • Airmen's time tour makes follow-up visits

    In today's fast-paced, resourced-constrained environment, Air Force officials here said they are attempting to return a precious commodity to Airmen: time. A team, chartered by Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, the deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel, will visit units at 11 Air Force

  • Aeromedical evac teams face off at Rodeo 2009

    Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2009 continued July 20 here with numerous events including the aeromedical evacuation competition which tested the skills of aeromedical evacuation crews from around the world. The aeromedical evacuation events, which range from patient-offload tests to a timed scenario

  • Families, children key issue for chief of staff

    Support for families -- especially in the area of child education -- is a pressing issue for the military. That was the message from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and two other service chiefs and other service representatives here in July for a panel discussion focusing on issues

  • 33rd Rescue Squadron wins 2009 Verne Orr Award

    The 33rd Rescue Squadron here was named the 2009 Verne Orr Award winner recently. Established by the Air Force Association in honor of Verne Orr, a former secretary of the Air Force, the award is presented annually and highlights any unit, regardless of size, that excelled above all others in using

  • Guam Airmen honor fallen aircrew with memorial

    As citizens of Guam made preparations to celebrate the island's 65th anniversary of liberation from foreign occupation, a group of government, civilian and military officials here paused July 20 to remember the six Airmen who died when their B-52 Stratofortress -- call sign RAIDR 21 -- crashed off

  • Tinker refurbishes F-22 air turbines

    As part of a new cooperative agreement, air turbines and more than 30 other components from the F-22 Raptor now undergo maintenance here.In a joint agreement between private manufacturers Lockheed Martin, Honeywell and the Air Force, workers from the 550th Commodities Maintenance Squadron now

  • Human Resources Develop Council reaches out to community at LULAC

    With more than 70 U.S. Air Force reservists present, attendees didn't have to look far to find a blue suiter at the League of United Latin American Citizens convention and exposition July 17 in the San Juan Convention Center here. But reservists were quickly outnumbered when more than 1,000 local

  • Family, friends gather to remember fallen crew of RAIDR 21

    The morning of July 21, 2008, six Airmen set out from Andersen Air Base, Guam, in their B-52 Stratofortress, call sign RAIDR 21, on what would be their final mission. Today, one year later, a small, solemn ceremony took place here in remembrance of the fallen RAIDR 21 Airmen: Maj. Chris Cooper,

  • Guard members bring unique skills to war effort

    A ground theater air control systems unit from the Wisconsin's Air National Guard deployed here in May brought experience and expertise to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The 128th Air Control Squadron from Volk Field, Wis., joined forces with their active-duty counterparts at the

  • Girls' school opens in Panjshir

    Local Afghans, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Greg Mortenson, an author, and members of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team, attended the grand opening ceremony of the province's newest girls' school, July 15. Mr. Mortenson, who wrote the book "Three Cups

  • Indonesian, U.S. team keeps water flowing for village

    Air Force civil engineers joined Indonesian military members and civilians to provide water to a rural Indonesian village here July 17. The Airmen, here as part of Operation Pacific Angel 2009, worked alongside Indonesian counterparts to install a water pump and more than 900 feet of water

  • Heritage activities offer chance to volunteer

    Have some spare time on your hands? Want to give back to the Air Force community? The heritage activities in Air Force Materiel Command are looking for volunteers to help support museum operations. In addition to the National Museum of the United States Air Force here, AFMC officials have 14

  • Disassembly project to provide data to F-15 maintainers

    In a small building in the nearby town of Byron, Ga., five people are working on a painstaking project that could significantly impact the future of the F-15 Eagle. The crew from S&K Technologies is completely disassembling an F-15D fighter jet. The purpose of the project is to give Air Force

  • Total force impact evident at Rodeo

    The Air Force's total force concept is clearly on display at Air Mobility Rodeo 2009 here. Not only are lessons learned from interaction with Marine Corps members and international counterparts participating in the competition, but also from the coordinating components within the Air Force -- the

  • July 20 airpower summary: C-130s transport troops, cargo

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Near Qalat, Navy F/A-18E-F Super Hornets and Air Force B-1B Lancers

  • Humanitarian assistance team completes evaluation at Andersen

    After three days of simulations and exercises, the Humanitarian Assistance Rapid Response Team, or HARRT, successfully completed its first operational utility evaluation here July 13 through 17. Combining the capabilities of the people in the 36th Contingency Response Group and the 36th Medical

  • Air Force to hire civilians to manage unit programs

    Squadrons with more than 50 military and civilian members could start seeing relief in managing their additional duties as early as this fall, with a 1,200 newly created civilian unit program coordinator positions. Feedback from the 2008 Airman's Time Assessment revealed Airmen were being pulled

  • Academy officials seek instructor applications

    Active-duty officers interested in applying for instructor duty for academic year 2010-2011 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado must submit applications to the Air Force Personnel Center here by Sept. 30. Officers in the ranks of first lieutenant through lieutenant colonel may apply for

  • Reservists share personal success stories at LULAC

    She came from Lima, Peru, and earned her master's degree at age 27. He came from San Antonio and earned his master's degree at age 47.Both are Air Force reservists. Both beat the odds in relentless pursuit of their dreams. And both attended the 2009 League of United Latin American Citizens

  • Airmen keep exercise participants flying high down under

    The Northern Australian Outback offers many dangers to those who venture across its terrain, including six of the most venomous snakes in the world, saltwater crocodiles, and multiple poisonous insects. However, it is the young tigers, eagles and hornets in Australia's sky that are garnering much

  • July 19 airpower summary: Pave Hawks save lives

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Near Konduz, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II's provided shows of force on

  • July 18 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Near Lashkar, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II's strafed an enemy position

  • Mother Nature never takes breaks, neither do weather Airmen

    Even with today's modern aircraft technology, one uncontrollable factor -- the weather -- is often the deciding factor as to whether an aircraft gets off the ground. But uncontrollable doesn't mean unpredictable. Here in Southwest Asia, the eight-member weather flight of the 379th Expeditionary

  • LULAC, DOD honor citizen warriors at awards breakfast

    The League of United Latin American Citizens conference and exposition focused on diversity, outreach and military partnership with a co-sponsored Department of Defense Armed Forces Award Breakfast at the Puerto Rican Convention Center here July 16. LULAC National President Rosa Rosales; Brig. Gen.

  • British cadets nurture 'spirit of adventure' at Ramstein

    England's Air Training Corps sent numerous cadets to Ramstein Air Base in July in hopes to guide their cadets "to foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship."As one of the goals for cadets according to the Air Cadet Organization's Web site, cultivating

  • Remote ground radar keeps AOR personnel safe

    Danger is ever present in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. In Southwest Asia, there is a squadron dedicated to keeping Airmen safe by providing a complete snapshot of the battlespace. The more than 100 personnel from the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron keep U.S. and coalition

  • 601st AOC Airmen participate in Meals on Wheels

    For more than ten years, members of the 601st Air and Space Operations Center here have participated in Bay County's Meals on Wheels program. "The majority of the 601st is made up of Florida (Air National) Guardsmen who call Bay County home," said Master Sgt. Billie Statom, 601st AOC first sergeant.

  • Air Force officials establish core team for Nuclear Surety Inspections

    Air Force Inspection Agency officials here recently created a new team to increase the standardization and consistency of Nuclear Surety Inspections across the Air Force. The establishment of a centralized team of nuclear inspectors, known as the Air Force NSI Core Team, is another critical

  • Defense, Veterans Affairs officials collaborate on brain injuries

    More than half of U.S. servicemembers seriously injured in Iraq or Afghanistan and admitted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center here suffer from traumatic brain injury, according to Defense Veterans Brain Injury Center officials. "The most common injury that we see is, of course, traumatic brain

  • ACC commander visits Airmen at Joint Base Balad

     The commander of both Air Combat Command and the Air Component of Joint Forces Command visited the base July 17 to thank Joint Base Balad personnel for their service and survey various missions here. Gen. John D.W. Corley shared his perspectives on emerging missions, joint integration and the role

  • Iraqi children get a kick out of donations

    Airmen and Soldiers here prepared and delivered donations from a stateside fraternity to Iraqi children who live near Joint Base Balad July 14 and 15. The Pennsylvania State University chapter of the social fraternity Phi Kappa Tau supports programs that increase the quality of life for terminally

  • Airmen open medical clinic in Indonesia

    Residents from this rural area of Indonesia were already waiting for medical services by the time American and Indonesian medical professionals opened a clinic at 8 a.m. July 16 at a local elementary school here.More than 300 patients were seen by medics in just the first day as word at the

  • Commander says Rodeo 2009 competition will be 'best ever'

    With the shouts and sounds of the fit-to-fight competition resonating in the background, Maj. Gen. Brooks Bash, Air Mobility Rodeo 2009 commander, said he believes this year's edition of Rodeo will be the best ever. "That's because of the great spread of international partners and U.S. teams we have

  • Air Mobility Rodeo begins at McChord

    More than 2,500 servicemembers from around the Air Force and the globe gathered here July 19 to officially kick off the 2009 Air Mobility Rodeo, which runs through July 24. The Rodeo, sponsored by Air Mobility Command, is a week-long mobility readiness competition that brings teams from AMC bases

  • DOD officials identify Air Force casualties from F-15E crash

    Department of Defense officials here July 19 announced the names of two Airmen who died supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in a nonhostile F-15E Strike Eagle crash July 18 near Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. Killed were: -- Capt. Thomas J. Gramith, 27, of Eagan, Minn. He was assigned to the 336th

  • July 17 airpower summary: B-1Bs strike enemy forces

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Near Surkhabad, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and B-1B Lancers released

  • F-15E crew perishes in Afghanistan crash

    Two Air Force officers were killed July 18 in the crash of an F-15E Strike Eagle. The aircraft, assigned to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., was flying in support of coalition operations in eastern Afghanistan. The crash occurred at approximately 3:15 A.M. Kabul time. "Our thoughts and prayers

  • Photo essay: Japanese royalty pay homage to America's fallen

    Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko paid tribute to the interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific July 15 here. The ceremony included the laying of a chrysanthemum wreath, the playing of "Taps" and a joint flyover by U.S. Navy and Japan Self-Defense Forces aircraft.View

  • F-15E crashes in eastern Afghanistan

    An F-15E Strike Eagle conducting coalition operations in eastern Afghanistan crashed at approximately 3:15 A.M. Kabul time. The crash was not due to hostile fire. Two crew members were on board. Their condition is unknown at this time.A board of officers will investigate the incident.Additional

  • Airmen, KC-135s support exercise in Australia

    Two KC-135 Stratotankers delivered 140,000 pounds of fuel to two B-52 Stratofortresses participating in Talisman Saber 09, currently underway in Australia, and scheduled through July 25. Talisman Saber is a U.S. Pacific Command-directed, bilateral command post and field-training exercise designed to

  • Air Guard flight crews undergo water survival training

    Thirty-five F-16 pilots and flight surgeons assigned to the 182nd Fighter Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base participated in required water survival and rescue training here. Members were briefed on the availability and use of tools contained in their survival gear. The water instruction ended with

  • UAS sensor operator training to begin at Randolph

    Air Force officials recently gave Randolph Air Force Base instructors the green light to begin training the next generation of enlisted sensor operators to support unmanned aircraft systems. Stemming from the high demand for unmanned aircraft and operators, the 1UOX1 Air Force Specialty Code career

  • Volunteers ensure success at Veterans Wheelchair Games

    Disabled veterans of all ages and skill levels are competing in the 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games here July 13 through 18, but while the athletes are earning the spotlight, the nearly 3,000 volunteers behind the scenes have worked to make sure every event runs smoothly. "These Wheelchair

  • Defense Department must end business as usual, Gates says

    Defense spending and program priorities cannot be divorced from the very real threats of today and the growing ones of tomorrow, the defense secretary told hundreds of members of the Economics Club of Chicago here July 16. "We stand at a crossroads," Robert M. Gates said. "It is time to draw the

  • July 16 airpower summary: F-16s support warfighters

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Near Surkhabad, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons demonstrated a show of

  • Airmen help hundreds in Timor Leste

    Thirty-seven Airmen from various medical and engineering units across the Air Force treated more than 300 East Timorese people as part of Operation Pacific Angel 2009 at a local school here July 16. Pacific Angel is a Pacific Air Forces humanitarian assistance operation aimed at improving military

  • Reserve officials announce captain, lieutenant promotions

    Air Reserve Personnel Center officials have announced the first half of the 2009 line and nonline captain and first lieutenant promotions.There were 206 Air National Guard and 176 Air Force Reserve officers selected for promotion to captain, and 196 Air National Guard and 59 Air Force Reserve

  • AFOTEC members put unmanned aircraft through paces

    It's no secret that unmanned aircraft are widely used in today's war to provide information, surveillance and armed reconnaissance. What's not widely known is the evaluation process these aircraft go through before they are delivered to the warfighter. Members of Detachment 5 of the Air Force

  • USAFE officials stand up air ground operations wing

    The stand up of U.S. Air Forces in Europe's first wing solely dedicated to supporting battlefield Airmen took place during a July 16 ceremony at Ramstein Air Base. The 435th Air Ground Operations Wing takes over the mission previously performed by two 86th Airlift Wing units here -- the Contingency

  • 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 the Week in Photos slideshow.

  • Photo essay: Alaskan load crews compete

    Aircrews from the 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here participated recently in a load crew of the quarter competition.  The competition demonstrated and tested quick weapons turn around.  View slideshow.

  • Sesame Workshop aims to help military children, keep families connected

    "Sesame Street" usually conjures visions of Muppets teaching young children their letters and numbers, but they also teach life lessons to help military children cope with deployments, injuries and now, loss. The newest phase of Sesame Workshop's "Talk, Listen, Connect" initiative is aimed at

  • Task group recommends reconstruction of civilian personnel system

    A Defense Business Board task group has recommended reconstruction of the National Security Personnel System. Rudy DeLeon, the chairman of the group and former deputy defense secretary, said NSPS, a pay-for-performance system, tried to do "too much, too quickly," and his group recommended the

  • House leaders name Academy Board of Visitors appointees

    Two top officials in the U.S. House of Representatives announced a new appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors July 15 and the reappointment of two existing board members. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi of California and Congressman John Boehner of Ohio appointed Congressman

  • Chief Roy explains his road to CMSAF

    After completing high school, there wasn't much happening in Monroe, Mich., in 1982 for James A. Roy. He wanted to do something with his life where he could get some training and an education. He wanted to do something that wasn't what everyone else was doing. He enlisted as an airman basic in

  • Charleston officials provide dignified transfer training for Army chaplains

    More than 170 Army chaplain candidates gathered on the flightline here July 14 to receive training in the honors given to fallen servicemembers during dignified transfers of human remains. Last August, officials at the Army Chaplain Center and School at Fort Jackson, S.C., began coordinating with

  • 'Conductive ink' solar panels capture sun power for servicemembers

    Air Force and civilian scientists have developed a ready-to-use, cost-reducing technology that captures and stores solar energy to power global positioning system components, portable communications and other devices used by U.S. servicemembers. Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and

  • Former Airman competes in veterans wheelchair games

    Swimming 100 meters is difficult. Swimming this distance without the use of your legs seems near impossible. Yet, this is exactly what Terri Fuda did July 15. She is taking part in the 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games here, where she competed in the 100-meter freestyle swimming event at

  • 2010 Verne Orr Award nominations open

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here are now accepting nominations for the 2010 Verne Orr Award. The Verne Orr Award is sponsored by the Air Force Association and recognizes an Air Force unit which makes the most effective use of its human resources. The award is open to all Air Force units and

  • July 15 airpower summary: Reaper provides topcover

    Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Near Qalat, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper released several guided bomb

  • Reservists honor fallen servicemembers

    Puerto Rico officials and senior military leaders gathered to honor fallen Puerto Rican military members at the Capitol's Monument of Remembrance, or El Capitolio's El Monumento de la Recordacion, during a wreath laying ceremony as part of the 80th League of United Latin American Citizens convention