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  • Stadium dedicated to fallen Airman

    More than 150 servicemembers from Balad Air Base and Logistics Support Area Anaconda gathered at the base stadium Dec. 15 to remember a fallen comrade.Base leaders officially renamed the stadium Holt Memorial Stadium, in honor of Airman 1st Class Antoine J. Holt. Airman Holt was killed during a

  • New hangars establish bomber deployment option

    The B-2 Spirit now has a new home away from home.Officials at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, recently unveiled two climate-controlled permanent hangars specifically designed for the B-2. The new 50,000-square-foot facilities allow specialized low-observable-surface maintenance to be

  • Pentagon, eight bases test new civilian personnel system

    Defense Department officials announced Dec. 15 that elements of the Air Force headquarters and eight bases will be in the initial implementation of the National Security Personnel System. The eight bases are: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.; Ellsworth AFB, S.D.; Lackland AFB, Texas; March Air Reserve

  • Airmen move crucial cargo for warfighters

    Airmen of the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here are packaging and delivering critical supplies, including vehicle armor, to American warfighters in Iraq.Charleston Air Force Base, the hub for shipping supplies supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom has seen a 71 percent increase in operations.Since Dec.

  • U.S. Air Force deploys C-130Js for first time

    The U.S. Air Force's C-130J Hercules -- the newest variant of the versatile C-130 aircraft -- deployed for the first time this month.The deployed force includes maintainers, operators and support Airmen from Rhode Island Air National Guard’s 143rd Airlift Squadron, Maryland ANG’s 135th AS, Air Force

  • Airman could face death penalty in double-murder case

    An Airman here charged for the on-base killings of another Airman and his wife could face the death penalty when the case goes to court next year.Senior Airman Andrew Paul Witt is charged with two counts of premeditated murder, covered under Article 118 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. He

  • ‘Man of 200 voices’ speaks at Incirlik

    Comedian and impersonator, Rich Little, performed Dec. 13 here as part of the United Service Organization and Armed Forces Entertainment 2004 Holiday Tour.More than 200 people listened to the comic imitate the voices of movie stars and U.S. presidents after Incirlik contestants took the stage in an

  • Studying key to earning next stripe

    Enlisted promotion hopefuls will need to pull out their study materials as the next testing cycle is on the horizon. Testing for promotion to technical sergeant and master sergeant will be held throughout the Air Force Feb. 15 through March 31, and testing for staff sergeant will be held May 1

  • Labor Department grants aid veteran job placement

    More than 1,600 veterans will be placed in new jobs, thanks to $3.78 million in Labor Department grants awarded Dec. 14.Another 600 veterans are expected to receive employment and training services as a result of these grants, which are awarded under the Workforce Investment Act, officials said."The

  • Officials select first for National Security Personnel System

    Navy Secretary Gordon England announced Dec. 15 the units selected to take part in the initial implementation of the human resources and appeals elements of the Department of Defense’s National Security Personnel System. Secretary England, who serves as the DOD senior executive overseeing the

  • Increased C-130, C-17 flights relieve Army ground convoys

    Airmen are moving more cargo, including armored vehicles, repair parts and ammunition, to assist Soldiers in getting needed materiel to troops in the Iraq theater. “The Air Force is clearly focusing its efforts, helping the Army give the ground forces the opportunity to reduce the traffic on the

  • Balad Airmen welcome USO tour

    Troops from here and Logistics Support Area Anaconda were treated to an early Christmas present Dec. 14.The United Service Organizations brought the servicemembers the Chairman’s Holiday Tour. Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and tour host, greeted more than 2,000 troops

  • Kadena Airmen aid Philippine typhoon victims

    Airmen from Kadena Air Base, Japan, are helping the Philippines recover from the devastating effects of a series of typhoons that have left 1,400 dead or missing and displaced about 170,000 people.Several “super” typhoons hit the island nation in the past few weeks, devastating areas of Luzon, the

  • New agreement will strengthen network security

    In an initiative to secure computers and networks worldwide, Air Force officials entered into an agreement with Microsoft to purchase software and support for more than a half-million computers. Under the agreement, in partnership with Dell Computer Corp., all existing Air Force software and

  • Medical outprocessing goes digital

    A new computer-based health assessment system will help Airmen returning from deployments get back to their families more quickly. The U.S. Central Command Air Forces surgeon general recently started using the computer based post-deployment health assessments theaterwide.The assessment is now a

  • Officials announce 2005 housing allowance rates

    Department of Defense officials released the 2005 Basic Allowance for Housing rates Dec. 15, continuing to reduce servicemembers’ out-of-pocket housing costs. Three main components are included in computing the allowance: median current market rent, average cost for utilities and average renter's

  • Guard works to balance state, federal missions

    Unlike their active and reserve counterparts, Army and Air National Guardsmen can be called on to serve two different masters: their state governors and their commander in chief.Serving as state militias, they are available at the bidding of their governors in the event of emergencies,

  • Thunderbirds release 2005 show schedule

    The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, announced its 2005 air show schedule. The team is scheduled to perform more than 70 public shows in 29 states, Canada and Central America. The 2005 schedule is as follows:March19 and 20 -- Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.April2 and

  • SERE graduates authorized berets

    Students who complete the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape specialist technical school here are now qualified to wear the new SERE beret.The pewter-green beret is worn with the SERE specialist device, which depicts a bald eagle in front of a compass rose with barbed wire across it.“The beret

  • Resultant Fury successful thanks to ‘test’ Airmen

    Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell would be proud.Airmen from the 53rd Wing here recently showcased airpower over the Pacific Ocean when Air Force and Navy aircraft targeted and destroyed moving maritime targets.More than 300 people participated in the demonstration, called Resultant Fury, including about 35

  • Recruiting focuses on select career fields

    The Air Force continues to recruit high quality people while using force-shaping efforts to keep people in critical career fields, the Air Force Recruiting Service commander said during a recent visit here. Brig. Gen. Robertus C.N. Remkes said the Air Force is striving to “balance the books” by

  • Stratotankers provide more than refueling capabilities

    The KC-135 Stratotankers of the 351st Air Refueling Squadron here have recently added aeromedical evacuation and airlift missions to their “been there, done that” list. Including medevac and airlift missions to the KC-135’s responsibilities helps leaders meet two of the Air Force’s primary missions:

  • Vandenberg activates interceptor missile

    Missile defense is likened to hitting a bullet with a bullet. Using that analogy, the Air Force now has a round in the chamber.Officials from the 30th Space Wing here and the Missile Defense Agency positioned the first ground-based interceptor missile in an underground launch facility here Dec. 10,

  • JAG Corps offers accessions programs

    The Air Force's Judge Advocate General Corps gives company-grade officers two opportunities during January through March to join their ranks. The programs, the Funded Legal Education Program and the Excess Leave Program, allow active-duty officers to pursue law degrees without leaving the Air Force

  • Pests no match for ‘Bug Girl’

    Being a “Bug Girl” does not bother Senior Airman Amy Arriola, the lone pest controller at Camp Sather here.Even though she is far from both her tropical island home of Guam and her civilian job as a flight attendant, Airman Arriola said she is happy to lend a helping hand to her fellow Airmen and

  • Poor shooting grounds Falcons in loss to Boise State

    The Air Force Academy women’s basketball team found itself on the losing end of a 47-35 contest against Boise State University here Dec. 10. Both teams struggles offensively in the first half, shooting less than 27 percent from the field. Air Force (2-6) took the early 4-3 lead, but the Broncos

  • Combat personnelists get Airmen in, out of deployment

    They do not fly combat missions, build bombs or conduct perimeter patrols, but the PERSCO team here processes the documents that make it possible for pilots, ammo troops and security forces to do those things supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. From hail to farewell, a two-person Personnel

  • Air Force hockey team blanks American International, 2-0

    Peter Foster recorded his fifth shutout of the season to lead the Air Force Academy Falcons to a 2-0 win over American International College in a nonconference college hockey game here Dec. 11. The Falcons swept the two-game series and improved to 9-5-2 overall. AIC fell to 1-9-1. Air Force has

  • Communicators train to face enemies on digital battlefield

    In millions of real-world attacks each year, hackers from every corner of the Earth try to crack through computer network defenses. But in the Air Force Communications Agency’s simulator training exercises here, the attacks come from hackers a mere 30 feet away. The defenders are Airmen from network

  • Airborne Laser conducts extended flight test

    YAL-1A, the Airborne Laser aircraft, flew for 2 hours and 31 minutes here Dec. 9. The flight was part of a continuing series to re-establish airworthiness, a requirement since the aircraft has been out of service for almost two years for modifications and installation of the laser’s complex beam

  • Drug testing increased for troops in Afghanistan

    The Defense Department has increased drug testing for troops stationed in U.S. Central Command’s area of operations, DOD officials said Dec. 10.Mary Beth Long, deputy assistant defense secretary for counternarcotics, said the services have already increased the number of urine tests given in

  • Air Force makes a stable move

    It is the only one of its kind left, a physical testament to sacrifices made by the greatest generation of our nation. It is a piece of history forever linking future generations of Americans to an era unlike any other in history. It is a priceless artifact of World War II.It is a horse stable.“It

  • Maintainers make ‘maintenance magic’

    Working behind the scenes, a small group of Airmen here toil around the clock to ensure that the base’s flying mission is accomplished.They are the maintainers of the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron maintenance flight. “We know what we are here to do -- maintain our aircraft,” said Capt. Chuck

  • Test acceleration expedites fielding warning system

    Engineers here cut the test time for a crucial missile warning system from months to weeks, speeding the operational debut of the system on C-17 Globemaster IIIs.Changes to the system, which warns of an approaching missile and automatically fires flares to confuse the missile’s guidance system, were

  • Soldiers deploy to Lackland for quick-reaction exercise

    Best known for its one-of-a-kind role as the source of Air Force basic training, this base in the heart of Texas welcomed Soldiers for training of a more advanced sort -- defending high-value government facilities from terrorist attacks.A U.S. Northern Command quick reaction force, made up of more

  • Third generation aviator continues the tradition

    “These things we do, that others may live” is the motto of the 36th Rescue Flight here and the inspiration for one Airman’s pride.Capt. Sean Boldt’s passion for helicopters and their mission started at a young age through the work of his father, an Army helicopter pilot. He said some of his

  • Weapon systems video vital to wartime mission

    Amid the hustle and bustle of people walking to and from intelligence briefings in the fighter operations building at a forward-deployed location, Airman 1st Class Michael Edwards sits quietly behind a computer monitor and watches videos, and nobody minds.Airman Edwards’ deployed duties have taken

  • Five Airmen receive Silver Stars

    Air Force Secretary Dr. James G. Roche presented five Airmen here Silver Stars on Dec. 9 for their handling of close-air support missions during operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.“(We) are extremely proud of all of you and of all the battle-fit Airmen in the 18th Air Support Operations

  • Policy changes help wounded troops stay in service

    Fundamental changes have taken place in the Department of Defense's disability policy, a top Pentagon official told attendees at the 17th DOD Disability Forum here Dec. 7.John M. Molino, acting deputy undersecretary of defense for equal opportunity, cited a December 2003 visit by President Bush to

  • Deployed Marine teaches Airmen martial arts

    Physically, Marine Sgt. Luis Mercado stands a modest 5-feet-7-inches tall and weighs only 150 pounds. But he barks orders and works his students as though he were King Kong himself.“I want to share my knowledge,” the martial arts instructor said. “There’s no point in keeping it to myself.”Sergeant

  • Initiative to help injured troops gets startup funding

    Department of Defense officials have startup funding for a new initiative for servicemembers injured in the war on terrorism, a senior official said here Dec. 7."We're looking at possibilities for internships and other types of trial employment," John M. Molino, the acting deputy undersecretary for

  • Ugandans get air power lesson

    The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander addressed the first class of Ugandan Senior Command and Staff College attendees here Dec. 2 during the course’s air power week. As the guest lecturer, Gen. Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong talked about issues ranging from air and space power to leadership and how the

  • Yokota isochronal Airmen keep Pacific fleet healthy

    Mechanics here are essential to sustaining the health and safety of Pacific Air Force’s fleet of C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft.“Aircraft periodic inspection and replacement of worn parts are important in keeping minor problems from becoming critical safety issues,” said Senior Master Sgt. Earl

  • Airmen add ‘information armor’ to Iraq convoys

    When a convoy heads out on the roads of Iraq, it can be a life or death mission. Faced with violent threats from insurgents, the troops are armed and ready. But in this hostile environment, a “protective posture” requires more than mere Kevlar. Airmen of the 90th Information Operations Squadron

  • Hornets swarm Osan

    A nest of Hornets has invaded the sky here and local aircrews say they could not be more excited.A joint training mission is under way. Sailors are flying F/A-18 Hornets and EA-6B Prowlers with the Airmen in A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 25th Fighter Squadron and F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 36th

  • Deployed Airmen get online holiday voice greetings

    Deployed Airmen can now receive holiday-season voice greetings from family and friends via the Internet.Offered through the Air Force Crossroads Web site and the Air Force’s GIMail service, the program allows friends and family members of deployed Airmen to pick up a telephone, dial a toll-free

  • Air Force merging information technology offices

    The secretary of the Air Force announced Dec. 7 plans to consolidate three headquarters-level organizations under one commander. The offices of warfighting integration, the chief information officer and communications operations will be reorganized into the office of networks and warfighting

  • Golden retriever ‘finds’ girl to help

    Berkley has a new friend for life. The golden retriever service dog, “found” 7-year-old Jamie Rizzo when her family visited the Canine Assistants headquarters in Alpharetta, Ga.Since birth, the daughter of 1st Lt. Victor Rizzo, of the 3rd Space Operations Squadron here, has had developmental

  • White House Fellows Program seeks applicants

    Air Force officials are encouraging Airmen to apply for the White House Fellows Program. Applicants must obtain written endorsement and authorization from their commanders.Founded in 1964, the program is one of America's most prestigious for leadership and public service, officials said. It

  • TSP begins catch-up contributions enrollment for 2005

    Air Force Personnel Center's benefits and entitlements service team automated systems will be available for 2005 Thrift Savings Plan catch-up contribution enrollments beginning Dec. 12."TSP catch-up contributions are additional tax-deferred contributions, separate from (regular) contributions," said

  • Academy fallout will change all military services

    All servicemembers will deal with the fallout from the sexual assault problems at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Department of Defense officials said here Dec. 7.First, the department "takes any and all allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault very seriously," said Pentagon spokesman Larry

  • DOD, Armed Services YMCA sign support agreement

    An organization that began supporting the military during the American Civil War will continue to do so under an agreement signed Dec. 7 at the Pentagon.Armed Services YMCA officials began serving servicemembers and their families in 1861. Now, for the first time, the relationship between the

  • Airmen teach English to South Korean children

    Airmen from here are traveling to Suwon City to help teach English to students at an elementary school.Since August, 25 Airmen assigned to the 51st Medical Group have taught English at the school the first Saturday of every month.The volunteer work got the attention of the city’s mayor, Kim Young

  • Financial impact of force shaping lessened

    Airmen transitioning to the Air Force Reserve through Palace Chase or to the Army through Blue to Green force-shaping initiatives now face a lighter economic impact.Airmen will no longer have to pay education costs or unearned portions of enlistment bonuses if they applied for separation after Dec.

  • Strategic forces authorized service medal

    The commander of U.S. Strategic Command has authorized the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal for all servicemembers assigned, attached or mobilized to the command for at least 30 consecutive days on or after Sept. 11, 2001.The medal is awarded to people involved in supporting operations against

  • Falcon hoopsters fall to Illinois State, 89-70

    Despite turning in its highest-scoring half of the season to start the game, the Air Force Academy women’s basketball team suffered a second-half offensive breakdown as it lost, 89-70, to Illinois State University here Dec. 7.The Falcons started out hot, hitting seven of their first nine shots to

  • Officials release academy sexual-assault IG reports

    Defense Department and Air Force officials released findings of two inspector general investigation reports on sexual assault at the U.S. Air Force Academy.The findings were presented at a Pentagon press briefing Dec. 7 by the deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, Dr. David

  • Controllers use "giant voice" to keep Airmen informed

    Packed into a small, windowless container like sardines in a can, the Airmen who run the command post at Camp Sather here are always in the know, and they do not mind letting everyone know it in a very loud voice. The eight controllers make their point by transmitting crucial safety and security

  • Training prepares security forces Airmen for deployment

    Airmen of the 482nd Security Forces Squadron held a tactical training exercise here Dec. 5. The purpose of the exercise was to prepare them for a variety of possible scenarios if and when they deploy.Convoy missions and urban operations are among the most common challenges for security forces

  • 668 Airmen face involuntary retraining

    Although many Airmen have already volunteered to change career fields or separate under the initial phase of the Air Force's fiscal 2005 noncommissioned officer retraining program, 668 other active-duty Airmen face involuntary retraining.In Phase I of the program, Air Force officials notified more

  • Officials announce F-16 accident investigation findings

    Air Force officials announced investigation findings of a May 19 F-16 Fighting Falcon crash on the Tohono O’odham Nation in Arizona. The pilot, Singaporean air force 2nd Lt. Kwang Han Loo, was killed in the crash. He was assigned to the 425th Fighter Squadron, a foreign military training squadron,

  • Military families ride in Disney Christmas parade

    Three families of Airmen assigned to the 45th Space Wing here rode on a float Dec. 3 for the taping of the annual Walt Disney World Christmas Parade in Orlando. The families, along with one of a Sailor from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., were asked to represent military families and

  • Deadline extended for space, missile retraining applications

    The deadline for officers to apply for retraining into the space and missile career field has been extended to Jan. 3.The career field needs an additional 30-40 people. Interested officers must first contact their assignment team to determine if they can be released from their current career field.

  • Weekly Reader asks students to write president's address

    Weekly Reader magazine wants to know what its readers would say to the world on Jan. 20, the date President George W. Bush takes the oath of office and gives his second inaugural address.The school-based educational and news magazine posed that question to its more than 7 million readers for its

  • Cook still going strong after 50-plus years of service

    Before most people get out of bed in the morning, Minnie Jones is already elbow-deep in flour, faced with the daunting task of feeding thousands of employees here a hot breakfast and lunch.It is a feat she has accomplished for more than 50 years as one of two cooks in the base restaurant. And at

  • Amputee pilot back in the cockpit

    Most people would have thought Lt. Col. Andrew Lourake would never see the inside of an Air Force cockpit again, at least not as a pilot.The colonel was injured in a motorcycle accident in the fall of 1998. Infection following surgery to repair a broken bone left him with few choices but to have

  • Soldiers, Airmen train together for urban warfare

    Combat in urban environments, such as that recently conducted in Fallujah, Iraq, is becoming more commonplace, said defense officials. Providing protection to ground forces in such close quarters is a challenge for Soldiers and Airmen alike.During an exercise here, Soldiers from the 172nd Stryker

  • Reservist returns POW/MIA bracelet worn in remembrance

    A reservist here who pledged to keep the memory of a fallen Airman alive for almost 20 years has returned the Vietnam warrior’s POW/MIA bracelet to his family after he was finally laid to rest.Master Sgt. Sheila Couzins, an intelligence analyst in the 445th Operations Support Squadron, purchased a

  • Air Force news subscriptions top 100,000

    For the first time since Air Force Link, the Air Force’s official Web site, was introduced nearly 10 years ago, the number of subscribers to its electronic news and information products has exceeded 100,000.The growth is attributed to the Web site’s continuing popularity, combined with an

  • Ensure home fires do not extinguish holiday fun

    The holiday season is a time to celebrate with family and friends. Unfortunately, it is also the time of year when people face a much greater risk of home fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, many house fires occur each year during the holiday season, making it the most

  • Now showing: Dec. 6 edition of AFTV News

    Two inspirational stories headline the latest edition of Air Force Television News. In the first, Staff Sgt. John Anderson profiles the story of Lt. Col. Andrew Lourake, a pilot whose flying career seemed doomed after his leg was amputated. Instead, through hard work and rehabilitation, Colonel

  • Air Force hoopsters fall short against Utah State

    Despite a furious rally in the final four and a half minutes of the game, the Air Force Academy women’s basketball team fell to Utah State University, 72-68, here Dec. 4. The loss drops the Falcons to 2-4 overall, while the Aggies improve to 3-2.After a free throw at the 4:22 mark in the second

  • Shoplifting -- not worth it

    Shoplifting is a crime that could cost a servicemember his or her career and a whole lot of money, too."Whatever excuses people come up with to justify their actions, the fact remains that none of them are good enough reasons to risk a career over," said Steve Bass, Army and Air Force Exchange

  • Fighter pilot film about teamwork, thrill of flight

    Civilians and Airmen alike can get breathtaking insight into parts of the Air Force they may not have seen before. The IMAX film "Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag," premiered Dec. 2 at the National Air and Space Museum here. Filmgoers got an inside look at one of the Air Force's largest training

  • Aerial porters firing on all cylinders in Iraq

    The airlift mission that moves cargo in and out of Iraq is complicated, like a machine with many moving parts. When all of the airlift parts are working together, America's warfighters are supplied with everything from beans to bullets.One of the most important parts of the airlift machine is the

  • Murray calls people Air Force's greatest resource

    Readiness and taking care of one another are two of the Air Force’s top priorities, said the Air Force’s top enlisted leader here Dec. 1.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray said it all comes down to people being the Air Force’s greatest resource.“We are absolutely proud of what our

  • Reserve troops urged to keep employers informed

    Behind nearly every deployed National Guardsman or reservist, there is a civilian employer who is waiting for that employee to return.Most civilian employers support their servicemembers by holding positions for them, while some even maintain insurance benefits. The better the relationship these

  • Medics, aircrews work together to save lives

    The cold, metal interior of a loud, rumbling C-130 Hercules, accompanied by the smell of jet fuel and the sight of red tracer rounds in the distance, may not seem like the ideal environment to treat patients. However, for those providing medical care to those who need it quickly, there is really no

  • Ammo Airmen help put steel on target

    Listen closely around the desert flightline at this deployed location and you will eventually hear the scream of an eagle or falcon flying overhead. These birds of prey are Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons racing off to support the war on terrorism. Helping ground forces

  • Reservists seeing stars

    Seven Air Force Reserve Command brigadier generals and 14 colonels were nominated by the president Nov. 26 for promotion to the next higher rank.The nominees include two directors at AFRC headquarters at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., a numbered air force vice commander, two wing commanders and 15

  • December special issue of Airman available

    Airmen are the ultimate source of combat capability -- joining with other servicemembers to fight terrorism and protect America's freedoms. The December special issue of Airman magazine focuses on 24 people who represent the many military and civilian Airmen who make up the total force. Learn what

  • CE mapping goes digital with click of button

    Airmen of the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron here are giving new meaning to the term “situational awareness” by mapping the entire base in a digital format. The effort is part of an Air Force-wide program known as GeoBase.The program uses a “smart map,” said Maj. Dave McClure, 8th CES deputy

  • Falcon hoopsters knock off Pilots, 68-61

    On the strength of hot first-half shooting and strong all-around play, the visiting Air Force women’s basketball team dealt the University of Portland a 68-61 loss Dec. 2. With the victory, the Falcons moved to 2-3 on the season and captured their first road victory since 2002. The Pilots fell to

  • Operation Dear Abby uses e-mail

    In 1967, a servicemember wrote advice columnist "Dear Abby" requesting "just a letter from home" for deployed troops serving during the Vietnam War.The famous columnist, known by her pseudonym, Abigail Van Buren, responded, and the Operation Dear Abby mail program was born. Through the ensuing

  • New satellite terminal provides real-time intelligence

    A new satellite communications system is now operational that will help provide warfighters timely intelligence from U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance flights.Officials with the 480th Intelligence Wing here brought the Transportable Medium Earth Terminal II satellite communications system online Nov.

  • Yokota fuels specialists support global missions

    Fuels specialists from the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron here provide a vital service for Air Force defense and humanitarian missions worldwide. “Providing fuel, oil and lubricants is one of the most important logistic factors that influence strategic and tactical planning in today’s military,”

  • Officials announce Future Total Force initiatives

    Air Force officials plan to tap into the inherent strength and experience of all three Air Force components to increase overall combat capability.They announced six test initiatives Dec. 1 that fall under the Future Total Force plan that puts Airmen from active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force

  • Armed forces honor longtime Air Force volunteer

    The military services have chosen a longtime Air Force volunteer from Arizona as this year's recipient of the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award.Dorothy Hunt Finley is a leading member of the Davis-Monthan 50, an organization dedicated to supporting Airmen and

  • ‘Cable Dawgs’ keep Kirkuk connected

    Many people take for granted the luxury of having a dial tone when they pick up the phone, and e-mail when they turn on their computer, but there is a special group of Airmen working behind the scenes here to make it happen.The “Cable Dawgs,” as Airmen of the 506th Expeditionary Communications

  • CMSAF shares insight on fitness

    Almost a year into the Air Force’s new fitness program, the service’s senior enlisted Airman said he is happy with some things, but said the program is “not where it needs to be yet.”“(Air Force chief of staff Gen. John P. Jumper and I) are pleased, but we’re not so naïve to think you can change a

  • Air Force District of Washington reactivates

    The Air Force District of Washington reactivates Jan. 1 to more effectively support the war on terrorism and align the command structure in the National Capital Region with the other military services, officials said.“This (gives) the Air Force a ‘single voice’ for working cross-service issues

  • Tower dedication honors two Airmen killed in combat

    It was predicted there would not be a dry eye in the house. As the guests gathered to honor two fallen heroes, that prediction came true.Family members and tactical air control party Airmen honored fellow tactical controllers Staff Sgt. Jacob Frazier and Airman 1st Class Raymond Losano during a

  • Strike Eagles support ‘guys on the ground’

    While originally designed as a fighter-bomber, the F-15E Strike Eagle took on a new mission during the past three years. Today, it is almost strictly used for close-air support, giving troops on the ground added air protection and precise target elimination, officials said.“Three years ago no one

  • Be prepared for flu season

    Colder temperatures signal the start of the flu season, which runs primarily between December and April. With a nationwide shortage of vaccine this year, health officials say it is important to know the symptoms of this contagious respiratory illness, and what to do if a person is infected.The flu

  • Airmen fly Iraqi baby home

    A 14-month-old Iraqi girl left for Iraq on a C-141 Starlifter recently after receiving about six months of medical treatment at Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Fatemah Khalil Hassan and her mother, Beyda’a Amir Abdul Jabar, were flown to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, before heading back to

  • Air Guard retraces first flight to South Pole

    Their route was the same, but the crew of Skier 94 did not expect any of the hat tossing and hurrahs that greeted Navy Rear Adm. Richard E. Byrd and his flight crew 75 years ago.That is the difference between being the first plane ever to reach the South Pole and the fourth plane of the day.The

  • ‘Lean’ team lauded for manufacturing-technology advances

    The sixth annual Defense Manufacturing Technology Achievement Award was presented Nov. 30 at the Defense Manufacturing Conference in Las Vegas.John B. Todaro, director of the Department of Defense's technology transition office, presented the award to the Air Force's lean depot repair initiative.

  • Flag-flying donations warm American hearts, Afghan feet

    The excitement in the eyes of the Afghan children was mirrored on the faces of two American civilians as a truck carrying bags full of winter shoes backed into an orphanage courtyard recently. Donations received from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing’s flag-flying program ensured that more than 300

  • Airmen help Soldiers keep OIF supplies rolling

    By moving nearly 1.3 million pounds of cargo in one day recently, Balad-based Airmen assigned to the Arrival/Departure Air Cargo Group are breaking new ground for cargo movement supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.The Airmen are part of Detachment 2632 of the 732nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness

  • Airman, dog provide security for Afghanistan

    In August, Staff Sgt. David Yepsen had to do everything all Airmen do when they deploy, from updating training to getting medically cleared. He also had one more thing to worry about -- his military working dog deploying alongside him.Sergeant Yepsen and his dog, Dax, from the 43rd Security Forces