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U.S. Air Force News

  • Minot Airman dies after incident

    An Airman assigned to the 5th Munitions Squadron here died Dec. 20 after an incident in an off-base apartment in Minot, N.D.The incident occurred at that residence at about 7:30 p.m., Dec. 20, according to Minot Police Department officials.The Airman was taken to Trinity Medical Center where he

  • Hawaii National Guard all-hazards response team earns validation

    Members of the Army and Air Force Hawaii National Guard all-hazards response team stood up a chemical, biological, nuclear, high-yield explosive enhanced response force Dec. 13 through 18 here to be evaluated by Joint Interagency Training and Education Center officials.The CERF team was validated

  • USAFE vice commander discusses Air Force operations

    More than 100 business and military professionals gathered here recently to hear the U.S. Air Forces in Europe vice commander's perspective on Air Force operations and what it means as Air Force communications and information Airmen transition from a support role to an operational cyberspace

  • Academy band shares love of music, profession at Midwest Clinic

    Representatives of the Air Force Academy band spent three days sharing the Academy story through love of music and their military profession Dec. 15 through 17 here duringthe Midwest Clinic international band and orchestra conference. The Midwest Clinic is an annual conference focused on raising the

  • Remembering Linebacker II: It's about the heroes, not the missions

    A ceremony to honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in support of Operation Linebacker II took place at Arc Light Memorial Park here Dec. 17.Often referred to as "the 11-day war," Operation Linebacker II was conducted from Dec. 18 to Dec. 29, 1972, after peace talks between the U.S. and

  • Voluntary separation, retirement programs extended

    Air Force officials have announced an extension of voluntary separation and retirement programs for fiscal 2011 as part of the service's ongoing force-management initiatives.Voluntary and involuntary force-management programs were implemented in fiscal 2010 due to record-high retention. For fiscal

  • VA officials urge veterans to sign up for direct deposits

    Department of the Treasury officials have announced a new rule that will extend the safety and convenience of electronic payments to millions of Americans and phase out paper checks for federal benefits by March 1, 2013. Officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs urge veterans to sign up for

  • Reese Technology Center: Research powerhouse in Lubbock

    Pilots trained to fly at the former Reese Air Force Base here may remember the "interesting crosswinds" in the area. The military pilots are gone, but the blustery winds are placing this northwest Texas city on the renewable energy map.These winds, as well as other hallmarks of the area, such as

  • DARPA goal for cybersecurity: change the game

    Self-proclaimed "technogeeks" at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, after determining the nature of the cybersecurity threat, have devised programs to tackle the problem and, most importantly, surprise their adversaries, DARPA's deputy director said.Kaigham Gabriel spoke here at the Dec.

  • Classic associate unit activated at Kirtland AFB

    The Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz recently approved the creation of a classic associate unit by aligning elements of the 150th Wing and 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB, N.M.The 58th SOW, which is a regular Air Force unit, will serve as the host, and will have

  • Schriever athletes take the Murph test

    Angelia Sanders had already completed 11 cycles when she pulled her chin over the bar for the 56th time. By that point, her plan had begun to unravel and the reality of what she was attempting reared its ugly head. She had 44 more chin ups to do, and the clock inside the fitness center weight room

  • Dec. 15 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with Operation New Dawn partners in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

  • Dec. 14 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with Operation New Dawn partners in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

  • Dec. 13 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with Operation New Dawn partners in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

  • Dec. 12 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with Operation New Dawn partners in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

  • Airmen win honors at worldwide talent search

    Air Force entertainment officials selected the top 11 entertainers Dec. 13 at an awards banquet here during the annual Air Force Worldwide Talent Search.More than 70 Airmen participated in the event Dec. 6 through 13 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.The annual competition allows Airmen to showcase

  • VA officials process first claims for new Agent Orange presumptives

    Department of Veterans Affairs processors have decided more than 28,000 claims in the first six weeks of processing disability compensation applications from Vietnam veterans with diseases related to exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange."With new technology and ongoing improvements, we are quickly

  • Mobility rodeo prepares Airmen for exercises, deployments

    More than 400 Airmen participated in an ability to survive and operate, or ATSO, rodeo Dec. 13 here in preparation for upcoming exercises and deployments.Participants attended one of five two-hour long classes where they learned proper chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear-active defense,

  • Support agencies help Airmen, families manage holiday stress

    The holiday season can bring joyful smiles and priceless moments with friends and family. But for some, it can bring a sense of worry, self-doubt, frustration and agony.Numerous agencies at Air Force bases provide programs and assistance to those who are experiencing the tougher side of life this

  • Intrepid Center provides new level of warfighter care

    When it officially opened its doors in June, the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at the National Naval Medical Center here set out to provide a new level of care for warfighters suffering traumatic brain injuries and psychological disorders.Six months later, as it continues to build staff to

  • 96th ARS Airmen start flying at Hickam

    Airmen from the 96th Air Refueling Squadron here performed their first operational mission Dec. 13 by refueling B-52 Stratofortresses from the 5th Wing at Minot AFB, N.D.The 96th ARS was activated here in September and has been conducting training sorties since then.The squadron won't be fully

  • Air Guard starts funding recruitment storefronts

    The Air National Guard's storefront recruiting facilities program got a boost this year when they received funding from the National Guard Bureau for the first time.The program has received some funding in the past, but it was out of executioner funds, which came from leftover annually-budgeted ANG

  • Obama calls on Senate to ratify new START

    President Barack Obama called on Congress Dec. 20 to ratify the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty before recessing for the holiday, warning of the consequences of delays in moving forward on "an urgent national priority.""Ratifying a treaty like START isn't about winning a victory for an

  • Don't Ask' remains in effect as Gates, Mullen tackle plan

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, welcomed the Senate's vote Dec. 18 to repeal the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, while emphasizing that the current law and policy will remain in effect until they and President Barack Obama

  • 300 take part in virtual battle

    More than 300 joint warfighters converged in a virtual battlespace for a four-day exercise ending Dec. 16.Participants from 18 locations joined forces to defeat the simulated threat in Virtual Flag 11-1. The 705th Combat Training Squadron here executes four VFs each year. It's the largest Air Force

  • Department prepares for 'Don't Ask' repeal

    The Defense Department is preparing for passage of a law that overturns the ban on gays serving openly in the military, a Pentagon spokesman said Dec 17.The U.S. Senate is expected to vote -- possibly as soon as Dec. 18 -- on a bill the House of Representatives passed Dec. 15 that would repeal the

  • Operation Christmas Drop a team effort

    Airmen stationed in Japan and Guam are experiencing the joy of giving on an epic scale this holiday season. This year marks the 23rd year Airmen from Yokota AFB are participating in Operation Christmas Drop, an annual humanitarian mission hosted in conjunction with volunteers and personnel from

  • VA officials announce use of standard payment rates for some non-VA care

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials announced Dec. 16 they will begin using Medicare's standard payment rates for certain medical procedures performed by non-VA providers on Feb. 16, 2011."This regulation will have no impact on the veterans we care for," said Dr. Robert A. Petzel, the VA

  • Officials award production contract for fourth advanced frequency satellite

    The Military Satellite Communications Systems Directorate announced Dec. 17 the award of a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification valued at approximately $1.4 billion to Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., for production of the fourth Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite.

  • CV-22 accident investigation board results released

    Air Force Special Operations Command officials released the results of their investigation into the CV-22 Osprey accident April 9, near Qalat, Afghanistan, that killed four people and injured 16 of the 20 onboard. The pilot, flight engineer, an Army Ranger, and a civilian contract employee were

  • Pentagon spokesman addresses strategy review, budget

    The U.S. Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy is yielding results that are "trending in the right direction," Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said Dec. 17.During an MSNBC television interview, Mr. Morrell responded to questions on Pakistan's role in establishing regional security, the purpose of the

  • Santa's new address: No. 1 Santa Claus Lane, North Pole

    The city of North Pole, Alaska, with the assistance of the North Pole Economic Development Corporation, has erected a permanent candy cane marker designating "No. 1 Santa Claus Lane" as the address to which letters to Santa should be addressed.The recent installation of the candy cane marker, along

  • Academy choral group performs live on local TV

    Cadet singers with the cadet a cappella group "In the Stairwell" performed live for all Southern Colorado Dec. 10, with an appearance on a local TV station's mid-morning news program.This is the second year that In the Stairwell, an unofficial cadet group that performs in the local community, has

  • 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 slideshow.

  • Americans, Japanese pound mochi, strengthen bonds

    Col. Michael Rothstein, the 35th Fighter Wing commander, pounds mochi Dec. 16, 2010, during the annual mochi pounding ceremony at the Japan Air Self-Defense Force gym on Misawa Air Base, Japan. Mochi is a type of rice cake made by using a large wooden mallet to pound steamed glutinous rice in a

  • 'Twas a Night in December

    Servicemembers stationed from Antarctica to Afghanistan lent their talents and time to craft a video for a poem titled "'Twas a Night in December," based on Clement Clarke Moore's "A Visit from St. Nicholas," but rewritten with a military twist. Servicemembers from more than 40 commands around the

  • First 24th AF Portraits in Courage recipient: 'I was just doing my job'

    Staff Sgt. Alexander Yessayan said he's not a hero, and you might just believe him unless you talk to anyone who knows him, or he begrudgingly tells you about what happened more than a year ago in Afghanistan.Those who know him use words like humble, straight shooter and, yes, hero to describe

  • Photo essay: Operation Christmas Drop

    Airmen from the 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, come together each year during Operation Christmas Drop to drop thousands of pounds of donated supplies over various Micronesian Islands Dec. 14.View the slideshow.

  • Select CDCs become available online

    Airmen in select career fields can now complete their career development courses through Air University's AU Online website -- a derivative website of Air Education and Training Command's Advanced Distributed Learning System -- that provides course access from work or home computers.Electronic CDCs

  • Klotz: Minot AFB Airmen are what make the difference

    The Air Force Global Strike Command commander and command chief met with Airmen here to thank them for their service and seek input about their mission.As the only base with both intercontinental ballistic missle and nuclear-capable bomber missions, Minot AFB is unique, Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz said.

  • Reports of sexual harassment, assault rise at service academies

    The number of reported sexual harassment and assaults at the armed forces' three service academies is up from last year, but the rise could be due to an increase in education and training at the schools, Defense Department officials said Dec. 15.Forty-one incidents were reported for the 2009-2010

  • VA's homeless intervention program nears roll out

    A Department of Veterans Affairs homeless-prevention program, which seeks to help veterans and families who are on the verge of becoming homeless, has moved closer to implementation. The program marks the first time that VA officials will fund services for the spouses and children of veterans at

  • Airmen turn aeromedical staging facility into 'home-like atmosphere'

    Your plane lands after multiple flights and long hours. The door of the C-17 Globemaster III opens, and the cold air hits your face. It's the middle of winter in Southern Illinois, and several men and women in uniforms escort you to a bus that will take you to your room. When the bus comes to a

  • Partners build high-tech hands for wounded warriors

    Scientists and technologists are working with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to give arms and hands back to warriors who lose them in battle.Army Col. (Dr.) Geoffrey Ling, the DARPA program manager, talked about the program Nov. 19 to a TEDx Pentagon audience. TEDx Pentagon is a

  • 386th AEW members fly first airdrop missions in Afghanistan

    From providing humanitarian assistance in Pakistan to moving more than a half-million passengers throughout U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility this year, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing members can now add another accomplishment to their list -- performing airdrop missions in support of

  • AF Reserve band brings holiday cheer to veterans

    The Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve's Brass Quintet performed for veterans at the Carl Vinson Veterans Administration Medical Center Dec. 13 here. The Reserve Brass ensemble performed four miniconcerts of holiday carols and sing alongs. "This visit is just a small way of saying thanks to veterans

  • Gates urges Congress to pass omnibus appropriation bill

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urged Congress Dec. 16 to approve an omnibus appropriation bill rather than requiring the Defense Department to operate under a year-long continuing resolution."To do otherwise would leave the department without the resources and flexibility needed to meet vital

  • Air Force Research Laboratory engineer receives Harold Brown Award

    A senior scientist from Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., received the 2010 Harold Brown Award Dec. 15 for her breakthrough research in pioneering new infrared technology that will augment aircraft defense and impact numerous Defense Department systems .Dr. Candace Lynch strengthened aircraft

  • Communications Airmen prove vital to Regional Command-West mission

    Imagine a small group of elite Soldiers on patrol in the mountains of the northern Herat province of Afghanistan coming under heavy attack by a large group of insurgents.What if these outnumbered and outgunned Soldiers called back to camp for close-air support but found no answer on the receiving

  • Airman wins for big IDEA

    It wasn't a contest or a lucky roll of the dice that earned Tech. Sgt. Justin Burt $7,633; it was a good idea.The 28th Maintenance Squadron structural maintenance craftsman was rewarded because he thought of a new way to repair the rubber seals on a B-1B Lancer's landing gear doors. He received a

  • Recruiting, retention stay high throughout services

    Recruitment and retention remained high throughout the services for the first two months of the fiscal year, with only the Air National Guard missing its accessions goal, according to numbers released by Pentagon officials Dec. 15.All four active-duty services met or exceeded their numerical

  • 'Today's Air Force' features birth of military aviation

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" features the 100th anniversary of Lt. Benjamin Foulois' first solo flight, which marked the birth of military aviation. Tune in for a look at some of the major aviation milestones from the past century and the men who achieved them.The 30-minute, weekly news show

  • Lesser-known UCMJ offenses

    Some Airmen destroy promising careers, and it's not always because they are caught stealing, using drugs or misusing their government computer. Having served as a prosecutor, defense attorney and military judge, I've seen people lose their careers for many reasons: from voyeurism to disloyal

  • Deadline for aerospace awards draws near

    The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 Air Force Association aerospace awards to the Air Force Personnel Center is Feb. 1.The aerospace awards recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to national defense in a variety of fields.These awards include:Theodore Von Karman

  • AMC commander signs order prohibiting use of spice

    Gen. Raymond Johns, Jr., the commander of the Air Mobility Command, signed a general order Nov. 2 prohibiting the use of intoxicating substances, including spice.The order bans AMC members, including those assigned to tenant units, active duty on temporary duty on an AMC base, Air Force Reserve on

  • Military members, veterans with disabilities learn life-changing skills

    More than 120 wounded military personnel, disabled veterans and their families traveled to Walt Disney World in Orlando for the 6th Annual Road to Recovery Conference.  The conference took place from Dec. 7 to Dec. 11.  The week-long event was presented by The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes

  • Most housing rates dip for 2011 as pay, subsistence increase

    Most military housing allowance rates will decrease slightly for 2011, but servicemembers will receive, on average, as much or slightly more money than they did this year, Defense Department officials said Dec. 15.Cheryl Anne Woehr, a housing allowance program analyst, said overall rates are fairly

  • Culture and language center to expand production of field guides

    The Air Force Language, Region and Culture Program Office will increase field guide production to provide Airmen an understanding of the cultural concepts necessary to meet mission requirements in the region to which they are deployed, officials said here Dec. 15. The framework of the field guides

  • New 'bird' finds home with 76th AS

    Members of the 76th Airlift Squadron here receieved a C-37A Dec. 7 to help increase the flying capabilities of the distinguished visitor mission.The new aircraft is the military version of the Gulfstream V ultra-long-range-business aircraft and is the first C-37A to be stationed here. The C-37A

  • Photo essay: Mountain Home AFB F-15s with an eagle eye

    An F-15SG and two F-15E Strike Eagles sit on the flightline here Dec. 6. The fighters are equipped with a low-altitude navigation and targeting infrared for night system, which allows the aircraft to fly at low altitudes, at night and in any weather conditions, to attack ground targets with a

  • Application deadline approaching for Warrior Games

    The application deadline for the 2011 Warrior Games is Jan. 11. With the holidays approaching, Air Force officials encourage qualifying Airmen to submit applications as soon as possible.Warrior Games is an Olympic-style competition open to wounded, ill and injured military members and veterans "The

  • Commander retires after 41 years of service

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen bid farewell to Gen. Roger A. Brady, the USAFE commander since 2008, who retired Dec. 13, as the longest-serving Air Force officer currently on active duty. "Being the commander of USAFE is really something; it just doesn't get much better than this," General Brady

  • Dec. 11 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with Operation New Dawn partners in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

  • Dec. 10 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with Operation New Dawn partners in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

  • Dec. 9 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with Operation New Dawn partners in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

  • Dec. 8 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with Operation New Dawn partners in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

  • Dec. 7 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with Operation New Dawn partners in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

  • Air Force leaders stress safety during the holidays

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following holiday safety message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:During this holiday season, we extend our sincere appreciation for your

  • Air Force emergency managers "walk the walk"

    A team of 481 Air Force emergency managers representing all the major commands, recently joined 2,000 of their colleagues at the 58th annual International Association of Emergency Managers conference in San Antonio.This year's IAEM conference theme was, "Talk the Talk, now Walk the Walk," and the

  • Officials complete GPS software upgrade ahead of schedule

    Officials with the 2nd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo., have completed their sustainment software release for the GPS operational control segment ground system ahead of schedule. The software release, which was scheduled to be complete in early January 2011, was accomplished ahead

  • Teen center raises tilapia for Union Gospel Mission

    Teens attending the Fairchild Teen Center here are raising Tilapia -- a freshwater fish -- that will help feed homeless people year-round at the Spokane Union Gospel Mission.The youth program here is very active in supporting various efforts to improve quality of life for people on base and in the

  • Hickam AFB Airman found dead in Philippines

    An Airman assigned to the 647th Security Forces Squadron here died Dec. 7 in the Philippines. Master Sgt. Michael A. Lee, a security forces flight chief and native of Rocky Mount, Va., died from an apparent heart attack after collapsing while on leave in Manila, Philippines. The incident is under

  • Missile defense test delayed

    The Missile Defense Agency ground-based interceptor flight test, scheduled for Dec. 14, has been delayed due to poor weather conditions downrange. The flight test has been rescheduled for Dec. 15, with a launch window from 8 a.m. to noon, E.T.The ground-based interceptor test will defend against an

  • National prevention month highlights dangers of drunken driving

    As the end-of-year holidays approach, Airmen, like the rest of America, are busy planning, shopping and preparing for those few days when family and friends gather to relax and celebrate. Some may not care to think about tragedy at this time, but December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving

  • Nobel Prize winner visits, thanks AMC

    During a visit to Air Mobility Command Headquarters here Dec. 9, Nobel Prize winner Dr. Samuel Ting praised AMC for its recent support in delivering the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer from Geneva, Switzerland, to Cape Canaveral, Fla.Doctor Ting, the 1976 Nobel Prize winner in physics, provided a

  • TRICARE assistance program is here for beneficiaries during the holidays

    The holidays are a great opportunity to bond with family members and reconnect with old friends, but this time of year can also present significant stress, particularly if a loved one is deployed for the holidays. An empty seat at the dinner table, holiday shopping minus one or unwrapped gifts under

  • Airman aims to help others during holiday season

    It's not unusual for Maj. John Thomas to come home with beat up old bicycles.In the old, discarded bikes he finds in dumpsters, he sees a few more good years that could benefit some other child or adult, said Major Thomas, the 721st Mission Support Group chief of plans and programs. He takes the

  • Brain tumor survivor cross-trains to aid recovery, improve health

    Tech. Sgt. Carmen Colon-Alemany knew what to expect going into her second brain surgery. She'd been on the operating table before when the doctors first found a mass on the left side of her brain, around her temple, and when an aneurysm that hadn't burst was removed.This second surgery, five years

  • Reservist awarded the Airman's Medal for off-duty heroism

    An Air Force reservist pulled injured and panicking passengers from a smoking airliner that crashed upon takeoff December 2008. For his heroic actions, the 10th Air Force commander presented this Airman with an Airman's Medal here Dec. 10.The military decoration is awarded for "heroism not involving

  • New program connects wounded warriors with loved ones

    Members of the 455th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility staff teamed up with Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Communication Squadron to offer wounded warriors a way to communicate with loved ones as the wounded warriors make their journey home.The 455th ECS completed the installation of a

  • Computers to replace paper technical orders on Robins AFB flightline

    Within the next four years, laptop computers will be as important to aircraft mechanics here as wrenches and screwdrivers. Many Robins AFB mechanics are leading the way in the first test of "e-tools." That's the term used for the 300 laptops deployed on the flightline in the last 12 months to help

  • Officials seek enlisted for AFIT degree program

    Air Force Institute of Technology officials are offering six NCOs the opportunity to pursue an advanced science, engineering or management degree at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The NCOs will be selected in February to attend the Enlisted-to-AFIT program. The program is designed to provide

  • Davis-Monthan AFB Airman passes

    Senior Airman Brian D. Smith, 23, assigned to the 923rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., was pronounced dead after a vehicle accident Dec. 11. Airman Smith was an active duty assistant crew chief. He enlisted into the Air Force in July 2007 and arrived at

  • NMFA honors military families, names family of the year

    An Air Force family was named the National Military Family Association's 2010 Family of the Year Dec. 7, for selfless service to the nation and the community.The association honored a family from each service before announcing that the Mullin family, of Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, had earned the

  • Caring for People Survey still open

    Air Force members looking to voice their concerns about community support programs and services still have time to complete the 2010 Caring for People Survey.The survey allows total-force Airmen, civilians, retirees and spouses an opportunity to tell Air Force leaders how they can better address

  • Photo essay: Moody A-10s prepare for Green Flag West

    Airmen from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., check out their A-10 Thunderbolt IIs in preparation for the Green Flag-West exercise here Dec. 6 - 10. Green Flag-West provides a realistic air-land integration training environment for forces preparing to support worldwide combat operations.View the slideshow.

  • AFRC commander presents Air Force Marathon trophy

    The commander of Air Force Reserve Command officially presented the 2010 Air Force Marathon Major Command Challenge trophy to AFRC members Dec. 9.Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr. put the 2-foot tall trophy on display during the headquarters commander's call at the Robins AFB Museum of Aviation."I

  • USAFE welcomes new commander

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen welcomed a new commander with the arrival of Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, who assumed command during a ceremony here Dec. 13. "This command is in great shape," General Welsh said. "My goal is just to make things even better than they have been in the past."General Welsh

  • Global Strike Command units assist Navy in powering mission

    Members of the 509th and 131st Logistic Readiness Squadrons here loaded more than $30 million of Los Angeles-class submarine batteries on DC-8 cargo aircraft  Dec. 4 and 6 in support of naval operations in the Pacific.Air Force Global Strike Command officials received a call requesting batteries for

  • Nurse commissioning program officials seek enlisted applicants

    Air Force officials are seeking active-duty enlisted Airmen to apply for the fall 2011 Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program.The program offers enlisted members an opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in a high-need academic major. Air Force Personnel Center officials will conduct the annual NECP

  • New technology could save base millions

    Engineers here could soon be using an emerging technology to help clean the environment and save the Air Force money.Officials with the Robins Air Force Base Energy Office are conducting feasibility studies on the use of plasma arc technology, which offers environmentally safe measures for waste

  • Air Force leaders issue holiday message

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send the following holiday message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:As we celebrate the holidays, please take the opportunity to reflect on our many blessings

  • Guardsmen, Reservists can nominate employers for awards

    Reserve-component servicemembers still have time to nominate their employers for the 2011 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The award is the Defense Department's highest honor for employers who provide exceptional support for employees who serve in the National Guard or

  • Directors: Air Guard, Army Guard are cost-effective forces

    We are trained to the same standards of the active duty Air Force, we are available and on call 365 days a year, and it doesn't cost the taxpayer a thing until the governor picks up the phone, the director of the Air National Guard said Dec. 8 at the Reserve Officer Association here."I think that's

  • New 3-D retina imaging equipment improves care

    Members of the 23rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron optometry flight here recently conducted training with a new piece of equipment that helps them diagnose ocular diseases and announce Airmen as ready for duty. The high-definition optical coherence tomography machine allows optometrists to clearly see

  • 820th Base Defense Group heads to Afghanistan

    A group of Airmen from the 820th Base Defense Group recently deployed to Afghanistan for the first time under the new unit name.The hand-selected group of Airmen will deploy to an air base in Afghanistan for about six months.The 820th BDG is the first Air Force unit designed specifically to provide

  • TRICARE beneficiaries have many options to prepare for flu season

    TRICARE officials urge their 9.6 million beneficiaries to take preventive steps to stop the spread of the flu. Seasonal influenza is a contagious respiratory virus that many beneficiaries may already have been exposed to throughout the year. The 2010 through 2011 flu vaccine will protect against