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  • Kadena recovers from Typhoon Jelawat

    Despite predictions from various weather sources that Typhoon Jelawat would overlook Okinawa, Kadena Air Base was pounded with an estimated 23 inches of heavy rain fall for nearly 24 hours and experienced sustained winds greater than 85 mph last weekend."Initially, the typhoon was expected to flow

  • Active-duty Airmen can pass education benefits to dependents

    More than 86,000 active duty Air Force members have transferred Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits to dependent family members since the benefit transfer program was implemented in August 2009. However, many who did so were unfamiliar with the process and ended up in a difficult situation, while

  • Sister-service PME provides valuable joint tool

    As part of a career broadening opportunity, a new nomination and selection process to attend sister-service enlisted professional military education (EPME) courses has been established for senior non-commissioned officers."The significance rests with the transformation from a first-come,

  • Davis-Monthan, Spangdahlem earn top lodging honors

    Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., took top honors in the 2012 Air Force Innkeeper Award competition, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced Oct. 4.Annually, Air Force and commercial lodging professionals evaluate nominated organizations for customer

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Building partnerships by building a school

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)The driver pulled down a small side street busy with activity and I realized my finger was already set on the shutter release button of my camera. I was

  • Welsh honors two Airmen from AFMAO

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III recognized two team members from Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations during a recent speech at the annual Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C.Master Sgt. Antoinette Worthey and Senior Airman

  • Airmen showcase C-17 to New Zealanders

    Thousands of New Zealanders visited the Christchurch International Airport for a chance to get a glimpse inside the cockpit of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, which deployed to Christchurch from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Sep. 29 in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2012.Airmen from the 62nd

  • Retroactive Stop Loss application deadline nears

    Airmen eligible for the Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Program have until Oct. 21 to apply, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.The program benefits retired and former Air Force members who were involuntarily held on active duty beyond their enlistment period or their approved retirement or

  • 'REEP'ing the rewards of energy conservation

    More than $6 million was spent on base housing utilities in 2011 here and Royal Air Force Feltwell. The 48th Civil Engineer Squadron housing office staff members are looking to reduce that number with the Resident Energy Efficiency Program they began Oct. 1.The REEP initiative is a three-month-long

  • One family, one mission, a lifetime of readiness

    "I was riding on a bus watching kids walking home from school when the earthquake hit us," Staff Sgt. Alicia McQuay, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management NCO in charge, reminisces. "One minute, everything's normal, the next minute kids are running around screaming and I'm wondering,

  • Air Force stands up single unit to execute global CE operations

    Air Force leaders activated a single unit that will execute the civil engineering mission worldwide during a ceremony here Oct. 1.The Air Force Civil Engineer Center, a new CE field operating agency, merges the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment and Air Force Real Property Agency,

  • 'Today's Air Force' showcases AFA conference, multinational C-17 operations

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on Sept. 28.In the first segment, Airman 1st Class Daniel Burkhardt gives viewers an inside look at the Air Force Association's Technology Exposition and Conference. During the second segment, Staff Sgt. John Archiquette heads to

  • Special Tactics Airmen earn Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart

    When the critical moment came there was courage. There was courage from an Airman who moved into the line of fire to retrieve bodies of fallen Afghan commandos. One Airman risked sniper fire to call in air support and another Airman continued to fight despite shrapnel wounds from a hand

  • AF leaders encourage energy savings in latest 'Letter to Airmen'

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy issued a tri-signature "Letter to Airmen" on Sept. 28.As part of Energy Action Month this October, the Air Force's top three leaders

  • Yokota Airman dies

    A U.S. Air Force service member stationed at Yokota was found by Japanese police at 6:25 a.m., Oct. 1, and was transported to an off-base hospital and pronounced dead. The Airman's name is being withheld until 24 hours after next-of-kin notification.More information will be released as it becomes

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Louisiana native helps bring service members home

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)"Get seated as fast as possible, we have to fill this jet all the way up," said the loadmaster, giving directions to the passengers who had just entered

  • Airmen honor Belgian Malinois

    A Belgian Malinois became the first military working dog honored by the 341st Training Squadron for her heroic actions while assigned to a U.S. Special Forces unit in Afghanistan.Layka, an almost 3-year-old female, was recognized Sept. 12 at Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland, Texas, for saving

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Father, son reconnect after a year apart

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Finding time to travel home to their family can be a challenge for many service members due to the sporadic movement and occasional deployments a

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Keesler medic wins research award

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Growing up in a small town outside Birmingham, Ala., a 1990 graduate from Hewitt-Trussville High School did not know that his life would be forever

  • 4-wheelin' provides active therapy for wounded warriors

    Airmen from the Washington area have found a unique way to help wounded warriors, one that takes them out of the daily grind, far removed from their normal surroundings.Tucked away in the backwoods of northwest Virginia, about 90 miles from Washington, a non-profit organization called "4 wheel to

  • 2012 Caring for People Forum addresses issues affecting Airmen, families

    The 2012 Caring for People Forum concluded here Sept. 27 with a presentation of initiatives to members of the Air Force's Community Action Information Board and Integrated Delivery System.Since its establishment in 2009, the Caring for People Forum has evolved into a two-day seminar during

  • Airman missing from WWII identified

    The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Samuel E. Lunday, of Marianna,

  • Crew chiefs shine under dangerous conditions

    Two Airmen from the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron were recently coined by wing leadership for their work in helping to prevent the spread of a potentially disastrous fire involving a B-52H Stratofortress. The situation all began during a routine B-52 landing procedure when crew chiefs Senior

  • Job reservation program continues through FY13

    The Air Force career job reservation program will continue through fiscal year 2013, with more than 1,000 Airmen from 30 career fields likely to be affected, Air Force officials announced today.The CJR program is implemented to help control the number of first-term Airmen allowed to reenlist in

  • OSD visit provides joint basing perspective

    Often, when the words "joint-basing" are spoken in conversations between service members, they invoke myriad responses. This was certainly the case as the Joint Base Langley-Eustis concept was discussed in depth between senior leaders from both Langley Air Force Base and Fort Eustis, Va., and the

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos 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.

  • Lodging rates increase Oct. 1

    After four years without a rate increase, Air Force lodging rates will go up beginning Oct. 1, Air Force Personnel Center Officials said today. The increase is necessary to ensure Air Force Lodging rates cover current operating and capital improvement costs, said Maj. Gen. A.J. Stewart, AFPC

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Hero's story comes to life

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)He was 13 years old when he received a copy of the book "Into the Mouth of the Cat" from his father. Capt. Jason Powell didn't know it then, but the

  • Carter visits F-16 international training school

    Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter visited the 162nd Fighter Wing at Tucson International Airport here Sept. 26 to learn about international F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft pilot training.The Arizona Air National Guard was one of several stops Carter made throughout the Tucson area."It was very

  • Nellis helps Make-A-Wish come true

    There are many people who wish for the opportunity to see the home of the fighter pilot.With the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Georgious Kalevrosoglou, an 18-year-old from Greece, diagnosed with leukemia, was able to do just that.Members of the 57th Wing gave Kalevrosoglou and his family a

  • Space shuttle arrives home for one last 'endeavor'

    For the Edwards community who has been actively involved in NASA's Space Shuttle program since flight testing began in the 1970's, it was a bittersweet day when Space Shuttle Endeavour arrived one last time Sept. 20, piggy-backed on NASA's Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.When the SCA departed

  • Maxwell Airman receives $10K through IDEA Program

    Recently, an Air Force Integrated Maintenance Data System computer programmer received a $10,000 check from the Air Force Innovative Development through Employee Awareness Program. In February, Senior Airman Zachariah Grummons from the Program Executive Office-Business Enterprise System, submitted

  • Natick Center strives to improve combat ration quality, taste

    The Meal, Ready to Eat could go the way of the World War II-era C-ration and spinoffs of it that the MRE replaced almost 30 years ago. Jeannette Kennedy and her team at the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center here relentlessly pursue the tastier, more universally acceptable

  • CSAF kicks off 'Caring for People' forum

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III offered remarks to more than 100 Air Force and civilian leaders here as he opened the 2012 Caring for People forum at Joint Base Andrews Sept. 26.Split into four working groups, forum attendees are slated to spend the next two days discussing

  • 734th AMS supports Valiant Shield 12

    Airmen from the 734th Air Mobility Squadron brought their support during Exercise Valiant Shield 2012 here, Sept. 11 to 17.This year, the 734th AMS received and downloaded 416 tons of cargo, 796 passengers and received 48 inbound aircraft."We all feel a great deal of pride from participating and

  • Airmen build, repair houses at North Pole

    Eielson volunteers donned hard-hats and wielded construction equipment recently to help build housing for local Alaskans through the nonprofit program Habitat for Humanity.Members from the 354th Contracting Squadron volunteered with the program, which operates on a global scale to build houses for

  • Airmen certified for F-35 engine runs

    An Airman seated in an aircraft, surrounded by electronic displays, surveys the cockpit of an F-35A Lightning II and begins rehearsed procedures that now feel comfortable. He feels the jet's familiar rumble below as the engine roars to life on the flightline. If you imagined the person in the seat

  • GARNET breaks mold on guard, reserve careers

    Col. Ed Vaughan has made a career out of finding innovative solutions to challenging problems. Now, the Colorado Air National Guard officer has his sights set on a serious issue confronting members of the military's reserve components."Guardsmen and reservists of all branches have hybrid careers,"

  • Emergency management: Prepared for the fight

    When disaster strikes an Air Force base, whether a typhoon or an enemy attack, the mission must go on.Emergency management specialists at Kunsan Air Base develop plans to make sure Airmen here will keep the mission going, no matter what happens. "Keeping everyone trained and ready is extremely

  • Lancers, Falcons share South Dakota skies

    The skies above Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., are routinely filled with B-1 bombers, but during Sept. 17 to 21, base bombers shared the airspace and ramp area with several South Dakota Air National Guard F-16s during a Guard training exercise. The 114th Fighter Wing Fighting Lobos headquartered in

  • 'Multidimensional' approach to energy initiative

    A panel of energy experts met at the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 17 to discuss the service's progress in meeting the Defense Department's energy goals.Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy Dr. Kevin Geiss said the service is

  • Commander addresses military training investigation report

    Gen. Edward A. Rice, Jr., commander of Air Education and Training Command, released a statement Sept. 21 about the scope of ongoing criminal investigations at Air Force Basic Military Training as well as the external Commander Directed Investigation he ordered in June: "I have just concluded several

  • World War II veterans share memories during conference

    The first snow of the winter blanketed the German landscape below his P-51 Mustang, and as the young World War II pilot flew alongside others in formation, he noticed an important detail. "There were two silver aircraft and two painted with the green camouflage flying alongside me," said retired

  • Retired, separated wounded warriors can still pursue CCAF degrees

    Air Force combat-related wounded warriors wishing to continue their Community College of the Air Force education can now do so after separating or retiring thanks to provisions in the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act. This legislative change supports the secretary of the Air Force's priority

  • Never forget: World War II Airman, POW shares story of resiliency

    Two flags wave in the wind of his front yard. The first is the U.S. flag, the symbol of his country. The second is the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag, the symbol of his sacrifice.His living room is decorated in combat medals, including the Purple Heart and Prisoner of War medal. They are

  • Slideshow: Phantom in the water

    The Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson Crash Recovery Unit and Anchorage Port Authority removed an F-4 Phantom II fuel tank that was embedded in the harbor bank here Sept. 18.Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson Airmen and the Port of Anchorage worked together to safely remove the external fuel tank, which

  • Comptroller: Sequestration Would Devastate Defense Spending

    Sequestration will devastate every aspect of Defense Department spending, from fighting the war in Afghanistan and supporting troop health and morale to training, maintenance and modernization, and carrying out the defense strategic guidance, Pentagon Comptroller Robert F. Hale said here Sept.

  • More than 900 rally to support wingman's cause

    Kadena Air Base Airmen registered more than 900 potential bone marrow donors in a bid to try to save one of their own.More than 20 squadrons and community organizations, like the Airmen Committed to Excellence, volunteered more than 100 hours at nine registration sites during the five-day campaign

  • KC-46 enters critical design review phase

    The Air Force KC-46A program director described the critical development phases of the next-generation refueling aircraft during the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C., Sept. 18.Maj. Gen. John F. Thompson, program executive officer for

  • IDS agencies team up to teach life skills to new Airmen

    The opportunity for approximately 150 Airmen to learn more about personal finance, team building, stress management and relationships was made possible by a new pilot program aimed at providing Airmen with tools to enhance their overall life-skills knowledge base.Through collaboration between the

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos 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.

  • ANG director discusses way forward

    Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, the director of the Air National Guard, spoke about mission readiness and other challenges facing the ANG in future years to attendees of the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technical Exposition here Tuesday, Sept. 18.Wyatt discussed how the ANG

  • CMSAF: 'Be the best, know your Airmen, tell your story'

    Reflecting on more than 30 years of Air Force service, the chief master sergeant of the Air Force said the future lies with our Airmen. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy made the comments in a speech focusing on the "Enlisted Perspective" at the conclusion of the three-day Air Force

  • Partnerships develop Air Force youth

    Gail Donley, Betty Welsh and Paula Roy, respective spouses of the Air Force secretary, Air Force chief of staff and chief master sergeant of the Air Force, attended the 2nd Annual Air Force Family Forum here Sept. 17, hosted by the Air Force Association. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley

  • Air Force leaders offer perspectives at four-star forum

    Twelve Air Force senior leaders leveraged their candor and experience to share insight and answer questions regarding the service as it enters a new era of leadership. The panelists assembled on the final day of the 2012 Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here

  • 'Teammates wanted' to deliver future

    Killer apps, unprecedented success and a budget-requirements conundrum lead U.S. Air Force Space Command commander, Gen. William L. Shelton, to announce 'teammates wanted' during his remarks at the Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 18.The Air Force Association, an

  • Personnel chief: Road ahead for Airmen tough, but bright

    Adapting to a joint environment along with a changing world of a younger force, budget cuts and manpower drawdowns was the focus of the Air Force's personnel chief during the Air Force Association's Air and Space Exhibition and Conference here Sept. 17.Lt. Gen. Darrell Jones, deputy chief of staff

  • U.S. citizens overseas urged to vote

    With the 2012 national election less than 60 days away, Air Force officials are encouraging service members and U.S. citizens stationed overseas to request their absentee ballots.National Election Day is Nov. 6, and since many service members and their families are stationed or deployed overseas,

  • 36th Wing provides consistent evac support in Asia-Pacific

    With tsunami threats recently pervading the Asia-Pacific region, the 36th Wing here has been actively exercising its capabilities of providing evacuation support to neighboring bases while simultaneously accommodating some of the largest joint and coalition exercises in the region."This year the

  • Air Force officials outline cyber capabilities in today's fight

    The director of cyberspace operations for the Air Force discussed the service's cyber capabilities and their importance in the joint fight during the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 18.Maj. Gen. Earl D. Matthews explained the cyber mission's

  • AF is transforming how it provides services

    The Air Force Personnel Center is transforming how it provides morale, welfare and recreation services, and the type of programs it offers.AFPC is taking a tailored approach to ensure Airmen around the world have what they need and want, rather than the same programs that have traditionally been

  • Secretary of Defense visits Yokota

    U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta addressed more than 300 joint service members at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 17, 2012. Panetta visited the base to personally thank service members and to discuss a variety of issues that the U.S. military faces."We're a country that continues to face threats

  • CSAF talks Air Force innovation, evolution at AFA Conference

    The Air Force chief of staff spoke about the current state of the service during the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 18.Gen. Mark A. Welsh III recognized the Air Force's birthday, giving tribute to airpower icons and sharing the stories of

  • Air Force recognizes 2012 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    The 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year attended a recognition reception and dinner hosted by the 2012 Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17.The Airmen were lauded for demonstrating "outstanding leadership, job performance, community involvement and

  • AF Reserve commander praises total force

    The Air Force Reserve Command's highest ranking officer discussed the virtues of total force integration in remarks at the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 18. Lt. Gen. James Jackson, chief of Air Force Reserve and the Air Force Reserve Command

  • AFLINK mobile app keeps people connected to everything Air Force

    Staying connected and keeping up with the latest news and information has never been easier for America's Airmen. On the Air Force's 65th birthday, Sept. 18, officials announced that the service has released a mobile application designed to keep Airmen, families, retirees, recruits and the public

  • First week of RARO 12 wraps up

    The first week of live training at Ramstein Rover 2012 ended Sept. 16 here. RARO 12 is a NATO exercise focused on preparing forward air controllers to support ground commanders in Afghanistan within the next year. Multiple nations are participating, including the U.S., Czech Republic, United

  • ISR chief stresses importance of turning data into information

    How would you handle 1.8 petabytes of information? Imagine, your average laptop computer has one gigabyte of memory, so 1.8 petabytes would be like having 1.8 million laptops of memory begging for attention.That was just one example provided by Lt. Gen. Larry D. James, Deputy Chief of Staff for

  • Donley talks sequestration, explains AF budget plans

    The threat of sequestration continues to overhang "all budget decisions across the federal government," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley here Sept. 17.During his keynote remarks at the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition, Donley conveyed the

  • Shinseki: VA honors 'exceptional Americans'

    The Airmen of today's United States Air Force display the same guts, determination and skill as their forebears in the wars of earlier eras, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said today at the Air Force Association's annual meeting.Service members stepped forward to repel the surprise

  • SecAF: Caring for Airmen top priority

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley used his keynote speech at the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17 to discuss the importance of caring for Airmen."Whatever the intensity of our nation's demands, in war or in peace, we have an abiding

  • AFPC works to improve unemployment compensation process

    Half-a-dozen personnelists here recently completed a rapid improvement event to review Air Force management of the nonappropriated fund, appropriated fund and military unemployment compensation programs, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Last year, AFPC requested an official audit of the

  • SecAF highlights 'state of force' at AFA conference

    In his keynote address at the 2012 Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley discussed major service accomplishments over the last 12 months and the Air Force's strategic way ahead.Donley said the Air Force's

  • Air Force leaders welcome attendees to annual conference

    In a ceremony steeped in military tradition, Air Force senior leaders welcomed thousands to the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17, a day before the service's 65th birthday."Being here gives us a chance to step away from the daily thrash and

  • Leaders to committee: Air Force on track for 2014 auditability deadline

    Leaders from each armed service and the Defense Department testified Sept. 14 to the House Armed Services Committee about the DOD's efforts to become auditable by 2014.The original auditable date was 2017, but Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta accelerated that goal in late 2011 by setting a DOD-wide

  • Total force effort brings people home after Libyan attack

    A C-17 Globemaster III answered the urgent call to fly 36 passengers to safety out of Libya following the attack on the U.S. consulate Sept. 12 that had resulted in the death of the U.S. ambassador and three others. The aircraft was under the command and control of the 618th Air and Space Operations

  • 'Today's Air Force' goes from New Mexico to near space

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Sept. 14.In the first block, Tech. Sgt. Anthony Gomez introduces viewers to college football players who got a taste of basic military training. Later, Airman 1st Class Mari Moxley gives an update on Holloman Air Force Base's

  • Air Force announces OTS selection board results

    A total of 398 men and women from across America have earned an opportunity to become Air Force leaders following their selection for an officer's commission, officials here announced Sept. 14.Air Force Recruiting Service officials considered 507 applications as part of the Officer Training School

  • AFPC officials automate ADSC process

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here are developing new procedures for leveraging information technology to automatically transfer completed Active Duty Service Commitment acknowledgement statements into the Automated Records Management System.The current ADSC processing method includes a few

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photos 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.

  • Leaders issue Air Force birthday message

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:As we celebrate the United States Air Force's 65th birthday, we salute all of the

  • Alaska Reserve F-22 unit becomes fully operational

    The 477th Fighter Group here reached a readiness milestone Sept. 9 when Col. Bryan Radliff, 477th FG commander, announced that the group had achieved fully operational capable status."Fully operation capable means that we are ready and able to execute our wartime tasking," said Radliff. "With our

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: NCO finds restorative hobby

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)If you ask, most men will tell you that their "man-cave" is their sanctuary. The man-cave is mostly a place to hang out with friends or simply "be boys."

  • Vandenberg launch unit 'small squadron with big responsibilities'

    3...2...1... and we have lift off. Members of the 4th Space Launch Squadron know the feeling of launch day excitement and stress and are currently preparing to get revved up again for the Atlas V launch scheduled for Sept. 13."We are a small squadron," said Maj. Joseph Howerton, 4th SLS Atlas V

  • F-35A maintenance training on track

    As the Air Force begins its Operational Utility Evaluation of the F-35A Lightning II, maintenance training to support the joint strike fighter is also preparing for key program milestones.Though the first "pipeline" students -- basic military training graduates -- don't begin training until January

  • Deployed Airmen build Azerbaijan partnership through mutual respect

    A traveling contact team consisting of 10 435th Contingency Response Group Airmen and the U.S. Air Force Europe Country Desk Officer journeyed to Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 2-8. The team led an exchange event focusing on airfield management, airspace management and base communication architecture to

  • AF joins NATO partners in Ramstein Rover 2012

    The U.S. Air Force joins 15 other nations in Ramstein Rover 2012 here from Sept. 5-22. RARO 12 is a NATO exercise focusing on forward air control and close air support capabilities. A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, out of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, are flying throughout the

  • National Guard vital to Africa Command mission

    "We in Africa Command rely on members of the Army and Air National Guard every day to accomplish our mission," Army Gen. Carter Ham told attendees at the 134th National Guard Association of the United States General Conference."The National Guard -- its Soldiers and Airmen -- are essential

  • Airmen wrap up Winfly on the 'ice'

    Despite operating in harsh conditions and experiencing multiple weather delays, the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, comprised of Airmen from the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings at McChord Field, completed its winter flying period into McMurdo Station, Antarctica Aug. 29, in support of the U.S.

  • First F-35 training commander: 'This jet is our future'

    Five months of flying the Air Force's newest fighter jet has left one Airman convinced of the aircraft's substantial combat capability.Lt. Col. Lee Kloos is the commander of the 58th Fighter Squadron, the Defense Department's first F-35 Lightning II training squadron, located at Eglin Air Force

  • Security forces Airmen train with British counterparts

    Airmen from the 100th Security Forces Squadron joined ranks with British counterparts from 15 Squadron, RAF Honington; No. 2 Tactical Police Squadron, RAF Henlow; and No. 7 Force Protection Wing Headquarters, RAF Coningsby Aug. 28 to Sept. 6 at Stanford Training Area, more commonly known as STANTA,

  • Airmen urged to reenlist, extend before MilPDS upgrade

    Air Force officials are urging Regular Air Force Airmen who are eligible to reenlist or extend their current enlistment in December and early Jan. 2013 to complete these personnel actions through the myPers website and their base military personnel sections or force support squadrons by Nov. 15 to

  • Air Evac Airmen test capabilities on new airframe

    Airmen from the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron tested their aeromedical evacuation capabilities on a new airframe here Sept. 3.The civilian Gulfstream III, or G3, provides the range and speed needed to reach different parts of Africa and Eurasia in a day, something the C-21 and some of the

  • 731st AMS completes MRAP mission

    Airmen from the 731st Air Mobility Squadron were key players recently in the first delivery of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles to U.S. Forces in Korea. The squadron helped deliver the first five MRAP vehicles to U.S. Army units stationed on the peninsula in early July 2012 for use in

  • New AFSC coming for AFSOC enlisted aircrew

    Almost 470 flight engineers, aerial gunners and loadmasters who fly Air Force Special Operations Command's CV-22, AC-130 and Non-Standard Aviation aircraft are transitioning to one Air Force specialty code, 1A9X1 Special Mission Aviation starting in November. Master Sgt. Ben Lerman, AFSOC's aerial

  • Silver Star presented for fallen Airman's 'gallantry in action'

    Dressed in a silver and black dress, 3-year-old Chloe Smith stood beside her mother, Tiffany, as they accepted a Silver Star award today in honor of Senior Airman Bradley R. Smith who was killed in action at the age of 24 in Afghanistan Jan. 3, 2010.Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, 9th Air Force commander,