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U.S. Air Force News

  • Photo essay: Japan's aftermath

    A joint team of Airmen and Marines fly over the Sendai Airport here March 13 to survey the aftermath of the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck the region. The service members are assisting with Japan's earthquake and tsunami recovery effort.View the slideshow.

  • Cultural exchange strengthens U.S., Thailand, Singpore relations

    Airmen from the U.S., Thailand and Singapore participated in a cultural exchange event March 14, at Ang Huay Yang School in Korat, Thailand, as part of Cope Tiger 2011, a multilateral joint and combined field training exercise.Each year, exercise Cope Tiger's community outreach programs enable

  • Air Force officials use Global Hawk to support Japan relief efforts

    Pacific Air Forces officials are using an RQ-4 Global Hawk from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to assist Japan responders in disaster relief and recovery efforts, following the March 11 earthquake and the resulting tsunami off the eastern coast of Japan.The Global Hawk, a high-altitude,

  • Air advisory firefighters key to AAF future

    Afghan airmen are frequently seen piloting Afghan air force MI-17 helicopters throughout the Herat Province.However, at Shindand Air Base, they've discovered it takes more than pilots to keep their air force moving forward and are learning self-sustaining support skills.Deployed Airmen and their

  • Symposium offers military women chance to connect, empower and succeed

    Military women from across the nation have gathered here March 15 and 16 to focus on professional development during the 24th Annual Joint Women's Leadership Symposium. This is the first time Airmen joined the ranks of the more than 1,300 women at this event. The symposium's theme, "Connect,

  • Carpathian Spring kicks off in Romania

    More than 70 Airmen and Soldiers headed to Romania March 14, officially marking the kickoff of Carpathian Spring 2011. The weeklong annual exercise was designed to strengthen the partnership between the U.S. and Romanian air forces, while also enhancing their individual capabilities through training

  • Environment, safety, occupational health symposium set for March

    Approximately 1,200 Airmen are set to convene in Nashville, Tennessee, March 21 through 25 for 4 1/2 days of classroom training at the Air Force's 2011 Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Training Symposium. More than 525 class sessions and 175 technical sessions in the fields of safety,

  • Yokota AB Airmen deliver fuels truck to aid Japan's relief efforts

    Senior Airman Jason Barbieri guides a fuels truck onto a C-130H Hercules March 15, 2011, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The fuels truck was taken to Yamagota Airport to support Japan's earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. Airman Barbieri is assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron. (U.S. Air Force

  • First flight a success for future Afghan flying crew chiefs

    Four Afghan airmen attached to the Kandahar Air Wing recently flew their first flights as part of the inaugural flying crew chiefs course here.The month-long course pairs U.S. flying crew chiefs and Afghan crew chief trainees and focuses on the operational capability of the MI-17 transport

  • Services 'cooks up' healthy recipe contest

    Airman and Family Services officials are sponsoring a healthy recipe contest during March in recognition of National Nutrition Month.The "Cook it Up" healthy recipe contest is open to total-force Airmen, civilians, families and retiree dependents, and is designed to encourage healthier food choices

  • Misawa Air Base recovering from earthquake

    Misawa Air Base was shaken March 11 by the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan but sustained only minor damage with no injuries or loss of life."Our focus is on the recovery of the base and assisting our Japanese allies," said Col. Michael Rothstein, the 35th Fighter Wing commander. "We will

  • AFPC officials stream developmental team outbriefs online

    Active-duty officers are now able to watch and participate in their career field's developmental team outbriefs online through the Defense Connect Online website. This initiative allows Airmen to view and ask questions to their career field's senior representatives on each DT panel."Streaming live

  • Air Force, families, Kuwaiti ambassador remember Gulf War sacrifices

     Families of service members who lost their lives in the Gulf War gathered together Mar. 13 here  to pay tribute to their loved ones as part of a 20th anniversary remembrance ceremony held at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.The commemoration honored those who gave their lives liberating the State of

  • Langley doctor receives 2011 National Public Service Award

    Col. (Dr.) Joyce Adkins, 633rd Medical Operations Squadron commander, received the 2011 National Public Service Award March 14 at the American Society for Public Administration Banquet in Baltimore."I am deeply honored," Colonel Adkins said. "The opportunity to serve and support the men and women

  • General Schwartz: Taking care of families critical to mission

    The roles and responsibilities that Airman and family readiness professionals perform on a daily basis are critical to the Air Force's ability to help defend the country, the Air Force chief of staff said March 10 here.Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife Suzie addressed more than 200 Air Force

  • Air transportation Airmen support Japan relief operations

    On March 11, an 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck Japan and a tsunami followed, creating widespread destruction throughout the country. Within a short time, U.S. service members were gearing up to support a response, and air transportation Airmen, also known as aerial porters, were no exception.Aerial

  • Chief Roy visits White House Communications Agency

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy visited the men and women of the White House Communications Agency recently. A joint agency, WHCA officials provide secure and nonsecure telecommunications and audio visual support to the president, the vice president, the U.S. Secret Service and other

  • Pacific Air Forces Airmen deploy to Japan to aid relief efforts

    A C-17 Globemaster III carrying a team of Pacific Air Force Airmen departed here March 12 to support ongoing disaster relief efforts in Japan. The team of approximately 25 Airmen from a variety of Air Force specialties, traveled to Yokota Air Base, Japan, where they will provide support to efforts

  • Airmen deploy to support relief operations

    Approximately 100 Airmen and three MC-130P Combat Shadows from the 353rd Special Operations Group deployed to Yokota Air Base March 12 to support humanitarian relief operations after an 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific Ocean off the coast of northeastern Japan March 11. The Airmen are

  • Web-based tool improves civilian career development planning

    This month, civilian employees will be able to use the updated version of the Airmen Development Plan to create career development plans.In addition to providing civilians with easier access to career guidance and mentorship, the ADP is an online collaborative tool that enables supervisors,

  • Mobility Airmen deliver search-and-rescue teams to Japan

    Two Air Mobility Command C-17 Globemaster IIIs departed the U.S. March 12 to deliver search and rescue equipment and personnel to Japan in support of humanitarian relief efforts after an earthquake and tsunami struck the island nation March 11. President Barack Obama pledged U.S. support,

  • Yokota Airmen prepare relief supplies

    Members of the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, unload cargo, March 14, 2011, as part of the earthquake and tsunami recovery effort. (U.S. Air Force photo/Osakabe Yasuo)

  • U-2 reconnaissance aircraft deployed to aid Japan relief efforts

    As Japan copes with the aftermath of the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that struck March 11, the United States has sent help in the form of personnel, equipment and a watchful eye in the sky: a U-2 high-altitude, all-weather surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft from the 5th Reconnaissance

  • Yokota civil engineers lead building renovation for relief forces

    Airmen in the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron, aided by Red Cross workers and base community volunteers, prepared lodging facilities here March 12 for inbound disaster relief forces.More than 60 Airmen and base residents worked into the evening on previously unoccupied residential building, cleaning

  • Okinawa Airmen deploy to support relief on mainland Japan

    Airmen here are mobilizing to support disaster relief operations following the earthquake and tsunami March 11 that struck mainland Japan."We are here to stand beside our Japanese allies following this tragic event," said Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, 18th Wing commander. "We are working with U.S. Forces

  • Lakenheath pays tribute to fallen Airman

    More than 500 Airmen and family members gathered in Hangar 7 here March 11 to honor the memory of Senior Airman Nicholas J. Alden.Airman Alden, a 48th Security Forces Squadron senior patrolman, was killed March 2 in a shooting at Frankfurt International Airport.The service painted a picture of a

  • Chief Etchberger honored at Air Force Memorial

    Air Force leaders joined the family of Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. Etchberger at the Air Force Memorial here March 11 to honor the war hero with the unveiling of his name on the memorial's Medal of Honor recipient wall.Air Force Secretary Michael Donley, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A.

  • SARC's Remarks: Common factors in sexual assaults

    Hearing about sexual assault may be the single most upsetting topic that commanders deal with. Currently the Hill Air Force Base community averages two sexual assaults each month and many of these involve two or more Airmen. This is a phenomenon that is hard to understand. How could someone who

  • Chief Roy: Global strike is a mission we can't forget

    The Air Force's highest-ranking enlisted Airman discussed the future of the Air Force, education, training issues, professional military education and resiliency with more than 1,400 Airmen here. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy visited March 8 for an orientation with Air Force Global

  • Kaiserslautern community remembers, celebrates fallen Airman

    Members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community and local host nation leaders gathered here March 10 to pay respect to one of their own during a memorial ceremony in Hangar 3.People from throughout the KMC joined Airmen and local nationals in the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron to bid farewell to

  • DOD, State Department officials present budgets to Senate

    Concepts of security are changing, and it is just as important to invest in diplomacy and development as it is to invest in service members and their equipment, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III told the Senate Budget Committee March 10.Mr. Lynn and Deputy Secretary of State for

  • Officials release officer cross-flow board results

    As part of the Air Force's ongoing efforts to balance the force, Air Force Personnel Center officials convened a panel Feb. 15 through 16 to select eligible nonrated line officers for cross-flow into critically manned career fields."The officer cross-flow program was implemented in 2011 as a

  • 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.

  • Air Force civil engineer visits Academy

    The Air Force civil engineer visited the U.S. Air Force Academy March 4 to speak to civil engineer officers and cadets about the state of civil engineer operations in Afghanistan and the effects of force management on the civil engineer officer corps.Maj. Gen. Timothy Byers and his staff looked at

  • Officials announce reduction-in-force eligibility criteria

    Air Force officials announced they will convene a quality-based reduction-in-force board Sept. 19 for mid-grade officers as part of their measures to reduce the number of Airmen to meet the service's congressionally authorized military end-strength levels.Officials said retaining the highest quality

  • Rescue wing Airmen launch entire fleet during hurricane exercise

    Airmen from the Air Force Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing here launched the wing's entire fleet of aircraft March 6 during their drill training weekend. The mission simulated a mass hurricane evacuation prior to the start of Florida's storm season, as well as the 920th RQW's busy deployment schedules.

  • CSAF visits Whiteman AFB, addresses changes

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz visited here March 8 to meet with Airmen and local civic leaders, and review the capabilities and readiness of this Air Force Global Strike Command base.During an all-call with total force Airmen and civilians, the general said the men and women of

  • Officials announce E-8 selection stats

    Air Force officials selected 1,274 of 12,378 eligible master sergeants for promotion to senior master sergeant for a selection rate of 10.29 percent.The average score for those selected was 665.57, with an average time in grade of 4.30 years and an average time in service of 19.76 years. The average

  • Airmen transport refugees back to Egypt

    Two Air Force C-130s will transport Egyptian refugees from Tunisia to Cairo March 9, Defense Department officials said."The aircraft should be on the ground in Djerba now," said Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan, referring to the Tunisian island where crews are picking up the refugees. "The plan is for

  • SecAF visits Moody AFB, observes combat capabilities

    The secretary of the Air Force visited here March 8 to observe the base's "Attack, Rescue, Protect" mission and the resources needed to accomplish it.During his first visit, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley met with Airmen, from various career fields, who are essential to accomplishing the base's

  • U.S., Canadian officials rescue aircraft crash survivor

    The Airmen of the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center here coordinated with Canadian forces for a cross-border search and rescue mission March 7. Staff Sgt. Jose Grimes, an AFRCC SAR duty officer, received a call from the Canadian RCC in Trenton, Canada, alerting him to a missing Canadian aircraft.

  • Exercise tests emergency oil spill response

    Nobody can predict an oil spill, but when one happens it can be a challenging feat to clean up, especially with more than 30 inches of ice in the way.That's why 60 people from various agencies including the Air Force 611th Civil Engineer Squadron here, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Navy's Supervisor of

  • Commander addresses Lakenheath Airmen about Frankfurt shooting

    The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe spoke to more than 200 Airmen from the 48th Security Forces Squadron here March 3. Gen. Mark A. Welsh III urged the Airmen to take care of each other in the wake of a shooting that claimed the lives of two Airmen and wounded two more. The shooting incident

  • Defense Logistics Agency aims high to support Air Force

    Air Force men and women are engaged around the world, flying combat missions in war zones, operating unmanned aircraft, developing and maintaining satellites, operating advanced weapons systems and conducting myriad other missions in support of combat operations, humanitarian assistance and homeland

  • Holloman Airman sentenced in court-martial

    An Airman here was sentenced March 2 following a general court-martial.Senior Airman Phillip Warren, a 24-year-old materiel maintenance specialist with the 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron, was found guilty on the counts of premeditated attempted murder, absence without leave, wrongful

  • Airmen help prepare Japanese counterparts for new security role

    A small group of security forces Airmen here are helping their Japanese counterparts stand up the Air Self Defense Force's an advanced security training squadron.JASDF security guards from the new Base Defense Development and Training Squadron will travel throughout Japan instructing other security

  • Airmen showcase mission in Australia

    Visitors got an up-close look at Air Force aircraft and Airmen during the Avalon 2011 Australian International Airshow here March 4 to 6.Several Airmen participated in the event, one of the largest airshows in the world."Engagement with our allies, especially one as close as Australia, is key to our

  • Cyber warriors test phishing response

    As part of the Air Force's mission to ward off attacks in cyberspace, members the 50th Space Communications Squadron went phishing on base last month."Phishing is when someone sends messages to a large group of people in an effort to deceive people into revealing their personal information, such as

  • Aviano unit earns top maintenance award

    Members of the 31st Maintenance Group recently earned the 2010 Air Force Clements McMullen Memorial Daedalian Weapon System Maintenance Trophy, excelling in all graded areas."This was not just a group win, but a win for the entire wing," said Col. Fredrick Plaumann, the 31st MXG commander. "Our

  • Dr. Biden pledges support for Guard families

    Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, promised National Guard members and their families here that she will support them during every deployment."As family members, we honor and support our (Guard members), but we also know that we will miss them each and every day they're away from us,"

  • Airmen deliver weather gear to Iraqi air force

    Members of an Air Force weather team set up a new tactical weather radar and tactical meteorological observation system for the Iraqi air force at Qayyarah West Airfield, Iraq, March 2.The job, which took about four hours, is part of an ongoing process to set up a stable weather program for the

  • Air Force Reserve legislative goals presented on Capitol Hill

    "Force readiness, force rebalance, and force support" are the three top legislative priorities unveiled by Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr. to more than 60 congressional staffers and military liaison officers at the Senate and House Feb. 25."The new priorities are designed to focus congressional

  • Chief Roy visits with Airmen at F.E. Warren Air Force Base

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy visited here March 2 and 3, the first of two planned visits to Air Force Global Strike Command bases."Here you man and guard our nation's most lethal weapons," he said. "Likewise, I see our Airmen as the Air Force's most important weapons. We must take

  • Airmen deliver aid to Libyan evacuees

    Airmen from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, delivered humanitarian aid March 4 to Libyan evacuees and foreign nationals, who have fled here due to recent political uprising in Libya.The Airmen, assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron, piloted two C-130J Super Hercules and received 2,000 wool blankets, 40

  • Some prior service officers eligible to retire early

    Air Force officials announced plans recently to allow some prior service officers the opportunity to retire earlier than expected.As a result of the Fiscal 2011 National Defense Authorization Act, eligible officers with prior enlisted service who have completed 20 years of total active federal

  • Red Flag cyber operations: Isn't Red Flag a flyer's exercise?

    As Airmen from Air Force Space Command participate Red Flag from Feb. 21 through March 11 at the Nevada Test and Training Range complex, Nev.Red Flag is a realistic, combat-training exercise involving the air forces of the U.S. and its allies in simulated air combat."Red Flag continues to adapt and

  • Airmen improve capability of Iraqi medical clinic

    With only three people working in a building no larger than most American apartments, the Iraqi medical clinic here is constantly operating at maximum capacity to provide care for more than 700 Iraqi airmen."Healthy airmen are essential for the Iraqi air force to successfully complete its missions

  • Air Force Academy's enlisted Airmen go 'back to basics'

    A group of the Air Force Academy's enlisted Airmen observed retreat in formation for the first time in the Academy's recent history March 3.Chief Master Sgt. Todd Salzman, the Academy's command chief master sergeant, organized the event to acknowledge Air Force heritage and enlisted

  • Graham, Leahy: National Guard an irreplaceable treasure

    The National Guard is a treasure that brings irreplaceable skills to domestic support, to civil authorities and to overseas operations, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham told fellow senators and senior Guard leaders here March 3."A Guard unit can do more in Afghanistan and Iraq than almost anyone,

  • C-5s provide 'muscle' for helicopter swap-out missions to Afghanistan

    The Air Force's biggest airlifter -- the C-5 Galaxy -- and the Airmen who maintain and fly them are part of a U.S. Transportation Command "multi-modal" effort to move Army helicopters to Afghanistan.The operation under way in Western Europe features two C-5B and two C-5M Super Galaxies and crew and

  • Air Force officials identify Frankfurt Airport shooting deaths

    Air Force officials announced March 3 the deaths of two Airmen as a result of the March 2 shooting at Frankfurt International Airport, Germany.Killed were:Senior Airman Nicholas J. Alden , 25, of Williamston, S.C., assigned to the 48th Security Forces Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath,

  • 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.

  • Airforce.com adviser conducts life-saving live chat

    Airforce.com's internet advisers, or "chatters", answer a variety of questions from the online public, but on rare occasions, they are asked to help save a life.Brad Shimp, an Air Force Recruiting Service chatter, acted quickly when he received a request recently from someone concerned about their

  • Intermediate network warfare training up and running

    In February, 17 students began the first intermediate network warfare training at the 39th Information Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.The 42-day course began Feb. 2 and features a syllabus geared to the needs of cyberoperators in the field, said 1st Lt. Michelle Buchholtz, the influence

  • COMUSAFE statement on shooting at Frankfurt Airport

    Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Commander, statement on shooting at Frankfurt Airport March 2:"Chief (David W.) Williamson and I are deeply saddened by the senseless attack at the Frankfurt International Airport that took the lives of two USAFE Airmen and left two others fighting

  • A break from therapy

    Airmen and Sailors took time to visit a children's hospital here March 1, as part of a community outreach event during the Avalon 2011 Australia International Airshow and Aerospace and Defence Exposition.Five Airmen from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and eight Sailors

  • UPDATE: USAFE Airmen killed in shooting were from Ramstein, Lakenheath

    One of the Airmen killed in the shooting at Frankfurt International Airport March 2 was a vehicle operator stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, while the other Airman killed was part of a security forces team stationed at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. The two injured Airmen are being

  • Air Force leaders express condolences following Frankfurt shooting

    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 released the following statements following the killing and wounding of Airmen March 2 at the Frankfurt International Airport, Germany. The Airmen were en route

  • USAFE Airmen killed, wounded in Frankfurt airport shooting

    The two Airmen killed and two Airmen wounded in the shooting March 2 in Frankfurt were assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe units.The shooting took place on a U.S. Air Force bus outside Terminal 2 of Frankfurt International Airport. The bus was transporting a security forces team assigned

  • Ellsworth B1s get new braking system

    It can generate more than 30,000 pounds of thrust and reach speeds greater than 900 MPH, but can it stop safely after reaching such speeds?Thanks to an ongoing brake modification of the B-1B Lancer, the aircraft has a new, more effective means of coming to a stop.The modification, which costs

  • Officials announce team bound for 2011 Warrior Games

    Twenty-five Air Force athletes are one step closer to gold after being chosen to represent the service at the 2011 Warrior Games.Warrior Games is an Olympic-style event open to all wounded, ill and injured military members and veterans. This year's event takes place May 16 through 21 in Colorado

  • 'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Air Force officials implement some cost-cutting measures in the wake of federal budget constraints. Plus, Airmen train with their host nation counterparts to make sure that when lives are on line, everyone's on the same page. And, get a look at some

  • Photo essay: Airmen participate in field training exercise

    Aerial porters from the 621st Contingency Response Wing participated in a field training exercise that simulated the unit's ability to rapidly deploy to remote locations and provide critical airlift support.View the slideshow.

  • Airmen harness radiation to search vehicles

    With a little bit of training and the power of gamma-rays, 447th Expeditionary Security Forces Airmen are developing their vehicle-search skills using the relocatable Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System.Eight Airmen were hand-selected to train on the VACIS, a gamma-ray imaging system made by Science

  • U.S. Airmen killed, wounded in shooting incident at Frankfurt airport

    Two Airmen were killed and two were wounded during a shooting incident March 2 at Frankfurt International Airport. The names of the deceased are being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin. German authorities have the shooter in custody. The incident is currently under

  • Officials release new environmental restoration policy

    Changes to the Air Force's environmental cleanup program will focus on cleaning up more sites more quickly, officials said here Feb. 25. The intention is to shift emphasis from partial cleanup solutions that often require decades of expensive follow-up to complete cleanups that free up property more

  • Kuwait celebrates 50/20 anniversary with coalition forces

    Members of U.S. Central Command, and several coalition countries, helped commemorate Kuwait's 50/20 celebration with an airshow and parade Feb. 26.The event celebrated Kuwait's 20th year of liberation from invading forces from Iraq and its 50th year of independence from Great Britain.Some of the

  • Lynn: Continuing budget resolution puts security at risk

    The Defense Department is losing billions of dollars by Congress' failure to pass the department's fiscal 2011 budget, putting readiness, modernization and efficiency initiatives at risk, the deputy defense secretary said March 1.The department has gone five months into the fiscal year under a

  • Army to assume responsibility for Pope Air Force Base

    Pope Air Force Base became Pope Field March 1 as it transitioned to be an Army operated facility supporting Air Force operations.Several Air Force units were redesignated or inactivated, marking a significant moment in Air Force history.The signing of a proclamation marked the handover of

  • Key Resolve exercise begins at Osan AB

    Service members from the U.S. and South Korea kicked off Exercise Key Resolve Feb. 28 here.Key Resolve is a combined exercise that involves more than 2,300 U.S. forces and nearly 10,000 South Korean forces and is geared towards maintaining the readiness of the Combined Forces Command staff and

  • Photo essay: Airmen participate in operational readiness exercise

    Airmen participated in an Operational Readiness Exercise here Feb. 22 to 25. The exercise trained Airmen on the proper procedures for self-aid and buddy care, field stripping a weapon and how to wear and use chemical gear and gas masks. View the slideshow.

  • CMSAF strengthens ties with Colombian partners

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy visited Colombian military sites here Feb. 1 to 4.He said the purpose of the visit was to reaffirm U.S. Southern Command officials' commitment to a strong nation-to-nation partnership and to explore professional military education exchange

  • First lady, Dr. Biden to launch military family awareness campaign

    Dr. Jill Biden and first lady Michelle Obama will campaign to raise awareness of military families, the vice president's wife told spouses of National Guard adjutants general Feb. 28."In the coming weeks, we are going to be launching a formal campaign," said Dr. Biden, who hosted the spouses for

  • Airmen, German army team up for training

    Members of the 435th Contingency Response Group were invited by their German army counterparts from the 31st German ABN Brigade to join them on the Schϋtzenschnur range for two days of weapons and military familiarization training recently in Oldenburg, Germany. The 31st German Airborne Brigade

  • Airmen test contingency postal operations

    Airmen from the Yokota Post Office set up a contingency post office to test the agency's warfighting capabilities by using their mail contingency kit at the Yujo Community Center here Feb. 22.Master Sgt. Victor Negron, the 374th Communications Squadron postmaster, said the purpose of the CPO is to

  • Air Force personnel services migration under way

    Air Force technicians migrated the first component of the Air Force Personnel Services website to the Defense Information Systems Agency's Enterprise Computing Center Feb. 23 to 27.This is the first phase in centralizing all total-force personnel services and creating a single access platform for

  • Vice CSAF emphasizes modeling, simulation integration during AFAMS visit

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Philip Breedlove emphasized the need to standardize live, virtual and constructive modeling and simulation across the Air Force and the joint team during a recent visit to the Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation here."We must build to a modeling and

  • Developmental education deadline set for officers, civilians

    Officers considering intermediate or senior developmental education in 2011 have until March 31 to submit their applications for consideration by the selection board, officials announced. Civilians have until May 1 to submit applications.Officers apply using a Web-based application, while civilians

  • Officials extend community assessment

    Officials are extending the opportunity to participate in the 2011 Air Force Community Assessment through April 3. More than 350,000 active-duty members, reservists and spouses as well as all appropriated fund civilian employees were randomly selected to participate in the anonymous survey. Those

  • Deadline near for first sergeant of the year award

    The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 First Sergeant of the Year award to the Air Force Personnel Center is April 22. The award recognizes the important contributions and leadership qualities exhibited by Airmen in the first sergeant special duty career field.Nominations must include

  • Airmen demonstrate massive airdrop, teamwork in joint exercise

    Nine Little Rock Air Force Base C-130 Hercules and twice as many aircrews, along with maintainers and planners from the base, participated in Joint Operation Access Exercise Feb. 9 through 12 here and at Fort Bragg, N.C.JOAX is a two-week exercise to prepare Airmen and Soliers to respond to

  • Landing zone safety officers trained at austere location

    At an austere airstrip here, air mobility liaison officers are conducting landing zone safety officer certification training to U.S. and coalition forces throughout Afghanistan. Twenty-six students from the U.S. Air Force and Army and the Romanian army attended a two-day class that featured

  • Emergency exercise brings U.S., Japanese responders together

    Airmen from the 35th Fighter Wing teamed with their host nation's emergency responders for an accident exercise here Feb. 23. The exercise scenario was a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter accident in which two Airmen and one Japanese bystander are injured."This was a great experience," said Staff Sgt. Tye

  • Japanese, American NCOs work together to gain insight

    Kadena Air Base officials began a NCO exchange program Feb. 18, giving eight Japanese Air Self Defense Force airmen the chance to see how their U.S. Air Force counterparts operate."The JASDF airmen did an ice-breaker with the chiefs, flew the KC-135 (Stratotanker) flight simulator and worked with