HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Airman comments about firefight

    "I won't forget them as long as I live."Those are the words of Capt. Gordon Olde, an F-15E Strike Eagle weapon system officer following a battle at a remote military base about 10 miles from Pakistan that erupted on the morning of Oct. 3 that highlighted the unbreakable bond between Airmen and

  • Luke Airman dies of H1N1 complications

    A Luke Air Force Base NCO died Oct. 4 from complications with the H1N1 virus at his off-base residence in Glendale, Ariz.Staff Sgt. Shawn J. Rankin, 25, died at approximately 4 a.m. and was unresponsive to emergency responders at his residence and then transported to a local hospital where he was

  • Airmen host Kyrgyz citizens during family day

    Friends and families of Kyrgyz workers at the Transit Center at Manas were able to get an up-close look at the Air Force working environment here and enjoy a day of fun during the Friends and Family Day event Oct. 9 here. The event, a tribute to thank the local community for their continued support,

  • Air Force officials to offer H1N1 vaccine

    As part of the service's preventative efforts to safeguard the health of the force, Air Force medical staffs are set to provide 1 million H1N1 vaccination doses to Airmen and their family members by early November, officials said Oct. 8. Air Force medical personnel will receive and distribute to

  • McChord Airmen complete second humanitarian airlift to American Samoa

    A C-17 Globemaster III aircrew from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., touched down at Pago Pago International Airport on Oct. 10, delivering more than 42,000 pounds of Federal Emergency Management Agency cargo to American Samoa in support of ongoing relief operations. The mission was the aircrew's

  • Airmen train, advise, assist Iraqi helicopter pilots

    Air Force pilots from the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron here train, advise and assist Iraqi helicopter pilots around the clock, helping the Iraqis further develop their air force. Maj. Christopher Elam, an Mi-17 instructor pilot, and Maj. Jack Swinehart, a UH-1HP Huey military transition

  • McChord Airmen provide humanitarian airlift to Indonesia

    McChord Air Force Base Airmen from the 7th Airlift Squadron completed their second humanitarian airlift mission in just over a week Oct. 9, delivering more than 87,000 pounds of cargo here in support of relief operations following the deadly 8.0-magnitude earthquake that shook the island Sept. 29.

  • Air Force meets recruiting goals for tenth year in a row

    The Air Force met its active-duty enlisted recruiting goal for the 10th year in a row and met its chaplain and Officer Training School accession goals for fiscal year 2009. "The Air Force continues to attract the highest quality men and women to serve in this great Air Force," said Brig. Gen. A.J.

  • Nominees sought for 2010 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award

    Air Force Personnel Center recognition programs section officials here are requesting nominations for the 2010 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award. Nominations are due to AFPC by April 22, 2010. There are three categories for award: Airman, NCO and Senior NCO. The period of service for the award

  • Air Force officials release fleece wear policy

    The 98th Air Force Virtual Uniform Board released a policy message here Oct. 9 for wearing the new Air Force sage green fleece as an outer garment for the airman battle uniform. According to the message, the sage green fleece may only be worn over the ABU top, and is not authorized to be worn solely

  • U.S., India to begin Cope India bilateral exercise

    Members of the U.S. and Indian air forces will train together during exercise Cope India Oct. 15 through 24 at Air Force Station Agra in Uttar Predesh, India. This year's Cope India will be an airlift exercise that focuses on the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission. More than 150

  • General impressed with Airman, Soldier synergy at Fort Hood

    The commander of Air Combat Command visited Fort Hood in early October to visit the Airmen of the 3rd Air Support Operations Group here who provide tactical air support for Fort Hood's ground troops, including the 1st Cavalry Division, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and the 4th Infantry Division, now

  • U.S. Navy celebrates 234 years of service

    Since Oct. 13, 1775, when the Continental Congress of the United States recognized the need for naval forces, the United States Navy has been vital in protecting our national security. From its humble beginnings with merely two sailing vessels to what is now the most powerful Navy in the world, the

  • Interpreters key to Air Force efforts in Indonesia

    The Air Force humanitarian assistance rapid response team deployed here in response to the recent earthquakes in Indonesia has treated more than 600 patients since opening the mobile field hospital to local residents Oct. 7 here, and one hurdle to overcome was the language barrier. The HARRT mission

  • Andersen Airmen keep HARRT beating

    Air Force medical professionals are providing care to victims of the recent earthquakes here, and behind them is another group of Airmen working behind the scenes to keep the operation running smoothly. The 36th Contingency Response Group from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, is providing operations

  • Ramstein pilot receives Cheney Award

    A C-130E Hercules instructor pilot was presented the Cheney Award by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz Oct. 8 for his leadership in planning humanitarian aid missions to the country of Georgia.The Cheney Award is presented each year to a service member who demonstrates an act of valor,

  • Top enlisted Airman visits Andrews Airmen

    The 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force, whose family calls this base home but who himself is "just TDY here," briefed a standing room-only audience of Joint Base Andrews Airmen here Oct. 7 at an Enlisted Call during his first official visit to the base. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force

  • Air Force officials launch updated Key Spouse program

    As part of the July 2009-July 2010 Year of the Air Force Family initiative, the service's senior leaders have announced the launch of a revised and standardized Key Spouse program. Paula Roy, wife of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy, is the senior spouse champion for the program and

  • Airmen treat hundreds of Indonesian earthquake victims

    An Air Force Humanitarian Assistance Rapid Response Team is helping local medical professionals treat an increasing number of patients here in the wake of recent earthquakes. The 69-member HARRT has cared for more than 200 patients since arriving here Oct. 5. Common ailments treated include

  • USO gala honors troops, sacrifices

    It was a tough act for Hollywood at the annual USO Gala here last night. The stars were out at the black-tie event held in a posh hotel in the popular Adams Morgan area. More than 800 actors, musicians, models, football stars and top politicians mingled during drinks and dinner. But it wasn't the

  • Senior leaders announce Energy Awareness Month

    Air Force senior leaders are leaning on Airmen to continue to assist with the service's energy challenges and help increase the nation's energy independence. Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz announced their initiative in a service-wide

  • Airmen help future Iraqi pilots learn to speak English

    Before an Iraqi air force lieutenant can begin pilot training at Kirkuk Air Base, he must first prove he have achieved one of their air force's core values: learning to comprehend and speak English. American Airmen have helped Iraqi officers achieve this goal by serving as English class instructors

  • Reaper takes flight at Holloman

    The first MQ-9 Reaper to arrive here made its first local flight Oct.1, expanding the capacity for the remotely piloted vehicle formal training unit here. Instructors from the 432nd Operations Group, Det. 3, conducted the first flight, while members from the 432nd Maintenance Group, Det. 1,

  • Photographer's pictures of Airmen now in Library of Congress

    A desire to show the non-flying side of the Air Force motivated a British photographer, and now his 60-photo "Cleared Hot!" exhibition is part of the Library of Congress. "I met a lot of Air Force people and the first question they're asked is, 'What type of plane do you fly?'" Nicholas Price said.

  • 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.

  • Airmen use football rivalry to help Afghan people

    In a Soviet-era aircraft hangar here, a rivalry born during the Battle of the Red River is still alive and well, although now that energy is spent supporting the Afghan people. Maj. Tobin Griffeth, an avid University of Texas fan, and Capt. Katie Illingworth, a University of Oklahoma alum, created a

  • Unit surpasses consecutive 7,000 days with forces in Southwest Asia

    Members of the 55th Wing from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., and their RC-135V/W Joint Rivets have been deployed in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility every day for the past 7,000 days. The RC-135 is a reconnaissance aircraft supporting theater and national-level consumers with near

  • AMC, AFRC establish associate flying squadrons

    Air Force Reserve Command and Air Mobility Command are working to establish three active associate flying squadrons in 2010. About 500 active Airmen will associate with Air Force Reserve units at Keesler AFB, Miss.; March Air Reserve Base, Calif.; and Peterson AFB, Colo., by 2012. Lt. Col. Carlos

  • Air Force secretary takes action on DOD IG report

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley took administrative action against retired Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the former Air Force chief of staff, for his role in the Thunderbird Airshow Production Services contract. The decision follows completion of a Department of Defense Inspector General

  • Airmen provide intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance

    Leaders at every level need battlefield information, and because of Airmen with the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron ... now they know. With their RQ-4 Global Hawk and U-2 aircraft, the Airmen excel at providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for everyone from combatant

  • Eglin salutes the Year of the Air Force Family

    Supervisors, co-workers and friends come and go, but family is forever is the underlying theme in the coming months as Eglin Air Force Base leaders will focus on the meaning, needs and strengths of the Air Force family during the Year of the Air Force Family. The Year of the Air Force Family began

  • Eaker Center adds space education to professional continuing education

    Air University's Ira C. Eaker Center for Professional Development is now home to the Air Force Space Command professional continuing education center for excellence, known as the National Security Space Institute, as of Oct. 1. "It is logical for the NSSI to nest within the Eaker Center as it is

  • Air Force HARRT arrives in Indonesia

    An Air Force humanitarian assistance rapid response team arrived at the Bandar Udara International Airport Oct. 5 with approximately 200,000 pounds of medical and contingency response equipment. The 69-member team set up a mobile field hospital near the M. Jamil hospital here to work closely with

  • Airmen commemorate 50 years of nation's preeminent ICBM fleet

    Members from across the ICBM community arrived here Oct. 7 for a three-day celebration of the 50th anniversary of the ICBM. "We are proud to host such a historic event and welcome the many ICBM pioneers to join in on our discussions about the future of America's preeminent nuclear deterrence," said

  • New era in food service coming to Air Force bases

    Air Force food services representatives have been meeting the dining needs of Airmen and their families for more than 60 years through dining facilities, clubs and snack bars. To reflect changing times, a new look and feel is coming to the Air Force dining experience at select bases, mirroring a

  • Mobility commander addresses Incirlik Airmen

    The Air Mobility Command commander talked with Incirlik Air Base Airmen Oct. 5 in the middle of a trip through the Operation Enduring Freedom area of responsibility. Gen. Arthur J. Lichte conducted two town hall meetings with Airmen from the 385th Air Expeditionary Group and the 728th Air Mobility

  • Air Force officials authorize BDU cold weather item to wear with ABUs

    Air Force officials here now authorized Airmen to wear the battle dress uniform cold weather Gore-Tex and field jacket with the current airman battle uniform. The decision to authorize the coat stems from the demand of cold weather gear outweighing current supply of the new ABU coat. According to a

  • Special tactics Airmen honor fallen teammates

    Twelve Airmen began a memorial ruck sack march Oct. 6, to honor 12 fallen special tactics teammates killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. An estimated 824 miles later, the dozen warrior Airmen will arrive Oct. 16 at Hurlburt Field, Fla. In between, six two-man teams will relay through five states, 24

  • Kadena maintainers train on Japanese equipment during exercise

    Maintainers from the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit here worked alongside their Japanese hosts Oct. 2 to learn how to use aerospace ground equipment during an aviation training relocation exercise at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan. The Airmen trained on the Japan Air Self Defense Forces' AGE, which they

  • Kadena Airmen aid Indonesian recovery operations

    Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group from here are supporting humanitarian relief operations near Padang in western Indonesia after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake and a slightly smaller one struck Sept. 29 and Oct. 1. Members of the 320th Special Tactics Squadron and 17th Special Operations

  • Bench stock 'vending machines' saving time for AMC's maintenance Airmen

    If you've ever gone to a vending machine to get your favorite beverage or snack, imagine using that same technology to dispense a particular part or tool you could use to fix a plane. In Air Mobility Command, through an initiative between maintenance Airmen and the command's Air Force Smart

  • USAFE officials ramp up for improved PT program

    United States Air Forces in Europe Airmen will see major changes in the fitness program starting Jan. Some of the Air Force-level modifications include testing twice a year versus once and having fitness assessment cell representatives conduct the biannual testing at the main installations to

  • Sheppard officials launch Nuclear Accountability Course

    Air Force officials took another important step in reinvigorating their nuclear enterprise here Oct. 5 with the launch of the Nuclear Accountability Course providing realistic, hands-on training to Airmen assuming duties making them responsible for nuclear weapons. Delivered by the 82nd Training

  • Change in post-deployment stabilization promotes predictability, equality

    The recent deployment deferment policy change institutionalizes an equitable deferment period of six months for Airmen completing 365-day indeterminate TDYs or an unaccompanied, short tour permanent change of station. Prior to the release of the new Air Force Instruction 36-2110, Assignments, which

  • Allen Army Airfield to save Air Force money, provide tactical training

    Air Force officials here opened Allen Army Airfield Sept. 29 to give Elmendorf Air Force Base C-17 Globemaster III aircrews a closer airstrip to practice assault landings and saving the military thousands of dollars.Before the opening of Allen Army Airfield, located about three miles north of Fort

  • Guidance released on 100 percent cotton airman battle uniform

    Air Force senior leaders here issued guidance clarifying the wear of the 100 percent cotton airman battle uniform. According to a message dated Sept. 7, only Airmen in jobs that meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, requirements are authorized to wear the 100 percent cotton

  • Air Force officials dedicate C-130 to Army's 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan

    Air Force officials here dedicated a C-130 Hercules to the Soldiers of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division stationed in Afghanistan Oct. 5 at Bagram Airfield. The transport was originally dedicated at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., Oct. 25, 2008, to Fort Bragg's entire 82nd Airborne Division based in

  • Combat search, rescue highlighted in new commercial

    A commercial highlighting combat search and rescue, or CSAR, Airmen began airing Oct. 5 in television markets and select movie theaters across the country."CSAR" shows the teamwork involved to locate, communicate with and recover downed aircrews and isolated personnel. The commercial is the third in

  • Airmen deploy to Indonesia to help quake victims

    Airmen assigned to Pacific Air Forces left here and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 5 on two C-17 Globemaster IIIs for Padang, Indonesia, to provide medical care to those affected by the recent 7.6-magnitude earthquake. The humanitarian assistance rapid response team combines medical and

  • 'Today's Air Force' features projection of air power

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," U. S. and Japanese airmen exchange ideas and information, Army Black Hawk pilots get a little help from the Air Force for training missions over Misawa and college football fever hits bases overseas. It's common for people to join the military for the

  • Eglin wing transitions to become first F-35 training unit

    Members of the 33rd Fighter Wing here transitioned from an operational F-15 Eagle unit to the first F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter training unit during a ceremony Oct. 1 at Eglin Air Force Base. Col. David Hlatky assumed command of Air Education and Training Command's newest wing whose

  • Football: Falcons fall to Midshipmen in overtime

    U.S. Air Force Academy running back Savier Stephens rushed for 81 yards, but the Falcons football team came up short in a 16-13 overtime loss to the Naval Academy Oct. 3 at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md. Stephens helped set up for two field goals scored by Falcons kicker

  • Airmen use space to develop warfighting technology

    A group of Airmen at NASA's Johnson Space Center here is using space to help develop technology for the warfighter. Making up the Department of Defense Spaceflight Payload Office, these Airmen work in a small office deep inside the center's mission control, where they support three kinds of

  • Rare find focuses on Scottish-American history

    A Glasgow city councillor who did not want her summer break in session to go to waste uncovered a rare find. Dr. Nina Baker, a Glasgow city councillor for Ward 10, was indexing the old books in the city chambers' library when she happened upon a tattered ledger dating from 1943. The 6-inch thick

  • Reconstitution of materials supports fight, saves money

    Members of the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron here began to prepare for the drawdown of servicemembers serving in Iraq by starting to reconstitute their materials and equipment here. Soon after arriving in June, members of the 407th ECES completed an inventory of all items from

  • As KC-135Es retire, Air Force officials' focus shifts to KC-X

    One of the last of the KC-135E Stratotankers to retire made its final flight Sept. 28 to Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, and after more than 50 years of service, tail number 56-1503 will be relegated to a life as one of several planes used for aircraft maintenance training on the base. This KC-135E

  • Top enlisted leader visits Maxwell-Gunter

    The 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited with chiefs, first sergeants, enlisted instructors and Maxwell Air Force Base Airmen during a Sept. 25 visit here. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy visited with senior enlisted Airmen attending the Senior NCO Academy's Chief

  • Air Force humanitarian team set to depart for Indonesia

    An Air Force humanitarian assistance rapid response team is preparing to depart on two C-17 Globemaster IIIs out of Japan and Guam to provide disaster relief to Indonesia. Seventy-one Airmen, along with associated supplies and equipment, are scheduled to fly from Yokota Air Base, Japan; and Andersen

  • McChord Airmen deliver equipment to American Samoa

    A C-17 Globemaster III from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., touched down at Pago Pago International Airport late Oct. 1, bringing nine Federal Emergency Management Agency members and 17,000 pounds of cargo to American Samoa in support of relief operations. The mission was McChord's first humanitarian

  • Committee discusses status, plans for joint jet pilot training

    Members of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program Steering Committee finished their week-long meeting Sept. 25 where they discussed the current status and future plans for the program. They also reflected on the flow of student pilots, instructor pilot training, leadership and command

  • AMC officials blend Guard, Reserve, active-duty units

    Air Mobility Command officials here continued their total force integration efforts Oct. 1 with the stand up of three active associate units that now combine active-duty units and Airmen who accomplish the KC-135 Stratotanker air refueling mission with their Reserve and Guard counterparts. The three

  • AFNORTH Airmen support tsunami relief

    Air Forces Northern officials recently stood up a defense support of civil authorities operations center here to aid in relief efforts of the tsunami that swept across the U.S. territories of the Samoa Islands, and the Super Typhoon Melor bearing down on Guam. "We have six emergency preparedness

  • Wounded warriors get heros' welcome at Andrews

    Minutes after the hulking C-17 Globemaster III rolled to a stop on the tarmac here Sept. 28, two oversized ambulances backed up to its rear loading ramp to receive its precious cargo: 23 wounded warriors and sick or injured servicemembers in need of advanced medical care. Most of the patients

  • McChord Airmen fly response team to American Samoa

    McChord Airmen deployed a U.S.-based Federal Emergency Management Agency team to American Samoa at 2 p.m. Oct. 1 aboard a C-17 Globemaster III in the wake of a 7.6 magnitude undersea earthquake that caused a devastating tsunami to strike the region Sept. 29. Airmen transported a nine-person FEMA

  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe officials plan for H1N1 vaccine distribution

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe officials here continue to plan and prepare to guard the health of Airmen, civilians and family members against numerous health issues, including the H1N1 virus. The USAFE Command Surgeon General's Office staff is coordinating with U.S. European Command's medical depot,

  • UAS career field decisions, ISR organization discussed at summit

    Air Force leaders met at an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance summit here Sept. 29 to discuss ISR organizational plans and further refine a blueprint for unmanned aircraft systems career fields. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and

  • Airmen return from Africa Partnership Station 2009 support

    Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing here recently returned from a six-month split deployment to West Central Africa in support of Africa Partnership Station 2009, which is an initiative aimed at improving maritime safety and regional security on the African continent. Africa Partnership

  • Photo essay: Humanitarian aid bound for tsunami relief effort

    A C-17 Globemaster III sits at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, Sept. 30, 2009, as crews prepare to take off to deliver humanitarian supplies to the tsunami-devastated Samoa region in the South Pacific. A multiagency contingent from Hawaii, including active-duty Airmen at Hickam, Soldiers with the

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force. View the slideshow.

  • Chief of staff calls for harmony between technology, doctrine

    The Air Force chief of staff discussed the complementary roles of technology and doctrine during a major conference here Sept. 30."Our success today relies on both the technology that enables advanced systems and, believe it or not, the doctrine that articulates our institutionally held beliefs on

  • First M-ATVs arrive in Afghanistan

    Two mine-resistant, ambush-protected all-terrain vehicles arrived at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, on Oct. 1, after being offloaded from a C-17 Globemaster III. The M-ATVs arrived less than a day after leaving Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., Sept. 30. The M-ATV's are the first of their kind in

  • Mobility Airmen continue to deliver for warfighters

    Mobility Airmen delivered 4.1 million pounds of goods were dropped to forward operating bases, combat outposts and other austere locations in support of ground forces in September continuing to feed, fuel and arm the fight.September marked the fourth consecutive month of an escalation of supplies

  • Charleston Airmen supply CENTCOM first M-ATV shipment

    Charleston Airmen began the distribution Sept. 30 of a new version of the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle from here. The MRAP All-Terrain Vehicles, or M-ATVs, were the first to be delivered to the Afghanistan theater for operational use, and many more are to come said, David Hansen, deputy

  • Scott AFB wing changes name, adds new mission

    The 375th Airlift Wing here officially became the 375th Air Mobility Wing Sept. 30 as a result of the Air Force's most recent Total Force Integration effort.The TFI effort called for the creation of an associate unit consisting of active duty KC-135 pilots, boom operators and maintainers who will

  • Predator passes 600,000 flight hours

    Airmen of the 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing here surpassed the 600,000 flight hour mark in the MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft system Sept. 4 here. The Predator fleet passed 250,000 hours in June 2007, after 12 years of flying, and it only took a year and eight months for the aircraft to fly an

  • AFOTEC leaders employ AFSO21 principles to improve test process

    The commander of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center recently instituted the use of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century process improvement tools across AFOTEC to improve the operational test and evaluation planning processes here."The primary goal of our reengineering

  • Comm Airmen prepare for major career field transformation

    Twenty communications Airmen stationed in Germany took part in a training exercise Sept. 18 to 24 at Aviano Air Base, Italy, in preparation for the largest transformation in the history of Air Force communications which is to be completed this October. When it's all said and done, more than 27,000

  • Thunderbirds take show down under

    The U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds, took to the Australian sky Sept. 26 showcasing the power and precision that embodies Air Force Airmen worldwide. Flying wingtip-to-wingtip formations and in solo maneuvers, the Thunderbirds put on a show for a crowd of more than 70,000

  • AMC office seeks to solve problems in 8 steps

    In life, it can take as many as eight steps to solve a problem. However, according to the Air Force's Smart Operations for the 21st Century program, eight steps to solve any problem is all it should take. "The eight-step process is a more disciplined approach to problem solving," said Col. Mark

  • Airman sketches his way into Air Force history with UAS wings design

    A toddler's first artistic expressions often surface in the form of well-intended wall defacement or notepad squiggles -- but every now and then, a doodle becomes a hobby, and that hobby becomes a part of history. Staff Sgt. Austin May, a public affairs craftsman from the 100th Air Refueling Wing,

  • Thousands helped as Pacific Angel concludes

    Air Force officials concluded the final iteration of Operation Pacific Angel 2009 during a ceremony here Sept. 22, culminating a two-part operation that provided humanitarian aid to thousands of people in communities in the Asia-Pacific region. Operation Pacific Angel is a joint and combined

  • Class offers hands-on approach to 'lean' principles

    Most Air Force members have become familiar with the term "lean" in recent years, the basic concept of improving processes by eliminating waste. But when it comes to applying lean concepts to their everyday practices, many Airmen are still at a loss. To better help Airmen here understand lean

  • Father, son deploy to Afghanistan together

    Missing family members is a common feeling many Airmen have while deployed, but for two Airmen serving with the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here, that feeling is a little less prominent. This father and son duo deployed to war together to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Lt. Col. Bartley

  • Iraqi, U.S. Air Force work hand in hand to support drawdown of forces

    The Iraqi air force commander and the director of the Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force visited the 407th Air Expeditionary Group Sept. 24 at Ali Base to conduct a site survey of the airfield and facilities, and to speak with members of the media from the local city of An Nasiriyah about

  • Air Force leaders emphasize AFSO21

    In a joint June 2009 memorandum, the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force pointed out the importance of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, or AFSO21. "AFSO21 represents a fundamental transformation in how Airmen work," Michael Donley and Gen. Norton Schwartz said in their

  • UAS mission enters new chapter with graduation

    Ten pilots and nine sensor operators graduated Sept. 25 from initial qualification training at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., where they learned to operate the MQ-1 Predator. Among the graduates were eight pilot candidates from nonpilot career fields. The group was part of a Beta-test class to train

  • 'Year of the Air Force Family' Web site launched

    Air Force officials have launched a new Web site to showcase the Year of the Air Force Family effort. Airmen and their families can log on to http://www.af.mil/yoaff/index.asp to learn about AF-wide initiatives, monthly themes and programs, as well as contact local installation Airman Family and

  • Gunfighter Flag wraps up at Mountain Home AFB

    Gunfighter Flag wrapped up Sept. 24 in what one commander deemed a "grand slam." "We don't often have the opportunity to practice large-force employment on this scale," said Col. John Bird, commander of Mountain Home AFB's 366th Fighter Wing. "What we did here over the last two weeks rivals what you

  • AMC commander welcomes news of KC-X tanker request for proposal

    The announcement of the KC-X tanker request for proposal Sept. 24 in a Pentagon briefing is welcome news for Air Mobility Command. "This is a great day not only for Air Mobility Command, which operates our nation's fleet of aerial refueling aircraft, but also for our country as this is a capability

  • Airmen host multinational virtual training exercise

    More than 300 joint warfighters from 25 worldwide locations participated in a multinational virtual training exercise led by the 705th Combat Training Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., and demonstrated it to a joint/coalition audience at the Warfighter Capability Center in the Pentagon

  • McChord Airmen head for 'the ice' as Operation Deep Freeze season kicks off

    Thirty-seven McChord Air Force Base Airmen left Sept. 24 in a C-17 Globemaster III loaded with more than 90,000 pounds of cargo destined for Antarctica to begin another season of Operation Deep Freeze. The 2009-2010 season of Operation Deep Freeze, the Defense Department's support of the U.S.

  • Final KC-135E retires at Davis-Monthan

    It was a historical day on the flightline here Sept. 23, as the last KC-135E model touched down after its final flight. The aircraft, which served the Air Force for more than 50 years, will now spend its days basking in the sun in the 'Boneyard' and providing much needed parts to the rest of the

  • Airmen thank Iraqi family for lifesaving assist

    Several members of the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron delivered a new generator, a care package filled with baked goods and a heart-felt thank you to a young Iraqi girl and her family near Camp Bucca, Iraq, Sept. 18. The girl was playing with a group of friends when she noticed

  • Elmendorf exercise practices hazardous spill clean up

    Nearly 60 members from the 611th Civil Engineer Squadron participated in an annual Fall Spill Drill here Sept. 14-18. The drill simulates a fuel spill into one of the base's surrounding lakes and trains 611th CES Airmen on proper containment and clean up procedures. This was the first of two such

  • Air Force officials discontinue permissive PCS policy

    Air Force officials here have announced a recent change to the permissive permanent change of station policy. The permissive PCS program will be discontinued. However, other policies have changed lifting restrictions from the join spouse and base-of-preference programs. "For years we have allowed