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U.S. Air Force News

  • Airman spots aircraft fuel leak at 35,000 feet

    Most of us hear stories of Airmen saving lives in combat, but an Airman who saves the lives of more than 300 passengers is definitely a story worth hearing. A fuel leak on a civilian aircraft caught the attention of Staff Sgt. Bartek Bachleda, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, during a

  • Airmen take heed for those in need

    Ten Airmen from Manas Air Base visited the Umut-Nadjeshda Children's Rehabilitation Center in Bishkek May 9 to help fix the center for more than 60 local children. The off-duty Airmen painted playground equipment, installed a new stove and to make other improvements to the center for the youths aged

  • Air Force officials release master sergeant selection stats

    Air Force officials here May 14 selected 5,604 of 22,748 eligible technical sergeants for promotion to master sergeant for a selection rate of 24.64 percent. The average score for those selected was 340.41, with an average time in grade and time in service of 4.45 and 16.40 years respectively. The

  • U.S. pilots train Finns in aerial refueling operations

    A group of Airmen with the 100th Air Refueling Wing traveled to Tampere, Finland, May 2 to participate in a week-long exercise with Navy  and Finnish Air Force F-18 Hornet pilots.The Airmen helped teach the Finnish pilots how to refuel in-air from a KC-135 Stratotanker.The exercise marks the first

  • New uniforms: Comfortable, functional are goals

    Officials from the Uniform Program Office here continue to work for Airmen, researching and purchasing uniforms that provide more function, protection and comfort. The Air Force chief of staff met with office personnel April 21 for an update on clothing issues Airmen face as they support global

  • Test center officials link mobility to 'boots on the ground'

    In the Southern Arizona desert, three C-130 Hercules aircraft recently rumbled over the saguaros and airdropped training bundles to a waiting combat controller. The historic drop was conducted digitally with a tactical data link known as the Situational Awareness Data Link, or SADL. It was the first

  • U.S., Australia, India train to improve medical care in Pacific

    Thirty-two critical care specialists from the United States, Australia and India are scheduled to train on the movement of severely-ill patients in the Pacific theater during a course here May 11-15. Thirteenth Air Force's Theater Patient Movement Requirements Center-Pacific, the aeromedical

  • Airmen build on partnership in Rwanda

    U.S. Air Forces Africa conducted a military-to-military engagement with Rwandan Air Force air traffic controllers April 20-24 to expand on the two nations' existing partnership here. Seventeenth Air Force planners (AFAFRICA) from the plans and programs directorate organized the theater security

  • Airmen deliver 30,000 H1N1 prevention kits to Haiti and Central America

    An Air Mobility Command C-17 Globemaster III and its crew, operating in conjunction with U.S. Southern Command efforts, delivered 30,000 H1N1 influenza prevention kits to Haiti and five Central American countries May 8 to 10, according to AMC officials. The H1N1 flu virus, first detected in April,

  • Enlisted Heritage Hall receives Airey's CMSAF ring

    Paul Wesley Airey, the first chief master sgt. of the Air Force, had a close and very special association with Gunter, which he proved by leaving his CMSAF ring to the Enlisted Heritage Hall museum, his son said. "Dad always wanted his ring to come to Gunter because of his association with the

  • New York Air Guard supports shuttle for 100th time

    Eight pararescuemen aboard an HC-130 Hercules from the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing were on hand to support NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis as it launched May 11 from Kennedy Space Center, Fla.It was the 100th time Airmen from the Long Island-based rescue wing have watched a space

  • 2009 Senior Enlisted Leader Summit held at Gunter

    The Air Force vice chief of staff of the Air Force addressed the third annual Senior Enlisted Leader Summit May 6 at Gunter's Senior NCO Academy. Gen. William M. Fraser III said all Airmen should know and support the Air Force priorities and live by the Air Force core values of integrity first,

  • B-1B makes impact throughout Southwest Asia

    Before late 2008, the B-1B Lancer was known primarily as a bomber, but since then the aircraft was modified to include the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod now provides nontraditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to ground forces. "Before the B-1B was equipped with the sniper pod, we

  • Working dog, EOD team partner to secure Alaska's interior

    The Department of Homeland Security teamed up with Eielson AFB Airmen here in an effort to keep the Fairbanks North Star Borough safer May 5. A military working dog team assigned to the 354th Security Forces Squadron, and an explosive ordnance disposal team from 354th Civil Engineer Squadron swept

  • Air Force leaders send budget message

    The top two Air Force leaders released a joint message May 8 regarding the fiscal 2010 defense budget and shifting Air Force priorities. Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz said that the defense budget focuses on three themes:

  • Aircrews, maintainers gear up for wildfire season

    Reserve and Air National Guard Airmen earned their certifications on the Military Airborne Firefighting System during training May 3 through 9 here. C-130 Hercules aircrews flew MAFFS training missions from the Tucson International Airport from sun up to sundown to finalize their annual

  • Airmen help Florida youth see inner potential

    For 10 troubled young men from the Liberty Juvenile Unit for Special Treatment in Bristol, Fla., May 5 was a chance to receive some respite from the confines of juvenile delinquency. Members of the 325th Security Forces Squadron here hosted the teenagers, who ranged from ages 15 to 18, on a tour of

  • Airmen, veterans can now apply for new GI Bill

    The Department of Veterans Affairs opened its doors for accepting Post-9/11 GI Bill applications May 1. All Airmen and former Airmen with at least 90 days of active duty service since Sept. 11, 2001, can choose to apply for education benefits, which begin Aug. 1 under the new GI Bill law. To apply

  • Air Force leaders name next top enlisted leader

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley have announced the Airman selected to be the service's next enlisted leader. Chief Master Sgt. James A. Roy will become the 16th chief master sergeant of the Air Force during an appointment

  • Klotz confirmed to lead Air Force Global Strike Command

    Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz received Senate confirmation to become commander of the Air Force's newest major command, Air Force Global Strike Command. "I am honored to have been nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate to lead our Air Force global strike forces," General Klotz said. "I

  • Airmen, Soldiers make first jump from Ramstein C-130J

    As the ramp let down at 3,000 feet and the sunlight slipped into the cargo bay of a new C-130J Super Hercules, Air Force and Army paratroopers stood ready to execute the first jump from Ramstein Air Base's newest aircraft. As Ramstein transitions from the older C-130E Hercules, some 35 Airmen and

  • Coaches Tour 2009 takes shape at McConnell

    The game plan to bring some of the biggest names in college sports to troops overseas is in full motion at McConnell Air Force Base. Active and Reserve Airmen here are preparing for the upcoming Coaches Tour 2009, a second annual morale-boosting mission featuring head coaching icons of NCAA

  • Wounded warrior receives surprise promotion

    Staff Sgt. Daniel Acosta woke May 7 thinking he was a senior airman. He was surprised to discover that he was promoted to staff sergeant without his knowledge. Lt. Col. Michael Glass, 59th Medical Support Squadron commander, advised Sergeant Acosta that Lt. Gen. Richard Newton, deputy chief of staff

  • Airmen go 'Beyond the Horizon' to help Jamaicans

    More than 3,700 Jamaicans were given free medical, eye and dental care April 11 through 26 when 35 Airmen participated in a U.S. Southern Command humanitarian assistance exercise called Beyond the Horizon. The Air National Guard Airmen from Arizona's 162nd Fighter Wing treated Jamaicans as they

  • Bagram officials stand up 4 new squadrons

    Bagram Airfield officials have added four new squadrons to their growing list of units during an assumption of command ceremony here May 5. More than 1,200 joint expeditionary tasking and provincial reconstruction team Airmen deployed to more than 40 forward operating bases and camps throughout

  • Air Force fiscal 2010 budget reflects rebalanced priorities

    Air Force officials here May 7 announced that its portion of the president's fiscal 2010 budget reflects a balanced strategy to prevail in today's joint fight and sustain air, space and cyberspace dominance. The two overarching principles guiding next year's budget are rebalancing the Air Force's

  • Levitow's pilot lands at Peterson for leadership visit

    "I don't need to tell you about character, if you didn't have it, you wouldn't be here," retired Maj. Kenneth Carpenter said to approximately 200 Airmen who gathered in the base auditorium April 28 to support his Year of Leadership program visit here. During his hour-long chat with the audience,

  • Major motorcycle safety event held at Pentagon

    Senior leaders from the military services gathered together in the Pentagon parking lot May 1 to take part in a National Capital Region Joint Service Motorcycle Safety Event, designed to promote rider safety programs throughout the military. The two-day event included motorcycle skills

  • Nellis Airmen locate missing aircraft

    An HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue crew from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., found the wreckage an overdue aircraft in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range May 1.The missing aircraft was the subject of the large-scale search by state officials and Civil Air Patrol members, but there were no survivors from the

  • 'Continuum of Service' video promotes total force options

    In an effort to retain highly skilled Airmen for a lifetime of service, Air Force leaders recently unveiled a Continuum of Service video that helps to promote seamless changes in duty status in the total force structure. The video, produced by a team from the Secretary of the Air Force Office of

  • Sheppard officials test synthetic fuels

    Air Force Petroleum Agency officials are finalizing preparations for field testing of a 50/50 blend of JP-8 and synthetic jet fuel at the 364th Training Squadron fuels training complex here. Alternative Fuels Certification Office officials at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, said synthetic

  • Airman's Roll Call: Post-9/11 G.I. Bill rules outlined

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the proposed transferability rules of the new Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. Department of Veterans Affairs representatives are now accepting sign-ups for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill and Defense Department officials are working to get the word out about the proposed

  • Delta II launch successful

    Teams from the 30th Space Wing and various agencies successfully launched a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg's Space Launch Complex-2 at 1:24 p.m May 5. The rocket carried an experimental satellite for the Missile Defense Agency's Space Tracking and Surveillance System Advanced Technology Risk

  • AFSO21 helps improve wing processes

    In an effort to help save time and money, 23rd Wing officials stood up an office to provide Airmen with the tools and assistance to carry out Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiatives. AFSO21 is a program to help improve work processes and combat capabilities throughout the Air

  • Transition assistance experts hone job-assistance skills

    About 120 transition assistance experts from across the Air Force came to downtown San Antonio April 28 through 30 to learn the latest in career and employment initiatives and how they relate to today's economic environment. The three-day conference kicked off with a one-day, Air Force specific

  • Chief scientist: Airmen's innovative spirit vital to future

    The Air Force's top scientific adviser expressed his appreciation for the innovative spirit among today's Airmen, during a visit with Air Mobility Command here May 1. Air Force Chief Scientist Dr. Werner J.A. Dahm said each Airman plays a vital role in innovation across the Air Force, as

  • Airmen distribute Humvees to Iraqi forces

    Joint expeditionary tasking Airmen and Soldiers here are currently working to arm Iraqi forces with more protective means of transportation. As U.S. forces change over to the M1151 Humvee, they turn in the older M1114 vehicles to the Taji Redistribution Property Assistance Team here as a means of

  • Operation Uniform Delta highlights heritage

    Air Force heritage walked before today's deployed servicemembers when 18 volunteer Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing wore vintage uniforms at showcase events here April 24 and again April 27. Operation Uniform Delta was a sample of a collection started and maintained by Tech. Sgt. Jack

  • Facts, testimony bust IDEA myths

    In less time than it takes to fill out a credit card application, Darlene Daspit-Pohl was on her way to earning $10,000 just for having an idea. Ms. Daspit-Pohl used the Air Force Innovative Development through Employee Awareness Program, or IDEA program, to submit an idea that reduces how much the

  • Air Force officials to release master sergeant promotion list

    The Air Force Personnel Center will post the selection list for master sergeant promotions on the Air Force Portal and AFPC public and military Web sites May 14 at 8 a.m. Central time. This is the first time in 12 years the master sergeant and technical sergeant promotion lists have not been

  • Airmen, Sailors provide maritime support for Iraqi military

    Air Force and Navy servicemembers teamed up in April to support and train the newly formed Iraqi navy with maritime mission along the northern area of the Arabian Gulf where a large percentage of Iraq's oil is exported. The first intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flight took place April

  • Public health maintains high standards, healthy force

    Airmen in the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group constantly monitor the health of all individuals and check to see if illnesses of base personnel are isolated incidents or part of a trend at this air base in Southwest Asia. "Our main role is the prevention and control of communicable diseases," said

  • 'Today's Air Force' features training, Earth Day celebrations

    The latest edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how Airmen at Aviano Air Base in Italy prepare for combat, a new model in the C-130 Hercules fleet, and a celebration of Earth Day. Combined training is a way to get to know allies, how they train and how they'll react in certain situations and

  • Keesler personnel to participate in LIFESAVER 2009

    Keesler AFB Airmen join local, state and federal agencies in "LIFESAVER 2009," a major federal coordinating center and national disaster medical system exercise being conducted May 5-7. With an estimated 2,000 participants, this is the largest "LIFESAVER" event since May 2005. "LIFESAVER 2009" will

  • Reserve Airmen complete deployment to Guam

    More than 110 Airmen and four KC-135 Stratotankers from Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., completed a four-month deployment May 1 to Andersen Air Force Base.The Airmen formed the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron to support Pacific refueling operations. KC-135s have been routinely deployed

  • Unit marks 50 years of NASA support

    Three NASA astronauts visited Patrick Air Force Base members April 24 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of support from the Air Force to the American space program. Current Astronaut Col. Greg Johnson and former astronauts retired Navy Capt. Jon McBride and retired Marine Col. Bob Springer shared

  • NCO sentenced for larceny, bomb threat

    A noncommissioned officer stationed here pleaded guilty to several violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice April 28 and was sentenced the next day to 24 months confinement, a bad conduct discharge and a reduction in rank to airman. Staff Sgt. Arthur Miller, assigned to the 65th Logistics

  • Museum receives artifact donation from Mexican air force

    The Mexican air force foreign liaison officer stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio presented National Museum of the U.S. Air Force officials here with World War II artifacts representing the 201st Mexican Fighter Squadron April 29.Mexican air force Lt. Col. Daniel Mojica presented a

  • Vehicle maintainers travel rough road

    Vehicle maintenance conducted in the most equipped garages can still present its fair share of challenges. For vehicle maintainers assigned to the Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team here, garages, a well-stocked supply warehouse and proper tools are a remote luxury not often afforded here.

  • Airmen mobilize to confront Afghan insurgency

    More than a dozen F-15E Strike Eagles, two DC-10s and a C-17 Globemaster III met the rising sun over the Atlantic Ocean en route to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, April 29.Approximately 350 deploying Airmen from the 336th Fighter Squadron and 4th Maintenance Group will spend the next four months

  • Force Support Squadron takes on Red Flag-Alaska

    Approximately 1,400 U.S. and foreign military members are participating in Red Flag-Alaska 09-2. The amplified workforce calls for additional support to provide basic needs, and Airmen in the 354th Force Support Squadron have willingly answered the call. "Red Flag-Alaska brings an increased number

  • Airmen provide island residents with drinkable water

    Six Airmen from Pacific Air Forces units arrived here Feb. 4 to cure the island's contaminated water supply ruined due to unusually high tides and have treated more than 1,840,000 gallons of water for residents here. Unusual weather around the Pacific region caused six irregular high tides to flow

  • Airmen train next generation

    Over the Arizona desert near Tucson, nine student pilots took the "final exam" for a career most people only dream about in April. They are in the final stages of training to become F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots for the Air Force. At the end of 7.5 months of intense F-16 Basic Course Training with the

  • Air Force, Navy combine for air combat skills training

    Pilots from the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing in Madison, honed their air-to-air combat training skills along side their naval counterparts from the Strike Fighter Squadron 2 (VFA-2), Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., during a two-week training mission here. Air Guard pilots

  • Air Force chief of staff returns to roots

    Some thirty-five years ago, 2nd Lt. Norton Schwartz graduated Undergraduate Pilot Training, walking away from here with a set of silver wings and a promising career with unlimited potential. On April 24th, now Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz came full circle, returning to Laughlin as

  • Airmen keep F-16s airborne during Balikatan 2009

    Air Force maintainers are keeping fighter pilots ready to go during Exercise Balikatan 2009 here. Balikatan, which in English means "shoulder to shoulder," is an annual joint bilateral exercise designed to improve U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines combined planning, combat readiness and

  • Airmen spread goodwill during Balikatan 2009

    More than 20 Airmen participating in Exercise Balikatan 2009 visited Filipino children at schools and an orphanage April 24 and 25 here. The Airmen from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., participating in the exercise took time to spread goodwill to nearly 150 children from the Duyan Ni Maria orphanage and

  • Deployment volunteers needed

    The operations tempo for Air Force employees, both civilian and military, is still high, but volunteers for extended deployments have dropped by more than 20 percent in the past two years. According to an internal Air Force Materiel Command memo released April 21 by Gen. Donald Hoffman, AFMC

  • Airmen build Iraqi air operations center capability

    Ten Iraqi airmen at the Iraqi air operations center recently completed a seven-day air operations planning course taught by American Airmen air advisers in April here. This training enables the Iraqi air force to build their operational planning capability, which is a critical component to

  • '6S' leads to AMC success

    Air Mobility Command Airmen recently spent a day focused on using the "6S" method to reduce clutter, inefficient processes, waste and more in their work spaces. 6S is a six-step process that stands for safety, sort, straighten, shine, standardize and sustain. "Through the 6S method, Airmen learn to

  • Team effort impacts Red Flag-Alaska

    American servicemembers along with NATO military members joined forces to conduct simulated combat environments during Exercise Red Flag-Alaska that runs April 16 through May 1 here.One example of that teamwork during the exercise is the life support section where Airmen and Sailors work alongside

  • Airman's Roll Call: Separating E-7, E-6 promotion release dates

    This week's Airman's Roll Call highlights the recent change in releasing promotion dates for master and technical sergeant.  After 12 years of being announced on the same day, they each now will be released on a separate date. Air Force officials say the new master sergeant promotion list now will

  • Top officer addresses Air Force's role in irregular warfare

    As combat requirements evolve, so must the Air Force's unique capabilities to engage the enemy, the service's top officer said. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz discussed the role of Airmen in counterinsurgency operations and irregular warfare April 24 at the Brookings Institution

  • 2008 JAG Award winners announced

    The Judge Advocate General Lt. Gen. Jack L. Rives has announced the 2008 Judge Advocate General Award winners. The award recipients will be formally recognized at an awards banquet during Keystone 2009, the Air Force JAG Corps' Leadership Summit held the last week of October in Dallas, Texas. Albert

  • 'Perspective' focuses on diversity

    In his latest 'Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman focuses on diversity and how it strengthens the greatest Air Force in the world. "This diversity enables successful action across the full spectrum of operations," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley.

  • Airmen turn empty Bulgarian hangar into A-10 hub

    As aircraft maintenance and support Airmen from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, packed to support Exercise Reunion April 2009 at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, they had to be prepared for any problem that might arise. A Bulgarian SU-25 unit at Bezmer Air Base provided the A-10 Thunderbolt II maintenance

  • KC-10s keep Red Flag-Alaska aircraft fueled to fight

    A fleet of KC-10 Extenders and their aircrews are deployed here to keep jets in the fight as they participate in a 10-day air combat training exercise over Alaska. The KC-10 Airmen and aircrews at Eielson Air Force Base for Red Flag-Alaska 09-2 are from McGuire AFB, N.J., and Travis AFB, Calif.  "We

  • Tuskegee Airmen ... the legacy continues

    Four Tuskegee Airmen visited the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here April 23 to 25 and met the Airmen who are continuing their legacy in the 21st century. Retired Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson; retired Lt. Col. James Warren; retired Maj. George Boyd; and former Staff Sgt. Phillip Broome met Airmen

  • Airmen keep Hercules strong

    When a transient C-130 Hercules delivers cargo and personnel here, there is a chance the aircraft may require maintenance before flying again. This is where Airmen of the 746th Aircraft Maintenance Unit step up to troubleshoot and fix the plane to make the C-130 ready for its return flight home. "We

  • Airman dies at Wilford Hall Medical Center

    Airman 1st Class Keith Mylott, 19, of Enfield, Conn., assigned to the 343rd Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, died April 25 at Wilford Hall Medical Center due to complications from pneumonia. Airman Mylott was undergoing technical training as a security forces apprentice and was a

  • New York Guardsmen stay on alert to save lives

    While all Airmen assigned to rescue squadrons throughout the Air Force know and follow the motto "So that others may live," there is one rescue squadron deployed to Afghanistan that takes this personal. "There is something that sets our unit apart from all the others," said Senior Master Sgt.

  • Blue Flag enhances ability to protect U.S. from attacks

    More than 500 Air Force personnel along with Army, Navy and Marine representatives completed a two-week training exercise April 24 here to improve how to monitor and intercept hostile military aircraft and to respond to potential terrorist attacks. Part of a series of military defense training

  • Charleston aerial port supports OEF build-up

    Members of the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here are moving shipments of airfield matting overseas to help create landing strips in a number of remote locations supporting the build-up for Operation Enduring Freedom. Airfield matting is used to accelerate airfield construction by eliminating the time

  • Postal workers deliver pieces of home through mail

    One of the nice things about deploying is the outpouring of support given by family, friends and even strangers from back home through care packages and letters. However, without the people who run the post offices on base, none of those well-wishes would get through to boost morale. "We provide all

  • School honors Colorado's last Vietnam MIA Airman

    Officials from the Air Force Intelligence School here named its auditorium in honor of Colorado's last missing in action Air National Guard member from the Vietnam War April 10 here. Colorado native Maj. Perry H. Jefferson was honored as members of the Colorado Air National Guard and

  • Practice keeps investigative skills sharp

    Practicing skills and maintaining job proficiency are key factors in accomplishing the mission on a day-to-day basis. Recently a member of the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here was able to practice and demonstrate fingerprinting skills in a mock crime scene scenario. According to

  • Langley showcases airpower to conclude Air Force Week

    Airpower took center stage during the first day of Airpower over Hampton Roads, a three-day airshow culmination of Air Force Week April 24 here. Thousands of people from the surrounding Hampton Roads area came to the first day of airshows to witness static displays and aerial demonstrations by

  • AETC ensures nuclear precision, compliance, accountability

    Command officials have aligned the Air Education and Training Command staff with headquarters Air Force, creating a new directorate that began operations in February to strengthen the focus on training for the Air Force's nuclear enterprise. The new office, AETC Nuclear Operations, Plans and

  • Barrel nut team gets C-130s back in the air

    A team of 30 Airmen across five units helped keep the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing's mission effectiveness rates above 98 percent during a nine-day period when the wing had only three flyable C-130 Hercules aircraft. After an immediate action time compliance technical order, or TCTO, was issued by

  • Senior officials define leadership during Air Force Week

    Leadership was the key topic addressed during an Air Force Week panel discussion April 23 on the campus of the College of William & Mary. Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley led the panel with comments on the theme of "Leadership for the Future," and panel members shared their insights

  • Training system helps joint operators put bombs on target

    When Air Force acquisition program managers meet to discuss the impact of their programs, they frequently talk figuratively about the ability to "put bombs on target." But when managers of the joint terminal control training and rehearsal system mention "bombs on target," they are being literal. The

  • Air Force secretary discusses service's goals, priorities

    The secretary of the Air Force spoke about the service's nuclear enterprise mission, Airmen at war and taking care of Airmen and their families April 23 while visiting the campus of the College of William & Mary during Hampton Roads Air Force Week. Secretary Michael B. Donley began by explaining the

  • Officials select 37 Airmen for physician assistant training

    Air Force officials recently selected 37 Airmen to attend the Tri-Service (Phase I) Physician Assistant training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The March 2009 Physician Assistant Board met at the Air Force Personnel Center here to consider 83 applicants. In addition to those selected to attend

  • ANG chief discusses air sovereignty missions with Congress

    New commitments need to be made to the nation's Airmen and others who defend North America from threats to its air sovereignty, the Air National Guard's senior officer told members of Congress here April 22. Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt, director of the Air National Guard, testified before the House

  • Armament unit improves operations with AFSO 21

    Six Airmen from the 20th Maintenance Group recently conducted a Rapid Improvement Event here as part of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiatives happening across the Air Force. Senior Airman Ronnie Eveland, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, explained that while the RIE focused

  • Altus slated to receive Reserve squadron

    Top military and government officials announced recently a Reserve squadron will join units here. The addition will boost aircrew training for the KC-135 Stratotanker, C-17 Globemaster III and the eventual KC-X.  The change will take place in fiscal 2010. "We have the opportunity to take some of the

  • 13th Air Force commander visits Andersen Airmen

    Lt. Gen. Chip Utterback, 13th Air Force commander, shakes hands with Staff Sgt. Eric Moeller, a firefighter from the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron, during a visit to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, April 22. The 36th Wing at Andersen is one of two wings assigned to 13th Air Force. (U.S. Air Force

  • ISR leader shares future of intelligence field

    "We're changing the way we view intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance from the past," said Lt. Gen. David Deptula, Air Force deputy chief of staff for ISR, during his visit here April 16. "In the past, we had stratified pockets of industry. Now we're heading toward an integrated,

  • Balad squadron serves as Iraq's 'guardian angels'

    Coalition military members in Iraq have plenty of equipment, tactics and techniques at their disposal in the event of a worst-case scenario in the field. However, if those safeguards fail, a team of operators from the 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron is standing by, ready to help. "Our primary

  • Squadron Airmen improve following improvement event

    Airman from the 9th Munitions Squadron hosted a Rapid Improvement Event March 30 thru April 3 as part of the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century here. The event was held to identify key issues with the mobility recovery bin process and to find plausible solutions to help resolve them. By

  • AFSO 21 helps unit reduce steps, increase proficiency

    The 726th Air Mobility Squadron recently conducted an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century value stream analysis looking for ways to streamline C-17 Globemaster III refueling and increase proficiency levels. The unit pooled Airmen from a variety of backgrounds to participate in the AFSO

  • Maintainers make it happen during Red Flag-Alaska

    During Red Flag-Alaska, thousands of feet above the rugged Alaskan terrain, pilots push their aircraft to the limits, performing dog fights and defensive maneuvers against aggressors, honing their skills for combat missions. However, pilots aren't the only ones who are contributing to mission

  • A-10 pilots take to Bulgarian skies during joint exercise

    U.S. and Bulgarian air force pilots are honing their close air support and combat search and rescue skills during a joint training exercise April 7 to 28 here.While the exercise was a reunion for Bulgarian and American partnership efforts, this is the first time the 81st Fighter Squadron from

  • JAG Airman provides unique service while deployed

    Many Air Force attorneys spend their days providing legal counsel and preparing legal documents, but for one Air Force captain being deployed means serving in a one of a kind legal position. Capt. Sophia Crawford, detention, judicial and legal policy attorney in the Office of the Staff Judge

  • Personnel accountability system live AF-wide; May exercise planned

    Air Force officials implemented the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System April 1.  The new program improves global disaster personnel accountability management, reporting and case management across the force.  They plan to test the system in a force-wide exercise May 19 to 21.

  • Joint airpower show proves military might at Air Force Week

    Hundreds of Virginia residents saw a joint airpower demonstration firsthand during Hampton Roads Air Force Week April 22 along the coastline of Virginia Beach. The event included a simulated rescue where a special forces team called in airstrikes then ran into the Atlantic Ocean to be rescued by