CMSAF McKinley highlights 61 years of airpower

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley spoke to Airmen at the Air Force 61st Birthday Celebration at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., Sept. 18. Chief McKinley opened the celebration with a speech, highlighting events involving Airmen and the Air Force that happened since last year's

Senior Airman Mary Bullock

Senior Airman Alicia Goestschel

Air Force 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Chiefs discuss issues at AFA symposium

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley and five command chief master sergeants from the major commands answered a variety questions during a Command Chief Master Sergeant Forum Sept. 16 at the 24th Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition. A few of the topics covered

General discusses role of Reserve

The Air Force Reserve Command's vice commander addressed a gathering of service members and civilians Sept. 16 during a presentation at the 24th Annual Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here. Maj. Gen. Allan R. Poulin discussed the command's role in the war on

Servicemembers in Afghanistan honor Air Force birthday

Servicemembers from the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan honored the 61st anniversary of the Air Force Sept. 18 during a ceremony at Camp Eggers here. The day's celebration struck a cord with CSTC-A Airmen who work to mentor and advise members of the Afghan National Army air corps,

Hanscom Airmen learn how to identify drugs to fight crime

Airmen of the 66th Security Forces Squadron here learned to recognize drugs and drug paraphernalia in the event they encounter them during their day-to-day duties during Sept. 17 and 18 training.Detective James Donovan, a narcotics officer with the police department of Saugus, Mass., showed Hanscom

Wilford Hall Airmen aid Hurricane Ike evacuees

Approximately 100 medics from Lackland Air Force Base worked around the clock Sept. 12 through 14 to assist with Hurricane Ike evacuees from the Gulf Coast region who arrived at Port San Antonio. Wilford Hall Medical Center members assigned to the 59th Medical Wing staff helped move 137

Chairman salutes Air Force on 61st birthday

Adm. Michael G. Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sends his greetings to all Airmen on the 61th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force. "Leonardo DaVinci said, "Once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward." When it comes to flying and fighting, no

Servicemembers to follow long absentee voting tradition

A pen-and-ink drawing in the Oct. 29, 1864, issue of Harper's Weekly portrayed a long line of Pennsylvania Soldiers outside their A-framed tents, each awaiting his turn to vote in the 1864 presidential election. Artist William Waud's rendering captured the high interest in the high-stakes election

Air Force officials launch new community Web site

Beginning Oct. 1, Air Force officials here will introduce a new Web site for Airmen and their families that provides a 24/7 resource for information on topics like relocation, military child education and finances. The new site phases out the "AF Crossroads" Web site while assuring most of the same

Donley, Schwartz send birthday message

In a  joint Letter to Airmen, the acting secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff present the 61st Air Force birthday message for all Airmen."On Sept. 18, 1947, our nation established the United States Air Force, signifying the commitment of the American people to leverage the

Air Force officials honor 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Air Force officials here recognized the service's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year at an awards dinner Sept. 15 during the Air Force Association's 24th Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here. The 2008 award recipients were drawn from 33 people representing major commands,

AF's top pastor discusses role of 'combat' chaplains

The Air Force's top chaplain said military chaplains are working hard in deployed environments to help ensure servicemembers have their constitutional right to worship God in their own way. Maj. Gen. Cecil Richardson, Air Force chief of chaplains, addressed attendees of the 2008 Air Force

Airman's Roll Call: Air Force celebrates 61st birthday

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on six decades-plus of airpower as the Air Force celebrates its 61st birthday Sept. 18. For more information about the Air Force's 61st birthday read this week's Airman's Roll Call. Airman's Roll Call is designed for supervisors at all levels to help keep

Air Force officials up bonuses by $93 million

Officials have released the latest selective reenlistment bonus list containing 88 Air Force specialties, effective Sept. 15.The new program includes a $93 million budget increase, almost triple the amount of the current program. This will allow for greater distribution of bonuses across Air Force

Guard unit makes final preparations for Predator flights

Members of the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing here are now ready to begin training the Airmen on the MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft system. March Air Reserve Base officials expect to fly its first "live" training sortie in January from the former George Air Force Base, now known as Southern California

Gen. Schwartz addresses Air Force future

The chief of staff of the Air Force addressed Air Force Association Air and Space Technology Convention delegates Sept. 16 here to share his vision for the future of the service. "The work we must accomplish is serious stuff," Gen. Norton A. Schwartz said, "but I know we are up to the task." Part of

Air Force, Air National Guard partner for new mission

The Air Force and Air National Guard officials have agreed to establish a temporary mission qualification training detachment for the RC-12 aircraft at Key Field in Meridian, Miss. This mission, conducted by the Mississippi Air National Guard, will help bolster the Department of Defense's

Joint patrol provides Airmen with valuable knowledge

It's been more than 30 years since the Vietnam War ended and since the Air Force has been solely responsible for a base's defense in a war zone, but that's all about to change at Joint Base Balad by the end of September. The Air Force is taking responsibility for base defense from the Army, and to

Reserve rescue team pulls 17 from floodwaters

Air Force reservists assigned to the 331st Air Expeditionary Group, a inter-agency search and rescue unit based at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, rescued 17 people from Hurricane Ike flood waters Sept. 13 in a small Texas town.The reservists, deployed from the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force

AF leaders issue joint mission message

In their first joint Letter to Airmen, the acting secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff focus on the Air Force mission to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace.  "The mission statement reflects our rich heritage and continuing commitment to provide decisive air and

Air Force develops plan for filling unmanned aircraft system positions

Air Force leaders are taking a two-pronged approach to address the increasing need for pilots of unmanned aircraft systems in Afghanistan and Iraq, an Air Force official said recently. The first approach will use a small percentage of undergraduate pilot training graduates for the short term. The

General Schwartz kicks off AFA convention

The Air Force Association's 24th Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition got underway here Sept. 15. In remarks to open the conference, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz said service leaders will work to regain America's trust by improving its performance, citing work

Acting Secretary Donley speaks at AFA conference

From uniforms to deployments, nuclear priorities and the service's future, acting Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley spoke of a variety of topics at the Air Force Association convention here Sept. 15. "We are providers of tremendous capability of air and space," Secretary Donley said. "All

The 2008 AF Climate Survey launches Oct. 1

Have you ever wished you could tell your leaders what you think? That power will soon be at your fingertips with the launching of the 2008 Air Force Climate Survey Oct. 1-8. During that time, individual e-mail invitations will be sent out Air Force-wide that will include a survey link and

Phoenix Raven training highlights capabilities of security forces Airmen

For Staff Sgt. Ian Martin, the figure 1709 is more than just a number, it's the beginning of a new life.The number means the staff sergeant, who is from the 121st Security Forces Squadron at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, is the 1,709th person to become a Raven. Air Force security

Reservists fly Operation Deep Freeze Springfly missions

Ten reservists from the 446th Airlift Wing deployed Sept. 4 to Christchurch, New Zealand in support of Operation Deep Freeze, 2008-2009 Springfly. Springfly is the ODF ramp up phase to prepare buildings and equipment, as well as pave the overland traverse to the South Pole, in preparation for the

'Today's Air Force' features key milestones

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Air Force milestones in the war again terrorism and features the MQ-1 Predator passing 400,000 flight hours. Also, see how the Air Force continues to dominate airpower worldwide. In addition, witness how members of the Guard, Reserve and active units

Airmen, bears coexist on Hurlburt Field

Security forces members from Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base, along with local civilian officials, gathered at the weapons range learn bear aversion tactics from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission here recently. The training participants learned various techniques to

Airmen, Soldiers aid people affected by Hurricane Ike

Airmen from the Texas Air National Guard and Soldiers from the Texas Army National Guard banded together with civilian emergency responders to help people affected by Hurricane Ike in Galveston, Texas, Sept. 14. Joint responders assisted with people at a local high school before busing them to San

Helicopter aircrews rescue hurricane victims

Airmen from the 129th Rescue Wing took off from Kelly Field in San Antonio Sept. 13 and helped rescue stranded victims of Hurricane Ike near Galveston, Texas. California Air National Guard members of the 129th RQW here are deployed to San Antonio to conduct search and rescue support operations

Airmen survey Ike damage

Airmen conduct search, rescue

JTF-129 Airmen rescue civilians stranded in Galveston

California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing here deployed to Kelly Field in San Antonio for Hurricane Ike search and rescue support operations rescued eight people Sept. 12 in Galveston, Texas. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter on search and rescue patrol spotted unevacuated civilians

Airman evacuate patients from Beaumont

Summer research program benefits Academy cadets

When officials at the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center here and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., launched a new and powerful mentoring program in March, it energized the center's involvement in the Academy's Cadet Summer Research Program. Six months later, seven

Battlelab initiative improves flight deck safety

Aircrews flying KC-135 Stratotankers to hot climates may have an easier way to keep their flight decks cool when on the ground thanks to the Air Mobility Battlelab's KC-135 Hot Weather Cooling Sock initiative. "This initiative addresses a current problem where aircraft maintainers use a standard

23rd Wing deploys rescue forces for Hurricane Ike response

As Hurricane Ike approached the Texas coast, the 23rd Wing began moving units on Sept. 11 to pre-stage for rapid rescue relief operations. The 23rd Wing is the only active-duty combat search and rescue wing in the Air Force. Units from the wing's two rescue groups, the 347th Rescue Group here and

Special tactics unit arrives in Houston to aid Ike relief

Members of the Oregon Air National Guard's 125th Special Tactics Squadron arrived at the Reliant Center in Houston Sept. 12 to assist with Hurricane Ike relief efforts. The team's primary focus is to provide command and control where needed and work with other federal agencies to establish

Airmen stand ready to provide hurricane relief at Randolph

Airmen with the 331st Air Expeditionary Group are staged at Randolph Air Force Base ready to respond with aid Sept. 12 as Hurricane Ike bears down on the Texas coast. The group, made up of nearly 600 people, brings with it units and capabilities from across the Air Force. Among them are search and

Guard members in states of Ike's path ready, willing, able

National Guard members in Texas and four other states are preparing for the worst as Hurricane Ike looms just off the Gulf Coast Sept. 12. Guard members in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri have anticipated the problems associated with heavy rain and winds and will be ready to respond, said

Airmen share information via new blog

In an effort to open up online conversations with Airmen, families and the public, officials in the Secretary of the Air Force's Office of Public Affairs are launching a new blog called Air Force Live Sept. 14. "Air Force Live allows us to reach a vast online community who may not necessarily know

'Landing Gear' aims to help at-risk Airmen

Air Force Medical Service officials are releasing a prevention education program that provides focused education specifically targeted at Airmen at risk for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, and other deployment-related mental health problems. Entitled Landing Gear, the training fulfills

Hurricane Hunters fly nonstop into Ike

As residents of the Texas coastline flee to safe havens, the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters continue fly right into the center of Mother Nature's fury Sept. 12 from here. Hurricane Ike is projected to make landfall Sept. 13 along the Texas coast near the city of Galveston as well as provide

Patrick Airmen ready to help Hurricane Ike victims

Airmen of the 920th Rescue Wing here flew two HH-60G Pave Hawks from Patrick Air Force Base to Gulfport, Miss., to preposition search and rescue aircraft to aid victims of Hurricane Ike Sept. 12. Airmen flew the two helicopters and two HC-130P/N Hercules long-range refueling aircraft will fly to

Hurlburt Airmen assist with freighter rescue

Airmen of the 1st Special Operations Wing here launched two CV-22 Ospreys, an MC-130P Combat Shadow and an MH-53 Pave Low helicopter Sept. 12 to prepare for a possible rescue of 22 people aboard the Cyprus-flagged freighter Antalina adrift in the Gulf of Mexico south of Louisiana caught in Hurricane

C-17 crew lands after-dark landing in Antarctica

A C-17 Globemaster III aircrew from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., performed the first known after-dark landing in Antarctica using night vision goggles here Sept. 11. The McChord aircrew, consisting of active duty Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing and Reservists from the 446th Airlift Wing,

MacDill AFB medical team supports hurricane relief efforts

A mobile aeromedical staging facility team from the 6th Air Mobility Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., arrived here Sept. 9 in support of Hurricane Ike evacuation efforts. Along with the MASF team, more than 200 state and federal assets and volunteers converged on Corpus Christi ahead of Ike in

AMC aircraft, Airmen supporting Hurricane Ike evacuations

Mobility Airmen and their aircraft are again in full support of hurricane evacuation operations as Hurricane Ike approaches the Gulf Coast. This effort to support evacuation of patients and members of the general population comes on the heels of Air Mobility Command's support to Hurricane Gustav

Chief McKinley visits Wright-Patterson AFB

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley held an enlisted call at the base theater here Sept. 9 where he touched on a variety of topics, including the Air Force's near-term priorities. The enlisted call was part of his two-day visit to the base Sept. 8 and 9. During his visit, Chief

Skills summit aims to streamline training for Airmen

The evolving war on terrorism has made Col. Jenny Pickett's personal mission of "keeping Airmen alive" more challenging these days. The commandant of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Operations School, which trains Airmen for deployment, says inconsistencies in where and how troops gain war-fighting

Pentagon Memorial opens to public

The Pentagon Memorial was dedicated and opened to the public in a solemn ceremony before thousands of servicemembers and civilians Sept. 11 here. The memorial honors the 184 people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks here seven years ago when Flight 77 was flown into the south side of the

Year-end recruiting goals within reach, official says

With less than three weeks left in the fiscal year, all four military services met their active-duty recruiting goals for August and hope to maintain that momentum to reach their year-end goals, Defense Department officials said Sept. 10. The Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps all met or

Ceremony inspires members to never forget Sept. 11

Airmen of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing gathered with coalition forces and sister servicemembers at sunrise Sept. 11 on the grounds of a newly constructed memorial for a Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony here. Col. Cameron Torrens, the 386th AEW commander, presided over the ceremony on the seventh

Annual unit, organizational award winners announced

The Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council here recently recognized the following organizations for 2007 and 2008 Air Force unit awards for the periods indicated below: The Meritorious Unit Award to:-- The 3rd Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group for Dec. 13, 2006 through Nov. 25, 2007.

Future Airmen show commitment in record-making ceremony

Members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the 364th Recruiting Squadron partnered recently at the Travis Air Expo 2008 to conduct the largest Delayed Entry Program swearing-in ceremony to date. Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, the commander of the Air Force Thunderbirds, administered the oath of

Hurricane Hunters track Ike

Barreling toward the Texas coast, Hurricane Ike is regaining strength as officials along the Texas coast began evacuations of the first of millions of residents in the forecast path of the storm Sept. 10. Warm gulf waters contributed to renewed strength for Hurricane Ike after it passed over Cuba

Texas National Guard evacuates citizens for Hurricane Ike

Nine Air National Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft from three states configured for medical air evacuation began transporting special-needs patients from the Corpus Christi, Texas, area the morning of Sept. 10 in preparation for Hurricane Ike's expected landfall Sept. 13. The mission falls under Texas

Airman's Roll Call: Pentagon Memorial unveiling

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the unveiling of the Pentagon Memorial, a lasting tribute to those who died in the attack there on Sept. 11, 2001. As the World Trade Center burned in New York City as a result of two terrorist-hijacked aircraft crashing into them, a third plane struck the

Operational "Integrity" - lessons from the AFSO 21 Frontlines

The U.S. Air Force faces intense operational demands and resource challenges that sit at the heart of the role that Air Force Smart Operations, or AFSO, plays in improving mission performance. We all understand the need to strengthen fighting capability, recapitalize, increase financial efficiency

International tattoo drums up excitement

Airmen from bases in Japan, Germany, Alaska, and Georgia came together to create the Air Force Total Force Band and performed at the 2008 International Wonju Tattoo Sept. 5 here. Maj. Matthew Henry, the Air Force Band of the Pacific commander, formed a marching band with members spanning the globe

When calamities arise, AFPC stands ready to reply

When natural disasters, emergencies or crisis situations overwhelm an Air Force base's communications capabilities, members of the Air Force Personnel Center here provide Airmen and their families instant toll-free accountability. Once activated, AFPC Operation Center-Personnel Readiness Cell

Airman's father honored at Pentagon Memorial

In the morning hours of Sept. 11, 2001, Master Sgt. Jennifer Yamnicky's father, John, boarded American Airlines Flight 77 out of Dulles International Airport. At 9:43 a.m., his plane was flown into the side of the Pentagon. This Sept. 11 will be the dedication of the Pentagon Memorial for the 184

Readiness centers: 1-stop, career shops for spouses

When Trish Kuettel and her husband, Tech. Sgt. Michael Kuettel, arrived at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., last summer, her "to do" list was long and daunting. One thing the mother of two didn't have to worry about was where to look for career and employment assistance. "Since I was unfamiliar

Air Staff Agency uses 'New Media' to talk

Since the beginning of warfare, the toughest battles for commanders have always been communicating with their own troops, ensuring everyone is hearing the same message. Lt. Gen. Michael W. Peterson, the Warfighting Integration and Chief Information Office director, took a different approach when he

RED HORSE Airmen give Iraqis reason for hope

Six months ago, the town of Hawr Rajab was a mere shell of its former self. Local shops were closed, their windows boarded up. The streets were abandoned. Homes were badly damaged. The town was once an al-Qaida in Iraq stronghold where violence and intimidation forced residents to flee their homes.

Charleston Airmen welcome home warriors

More than 125 Airmen from the 14th Airlift Squadron returned to Charleston Air Force Base Sept. 3 after completing more than a 120-day deployment to Southwest Asia in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The 14th AS Airmen deployed as the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron to

CSAF: Precision, reliability key to Airmen keeping the promise

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz capped off a one-day visit here Sep. 3 with a special Airman's Call for a sample group of Airmen from various squadrons, career fields and ranks. Brig. Gen. Darryl Roberson, 325th Fighter Wing commander, introduced General Schwartz to

Air Force wraps up summer safety, begins fall campaign

The Air Force wrapped up the 101 Critical Days of Summer safety campaign over Labor Day weekend, ending the safest campaign in the last 10 years. Sixteen Airmen died in the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, whereas in 2006, the previous safest summer season of the decade, 17 Airmen died in

DOD to observe Constitution Day, Citizenship Day

The Department of Defense will observe Constitution Day and Citizenship Day Sept. 17 to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on that day in 1787. "Our Airmen are stationed and deployed around the world protecting the freedoms embodied in our Constitution," said Chief

Firefighters hone skills in midst of high ops tempo

As smoke bellows from a nearby structure, emergency responders rush to the scene and systematically begin to assess the situation. Within minutes, the firefighters are inside the facility and the threat is neutralized. "Endex," says a voice over the radio. The 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer

Every Monday now blues day for Airmen

Beginning Sept. 8, Airmen now will be required to wear a combination of the blues uniform on Mondays. At a recent four-star conference, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz discussed the issue with other senior leaders. "We all agreed that part of our image, culture and professionalism

Labor Day weekend fatalities bring summer total to 115

Five servicemembers died in off-duty accidents during the Labor Day weekend, bringing to 115 the number killed this year during the "101 Critical Days of Summer." Labor Day marked the official end to the 101 Critical Days of Summer, the period between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day that

90-day records review starts for IMAs

Airmen who are Individual Mobilization Augmentees or are in the Participating Individual Ready Reserve category have 90 days to review their electronic personnel records, Air Reserve Personnel Center officials announced Sept. 4. Paper versions of the field records, technically called the Unit

Logistics readiness returns to basics

Air Force logistics readiness officials are teaming to end a string of missteps in compliance and accountability by stressing a return to high standards of excellence through an enterprise-wide campaign that draws upon a back-to-basics approach to tasks. "In the past few years, we've witnessed

Airmen to be featured on TV Sunday

Deployed Airmen will be featured on a televised salute to the troops Sept. 7. The two-hour evening program stars several entertainment-industry celebrities offering performances and thanks in tribute to all service members. Airmen deployed to Joint Base Balad, Iraq, recorded segments for the program

C-17s evacuate from Charleston

Eleven C-17 Globemaster III aircraft here evacuated Sept. 4 due to the possibility of severe weather caused by Tropical Storm Hanna. The evacuation of the C-17s began midmorning and continued until about 2:15 p.m. Six of the aircraft relocated to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, while the

Warrior medics deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom

More than 80 Airmen from the 59th Medical Wing deployed Sept. 4, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Deploying personnel bid their families farewell early in the morning in the Wilford Hall Medical Center auditorium before beginning their journey. This deployment is one of several that will occur

Citizen Airmen return to Keesler, chase Hanna, Ike

Aircraft and people assigned to the Air Force Reserve's 403rd Wing began returning here Sept. 3 from forward operating locations where aircrews continued their missions of airlift and hurricane reconnaissance. While deployed, the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the Hurricane Hunters,

AF Survival School becomes reality TV

Americans get the opportunity to step into the boots of an Air Force Survival School student by watching the reality show Survival School starting Sept. 9 on the MOJO HD channel at 9 p.m. EDT. The ten half-hour episodes will track 47 Airmen as they face the limits of their skill during the Air Force

Rescue squadrons provide support for Hurricane Gustav

Airmen from rescue helicopter squadrons from across the Air Force came together here to provide personnel recovery support in the event it was needed for Hurricane Gustav that stormed through Louisiana Sept. 1. Active and Guard rescue squadrons from Alaska, Arizona, California and New York combined

Air Force Reserve to test force support squadron concept

Starting in October, the Air Force Reserve Command will test a new force support structure by merging mission support squadrons and services squadrons at seven locations throughout the United States. In the test, which will run for one year, the affected units will merge manpower and personnel

Airmen, Soldiers train for provincial reconstruction team

Servicemembers from the Army and Air Force have come here to train and become the next Zabul Province Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan. Nearly 100 servicemembers representing the Air Force, Army, Army Reserves and Army National Guard, will combine with USAID, Department of State and the Department

Edwards F-22 Raptor refuels using synthetic fuel

The F-22 Combined Test Force reached another milestone as an Edwards F-22 Raptor performed aerial refueling using a synthetic fuel.  It is the first time an Air Force aircraft refueled mid-air using an alternative jet engine fuel. The test was the culmination of Edwards test points in certifying the

Multinational exercise sustains international readiness

The 2008 Northern Viking exercise, which began with a ceremony here Sept. 1, aims to reinforce the resolve of the U.S. and its NATO partners in assisting in the defense of Iceland. Approximately 150 Airmen from U.S. Air Forces in Europe have joined forces with more than 300 U.S. Navy Seamen, as well

General Schwartz sends out first 'Vector'

In his first CSAF Vector, the Air Force chief of staff directs his attention to the mission of the Air Force for all Airmen, and outlines a plan for tomorrow's Air Force."The enduring responsibility of the United States Air Force is to provide strategic deterrence for the nation, and fly, fight and

Air Force Chief of Staff defines standard of excellence

Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, came to Air Force Space Command for a series of briefings and then visited with Peterson AFB personnel at an open forum at the base theater. His comments included what he called "vital things," the foremost of which is the need for the Air Force to go

Maxwell officials provide shelter for Gustav evacuees

When Hurricane Gustav made landfall early Sept. 1 along the Louisiana coast, 658 individuals from the Gulf Coast region were safely out of harm's way in temporary facilities here. Maxwell Air Force Base is a designated National Logistical Support Area for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and

Airman's Roll Call: Air Force uniform issues

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz's decision last week to defer a decision on the heritage service coat until summer 2009. Air Force leaders said they owe it to Airmen to do the research, development and quality assurance necessary to

Milestone reached in aircraft named for 9/11

Airmen in a unit here recently reached 40,000 flight hours in support of the war on terrorism fittingly in an aircraft named for the attacks which began the war. The 7th Expeditionary Air Command and Control Squadron Airmen reached the milestone Sept. 2 in E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar

Air Force Reserve eclipses recruiting goal again

For the eighth consecutive year, the Air Force Reserve met and eclipsed its annual recruiting goal. Reserve recruiters across the country and around the world tallied the 8,000 mark at 12:38 p.m. EDT, Aug. 28. The recruiting cycle coincides with the Department of Defense fiscal year, which runs from

EagleCash: Don't deploy without it!

The commander of U.S. Air Forces Central and the U.S. Central Command Combined Forces Air Component recently reminded commanders in the AOR that all Airmen in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility are required to have an EagleCash Stored Value Card. "The EagleCash Stored Value Card promotes deployed

Hurricane Hunters patrol Gustav

Airmen from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron "Hurricane Hunters" are flying daily weather reconnaissance missions into Hurricane Gustav from Homestead Air Reserve Base to aid the National Weather Service in providing the storm's projected path to the American public. The squadron, a

AMC poised to support post-hurricane operations

Air Mobility Command planners and operators held a collective breath as Hurricane Gustav made landfall Sept. 1. Although most AMC aircraft and personnel were pulled back from the U.S. Gulf Coast area Aug. 31 -- hours before the hurricane's projected landfall -- the command was still fully engage in

AFPC commander discusses support for deployed Airmen

The commander of the Air Force Personnel Center discussed how her agency continues to improve its support of deployed Airmen during a visit here Aug. 27. AFPC is streamlining how it tracks deployments and re-examining how it balances deployments with assignments and training, said Maj. Gen. K. C.

Intelligence wing supports Gustav efforts

Even though Hurricane Gustav made landfall hundreds of miles away, Airmen from the 480th Intelligence Wing here are playing a critical support role. The same intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets that are used to support contingency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, also play a

Air Force IT Conference highlights education

The professional education of thousands of Airmen and Air Force civilians is on the fast track to change, according to officials at the Air Force Information Technology Conference Aug. 26. "Air Education and Training Command's vision is to deliver unrivaled air, space and cyberspace education and

Presidential Thank You

President George W. Bush personally thanks Airman of the Texas Air National Guard 149th Fighter Wing and the 59th Medical Wing for their volunteer efforts in processing over 700 evacuees displaced due to Hurricane Gustav Sept.1 at Port San Antonio, Texas.