NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Some Airmen, civilians authorized to wear NATO medals

    Some deployed Air Force military and civilian personnel are now authorized to wear one of four North Atlantic Treaty Organization medals. Those who served in a NATO unit for 30 continuous or accumulated days and were listed on a Combined Joint Statement of Requirements may be awarded either the NATO

  • Air Force officials announce airfield operations awards

    Air Force officials announced the winners of the 2006 Air Force Airfield Operation Awards June 13. Airfield operations include airfield operations and control, specifically airfield management and air traffic control. The 2006 winners are as follows: Airfield operations flight complex of the year:

  • Airman's Roll Call: Taking environmental responsibility

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on Airmen and civilians being responsible for Air Force's environmental role. The Air Force continues to set the example as the nation's top customer for buying energy that comes from environmentally-friendly sources. Airmen should always look for ways they can

  • Master, technical sergeant promotion rates announced

    The Air Force selected 6,002 of 24,115 eligible technical sergeants for promotion to master sergeant, and 7,314 of 39,797 eligible staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant. The master sergeant selection rate, 24.89 percent, rose 5.03 percent from last year, while this year's technical

  • Precision airdrops deliver directly to battlefield

    Water, food and ammunition are only useful if they make it to the people who need them. Fortunately for battlefield Airmen, Soldiers and Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan these supplies are flown in using the Joint Precision Airdrop System. C-17 Globemaster IIIs at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing are

  • Arlington exhibit closes with ceremony honoring the fallen

    Arlington National Cemetery's "Faces of the Fallen" exhibit closed June 7, and in a ceremony to honor the fallen, artwork featuring servicemembers who have lost their lives were presented to their surviving family members. While the exhibit comprised 1,319 fallen servicemembers, the closing ceremony

  • Airmen receive first AF Combat Action Medals

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley awarded six Airmen the Air Force Combat Action Medal during a ceremony June 12 at the Air Force Memorial. These Airmen were the first in the Air Force to receive the new medal.Recipients of the award were Maj. Steven A. Raspet, Capt. Allison K. Black,

  • Middle school students get 'caught' being good

    No talking in class. No running in the halls. No chewing gum. Although the rules vary from school to school, some students often find themselves on the wrong end of a meeting with their teachers.There is no exception for students at the Lajes American School. With just more than 400 students in the

  • Modernizing an old design a challenge for medal makers

    The designer of the Air Force Combat Action Medal said it was a challenge giving the medal a World War I feel but at the same time modernizing it. Graphic designer Susan Gamble used artwork from photos of Brig. Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell's aircraft to inspire the design of the medal, which was

  • Airmen train for worst-case scenarios at Red Flag

    When a pilot gets shot down in combat, it takes more than luck to bring him or her back home, which is why Red Flag-Alaska exercises prepare Airmen for any situation. "(These exercises are going to) give some of our aircraft commanders and the people who are flying an idea of what to expect if a

  • Changes in Air Force to ultimately benefit Airmen

    An Air Force-wide plan to reduce the number of Airmen while saving money for equipment upgrades will be difficult, but ultimately, beneficial, said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. During an enlisted call here June 6, Chief McKinley spoke with Airmen about the Air Force

  • Elmendorf celebrates C-17 arrival

    Elmendorf officially received its first C-17 Globemaster III airlifter June 11 during a ceremony here. The C-17, "Spirit of Denali," was delivered by Alaska's Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell. "The C-17 is an exceptional aircraft and what a smooth ride," said the lieutenant governor. "This is a great day for

  • F-22 Raptor team garners Collier Trophy

    The National Aeronautic Association presented its Robert J. Collier Trophy to the Lockheed Martin Corporation for their role in the development of the Air Force's F-22 Raptor. The Air Force was part of the team awarded the honor, one of the nation's most prestigious prizes for aeronautical and space

  • Airman memorialized at Hill Air Force Base

    Hundreds attended a memorial service here June 8 for a Hill Airman deployed to Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, who was killed June 5 by an improvised explosive device that detonated near his convoy vehicle.Tech. Sgt. Ryan A. Balmer, who was assigned here to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations

  • Air Force band is expeditionary instrument of peace

    There was no waiting for the world to change one recent spring day in Afghanistan when Air Force Band members took matters into their own hands and united with a group of local elementary school students for an afternoon of friendship and music. Singing pop songs by artists such as John Mayer, who

  • Rollover trainer turns up the HEAT on safety

    Before security forces teams deploy from Moody, they are now being put through the "spin cycle" of the Air Force's only vehicle rollover trainer. The Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer, or HEAT, is able to realistically simulate a vehicle rollover in a safe environment and will save lives in a

  • Civic leaders tour Travis during Air Force Week

    As part of Air Force Week California, an honorary commanders' tour was held June 7 at Travis Air Force Base. The event brought local civic leaders to the base to see first-hand how Airmen prepare for deployments. The visitors sat in on a deployment briefing, were issued Kevlar helmets and body armor

  • Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Space Command and its multi-faceted mission, ranging from helping pilots navigate around the world to detecting and tracking objects in space above the United States and maintaining America's nuclear arsenal. And be part of an Air Force joint

  • Airmen killed in Iraq identified

    Senior Airman William N. Newman, 23, of Kingston Springs, Tenn., died June 7 south of Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device attack.Airman Newman was assigned to the 15th Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal team at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.Airman

  • Air Force Week California concludes with air show

    Amid tumble dives and barrel rolls, vintage aircraft and modern fighters, the California Capital Air Show concluded Air Force Week here June 9 and 10. The event, which took place at Mather Airport, the site of former Mather Air Force Base, drew more than 50,000 people and offered a variety of

  • Airmen, Iraqi air traffic controllers work together

    Standing 200 feet above Baghdad International Airport in a weathered control tower, Air Force air traffic controllers are busy directing aircraft while their Iraqi counterparts get certified through intensive formal training and hands-on experience. It's a job that is extremely challenging, yet

  • Final tributes paid to Airmen killed in Iraq

    Two memorial displays, each with a pair of boots, an inverted rifle, a helmet and a set of dog tags, stood side by side reflecting the camaraderie and teamwork and service of Tech. Sgt. Ryan A. Balmer and Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Kuglics, whose ultimate sacrifices were honored in a ceremony here June

  • Journal focuses on developing Airmen, leaders

    The College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education at Air University has published and distributed the Summer 2007 English edition of the Air Force's professional journal, Air and Space Power Journal. The journal serves as an open forum for the presentation and stimulation of innovative

  • Airman dies at Southwest Asia wing

    An Airman assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing died June 11. The cause of death is being investigated. More details will be released as they become available. The name of the Airman is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The 379th AEW is comprised of 8,000 Airmen from the

  • 'FOX and Friends' shines spotlight on Wright-Patterson AFB

    Television viewers who watched the FOX News Network's "FOX and Friends" morning program June 8 gained insight into the diverse mission of Air Force Materiel Command and the Air Force. With a C-5 Galaxy serving as his backdrop, "FOX and Friends" co-anchor Brian Kilmeade broadcast multiple live

  • Air Force convoy attacked

    One 586th Air Expeditionary Group Airman was killed and another injured during convoy operations in southern Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated and struck their vehicle June 10. The injured Airman was last listed in good condition and is expected to return to duty. The deceased

  • Newest 'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

    The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world. At Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, Staff Sgt. Anthony Chambers checks a solar-powered security system near the perimeter. Sergeant Chambers is deployed to the 506th

  • Air Force units promo August Air Force Week event

    Air National Guard, active-duty and Reserve units from across New England teamed up June 6 to demonstrate and highlight aerial refueling as a way to kick off a summer-long celebration of 60 years of Air Force history.   The celebration promotes Air Force Week New England which will take place in

  • First Air Force Combat Action Medals to be presented

    The Air Force chief of staff is scheduled to present the first Air Force Combat Action Medals to six Airmen during an 8 a.m. ceremony June 12 at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. Gen. T. Michael Moseley will award the new medals to recognize Air Force members who were engaged in air or ground

  • Allies team up for joint exercise at Kunsan

    Members of the 8th Fighter Wing and the Republic of Korea air force have teamed up for a joint training exercise June 8 at Kunsan Air Base. Two South Korean F-16s from the 111th Fighter Squadron, two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 35th Fighter Squadron, Airmen of the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Unit

  • Latest 'Vector' focuses on wingmen for life

    The Air Force chief of staff released his latest vector for Airmen and it focuses on the importance of being a wingman for your fellow Airmen. The wingman concept reflects the ultimate confidence we all must have in our fellow Airmen -- we trust each other, quite literally, with our lives, Gen. T.

  • Saving servicemembers' lives one flight at a time

    Some might say doctors don't make house calls anymore, but that's exactly what the Airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, do on a daily basis. They bring the hospital to the wounded. A typical aeromedical evacuation, or AE, crew turns

  • Misawa squadrons swap out Iraqi mission

    Two F-16 Fighting Falcons flying thousands of feet in the air track a pair of vehicles full of known al-Qaida insurgents on the ground. The vehicles stop at a location free of collateral damage, and command officials make a decision. The F-16s drop precision-guided munitions and destroy the

  • Travis unit marks 8 years of being DUI free

    Airmen of the 6th Air Refueling Squadron at Travis Air Force Base recently marked their eighth year without a driving under the influence incident. "From the day an individual arrives at the squadron, friends and supervisors mentor (new arrivals) on our program," said Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Zahn,

  • Tops in Blue entertains at Air Force Week

    The Air Force's premiere entertainment group Tops in Blue sang and danced for the Sacramento community as part of Air Force Week during a June 5 performance at the Radisson Hotel here. The performance was one of several events the group will do throughout the local area as part of Air Force

  • MegaPub offers one-stop shopping for Air Force doctrine

    The Air Force Doctrine Center has unveiled a new tool, making it easier than ever to reference and search operational-level doctrine. Known as MegaPub, the one-stop shopping solution offers easy access to the complete library of Air Force Doctrine Documents, or AFDDs."As Airmen, we should advocate

  • U.S., Japanese Airmen meet for cultural exchange

    Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force officers came together at the JASDF's Meguro College here May 31 for an English language cultural exchange. During the year-long Command and Staff Course at the college, JASDF majors and captains learn the necessary skills to take on future challenges. One

  • Incirlik medics train with new decon field equipment

    Air Force medics have a vital mission in the event of a chemical or biological attack as they must be able to decontaminate large groups of people quickly and effectively in the event of an attack.Incirlik Air Base Airmen are prepared for such an attack and the base is one of only two Air Force

  • Tanker Task Force keeps Red Flag flying

    KC-135 Stratotankers, aircrews and maintainers are providing air refueling support to aircraft from Alaska's Eielson and Elmendorf Air Force Bases to ensure Red Flag-Alaska meets its training goals. More than 1,400 military members from the United States, Singapore and Australia are in Alaska to

  • Airman's Roll Call: Government travel card a benefit

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the government travel card, a benefit available to Department of Defense employees with the understanding it will not be abused or misused in any way.Use of the card is a benefit, not an entitlement, and Air Force leaders remind card holders that

  • 'Life skills' renamed 'mental health'

    All Air Force "life skills support centers" will be renamed "mental health clinics" effective immediately.After a poll of subject matter experts, first sergeants, command chief master sergeants and mental health patients, it was determined that the name "life skills" was confusing and did not

  • Air traffic controller honored by FAA

    Capt. Todd Lobato, chief air traffic control trainer for the Utah Air National Guard's 299th Range Control Squadron, was honored recently by the Federal Aviation Administration as the FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year. Captain Lobato received this award for his role as the aviation safety

  • Air Force Week begins in Sacramento

    The California governor officially declared here June 4 the start of Air Force Week, which is designed to inform and educate the public about the important roles the Air Force plays in support of the nation's defense. There are numerous events scheduled throughout Air Force Week, which runs through

  • Being Red Cross ready helps during emergencies

    Being prepared for emergencies is crucial at home, school, work and in the community, but how does someone prepare for something as devastating as an earthquake or tsunami? The best way to stay "Red Cross Ready" is to have a kit, make a plan and be informed, said Jane Dustman of the Yokota Air Base

  • Checkmate: Strategic studies group supports leaders

    The Air Force chief of staff announced June 4 the establishment of a new Air Force strategic studies group at the Pentagon that will carry a familiar name -- Checkmate. The new Checkmate will act as a catalyst for strategic initiatives and directly support the chief of staff and Air Force leaders

  • Exercise tests fast-response unit's capabilities

    Members of the 615th Contingency Response Wing at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., are here conducting a weeklong exercise that will test the unit's ability to set up operations at a seized air field. Called Operation Hydra, the training is taking place at the Castle Airport and Aviation Development

  • 2006 Super Bowl champs visit Randolph

    Champions know about the importance of quality teamwork and the Super Bowl XLI champion Indianapolis Colts are no exception. To help improve their teamwork relationship with the Air Force, members of the Colts championship team visited Randolph Air Force Base June 1 to gain a better understanding

  • Weather flight keeps pilots safe

    When planning a mission, Airmen must consider equipment, manpower and cost; however, there is one element that could have a serious impact if not properly planned for -- the weather. Because of Lajes Field's location as the mid-point between the United States and Europe, military flights regularly

  • Preparing for unexpected keeps vacation worry-free

    Many Airmen stationed overseas have family and friends travel thousands of miles to visit, but sometimes they forget to be ready for to the unexpected like a potential medical emergency. A quick check of a person's insurance and being prepared medically and financially can prevent a vacation turning

  • Air operations center opens at Tyndall

    First Air Force celebrated the opening of the 601st Air and Space Operations Center here June 1 with a ceremony and tour of the 37,000-square-foot, $30 million combat center. First Air Force, which also serves under the North American Aerospace Defense Command as the continental U.S. NORAD Region,

  • Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights a device called the targeting pod, whicht ensures pilot accuracy and minimizes collateral damage on the battlefield. Also in this edition, experience how Airmen co-exist alongside Soldiers, Sailors and Marines performing their duties as joint

  • Airmen, Sacramento team up for Air Force Week

    The second Air Force Week of 2007 kicks off June 4 as Airmen from Air Combat Command and Beale Air Force Base share the Air Force story with the community of Sacramento Calif.  Air Force Week is part of a proactive approach designed to increase public awareness of the Air Force's mission, heritage,

  • Joint forces combine for Red Flag-Alaska exercise

    More than 1,400 military members from the United States, Singapore and Australia have converged on Alaska to sharpen their collective warfighting edge in Red Flag-Alaska 07-2, which runs from May 31 to June 15. Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training

  • Aviano Airmen put brakes on travel

    After logging more than 20,000 miles per year, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron supply warehouse personnel here realized they needed to do something to improve efficiency. As an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiative, the supply Airmen rearranged their warehouse to cut down on

  • 'Week in Photos' features Airmen around the globe

    The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: In Alaska, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot fires the aircraft's 30mm Gatling gun May 29 during Red Flag-Alaska 07-2 over the Pacific Alaska

  • Air Force officials promote sustainability

    In general terms, it's development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the Air Force, it's the capacity to continue the mission without compromise. In a word, it's sustainability. Without it, operations are diminished

  • Joint forces combine for Red Flag-Alaska exercise

    More than 1,400 military members from the United States, Singapore and Australia converged on Alaska May 31 to sharpen their collective warfighting edge in Red Flag-Alaska 07-2, which runs through June 15. Red Flag-Alaska, a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises

  • Small business award winners chosen

    The 2006 Secretary of the Air Force Small Business Awards were presented by the under secretary of the Air Force in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. "It is a pleasure to recognize these Air Force members and teams who have excelled in this important area," said Dr. Ronald M. Sega. "Their efforts play

  • Fallen Airmen memorialized at Hurlburt

    Members of the 720th Special Tactics Group dedicated a state-of-the-art training center and an adjacent roadway here May 30 in honor of four air commandos killed in the line of duty in recent operations. An Iraqi Air Force SL7 light aircraft crashed May 30, 2005, about 80 miles northeast of Baghdad,

  • CENTCOM leader visits Oman, builds relationships

    Continuing to build long-term relationships throughout the Middle East, the commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces visited Oman and Omani Air Force senior leaders to discuss cooperative interaction between their respective countries. As part of continuing and ongoing CENTCOM theater security

  • Academy graduates challenged to serve with honor

     "Willingness always to take the right path, even if it is the hard path, is called character," Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates told the 977 graduating members of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2007. The challenges graduates will face will test both their spirit and resolve, Secretary

  • Early American combat aviators memorialized

    Underneath the decorative arch of a recently refurbished monument built in 1928, several hundred American and French citizens as well as military personnel, tourists, and dignitaries came to pay their respects to 38 all-volunteer American aviators -- known as the Lafayette Escadrille -- who flew

  • Airmen put C-130 back in the fight

    A C-130 Hercules team flying a mission over Afghanistan had problems with engine No. 2 and was forced to land at an abandoned air strip in May outside Shindand, Afghanistan, but they were not left alone for long. In less than 50 hours, maintenance repair teams from Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, and

  • Creek Defender preps security forces for potential battle

    A Humvee drives down a seemingly quiet street, when from nowhere, gunfire erupts leaving a haze of smoke and empty shells. With little response time, the convoy reacts, spraying round after round at a target whose only objective, is to eliminate the American threat. But this is no war zone; rather,

  • Airmen involved in Grand Forks shooting

    An Airman assigned to Grand Forks Air Force Base has been arrested in conjunction with a shooting May 28 in Grand Forks. The victim of the incident is also assigned to the base. Airman Terrance Anderson is accused of shooting Senior Airman Terence Murray. Airman Murray was treated and is listed in

  • Airman's Roll Call focuses on redeployment responsibilities

    This week's Roll Call focuses on keeping records updated prior to deploying. The Air Force mission means being ready to fly, fight and win any time, any place, so Airmen must be prepared to deploy at a moment's notice. Taking care of personal records is a major part of being ready to go. When

  • Airmen save lives in Africa with medical team visit

    For residents of two remote Kenyan villages where common colds and cuts can have deadly outcomes, a mobile U.S. military medical team recently brought more than just healthcare -- it brought life. Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa servicemembers conducted a Medical Civic Action Program in

  • Officials announce 2006 command post awards

    Air Force officials have announced the winners of the 2006 command post annual awards. They are: -- Unit-Level Command Post Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Jonathan V. Taylor, 573rd Global Support Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Calif. -- Unit-Level Command Post NCO of the Year: Staff Sgt. Brett

  • USAFE leader honors fallen heroes at Flanders Field

    The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Airmen and Soldiers stationed in Europe paid tribute over the Memorial Day weekend to 368 U.S. servicemembers buried here who died on the battlefield while liberating Belgium during World War I. Gen. William T. Hobbins said no amount of time should ever

  • Airman in Afghanistan weds over video teleconference

    An Airman fighting the war on terrorism from Bagram Air Base said "I do" to his bride May 26 over a video teleconference at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.The VTC wedding connected Senior Airman Carlos Moreno of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron with his new wife, Carolina, from

  • Airmen in Baghdad keep convoys off the road

    The first thing arriving and outgoing cargo aircrews are likely to see on the Baghdad flightline is the aerial port team doing push-ups behind their aircraft. "The aircrews usually laugh when they open the back ramp and see us," said Capt. Andrew Stewart, the 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness

  • Balad Airmen honor fallen on Memorial Day

    About 300 Airmen here gathered May 28 to honor the servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice defending freedom. They also added a 33rd name to the Fallen Airman Memorial. The ceremony opened with the posting of the colors, the National Anthem and a chaplain invocation. For most people, Memorial

  • Changes on horizon for Air Force pilots

    The Air Force recently announced there are changes forthcoming in aircrew management. A new process called Transformational Aircrew Management Initiatives for the 21st Century, or TAMI-21, is intended to account for force structure changes that have caused imbalances in pilot inventory distribution

  • Airmen deliver strategic aid to Lebanese military

    C-17 Globemaster III crews of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron delivered bullets to Beirut as part of a short notice ammunition re-supply tasking in support of the Lebanese military. The 816th EAS, a tenant unit of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing based out of Southwest Asia, was given the

  • 'Today's Air Force' highlights global operations

    This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights one of the major elements in the success of global U.S. Air Force operations, the help and cooperation of allied nations like Romania.Featured is a segment showing how 42 countries come together in the largest communication exercise in the world

  • Incirlik Airmen remember those who gave ultimate sacrifice

    Before 39th Air Base Wing members began their Memorial Day weekend, they took a few minutes to remember the reason for the holiday. "It is not about the beach, nor is it about cooking out. It is all about duty, honor, country and the ultimate sacrifice," said Col. Tip Stinnette, wing commander.

  • Week in Photos features Airmen around the globe

    The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors with photos that highlight Air Force missions around the world. Among this week's photos are: At Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, firefighters battle a blaze as part of a training exercise. During the 101 Critical Days of Summer,

  • Commanders keep 'eyes in the sky'

    The 32 commanders of the 552nd Air Control Wing and its predessors have led Airmen to be the watchful eyes in the sky for more than 50 years.  From flying the EC-121 Constellation to today's E-3 Sentry, wing commanders have adapted the mission of the wing to grow and change. Commanders for the 552nd

  • Air Force leaders call attention to Memorial Day significance

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley have signed a letter reminding Airmen that Memorial Day means much more than "merely a three-day weekend."The leaders wrote that "Memorial Day is an opportunity for Americans to pay homage to those who died

  • African air chiefs discuss cooperation, challenges

    Leaders from 14 African nations' air forces gathered here this week to discuss cooperation and challenges affecting the African continent. The African Air Chiefs Conference provided an opportunity for nations to come together and candidly discuss a wide array of important issues, said Brig. Gen.

  • Airmen drop 80,000 leaflets over Afghanistan

    Crewmembers with the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here participated in a leaflet drop over Afghanistan May 21 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The crew from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, dropped 80,000 leaflets on four parts of the area of responsibility known to be inhabited by the

  • Hawaii honors servicemembers

    Members of the Oahu, Hawaii, community recognized members from all branches of the armed forces May 24 with a luncheon and the commander of Pacific Air Forces was the keynote speaker. Gen. Paul V. Hester spoke at the 22nd annual Military Appreciation Month Luncheon put on by the Honolulu Chamber of

  • Eglin Airmen return from deployment

    Family members gathered here May 24 to welcome home more than 175 members of the 728th Air Control Squadron from a deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They arrived by plane on the runway here and were carried by bus to their anxiously awaiting families. As the buses

  • Portrait preserves pilot's legacy

    Some see a handsome pilot gazing into the horizon. Others see a war hero, poised for combat. She sees her father, as strong and proud as she always remembered him. Although Carol Ready had seen the portrait on magazine covers, heritage posters and military advertisements throughout the years,

  • Total force unit controls sky over combat theater

    Seventy Airmen, Soldiers and guardsmen of the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron operate the Control and Reporting Center here and watch the sky for theater ballistic missiles or other aerial threats every second of every day. Led by the Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Air Control Squadron

  • Military members help secure bases with Eagle Eyes

    With a limited number of Office of Special Investigations agents and Security Forces members, it is up to Airmen and their families with Eagle Eyes to help make sure the area they live in is safe. The Eagle Eyes program provides a single point of contact to report suspicious activity at Ramstein Air

  • New service allows transportation for whole family

    Traveling to Misawa Air Base is a long flight from the states for families, but now members of the 35th Services Squadron here have started a new service so pets can ride a special bus with their families once they arrive in Japan instead of getting onto another plane.For people being stationed at

  • Help desk first stop for most computer issues

    Computers play a vital role in everyday business, and now computer help for Airmen in U.S. Air Forces in Europe is just a call away to the Consolidated Help Desk at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. For issues such as deleting and creating user accounts, unlocking accounts, installing patches, loading

  • Biological team protects Balad Airmen from bioterrorism

    Two lab technician Airmen team up as a pair of modern "CSI-type" technicians, using test tubes, centrifuges, and other sophisticated testing equipment to keep Balad Air Base Airmen safe. Maj. Thomas Shaak and Staff Sgt. Raul Gutierrez are assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group's

  • Yokota hosts Pacific Global Air Mobility Seminar

    U.S. Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force personnel gathered at Yokota Air Base May 17 and 18 to discuss the roles of air mobility and mission capabilities the countries provide to the Pacific region. The Pacific Global Air Mobility Seminar is an office of the

  • Bombers rotate at Andersen

    Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing's 20th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., arrive here May 26 to begin a four-month deployment. The Louisiana-based aircraft, aircrew, support and maintenance members will replace their fellow Barksdale Airmen from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, who

  • Personnel officials improve four Airman assignment programs

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently improved four Airman assignment programs to further streamline Web-based personnel processes in support of Personnel Services Delivery and personnel transformation initiatives. The four programs include the Career Airman Base of Preference Program,

  • Air Force accessions program celebrates 10 years

    Three of the Air Force's leadership training programs -- ROTC, Officer Training School and Junior ROTC -- were joined together in 1997 to create what is now the Air Force Officer Accessions and Training Schools, or AFOATS. Earlier this month, members of the AFOATS staff celebrated their

  • Latest 'Vector' remembers Berlin Airlift

    The latest Chief of Staff's Vector remembers the Berlin Airlift and discusses how today's mobility Airmen are following the examples of Airmen past as visible signs of U.S. compassion and resolve."Day or night, operating from pavement or dirt, our Airmen deliver the goods, the gas and the

  • Maintainers increase combat capability of B-1

    Airmen at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing proved just how crucial it is to be trained and work efficiently while responding to a "catastrophic" hydraulic system failure during a B-1 Lancer combat mission. The aircrew had to perform an emergency gear extension upon returning to base due to the

  • Airman's Roll Call focuses on 101 Critical Days

    This week's Roll Call focuses on a critical time for all Airmen -- the 101 Critical Days of Summer. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Air Force has an increased number of off-duty injuries and fatalities. It is during this time Air Force leaders want Airmen to be even more aware of safety. Over

  • Lajes Airmen can stop a speeding plane

    Military planes flying across the Atlantic come to Lajes Field to refuel and recuperate, but if a fighter aircraft can't stop due to brake or engine failures, Lajes Field Airmen are standing by with barrier arresters to stop the plane safely. Base civil engineer Airmen have to be ready for anything