Virtual tour guides newest addition to airforce.com

The Air Force's official recruiting Web site, airforce.com, unveiled its latest innovation March 22 with the introduction of virtual tour guides on the site's home page. The tour guides are realistic video clips of active-duty Airmen who introduce the site's main features to web users. One of six

Alaska Airmen aid injured British Sailor

Airmen in Alaska came through for a wounded British Sailor March 21 when he was injured during a deadly explosion aboard the Royal Navy submarine HMS Tireless operating in Arctic waters north of Prudhoe Bay. The submarine experienced an explosion of a self contained oxygen generation candle that

SERE instructors attend Army combat lifesaver course

A handful of survival, evasion, resistance and escape instructors were given the opportunity to attend a combat lifesaver course March 19-21at the Army National Guard classroom here. The SERE instructors were invited to attend the course in return for previously giving members of the 396th Combat

Air Force participates in Australian air show

Airmen are taking part in the U.S. exposition at the 2007 Australian International Airshow here in southern Australia. During this six-day event, the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines are on display for an audience of Australian and Pacific regional defense force leaders, government officials and

CMSAF visits Luke Airmen during Air Force Week

Enlisted Airmen at Luke Air Force base were given the opportunity to hear from and have breakfast with the Air Force's top enlisted man during a visit March 21. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley is at Luke supporting Air Force Week, a seven-day event designed to thank the

Stepping up foreign language, cultural awareness for Airmen

Air Force officials are broadening their vision of the expeditionary Airman. Armed with a wide range of combat skills, serving multiple deployments in wartime theaters, this leaner, more agile Airman must now learn to navigate the global cultural landscape. "Our Air Force needs Airmen who can

Munitions Airmen on the job

Blue uniforms continue presence in Puerto Rico

Since 1939, an American blue uniform presence has been on Puerto Rico to maintain a military force and to deter enemy forces from here or the homeland. From 1939 to 1973, Air Force bluesuiters were stationed at what was once called Ramey Air Force Base in the northwest corner of Puerto Rico.  When

C-17 missions play vital role in war on terrorism

Sitting on the tarmac here, the "Spirit of Go for Broke," a C-17 Globemaster III from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, looks like any other of its kind.Large, grey, boxy, with expansive wings ending in a curved wingtip, this C-17 is one of eight aircraft jointly maintained and operated by both active

Afghan generals visit Air Force training squadron

Several key leaders from the Afghan National Army toured here March 16 in order to gain a stronger understanding of key communication areas to help their training programs in Afghanistan. Afghan National Army Maj. Gen. Mehrab Ali, Brig. Gen. Baba Mirza and Col. Said Farooq Yosuf Zai came to Keesler

Air Force Week displays highlight airpower

Air Force displays lined the street.  Spectators toured and asked questions, discovering what the Air Force brings to the fight and the amazing things their Air Force is doing around the globe. One Air Force Week event took place outside the Arizona Science Center in Heritage Square in downtown

Air Force fosters "warrior ethos" in all Airmen

Whether it's the recent changes to basic military training, continual preparation for deployments, engaging in combat or new and better uniforms, Air Force leaders are instilling a warrior mindset in Airmen. That warrior ethos -- the foundation of what it means to be an Airman -- traces its roots to

Airman's Roll Call focuses on anthrax vaccinations

The Department of Defense anthrax vaccination program is the focus of this week's Airman's Roll Call.The vaccinations recently became mandatory for Airmen with orders to, or currently in, specific high-threat areas, such as the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility or the Korean peninsula.The

Air Force changes leave, special liberty

Airmen may now be granted a special liberty (pass) in conjunction with leave without requiring a duty day between the pass and leave periods. Airmen must be physically present in the local area when departing and returning from leave. If they wish to leave the local area during the pass period and

Hill AFB welcomes deployed Airman at Warrior Welcome

Members of the 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron, friends and family rallied around more than 50 Airmen who recently redeployed from various locations during a Warrior Welcome gathering here March 15. Those at the Warrior Welcome party acknowledged recently returned members from deployment, those

AFSO 21 officials offer 'Views You Can Use'

The Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century office created a new product to keep Airmen informed about AFSO 21. The new "Views You Can Use" is a monthly informational product AFSO 21 officials hope will spotlight useful AFSO21 concepts and successes stories. "Our job as America's Airmen is

Air Force Week kicks off in Phoenix

Several bus loads of Airmen from nearby Luke Air Force Base joined Arizona state officials and Air Force senior leaders at the state's capitol March 19 to kick off this year's first Air Force Week. Air Force Week is designed to increase public awareness of the Air Force's mission, capabilities and

CSAF's Scope highlights AOR trip

The CSAF's Scope focuses on current topics the general feels are of special importance to today's Airmen. Among Gen. T. Michael Moseley's top issues was his February trip to the Central Command area of responsibility. "All around the world our Airmen are engaged across the spectrum of conflict, from

Air Force NCO enjoys noteworthy exchange

During a 10-day NCO cultural exchange program with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force that ended March 20, one Air Force NCO had a chance to meet some unexpected "brass." While most of the NCOs found their counterpart's jobs were quite similar to their own, there was one noteworthy exception --

Development teams guide Reserve Airmen's careers

The Air Force Reserve Command is working on a new program designed to maximize the potential of its Airmen as they chart their future careers. It encourages them to forward their desires up the chain of command, and will prepare future air and space leaders to seize the opportunities afforded them

Laughlin begins services, mission support merger

In ongoing efforts to become a more responsive and efficient organization, the Air Force's services and mission support squadrons have begun merging, and the organization is using Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, as the first of six test bases as it rolls out the consolidation. The merger of the

Spangdahlem Airmen evaluated on anti-terrorism measures

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency recently sent an inspection team to evaluate the anti-terrorism measures taking place here."We come in and look at what a terrorist (might) see from the outside looking in." said Army Colonel Mike Sigmund, the chief of Joint Staff Integrated Vulnerability

Airmen streamline F-15 transfer process

Airmen at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., are teaming with their Air National Guard counterparts there to incorporate Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century principles in hopes of speeding the process of transferring F-15 Eagles. As part of the validation and verification process, the unit

Air power purchasing process continues to improve

Air Combat Command's award-winning acceptance team in Marietta, Ga., is setting the precedent on how the Air Force accepts airplanes. Working alongside the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, during production of the F-22A Raptor, ACC's Raptor Acceptance Team is a geographically

Air Guard retirement process goes online

Eligible members of the Air National Guard can now submit retirement applications electronically via the virtual Personnel Center -- Guard and Reserve. This is the second Guard-specific capability added to the 24-hour customer service Web portal operated by the Air Reserve Personnel Center

Air Force officials implement energy initiatives program

Two installations are going to serve as test bases for the Air Force's new energy initiatives pilot test program. Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and McGuire AFB, N.J., were chosen due to their geographic locations and their operational and facility characteristics. Officials will be looking at

Latest 'Today's Air Force' now available

This week's "Today's Air Force" includes features on how the Air Force moves cargo, Airmen providing medical assistance to Cambodians and how maintenance units in the Pacific are saving Air Force money. The long-format, weekly news show tells Air Force stories in more depth. The program is made up

Manas Airmen reunite sister cities Bishkek, Colorado Springs

Airmen from the base, representing the city of Colorado Springs, Colo., paid a visit March 14 to the mayor of its sister city, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The meeting, which included Marie Yovanovitch, U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, took place as a renewal of cultural ties established between the

Airmen, Soldier nutrition specialists work, train together

Army nutrition specialists from the 396th Combat Support Hospital Army at Fort Vancouver, Wash., had the opportunity to join Airmen here this month to share food service tricks of the trade. The Soldiers from the 396th CSH specialize in medical patients' and Soldiers' diets. They worked at the Ross

'Week in Photos' highlights Airmen around the world

The "Week In Photos" Web featured on Air Force Link provides visitors photos that feature the Air Force's missions.Staff Sgt. Irene Noriega assigned to the 62nd Airlift Wing at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., pedals 'til it burns as she participates in a cardiovascular workout spin class March 9 at

Airmen hone advanced contingency skills in manuevers

Airmen practice squad and fire team manuevers March 14 on a Fort Dix, N.J., range with other students as part of a tactics and patrolling class for the Advanced Contingency Skills Training Course. The course, made up of more than 300 students, prepares Airmen for upcoming deployments through

Balad air traffic controllers maintain safer skies for Iraq

With 5,000 air operations per week within a five-nautical-mile radius from surface level to 3,000 feet, the airfield here is the busiest in the Department of Defense. In fact, the runways at Balad Air Base are part of the world's busiest combat operation. At this pace, the 22 Airmen assigned as air

It's never too late to get 'fit to fight'

Peek into the H-6 fitness center any time of the day or night, chances are someone is huffing, puffing and sweating their way to being 'fit to fight.' Air Expeditionary Force 5-6 is well underway, but it's not too late to start working on those push ups, crunches and 1.5-mile run. "The current Air

Airmen train to help Iraqi air force rebuild

Air Force instructors at the Army's Camp Bullis are training Iraq-centric and basic warfighting skills to students from a host of different career fields. The focus of this training is to teach students a unique blend of training techniques so they can help the Iraqi air force rebuild their

New program lets Air Force members speak their minds

A group of Airmen and Air Force civilians are being invited to become the Air Force's Internal Communication Assessment Group, called the ICAG. Internal communication refers to how the Air Force delivers information to Airmen and Air Force civilians. Senior Air Force leaders want to know Airmen's

Aviano Airmen put skills to test

A NATO Tactical Evaluation kicked off here recently to inspect Aviano Air Base's ability to respond to crisis. As part of the TACEVAL the evaluation team tested security forces Airmen with a surprise mob of demonstrators protesting the U.S. military. During the scenario, the demonstrators became

Anthrax program becomes mandatory for some Airmen

 The Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program, or AVIP, mandates Airmen assigned to high-threat areas receive the Anthrax vaccine, while also providing Airmen the choice to continue anthrax vaccines if they are not assigned to a designated high-threat area. Headquarters Air Force sent out an

Five Ramstein Airmen earn Army combat badge

Five Airmen from the 435th Vehicle Readiness Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany received Army Combat Action Badges, for their deployment to Iraq last year in support of the Army. During their time in Iraq all five Airmen were actively engaged in combat. The vehicle operators were deployed to

Letter to Airmen focuses on education, training

In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne recognizes the importance of the training every Airman receives, and credits these knowledge-enabled Airmen with exploring new technologies to get the job done.The secretary said that the training, skill and knowledge of a

Airman's Roll Call focuses on NCO conference

Addressing the concerns of Airmen by the Air Force's top leaders during an NCO conference with is the subject of this week's Airman's Roll Call. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley met with 50 NCOs at Bolling Air Force Base,

Air Force chief of staff outlines priorities

The Air Force chief of staff outlined some of the Air Force's priorities during a visit here March 13. During a breakfast with Airmen and also during an interview with local reporters, General Moseley talked about the future of the Air Force, and more specifically, the future of the base in regards

Airmen learn new perspectives from leadership

Air Force leaders invited more than 50 junior and senior NCOs to the nation's capital March 12 to 13 to discuss Air Force triumphs and challenges with senior leaders. Participants ranged from staff sergeants to chief master sergeants in a variety of career fields and from a variety of locations. The

Airmen choosing to stay true to blue

Since 1965, retention rates for first-term Airmen have been set at 55 percent and today, even with constant deployments, budgetary constraints and force shaping initiatives, those rates continue to exceed. Around the globe, young Airmen are choosing to stay blue. Senior Airman Joshua Ames is a

Aerial porters keep the Afghan missions moving

Outside of the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron here sits a rock structure that reads: "We didn't send you here, but we'll get you out." A close-knit team of aerial porters bring this statement to fruition every day. The 8th EAMS' aerial porters provide cargo and passenger support for unit

New tower cab opens at Ramstein

After two-and-a-half years of planning and construction, Ramstein Air Base's new tower cab is finally open for business.The new cab is vital for mission success, since Ramstein has taken on more air traffic control responsibility with the closing of Rhein-Main Air Base. Among the new improvements to

First MQ-9 Reaper makes its home on Nevada flightline

The MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle's  younger, yet larger and stronger, brother, the MQ-9 Reaper arrived March 13 at its new home at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The remotely piloted aircraft completed initial testing in California, then flew more than 250 miles in two hours to land here. The

'In lieu of' Airmen learn Soldier skills at Fort Bragg

Several hundred Airmen from varied skill sets are in the midst of three months of training at Fort Bragg, N.C., in preparation for a future deployment to Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan. The training is designed to teach basic Army ground maneuver skills. The Airmen from around the

General discusses options for growing USAFE mission

As the Air Force evolves to meet and defeat future challenges, the Airmen of U.S. Air Forces in Europe are also expanding their mission toward the future. During a visit to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Gen. William T. Hobbins discussed expanding operations in Africa and new NATO countries. "The

Military photographers key to training, investigations

Security forces and medical services Airmen respond to the scene of a mock accident. After the victims are taken care of, the scene will be documented for investigative purposes -- that's where the base photographer comes in. Senior Airman Robert Barnett is a photographer with the 35th

What's on the Chief's Scope?

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley launched a new Web feature March 14 to tell Airmen what is of special interest to him. Known as "The Chief's Scope," it is designed to briefly highlight current topics General Moseley feels are important to America's Airmen. "The issues on my scope

Virtual Flag exercise hosted at Pentagon

The Air Force's C4ISR Visualization Center at the Pentagon, along with the 705th Combat Training Squadron from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., hosted a simulation exercise March 7 to help joint tactical air controllers experience the challenges of calling in air strikes to enemy targets

Eielson powers its own mission

Every morning, as Airmen here drive onto base, they are greeted by friendly waves -- waves of billowing steam stretching into the crisp morning sky. This steam is more than just hot air. It is the life's blood of the base, and it comes from the central heat and power plant here. "It is unique," said

Preparation critical for EOD Airmen

Explosive ordnance disposal members put their lives on the line each time they run into a building, shelter or area containing a suspicious package or bomb. Training and preparation are critical for every EOD Airmen, down to the clothes they wear. "The suit we wear is designed to help protect us

Base residents play vital role in conserving energy

A 3-percent reduction in energy consumption each year through 2015 as outlined by executive order has the potential to save hundreds of thousands of dollars at each base. For residents here, that energy reduction equates to about $930,000. People who live on base are making a contribution by taking

Aviano Airmen put operations support to test

A recent inspection here is showing how Airmen are prepared to support operations during the war on terrorism. NATO exercise evaluators travel across Europe to assess how well a country's military is able to handle certain scenarios they may face during war time. More than 100 NATO inspectors are

Data links give Airmen attack controllers 'big picture'

A small group of Airmen are having a dramatic effect on the battlefield. They're in demand from everyone from Army squads and platoons to large defense contractors. Everyone wants a joint terminal attack controller on their team -- and with good reason. They are crucial to putting air force bombs on

Air Force continues giving 100 percent

Strong Air Force recruiting numbers in 2007 show that "crossing into the blue" remains a popular avenue for Americans to serve their nation, gain technical skills and continue their education. In February, 2,277 people joined the Air Force while another 2,552 signed on to "Do Something Amazing" in

Senior Air Force medics provide testimony

Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense March 7, two Air Force leaders provided key testimony, informing the Senators on how the service takes care of its people. Lt. Gen. (Dr.) James Roudebush, Air Force surgeon general, and Maj. Gen. Melissa Rank, assistant

'New Horizons' breaks ground for Belize school buildings

The opening ceremony for New Horizons Belize was held here March 8 with a groundbreaking for a new school building for the village. Airmen and Soldiers from both active and National Guard units will build four more new school buildings in different villages during their deployment to Belize. "This

Life-saving turret prototype stems from Airman's death

Less than 80 days after Airman 1st Class Leebernard Chavis was felled by a sniper's bullet near Baghdad, Airmen in Iraq were testing an improved turret that designers hope will offer service members better protection. Airman Chavis, of Hampton, Va., was killed by enemy gunfire Oct. 14 while

Eielson welcomes home deployed Airmen

A crowd of more than 500 Airmen, family members and guests gathered March 9 to welcome home 400 Eielson Airmen who returned from deployments over the past six months. "It's the hard work and dedication of these Airmen that made the recent deployments successful," said Lt. Col. Mike Fitzgerald, the

Course enhances Airmen's self-defense techniques

For security forces Airmen, the use of force is a possibility every day. From firing on a vehicle attempting to crash through a gate to repelling an enemy attack on a forward-deployed base, security forces face the potential of using raw, deadly force as a part of their job. But not every situation

CENTAF leaders visit Airmen deployed to Mehtar Lam

The U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander visited Airmen serving in Afghanistan March 7-10, making stops here, at the Mehtar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team and Kandahar Airfield. Speaking to Airmen at Mehtar Lam, Lt. Gen. Gary North praised the work the PRTs are doing to improve the lives of

Soldiers team with combat aircrews to engage enemy

Joint combat environments don't just exist on the ground, but also exist in the sky above Iraq. U.S. Army Soldiers serve as crewmembers on the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft. An Army deputy mission crew commander and two enlisted personnel form a team of three soldiers

Ramstein prop shop keeps blades turning

The C-130 Hercules plays a role in many of the most versatile missions in the Air Force, such as relief efforts and combat operations. With the high operations tempo in Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, maintenance is key to keep the missions going. The 86th Maintenance Squadron's C-130

Future is bright for Air Force space assets

The Airmen of Air Force Space Command are tracking a lot more than the man-made space junk that orbits the Earth. Space operators are troubleshooting the way they do business. They're focusing on getting their capabilities -- the ones most Americans know little about -- to the forefront of the

Airmen hold discussion group with Kyrgyz students

Airmen from the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing and U.S. Embassy staff visited School 13-Lyceum in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, March 7 to conduct the first English Discussion Group with about 30 students. The purpose of the visit was to establish the program in the school, which focuses on teaching the

EQUAL listing available April 11

The Enlisted Quarterly Assignment Listing for Airmen returning from overseas and for continental United States mandatory movers for August through October 2007 requirements will be available April 11. Individuals can update their assignment preferences on the virtual Military Personnel Flight's

Chief's perspective focuses on energy

Saving energy is the focus of the latest Enlisted Perspective by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. The chief said the Air Force has made great strides in developing alternative fuels in its energy conservation program; however, the enlisted force Airmen have the potential to

Air Force kicks off energy forum

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne, welcomed members of the energy industry to the Air Force Energy Forum at the Crystal Gateway Marriott here March 8. "The interesting thing that we are looking for in the Air Force is to actually change the environment that we operate in so that we can

CMSAF McKinley visits Airmen at Hurlburt Field

Enlisted Airmen here gained the opportunity this week to meet and hear from Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. During his three-day stay, Chief McKinley immersed himself in the Air Force Special Operations Command mission. "I've been fully impressed since day one with

Airmen's heroic actions highlighted on 'Portraits in Courage'

Maj. Troy Gilbert gave his life protecting others. The F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot died in November 2006 strafing enemy combatants in Iraq while protecting coalition forces under attack on the ground.The story of Major Gilbert's sacrifice, along with the courageous actions of 14 other Airmen who are

Air Force continues vital missions at NATO-run Kandahar

Even though NATO took operational control of Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, last August, the Air Force still maintains a presence at the base. After Kandahar was turned over to NATO, the Air Force continues to play an important role in the war on terrorism and the joint environment. The biggest

Airmen upgrading 'Giant Voice' systems in England

Airmen from the 1st Communications Maintenance Squadron at Kapaun Air Station, Germany, are installing giant voice systems throughout the United Kingdom. The 'Giant Voice' is a 2,000-watt speaker that alerts people on base of danger, whether from natural disasters or terrorist attacks. "Most people

'Week in Photos' highlights Airmen around the world

Airmen are deployed around the globe every day to support operations ranging from humanitarian missions and coalition exercises to fighting terrorism with airpower. The "Week In Photos" Web feature on Air Force Link provides visitors photos that feature the Air Force's missions. A brief view of this

New survey aims to streamline information for Airmen

The Secretary of the Air Force Office of Communication at the Pentagon has launched a study to find out how Airmen want to get information about the Air Force. A randomly selected group of Airmen and Air Force civilian employees will soon receive an e-mail invitation from Brig. Gen. Erwin Lessel,

Airmen Against Drunk Driving program saving lives

Airmen Against Drunk Driving program, or AADD, and programs similar to it are potentially saving military members' lives. Every Friday and Saturday night, Airmen volunteer their time here to ensure other Airmen who have been drinking make it home from bars, restaurants, and parties safe. Since

Wing has long heritage of serving others

The 59th Medical Wing is the Air Force's premier medical unit, located here in San Antonio.  The 59th MDW operates Wilford Hall Medical Center. The wing provides global medical readiness capability and comprehensive peacetime healthcare benefits through education, training and research. There are

Secretary Gates: Care for America's returning wounded warriors

When I was nominated to take this post just over three months ago, I said that the patriots who have volunteered to serve in our armed services have no equal in the world. I made a solemn commitment to the Congress, to the nation, and to you to keep the welfare of men and women in uniform uppermost

Commanders lead in challenging times

From a base hospital for cadet trainees during World War II to today's 59th Medical Wing, more than 30 commanders have led dedicated Airmen who serve others at the Air Force's foremost medical facility. Wilford Hall (Hospital and Medical Center) Commanders Lt. Col. Victor Dallin, 1941 Lt. Col.

Yokota tests non-combatant evacuation operations

A C-130 Hercules filled with non-combatant evacuation role-players from Kunsan Air Base, Korea arrived at the flight line March 6 to participate in the Yokota Air Base's operational readiness inspection. The passengers were acting as non-combatants for the purpose of the exercise scenario. There are

Lajes civil engineers fix beacon on air traffic control tower

Members from the 65th Civil Engineer Squadron's electrical shop recently fixed the beacon that rests atop the air traffic control tower at Lajes Field. The beacon is vital for pilots landing at Lajes to recognize that it is a military flight-line and to help guide them safely during inclement

Reserve Airmen contribute to medical mission in Iraq

Air Force Reservists from the 920th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., found themselves integral to the success rate of the Air Force Theater Hospital here. Nine Airmen from the 920th ASTS, part of the Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing, are deployed here working for the 332nd

Keep important papers updated, in safe place

Safeguarding important papers is something we all have been taught to do. Some of us lock them in a box underneath the bed; others store them in a safety deposit box, or tuck them away in a 'secret' coffee can. Whatever the method, we know these papers must be kept safe. But what is the point in

Warfare center is now U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center

The Air Mobility Warfare Center flag was rolled up and a new flag bearing the name "United States Air Force Expeditionary Center" was unfurled March 5 during a re-designation ceremony here. "If you want to know why you've become the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, it's because you earned it,"

Air Force Reserve tests activation process

The first of 24 bases scheduled for musters of individual ready reserve Airmen took place at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., on March 2. The Air Reserve Personnel Center conducts IRR musters, which are required by law, to enhance readiness and ensure the Air Force can "reach out and touch" the IRR

Moldovan officers visit Ramstein

Four officers from Moldova visited Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in early March to learn about the U.S. Air Force personnel structure. Airmen and civilians from the United States Air Forces in Europe command headquarters briefed the officers on various topics like force shaping, personnel structure

Medics learn combat environment skills

Even the setting is realistic. Men and women dressed in field and camouflage uniforms, military vehicles and helicopters in evidence everywhere, officers and Airmen hunched over topographical maps and the usual good-natured complaints about the C-rations forming a buzz of background

A hospital wing and prayer: Lackland medical team cares for AF family's tiniest members

As Doctor (Maj.) Steve Messier pushes through what was shaping up to be an 80-hour work week, his face looks understandably tired. But despite the long hours, the neonatology fellow at Wilford Hall Medical Center's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit never fails to forget the needs of the premature babies

Eielson Airmen get aggressive about training

Maj. Robert Kelly is getting ready to try and shoot down Air Force aircraft. But, the weapons officer from the 353rd Combat Training Squadron is not an enemy. He is becoming what is known as a Red Flag aggressor pilot, an invaluable training asset for any Red Flag exercise. "As far as becoming an

Two former top Air Force chiefs visit Keesler Airmen

Two retired chief master sergeants of the Air Force addressed a capacity crowd March 2 as guest speakers at the 81st Training Wing's annual awards banquet. The first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Paul Airey, and eighth, Sam Parish, took the opportunity earlier in the day to tour several

Keep up Air Force records, personal info for promotion sake

The one constant among Airmen is the desire to be promoted. There are many things Airmen can do to affect their chances for promotion, but perhaps the most important is ensuring their personal information is correct. Missing or inaccurate enlisted or officer performance reports, decorations, awards

Raptor, precision strike bomb integration testing begins

The 411th Flight Test Squadron began integration testing of the F-22A Raptor and the GBU-39/B Small-Diameter Bomb here in February. The weapon is a low-cost, stand-off, next generation precision strike weapon, capable of flying autonomously. The bomb is guided by an inertial navigation system with

Operation Deep Freeze ends record-setting season

Ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs redeployed from Christchurch, New Zealand, wrapped up the 2006-2007 season of Operation Deep Freeze in late February. This unique joint and total force mission has supported the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program since 1955

Airman court-martialed for Ecstasy, marijuana use

During a special court martial here, an Airman pled guilty March 7 to wrongfully using a controlled substance. Airman Ronald Moore Jr., assigned to the 48th Medical Support Squadron, pled guilty to two counts of violating Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice -- wrongfully using a

Expeditionary wing supports war efforts in many ways

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing directly supports the war on terrorism on many different levels. Combat sorties are flown daily, and multitudes of U.S. servicemembers and coalition partners, equipment and supplies are transported in and out of theater. Other missions are not quite as visible. Many

Services gather, communicate ballistic missile defense

Service members and civilians from across the Pacific met at Hickam late February for a conference to discuss ballistic missile defense for the PACOM Area of Responsibility. Lt. Gen. Chip Utterback, 13th Air Force commander, said the conference, "allowed us to bring our experts in Ballistic Missile

Air Force program reconnects Airmen to heritage

Air Force History Office officials are launching a new program to help unite Airmen, past and present, commemorate and preserve their shared heritage. During this year, in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the Air Force, history office staff members are reaching out to those involved in

Operation Achilles: Leaflet airdrop delivers message to Taliban

The message was clear and well delivered. A C-130 Hercules airdrop mission dropped 30,000 warning leaflets over the mountainous terrain of southeastern Afghanistan March 6 to deter the insurgent activity of the Taliban. The warning leaflet airdrop mission was in direct support of Operation Achilles

Motivational program ending at Ramstein

After three years of helping Airmen get back on track, the Ramstein Area Motivational Program, or RAMP, correctional custody facility is closing its doors. More than 200 Airmen have come through the program, with a huge majority of them successfully completing the training. RAMP opened its doors