'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

Better intel boosts Air Force munitions drops, sorties flown

In 2006, the Air Force dropped more than 1,700 munitions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. A year earlier, the Air Force dropped only 176 munitions as part of that same operation. The increase is due to better intelligence, said Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, the U.S. Central Command Air Forces

Michigan Air Guard returns from Iraq deployment

Approximately 250 members of the Michigan Air National Guard returned home in March after supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom at Balad Air Base, Iraq.About 40 of the Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons returned home March 2, while the rest of the group returned here March 5 to frigid temperatures at

Airborne emergency room serves Operation Northern Watch

On a short electronic leash, their beepers went off, and five members of the medical team sprung into action, racing through hospital halls to gather deployment gear. Simultaneously, the crew of an HC-130 aircraft was alerted and prepared for takeoff. This crew was deployed from the 347th Rescue

Airmen receive cutting-edge satellite training

As a satellite systems crew chief, Staff Sgt. Lori Browning has a job that is out of this world. She is currently receiving training on the Space Based Infrared Systems, or SBIRS, that is scheduled to become operational sometime next year. Sergeant Browning is part of the first class that is being

Andersen bombers participate in Koa Lightning exercise

The low rumble of B-52s shook the normally quiet evening sky above Andersen Air Force Base as the Stratofortresses of the 36th Operations Group participated in Pacific Command's Koa Lightning exercise over the islands of Hawaii. For the men and women of the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, the

Spangdahlem, Incirlik Airmen unite in training

The cooperation between Airmen from Incirlik AB and Spangdahlem AB, Germany, has improved the development of the 39th Maintenance Squadron ammunition members through high-fidelity training opportunities. As aircrews from two F-16 Fighting Falcon squadrons from Spangdahlem AB train in a different

Red Horse Airmen pave the way in Nicaragua

Fuel tests keep Misawa moving

The fuel military bases receive goes through a series of treatments before it is usable in machinery. It is the job of the Fuels Laboratory Airmen in logistics readiness squadrons to check the condition of all fuel before it's put to use. Most importantly, certain additives need to be present to

Air Force heroes: 20 fallen Airmen honored in Afghanistan

The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing here held a formal retreat March 4 to honor the 20 Air Force members who have died in Afghanistan since Operation Enduring Freedom began in 2001. Route 56, the wing's NCO advisory council, planned the retreat. The council wanted "to remind everyone of the pride and

Brooks training program integrates medical processes

The U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine here has established a realistic, in-depth training program that marries up two processes to provide essential training to medics who, in many cases, are deployed and doing this very same mission within one to two months. The program ties Expeditionary

General encourages AFSO 21 mind-set for PACAF successes

The Pacific Air Forces director of logistics outlined changes in the Air Force and what those changes mean to the logistics community within the command during a recent visit to Kadena. "In regards to our mission in the Pacific, our number one challenge is maintaining regional stability out here in

Security forces Airmen protect Iraq's airpower hub

Although it is distinctly a guard mount formation with defenders intently listening to the towering flight chief, one may liken the experience to a press conference. Notes from the previous shift's reported activities and expected trends for the new shift are jotted onto worn, hand-fitted

Manas Airmen train with Kyrgyz firefighters

Airmen of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing fire department here have worked and trained side-by-side with Manas International Airport firefighters for five years. With each new Air Expeditionary Force rotation, a new crew of Airmen arrives and trains with the Kyrgyz firefighters of the MIA to stay

New ammo improves pilot safety, reduces collateral damage

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots at the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here are employing a new 20mm cannon round in their M61/A1 Gatling guns for the first time, improving pilot safety while reducing collateral damage.Airmen first validated the rounds at a firing range and then employed them in

Afghan ambassador thanks Fairchild Airmen

American military actions in Afghanistan are making progress toward ending tyranny and oppression in that country, said Afghanistan's ambassador to the United States, Said Jawad, in a speech here March 1. The ambassador visited Spokane this week at the invitation of the World Affairs Council of

SECAF emphasizes Air Force goals with card

When Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne spoke at his town hall meeting at the Pentagon earlier this year, he discussed some of the issues facing the Air Force today, as well as its strengths and his goals for 2007. One of the ways he's spreading those goals is through a mission, or "goal

Cyberspace warfare remains serious business

It's a primary medium for the way the Air Force does business, whether it is used for command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance or reconnaissance, yet cyberspace remains a relatively new and vulnerable frontier. And Air Force leaders know it. With technology evolving so quickly,

Air Force 60th Anniversary flag raised at memorial

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff T. Michael Moseley were the hosts for the 60th Anniversary flag-raising ceremony at the Air Force Memorial March 1."On this day, the man who used the B-17 to such a great effect, General Tooey Spaatz, formally succeeded General

'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 ten photos that feature Airmen at war. It is a brief but dramatic

New helmet gives pilots the edge

Aircrews at the 18th Fighter Squadron here recently received an important warfighting upgrade that can help keep them head and shoulders above the rest. Squadron pilots have incorporated a new helmet that features the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, a system which improves breathing and radio

Contamination control area helps Airmen 'clean up'

One of the ways Incirlik AB Airmen prepared for their upcoming Unit Compliance Inspection was setting up a simulated contamination control area March 1. The contamination control area allows Airmen exposed to hazards from biological to chemical agents to come "clean" in a controlled environment. The

Japanese, American forces team up in war on terrorism

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force C-1 cargo jet touched down Feb. 27 at Yokota AB to pick up and deliver supplies. But the plane isn't loading cargo for Japan; the cargo is American supplies for U.S. servicemembers stationed throughout Japan and Guam. Japanese Maj. Masashi Ohta, a C-1 pilot, said the

Eielson helps Airmen move into new homes in a hurry

A ghost town now exists at Eielson AFB where 300 families once lived. Blanketed in several feet of snow, artic winter winds whistle through the solitary Sprucewood homes section of base housing. Before the bitter winter had set in, the more than 300 Airmen and their families called this area home.

March 2 airpower: F-15Es provide show of force

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for March 2.In Afghanistan March 1, an Air Force B-1 Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38 joint direct attack munitions on enemy mortar and firing positions near Forward Operating Base Robinson. The joint terminal attack

Roll Call focuses on recognizing Airmen for efforts

Ensuring Airmen get recognized for a job well done and the naming of expeditionary medics as the 2007 Team of the Year are the focuses of this week's Roll Call. The Roll Call says that it's easy to take for granted the Airmen who work so hard every day, but as part of the Air Force team,

Dyess' aircraft maintainers meet AFSO 21 head on

While many shops in the Air Force are finding they have to do "less with less," one maintenance shop here found a way to do "more with less." The newly consolidated support flight in the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is an example of how Airmen in the 7th Maintenance Group are answering Air

Maintenance Airmen's custom parts keep planes in fight

Aircraft maintenance success in a deployed environment often depends on the availability of the parts and equipment needed to get aircraft back into the fight. Oftentimes, crew chiefs look no further than 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron back shops for support when aircraft parts or other

Airmen complete Nicaraguan medical exercise

Twenty medics finished the first of three New Horizons - Nicaragua 2007 Medical Readiness Training Exercises Feb. 28, giving free healthcare to 6,551 Nicaraguans throughout nine days. The $7.25 million joint U.S. and Nicaraguan military humanitarian and training exercise, provides a new school and

Eielson Airmen help keep mushers, dogs in race

Interior Alaska's formidable winter chill couldn't deter the Icemen team from volunteering to help support the local community during Yukon Quest, the 1,000-mile international dog sled race. More than 160 Airmen braved temperatures -- at times dipping below negative 40 degrees -- to help man the

Spring 'Air and Space Power Journal' available

The College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education at Air University has published and distributed the Spring 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

Official shares glimpse of future with Misawa Airmen

Mr. William Anderson, assistant secretary for installations, environment and logistics, stopped here Feb. 22 to meet with Airmen and to discuss key Air Force issues, including environmental stewardship and future fuel alternatives.He talked about the incredible care Airmen display as they lead the

Air Force official discusses uniform updates

Air Force officials move forward with the Airman Battle Uniform roll-out and plans for a new service dress coat. The new ABU, designed to eventually replace both the Battle Dress and Desert Combat Uniforms worn by Airmen, is currently in full production. Early deliveries of ABU inventories in 2007

Reserve forces augment RAF Croughton security

Ten guardsmen and reservists are augmenting the 422nd Security Forces Squadron here as 21 active-duty Airmen are deployed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.Even though almost half of the 422nd SFS are deployed downrange, the mission at their home station doesn't end, but that's where the Guard and

Airman earns medal for lifesaving efforts

An Airman here was presented the Air Force Achievement Medal recently for saving the life of a 7-year-old boy who was choking on candy. Airman 1st Class Kyle Thomas was bowling while on leave in Norman, Okla., after competing six weeks of basic training and six months of technical training when he

Security Forces train Airmen to protect space resources

Senior Airman Joshua Newton holds the flashbang up high in the air and his three teammates know what that means without uttering a single word. It is time to breach the room and they all look away as he carefully leans forward and chucks the grenade into the room. As the flashbang goes off

Fighting in cyberspace means cyber domain dominance

The Air Force officially announced creation of the new Cyberspace Command late last year. Now, just four months later, the command's leaders are talking about the way ahead. The Air Force's operational Cyberspace Command, also known as 8th Air Force, is commanded by Lt. Gen. Robert J. "Bob" Elder.

Air Force officials release 2007 posture statement

Air Force officials released their annual posture statement which articulates the major elements required for the Air Force to fulfill its mission and its priorities over the course of the next year and into the future. The secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff testified before

Turkish-U.S. airlift effort brings supplies to Afghans

In a joint effort between Turkish and U.S. Air Forces, 94,000 pounds of palletized cargo was transported via two C-17 Globemaster IIIs Feb. 21 to Kabul Air Base, Afghanistan. The 23 pallets and five trailers of cargo consisted of uniforms and equipment for the Afghan army to use in the war on

Test squadron demonstrates Sniper pod capability

Members of the 419th Flight Test Squadron here recently completed its initial developmental testing of the Sniper pod installed on a B-1B Lancer, designed to increase the aircraft's self-targeting capability. The Sniper pod, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is an advanced targeting pod with

RED HORSE logistics hub supports Airmen uprange

An Air Force horse has been making tracks throughout Southwest Asia as this mobile force is making a difference in the war on terrorism.The Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, or simply RED HORSE, supports contingency and special operations missions with mobile,

General speaks on Elmendorf's, Air Force's future

The Air Force deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and requirements, visited here Feb. 21 to 23 to discuss the capabilities Alaska provides to the service, recapitalization, joint initiatives and the arrival of the C-17 Globemaster IIIs and F-22 Raptor.Although he is no longer stationed in

AFMC leader discusses command's war contributions

In the thick of rocket-propelled grenades, mortars and small-arms fire in a battle, the last thing on a warfighter's mind would be thanking members of Air Force Materiel Command for the weapons about to be used. Using better intelligence offered by AFMC's advancements, the warfighter can be sure the

Pararescue Airmen mission ready for search, rescue

"That others may live" is the motto for the Air Force's pararescueman.Pararescue jumpers, or PJs, make up an elite corps of pararescuemen responsible for combat search and rescue missions.This team of highly trained pararescuemen performed a combat search and rescue training mission Feb. 24 in

Combat training adds to Airmen's skills

Combat training is critical for Airmen deploying downrange. Senior Airman Joshua Issermoyer, a tactical air controller stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, already has deployed but continues to strengthen his skills with more training. Some of that training involved approximately 2,300 American and

Andersen Airmen response group hone combat skills

In the former housing area known as Andersen South, a team of Airmen patrol the abandoned, rundown facilities. They scan the front and back of the patrol, looking for anything or anyone out of the ordinary. The Airmen are members of Andersen Air Force Base's 36th Contingency Response Group; this

Air Force Reserve wing at Scott receives first C-40 aircraft

The Air Force Reserve Command's 932nd Airlift Wing here welcomed a new aircraft into its inventory Feb. 26 with the arrival of its first of three C-40Cs. The wing, the only Air Force Reserve unit in the state of Illinois with a flying mission, will use the aircraft to augment its mission of

In-house repairs keep costs down at Misawa Air Base

The war on terrorism is forcing the U.S. military to take a closer look at its budget and how money is spent. In the quest to maximize resources, three Airmen here are part of program designed to do just. Three NCO's of the 35th Maintenance Group are manning Misawa's Repair Enhancement Program

Airmen help Kyrgyz K-9 corps take shape

Airmen of the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here are training a new breed of fighters for the war on terrorism. The Airmen normal protect the members of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, but are now helping train a Kyrgyz military working dog

Anthrax vaccine program becomes mandatory for some

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. Implementation of the AVIP begins March 19, in

Spangdahlem Airmen, a force behind ground support

In the hangars along the flightline here, Airmen load up the 81st Fighter Squadron's A-10 Thunderbolt IIs with munitions.Having recently returned from training in Portugal, the 81st FS is back in Germany and the training hasn't stopped. While the pilots of the 81st FS are honing their skills behind

Top teams can vie for excellence award

For more than 14 years, the Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards, sponsored by the Air Force chief of staff, have been recognizing those Airmen who use a systematic approach to enhance mission capability, improve operational performance and create sustained results. For 2007, the Air Force's goal

Personnel records readiness vital to mission

Nobody can predict the twists and turns that life can take, but with a little bit of preparation Airmen can make the best of any situation. The Air Force Personnel Center designated March as Personnel Records Readiness Month. Military members used this opportunity to review items such as their

Feb. 26 airpower: F-15Es provide show of force

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 26.In Afghanistan Feb. 25, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided shows of force for a convoy receiving small arms fire in Pashsbad. A joint terminal attack controller reported that two individuals were firing at

Tax credits, deductions save Air Force members money

It's tax season again and new tax codes have changed some credits and refunds. Knowing what credits and deductions to claim allows Airmen to keep more of their own money. The Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities, or HERO Act signed by President George W. Bush May 29, 2006 allows military members

Columbus, Ohio, to celebrate 'Air Force Heritage Week'

Reaffirming its commitment to the commemoration of 60 years of air and space power, the United States Air Force announced Feb. 23 that Columbus, Ohio, has been selected as host for the nation's only Air Force Heritage Week in conjunction with The Gathering of Mustangs and Legends in September 2007.

'Man's best friends' help fight war on terrorism

More than 2,000 military working dogs currently serve at military bases around the world. But for the 65th Security Forces Squadron at Lajes Field, their hearts belong to two of those dogs. Dan and Rex, both adult German Shepherds, arrived at Lajes Field straight from the 120-day rigorous training

Medical professionals win team of the year

Air Force and Air Force Association officials have named Air Force expeditionary medics, or EMEDS, as the 2007 Team of the Year. Each year, AFA officials, working with major command-level command chief master sergeants and the Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, select a specific

'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 exclusive on Air Force Link provides visitors ten photos that feature Airmen at war. It is a brief but