Airmen foster relations as ambassadors

It was smiles galore as Airmen paid a visit to a local foster home Feb. 16, while here for a joint air show with the Peruvian Air Force. More than 400 children were treated to a performance by the Air National Guard Band of the Southwest and conversation with Airmen. The children, some of whom are

Newest 'Chief's View' highlights conduct

In his latest Chief's View video, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley reminds Airmen that they are a reflection on the service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Chief McKinley said Airmen serve as ambassadors for the Air Force, both on and off duty. "You've heard the term 'first

New chiefs inducted into elite group

Two senior master sergeants were recognized as the newest members of the chiefs group in a ceremony Feb. 9 here. The two chief selectees, Denise Mikolajczyk and Steven Lantz, lit candles representing each of the nine enlisted grades achieved over their careers in order to remind them of where

Lajes NCO's job saves water, money

A Lajes Field NCO may not fly a jet or drive a tank, but carrying a pipe-wrench for the 65th Civil Engineer Squadron can be just as important. "We're here for the main plumbing and water distribution," said Staff Sgt. Kellen Buss, who works in the utilities shop. "Any water that goes from the wells

Ramstein inbound section delivers

Each year an average of 30,000 packages pass through the Cargo Movement Center's inbound section helping ensure Ramstein Air Base runs smoothly. Nestled on Ramstein's southside is a large warehouse. It is the home of the inbound section and just down the road from Ramstein's flightline. "We touch

Eagle Flag role players: Airmen helping Airmen

In a matter of minutes, one master sergeant here became a "chief" during a briefing for Exercise Eagle Flag 07-3 Feb. 5 at Fort Dix, N.J. "As a role player, you're deployed here to help push the students to do better, but we learn right beside them," said Master Sgt. James Gardner of the 60th

Medical teams provide priceless gift

Most people get cards, chocolate and flowers from someone special on Valentine's Day. On this particular day, the treatment, care and attention patients in a C-17 Globemaster III received from a combined aerial medic team far surpassed any typical Feb. 14 gift. The critical care air transport and

Officer reduction in force subject of this week's Roll Call

Meeting the Air Force's lower authorized end strength will result in approximately 40,000 active-duty Airmen separating from the service. This week's Roll Call explains one of the ways the Air Force is ensuring it has the right mix of skill sets.The Air Force needs to maintain its combat capability

Firefighter brotherhood reaches across international borders

Thirteen could prove to be a lucky number for Iraqi citizens in An Nasiriyah as that is the number of firefighters whose abilities have been enhanced through training with Airmen deployed here. Airmen firefighters from Air Expeditionary Forces 3, 4, 5 and 6 introduced the Iraqis to American

New Horizons kicks off in Nicaragua

More than 500 Nicaraguans along with deployed members of the United States military celebrated the official start of the New Horizons 2007 humanitarian exercise Feb. 15. New Horizons is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored readiness training exercise designed to help Nicaraguan people in Santa Teresa

Convoy reduction flights keep Airmen out of harm's way

Convoys transporting Airmen and supplies on the highways of Iraq face a constant risk from terrorist attacks. In an effort to reduce the number of convoys going out, the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron performs regular airlift convoy reduction missions out of Balad Air Base, Iraq.The focus of

Airmen honored for combatant deployment roles

The Air Force recently named three Fort Hood, Texas, Airmen the first recipients of three new awards during a ceremony at the Hall of Heroes in the Pentagon. The new awards honor members of the tactical air control party career field. Two of the awards are named after TACP Airmen who gave their

Leaders focus on Air Force priorities at Corona South

The secretary of the Air Force, the Air Force chief of staff and other key service leaders met for Corona South to discuss key strategic issues, priorities and initiatives of the Air Force Feb. 12 to 14 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.Michael W. Wynne and Gen. T. Michael Moseley led the meeting, with

AAFES adjusts gas pricing overseas

Army and Air Force Exchange Service officials began a new gas-pricing plan Feb. 1 that should make buying gas overseas easier on a person's budget as prices are now updated on a weekly basis instead of monthly changes. The decision is based on customer feedback for more immediacy in the price

F-22s make mark at Red Flag

The F-22 Raptor flew in its first Red Flag exercise that started Feb. 3 here, showcasing its stealth, super cruise and other advantages absent in legacy fighters. Pilots from the 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., are flying F-22s against Red Flag aggressors, with pilots from the

Lessons learned program to improve deployments

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have established a program to help solve problems and improve things for new people rotating into the area of responsibility. The CENTAF Office of Lessons Learned, established in October 2004, has increased its staff and now has two specialists working to

Simulation center provides edge to medics

For nearly two years, Wilford Hall Medical Center's simulation center has been preparing Airmen for real-world medical scenarios here and in the deployed setting. The center was established as a task to create a needs assessment for the incorporation of medical simulation into Air Force Medical

Fuels flight pumps out record

Airmen with the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's petroleum, oil and lubricant, or POL, flight pumped a lot of gas recently. In fact, they set a record for the highest number of gallons of fuel issued in a single month over the last three years. POL Airmen received and issued a

Combat skills training prepares security forces

The 60th Security Forces Squadron here offers a two-day expeditionary combat skills training course to prepare Airmen for deployments."(We want to) give the students a set of basic skills to work with so if they ever encounter a force protection scenario, it'll give them that basic skill set to act

Air Force Reserve A-10s get 'smart' systems

You can build just about anything on a good foundation. Air Force reservists from the 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 303rd Fighter Squadron here are being reminded of that as five of the 442nd Fighter Wing's A-10 Thunderbolt IIs are being equipped with "smart" multi-function color

Horn of Africa task force welcomes new commander

Formations of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and Marines provided the backdrop Feb. 14 as Rear Admiral James M. Hart accepted command from Rear Adm. Richard W. Hunt in a ceremony on the flightline of Camp Lemonier, Djibouti.Admiral Hart addressed his vision for

Planning critical to Red Flag - Alaska success

Coalition and American pilots, aircrews and support members need a realistic training environment, and Red Flag - Alaska provides some of the most realistic training on earth. Coordinating this training is the responsibility of the 353rd Combat Training Squadron members, who plan and prepare each

Refueling maintainers run largest 'gas station' in Atlantic

Imagine pushing your vehicle down the road to a service station to refuel. Now imagine pulling a more than 30,000 pound F-16 Fighting Falcon to an island in the middle of the ocean to get gas. Airmen at Lajes Field like Senior Airman Justin Madsden keep the biggest gas station in the Atlantic

Mission failure means 'lights out' for engineers

Every Air Force job is vital to accomplishing the mission. But the work of civil engineers affects anyone who uses power; if there is no one do to their job, it's lights out. Staff Sgt. Brian Sawyer is one of those civil engineers. When asked what he loves most about his job, Sergeant Sawyer

Airmen help neighbors through Operation Iraqi Child

Members of Air Expeditionary Force 5 and 6 are reaching out to their host nation neighbors while lending a helping hand through Operation Iraqi Child."Many members of AEF 5/6 have voiced the desire to help the Iraqi people outside the gates of our base," said Chaplain (Capt.) Christine Blice-Baum of

Vandenberg Airman sparks change throughout DOD

When she stood in front of senior leaders Dec. 21 at Breaker's Dining Facility here and voiced her concern, she had no idea her question would be heard by Department of Defense officials. The question Airman 1st Class Erica Hudson presented during an Airmen's breakfast that morning came from a

Pro Bowl Airmen

First F-22 bound for Pacific unveiled

Representatives from the Air Force and Lockheed Martin gathered to accept Pacific Air Forces' first F-22 Raptor Feb. 12 at Marietta, Ga. This latest F-22 will be among 36 others that will make up the first F-22s assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens

Atlanta kicks off 'Heritage to Horizons' celebration

Southern hospitality, total force and joint partnership were the ingredients that formed the inaugural kickoff for the Air Force's 60th Anniversary celebration Feb. 12 in Atlanta. The official kickoff was held at the State Capitol, where Gov. Sonny Perdue welcomed the "Heritage to Horizons" Air

36th OG reactivates to meet Pacific theater mission

The 36th Operations Group was reactivated after more than a decade to serve as the focal point for the Air Force's expeditionary operations taking place here. The 36th OG will assume the mission of the 36th Expeditionary Operations Group and establish a permanent command structure for deployed Air

Reserve wing closes chapter in history

Reservists from the 944th Fighter Wing here bid farewell to the last three F-16 Fighting Falcons after almost 20 years. The unit's F-16s are being reassigned to other locations on the recommendations of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission. "This is like a family that's moving on," said Lt.

Joint patrols keep Incirlik in good hands

They may not be known as well as partners Batman and Robin or Starsky and Hutch, but members of the 39th Security Forces Squadron and the Turkish air force are partners protecting the citizens here all the same. They may wear different uniforms, have a different culture and even speak a different

Airmen work alongside Peruvian military during joint exercise

Approximately 150 Airmen are participating in a joint military exercise with the Peruvian air force scheduled to continue through Feb. 16 here.Exercise Falcon Condor 07 allows the U.S military to build relationships with military and civilian leaders of Peru."This exercise give us the opportunity to

Hurricane Hunters track Pacific winter storms

While most people flee when a pending storm is coming, Keesler AFB Airmen go right into the heart of storms to provide detailed information about storms to warn people of hazardous weather.Airmen and WC-130J Hercules aircraft, also known as Hurricane Hunters, left here Feb. 12 for Anchorage, Alaska,

Air Force reopens job reservations for nine career fields

Most first-term Airmen serving in nine Air Force specialty codes will now be eligible to apply for a career job reservation. Airmen serving in the 2A0X1D, 2A5X3D, 2E0X1, 2M0X2, 3E0X1, 3E0X2, 3E1X1, 3E2X1 or 3E3X1 AFSCs will be granted a CJR regardless of their CJR window of eligibility. "This change

Air Force ads to feature Charleston Airmen

Filming for the next campaign of Air Force commercials began here Feb. 9. The Air Force's contract ad agency, GSD&M Advertising, flew with active-duty and Reserve Airmen from here onboard three C-17 Globemaster IIIs to the North Auxiliary Field in North, S.C., where crewmembers performed airdrops

Active military meets January recruiting goals

All active components of the military services met or exceeded their recruiting goals for January, the Defense Department announced Feb. 12. The Air Force achieved 100 percent of its goal with 2,552 Airmen; the Army, 111 percent of its goal with 9,306 troops; the Navy, 100 percent of its goal with

Airmen return from Urban Sniper School

Two Airmen from the 736th Security Forces Squadron here recently returned from 11 days of training in an Urban Sniper School with a Marine expeditionary unit at Kadena Air Base, Japan.Tech. Sgt. Samuel Howell and Staff Sgt. Patrick Pendergest along with nine Marines attended the school taught by the

Lajes Airmen impact mission at Naval Station Rota

Helping with the war effort doesn't always mean Airmen have to be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Naval Station Rota in Spain houses an average of 50 Airmen who are on temporary duty from bases throughout U.S. Air Forces in Europe who are fighting the war on terrorism by supporting the Air Force's

Air transportation specialists key to life at Lajes

Keeping Lajes Field members fed and informed is a vital job that falls on the shoulders of a 28-year-old sergeant's team, since virtually everything the base needs is flown into the small island off Portugal that Lajes Field calls home.Staff Sgt. Eric Brooks and the rest of his team at the 729th Air

Aviano Airmen train in self aid, buddy care

Wrapping second- and third-degree burns and splinting bone fractures were just two parts of the self aid and buddy care training Airmen learned from instructors from the 31st Medical Group Feb. 6 here. This training will be put to the test during a tactical evaluation here in March, and can be

Iron Thunder roars through Shaw

Thunder was heard throughout the Carolinas in early February as more than 100 Air Force, Navy, Marine and Royal Air Force aircraft participated in Exercise Iron Thunder.The four-day, multiservice and multinational exercise, hosted by the 77th Fighter Squadron here, prepared participants for future

Chief McKinley testifies before Congress

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley spoke to the House Appropriations Committee's quality of life and veterans' affairs subcommittee Feb. 9 in Washington, D.C. Chief McKinley spoke about training and quality of life initiatives in the Air Force. "America's Airmen know what it means

Loadmasters learn from mentors

A hefty responsibility rests on the shoulders of many junior expeditionary Airmen in the war on terrorism. Daniel Stone, Brian Mulkey and Sheldon Cary, all loadmasters and airmen 1st class from the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, are among the many junior Airmen making a difference on a daily

Mentoring helps develop future Air Force

When leaders mentor their subordinates, they are helping develop the Air Force as an organization. By taking an active role in each Airman's career, a supervisor can develop his or her personnel into better leaders. "It helps the Air Force tremendously because our individuals are now motivated,

USAFE, Liberian medics team up to save lives

Within minutes of completing two days of medical training in Liberia taught by medics from U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen, 23 Armed Forces of Liberia medical technicians were put to the test when they responded to a high-speed vehicle rollover Jan. 28 here. Outside the gate to the remote military

U.S. Central Command air power official meets with Kenya Air Force

On a recent return visit to Kenya, the commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces continued a dialogue of cooperation and mutual operational goals with Kenya Air Force officials this week. Lt. Gen. Gary North met with Brig. Gen. Jackson Waheru, deputy commander of the Kenya Air Force, among other

F-15 Strike Eagles take over close-air-support mission at Bagram

The F-15 Strike Eagle recently swapped out with the A-10 Thunderbolt II to assume responsibility of the close-air-support mission here. The F-15s are assigned to the 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and are deployed from the 391st Fighter Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.

Balad exercise hones response skills

A joint Army and Air Force exercise recently tested the emergency response skills of Airmen and Soldier firefighters at Balad Air Base, Iraq. "Our No. 1 goal is to coordinate an emergency response that'll safely take the injured to a medical treatment facility," said Chief Master Sgt. Kevin

U.S. airpower strikes suspected terrorists in Baghdad

In response to a call for air power, a U.S. Air Force F-16 Falcon aided U.S. ground forces by delivering precision munitions on eight hostile personnel in an air strike south of Baghdad Feb. 8. The F-16 pilot, launched from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Balad Air Base, responded to a U.S. Air

AFSO21 streamlines deployment processing

Deploying Airmen had an easier transition into the area of responsibility this January because the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Squadron Readiness Flight revamped the way the Aerial Port of Debarkation processes Airmen departing and arriving. Fellow Airmen redeploying in January may not have

Life-saving attempt earns Airman praise, accolade

A 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Airman received a medal recently that will serve as a reminder of the day he unwittingly stepped into the spotlight while on a mission in Africa. While waiting for his dinner companions at a hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, Tech. Sgt. Bryant Billingsley heard a call for

Helicopter support trailer provides rapid mobility

It appears to be just a plain gray box, with a drop down rear ramp and external lighting. There are no flashy unit murals or logos. In fact, there is no labeling on the trailer at all, other than a government license plate. This nondescript trailer, recently purchased by the 723rd Aircraft

Deterrence keeps secluded Minuteman crew focused

After more than a hour's drive from civilization, down sometimes treacherous country dirt roads, 1st Lt. Matthew Bejcek still has about 90 minutes of security checks to pass through before he can start his job as a caretaker of this nation's single biggest deterrent to terrorism. There is a reason

Moody Airman receives Purple Heart

When a sniper's bullet careened off his turret-mounted machine gun and struck his side, the last thing the young Airman thought was that he had just been shot. Senior Airman Jeremy Birchfield, 824th Security Forces Squadron turret gunner, had just paid a local Iraqi boy to get him a pizza, while he

Expeditor training part of AFSO 21 initiatives

Members of the 60th Aerial Port Squadron here are holding a two-week class to develop ways to eliminate time aircrews and loadmasters are spending on the ground after a flight. Tech. Sgt. Ryan Holmes, a course director from the Air Mobility Warfare Center at Fort Dix, N.J., said they will train

Program helps Airmen reintegrate after deployments

Returning home from a deployment can be a time full of excitement with hopes of getting back into normal life and reuniting with loved ones. But reintegrating back into normal life can be difficult as things at work and home have changed. The reintegration program at Ramstein AB seeks to help make

Vehicle registration streamlines customer service

Airmen who work in the vehicle registration office here realized not all of their customers were happy all the time. There were a variety of concerning factors, but the main area of dissatisfaction was waiting times. "In the summertime I believe our max wait was three hours and 45 minutes long. And

Air Force Assistance Fund 2007 campaign begins Feb. 12

This year's Air Force Assistance Fund "Commitment to Caring" campaign, from Feb. 12 to May 4, will provide Airmen the opportunity to contribute to any of the four official Air Force charitable organizations. Now in its 34th year, 100-percent of designated AFAF contributions will benefit active-duty,

ABU wear policy effective immediately

Air Force officials at the Pentagon released the wear policy for the new Airman Battle Uniform Feb. 7. The policy comes in time to help many of the Airmen deploying to the AOR in May, as these Airmen will be among the first to get the ABU. Further ABU distribution plans will be based on production

F-22 begins first overseas deployment

The first overseas operational deployment of the Air Force's newest fighter is underway as 12 F-22 Raptors landed here Feb. 7 en route to Kadena Air Base, Japan. The aircraft and more than 250 Airmen from the 27th Fighter Squadron from Langley AFB, Va., are supporting the U.S. Pacific Command's

Air Force team performs goodwill mission in Thailand

A U.S. Air Force medical and dental team and members of the Royal Thai Air Force participated in a humanitarian mission at Thairat 72 School in Udon Thani on Feb. 6. This was the second civil-action project and the first in northern Thailand conducted during exercise Cope Tiger 2007. According to

Teaching high-altitude safety at 50 feet below sea level

An NCO from Ramstein AB is preparing Airmen for a flight up to 30,000 feet while never leaving the ground. Master Sgt. Doug Schmidt takes his position outside the hyperbaric chamber while a dozen or so students inside strap on their oxygen masks in a training facility in a part of the Netherlands

Airmen excel in nontraditional combat roles

Physician assistant receives Purple Heart

An Airman who survived an improvised explosive device attack in December isn't likely to forget that moment -- or the one when he was presented a Purple Heart by the chief of staff of the Air Force Feb. 4. Capt. Kevin Fischer is a physician assistant assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Logistics

Fighter training in Turkey helps more than just pilots

Fighting Falcons are flying over Turkey as Airmen of the 22nd and 23rd Fighter Squadrons from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, conduct rotational deployment training. Accompanying the fighter squadrons are members of several Spangdalhem AB units charged with keeping the F-16 Fighting Falcon

Schriever Airmen assist during satellite program move

The 6th Space Operations Squadron Airmen here are assisting with satellite control authority of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, augmenting National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration specialists who deployed to Schriever Jan. 29 from their facilities in Suitland, Md. NOAA

Tops In Blue 2007 rehearses for anniversary season

Cast members for the 2007 version of the Tops In Blue show are singing, dancing and learning how to prepare for approximately 140 shows in 30 countries.Singers, dancers, instrumentalists, drivers, stage crew -- 38 in all -- converged in January beginning 10 weeks of rehearsals for Tops In Blue 2007

Dover reorganizes for C-17 mission

A ceremony here Feb. 4 marked the end of a 30-year run of Dover AFB's sole C-5 Galaxy mission and the beginning of a new era as the base prepares for the first of 13 C-17 Globemaster IIIs scheduled to arrive this summer. Air Force Reserve Command's 512th Maintenance Group is reorganizing to

PACAF commander: Unity is key in war on terrorism

Taking care of Airmen and their families, the war on terrorism, modernizing the aging fleet, and the recent stand-up of the 13th Air Force Detachment at Yokota AB, Japan, were topics of interest for the commander of Pacific Air Forces during a visit to Kadena AB Feb. 1 to 3. "Taking care of Airmen

Kirkuk Airmen provide care following attack

Two Iraqi civilians were injured near Kirkuk, Iraq when they were caught in the crossfire between Iraqi, authorities and insurgents Feb. 1. After being transported here by helicopter and receiving emergency medical treatment from members of the 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadron, they were flown

The making of an air commando

I had never heard the song before, but the melody was vaguely familiar: "Swamp rat, swamp rat, where do you hi-ide? "Come out in the open and I'll be your guy-ide." The raspy voice bounced off the tall pines in Kisatchie National Forest in central Louisiana: I'm a friendly guerilla who'll take you

F-15s kept 'eye on the sky' during Super Bowl

In the days leading up to Super Bowl XLI, Airmen from the Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing at Jacksonville were ready to switch on engine power to their fighter aircraft in an instant.While thousands of fans streamed into Miami, the wing's F-15 Eagles stepped up patrols, flying

Incirlik Airmen get new development center

Incirlik AB's new Professional Development Center recently opened its doors to Airmen. The center features two large classrooms equipped with flexible seating and projectors, a computer lab with 20 network capable computers and the hall of history, which allows visitors a glance at Incirlik AB

Vandenberg team launches Minuteman III

An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from North Vandenberg Feb. 7 at 12:14 a.m. "This program is key to our constant assessment of the reliability of our ICBM fleet," said Brig. Gen. C. Donald Alston, director of Air Force Space Command's Air, Space and

Shield has historic past

The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group share the same emblem. The only difference between the two is the designation in the scroll.The blue and yellow colors represent the Air Force. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow

Commanders carry legacy to future

From the 332nd Fighter Group to today's 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing , a short list of commanders have led these expeditionary Airmen into the fight. One of the commanders, Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr., was the first African-American officer in the Army Air Forces, and went on to become a general

Letter to Airmen encourages 'Ambassadors in Blue'

In his latest "Letter to Airmen," Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne discusses how every Airman is an ambassador and how it is essential that Airmen communicate their role in the war on terrorism.The secretary said he was committed to boosting regional, cultural and language skills to make

MyEDP provides real answers for real Airmen

Airmen needn't look further than their computer screens for candid advice and information regarding their service careers, thanks to the My Enlisted Development Plan Web site, now up and running through the Air Force Portal.Designed as the Air Force's cradle-to-grave enlisted developmental tool,

Wing supports mission at 'critical time'

The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing is the most forward-deployed Air Force wing in Iraq. The wing has pioneered modern warfare tactics using advanced weapons systems such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 II Thunderbolt and the MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle for close-air support and traditional

Airmen to work alongside Soldiers in Afghanistan

Troops arriving here are typically greeted by a welcoming committee, so when the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing commander and his staff went to meet the servicemembers bound for Afghanistan disembarking off an aircraft Feb. 4, they fully expected to see Army Soldiers file off. But when more than 170

Minot Airmen return home from Andersen deployment

Five months, more than 6,000 nautical miles and a 100-degree difference in temperature later, 110 Minot AFB Airmen returned home amid "welcome home" signs, balloons and excited children Jan. 30 from a deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Six B-52 Stratofortresses and approximately 300 Airmen

Chief of staff visits Air Force's combat airpower hub

"We've been a nation at war since 9-11, but people declared war on us a long time before then," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley while speaking to deployed Airmen of Balad's 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Feb. 4. The general cited terrorist attacks over the past three decades and

Manas Airmen making a difference in the local community

After Manas Air Base was established here in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Air Force and 376th Air Expeditionary Wing officials wanted to find a way to show their appreciation to their new neighbors. To achieve this, the Manas Air Base Outreach Society was established in December 2003. "For

Chief of staff: Warrior Airmen new culture of Air Force

Today's Airmen are in the fight. As the war on terrorism continues in the Middle East and the war on drugs continues in South and Central America, Airmen are engaged in struggles across the globe. "We are warfighters," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the Air Force chief of staff. "From the pilots who

Alamo Wing steps up schoolhouse operations

The Air Force Reserve's 433rd Airlift Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, gained two new squadrons Feb. 6. The wing is home to the Air Force's C-5 Galaxy schoolhouse. At a formal ceremony, the 356th Airlift Squadron and 733rd Training Squadron joined the Alamo Wing. The wing, from which flies

American, Japanese airmen join forces in Keen Edge '07

Approximately 300 Airmen and six Japan Air Self Defense Force liaison officers are participating in the bilateral command post Exercise Keen Edge '07 here. Officials from 13th Air Force are conducting their part of the annual weeklong joint bilateral exercise to increase combat readiness and

Cope Tiger participants provide humanitarian assistance

Servicemembers from the United States, Thailand and Republic of Singapore took part in a humanitarian mission during Cope Tiger 2007 Jan. 30 at a Thai school. "It is an incredible feeling to come into an area like this and make an impact, show off the humanitarian side of the U.S. Air Force and

Senior leaders address deployments, total-force concept

The Air Force has been deployed to the Middle East in one fashion or another for more than 16 years and, according to the service's top officer, Airmen should expect this trend to continue for at least the next 10. "I believe we will be in the Middle East for a very long time yet," said Gen. T.

Kadena Airmen ready for visiting Raptors

As Kadena Air Base officials get ready to host 12 F-22 Raptors for the fighters' first overseas deployment, the base's most important focus right now is their readiness stance. "That readiness gives us piece and stability in the region," said Brig. Gen. Harold W. Moulton, 18th Wing commander. "And

Barksdale B-52s arrive in Guam, complete bomber rotation

Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La., and their B-52 Stratofortress bombers arrived in Guam recently to begin a four-month deployment here. The Louisiana-based aircraft, aircrew, support and maintenance members replaced the Minot AFB, N.D., Airmen who redeployed home as part of a

Air Force FY 2008 budget includes pay raise, new facilities

In the president's fiscal 2008 budget, released Feb. 5, Air Force leaders are asking Congress for about $110.7 billion. The Air Force budget request, about $6.2 billion more than it received in FY07, is divided into three primary areas: people, readiness and modernization and recapitalization. About

MacDill riders star in motorcycle safety DVD

It was lights, cameras and action on the set at MacDill AFB the end of January and early February as trained motorcyle riders revved their high-powered bikes and dashed through a makeshift road course on the flightline. Their movie is destined for DVD release in the spring, although you will not

New technology takes pain out of major dentistry

Dental work for deploying Moody AFB Airmen that once took six weeks can now be accomplished at the dental clinic in a number of hours because of a new computer-based system now in use. The $64,000 system frees laboratory technicians from the time-consuming process of molding plaster, shaping wax,

Airmen gain perspective of environmental compliance

Kadena AB Airmen conducted their annual Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Compliance Assessment Management Program, or ESOHCAMP, Jan. 22 to 26 to check unit compliance of Air Force and Japanese laws and regulations.ESOHCAMP, aimed at protecting the people and environment of the base, was

'Today's Air Force' highlights Airmen's experiences

This week's "Today's Air Force" includes features on life at Thule Air Base, Greenland, and the opening of the Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio. The long-format, weekly news show tells Air Force stories in more depth. The program is made up of three segments, and each runs approximately eight

Tabletop exercise helps prepare for contingencies

When an F-16 Fighting Falcon from Spangdahlem AB crashed last fall with the pilot ejecting safely but the jet landed in a field off base, base leaders wanted to improve emergency response procedures even though no one was hurt in the incident.Local mayors and first responders were invited to the

Aviano undergoes blood bank inspection

Military blood bank inspectors from Maryland visited Aviano Air Base in late January to verify lab technicians are storing blood donations correctly. Inspections occur every other year; this year the inspectors visited Italy, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom. "We check all of the records, we

Vice chairman 'cautiously optimistic' about new Iraq approach

The nation's second-highest-ranking military officer said he is cautiously optimistic about the new approach to Iraq after a three-day visit there that ended Feb 2."It is clear that most of the senior officials (from the) coalition, Iraq and United States I talked with during my time in Baghdad are

Air Force to accelerate realignment of Oregon wing

Air Force Reserve Command officials announced plans to implement a second reduction in force in a move to accelerate the closure of the 939th Air Refueling Wing by June 2008 at Portland International Airport, Ore. Originally scheduled to be finalized in September 2010, the new plan allows about 244