Air Force combat airpower helps turn tide in decisive Battle of An Najaf

More than 200 enemy insurgents were killed and 100 gunmen captured near An Najaf Jan. 28 with 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing providing close-air support in the joint, combined effort to route the enemy in battle. After insurgents attacked ground forces with small arms fire and rocket-propelled

Illinois ANG supports Bears, Operation Enduring Freedom

Senior Airman Kimberly Letherman will be watching her favorite team, the Chicago Bears, on Super Bowl Monday. That's right -- Super Bowl Monday. With a nine-and-a-half-hour-time difference with the United States, Airmen in Afghanistan will watch the Super Bowl in the early hours of Monday morning.

'Top Gun' instructor helps with Raptor integration

What do you say when the Air Force chief of staff asks you to be the first F-22 pilot for the Navy? In Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Wosje's case, it was, "How could I refuse?" In a program that lets Navy pilots jump ship to train and integrate with the Air Force, this F/A-18C Hornet pilot from the USS

379th fights GWOT 24/7

Anyone who drives around the base at night will notice much of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing has a 24-hour operating schedule. Whether it's on the flightline or in a back shop, maintainers, operators and support personnel are working around the clock to generate combat sorties. Some people are

Chief of Staff visits Bagram Airmen

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley visited Bagram and Kandahar airfields Feb. 2 during a tour of Afghanistan. The general addressed the Airmen of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing and 451st Air Expeditionary Group, discussing

Airmen race against time for Manta kids

When the 171st Air Refueling Wing from the Pittsburgh Air National Guard heard they were going to deploy here to support the 478th Expeditionary Operations Squadron, boom operator Master Sgt. John Buckwalter asked, "What can we do to help the community when we arrive?" The answer? Collect 118

Moody opens doors to new housing

The base community celebrated the completion of the first new single family housing units with a ribbon cutting ceremony Jan. 31 at the new Magnolia Grove Housing area. The $52 million project provides 383 three-and four-bedroom homes in Magnolia Grove, each with no less than 1,630 square feet of

Leaders discuss reshaping of logistics

Airmen and civilian logistics leaders throughout Pacific Air Forces gathered for a two-week conference to discuss the reshaping and recapitalization of the logistics community using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiatives. Air Force Logistics covers a wide range of services

Japanese get first look at Raptor capabilities

Japanese media and members of the Japanese Embassy in Washington D.C. visited Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 31 to get a look at the F-22 Raptor before it makes its first overseas deployment to Okinawa. The visit gave the Japanese a look at the Raptor's capabilities through a presentation and a

SECAF town hall meeting: Every Airman an ambassador

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne spoke in front of a packed house January 31 during his town hall meeting at the Pentagon. During the meeting, the secretary discussed some of the issues facing the Air Force today as well as its strengths and his goals for 2007. One issue included the ages

Programs allow deployed Airmen to e-mail, chat with family

Air Force officials continue to provide deployed Airmen and their families with Web-based communication tools, allowing e-mail and instant messaging from virtually anywhere in the world. The Air Force Instant Messenger and Global Internet Mail programs help ease the stress of deployments by keeping

Guam honors Andersen Airman

A 36th Civil Engineer Squadron Airman has received two of the highest honors the government of Guam can bestow Jan. 26. In separate ceremonies, Staff Sgt. Ryan Ancheta, a structural craftsman with the squadron's vertical repair shop, was honored with a resolution from the Guam legislature and the

Travis medics deploy to Afghan hospital

Approximately 100 Airmen from the 60th Medical Group at David Grant Medical Center deployed in January to the largest military hospital in Afghanistan.The 455th Expeditionary Medical Group was activated during a ceremony Jan. 23 to assume operation of the Air Force Theater Hospital at Bagram Air

Captain shares language with Japanese airmen

An Air Force officer is making the most of his assignment to Kumagaya Air Base in Japan.Capt. Joseph Cook, a communications officer, is the only American stationed here as part of the Japanese Personnel Exchange Program.Captain Cook spends most of his time teaching English to new Japanese officers

AFMC commander visits Southwest Asia

The commander of Air Force Materiel Command visited Southwest Asia recently to receive a first-hand look at challenges Airmen face maintaining airfield weapon systems in the area of responsibility. During his visit, Gen. Bruce Carlson discussed what AFMC brings to the fight, including science and

Spangdahlem Airmen deploy to Portugal for training

Airmen of the 81st Fighter Squadron left Germany and flew to Portugal to conduct training Jan. 5 through 31. The winter months at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, do not allow much flying time, so the Portuguese government opened its air space and allowed the 81st FS to conduct low-flying training flights.

Latest Roll Call addresses PCS moves

This week's Roll Call highlights a topic that affects every Airman -- permanent change of station moves. Air Force leaders have developed new policies regarding moves in an effort to save PCS dollars and to stabilize and better develop Airmen. For the Air Force, it means money can be used to

Peterson Airmen grant boy's wish to be a pilot for a day

Airmen from Peterson AFB helped bring an ailing child's dream to life in January. Born with a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on his nerves, 14-year-old Zachery Olsen dreamed of becoming a pilot. Zachery was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis four years ago, he became eligible for a wish

Airmen, Soldiers prepare for Iraq

Vehicle maintenance Airmen use AFSO 21 initiatives

Airmen in the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron's vehicle maintenance shop are improving safety in their workcenter using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century.Mechanics in this unit work on B-2 and B-4 aircraft towing vehicles every three to four years. When that time comes around, it

Security forces train in combat employment exercise

Airmen from the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base, South Korea, and the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan AB, South Korea, participated in a Combat Employment Readiness Exercise in late January.The week-long exercise tested the ability of units across the Korean Peninsula to sustain surge operations while

Florida Guard team to support Super Bowl security

Tens of thousands of football fans will flock to Florida this weekend, passionate about their pigskin picks, but a handful of Florida Guardsmen are hoping that the game is anything but exciting for them. The 44th Civil Support Team based at the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center near Starke, Fla.,

7 Charleston Airmen receive Bronze Stars

Seven Charleston AFB Airmen were presented Bronze Stars Jan. 29 here by the Air Mobility Command commander in front of their families, friends and several hundred military members. Gen. Duncan J. McNabb said these individuals embody the heart of the nation. Awarded the Bronze Stars were: -- Capt.

Air Force astronaut reflects on 23 years of service

After more than 23 years of service, Pamela Melroy is finishing her Air Force career with a splash. The Air Force colonel spent her last day before retirement, Jan. 31, undergoing water survival training at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Neutral Buoyancy Lab. But as she

Chief of chaplains visits Incirlik

More than 240 Incirlik AB members attended the National Prayer Observance dinner that featured the Air Force chief of chaplains held Jan. 26 at the base chapel. "It's the Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who are the brave ones, who know about the trials of our day," said

Competition challenges Airmen's warfighting abilities

Twenty-one teams composed of 84 Andersen AFB Airmen competed Jan. 25 and 26 here in Warrior Day, a competition designed to simulate challenges Airmen may face in combat. "Warrior Day is an annual competition on Andersen," said Senior Master Sgt. Ray Johnson who is assigned to the 36th Security

Guard integration moves Airmen from Kulis to Elmendorf

The 176th Wing at Kulis Air National Guard Base, Alaska, and associated aircraft, will relocate to Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, in accordance with the 2005 BRAC Commission recommendation. The 2005 BRAC Commission recommended that, contingent on the availability of adequate military construction

Event tackles ancillary training woes

An Airman's time is like money -- when it's gone, it's gone, said the Air Force's director of Airman development and sustainment. The Air Force is losing valuable funds because Airmen must focus much of their time on ancillary training instead of their missions, Brig. Gen. Robert Allardice said. But

Bronze Star, second Purple Heart given to EOD Airmen

Two explosive ordnance disposal Airmen from the 314th Civil Engineer Squadron received combat medals for their actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom Jan. 30 in a ceremony here. Staff Sgt. Lawrence Lipinski was awarded the Bronze Star and Staff Sgt. Matthew Patnaude received his second Purple

Missing Airman declared dead

Andersen AFB officials announced Airman 1st Class Michael McDonald has been declared dead Jan. 31. Airman McDonald was reported missing Jan. 27 off Tarague Beach here. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Airman McDonald's family and friends during this tragic event," said Brig. Gen. Douglas Owens,

Ramstein control tower gets facelift

Ramstein AB air traffic controllers left their 10-story tower in January for a one-story MSN-7 mobile control tower. During the next few weeks, the air traffic control tower will receive approximately $313,000 in upgrades that will transform the 1952 tower. "My pledge is to provide our outstanding

NCO trains allied airmen in Cope Tiger

Airmen have been lending their expertise to train allied airmen from Thailand and Singapore as Exercise Cope Tiger 2007 kicked off Jan. 29 in Southeast Asia. The multinational exercise covers command post procedures, field training and humanitarian civic service training. "My job is to perform air

Hickam Airmen strategize aircraft weight-reduction initiative

Members of the Hawaii Air National Guard have been categorizing parts of a KC-135 Stratotanker to figure out what can come off during certain missions to save fuel and money for the Air Force. The project was initially launched when Dr. Ron Ritter, special assistant for Air Force Smart Operations

Security forces hone skills through realistic training

Five Airmen lie broken, bleeding and screaming for help along the smoke obscured tree line, while gunfire cracks overhead and thunderous mortar blasts shake the ground at terrifyingly irregular intervals. Through the smoke, a dismounted squad urgently approaches. The scene that confronts them is a

Wedding bells ring for couple at Elmendorf

Wedding bells were ringing at Elmendorf Jan. 26 when an officer from the 611th Air Intelligence Squadron and his fiancee tied the knot in the 611th AIS conference room after he received news of a short-notice deployment to Iraq. Maj. Greg Soukup's notification came only 32 days before the large

Initiatives save Airmen processing time

First experiences here used to consist of waiting in lines, dragging bags, waiting in more lines -- and then meeting the people being replaced. Not exactly the warm welcome Personnel Support for Contingency Operations Airmen wanted to bestow upon new arrivals. New arrivals to this Southwest Asia

C-130 maintenance unit gets much needed upgrade

Airmen of the 746th Aircraft Maintenance Unit who generate C-130 Hercules aircraft throughout Southwest Asia now have an upgraded maintenance facility to call home. The new complex replaces the hodgepodge of old tents, conexes and homemade wooden structures, which combined to form a complex

Pararescuemen dedicate drop zone to lost Airman

Airmen at Kadena Air Base, Japan, remembered two of their own during a "Ridout Drop-Zone" dedication ceremony Jan. 29. Pararescuemen from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron and the 31st Rescue Squadron honored the fallen warriors with a pararescue tradition of naming the drop zone and then

Serving Airmen

Missile overhaul creates big savings

When U.S. Air Forces in Europe officials recently moved to shift serviceable rocket motors from older, first-generation AIM-120A advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles and put them in unserviceable, but newer and more capable AIM-120B and C models, 435th Munitions Squadron Airmen volunteered to

Deploying Airmen wait in Italy through six-day layover

Airmen deploying to operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom had an Italian holiday of sorts in late January at Aviano AB. Active duty and Reserve Airmen coming from such places as Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England; Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii; and Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; made a

New complex expedites refueling

A new petroleum, oil and lubricant complex here has commenced operations to meet the burgeoning growth of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in support of the war on terrorism. The $113 million complex, located near the north end of the flightline, boosts the capability needed to supply fuel for

Deployed maintainers launch 200 perfect sorties

Some records can only be matched, never broken. One such record was set this week by the maintainers of the 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, who successfully launched their 200th consecutive B-52 Stratofortress sortie with a 100-percent mission

Search continues, officials identify missing Airman

Base and local officials are continuing to look into the disappearance of an Airman swimming off Tarague Beach here Jan. 27. The missing Airman has been identified as Airman 1st Class Michael McDonald, who was deployed to Andersen from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., with the 36th Maintenance Squadron.

Airman missing in waters off Andersen

One Airman was injured and another reported missing Jan. 27 in the waters off Tarague Beach here.At approximately 11:15 a.m. Andersen emergency teams began searching for the missing Airman and treating the injured Airman, who was transported by ambulance to a Navy hospital. Members of the 36th Civil

Airmen to see combat medal in April

Since the Air Force started manning convoy operations in support of the war on terror, more Airmen have had an opportunity to put their rifle training to use in real-world scenarios. Today, explosive ordnance disposal and security forces Airmen, along with those performing in-lieu-of taskings, have

Latest Roll Call highlights National Security Personnel System

This week's Roll Call highlights one of the most important segments of the Total Force -- government civilians. Air Force leaders believe it is important for all Airman to at least have a basic understanding of the new National Security Personnel System, or NSPS.NSPS is one of the secretary of

Bronze Star recipient chosen to attend State of Union Address

When President Bush addressed the nation Jan. 23 for his annual State of the Union address, Airmen around the world listened via television, radio or the Internet. But one Airman watched from inside the U.S. Capitol building where the president gave his speech. Tech. Sgt. Michelle Barefield, an

AFSPC commander: Minot in 'thick of the fight'

The Air Force Space Command commander stressed team spirit, command goals and the importance of space in military operations On his first official visit to Minot AFB Jan. 23. "The 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Space Wing have two very distinct missions and commands, yet they're seamless in their operations

Newest 'Chief's View' spotlights SOUTHCOM

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley addresses the important role played by Airmen making up Southern Command, also known as "SOUTHCOM," in his latest Chief's View video. Chief McKinley said Airmen in the command are making a great impact by helping stem the flow of illegal drugs

EQUAL listing available Jan. 30

The Enlisted Quarterly Assignment Listing for May through July requirements will be available Jan. 30 for Airmen returning from overseas and for Airmen in the continental United States who are mandatory movers. Individuals can update their assignment preferences using the self-service application on

Air Force to implement second DOS rollback

The Air Force has adjusted its force-shaping numbers in response to better-than-expected retention rates in fiscal year 2006. In a message dated Jan. 26, officials said the Air Force must cut 3,090 Airmen by Sept. 30 in order to meet this year's force shaping goals. The Air Force will use three

Service demographics offer snapshot of force

The Air Force Personnel Center here recently published its demographics report offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force, as of Dec. 31. More information can be found at the center's analysis branch Web site: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/demographics/.Statistics are

Williamsburg Talks join international air forces

Leaders from four international air forces gathered Jan. 18 through 21 in Williamsburg, Va., to discuss issues and share ideas regarding their respective services and discovered they all faced similar challenges. Hosted by Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the Air Force chief of staff, the four-day event

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 26

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 26.In Afghanistan Jan. 25, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a strike on Taliban extremists near Musa Qal'eh. The bomber expended guided bomb unit-38s on enemy targets. In total, 22 close-air-support missions were

Thunderbirds to kick off Super Bowl XLI

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, is scheduled to perform a flyby of Dolphin Stadium during Super Bowl XLI Feb. 4 over Miami. The team's red, white and blue F-16 Fighting Falcons will roar over in their signature six-ship Delta formation at the conclusion of the

Life at Thule

Landing on a snow-packed winter runway 700 miles north of the Arctic Circle can be a harrowing experience for anyone who journeys here. Snow-blinding winds howling in excess of 50-miles-per-hour, temperatures plunging below zero, and 24-hours-a-day without sunshine are commonplace and make it unlike

Air Force proposes adding 23 F-15s, F-16s at Nellis

The Air Force is proposing to base 23 additional F-15 Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons here and to add about 520 people as a result of changes mandated by the recent Base Realignment and Closure process. Under the proposed action, the 64th Aggressor Squadron would receive five F-16 aircraft and the

Video teleconferencing connects military families

Days away from home, eons away from loved ones ... at least that is how it feels to some when a military member is deployed. But new capabilities here can make the world a lot smaller for military families. Earlier this month, 10 Airmen from the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron who are deployed to Iraq

Airmen ideas carry big payout

Two Seymour Johnson AFB Airmen's ideas they submitted earned them a little extra spending money. Master Sgt. Terry Fraser and Senior Airman Stephen Jorgensen received checks from the Innovation Development through Employee Awareness program for using a little ingenuity to help the Air Force save

Incirlik Airmen shadow wing leaders

Three Incirlik AB Airmen reported for duty to the 39th Air Base Wing's headquarters building instead of working at their normal jobs Jan. 23 here.Airman 1st Class Allen Castleberry, Airman 1st Class Sam Lombardo and Senior Airman Andrew Johnson spent the day with one of the wing's leaders as part of

Airmen train with Marines for urban warfare

Camp Hansen Marines recently taught sniper tactics to two Airmen from the 36th Contingency Response Group from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Forces Special Operations Training Group on Camp Hansen offers courses designed to enhance the training of servicemembers

Eielson Airmen return from deployment

Blurry eyes brightened as each Airman walked trough the doors of the joint mobility complex here at 1 a.m. Jan. 23 to the welcoming applause of awaiting friends, family and co-workers. Tired from the long 36-hour flight trek home to Alaska, the midnight arrival ended the Airmen's months-long Air

DNA registry unlocks key to fallen servicemembers' identities

Deep within a nondescript warehouse in this Washington suburb lie millions of blood-smeared cardboard cards that hold the key to every servicemember's unique personal identity, captured in DNA. DNA is a substance within every person's cells that provides a personal blueprint, known as a DNA profile.

Secretary Wynne: Airmen bring leverage to joint fight

Airmen are increasingly meeting the enemy face-to-face while augmenting ground commanders in non-traditional roles more typical of Soldiers, said Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Jan. 19. These in-lieu-of taskings, as they are known, are part of the Air

Moody Airmen test new, nonlethal method of repelling enemy

Airmen of the 820th Security Forces Group here are currently evaluating a long-range, nonlethal weapon system that could eventually save lives in the war on terrorism. The Active Denial System is designed to engage and repel human targets by projecting a beam of energy that creates an intolerable

Security forces Airmen complete 'Fly Away' course at Fort Dix

Sixty security forces Airmen from across the Air Force prepared for an overseas deployment while attending the Fly Away Security Training, or FAST, Course 07-1 Jan. 18 here. Each student gained new skills in everything from hand-to-hand combat to anti-hijacking training. The FAST course is the first

New technology expands Air Force's combat capability

The 820th Security Forces Group was selected recently as the first Air Force unit to purchase and deploy the Ground Situational Awareness Toolkit. The GSAT system, consisting of the Scan Eagle unmanned aerial system and ShotSpotter gunfire acquisition technology, will allow Airmen to identify

Alaska unit deals with challenges of tropical weather

The mission of U.S. jet fighter maintainers is direct: fix what is wrong in a timely fashion to get the jets back on the flightline and ready for take-off. That is the goal of 18th Aircraft Maintenance Unit Airmen from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, as they take part in exercise Commando Sling at

'Roll Call' now available through e-mail subscription

"Roll Call," the new weekly publication designed to help supervisors explain important Air Force issues to their Airmen, is now available for subscription through Air Force Link. Roll Call covers one or two topics each week, and is written so supervisors can read it to their Airmen during morning

Flex Team deploys at moment's notice

The 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Fire and Emergency Services Flex Team deploys at a moment's notice to forward-operating bases to provide aircraft rescue, emergency medical and firefighting support whenever and wherever needed. Humanitarian and special operations missions also need

Mobility Operations School earns award for online course

An online course aimed at training students in the Air Force air transportation career field in aerial port air freight operations earned a Gold Award in the 2006 Brandon Hall Excellence in E-Learning Awards competition in Denver.The Air Mobility Warfare Center's Mobility Operations School here

Fallen Airmen memorialized at Balad

As light drained from the sky over Balad AB, 32 Airmen stood in formation at the position of attention, unmindful of the steady rain.A narrator solemnly read 32 names. As each was announced, an Airman from the formation took one step forward, acknowledging the life and spirit of a fellow Airman

'Hot pitting' returns to Incirlik

Airmen from Incirlik's 39th Logistic Readiness Squadron recently began practicing a refueling technique not used at this base in more than a decade. The technique, called hot pitting, allows aircraft such as F-16 Fighting Falcons that are deployed here for training to land and refuel without ever

Lajes Airman convicted by special court-martial

A senior airman assigned to the 65th Communications Squadron here was convicted by special court-martial Jan. 22 of wrongful distribution of marijuana in the hashish form and making a false official statement. Senior Airman Tanya Saltis pled guilty to the charge of making a false official statement

Senior maintenance leaders look forward with defined goals

Top Air Force leaders from the maintenance fields met in San Antonio in December for the semiannual Air Force Maintenance and Munitions Advisory Group meeting. Brig. Gen. Kathleen D. Close, the Air Force director of maintenance, led the meeting that included representatives from all major commands

Officials to dedicate Center for the Intrepid at Fort Sam

Officials here are opening the Center for the Intrepid and two Fisher Houses Jan. 29 in a dedication ceremony at the Brooke Army Medical Center.More than 3,000 people, including wounded and recovering military service members and their families, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace,

Airmen take education to a 'lower' level

Every day, Airmen are participating in activities outside of the duty day to better themselves in their jobs, education and overall well-being. Airmen here have a unique opportunity to improve all three areas with one activity, scuba diving. Learning to scuba dive directly relates to professional

AFSO 21 initiatives streamline PHA process

Airmen at Misawa AB ushered in a new era as they now complete their yearly personal health assessments, or PHAs, online. The computer-based questionnaire asks the same questions that were asked on the paper worksheet during a hospital visit, but now Airmen just log into the secure Web site and

Commando Sling provides stronger alliance

Exercise Commando Sling is underway for Airmen at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore. The goal of Commando Sling is a stronger alliance and a safer Pacific Region."Commando Sling is primarily an air-to-air combat exercise where we have the opportunity to fly with the pilots from the Royal Singapore Air

Airmen depart Mildenhall for Southwest Asia

More than 350 Airmen from across the Air Force, including about 80 from RAF Mildenhall, deployed Jan. 23 as part of Air and Space Expeditionary Force 5 and 6. There are already more than 400 Airmen from RAF Mildenhall deployed to different locations in support of the war on terrorism, said Capt.

Air Force names 2006 Sijan award recipients

Air Force officials announced four Airmen have been selected for the 2006 Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award Jan. 23. The Sijan award annually recognizes Airmen who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities while assigned to organizations at the wing level or below. The 2006 winners are:

Latest revision signed to space operations doctrine

The Air Force chief of staff has approved the latest revision to Air Force Doctrine Document 2-2, Space Operations, outlining the operations of space power. "As a keystone doctrine document, it emphasizes the force multiplying and enabling nature of space operations," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley.

Spangdahlem Airmen deploy to fill Army billets

It is hard to know what to expect on a first deployment. The mystery is even deeper for Airmen deploying as In Lieu Of Forces who are filling traditional Army billets.This was the case for 1st Lt. Ben Taber and Capt. Scott MacNeil of the 52nd Logistic Readiness Squadron as the two volunteered for a

Misawa hosts Japanese blood drive

Aomori Blood Bank officials recently held a blood drive on Misawa Air Base for Americans to donate to the Japanese registry. The drive was unique in that the Aomori Blood Bank brought a mobile van to the base, capable of drawing blood from five people at a time. "This is the first time we've been

Service secretaries visit Guam to analyze joint basing status

William C. Anderson, assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics, and his Navy counterpart, B J Penn, traveled to Guam to analyze the status of joint basing and future Guam development.Retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Bice accompanied the assistant

CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 22

U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 22.In Afghanistan Jan. 21, 23 close-air-support missions were flown in support of Afghan and International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Additionally, nine

Radiology team provides critical care for battlefield injuries

In a combat zone, determining the proper medical treatment for battlefield injuries can be a matter of life or death. The 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group Radiology Flight ensures fast and accurate image production and interpretation are conducted so patients receive the right care. "Radiology

Andersen units rescue injured hiker

An Airman assigned to the 36th Expeditionary Operations Group was injured while hiking near the base beach Jan. 21 here. The Airman was injured after falling approximately 10 to 15 feet while hiking on a downhill slope close to Tarague Beach, and three other hikers were able to call for emergency

A-10s set to soar in Al Anbar province

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs assigned to the 438th Air Expeditionary Group landed one by one at their new home Jan. 17 here. A formation of more than 200 Airmen assembled for the 438th AEG activation and assumption of command ceremony Jan. 15 as the unit is in the Al Anbar province to provide close-air

Incirlik adopts new responsible choices program

The 39th Air Base Wing's safety office recently began implementing the Air Force's Culture of Responsible Choices Program. The program aims to shift airmen's perceptions, habits and actions to keep them safe and ready to fight.Major Ken Ernewein, 39th Air Base Wing safety chief, said responsible

Langley receives last Raptor, completes fleet

The 1st Fighter Wing received its last assigned F-22A Raptor Friday when the 94th Fighter Squadron accepted tail number 5085, bringing the total to 40 F-22s to complete the fleet. Brig. Gen. Burt Field, 1st Fighter Wing commander, flew the final jet from the Lockheed Martin factory in Marietta, Ga.,

Hanscom welcomes heroes home

A crowd of more than 500 gathered to welcome home 80 Hanscom deployers with praise and thanks at the Aero Club Hangar Jan. 19. The Heroes' Homecoming, the first event of its kind here, honored troops who returned from deployments over the past six months. Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Sirois, 66th Air Base

Fairchild rescue flight saves 3 in busy week

Helicopter crews from the 36th Rescue Flight here rescued a man and his son Jan. 11 and a woman Jan. 14 in what turned out to be a busy, heroic week in North Idaho. The second save was number 613 for the flight, which is part of the U.S. Survival School, a tenant unit at Fairchild. The action

Airmen help keep troops off roads

The Air Force detachment at Q-West has moved more than 1,100 cargo pallets by air since arriving in September, taking about 333 convoy trucks off the road and keeping 778 Soldiers out of harm's way. Detachment 2 of the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron deployed to Iraq faced with a

F-22s set for first overseas deployment

About one dozen F-22 Raptors and more than 250 pilots, mechanics, and other 27th Fighter Squadron Airmen from Langley Air Force Base, Va. will head to Kadena Air Base, Japan, in February to fill the squadron's air and space expeditionary force requirement. "The F-22 Raptor deployment is founded upon

Latest radio technology declared ready

For nearly a year, the Air Force has developed and tested a communications system allowing commanders to talk directly to troops operating convoys outside the bases. Today, Radio over Internet Protocol Router network, or RIPRnet has earned its initial operational capablity title, achieving a

Airmen help pick up the pieces for those in need

Five first-term Airmen from Eielson AFB brought in the new year with a determination to help those in need. They ventured from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico to help rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The group set up camp in Bay St. Louis, a small town west of Gulfport, Miss. Over the next

Lajes Airmen prepare to deploy

Today's Airmen are taking on more nontraditional roles that put them directly into the fight. This makes combat skills training essential for every Airman headed downrange.Predeployment training can make the difference between life and death in operations around the world. Airmen selected to go

Core values make impossible happen

The "Iceman Team" recently accomplished an enormous undertaking the Air Force way -- Airmen taking care of Airmen. Following the end of its 20-year Sprucewood Homes development lease in August, Eielson leaders made the difficult decision to relocate 241 families on very short notice. "Following