F-22 Raptor ready for its combat role

While the 27th Fighter Squadron is still figuring out the processes needed to deploy its F-22 Raptors to war, it is ready to go now. Squadron director of operations Lt. Col. Kevin Fesler said the Langley Air Force Base, Va., unit is still normalizing its operations. But he said if the call comes,

DOD Eagle Vision experiment wraps up at Lajes

A Department of Defense experiment testing the versatility of one of the Air Force's ground communications station systems wrapped up here Sept. 29. Eagle Vision-1, based at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, is designed to receive a variety of information from civilian remote-sensing satellites. "This

Push-up plan meets new fitness initiative

Three hundred and thirty-two thousand. That's a lot. Of anything. How would you like to do that many push-ups? The approximately 100 members deployed here with the 332nd Expeditionary Communications Squadron have collectively committed to accomplishing that goal within the next four months.  They

Energy conservation a priority, group effort at McChord

Over the past 20 years, the Air Force has reduced facility energy usage by 30 percent by incorporating energy conservation into operations -- without impacting the mission -- and the Air Force is pushing to cut usage another 20 percent by 2015. For the last two years, McChord AFB officials have

Air Force making progress on alternative fuels

The Air Force is embracing an energy strategy that uses alternative sources of power and conservation, Undersecretary of the Air Force Dr. Ron Sega told a group of civilian energy engineers during a World Energy Engineers Congress luncheon Sept. 15. "I think we're making progress, but we certainly

Laughlin Airmen become Baron barnstormers for day

Oct. 2 was far from a typical day for one Airman whose normal routine includes drawing blood and trying not to make children cry in the process. When Senior Airman Robert Arrington, a medical lab technician with the 47th Medical Support Squadron was told he'd been selected to fly with the Red Baron

Air Force prepares to commemorate 60th anniversary

Big things are in store for Airmen, as Air Force leaders have planned more than a year's worth of commemoratory activities leading up to the Air Force's 60th anniversary, Sept. 18, 2007. Brig. Gen. Janet Therianos, director of the 60th Anniversary office at the Pentagon, said this upcoming year will

Unit stands up at Vandenberg

U.S. Strategic Command officials have split a single function into two in order to transform and enhance U.S. space capabilities. The Joint Functional Component Command for Space and Global Strike has been divided into JFCC for Space and JFCC for Global Strike and Integration. The split, initially

Ceremony brings historic 23rd Wing to Moody

The 347th Rescue Wing was officially re-designated as the 23rd Wing during a ceremony at 8:23 a.m. here Sept. 29.The ceremony culminated several recent changes to Moody's wing, including the assimilation of the 23rd Fighter Group at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., and Moody's 820th Security Forces Group.

Missile squadron poised for 72-hour alerts

Missile combat crews in the 490th Missile Squadron here are helping the 20th Air Force transform missile operations as crewmembers started performing 72-hour alerts using three-person crews Sept. 30. Twentieth Air Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Thomas F. Deppe, suggested the 72-hour alert initiative and

New capability improves search, rescue response

Pararescuemen in the 347th Rescue Group here are preparing to add a new capability to their life-saving arsenal soon. Kangaroo Duck, a process which involves strapping an inflatable rubber raft to the underbelly of an HH-60 Pave Hawk, will be used to better assist with water-rescue scenarios, like

COMUSAFE visits Portuguese defense officials

The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe met with Portuguese defense officials to build relationships and tour facilities Sept. 29. During the trip, Gen. Tom Hobbins visited Monte Real Air Base, Alcochete Range and Lisbon's Ministry of Defense, where he met Admiral Jose Manuel Garcia Mendes

Reserve personnel records continue going electronic

Continuing the process of transferring personnel records to an electronic format, Air Force officials will begin scanning the Unit Personnel Record Group of active-duty Airmen in October. "There is only one copy of the UPRG kept at each unit," said Jo Hogue, chief of master personnel records at the

Siblings honor brother's sacrifice

At a small rural church 10 miles from here, friends and family members gathered to honor 1st Lt. Bruce Sweney, an Air Force reconnaissance pilot who was shot down over North Korea Oct. 2, 1951. By all accounts the day was perfect for a memorial service -- bright sunny skies for the flyover, an Air

55th Wing fulfills mission tasks from borrowed airfield

Every day nearly 450 Airmen from the 55th Wing take the bus to work -- making an hour-long ride that takes them 50 miles away from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The wing moved airfield operations and support agencies to the Lincoln Air Park ramp in May to continue flying missions remotely while

McConnell Airmen 'Stand Down' for homeless veterans

At any given time the Air Force has thousands of personnel deployed supporting the war on terrorism. Decades ago, it was the Vietnam conflict and the Korean War. What happened to the veterans who fought for our nation then? Some of those veterans who now find themselves homeless made their way to

Oct. 1 effective date for Air Force uniform changes

There will be noticeable changes with the Air Force uniform Oct. 1, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley said. Three changes include doing away with enlisted shoulder board ranks and introducing a new physical training uniform and an insignia. The Air Force introduced shoulder board

Weather agency helps commanders with mission decisions

Before flying to support ground forces or attack a target, Air Force and Army pilots run through a lengthy preflight checklist. Getting a go from Air Force weather forecasters is on the list twice. The meteorological data used by combat weather forecasters is collected by the Air Force Weather

How well do you know your fellow Airmen?

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley discusses how to "Take Care of Airmen" in his latest Chief's View on Air Force Link.The chief addresses an Airman's role as a supervisor or wingman."We need to get to know our Airmen and their families -- know where they're from, why they joined

Command, control squadron inactivates at Offutt AFB

The 55th Mobile Command and Control Squadron here was officially inactivated Sept. 27 after 28 years of service. For nearly three decades the men and women of the 55th MCCS have kept a quiet vigil, preparing for the day when the fate of the nation might depend on their ability to provide a

USAFE commander honors German military

By standing their ground for more than three years as sentinels of U.S. Air Forces in Europe installations, departing German servicemembers have not only kept Airmen and their families safe, but also enabled their American counterparts to more effectively engage in the war on terrorism. "Dear

Reserve, Guard leaders speak at AFA convention

Both the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard's top leaders spoke to attendees of the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26. Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, Air Force Reserve Command commander, and Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, Air National Guard

Air Force undertaking force transformation initiatives

The Air Force has changed direction in its effort to fulfill its legal requirements to organize, train and equip a flying force. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 27, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley explained how

Scott Airmen come down with the Blues

For many professional sports teams, summer training camp includes grueling exercises, early wake-up calls and countless hours of practice. Before their season kickoff, St. Louis Blues hockey players didn't expect to be low-crawling at Scott Air Force Base. The Blues visited Scott AFB Sept. 25 and 26

Ramstein team aids peacekeeping mission in Darfur

Ramstein Airmen flew with a Botswana C-130 aircrew to the Darfur region Sept. 23 and 24 to support the African Union peacekeeping mission. Two C-130 Hercules crewmembers from the 86th Operations Support Squadron, aerial port Airmen from the 86th Air Mobility Squadron, and a force protection

Schriever Airmen assume GPS satellite responsibilities

Airmen from the 1st Space Operations Squadron here assumed launch and early orbit responsibilities for Global Positioning System IIR-M 15 shortly after it lifted off Sept. 25 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The satellite's journey of 11,000 miles began as its Delta II rocket lifted off a

Reductions necessary to recapitalize today's service

Reducing the number of Airmen in the service is never easy business, but it's absolutely necessary to recapitalize today's service, said the Air Force's top personnel officer Sept. 26 at the annual Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference here. "This is a challenging time for all people in

Special operations mission grows on several fronts

The commander of Air Force Special Operations Command spoke at the 2006 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26 about the importance and growth of special operation forces. "We're growing on a lot of different fronts," said Lt. Gen. Michael W.

Support agencies ease deployed Airmen's return

Family and friends welcomed the safe return Sept. 24 of several Airmen who were deployed in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. After spending time with their families, the Airmen returned to the base the next morning to process through a "reintegration" line at Laughlin's

AMC commander: Global mobility aircraft saving lives in Iraq

Mobility aircraft in Iraq and Afghanistan are helping keep Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors out of harm's way. During the Air Force Association's 2006 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 26, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, Air Mobility Command commander, said C-130 Hercules

Japanese, U.S. Airmen share insights at tactics symposium

Airmen from 5th Air Force here sponsored a tactics symposium Sept. 26 to 27, bringing together 30 representatives from the Japanese Air Self Defense Force and U.S. military components in Japan. A first of its kind, the event allowed captains and majors from operations-related specialties to discuss

Command chief panel discusses enlisted issues

Change, readiness and winning the war on terrorism were the three top issues discussed during the command chiefs' forum at the 2006 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 25."We must deal with changes and focus on the No. 1 priority facing us today:

Sembach squadron maintains war reserves

Airmen from the 435th Materiel Maintenance Squadron at Sembach Air Base, Germany, store, maintain, account and prepare an incredible amount of war reserve materiel needed to keep U.S. forces supplied. The materiel is stored at a massive central storage facility in Luxemburg, two collocated operating

New 'Port Dawgs' set up for success at Charleston AFB

Members of the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here have found a unique way to get their Airmen trained smarter, faster and better -- it's called the Port Dawg University currently being taught at Charleston AFB. The Port Dawg University Program is "aerial port's way of streamlining everything to make

Dover AFB receives new maintenance trainer

The Avionics Modernization Program, also known as AMP, is changing the way C-5 Galaxies are flown by streamlining the aircaft to emulate civilian aircraft.In addition to installing new communications and navigation panels, dials are being replaced with multi-function display units. These new AMP

Air Force Association conference under way

The top Air Force leaders helped kick off the Air Force Association's annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here with a ceremony honoring the association's history and contributions to the service, as well as remembering those currently serving in today's force. Secretary of the

Ramstein Airmen connect with Rwandan children

Large smiles, chewing gum bubbles and high-fives were the scene Sept. 22 when Airmen from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, gave donated goods to orphans and school children here.The 787th Air Expeditionary Squadron, comprised of 20 Airmen from the 86th Airlift Wing, 86th Contingency Response Group, 86th

Proactive Airmen get jump on passport process

Airmen control the first steps to a successful passport process -- saving time, money and ensuring mission success downrange. The process to get the Department of State-issued document takes three to six weeks because of mailing, screening and coordination through official channels in Washington,

Ramstein crew flies with Botswana into Darfur

Ramstein Airmen flew with a Botswana C-130 Hercules crew to the Darfur region Sept. 23 and 24 to support the African Union peacekeeping mission. Two C-130 crewmembers from the 86th Operations Support Squadron, aerial porters from the 86th Air Mobility Squadron and a force protection specialist from

Servicemembers shine during NFL game

The National Football League's Houston Texans honored American servicemembers during its Salute to the Military at the game against the Washington Redskins at Reliant Stadium here Sept. 24. Starting with pregame activities and throughout the game, military members were spotlighted as part of the

Air Force general kicks off Texans, Redskins battle

The deputy director for the war on terrorism kicked off the battle between the NFL's Houston Texans and Washington Redskins by tossing the coin at Reliant Stadium Sept. 24. Brig. Gen. Mark O. Schissler, who works in the Joint Staff Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate in Washington, D.C.,

Secretary Wynne speaks at PACAF birthday ball

With the theme "Heritage to Horizons" -- to highlight the achievements of its Airmen -- Pacific Air Forces hosted the 59th Air Force birthday ball.Keynote speaker at the Sept. event was Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne. Pacific Air Forces commander Gen. Paul V. Hester hosted the sold out

Crash investigation continues

Airmen here are continuing to investigate the Sept. 14 crash of an F-16 Fighting Falcon near Oberkail. The newest edition to the base's investigation team is Col. Peter Davidson the 616th Support Group commander at Ramstein Air Base. He is the lead investigator and accident investigation board

Vice president greets Airmen

Airmen return home from Operation Iraqi Freedom

More than 180 Airmen returned home to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Sept. 23 from their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While deployed the men and women of the 728th Air Control Squadron controlled and monitored Iraqi airspace, assisted close air support missions and directed tanker

Three Airmen awarded Bronze Star

Three Airmen here were awarded the Bronze Star Medal recently in a ceremony at the base theater. The 20th Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. Thomas Deppe presented the awards to Senior Airman Charity Trueblood, Maj. Lawrence King and Capt. Jonathan Bennett for duties they performed while fighting the

Aircraft swap helps maintain mission-ready capabilities

The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here replaced its entire F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet this month with aircraft from throughout the U.S. The aircraft swap was necessary to maintain a "healthy" force and warfighting capability, said Maj. Leah Fry, 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Enlisted heritage room pays tribute to CMSAF Parish

A former chief master sergeant of the Air Force dedicated to the preservation of enlisted history was honored at a ceremonial opening of an enlisted heritage room bearing his name. The Parish Enlisted Heritage Room became a reality Sept. 22 at the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Headquarters building

Spangdahlem Airmen return home from OEF

Airmen from the 606th Air Control Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, returned home Sept. 22 after supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The Airmen were at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, supporting the war on terrorism.And while the Airmen are proud of their accomplishment during OEF, today

Blind, disabled Americans help prepare Airmen for battlefield

In several factories around the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, Americans who are blind or severely disabled are now assembling the uniforms Airmen will soon wear while fighting the war on terrorism. Under federal law, when purchasing certain items, the Department of Defense and other

Airmen fly with Indian air force counterparts

After several weeks of training with their Indian counterparts, Airmen from the 15th Airlift Wing got the chance to reverse their roles and fly with an Indian aircrew on their IL-76 medium range cargo jet. The aircrew's primary mission was to deliver members of the Indian army to Hawaii for a joint

PT gear in high demand at clothing sales stores

For the first time in the Air Force's 59 year history, Airmen reporting for physical training must show up in the same gear beginning Oct. 1. But while several agencies have been preparing for this change for some time, the last-minute rush on the new mandatory gear is creating an overwhelming

Airmen visit, share stories with veterans

More than 30 Airmen from Andrews Air Force Base and Fort George G. Meade, Md., visited Charlotte Hall Veterans Home here Sept. 18.The group, who ranged in rank from airman to lieutenant colonel, spent time visiting and sharing stories with the veterans. "The visit was nice and relaxed," said Staff

Chief McKinley offers AFSO 21 perspective

In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley discusses Air Force Smart Operations 21 and how Airmen should explore its processes."Air Force Smart Operations 21 gives us the tools we need to shed unneeded work and make sure every Airman's efforts are

Heroism earns Airman prestigious award

An NCO from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., received the Keeper of the Flame Award Sept. 20 for his efforts in fighting the war on terrorism from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.Tech. Sgt. Stephen Achey, a 682nd Air Support Operations Squadron senior fighter duty technician, received the award

MacDill Airmen assist in high-speed chase

Officials at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., implemented enhanced security procedures at their gates after two teens in a stolen vehicle stormed through the main gate Sept. 20. MacDill security forces helped in apprehending the suspects within 10 minutes after Tampa police began pursuing the teenagers

U.S., Colombian governments work to to deter drug trafficking

While there are thousands of Airmen deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of the much publicized and deliberate war against terrorism, there is another group of Airmen deployed to Colombia as part of a separate and almost invisible war altogether. This war is combating illegal air trafficking.

Lajes Field weathers Tropical Storm Gordon

Tropical Storm Gordon caused no major damage for Airmen at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, Sept. 20, when the storm passed further south of the Azores than experts had originally predicted.The storm had winds of 37 to 47 mph with gusts up to 80 mph as it made landfall. Gordon was downgraded to a

Citizen Soldiers, Airmen make difference on border

The Department of Homeland Security has seen a drop in the number of illegal immigrants crossing the U.S. border with Mexico for the first time, and the National Guard has made the difference, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said here Sept. 18."For the first time, we are seeing a

New strategic communication tool online

A recently released publication aims to help Airmen and commanders become better strategic communicators when talking about the Air Force to the public. The Air Force Story, available now on this site, is a high-level summary of information about the Air Force, with topics ranging from heritage to

Family support center becomes Airman and Family Readiness Flight

Air Force family support centers may be called something different these days, but Airmen and their families can still expect the same quality services they have received in the past. "Family centers today support and maintain mission readiness," said Brenda Liston, chief of community support and

Strategic communication applies to every Airman

All Airmen have within themselves the ability to be strategic communicators and share the Air Force story with the public, said the Air Force's director of strategic communication at the Pentagon. "Airmen should be proud of who they are and what they do, and they should be proud to share that with

Lajes Field prepares for Hurricane Gordon

Airmen at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, are preparing for Hurricane Gordon, which forecasters predict will make landfall early Sept. 20. "Primarily we have been focusing on tracking the storm and trying to get as much information together and what the possible direct impact may be to our personnel

Illustrators draw on real-life experiences

In this digital era, a group of distinguished illustrators still volunteer their time and talent to capturing the Air Force mission on canvas. "When you look at an oil painting, you are looking at the (artist's) original thinking," said Keith Ferris. "Digital images can be altered countless times

Manas C-17 crew drops vital cargo in Afghanistan

The primary mission of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing is to provide air mobility support to servicemembers in Afghanistan fighting the war on terrorism. Detachment 1 of the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here enabled that mission with a combat airdrop Sept. 17. The C-17 Globemaster III

Air Force Band streaming music on line

Chief Master Sgt. David Nokes worked 15 months to take an idea and, with the help of the U.S. Army, turned it into a viable product. The result is Air Force Bandstand, a 24-hour per day Internet streaming radio service that broadcasts music by the Air Force Band and also includes news from the Air

Work begins when boots hit the ground

To move 35,000 troops in and out of Southwest Asia each month, Airmen and fellow servicemembers are called to action as soon as the crew door opens upon landing. "What separates us from all other air terminals is that here, passengers become troops as soon as the plane lands," said Maj. Charlene

Captain pulls missile duty on Air Force birthday

Capt. Jason Hopkin is so busy monitoring ballistic missile launch codes that he will not have time for cake, ice cream and punch on the Air Force's 59th birthday.He will join the other Airmen around the world who will report to work to fight or support the ongoing war on terrorism. This war -- like

Firefighter hopes for quiet day on Air Force birthday

Senior Airman Jurle Gaver hopes there are no emergencies to keep him from his cake, ice cream and punch on the Air Force's 59th birthday. The firefighter, like other Airmen around the world, will report to work to fight or support the ongoing war on terrorism. This war -- like all the ones before --

Airman refueling transports on Air Force birthday

Senior Airman Scott Roe will refuel aircraft on the Air Force's 59th birthday with little hope of eating the usual cake, ice cream and punch. The Airman, like others around the world, will report to work to fight or support the ongoing war on terrorism. This war -- like all the ones before -- is

Front desk work keeps Airman busy on Air Force birthday

Senior Airman Abbragail Barnett's front desk duties will most likely keep her from enjoying cake, ice cream and punch on the Air Force's 59th birthday. That's nothing new for most Airmen around the world, who will report to work to fight or support the ongoing war on terrorism. This war -- like all

Sergeant and dog on patrol during Air Force birthday

Staff Sgt. Keith Lippy and his dog, Beni, will be too busy on patrol to have time for cake, ice cream and punch on the Air Force's 59th birthday. The sergeant and his dog will be like Airmen around the world, they will report to work to fight or support the ongoing war on terrorism. This war -- like

Chapel worker attending ball on Air Force birthday

Senior Airman Melissa Ann Harrington helps chaplains minister to Airmen's needs and will have scant time on the Air Force's 59th birthday for cake, ice cream and punch.Instead, like for the past 15 years, she and other Airmen around the world will report to work to fight or support the ongoing war

Sergeant dispatching maintainers on Air Force birthday

Master Sgt. Robert Potter is busing tracking maintenance teams on the Air Force's 59th birthday, not enjoying cake, ice cream and punch.Instead, like for the past 15 years, he and other Airmen around the world will report to work to fight or support the ongoing war on terrorism. This war -- like all

Airman checking munitions on Air Force birthday

Senior Airman Robert Shelton has munitions on his plate on the Air Force's 59th birthday instead of the usual cake, ice cream and punch.Because for the past 15 years, he and other Airmen around the world will report to work to fight or support the ongoing war on terrorism. This war -- like all the

Eagles, Falcons face off in air exercise

Eagles and Falcons, the Air Force's premier "birds of prey," are currently facing off here in a two-week air-to-air exercise called Sentry Aloha.F-15 Eagles from the Hawaii Air National Guard's 199th Fighter Squadron and F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Texas Air National Guard's 149th Fighter Wing

Time running out to 'perform your duty'

"If you can sing, dance or play a musical instrument," said Tom Edwards, chief of Air Force Entertainment and Tops In Blue, "you should apply for the Worldwide Talent Contest. Time is running out." The Worldwide Talent Contest deadline for applications is Oct. 2. The actual competition will begin

Young Airman excels, learns at Wake Island

Super Typhoon Ioke left Wake Island in shambles. The Category 5 storm raged through the atoll Aug. 31, demolishing buildings and tossing around anything that wasn't bolted down -- and many things that were. Assessing the damage includes some repair work, and it's a mission that calls for the most

C-17 pilot on standby on Air Force birthday

Capt. Carl Miller could be flying his transport aircraft instead of celebrating the Air Force's birthday with the cake, ice cream and punch.Because, like for the past 15 years, he and other Airmen around the world will report to work this day to fight or support the ongoing war on terrorism. This

Crew chief keeps B-1s flying on Air Force birthday

Airman 1st Class Jonathan Termun is keeping B-1 Lancers flying on the Air Force's 59th birthday, with no time for cake, ice cream and punch. Because, like for the past 15 years, he and other Airmen around the world will report to work to fight or support the ongoing war on terrorism. This war --

Maintainers improving system through AFSO 21

If you could reduce the number of steps an Airman in the 92nd Maintenance Squadron's Periodic Inspection Element has to climb every day, you could give him back a lot of time. It would also be an excellent example of Air Force Smart Operations 21 in action. Until recently, working inside the cargo

Raptor pilot training on Air Force birthday

Capt. Daniel Arkema will be flying the Air Force's newest fighter on the service's birthday -- not eating cake and ice cream and drinking punch. Instead, like for the past 15 years, he and other Airmen around the world will report to work to fight or support the ongoing war on terrorism. This war --

Air Force birthday just another day on the job

Senior Airman Delbert Coburn Jr. will be up to his neck in wiring instead of celebrating the Air Force's 59th birthday with the usual cake, ice cream and punch. Just like for the past 15 years, he and other Airmen around the world will report to work to fight or support the ongoing war on terrorism.

Air Force unveils new advertising campaign

The Air Force unveiled an innovative television and online advertising campaign Sept. 18 aimed at giving teens and Internet users a realistic view of life in the military. The "Do Something Amazing" campaign debuts the same day the Air Force celebrates its 59th year as a service. It is also being

Sergeant filling prescriptions on Air Force birthday

Tech. Sgt. Brenda Martinez-Lashley will be filling prescriptions instead of eating cake, ice cream and punch on the Air Force's 59th birthday. Like for the past 15 years, she and other Airmen around the world will report to work to fight or support the ongoing war on terrorism. This war -- like all

Flight nurse on medevac duty on Air Force birthday

First Lt. John Rinaldo will be on aeromedical evacuation duty on the Air Force's 59th birthday and will not have much time to celebrate with the cake, ice cream and punch. Instead, like for the past 15 years, he and other Airmen around the world will report to work to fight or support the ongoing

Sergeant moving passengers on Air Force birthday

The Air Force is 59 years old today. But Staff Sgt. Robert Thomas will not have much time to celebrate with the cake, ice cream and punch usually associated with birthdays. Instead, like for the past 15 years, he and other Airmen around the world will report to work to fight or support the ongoing

Secretary, chief send Air Force birthday message

The following is a message from Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley on the Air Force's 59th birthday Sept. 18. "Over the course of the past 59 years, the United States Air Force has established itself as the dominant force in air, space

Maintainer spends Air Force birthday on flightline

The Air Force is 59 years old today. But Tech. Sgt. Tim Scheaffer will not have time to celebrate with the cake, ice cream and punch usually associated with birthdays. Instead, like for the past 15 years, he and other Airmen around the world will report to work to fight or support the ongoing war on

Airmen piece together Wake Island connectivity puzzle

Situated about 2,300 miles west of Honolulu and 2,000 miles southeast of Tokyo, Wake Island sits alone in the Pacific Ocean. In a place this remote, and this small -- its three coral islets contain a total land area of about 3 square miles -- communication with the outside world is imperative. When

Spangdahlem F-16 was in controlled crash landing

The F-16 Fighting Falcon that crashed near Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, had a landing gear problem that forced its pilot to do a controlled crash landing. The crash was not an accident, 52nd Fighter Wing commander Col. Darryl Roberson said. The colonel held a press conference Sept. 16 near the

Airman, Soldier take top Air Force marathon races

An Air Force doctor and an Army helicopter crew chief won the top spots in the 10th Annual Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, on Sept. 16. The Air Force Running Team's Mark Cucuzzella crossed the finish line in 2:31:47 to win his first full marathon men's division title.

Tigers give Falcons flight

Like an experienced pit crew, the 332d Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft maintenance unit -- the Tiger -- keeps the F-16 Fighting Falcons of the 332d Expeditionary Fighter Squadron in top form. The crew chiefs, back shops and support Airmen in the Tiger aircraft maintenance

Airmen compete in training challenge

Airmen from nine major commands gathered here this week to compete and train in the CBRN Challenge. The challenge, which covers chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards, is being held for the first time as an Air Force-wide event. The week-long event ends Sept. 15 with a banquet and

'Bone' makes evolving mark on war on terrorism

It can strike at a moment's notice. It is a lethal injection for the war on terrorism. It is a combat commander' s weapon of choice. The B-1B Lancer, sometimes called the "Bone," has made a name for itself for nearly 20 years and continues to make its mark in the fight for freedom. Since the war

Former POWs carry on American resolve

Americans honored the nation's patriots Sept. 15 during National POW/MIA Recognition Day. They took part in ceremonies, parades and observances held across the country on military installations, ships at sea, veterans' facilities and the Pentagon. This day commemorated America's past patriots still

CMSAF McKinley gets firsthand look at Offutt missions

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley met with Airmen here and saw firsthand the diverse missions accomplished in support of the nation's defense. While at Offutt AFB Sept. 5 to 8, the chief took the opportunity to speak at an "all hands call" at U.S. Strategic Command and an enlisted

Reservists honored for rescue efforts

More than 40 members of the 943rd Rescue Group here were honored Sept. 10 here for their service during rescue efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.Members of the 305th and 306th Rescue Squadrons, 943rd Maintenance and other support units were honored by military leaders and public

Airmen add up damage at Wake Island

Airmen from the 15th Civil Engineer Squadron and the 15th Communications Squadron from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, are working around the clock to provide accurate estimates of the storm damage on Wake Island caused by Super Typhoon Ioke. Super Typhoon Ioke brought 155 mph winds and 190 mph gusts

Denver-area units hold POW/MIA Recognition Day vigil

To commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day, military and civilian employees gathered here Sept. 14 for a 24-hour vigil to remember people listed as prisoners of war or missing in action. The annual ceremony opened with volunteers from the Air Reserve Personnel Center, Defense Finance and