Total force at work in RIMPAC

Seven F-15 Eagle fighter jets assigned to the Hawaii Air National Guard fired AIM-7 Sparrow missiles at drones dropped from a Navy F-18 July 16. Pilots fired the missiles in the Pacific Missile Range Facility off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, as part of the 2006 Rim of the Pacific Exercise, known as

AFA looking for former Outstanding Airmen of the Year

The Air Force Association is looking for all former recipients of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year award program. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the award, which has been presented to more than 700 Airmen.The AFA will honor all former award winners at the Air Force anniversary dinner

Military Equal Opportunity works to right wrongs

The time was the early 1970s -- just a few years after President Lyndon B. Johnson enacted the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Race relations were affecting society as a whole, so it also affected the military. "The military was going through a large transition at that point with integration of military

Air Force leaders meet in Ohio for Corona

The Air Force's top leaders met for a forum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, on July 12 to 14 to discuss the global war on terror, the state of readiness for Airmen and Air Force modernization. Army Gen. John Abizaid, U.S. Central Command commander, spoke with the leaders about his area of

Service demographics offer snapshot of force

The Air Force Personnel Center here recently published its quarterly demographics report, offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force as of June 30. More information can be found at the center's analysis branch Web site: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/demographics/.

Airmen, Soldiers thwart terrorists emplacing IED

The combined efforts of Air Force Airmen and Multi-national Division-Baghdad Soldiers foiled the efforts of terrorists today attempting to put into place an improvised-explosive device south of Baghdad.Airmen from the 11th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron's Joint Terminal Attack

Air Force notifies lieutenants of special board results

The 127 lieutenants in the 2002 and 2003 accession year groups who were reconsidered for retention should be notified by their senior raters today of the special board's results.The special board, which convened June 26 at the Air Force Personnel Center here, selected 22 of the lieutenants for

Elmendorf unit saves thousands

Airmen at the 3rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron Nondestructive Inspection Laboratory here have found a way to save the Air Force more than $200,000 annually.The lab is responsible for inspecting all aircraft assigned to the 3rd Wing for internal problems that are hard for the naked eye to see."We

A potential for disaster

The two green lights staring down 1st Lt. Michael Seltzer were a problem. A third light, which remained dark, indicated trouble: the landing gear at the nose of the lieutenant's F-16 Fighting Falcon was not down and locked into place. Low on fuel after a five-hour mission over Iraq, and flying hot

Air Force names pararescue award winners

Air Force officials announced today the combat rescue officer and pararescuemen of the year. The 2005 award winners are: Combat Rescue Officer of the Year: Capt. Jose L. Cabrera, 38th Rescue Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Pararescue Senior NCO of the Year: Master Sgt. Douglas Isaacks, 342nd

Air Force names combat controller, special tactics officer award winners

The winners of the Air Force's 2005 annual awards for combat controller and special tactics officer were announced today.The award winners are: Special Tactics Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Michael Martin, 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, N.C. Special Tactics Company Grade

RIMPAC 2006: Perfecting air operations

Airmen and Sailors working in the Pacific Air Operations Center here are getting unique command and control training during the Rim of the Pacific exercise, known as RIMPAC 2006. Seven Pacific Rim nations and the United Kingdom are participating with the United States in the major maritime exercise,

Uniform board to release updates to AFI

An update to Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Air Force Uniform Dress and Appearance, will soon be released, said Air Force officials. A key feature of this updated instruction will be the return of heritage to the enlisted corps -- chevrons on the sleeves and circles around the U.S. insignia. "Over

Lakenheath tests small-diameter bombs

Four F-15E Strike Eagles loaded with the electronically simulated version of the Air Force's newest small-diameter bombs flew their first training mission July 10.The 494th Fighter Squadron aircrews tested the capability of the GBU-39 -- guided bomb unit -- and trained with aircraft modifications

Airmen handle missions big and small in Afghanistan

Tech. Sgt. William Long likes a challenge, but a couple weeks ago, one challenge seemed insurmountable. Air Force officials notified an Airman deployed to a remote forward operating base that his wife was gravely ill. The Air Force placed him on emergency leave, and then tried to figure a way to get

Rules of engagement set for political participation

Political freedom is something the military has defended since the founding of the United States. But, while free to participate in the political process, there are some rules military members need to know. "Our main job is to follow the orders that come down our chain of command, which has an

Program offers chance to work with foreign air force

Officers from almost any specialty, and some NCOs, can have the opportunity to live and work as a foreign air force member through the Military Personnel Exchange Program, which allows nations to learn how other air forces operate. Maj. P.K. Carlton, currently serving as a Royal Air Force instructor

Civilian personnel system integrates under one umbrella

A symbolic ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Air Force Personnel Center here to mark the Directorate of Civilian Force Integration's initial operating capability. Maj. Gen. Tony Przybyslawski, AFPC commander, praised the civilian Airmen for what they have accomplished and reminded them of

Cooperative Cope Thunder brings international participants

Forces from the United States, Canada, Japan, Sweden, Mongolia, NATO, South Korea, Germany, Slovak Republic and Australia will arrive in Alaska July 15 to participate in exercise Cooperative Cope Thunder 06-3.This Pacific Air Forces field training exercise for U.S. forces and its allies is the

Letter to Airmen recognizes the Total Force

In the latest Letter to Airmen, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne recognizes the Total Force. “As a leader in the Total Force Integration, the Air Force continues to benefit from one powerful, cohesive team formed by our Active Duty Airmen, Air National Guardsmen, and Air Force Reservists.

From Holloman to Hollywood, Transformers make movie magic

Lights, camera, action! Airmen at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., home to the Air Force's only operational F-117 wing, got to experience a new kind of rush as Hollywood invaded their base. The DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures live-action film "Transformers," set to release in July 2007, will feature

Officials encourage purchase of renters insurance

With hurricane season in full-swing, military officials are encouraging servicemembers who don't own their own homes to purchase renters insurance to protect their personal property."Hurricane season is now upon us. We urge you, particularly if you live in an area prone to nature's fury, to examine

Airmen are battlefield innovators

Airmen are adapting to the battle space and an evolving enemy in Iraq and Afghanistan, said the commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces. Lt. Gen. Gary North told Airmen here during a visit July 5, they are always ready to support ground commanders despite an increased operations tempo. "This

13th EBS prepares for busy deployment

Aircrew and support members from the 13th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed here last week to provide a continuous bomber presence in the region and help maintain stability and provide security for the Asia-Pacific region.The squadron replaces the 393rd EBS, which returned home July 1. The B-2

13th month of recruiting success more than luck

Defense officials are attributing the 13th consecutive month in which every military service met or exceeded its active-duty recruiting goal to more than just good luck. Bryan Whitman, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, cited the high priority every service has placed on

C-17 deployment length, efficiency increase

In a break from the past, C-17 Globemaster IIIs and Airmen supporting the aircraft are deploying to the theaters and operating from one location for an entire air and space expeditionary force rotation. Previously a squadron traveled to an area, flew 14-15 days, then returned home. About one-third

Space support key to warfighters

Supporting warfighters on the ground is the overarching mission of everyone deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Carrying out this earthly mission from thousands of miles above the ground, though, is a responsibility coordinated by the Combined Air Operations Center here.

Active duty associate squadron a first for Air Guard

In a ceremony at Cheyenne Municipal Airport today, the 30th Airlift Squadron became the first active-duty associate squadron, marking a groundbreaking partnership between Air Mobility Command and the Wyoming Air National Guard. Under the active-duty associate concept, the 30th AS will be the first

Airmen go operational with new small-diameter munition

Airmen from the 48th Munitions Squadron here have been trained on the handling procedures for the first small-diameter munition to enter the Air Force inventory. The Airmen are the first to handle the weapon in an operational environment. "This is the first time an Air Force fighter has carried the

'Lightning II' moniker given to Joint Strike Fighter

The Air Force chief of staff announced Lightning II as the F-35 name during a Joint Strike Fighter Inauguration Ceremony today at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. at Fort Worth, Texas. Gen. T. Michael Moseley made the final decision after an extensive nomination and review process, coordinated

Iceland radar mission comes to close

Radar stations operated by Airmen from the 932nd Air Control Squadron at the four corners of Iceland are no longer active following a ceremony bringing the unit's mission to a close. After more than 54 years as Iceland's first line of defense, Air Force and host nation officials determined to

More airborne cargo means fewer convoys

A new way of moving cargo in theater is allowing Airmen here to process more raw tonnage of cargo than airlift wings in the states, while doing it with a fifth of the manning. The 96 Airmen assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's aerial port flight are the core of the

Five servicemembers show off their arms at Nationals game

On a sweltering hot day in the nation's capitol, five members of the armed forces were given the chance to take part in a Major League Baseball tradition.Representatives from the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard each threw out a ceremonial "first pitch" before the Washington

Airmen train to prepare for 'in-lieu-of' taskings

More than 800 Airmen are attending Army ground combat skills training, preparing them for operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom deployments. The Airmen require the training because they will be assigned duties outside their normal Air Force specialties. In the near-term, these numbers are

48th Fighter Wing jets receive high-tech overhaul

When aircraft launch from the British Isles in September to support operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, they will be fitted with the most advanced avionics and carry the most accurate, lethal weapons in the Air Force inventory. The 48th Fighter Wing here has taken the Air Force lead in

Airmen's Run

Air Force provides Army's weather support

Many people do not realize the U.S. Army receives its weather support from the Air Force as part of an inter-service agreement when the two became separate services.Airmen from the 7th Weather Squadron, with headquarters at Heidelberg, Germany, have been providing that support since 1942.Supporting

Kirkuk control tower keeps watch day, night

Organized chaos. Sounds like a contradiction, doesn't it?But that is exactly what the 506th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron air traffic control tower technicans keep their eyes on -- all day, every day. "It's something different every day," said Senior Airman Adam Guerrero, an air traffic

Aversion to needles doesn't stop donor

A staff sergeant who cannot volunteer at the Air Force Theater Hospital does so in another way. He donates blood platelets. Staff Sgt. Bret Depratu, 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, has donated 10 units of blood platelets since his arrival in May, despite his aversion to needles. "I

Basic training grads say 4th of July feels different now

Last year Airman 1st Class Samantha Riddle spent Independence Day floating down a river and watching fireworks. The day meant nothing more than a chance to hang out with friends and to enjoy a day off from the daily grind of working in the medical field. Now, as a graduate of Air Force basic

Airmen at Ali Base hand perimeter defense mission to Army

After more than three years of protecting Ali Base, the Airmen of the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, known as the "Desert Hunters," turned over the perimeter defense mission to the Army's 528th Quartermaster Company on June 30.The ceremony culminated a month of training by the Desert

Author, activist speaks with Airmen

Cloaked behind stories, imitations and comedy, a former Air Force technical sergeant, New York Times bestselling author and activist shared his message of doing what must be done to not only survive, but thrive.Dave Pelzer, author of a number of books, including "A Child Called 'It,'" volunteered

Airman dies in non-combat related incident

An Airman assigned to the 886th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at Camp Bucca, Iraq, died today in a non-combat related incident.The name and home unit of the deceased Airman is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.The incident is under investigation.  Additional information will

Despite stormy start, 'Katrina baby' thrives

No, her name is not Katrina. Sage Madison Post's dramatic birth at Keesler Medical Center during a cesarean section by flashlight as Hurricane Katrina stormed ashore was an inspirational story in the tumultuous days after the storm. However, without the family's consent, federal regulations to

Course trains medics to save lives in the air

Sweat runs into the student's eyes, blurring his vision as he strains to read the screen displaying his patient's vital signs. Loud engine noise disorients him and makes it hard to communicate with his two team members. It makes for a tense situation because a wrong move means the end of the line

Chief McKinley takes over top enlisted position

The Air Force welcomed new Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley as he was passed the torch by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray in a ceremony here today. Chief Murray retires after 29 years of service with the last four as the chief master sergeant of the Air

Summer 2006 quarterly issue of Airman available

Read about how airpower is helping fight the war on terrorism, see how a team of Airmen mentors is making a difference in Afghanistan, follow the daily routine of an Air Force recruiter in the Big Apple, and tag along as Airmen prepare for detainee operations in the area of responsibility. These

Spouses, families of deployed Airmen go the distance

Spouses and family members of Moody's deployed Airmen have an opportunity to go the distance through the "Inching Toward Iraq" program. The program is designed to help families cope with the stress of deployments, and it focuses on having families walk the distance it would take them to reunite with

Airmen test new Air Force flight suits, T-shirts

A six-month wear test for the next generation flight suit and proposed T-shirt undergarment is being conducted by specialists in the 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron aircrew life support division here.The T-shirt, which is being tested in two versions made from wool or meta-aramid fibers (the same

Donated computers help Philippine youth get connected

Airmen from the 35th Fighter Squadron and Aircraft Maintenance Unit, deployed to Singapore in support of Operation Commando Sling, took time out of their flying schedule to launch Philippine schools onto the information superhighway. Airmen conducted a donation drive and received computers and

Supply Airmen run mission lifeline at Ali Base

Paperclips, toilet bowls, sulfuric acid and body armor all have something in common. They are all items that have arrived at Ali Base through the supply system for issue by logisticians. "We are here to provide supply support for the base and do whatever else we can to help fight the war on

Civil engineers rid Kunsan of austere living conditions

Civil engineers here completed a construction project to update living accommodations typically used by servicemembers in support of air expeditionary force assignments.Thirty Southeast Asia huts, commonly referred to as SEA huts because of their popularity during the Vietnam War, were finished in

Air Force aids Army with medevac missions

Last year, the Army asked the Air Force for help with its medevac operation. Called an in-lieu-of mission, the Air Force agreed to assist and tasked Master Sgt. Scott Curran to form the first team of Air Force enlisted aerospace evacuation technicians, or flight medics, as they like to call

Handout updated for overseas returnees

Lieutenant colonels and below and senior master sergeants and below who are eligible to return from overseas assignments now have an updated guide to make informed decisions regarding their assignment options. The Overseas Counseling Handout, issued by military personnel flight or commander support

CMSAF says farewell to Airmen

In his latest "Chief's View," Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray discusses his four-year tenure as the 14th top enlisted person and thanks Airmen for their contribution to the war on terrorism. "As I look toward retiring on June 30, I want to thank each of you for volunteering to

Pararescuemen train for space shuttle launch recovery

Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing here practiced techniques June 23 that may be used during a space shuttle launch recovery mission. The next shuttle launch is scheduled for July 1. Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Curl, Master Sgts. James Johnston, John Shiman, Alexander Abbey, and a new

Delta IV launch successful

The first West Coast launch of Boeing's Delta IV evolved expendable launch vehicle was conducted here June 27. The rocket took off from Space Launch Complex-6 carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. The spacelift commander for this mission was Col. Jack Weinstein, 30th Space Wing

Fighter aircraft arrive for Combat Archer

Twenty-eight fighter aircraft from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; Luke AFB, Ariz.; and Shaw AFB, S.C., are here participating in Combat Archer. Approximately 300 Airmen deployed with their aircraft and set up operations in the 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron, an Air Combat Command tenant unit

Japanese military key member of coalition

For the first time since its formation in 1954, members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force are actively deployed to a combat zone. They are helping with humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts in Iraq. "I feel the responsibility of this valuable work for the world and am proud to take part

AFSO 21 streamlines logistics processes

Airmen with the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron Material Management Flight are implementing a new way of thinking by streamlining their process of asset distribution at Incirlik and collocating people into one building. "We are wringing out the water and giving time back to our Airmen," said Capt.

Former astronaut takes command of Air Force Space Command

Gen. Kevin P. Chilton assumed command of Air Force Space Command in a ceremony here June 26, presided over by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. Current and former national defense leaders, active and retired senior officers, community leaders and active-duty servicemembers gathered

18th ASOG Airman praised for selfless service

A tactical air controller was recognized by the secretary of the Air Force with the presentation of a Silver Star in a ceremony June 26 for heroic duties while deployed to Southwest Asia in support of the war on terrorism. Tech. Sgt. Travis Crosby, a terminal attack control-qualified TACP assigned

Whiteman Airmen respond to Missouri building collapse

Fire and rescue specialists from here responded Monday to a statewide request for mutual aid after a building collapsed in Clinton, a town about 28 miles south of here. Nine people were rescued but one died in the incident."We were there to assist state and local officials spearheading the rescue

Mission success depends on refuelers

The B-1 Lancers that drop bombs on targets cannot get to those targets without the support of the KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-10 Extenders that refuel them en route. The general premise of the missions seems simple: refuel the B-1s on the way to and from the area of responsibility. In reality,

Air Ops Center wraps up Valiant Shield

After nearly 2,000 sorties, the Kenney Headquarters' Pacific Air Operations Center team, assembled to orchestrate air operations for Valiant Shield, concluded the exercise. "We had a very successful exercise," said Maj. Paul Hahn of the headquarter's Combat Operations Division. "This was a great

Air Force turns to old standby for Army re-supply

The U.S. military has turned to an old workhorse as the delivery method for supplies and humanitarian cargo needed to sustain Operation Enduring Freedom. The C-130 Hercules has been around, in one form or another, since the 1950s. It is the aircraft of choice for inter-theater airlift in

Firefighters get $10,000 in donated equipment

Firefighters here have received nearly $10,000 in donated equipment that will improve the Airmen's comfort and protection, thanks to the help of several nonprofit organizations, families and friends.Firefighters received the ballistic liner suspension system, an upgrade to the Kevlar helmet. "Most

Missing World War II Airmen identified

Nine Airmen missing in action from World War II have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors, officials from the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced June 27.The nine are 2nd Lt. Hugh Johnson Jr., Montgomery, Ala.; 2nd Lt. Byron Stenen,

Airmen ensure blood flows to forward locations

It is the job of the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group's Expeditionary Blood Transshipment System to ensure that lifesaving blood, plasma and cryoprecipitate (the part of the blood that aids in clotting) get from the states to the forward operating bases. "All blood comes through here and that is

Laughlin students keep air traffic controllers busy

Just outside this small border town, with its low-key appearance and down-home lifestyle, Airmen control the Air Force's sixth busiest runway. Airmen of the 47th Operations Support Squadron's air traffic control complex at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, operate in a unique training environment.

Airmen prepare base for return to Iraqi control

In order for coalition troops to leave Iraq, the Iraqis must first be prepared to take over operations from the coalition. Part of accomplishing that task involves coalition forces training and validating the new Iraqi military. Four Airmen assigned to a small forward operating base about 10 miles

Air Force accepting physician assistant applications

The Air Force is taking applications from active-duty enlisted Airmen for Physician Assistant Phase I training classes beginning in January, April and August 2008. The selection board convenes at the Air Force Personnel Center on March 27. Completed applications must arrive at HQ AFPC/DPAMW, 550 C

Spouses overseas get funding to pursue degrees

Diane Rhinehart is ready to compete in the job market once she and her active-duty husband return to the United States next summer. During her stay here, the mother of four has completed her master's degree in education from the University of Phoenix with the help of the Air Force. Mrs. Rhinehart is

Logisticians track down $1 million in pallets

More than $1 million worth of pallets have been recovered over the past month by a team from the 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron here.The team, led by Senior Airman Randy Walgren, has recovered more than 900 pallets used to carry cargo during military airlift. "When I arrived at

Chief of staff presents sergeant with Purple Heart Medal

A sergeant severely wounded in action in Afghanistan received the Purple Heart Medal today, pinned on his chest by the Air Force chief of staff. Staff Sgt. Israel del Toro Jr. accepted the medal from Gen. T. Michael Moseley at a ceremony at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San

Medical Airmen train with Honduran ENT residents

The hallways inside Hospital Escuela and sidewalks outside are lined with patients who have come here from throughout Honduras. The patients are waiting to be seen by medical residents at this training hospital specializing in the ear, nose and throat treatment. The residents have been joined by

Bilateral training benefits U.S., Japanese enlisted leaders

Nine Japan Air Self-Defense Force senior enlisted leaders took part in their first U.S. Air Force First Sergeant Symposium here as part of a bilateral exchange. Fifty-eight U.S. Air Force and Japanese senior NCOs participated in academics and training June 19 to 23 to learn how to be better first

U-2s boast new, improved cockpit

An improved U-2S Dragon Lady offering greater pilot awareness and improved safety arrived here June 14 as part of the Reconnaissance Avionics Modernization Program.The program's goal is to improve the maintainability and reliability of the aircraft."The Block 20 aircraft is a new, modern cockpit

Airmen teach skills to Afghans to rebuild their country

Saeed graduated from a Qalat Provincial Reconstruction Team trade school eight months ago after learning carpentry and plumbing skills. Recently, the PRT trade school's mission of teaching life skills to the people of Afghanistan compelled Saeed to return to the school, not as a student, but as a

Airmen train Soldiers for protection mission

Airmen from the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here have found themselves performing a unique mission in the last month -- providing training to 164 Soldiers. "It wasn't so much training as (it was) refreshing their skills and letting them know some specifics about protecting Ali Base

Arizona Cardinal visits Incirlik

Running routes in 94-degree heat is nothing new to Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. He does the same thing every summer in Tempe, Ariz., for training camp.But Tempe is a long way away from Incirlik, where Mr. Fitzgerald was running routes June 21 with a bunch of unlikely teammates

Khobar Towers changed Air Force focus on force protection

It was around 10 p.m. on June 25, 1996, when Staff Sgt. Alfredo Guerrero went to check the security post on the rooftop of an eight-story Khobar Towers apartment building at Dhahran Air Base, Saudi Arabia. He asked the sentry on watch if everything was OK. Below them, residents in the rooms were

The ABCs of PRT

The provincial reconstruction teams' efforts in Afghanistan are so successful Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice used them as a template to inaugurate the first U.S.-led PRT in Iraq in November. While addressing the Senate Committee of Foreign Relations last fall, Secretary Rice said, "To execute

'Lean tools' hammer waste, improve processes

Many people within Air Force Materiel Command associate toolboxes with maintenance-oriented jobs. However, with the renewed emphasis on continuous improvement, more people are turning to their "Lean" toolbox. This toolbox contains various Lean improvement tools that are part of Air Force Smart

Air Force stands ready for 2006 hurricane season

With hurricanes Katrina and Rita still fresh on their minds, Air Force officials stand ready to face anything Mother Nature may throw at them this hurricane season, senior leaders here said. “We provide first-in, last-out support for humanitarian crises and natural disasters,” said Air Force Chief

Tool team improves maintenance efficiency

Eleven Airmen with the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron here have made their facility a user-friendly and efficient workspace.When the consolidated tool kit, or CTK, team arrived in February, they were disappointed with the condition of their facility."There were parts and trash everywhere.

Officials name aircrew life support award winners

Air Force officials here have announced the 2005 Outstanding Air Force Aircrew Life Support of the Year award winners. These awards recognize the accomplishments of aircrew life support people and programs. The 2005 winners are: -- Headquarters Staff Member of the Year: Master Sgt. Richard Colson,

Retraining program achieves 95 percent success

The NCO Retraining Program, designed to balance the enlisted force by moving NCOs from career fields with overages to those with shortages, has reached an unprecedented 95 percent of the Air Staff goal for the fiscal 2006 program. This is the most successful NCORP to date, said officials from the

Air Force announces new mission at Cannon AFB

Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., will be the new home for an Air Force special operations wing, Air Force officials announced June 20.Air Force Special Operations Command will accept ownership of Cannon AFB and the Melrose Range effective Oct. 1, 2007. The decision came as a result of an eight-step

Airmen, Soldiers polish skills at Golden Medic

Air Force reservists from around the country deployed here June 10 to 19 to participate in the Army Reserve's largest medical exercise, Golden Medic 2006. About 200 Airmen set up a base at the city's regional airport. At nearby Fort Gordon, nearly 2,000 Soldiers took part in the exercise. More than

Air Force announces aviation resource management awards

Air Force officials have announced the 2005 Outstanding Air Force Aviation Resource Management of the Year award winners.The winners are: -- Airman of the Year: Senior Airman April Derrick, 384th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. -- NCO of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Clayton Raub, 48th

Ice blaster saves money, manpower

To remove sealant from the wings of F-16 Fighting Falcons, Airmen here are replacing elbow grease and plastic scrapers with dry ice.The new process, which uses a machine to blast material with dry ice pellets, saves time, money and manpower, and is easy to clean up, said officials from the 574th

A simple test can save a life

Many servicemembers know that donating blood can help others, but there is another way to make an even greater difference in someone's life -- donating bone marrow.A staff sergeant from the 730th Air Mobility Squadron here did just that, recently returning to full duty only two weeks after the

Technicians cut metal waste

Airmen in the 3rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron's metals technology shop are maximizing value while minimizing waste by making what customers need from scratch. On a daily basis, they can produce two-dimensional "parts" for just about any aircraft here."With our computer design software, we can

Air Force Memorial progress 'wows' Airmen

When Staff Sgt. Paula Newman stood at the base of the Air Force Memorial, all she could say was, “Wow!” Senior Airman Henry Hargrove said it “pretty much rocks.” The two 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron Airmen from Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., were selected to visit the memorial and

Balancing capability portfolios key to Air Force success

Every day, news headlines tout successes of the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan, but seldom make mention of Air Force contributions. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John D. W. Corley told lawmakers and defense industry insiders on Capitol Hill June 14 that that lack of coverage doesn't mean

Warfighting integration reduces inaccuracy, inefficiency

Over the next decade, the Air Force will continue to use information technology to leverage the capability of its people and weapons systems. During a conference here June 13, Lt. Gen. Michael W. Peterson, Air Force chief of warfighting integration and chief information officer, told members of the

Squadron monitors sky over Afghanistan

If it’s flying over Afghanistan, Airman 1st Class Kyle Neill will be the first one to notice it. That is, as long as he is on shift as a surveillance technician with the 73rd Expeditionary Air Control Squadron here. Airman Neill's job is to manage data as part of a two-person team in an operations

Mosquitoes in the desert?

There are mosquitoes, along with spiders, snakes, wild dogs and a variety of other animals and plants, at Kirkuk and other deployed locations that can cause Airmen problems. But there are two units here fighting against these lesser-known enemies to the Air Force mission: the 506th Expeditionary

Operation Air Force brings cadets to the fight

Nineteen U.S. Air Force Academy cadets have deployed to Southwest Asia for a month as part of Operation Air Force. The career-broadening program brought a total of 52 senior cadets to three air bases in the region to learn more about what they will do once they receive their commissions. It also