17 Airmen survive Dover C-5 crash

The 17 Airmen aboard the C-5 Galaxy that crashed near Dover Air Force Base, Del., today all survived, a 436th Airlift Wing spokesman said. However, there is still no official word on the condition of the survivors, wing spokesman 1st Lt. Jamal Beck said. “We’re still gathering information,” he said.

Nuclear Weapons Center the right organization at the right time

“Ladies and Gentlemen, the Nuclear Weapons Center has been activated.” With that announcement March 31, Kirtland Air Force Base took another important step in its long history as a center of nuclear activity. In a ceremony replete with military tradition, Col. Gregory Foraker, formerly the director

Provincial reconstruction teams training for Afghanistan

Department of Defense teams created and designed to help with the reconstruction, security and governing of Afghanistan are training here before deploying for 365 days. Twelve provincial reconstruction teams, or PRTs, have been training here since January. The PRTs are from the Air Force, Army and

Airmen volunteers help improve medical facilities in Kyrgyzstan

Airmen are working to improve the lives of patients at two Bishkek medical facilities. Last week, volunteers from the Manas Air Base Outreach Society, or MABOS, visited patients in a children’s heart ward and a burn unit in medical centers in Bishkek. They delivered donated medical supplies, linen,

Tour of Kyrgyz base marks milestone

Air Force leaders from Manas Air Base toured a Republic of Kyrgyzstan air base March 28 following an invitation by the Ministry of Defense here. The tour of Frunze Air Base No. 1 here marked a milestone in U.S. and Kyrgyz Air Force relations, and is a key element in the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing

Air Force innovators unite at "Knowledge Area" website

Innovation communities within the Air Force now have an online forum to learn, collaborate and collect ideas relative to their daily needs. The new "Innovation and Technology Knowledge Management" site will be available April 15 via the Air Force Portal and is part of the "Air Force Knowledge Now"

Memorial held for Airman killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom

More than 300 people attended a memorial ceremony April 1 for the first Airman from Sather Air Base killed in combat while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Tech. Sgt. Walter Moss, 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight technician, was killed in an explosion

New center provides single contact for mobility air forces

Air Mobility Command moved toward a supply process transformation March 29 when the Regional Supply Squadron here was re-designated as the Mobility Logistics Support Center. The center will provide mobility air forces with one stop for ordering, shipping and tracking supplies to troops worldwide.

Personnel Services Delivery System initiative begins

The Air Force Contact Center’s Web-based services and contact center officially began taking calls after a ceremony at the Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. The center is part of a new initiative called Personnel Services Delivery Transformation, or PSD, which uses

Response teams prepare for chemical, nuclear threats

In an abandoned building on the outskirts of town, a lab sits fully stocked and prepared to produce chemical weapons of mass destruction. A tip leads the Air Force Office of Special Investigations to the location. Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear defense teams suit up and prepare to raid the

Ramstein airlift mission at full speed

This airlift hub is now the main “pit stop” on the United States-to-Iraq supply route because of its high-tech facilities and ability to fix aircraft. That makes Ramstein not only the “gateway to Europe,” but also the “gateway to U.S. Central Command,” said Col. Jeff Derrick, commander of the 723rd

Airmen receive trophies for maintenance excellence

Two Airmen earned trophies and praise here for their abilities to keep Air Force aircraft flying and munitions ready for the mission.Maj. Matthew Gamblin and Master Sgt. Edwin Lambert were both honored with the 2005 General Lew Allen Jr. Trophy with a presentation at the Pentagon by Chief of Staff

Results are in: Airmen voice opinions in 2005 climate survey

More than half of all Airmen participated in the 2005 chief of staff organization climate survey, which allows participants to voice their opinions on issues affecting them and their jobs. Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley released the results of the survey to all the major

Program helps strike balance between work, play

Whether stationed in remote Minot Air Force Base, N.D., or at bustling Keesler AFB, Miss., more Airman around the world are learning the advantages of the Air Force arts and crafts program. From photography to fixing a car, Airmen can turn to arts and crafts to help build a better quality of life

Mechanics work to keep vehicles in motion

Airmen from various bases are deployed here to do one of many, behind-the-scene jobs in the Air Force. It’s one that Airmen may take for granted until their cargo loader breaks or their government vehicle doesn’t start in the morning. It’s the job of being a multipurpose vehicle mechanic. For the 16

Silver Flag prepares Airmen to deploy

Airmen throughout U.S. Air Forces in Europe recently learned skills and received training across the spectrum of predeployment, deployment and post-deployment in a bare-base environment during Exercise Silver Flag. Silver Flag prepares USAFE’s combat support troops for real-world deployments through

AFPC contact center to open

The Air Force Personnel Center’s Web-based services and contact center, known as Personnel Services Delivery Transformation, will officially open it doors March 31. The new initiative means Airmen will be able to conduct routine personnel transactions via the Web that are currently worked through

Alaskan team thaws in Honduras

Imagine you’re a penguin, living happily in minus 40-degree temperatures. Suddenly you’re thrust into the tropical climate of a parrot, where anything below 80 degrees is considered cool. That shock to the system is essentially what happened to 17 Airmen from the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron at

Deployed Airmen move troops in, out of theater

When traveling throughout the area of responsibility, accountability is key. Ensuring that servicemembers get where they need to go safely is the responsibility of Airmen here. As one of the main staging points for servicemembers traveling in and out of theater, It’s not unusual to see more than a

Putting the 'battle' in battlefield Airman

Airman killed in Iraq

An Airman was killed in Iraq today when an improvised explosive device exploded near Baghdad, Department of Defense officials said.The Airman was assigned to 447th Air Expeditionary Group.  The Airman's name is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification. (Courtesy of Department of Defense)

Enlisted retraining centralized

The active duty retraining program is going virtual, and applications will be processed by the Air Force Contact Center beginning March 31 as part of the first phase of the Personnel Services Delivery Transformation. Airmen interested in voluntary retraining as well as those identified for

USAFE reaching out to establish security ties

Airmen and their counterparts from other countries meeting to discuss ways to fix runways may not impact the war on terror like an airstrike against al Qaeda forces. But these face-to-face meetings could one day lead to a security accord that could help combat terrorism, said Mike McMullan, chief of

Airmen work smarter, not harder with Smart Ops 21

For some Airmen, Air Force Smart Ops 21 is a term just being introduced into the field, but for the 52nd Maintenance Group, it is quickly becoming the standard way of doing business. Smart Ops 21 focuses on grouping things together, like tools and engine parts, to eliminate wasted motion and effort,

Deployed emergency responders show off skills, equipment

Explosive ordnance disposal, medical emergency responders and firefighters combine their skills to respond to several emergencies or the same emergency within a matter of minutes. Their Kyrgyzstan counterparts were invited to the base to see the equipment vital to the Americans’ success and learn

Chief chaplain discusses role of service

There are 2,200 chaplains and enlisted support people from the active and Air Reserve components serving a unique mission in today's Air Force. Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Charles C. Baldwin, Air Force Chaplain Service chief, visited Edwards on March 16 as part of a tour of five base in five days. He took

Air chiefs discuss Middle East challenges

Air chiefs from 13 nations gathered here March 25 to 27 for the fifth Middle East Air Symposium to discuss issues and challenges facing the region. The focus of the talks was the unconventional roles of air forces in the changing security environment. King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of

Secretary Wynne considers Airmen as diplomats

Warfighting is about relationship building as the Air Force moves forward in the 21st century, especially in the Pacific where bilateral exercises are taking on increasing importance. That was one of the messages from the secretary of the Air Force as he addressed a crowd of about a thousand Airmen

Food for thought: Dining facility continues to break records

Thirty-five tons of apples, oranges, bananas and plums, 1,600 gallons of milk, 16 tons of grilled chicken breasts and 39,040 candy bars. The list of food consumed here in one month goes on and on. “It’s an amazing operation,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Schields, 379th Expeditionary Services Squadron

Kingpins use blend of old, new technology to counter threats

In the sky over Iraq, technology developed in the 1940s helps fight a 21st century war. From their unique vantage point, the Kirkuk long-range radar surveillance site searches the sky. It’s almost as if the slow cyclonic pace hypnotizes everything in the airspace to spill their deep dark secrets --

Ramstein’s transformation edging toward fruition

Parts of this hectic airlift hub are still under construction as the historic base transforms into the Air Force’s European super base. The work is part of the Department of Defense’s largest ongoing construction project -- a $500 million boon for the base near Kaiserslautern, said Col. Carlos

Humanitarian relief remains constant priority

In a turbulent world, with natural disasters striking at random and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan surging with a tide of violence, one thing has remained constant – U.S. Air Force humanitarian relief operations. These operations, planned out of the Combined Air Operations Center, or CAOC,

Flying, fighting in space important to Air Force

Space is an integral part of the Air Force mission. Whether someone is flying an airlifter, sending an e-mail or surveying a new runway, chances are space-based weather forecasting, navigation or communications systems helped make it possible. In fact, the Air Force is boldly developing new systems

Crew chiefs ‘dedicate’ to aircraft maintenance

The 347th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron held a dedicated crew chief ceremony March 24 to officially resume the historic flightline program. The program has been in existence here since 1997, but had fallen by the wayside. Airmen pushed to re-energize and reactivate the program. The ceremony formally

Treating Airmen outside the wire

Most medical teams deployed to Iraq treat their patients from the forward operating base, but three Airmen in Kirkuk are taking their knowledge to the streets by providing medical care to security forces troops outside the wire. The 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron boasts a medical cell

'Mail Call' host visits Hurlburt Field

"I wanna be on something that shoots," said retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey. That's exactly what the host of the History Channel's "'Mail Call" got when he and his crew spent two days at Hurlburt Field filming for an upcoming show. Best known for movie roles such as the

Predators deliver data, firepower in Iraq

“I never thought I’d be doing anything like this,” said Airman 1st Class Kyle Bridges from his seat at an RQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ground control station. “I signed up to be an imagery analyst, which I thought was going to be a cool job. Instead I was offered the chance to be a sensor

Smart Ops 21: Improving the Air Force one process at a time

“What have I improved today?” That’s a question Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne urged Airmen to ask themselves in his March 8 Letter to Airmen titled Air Force Smart Operations 21. Airmen in Air Force Space Command will soon drive improvements through the Smart Ops 21 program, which

Maintainers repair Iraqi police station radio

For four members of the 407th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, their latest job was not a usual one. Three ground radio maintainers and their flight commander responded to a request to fix a high frequency radio belonging to an Iraqi police station. The HF radio is important because of its

Japanese Airmen intern with Kadena NCOs

Could something as simple as tying engine wires by hand instead of by tool bring two allies closer together? For Staff Sgt. Aiko Koba and Senior Airman Airica Velazquez, it means gaining a greater appreciation for what they do for their respective air force. Sergeant Koba is one of seven Japan Air

Controllers bring airpower directly to fight

Airmen working side-by-side with the Army has become common place these days. But long before Airmen began performing convoy duties and other jobs historically done by their Army counterparts, Tactical Air Control Parties were assigned to Army combat maneuver units around the world. TACPs live,

Top enlisted leader visits Lakenheath

As threats against the United States evolve, Airmen can expect the Air Force to evolve as well. During his visit to Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray talked about the Air Force evolution and the initiatives leadership is taking to modernize the

Manas AB and local Kyrgyz communities forge bonds of friendship

With warm and milder weather, spring has brought opportunities for the base and local community to strengthen friendly relations. Emergency responders on base pulled out all the stops to host officials and staff from the Kyrgyz Ministry of Emergency for an annual tour and barbeque March 18. The two

Spangdahlem mechanics fix jet engines on ‘the line’

Mechanics at this base fix F-16 Fighting Falcon engines on a production line that makes the process of getting engines back in service more predictable. The 52nd Component Maintenance Squadron’s propulsion flight switched to the new maintenance method less than a month ago as part of a lean

Squadron keeps deployed Airmen in touch with their families

During World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars, deployed troops looked forward to mail call. This was their primary mode of communication with family and friends. However, letters could take weeks or even months to arrive. Today’s warriors still receive mail, but now they have instantaneous

Medics use Smart Ops 21 to decrease patient notification time by half

For the past year, the 436th Medical Group here has applied a continual improvement process many people often associate with maintenance personnel and programs. LEAN, Six Sigma and Continual Process Improvement are all programs the Air Force has introduced into the maintenance career fields over the

Loyal four-legged friends protect Aviano, deter crime

With their powerful jaws, strong sense of smell and unwavering loyalty, they are not only man’s best friend, but also an incredible asset to the 31st Security Forces Squadron. Aviano’s seven explosive and two narcotic working dogs are always training and patrolling the base as part of their mission

Deployed Airmen teach English to Kyrgyzstan teenagers

With the help of volunteers from the American military base just a few miles away, teenagers in Kyrgyzstan are learning the English language. During hectic deployment hours and long work weeks, Airmen from U.S. Central Command Air Force’s Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan still find time to help out the

Wing modifies tactics, sharpens Airmen's combat skills

 “Alarm Red, MOPP 4.” Those familiar words of exercises past ring throughout a base’s loudspeakers during exercises. Hundreds of Airmen sucking air through gas masks or hours while hunkered down in work centers during scenarios, disaster training is considered a rite of passage in the Air Force.

Maintainers multi-task to keep C-17s safe

In a dusty tent in the middle of maintenance town, computers are humming and a lone radio squawks the status of an incoming C-17 Globemaster III. The only sign that anybody works here is a row of desert camouflage blouses hung neatly near the door. A few of them belong to crew chiefs. The rest were

WWII Airman receives belated Purple Heart

March 21 was a special day for one Airman. It was the day that he received his Purple Heart Medal. It was a proud day, and a long overdue one at that. Mr. Leo Bach received his medal after suffering injuries to his right leg and back after bailing out of his B-17 Flying Fortress nearly 62 years ago.

Stage facility provides aircrews one-stop support

A management team at this base is helping aircrews spend less time preparing for flying with a streamlined, one-stop approach to en route mission planning. The result is an increase in mission velocity, said Lt. Col. James Kirk, commander of the 726th Air Mobility Squadron. That leads to a more

SECAF makes first official tour of Pacific Region bases

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne is currently touring the Pacific Region to introduce his top priorities for the Air Force -- winning the war on terrorism, fostering mutual integrity and respect, and revitalizing for the service’s aging infrastructure and fleet. The 21st secretary of the

Refuelers await over Afghanistan

On any given night over Afghanistan, a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft may be flying nearby as Soldiers in night-vision goggles move in on an enemy position. If needed, Soldiers call for close-air-support from the Air Force -- an A-10 Thunderbolt II may answer the call for help. No matter how

Statistics show command's fitness program needs to improve

Since the new fitness program began in 2004, Air Force Reserve Command’s performance has stumbled. In 2003, 76 percent of unit reservists took the fitness test. Most of them -- 98.9 percent -- passed their assessments. Now, two years later, 68 percent of the reservists tested. But, this time 7

Air Force pilot becomes one of newest astronauts

A former F-22A Raptor test pilot has now joined the ranks of an even more elite group of pilots. Lt. Col. James Dutton became an astronaut with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration following his graduation in February. “I wanted to be an astronaut when I joined the Air Force so I always

Cheney gives Oath of Enlistment to servicemembers at Scott

Nine servicemembers and one enlistee had the privileged opportunity to raise their right hand and receive the Oath of Office from the vice president of the United States. During a recent visit to Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Vice President Richard Cheney assisted 375th Airlift Wing commander Col.

Minot Airman competes in Food Network Challenge

The smell and taste of cookies hot from the oven for many evokes happy memories of childhood. For one Airman here, his fresh-baked cookies landed him on national television. Senior Airman David Sutherland, a 741st Missile Squadron chef, was selected by the Food Network and competed March 20 in

Civil Air Patrol volunteers affected by hurricanes

During Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, hundreds of aircraft flew missions to evacuate the stranded residents of New Orleans. But, it wasn't just military aircraft running rescue missions in the congested skies above the hurricane-stricken region. Members of America's Civil Air Patrol also provided

Spangdahlem airlift hub still growing

Nine months after setting up shop at this long-time fighter base, the 726th Air Mobility Squadron continues to set up a key airlift hub. Squadron Airmen are easily handling the sometimes sporadic traffic of heavy transport aircraft that transit through this hilltop base, whether coming from the

NCO gets jail for promotion test cheating

An 18-year master sergeant was sentenced to a bad conduct discharge, demotion to airman basic and two months confinement by a military judge during a special court-martial here March 20 after pleading guilty to cheating on a promotion test in 2004.Master Sgt. Ulysses S. Dotson of the 733rd Air

Reservists' mission keeps 'boots on the ground'

It’s hot, dry, windy and dangerous on the air base. Sand blows in your face and stings like it would at the beach. But this is no beach. This is where people from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., are playing a vital role in the war on terrorism, thousands of miles from home. Chief Master Sgt. Tim

New customer support centers make life simpler

New Air Force combat and mobility logistics support centers, opening in early April, will make ordering, tracking and shipping supplies to troops worldwide a simpler, more customer-friendly process, said officials here. The centers will open at Langley Air Force Base, Va., and Scott AFB, Ill. “The

Fighter aircraft help apprehend insurgents

Air Force fighter aircraft pilots helped apprehend three suspected insurgents accused of mortaring Balad Air Base, Iraq, March 16. The pilots, who flew two F-15E Strike Eagles with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, were on a close-air-support mission near Balad when mortars were detected by the

MQ-1 Predator crashes in Iraq

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle, or UAV, crashed at about 3:30 a.m. today while operating in Iraq. Airmen and Soldiers recovered the wreckage and returned it to its home base.The UAV was based with the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron at Balad Air Base, Iraq, and being

C-17 surpasses its 1 millionth flying hour

A C-17 Globemaster III on a routine air evacuation mission from Iraq flew the Air Force transport fleet past the 1 millionth flying hour mark on its return to this airlift hub today. There were no bands or dignitaries waiting for the plane -- from the Mississippi Air National Guard’s 172nd Airlift

Chief of staff releases 'Letter to Airmen'

In his latest “Letter to Airmen,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley remembered the third anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The March 19 anniversary marked the removal of an oppressive and dangerous regime, and the culmination of a joint and coalition intense effort on land, air

C-17s deliver relief to Kauai

“The Spirit of Hawaii - Ke Aloha," Hickam’s first C-17 Globemaster III, delivered 27,000 pounds of recovery equipment to Kauai, Hawaii, after a dam burst, isolating thousands of residents and tourist along the island’s north shore. What was intended to be a routine training mission turned into a

Fuels Airmen train members of Iraqi Air Force

Fuels Airmen take pride in knowing they provide fuel to the fight by supplying aircraft with the juice that keeps them flying. One more thing they can be proud of is their role in getting the Iraqi Air Force off the ground. Members of the 506th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels flight

Airmen train Afghan Soldiers for first long-haul mission

U.S. Airmen recently trained Soldiers from the Afghan National Army’s Central Movement Agency for their first long-haul convoy mission. The mission March 12 covered hundreds of miles from Kabul to Kandahar and involved two trucks, each carrying 6,000 liters of fuel. The Airmen and ANA soldiers rose

Air sampling study benefits Airmen's health

The average human takes about 12 to 20 breaths each minute. Exactly what those breaths contain is now being monitored in a study. Airmen are participating in the U.S. Central Command Enhanced Particulate Matter Surveillance Initiative to determine the levels of total solid particulates in the

Vice president thanks Airmen

KC-135 aircrews ‘fuel the fight’ for B-52s

In six short weeks, deployed KC-135 Stratotankers have delivered more than 11 million pounds of fuel to B-52 Stratofortresses that have flown forward into Afghan airspace to provide close air support for U.S. and coalition forces on the ground. Without this fuel, the B-52s would not be able to carry

AAFES, MWR officials testify to congressional committee

Air Force officials overseeing morale, welfare and recreation, or MWR, for Airmen testified before the House Armed Services Committee military personnel subcommittee March 15. Maj. Gen. Paul Essex, commander of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, or AAFES, and Arthur Myers, director of Air

JDAM continues to be warfighter's weapon of choice

To call yourself the Airman warfighter's weapon of choice is one thing, but it's quite another to go out and back it up. Since its debut in 1999, the Joint Direct Attack Munition, or JDAM, has been called upon more than 15,000 times and continues to be used in the global war on terror. JDAM is a

F-16 Fighting Falcon covers multiple missions

Hundreds of physical and mental training hours go into being a part of one of the most advanced careers in the world -- an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot. The F-16’s multiple missions, such as air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, make it one of the most versatile aircraft in the Air Force, said Capt.

Airfield managers keep runways ready

The 379th Expeditionary Operational Support Squadron is tasked with the demanding job of managing an entire airfield. An airfield manager’s job encompasses almost anything that deals with the airfield, said Tech. Sgt. Michael Adams, 379th EOSS airfield manager and reservist deployed from Dobbins Air

Missouri Guard unit first ever selected for B-2 mission

Air Force officials announced March 16 that the 131st Fighter Wing at Lambert International Airport in St. Louis will join the elite B-2 mission at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The announcement means the 131st Fighter Wing's Airmen will team up with the world's only B-2 long-range stealth bomber

Andersen host unit undergoes name change

An official name change has been granted to Andersen’s host unit. Andersen is now home of the 36th Wing -- a designation that was announced March 16 to better reflect the growing mission. Previously, the official designation of the wing was the 36th Air Base Wing, while recently the wing was using a

Commander shares vision for future force

Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, 9th Air Force and U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander, shared his insight and vision for the future at the Combined Air Operations Center March 10. During his first visit as CENTAF commander, General North discussed the CENTAF mission and challenges facing Airmen and

Airman Battle Uniform finalized, ready for production

The new Airman Battle Uniform is ready for production and will be available in fiscal 2007, said the Air Force deputy chief of staff of personnel. Many factors were considered in developing the final uniform selection, with the concern for Airmen being at the top of the list, said Brig. Gen Robert

DOD releases annual sexual assault report

The Department of Defense released the results of the second annual report on the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program. The report addresses data on alleged sexual assaults that were reported during 2005 in which members of the armed forces are victims or offenders. The Air Force received

Family Matters introduces updated AF Crossroads Web site

The Air Force A1 office of family matters will soon unveil its updated Air Force Crossroads Web site for Airmen and families to gather facts about installations, military moves, education and more. Though the current site contains a lot of information, its many layers made the site difficult to

First Air Force dive course graduates 17 Airmen

This was the final test. An underwater compass and a buddy harnessed three feet from their bodies provide direction. A 25-pound breathing device strapped to their chests provides vital oxygen while underwater without making surface bubbles. A 50-pound rucksack and weapon weighted on their backs are

Two Airmen killed, one injured in off-base accident

Two Airmen were killed and one injured in a car accident outside the city of La Ceiba on March 15 at about 1 p.m. The Airmen were deployed in support of New Horizons 2006-Honduras, a joint training exercise between the U.S. military and the Honduran government. They were assigned to Joint Task Force

Civil engineers keep Sather Air Base utilities operational

When the power is on and the toilets are flowing, no one bothers the 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Operations Flight Airmen here. But they don’t mind anonymity; when no one complains, they know their customers are happy. Airmen in the flight can be compared to a city public works

EOD Airmen reflect on six-month tour in Iraq

Improvised Explosive Devices’ prevalence in Iraq has placed increased demands on Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists, and the members of the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron EOD flight are on the leading edge of the effort to combat these IEDs. Explosive ordnance disposal

CMSAF speaks about future changes

As threats against the United States evolve, Airmen can expect the Air Force to evolve as well said the Air Force’s senior enlisted member during his visit here, Friday, March 10. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray talked about the Air Force’s evolution and the initiatives

Joint rescue saves stranded scuba divers

Thanks to the combined efforts of Airmen from Kadena Air Base and local Japanese responders here, two scuba divers were rescued early Monday morning following a five-hour search and rescue operation. The two scuba divers -- a local Okinawan and a U.S. Marine -- were found clinging to the bottom of

Fire burns 100 acres, singes Altus AFB

Altus Air Force Base and local firefighters worked together to battle a grass fire that consumed about 100 acres here, March 12. Local officials say dry conditions and high winds resulted in several grass fires in the area, including one at the southeast corner of the base. The base suffered minimal

Air Force gets aggressive about combat training

To become the best Airmen in the world, the Air Force trains against the best Airmen in the world. Aggressors, as they’re known, scrimmage against their fellow Airmen, much like football teams preparing for a game. Traditionally, aggressors have focused on aircrews, but in the near future, the Air

Gen. Renuart: U.S. strategy built for new threats

The U.S. military has sculpted its strategy to account for the different threats, cultures and circumstances posed by the global war on terror, said the Joint Staff's chief of strategic plans and policy. While the Defense Department does focus a great deal of effort on Iraq and Afghanistan, the war

Chief reviews son’s graduation

Of the 731 Airmen who graduated from basic military training here today, nothing unusual happened for 730 of them. But the day was special for one Airman, two chiefs and a mother. “There was no decision about him joining the Air Force, it was his decision alone,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Bowes,

Airman saves co-worker

A security forces noncommissioned officer lost consciousness and was saved by a fellow Airman at a Las Vegas restaurant March 5. Members of the security team for Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment '06 were at dinner when Master Sgt. Jeff Jones noticed that Staff Sgt. Dionne Bennett, an Air

Engineers support the fight

Air Force engineers from the 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron are supporting Bastogne Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry near Hawijah, Iraq, by increasing the quality of living on forward operating base McHenry. “It’s a mission worth supporting,” said 2nd Lt. Tim Brodman, the officer

What’s in a name?

The Space Warfare Center here became the Space Innovation and Development Center in a formal ceremony March 8. The name has changed, but the organization’s mission remains the same, the commander said. “One of the things I want people to understand is that there’s no change in our mission,” Col.

The nose knows -- military working dogs complete security forces mission

“Get 'em!” With one swift movement, military working dog Breston is off like a flash, covering the distance between his handler and his target in just a few fluid strides. The reward for his speed and agility is a nice juicy bite. Of course the juicy bite was just the “bite suit” but Breston, a

Warfare center creates mobility warriors

Every day more than 550 Airmen pick up a proverbial sword and shield and step onto the battlefield. Their sword is knowledge honed to a razor’s edge by experience and technology; their shield, the Air Mobility Warfare Center; their battlefield, deployed locations around the world. “We are

Vertical shop keeps base in good condition

Painting, cutting, welding and building. They do it all as long it doesn't have wheels or wings. "If it doesn't fly or have wheels, we fix it," said Tech. Sgt. Dan Bertok, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron’s vertical shop noncommissioned officer in charge. The vertical shop's goal is to keep the wing

Medics, volunteers meet Iraqis' medical needs

Several times a week, medics from the 447th Expeditionary Medical Squadron take a break from their normal “hustle and bustle” work schedule at the clinic to help local Iraqis who feel under the weather. The medics head out close to the wire to see these patients at the Radhwaniya Medical Clinic