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  • Maintainers resurrect historic aircraft

    A group of Edwards aircraft maintainers recently joined efforts to restore a historic aircraft for the Air Force Flight Test Center museum. A team of 36 maintainers from the 412th Equipment Maintenance Squadron's corrosion control, armament, structural maintenance, inspection flight and fabrication

  • Enlisted aide career field continues to improve

    From preparing meals to arranging official social events, enlisted aides have long proven themselves invaluable to general officers. But over the last three years, their career field has evolved to include better training, recognition programs and the chance to earn a Community College of the Air

  • Tuskegee Airmen come to encourage, leave inspired

    It was to deliver a message of inspiration and support that led five members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen to visit the members of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing here Oct. 29. However, during a question-and-answer session here at their last stop in the region before returning home, the Tuskegee

  • 'Open the air base' unit returns from successful desert trial

    Say you need to move troops to a war zone in some isolated region or relief supplies to a devastated area, and you need to do it in a hurry. Who do you call? The men and women of the 816th Contingency Response Group have a simple answer: "Call us." From Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to the recent

  • Headphones OK during workouts

    There are many reasons people opt to use headphones while working out. Some use them to pace themselves while running and doing reps. For others, getting lost in the music helps them work out longer by losing track of time. Whatever the reason, headphones must be worn properly while working out in

  • Air Force announces fiscal 2006 CJR quotas

    The Air Force announced the fiscal 2006 quotas for the career job reservation program recently, adding three Air Force Specialty Codes to the constrained list, while releasing 13 others. Reenlistment eligible first-term Airmen who apply for a CJR in the constrained AFSCs will be added to a waiting

  • Supporting those outside Balad

    The 732nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group Personnel Support for Contingency Operation team has a unique mission here -- to account for Airmen who fill Army and Marine billets. Although the majority of these In Lieu of Forces Airmen are geographically separated from Balad Air Base, they must be

  • Airman completes mission with pride, satisfaction

    As he completes his tour of duty at this small, forward-deployed desert air base, Master Sgt. James Royuela looks back with satisfaction and pride knowing his hard work directly contributed to the overall success of coalition forces fighting the global war on terror. Sergeant Royuela, a 1988

  • First deployed SARC stationed at Manas

    In the continuing effort to ensure that deployed Airmen are as well taken care of as their home station counterparts, the Air Force recently deployed its first sexual assault response coordinator here. The effort is part of the Air Force’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program drive to have

  • Podcasting becomes another Edwards first

    Edwards became the first base to offer news updates through podcasting recently when it launched the service through its public Web site. Podcasting, a method of publishing audio broadcasts via the Internet, allows users to subscribe to a news feed of MP3 files. These feeds deliver audio broadcasts

  • Medical logisticians deliver medical relief

    When warriors are wounded in the field, many rely on the men and women of the 379th Expeditionary Medical Squadron medical logistics flight for the medicine and supplies needed to patch them up. With a staff of seven, the logistics flight works long hours keeping medical supplies flowing to field

  • Airmen performing non-traditional security

    The camp has the look and feel of many Army bases with one exception, the majority of the force protection presence is Airmen -- including the two security forces squadron commanders. Traditionally an Army function, here, Airmen are providing perimeter defense, convoy and area security and security

  • Combat communications answers the call

    They can set up communications to anywhere in the world from anywhere in the world. They can take a strip of land and turn it into an airfield capable of carrying out military or relief missions, but for now, members of the elite 5th Combat Communications Group are at a former Soviet republic making

  • Chaplain provides insight to Islam

    A chaplain here has received a national award recognizing his efforts to help warfighters better understand Islam. Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Thomas Azar, 347th Rescue Wing head chaplain, was named the 2004-2005 best military chaplain by the National Ministries, American Baptist Churches. “I was totally

  • Air Force releases report on fatal traffic accident

    The driver of a van carrying three Air Force Airmen fell asleep at the wheel and subsequently lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a fatal single-vehicle traffic accident near Wady El Na Natron City, Egypt, Sept. 19, Air Force officials announced today. One Air Force officer was killed, and two

  • Eagle Flag 06-1 finishes, but the learning goes on

    Being prepared to deploy is the key to success of the Air Force’s expeditionary mission. This is where Eagle Flag comes in. The two-week exercise, held Oct. 18 to 28 here, tested Airmen on a multitude of expeditionary combat support skills. Participants for the exercise are chosen based on their

  • Air commandos learn martial arts from Marines

    Beaten, bloodied and loving it. It’s the best way to describe the 20 battlefield Airmen who went toe-to-toe in hand-to-hand combat here, Oct. 17-28. Air commandos from Air Force Special Operations Command units around the world gathered at the 720th Special Tactics Group here to learn from three of

  • NDI stops problems before they start

    Similar to a private investigator gathering evidence to crack a case, the Non-Destructive Inspection unit here also gathers evidence -- but its intent is to ensure the case remians uncracked. The NDI unit uses methods such as magnetic particle, fluorescent penetrant, X-rays, and eddy current to

  • 820th SFG field tests chemical warfare garments

    The 820th Security Forces Group here began the first military field durability tests on new chemical warfare garments Oct. 24.  The 820th SFG, which provides force protection for expeditionary air forces, is putting the latest version of the chemical warfare suit to the test to assess its fit,

  • Overseas quarterly assignment listing available Nov. 1

    The Enlisted Quarterly Assignment Listing for overseas requirements for July through September 2006 will be available Nov. 1. Assignment preferences need to be updated by Nov. 17. Airmen will be notified of their selection before Dec. 15. Airmen need to work through their military personnel flight

  • Airmen help prepare Soldiers for Afghanistan duty

    Airmen from around the Air Force helped prepare 10th Mountain Division Soldiers for their deployment to Afghanistan during exercise Unified Endeavor 06 here. The exercise, which ended Oct. 23, prepared members of the division’s headquarters and staff for their upcoming rotation to head Combined

  • Sponsors help form newcomers’ first impressions

    Bad first impressions last a long time. That is what William Robinson tries to instill in every person assigned as a sponsor here. Sponsors provide those impressions of the base and the arriving member’s unit, said Mr. Robinson, 39th Mission Support Squadron family support center community readiness

  • Airmen, Sailors help Soldiers move containers of hope

    Airmen and Sailors continue helping Soldiers here provide humanitarian assistance and support to the earthquake-affected people of Pakistan. When they’re not fixing aircraft helping fight the war on terrorism, Air Force EC-130 Hercules and Navy E-6B Intruder maintainers have been helping 82nd

  • Tuskegee Airmen return to war zone

    The Tuskegee Airmen know about war. They battled the Nazis abroad and racism at home. Now they've made their way back to the front lines to show their support for Airmen fighting the war on terror. Five members arrived here Oct. 25 to interacting with military members, sharing their stories and

  • Pod gives Strike Eagles an edge

    In today’s war on terrorism, troops have many tools at their disposal. One of best tools -- and friend -- is the F-15E Strike Eagle, with its advanced targeting pod. The pod gives pilots real-time information for targeting. “The pod’s capability is simply staggering and it’s changing the battlefield

  • Staging facility offers more than air evacuations

    Getting troops injured in battle from the war zone to another location where they can receive more definitive care takes careful planning and coordination. Such was the case Oct. 21, when members of the 386th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility at this desert base helped move 16 injured troops

  • Academy gets new reserve squadron

    A new partnership between the reserve and active-duty force soared into the Rocky Mountains when the 70th Flying Training Squadron opened for business here. Formed Oct. 25, the new squadron -- formerly known as Detachment 1, 302nd Operations Group -- marks the first time citizen Airmen have had a

  • Air defense continues during hurricane season

    Though it has been busy providing hurricane support over the past 14 months, the 1st Air Force is also busy doing its main job -- protecting America’s skies. The Airmen that work in the combined air operations center continue to maintain the nation’s “steady and robust air defense,” said Col. Kevin

  • Reservists clean house, increase F-16 capability

    Desire and motivation drove 14 Reserve Airmen to turn a barely functional back shop into one of two fully functional avionic intermediate shops here. The revamped work center allowed the staff to double the improved avionic intermediate repair capabilities. The reservists deployed here from

  • Floating checks will soon be thing of the past

    “Check floaters” beware. The Army and Air Force Exchange Service will start to electronically process checks in January. Now, instead of taking up to three days, check may process instantly or in one day. The move is so the exchange service complies with “Check 21” Legislation. “Checks will be

  • Hurricane Wilma makes landfall in Florida

    Hurricane Wilma hit Florida's western coast around 6:30 a.m. EDT today with sustained winds of about 125 mph. So far, there have been no reported deaths or injuries in Florida.Waiting for the storm, dispersed throughout the state, are some 2,400 Florida National Guard Airmen and Soldiers, the

  • Airmen in place for Hurricane Wilma relief

    As Hurricane Wilma rips through south Florida, Airmen from 1st Air Force are already in place today to help storm victims. The rest of 1st Air Force is ready to respond, if asked to provide resources for Wilma relief efforts, said 1st AF commander Maj. Gen. M. Scott Mayes. “If we get the call, we’re

  • Introductory flight training undergoing changes

    The introductory flight training program that prepares pilot candidates for specialized undergraduate pilot training will decrease from 50 to 25 hours next fall. The transitional program will bridge the change from the current introductory program to a new program called initial flight screening.

  • Westover C-5s airlift more Chinooks for earthquake relief

    A third C-5 Galaxy aircrew from the 439th Airlift Wing here left Oct. 18 to deliver more help to earthquake-ravaged Pakistan. The giant cargo plane picked up two Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters at Fort Sill, Okla., and delivered them to Pakistan, after a stop in Spain. It was the 13th humanitarian

  • New Air Force Portal tool gets warfighters parts faster

    Armed with a single user ID, password and valid stock number, Airmen can now get parts into the hands of warfighters quicker with a new Air Force Portal application. The Enterprise Solution-Supply online tool gives logisticians the ability to find parts stored in any of the more than 300 Air Force

  • Kadena takes ‘pride’ in revamping F-15 fleet

    Some of the F-15 Eagle fleet’s oldest jets are getting a second chance at life here, thanks to a $5.2 million upgrade program. During the next year, Kadena Eagles will receive a microscopic inspection called "Pride Dock" by Department of Defense contractors and Airmen from the 18th Maintenance

  • Cope Thunder 06-01 challenges end

    The first winter Cope Thunder ended here Oct. 20 and aircrews found the weather was their main adversary. But the weather at this remote base -- which grounded many missions -- is exactly why exercise planners picked it to host Pacific Air Force’s premier combat airpower exercise, said Col. Bob

  • Incirlik moving Pakistan earthquake aid

    With the determination of an ant colony, Airmen here are busy moving humanitarian aid cargo bound for Pakistan. Incirlik has played host to an array of international aircraft and provided round-the-clock support since the relief operation started after the Oct. 8 Pakistan earthquake. From Oct. 18 to

  • Homestead prepares for Hurricane Wilma

    The 482nd Fighter Wing is preparing for Hurricane Wilma. Airmen here are evacuating fighter jets and officials are coordinating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for potential hurricane-relief operations. Six F-16 Fighting Falcons evacuated to Dobbins Air Force Base, Ga., and three

  • Iraqi pollsters receive airlift help

    When Iraq took its next step toward democracy -- voting on a constitution -- Airmen and Marines helped ensure the process worked. That included getting 1,320 Iraqi poll workers safely to and from Baghdad International Airport to their polling stations around the country. It was a job that lasted

  • Moseley: Air Force needs to bolster intelligence cadre

    The Air Force can do a better job training and maintaining the Airmen that gather, process and distribute military intelligence, the Air Force chief of staff said. Gen. T. Michael Moseley said there are not enough Airmen working in military intelligence. And the Air Force must do a better job

  • Laos duty helps sergeant put her job into perspective

    An Army Golden Knight parachutist landed at Sheppard’s salute to America’s warfighters air show streaming the familiar black Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag. It was an emotional moment for many of the spectators at the Oct. 15 event. But it was an especially emotional moment for Tech. Sgt.

  • Air Force meets 2005 enlisted, OTS recruiting goal

    The Air Force exceeded its fiscal 2005 enlisted recruiting goal by sending 19,222 men and women to basic military training. And while the service had success recruiting for Officer Training School, it fell short in recruiting in some medical fields. "This was a challenging year for Air Force

  • Air Force continues earthquake support

    As the United States enters its second week of humanitarian operations here, Airmen from all over the world continue working to deliver thousands of pounds of humanitarian cargo a day. In the second week following the earthquake in Pakistan, the group handled almost 700 tons of cargo intended for

  • Bagram getting new passenger terminal

    Engineers are building a new $932,000 passenger terminal that will expand operations at this base. Twenty-four Airmen from the 1st Expeditionary Red Horse Group, deployed here from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., began laying the terminal’s foundation earlier this month. The group expects to finish the

  • Remains of missing World War II Airmen returning home

    The remains of three U. S. servicemen, missing in action since 1941, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors. They are Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Augustus J. Allen, of Myrtle Springs, Texas; Staff Sgt. James D. Cartwright, of Los Angeles,

  • EOD Airmen help destroy old rockets

    Airmen and Soldiers joined forces at a former Soviet munitions dump near here to transport and destroy three 5,000-pound rockets. If not destroyed, the rockets could have posed a threat to U.S. and coalition forces serving here as part of the ongoing global war on terrorism, officials said. Lessons

  • 'Makos' in sky help warriors on ground

    The sky above Balad Air Base was thick with dust and sand when four F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots completed another mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.They were headed to their deployed home at Balad Oct. 17 when they were eventually diverted here.  Their mission started early that morning,

  • Personnel center will conduct force shaping board

    In an effort to right size and shape its future force, Air Force officials approved an annual board to evaluate officers for continued service at their three-year point. The board will be part of the service's force management program. The first Force Shaping Board is scheduled to convene at the Air

  • Force shaping board meeting in 2006

    A force shaping board will convene in 2006 and continue to meet annually to properly shape the officer corps to meet emerging Air Force needs. Instituted by the Air Force, the board will be a regular aspect of force management and development in the future. Authorized by the Secretary of the Air

  • Cope Thunder medical team practices mobile medicine

    Practicing mobile medicine and leaving a small footprint on a mission is just one the aspects of participating in Cope Thunder 06-01, said a flight surgeon here. Six-year veteran Maj. (Dr.) John Cotton, said he is enjoying his first temporary duty assignment as the Cope Thunder flight surgeon. He

  • Airmen score triple play on one trip

    A C-130 Hercules aircrew picked up earthquake relief supplies in Bahrain and delivered them to Pakistan Oct. 15 -- but their mission did not end there. The crew then flew to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, where it picked up cargo to take to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, to support Operation Enduring

  • Pacific Command joins Pakistan earthquake relief effort

    U.S. Pacific Command Airmen loaded three C-5 Galaxies with helicopters, support equipment and Soldiers bound to help earthquake victims in Pakistan Oct. 16. The Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters are the first command assets to deploy to earthquake-shattered Pakistan. A C-5 can carry two CH-47

  • C-17s airlift Qatari mobile hospital to Pakistan

    An Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transported a Qatari mobile hospital to Pakistan in support of earthquake relief operations Oct. 15. Airmen loaded seven Qatari soldiers and 90,000 pounds of cargo on the aircraft, and flew to Islamabad, Pakistan. The group included two medics, two drivers and three

  • Airmen help with Guatemala relief

    Nine Airmen from Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, deployed here as part of a Joint Task Force-Bravo team supporting Hurricane Stan relief operations in this Central American country. The hurricane, which hit the country Oct. 4, caused massive flooding and land slides and displaced thousands of people.

  • Air Force announces team-excellence awards

    Air Force officials announced the five teams chosen for the 2005 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Awards. The Air Force nominated 15 teams for the awards, which recognize outstanding team performance and promote systematic process improvement. The awards also serve as a means to share best practices

  • First F/A-22 deployment is for training

    The Raptors are leaving the nest for their first deployment. Nearly 170 Airmen left here Oct. 15 on a two-week deployment to Hill Air Force Base, Utah. This may sound like a run-of-the-mill temporary duty assignment. But for the Langley Airmen, it is far from a typical out-of-town operation. It is

  • Airmen act quickly at accident scene

     When thrust into a surreal situation, three Airmen here stepped up and showed that people can do extraordinary things. It was around 1 a.m. Oct. 16 when Senior Airmen Brooke and Marc Llafet and Matt Ritchie were driving home from Fort Walton Beach, Fla. In the car with them were Airman Marc

  • Air Force continues Pakistan aid

    The Air Force continues to provide humanitarian aid to Pakistan after it suffered a 7.6 magnitude earthquake Oct. 8. Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs, KC-10 Extenders and C-130 Hercules aircraft have transported more than 630,000 pounds of humanitarian relief, including food, tents, cots, medical

  • General McNabb takes command of AMC

    Gen. Duncan J. McNabb took command of Air Mobility Command during a ceremony here Oct. 14. During the ceremony, the general discussed the importance of the command now and in the future. "It has been six years since I left here as commander of the (Tanker Airlift Control Center)," said General

  • SECDEF visits MacDill, addresses military concerns

    Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld thanked Airmen here Oct. 11 for their involvement in the global war on terrorism and humanitarian efforts at home and abroad. "We fight today so that our children and their children might not have to experience the heartbreak of something like Sept. 11,” he said.

  • Lifesaving trauma team provides care within one hour of injuries

    Should deployed troops need on the spot surgery, there is a five-person mobile forward surgical team on standby, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice to help them. The team -- an MFST -- can deploy in 24 to 48 hours. It is the smallest forward-deployable surgical team that can do field surgery. The

  • Airman sentenced to death

    The Airman here who was recently found guilty of two specifications of premeditated murder and one specification of attempted premeditated murder, has been sentenced to death by a military panel. Senior Airman Andrew Paul Witt, 23, is now the only Airman to sit on death row. Airman Witt's death

  • Blood donations still in high demand

    The U.S. military always needs blood in war zones and now, more than ever, it is depending on troops at stateside bases to donate. That is because troops that deploy “down range” cannot donate blood for one year after they return home, said Maj. Julie Zwies, officer in charge of the Expeditionary

  • Air Force continues aid to Pakistan

    Oct. 12 marked the fourth straight day the Air Force airlifted aid into the devastated region of Pakistan. Four U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and two C-130 Hercules aircraft transported more than 408,000 pounds, including more than 60 pallets loaded with supplies like tents, cots and

  • Helicopter pilot is Cheney Award recipient

    An Air Force MH-53 Pave Low helicopter pilot from Fort Bragg, N.C., received the Cheney Award in a ceremony at the Pentagon Oct. 13. Maj. John Groves earned the award for his actions while delivering supplies to Iraq as part of two-ship formation. The major’s wingman was shot down en route. Major

  • Maintainers keep Cope Thunder going

    Tucked away in an office on the far corner of the Thunder Dome, two men ensure Airmen and Sailors get Cope Thunder 06-1 missions off the ground -- on time and on target. Without the oversight of Col. Mark Fluke and Chief Master Sgt. Darrin Dwyer, exercise Cope Thunder would, theoretically, only be a

  • Service demographics offer snapshot of force

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently published the quarterly demographics report offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force, as of Sept. 30. More information can be found online at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/demographics/>. All statistics are rounded to

  • Eglin Airmen train Iraqi police

    The introduction of democracy and the reconstruction of Iraq hinges on its police force’s ability to handle those fighting against the transition. So two Airmen from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and one from Offutt AFB, Neb., are in the country to make sure the Iraqi police force gets the training it

  • Globemasters deliver more relief aid

    A huge C-17 Globemaster III delivered more relief supplies here Oct. 11 that will go help victims in this country’s earthquake-devastated region. The C-17 and its crew of five, from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia, flew in approximately 50 tons of food and shelter equipment.

  • AMC assists initial earthquake response

    The Air Force deployed more than 45 members from the 621st Contingency Response Wing here to Islamabad, Pakistan Oct. 10 in the wake of a 7.6-magnitude earthquake that struck the country Oct. 8. Members of 621st Contingency Response Group Element deployed to support humanitarian airlift operations

  • Keesler Airmen back in school at Sheppard

    Sheppard has a new electronic principles course to train Airmen from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., displaced by Hurricane Katrina. It took Sheppard two weeks to have the course ready for instruction, said Master Sgt. Rosa Marlin, 365th Training Squadron avionics test equipment flight chief. It

  • Uniform board meets this month

    The Air Force Uniform Board meets here Oct. 20 to 21 to consider Air Force uniform improvements and standardization. The board will address various uniform requirements, including the Airman's new battle dress uniform, and Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force

  • 'Gateway to Europe' ends 60-year airlift legacy

    Although 60 years of airlift legacy came to a close, the “spirit” of this base will endure. The long-time airlift hub closed during an Oct. 10 ceremony attended by U.S. and German dignitaries. A C-17 Globemaster III bearing the name “Spirit of Rhein-Main” was unveiled by Lt. Gen. Christopher Kelly,

  • ETDC supplies gear downrange so deployed troops don’t have to

    The 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron’s expeditionary theater distribution center here is leading the way in expeditionary mobility gear processing to make life easier for thousands of deploying Airmen. The center is part of an Air Force test where Airmen can deploy from their home

  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month aims to reduce violence in homes

    Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States -- more than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined. It is also estimated that a woman is battered every 15 seconds in the United States, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

  • Officials update Keesler assignment information

    Airmen in non-critical career fields are still not authorized to proceed to Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., until further assignment guidance is released, said Air Force Personnel Center officials here. People still affected by the stop movement order must not depart their current base. Those

  • Robins Airman found guilty on all charges

    A military jury here unanimously found Senior Airman Andrew Paul Witt guilty of two specifications of premeditated murder in the July 5, 2004, stabbing deaths of Senior Airman Andrew Schliepsiek and his wife, Jamie. Airman Witt was also found guilty Oct. 5 of one specification of attempted

  • Secretary of State visits Manas, inspires Airmen

    Perfect weather and more than 500 Airmen with the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing here greeted the 66th secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, when she arrived Oct. 11. The relatively small, but strategically important Kyrgyzstan was the secretary’s first stop in her four-day, four-country tour of

  • Airmen deliver first relief supplies to Pakistan

    The first relief supplies from the United States arrived here on a C-17 Globemaster III less that 48 hours after the devastating earthquake that left thousands dead and injured. The C-17 and its crew, from the 7th Airlift Squadron, McChord Air Force Base, Wash., delivered 12 pallets -- almost 90,000

  • Moseley: C-17 'worth weight in gold' in Pacific

    Basing C-17 Globemaster IIIs in Hawaii will boost Pacific Air Force’s airlift capabilities in the region, the Air Force chief of staff said Oct. 6. Gen. T. Michael Moseley said with the huge transports flying out of Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command

  • Fairchild Airmen test for Ranger School

    Airmen assigned to the 22nd Training Squadron and select Airmen with the 66th Training Squadron here have taken on a rare challenge to push themselves beyond normal endurance for the chance to attend the Army’s elite training program -- Ranger School. And they only had a day to do it. The 12-hour

  • Cope Thunder exercise begins

    Cope Thunder 06-1 participants are using the 62,000 square miles of airspace at this remote base to “fly, fight and win” during Pacific Air Force’s premier combat airpower exercise. The two-week exercise, which will run through Oct. 21, is the command’s largest air combat training exercise,

  • Fall 2005 quarterly issue of Airman available online

    Read about the Air Force’s explosive ordnance disposal team in Baghdad disarming the enemy, get inside the Air Force’s response to Hurricane Katrina, follow a little boy named Eddy as he undergoes surgery in Ecuador, and discover the ins and outs of the F/A-22 Raptor. These features and more

  • Reserve wing welcomes change to flying mission

    The 445th Airlift Wing received its first of 11 C-5 Galaxy aircraft Oct. 3. Air Force Reserve Command wings do not change aircraft very often, and the 445th AW is no exception, having flown C-141 Starlifters since the wing’s activation Oct. 1, 1994. All that will soon be history. The C-141s are

  • A-10 phase dock keeps OEF frequent flyers flying

    A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft here flew 500 sorties in September over Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Direct close-air support missions accounted for 380 of those sorties. Whether supporting ground troops in the war or conducting a training mission at their home station, A-10

  • Barksdale joins Bright Star 2005

    Airmen here recently engaged in a unique international exercise -- Bright Star 2005. The Bright Star exercise takes place every two years in Egypt and includes coalition forces from the United States, Egypt and 12 other countries. Airmen faced several challenges during the exercise which ran Sept.

  • Servicemembers pay respect to fallen Airman

    More than 225 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and multinational partners crowded the new base chapel Oct. 6 to pay their final respects to their comrade in arms, Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson. Airman Jacobson was killed on a convoy near Camp Bucca, Iraq, on Sept. 28 when her vehicle was hit by an

  • Airmen push to limit with turn of a card

    “Right now, I’m at 15,541.” And counting. As he counts down the days before returning home, increasing his push-up total has become a goal for Lt. Col. Jeff Sheppard, the 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron commander at a forward-deployed location. What began as a challenge among several

  • Dawgs put PERSCO back online

    It was 5 p.m. on Oct. 2 and the 407th Personnel Support for Contingency Operations section here was winding down the day shift. The cable dawgs of the 407th Expeditionary Communications Squadron were doing the same. But things changed rapidly 10 minutes later when 1st Lt. Adam Pudenz walked into the

  • General Yeager speaks at Smithsonian

    One of the most famous test pilots of all time, retired Brig. Gen. Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager, spoke to 500 aviation enthusiasts at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on Oct. 4. It was the 25th time in the past 26 years General Yeager has held the lecture. Those in attendance watched a

  • Sobering facts about DUI

    Breaking the law does not often require an invitation for formal attire, but Airmen here charged with driving under the influence can expect just that. When charged with a DUI, Airmen here are requested to show up in their service dress uniform at the office of Col. Edmond Keith, 96th Air Base Wing

  • Total force proves beneficial to hurricane recovery

    More than 6,900 active-duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen supported Hurricanes Katrina and Rita relief operations, proving that the total-force concept works, said the Air Force chief of staff here recently. “America’s Air Force answered the call for emergency assistance in this crisis,” said Gen. T.

  • Eglin firemen keep NASCAR teams safe

    When a multicar crash happens at Talladega Superspeedway or when crewmembers get hurt along pit road, there is a group of professionals always ready to put their lives on the line to save another -- firemen. Four firefighters from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., John Piccuito, J.R. Suddarth, Jimmy Reed

  • USAFE, Rwandan security forces protect airlift mission

    A joint U.S. and Rwandan security forces team is keeping the people and aircraft supporting humanitarian operations here safe. Sixteen Airmen with the 786th Security Forces Squadron from Sembach Air Base, Germany, and six Airmen with the 435th SFS at Ramstein AB, Germany, are working with Rwandan

  • Enlisted Village opens assisted living doors

    After two years, a reneged $8-million donation and several major hurricanes, the Air Force Enlisted Village finally opened the doors to Hawthorn House, the latest addition to the community that “provides a home” for widows of retired enlisted Airmen. Hawthorn House, a 64-apartment assisted living

  • Annual Combined Federal Campaign kicks off

    Following the record-setting campaign of a year ago, the nation’s largest workplace charity campaign is under way for both overseas and U.S. military installations. The 2005-2006 Combined Federal Campaign runs for six consecutive weeks during a designated period between Sept. 1 and Dec. 15 for bases