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  • Secretary briefs lawmakers in ‘posture’ hearing

    The F/A-22 Raptor, sexual harassment, force blending and the tanker lease program were all topics of discussion as the service’s senior executive testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 2.Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche, along with the other service secretaries,

  • 'Scopes' get airmen quickly back on track

    Wilford Hall Medical Center surgeons are getting basic military trainees back into training faster with the help of laparoscopy. Surgical recoveries, which used to require four to six weeks, can now take as little as one to two weeks, according to medical officials. One recent case typified the

  • Wolfowitz addresses Guard, Reserve deployment concerns

    Though reserve-component forces are going through a stressful time, the Defense Department is working hard to improve the situation, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz told Guard and Reserve leaders here.Secretary Wolfowitz, speaking at the Adjutants General Association of the United States

  • March issue of Airman available

    Read about recent changes at the Air Force Academy and take a look at airmen serving in Southwest Asia -- from the airmen fresh out of training to the medical staff who save lives in Baghdad. These features and more highlight the March issue of Airman magazine, now available in print and online at

  • Predators move to Balad

    The unit came packed and ready to position themselves autonomously, so they could pursue their prey quietly, unseen for hours.Arriving ready to set up one of the most impressive unmanned aerial aircraft in the U.S. inventory, the Nevada unit was ready for business within days of their arrival here.

  • Personnel services now available on AF Portal

    The days where people need to remember numerous user IDs and passwords for basic online personnel services are coming to an end thanks to the Air Force Portal."The portal is a powerful tool," said Col. Gregory Touhill, director of personnel data systems at the Air Force Personnel Center here. "We

  • Officials work on balancing Guard force

    Governors will be able to call on at least 50 percent of their National Guard forces for homeland-defense missions and other state emergencies because of a plan to realign Army and Air Guard units during the next few years, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said."We will balance our forces,

  • Five generations keep proud tradition alive

    His life was spent fighting for freedom; his own freedom and the freedom of a country not yet born.Not only did he give his life in prelude to revolution from a tyrannical king, he left a legacy that continues to serve this country's continuous fight to preserve freedom at home and abroad. And one

  • Force-protection airmen keep alert

    With service and delivery contracts totaling more than $1.2 million and about 160 local nationals or third-country nationals on base at any one time, someone has to keep an eye on the workers.That duty falls to a team of about 50 airmen assigned to the force-protection section of the 407th Civil

  • Aircrew thinks fast during combat-zone emergency

    C-17 Globemaster III aircrews on departure from Iraqi airfields are accustomed to being on the lookout for threats to the aircraft. One crew from the 16th Airlift Squadron here had to wrestle with a threat from within the aircraft on a recent flight out of northern Iraq.The Globemaster III was

  • Airmen answer National Call to Service

    Since its inception in October, more than 240 trainees who enlisted under the National Call to Service Program have attended basic military training here.Under the terms set by the 2003 National Defense Authorization Act, the new airmen can serve a 15-month enlistment, followed by a possible

  • Airmen rescue civilian pilot in Alaska

    A pilot is out of the woods, literally, after being rescued by the Alaska Air National Guard’s 210th Rescue Squadron on March 1.Ted Greene, an Anchorage resident in his mid-70s, called in a mayday report after his plane crashed and was hung up in some trees in the Skwenta area, about 60 miles

  • Modeling, simulation agency names best performers

    The Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation recognized its best performers for 2003 during its yearly conference here Feb. 24 to 26. Best performers were recognized in four categories as either teams or individuals. Winners included: -- Acquisition Category: The Simulation and Analysis

  • Air Force brings aid, experts to Morocco

    In the early hours of Feb. 24, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Al Hoceima Province in northern Morocco. Within the next few hours, two smaller aftershocks measuring 4.3 and 4.1 shook the remote region. Initial reports indicated more than 570 people were killed and 405 injured. On Feb. 28,

  • Now showing: March 1 edition of AFTV News

    A landmark University of Rochester study of suicide in the Air Force headlines the latest edition of Air Force Television News.Staff Sgt. John Anderson talks to the study author, Dr. Kerry Knox, who said the Air Force program could be a model for private-sector businesses. The study found the

  • Still time to leave active duty early

    Nearly 1,250 airmen have applied to leave the Air Force early under force shaping. As the March 12 application deadline draws near, officials looking to trim the force by more than 16,000 are encouraging all airmen to carefully look at options to retire or separate earlier than they might otherwise

  • Portal provides information, access, instant messaging

    Air Force senior leaders have asked that all airmen sign up for a new Web-based technology that promises to streamline access to information across the force -- the Air Force Portal.In a December information technology initiatives memo, Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Chief of

  • Desert Storm veterans return after 13 years

    When Saddam Hussein ordered his forces to march south through Kuwait on Aug. 2, 1990, little did he know of the resolve of the young airmen who would rise to the occasion to repulse the attack.From November 1990 to May 1991, Senior Airmen Darrell Wiedenbeck, Elbert Bembry and Edward Timberman, and

  • Services initiative lets 'you be you'

    A new initiative to introduce new airmen to the leisure and recreational activities available to them on base will kick off in March.A joint venture between Air Education and Training Command and the Air Force Services Agency, the new UBU program lets “you be you.” It allows airmen basic through

  • General briefs senators on sexual harassment in Air Force

    Sexual harassment is a problem in the Air Force, but the service’s second-highest ranking officer assured members of the U.S. Senate that it has the full attention of senior leaders.Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley testified Feb. 25 before the Senate Armed Services Committee

  • CMSAF addresses quality of life

    The service’s ranking enlisted member addressed quality-of-life issues to the House subcommittee on military construction Feb. 25.Overall, quality of life in the Air Force has greatly improved, contributing to increased morale and retention, said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray.

  • Drop-zone experts ensure success during Balikatan 2004

    “Winds are calm. Clear to drop.” With these words Capt. Laura Curvey, an air mobility liaison officer from the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, officially signaled the start of bilateral airdrop operations during exercise Balikatan 2004 here. The term Balikatan is a Tagalog word

  • Military working dogs help keep base safe, secure 24/7

    When military people are in trouble, they call the cops. When cops need help, they call the K-9 unit.Working dogs here provide explosive detection support and establish a force-protection presence that will halt or deter hostile action against coalition forces.“Our main mission here it to provide

  • All-weather friends vital to CAOC mission

    It really does all depend on the weather when it comes to planning air operations.This holds true at the Combined Air Operations Center here, the central hub for air and space operations dealing with operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and in the Horn of Africa region.The CAOC weather cell

  • Incirlik airman found guilty of assault

    An airman here was sentenced to five months confinement, forfeiture of $795 of pay per month for five months and a demotion to airman basic after being convicted of several crimes. This was Incirlik's first court martial since 2002.Airman Basic Lionel Young, of the 39th Logistics Readiness

  • Reservists vital for seamless flow of business

    In this time of heightened operations tempo, Air Force units are constantly cycling in and out of different conflict zones worldwide. With a few exceptions, servicemembers in almost every career field in the military have the potential to be sent on a temporary duty assignment for extended periods

  • Airmen experience sights, sounds, tastes of India

    For the 130 airmen working here in February during Cope India ‘04, the job of flying and fixing aircraft has taken on a whole new meaning.Cope India ’04 is a bilateral exercise between the air forces from the Unites States and India involving fighter aircraft -- the first of its kind in more than 40

  • Airmen fill joint airlift needs

    When Army and Marine units receive orders to deploy, a small group of airmen is often called upon to turn sister services' air mobility needs into reality. These airmen, known as air mobility liaison officers, are experienced rated officers permanently based with Army and Marine units worldwide.

  • Airmen help community by building homes

    Spending a Saturday morning working on your house may not seem like anything new, but what about spending that Saturday morning working on the house of someone you do not even know? This is what a group of airmen from throughout the base here have been doing with their spare time for Habitat for

  • DUI puts ex-cop on other side of law

    Handcuffed and scared, a 23-year-old senior airman here rode in the back seat of a local Warner Robins Police Department squad car, playing over in his mind the night that abruptly changed his life.It was Veterans' Day 2003 when Airman X, as he will be called at his request, drank, drove and crashed

  • Servicemembers can apply for expedited U.S. citizenship

    Foreign-born servicemembers can now speed up the process to obtain American citizenship.The immediate eligibility for servicemembers to become a naturalized citizen is based on Executive Order 13269 signed by President Bush on July 3, 2002. Section 329 of the 8 U.S. Code allows the president to

  • Cope India brings out fighter ops

    Residents who live in the nearby city of Gwalior are accustomed to the sounds of fighter-jet operations -- the noise of takeoff, landings and sonic booms. But the roar of U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle aircraft in the sky above this north central Indian air force station is something completely new.The

  • Leaders call for re-energized suicide-prevention efforts

    After 11 active-duty suicides since Jan. 1 and 14 during the final quarter of 2003, Air Force senior leaders are asking commanders and leaders across the service to assess and re-energize suicide prevention efforts at all levels. The 2003 calendar year suicide rate of 10.5 per 100,000 people was

  • Bombers arrive at Andersen

    The first three B-52 Stratofortress bombers from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., arrived here Feb. 22 under an overcast sky. A total of six bombers from the 5th Bomb Wing will call Andersen home for an undetermined amount of time at the request of U.S. Pacific Command officials.The bombers are the

  • U.S. forces provide medical, dental assistance in Thailand

    U.S. forces participating in Cope Tiger ’04 here helped improve the health and welfare of more than 2,100 Thai villagers during a three-day medical and dental civic assistance program visit Feb. 20 to 22.About 20 U.S. physicians, dentists and medical technicians -- comprising airmen, Marines and

  • OSI comes face-to-face with evil

    For a group of specially trained airmen serving in Afghanistan, coming face-to-face with evil is just "another day at the office" as they conduct counterintelligence and anti-terrorism operations. Tasked with providing military leaders current, accurate information about enemy threats, the Air Force

  • Airmen train Navy's 'Rocky' to become contender

    In the 1980s, Rocky Balboa knocked out many contenders. At Charleston a new Rocky is poised to arise and become victorious in 2004.The 437th Security Forces Squadron canine unit here is helping the Charleston Naval Weapons Station develop a kennel program. The unit here has opened its doors to

  • 817th EAS keeps crews flying

    A "C-17 one-stop combat ops shop" accurately depicts the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany.Airmen deployed from the 17th Airlift Squadron here provide every service needed for C-17 Globemaster III aircrews from here and McChord Air Force Base, Wash., as well as

  • B-24 pilot receives DFC, Air Medal

    A B-24 bomber pilot has finally received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal he earned in World War II. The presentation took place during a ceremony here recently that relived the perils airmen faced during the 1940s.Then a first lieutenant, Kenneth Kinsinger earned the Distinguished

  • PMEL professionals practice precision

    They diagnose, treat and cure. There is no room for error in their line of work, or it could cost someone his or her life.The professionals assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron’s precision measurement equipment laboratory are doctors for one of the Air Force’s most precious

  • Recruiting service unveils ‘shrink-wrapped’ buses

    Air Force Recruiting Service officials rolled out their latest advertising campaign to senior leaders Feb. 19: two very colorful buses.The vehicles are standard in every way, except they are covered with a shrink-wrap design rather than a traditional paint scheme. Each vehicle features the F/A-22

  • Chief of staff takes aim at safety

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper has made it clear that he wants a mishap-free Air Force.General Jumper posted his thoughts on safety in his Feb. 18 “Chief’s Sight Picture.” The Sight Picture can be accessed through the Air Force’s Internet home page at www.af.mil. “Our ultimate goal is

  • Air Force brings DFAS airmen back on base

    To improve its total-force personnel posture, the Air Force will move nearly 400 airmen assigned to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service back to base-level comptroller squadrons.Airmen working in Department of Defense billets like DFAS support the overall military mission, but do not directly

  • Barrier technicians ensure mission safety

    Their hard work and dedication is revealed in times of crisis, and throughout each flight mission, they are there.Mobile Aircraft Arresting System barrier technicians from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, are here for Cope India 04, the first bilateral dissimilar air combat exercise between the

  • Center steps up airlift support

    Strategic airlift directorate officials here are supporting an Air Mobility Command surge request with implications far beyond any in recent history.This strategic airlift surge, requiring both parts and aircraft, stems from an ongoing troop rotation touted as the largest swap out of U.S. forces

  • KC-135 team keeps fuel flowing down range

    One of the key missions of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing here is providing fuel to the fighters and bombers supporting coalition warfighters in Afghanistan.This means the KC-135 Stratotanker operators and maintainers from Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., and MacDill AFB, Fla., must keep their

  • Air Force announces OTS selections

    Air Force officials selected 84 enlisted airmen to trade in their stripes for gold bars by choosing them to attend Officer Training School, officials here announced Feb. 18.OTS Selection Board 0403, which met here Jan. 13 to 16, considered 396 applications. The board selected 263 people, including

  • Group turning crumbling symbol into a military airfield

    Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group civil engineers are turning what was once a crumbling symbol of oppression into a military airfield that supports operations aimed at eliminating terrorists.In 1955, the Soviet Union promised $100 million to Afghanistan. Part of that money was to

  • Deployed airmen represent honor, dignity

    The American flag waves in a light breeze, its bright colors standing out in stark contrast over the gray, cracked concrete of hardened, Soviet aircraft shelters that once represented a communist state. Below the flag, airmen wearing perfectly pressed desert camouflage uniforms stand at attention.

  • Sexual assault review panel visiting Sheppard

    A cross-functional review panel is examining reports of sexual assault by students at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.Gen. Donald G. Cook, commander of Air Education and Training Command, selected Col. K.C. McClain, AETC deputy director of operations for technical training, to lead the panel's review

  • Now showing: Feb. 17 edition of AFTV News

    The latest edition of Air Force Television News is devoted exclusively to the Air Force mission in Iraq. Tech. Sgt. Pachari Lutke and Staff Sgt. Leigh Bellinger spent about two weeks in the country working with various Air Force elements to tell “The Air Force Story in Iraq.”In this program,

  • Goodwill project fosters relations

    Allied forces from the three countries participating in exercise Cope Tiger ’04 are fostering good relations in the local community by donating supplies to a rural Thai grade school.More than 1,370 servicemembers from the United States, Thailand and Singapore are taking part in the annual two-week,

  • Cope India 04 begins

    The first bilateral dissimilar air combat exercise between the U.S. Air Force and the Indian air force in more than 40 years began here Feb. 16. Approximately 150 airmen from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, are here for the exercise.Dissimilar AIR COMBAT TRAINING, otherwise known as DACT, is

  • Fuels flight powers Tallil

    In late March, they were some of the first Air Force airmen on the ground here and were instrumental in the air war effort against Saddam Hussein’s army, increasing the loiter time of A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft by providing the planes additional fuel.Almost a year later and with the

  • Space integrates air forces to win wars

    Integrating space into all operations -- air, land and sea –- is the future of Air Force Space Command, said Gen. Lance Lord during a symposium Feb. 12.“We feel good about how things have gone, and we want to talk about the future,” said General Lord, speaking at the 2004 Air Force Association

  • New visitor control bolsters base’s force protection

    The task for terrorists intent on attacking coalition forces here just got a lot more difficult Feb. 12 with the opening of the new visitor control center.The $1.3 million effort was the culmination of months of planning and construction.“In every aspect {including} the physical layout, the

  • Combat dentists keep troops’ teeth healthy

    The familiar high-pitch sound of a drill floats out from behind the curtain. Bits and pieces of decayed tooth are chipped away as the drill bores deeper and deeper. A cavity or other tooth emergency is never fun, but for soldiers and airmen in Iraq, help is just a dental visit away.The staff at

  • CSAF seeks improvements in warfighting

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper outlined new ways to make 21st century airmen faster, more efficient warfighters.General Jumper spoke at the Air Force Association’s 2004 Air Warfare Symposium in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Feb. 12.The general’s key point in addressing future capabilities

  • 'Transformation Flight Plan’ gives airmen roadmap to future

    Air Staff officials have put the finishing touches on the “Transformation Flight Plan,” which spells out the future direction of the Air Force.The TFP, a 176-page document, can be accessed through a link on the Air Force’s Internet home page at www.af.mil or on the office of force transformation Web

  • Secretary reveals future systems at AFA symposium

    Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche revealed a list of new focus areas, as well as planned changes to existing systems and proposals for new aircraft that could significantly increase the service’s lethality and effectiveness.The secretary laid out plans to improve special operations,

  • Human factor is primary cause of aviation mishaps

    The "human factor" is the primary cause of military aircraft mishaps.That testimony by Air Force Chief of Safety Maj. Gen. Kenneth W. Hess came as part of a congressional hearing on military aviation safety, Feb. 11, where safety directors from all four service branches testified before the House

  • ARC team offers link home, comfort

    There is a one-stop shop here that offers books to read, candy to eat, videos to watch and a shoulder to lean on during times of trouble. More than 1,000 books line the tent shelves, dozens of videos sit beneath a videocassette recorder and television, candy and snacks fill plastic containers, and a

  • Squadron cleans bomb dump, makes area safe

    Munitions airmen are generally proud to tell people they work in the “bomb dump,” the endearing term often used to describe a base’s munitions storage area. An exception, however, might be when the dump is, well, a dump.Upon surveying the weapons storage area upon their arrival here in November,

  • Indecent assault gets airman discharge, prison, demotion

    Committing an indecent assault on a female airman earned a 377th Security Forces Squadron airman here a bad conduct discharge, 15 months confinement and demotion in rank to E-1.Senior Airman Alfredo Preciado was convicted in a general court-martial here. He elected to be tried by a military judge

  • When all else fails, egress prevails

    The piercing sound of the terrain alert fills the cockpit. The engine has taken enemy fire, and despite the pilot’s attempts to regain control of the jet, it is on a downward spiral. At this stage, there is only one thing left to do. While the scenario may not be common here, the possibility of it

  • CSAF reconfirms service’s commitment to close-air support

    The Air Force is committed to upgrading close-air support for ground troops, the service’s senior officer said.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper met with the Senate Armed Services Committee on Feb. 10, as part of the 2005 Defense Authorization hearing series.“We are configuring our Air

  • General Jumper releases Sight Picture covering character

    In his Sight Picture released Feb. 11, the Air Force chief of staff emphasizes character as the foundation of Air Force core values and accomplishing the mission.“We have a responsibility to ourselves, the Air Force, and our nation to maintain a team of unquestionable character,” wrote Gen. John P.

  • Chaplain assistants more than just bodyguards

    During deployments, chaplains are called upon to provide spiritual services and be available for those who need to talk about their problems and concerns. But even chaplains need support to accomplish their mission.This is where the chaplain assistants come in. They take care of office functions

  • Deployed airmen getting ATM access

    An officer deployed to a forward location here has developed a template for an automated teller machine agreement that will place ATMs at selected locations in the region. The first two ATMs are due to be installed in mid-February.“Major [Scott] Lettney created the first operating agreement for the

  • Air Force plans first official charity ball

    The Air Force is holding its first official charity ball April 3 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. The proceeds will go to the Air Force Aid Society, the official charity of the Air Force.“This is the first-ever official charity ball, and we only want it to get bigger and better,” said Cathy Chilton,

  • Air Force Assistance Fund campaign begins Feb. 16

    The Air Force Assistance Fund "Commitment to Caring" campaign runs Feb. 16 to May 7, asking airmen to contribute to any of four Air Force-related charities. The charities benefit active-duty, Reserve, Guard, retired Air Force people, surviving spouses and families. This is the 31st year of the fund

  • Wrestler's eyes fixed on Athens

    Sitting in a quiet corner of the wrestling room at the Olympic Training Center, Jacob Hey stares into the bright yellow color of the floor mats mentally preparing himself to conquer his next obstacle.A year after successful reconstructive shoulder surgery, the Greco-Roman wrestler is back to 100

  • Retired NCO credits blood donations for saving his life

    Blood drives are almost as common as commander's calls here because Air Force leaders stress the importance of donating blood.Retired Tech. Sgt. Derrick Duncan, a former jet-engine mechanic instructor here, knows better than most the significance of those lifesaving donations.Sergeant Duncan packed

  • Officials limit re-enlistment window to three months

    Air Force personnel officials are changing the re-enlistment eligibility window beginning March 5.The new policy requires active-duty airmen to re-enlist within three months of their term of service expiring, a change from the 12-month window currently in effect.“In our effort to shape the force, we

  • Storytelling serves as favorite pastime

    In Africa, storytelling is a tradition and a favorite pastime. After a hard day's work and after dinner, elders and children sit around the fire to tell stories.Some are fables with fictional characters, but others are true stories of great warriors from long ago.When Africans were captured and

  • Flying Old Glory for a grateful nation

    The spirit of Sept. 11, 2001, is still evident in the sky above Afghanistan as airmen here do their part to support a long-standing tradition of carrying U.S. flags onboard aircraft flying combat missions.Crewmembers from the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Support Squadron and the 22nd Expeditionary

  • Command post stays vigilant during darkest hours

    “Ain’t it funny how the night moves?” sang Bob Seger and his Silver Bullet Band. Although Mr. Seger probably was not thinking about an Air Force command post, most strange occurrences seem to happen while the world sleeps. No one knows this better than command post controllers working the night

  • Test uniforms hit the streets

    Airmen at two bases will get a first-hand look at the proposed new utility uniform Feb. 9 when the tiger-striped blue-, green- and gray-patterned ensemble begins its wear-test phase.Officials will deliver the distinctive uniforms to testers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and Langley AFB,

  • Doors open for active duty to join Air Force Reserve

    The Air Force is opening doors and modifying programs to give people leaving active duty an opportunity to continue their military careers in the Air Force Reserve.As the active force tries to reduce manning by about 16,600, the Air Force Reserve is seeking to hire many of those experienced airmen

  • Five airmen represent Air Force on ‘Family Feud’

    Five airmen here participated along with members from other military services on the “Family Feud” game show taped Jan. 31 in Los Angeles.Air Force contestants included Capt. Robert Wagner, from the Air Force Flight Test Center judge advocate general's office; Master Sgt. Jim Gantar, 95th Mission

  • Air Force salutes hospitalized veterans

    Airmen worldwide are visiting Veterans Affairs medical centers this month to deliver support and encouragement.They are joining celebrities, civic groups and community leaders during 2004 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans week Feb. 8 to 14. The annual salute honors hospitalized veterans and

  • C-130s modernized with new avionics

    After extensive air and ground testing, Air Force Reserve Command and the Air National Guard will begin modernizing their fleets of C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft with new avionics.C-130H-2s from AFRC's 908th Airlift Wing here, along with C-130E models from the Idaho Air National Guard's 124th Wing

  • Security forces announces annual award winners

    The deputy chief of staff for air and space operations recently announced the 2003 Air Force Outstanding Security Forces Individual Award winners.These annual awards recognize the top security forces members in each category.The 2003 winners are:Career field-wide award:-- Col. Billy Jack Carter

  • Basic trainees now clean M-16s in new facility

    A recently completed 9,000-square-foot facility here has added a few hours and a new activity to the Air Force basic training program: M-16 cleaning.The more than 40,000 trainees who attend basic training each year will now use the $365,000 weapons cleaning pavilion to clean their rifles after

  • Combat Flightline keeps C-130s flying

    The year was 1965. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was still alive and man had yet to land on the moon. Amazingly, most of the C-130E Hercules aircraft currently based here were flying in 1965; many were used during the Vietnam conflict. Like a car, these aircraft will last longer and perform better

  • Silently surveying surroundings

    At first glance, it appears to be an airplane model a child might pull off a local toy-store shelf. But unlike the recreational remote aircraft, this force-protection asset is no toy. The 7-pound aircraft allows security forces to see beyond what the human eye can see and silently survey the

  • Donations arrive in Iraq, Afghanistan

    Donated goods collected here and nine other bases are beginning to arrive in Iraq. A similar donation program in Afghanistan is expanding to weekly visits, after a year of monthly deliveries. In January, workers here shipped nearly 500 pounds of school supplies, children's clothes and personal

  • Airman shares patriotism with thousands

    The honor guard team members were at attention on the sideline, hearts pounding and adrenaline racing, although the momentous game would not begin for another half hour. The honor and glory was not for the servicemembers themselves, but for their flag, their country and their military.Tech Sgt.

  • Civil engineers putting shivers aside

    Despite record-setting cold temperatures here, people assigned to the 319th Civil Engineer Squadron are keeping the base running as usual.From Jan. 24 to 26, the base received 21 inches of snow. By Jan. 29, temperatures dipped to a new winter low of minus 37 with a wind chill that hit 60 below

  • K-2 airmen use innovation to prevent ‘Groundhog Day’

    For 25 members of the aerial port flight here, every day would be "Groundhog Day" if they focused only on the day-to-day task of moving passengers and cargo. But for this team from the Nevada Air National Guard's 152nd Airlift Wing, the mission is not just loading and unloading aircraft, it is

  • 'Force shaping' means some can leave active duty early

    There is good news for thousands of airmen considering leaving active duty who thought they could not because of existing service obligations.An effort dubbed "force shaping" is opening the exit doors to officers and enlisted servicemembers in select career fields and year groups by waiving some

  • Medical care at 15,000 feet

    On the ground and in the air, airmen in this part of the world can rest assured that medical care is always close by.If a person is injured, medical people on the ground stabilize and treat the patient. But if that person needs to be transported by air for specialized care, a team of medical

  • February issue of Airman available

    Take a look at changes to the face of U.S. bases in Germany, read about life at Tallil Air Base, Iraq, and take a behind-the-scenes look at Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. These features and more highlight the February issue of Airman magazine, now available in print and online at

  • Multimedia shop keeps focus

    An airman peers through the lens of the weapon, anticipating the moment the target is in sight. The target steps off the plane. “Closer,” the airman murmurs as her eye shoots back and forth in the lens, checking the scene. Her finger squeezes gently. Click. She shoots, and another distinguished

  • Civil engineers’ work noticed every day

    Every day, airmen of the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron are seen doing a multitude of tasks, from digging trenches for electrical wiring to setting up restroom facilities.The unit’s accomplishments can be noticed when one makes a 2 a.m. trip to the restroom and comes face to face with a

  • Wing moves from Tallil to Balad

    The famed “Red Tails” were on the move recently when they relocated from a base in southern Iraq to just north of Baghdad.The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing flag was furled here before being flown to its new home at Balad Air Base, where the wing was reactivated Jan. 30. The move is part of the

  • Airmen combat sickness in community

    Airmen of the 447th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron joined soldiers to provide medical care and humanitarian assistance to residents of a local community Jan. 23. The visit to a small, impoverished town about 10 miles from here was part of the Medical Civic Action Program. The program

  • Proposed budget shows AF path

    The fiscal 2005 Defense Department budget provides the foundation upon which the Air Force will continue the war on terrorism.Maj. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, Air Force deputy assistant secretary for budget, discussed how the service’s budget priorities would allow airmen to be a better air and space

  • Japanese forces arrive to help

    Three Japanese air self-defense force C-130Hs arrived here Jan. 30, bringing to fruition an initial deployment plan Japanese forces thought would never happen.This is the first time since World War II Japanese troops have deployed supporting humanitarian activities in a hostile area.The JASDF joins

  • Winter record set at Grand Forks

    A record was set here for the coldest day in January when temperatures reached minus 37 on Jan. 29 and 30, said officials at the 319th Operations Support Squadron weather flight here.The base is also experiencing one of the snowiest winters on record,From Jan. 24 to 26, the base received 21 inches