Airman's Roll Call: how the Air Force buys weapon systems

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on how the Air Force purchases new weapon systems. In recent months there has been lots of talk about the Air Force and its efforts to replace the Eisenhower-era KC-135 Stratotanker. The Air Force uses a detailed acquisition process for its purchasing needs.

Airmen add color to deployed environment

When the Taliban took power in 1996, they imposed a new way of life and removed basic freedoms for the people of Afghanistan. Among those freedoms was the banishment of art. For more than a decade, art has been missing from this society. So a group of 39 artists from Task Force MED wanted people to

Sesame Street coaches kids through parent's deployments, returns

Following a workshop that helped children cope with a military parent's deployment, the familiar, furry denizens of Sesame Street are starring in a new program focusing on multiple deployments and on family adjustments upon a parent's return. Sesame Workshop, the makers of Sesame Street, have

Moody Airmen rescue Cuban migrants found at sea

Airmen from the 23rd Wing at Moody AFB performed a maritime rescue in the Gulf of Mexico April 25 that saved six lives. Moody Airmen responded by providing two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters from the 41st Rescue Squadron, a 71st RQS HC-130P King and pararescue assets from the 38th RQS. The wing

DOD officials announce new relocation tool for families

It's almost peak moving season again for military families, and Defense Department leaders want families to know new resources are available to help. "Plan My Move," soft-launched in late summer, is the next generation of DOD's MilitaryHomefront tools to provide an integrated "e-moving" solution,

Airmen help restore Berlin Airlift memorial

Approximately 30 Airmen from Ramstein Air Base volunteered approximately 260 total man-hours to help restore the Berlin Airlift Memorial site at the former Rhein Main AB near Frankfurt International Airport in Germany April 22-24. Airmen teamed up with volunteer employees from Luftansa Technik, the

PERSCO: Keeping tabs on the ins and outs of troop movement

The shuffling of duffle bags and backpacks belonging to more than 70 Airmen and civilian contractors echoes through the patio as the morning sun's rays start to push back the night's cover. While some are nearing the end of their deployment to Southwest Asia and others are just beginning, one thing

Smithsonian puts UAVs on display

Officials at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum unveiled a new exhibit April 24 of military unmanned aerial vehicles representing each branch of service. Of the six UAVs on display, three artifacts came from the U.S. Air Force: - MQ-1L Predator A - RQ-3A Darkstar - X-45A

VA to call combat veterans with info on care, benefits

Representatives of the Department of Veterans Affairs will begin contacting nearly 570,000 recent combat veterans May 1 to ensure they know about VA's medical services and other benefits. "We will reach out and touch every veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom to let them

SECAF discusses alternative energy initiatives at conference

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne championed Air Force alternative energy initiatives at the Third Aviation and Environment conference on Apr. 22. Speaking on a panel on carbon emissions with senior leaders in the aviation industry, Secretary Wynne described the problems faced by the Air

Air Force training records go digital

Air Force officials are fielding two systems currently available through the Air Force Portal that make it easier to keep on-the-job training records up-to-date, saving time and money. Each Airman's Air Force Specialty Code will determine if their records will be maintained in one of these two

Conference focuses on challenges facing acquisition workforce

Air Force and industry leaders gathered at Wright-Patterson AFB April 22-23 to chart a course to speed the development and delivery of a new crop of revolutionary weapon systems to joint warfighters. Nearly 500 government and industry professionals attended the Defense Acquisition University's

Distributed learning initiative delivers training anywhere, any time

Every seven seconds, someone within the Defense Department completes an online training course through a program that's become the gold standard for delivering education and training anywhere, any time.The Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative, ADL for short, has grown by leaps and bounds since

AFPC, AFMC temporarily collaborate to staff AFMC vacancies

Air Force Personnel Center and Air Force Materiel Command officials are partnering to reduce the number of Air Force civilian personnel actions currently in the system. Four AFMC bases temporarily will assume responsibility for all AFMC civilian fill actions. The large civilian centers at Hill,

Honor Guard officials seeking experienced NCOs

The Air Force Honor Guard, located on Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C., is a small, selectively manned unit of just over 200 people, most of whom are young Airmen straight from basic training. Its primary mission is to render final military honors to Airmen and their family members in

Iron Flow program concludes at Kadena

With the departure of the final three F-15C Eagles from Kadena Air Base April 23 to Air National Guard units in the United States, the 18th Wing concluded Kadena AB's role in the Pacific Air Forces Iron Flow program. Begun in 2005, the Iron Flow program was a process to exchange Kadena's aging F-15

Airmen donate wheelchair, ramp for Ecuadorian girl

On April 18 Airmen from Forward Operating Location Manta conducted their final inspection of a wheelchair ramp they designed and funded for 11-year-old Kelly Yuleisy Arcentales. The completion of the wheelchair ramp from Kelly's home to the city sidewalk finalized a three month project to provide

Pitsenbarger rehonored at Moody after 42 years

A fallen pararescueman was recognized for his heroic actions more than 42 years earlier during a Medal of Honor rededication ceremony April 18 at the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Monument Park at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Airman 1st Class William Pitsenbarger, known as "Pits" to his friends,

Airmen celebrate Earth Day 2008

Airmen around the world are celebrating Earth Day with the knowledge that they play an important role in keeping the world green. Earth Day officially started in 1970 by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson in the belief that people needed a day to recognize environmental concerns. Air Force officials

Doctors break ground with new voice recognition medical capabilities in Iraq

The average professional types 50 to 70 words per minute. Lt. Col. (Dr.) John Mansfield, a urologist at the Air Force Theater Hospital here, claims he falls within that range. "Not bad, but I can talk at about 120 words per minute," Doctor Mansfield said, wearing a headset that he carries with him

Housing Web site fully functioning

A free Department of Defense-sponsored housing referral Web site is fully operational for Air Force members and civilian employees looking for homes in the continental U.S. The Automated Housing Referral Network at www.ahrn.com contains listings for: · Off-base rentals · On-base military housing ·

Airmen, reconstruction team improve Iraqi living conditions

Airmen teamed with members of the Kirkuk Air Base Provincial Reconstruction Team during a training session designed to help Iraqis improve waste management practices in the region April 16 here. Members of the 506th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Management Flight trained 11

Gates urges unconventional thinkers to address unconventional challenges

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates challenged military officers to become forward thinkers with the courage to advance new approaches needed to confront current and emerging threats. "An unconventional era of warfare requires unconventional thinkers," Secretary Gates told Air War College students

New leader of Air Force Materiel Command named

Department of Defense officials announced April 18 Lt. Gen. Donald J. Hoffman, currently the military deputy in the Office of the Assistant Air Force Secretary for Acquisition at the Pentagon, was selected to become the sixth commander of Air Force Materiel Command. President George

'Today's Air Force' features Air Force builders

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights a self-sufficient unit that builds from the ground up through blistering heat, high winds, and sandstorms.  These Airmen work long hours; establishing shelters and personnel tents, most often in Afghanistan or Iraq. Also featured is a Fit for

Reserve, active-duty Airmen fly last Antarctica mission

A total force aircrew from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., made history April 17 during the last Operation Deep Freeze mission of the 2007-2008 season. With only eight days remaining before Antarctica becomes shrouded in 24-hour darkness during winter, Airmen from the 446th and 62nd Airlift Wings

Deep Freeze Airmen warm New Zealand community's heart

Five-year-old Benjamin Laury talked about elephants, storm troopers and how cool pilots are -- all in a single, convoluted sentence -- as he looked around a C-17 Globemaster III April 17 here. As part of a home-schooling group invited to check out the enormous airplane that just flew into their

Bagram Airmen operate new transporter

The Air Force high deck patient loading platform was designated operational with the transfer of five patients during a KC-135 Stratotanker channel mission from Afghanistan to Germany April 9. The HDPLP is a special-purpose vehicle with an enclosed lighted and climate-controlled cabin designed to

Officials award $194.5 million consolidation contract

The Army Corps of Engineers district office in Louisville, Ky., announced April 16 the construction contract award that will house the bulk of missions consolidating here as a result of Base Realignment and Closure 2005 decisions. A joint venture that includes Dayton, Ohio, contractor Butt

Analysts recall pioneering scientist

Top Air Force analysts are remembering the pioneering work of Dr. Alex Orden, who died five months after they honored him and a co-worker during a 60th anniversary celebration at the Pentagon. Dr. Orden worked from 1947 to 1952 on Project SCOOP, the Scientific Computation of Optimum Programs, which

Cyber Command officials define unit's scope

Ray guns and light sabers may be weapons of science fiction, but using energy as a warfighting tool is one area that members of the Air Force Cyber Command's 450th Electronic Warfare Wing will be charged with exploring. While details of the wing's composition, mission and manning are still being

Air Force enhances medical scholarships with $20,000 bonus

Students selected by Air Force officials for three- or four-year medical school scholarships in fiscal 2008 will get an extra $20,000 in their wallets with the new Critical Skills Accession Bonus. Qualified Medical Corps Health Professions Scholarship Program recipients awarded contracts from Oct.

Airman becomes citizen in Pentagon ceremony

Senior Airman Cassandra Obermuller Brandon's grandmother set her straight. For years, the Airman flip-flopped around the idea of becoming an American citizen. Born and raised in Linden, Guyana, the 28-year-old Air Force reservist still felt a connection to the warm, tropical land of her birth. But

Dover chosen best base in Air Force

Dover Air Force Base is the Air Force winner of the 2008 Commander-in-Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence, Department of Defense officials announced April 14. The Commander-in-Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence recognizes the outstanding and innovative efforts of the

New satellite provides more power, better warfighter support

The most powerful communications satellite in the Department of Defense inventory is circling the Earth and went operational April 15.The Wideband Global SATCOM, or WGS, satellite is the first of six satellites that will take over long-haul communications from the legacy constellation, the Defense

Did you say CSI or AFOSI?

First responders here received training April 15 from an Air Force Office of Special Investigations crime scene investigator on how to process a hazardous materials incident. Special Agent Jennifer Steel, one of AFOSI's forensic science consultants, came to Vance to teach people from

Consultant program begins at ACC family readiness centers

Eleven Air Combat Command bases will start using a new Military and Family Life Consultant Program by April 28 to meet the emerging needs of active duty Airmen, guardsmen, reservists and their family members. The new program will provide workshops and nonmedical, short-term counseling services to

Pearl-like coating from oysters could protect aircraft

Scientists from the University of Dayton Research Institute have manipulated the process of shell and pearl formation in oysters to demonstrate a method for depositing pearl-like coatings onto various metal surfaces. This biomimetic research could lead to new lightweight, durable coatings able to

C-130 unit gets a new bird with an old history

For years, U.S. Air Force, coalition and sister service forces have relied on the steady stream of supplies and equipment brought in by aircrews flying KC-135 Stratotankers, C-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster IIIs and other airlift workhorses. One airplane new to Southwest Asia carries something

CMSAF addresses Academy cadets

Academy cadets had an opportunity to receive insight from the Air Force's top enlisted member April 10. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley visited the Academy to address cadets from the classes of 2008 and 2009 in Arnold Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. Be a sponge and soak

Smart Ops teams simplify processes to save thousands, earn certification

Thousands of dollars in savings are on the horizon for Tinker Air Force Base as a result of the work by two AFSO21 process improvement teams who presented their final projects and graduated from training Jan. 14.In August, two four-member teams were given one Air Logistics Center problem each with a

Air Force Reserve highlights birthday, future

The Air Force Reserve was formally established April 14, 1948, and Air Force reservists have served proudly and with great distinction ever since. It is 60 years old today! And today, responding to a variety of threats to our national security and fighting a global war on terrorism, we serve with

Air Force secretary tells cadets of changing times

The Air Force has met the challenge of change with a combination of innovation, adaptability and flexibility for the last 60 years, said the Air Force secretary in his address to first and third class cadets April 8 in Arnold Hall here. "Character and leadership skills are always in high demand and

Honduras, American medics gather to share skills

More than 35 Honduran doctors, nurses and emergency medical members met with Joint Task Force-Bravo medics to discuss emergency procedures April 6 at Hospital Militar Luis Alonso Discua in Honduras. During the exchange, American medics stationed at Soto Cono Air Base explained emergency protocols

Airpower summary for April 12: Predators patrol Iraqi skies

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb

Air Force official calls for input from deployed Airmen

The assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and Reserve affairs met with Airmen here April 9 to discuss important issues affecting as he tours the deployed theater. Craig W. Duehring met with several Air Force active-duty, Guard and Reserve members deployed to the 380th Air Expeditionary

Sheppard officials begin replacing T-37s with T-6A Texan II

The T-37 Tweet officially began its march toward full retirement March 31 when 80th Flying Training Wing officials here "took the car keys" to its replacement, the T-6A Texan II. Retired Navy Rear Adm. James Maslowski, the vice president of government business for Hawker Beechcraft in Wichita, Kan.,

Air Force rallies to beat Colorado Christian

Josh Meents doubled in Tytus Moss in the tenth inning as Air Force walked away with a 9-8 win over Colorado Christian April 8 in non-conference baseball action at the Academy's Falcon Field. The Falcons improve to 11-19 on the season while the Cougars fell to 10-28. Alexander led off the tenth with

Air Force engineers work 'outside the wire' every day

As part of a Provincial Reconstruction Team it is common to go "outside the wire" to do work. While some may only leave the base once a week, engineers are out there every day conducting site assessments, quality control missions and preparing the province to respond to natural disasters. April 1,

Euro-NATO committee has eyes on future

The spring Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program's Steering Committee completed its weeklong discussions April 4 regarding the future of the program, including its syllabus, budget and infrastructure. The committee also said goodbye to six-year chairman Royal Netherlands Air Force Air Commodore

New field account reps help information flow

Communication to and from the Air Force Personnel Center and personnelists in the field took the next big step, thanks to the recent creation of a field account representative team at AFPC. The concept was designed to improve AFPC's timeliness in delivering information to personnel professionals and

Chief receives Air Force Cross 40 years after mission

A retired chief master sergeant was awarded the Air Force Cross 40 years after the mission which earned him the Air Force's second-highest honor April 5 here. Nearly 300 members of Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Richardson's former unit attended the ceremony for the flight engineer with the 106th Rescue

More civilian providers accepting Tricare Standard

There's good news for Tricare Standard beneficiaries. More civilian providers are accepting new patients, according to a recently released survey. Yet, Tricare officials acknowledge that increasing the number of providers and types of providers across the nation remains a high priority, especially

Aggressor fleet paint scheme nears completion

After swapping out F-16 Fighting Falcons with the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Airmen from the 354th Maintenance Squadron sheet metal shop wasted no time in painting the newly-received aircraft with a flanker color scheme which helps other pilots identify these aircraft as

New concept in maintenance training comes to fruition

Years of hard work and planning came to realization April 7 when the first class of F-22 Raptor maintenance students graduated from the $21 million F-22 Maintenance Training Facility here. Eight Airmen graduated from the 13-week Aircraft Armament Systems course and became the first pipeline Airmen

AF Board members visit Kunsan Air Base

Approximately 30 members of the Air Force Board visited Kunsan Air Base April 2. The Pacific Air Forces commander selected Kunsan as the site on the peninsula for the board to visit.  The board comprises general officers and senior executive service members representing a cross section of the Air

'Army Wives' films on Charleston

Charleston Air Force Base officials hosted the first Department of Defense-supported filming of the Lifetime Television show "Army Wives" April 7 at the base exchange here.Charleston members have been working with the production company since the beginning of December on this event and since then,

Reserve officials activate space wing

Air Force Reserve Command officials stood up its first space wing, the 310th Space Wing, April 4 at Peterson Air Force Base. The 310th SW expanded from a group to a wing March 7 and was officially recognized at the ceremony attended by Gen. C. Robert "Bob" Kehler, the commander of Air Force Space

Air Force secretary discusses tankers, cyber operations

The secretary of the Air Force spoke of the future while reflecting on the past during an April 3 and 4 visit to Hanscom Air Force Base. "For all the advances we've made, I still believe there are more imaginative things to be done with electronics," Secretary Michael W. Wynne said. He said he

Air Force has new Web site for retirees

The Air Force has a new Web site just for its retiree community that is full of news and information, plus it is easy to access and navigate. The Air Force Retiree Services site is located at www.retirees.af.mil. This public Web site offers the retiree family in-depth information on the Survivor

ARPC officials now sending U.S. flags to retiring reservists

Honoring retiring reservists with an American flag just got easier through a centralized process at the Air Reserve Personnel Center in Denver. ARPC officials now purchase and distribute the flags for all reservists who request one for their retirement. Flags used to cost units nearly $20 each and

U.S., Romanian airmen break cultural barriers with sports

Airmen deployed here are breaking down language and cultural barriers with their Romanian air force counterparts through their mutual love of sports. Military members from both countries played in a soccer tournament at Campia Turzii April 7 as teams focused more on team-building than

Medics provide humanitarian support in Albania

Five Airmen from Stratton Air National Guard Base joined three New Jersey National Guard members on a humanitarian mission to administer the Hepatitis A vaccine to 1,000 children in February in Albania.Through New Jersey's State Partnership Agreement Program with Albania, the National Guard agreed

Vandenberg Airmen launch missile successfully

A Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile configured with a National Nuclear Security Administration test assembly launched at 1:01 a.m. April 1 by Vandenberg Air Force Base officials.The launch tested the weapon system's reliability and accuracy, and what makes this launch different is

DOD to phase out full Social Security numbers on IDs

As a means of combating identity theft, the Defense Department will issue identification cards without full Social Security numbers printed onto them, a senior official said here April 3. The Defense Department cares about protecting personal information as well as increasing database security, said

Some civilian career updates just clicks away

Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently introduced a new self-service application as part of its ongoing commitment to civilian force development. The Electronic Civilian Record Update, or ECRU, gives civilians preparing to meet a development team panel the ability to perform Web updates

Air Force looks to improve antennas for micro air vehicles

Air Force Office of Scientific Research officials here currently are funding a professor from the University of Minnesota who is using objective structures in his project called "GameChanger" in an attempt to make new kinds of antennas for micro air vehicles to be used for military purposes. Micro

Research leads to improved wireless communication

An Air Force Office of Scientific Research-funded researcher whose work focused on multi-user detection technology has made radio reception clearer in locations where interference is a challenge for deployed servicemembers. Dr. Rachel Learned's work in multi-user detection, or MUD, examined the

Temporary hospital finds permanent place in history

Airmen from the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group and the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron here worked together to preserve a piece of Balad Air Base, Logistics Support Area Anaconda and Operation Iraqi Freedom history. The emergency room from the old Balad AB Air Force Theater Hospital,

Iraqi air force receives new aircraft

Academy volunteers help Navajo Korean War veteran

Air Force Academy cadets, civil engineering professors and family members performed volunteer work during the Academy's spring break March 24 to 28 on a Navajo reservation here. Organized by the Academy's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Southwest Indian Foundation, one of

Former A-10 pilot, Cowboy speaks at Pentagon

Chad Hennings knows teamwork. Chad Hennings knows mentorship. Chad Hennings knows success. Chad Hennings also knows what it's like to fly an A-10 Thunderbolt II on a combat sortie, win three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys and, most recently, speak with Airmen stationed at the Pentagon. Mr.

Upgraded B-52 still on cutting edge

The B-52 Stratofortress is continually modified with new technology making the 50-year-old airframe one of the Air Force's most effective long-range heavy bombers. Modified B-52 aircraft with modern technology are capable of delivering a full range of joint-developed weapons and will continue to be

Permanent Global Logistics Support Centers stands up

A new, permanent headquarters overseeing Air Force global logistics support is now in operation at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. General Bruce Carlson, commander of Air Force Materiel Command, formally stood up the Air Force Global Logistics Support Center in ceremonies March 28 at Scott AFB. He also

Africa Command makes progress with African allies

U.S. Africa Command is making progress in gaining acceptance in Africa, the command's deputy for civil-military affairs said in an interview here. "We're doing OK," Ambassador Mary Carlin Yates said in a tone that indicated she'd like to do much better. Ms. Yates is the No. 2 person in U.S. Africa

Researchers explore materials degradation in space

When Space Shuttle Endeavor launched March 11, more than 1,000 new materials were onboard to be tested as a part of the sixth Materials International Space Station Experiment, or MISSE-6. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research initiated MISSE-6 to gain a theoretical understanding of the

Governors involved in Cyber Command basing process

Air Force officials here are involving the governors and communities of 18 states interested in hosting the new Air Force Cyber Command in the basing process. Bill Anderson, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics, sent a letter to the governors

President Bush thanks Airmen, outlines importance of 'staying the course' in Iraq

"The Air Force was critical in liberating the people of Afghanistan, the people of Iraq, and taking the fight to the enemy overseas so we do not have to face them here at home." Those opening remarks were part of a 40-minute speech delivered by President George W. Bush March 27 at the National

Sather medics prepare for worst, provide their best

"Bag him!" "I need an X-ray in here!" "I've got an abnormal rhythm!" "Somebody get me some vitals!" This could be the sounds of the fast-paced tempo and organized chaos of any emergency room anywhere, but these voices are being heard in a combat zone, where major trauma care can be more complex by

Holloman units combine to refurbish fire truck

Members of the 49th Maintenance Squadron Aircraft Metals Technology Shop and the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron's Station No. 2 here recently came together and completed the refurbishing of a fire truck, combining the abilities of two trucks into one."We were trying to come up with new ways of doing

Officials activate 711th Human Performance Wing

Officials at the Air Force Research Laboratory officially activated the 711th Human Performance Wing during a ceremony at the Air Force Institute of Technology's Kenney Hall here March 25. The new wing combines AFRL's Human Effectiveness Directorate with elements transitioning to Wright-Patterson

New warfighter education courseware released

The commander of Air University has launched a major initiative aimed at enhancing the professional development of the Air Force warfighter. Lt. Gen. Stephen Lorenz recently released the first two courses of the Warfighter Developmental Education program. WDE is a Web-based educational program

Chief master sergeant of the Air Force visits Kunsan Airmen

The chief master sergeant of the Air Force spoke with Kunsan Air Base Airmen about recapitalization, modernization and quality of life for Airmen and their families March 24 here. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley also discussed force shaping challenges and emphasized why it's

Cadets give up spring break to build homes

Pick-axes, sawdust and hammers were the dominant spring break memories for 20 Air Force Academy cadets last week in Santa Fe, N.M. The 20 are part of a group of cadets who've given up their spring breaks to build homes for needy families in Santa Fe, N.M.; Cody, Wyoming; Beaumont, Texas; and El

Bagram Airman gives all for the families

A Bagram Air Base Airman is making a difference for servicemembers and their families as she has one of the most difficult jobs in the area of responsibility.Senior Airman Sekina Moye, a services journeyman assigned to the 755th Air Expeditionary Group, is filling a six-month in-lieu-of tasking with

Tennis: Falcons fall to Stetson

U.S. Air Force Academy women's tennis team fall to Stetson March 24 at the Mandy Stoll Tennis Center here. The Hatters swept the three doubles matches and won at the top four singles positions to seal the victory and the Falcons record fell to 4-13. Junior Meghan Kiser and freshman Sarah Cassman

Airmen train Iraqis to save lives

Nine Iraqi firefighters graduated the Basic Firefighter Skills Course here as Airmen of the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Fire Department trained the newest graduates March 24 at Ali Base. The six-week course teaches students "the basics of fighting fires, search and rescue and lifesaving

Wilford Hall opens new Air Force hyperbaric therapy facility

The primary hyperbaric capability in the Air Force was relocated March 21 from Brooks City-Base, Texas, to the Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.Hyperbaric chambers are used to perform hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which supplies a surplus of oxygen to the tissues, helping

Hanscom unit preps new CAOC facility

Members of the 652nd Electronic Systems Squadron here are preparing for the future home of the U.S. Air Force Central's Combined Air and Space Operations Center facility as construction continues in Southwest Asia. The Air and Space Operations Center Weapons System, officially referred to as the

Air Force officials launch new mentoring program

Officials from the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center here and the U.S. Air Force Academy launched a new mentoring program when they signed a memorandum of agreement March 17 at the Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. The agreement enables AFOTEC members to mentor Academy cadets

Ramstein Airmen use AFSO 21 for performance reports

Members of the 86th Airlift Wing recently found ways to reduce performance report processing time by more than 30 days using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century process preparation. A team composed of 19 members from the 86th AW, the 435th Mission Support Squadron Military Personnel

New Procedure introduced in Air Force podiatric surgery

Medical specialists in the 59th Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Squadron at Wilford Hall Medical Center here are introducing a new procedure in the podiatric surgery department. The procedure, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, or ESWT, is a form of treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis. Chronic

Airmen minimize DOD weather-related losses

The 26th Operational Weather Squadron here helped minimize Department of Defense losses during severe regional weather recently that resulted in more than 20 civilian deaths and power outages affecting millions. The 26th OWS, which provides Air Force and Army installations weather watches, warnings

Experiment identifies timely solutions to warfighter

Thanks to a strong effort from the Global Cyberspace Integration Center here, 11 Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment initiatives have been delivered to the warfighter during the past 12 months, and five more are projected to be fielded within the next four months. As the lead agency for JEFX, the

AMC commander reinforces need for new tanker

While many are focused on the formal protest of the recent KC-45A contract award, the needs of the warfighter -- and the nation -- remain unchanged. The Air Force's nearly 50-year-old KC-135 Stratotanker must be replaced with a newer, more capable aircraft as soon as possible. "This is a matter of

NORAD to celebrate 50th Anniversary

North American Aerospace Defense Command is celebrating a milestone this year, 50 years of a rich and colorful history between two countries that formally acknowledged a mutual commitment to defend their citizens from air attacks. Although NORAD originally stood up at Ent Air Force Base, Colo., on

FAA lauds Air Force synthetic fuel team

The Air Force team that developed a blend of petroleum and synthetic fuel for the B-52 Stratofortress received the Federal Aviation Administration's 2007 Excellence in Aviation Research Award at a ceremony March 14 in the Air Force Research Laboratory's Propulsion Directorate here.Barry Scott, the

Air Force to lead National Image Conference

The Department of Defense named the Air Force as the lead service for this year's National Image Conference to be held April 14 to 18 at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas. The conference theme, "From Heritage to New Horizons," will provide guidance and leadership to take Hispanic youth and

B-1B achieves first supersonic flight using synthetic fuel

A B-1B Lancer from the 9th Bomb Squadron here became the first Air Force aircraft to fly at supersonic speed using an alternate fuel March 19 in a flight over Texas and New Mexico. The fuel, a 50/50 blend of synthetic and petroleum gases, is being tested as part of an ongoing Air Force program to

Little, but strong: Burned Iraqi child overcomes odds

Editor's Note: The names of the Iraqi mother and son in this article have been changed, at the mother's request, to protect their identities from terrorists who would harm them if it was known that the pair received help from American servicemembers and the U.S. government. A photo of an adorable