Kyrgyz controllers see stateside air traffic operations

Kyrgyz controllers from Manas Air Base got the chance to see air traffic operations on a whole new level with an orientation trip to the United States Sept. 3 to 17. Seven Kyrgyz air navigation controllers spent nearly two weeks touring the training and advanced operations sites that comprise the

Housing privatization to begin at 6 bases

Improved living conditions for Airmen and their families at six Air Education and Training Command bases will become a reality Oct. 1. That's when Pinnacle-Hunt Communities, LLC, as the selected housing developer for the AETC Group II Housing Privatization program, will take charge of the design,

Air Force awarded 'best of best' for ozone sustainment

The Air Force received the Best-of-the-Best Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award for outstanding leadership in stratospheric ozone protection from the United Nations Environmental Programme and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The award was part of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the

U.S. Air Force Marathon official results announced

Runners here during the U.S. Air Force Marathon Sept. 15 were treated to crystal blue skies, cool temperatures and a new record set. The official results, announced Sept. 19, confirmed 32-year-old Josh Cox from San Diego and Mammoth Lakes, Calif. as overall winner in the men's full marathon. Cox's

Airmen make AFSO 21 successful

The Air Force's top Smart Operations for the 21st century leader said Airmen and their ideas are critical to the success of the service's efforts to improve efficiency during a visit Sept. 17 here. "Individual Airmen are incredibly important to the success of AFSO 21," said Dr. Ronald Ritter,

Civilian pay raises become more performance-based

Department of Defense officials will use half of a January 2008 government-wide pay increase to adjust base salaries for eligible National Security Personnel System employees. Remaining funds will be distributed by pay pools based on an assessment of individual employee performance in meeting

Air Force leaders gather at memorial for anniversary

The Air Force's three top leaders laid a wreath at the Air Force Memorial Sept. 18 to commemorate the service's 60th anniversary. "The memorial gives (us) a home to honor the service and sacrifice of men and women of the Air Force and its predecessors, and so it is right that we lay this wreath here

Air Force to hold industry forum for energy projects

Air Force officials will host an Energy Enhanced Use Lease Industry Forum Sep. 26 and 27 in California to give private industry and community stakeholders an opportunity to learn how the service intends to use energy projects, both renewable and conventional. During the two-day forum, which will be

New York City salutes Air Force's birthday

1 woman, 1 big award

An Air Force colonel received the National Aeronautic Association's Katharine Wright Award Sept. 15 at a conference of the Ninety-Nines in Boulder, Colo. Col. Catherine A. Chilton, senior mobilization assistant to the commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, at Wright-Patterson Air Force

Sept. 17 airpower summary: Maintainers keep them flying

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles targeted enemies in a tree line near Kajaki

Drill team begins 'Birthday Tour'

The Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team is celebrating the service's 60th anniversary with their "Birthday Tour" in communities across the United States.The team performed Sept. 14 at New Mexico's all-state Air Force Ball for services members from Holloman, Cannon and Kirtland Air Force bases. Next,

Secretary, chief send Air Force birthday message

The following is a message from Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley on the Air Force's 60th birthday Sept. 18. "Sixty years ago today the Air Force became an independent service. Three days before becoming the first secretary of the Air

Sept. 16 airpower summary: Tankers fuel the fleet

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Air Force F-10 Thunderbolt IIs targeted enemies near Asadabad with cannon

C-17 Globemaster III celebrates 16 years of flight

At 16 years young, the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is the newest and most versatile aircraft in the mobility fleet. And, according to those who fly it, it is the best the Air Force has seen in its 60 years. "There's no doubt in my mind I fly the best transport aircraft ever," said Major Wayne

PRTs help rebuild Afghanistan, one road at a time

A joint effort between the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team based here and local Afghan villagers led to the opening of a new road Sept. 14 in Bagram District. Brig. Gen. James W. Hyatt, the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, was on hand to mark the ribbon cutting for a new three-kilometer

Financial service center opens doors at Ellsworth

The new Air Force Financial Services Center officially opened its doors Sept. 14 with an assumption of command and ribbon cutting ceremony officiated by Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne. During the assumption of command ceremony, Col. Judy Perry assumed command of the center. "Opening the

'Today's Air Force' highlights force shaping, Air Force Week

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights new personnel changes through force shaping; after duty volunteering downrange, and Air Force Week Honolulu.The 30-minute, weekly news show can be seen every day on The Pentagon Channel, American Forces Radio and Television Service stations

Doing space a different way

Space community representatives are gearing up to meet to discuss ways to think differently and conduct business differently to make operationally responsive space a success. The goal of ORS is to provide joint force commanders space and space-related capabilities on orbit, quickly to meet urgent

Airmen in Afghanistan pay tribute to Air Force anniversary

Coalition servicemembers and Airmen assigned to the Combine Security Transition Command-Afghanistan gathered to pay tribute to six decades of air and space power by celebrating the Air Force's 60th anniversary Sept. 14 here. The celebration, titled "Heritage to Horizons: Commemorating 60 years of

All Air Force Reserve officer candidates to train at Maxwell

Starting in October, Air Force Reserve Command will send all candidates for reserve line officer training to the Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Previously, only rated officer candidates - pilots, navigators and air battle mangers - attend OTS at Maxwell AFB.  The first

Symbol of tyranny replaced with school for Iraq air force

Senior U.S. and Iraqi air force officials witnessed history in the making with the dedication of the Iraqi Air Force Training School and the commissioning of 11 officer candidates into the Iraqi air force.Lt. Gen. Kamal Brazanjay, the commander of the Iraqi Air Force; Brig. Gen. Robert R. Allardice,

Palace HART making a difference in the lives of Airmen

A vehicle operations journeyman by trade, Tech. Sgt. Corey Carter found running convoy security escort missions while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to be an exciting change of pace. That was until an encounter with an improvised explosive device Sept. 5, 2004, near Balad, Iraq,

Korean War veterans leading different lives reunite

The two veterans have led very different lives since their last meeting 55 years ago. Donald Krueger, an enlisted munitions specialist during the Korean War, was visiting South Korea for the first time since serving in the war. Retired Lt. Col. Harold Fischer was one of eight fighter pilots touring

AFMC executive director discusses challenges

Air Force Materiel Command's top civilian leader discussed several challenges facing the Air Force, including the increasing costs of personnel and military health care, during a speech to the International Test and Evaluation Association Antelope Valley chapter Sept. 5 here. Barbara A. Westgate,

'Today's Air Force' highlights international relationships, technology

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the relationship between the U.S. and Iceland, covers some of the Air Force's newest technology like the MQ-9 Reaper and showcases a salute to Jimmy Stewart. The 30-minute, weekly news show can be seen every day on The Pentagon Channel, American

New software enhances mission report data analysis capability

In response to a warfighter need for automated mission report data management capability, the Global Cyberspace Integration Center here joined Air Force Research Laboratories to develop the Mission Report Analysis Tool, or MAT. MAT data management software installed at a base in Southwest Asia is

Expeditionary center's Air Force art collection inspires Airmen

When the Air Force Expeditionary Center was first established in 1994 as the Air Mobility Warfare Center, the walls of the building were bare.Gen. William J. Begert, then commander, and his wife, Judy, made a special trip to the Air Force Art Program's warehouse to find items to display within the

AEF Operations begins move to Air Force Personnel Center

The Air Force Personnel Center here recently earned an initial operating capability for an Air and Space Expeditionary Force systems migration. This milestone was a major step toward moving AEF Operations, located at Langley Air Force Base, Va., to AFPC by September 2008. AEF Operations, formerly

Air Force to transform financial services

Air Force financial services are undergoing a major change that will save millions of dollars and return hundreds of Airmen to the fight, said a senior Air Force financial management official here Sept. 12. As part of a two-year plan, the Air Force Financial Services Center will open its doors Sept.

Eagle Cash card: Money spreads its wings

Deployed servicemembers in Southwest Asia can now access their funds 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a new, automated money management program called Eagle Cash. Co-sponsored by the Army and the Department of the Treasury, Eagle Cash is a financial management tool to support military members

Kansas Jayhawks fly final sortie

After 66 years of supporting a flying mission, the Kansas Air National Guard Flying Jayhawks celebrated their final squadron sortie here this weekend. In a ceremony attended by past and present unit members, Brig. Gen. Edward Flora, commander of the Kansas Air Guard and former 184th Wing commander,

NCO saves Airman's life with Heimlich maneuver

An Air Force sergeant used the Heimlich maneuver to save a choking Airman's life Sept. 1 at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing dining facility here. Staff Sgt. Justin Hicks, a U-2 crew chief deployed from the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., had just worked a 12-hour

Air Force leaders create A1 Quick Response Cell

Manpower, personnel and services professionals now have a new set of allies at Air Force headquarters. The Air Force A1 staff recently formed a 20-person team, dubbed the A1 Quick Response Cell, to help their people in the field identify and revamp policies or processes that can be handled more

Progress continues in Parwan, Afghanistan

War-torn for more than 30 years, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan continues to take the necessary steps to strengthen and rebuild its government. Working hand-in-hand with groups such as the United States Agency for International Development and coalition forces-led provincial reconstruction

Kunsan Airmen remember Sept. 11

Members of the 8th Fighter Wing here Sept. 11 paid a special tribute to the victims and emergency responders involved with the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.Members of the base fire department, 8th Medical Group and 8th Security Forces Squadron formed a special emergency services flight

Gen. McNabb inducted into AMC Order of the Sword

Air Mobility Command's eighth recipient of the Order of the Sword was presented to Gen. Duncan J. McNabb during a Sept. 6 ceremony here attended by more than 425 enlisted members from throughout the command. The crowd assembled in the Scott Club ballroom to honor their leader, who was singled out

Commander highlights AETC mission, impact, initiatives

The commander of Air Education and Training Command treated a crowd of more than 2,000 to a look at "The First Command's" mission, initiatives, and impact on the Air Force during opening comments at the 2007 AETC Symposium Sept. 6 in San Antonio. Gen. William R. Looney III highlighted the three main

New mobility commander to continue raising the bar

Air Mobility Command's new commander said he will strive to deliver what America and the command's Airmen deserve: a continued pursuit of excellence in global air mobility. "We're going to keep raising the bar -- we'll keep going farther and farther with this command," said Gen. Arthur J. Lichte

3 private housing projects to begin Oct. 1

The Air Force's top civil engineer has signed a lease for his future home at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., one of 3,189 to be built by a private developer as part of a 50-year partnership with the service. "This is nothing but good news for our Airmen and their families," said Maj. Gen. Del Eulberg,

Personnel Center releases improved force development tool

Air Force Personnel Center officials will launch the Airmen Development Plan, or ADP, Sept. 14. The ADP is a new, Web-based decision support tool designed to integrate numerous force development tools, including electronic records, duty histories and assignment preferences into one platform.Phase

Djibouti schoolchildren offered brighter future

Officials from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 6 dedicating new educational facilities for the schoolchildren of Balbala, Djibouti. Projects for the Balbala and Goubetto primary schools were handed-over during the dedication ceremony to the local

Officials release revised ABU wear policy

Now that the Airman battle uniform is on the shelves of some military clothing sales stores, Air Force uniform officials here released a revised ABU wear policy message Sept. 5 to ensure Airmen are aware of the standards for the new uniform. The message is a follow up to the wear policy message

PACAF unveils 60th anniversary aloha shirt

A brightly printed, comfortably casual Hawaiian shirt epitomizes the laid-back culture of the islands. In Hawaii, they're called "aloha shirts," and locals find them appropriate attire for business, pleasure and everything in between. Pacific Air Forces officials wanted a special aloha shirt created

Little League World Series champs take fame in stride

While some kids might boast about having a Little League World Series under their belts, the Warner Robins American Little League baseball players are taking it all in stride.Parents of five of the players who were part of Robins team said the journey to the Little League World Series, which started

Air Force continues search for missing adventurer

Air Force Rescue Coordination Center officials here continue to provide critical search and rescue support in the multistate effort to find Steve Fossett, an adventurer missing since Sept. 3. The extensive coordination and support effort includes coordination with officials from across the United

Air Force presence to be seen on Sept. 11 anniversary

On the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Air Force fighters assigned to the Continental U.S. NORAD Region will be visible over the New York City area. Two F-15 Eagles from the 102nd Fighter Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base, Mass., will over fly New York City as part

Air University publication targets strategic 'think tanks'

Air University officials here in September released the inaugural issue of Strategic Studies Quarterly to help meet Air Force chief of staff's vision of injecting air, space and cyberspace perspectives into the intellectual battle space. "We must ensure our warfighting future," Gen. T. Michael

Air Force Marathon sets registration record

The Air Force Marathon has eclipsed last year's registration numbers and is on pace to attract 6,000 runners for the first time in its 11-year history. The marathon, set for Sept. 15 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, officially surpassed last year's total number of 5,027 runners, with 5,404

Hickam Airman to play during Air Force Week

One Hickam Air Force Base Airman will get the chance of a lifetime to take the stage before the Air Force's premiere talent showcase, Tops in Blue, at the Waikiki Shell during the Air Force Week Honolulu celebration Sept. 7 through 15. Tech. Sgt. Daniel Baduria, an air Reserve technician with the

Moody Airmen use AFSO 21 to get it right the first time

Members of the 723rd Maintenance Squadron here are currently redesigning the incoming A-10 Thunderbolt II phase inspection operations with a top-to-bottom evaluation of its facilities in a rapid improvement event, or RIE. By redesigning the layout of the stations where Moody Air Force Base A-10Cs

AFPC testing new external applicant recruitment tool

External applicants interested in working for the Air Force may have an easier road to travel because of a new recruitment tool, said Air Force Personnel Center officials at Randolph Air Force Base. The new tool is called USA Staffing, a human resources hiring tool that is integrated with the

Air Force units assist in search for adventurer Steve Fossett

Air Force members from around the United States scrambled early Sept. 4 to assist in locating billionaire adventurer Steve Fossett in the border area around Southwest Nevada and California. The 1st Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. Henry C. "Hank" Morrow, the Inland Search and Rescue Coordinator, is

Undersecretary of the Air Force heads back to school

The undersecretary of the Air Force, Dr. Ronald M. Sega, announced Aug. 30 he was resigning his post for a faculty position at Colorado State University. Dr. Sega, a former astronaut, became the undersecretary of the Air Force in 2005. His background with NASA gave him vast credibility as the Air

Chinook shipment a joint effort by Army, Air Force

Members of Peterson Air Force Base helped load 12 Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters onto Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs during the last two weeks of August to send the choppers to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Airmen, Soldiers, contractors and civilian members disassembled and inspected the

Integration center connects DOD members

The Global Cyberspace Integration Center here is playing a key role in helping the Defense Information Systems Agency deploy a new service to the entire Department of Defense business and warfighting community. DISA recently awarded a contract to deploy Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional software

Last two T-38s get avionics upgrade

The Air Force closed another chapter in the T-38 Talon aircraft modification process as the last two upgraded aircraft arrived the end of August at Randolph Air Force Base. The aircraft underwent such a major change that Air Force officials redesignated it the T-38C."The last two aircraft being

Firefighters' career field streamlines for success

The Air Force's top civil engineer wants to change the way Air Force firefighters do business. As force-shaping measures decrease the overall numbers of firefighters in the Air Force by more than 900 people, Maj. Gen. Del Eulberg said he has had to find new ways to maintain their mission capabilityy

Air Force medical group saves thousands with AFSO 21

Members of the Fairchild Air Force Base medical group saved more than $75,000 in emergency room visit costs over the past year through a just-do-it initiative, a program associated with Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century. Through patient education and training, the 92nd Medical Group

Space experts meet to address warfighter needs

More than 70 senior leaders and experts from across the services, joint agencies and intelligence community came together Aug. 28 at Headquarters Air Force Space Command here to discuss the way ahead for operationally responsive space, or ORS. The objectives of the meeting were to clearly define

'Today's Air Force' focuses on Afghan National Army

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the new Afghan National Army and their responsibility for protecting their country from counter-insurgency. See how Airmen are organizing, training and getting the Afghans equipped to fly once again. Witness the Air Force in action through

New global logistics unit to be headquartered at Scott

Air Force Materiel Command officials announced Aug. 30 that the Global Logistics Support Center headquarters will be located at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. The Global Logistics Support Center, or GLSC, will stand up in fiscal 2008 and serve as the Air Force's supply chain manager. The decision to

Al Asad Airmen load, help deliver new 'Buffaloes'

Airmen from the 438th Air Expeditionary Group Aerial Port Flight from Al Asad Air Base helped deliver four new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Category III Buffalo vehicles to ground troops in and throughout Iraq Aug. 28.  The new MRAPs, which are to phase out the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled

Calhoun era kicks off with 34-3 win

For the first time in three years, Air Force football fans saw their Falcons play a home game on Parents' Weekend. More importantly, they witnessed the bluesuiters win for the first time in five games dating back to last season. Air Force built up a statistical advantage in every facet of the game

USCENTAF commander visits Airmen at Camp Lemonier

The Air Force's role in the stand up of Africa Command and the Airmen's increased presence in support of the humanitarian mission in the Horn of Africa were key topics discussed by the Central Air Forces Commander at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Aug. 28. Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, also the Air Component

Thrift Savings Plan improves security measures

The Thrift Savings Plan will begin using account numbers to improve individual account holder security effective in October. TSP officials will mail new account numbers to participants in September replacing the use of Social Security numbers as the primary means to identify current civilian and

USTRANSCOM ready for worst hurricanes can muster

As Hurricane Dean converged on the Gulf of Mexico in August, members of the U.S. Transportation Command were prepared for the worst its winds could muster. In support of United States Northern Command, aeromedical capabilities such as personnel and equipment were forward -deployed to Texas, and a

Cannon unit to become 27th Special Operations Wing

Air Force officials here announced Aug. 30 the designation of a new Air Force Special Operations Command wing at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., as the 27th Special Operations Wing. The 27th designation, currently used as the 27th Fighter Wing at Cannon AFB, will change from fighter to special

Reserve beats recruiting goal for seventh consecutive year

Air Force Reserve officials announced they have reached their recruiting goal for 2007, topping 8,000 people Aug. 28.This is the seventh consecutive year Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting Service has surpassed its goals, an achievement unmatched by any other Reserve component. Approximately 400

McChord C-17 crew flies medevac mission out of Antarctica

Airmen of the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron flew a C-17 Globemaster III on a medical evacuation mission to bring a patient requiring immediate medical attention Aug. 28 out of Antarctica. Twenty-four hours after completing their winter fly-in season for Operation Deep Freeze, 304th EAS Airmen

McClellan Park celebrates base closure milestone

The former McClellan Air Force Base in California, now known as McClellan Park, celebrated a base closure milestone Aug. 27.Officials from the Air Force Real Property Agency and the County of Sacramento hosted a ceremony marking the first time in the nation the military funded an early transfer with

Former Illinois base transferred to village of Rantoul

Air Force officials recently transferred more than 780 acres of the former Chanute Air Force Base to Rantoul, Ill., in a deed signing ceremony. This transfer marks a significant milestone for the Air Force in achieving property transfer goals, and the village's title ownership of the Federal

Tricare beneficiaries save time, money with new service

Registering for the Tricare mail-order pharmacy is now just a quick phone call or click of a mouse away for military families and retireees with the launch of the new Member Choice Center. With this new service, beneficiaries obtain enrollment assistance, and MCC members contact the physician to

DJs go to Guam to thank Cannon Airmen again

Two radio personalities from New Mexico came to Guam bearing greetings, letters and gifts from families and friends to say "thanks again" to Airmen of the 522nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed here from Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.The two disc jockeys, Steve Rooney and Duffy Moon, of the

C-5 to be showcased at Air Force Marathon

The official aircraft of the 11th annual Air Force Marathon is the C-5 Galaxy and marathon participants, spectators and volunteers will see the aircraft fly over the course of the race Sept. 15 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.A C-5 will fly over the base as the day will be filled with

Air Force's 'Knowledge Now' streamlines flow of information

The Air Force now has a "virtual community" where individuals can go anytime to share information with their peers anywhere in the world. Called "Knowledge Now," this community is a collaborative Web system that is accessible through the Air Force Portal and is designed to allow Airmen of all ranks,

50 slots available for nurse enlisted commissioning program

An Air Force supplemental board is scheduled for October to select 50 additional candidates due to a shortfall in the number of qualified applicants for the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program.Program officials are looking to fill those slots for the spring 2008 start date with Airmen who want to

E-Pubs migrate to Air Force Public Web

Whether you are a warfighter in Iraq or a retired Airman in Nebraska, accessing Air Force forms or publications is now easier than ever due to a centralized Web site that began Aug. 24.The Air Force Departmental Publishing Office, or e-Pubs, officially migrated under the Air Force Public Web program

Manas Top 3 Council swings into action in Kyrgyzstan

What do you get when you combine 11 Airmen, a swing set and about 60 children? A recipe for success. Members from the Manas Air Base Top Three Council delivered a swing set to the Umut-Nadjeshda Children's Rehabilitation Center Aug. 20 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Officials from the U.S.

Wilford Hall opens Joint Warfighter Refractive Surgery Center

Cutting-edge laser eye surgery procedures for active-duty servicemembers are now available as 59th Medical Wing officials opened the first Department of Defense Joint Warfighter Refractive Surgery Center Aug. 23 here.  The $2.7 million renovated facility houses the most advanced technology available

Summit tracks warfare center consolidation

Senior Air Force leaders gathered at the Pentagon Aug. 23 for a U.S. Air Force Warfare Center Summit. The purpose of the summit was to track progress and consider new initiatives in the ongoing effort to forge a single warfare center within the Air Force. The vision is a simple but powerful one,

Winter flights to Antarctica wrap up

Airmen from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., completed the Operation Deep Freeze 2007-08 winter fly-in season when a final C-17 Globemaster III took off Aug. 25 from Pegasus White Ice Runway in Antarctica. Members of the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron flew a total of 355 passengers and 119,953

A-10 Thunderbolt II gets technological 'thumbs up'

The precision engagement modified A-10C Thunderbolt II received its Initial Operational Capability Aug. 21 during a ceremony here. The A-10C has received its most significant modifications in its 30-year history, said Lt. Col. Ralph Hansen, chief of A-10 requirements for Air Combat Command. The

Dover honors women's contribution to force

Dover Air Force Base members commemorated the 87 years since the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed and saluted all women here Aug. 24. Since Esther Blake enlisted July 8, 1948 on the first minute of the first hour of the first day regular Air Force duty was authorized for women,

General, Red Sox icon make Air Force Week pitches

An Air National Guard general and a Boston Red Sox legend both threw out first pitches before a minor league baseball game Aug. 23 at Lelacheur Park here. As part of an Air Force Week New England event, Maj. Gen. Michael D. Akey, the Massachusetts ANG chief of staff, said it was a thrill to

Astronaut orbits Air Force Week science day

A former major and astronaut provided the opening remarks for the Air Force Week New England Science Day Aug. 21 at the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium in Concord, N.H. Astronaut Jay Buckey, who in 1998 served as a payload specialist aboard NASA space shuttle flight STS-90, said he was happy to see so

Americans, Iraqis interact at historical monument

Approximately 80 Iraqis from the city of An Nasiriyah interacted for the first time with Airmen and Soldiers at the Ziggurat historical monument Aug. 21 at Ali Base. It has been more than 10 years since any Iraqi native has been allowed to visit the Ziggurat of Ur, which is the most dominant

Air Force fighter squadron celebrates 90th year

An F-22A Raptor demonstrated its air power during the wrap-up Aug. 20 of the 90th Fighter Squadron's 90th anniversary. Former and current members of the 90th FS gathered here Aug. 17 to 20 to recall the squadron's past and look forward to its future. "It is very humbling to be part of a squadron

Neither snow nor deep freeze keep mail from Antarctica

Members of the Det. 4, Pacific Air Forces Air Postal Squadron here have been busy supporting Operation Deep Freeze 2007-08 winter flights to Antarctica beginning in late August after more than 150 days since the last shipment of mail to the ice station. The detachment members collected 14,000 pounds

Mildenhall Airmen showcase Air Force in Russia

American pilots, aircrew and maintainers from the 100th Air Refueling Wing from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, are on display Aug. 21 to 26 at the Moscow International Air Show in Russia. RAF Mildenhall Airmen have just one of a number of U.S. Air Force aircraft participating in the

Marathon signals growing partnership between base, university

The U.S. Air Force Marathon's 5K race has a new location and date for 2007. Signifying a new partnership between Wright-Patterson AFB and nearby Wright State University, this year's 5K race will take place on the university's campus Sept. 14, the day before the marathon, which will be held at the

Airmen mentorship helps develop Afghan hospital

Airmen and Soldiers are blending medical supply logistics with a dose of Afghan national army partnership in a dusty warehouse at ANA's Hero Camp near Kandahar Airfield. It's a prescription for successful mentoring as the Afghans prepare for a new hospital opening here, said Capt. Jay Snodgrass, a

Tops in Blue brings sergeant home for an encore

A Tops in Blue performance at Veterans Memorial Park here Aug. 18 was an opportunity for one performer to catch up with friends and family. Staff Sgt. Mark Schmidt, the bass player for the Tops in Blue 2007 World Tour, grew up in nearby Biddeford, Maine, where he learned how to play the bass in high

B-24 gunner receives Purple Heart for heroism in WW II

The scene in the rotunda of Randolph's Taj Mahal Aug. 21 probably seemed like too much hoopla to one former Army Air Corps staff sergeant. But all the TV cameras and reporters there to capture the moment, the remarks by an Air Force major general and the admiration shown by servicemembers and

Fairchild NCO receives $10,000 for great idea

A Fairchild Air Force Base NCO used his knowledge and experience as a KC-10 Extender and KC-135 Stratotanker crew chief to come up with an idea worth $10,000.Tech. Sgt. Cade Peterson, a 92nd Maintenance Operations Squadron senior weapon system coordinator, used the the Innovative Development through

Maine Air Guard peddles Air Force Week from town to town

After pedaling their bicycles along 170 miles of Maine roads, 18 Maine Air National Guard Cycle Team members, dressed in red, white and blue cycling outfits, coasted to the end of their three-day journey Aug. 20 in front of the local minor leage baseball stadium here. Their trek started in Bangor

Airman's Roll Call highlights mentorship

This week's Airman's Roll Call highlights mentoring to prepare Airmen for increased responsibilities as they progress in their careers. A mentor is defined as a trusted counselor or guide, according to the new Air Force Professional Development Guide. Mentoring provides a framework to bring about

Air Force officials announce 2008 force-shaping plans

Air Force officials recently announced plans to meet the 2008 fiscal year end-strength of 328,600, which calls for a force reduction of about 5,400 officers and enlisted members through normal attrition, retirement or force-shaping measures. The reductions are in line with Air Force efforts to

Artist captures Eielson mission change on canvas

An artist recently captured the mission evolution at Eielson in an oil painting. Capt. Warren Neary, an Air Force reservist assigned to the Air Force Space Command history office, completed an oil painting that depicts the change in mission at Eielson and the 354th Fighter Wing. The painting is

Army Air Corps veteran talks about war experience

The 81-year-old World War II veteran was a liar. Robert McNally shared his story at the Pease Air National Guard Base's air show Aug. 19, one of the main attractions of Air Force Week New England. Mr. McNally's military journey preceded the Air Force and started in the era of the Army Air Corps.