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  • AF Portal goes mobile, gets face-lift

    Expected to launch by the end of 2013, the Global Combat Support System-Air Force, or GCSS-AF, is rolling out a revamped portal, which simplifies navigation, improves performance on low bandwidth connections and works from mobile devices.

  • Twin defenders share same military story

    When a young Airman joins the Air Force, saying goodbye to family is inevitable. But for two brothers, saying goodbye is one thing that they have yet to experience. Woo and Ja Lee, 20 year-old identical twins from Fresno, Calif., have shared not only their civilian life, but to their surprise, a

  • Air Force picks Kadena for top teen council award

    The Kadena Air Base Youth Programs' Teen Council earned $5,000 with an original video focused on helping military dependents transition during permanent changes of station, announced Air Force Personnel Center officials.

  • Hagel: Six priorities shape future defense institutions

    In the months since the 2012 defense strategic guidance first reflected a new budget reality, Pentagon officials and military leaders have been working on the department's longer-term budget and strategy, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said here this morning.

  • Sexual assault 'trial' gives Airmen real life perspective

    It started off as a typical Friday night for many Airmen with their wallets full of money to burn, their stomachs ready to chug the best German beers and their minds ready to explore the undefined possibilities of "hooking up." But for two of them, their alcohol-fueled night would end in a shattered

  • Legal officer's commitment to service gives back to U.S.

    The United States gave Capt. Dimple Nolly's parents a chance to provide a better life for their family once they immigrated from India to America."Although my parents faced adversity, they remained focused on their goal, which ultimately inspired me to always pursue the best, do my best and push for

  • Hagel: States refusing same-sex family benefits must comply

    Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel directed the chief of the National Guard Bureau to meet with the adjutants general of nine states to resolve the issue of those states denying ID cards to same-sex spouses at National Guard facilities.

  • 2014 civilian benefits open season slated

    Open season for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program and the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program will run Nov. 11 through Dec. 9, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.

  • Reservist's amateur radio skills lynch pin for emergency responders

    He flips the switch on his radio, dialing into a local emergency channel and listens in. Focused, he concentrates, listening for the slight crackle of radio traffic.With just dead air floating through the invisible radio waves, he leans into the microphone, pressing down on the mic's element, and

  • 3,000-mile bike trek sparks Air Force career

    In 1968, a 16-year-old Oklahoma native and veteran Boy Scout traversed more than 3,000 miles of Europe on a bicycle, changing his life forever.Recently, Mike Nishimuta celebrated the 45th anniversary of his historic trip by revisiting part of his journey through Europe and biking along the same

  • Holloman tests new warhead on high-speed track

    The Defense Department announced yesterday the successful testing of an advanced conventional precision effects warhead, a critical part of a national effort to establish a conventional prompt strike capability. This capability will contribute to the country to defend its interests with precision

  • AF energy leader touts Airmen success stories

    The Air Force’s top energy expert said people are the key to success in driving down energy use, saving money and improving mission performance during the Air Force Association’s monthly breakfast in Arlington, Va., Oct 23.

  • C-17 flight nostalgic for father-son Airmen

    Any father would be proud to watch their son be a part of the arrival of the last C-17 Globemaster III to Joint Base Charleston. However, for retired Chief Master Sgt. Bob Morris, felt more than pride knowing his son, Tech. Sgt. Mike Morris, 437th Airlift Wing Operations Group standards and

  • AFI change simplifies fitness appeal process

    Airmen who fail their fitness assessment now may appeal to their wing commanders rather than submit an appeal to the Air Force Board for Corrections of Military Records, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.

  • Celebrated pilot and Vietnam POW dies at 88

    Retired Brig. Gen. Robinson “Robbie” Risner, a celebrated Korean War jet fighter ace and Vietnam prisoner of war, died Oct. 22 at Bridgewater Retirement Community, Bridgewater, Va. He was 88 years old.

  • Personnel tool helps align employees with supervisors

    Civilian employees who are not accurately aligned under their supervisors in the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System might have delays in processing important personnel actions, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.

  • Wilson takes command of Global Strike Command

    Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson took command of Air Force Global Strike Command during a ceremony here Oct. 23, becoming the newest leader of the organization responsible for the nation's force of ICBMs and nuclear-capable bombers.

  • Leaders continue to tap “innovative” Airmen for energy savings

    Air Force leadership calls upon Airmen to continue coming up with innovative ideas to provide the Air Force an assured energy advantage in air, space and cyberspace. In fiscal year 2012, the Air Force spent $9.2 billion on energy, almost 10 percent of the total budget. In a time of fiscal

  • Harvesting the wind at Cape Cod Air Force Station

    It's not just the leaves that are changing at Cape Cod Air Force Station. The Air Force station is also changing the way it gets electricity as two new giant wind turbines are being installed at the 6th Space Warning Squadron.

  • Aviano captain fulfills life-long dream on Jeopardy

    With a love of trivial knowledge, one Aviano Airman's dream came true this fall with one simple sentence -- "Can you phrase your answer in the form of a question?" On Sept. 10, 2013, Capt. Stuart Anderson, 31st Judge Advocate chief of military justice, fulfilled a life-long goal of being a

  • 'Today's Air Force' highlights maintenance Airmen, honors veterans

    This week on Today's Air Force, a group of F-16's get a new paint job, Airmen get a chance to "drive it like they stole it," and we honor the service and dedication of our veterans. This 30-minute, bi-weekly news show can be seen every day on The Pentagon Channel and American Forces Television

  • Shutdown effects continue on Defense Department, Hagel says

    The government shutdown is over, but it will take a while for the effects to fade, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said at a press conference Oct 17. At the shutdown's height, more than 400,000 Defense Department civilian employees were furloughed because of the lapse of appropriations for the new

  • AF implements changes to PT assessment

    The Air Force has released further guidance on the implementation of several changes to the physical assessment test, which will take place Oct. 21.The new guidance includes additions to the body composition component of the fitness assessment, delegation of appeal authority for fitness assessments

  • Voting deadline for Teen Council video contest is Oct. 21

    The final date to vote for the 2013 Air Force Teen Council video contest is Oct. 21.More than 20 videos were submitted for the fifth annual teen video contest and entries have been posted on the Air Force Teen Council Facebook

  • Government Shutdown: Frequently Asked Questions

    Below are frequently asked questions about the current government shutdown (Updated: Oct. 17, 2013). If you don’t find the answer to a question you have about the government shutdown and its impact on the Air Force, post your question as a comment below. We will research and try to find the

  • New virtual curriculum assists separating troops

    The Defense Department continues to assist service members and their families in preparing for the transition to civilian life with a new virtual curriculum, a Defense Department official said here.

  • Unemployment benefits may help some furloughed DOD civilians

    On the 10th day of the partial government shutdown, DOD civilians excluded by law from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's Oct. 7 recall to work of thousands of fellow employees still await an end to the political standoff that sent them home and stopped their paychecks Oct. 1.

  • New Defense Health Agency to streamline functions

    The government shutdown did not stop the official opening Oct. 1 of the Defense Health Agency, a major streamlining of military medicine that has been in the works for three decades and signed into law earlier this year.

  • Continuing family support through government shutdown

    The government shutdown is affecting quality of life, family support, and child and youth programs that service members and families value. The purpose of this blog post is to provide guidance as to what to expect regarding the operating status of these programs while the government is shut down.

  • Hagel says national security assured during shutdown

    The Defense Department and other government agencies responsible for national security will carry out their missions despite the government shutdown, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Oct. 1 here. The secretary, traveling in the Asia-Pacific region this week for high-level meetings here and in

  • Airman keeps NASCAR track safe

    For most people, the thunderous setting of a NASCAR track on race day would not be considered a tranquil environment. However, that's not the case with Tech. Sgt. Erin L. Tallman, non commissioned officer in charge of knowledge operations in the 14th Air Force Knowledge Management office at

  • New flu vaccine offers triple protection

    Each year, flu season affects millions of men, women and children. Flu season usually begins in October, so now is a great time to protect yourself and your family from the flu by getting vaccinated. The flu shot is easy to get and inexpensive - often free - for TRICARE beneficiaries and this year

  • Lieutenant beats cancer, selected to pilot Raptors

    For one new Air Force pilot, "living the dream" is much more than a cheap throwaway line. To 1st Lt. Rob Hansen of the 80th Flying Training Wing, "living" means surviving stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma. "The dream" means graduating at the top of his undergraduate pilot training class and earning a slot

  • F-35: New fighter creates new culture for 21st Century and beyond

    She didn’t have a smudge on her. Not a leak found anywhere. She even had that “new jet smell.” Skies were blue, everything was perfect. Those were the conditions on that July day in 2011 when Lt. Col. Eric Smith took off from the Lockheed facilities at Fort Worth, Texas, in the first operational

  • Memo prepares DOD employees for government shutdown

    Although Defense Department officials believe a government shutdown can be avoided when the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1, they want DOD employees to be prepared for the possibility, Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in a memo issued to the workforce Sept. 23.

  • Commander discusses future of Air Force Reserve

    Discussing the future of the Air Force, senior military and industry leaders gathered at the Air Force Association's 2013 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor, Md., Sept. 16-18.

  • New AF app helps with workplace problems

    Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, or AFSO21, is the Air Force's eight-step problem solving method and the application puts AFSO21 resources right at their fingertips. The application, available for free download from the two most popular mobile marketplaces, provides a breakdown of

  • Luke AGE gets 'lean,' increases production

    The 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Aerospace Ground Equipment flight held a "lean" event recently in an effort to operate more efficiently, saving the Air Force money and man hours. The event is designed to look at current processes to see if there are ways to do things smarter.A team of AGE

  • Upgrade gives B-52 more teeth

    The B-52 Stratofortress is set to receive an upgrade that will significantly increase its weapons payload, officials said.

  • New OTS selection board results announced

    A total of 211 men and women from across America have earned an opportunity to become Air Force leaders following their selection for an officer's commission, officials here announced today.

  • Generals stress collaboration, innovation during forum

    General officers candidly discussed innovation, concerns and the service's future during the professional development portion of the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition 2013 here Sept. 18.

  • Service chiefs detail 2014 sequestration effects

    The House Armed Services Committee heard testimony on planning for sequestration in fiscal 2014 from Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James F. Amos.

  • Software update keeps B-52 at forefront of bomber fleet

    The B-52 Stratofortress will soon receive a software upgrade that will keep the aircraft at the forefront of the U.S. strategic bomber fleet.As new equipment and advanced weapons are added to the B-52 fleet, the B-52 Software Block (BSB) upgrades allow the aircraft to utilize the full potential of

  • B-2 pilot surpasses 1,000 hours mark

    A routine flying mission became a major achievement for the Missouri Air National Guard’s 131st Bomb Wing when Maj. Luke Jayne surpassed 1,000 flying hours in the B-2 Spirit Sept. 14.

  • 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year shine at gala

    The Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year earned praise at a dinner hosted by the Air Force Association as part of the 2013 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 16.

  • U.S., Cambodian Airmen support Pacific Angel

    Twenty engineers from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces have spent the last four days working alongside 16 engineers from U.S. forces to provide engineering assistance to the citizens of Takeo.

  • Team works to heal, help injured ARC Airmen

    Air Reserve Component members who are injured or develop an illness while on active duty orders now have a centrally located team of specialists working to help them get well, get their benefits, and get back to their life.

  • Deployed Airmen trailblazers of Reaper world

    At Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, the men and women of the 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron are building the heritage of Reaper Airmen as they develop the institutional knowledge for one of the nation's newer air warfare assets.

  • AFA Air & Space Conference comes to AF.mil

    The AFA’s Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition brings Air Force and industry leaders. The Defense Media Activity and www.af.mil will be bringing coverage conference’s most important events right to your screen.

  • AF schedules closing for Continental Group housing

    The Air Force Civil Engineer Center has completed the transaction closing for the Continental Group Housing Privatization project with Corvias Military Living. On Sept. 1, Corvias assumed full housing operations at all six Continental Group bases: Edwards Air Force Base, Calif; Eglin AFB, Fla.,

  • Aviano couple receives first same-sex join spouse assignment

    Master Sgt. Angela Shunk and Tech. Sgt. Stacy Shunk received the news they had been longing for on Sept. 3, 2013, when the two Aviano Airmen were informed that they had received an assignment together under the join spouse program - the first of its kind in the Air Force since a Supreme Court

  • DOD officials announce missile defense siting study

    Pursuant to the fiscal 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, the Defense Department has initiated a study to evaluate five candidate sites in the continental United States for the potential future deployment of additional ground-based interceptors, Pentagon officials announced Sept. 12

  • Colonel promotion rate to drop

    Air Force officials decreased the promotion opportunity to the rank of colonel to 48 percent for November’s Colonel Line of the Air Force, or LAF, Central Selection Board.

  • Dover AFB firefighters unveil 9/11 memorial

    The Eagle Firefighters' Association unveiled Delaware's first public 9/11 memorial on the 12th anniversary of the attacks at the Air Mobility Command museum at Dover Air Force Base, Del., on Sept. 11.

  • $20 solution solves 14K problem

    12th Flying Training Wing T-38C pilots and maintainers will begin using multi-function display, or MFD, covers this month, saving the wing $182,000 a year in broken MFDs all for only $3,600 - just a little more than a quarter of the price for a repaired MFD.

  • Civilians must create eOPF account to access records

    Air Force Personnel Center officials are reminding Air Force civilian employees that they need to create their Office of Personnel Management electronic Official Personnel Folder account in order to access their personnel records.

  • Deployed Airmen remember Dominguez, serve on 9/11 anniversary

    Sept. 11 is never too far from the hearts and minds of the 105th Security Forces Squadron deployed here from Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York. Through mementos and each other, they remember one unit member who was killed during the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.Nearly 3,000 people

  • Memory’s requiem: 12 years after 9/11

    She held the Airfone receiver close to her mouth and spoke in a clear, concise manner.“The cockpit’s not answering,” the flight attendant said as her voice wavered slightly. “Somebody’s stabbed in business class, and um, I think there is mace that we can’t breathe. I don’t know, I think we’re

  • Airman makes a splash while giving back to community

    In 2011, Lance Thornton, then a Buffalo (N.Y.) State College student-athlete, hung up his goggles and swimwear to join the Air Force and eventually sharing his aquatic skills with the Montgomery YMCA Barracudas swim team.

  • Wounded warrior adopts four-legged partner, friend

    From the moment Staff Sgt. Brian Williams arrived at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to begin his recovery, he had only one request. Carly. Williams was deployed from the 87th Security Forces Squadron when he sustained serious injuries after an roadside bomb detonated while he was on a

  • C-130s return from fighting Western blazes

    Two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130s from the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing, aircrews and maintainers returned Aug. 30 after providing support to U.S. Forest Service aerial firefighting operations in the Western U.S.

  • Serving country, African wild animals part of routine for ANG Airman

    For one Missouri National Guardsman, life as a Citizen-Airman is far from the wilds of her civilian career. Airman Casey Self, a zookeeper at the Kansas City Zoo, joined the 131st Bomb Wing to expand her resume from taking care of animals on land and water to people in the sky as well.

  • Program gives Airman opportunity to attend Academy

    For most cadets, this represents their initial basic training experience and the beginning of their path to becoming an Air Force officer, but a few cadets in each class have taken the long road to Jacks Valley.

  • Airman helps deliver daughter, deploys same day

    Airman 1st Class Timothy Pledger was scheduled to depart for his six month deployment Aug. 30 in the early hours of the morning, but an aircraft malfunction pushed back his departure.

  • Airmen awarded Distinguished Flying Cross with valor

    Five 33rd Rescue Squadron Airmen were recently awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with valor for their heroic actions during a deployment mission in 2012.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III presented Capts. Michael Kingry, Gavin Johnson and Matthew Pfarr, Tech. Sgt. Scott Lagerveld

  • California ANG deploys Predator to support firefighters

    With wildfires continuing to rage around Yosemite National Park, the California National Guard has deployed a remotely piloted aircraft that improves the incident commander’s ability to monitor conditions on the ground.