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  • AOC hosts first online virtual tour

    The 601st Air and Space Operations Center here recently benchmarked a new program as students of Collinsville Middle School in Collinsville, Okla., got a first-hand look at the center's operations floor by way of a live virtual video tour over the Internet."The live video tour with Collinsville

  • Bataan Death March survivor shares story

    Fewer and fewer Americans today can recall where they were when they heard the news that Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, had been attacked by the Japanese on Dec. 7, 1941. As the number of first-hand accounts from World War II continues to decrease and new conflicts of the current era arise, earlier struggles

  • Tinker Reservists to participate in Navy fleet exercise

    Four 507th Air Refueling Wing KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft and more than 135 Air Force Reservists will join forces with the U.S. Navy during July to support a U.S. Pacific Fleet exercise.The exercise, called RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific), is a series of multinational maritime exercises scheduled to

  • President Obama honors new citizen service members

    Twenty-five U.S. service members filed through the White House East Room today in dress uniforms, proudly displaying their service and sacrifices to America, and took their citizenship oath before their commander in chief.They were among more than 4,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who

  • ISR history office repeats as dual-award winner

    The Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency History Office staff recently captured its second straight Brig. Gen. Brian S. Gunderson Excellence in History Programs Award, in the forward operating agency/direct reporting unit category and its second consecutive Air Force

  • Sherpa scales Mount Everest with Global Strike flag

    With a static B-52 in the background and more than 100 Global Strike Airmen looking on, Chhiring Dorje Sherpa of Nepal, presented a new piece of Air Force Global Strike heritage, June 27, which he'd carried to the top of the world and back.On May 19, Sherpa climbed Mount Everest, the highest point

  • A-10 first aircraft to use alcohol-based fuel

    On June 28, the 40th Flight Test Squadron made history here flying the first aircraft to use a new fuel blend derived from alcohol. "The A-10 is the first aircraft ever to fly on this fuel," said Jeff Braun, Chief for the Air Force Alternative Fuel Certification Division, at Wright-Patterson Air

  • Air Force leaders issue Independence Day message

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send the following Independence Day message to the men and women of the U.S. Air Force:This Fourth of July marks the 236th year since the Second Continental

  • AF colonel to oversee Colorado wildfire response

    A National Guard dual-status commander has been recently appointed to support wildfire response and relief efforts in Colorado, according to Defense Department and National Guard officials.Air Force Col. Peter J. Byrne -- director of the joint staff, Joint Force Headquarters-Colorado -- was selected

  • Language Enabled Airman Program application period begins July 2

    Air Force Culture and Language Center offcials recently announced the application window dates for the Fall 2012 Language Enabled Airman Program selection board. Applications for the Language Enabled Airman Program will be accepted July 2 through August 31, and a selection board will be held this

  • AGE turns ground power into air power

    When a call comes in to the 380th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Aerospace Ground Equipment flight, requesting a piece of equipment for an aircraft, the flight responds and delivers it.However, it isn't the call for AGE that prompts the flight into action - the delivery is actually the end

  • Despite fires, cadets arrive on time at Academy

    With fires still burning in the nearby Waldo Canyon and most of the base evacuated, about 1,000 new cadets of the class of 2016 in-processed on schedule June 28 at the U. S. Air Force Academy, Colo.To minimize the amount of cadets on base, Academy officials relocated about 550 cadets with about 200

  • Propulsion flight improves maintenance process on C-130s

    Members of the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Propulsion Flight have implemented a new process that reduces the propeller maintenance repair cycle time for the C-130 Hercules here. "We are really excited about this process because the new two- and three-day flow processes we implemented

  • Information is best weapon against suicide

    In 2010 there were 110, in 2011 there were 122, and halfway through 2012 the number is already 140.These numbers, according to Defense Department officials, refer to suicides committed across the services within the past three years. It shows an upward trend in the number of lives lost despite the

  • Air Force spouse testifies on military families with special needs

    An Air Force spouse testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Personnel here June 21 about programs and policies that support military families with special needs. Jeremy Hilton, a Navy veteran who was recently named the 2012 Military Spouse of the Year by Military Spouse

  • Dempsey details defense challenges in visit to Nebraska base

    Likening the global security environment to strong winds such as those that come with severe weather here in the central plains, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke June 26 about challenges buffeting the nation.Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and his wife, Deanie, spoke with 300 service

  • 'Son Tay' Talon flies into history

    After more than 23,500 hours of flight and approximately 47 years in service, the MC-130E Combat Talon I known as the "Godfather" left the ground here for the last time June 22 for its ultimate mission.The aircraft with the tail number 64-0523 took off for its final resting place -- a special

  • International summit focuses on enlisted issues

    Representatives of air forces from seventeen nations participated in the 2012 Partner Nations Summit here this week. The three-day event was co-hosted by the Royal Canadian Air Force and the U.S. Air Force, and focused on building relationships through discussion of common topical issues."We are

  • Wildland fire fight presents operational, personal challenges

    The flightline here roared to life June 26 as the engines of four C-130 Hercules cranked up to begin day two of Modular Airborne Fire Fighting missions in Colorado. The scene was reminiscent of a NASCAR pit with aircraft landing and refueling quickly before taking flight. Tuesday began the first

  • Research lab helps solve C-5 cracking issues

    Newly developed structural technologies developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory have solved critical cracking issues with the C-5 cargo aircraft, thereby expanding the aircraft's serviceability.As part of the Durable C-5 Structural Improvements Program, AFRL recently investigated cracking

  • Air Force teams work to tame Colorado wildfires

    An Air Force team from the active duty, Air National Guard, the Air Reserve and the Air Force Academy have mobilized to help fight the quickly spreading Waldo Canyon fire near Colorado Springs, Colo., that has burned more than 3,500 acres.The request for assistance from the National Interagency Fire

  • AF top engineers give tips on saving energy, money

    Summer is officially under way. While it means fun in the sun for Airmen and their families, it can be an expensive, wasteful time of year for the Air Force. Utility bills on installations often rise drastically as air conditioning units and sprinkler systems work to keep up. The Air Force spends

  • 'New AFNIC' offers cyber advantage

    "Cyber Innovation. Mission Success." This is how the "New" Air Force Network Integration Center officials sum up what their organization provides to the Air Force and other mission partners.It's a phrase representing a new direction for a not-so-new organization. AFNIC, established from what was

  • Air Force presence helps preserve progress in Iraq

    A group of Airmen assigned to the Office of Security Cooperation - Iraq help to preserve progress made in the country after almost a decade of war. The mission of OSC-I, in coordination with USCENTCOM and U.S. Mission-Iraq, is to conduct security cooperation activities to build partner capacity in

  • Kansas reservists 'refuel' Military Channel

    A KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew assigned to the Air Force Reserve 931st Air Refueling Group here was cast in a sort of supporting role for a Military Channel television program while performing an air refueling mission in the skies above New Mexico June 21.The routine air refueling mission called for

  • SOUTHCOM, partners prepare to respond to natural disasters

    Putting lessons learned from the 2010 earthquake response in Haiti into practice, U.S. Southern Command has entered this year's hurricane season ready to provide timely, effective aid should another disaster strike the region, command officials reported."We remain deliberately prepared," Southcom

  • Historic flying units celebrate anniversary, continue making history

    In the spring of 1942 the United States filled battle-torn European skies with squadrons of airborne war machines. Among them, two transport squadrons began carrying troops and supplies into the Second World War, beginning a parallel history spanning seven decades and many military conflicts. As if

  • Airman faces charges in slaying of fellow service member

    Airman 1st Class James Thomas of the 703rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here was indicted June 15 on 11 charges including murder, evidence-tampering and obstruction of justice.In a court filing June 19 in Anchorage, Alaska, an autopsy found Senior Airman Clinton Reeves, formerly of the 673rd

  • German air force brings Eurofighter, skills to Eielson AFB

    After a nearly 5,000-mile trip across the world, 150 members of the German air force recently arrived here with eight German Eurofighter Typhoons.It is the first time the German airframe has deployed overseas, according to German officials. In fact, it is the very first of the Eurofighter's

  • Air Force officials announce milestone Atlas V launch

    As part of the Defense Department's ongoing efforts to maintain assured, affordable access to space through 2030, the Atlas V rocket successfully lifted off from Space Launch Complex-41 at Florida's Cape Canaveral on June 20, Air Force officials said."This is an exciting time for the U.S. space

  • Carter urges Charleston service members to consider future

    Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter visited service members in the coastal low country of South Carolina on June 18, urging the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen who serve the nation here to think about the future. Against the backdrop of a hulking C-17 Globemaster III transport jet, one of 54 on

  • Playground dedicated for children of the fallen

    Donors, wing leaders and distinguished guests were on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony of a new playground at the Fisher House for Families of the Fallen June 18 here. The playground, dedicated to the children who travel to Dover Air Force Base, Del., to witness a dignified transfer of a loved

  • Polish AF flies in Red Flag for first time

    They boarded a C-130 Hercules and made the flight across the Atlantic Ocean to a place where the local language isn't their own native tongue. This isn't your normal U.S. Air Force deployment scenario, but the experience of a Polish air force crew participating in Red Flag-Alaska. Red Flag is a

  • Australian airmen glimpse future at Red Flag-Alaska

    Men and women in flight suits of green passed through the halls in a hive of activity. The building was buzzing with the language and accents of different nationalities, all in preparation for the day's oncoming events here. As personnel filtered through the doors of the building and onto the

  • National high school chemistry finalists attend camp at Academy

    The 2012 U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad finalists have put their chemistry knowledge and skills to the test through competitive exams and lab practicals at the Academy's 28th U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad study camp June 5-20 here.Fifteen high school boys and five high school girls from across

  • U.S., Vietnamese militaries collaborate on clinic restoration

    Airmen and Soldiers from around the Pacific have worked to restore the Xuan Lam Medical Clinic in Nghe An Province, Vietnam, since the start of Operation Pacific Angel 12 here beginning June 10. The restoration is one part of PACANGEL-Vietnam 12, an eight-day engagement designed to strengthen

  • Smithsonian celebrates annual 'Become A Pilot Day'

    Officials at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum held the annual "Become a Pilot" family day June 16, in Chantilly, Va.More than 45 aircraft were on display as the museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, including two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a C-17 Globemaster III, which had its cargo bay

  • Air Force space vehicle comes in for a landing

    The Air Force's unmanned, reusable space plane landed in the early morning of June 16 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., a successful conclusion to a record-setting test-flight mission that began March 5, 2011, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, one of two

  • Cold War U-2 pilot gets posthumous Silver Star

    More than 50 years after his U-2 aircraft was shot down over the former Soviet Union, Capt. Francis Gary Powers posthumously received one of the military's highest decorations during a ceremony here at the Pentagon June 15.Powers, who died in a helicopter crash in 1977, was awarded the Silver Star

  • Weapons school integrates cyber warfare

    Eight Air Force weapons officers completed the first cyber weapons instructor course at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, 328th Weapons Squadron, June 16 here.Weapons officers are tactical experts trained in the art of battlespace dominance who instruct the Air Force's instructor corps and serve as

  • Combat controller posthumously awarded Silver Star

    Senior Airman Mark Forester had an American flag wrapped around his chest plate inside his body armor when he was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper's fire Sept. 29, 2010.This simple act is a testament to how Forester lived his life, a life respected by all who knew him.Forester, a combat controller

  • Hanscom starts new energy competition

    A new energy competition is underway here called "How Low Can You Go?" The competition requires little effort but big results by focusing on energy consumption during the weekend. "We want people to place special focus on their pre-weekend shutdown measures," said Tom Schluckebier, the base civil

  • Eglin fire department named best in Air Force

    For the past four years, Eglin's Fire Department was the best large department in Air Force Materiel Command. Now, for the first time in the most seasoned fire fighters' memories, it's the best in Air Force.The fire department services a unique location. Broken into seven districts, eight fire

  • National Guard troops battle Western wildfires

    Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen from five states are working alongside civilian first responders as they continue to battle wildfires in Colorado and New Mexico.New Mexico Army National Guard members are still battling the Little Bear wildfire near Ruidoso, N.M., which is approximately 35 percent

  • Air Force launches first special tactics wing

    U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command stood up the 24th Special Operations Wing in a ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Fla., June 12 to meet the growing demand for the unique capabilities special tactics Air Commandos provide.AFSOC commander Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel said creation of this new brand of wing

  • AF officials launch online civilian retirement tool

    Air Force human resources officials added a new feature in May to the Employee Benefits Information System Web application that allows Air Force appropriated fund civilians to request benefits-related actions online. The HR Link module will help civilians prepare for retirement, request a retirement

  • Kadena personnel bank $10,000 for ingenuity

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton urged anyone employed by the U.S. federal government to search for and identify any areas that could cut wasteful spending, according to a message published in July 2011."Over the past two years, 56,000 ideas have been submitted through the Securing

  • AF releases new special duty assignment pay table

    Beginning June 15, Airmen in some special duty assignments will receive adjustments in special duty assignment pay, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Based on recommendations following a routine biennial review of the program, Pentagon officials have modified the program to ensure Air

  • Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming National Guards battling wildfires

    National Guard units are currently battling wildfires in parts of Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming, deploying approximately 180 Citizen Soldiers and Airmen on state active duty to assist local civilian first responders.In Colorado, Army National Guard members were assisting firefighting efforts at

  • 'Go for green' helps Airmen stay fit to fight

    Many people have heard of "fit to fight" but how many Airmen know proper nutrition is also an important part of fitness?A balanced diet can help fuel one's body, which in turn assists in maintaining fitness goals.The 86th Force Support Squadron has implemented a new Air Force-wide standardized

  • Marine, AF pilots temporarily swap services

    Two instructor pilots assigned to the 310th Fighter Squadron are currently on very similar and overlapping career paths at Luke Air Force Base as part of the Joint Service Pilot Exchange Program.Air Force Capt. Michael McGrew is on his way to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., to begin the

  • AF med group tests disaster response

    Medical professionals from the 779th Medical Group honed their disaster-response skills during a recent exercise here.Two expeditionary medical support teams, made up of more than 50 members each, constructed and took down a 25-bed field hospital. "The EMEDS team provides full scale medical support

  • 2nd Lt. earns Air Medal

    Before pilots fly in a deployed environment they have to become "mission ready." From the start of pilot training the process takes upwards of two years, but one hard-charging second lieutenant managed to obtain his commission, his wings and fly more than 20 combat sorties in the area of

  • Commando competition promotes special ops skills, collaboration

    As elite commandos from across the Western Hemisphere compete this week in a grueling counterterrorism and special operations skills competition, the commander of Special Operations Command South said they're building the relationships required to confront transnational organized crime gripping much

  • NOAA armed for 2012 hurricane season

    While most residents here are crossing their fingers and hoping hurricanes miss the area this year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's chief of programs is "looking forward" to the 2012 storm season.That's not to say James McFadden is hoping for plenty of hurricanes, just that he

  • Warfighting data becoming easier to find and retrieve

    Recent contract awards by the Electronic Systems Center here are helping to ensure that warfighters using a key intelligence system can discover and access needed information.The Distributed Common Ground/Surface System Integration Backbone consists of a common set of services and standards that are

  • Partnership helps military spouses find employment

    As the wife of the Air Force Chief of Staff, Suzie Schwartz has the opportunity to meet with Air Force families stationed all across the country and around the world. And when she does, one issue that comes up time and again is spouse employment. During a recent interview, Schwartz said a relatively

  • AFA announces Air Force spouse of the year

    By reaching out to others and volunteering countless hours in support of many 22nd Air Refueling Wing and community organizations, one McConnell Air Force Base spouse has earned Air Force-wide recognition. Amanda Chastain, a 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron spouse, was named the 2012 Joan Orr Air Force

  • EPA recognizes Hanscom office building for energy efficiency

    Hanscom Air Force Base's newest office building earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR certification May 31.The certifcate signifies that Building 1604 performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency and meets strict energy efficiency

  • New flight restrictions haven't curbed F-22 operations

    Safety measures put in place in May on F-22 Raptor flights have had no impact on operations, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. John Kirby told reporters today.Kirby and Pentagon Press Secretary George Little last month announced restrictions to F-22 flight operations after 12 pilots reported

  • Airmen will have more assignment prep time

    Following a full review of the permanent change of station orders process, Air Force Personnel Center officials have implemented a new policy that will allow members more time to schedule move-related appointments, said Dave Faris, the AFPC PCS budget/assignment analysis section deputy chief.Defense

  • U.S., British service members honor French village for D-Day support

    Air Force reservists and other U.S. and allied military members paid their respects to the people of this small French village June 1 as part of a number of ceremonies recognizing the 68th anniversary of the Normandy D-Day invasion.Airmen from the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd, 910th and 440th

  • Policy change to allow reservists to carry leave balance

    Air Force Reserve officials are working to change policy to allow reservists who earn days of leave to carry those days over from year to year.New laws and Department of Defense instructions permit reservists to carry over the leave days. However, policy and procedures have not caught up with the

  • Initiative could help improve ISR operators' processes

    The Electronic Systems Center Command and Control Constellation program recently held an operational demonstration in here to evaluate a new prototype capability to improve command and control of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data.The prototyping initiative, called Deliberate and

  • Air Force consolidates three field operating agencies

    Three San Antonio-based field operating agencies officially consolidated with the June 1 initial operational capability announcement, Air Force officials said June 4. The Air Force Personnel Center, Air Force Services Agency and Air Force Manpower Agency, FOAs under the Air Force Deputy Chief of

  • New upgrades revitalize B-1B Lancers

    B-1B Lancers are currently undergoing the most advanced hardware and software upgrades to date as part of the Sustainment-Block 16 program.Sustainment-Block 16 upgrades include a fully integrated data link in the aft station and vertical situation display upgrade in the front station as well as

  • Space realities require new way of thinking, official says

    The U.S. has fine-tuned its methods to promote responsible use of space and strengthen international partnerships, Ambassador Gregory L. Schulte, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for space policy, said during the 2012 Women in Aerospace Conference here June 1.In his keynote address at the

  • 4th FW holds historic change of command

    Col. Jeannie Leavitt assumed command of the 4th Fighter Wing from Col. Patrick Doherty during a change-of-command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., June 1. Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, the 9th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony."With the departure of one leader, we welcome

  • Air Force undersecretary honored for exceptional service

     For her distinguished performance as undersecretary of the Air Force, Erin C. Conaton was presented the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service during a ceremony May 30 here.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presented the decoration to Conaton, who assumed the office of the

  • Warrior Wellness equine assistance important part of healing process

    The relationship between man and his horse is a storied one. Winston Churchill once said, "There's something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." The 19th century novelist Robert Smith Surtees said, "There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse."

  • Air Force 'brat' a smooth operator

     (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)There are two things Senior Airman Joshua Chrisman loves: the KC-10 Extender and chicken nuggets.When the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing

  • California BRAC bases now part of recycling revolution

    J.D. Wang, the CEO of a tire recycling company, believes people can recycle anything if they put their minds to it. So it seems fitting that his company is expanding into a recycled building -- once the commissary at the former Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, Calif.In Sacramento, a former

  • New 3-D scanner makes impact at Eglin

    When the 46th Test Wing's Air Force SEEK EAGLE Office purchased a 3-D laser scanner system six months ago, they had no idea how much of an impact this system would make."This is state of the art," said Mark Hillman, lead engineer at the SEEK EAGLE. "We are breaking ground for the military."The

  • Guard, Reserve leaders discuss budget issues

    The military's reserve components remain ready and capable despite budget cuts and their transition from a strategic to operational force, senior National Guard and Reserve officials told the Senate Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee here May 23.As the drawdown continues in Afghanistan,

  • SecAF visits Eielson Airmen

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley met with senior leaders and Airmen here during a visit May 21 to 22. The secretary visited several locations on base, spoke to Airmen and met with local civic leaders. During an all call at the base theater, Donley said Airmen are the driving factor behind a

  • Obama to cadets: 'Your spirit is essence of America'

    During his commencement address here May 23, President Barack Obama called the Air Force Academy's Class of 2012 "exceptional" for the spirit embodied in their class motto, "Never Falter, Never Fail." This was Obama's second visit to the Academy since the summer of 2008, when the cadets were headed

  • Army, Air Force mount renewable energy push

    The Army and Air Force are committed to developing 1 billion watts of renewable energy on their installations by 2025, senior leaders from both services announced May 23.The plan marks the latest milestone in a multi-year endeavor to find ways to make the military more energy efficient, said

  • PRT Kapisa works toward legacy of sustainment

    In the wake of the U.S. draw down in Afghanistan, many Provincial Reconstruction Teams are preparing for transition of projects to Afghan control. One of these teams, PRT Kapisa, hopes to leave a legacy of sustainment that lasts long after they are gone. The Kapisa PRT covers an area of

  • Former Airman credits AF for success in acting career

    A former service member credits the Air Force for helping him make a successful jump from the military to a television and film career.Jon Huertas, born Jon William Hofstedt, served eight years in the Air Force as an aircraft nuclear and conventional weapons specialist. He took advantage of the Air

  • New, lighter ABU available in June

    The new, Rip-stop Airman Battle Uniform (RABU), featuring a lighter nylon-cotton blend, will be available to Airmen at 16 U.S. bases and through AAFES online starting in June.The wear policy for the light-weight RABUs will be exactly the same as for the ABUs. The only difference between the ABU and

  • Today's Air Force highlights retirement prep, medical Airmen

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on May 18. In the first segment, Tech. Sgt. Trevor Pedro takes viewers to an F-22 media day hosted by the commander of Air Combat Command. Later Airman 1st Class Hillary Herrick highlights a new way Airmen can prepare for

  • Knowing common hiring authorities critical in filling civilian positions

    As the Air Force continues to reform its hiring processes, hiring managers can make better, timelier decisions when they understand which hiring authorities they should use when recruiting new employees.Hiring appointment authorities provide managers with the legal means to hire employees via a new

  • CASF team key players 'on the road' to recovery

    Saving lives in Afghanistan requires many different medical teams and varying levels of care throughout the area of responsibility.Patients injured or wounded from a forward operating base, combat outpost or an even more remote location, are brought to Kandahar Airfield by helicopter or fixed-wing

  • Law authorizes mobilizing reservists to respond to natural disasters

    New authority in this year's Defense Department authorization act allows reservists in Air Force Reserve Command and other reserve components to be called to duty in response to natural disasters or emergencies in the homeland. The law also permits mobilizations for extended periods to support

  • New process to save Airmen time, effort during change of station

    Starting at the end of May and going through February 2013, officials here will help test a new procedure to centralize steps military members take to get their permanent change of station orders and other actions prior to out-processing. The project, spearheaded by the Air Force Personnel Center,

  • Expanded Palace Chase applications due June 1

    Some active duty officers who are unable to separate because of an active duty service commitment may still be able to take advantage of the Expanded Palace Chase program, said Lt. Col. Tara White, Air Force Personnel Center retirements and separations chief."This isn't a new program," White said,

  • Air Force libraries serve 'delicious' summer reading program

    The Department of Defense summer reading program returns this month to more than 250 installation libraries, including 74 Air Force libraries, with a goal to encourage and support a love of reading among military children and families. This year's theme is "Reading is so Delicious!" and library

  • Air Force opens first ambulatory surgery center in National Capital Region

    Malcolm Grow Medical Clinic has recently transitioned to the Air Force's first ambulatory surgery center in the National Capital Region, opening a newly renovated state-of-the-art 18-bed same day surgery unit."We are well on our way to becoming the premier ambulatory surgery center of choice for

  • Single staffing tool goes Air Force wide

    Beginning this summer, all Air Force civil service employees will have transitioned to a resume based system when seeking new positions for Air Force civilian vacancies worldwide. In 2010, the Air Force Personnel Center announced the transition to a single staffing tool for all Air Force job seekers

  • USPS restricts shipping of lithium batteries

    Effective May 16, the United States Postal Service will no longer allow the mailing of lithium batteries to or from international destinations, including Army post offices, fleet post offices and diplomatic post offices. Affected items will be lithium-metal or lithium-ion batteries in electronic

  • VCSAF: Balanced force structure imperative to Air Force readiness

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Phil Breedlove and his counterparts from the Army, Navy and Marine Corps testified May 10 before members of the Senate Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support about U.S. military readiness in light of recent budget cuts.In his opening statement, Breedlove

  • Military HIV/AIDS conference promotes awareness, prevention

    The 2012 International Military HIV/AIDS Conference concluded here today after four days of sharing insights into new ways to re-energize military HIV/AIDS prevention programs.Presentations by subject matter experts, interactive discussions and workshops were among the ways participants shared

  • Andersen emergency med techs operate at advanced level

    A new policy instated at Andersen Air Force Base will allow ambulances and emergency medical technicians to operate at an Advanced Life Support status."Before, when we received a call that required advanced life support, ambulance services would have to meet off base with Guam ALS and have their

  • Global Strike Command leader previews B-52 upgrades

    During a recent visit to Edwards Air force base, Calif., the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command spent time with B-52 Stratofortress combined test force officials to preview the combat capability enhancements made to the B-52H.Modernizing and sustaining the nation's long-range strike

  • New guide helps Airmen, families navigate social media

    Airmen and families have a new resource at their fingertips with the recent release of an updated and revised social media guide by the Air Force Public Affairs Agency in San Antonio, Texas.The guide features sections geared toward all Total Force members and their families as well as Air Force

  • Missing Elmendorf Airman found dead; fellow Airman arrested

    Anchorage police and Air Force officials announced May 10 that the body found earlier this week in Eagle River, north of Anchorage, Alaska, is that of missing Senior Airman Clinton Reeves. A fellow Airman was arrested and charged with six felony counts of tampering with evidence in the case. "We

  • Travis AFB concludes C-5 AMP

    A 1970 C-5A Galaxy was the last C-5A to be converted from a "legacy" C-5 to an Avionics Modernization Program C-5 here May 6. AMP modifications, the first part of the modernization effort for the C-5, replace the old analog avionics with a digital avionics suite and add a digital architecture that

  • AFDW commander inducted into Boys and Girls Club Alumni hall of fame

    Air Force District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Darren McDew was one of nine outstanding alumni inducted into the Boys and Girls Club of America Alumni Hall of Fame May 2 in San Diego, Calif.BGCA annually recognizes distinguished alumni during the organization's national conference to celebrate

  • Military spouse finds 'home away from home' outside family

    Members of our armed forces deploy for months at a time, putting themselves in harm's way far away from their families. Airmen, often along with their families, are given orders to a new place every few years because the Air Force needs their talents elsewhere. But what happens to the people they