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  • Basing of first U.S. Space Fence facility announced

    The Air Force will base a Space Fence radar site on Kwajalein Island in the Republic of the Marshall Islands with initial operations capability planned for fiscal 2017.The Fence will provide a critical Space Surveillance Network capability needed to give warfighters the ability to maintain a full

  • 'Multidimensional' approach to energy initiative

    A panel of energy experts met at the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 17 to discuss the service's progress in meeting the Defense Department's energy goals.Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy Dr. Kevin Geiss said the service is

  • World War II veterans share memories during conference

    The first snow of the winter blanketed the German landscape below his P-51 Mustang, and as the young World War II pilot flew alongside others in formation, he noticed an important detail. "There were two silver aircraft and two painted with the green camouflage flying alongside me," said retired

  • KC-46 enters critical design review phase

    The Air Force KC-46A program director described the critical development phases of the next-generation refueling aircraft during the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C., Sept. 18.Maj. Gen. John F. Thompson, program executive officer for

  • ANG director discusses way forward

    Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, the director of the Air National Guard, spoke about mission readiness and other challenges facing the ANG in future years to attendees of the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technical Exposition here Tuesday, Sept. 18.Wyatt discussed how the ANG

  • CMSAF: 'Be the best, know your Airmen, tell your story'

    Reflecting on more than 30 years of Air Force service, the chief master sergeant of the Air Force said the future lies with our Airmen. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy made the comments in a speech focusing on the "Enlisted Perspective" at the conclusion of the three-day Air Force

  • Carter urges stepped up progress on cyber defense

    Even as the Defense Department increases investments in cyber capabilities, officials are working to reduce vulnerabilities in their own networks and in those of contractors who build sensitive defense systems, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter said today.Speaking at the Air Force

  • Air Force leaders offer perspectives at four-star forum

    Twelve Air Force senior leaders leveraged their candor and experience to share insight and answer questions regarding the service as it enters a new era of leadership. The panelists assembled on the final day of the 2012 Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here

  • Dempsey: Insider attacks won't affect NATO's Afghan strategy

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stressed again today that NATO's decision to curtail closely partnered operations with Afghan forces because of on-going attacks on the coalition is only a tactical change that will not undermine the goal of producing a trained Afghan security force by the

  • 'Teammates wanted' to deliver future

    Killer apps, unprecedented success and a budget-requirements conundrum lead U.S. Air Force Space Command commander, Gen. William L. Shelton, to announce 'teammates wanted' during his remarks at the Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 18.The Air Force Association, an

  • Personnel chief: Road ahead for Airmen tough, but bright

    Adapting to a joint environment along with a changing world of a younger force, budget cuts and manpower drawdowns was the focus of the Air Force's personnel chief during the Air Force Association's Air and Space Exhibition and Conference here Sept. 17.Lt. Gen. Darrell Jones, deputy chief of staff

  • 36th Wing provides consistent evac support in Asia-Pacific

    With tsunami threats recently pervading the Asia-Pacific region, the 36th Wing here has been actively exercising its capabilities of providing evacuation support to neighboring bases while simultaneously accommodating some of the largest joint and coalition exercises in the region."This year the

  • Air Force officials describe ICBM way-ahead

    As intercontinental ballistic missiles gain prominence in the Air Force's nuclear enterprise, service officials related the importance of maintaining the system during the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 18.Panelists included Maj. Gen. William

  • Air Force officials outline cyber capabilities in today's fight

    The director of cyberspace operations for the Air Force discussed the service's cyber capabilities and their importance in the joint fight during the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 18.Maj. Gen. Earl D. Matthews explained the cyber mission's

  • AF is transforming how it provides services

    The Air Force Personnel Center is transforming how it provides morale, welfare and recreation services, and the type of programs it offers.AFPC is taking a tailored approach to ensure Airmen around the world have what they need and want, rather than the same programs that have traditionally been

  • CSAF talks Air Force innovation, evolution at AFA Conference

    The Air Force chief of staff spoke about the current state of the service during the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 18.Gen. Mark A. Welsh III recognized the Air Force's birthday, giving tribute to airpower icons and sharing the stories of

  • Air Force recognizes 2012 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    The 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year attended a recognition reception and dinner hosted by the 2012 Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17.The Airmen were lauded for demonstrating "outstanding leadership, job performance, community involvement and

  • AF Reserve commander praises total force

    The Air Force Reserve Command's highest ranking officer discussed the virtues of total force integration in remarks at the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 18. Lt. Gen. James Jackson, chief of Air Force Reserve and the Air Force Reserve Command

  • Air Force athletes discuss world class program during roundtable

    Two of the Air Force's top athletes fielded questions during a Department of Defense blogger's roundtable on opening day of the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 17, in Washington D.C.Capt. Seth Kelsey and Maj. (Dr.) James Bales answered questions from

  • Annual space, missile pioneers inducted

    In celebration of the Air Force Space Command's 30th anniversary, Gen. William L. Shelton, the AFSC commander, inducted the command's 2012 Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers in an award ceremony and hall of fame induction Sept. 17 here. This year's inductees are Dr. Hans M. Mark and retired Col.

  • ISR chief stresses importance of turning data into information

    How would you handle 1.8 petabytes of information? Imagine, your average laptop computer has one gigabyte of memory, so 1.8 petabytes would be like having 1.8 million laptops of memory begging for attention.That was just one example provided by Lt. Gen. Larry D. James, Deputy Chief of Staff for

  • Donley talks sequestration, explains AF budget plans

    The threat of sequestration continues to overhang "all budget decisions across the federal government," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley here Sept. 17.During his keynote remarks at the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition, Donley conveyed the

  • SecAF: Caring for Airmen top priority

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley used his keynote speech at the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17 to discuss the importance of caring for Airmen."Whatever the intensity of our nation's demands, in war or in peace, we have an abiding

  • SecAF highlights 'state of force' at AFA conference

    In his keynote address at the 2012 Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley discussed major service accomplishments over the last 12 months and the Air Force's strategic way ahead.Donley said the Air Force's

  • Air Force leaders welcome attendees to annual conference

    In a ceremony steeped in military tradition, Air Force senior leaders welcomed thousands to the 2012 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17, a day before the service's 65th birthday."Being here gives us a chance to step away from the daily thrash and

  • Live streaming of AFA's annual conference available

    The Air Force Association's Annual Air and Space Conference is set to take place at National Harbor, Md., Sept. 17-19.Select conference events will be streamed live online at the Pentagon Channel's live stream site (here) and Air Force Link's live video page (here). No video will be available at

  • Total force effort brings people home after Libyan attack

    A C-17 Globemaster III answered the urgent call to fly 36 passengers to safety out of Libya following the attack on the U.S. consulate Sept. 12 that had resulted in the death of the U.S. ambassador and three others. The aircraft was under the command and control of the 618th Air and Space Operations

  • 'Today's Air Force' goes from New Mexico to near space

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Sept. 14.In the first block, Tech. Sgt. Anthony Gomez introduces viewers to college football players who got a taste of basic military training. Later, Airman 1st Class Mari Moxley gives an update on Holloman Air Force Base's

  • Air Force begins testing newest AEHF satellite

    Following a four-month journey, the second Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite reached geosynchronous orbit Aug. 27. The event is significant to the 4th Space Operations Squadron here because nearly 100 squadron members are now heavily involved in testing the vehicle.The Space and Missile

  • Atlas V lifts off from Vandenberg AFB

    Team Vandenberg launched a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-3 here Sept. 13 at 2:39 p.m.It was the fifth Atlas V processed at Vandenberg and the 606th Atlas mission in U.S. history."It's an honor to work alongside the men and women of Team Vandenberg, United Launch

  • Wind energy at Cape Cod to save $1 million a year

    The wind in Cape Cod, Mass., is about to be called into action once again to reduce energy costs and air pollution at the Massachusetts Military Reservation. Air Force Space Command is preparing to install two 1.6 megawatt utility-scale wind turbines at the station' s early warning radar site,

  • Leaders issue Air Force birthday message

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:As we celebrate the United States Air Force's 65th birthday, we salute all of the

  • Vandenberg launch unit 'small squadron with big responsibilities'

    3...2...1... and we have lift off. Members of the 4th Space Launch Squadron know the feeling of launch day excitement and stress and are currently preparing to get revved up again for the Atlas V launch scheduled for Sept. 13."We are a small squadron," said Maj. Joseph Howerton, 4th SLS Atlas V

  • Intelligence collaboration focus of net-centric operations conference

    The 10th annual Net-Centric Operations conference held here Sept. 10 featured a diverse array of speakers who extolled the value of collaboration in acquiring, supporting and operating intelligence-gathering systems and cyber tools.The conference was sponsored by the Patriots' Roost Chapter of the

  • Air Evac Airmen test capabilities on new airframe

    Airmen from the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron tested their aeromedical evacuation capabilities on a new airframe here Sept. 3.The civilian Gulfstream III, or G3, provides the range and speed needed to reach different parts of Africa and Eurasia in a day, something the C-21 and some of the

  • Modern-day builders protect ancient treasure

    It's an interesting dichotomy of sorts -- a huge, 4-story state-of-the art, steel-and-concrete structure under construction just yards away from delicate, precarious, protected sea turtle nests that grace the seashore here.The Air Force Technical Applications Center's new headquarters is taking

  • World War II vet awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

    Family, friends, senior leaders and pilots gathered Aug. 24 to honor a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress pilot during an award ceremony at Randolph's famed Taj Mahal where he was award the Distinguished Flying Cross medal.Second Lt. Samuel Smith was assigned to the 360th Bombardment Squadron at RAF

  • 7 Inter-American Air Forces Academy SOS slots available

    Seven slots are available for eligible captains interested in attending the Inter-American Air Forces Academy Squadron Officer School Program, with applications due to the Air Force Personnel Center the last week of October, AFPC officials said.The school mirrors the SOS at Maxwell Air Force Base,

  • Fighter jets protect skies during republican convention

    Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region fighters are protecting the skies during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla.Air Force fighter jets will be on alert during the convention, which runs from Aug. 27 through Aug. 30, enforcing the Federal Aviation

  • SecAF discusses East Africa mission during Djibouti visit

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley made his first trip here as secretary Aug. 22 to visit service members and civilians, and discuss operations in East Africa with Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leaders.Donley conducted an all call during his visit here, in which he discussed the

  • Drill Team members reflect on where they came from during AF Week

    The Ambassadors in Blue for the Air Force Recruiting Service performed during the Air Force Week events Aug. 19 at Pier 86 in New York CityThe ceremonial unit, otherwise known as the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, tours worldwide to demonstrate the commitment to service and excellence every

  • Transit Center passenger experience realigned to centralized location

    Whether a service member is heading to Afghanistan or redeploying back to their home station, they want their transient experience to be simple.A consolidation of the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan's Passenger Terminal and U.S. Customs Processing Center into a centralized location is aimed at

  • Opening ceremonies kick off Air Force Week activities

    The Air Force kicked off one of its biggest outreach programs in America's largest city Aug. 19 with a combination of opening day remarks, flyovers, interactive displays and performances by Air Force bands.The opening ceremony at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum on Pier 86 marked the start of

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Maxwell officer builds historical database

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)What started as a solution to an information collection problem six years ago has grown into a substantial database that documents air power through

  • Behind-the-scenes look at saving lives

    It was his first deployment to Afghanistan, and to make matters worse, he was assigned to one of the busiest trauma centers in the region. Staff Sgt. Caleb Gibson felt a sense of shock, pride and satisfaction as he watched U.S. military medical personnel treat injured troops. "It was shocking to see

  • Supporting warfighters from space

    Air Force Space Command Vice Commander Lt. Gen. John Hyten spoke at the 15th Annual Space and Missile Defense Conference here Aug. 14 and discussed how the American way of war has fundamentally changed thanks to space.He used historical examples to illustrate his point and contrasted those with

  • Airmen's heroic acts featured in Portraits in Courage

    Climbing a glacier for 24 straight hours, delivering medical care while taking enemy fire or chasing an armed murderer through a crowded airport; these are the actions of some of the 20 Airmen featured in the latest volume of Portraits in Courage.As the Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley

  • Total force seminar builds 'bold leadership'

    Nearly 200 Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine service members took part in a full-day leadership seminar hosted by the Kaiserslautern Military Community Top III Total Force Development Council here Aug. 3.From junior enlisted to senior officers, all members who attended the seminar learned about the

  • Showcasing America's Airmen in New York City

    Air Force Week returns to New York City this Sunday, Aug. 19, providing flyovers, concerts and opportunities to meet Airmen serving in the U.S. Air Force.The purpose of Air Force Week is to build relationships outside the local base community, reach out to those who are unfamiliar with the Air Force

  • SecAF shares AF, DoD energy goals at summit

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presented a keynote address on the Department of Defense's energy initiatives at the 2012 National Clean Energy Summit here August 7.The fifth annual summit gathered leaders from government, business, non-profit organizations and academia to discuss the

  • Enlisted village cares for AF widows, families

    The ninth chief master sergeant of the Air Force, James Binnicker, spoke about the Air Force Enlisted Village during the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airman Conference here Aug. 12.The Air Force Enlisted Village was founded in 1967 after a survey conducted by AFSA

  • Combat training supports 21st century strategy

    As the nation winds down from a decade of combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Department of Defense is shifting its focus to the future and recently introduced new strategic guidance describing the projected security environment and key military missions for which the department will

  • Welsh 'humbled' to serve as Air Force chief of staff

    The Air Force chief of staff flag passed to the service's 20th chief in a ceremony here Aug. 10.Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, a 36-year Airman, stepped into the position, taking over for Gen. Norton Schwartz, who also retired from the Air Force during the ceremony."Mark is respected throughout the Air

  • Air Force names 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    Air Force officials selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2012, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center considered 35 nominees who represented major commands; direct

  • Pilot becomes Guard's first F-35 instructor pilot

    An Airman became the Guard's first F-35 Lightning II instructor pilot recently at Eglin's multi-service, multi-national F-35 Integrated Training Center.Maj. Jay Spohn, assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing here as the assistant director of operations for the 58th Fighter Squadron and the chief of

  • General Carlisle takes command of Pacific Air Forces

    Gen. Herbert Carlisle took command of Pacific Air Forces from Gen. Gary North in a change of command ceremony here Aug. 3.Presiding over the ceremony, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz praised North's past accomplishments and Carlisle's future potential as the commander of PACAF.Schwartz

  • Air Force has role in Mars Rover success

    As news broke of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) "Curiosity" rover's successful landing on the "Red Planet" Aug. 6, Arnold Engineering Development Complex's (AEDC) Hypervelocity Tunnel 9 Director Dan Marren was watching the live TV broadcast of the event."Last night, after eight months of

  • President announces nomination for AF under secretary

    President Barack Obama announced Aug. 1 that he intends to nominate Eric Fanning to be the next Under Secretary of the Air Force.Fanning is the Deputy Under Secretary and Deputy Chief Management Officer of the Department of the Navy, previously holding positions with the House Armed Services

  • Mobility 'ballet' key to rescue of F-16 pilot

    Shortly after an Air Force pilot ejected from his F-16 Fighting Falcon into the North Pacific July 22, he found himself under the watchful eyes of mobility Airmen. These Airmen worked as part of a coordinated behind-the-scenes "ballet" to ensure his dramatic recovery less than six hours later. A

  • Air Force awards massive energy-saving project at Tinker

    Air Force leaders awarded an Energy Savings Performance Contract here Aug. 1.Tinker Air Force Base is Oklahoma's largest single-site employer and the largest Air Force facility energy consumer. "Upon completion, the project will reduce Tinker's energy intensity by 30 percent and save an estimated

  • Pacom weighs pre-prepositioning logistics for disaster response

    Along with more rotational deployments, U.S. Pacific Command is eyeing opportunities to pre-position some of the logistics assets being drawn down in Afghanistan to support a future disaster response or other contingency in the Asia-Pacific region.U.S. Marines began serving six-month rotational

  • AF partners with schools, universities to promote STEM

    Teachers from across the U.S. became students for a week during an Air Force-sponsored ASM International Materials Camp July 13 at Howard University, Washington, D.C.ASM started the camps for students in 2000 to make science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fun. After much success, two years

  • Cybercom chief: U.S. unprepared for serious cyber attacks

    The United States is not adequately prepared for a serious cyber attack, the commander of U.S. Cyber Command told the audience at the Aspen Institute's annual security forum today.Army Gen. Keith Alexander, who also serves as the director of the National Security Agency and the chief of the Central

  • Vigilant Eagle board selects 82 command candidates

    The Space and Missile Vigilant Eagle Operations Squadron Commander Selection Board has selected 82 lieutenant colonels and lieutenant colonel-selects as command candidates for projected 2013 vacancies, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. Candidates will be matched to command vacancies at Air

  • Dept. of Energy lauds AF for conservation efforts

    The Air Force's innovative ideas and procedures for saving facility energy and aviation fuel have earned it recognition by the Department of Energy. Each year, the DOE presents a Federal Energy Management Program award to individuals and organizations within the federal government that significantly

  • AFRL scientist recognized by White House

    The White House announced Monday an Air Force Research Laboratory space vehicles directorate scientist has received a Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers. Each year, the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President presents the PECASE

  • Schwartz: Air Force will thrive despite fiscal challenges

    The Air Force has reinvigorated the service's nuclear mission, incorporated unmanned aerial capabilities and made progress in acquisition, the service's chief of staff told reporters here July 24.Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, who finishes a four-year term in office shortly, said he believes the Air Force

  • Harnessing the power of science, technology, engineering and math

    The chair of the U.S. Air Force  Academy's Engineering Division and head of the Aeronautics Department here said the nation faces a crisis in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.To help avert the crisis, Col. Neal Barlow and other Academy officials are developing educational

  • Korean War defining conflict for new Air Force

    While July 27th is one of the lesser-known days of remembrance for the U.S., for the Air Force, recognizing the signing of the Korean War armistice on this day in 1953 marked an era when the service came into its own.The 1950s heralded a decade of innovation, with inventions such as power steering,

  • Military leaders reflect on fallen warriors

    Air Force leaders here expressed their sympathy for everyone affected by the movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colo., July 20. Among the victims were two Buckley Air Force Base members, Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Childress and Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class John Thomas Larimer. "This tragic event has

  • Total force C-130 operations building opens at Peterson

    With a snip of the ceremonial scissors, Air Force Reserve and active duty Airmen ushered in the opening of a new total force C-130 Hercules operations facility July 17 here.The new $5.6 million facility is the next milestone in the 302nd Airlift Wing's integration with the active duty 52nd Airlift

  • Buckley supports military victims of Aurora shooting

    In response to the shooting incident that occurred at the Aurora Mall Movie Theater in Aurora, Colo., early July 20, Buckley Air Force Base has activated an Emergency Family Assistance Control Center, a Traumatic Stress Response Events Team and several chaplains to assist family members affected by

  • Air Force safety also applies to space

    When it comes to safety in the Air Force, much of the focus on mishap prevention goes into preventing and investigating slips, trips and falls. Ground safety applies to every member, regardless of their primary duty, and all can benefit from practicing prescribed safety methods in their everyday

  • Air Force's national museum to receive NASA's Crew Compartment Trainer

    After many months of intensive planning, the first steps have been put in motion to move NASA's first Shuttle Crew Compartment Trainer from Johnson Space Center to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.CCT-1, which was one of three trainers built to train astronauts for space missions, is

  • SecAF visits Spangdahlem AB

    The Air Force's top civilian leader met 52nd Fighter Wing leaders and service members here July 13.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited the base as part of a familiarization tour and to speak with Airmen about the unique capabilities Spangdahlem Air Base provides to the European theater

  • Air Force general explains force structure decisions to Congress

    The Air Force deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs testified on proposed force structure changes before the House Armed Services Committee here, July 12. Lt. Gen. Christopher Miller answered questions from members of the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee's

  • Chief's Perspective: Analog leadership in digital times

    The United States Air Force is the world's most advanced air, space and cyberspace force. Most of that can be attributed to you -- our outstanding Airmen -- but technology also plays a huge role. Advanced tools help us maintain an advantage over our adversaries. Technology has enabled our continuing

  • McChord Airmen help deliver history

    A group of five Airmen from the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron delivered the 29-foot long crew compartment of NASA's Full Fuselage Trainer to the Museum of Flight's new Charles Simonyi Space Gallery June 30.The historical artifact arrived at Boeing Field in Seattle, Wash., and was so large no commercial

  • Acting undersecretary of the Air Force appointed

    On July 3, President Barack Obama appointed Dr. Jamie Morin to serve as the acting undersecretary of the Air Force.He will serve in this capacity effective immediately and until such time as a new undersecretary is nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.Morin said he welcomed the new

  • 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

  • Officials seek nominations for aerospace awards

    Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for the 2013 Air Force Association Aerospace Awards for outstanding contributions to national defense in a variety of fields.These awards include:Theodore Von Karman Award - for contributions in the field of science and engineering relating to aerospace

  • 45th SW launches NRO satellite

    The 45th Space Wing successfully launched a United Launch Alliance-built Delta IV-Heavy rocket from Space Launch Complex 37 on June 29 carrying a classified National Reconnaissance Office satellite.The largest of the Delta IV family, the Heavy version features three common booster cores mounted

  • Bio-environmental Airmen monitor Colorado Front Range air quality

    Visibility continues to change dramatically along the Front Range of Colorado Springs, Colo., as wildfires burn on the western edge of the city. With the air quality affected by the fires, Air Force Space Command bio-environmental Airmen are monitoring the situation to allow commanders to better

  • Slideshow: Firefighters, aircrews continue to battle Colorado wildfire

    More than 90 firefighters from the U.S. Air Force Academy, along with assets from Air Force Space Command; F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.; Fort Carson, Colo.; and the local community continue to fight wildfires near Colorado Springs, Colo., June 29.The Waldo Canyon fire has grown to more

  • Firefighters continue to battle Colorado Springs blaze

    Firefighters continued to battle several fires that burned into the evening hours in Waldo Canyon near here June 27.The fires, which have burned more than 15,000 acres, began spreading to the southwestern corner of the Academy in the early morning, causing base officials to evacuate residents, with

  • Vandenberg sends 'hot shots' to Colorado wildfire front lines

    Vandenberg Air Force Base officials deployed the only Defense Department wildland firefighting asset at 2 p.m. June 27 in support of the wildland firefighting efforts in Colorado Springs, Colo.The 18-member Vandenberg Air Force Base Hot Shot crew, along with two hot shots crew carrier vehicles, one

  • 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

  • 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

  • AF instructors learn modern Army combatives skills

    After spending five days in a joint combatives "train the trainer" course, Air Force participants gained a valuable benefit in becoming certified to teach both Modern Army Combatives and Basic Air Force Combatives:"Confidence," said Lt. Col. Tim Thurston, the 322nd Training Squadron commander --

  • Air Force Safety Automated System vital to tracking, preventing mishaps

    The Air Force Safety Center continues to develop and deploy enhancements to the Air Force Safety Automated System to provide accurate mishap information and timely risk mitigation data to all levels of command. AFSAS is a Web-enabled mishap reporting and analysis system that's accessible 24/7

  • Air Force male athlete of the year goes for gold

    The sound of thrashing epees and rubber soles squeaking against metal boards ring throughout the fencing gym at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. It is here that fencer Weston Kelsey practices twice a day, five days a week, in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

  • 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

  • Engineer hits way onto All-Air Force team

    First Lt. Kristina Stewart has taken a few weeks off from her duties as the 3rd Space Operations Squadron mission planning and engineering section chief here to play a little volleyball. Actually, Stewart will play more than just a little after earning a spot on the All-Air Force Women's Volleyball

  • 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

  • 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