HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • 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

  • Air Force Lt. finishes Bronco's mini-camp, continues to follow dream

    As another year of the National Football League season nears, military members might want to pay closer attention to their TVs as one of their own maybe lining up on the gridiron Sunday afternoons.Benjamin Garland, a Grand Junction, Colo. native, recently completed the Denver Broncos three-day

  • 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

  • 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

  • A day for Old Glory

    Today we celebrate Flag Day by showing its respect to the national emblem that was adopted 235 years ago. The American flag, sewn by Betsy Ross, has seen multiple iterations and designs throughout its history. However, the care and respect of the flag has remained constant and paramount.The handling

  • Buckley firefighters perform water rescue during storms

    Members of the Buckley Fire Department were dispatched around midnight June 7 to a water rescue call in Aurora, Colo. A man was trapped in his van due to flooding caused by severe storms, but due to the efforts of the fire department, he escaped unharmed, officials said.The call came in from Sable

  • Air Force transfers last piece of former Lowry AFB back to community

    The final 70 acres of the former Buckley Annex was given back to the Denver community during a final transfer ceremony June 1 here.Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said the old Lowry Air Force Base was once a thriving hub for the United States Air Force and its members, and is now a vibrant and

  • DOD announces top environmental award recipients

    At a Pentagon ceremony today, Defense and Interior Department officials presented this year's Secretary of Defense Environmental Award to 10 teams and installations for excellence in advancing environmental initiatives.Among the installations recognized, the Air Force was represented by both 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

  • 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

  • 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."

  • U.S., Bulgarian Airmen strengthen ties during exercise

    More than 500 U.S. Airmen and two dozen F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 31st Fighter Wing here recently returned from a deployment to Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, where they spent a month conducting bi-lateral training with Bulgarian Airmen during Thracian Star 2012.The exercise was the largest

  • 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

  • Air Force, NATO fly to protect Iceland's air sovereignty

    Airmen from Nevada to Germany are currently deployed here to conduct Icelandic air policing missions until June 7.The 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, which is made up of U.S. Air Force and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization personnel, is a specialized team prepared to ensure Iceland's

  • SecAF visits 'Arctic Warriors'

    Airmen from around Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson gathered at Hangar 20 here May 21, where Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed the assemblage."This is a great opportunity to thank you for your recent service and the service of your families," Donley said.The secretary said visiting

  • Two former Airmen inducted into Astronaut Hall of Fame

    Two retired Airmen were recently inducted into the NASA's Astronaut Hall of Fame during a ceremony May 5 at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla.Retired Gen. Kevin Chilton and retired Col. Charles Precourt, along with Franklin Chang Diaz, were the 11th group of astronauts inducted, which brings the total

  • Air Force Cross recipient soars among 'eagles'

    Next to the signatures of the "Candy Bomber," a Tuskegee Airman, the sixth chief master sergeant of the Air Force and a Vietnam prisoner of war, Air Force Cross recipient Tech. Sgt. Robert Gutierrez placed his name as the only current active-duty enlisted Airmen to be named an "Eagle."Two members of

  • RAF Mildenhall hosts European Tanker Symposium

    The 100th Air Refueling Wing hosted the European Tanker Symposium here May 9-11. Attendees included the Royal Air Force 101 Squadron, French air force Bretagne Sqadron, Italian air force 14 Wing, Belgium air component, and the U.S. Air Force 603rd Air and Space Operations Center from Ramstein Air

  • AF Space Command realigns cyberspace capabilities

    The Air Force Network Integration Center will go through a restructure as it divests cyberspace lead command functions to Air Force Space Command to allow AFNIC to focus on its core mission of Air Force network integration and engineering services.The changes are a result of an AFSPC chartered study

  • AF officials announce candidate bases for TACP/ALO training

    Air Force officials announced Joint Base San Antonio -- Lackland, Texas, and Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., as candidate bases for the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) and Air Liaison Officer (ALO) School. The candidate bases were approved by Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air

  • Air Force announces criteria for basing KC-46A

    After extensive internal review, the Air Force released today its basing criteria that will be used to select candidate bases for the KC-46A formal training unit and first two main operating bases. The formal training unit (FTU) and first main operating base (MOB 1) will be led by active duty units.

  • 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

  • Welsh nominated as next CSAF

    Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced May 10 that the president has nominated Gen. Mark A. Welsh III to be the next chief of staff of the Air Force, succeeding Gen. Norton Schwartz, who has served in the position since August 2008."I'm tremendously honored and deeply humbled by the nomination

  • Test pilot school adds cyberspace to test and evaluation training

    The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School has a long, rich history of educating the best of the best in air and space.  Apollo 13 astronaut, Fred Haise; X-15 pilot, Joe Engle; and the first man to break the sound barrier, Chuck Yeager; are just a few of the notable Test Pilot School alumnae who have

  • Retired AF general named to Astronaut Hall of Fame

    Retired Gen. Kevin Chilton was inducted into NASA's Astronaut Hall of Fame during a ceremony May 5 at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.Chilton is the former commander of U.S. Strategic Command, a 1976 graduate of the Air Force Academy, the husband of Academy Mobilization Assistant Brig. Gen.

  • Top enlisted AF leader visits Horn of Africa

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy visited Airmen assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and other tenant commands here May 5 and 6.The primary purpose of the visit was to speak to the Airmen deployed here and gain insight into their health and well-being, officials

  • Technology improves rescue support for rocket launches

    The 45th Space Wing successfully launched a communications satellite onboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on May 4. As the rocket lit up the sky and was hurled into space, personnel from the 920th Rescue Wing stood by and watched, knowing their part of the mission had

  • Air Force innovation

    Lt. Gen. Robert R. Allardice, Air Mobility Command's vice commander, was among a panel of educators and civic leaders in St. Louis on April 27 to discuss the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or better known as STEM, education to an audience of teachers, parents,

  • Vigilant Eagle command selection board convenes in June

    The Space and Missile Vigilant Eagle operations squadron commander selection board will convene in June to select command candidates for projected 2013 vacancies, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. Statements of intent are due to the AFPC by May 18.Candidates will be matched to command

  • AF nominates 111 for astronaut candidate program

    The Air Force has nominated 111 Airmen for the 2012 NASA Astronaut Candidate Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.The Air Force candidate selection panel met in April to review 192 applications, selecting 110 officers, ranging from captain to colonel, and one senior master sergeant.

  • Air Force launches 2nd advanced satellite

    The 45th Space Wing successfully launched the second Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite onboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V vehicle here today from launch pad 41 at 2:42 p.m., on May 4.  AEHF-1 was launched from here in August of 2010.    The rocket flew in the 531 vehicle

  • Air Force leader talks about future of ISR

    Air Force leadership reinforced the critical nature and future of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions April 26 to a group of civic and industry leaders as well as media members attending the Air Force Association's monthly breakfast in Arlington, Va.The Air Force Association's

  • AFNORTH Airmen hone hurricane response skills

    Air Forces Northern Airmen are putting their hurricane preparedness skills to practice during exercise Ardent Sentry '12 May 2 through 9.The exercise is conducted by U.S. Northern Command and is focused on defense support of civil authorities. Designed to validate existing plans, policies, and

  • Two AF bases take top DOD honors for environmental work

    Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced the Defense Department's environmental awards for fiscal 2012 May 1 and Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., and Hill AFB, Utah, were among nine Department of Defense installations selected for top honors.Each year since 1962, the secretary of defense has

  • Officer development program applications due

    Officers considering 2013 advanced academic degree and experience broadening programs have a narrow application window, with some applications due within the next few weeks, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. Public affairs and chaplain corps candidates have submitted their applications,

  • Space operator, KC-135 crew team for 'science project'

    More and more people are realizing the game-changing force space capabilities provide in today's operations, as was the case more than 60 years ago when the air domain added a new dimension to land and sea operations. The power of that integration was recently seen first-hand by crews of the KC-135

  • Space Command TacSat 3 burns up in atmosphere

    Today marked the end of Air Force Space Command's Tactical Satellite 3 after it de-orbited into and burned up in the Earth's atmosphere. TacSat-3, which had exceeded its expected lifespan by 20 months, was originally designed and launched as a one-year experimental satellite May 19, 2009. Although

  • Warrior Games set to start

    The 3rd Annual Warrior Games begins Monday, April 30 - May 5 at the Air Force Academy and Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Wounded, ill and injured servicemen and women from the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard will participate in the Warrior Games, which is hosted by

  • SecAF visits Wolf Pack

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited the Wolf Pack here April 27 to talk to Airmen about their role in the region and get a firsthand glimpse at Kunsan's mission to defend the base, accept follow-on forces and take the fight north.During Donley's visit, he met with Airmen in the 8th

  • Planning continues for new Airman Heritage Museum

    Efforts are underway to expand the Air Force's enlisted heritage museum here. The Lackland Gateway Heritage Foundation plans to modernize the USAF Airman Heritage Museum with a new facility to be located on what is becoming Lackland AFB's Heritage Campus. The site location, at the North end of the

  • Air Mobility Command staff sergeant earns AF operational security award

    Managing a command-wide operations security program was just one area that led to a staff sergeant here earning the 2011 Air Force Operations Security NCO of the Year.Staff Sgt. Robert Perecko, is the information operations fused communication NCO in charge at the 618th Air and Space Operations

  • New simulator pushes Afghan pilots' capabilities

    Afghan pilots now have a state-of-the-art MI-17 simulator here to hone their aviation skills in a safe environment.Air Force Lt. Col. Chas Tacheny, the deputy commander of the 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group, said he has been involved with bringing the MI-17V5 No-Motion Level 5 Simulator to

  • ISR chief outlines future programs

    While visiting deployed Airmen April 15-18, Brig. Gen. John Horner addressed the future of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission programs.As Air Force Director of ISR Capabilities, Horner spent a few days with Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing to view the work of the many

  • AF officials plan for scheduled downtime to upgrade MilPDS

    The Air Force Personnel Operations Agency here is upgrading and transferring the Military Personnel Data System to the Defense Information Systems Agency's Defense Enterprise Computing Center later this year. During the scheduled 23-day upgrade project, MilPDS will not be available.Upgrades to

  • Retired general receives lifetime space achievement award

    The Air Force chief of staff presented a former vice chief of staff of the Air Force with the Gen. James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award at the 28th National Space Symposium here April 18.Gen. Norton Schwartz presented the award to Gen. Thomas S. Moorman Jr., who is known as a "visionary"

  • CSAF discusses national security space at symposium

    The Air Force chief of staff spoke to leaders from industry, academia and the government about the current state of national security space and the U.S. aerospace industrial base at the 28th National Space Symposium here April 19.In his remarks, Gen. Norton Schwartz also recognized the efforts and

  • U.S. missile defense counters growing threat

    Six days after North Korea's failed long-range rocket launch, the head of the Defense Department's Missile Defense Agency testified on Capitol Hill about bolstering U.S. defenses against a growing ballistic missile threat.Agency Director Army Lt. Gen. Patrick J. O'Reilly appeared yesterday before

  • Doolittle raid sparks nation during early days of WWII

    It was 1942 and the world was at war for the second time that century. American morale was as low as it had ever been and Japanese forces began an all-out assault on United States and Filipino troops on the Bataan Peninsula.It was also the year when a pilot, Lt. Col. James Doolittle, would lead a

  • AF to rely more on renewable energy -- 1 gigawatt by 2016

    The Air Force is on target to generate 1 gigawatt of renewable energy by 2016, and expects to have enough renewable energy to supply 25 percent of all installation electricity use by 2025, according to Air Force officials. The announcement supports the Department of Defense's plans to roll out new

  • Vautrinot discusses the importance of cyber operations

    The 24th Air Force commander spoke on April 16 at the Annual Cyber 1.2 event at the National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colo. Maj. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot, who is also the commander of the Air Force's Cyber Air Component to USCYBERCOM Network Operations, is responsible for the Air Force's

  • Discovery flies for last time, ends chapter in aerospace history

    After almost 27 years and 39 flights in Earth's orbit, the space shuttle Discovery arrived at Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C., April 17 on its way to its final resting place. The last moments in the air for Discovery began at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., mounted on top of a modified Boeing 747.

  • TACC leading effort for retrograde cargo from Afghanistan

    For airlift aircraft transiting and moving cargo to and from the Southwest Asia, planners at the 618th Air Operations Center are leading an effort to keep those aircraft full of cargo as they return from the deployed areas to the United States.The initiative, labeled retrograde, helps to efficiently

  • Space Command officials eliminate flight suit, jackets

    Air Force Space Command officials announced April 13 that Airmen assigned to the command will cease wearing flight suits, the green flight jacket and the A-2 Leather Jacket by the end of the fiscal year.Directed by Gen. William L. Shelton, the AFSPC commander, the move is designed to standardize

  • 'Battle of survival:' Special tactics officer awarded Air Force Cross

    In a harrowing 10-hour battle amidst more than 100 insurgents, a special tactics officer kept the enemy at bay with a little help from above. Capt. Barry F. Crawford Jr. was awarded the Air Force Cross during a Pentagon ceremony April 12 for his heroic actions controlling the air space and calling

  • 3 enlisted Airmen selected for advanced degree program

    Three Air Force master sergeants will pursue master's degrees through the Air Force Institute of Technology Enlisted to AFIT Graduate Degree Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Master Sgts. Yared M Abegaz, Air Mobility Command; Corey J. Perkins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe; and

  • CSAF: Total force integration key to increased effectiveness

    "Total Force Integration allows us to leverage Air Reserve Component experience, improve access to aircraft, encourage retention, and increase total force effectiveness," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz during opening remarks at the 18th Air Force TFI Summit here April 3-4.The

  • From Cuban refugee to U.S. Airman

    The year - 1995. The setting - Communist Cuba. Times were tough and chances for prosperity were depleting.In a make-shift boat built by her grandfather, a four-year old Cuban refugee and a dozen or so of her family members began their journey to America in hopes of a better life."Shortly after

  • Reserve, active duty F-22 pilots fly long-range strike exercise

    A mix of personnel from the 477th Fighter Group, 3rd Wing, and 673rd Air Base Wing left Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, to participate in a long range strike exercise on April 4.F-22 Raptors and E-3's assigned to the 3rd Wing along with F-16s from Misawa Air Base, Japan, B-1's from

  • Air Force to continue legacy of innovation, Donley says

    More than any other military service, people have viewed the U.S. Air Force as an innovative and "leap ahead" organization, the service's top civilian leader said here today.The pieces are in place to continue that legacy, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley told the Defense Writers Group.Even

  • Air Force crews deliver critical cargo to outposts

    A cold, isolated outpost high in the mountains of Afghanistan was running low on fuel, which provides all the power and heating for forces there. Within six hours, the fuel tank would be empty, with no way to keep warm as temperatures drop below freezing.Within five hours of receiving notification

  • SecAF: In downsizing AF trades 'size for quality'

    In the current economic environment, the best course of action for the U.S. Air Force is to "trade size for quality," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley March 30 in a keynote address to attendees of the 39th Tinker and Community Dining Out at the Tinker Club.The secretary said that

  • PACANGEL unbound by numbers, helps 3,000 more

    Operation Pacific Angel, an ongoing humanitarian assistance mission conducted throughout the Pacific theater, was recently completed at the first location, Legazpi City, Philippines, for 2012. U.S. forces provided medical and engineering assistance, as well as forums for subject matter expert

  • Transit Center moves nearly 20K people--in one week

    Service members at the Transit Center at Manas work side-by-side with Kyrgyz partners every day to support international efforts in Afghanistan by moving fuel, cargo and people. Last week, the team moved a record 19,827 coalition troops--the most since the installation opened 10 years ago.Between

  • CyberPatriot: Preparing for tomorrow's battles today

    Today, just about every aspect of our lives is somehow connected to the Internet. Our personnel records can be found online as well as our financial records, employment information -- just about everything that identifies who and what we are.On the job, the Internet is even more pervasive.

  • C-27 program cut explained, budget aligned with strategy

    The Air Force deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs discussed the reasoning behind the C-27J Spartan program cut from the fiscal 2013 budget request during the Air Force Association's monthly breakfast seminar here March 27."It's not because it isn't a good aircraft, and it's not

  • Schriever AFB dodgeballers set world record

    Twenty-five jammed fingers, 10 rolled ankles, at least 20 blisters, numerous sore shoulders and a world record. Twenty Schriever Air Force Base members got all that and more after playing dodgeball for more than 40 consecutive hours March 22-23, beating the Guinness Book of World Record for the

  • Top five things Airmen should know about energy

    In a soon-to-be released video, an Air Force senior leader shared key elements of the service's efforts to change the culture of energy and give Airmen a more personal stake in energy conservation as it relates to national security.In the video, entitled "The Five Things Every Airman Should Know

  • General: Space capability integral to all military operations

    Space capabilities have become integral to all military operations, the commander of Air Force Space Command told reporters here during a Defense Writers Group breakfast March 22."It's hard to imagine what life was like before we had ... GPS providing very accurate targeting capability, military

  • SecAF: Cyberspace is an Air Force priority

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley highlighted cyberspace as an important Air Force priority and joint force enabler during remarks to Airmen, industry officials and Air Force Association members March 23 at the Air Force Association's 2012 CyberFutures Conference and Technology Exposition

  • Architects of the AOR's air picture

    The massive golf-ball looking object perched on the tee-like tower at Kandahar Airfield isn't just a useless landmark; instead the information obtained from it helps provide higher headquarters and tactical commanders pertinent information about Afghanistan's air space. The 73rd Expeditionary Air

  • AEFIs ensure Airmen know deployment window

    Do you know your Air and Space Expeditionary Force Indicator, or AEFI? The two-digit code identifies when your deployment period occurs within an AEF Cycle. All Airmen should know their AEFI and be prepared to deploy during that time period.AEFIs also give the Air Force Personnel Center's AEF and

  • F-35 reaches critical juncture after strong year, official says

    The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program -- the centerpiece of future tactical aviation and a key to implementing new military strategic guidance -- made strong progress in its development last year, a defense official said today.Frank Kendall, the acting undersecretary of defense for

  • NASA legend returns to Holloman

    Gene Kranz, retired NASA flight director, returned to Holloman AFB March 8 after 52 years to revisit the 46th Test Group, where he researched and tested Surface-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missiles in the late 1950s."I worked at Holloman from 1958 to 1960 with the Quail program, where the principle

  • Air Force leaders discuss modernization in budget hearing

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz outlined the service's modernization efforts during testimony to the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Defense here March 6."Modernization is our most significant concern, especially as our

  • ANG combat comm squadron redesignated civil engineering unit

    A combat communications squadron that began the Air National Guard's presence in the U.S. Virgin Islands more than 32 years ago has transformed itself once again during a ceremony March 3.The 285th Combat Communications Squadron, activated in 1980 to provide communications support to the U.S. Virgin

  • Global Strike commander: Nuclear deterrence fundamental to national security

    The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command visited here recently to discuss the command's mission and its significance to Air Force operations. Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski spoke to students from the Air War College, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, and Air Command and Staff College.AFGSC's

  • Air Force Museum offers virtual tour

    The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Virtual Tour is now fully embedded with audio and video hotspots, and touch-screen devices, offering online visitors the opportunity to experience the entire museum.Located at www.nmusafvirtualtour.com, the final two areas to be embedded -- the Cold War

  • Service science chiefs discuss technology, budget gaps

    In talks yesterday with science chiefs from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps, House Armed Services Committee members targeted technology advances, cyber security and gaps left by mandated cuts in the 2013 defense budget.The panel heard testimony from Dr. Steven H. Walker, the Air Force

  • Fifth generation fighters crucial to air superiority

    The Air Force is the world's most advanced air and space force and, with the integration of fifth generation aircraft, is gaining new tactical advantages that transcend beyond just stealth into areas such as enhanced maneuverability, multi-role capabilities and fused sensor and avionics systems that

  • Services officials announce teen summer camps

    Air Force Services Agency officials recently announced the call for three Air Force teen summer camps for 2012.The annual camps are designed to help Air Force youth build leadership skills and aspire to careers in space or aviation. The Teen Aviation Camp is scheduled for June 2-7 at the Air Force

  • Schwartz: Smaller Air Force will concentrate on key capabilities

    As the Air Force gets smaller in the years to come, it will have to emphasize the areas that will be the most relevant to defense, the Air Force chief of staff said here today.Gen. Norton A. Schwartz told the Defense Writers Group that as budgets drop, the Air Force must concentrate on four basic

  • Going 'where no African-American had gone before'

    She may never have traveled aboard an actual space shuttle, but in the 1960s Nichelle Nichols inspired a generation by boldly going where no African-American had gone before. With the debut of "Star Trek" in 1966, Nichols' role as Lt. Uhura not only broke racial barriers for African-American

  • AF Special Ops officer killed in Kabul shooting

    An officer assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command died Saturday of wounds suffered from a gunshot in Kabul, Afghanistan.Lieutenant Colonel John Darin Loftis, 866th Air Expeditionary Squadron, was deployed in support of OPERATION Enduring Freedom and working in the Government of the Islamic